M Moradi Lakeh, M Montazer, M Moradi, Smh Mahmoodi, Sap Alemzadeh Bahreini, S Askari,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background & objectives: The trend of stunting indicates of long term health status and the efficacy of different health interventions for chronic malnutrition in children. The objective of this study was to investigate the trends of stunting prevalence in preschool children living in rural area of Robat-Karim.
Methods: The method of Age-Period-Cohort analysis was utilized. Existing height data of all children whom registered in health houses of Robat-Karim health network were converted to Standard Deviation Scores (SDS) using Anthro2005 software The SDS≤ -2 for height-for-age was defined to be the moderate/severe forms of stunting. Age-Period-Cohort analysis was done with two graphical and statistical methods. The statistical method was based on logistic regression modeling in which stunting was assumed to be the dependent variable and age, birth cohort and time period were independent variables.
Results: Growth data of 970 (51.9%) boys and 898 (48.1%) girls were analyzed. The overall stunting prevalence was estimated 8.0%. This estimation by Logistic regression models (P<0.001) and graphical analyses were similar and showed that the prevalence of stunting has a decreasing trend in different birth cohorts and time periods. The prevalence of stunting was higher in the 2nd and 5th-6th years of life. The stunting prevalence was significantly higher in boys (9.3%) and non-Iranian children (9.5%) (P<0.001).
Conclusions: The prevalence of stunting appears to be decreasing in the investigated population. Appropriate interventions is thought to be essential for reducing stunting of 2nd and 5th-6th years of life, boys, and non-Iranian children.
A Choobineh, E Solaymani, A Mohammad Beigi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) seen more in workers of manufacturing industry than others. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine prevalence rate of WMSDs symptoms among workers of a metal manufacturing industry in Shiraz.
Methods: In this study, nearly 50% of workers of the production units were randomly selected from corresponding list of each unit. Totally, 156 workers participated in this study. A self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect required data. T-test and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.
Results: The results showed that WMSDs occurred in considerable rate among the workers such that 76.9% of the workers studied suffered from some kind of symptoms during the last 12 months. The highest prevalence was reported in the lower back (54.5%) and knees (42.9%). Machine operators and welders reported the highest rate of symptoms. Statistical analyses revealed significant association between age, height, work tenure, weekly work hours, smoking, shift work and the symptoms (P<0.05).
Conclusions: WMSDs symptoms occurrence was prevalent among workers of this industry. To prevent WMSDs symptoms, more attention should be paid to working conditions of the machine operators and the welders, and risk factors for back and knee regions should be reduced.
Me Riahi, A Aliverdinia, Mr Soleimani,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Cigarette smoking is the one of unhealthy behaviors in human societies which it’s over increasing prevalence, particularly among students, has produced many concerns. The present study seeks to describe the scale of cigarette smoking attitude (CSA) and its correlation with social determinants among high school students in the Ghaemshahr city.
Methods: This cross-sectional study is conducted via survey method and data has been collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The subjects of the study were 400 third-grade students of Ghaemshahr city’s high schools who have been selected randomly on the basis of proportional stratified random sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire with 32-items including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of CSA applied.
Results: 82.6 percent of students reported negative CSA (anti-smoking), while 5.6 percent of them declared positive CSA. Descriptive results showed that students’ awareness about negative effects of cigarette smoking was relatively low and insufficient. Furthermore, the results of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant correlations between having positive CSA and subject of the study in high school, level of father’s education, social class of the family, and especially having smoker friends and parents.
Conclusions: It is concluded that students had low awareness and information about negative effects of cigarette smoking therefore more educational interventions should be implemented in high schools to increases the awareness and change their attitudes, Moreover, it should be emphasized that social environment, especially family and peer group (friends), play vital role in the formation of positive CSA and finally cigarette smoking.
D Tayyebi, M Tabatabaii, M Rahsaz, S Sharifi, M Shariati, I Sohrabi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a one the cause of congenital illness and disability, including hearing loss and mental retardation. CMV is a herpesvirus which establishes a persistent life-long infection. Since the prevalence of antibodies against the virus varies in different geographical areas in the world, we decided to identify the seroepidemiology of CMV infection.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 360 volunteer asymptomatic healthy female students in Islamic Azad University of Kazeroun. The men age of subjects was 20.8 years. For serological studies five (ml) of blood sample was collected and the serum was isolated by centrifugation. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for determination of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies of CMV. Finally the results were analyzed by statistical methods.
Results: Overall, CMV-IgG antibody was positive in 340 persons (94.4%) out of 360 subjects and they have a previous infection. However, Only four persons (1.1 %) were determined to have IgM antibody. Also we couldn’t find any significant difference concerning their fields of study and their residency (p>0.05).
Conclusions: With considering the high rat of CMV infection rate in young female, it is suggested to have appropriate preventive programs for women particular in susceptible groups.
M Qorbani , M Yunesian ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
London fog obviously revealed the role of air pollution in increasing mortality and morbidity rates associated with this phenomenon but several studies in the 70’s and 80’s couldn’t establish sufficient link between air pollution and death. In the 1990’s, time series studies conducted in a different locations, showed that air pollution levels, even at lower concentrations, were associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality in several cities in all over the world. Since several studies have been designed for investigating the association between air pollution and health outcomes in recent years with controversial conclusions, this article reviews the latest studies in this field. We also will mention main strengths and weaknesses of epidemiological designs including time-series, case-crossover, cross sectional, panel and cohort studies in indoor and outdoor air pollution epidemiology.
A Mohammadpoorasl, A Fakhari , F Rostami , M Shamsipour ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Background and objective: Cigarette smoking in adolescent population seems a major public health issue. The goal of the present study was to identify the effect of socio-personal factors on transitions in the adolescent smoking.
Methods: A total of 1785 students were assessed twice during 12 months. with respect to stage of change. The predictor variables were measured when the students were in the 10th grade. Logistic regression was used to predict different smoking stages at grade 11.
Results: At the end of follow-up, 14.3 percent of non-smokers have had smoking experiment, and 16.5 percent of smokers have showed to be the regular smokers. Among non smokers, using alcohol, friendship with smoker group were predictors of being regular smokers.
Conclusion: Smoking prevention program should begin in adolescent age group.
Aa Ramazani, Ss Raghebi, F Amirkhizi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objective: High prevalence of malnutrition and its relation with mental and physical health of children is one of the important health problems in developing countries. The aim of this survey was to assess the nutritional status and related factors in 0-24 month-old children in South Khorasan province in Iran 2006.
Methods: Seven hundred children of 0-24 month-old in South Khorasan province were included in this survey. A designed questionnaires and face-to-face interview with the mothers were used in order to obtain the required information . In addition, weight (Wt) and height (Ht) of the children were measured and compared with standard charts issued by the American National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The nutritional status was determined based on weight for age (Wt/A), height for age (Ht/A), and weight for height (Wt/Ht) indices.
Results: Mean of children's age was 11.1 ± 7.8 month. Based on the Z-score, cut-off point under -2SD from median of the reference population (NCHS), 10.6% of the children were underweight (Wt/A), 5.3% stunted (Ht/A) and 11.6% wasted (Wt/Ht). A statistically significant relationship was found between indices of malnutrition and age and breastfeeding status of children. There was no association between gender and residence of children with their nutritional status.
Conclusion: With regard to prevalence of malnutrition in children, breastfeeding is highly recommended.
B Azemati , R Heshmat , Aa Keshtkar , M Bagheri , R Sheykholeslam , A Nadim ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: The aim of this study was carried out to compare knowledge, attitude and practice of urban and rural households towards osteopenia and osteoporosis in Golestan, Sistan & Balouchestan and Boushehr provinces in Iran.
Methods: single-stage cluster sampling was used. The questions about knowledge about, attitude toward and practice of nutritional factors related to osteopenia and osteoporosis were asked by a structured interview.
Results: A total of 2306 households have been selected as overall sample size. Knowledge level of urban households about calcium as a preventive factor of osteoporosis & osteopenia was more in Sistan & Balouchestan, Golestan and Boushehr provinces. Knowledge level of urban households about calcium food courses: (Milk, Yogurt, Cheese and Dairy alternatives) was also better than that of rural habitants (P<0.01). Urban residents' attitude toward osteoporosis compared to rural residents was better (P 0.01>). Consumption of pasteurized milk had been paid more attention in urban households (P<0.001). The difference of daily milk intake in rural and urban households with pregnant or lactating women was not significant. Exposure of infant to sun as preventive factor was not satisticaly significant between rural and urban habitants.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of rural households toward osteoporosis and osteopenia was weaker than urban households.
R Abbasi, Mr Aflatoonian , B Aflatoonian , L Ranjbar ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Population-based unit research in urban areas utilze possible commmunity-based researches in oder to empower people to have a healthy life. In order to achive this goal this study carried out to prirotise the common health problems from the point of view of experts and habitants in Kerman population-based research center in 2007.
Methods: Cluster sampling was employed and an standard questionnaire was completed by participants.
Results: A population with total of 1289 persons from 324 family were included in this survey. The mean of age 26.8 ± 19.2. Fifty one percent were male and 15.7% had college education, 3.8% were illiterate, 35.8% were housewife or unemployed. Near seven percent had at least a chronic disease in their family. Most complaint of health environment were shooting garbage and stray dogs (48.7% and 42.5%). Unemployment and inflation were most worrying issues from people point of view (85% and 24%).
Conclusions: It is concluded that to allow people to participate in decision making for any health promotion program is very important and it should be taken into account by health policy makers.
I Najafi , M Hosseini , S Safari , A Shojaee, A Sharifi, M Mehrani , R Babaee ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Background & objectives: In the management of crush syndrome, the way of treating compartment syndrome is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of compartment syndrome treatment after Bam earthquake.
Methods: Clinical and laboratory findings of all fasciotomized patients in Bam earthquake were analyzed. Then nonfasciotomized patients with same characteristics were selected and the outcomes of two groups were compared.
Results: Fasciotomy for 107 injured out of 2962 hospitalized patients, was performed (46% female). Mean age of fasciotomized patients was 27.4±9.7 years (min=10, max=65 year). There were not significant differences in the final outcome of two groups with the same clinical, biochemical and demographic characteristics.
Conclusions: Fasciotomy for 107 injured out of 2962 hospitalized patients, was performed (46% female). Mean age of fasciotomized patients was 27.4±9.7 years (min=10, max=65 year). There were not significant differences in the final outcome of two groups with the same clinical, biochemical and demographic characteristics.
N Zia Sheikholeslami , M Rezaeian, M Bahsoun , M Taghavipoor ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Medical Tourism has been recently paid more attention. Individual practitioners and medical organizations must be able to provide accurate information about this rapidly evolving trend. Since there has been little known about this issue, we decided to assess the knowledge about and attitude towards medical tourism in Rafsanjan, Iran.
Methods: A questionnaire including XXX questions were completed by Rafsanjan Medical University staff. All information was analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: Only 8.3% of individuals sated that they studied some articles about Medical Tourism, and only 14.7% of them had deal with these kinds of patients. The majority of participants (80.7%) hadn’t had any idea about the quality of medical expenses by Medical Tourists. Mainly (68.7%) believed that development of Medical Tourism in Iran would not have any bad social consequences and 62% believed that its development in Iran could improve the knowledge of Iranian doctors. The majority (67.3%) agreed to arrange for inviting tourism to Iran in order to use of Medical Tourists and 54.3 of them believed that development of Medical Tourism could improve treatment of Iranian patients.
Conclusions: The knowledge of participants seems is very low therefore appropriate educational programs should be tailored by responsible organizations in Iran. However medical staff’s attitude towards medical Tourism seems is very positive which indicates having necessary potential for any activity in this regard in future.
Z Hajiamini, A Maleki , F Zygheimat , F Khamseh, J Mokhtari , A Parandeh , F Sarhangi ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) which unfortunately has no clear symptoms in many cases is the second prevalent infection among children after respiratory infection. This study carried out in order to determine the frequency of asymptomatic UTI among elementary school girls in one of Tehran’s suburbs
(Mahalat town).
Methods: In a cross sectional study, all elementary school girls (n=1216) of study town who were between 6 to 11 years of age, were screened with urinary strip dipstick test method and urinary culture test was carried out on persons who had urinary PH> 7 and positive nitrite, as cases were doubtful to UTI. Afterwards, positive culture cases were referred to a urology specialist for investigating symptoms and, asymptomatic UTI samples were recognized.
Results: Among 67 students who were doubtful to UTI (based on dipstick strip test), 14 cases out of (%1.15 from 1216 samples), that is %1.15, were suffering from UTI. Regarding symptoms of UTI, just %35.72 of infected persons possessed at least one symptom of UTI and most of them that is %64.28, possessed asymptomatic UTI and the percentage of these people were obtained %0.74 for whole screened statistical society.
Conclusions: Since asymptomatic UTI and its probable complications might be recurrent, screening in dipstick method which is effective, rapid and inexpensive is completely necessary to improve the level of public health especially for children.
S Salemi, M Shokoohi, S Eybpoosh, S Nejat, H Kashani,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background and objective: The significance of knowledge transfer and research utilization for health care decision makers in developed and developing countries have been paid more attention recently. Literature emphasizes that nursing practice should be based on utilizing of research. The aim of this study is to identify barriers of research utilization in Iranian clinical nurse’s practice.
Methods: The Funk Research Utilization Barriers Questionnaire including 29 items in 4 domains (organization barriers and limitations, quality of research, nurses’ values, awareness and skills and communication of research) was employed in this study.
Results: Three main barriers to research utilization were identified: 1)"the nurse does not have time to read research", 2)"the nurse does not feel she/he has enough authority to change patient care procedures", and 3)"the facilities are inadequate for implementation".
Conclusion: Considering the organizational barrier, it is recommended that academic organizations should support and adopt to utilize research findings particularly in nursing practice in Iran.
M Khatami, A Ziaie, S Aghamiri, A Ardalan, E Ahmadnejad,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objective: First aid education constitutes a major priority area for the Iranian Red Crescent. The present study assessed the student volunteers' knowledge of first aid procedures and their attitudes concerning strategies for community education.
Methods: In this survey 5626 volunteers were selected based on a complex sampling design, in 5 different provinces of Iran.
Results: A total of 3581 students (63.7%) had attended the Red Crescent's first aid training courses. The mean knowledge score of the sample was 9.36 out of a maximum of 18 (CI 95%= 9.29-9.43), with only 674 subjects (11.9%) showing a high level of knowledge. Having training prior attending in this course and higher education were statistically significant related with their knowledge score (p<0.05). The mean score of their attitude was 33.60 out of a maximum of 45 (95% CI = 33.41-33.79), and only it was found to be related to previous training (p = 0.04).
Conclusion: IRCS should expand its first aid training for young volunteers. This health educational programs should be supported by multidisciplinary work by governmental organizations such as ministry of education.
Ar Soltanian, S Faghihzadeh, A Gerami, D Mehdibarzi, J Jing Cheng,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: In clinical trials some of participants do not take assignment treatment. Intention-to-treat (ITT) is one of the strategies to analyze of clinical trials with control. ITT estimation will be invalid and incorrect to show of treatment effects in case of existing non-compliance in participants. In this study we adjusted noncompliance effect to compare of active treatment and placebo.
Methods: To demonstrate efficiency of proposed model, a dataset of crossover clinical trial with 42 patients with knee osteoarthritis was used. To estimate the non-compliance’s effect adjusting at comparison of treatment effects, we use mean of compliance proportion at periods in sequences. The parameters were estimated by maximum likelihood method. ( could you ask authors to have a look at what they wrote and compare with Farsi version)
Results: The results show that baseline variables distributions like duration of disease, severity of disease, age and sex, were not significant (p>0.05). The standard error estimation of treatment effects ( ) based on adjusted model were less than standard model (0.09 and 0.12, respectively). In addition, likelihood ratio statistics based on adjusted model were less than standard model (1177.7 versus 1205.1).
Conclusion: Based on estimation of standard errors and likelihood ratio statistics at adjusted and standard models, we observe that adjusted model is more efficient than standard model.
H Lashkardoost, B Zeighami, M Mahmoudi, J Hassanzadeh, A Hamedi, Hr Tabatabaee, F Sameemanesh, Sm Kashfi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Because of uncertainty in interpretation of some tests for diagnosing TB, decision making for the tuberculosis treatment is based on multiple diagnostic tests. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of Quanti FERON-TB Gold test in tuberculosis diagnosis.
Methods: The study was carried out on 30 cases and 46 controls. Statistical indices of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratios, odds ratio and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve were estimated.
Results: Sensitivity of QFT-G was 90.0% (95% CI=73.0-97.6), specificity 95.7% (95% CI=83.8-99.3), positive predictive value 93.1% (95% CI=76.3-98.9), negative predictive value 93.6% (95% CI=81.3-98.4). The area under ROC curve was 0.942 (95% CI=0.88-1.00), that significantly differed from chance diagonal area (P<0.0001). The optimum cut point for the Quanti FERON-TB Gold test was 0.35 IU/ml, with sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.957.
Conclusions: The Quanti FERON-TB Gold test displayed good validity indices in this study. Since the utility of this test has a high cost therefore this test would not be offered for routine tuberculosis detection. It suggested that this test are applicable for smear and culture negative tuberculosis, child tuberculosis, and assessment of TB contact tracing.
A Bahonar, Aa Shaebani, M Aghajani,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Increasing the rate of cesarean in recent decades is a noticeable sign which has been interested to look at some possible medical, psychological and social determinants. The aim of this study was to determine trend of cesarean during 1998-2007 and evaluation of some social factors in Damghan, Iran.
Methods: We used a case-control study by direct interview with mothers in health centers of city. A total of 120 cases (delivered by cesarean method) and 90 controls (delivered by natural method) were selected. For estimating of trend we used all medical files in Damghan maternity hospital between 1998-2007.Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS (Ver16) by descriptive and analytical (Chi-square, ANOVA and logistic regression) methods.
Results: A total of 12200 deliveries were registered during 1998-2007 and 51.7 percent of them were cesarean. From 1999 to 2003 years there is an increasing trend and most frequency of cesarean was in 2006 year (53.5%). Mean age, education, occupation, number of delivery, husband occupation, number of children and residency area was not significant between two groups. But from social factors, mother's education from diploma and higher, recom
N Esmailnasab, A Afkhamzadeh, A Ebrahimi ,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: According on surveys in Iran more than two million persons have non insulin diabetes mellitus. There are evidences that good glycemic control reduces the risk of diabetic complications. This study was designed to evaluat the glycemic control by using fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C estimation and their relation with some variables.
Methods: This cross sectional study carried out on 411 people with type 2 diabetes who referred to Tawhid diabetes center in Sanandaj. Demographic and other variables were gathered by a deigned questionnaire. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis (logistic regression) were used.
Results: In Univariate analysis FBS showed a significant relationship with education, job and referral style and HgA1c was statistically significant with sex, age, education, and job. But logistic regression showed other
Results: in final model FBS and HgA1c were associated with body mass index and referral style and HgA1c had association with only body mass index and referral style. Correlation confidence between FBS and glycated hemoglobin was (r = 0.54).
Conclusions: It is concluded that BMI and referral style have association with diabetes control.
N Zare, M Sayadi, E Rezaeyan Fard, H Ghaem,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background & objectives: statistical modeling explicates the observed changes in data by means of mathematics equations. In cases that dependent variable is count, Poisson model is applied. If Poisson model is not applicable in a specific situation, it is better to apply the generalized Poisson model. So, our emphasis in this study is to notice the data structure, introducing the generalized Poisson regression model and its application in estimates of effective factors coefficients on the number of children and comparing it with Poisson regression model results.
Methods: Besides introducing Poisson regression model, we introduced its application in fertility data analysis. A sample of 1019 women in rural areas of Fars was selected by cross sectional and stratified sampling methods. The number of children of family was determined as a count response variable for model validation.
Results: The sample mean and sample variance of the response variable Y, the number of children, are respectively 4.3 and 8.3 (over-dispersion). Log-likelihood was -1950.93 for Poisson regression and -1946.93 for generalized Poisson regression model.
Conclusions: The results revealed that this data have over-dispersion. According to selection criteria, the suitable model for this data analysis was generalized Poisson regression model. It can estimate effective factors coefficients on the number of children exactly.
Kh Refaie Shirpak, S Guruge, M Chinichian,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
The popularity of qualitative research in the health sciences is steadily increasing. However individual qualitative research, alone, is unable to provide a comprehensive and broad understanding of the phenomenon under study. This may be the reason why the results of these studies are uncommonly used by health policy makers. Meta-synthesis is a method in which the results of a body of qualitative research are aggregated in order to produce a new and comprehensive interpretation of the studied phenomenon, in such a way that the final result still represents and includes the findings of the original studies. The lack of a comprehensive article in Farsi language in this field, encouraged the authors to write this paper to introduce this method and explain some of its essential components to familiarize health professionals, including researchers and students, with meta-synthesis. In this article, the following components of meta-synthesis are described: the definition, the necessity and the how-to of meta-synthesis a determining research question, the selection and analysis of the original studies, and lastly, meta-synthesis conductors.
