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.
Fatemeh Gorji, Abolghasem Pourreza, Masud Yunesian, Simin Zahra Mohebi, Mahnaz Ashourkhani,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Timely use of dental services in early childhood plays an essential role in maintaining the health of primary teeth and preventing complications related to jaw development, nutrition, speech, and mental well-being. Regular dental visits help prevent early childhood caries and its consequences. This study aimed to evaluate factors influencing the use of dental services for primary teeth from parents’ perspectives, based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among 395 parents of children under six attending health centers in Semnan, Iran. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected online via the Hackey questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26 applying Chi-square tests and logistic regression.
Results: A minority of parents were aware of the appropriate timing for the first dental visit. Forty-five percent sought care only when problems occurred, while 36% attended regular check-ups. Overall, 62% reported moderate to good financial status, and 82% had basic insurance coverage. Key determinants of dental attendance included maternal education, service accessibility, insurance coverage, health information sources, and the characteristics of the healthcare providers as an educator. Larger family size and negative experiences with healthcare staff were associated with reduced utilization.
Conclusion: Interventions at individual and structural levels are needed to promote regular pediatric dental visits. Enhancing parental awareness, involving influential health personnel, expanding dental insurance, and fostering positive provider–parent interactions are recommended.
