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Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosoogh Moghaddam, Kamel Shadpour, Ali Akbar Zinaloo,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Since health is a multidimensional issue and several factors affected on it, forming a structure which can manage these factors at provincial level is difficult but possible. Analysis of Stewardship function of Iranian Health system showed that an effective platform for operationalizing the national policies has not been provided in provinces yet So, study the current situation of policy making and planning process and designing a model for provinces was necessary.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive and analytic study which used system designation mathod. Information were gathered by reviewing scientific literatures of policy making systems, critical review of documents related the policy making and planning structures in universities of medical sciences(UMS) in the country and written survey of the chancellors. Synthesized information presented to steering committee, that had been selected after stakeholder analysis, and the principles and requirement of designation were agreed by them. Based on the principles, Components of the proposed system as "Provincial Health Policy Secretarite(PHPS)" including mission and goals, system process, procedures and standards, management style and financial, human and information resources prepared and finalized by running several focus group discussion sessions, presenting selected health experts and steering committee.
Results: Scattering of policy and decision making centers in UMSs, weakness of monitoring and evaluation of provincial health policies and programs, weakness of coordination of education, research and health services policies, weakness of evidence based policy making system in 3 levels of UMS, board of trustees and health and food security technical taskforce of the province, weakness of presence of key stakeholders in preparing policies in UMS are the most important improving opportunities of provincial health policy and planning system. Considering existing gaps, PHPS could operationalize brokering, supervising and surveillance roles of the chancellor (Vice Minister of Health at Province) and ensure the attainment of the three streams: following the standards of academic and community engagement, evidence based policies and plans and monitoring progress of provincial health indices improvement policies and plans among executive organizations.
Conclusion: Several units effective on policy and planning in province should be coordinated. PHPS not only prevent the parallel structure but can improve the other structures functions as well. Formal implementation of PHPS in top chart of UMSs and training experts of the unit will help integrated policy and planning and facilitate to achieve the best health indices in the province and the country.
Elham Madreseh, Mahmood Mahmoodi, Seyed Mostafa Hosseini, Hojjat Zeraati, Iraj Najafi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In many medical studies along with longitudinal data, which are repeatedly measured during a certain time period, survival data are also recorded. In these situations, using models such as, mixed effects models or GEE method for longitudinal data and Cox model for survival data, are not appropriate because some necessary assumptions are not met. Instead, the joint models have been introduced, to consider: 1- measurement error in time-dependent covariates 2-monotone and non-ignorable missing data which occurs after an event and 3- relation between longitudinal and survival outcomes, simultaneously. At this paper, joint model Puts longitudinal response (i.e. creatinine) as a time dependent variable, along with other covariates in survival sub model, to investigate dialysis patients survival.
Materials and Methods: This research contained information about 417 patients affected to chronic renal failure, under treatment of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) method. Patients were referred to three medical centers in Tehran (Shariati, Modares and Shafa) between 1997 to 2009.In this study longitudinal data and time dependent covariate were used Therefore, different variables for each person at certain time have been measured. In first some information was gathered from patient’s file, and then effective factors on survival of patients have been determined by using joint model. Results were compared with naive analysis (extended Cox model). For data analyzing, R software and significant level of 0.05 have been used.
Results: with using joint model sex, age, diabetes, diastolic blood pressure, haemoglobin, urea, LdL, and creatinine covariates were significant. In extended Cox model, only age and Diastolic blood pressure covariates were considered as effective factors on hazard of death in patients.
Conclusion: Joint model assess the effective factors on both endpoints simultaneously. Also it considers missing data that appeared due to an event, and covariates which were measured with error. Therefore in these cases, using joint models that led to better results and more knowledge about dieses, are necessary.
Mahmoud Reza Gohari, Parisa Mokhtari Hesari, Zeynab Moghaddami Fard, Reza Khoda Bakhshi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim : identifying the risk factors for metastasis is major concern for treatment processes of cancer patients. Metastasis makes patients frail and increase hazard of death. It also decreases physical and psychological quality of life of patients. Aim of this study is determining of prognostic factors for metastasis of breast cancer using conditional regression model.
Materials and Methods: in this survival study, hospital records of 246 women with breast cancer who underwent surgery and treatment at hospital Fayyazbakhsh were used. Patients were followed until 2012 May and their final situations recorded. Metastasis free survival estimated with Kaplan-myier method. To determine the prognostic factors, a conditional regression model called PWP fitted. All statistical analysis was conducted with R software, version 2.10.
Results: 202 patients (82.1%) were alive until follow up and 44 patients (17.9%) died.54patients experience metastasis. 11 patients (4.7%) had two metastases. Most of metastases were shown in bone, liver, lung and brain. Median metastasis free survival (MFS) estimated 64 month. One, two and three year MFS were 88%, 80.1% and 76.6%, respectively. Lymph node involvement and HER2 were shown as prognostic factors for metastasis. Age, Esterogen Receptor, Prosterogen Receptor, Grade and tumor size were not significant ( P> 0.05).
Conclusion: number of lymph nodes involvement as a prognostic factor involve more nodes and increase risk of metastasis and death. Thus prognosis and treatment of cancer in early stages increase survival of patients.
Mohsen Haddadi, Abolfazl Zakerian, Mahmood Mahmoodi, Jebraeil Nasl Seraji, Zohreh Parsa Yekta, Abolfazl Ali Yari,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim : Diagnostic tools for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome questionnaire, created for research and clinical investigations in order to use it as a management tool for monitoring patients with this syndrome. The questionnaire is very comprehensive using a self-reporting system and all internal and external definitions according to the America's Center for Disease Control has been covered. It also assesses current and past activity levels and symptoms of fatigue and malaise after routine daily activities to ensure that these items are evaluated as well. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of diagnostic questionnaire for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Materials and Methods : In the discussion of content validity and reliability of survey studies, chronic fatigue syndrome questionnaire, prepared by the Department of Psychology, DePaul University, and was elected a full copy of the correspondence received from the questionnaire ratings. The questionnaire that was translated content validity was assessed by the 20 members of the faculty. However, re-translated from Persian into English for reference, was prepared with modifications, the validity of its validity was confirmed by the authors. Then, 30 nurses were selected to determine the reliability of the questionnaire chronic fatigue syndrome who was working in a Hospital. Inventory management under center and full justification of the researcher and the participants in the study by researchers at the distribution has been completed. The survey was carried out again after 15 days.
Results: The instrument showed good reliability and validity. In discussing the content validity of the Persian translation tool by 20 people associated professor of internal review, and its content validity was determined with respect to two of CVI and the results of CVR , and (CVR=0.7 and CVI=0.85) represents CREDIT the content is good . According to the results, the reliability of the questionnaire CFS, Cronbach's alpha to assess the results of the questionnaire showed very good reliability. Two step test reliability coefficients (ICC = Mixed & and Confidence Interval = 95%) also showed a significant relationship among questions as well. However, the internal correlation coefficient obtained for the 8 criteria CFS, showed high internal cohesion.
Conclusion: This study suggests the CFS questionnaire as a reliable instrument for all levels in research and clinical applications. Using this tool can help with background checks and even in advanced levels to be effective, it has enough power and accuracy in the diagnosis of CFS sufferers.
Adel Mazloumi, Zeynab Kazemi, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Meysam Eivazlou,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Work ability reflects the interactions among personal characteristics, working conditions, employees' functional capabilities, and also employees' health status. Hence, the aim of the present study was to provide the Farsi version of Work Ability Index and to validate it among Iranian workers.
Materials and Methods: In the first stage, Backward Translation method was used for linguistic validation of the questionnaire. Cross sectional survey of a sample of 645 workers from some Iranian companies were conducted. The study estimated the reliability of the questionnaire by means of test-retest, as well as the construct validity using factor analysis. In order to determine discriminant capacity, the mean scores of different dimensions of work ability index were compared between workers with and without sick leave.
Results: Accordingly, the questionnaire showed a good internal consistency. ICC coefficients for the questionnaire were acceptable. Moreover, factor analyses related to the questionnaire items indicated that only one question is sufficient for each item of "work ability in relation to the demands of the job" and "mental resources". Also, questions related to the item of "number of current diseases diagnosed by physician" can be integrated in six questions. A good level of discriminant validity was observed for all dimensions except for the item of "work ability regarding work demands".
Conclusion: According to the acceptable validity and reliability of Work Ability Index, obtained in the present study, using this questionnaire for evaluating workers' work ability in all Iranian work environments, especially in industrial settings, is recommended.
Afrouz Danesh Parvar, Homa Hajjaran, Iraj Mobedi, Saeid Naddaf, Mehdi Nateghpour, Mahsa Makki, Mohammad Reza Shidfar, Seyed Jamal Hashemi, Seyed Ebrahim Eskandari, Gholam Reza Molavi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2014)
Abstract
Backgrond and Aim: Demodicosis is a common skin disease. Great number of admissions to the clinics is occurring in the country. Regarding the high prevalence of this parasitic arthropod, investigating on pathogenesis, route of transmission and the complications they may produce, is considered of great importance. Generally, demodex parasites often exist in the skin tissue and tend to live in the face specifically in cheeks, forehead and nose, where sebum excretion is active and may provide a favorable habitat for living and breading the parasite. Diagnosis is carried out during an exploratory skin test for a cne, pityriasis rosacea and ophthalmic infectious diseases such as blepharitis. Determination of their biological role in chronicity of general skin disorders is an interesting topic in research.
Materials and Methods: Patients were admitted to the Razi hospital, Research Center for skin diseases and leprosy, and three other clinical laboratories considered for assays. The questionnaire was filled for each patient and the sample was taken from the affected area. Ecto parasites were transferred to the potassium chloride solution 10% and studied under a light microscope.
Results: A total of 100 patients were studied, from which 78 patients were diagnosed as infected with the Demodex folliculorum. Of these, (%92) were female and (%7.6) male (p <0.05). The highest frequency was observed in the age group 41 to 50 years (P <0.05).
Conclusion: In this study, the relative frequency of demodicosis was more common in women and in the middle-aged group. Generally this high level of frequency will intensify the necessity of the identification of parasites and its pathological effects in chronic infectious diseases.
Amin Doosti Irani, Batool Okhovat, Zahra Cheraghi, Mozhgan Talaei, Elham Ahmadnezhad, Mohammad Mehdi Gooya, Mohammad Soroosh, Hossein Masoumi Asl, Kourosh Holakoie Naieni,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Water and food born diseases are one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in through the world. The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting the persistence of diarrheal cases after the explosive epidemic phase of diarrheal disease in Yazd province.
Materials and Methods: We designed a match case control study that was performed on base of incidence cases of diarrhea since 24 Aug, 2013 to 03 Sept, 2013.Characteristics of cases and control were obtained by interviewers using a pre-determined questionnaire. Logistic regression was used at 0.05 significant level.
Results: Totally 69 incidences cases of diarrhea were compared with 138 controls. Incidence rate of diarrhea in Yazd province was 13.79 per thousand. The adjusted odds ratio estimate for presence a patient stricken with gastroenteritis in the household was 3.63 [95% CI: 1.43, 9.20]. The adjusted odds ratio for low education, history of the trip, history of contact with patient and eating outside the home were 1.75, 1.55, 1.93 and 1.37 respectively, that increase odds of disease but their effects was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: In this study the most important risk factor for diarrhea was history of contact with the person with the disease in the household. This result may indicate the lack of personal hygiene by patients and their relatives and thus transmission of disease to others peoples. Therefore the role of health education and informing about transmission and preventive ways is very important in prevention and control of outbreaks of diarrhea diseases.
Hassan Eftekhar Ardebili, Farhad Lashkar Boloki, Abolghasem Jazayeri, Mohammad Ariaei, Mansoureh Minaei,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background an Aim: Aging trend especially in developing country is increasing. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of the elderly and its associated factors in Gorgan .
Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study that two-stage cluster sampling method was used for considering participant. The data were collected using Mini Nutritional Assessment and anthropometric questionnaire which was referred to the elderly inhabitant in urban area. 541 elder were interviewed and data were analyzed by chi square, independent T test and one way ANOVA tests.
Results : The prevalence of malnutrition was %4/8 and nearly %44/7 of the elderly were at the risk of malnutrition. %51/9 of the elderly were on a special diet due to a disease or specific condition. Malnutrition frequency and the risk of it were higher in woman than men and the difference between sexes was statistically significant. BMI, mid arm circumference and calf circumference measures in elderly with malnutrition were less than elderly with good nutrition, and the difference was statistically significant
Conclusion: The risk of malnutrition in elderly who exposed to socio-economic, mental and also dental difficulties, living alone and female old age was higher than others groups. The implementation of supportive and nutritional programs is more important in this group.
Zahra Malery Khah Langeroudi, Afarin Rahimi Movaghar, Shahnaz Delbarpour Ahmadi, Masoumeh Esmaeili,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and aim: In Iran, HIV prevalence in sex workers is reaching to an epidemic, but still consistent use of condoms is low. This qualitative study aimed to assess barriers to condom use in female sex workers (FSWs).
Materials and Methods: We conducted individual in-depth interviews with 40 FSWs and 12 partners in the year 2010 in Tehran. The FSWs were purposefully selected from four different groups based on the level of socioeconomic status and history of using substance. Findings were extracted and coded manually and the responses of the groups were categorized and compared.
Results: Almost all FSWs had not used condoms regularly in the past six months. The main barriers of condom use were: lack of awareness of the modes of transmission of HIV and prognosis of the disease, doubt on the role of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, fear of violence or rejection by male customers, reluctance of sexual partners to use condoms due to diminution of sexual pleasure, and believing in health of some customers.
Conclusions: Increasing awareness of the FSWs through education about HIV, ways to prevent the disease and empowering them on negotiating skills to use condoms as part of harm reduction programs are recommended .
Ghobad Moradi, Minoo Mohraz, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Masoumeh Dejman, Seyed Ahmad Seyed Alinaghi, Sahar Khosh Ravesh, Hossein Malekafzali,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the views of policy makers and key persons about national AIDS control politics.
Materials and Methods : This qualitative study used purposive sampling. To collect data, the perspectives of six experts about AIDS were inspected. Framework analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results of this study showed that beside the strengths there are also significant weaknesses in making the policies, administering the existing policies, executing the programs in organizations, and planning new policies to control AIDS hence these problems and weaknesses must be identified to achieve the main goals of AIDS control program.
Conclusion: AIDS is not only a health problem but a social, economical and cultural problem, which requires more attention from authorities and related organizations for developing and implementing policies in accordance with international guidelines. To achieve Millennium development goals (MDGs) in the context of AIDS it is essential for policy makers and key figures to consider more effective activities and measures in their agenda.
Mohammad Malakoutian, Alireza Mesdaghi Nia, Shima Rezaei,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Chlorophenols are acidic Organic compounds and priority Pollutants. One of the best ways to removal chlorophenols was using different absorbents . In this study, removal efficiency of ortho- chlorophenol as one of the most common organic contaminants in aquatic environments was investigated with absorption method using activated Fly Ash.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, Fly ash of collected from Zarand Power plant was activated by sulfuric acid. Factors affecting in sorbent activation process including temperature, time, amount and concentration of the acid and also factors influencing in the adsorption process were adjusted for optimum conditions. Experiments was followed on real wastewater samples from coal washing plant of zarand . Data was analyzed by SPSS software.
Results : The sorbent activation was performed in optimized condition acid concentration 1.8 mM, time 5h, temperature 29±2˚C and acid/fly ash ratio 7. Removal efficiency of zarand coal washing plant Effluent at the optimal conditions (pH: 2, adsorbent doze: 1g, time: 3h) was 84.4%.
Conclusion: In addition to the high efficiency of ortho-chlorophenol absorption because of sorbent activation does not require complex and expensive technology, the adsorbents can be used to remove these contaminants from industry effluent.
Effat Merghati-Khoei, Neda Shams Alizadeh, Alireza Bayat, Fatemeh Zarei, Shahnaz Rimaz,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Health-risk behaviors are socially constructed and influenced by the given culture. Therefore, the health-risk behaviors are prioritized differently in diverse cultures. In this study, we aimed to explore the priority of health risk behaviors among high school students in Tehran.
Materials and Methods : In this qualitative study using rapid assessment approach, we interviewed 130 individuals who voluntarily participated in the focus group discussions (FGDs, n=17). They were students (n=9 FGDs), the parents (n=5 FGDs), and the teachers (n=3 FGDs). Four of the principals were individually interviewed. Interviews focused on (1) perceptions about and description of healthy or unhealthy behaviors (2) priority of health risk behaviors in adolescents (3) perceptions and beliefs about the formation of the risk behaviors among adolescents. All sessions were embarked on the public schools located in the area five in West Tehran. After obtaining a written consent form from the participants, primary investigators and three of the trained facilitators (male and female) conducted the sessions. We employed content analysis to extract the major themes and sub-themes. The rigor of the data was obtained.
Results : Addiction, risky sexual behavior, and social misconduct ion (aggression) were identified as the main concerns for the boys. Risky sexual behavior, early marriage, eating unhealthy habits, physical motionless, and fear of the future (job, education, marriage) were identified as the main health-risk behaviors for the girls.
Conclusion : According to our findings, health risk behaviors are classified differently for boys and girls. However, sexual risk behaviors are common findings for both groups. The adolescents' risky behaviors are formed throughout their socialization and seriously influenced by the given culture. Understanding of gender schema was identified as an important factor in the way participants do priority health-risk behaviors of young people. Comprehensive and holistic health education and promotion programs targeting adolescents as well as training programs for parents are suggested.
Hossein Malekafzali,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
In this article 40 years of Iranian experience in primary health care in west Azarbaijan and behvarzs is presented. In this regard quantitative development of PHC during this period will be discussed, moreover challenges and opportunities of this program will be analysed. Finally family physician program should be considered as an appropriate tool to achieve universal coverago of PHC in iran.
Farzad Maleki, Marjan Hossein Pour, Hossein Rafiemanesh, Fatemeh Salehi, Zahra Lotfi, Mohammad Reza Naserizadeh, Noorallah Yari, Fatemeh Koohi, Koroush Holakoie Naieni,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The community assessment is the basis of strategic policies for health professionals and managers. The aim of community assessment is collection of the data that relating to public health problems, data analysis and concludes about necessary capacities for providing the necessary resources to resolve problems.
Materials and Methods: In this study the databases of Scientific Information Database, MagIran, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and IranMedex were searched up to April 2014 (farvardin1393). All papers of community assessment in the country according to our standard community assessment model were included in this study.
Results: Overall 11 studies were evaluated and the common feature of all research is to identify problems of society and local problems. The drug addiction was classified in 3 of the studies as a main problem and in 7 of studies was classified in the ten major problems. Poverty and unemployment are allocated to the next priority, the second priority in 2 studies, the third priority in 3 studies and the fourth priority in 3 studies. Environmental health problems and socio-cultural problems were the next priorities.
Conclusion: The proposed model can be used to suggest new health services with due consideration of community problems, as well as develop suitable, effective intervention strategies. This type of community study should not be conducted only once. Rather, it should be repeated periodically in any community, results compared and used for policy-making.
Esmaeil Ghorbani, Yavar Rassi, Mohammad Reza Abai, Amir Ahmad Akhavan,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Sand flies are responsible for transmission of leishmaniasis, papatasi fever and carrion disease. Warning of sand fly population is the first step for the establishment of baseline data for the vector control operations of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In order to attempt to the difference between species composition and bieocology of sand flies, the comparative research was carried out in west and east of Meshkinshahr district where having high and low prevalence of VL as well as mild semiarid and semiarid steppe climates respectively.
Materials and Methods : Sand flies were biweekly collected using sticky paper traps from indoor and outdoor shelters from four villages at west and east of Meshkinshahr district. The specimens was removed from sticky paper traps and washed in acetone and preserved in 70% alcohol. The preserved sand flies were mounted using Puri’s media and identified using valid keys. The labeled specimens were deposited in Medical Entomology Museum, School of Public Health under code GC22ST6-93 .
Results: During this study, totally 783 and 400 sand flies were respectively caught from indoor (19-27%) and outdoor (73-81%) of both at west and east. The sex ratios of collected sand flies were estimated 2.3 and 1.9. in latter areas. The genera percentage of sand flies were 66.3-64.5% for Phlebotomus and 33.7-35.5% for Sergentomyia compromising of 7 subgenera which included in 20 and 17 species respectively in west and east areas. For the first time, Se.sintoni and Se.mervynae was reported in Meshkinshahr district.
Conclusion: The Ph.kandelakii and Ph.perfiliewi were introduced as prevalent species in the west area compared to the east. In the west area, activity duration and number of generation was higher than east. The prevalent species in the east area was Ph.papatasi. The high density of Ph.anderjevi was seen in both studied areas. The most proven vectors of visceral leishmaniasis were revealed in the west of Meshkinshahr district.
Monireh Khadem, Seyed Jamaleddin Shahtaheri, Farideh Golbabaei, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Mohammad Reza Ganj Alizadeh, Farnoush Faridbod,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to assess exposure of workers in a metal industry to nickel and lead.
Materials and Methods: Extraction was done using the solid-phase extraction on Chromosorb-102 resin to prepare, concentrate and purify biological samples of urine, hair and nails of workers working in metal industries. The variables influencing response (pH, loading flow rate, elution solvent, and amount of resins, elution volume, and sample volume) were examined and the procedure was optimized. The optimized procedure was, then, validated based on the “within-day” and “day-to-day” reproducibility experiments, using low, medium and high concentrations, leading to a satisfactory accuracy and precision. Finally, lead and nickel samples were taken from the workers and their concentrations determined voltammetrically.
Results: The optimum values for the examined parameters were as follows: pH = 9, ligand concentration = 0.05%, loading flow rate = 5 ml/min, elution solvent = 2M HNO3, amount of resins = 500 mg, elution volume = 15 ml, and sample volume up to 500 ml. A good reproducibility and repeatability was obtained for the optimized method under the existing conditions. Lead and nickel could be extracted with recoveries in the range of 94-100%. On the whole, the concentrations of nickel and lead in the workers’ biological samples were above the respective maximum permitted levels.
Conclusion: Solid-phase extraction procedure is a fast and simple method for preconcentrating and isolating analytes from biological samples. Considering the low concentrations of the analytes and presence of confounding factors in such samples, the procedure can be very effective for their preparation. The application of the developed method indicates that trace metal ions can be effectively purified and preconcentrated from different matrices like urine, hair and nail samples to assess occupational exposures.
Hashem Mohammadian, Seyed Gholam Abbas Mousavi, Hasan Eftekhar Ardebili, Jafar Kord Zanganeh,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: It is known that personal behavior influences one’s health. The present study was designed to investigate lifestyle of non-medical students of governmental and private (Azad) universities in Kashan, Iran and factors affecting it.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 520 non-medical students in Kashan, Iran, selected by convenience sampling, in academic year 2013-14. Data on demographic characteristics and health behaviors were collected using standard valid questionnaires, for the latter the questionnaire being the Pender’s Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II). The data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, followed by t-test, and U Mann-Whitney test to compare the means of the two populations.
Results: The m ean age of the students was 21.75 ± 2.5 years. Their overall health-promoting lifestyle score was of 2.43 (SD = 0.38). This score, as well as scores for the subcategories ─ nutritional behavior, spiritual development, physical activity, health responsibility, and stress management ─ were lower for the subjects with an experience of stressful events. Further analysis of the data showed that t here were significant differences between boys and girls as regards physical activity (P = 0.000), between single and married students as regards nutritional status (P = 0.032), and between working and non-working students as regards spiritual development (P = 0.014).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that experienced stressful events lay the ground for the adoption of risky behaviors in university students. Therefore, universities should design and implement programs aiming at improving lifestyle of the students and promoting their health.
Fatemeh Fallah Madvari, Halle Sadrzadeh Yeganeh, Fereydoun Siasi, Giti Sotoudeh, Seyed Mostafa Hosseini, Seyed Vahid Mahdavi Rad,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Food insecurity is a major public health problem in developing and developed countries , underlying developmental and psychological problems , nutrient deficiencies and chronic diseases . The aim of this study was to determine food security status and factors associated with food insecurity in households with children 4-5 years old under coverage of urban health centers and health houses in Mehriz, Iran.
Materials and Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013 on 500 households with children 4-5 years old under coverage of urban health centers and health houses in Mehriz, Iran. The subjects were selected by cluster sampling. To determine household food security, the USDA 18-item food security questionnaire was used. Economic and socio-cultural status were assessed using a general-information questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using the Chi-square and independent t-tests and multiple logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of household food insecurity was 39.6% (food insecurity without hunger 23.2%, and moderate and severe food insecurity with hunger 15% and 1.4%, respectively). Food insecurity was negatively correlated with parental education, parental occupational, monthly household income and maternal height ( p <0.008) and positively correlated with maternal age and family size ( p <0.004) . Based on the results of multivariate logistic regression , father's occupation and education level were predictors of food insecurity .
Conclusion: The prevalence of food insecurity in the population studied is high. Based on the results of this study, promotion of parental education, family job security and improved economic status, and control of family size are essential measures that should taken to improve household food security.
Mahtab Ashrafi Khouzani, Somayeh Sharifi Nia, Parivash Kordbache, Seyed Jamal Hashemi, Azar Berahmeh, Sasan Rezaei,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Candida albicans, the most common human fungal commensal pathogen, is a normal member of the human microbiota which can colonize the oral cavity, vagina and gastrointestinal tract. This opportunistic pathogen can cause diseases ranging from mucosal infections to systemic mycoses, depending on the vulnerability and weakness of the immune system of the host. In addition, it is the most common cause of septicemia with 50-100% mortality. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is an electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 100-400 nm. It reduces the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, retards growth, and causes mutation in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Previous investigators have reported on the different effects of UV irradiation on Candida albicans including cidal effect, inhibitory growth, as well as phenotype switching. In the present study we investigated the effect of UV-B irradiation on C. albicans’s growth in a solid medium, production of chlamydoconidia, carbohydrate assimilation and pathogenesis in mice.
Material and Methods: C. albicans was grown in a SC medium, followed by incubation at 30° C for 24 hours and irradiating the cells with UV-B for 5,10,15,20 min at 302 nm wavelength by transilluminator. A sample of non-irradiated yeast cells served as control.
Results: After 24, 48 and 72 hours of irradiation growth rate was reduced, the maximum reduction occurring after 20 minute. There was no difference between irradiated and non-irradiated C. albicans samples as regards sugars assimilation. Irradiation could inhibit production of chlamidoconidia by the fungus, the magnitude of inhibition increasing with increasing length of exposure to irradiation, such that after 20 minutes no chlamidoconidia could be seen in the medium. Further analysis of the data showed that pathogenicities of the fungus in irradiated and control samples were not statistically different. Neither was there any difference between them as regards size or number of bands of DNA molecules on 1% agarose gel.
Conclusion: The findings throw some light on how UVB irradiation can affect the phenotype of C. albicans isolates. Certainly more studies, e.g., on gene regulation, are required to find the effects of UVB at the molecular level in this fungus.
Manal Etemadi, Mohsen Ghafari Darab, Elahe Khorasani, Fardin Moradi, Habibeh Vaziri Nasab,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Social loafing is the phenomenon of people deliberately exerting less effort to achieve a goal when they work in a group as compared to when they work alone. People who feel they are being treated unfair in an organization would be more likely to show this phenomenon. This study investigated the social loafing among nurses and its relationship with organizational justice in Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This was a correlational descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2012. The study population was all nurses working in Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj, Iran. Data were collected using a valid questionnaire. For data analysis SPSS-20 software was used, the descriptive statistics being frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation, and the Spearman, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests .
Results : The highest organizational justice component was found to be organizational justice (0.086 ± 3.39), and the mean of social loafing was higher in comparison with organizational justice. According to the Spearman test, all organizational justice components had inverse relations with social loafing. Only distributive organizational justice was significantly related to social loafing (p<0.05).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the personnel are highly sensitive to distributive justice and managers need to create the feeling that the organization has a fair distribution of resources. Hospitals should try to minimize the negative effects associated with loafing by creating an environment that discourages social loafing. One way to achieve this goal is to try to impress the personnel by telling them that their functions are important , such that they feel their job is important and that the role of nurses in connection with the patients is of value and significant.
