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Azar Tol, Gholamreza Sharifi Rad, Ahmad Ali Eslami, Fatemeh Alhani, Mohammad Reza Mohajeri Tehrani, Davoud Shojaeezadeh,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (13 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a widespread disease. Diabetes patients should be fully familiar with the different dimensions of this chronic disease and possess the skills required for self-management and self-care. They should realize that each patient is a different case. It is to be noted that promoting self-management behavior is an essential component of case management in type-2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to assess self-management behavior of type-2 diabetes patients in Isfahan, Iran and determine factors influencing it.
Materials and Methods: This was a 6-month cross-sectional study conducted in 2011. The study population was type-2 diabetes patients consulting an outpatient diabetes center in Isfahan, Iran. The sample included a group of 350 patients selected by the continuous sampling method. The self-management behavior of the patients was assessed using a diabetes self-management instrument (DSMI), containing questions on 5 domains. The responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale and SPSS software, version 11.5 was used for analyzing the collected data.
Results: The response rate was 88%. The majority of the patients were 50-60 years (55.52 ± 8.42) old and 54.3% of them demonstrated borderline metabolic control according to the World Health Organization criteria. Mean scores of self-integration, self-regulation, interaction with health professionals and other influential persons, self-monitoring blood glucose, and adherence to recommended regime were 33.67±6.36, 29.09±5.9, 27.08±4.81, 11.71±3.91 and 11.46±2.9, respectively. On the whole, the global diabetes self-management behavior seemed to be not quite desirable (the score was at an intermediate level). Further analysis of the data revealed that self-management behaviors (at 3 levels, namely, desirable, intermediate, and undesirable) had significant associations (p<0.001) with demographic (age, gender, marital status, education level) and health-related (duration of diabetes, diabetes-related diseases, diabetes complications, general health, type of treatment, family income, and serum HbA1C level) variables. Self-management behavior had no association with disease history
Conclusion: Empowerment of patients afflicted with diabetes and, more generally, non-communicable diseases, which are quite prevalent and on the increase, in the area of self-management at the individual and community level will be a vital step towards promotion of health of the population.
Ehsaneh Taheri, Mahmoud Jalali, Ahmad Saedi, Abolghasem Jazayeri, Abbas Rahimi, Seyed Mohammad Hashemi,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (13 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Asia, including the Middle East. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to have an inverse relationship with occurrence of type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study we assessed the vitamin D and calcium status in type-2 diabetic patients and compared it with that of healthy subjects in Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 180 Tehrani individuals, including 95 DM patients, selected randomly from among the members of Iranian Diabetes Association, and 85 healthy subjects in Tehran, Iran. Age and gender were adjusted between the two groups. Serum levels of 25(OH)-vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous, and Parathormone (PTH), as well as weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were measured.
Results: The mean and SD age and BMI of the diabetic patients were 51.26 ± 11.18 years and 26.22 ± 9.30 kg/m2, respectively the corresponding figures for the healthy subjects were 51.55 ± 13.39 and 26.26 ± 4.55. The prevalence of calcium deficiency was close in the 2 groups, it being 55.8% in the diabetic, and 57.0% in the healthy, subjects. The data also showed that while 26.3% of the patients suffered from a poor vitamin D status, only 18.6% of the healthy subjects had this problem.
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among both type-2 diabetic and healthy subjects and should be considered a public health and nutritional problem in Tehran city, Iran.
Kourosh Holakouie Naieni, Abolhassan Nadim, Ghobad Moradi, Salma Teimori, Hamideh Rashidian, Maryam Kandi Kaleh,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Malaria threatens more than half of the world's population in about 100 countries. During the period 1921-1951 malaria was one of the most important public health issues in Iran, no other disease causing as much financial loss and mortality as malaria did. The objective of this study was to investigate malaria epidemiology in Iran during the period 1940- 2006 (65 years), in the hope that the infotmation and experience will be used in the future.
Materials and Methods: This study included a review of the available literature on the suject, as well as a study of health systems, existing records, and analysis of data and information on malaria in Iran. Data were colected from three main sources: national or international electronic sources (26 sources) non-electronic sources, including theses, journal articles, and various documents and reports, as well as data obtained from the national malaria surveillance system (a total of 180) and interviews with five informed and expert individuals. In addition, national documents prepared by the Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, during the previuos 6 months were made available to, and used by, the research team.
Results: The findings show that, despite several annual fluctuations, the trend of incidence of the disease during the 65-year period, from 1940 to 2006, was a downward trend. The incidence declined from 250-333 per 1000 people in the early 1940's to 0.22 per 1000 people in 2006.
Conclusion: The changes in incidence of malaria show that elimination of malaria is a possible and feasible goal. The experiences achieved in controlling this disease can be utilized for controlling other diseases as well.
Behnam Lashgarara, Mahmood Taghavi Shahri, Agh Babak Maheri, Roya Sadeghi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Internet has become an effective medium to transfer new scientific and research findings, knowledge and information in educational processes across the world. It also facilitates essential communication among millions of people globally and offers users plenty of entertainment for their leisure time. However, excessive computer use interferes with daily life and carries a risk of addiction. Therefore, the concept of internet addiction is now considered a social problem. This study was conducted to determine the association between internet addiction and general health among dormitory students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2010, included 125 female- and 110 male-students from dormitories of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, selected by stratified random sampling. The instruments for data collection were two standard questionnaires - YANG Internet Addiction and Goldberg's General Health (GHQ). Data were analyzed by SPSS-19, the statistical tests being Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, correlation coefficient, and multivariate regression.
Results: The results showed that, based on the YANG classification, 34% of the students were addicted to the internet. In comparison with ordinary users, the general health of the internet-addicted users was at a higher risk (p<0.001). The two groups were also different with regard to anxiety and depression (p<0.001), but not with regard to physical function or social function.
Conclusion: Internet addiction among dormitory students is a cause for concern. Well-designed programs focusing on education, counseling and behavioral intervention are needed to reduce internet addiction amongst vulnerable students.
Shohreh Shahmahmoodi, Seyed Mohsen Zahraei, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Taha Mousavi, Masoud Hosseini, Marjan Ostovar Esfandabadi, Mahmood Mahmoodi, Hamideh Tabatabaie, Maryam Yousefi, Yaghoob Mollaie Kandalousi, Sahar Abbasi, Rakhshandeh Nategh,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Iran National Polio Laboratory (NPL) is a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Polio Laboratories Network. NPL receives stool specimens from acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases from all the provinces throughout Iran for poliovirus detection and identification. Furthermore, the NPL also detects non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) in these specimens. Recently, NPEVs have come to be believed to be one of the most important causes of AFP following wild poliovirus. This paper reports the prevalence of different types of NPEVs isolated from the specimens of AFP cases between 1995 and 2000.
Materials and Methods: Stool collection, virus detection and serotype identification were performed according to the WHO standard procedures.
Results: A total of 2180 stool specimens from AFP cases were received at the National Polio Laboratory. Coxsackie B viruse and echoviruses 6, 11, 7 and 13 had the highest frequency, identified in 23.7%, 14.4%, 12.7%, 11% and 10.2% of the NPEVs isolated from AFP cases, respectively. Four cases of echovirus 20 were identified, in 2 cases the patiets having died and in one the patient having been afflicted with residual paralysis. There have been no reports of death or residual paralysis (paralysis continuing after 60 days) due to echoviruse 20.
Conclusion: Considering the upward trend of AFP cases in Iran, even after wild poliovirus eradication, studies are needed to determine the frequency and type identification of NPEVs and the relationship between NPEVs and residual paralysis in the post-eradication era (2000 onwards).
Sevan Avadisians, Mojtaba Salouti, Mohammad Mehdi Soltandalal, Ronak Bakhtiari,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Iron nanoparticles are broadly used in medical science, particularly in synthesis of fluorescence biomarkers, cancerous tumor therapy by hyperthermia, and as a contrast agent in MRI. Physical and chemical synthesis methods currently used to produce nanoparticles cause environmental contamination. Certain bacteria are capable of synthesizing significant amounts of iron nanoparticles, quite in conformity with the principles of green chemistry. The objective of this study was to isolate iron nanoparticle-producing magnetotactic bacteria from Arjin ore in Zanjan Province, Iran
Materials and Methods: Serial dilutions were prepared from the soil of iron ore and inoculated on a combined solid agar culture medium specifically used to isolate magnetotactic bacteria. This was followed, after incubation at 30 degree for a week, by transferring samples of colonies to special liquid culture media. After three weeks of incubation, the samples were examined by Gram staining, XRD and of scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Results: The existence of iron nanoparticles was confirmed by analysis of XRD graphs. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy pictures proved the shape of bacteria and extracellular accumulation of iron nanoparticles produced by them.
Conclusion: Magnetotactic bacteria isolated from Arjin ore in Zanjan Province, Iran are capable of biosynthezing iron nanoparticles.
Javad Adl, Mahnaz Mohseni,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The first step in establishing a safety system is hazard identification. If this is not done properly, the subsequent steps steps will not be done effectively either. Since any given identification technique often targets the hazards of one or two of the main elements of a safety system, it is not possible to identify all hazards by a single technique
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the available scientific literature aiming at finding practicable hazard identification techniques that can potentially determine the highest number (%) of hazards in a safety system. First five techniques were implemented and the number of identified hazards by each was determined, followed by calculation of the coefficient of hazard identification effectiveness for each technique. Using this approach two techniques in two different safety systems were tested
Results: The number of hazards identified using the hazard and operability analysis (HAZOP) technique, and, as a result, its coefficient of hazard identification effectiveness was the highest as compared to other techniques. Individually, the HAZOP and AEA techniques, used as primary hazard identification techniques, identified only 20-80% of all the hazards which could otherwise be identified if all identification techniques had been used.
Conclusion: The results show that the HAZOP technique can identify a higher number of hazards than any other technique. However, if used alone, this technique will probably identify only 40% of all the hazards. The important point is that selection of an appropriate technique plays an important role in identifying a higher number of hazards.
Davood Pourmarzi, Shahnaz Rimaz, Effat Sadat Merghati Khoii, Masoud Solaymani-Dodaran, Ali Asghar Mosavi Mehraban, Sara Safari,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Access to reproductive health information and services is a basic right for the youth. Lack of suitable educational/counselling materials about reproductive health can decrease effectiveness of educational programs. This study aimed to determine the premarrital reproductive health educational needs of the youth.
Materials and Methods: In a descriptive-analytical study a total of 450 young males and females were selected by stratified random sampling to participate in pre-marital counseling in Tehran. Data about pre-marrital reproductive health educational needs were collected using a questionnaire developed by the investigator, with a 5 degree-Likert scale. SPSS-15 was used for data analysis, the statistical tests being t-test, one-tailed ANOVA and chi-square.
Results: Based on the Likert scale (1-5), felt need for reproductive health education was 3, it being higher among females (p<0.05). Both the males and females thought that what they needed most was education/counseling on healthy sexual relationship. The educational needs did not seem to be influenced statistically significantly by socio-demographic variables in either gender.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it seems that the current educational materials are not sufficient for pre-marrital counseling. Comprehensive information on reproductive health, with particular emphasis on sexual relationship, should be included in the existing programs, so that the youth can begin a better, healthier married life.
Shayesteh Shirzadi, Davoud Shojaeezadeh, Mohammad Hossein Taghdisi, Agha Fatemeh Hosseini,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (24 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Puberty as a stage of life is an important developmental process. Teen girls have numerous health care needs and their specific issues should be considered. This study mainly aimed to determine the impact of education based on health belief model on promotion of physical puberty health among female teenagers who were residents in welfare boarding centers in Tehran city.
Materials and Methods: It was a quasi-experimental intervention study, conducted in welfare boarding centers of Tehran city among inhabitant girls with 12 to 19 years old. All eligible persons were selected (n=61). Data collection tool was a questionnaire including demographic information, health belief components, physical function during menstruation, completed before and one month after training by interview. Educational intervention was implemented in 3 months. Data was analyzed by Wilcoxon statistical test using SPSS16 software.
Results: After educational intervention, perceived severity (p<0.001), perceived susceptibility (p<0/001), perceived barriers (p<0.001), perceived benefits (p<0.001), and physical function during menstruation were significantly different.
Conclusion: Educational intervention improved girls' perceptions and performance. Thus, health belief model should be used for puberty health education planning in female adolescents.
Farideh Golbabaei, Ali Faghihi-Zarandi, Ahmadreza Shokri, Mohammadreza Baneshi, Pedram Ebrahimnejad, Asghar Sedigh Zadeh,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (24 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Bioaerosols are one of the most important agents that cause post operating infections in hospitals. Surgical masks are recommended for prevention of bioaerosols transmition in operating rooms. This study aimed at evaluation of submicron particle filtration efficiency of domestic and imported surgical masks.
Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 5 types of surgical masks that have the most utilization in operating rooms of country’s hospitals including domestic and imported surgical masks were tested. To evaluate all samples, the submicron particle filtration measurements were carried out based on ISIRI 6138 and American DOP standards. Filtration efficiency calculations and pressure drop measurements were performed and the results were analyzed using statistical tests.
Results: Results showed that particle filtration efficiency of domestic and imported masks were 56.130% (±10.7) and 31.906% (±7.062) respectively. Also, filtration efficiency in domestic masks were more than imported masks (P> 0.001). Among all samples, Arman mask had the most filtration efficiency (66.5475 % ±6.14951), where the least (27.8275 % ±4.44152) filtration efficiency (P> 0.001) belongs to Blosom. The maximum mean of pressure drop in Arman mask (35 ±2. 58 Pa) and the least mean of pressure drop in Zist filter mask (11 ±1.82 Pa) were observed.
According to the effect of filtration efficiency and pressure drop on general quality of mask, the quality factor of masks were also evaluated. Results showed that Zist filter mask had the most quality factor (0.068) while Blosom had the least quality factor (0.016).
Conclusion: This research showed that domestic surgical masks have a better quality toward imported surgical masks but can not obtained quality confirmed by standards, yet.
To reduce respective infections and prevalence of diseases, it is recommended using filters with suitable physical characteristics and also carrying out test of surgical masks before supplying.
Fatemeh Vasheghani, Fereshteh Majlesi, Mahmoud Mahmoudi, Davoud Shojaeezadeh,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (24 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women with incidence of more than 500000 cases per year. It is preventable because of its long pre-cancerous period, suitable screening programs and effective treatments. Since the social and cultural barriers alongside the lack of knowledge are deterrents to participation in screening programs, the current study was performed to assess the effect of educational intervention through the Health Belief Model on knowledge and attitude of teachers about pap smear, considering their role in making people aware.
Materials and Methods: This was a controlled before-after interventional study conducted on 72 individuals selected through simple sampling, assigned to two groups. Data collection tool was a questionnaire used and compared before training and one month after that. Training methods (intervention) included lectures with questions and answers. Data were analyzed with SPSS, version 11.5.
Results: 47.2% of intervention and 45.8% of control group were 40 to 50 years old and majority of them (47.2% and 50% respectively) had undergraduate educational level and 86.1% were married. Respectively, 67.2% and 74.2% have experience of being examined via Pap smear, while the knowledge of women in both groups was moderate about the disease. Study results revealed significant differences in knowledge, attitude and Health Belief Model constructs within intervention group (before and after training) as well as between groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Using Pap smear test among the participants was lower compared with healthy people aims targeted by 2010. Therefore, necessity of education and knowledge promotions are obvious.
Mahsa Ghavipour, Ahmad Saedisomeolia, Mahmoud Jalali, Giti Sotoudeh, Mohammadreza Eshraghyan,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (24 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant. Tomato products improve antioxidant defenses and reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases, at least partly due to the presence of lycopene. Lycopene, as an anti-inflammatory agent, prevents the production of inflammatory cytokines. Obesity is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the increased level of body fat leads to an increase in circulating inflammatory mediators. We hypothesized that the consumption of a lycopene-rich food would reduce inflammation in people with overweight or obesity.
Materials and Methods: One hundred and six overweight or obese female students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were enrolled and randomly allocated to an intervention group (n=53) or a control group (n=53), consuming 330 ml/day of tomato juice or water respectively, for 20 days. At baseline and day 20, serum concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were analyzed by ELISA and compared between groups.
Results: Serum concentrations of interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group and compared to the baseline. Subgroup analysis indicated that this effect was confined to subjects who were overweight. Among obese subjects, serum interleukin-6 concentration was decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group, with no observed differences in interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α.
Conclusion: Tomato juice reduces inflammation in overweight and obese females. Thus, increasing tomato intake may provide a useful approach for reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, associated with obesity.
Aziz Kassani, Mahmoud Reza Gohari, Mir Taher Mousavi, Mohsen Asadilari,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (24 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Social capital composed of networks, norms and values, which facilitates cooperation within and between groups to achieve mutual benefits and common goals. Social capital increases the benefits of investing in physical and human capital. In a society that favors more social capital, collaboration is easier. This study investigates the validity and reliability of a social capital tool, which had been administered through a large population-based survey using factor analysis.
Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART-1) survey in Tehran. Factor analysis is a method of discovering structural position of variables to reduce them into a limited number of components which are more fundamental. The reliability of the questionnaire and main components of the tool were investigated through factor analysis.
Results: According to factor analysis, three main components of social capital including, individual trust, cohesion/ social support and social trust/associative relations, were recognized. These three components explained 66.14% of total variance of the social capital tool. Also, overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.88 which indicates high reliability of the questionnaire.
Conclusion: Social capital tool, which was administered in Urban HEART project, covers the main components of social capital framework with high reliability and validity, which is suitable to be used in other population-based surveys.
Fatemeh Heydarpour, Kazem Mohammad, Sousan Heydarpour, Farid Najafi, Kourosh Holakouie Naieni,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (26 2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The time needed to achieve a wanted pregnancy is referred to as time to pregnancy (TTP). Due to differences in lifestyles and geographical locations in different countries, factors affecting TTP may be different in various countries. This study was conducted in 2011 to determine factors affecting time to TTP in Kermanshah, Iran.
Materials and methods: In this case-control study 174 women with TTP>12 months (cases) and 587 women with TTP<=12 months (controls) were selected. The tool for collecting data was a questionnaire. The SPSS-16 software was used for data analysis, a p-value <0.05 being considered as statistically significant.
]Results: Multivariate analysis showed that factors decreasing TPP statistically significantly were women's education level (≥high school diploma OR=0.854, CI 95%=0.741-0.984), frequency of intercourse in a week (OR=0.728, CI95%=0.631-0.839), blood group A compared to O (OR=0.639, CI95%=0.405-1.01), and non-exposure to smoking (OR=0.606, CI95%=0.380-0.965). On the other hand, factors increasing TPP were a woman's irregular menstrual cycle (OR=3.701, CI95%=2.127-6.441), lack of physical activity (OR=1.920, CI95%=1.263-2.918) and a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25 (OR=2.221, CI 95%=1.489-3.312).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, a high BMI and lack of exercise increase, while factors such as frequency of intercourse decrease the length of TTP. Couples seeking medical intervention for pregnancy often disregard factors associated with TTP. It is recommended that care-providers support these couples, promote their awareness, and give them suitable advice.
Shayesteh Hajizadeh, Saharnaz Nedjat, Reza Majdzadeh, Minoo Mohraz, Hamid Reza Setayesh, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (26 2013)
Abstract
Introduction: Development of effective antiretroviral therapies (ART) has reduced mortality and increased life expectancy among individuals with HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy regiments have improved symptoms and quality of life among these patients, whose sexual and reproductive needs, have, therefore, increased as well. In 2010, 20.8% of HIV-infected Iranians acquired the disease through sexual relations. The objective of this study was to define high-risk sexual behaviors among individuals infected with HIV referred to the Triangular Clinics of Universities of Medical Sciences in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional interview-based survey included 400 HIV-positive individuals selected by consequential sampling.
Results: The majority (60%) of the subjects was males, and 44.2% of men and 51.3% of women with HIV were in the age group 34-25 years. On the whole, 15.6% of the women and 49.6% of the men had high-risk sexual behaviors after diagnosis of HIV infection. Further analysis of the data showed that 62.5% of HIV-positive individuals were not aware of the risks of unsafe sexual relationship (using no condom) for HIV-positive transmission.. Based on the logistic regression module, it was found that factors strongly associated with high-risk sexual behavior were being male, being single, under high school diploma/graduate degree, alcohol intake and use of hormonal and permanent methods of family planning (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study confirm previous reports showing common high-risk sexual behaviour after diagnosis in HIV-positive populations. Providing suitable health services and advice on fertility and sexual health will result in no- or low-risk sexual life for couples.
Shahnaz Rimaz, Shokrolah Mohseni, Effat Sadat Merghati Khoei, Maryam Dastoorpour, Fatemeh Akbari,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (26 2013)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Relapse after treatment is a common problem among drug addicts in addiction control and prevention programs. About 80% of the addicts relapse into drug abuse within 6 months after treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with drug abuse relapse in patients consulting two selected addiction treatment centers in Tehran.
Material and Methods: In this case-control study, 160 relapsed patients were compared with 160 abstentious patients. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used to collect data. Chi-square test, odds ratio (OR) and logistic regression were performed for data analysis.
Results: The findings showed that factors increasing rate of relapse were smoking after relapse (OR=7.14, CI=3.855-13.244), substance-related cues (OR=6.76, CI= 3.915-11.678), interaction with addict peers (OR=6.38, CI=3.921-10398), malaise (OR=3.93, CI=2.446-6.305), and family conflict (OR=2.04, CI=1.227-3.385). Opium- and dross-addicts were found to be less likely to have a relapse than crack- or pot- users (OR= 0.208, CI-0.128- 0.336).
Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that relapse into drug abuse is significantly associated with personal, social, psychological and medical variables. It is recommended to
integrate family counseling and therapeutic approaches, constant monitoring, and health care in treatment plans in order to reduce the adverse effects of factors such as family conflicts, peer pressure and drug-related cues in patients' likelihood of relapse.
Hamed Rezakhani Moghaddam, Davoud Shojaeizadeh, Mohammad Hasan Taghdisi, Yousef Hamidzadeh Arbabi, Mohammad Taghi Savadpour,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (26 2013)
Abstract
Background and aim: Delivery or parturition is the peak of a woman’s pregnancy period, accompanied with birth of one or more babies. Unfortunately, Cesarean section, despite its probable undesirable health and economic consequences, has become more and more common. Considering that the goal of health education is behavior change in people, the objective of this study was to investigate the role of health volunteers in educating mothers consulting the health care centers in Ardabil in the area of choice of delivery method based on the Behavioral Intention Model (BIM).
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 140 primaparous mothers in Ardabil city in the seventh month of pregnancy were selected by systematic random sampling and divided into a case and a control group, and a written pretest was given to both groups. Education based on the BIM was imparted to the case group. One month after delivery, both groups were post-tested. The data on awareness, attitude, results evaluation and practice were analyzed using the Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney-U and Chi-square tests.
Results: The findings revealed statistical differences between the case and control groups after intervention with regard to awareness, evaluation of results and attitude (p<0.001). However, behavioral intention did not change (p=0.106).
Conclusion: Although health volunteers' participation results in an increase in knowledge and promotes attitude and evaluation of behavioral results in pregnant women, it does not change their behavioral intention. It is suggested to conduct similar studies for comparative purposes involving other trainers, such as physicians and nurses in other cities, using other educational models and methods.
Davoud Pourmarzi, Shahnaz Rimaz, Effat Sadat Merghati Khoii,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (26 2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Educational programs for couples' mental health promotion in marital life are a necessity. The first step in planning an educational program understands the needs of the target group. This paper reports the mental health educational needs in youth planning to marry.
Materials and Methods: In a descriptive-analytical cross sectional study, 450 individuals taking part in pre-marriage education courses in Tehran were selected by randomized stratified sampling. The data was collected using a questionnaire that measured the educational needs in the area of mental health by the 5-point Likert-type scale. Data analysis was done using the SPSS-15 software, the statistical tests being the independent T-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the chi-square test.
Results: On the whole, the subjects' felt need for mental health education was more than moderate (3 on the Likert scale) women expressed a higher need than men (p=0.001). The main concern of the participants - both men and women - was How to keep romance alive in married life. The extent of need expressed for mental education was not statistically different in different socio-demographic groups of women, while worker men expressed a higher need than self-employed men (P=0.018).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, young people planning to marry have a felt need for education in the area of mental health. It is recommended to design and implement educational programs to promote their knowledge in this area with due consideration of priorities stated by them.
Mohammad Saleh Koushki, Ali Akbari Sari, Mohammad Arab, Kambiz Ahmadi Engali,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (18 2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The quality of working life is a very important variable in connection with human resources. Therefore, it should be taken into consideration by managers if they aim to improve the capabilities and efficiency of their staff, which will, in turn, lead to improved productivity and economic growth. Productivity is an important factor in the success of hospital nurses too. The objective of this study was to determine the association between the quality of working life and productivity of nurses. Knowledge of this relationship can help plan to improve the nurses' quality of working life and, subsequently, improve their productivity and, ultimately, productivity of a hospital.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional correlation study conducted in 2011. The study population was nurses of the Shahid-Beheshti University of Medical Sciences hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Using the randomized stratified multistage sampling method, 380 nurses were selected as the study sample. Data on the nurses' quality of working life and productivity were collected using two questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS-17, the statistical tests being Chi-2, ANOVA, T-test, and the Pearson correlation test.
Results: The findings showed that nurses' quality of work life and productivity were at the middle level, with a mean of 2.47 and 3.07, respectively. A very small number (1.55%) of the nurses reported that their quality of work life was at a high level, while the majority (82.4%) believed their quality of work life to be at a moderate level. The Pearson correlation test showed a significant positive relationship between the quality of work life and productivity of the nurses (r = 0.66, p-value = 0.001).
Conclusion: Only a low proportion of the nurses report their quality of working life and productivity to be at a high level. Therefore, bearing in mind that a statistically significant relationship exists between the quality of working life and productivity, authorities should atempt to promote the nurses' quality of work life in order to increase their productivity.
Ahmad Ali Hanafi Bojd, Hassan Vatandoust, Mahyar Soltani, Zabih Allah Charrahi, Homa Nasseh,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (18 2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Arthropod-borne diseases are one of the major causes of human mortality. Since launch of the first meteorological satellites in 1960s, remote sensing has been increasingly implicated in the field of human health research and the data from satellites and their sensors with different spatial and temporal resolutions opened a new field of research in human health for scientists.
Material and Methods: Search engines and national/international scientific databanks were used to search keywords of remote sensing, satellite, tick, mosquito and sand fly and obtained articles were analyzed.
Results: Some ecological indices were used more in remote sensing of arthropod-borne diseases, including NDVI, SST, LST and CCD.
Conclusion: Data of environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, land use/ land cover help us to detect the habitats of vectors of diseases regard to their ecology. However, the scope of applications, beyond theoretical large potentialities, appears limited both by their technical nature and the related models developed. The main problem for application of remote sensing in health science and epidemiology of diseases, is the costs of satellite images as well as the availability in the studied times to monitor a specific subject like vector or agent of the disease. Although the majority of health studies and diseases monitoring need to application of high spatial resolution images.
