KNOWLEDGE AND HEALTH
Year:2011 | Volume:5 | Issue:4|Papers Count:12

Introduction: This study aimed at investigating the effect of skin to skin contact (SSC) on maternal state anxiety (MSA) in cesarean section unit in Akbarabadi Hospital in Tehran.Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 60 Iranian mothers with at least one record of cesarean section delivery were assigned to two intervention (SSC) and control groups. In the morning shift and two hours after the operation, as a routine postoperative care, painkillers were given to all mothers. Then the mothers’ pain scores were measured using visual analog scale (VAS). If VAS was≤3, MSA was measured by using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Scale (Spiel Berger). Thirty minutes of SSC intervention was done for mothers in the intervention group. Six hours later, in case VAS was≤3, MSA was re-measured by using the Spiel Berger Scale for all mothers.Results: Six hours after implementing the intervention, there were no meaningful statistical differences between the MSA mean scores of the two groups, but severity of MSA in intervention group was less than that of the control group (P=0.037). Six hours after the intervention, there was a significant decrease in the MSA mean score in SSC group (P=0.002).Conclusion: As regards the important role of constant anxiety in developing postpartum depression, and as the results of this study indicate, SSC is recommended in postpartum and especially cesarean section wards.

Introduction: Unwanted pregnancies are one of the major problems in developing countries. This research aimed to answer the question whether women with unwanted pregnancies seek the health care they need.Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 270 pregnant women referring to Shahroud hospitals to terminate their pregnancies were studied through the census method and were divided into two groups of wanted and unwanted pregnancies. A self questionnaire was used to collect data and it was completed through personal interviews and referring to mothers' health files. The data were analyzed via Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U test.Results: The results of the study showed significant differences between pre-pregnancy counseling, the number of referrals to the clinic, the time of folic acid consumption, regular consumption of iron tablets, routine pregnancy testing and optimal weight gain between the two groups of wanted and unwanted pregnancy (P>0.05). Mann Whitney U test showed a significant difference between the mean time of first visit for prenatal care (P=0.004), and the average number of referrals to midwifery clinic in wanted and unwanted pregnancies (P=0.003).Conclusion: Since prenatal care prevents during-pregnancy and delivery problems, attempts must be made to remove the obstacles on this way. Unwanted pregnancies are among the factors that play important roles in irregular referring to prenatal care clinics and render these groups as high risk in their pregnancies.

Introduction: The "school- based health program" is implemented in schools all over the country with the purpose of preventing substance abuse, high-risk behaviors, and violence. The current study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of this program in enhancing some of the health indicators of the students participating in this program.Methods: In this cross- sectional study, based on the Krejcie and Morgan table, 400 students (4 groups- 2cases and 2 controls- each including 100 people from both male and female genders) were selected through stratified and stage random sampling. The data gathering tools were the "General Health Questionnaire", Rosenberg Self Esteem Inventory, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Satisfied with Life Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 13 software and through descriptive statistics and paired t test.Results: There were no statistically significant differences between General Health, Self esteem, Happiness and Satisfied with Life mean scores of case and control groups. However, the differences between the mean scores of the two groups in educational performance were significant (P=0.005).Conclusion: General findings of this study indicate that education presented to students via school-based health program has not been effective in enhancing their mental health. Therefore, to improve the effectiveness of this program, it is suggested that the educational methods of this program be revised.

Introduction: The study and investigation of gold nanoparticles produced by amino acid is one of the interesting and applied issues in nanotechnology. In this study, amino acids were used to reduce gold cations as well as an agent to cap gold nanoparticles. In fact, strong bound of amino groups to amino acid and protein on the gold nanoparticles surface indicate the medical applications of these materials.Methods: In this study, gold nanoparticles were prepared and functionalized by using solution reduction containing gold cations with optimum concentration (0.005 M), and also prepared by using glutamic acid, phenylalanine and tryptophan with optimum concentration (0.025 M).Results: The investigation of optimum condition for gold solution and amino acids and also determination of gold nanoparticles were done by UV-Vis. The nanoparticles size were reported 5-20, 10-20 and 20-30 nm respectively by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques, which is appropriate for biological activities.Conclusion: The comparison of the data from experimental and quantum calculations demonstrated that amino acids have strong band when they are conjugated by anion state. Free carboxylic groups of capped gold nanoparticles with glutamic acid are one of the suitable and capable beads for binding to biological agents.

Introduction: The arrival of toxic metals by human activities has lead to the contamination of soil. Heavy metals are among the most important pollutants in the environment. This study aimed at determining the concentration of heavy metals in, soils, water and vegetables of Shhnama region in Shahroud.Methods: Vegetables studied included parsley, leek, leaf beet, fenugreek, cress, basil, radish and the coriander. The sampling was performed during 3 months, from September to October, 2008. The collected 180 samples of vegetables, water, soil, after preparation by atomic absorption Spectrophotometers, were analyzed according to standard methods.Results: Mean concentration values of lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic and zinc in vegetable samples were, respectively 23.99, 2.09, 5.4, 5.26, 168.4 micrograms per gram of plant tissue. Mean concentrations of heavy metals in water were, respectively, 7.55, 4.84, 0.78, 12.83 and 347.99 mg per liter in water samples. Mean concentrations of heavy metals in soil were, respectively, 81.12, 14.43, 134.32, 19.08 and 435 micrograms, per gram of soil sample. Comparing the mean concentration values for heavy metals available in vegetables, water and soil with standard values significant differences are observed except for Zn. Concentration values of lead, cadmium, chromium and arsenic in vegetables were higher than the common values.Conclusion: The results indicate that due to the use of synthetic fertilizers, unsanitary disposal of sewage and fossil fuel combustion, water, soil and plants of the region are polluted with heavy metals.

Introduction: Accidents are known among the leading causes of deaths and disabilities in developing and industrialized countries.Among the various occupations and activities, construction industry is among the most hazardous industries in the world, the risk of which and its following harms are still somehow unknown. This study aimed at investigating the epidemiology of accidents in construction, for the first time in Kerman.Methods: In this descriptive, analytical study, all construction workers (n=153) who had been hurt at work during 2006-2008 were investigated. The data were collected through questionnaire and were analyzed by chi-square and regression logistic test, SPSS statistical software.Results: The mean age of the injured workers was 32 years (the lowest age was 16 and the highest was 70 years) and the highest rate of accidents occurred among the 16-36 years-old age group. Generally, 16.3% (n=25) of the accidents led to death and 77.8% of the accidents occurred to people with junior high school and lower levels of education. There were significant relationships between the three variables of year, season and the shift in which the accident occurred and the result (death or survival) of the accident. However, no significant relationships were observed between the insurance status of the injured and the results of the accidents.Conclusion: In Iran, there are strong relationships between reasons and results of accidents, so this study recommends more studies with the aim of changing the current trend to prevent the accidents in future.

Introduction: Health care workers who have occupational exposure to blood and body fluids are at increased risk of acquiring blood borne infections. This study aimed at assessing hepatitis B immunity status of employees as well as determining the epidemiological characteristics of occupational exposure of the workers in Fatemieh Hospital in Shahroud to blood/body fluids.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 191 employees (both clerical and health care personnel) of Fatemieh Hospital were studied. After providing the required explanations, 5cc blood sample were taken to examine HBS Ag, HCV Ab and HBS Ab with eliza kits. Demographic features, vaccination history and exposures with blood/body fluid of the participants were simultaneously recorded.Results: Mean age of the participants was 34±9 years. The highest rate of exposure (needle sticking injury) was for 10-15 year experience group (73.3%). The highest percentage of exposure in different job groups was in general practitioners (100%), obstetricians (82.4%) and anesthesia technicians (75%).83.8% of the participants reported vaccination history and only 33% of them checked Ab titer. History of exposure with blood/body fluids (BBF) was reported by 54/5% of the participants; the most frequent method of exposure was needle sticking while taking samples or disposing of the waste. (46.5%). Exposure reporting and follow-up activities were very poor (only 12%).59.2% of the participants reported use of gloves and 79.9% were aware of the occupational hygienic regulations.Fortunately, all participants were negative for HBS Ag and HCV Ab. In 63% of the cases, HBs-Ab level was above 10 and in 31% was above 100 international units in milliliter.Conclusion: The overall rate of hospital workers to exposure to BBF is high. The rate of unimmunized workers is noticeable and it is necessary to pay attention to the health of the personnel through preventive measures and following the occupational accidents. Starting an Occupational Health Center is also a necessity for every hospital.

Introduction: This study aims at determining and comparing Braden and Water low predictive tools as well as determining the cut off point of these scales.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which was carried out on 1864 patients admitted to Imam Hossein Hospital in Shahroud. The data collection instruments included Braden and Water low risk–assessment scales and a skin assessment tool. The data were collected through interviews and observation and were analyzed through t-test and ROC curve.Results: Out of 1864 participants in the study, 72 patients developed pressure ulcer. The mean scores obtained through the pressure ulcer assessment in patients with pressure ulcers, on the basis of Braden scale was 13.8±3.6 and in patients without the pressure ulcers was 20.2±3.5. The mean scores based on Waterlow scale in patients with pressure ulcers was 15.6±5.2 and in patients without pressure ulcers it was 10±4.1. The results of t-tests showed significant differences between the mean scores of the two groups based on the two scales (P<0.001). The Braden scale had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity 74% at the cut off point of 18.5 and the Water low scale had a sensitivity of 69% and specificity 78% at the cut off point of 12.5.Conclusion: The Braden scale had higher sensitivity and specificity compared to Water low scale, therefore, it is one of the appropriate instruments for prediction of patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers.