Journal of Health System Research
Year:2011 | Volume:6 | Issue:4|Papers Count:32

Background: Adopting Information Technology (IT) systems in an organization is a decision which faces several challenges. This study has been conducted with the aim of analyzing barriers and challenges in application of ICT in medical science universities in general and the Ilam medical science university in particular.Methods: The studied population was the employees of Ilam University of Medical Sciences, from which 206 individuals were selected. Data collected by a self-administrated questionnaire. In order to categorize the barriers of ICT Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with Varimax rotation was usedFindings Conducting EFA, challenges of ICT applications in medical universities were summarized in following seven factors:1- Poor hardware infrastructure2- Lack of an ICT strategic plan3- Lack of access to user-friendly software and applications4- Poor digital literacy of staffs5- Lack of staffs’ belief regarding ICT effectiveness6- High cost of changes from traditional to new ICT-based systems7- Staffs’ resistanceConclusion: Providing necessary infrastructure, developing in ICT strategic plan and introducing userfriendly computer and web-based software and application can be helpful in acceptance of this technology.

Background: Heat stress is one of the most important consequences of occupational heat exposure worldwide. Current heat stress indexes are not suitable for heat strain screening in developing countries due to their inherent and applied limitations. A new observation and subjective screening method is required that needs no instrument. In this study, a scale is developed based on the most important known risk factors (environmental, occupational, personal, and physiological). The aim of this study was to develop and validate the “Heat Strain Score Index (HSSI) in Iran’s climatic conditions.Methods: The Cross-sectional experiment was conducted on 122 workers selected from national petrochemical company (Asalouyeh) and Esfahan steel company between July and September 2010. In the stage of item generation, the initial 45 samples were selected. Content validity was conducted by health professionals and the items internal consistencies were investigated by Chronbach’s alpha coefficients. Exploratory factor analysis was used to reduce the number of items.Findings: In content validity evaluation 5 items were considered as invalid and removed. Also in correlation analysis 24 items, which had correlation less than 0.3, were omitted. Internal consistency of the 17 remained items was obtained at 0.92 (0.71–0.85). Exploratory factor analysis indicated three subscales: subjective judgment, protective clothes and physical activity which explained 67.7% of the variance. The internal consistency was high in three subscales (a=0.73–0.91).Conclusion: Exploratory factor analysis revealed that there are three vital factors with high internal consistency in HSSI. Structural validity and reliability indicated that HSSI is a valid and suitable method for screening heat strain in Iran.

Background: Despite the great impact of diet on the metabolic syndrome, limited data are available relating dietary energy density to this syndrome. Furthermore, due to specific characteristics of diet in Middle-Eastern countries, looking for the association between dietary energy density and metabolic syndrome in this part of the world would be interesting. This study was performed to assess the association between dietary energy density and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among Iranian womenMethods: Usual dietary intakes were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 486 Iranian adult women using a food frequency questionnaire. The dietary energy density was calculated as each individual’s reported the daily energy intake (kcal/d) into the total weight of foods (excluding beverages) consumed (g/d). Anthropometric measurements, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum lipid profiles and blood pressure were evaluated. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines.Findings: The mean energy-adjusted dietary energy density was 1.77±0.35 kcal/g. After controlling the potential confounders, individuals in the top tertile of the dietary energy density had 80% (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.15) greater odds of having the metabolic syndrome. Even after further adjustment for BMI, this association remained significant (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.96). The higher dietary energy density was also significantly associated with greater odds of having abdominal adiposity (odds ratio in the top tertile vs. the bottom tertile: 4.23; 95% CI: 2.51, 7.18), the high serum triacylglycerol concentrations (3.55; 2.31, 5.93) and the low serum HDL-C levels (1.80; 1.13, 2.84). Additional control of BMI slightly attenuated the associations but all were still significant. No overall significant associations were found between the higher dietary energy density and the risk of having elevated blood pressure or abnormal glucose homeostasis, either before or after adjustment for confounders.Conclusion: The higher dietary energy density was significantly associated with a greater risk of the metabolic syndrome and its’ components. Further studies are required to focus on lowering the dietary energy density as a probable strategy for combating metabolic syndrome.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic disease infecting human by Oocyst, tissue cyst or tachyzoites in raw meat, water or congenitally during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis can cause abortion in pregnant women. The current seroepidemiological study was designed to assess toxoplasmosis in pregnant women with or without the history of abortion.Methods: In a case–control study the antibody titer to toxoplasmosis in 122 pregnant women admitted to hospitals in Ilam were analyzed using ELISA.63 individual (51.7%) who had history of repeated abortion were placed in case and 59 (48.3%) with no history of abortion as control group. A questionnaire was completed for each person included in the study.Findings: 66.7 % of those in case group was IgG positive while only 45.8% in control group showed IgG titer above the cut off.55.6 % of patients in case group and only 3.4 % in control group were IgM positive. The difference between IgG and IgM titer in case and control group was statistically significant (P=0.02 and P=0.001, respectively). The correlation between frequency of abortion and mean antibody titer was statistically significant for IgM (P=0.001) and IgG (P=0.003). There was a significant correlation between the meat cooking method and IgM and IgG antibody titer against toxoplasma (P=0.03).Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases causing abortion during pregnancy, particularly in Ilam where agriculture and farming are most commonly practiced. Seroepidemiologic assessment can help to detect and manage the disease in pregnant women.

Background: According to the relationship between general and central obesity with chronic disease and also the effect of the dietary fatty acids on anthropometric measurements, the purpose of the current study was to assess the effect of a MUFA-rich diet on the anthropometric measurements indexes in overweight women.Methods: This randomized cross-over clinical trial included 17 overweight women aged 20-50 years old with the mean BMI of 27.6±2 kg/m2. Volunteers were randomly allocated to one of the two diets for 6 weeks; a control group diet (16% SFA and 8% MUFA) and a studied MUFA-rich diet (16% MUFA and 8% SFA), which was accompanied by 2 weeks of washout period between the 2 feeding periods. There were no significant differences among other macronutrients intake (total fat, PUFA, carbohydrate, protein) and between the two diets. Anthropometric assessments were conducted at the baseline and the end of each treatment period. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test.Findings: The energy percentage of MUFA was 13% and 7% in MUFA-rich diet and the control diet respectively. The corresponding values of SFA were 8.5% and 14%, respectively. The mean changes in MUFA-rich diet and the control diet were -2.9 kg vs. -2.3 in weight (P=0.4), -1.1 kg/m2 vs. -0.93 kg/m2 in BMI (P=0.6), -2 kg vs -1.4 kg in the fat mass (P=0.2) and -0.9 kg vs. -0.9 kg in the lean mass (P=0.98), respectively. The waist circumference and WHR were not significantly different between the two diet period (P=0.5, 0.8) respectively.Conclusion: Although based on the findings of this study, there were no significant differences between the two diets in terms of their effect on the anthropometric measurements, but due to the health consequences of general and central obesity, designating long-term interventional studies with large sample sizes are essential.

Background: Today, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is one of the health issues of concern in any society. One of the main causes of musculoskeletal disorders and conditions can be named unpleasant working conditions. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders including working postures and lifting-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers of distributing dairy products in Isfahan.Methods: The working posture of dairy products workers (n=50) were observed and recorded in 2009. The Nordic questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. The Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and SPSS software were used to data analyses.Findings: Results showed the prevalence of working postures that were harmful to the musculoskeletal system was high. The prevalence of low back pain, shoulder disorders, knee disorders and wrist disorders for more than 24 hours in the past 12 months were 86%, 44%, 66% and 28%, respectively. An average of 22.82 % of working posture was classified in action category 3, 4 which needed to improveConclusion: Noting poor ergonomics conditions and high musculoskeletal disorders in workers, the implementation of interventions ergonomics (technical and managerial), prevention and training programs for workers in these industries seems essential.

Background: Contemporary development of growing urban communities and increasing the economical and industrial activities in the current century without paying attention to assess the effect of these activities on human health, as the axis of the development, is caused urban air pollution and risks from different pollutant emissions. Tehran air pollution has received considerable media coverage in the recent years. Since particulate matter (TSP and PM10) is one of the most important pollutants in this city, a study was conducted to assess TSP and PM10 concentrations and to make a qualitative assessment of air using the Air Quality Index (AQI), with TSP and PM10 sampling both on a daily and monthly basis.Methods: Tehran University was considered as the study area from December 2005 to May 2006. In order to determine the amount of TSP and PM10, 50 samples were taken as follows: for TSP with high volume sampler and 50 samples and for PM10 with laser dust monitor model 107 apparatus.Findings: According to results of this study: Esfand (February) with the average 190.63 mg/m3 was the most polluted month in terms of TSP and Farvardin (March) with the average 118.5 mg/m3 was the cleanest month. Day (December) with the average 66.5 mg/m3 was the most polluted month in terms of PM10 and Farvardin (March) with the average 42.1 mg/m3 was the cleanest month.Conclusion: According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), in 96% of the samples TSP was below 100 (AQI<100) and in the remaining 4%, AQI was above 100 (AQI>100). In 98% of the samples the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM10 was below 100 (AQI<100) and in the remaining 2%, AQI was above 100 (AQI>100).

Background: Although red meat consumption is related to the prevalence of diabetes, few data are available showing the relationship between red meat intake, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. The study aimed to identify the association between the red meat intake, metabolic syndrome, and circulating concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a surrogate measure of inflammation.Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 482 female teachers aged between 40 and 60 years old from Tehran, a FFQ was used to assess the red meat intake. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profiles, and plasma CRP concentrations were evaluated according to the standard methods. Metabolic syndrome was defined as recommended by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines.Findings: The mean (mean ± SEM) red meat intake was 45.9±3.0 g/d. After statistically controlling for potential confounders, geometric, mean plasma, CRP concentrations across increasing quintile categories of red meat intake were 1.46, 1.66, 1.73, 1.89±1.89, and 2.03 mg/L (P- trend<0.01). In the crude model, individuals in the top quintile of red meat intake had greater odds of having metabolic syndrome compared to those in the bottom quintile [odds ratio (OR): 2.33; 95% CI: 1.24, 4.38, P-trend<0.01]. This association remained significant even after adjustment for potential confounders (OR, 2.15; CI, 1.18, 4.01; P-trend<0.01). Adjustment for CRP did not affect this association (OR, 2.06; CI, 1.16, 3.98; P-trend <0.01).Conclusion: In conclusion, increased red meat consumption is cross-sectioned associated with greater risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation. Further prospective investigations will be needed to confirm this finding.

Background: The current study was performed to identify the association between major dietary patterns, general and central adiposity among Tehrani female teachers.Methods: In this cross-sectional study 486 Tehrani female teachers aged 40-60 years were selected by multistage cluster random sampling method. Usual dietary intakes were evaluated using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire during the past year. Weight and height were measured according to standard protocols. General obesity was defined as BMI³30 kg/m2 and central adiposity as waist circumference>88 cm. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns.Findings: By the use of factor analysis, three major dietary patterns were extracted: healthy dietary pattern, western dietary pattern and traditional dietary pattern. Individuals in the upper category of healthy pattern score were less likely to be generally (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.53) and centrally obese (0.30; 0.16-0.55), while those in the upper quintile of western pattern had greater odds (for general obesity: 2.73; 1.46-5.08 and for central obesity: 5.74; 2.99-10.99). Controlling for potential confounders attenuated the associations, but even after adjustment for energy intake the associations were significant for both general and central obesity. Although no significant associations were found between traditional dietary pattern and general obesity, those in the third quintile had greater odds of being centrally obese, either before (2.15; 1.18-3.90) or after (2.08; 1.09-3.65) control for confounders.Conclusion: This study indicates significant associations between major dietary patterns, general and central adiposity among Tehrani female teachers. Further prospective investigations are required to confirm such associations.

Background: Marital satisfaction is the most important and fundamental factor in stability and continuity of couples’ life. It exists when the situation in marital relationships is in agreement with its expectation. While couples can increase their satisfaction level in marital life, the family remains safe. Therefore the effect of sexual education on the growth of marital satisfaction and its dimensions such as adjustment in spouse’s personality, relationship improvement, sexual relationship, conflict solving, and equalitarian roles were the purpose of this research. Methods: In this quasi-experimental pre-post test study, 60 couples from cultural centers in Isfahan were selected and randomized in two of experimental and control groups. The data was collected by Enrich short questionnaire and demographic characteristics of studied subjects recorded. The data was analyzed with SPSS.Findings: Sex education had significant effect on the increase of marital satisfaction (P<0.001, F=118.78), subscales of satisfaction with spouse’s Personality (P<0.001, F=69.89), Relationship improvement (P<0.001, F=90.98), sexual Relationship (P<0.001, F=51.87) conflict solving (P<0.001, F=74.46).It had no significant effect on the subscales such as Leisure time (P=0.28, F=7.54) and interests to relatives and friends (P=0.18, F=2.35).Conclusion: Sexual relationship is a key factor in marital life. Sex education could increase the overall marital satisfaction and happiness due to increases of sexual satisfaction.

Background: In the recent years, eutrophication has become a serious challenge for many of the water ecosystems. It has affected the environmental and economical aspects of the Anzali Wetland, which is known as one of the significant ecosystem. Due to the increase of the nutrient loadings from the industrial, agricultural and human activities, the wetland’s health is faced many serious problems. Therefore, in this study the wetland condition is evaluated through the field measurements and sampling from various regions of the wetland; then the data obtained were analyzed in order to review this conditions from the Eutrophicational point of view that is one of the most important conditional indexes of the lakes and wetlands.Methods: In this research, in addition to use the field measurements to determine the wetland quality status related to the nutrient loadings, the results from total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) measured parameters of 21 stations in the study area were transferred to the Geographical Information System (GIS) and then the Eutrophication condition of the wetland was determined in comparison to international standards.Findings: This study illustrated that since the wetland has received more nutrients loading comparing to the few past years, so most of the wetland regions have high levels of TN and TP. Also, performing more investigations using Nurnberg method based on TN and TP depicted that hypertrophic status is dominated in all over the wetland.Conclusion: although the procedure used in this research was very simple and with the least computational cost to determine the hypertrophic status of the Anzali Wetland, but the findings gained from the study is in compliance with the previous results achieved.

Background: Nowadays the extensive changes in lifestyle have resulted in an increase in consumption of fast food. This type of food is made by deep fat fry which may contain some toxic or unfavorable substances that have adverse effects on consumers’ health. The aim of this study was to determine the peroxide value, acid value and rancidity of edible oil which are used in sweets and samosah in Borkhar and Meymeh’s confectionery and delicatessens.Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in all delicatessens and sweets (n=54) in Borkhar and Meymeh. The peroxide value, acid value and rancidity were determined based on national standard procedure number 4179, in the food laboratory.Findings: The findings of this study showed that 7.4% of the tested oil has a non permissible Rancidity value. In the other word 87% of the samples were healthy.Conclusion: These findings of the study is indicated that the oil health regulations are not exercised in Borkhar and Meymeh’s delicatessens and sweet shops and this can have adverse effects on the consumers’ health.

Background: Undoubtedly proper nutrition has a great role in the prevention of many diseases, especially osteoporosis, and in increasing intellectual and physical efficiency. Considering the importance of nutrition education for school age children, this study was performed to determine the effect of health education based on health belief model on the knowledge, attitude and practice of the second grade middle school girl students in Isfahan regarding osteoporosis preventive nutritional behaviors.Methods: In this quasi-experimental intervention study, 130 students randomized in two experimental (66) and controls (64) groups. Data collected using a standard questionnaire based on health belief model and FFQ questionnaire. The standard questionnaire was completed 3 times (before, immediately and 2 months after education) and FFQ questionnaire was completed 2 times (before and 2 months after education) by students. After pre-test, 4 educational session classes in experimental group were performed. Finally data collected and analyzed by SPSS16 software (T_ test, repeated measure ANOVA).Findings: Demographic variables of studied population in two groups was similar before intervention (P>0.05). Before intervention there was not significant differences between the scores of different structures of this model in two groups (P>0/05). After intervention, there was significant differences in the levels of knowledge, Perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and performance between experimental and control groups (p<0.001).Conclusion: According to the results, the intervention had positive effect on nutritional pattern and it was effective also on improving the knowledge, Attitude and practice of the students in this regard.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the energy and nutritional intakes of female aerobic athletes in two different social- economic classes.Methods: The subjects were 99 female aerobic athletes aged between 15 to 50 years old. The dietary and energy intakes were based on 2 day 24 hours food recall. The demographic details were assessed by anthropometric measurements including height, weight and waste line using a measuring tape and a scale. The collected data were analyzed using the Nutritionist IV and SPSS 18.Findings: The energy intake was 1479.19±561.86 kcal in the high social- economic class and 1300.68±498.354 kcal in the low social- economic class. There was no significant difference between the two areas. (P=0.98) The mean protein intake in the low social- economic class was 17.41%±5.85 and in the high social- economic class 54.48%±6.62.There was no significant difference between the two areas. (P=0/606) The Mean intake of carbohydrate was 61.85%±9.76 in the low social- economic class and 54.48%±6.62 in the high social- economic class that means the carbohydrate intake in the low social- economic class was significantly higher than the high social- economic class. (P<0/001) The mean intake of the fat was 23.88%±8.24 in the low social- economic class and 30.07%±6.68 in the high social- economic class that means the fat intake in the high social- economic class was significantly higher than the low social- economic class. (P<0/001).Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the intake of dietary fat and carbohydrate was significantly different in the two areas. This could be as a result of different food patterns in the two areas.

Background: One of the pollutant components that can be observed in many industrial wastewaters is formaldehyde. The biological treatment of the wastewater contaminated by formaldehyde is very difficult due to its antibacterial property. However the removal of formaldehyde using adsorption process is feasible but it may be expensive. The main purpose of this study is to examine the adsorption of formaldehyde in assistance of a natural adsorbent (human hair). Human hair is cheap and it can be disposed by common methods such as incineration. Also finding of the optimum conditions of this process were taken into account.Methods: In this study, the synthetic wastewater contaminated by formaldehyde in a specified volume and concentration was contacted with human hair for a period of time. The concentration of formaldehyde in the wastewater was measured during the adsorption process using chemical oxygen demand method (COD). Then the optimum values of the parameters such as pH, the temperature and the hydraulic retention time were evaluated by one factor at a time method.Findings: The findings obtained indicated that formaldehyde can be adsorbed on human hair significantly. Also it was revealed that the increase of hydraulic retention time up to 15 hours could increase the formaldehyde removal efficiency, the optimum values of pH was 7 and unexpectedly rising the temperature increased the amount of formaldehyde adsorbed on human hair.Conclusion: The attained results from this research showed that the adsorption of the pollutants by natural and cheap adsorption such as human hair is possible. It was also revealed that formaldehyde can be removed from wastewater with a quite high efficiently using human hair as an adsorbent.

Background: Febrile convulsion is one of the most common problems in children aged 5 months to 6 years. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of educational program on mothers for prevention of febrile seizure in children.Methods: In this clinical trial study, 88 mothers were chosen who were divided in to intervention and control groups, randomly. Data of control and intervention groups was collected in two stages, before intervention and one month after intervention by a validated and reliable questionnaire. The intervention was consisted of three educational sessions each one for 60 minutes. Data were analyzed using chi-square, t-test and paired t-test.Findings: Age average of subjects in intervention group and in control group was 26.75 and 26.84 years, respectively. The results showed significant increase in the knowledge (p<0.001), attitude (p=0.04) and practice (p=0.01) in intervention group one month after intervention compared to those before intervention, while such increase was not seen in control group.Conclusion: This study confirmed the efficiency of educational interventions in improving mother’s knowledge, attitude and practice regarding prevention of febrile seizure in children.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of intensity of low back discomfort with two factors that contribute to low back pain -Ergonomics risk factors and psychosocial factors- most seen in emergency unit nurses.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 120 emergency unit nurses in Isfahan. For daily assessment of psychosocial and Ergonomics factors and intensity of Low back discomfort, questionnaires such as: Job Content, Ergonomics hazards and Nordic questionnaire were used respectively. Nurses were questioned during a 5-week period, at the end of each shift work. Using Spearman, Mann-Whitney and Kolmogorov-Smirnove test, the final results were analyzed with SPSS software18/PASW.Findings: There was significant relationship between work demand, job content, social support and intensity of low back discomfort (P-value<0.05). But there was not any link between intensity of Low Back discomfort and decision latitude. Also there was significant relationship between Intensity of low back discomfort and Ergonomics risk factors.Conclusion: This study showed that intensity of low back discomfort will increase with decreasing social support and increasing work demand, Job Content and Ergonomics factors. So, to decrease work related low back discomfort, psychosocial factors should be attended in addition to Ergonomics factors.

Background: Today with population growing, surface water is one of the most important water resources used for domestic and industrial consumptions. In order to purify the surface water, coagulants materials are used. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility of using poly aluminum chloride (PACl) in water Treatment plant number 1 in Orumia and investigating its health effects.Methods: In this cross- sectional study, samples were taken in spring and then various concentrations of PACl coagulants material were added to the samples by using the jar test device to obtain the most suitable concentration. Also in this experiment the values of pH, turbidity, alkalinity and residual aluminum were measured.Findings: Based on the findings of the experiments the concentration of residual aluminum in the range of 5 to 20 mg/lit coagulant consumption was 0.29 mg/lit and also in the range of 20 to 40 mg/lit coagulant consumption it was 0.5 mg/lit. The efficiency of turbidity removal within less than 100 NTU was approximately 78% to 98% and in the range of over 100 NTU, more than 99%, thus by increasing the turbidity, removal is more effective.Conclusion: According to the required low concentration of PACl and consequently less sludge production, low coagulant consumption and small reduction of pH, PACl application is economical; and also in density of less than 20 mg/lit, the residual aluminum was lower but more residual aluminum was produced in over 20 mg/lit concentration which is inappropriate in terms of its association with Alzheimer’s disease and health issues.

Background: Animal bites considered as one of the issues and problems of public health that potentially has the risk of rabies disease. This study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of animal bite in Aq Qala city during the years1998-2009.Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 13142 cases of animal bite recorded in Aq Qala city rabies treatment center selected by census method were studied. Data collection tool was the information of individuals’ registered office profile that had referred to rabies center of Aq Qala city. Obtained data analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and chi square test.Findings: 13142 cases (72.1% men and 27.9% women) had been registered. Mean age of injured population was 25.0+/- 17.8 and most of them (84%) were rural. Most cases of animal bite were by dogs (97.8%) and occurred in the leg (69.6%). Regarding the occupation, most of the injured populations were students (28.9%). The highest frequencies of bites were in the spring (28.8%). The incidence rate of animal bite was 1/100000 people. The highest and lowest incidence rate was 1678/100000 in 2004 and 1005/100000 in 2009, respectively. There was significant relationship between season and number of bites (P<0.05).Conclusion: The incidence of animal bites in Aq Qala city was higher than other studies in different parts of the country. Considering the high costs of anti-rabies serum and vaccination, necessary measures is essential to reduce the incidence rate of this problem.

Background: Several studies showed that the micronutrient intake of the imposed war veterans is different than the recommended daily adequate (RDA). Consequently, veterans are at risk of malnutrition.Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study. The subjects studied included 106 individuals with over 10% disability in Isfahan city. Data collection was performed by using a public information questionnaire and a two-day dietary recall. The data review was conducted with N4 nutritional software and SPSS10 statistical software. This project examined the average intake of micronutrients and mean anthropometric indices in veterans. Also, the mean intake of micronutrients was compared with RDA; the mean anthropometric indices with the standard values were compared too. The relationship between the amounts of intake of micronutrients with anthropometric indices was also determined.Findings: Intake of some amounts of micronutrients was lower than RDA and some of them was higher than RDA which appears to result from inadequate intake, catching a wide range of diseases and food and drug interactions. Also, according to the findings related to anthropometric indices and body composition in this group, the total amount of fat was more than normal level and determined that regular physical activity plays an important role to promote health is these people.Conclusion: According to the findings of the study we found that the pattern of food intake of veterans should be corrected.

Background: The rate of maternal mortality is higher significantly in Cesarean operation. The main causes of death include: endomiometritis, bleeding, urinary tract infection and tromboembolism. While WHO has set the goal of 15% till year 2010 for cesareans, it rate was 52.4% and 54% for Isfahan province and Khomeinyshahr, respectively in 2008. The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing choice of this type of delivery.Methods: The research was performed as a cross-sectional study among 190 women who had delivery in first quarter of 2008. Data collected by questionnaire and interview and analyzed through t-test, x2, Spearman and Pearson correlation tests.Findings: Mean and standard deviation of knowledge value was 71±2.3 and 62.6±2 in women with normal delivery and cesarean section, respectively (P<0.05). Mean and standard deviation value of attitude among women with normal delivery and cesarean section was 51.5±1 and 45.7±8 respectively (P<0.05). Frequency of effective factors in choosing the type of delivery was different significantly in women with normal delivery and cesarean section.Conclusion: In addition to knowledge and attitudes, other factors also affect the choice of type of delivery such as: the doctor, husband, friends and personal beliefs. Therefore improving the knowledge and attitudes of women regarding cesarean section we could reduce its rate.

Background: Lack of sanitation during storage, transmission, processing and consuming the food can cause early corruption and create economical losses and cause infectious diseases in consumers. In this study, available fruit juices in Ilam shopping centres were investigated in 2010 to identify the presence of Escherichia coli and the coli form number, aerobic bacteria, staphylococcus aurous, mould and yeast in juices in order to provide a better field to control the contaminations.Methods: This research was a descriptive-sectional study. Samples were collected from 30 juice retailers in Ilam city in the first semester of 1389. Each sample was 250ml which was transferred to microbiological lab, in sterilized condition, at 4oC and in less than 6 hours and was examined straight away. Then the data were analyzed using Excel software.Findings: The study findings indicated that about 60% of samples were contaminated by Escherichia coli, 73.33% by coli forms, 46.66% by aerobic bacteria, 73.33% by staphylococcus aurous and 63.33% by yeast. None of the samples had mould.Conclusion: According to the Food Administration, the ready-in-use juices in shops must not have Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus, and the permissive number of coli form, aerobic bacteria, mold and yeast is 102, 5×105, 103 and 104 per ml juice, respectively. The results of the study indicated that the rate contamination in the studied juices were high. Thus exquisite monitoring and control on foodstuff are highly emphasized.

Background: Due to the continuous use and also the individual’s different health conditions that use the service, swimming pools may be a suitable place to transfer different types of diseases. It has always been a serious concern from the health point of view.Methods: In this descriptive study, the sampling was conducted as non- probable purposive. Isfahan Health Center number 1 including 19 health centers with 416 832 inhabitants, manages 19 pools in total. Investigations were conducted in 16 pools on the agenda. The required information was collected using the field method and also the documented information in the health center (physical features and microbial chlorination – years 87 and 88) were reviewed.Findings: 50% of the studied pools were public and 50% private. About 63% were indoor pools and 37% outdoor. The findings indicated that 63% of the total 16 pools have filtration system and the remaining 37% have no water treatment system. The findings also showed that the spatial distribution of the pools in the studied area is not appropriate. Out of the total 19 health centers, 9 health centers do not have any pool in their territory. While these nine centers cover more than 50% of the total territory and have 206, 743 populations.Conclusion: According to the results of this study it appears that a comprehensive review is required to investigate the health and spatial conditions of the pools and to estimate the number of pools required based on the number of people within a health center’s territory in Isfahan. Also providing a complete data bank by using GIS software is needed to assist the researchers.

Compost is a gradual process in nature by which organic materials are decomposed in the presence of air by microorganisms and fungi. The product is a valuable fertilizer that is used in different places even in home little gardens, so that it has signed as an unnoticed asset. With due attention to the importance of compost, its guidelines and standards should be evaluated. It is pointed and compared, in this assay to standards and permitted limit of element concentrations in compost.Permitted extent and different standards are presented in different tables. It is important to consider the standards for quality control of the final product in compost production process. Meantime, the product adverse effects on environment, food cycle and so on are prevented.