Journal of Health System Research
Year:2010 | Volume:6 | Issue:1|Papers Count:22

Background: The Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents has increased dramatically in the last decades in industrialized and non industrialized countries. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among high school girls in Isfahan.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Isfahan.384 high school girls were selected with cluster-random sampling. Anthropometric measurements including weight and height were taken by a single person. Data were analyzed to determine underweight, overweight and obesity rates, using the NHANES1 reference data for body mass index (BMI) for age.Findings: Higher rates for underweight were observed in 18 years girls (14.1%) and higher rates for overweight and obesity were observed in 14 years girls (25%). The overall prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among Isfahan high school girls were 7.03%, 9.1% and 1.03% respectively.Conclusion: Compared to most other cities in our country, the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were lower in Isfahan girls aged 14-18 years.

Background: Nowadays, cesarean section rate is increasing in our country and throughout the world. This is while the cesarean section is one of the major surgical procedures which carry serious and rarely fetal risk for mother and child. This study was conducted to determine the effects of health education to husbands of pregnant women in reducing elective cesarean section.Methods: This study was a trial study in which 88 pregnant women between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy who referred to the private clinics in Isfahan were randomly assigned into case and control groups. The husbands of the women within case group were educated about cesarean and vaginal delivery. At the beginning of study and four weeks after educational intervention, the knowledge and attitude of three groups (cases, controls, husbands of case group) were determined. The type of delivery was determined by phone call.Findings: Educational intervention on husbands caused a significant increase in the knowledge and a positive attitude in mothers within case group towards vaginal delivery. Elective cesarean section in case group was significantly lower than that of the control group (29.5% vs.50%, P<0.05).Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that husbands’ education can effectively increase the knowledge and improve the attitude of their wives, and reduce the rate of elective cesarean section.

Background: The higher prevalence rate of influenza A among adolescence emphasizes the importance of preventative strategies among this age group of population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive behaviors of high school students regarding type A influenza, in Shahrekord, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, high school students were enrolled. Preventive behaviors of influenza A was evaluated by components of The Health Belief Model (HBM), using a questionnaire which reliability were verified through a pilot study (alpha score of 0.8).Findings: 313 (163 boys and 148 girls) high school students were studied. Mean age of students was 16.31 years. Knowledge, perceived severity and perceived barriers were in the modest level among the students. The highest scores were related to perceived sensitivity (75.4%) and perceived benefit (55.6%). Mass media was the main source of their information regarding influenza A.Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study and the relation between HBM components and the preventive behaviors of students, it seems that using HBM could be useful in improving preventive behaviors of influenza A among the studied population.

Background: Workers in different jobs exposed to noise. Chronic exposure to noise can cause hearing loss and sleep disturbance. Excessive noise exposure may lead to increased blood pressure, reduced job performance and high rates of absenteeism.Methods: In this cross-sectional study noise exposure was measured by SEL 440 sound level meters with the method of ISO 1996. Blood pressure in case and control groups was measured in workplace, in the standard condition, and during physical examination. Data were analyzed by t-test and Pearson correlation with the significant level of 0.01.Findings: Mean level of noise was 95.21±2.56 (90-107). There was difference between mean level of noise and the standard one (ACGIH 2009) (P<0.01).28.8% and 50.1% of workers had normal and high diastolic blood pressure, respectively and reminder (21.1 %) were in intermediate range. Mean systolic blood pressure was different in two studied groups (P<0.01). Mean diastolic blood pressure was not different in two studied groups (P>0.05). There was a positive and weak correlation between noise and systolic blood pressure (r=0.28, P<0.006).Conclusion: Prolonged exposure to industrial noise is associated with high blood pressure as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. This study warrants the necessity of occupational training for workers regarding the effects of noise exposure and preventing its related adverse effects and detecting and managing of blood pressure in workers and considering special care for those with history of hypertension.

Background: The consumption of aquatic nutrition sources, especially fishes, as a partial supply of protein has increased for ever-increasing demand of protein. In accordance with such an ever-increasing demand and bioaccumulation of toxic compounds, the safety control of mentioned foods, regarding the toxic level of heavy metals, become an important issue.Methods: In this study the concentration of toxic trace elements, lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and mercury (Hg) were measured in 105 samples of fishes including Lutjans Coccineus and Tigeratooh Croaker (from Persian Gulf) and Cyprinus carpio (from artificial cultured pounds) were measure. The concentration of toxic trace elements were determined using Atomic Absorption method and Hg was measured using Neutron Activation Analysis.Findings: Mean concentration of Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni and Hg in Lutjans Coccineus species of fish tissue were 0.44, 0.03, 0.06, 0.32 and 0.22, respectively. Mean concentration of Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni and Hg Tigeratooh Croaker were 0.48, 0.06, 0.06, 0.28 and 0.42, respectively. Mean concentration of Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni and Hg Cyprinus carpio were0.48, 0.07, 0.05, 0.30 and 0.22.Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that the mean concentration of toxic heavy metals in fishes did not exceed the WHO standards level. The exceeded level of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni regarding to the WHO standard limits were presented in.

Background: Guinea pigs are herbivores (strict vegetarians) and have a similar digestive tract to horses, rabbits and chinchillas. Intestinal flora in their digestive tract is specialized in order to help breakdown and digest plant materials. Knowledge of the intestinal flora of this animal is important both from a public health stand point and for use guinea pigs as a model of infectious disease. In this survey, Enterobacteriaceae family role in digestive tract of guinea pigs has been identified in wild Guinea pigs fecal pellets that they live around Karakas Mountain camping.Methods: Two groups of Guinea pigs from the upper (group 1) and lower (group 2) areas of the climbers’ camp were selected. The bacterial flora of the pigs regarding the presence of Enterobacteriaceae in fecal pellets was determined by bacteriology methods.Findings: Salmonella was not isolated from none of the mentioned groups. Escherichia coli was not observed from the fecal pellets samples of group 1. In the 2nd group, E. coli was isolated from around 12% of fecal samples in the first stage and reduced to 4% in the second stage of the experiment.Conclusion: In spite of the fact that most of the gastrointestinal tract bacteria were transmitted through infected food and water, the results of this study indicated that climbers considered as the main source of Escherichia coli for Guinea pigs and their fecal pelts contain this bacteria for temporary period of time.

Background: Students spend at least 20% of their time in schools. Training and development of their personality depends on appropriate educational methods, physical ideal space, and favorable mental environment. Students are considered as the human main resources of any society and dealing with their health and promoting educational environment health is a sort of investment for future.Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 77 schools in Isfahan were selected by regular randomized method. Data was collected using environment health inquiry form for school environments by public health specialists during 3 months. The form was consisted of two parts: the first part included common school specifications and the second part involved items dealing with desirability various parts of schools. The specialist reports the environment health status of the schools trough evaluating the schools and interviewing with the principals. Data was performed for different districts of Isfahan city.Findings: 76.6% of schools and 80.5% of classrooms were in desired conditions and complied with the standards. The standards for building and classrooms, there was no significant difference between various districts. Hygiene services (water closets and basin) and drinking water were at desired level and there was no significant difference between various districts in this regard, however the district 1 was in undesired condition. Regarding gathering and disposing of rubbish and trashes, 79% of schools were in desired condition and 49% of them had hygienic tuck-shops according to standards, but there was no significant difference between various districts.Conclusion: It seems that the status of environment health is at desired level in public primary schools of Isfahan city, but the health of tuck-shops should be improved in schools. The authorities of Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health should pay more attention and interest in this regard and dedicate proper budgets to solve health problems.

Background: Pay attention to university student’s cultural and educational activities and educating them to fill their leisure time properly is an important issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate their leisure time activities.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 238 students of School of Health (79.4 percent girls and 20.6 percent boys) selected by random systematic method were enrolled. Information regarding their leisure’s time activities, demographic characteristics, welfare and educational requirements were recorded using a self administered questionnaire. Obtained data analyzed using SPSS software.Findings: From studied students, 60.1% were not native, 88.1% used dormitory and 84.9% were single. Mean of the students’ leisure time was 6.4±3.2 hours/day.31.2% did not participate in the religious–cultural programs and 12.1% always were participated in these activities. Use of library had higher priority. Students’ need for a one day camps, athletic and recreational programs, Quran education and film presentation have considered as their necessities. High percentages of students were unaware of the most welfare services such as educational loans and psychological consultation. Training priority needs of students included literature search methods, appropriate use of computer, professors guide role in solving their educational problems and skills necessary for proper management of their leisure time.Conclusion: Proper planning for fill the leisure time consider as a priority for students. On the other hand, considering that most of them were single and spent most of their times in university and dormitory, university officials need careful planning to fill the students leisure time. Considering the needs of most students such as complete libraries, one-day camps, sports programs, the occasion of various events during the year and teaching the Holy Quran is very important.

Background: Unsuitable workplace conditions make problems for workers and have some adverse effects on their health and the quality of production. Recognizing and reducing risk factors related to the work pressure will improve their occupational health and prevent related economic losses of workers. The purpose of this study was to determine workstations status regarding underlying human, occupational and environmental factors responsible for occupational accidents using Finnish questionnaire.Methods: In this cross sectional study, 118 workers from all workstations of a metal industries company in Isfahan were enrolled. The workstations were evaluated using the Finnish questionnaire which was completed by direct observation and interview. Environmental condition, lighting, noise, and heat stress was measured by means of related instruments.Findings: In 84.7% of workstations, the standard working environment conditions had not been considered. In 13.6% and 15.3%, the method of physical activity and lifting was inappropriate, respectively. In 5.1% of cases, body posture during hard work and the pressure load on arms was inappropriate. In 23.7% of cases, the risk of accident was high. In 52.2% of cases, the worker had limited communication due to work condition. In 89.8% of cases, there was no problem in decision making. Work was repetitive in 33.1% of cases. Lighting was lower than standards in 44% of cases (P<0.05). The WBGT was 29oC. Heat exposure time was lower than standard and there was no heat stress (P<0.05). Noise was higher than standards in 20% of cases.Conclusion: Inappropriate workplace makes problems for implementing the work duties of employees, their health and the quality of companies’ products. Workstation’s conditions, environmental conditions, and posture at work are the underlying factors for occupational accidents and diseases. The results can be used by other metal industry companies to provide an appropriate workplace which would improve the occupational health of workers.

Background: Directly or indirectly more than half of childhood mortalities may be related to malnutrition. According to UNICEF announcement, the partial importance of underlying malnutrition causes should be widely identified in households, populations and countries and for more consideration of malnutrition causes, a completely local or regional approach is needed rather than national or international solutions. In this study, the association between parents’ education level and children meals intake status with their weight and height was determined.Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 235 preschool children participated in preschool health screening plan in Khomein, Iran, were selected by systematic randomized sampling in city and clustering method in villages. Information about parents’ education level and children meals intake status was taken by questionnaire.Findings: 58% of children had inappropriate meals intake, which was not different in sex groups and urban and rural areas (P=0.568, P=0.221). The mean value of weight and height in children whom parents had higher educational level, were higher significantly than those with lower educational level (r= 0.29 for height, r=0.31 for weight, for mothers, P<0.01). The mean value of weight and height in children with better meal pattern were significantly higher than those with inappropriate meal pattern (P< 0.001). Weight to height ratio (WHR) in children with high educated parents was higher than those with low educated parents (r=0.28, for mother education and r=0.27, for father education, P<0.01).Conclusion: It seems that a serious revision in preschool age group nutritional program and presenting proper nutritional patterns is essential for this group of children. Health care providers and education sectors in our country should design and implement educational programs related to children’s health for families, especially for mothers.

Background: Adolescent girls who are "mother to be", and this period is a golden time for nutritional knowledge promotion that is possible as an approach to dietary patterns modification. This study with aim of the effect of Nutritional education on Knowledge, attitude was introduced.Methods: In this study 315 adolescent girls in nine schools of different districts of Isfahan were categorized to two case and control groups. Before First step of education and ten days of the second step, information about knowledge and attitude were collected by questionnaire education was performed as oral presentation, notes and pamphlet during 2 hours for 2 times with10 days interval. Control group didn’t receive any interventional education.Data were analyzed with SPSS16.Findings: Our findings showed that before education, case and control groups didn’t show significant difference. But after that knowledge score was significantly higher (P<0.0001), attitude didn’t have significantly change in two groups.Conclusion: Knowledge education with appropriate efficiency is accounted as important factor for nutritional knowledge promotion.This study showed that we can promote nutritional knowledge of adolescents by designing attractive educational programs. If programs matched with nutritional needs during adolescents and presented by good technology, its effectiveness is obvious not only on their knowledge, but also in dietary behavior modification.

Background: Increasing rate of cesarean and its related higher rate of short term and long term complications comparing with normal delivery, made it as an important public health issue. The goal of this research was to study the prevalence and the causes of cesarean in order to plan appropriate strategies to reduce its unnecessary cases in our community.Methods: 360 women among all of the women who had delivered in four governmental and four private hospitals in Isfahan (in one year period) were chosen accidentally. The related check list was completed according to the recorded data of the hospital files of patientsFindings: 73.6% of the mothers experienced cesarean and 26.4% had normal delivery. Cesarean delivery to normal vaginal delivery ratio was 2.8/1. Most cesarean cases were among mothers who delivered their first babies and those were in 25-29 years old age group. The rate of cesarean was higher in private hospitals. The most common reasons for cesarean were previous cesarean, hard delivery, breech position, elective cesarean and fetal distress.Conclusion: Considering the high rate of cesarean in the chosen hospitals in Isfahan (73.6%) and comparing it with the average rate in the whole Isfahan state (59.5%), planning to reduce the high rate of this procedure is necessary. The goal could be achieved by improve the awareness of women and their husbands as well, about delivery methods. It is suggested that the education would be more effective if it implemented in women delivering their first babies.

Background: Suicide and attempted suicide are mental complex phenomena which directly effected by personal and environmental factors. Since recognition of the risk factors for suicide and attempted suicide is very important, the aim of the present study is to recognize some of the most important risk factors of these two phenomena and their direction of function within Ilam province.Methods: The present study uses confirmed suicide and attempted suicide data during 1995 to 2002, which have been gathered by the systematic registry within Ilam province. All suicide and attempted suicide cases occurred within the province have been recorded in this registry taking into account their demographic characteristics including age, sex, marital status and the method of suicide plus place and time of incident.Findings: The results show that suicide in spring and using methods such as hanging, firearm and selfimmolation significantly increase, whilst to be married, to be in age group 40-49 years and using methods such as poisoning and overdose significantly decrease the likelihood of committing suicide in comparison to committing attempted suicide.Conclusion: Health and Medical centers within Ilam province in order to decrease the suicide rate should focus on primary prevention of especially those suicide cases that occur in singles, within spring and apply lethal methods such as hanging, firearm and self-immolation.

Background: The Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents has increased dramatically in the last decades in industrialized and no industrialized countries. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in Isfahan high school girls.Methods: Cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted in Isfahan city in 2006.384 high school girls were selected with cluster– random sampling. Anthropometric measurements including weight and height were taken by a single person. Data were analyzed to determine underweight, overweight and obesity rats, using the NHANES1 reference data for BMI for age.Findings: Higher rates for underweight were observed in 18 years girls (14.1%) and higher rates for underweight were observed in 14 years girls (25%). The overall prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among Isfahan high school girls were 7.03%, 9.1% and 1.03% respectivly.Conclusion: Compared to most other cities in our country, the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity are lower in Isfahan girls aged 14-18 years.

Background: Universities are the origin of society revolution and main component of the universities and society’s organization. Student perspective about factors (such as sex, age and field of study) in relation with future career is an effective component in their enthusiasm, and should be investigated. This research aims to determine the attitude of health students towards their field of study and own future career in health faculty of Isfahan university of medical sciences in 2008.Methods: In this descriptive cross– sectional study, 318 health students studying in four fields: public health. Environmental health, occupational health and nutrition were selected randomly. The information was gathered through a researcher– made questionnaire including 44 questions about the prospects of health as regards earning, social and qualitative aspects, individual’s concern about job security, personal and family welfare, Self satisfaction and the pivotal problem. The data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and analytical statistics.Findings: The mean score of the health students attitude toward their field of study was (61.25±7.008). The mean score of the health students attitude towards their future career was (62.54±10.36). The results showed 87.4 percent the positive attitudes towards their future career. and 95.6 percent the positive attitudes towards their field of study. No significant difference was observed between age and mean of diploma score. There was a significant relation ship between students’ attitude and field of study and attitude towards their field of study. Personal interests, serving society, social status of health and society’s belief on the importance of health were the most important factors positive attitude about future career of health students.Conclusion: Most of the students had good perspective towards their own future career.and field of study proper distribution of human resources, providing financial support of employment, establishing counselling and supporting centers for students is recommended to improve their attitudes.

Background: Aging phenomena needs suitable life-time situation. According to WHO report, the number of 70 years old people has reached 585 million troops in 2001; 9% of total world population. Because of the problems in care, maintenance and health livelihood improvement will be necessary in this age group, especially those about oral health. The aim of this study was to investigate the dental health needs in elderly group.Methods: Through a cross-sectional study, 77 elderly people as residents and 74 non-residents, in elderly home were examined clinically and interviewed by questionnaire. Dentostomatic problems, dental care need, edentulism and prosthetic tooth was variables of study. Results have been studied and data were analyzed by chi-square test with SPSS software.Findings: According to the results, there were statistically significant differences between variable of treatment tendency (P=0.0001), treatment need dental caries (P=0.049), edentulous status (P=0.009), prosthetic complete full denture (P=0.0001), dental knowledge (P=0.0001), use of tooth brush and paste (P=0.0001) and daily interval times of tooth brushing, but no difference between oro-dental problems in two groups.Conclusion: According to the results both elderly home residents and non-residents need attention to their oro-dental health situation, which should be done through the promotion of dental health care.

Background: Hand– Arm Vibration (HAV) is a kind of local vibration which affects upper extremities. Statistics information reveled the prevalence of vascular and neural disorders among large angle grinder users. The major aim of the study was to evaluate anti- vibration handle’s effect on HAVS.Methods: 12 large grinder’s operators from one of the metal processing industries of Isfahan participated in the study. Medical variations were consisting of numbness, tingling, bleaching, weakness, itching, coldness, pain, cyanosis and redness. Measuring of vibration performed in 3 axes and according to vibration to international standard ISO 5349–2001. In order to damp vibration, an anti vibration handle was designed and made, based on spring damper’s low. All data collected from the survey was analyzed with statistical package for Social Sciences version 10, (SPSS 10).Findings: Result of MCNemar test indicated a significant reduction in vascular and sensory neural symptoms. In addition to this, when using of anti vibration handle the transmitted vibration acceleration to hand, were reduced in x, y and z axis by 49 percent, 41 percent and 47 percent respectively. It was interesting that using anti vibration handle, the rms acceleration of vibration attenuated to under action level 2.8 m/s2.Conclusion: Findings of the study revealed that making use of the anti vibration handle could help to prevent incidence of vascular and sensory– neural symptoms. Also, whenever the vibration acceleration attenuates to less than 2 m/s2 we could expect reduction in incidence of HAVS.

Background: IUD is the most trustable, effective, revocable and a long-term method of birth control. The periodical study on causes of discontinuation is important for family planning programs. This survey was designed to define the causes of discontinuation in women referring to Lenjan city health care centers.Methods: IUD is the most trustable, effective, revocable and a long-term method of birth control. The periodical study on causes of discontinuation is important for family planning programs. This survey was designed to define the causes of discontinuation in women referring to Lenjan city health care centers.Findings: The results showed that 71.3% of discontinuation of IUD in women was voluntarily, 28.7% was spontaneously expel, bleeding (38%), willingness to pregnancy (14.7%) and infection (10%), respectively. Pain, change of methods, unwanted pregnancies, physician counseling, disagreement of husband and death (8.8%) were the other causes of discontinuation.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that besides exact delibration, correct educational family planning programs, and repeated IUD control is necessary to improve birth control programs.

Physicians are at risk for exposure to infectious agents from a variety of sources throughout their workday. Their impact cannot be underestimated, but it remains clear that with simple infection control procedures and universal precautions such as the use of gloves, masks, and frequent hand washing, dermatologists can protect themselves from most of these risks. The use of thoughtful surgical technique, and practice of laser safety techniques such as the use of an evacuator, are simple to apply and are high yield in terms of peace of mind and decreasing infectious risks. Preventive strategies provide dermatologists with the safest working environment to care effectively and efficiently for all of their patients.

Conflicts of interest which usually emerge in two dimensions i.e. financial and non-financial, might lead authors, editors, editorial board and peers deviate from honest reporting the results of the research projects. If this happen, the health of people might be in danger. Therefore, the best possible way to confront this phenomenon is to recognize and to disclose it as soon as possible. The aim of the present review article is to familiarize the Iranian scientists within the health domain with this phenomenon and the ways to overcome it.