Payesh
Year:2008 | Volume:7 | Issue:1|Papers Count:12

Objective(s): To study the association between the frequency of meals and the levels of non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factors. Methods: The sample comprised 592 people (275 men, 317 women) aged 19-50 years, selected randomly from the pool of participants in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Eating patterns were assessed and the number of meals in a day recorded using two-day 24-hour recall questionnaires. We divided the sample into four subgroups: Group 1 comprised subjects taking less than 6 meals per day. Group 2 included those taking 6-7 meals per day, the third had 8-9 meals per day, and Group 4 took more than 9 meals per day. Blood lipids were measured after 12-14 hours of fasting; anthropometric indices and blood pressure were also recorded. Results: The four groups were composed of 190, 135, 185, and 82 individuals respectively. The risk of having high total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol was found to decrease with greater meal frequency. No significant difference was observed in the intake of macronutrients. The intake of fibers was greater in the fourth group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The study shows that increasing meal frequency may decrease the risk of NCDs. Considering the high prevalence of these disorders, changes in eating habits seem necessary.

Objective(s): To investigate the relationship between the presences of risk factors for non-communicable diseases and occupation and marital status in Tehran women. Methods: The sample was composed of 566 working women (216 single, 350 married) and 561 age-matched non-working subjects (151 single, 410 married), selected randomly from among 15005 participants in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic information. In addition, we recorded height, weight, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and waist to hip ratio (WHR). Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were measured and oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) performed. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were calculated using the Friedwald formula. We used Student's t test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare working and non-working women. Variables entered in the model included occupation, marital status, and education. Results: The mean ± SD age in single and married subjects in the working group was 34.3±8.4 and 34.7±9.0 years, respectively. The same values for single and married subjects in the non-working group were 34.4±8.0 and 35.0±9.0 years. There were significant associations between marital status and the prevalence of all non-communicable disease risk factors (P<0.01). We also detected higher waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure in non-working women compared to those who had a job.Conclusion: The data show higher levels of some non-communicable disease risk factors in non-working as compared to working women. All non-communicable disease risk factors were higher among married subjects.

Objective(s): To study the prevalence of Stereotypic Movements (SM) in children. Methods: Using a multistage sampling method, we selected 300 children from 13 day care centers and primary schools in Urmia (Western Azerbaijan Province). Data collection involved parent interviews in the presence of the children. Results: Three hundreds children (167 boys and 133 girls) were included in the study. Nearly 50% (149 out of 300) had one type of SM. The prevalence of different type of stereotypic movements were as follows: bruxism 16%, head banging 13%, hair pulling 8%, nail biting 7% and thumb sucking 6%; each of the affected subjects had only one type of SM .There were not any significant relationships between sex and various SM varieties- except for head banging, which was more common in boys (P<0.001). There were no significant associations between parents’ education or occupation and the presence of any type of SM (P> 0.05).Conclusion: The prevalence of Stereotypic Movements is high in children. To confirm the findings more comprehensive studies are recommended.

Objective(s): To measure Body Mass Index (BMI) in Afghan immigrant children in 2005. Methods: In this survey we selected 606 Afghan children aged 6-14 years and measured their weights and heights. After calculating body mass index (BMI), we categorized the subjects as underweight, normal, or obese. Results: This study showed that 97 cases (16%) had low weight, 429 (81.2%) fell within the normal range and 17 (2.8%) were over-weight. Low weight was more common in girls than in boys (15.2% vs. 16.9%) but the difference was not statistically significant. Also, the prevalence of low weight was greater in children born in Iran (17.3%) than in those born in Afghanistan (15.2%). Children with birth ranks of  ³3 were more likely to have low weight in comparison to first- and second-born subjects (17% vs. 15.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In light of the high prevalence of malnutrition in Afghan immigrant children, interventional and educational programs are needed to improve health and nutrition status in Afghan immigrants.

Objective(s): To determine and compare the risk of preeclampsia in planned versus unplanned pregnancies in Tehran, Iran. Methods: We studied 1800 pregnant women attending the urban and rural health centers of Shahr-e-Rey in Tehran for their routine prenatal care. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: Group A consisted of women with planned pregnancy and group B included women with unplanned pregnancy. Inclusion criteria were: gestational age less than 28 weeks at the time of entering the study and consent to take part in the research. Both groups were followed through their prenatal care and up to their delivery. The occurrence of preeclampsia was ascertained by the presence symptoms (hypertension and edema) in the prenatal visits. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg measured on 2 separate occasions, at least 6 hours apart. Results: There were 23 cases of preeclampsia in Group A (2.5%) and 37 cases in Group B (4%). The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P =0.066, Odds ratio=1.635, 95% CI =0.96-2.77). In multiple logistic regression analysis, there was no significant relationship between unplanned pregnancy and preeclampsia (P-value=0.081, Odds ratio=1.603, 95% CI = 0.943-2.724). Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between unplanned pregnancy and preeclampsia. As there is not enough evidence in the literature to support this finding, larger studies are recommended to evaluate the relationship between unplanned pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Objective(s): The present study was aimed to design a knowledge transfer model that would provide a conceptual framework for linking the different components of a knowledge translation cycle. Such a theoretical model will enable us to organize and evaluate the current situation and design further studies on the transfer of research generated knowledge. Methods: This research, performed in 2006-7 in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, utilized two distinct methodologies: the first part was a narrative review with the goal of identifying the existing knowledge transfer models; the second part included focus group discussions to find out the views and opinions of researchers and decision-makers concerning the factors that promote or hinder knowledge translation within the health system. Results: The two studies have provided the input for designing a “Knowledge Translation Cycle” with five domains: Knowledge Creation, Knowledge Transfer, Research Utilization, Question Transfer, and the Context of University. Within each domain, the model includes two components (with the exception of the university context). Conclusion: This model offers a theoretical basis for identifying the basic requirements and the linking mechanisms for the translation of knowledge.

Objective: To assess the validity of diagnoses obtained with the Iranian version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Methods: This study was undertaken in two stages: (a) translation of SCID-I into Persian (Iranian language), (b) assessing the validity of the Persian version in a sample of Iranian patients. We recruited 299 psychiatric patients- including inpatients and ambulatory cases- from 3 teaching hospitals. A trained SCID interviewer administered the SCID and then two psychiatrists developed a consensus diagnosis, using data from multiple sources. Results: The degree of agreement between SCID interviews and psychiatrists' diagnosis ranged from "moderate" for obsessive-compulsive and major depressive disorders to "good" for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. With the psychiatrists’ diagnosis used as the gold standard, the SCID-based diagnosis showed high specificity and moderate to high sensitivity for most psychiatric diseases.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the Iranian version of the SCID is a valid instrument for diagnosis in clinical settings.

Objective(s): To determine the level of dental health services utilization by HIV-positive patients. Methods: In this study we used a proportional random sampling method to select 230 HIV-positive patients from three HIV counseling centers. An anonymous questionnaire was completed for each patient. Results: The total demand for dental services was 165. The rate of demand was 47.9% and the rate of utilization was estimated 75.9%. Most patients (56%) did not have insurance. Only 60% of these individuals notified the health workers of their HIV status. The most common reason for not demanding services was high cost, and the most common reason of non-utilization was the refusal by health workers to provide services. The main reason for not reporting the HIV-positive status was fear of rejection by the dentist. Conclusion: Inadequate insurance coverage and poverty might result in decreased access to dental health in HIV-positive individuals. In addition there is need to improve knowledge of HIV in dentists and change their attitudes and practices in order to increase utilization of dental services by HIV-positive patients.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and its relationship with reproductive variables in married women in urban areas of Kohgilouyeh–Boyerahmad Province. Methods: This cross-sectional study covered urban areas of Kohgilouyeh–Boyerahmad Province. Using a quota sampling method, an ad hoc questionnaire containing items on demographic and reproductive variables, was administered to women attending primary health care delivery centers. Sexual dysfunctions were defined by the DSM-IV criteria. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 1540 married women residing in urban areas were studied. The mean age of the respondents was 33.2 (SD=9.4) years and most were housewives (%84.5). The self–reported frequencies of different FSDs were as follows: loss of desire (%35.1), dyspareunia (%34.9), anorgasmia (%34.5) and loss of arousal (%31.6). Binary logistic regression analysis showed the following risk factors for various FSDs: loss of desire: "age" [46 ³y: OR=3.07(1.58-5.99)], "pelvic surgery" [Cesarean Section: OR=1.57(1.13-2.18)]. loss of arousal: "age" [36-45y: OR=2.20(1.27-3.79)], "contraceptive method" [depoprovera/ norplant/withdrawal: OR=1.81(1.15-2.85)] anorgasmia: "age at marriage" [7-15y: OR=2.93(1.33-6.42)], "contraceptive method" [depoprovera/ norplant/withdrawal: OR=1.62(1.06-2.49)] dyspareunia: "age" [31-35y: OR=0.48(0.29-0.77)], "education" [high school: OR=1.84(1.10-3.07)], "contraceptive method" [condom: OR = 1.80 (1.02-3.18)].Conclusion: The findings indicate that FSD is prevalent in the study population. The effects of demographic and reproductive variables should be considered in management of these disorders.

Objective: To assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in women who had suffered spinal cord injuries in the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). Methods: A total of 35 female patients who had suffered spinal cord injury (SCI) in the war were entered into the study. Patients who gave their consent to participate in the study were asked to complete The Short Form of Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Results: The study achieved a response rate of 60% (21/35). The mean age of participants was 41.95 (SD=12.9) years (ranging from 17 to 62 years): 57.7% of the subjects were single and 28.6% were married. Compared to the normal population, quality of life was significantly lower in all subscales (p<0.05) studied except for Vitality (VI) and Role Functioning (RP). Conclusion: The study showed that spinal cord injury was associated with a significant decline in quality of life.