ABSTRACT
Introduction: Leisure activities are common among the elderly, however the effect of such activities on their mental health is poorly defined and not underpinned by strong evidence. This study aims to determine the prevalence of leisure activities and its relation to mental health in the elderly
Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted and 400 community dwelling older adults 60 years and more with appropriate cognitive function [Abbreviated Mental Test score 7 and more], were recruited through multi-stage stratified cluster sampling in Tehran, Iran. Data was gathered by demographic questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire [GHQ]. The primary outcomes to measure were the prevalence of leisure activities, and GHQ score in subgroups. Data were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, ANOVA, independent t-test and multiple linear regressions
Results: Of participants 62% were in their 7th decade [60-74 years], 56% [224] were female with mean age of 66.98 +/- 8.22 , and 44% [176] male with mean age of 66.98 +/- 8.22. GHQ scores showed 65% of participants had good mental health [0-23] and 35% had mental health problems [24 and more]. Mean of GHQ score in participants [n = 377] was 21.8 +/- 11.37 [0-28]. watching television [77%], reading books [ 40.3%], walking [31.5%] and taking trip [36%] were more interesting leisure activities among older adults .Women, single, unemployed, alone and illiterate older adults had statistically significant[p
Conclusion: Encouraging older adults to participation in active leisure activities would be an effective intervention in mental health improvement. On the other hand understanding of relationship between type of leisure activities and mental health, provides evidence for policy makers and health care planners to offer and facilitate a context in which older adults can improve participation in active leisure activitie
ABSTRACT
Background: Febrile seizures are the most common seizure disorder in children and have a good prognosis. Many theories about the role of neurotransmitters and trace elements in serum and cerebrospinal fluid are introduced as the pathogenesis of febrile seizures. Among these elements, the element can be noted. The purpose of this study to comparison of serum zinc in children younger than 5 years old with febrile convulsion, children with seizures without febrile and normal children. Methods: In this study, 180 children were studied in three groups. 60 children with seizures without fever and 60 children with febrile convulsions admitted to hospital and 60 healthy children without a history of seizures. Afzalipour who were referred to health centers in the city of Kerman. Serum zinc levels in all three groups were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The mean serum zinc levels in children with febrile seizures in this investigation was 48.4 μg/dl, compared with the other two tense children without fever (64.61 μg/dl) and healthy children (67.33 μg/dl) was significantly lower. Conclusion: Results of this study showed reduced serum zinc levels during febrile seizure. The need for continued research on surface tension in febrile children over several months is recommended.