Iron supplementation consumption in high school students: a cross- sectional study

Background: Girls are one of the high risk groups for iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation program is a preventive strategy for female students in high schools in Iran. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of iron supplements consumption among high school students in the southeast of Iran

Methods: A quantitative study was conducted in Zahedan [the capital of Sistan and Balochestan province] in the southeast of Iran in 2015. The sample size was 400 high school students from different areas of Zahedan who were randomly selected. A standard questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software through descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA and Chi-square

Results: In total, 68.2% of the students did not administer any tablets whether regularly or irregularly during the past 16 weeks. About 41 third grade students did not take any tablets in 16 weeks. There were a statistically significant correlation between lack of taking tablet and their grade point average of the last year [P=0.003, F=1.078]; also, it had a significant association with school grade of students [P=0.009]

Conclusion: Most of the students did not use iron supplementation in Zahedan high schools. Measures should be taken to increase the culture of consuming iron tablets by providing appropriate environmental conditions; it seems that iron supplementation programs will have positive impacts on the students

A Survey of iron Supplementation Consumption and its Related Factors in High School Students in Southeast Iran, 2015

Background: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of iron supplement consumption and its associated factors among high school students in Iran. Methods: A mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) study was conducted in Zahedan, southeast Iran, in 2015. The sample comprised 400 high school students from different areas of Zahedan who were randomly selected. A standard questionnaire and semi-structured interview were used to collect data in the quantitative and qualitative phases, respectively. The data were analysed using SPSS software with one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s chi square. Additionally, content analysis was used for the qualitative analysis. Results: In total, 38.2% of the students had not consumed iron supplements in the past 16 weeks, and students in third grade had the highest non-consumption rate (P=0.006). There was a significant positive relationship between iron tablet consumption and grade point average in the last year (P = 0.003). Digestive problems, influence of family and friends, students’ reluctance, and poor environmental situations were the most important factors related to students’ refusal to take tablets. Conclusions: Most students did not take or irregularly consumed iron supplements. Based on the digestive problems of the students, improving the taste and quality of iron tablets is recommended

comparison between video tape and live demonstration methods for teaching of fissure sealant placement procedures for dental students of Zahedan university of Medical sciences in 2010-2011

Teaching of clinical skills is one of the most important aspects in training medical students. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of videotaped and live demonstrations for applying fissure sealant on permanent molar teeth at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences [2010-2011]. Thirty 8th-semester dental students were randomly assigned in two groups [n = 15]. In group 1, fissure sealant placement was taught using live demonstration; while, in group 2, education was performed by videotaped demonstration. Then, each student applied fissure sealant on the patient's permanent molar tooth. The procedure of fissure sealant placement was assessed and scored by a pedodontist. The students were subsequently asked to rate how helpful the videotape or live demonstration had been. The data were analyzed using T-test and Chi-square test. The mean students' scores for videotaped and live demonstration were 16.5 and 16.53, respectively. There was no significant difference between the teaching methods according to students' scores [P>0.05]. 33% of students rated videotaped demonstration as [good] for its helpfulness and 66% as [very good]. However, live demonstration was rated as [good] and [very good] by 66% and 33% of students, respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups [P>0.05]. Both teaching methods were equally effective. Therefore, videotaped demonstration can be used in combination with live demonstration or as an alternative for it

Investigation of the impact of HBM-based training on BSE in women referred to health centers in Zahedan in 2010-2011

Women of all ages are at risk for developing breast cancer. More than 90% of patients can be treated if diagnosed early. However, most women do not perform a regular BSE [Breast Self-Examination], which is an effective and inexpensive way to prevent considerable cancer-related death and morbidity. This study was performed to investigate the impact of Health Belief Model [HBM]- based training on BSE behavior. The study involved a controlled intervention performed with 200 women referred to health centers in Zahedan; 100 women were included in the intervention group and 100 other women in the control group. Before undertaking intervention training, a questionnaire designed according to HBM principles was completed by the subjects. The intervention training was then carried out with the intervention group using a lecture, question and answer sessions, and a film. Two months after the intervention, the questionnaire was readministered. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software, an independent t-test, a paired t-test, and a chi-square analysis; P < 0.05 was considered significant. The independent t-test showed that before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in mean knowledge scores or HBM parameters among the control and intervention groups [P > 0.05]. However, a significant difference was found after the intervention as the mean knowledge score increased and the HBM parameters differed in the intervention group [P < 0.05]. A paired t-test showed that the mean differences in knowledge scores and HBM parameters before and after the intervention were statistically significant [P < 0.05], but no significant before and after differences were identified among the control group [P > 0.05]. Before the study, the percentage of women who regularly performed a BSE was 7% in the intervention group, but this was increased to 51% after the intervention. It seems that a training program based on HBM principles is effective for inducing BSE behavior. Also, based on the findings of this study, there may be a need to increase the awareness of the perceived severity of breast cancer and the possible benefits of BSE and a self-efficacy approach to health. It is recommended that training programs emphasizing such changes be designed and implemented