Community capacity assessment in preventing substance abuse: a participatory approach

Community-based participatory research [CBPR] increasingly is being used to address health issues. Few evidence exist to indicate how builds the capacity of communities to function as health promoter and what resources are required to promote successful efforts. This article presents the result of a capacity assessment for preventing drug abuse through CBPR, which working with rather than in communities, to strengthen a community's problem-solving capacity. For exploring the perception of stakeholders, a dynamic model of the dimensions of community and partnership capacity served as the theoretical framework. In this descriptive research, stakeholder analysis helps us to identify appropriate of stakeholders [Key stakeholders]. Data were collected using a topic guide concerned with capacity for preventing drug abuse. Interviews were audiotape and transcribed. Data were analyzed thematically. CBPR has been undertaken to involve local people in making decisions about the kind of change they want in their community and the allocation of resources to reduce substance abuse. We identified key stakeholders and examining their interests, resources and constraints of different stakeholders. The current study has shown the benefits of community-based participatory approach in assessing capacity. Through CBPR process people who affected by Drug issue engaged in analysis of their own situation and helps identity innovative solutions for their complex problem. This participatory approach to a capacity assessment resulted in a synergistic effort that provided a more accurate picture of community issues and concerns

[ cross sectional study on the results of participatory needs assessment in zone 17 of Tehran: three years after intervention]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a previously conducted needs assessment on West Abouzar neighborhood changes after three years

Methods: This was a cross sectional study in two qualitative and quantitative parts. In the qualitative phase, we conducted semi-structured interviews to determine the types of interventions and selection criteria, and their effects on the approaches of the local headquarters. Based on the qualitative results, a questionnaire was designed in order to use in the quantitative part of the study. A total of 352 individuals selected through random cluster sampling were recruited to the study. Data were gathered by local trained individuals and were analyzed using appropriate methods

Results: The results revealed that for all identified problems, except for drug abuse and unemployment, at least one intervention was performed. Majority of interventions were constructive, while in social issues limited interventions were conducted. It was shown that 29.5% of the interventions were good in quality, 47% were moderate and 23.5% were weak. More than half of the participants [51%] stated that interventions were effective regarding their quality of life; however, they expected more influential interventions. A total of 21.1% of respondents believed that the interventions were relatively effective; 11.1% reported that the interventions were very effective; and 17% stated that the interventions had no effect on their lives

Conclusion: Participatory needs assessment and conducting interventions based on the local needs are effective approaches to resolve health-related problems

[Comparison of the effects of drying processes: vacuum oven, freeze, solar and microwave with traditional method on the qualitative characteristics of the Iranian saffron]

Saffron, the world's most expensive condiment, is one of Iran's most important non-petroleum exports. The drying method is determinant of saffron quality and price in the world market. So, the aim of this study was the comparison of the effects of saffron dehydration methods, like vacuum oven, freeze, microwave and solar drying with traditional method. During this experimental study and for production of saffron flowers, one of the farms in Gonabad was selected randomly and the flowers were picked and mixed thoroughly, together. The morphological specifications, percentage of yield of the stigmas, chemical test [moisture, ash, total nitrogen and, acid insoluble ash] were determined. Stigmas were dried. After dehydration the moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extract, total nitrogen, crude fiber, crocin, picrocrocin, saffranal and sensory specifications [color, texture and odor] were determined. The results of chemical analysis indicated that the solar dried, vacuum oven dried and microwave dried samples had preferable color [crocine] outcomes. However, from aromatic point of view [saffranal] traditional sample had significant preference [P<0.05]. The amount of the picrocrocin [taste compounds] in samples did not have significant differences within each other. The results of sensory analysis indicated that, color of dried samples by solar, freeze and microwave methods, soluble color of dried samples by solar, freeze and vacuum oven had significant differences [P<0.05] that other methods. The results of the microbiological test of all dried samples were in Iranian standard levels except the traditional and freeze dried samples. Although the samples of four methods of drying were of high quality compared to the traditional samples, the solar drying method can be reasonably applied in rural area as suggested method of drying

Comparison of the effects of vacuum oven-, freeze-, solar-, and microwave- drying with traditional drying methods on the qualitative characteristics of ghaen saffron

Saffron, the world's most expensive condiment, is one of Iran's most important non-petroleum exports. Its annual production in the country is about 220-228 tons and its export value over 59-70 million USD [the price is 454-482 USD/kilogram]. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different dehydration methods, including vacuum oven-, freeze-, microwave- and solar0drying methods with the traditional drying method on the characteristics of saffron and determine the most suitable method. The study was conducted in the National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran between 2001 and 2002. The methodology was experimental. A farm in the safflower-growing region of Ghaen was selected randomly, and the flowers were picked and mixed thoroughly. The percentage yield of the stigmas, and the morphological and chemical [moisture, ash, total nitrogen and acid-insoluble ash] characteristics were determined. Stigmas were dried, followed by determinations of the moisture content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, cold water-soluble extract, total nitrogen, crude fiber, crocin, picrocrocin, and saffranal. The total microbial, choliform, yeast, mold, and Esherishia coli counts were also measured in the dried samples. The results indicated that from the color [crocin] point of view the solar-, vacuum oven-, and microwave-dried samples were the best [p<0.05]. As regards the contents of saffranal and picrocrocin, responsible for aroma and taste, respectively, there were no significant differences among the dried samples. The results of the microbial tests on the dried samples indicated that all the samples except those dried using the traditional or the freeze-drying method, the counts conformed with the Iranian standards. Although all of the four non-traditional methods of drying were better than the traditional method, we recommend sun-drying as a suitable method in the rural areas where saffron is produced

Production of rhamnolipids by pseudomonas aeruginosa growing on carbon sources

Arhamnolipid producing bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was previously isolated from Iranian oil over years. Isolated strain was identified by morphological, biochemical, physiological and 16 sr RNA [1]. Glycolipid production by isolated bacterium using sugar beet molasses as a carbon and energy source was investigated. Biosurfactant production was quantified by surface tension reduction, Critical Micelle Dilution [CMD], Emulsification Capacity [EC], and Thin Layer Chromatogeraphy. biosurfactants during growth on waste Dates as the primary carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. After 48 h of growth the culture supernatant fluid had a rhamnose concentration of 0.18 g/L and surface tension was reduced to 20 mN/m [%].[reduced the interfacial tension against crude oil from 21 mN/m to 0,47 mN/m] Result from the study showed that the growth of the bacteria using molasses as carbon sources is growth-associated. The specific production rate of rhamnolipid with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% of molasses are 0.00065; 4.556; 8.94; 8.85; and 9.09. respectively The yield of rhamnolipid per biomass with 2%,4%,6%,8% and 10% molasses are 0.003;0.009;0.053;0.041 and 0.213 respectively. The production of rhamnolipid [0.0531 g rhamnolipid/g biomass] is higher compare to the culture grown in aerobic condition [0.04 g rhamnolipid/g biomass].The rhamnolipids were able to form stable emulsions with n-alkanes, aromatics, crude oil and olive oil. These studies indicate that renewable, relatively inexpensive and easily available resources can be used for important biotechnological processes

Environmental importance of rhamnolipid production from molasses as a carbon source

Rhamnolipid has been known as biosurfactant which is produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in fermentation process. Several carbon sources such as ethanol, glucose, vegetable oil and hydrocarbon have been used to produce rhamnolipid. In this study, we are trying to use molasses which is a waste product from sugar industry as carbon source to produce rhamnolipid. The bacterium which was previously isolated from Iranian oil over years Glycolipid production by isolated bacterium using sugar beet molasses as a carbon and energy source was investigated. Result from the study showed that the growth of the bacteria using molasses as carbon sources is growth-associated. The specific production rate of rhamnolipid with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% of molasses are 0.00065, 4.556, 8.94, 8.85, and 9.09 respectively. The yield of rhamnolipid per biomass with 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% molasses are 0.003, 0.009, 0.053, 0.041 and 0.213 respectively. The production of rhamnolipid [0.0531 g. rhamnolipid/g biomass] is higher compare to the culture grown in aerobic condition [0.04 g. rhamnolipid/g biomass]. These studies indicate that renewable, relatively inexpensive and easily available resources can be used for important biotechnological processes

Isolation and production of biosurfactant from pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from Iranian southern wells oil

In this study one hundred and fifty two bacterial strains were isolated from oil contaminated. Hemolysis was used as a criterion for the primary isolation of biosurfactant producing-bacteria. Fifty five strains had haemolytic activity, among them twelve strains were good biosurfactant producers by measuring surface tension and emulsification activity. Two microorganisms showed the highest biosurfactant production when grown on paraffin and glycerol as sole carbon source. As a result of biosurfactant synthesis the surface tension of the medium were reduced from 73 mN/m to values below 32 mN/m. A rhamnolipid producing bacterium, P.aeruginosa isolate from oil wells in the southern of Iran. Isolated strain was identified by morphological, biochemical, physiological. The identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa confirmed by Persian type culture collection. Glycolipid production by isolated bacterium using different carbon [gasolin, paraffin oil, glycerol, whey] and nitrogen sources [NaNO[3], [NH[4]][2]SO[4] and CH[4]N[2]O] was studied. Biosurfactant production was quantified by surface tension reduction, critical micelle dilution [CMD], emulsification capacity [EC], and ThinLayerChromatogeraphy. The best result were obtained when using glycerol as a C/N ratio of 55/1 and use of sodium nitrate as nitrogen source resulted in higher production of the rhamnolipid, expressed by rhamnose [4.2 g/l] and by the yield in relation to biomass [Yp/x = 0.65 g/g]. Additionally, physical-chemical characteristics of the spent broth with and without cells were studied, providing a low critical micelle concentration of 19 mg/l and surface tension was reduced to 20 mN/m [%]

[Analysis of demographic and socioeconomic determinants of 17th zone Tehran: Tehran population lab region]

Introduction: the human being is part of its surrounding socio-economic framework. He is affected by the environment and actively affects it. Ignoring the socio-economic dimensions of health leads to the failure of health promotion programs and widens the inequity in the health status of different groups in the society. The aim of this study is to identify the socio-economic and demographic status of the inhabitants in 17th zone of Tehran

Methods: a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches was used in this study. A crosssectional descriptive study was carried out in population research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences [TUMS] with a sample containing 1121 households. They were chosen by random cluster sampling. Data was gathered using the World Health Survey questionnaire of WHO. Construct validity, and test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaires were already approved. The SEAGA tools, which are classified as Rapid Appraisal [RA] methods were used to complete the community profile .Techniques such as direct observation, Semi-structured interview with key informants, field notes, social map, and trend line were devised to identify community profile. The method of triangulation was used to validate the data

Results: data analysis showed means of age was 27/9 years. The average size of the household was 4.23. 47.5% of the respondents were unmarried. The Majority of participants [30/7%] have been qualified at high school level. The dominant ethnic group was Azari [57/8%]. All of them were Moslems. The majority are self-employed [11/9%]. The qualitative studies showed that district one is the economic core of the area. Economical heterogeneity in three districts of 17th zone was evident. Social problems were reported as unemployment, drug abuse, violence and aggressive behavior and so on

Conclusion: the variety of socio-economic problems among inhabitants in 17th zone of Tehran represents this area as a problematic community. Capacity building and providing proper background for community participation in solving its own health problems can be an effective approach towards sustainable development. Total reliance on the health sector to solve the numerous problems of this area will not be successful as inter-sectoral collaboration and community participation are mandatory requirements of this process

[Evaluation of the household expenses per capita and the inequity in people's economic status and healthcare services]

Introduction: the success of a health system depends on the accessibility and the quality of health services it provides. One major indicator of service quality is peoples satisfaction from the service. In this article, healthcare availability and satisfaction of people in 17th zone of Tehran is investigated

Methods: population Research Center has performed a survey in 17th zone of Tehran to investigate people s access to health services and healthcare costs. This face- to-face survey is based on the standard questionnaire of World Health Survey. 1121 households were chosen through cluster sampling. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire are confirmed in previous studies

Results: the average size of the households is 4.23 and its ratio to the number of rooms in the households is 1.98. Expenses per capita and the insurance coverage and quality have no significant difference in large and small households. The share of health expenditures is significantly smaller in households with a female guardian than those with male guardians. People s overall satisfaction from health services is mediocre, little or very little in 62% of the cases

Conclusion: although the level of inequity in coverage and quality of health services is small over the area, the overall health care quality is not enough for customer s satisfaction. Initiatives to improve the quality of health services seem mandatory