[Development of "intention to use oral contraception" questionnaire based on theory of planned behavior in women using withdrawal method]

Need assessment for promotion reproductive health is important subject and development a questionnaire is essential. Thus the aim of this study was development of questionnaire of intention to use of oral contraception in withdrawal users based on construct of Theory of Planned Behavior [TPB]. In-depth interviews were conducted to elicit the salient beliefs relevant to oral contraception among withdrawal users. Then a cross-sectional study carried out in Tehran, Iran for validate of questionnaire. Participants recruited from attending five family planning clinics of public health services in the Eastern district of Tehran, Iran. Validity and reliability was evaluated using concurrent, content validity and Cronbach's alpha and test- retest respectively. Factor structure of the questionnaire was extracted by exploratory factor analysis [EFA]. Confirmatory factor analysis [CFA] conducted to assess how well the EFA extracted model fits observed data. The SPSS version 16 and Lisrel programs were used to analyze the data. Reliability and validity were confirmed. The principal component analysis revealed a three-factor structure for the questionnaire including attitude, subjective norm and perceive behavior control that explained 50.4 percent of the total of variance. In general, the findings suggest that questionnaire of intention to use of oral contraception in withdrawal users based on Theory of Planned Behavior is a reliable and valid measure

Evaluation of a health education program for head lice infestation in female primary school students in Chabahar city, Iran

An important health problem in students is pediculosis capitis [head lice infestation] which causes physical, mental, and social complications. Social stigma induces feeling of shame, anger, and embarrassment for families and may prevent people from coming forward. This study was a quasi-experimental [case - control] study which was done during periods of 2008 - 2009. Data collection tools were questionnaire, checklist, and head examination. Two schools were randomly selected among female primary schools in Chabahar, where 153 students were divided into case and control groups. After collecting the data, an educational program was designed and performed in the experimental group and was evaluated after two months. The results showed a significant difference in knowledge, attitude, and practice of the students in the case group, before and after the intervention [P < 0.0001], but in the control group it was not significant [P > 0.05] .The infestation rate was 69.3% in the case group before the intervention, and 82.1% in the control group, which decreased to 26.7% in the case group after the education [P < 0.0001], but there was no significant difference in the control group [P < 0.05]. The health education program had a positive effect on the reduction of pediculosis capitis among students; thus, it is suggested to perform and evaluate educational programs in students and their parents

Health education program and tuberculosis preventive behaviors

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the educational program on knowledge attitude and preventive behaviors towards tuberculosis in the Ramin village of Iran. In this study 90 eligible participants were randomly divided into two groups of intervention group who took port in educational workshop [N=45] and control group [N=45] who received no education. Data were collected at baseline and 3-month follow up. Data was analyzed within statistical SPSS program. Initially, two groups were the same in terms of demographic data [p>0.05]. However, the intervention group improved significantly in terms of knowledge¸ attitude and behavior scores compared to control group [p<0.0001]. The educational program could improve preventive behaviors among individuals who living in the Ramin village of Iran.

Exercise effects on risk of cardiovascular disease among Iranian women

Physical inactivity is more prevalent among women than men, varies by ethnic groups, and becomes increasingly prevalent with age. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-week exercise program on the cardiovascular disease risk and fitness of Iranian middle aged women. This was a randomized controlled trial study. Participants in the training group [n=20] performed treadmill running exercise at a high intensity [70-80% of maximum heart rate, 0% grade] for 30 min/day, 3 days/week. On the other hand, participants in the control group [n=20] were asked to maintain their habitual lifestyle and not change their activity or dietary habits. Measurements of body mass index, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and lipoprotein subtractions were taken before program and after 12 weeks. Changes in 10-year risk scores for coronary heart disease were calculated using Framingham risk equation. Significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reduction in 10-year risk of coronary heart disease, and reduction in lipid levels were found within the training group between baseline and 12-week measurements. No changes were found in these parameters within the control group. The study provides evidence for the positive effects of exercise training on the reduction of cardiovascular disease risks among women aged 40-55 years

[Individual factors predisposing HIV/AIDS high risk behaviors: a qualitative study]

To investigate the individual factors which lead to the occurrence of high risk behaviors among HIV/AIDS patients and vulnerable people. This was a qualitative study approach carried out in 10 month in two public counseling clinic in Tehran. Data were obtained from 102 in depth and semi-structured interviews. A convenience sample of HIV/AIDS patients, clients and specialist took part in the study. Interviews were transcripted and then open coding and axial coding were performed. In all 69 HIV/AIDS patients and 19 high risk clients, 6 family members and 8 experts were interviewed. The majority of participants were male and single. Sexual high risk behaviors and drug use were the commonest ways of HIV/AIDS transition. Individual factors predisposing HIV/AIDS high risk behaviors included: 1. Predisposing perceptions. 2.Personal factors. 3. Decision and will. The results indicated that the beliefs, decision and individual factors might be the most underlying contributing to high risk behaviors

Effective health education program on reduction of tinea capitis; a quasi-experimental study on primary school-aged children

This study intends to evaluate the effect of health education program on healthy behavior and tinea capitis in Chabahar primary school-aged boys. For this quasi-experimental [case-control] study, two primary schools were randomly selected in Chabahar, south-eastern of Iran. Initial data of 115 students were gathered using a well-prepared questionnaire, by means of a check list and a thorough clinical examination. Meanwhile, scalp and hair samples [direct slide exam and culture] were assessed. Subjects of the experimental [case] group had received necessary educations for one month after which both groups were evaluated 2 months later. Totally, 20% and 18.3% of cases and controls were infected before conducting the educational program, respectively, however, following the education only 5.5% of cases were remained infected [p=0.008]. pre- and post-education infection rate did not differ significantly. Our results showed that health education program had a positive effect on reduction of tinea capitis among prepubescent boys

[Perception and behaviors of HIV/AIDS patients: a qualitative study]

The number of AIDS patients is increasing worldwide including Iran. Patients' risky behaviors play an important role in this arising trend. Assessing the perception and behaviors may facilitate for clarifying and planning to reduce the incidence of the risky behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the perception and the behaviors of the HIV/AIDS patients. This qualitative study conducted in Counseling Behavior Center of Imam Khomeini hospital for ten months. Data were obtained from an in-depth, semi-structured interview with an open - ended questionnaire applying purposeful sampling method. All interviews recorded and typed precisely word by word and transcripts reviewed and checked again. Deducted themes from data coded and categorized. 45 out of 61 participants were HIV positive and 16 were AIDS patients. The age range was 21.24 years and 37.7% were female. Themes described in two sections: the first was perception section, which was about ways of acquiring the disease; and insufficient knowledge about the transmission and prevention of the disease. The second section assessed behaviors, which included a number of high-risk behaviors, non-self disclosure of disease and not using preventive methods. We concluded that more instructions or counseling in the field of transmission and disclosure of the disease is necessary to improve the social support. AIDS instruction focusing on religious beliefs applying health behavioral change theories and endemic models of health education for supporting the community is recommended

[ relationship between planned physical activities and quality of life among women: a cross sectional study]

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between planned physical activities and quality of life in women reside in the west of Tehran, Iran. The Short Form Health Survey [SF-36] was applied to measure quality of life and demographic and other related information were additionally collected. Three parks from western areas in Tehran were randomly selected. A group of volunteer women aged 35-55 years were randomly selected by the researcher in parks and divided into active and non-active groups [walking and not walking]. Using SPSS 15, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal- Wallis statistical tests were performed to analyze data. In all 148 women were studied and the mean age of women in active and non-active groups were 42.1 [SD=5.7] and 41.7 [SD=5.6] respectively. The results of Mann-Whitney test showed that women in the active group had higher mean scores in all quality of life scales and except two [physical functioning and role-emotional], there were statistical significant differences [P<0.05]. The results confirmed that planned physical activities by walking have been effective on promoting quality of life in women. The results suggest that educational programs would be designed to motivate women having daily physical activity