[Comparison of analgesic effect of valeriana officinalis and mefenamic acid on primary dysmenorrhea]

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common and frequently disabling condition among women in adolescence and reproductive age. Based on results of large epidemiological studies, it is estimated that over a half of the population of young women suffers from dysmenorrhea. Some people are now seeking alternatives to conventional medicine such as herbal drugs. Objective: This study was designed to compare the analgesic effect of Valeriana officinalis with Mefenamic acid in treatment of primary dysmenorrheal

Methods: A randomized, controlled trial was undertaken among 39 female aged 16 to 42 who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea referred to gynecology clinic in Hajar hospital, Shahrekord, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: Valeriana officinalis [n=18] and Mefenamicacid [n=21]. In intervention group, the patients took350mg Valerian three times a day, and in mefenamic group, the patients took 250 mg Mefenamic three times a day for three days[for three cycles], starting from the onset of bleeding or pain. Participants were followed for three cycles. Main outcome measures was the mean of pain severity at 3 months which recorded by Visual Analogue Scale

Results: There were no significant differences in age, menstural duration, menstural interval, and pain severity score at the beginning of the study in two groups [P>0.05]. After the intervention, findings of the study revealed statistically significant reductions in mean of pain score in Valeriana officinalis [P<0.001] and Mefenamic acid [P<0.001] groups, but this reduction had not significant differences between two groups [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Results shows that valerian has positive effect on treatment of primery dysmenorrheal. More clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of Valeriana officinalis in primary dysmenorrheal

[Strengths and weaknesses of clinical education from the viewpoints of nursing and midwifery students in Shahrekord university of medical sciences, Shahrekord, Iran]

The viewpoints of students as basic elements of education, can improve the process of education. Thus this study was designed to detect the Strengths and weaknesses of clinical education from the viewpoints of nursing and midwifery students. In this cross-sectional study, 150 senior nursing and midwifery students in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences were asked about the strengths and weaknesses of clinical education using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three sections including demographic characteristics, and the strengths and weaknesses of clinical education which was prepared based on five areas of the aims and educational programs, contact to students, educational environment, supervision and evaluation. Data analysis was done using t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficients and the value of p<0.05 was considered as significant. The most important strengths points of clinical education included: considering the prerequisite of clinical education [79.7%], clarifying the students tasks [72.5%], on-time presence of trainers [88.7%] and trainees [84.2%], providing opportunities of patient care for students [68.5%], good relationship between educational supervisor and the students [56.5%], students' library use in hospital [62.5%] and taking practical exams at the end of each clinical education [58.5%]. failing to ask students' views in planning the training program [84.9%], lack of congruence between the educational aims and personnel expectations [74.6%], stressful conditions for students [76.8%], lack of student support by personnel [85.5%], failing to use teaching aids [91.2%] and lack of supervising in clinical education [69%], were among the most important weaknesses of clinical education. With respect to educational aims and programs and educators, majority of students stated the strengths points more than the weaknesses, while in cases of communication with students, clinical environment, supervision and evaluation, the conditions were not much desirable and the weak points were more than the strong points

[Comparing the effects of spontaneous pushing versus Valsalva pushing technique on outcome of delivery in primiparous women]

The valsalva pushing technique is used routinely in the second stage of labor in many countries, and it is accepted as standard obstetric method in Iran. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of spontaneous pushing, versus, valsalva pushing technique in birth on outcome of delivery in primiparas. This clinical trial study was conducted on 100 primiparas. Samples were randomized to either a spontaneous pushing group [open glottis pushing while breathing out] or a valsalva type pushing group [closed glottis pushing while holding their breath]. The length of stages of delivery, perineal tears, postpartum hemorrhage and satisfaction were evaluated in mothers and apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were evaluated in newborns. Data were analyzed using statistical Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and independent t-test. The duration of expulsion phase of the second stage of labor was significantly longer in valsalva-type pushing [P=0.004]. The result indicated that the incidence of episiotomy in spontaneous pushing group [P=0.003] and postpartum hemorrhage in valsalva pushing group [P=0.002] was more. The baby fared better with spontaneous pushing, with higher 1- minute apgar score. After the birth, women expressed greater satisfaction with spontaneous pushing. Educating women for the spontaneous pushing technique in the first stage of labor and providing support for spontaneous pushing in the second stage result in a shorter second stage without interventions and in improved newborn outcomes

[Effects of eucalyptus camaldulensis exracts on trichimonas vaginalis growth in vitro]

Trichimonas vaginalis is a flagellate protozoa that cause trichomoniasis. Metronidazole which is drug of choice for treatment of this infection has many side effects so the patients are unsatisfied with its using, so it is necessary to seek for alternative drugs. Eucalyptus camaldulensis herb with strong anti-microbial affects is considered as an alternative drug. Investigating the effect of Eucalyptus camaldulensis as an alternative drug Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro. Eucalyptus camaldulensis extraction was prepared using perculasion method. In test tubes containing parasite culture medium different concentrations of the plant extract were added. In other test tubes metronidazole or extract solvent as controls were added. 100 live Trichomonas vaginalis added to each tube and all tubes kept in 37°C and tested for presence of the parasite every 24 hours up to 72 hours. For this purpose 10 microliter of each tube examined under microscope. in tubes with higher concentration of Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract and also in tube containing metronidazole no parasite was observed. In negative control tubes parasite had a normal growth. According to results of this study Eucalyptus camaldulensis extract had strong effects on Trichomonas vaginalis growth. Further investigation is recommended to use this plant as alternative drug for treatment of trichomoniasis

[ effect of fennel on the primary dysmenorrhea in students of Shahrekord university of medical sciences]

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common disorders in women and its main treatment is non -steroid anti-inflammatory drugs .Due to side effects of chemical drugs and traditionally use of fennel as sedative plant, the aim of this study was to detect the effect of fennel on primary dysmenorrhea. In this single blind clinical trial, sixty students in Shahrekord university of medical sciences with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly selected in two groups receiving fennel and placebo. For data collection, we used record information form and visual analogue scale. At the end of first and second month after the intervention, the severity of dysmenorrhea was detected and compared with before. Data analized by SPSS, using chi-square, t and paired manwitney tests and P<0.05 was considered significant. Mean of dysmenorrhea scores was similar before the intervention in two groups, but at the end of first month after the intervention, it was 10.67 +/- 6.07 in fennel group and 16.11 +/- 6.35 in placebo group, and after the end of second month following the intervention it was 9.29 +/- 6.18 in fennel versus 15.94 +/- 7.43 in placebo group [P<0.05] probably the Fennel extract can reduce the primary dysmenorrhea .The researches with more samples and longer time are suggested

[Comparing self- and teacher-assessment in obstetric clerkship course for midwifery students of Shahrekord university of medical sciences]

Although experts put emphasis on student assessment by the teacher, an established method is selfassessment. The aim of this study was to compare students' self-assessment to evaluation by teachers in obstetrics clerkship course for midwifery students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive study was performed on 71 students of 3[rd] semester of midwifery in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences who passed obstetrics clerkship course in years of 2006 to 2008, and 7 midwifery instructors trained these students during the course. The data was gathered using a form for obstetrics clerkship. The form was developed by midwifery department members based on headings of the course being used for student assessment at the end of each semester. The evaluation form was completed by instructors and the students themselves at the end of the semester. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics and paired T test. Mean and standard deviation of the total score of instructors' assessment and students self-assessment was 55.90 +/- 5.8 and 57.40 +/- 6.2 respectively out of total score of seventy. It was 16.50 +/- 1.72 and 16.12 +/- 1.55 out of total score of twenty. No significant difference was observed between the mean score of assessment by instructors and the mean score of students' self-assessment. The results of instructors' assessment and that of students were similar. This may indicate that students can judge their own performance, to some extent, similar to their instructors. Students' opinions on their own performance and using it by instructors in student assessment may help in correction of contemporary evaluation scores

[Comparison of the effects of lecture and booklet methods on awareness and attention of parents of children with Thalassemia major]

Thalassemia is one of the most important genetic diseases in Iran. Warning of their parents about their children's disease prevents the related problems and reduces its complications. This study was aimed at comparing the influence of lecture and booklet methods on enhancement of awareness and attentions of parents of children with Thalassemia major. In this interventional study, a total of 90 parents of children with Thalassemia who referred to Hajar hospital for medical treatments, were selected using simple sampling and were randomly divided in three groups of 30 parents. The parents in lecture group attended for seasons of lecture for 30 min. each with 3 weeks interval. A booklet with the same contents as the lecture group was given to the booklet group without any intervention. A questionnaire was designed to gather some information about the disease from parents of all three groups. To determine the statistical relationships, student t-test, Spearman's correlation and of ANOVA tests were used. No significant differences were found among the three groups tested in terms of the mean age, gender, level of education, job, number of affected children, and age of the children. The results showed that the mean of knowledge before and after the education in the lecture group was 10.53 +/- 4.37 and 16.5 +/- 4.73 [P<0.05] and in the booklet group was 10.7 +/- 3.06 and 14.6 +/- 2.7 [P<0.05], respectively. There was no significant difference between lecture and booklet groups based education. After the education, the knowledge in the two groups was significantly more than that in control group [P<0.05]. The results showed that lecture and booklet methods have positive effects on increasing of the parent's knowledge about the disease. Thus, providing of the booklet for the parents, particularly in the region with high prevalence of the disease, is recommended

[Comparison of two commonly used IUDs in pain and menstrual bleeding]

The intrauterine device [IUD] is the most widely used reversible method of contraception in the world. One of the most common side effects of intrauterine device is increasing of menstrual blood loss, which may cause discontinuation and iron - deficiency anemia. BY considering the effects of IUD type on menstrual bleeding this study was conducted to compare the side effects of T Cu 380A and Cu safe300 IUDs including bleeding, pain on during 3-month period in clients referring to family planning center of Shahrekord Hajar hospital. This study was a randomized single-blind clinical trial, during which 70 candidates applied for IUD were randomly placed in two groups of IUD T Cu 380A and Cu safe300. The major side effects were recorded in the following 1, 2, 3 months. The comparisons were made using t-test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-Square and Wilcoxon tests by SPSS soft ware. Menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrheal was more commonly occurred during the 3 month of implantation in both groups but bleeding and pain was significantly lower in Cu safe300 group than the other group. With regard in this study showed menstrual blood loss and dysmenorrheal in the 3 months after IUD insertion a in Cu safe300 users were less than T Cu380A users therefore recommending to be possible this kind IUD to distribute in the health centers

[ viewpoints of students and educators, in faculty of nursing and midwifery of Shahrekord university of medical sciences, about the effective factors in academic improvement of students, 2004]

The development of each community is influenced by its educated individuals. Therefore, recognition of influencing factors in academic improvement of students and attention to these factors are essential for persistent development. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effective factors and compare the viewpoints of the students and educators, in faculty of nursing and midwifery of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, about the effect of these factors. In this descriptive-analytical study which performed in 2004, a total of 232 students, from faculty of nursing and midwifery, educating in third semester or higher and 22 of their educators were examined based on census sampling. The viewpoints about influencing factors on academic improvement were collected by questionnaires including two sections: the first section included demographic questions and the second contained 47 questions in 6 fields. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistic [general linear model and multivariate analysis of variance]. The findings showed that there was significant relationship between gender, diploma grade-point average, semester or course and academic improvement [P<0.05]. Also from students' viewpoints about influencing factors on academic improvement the upper score belongs to educational content [4.46 +/- 0.63] and the lower score belongs to students' factors [3.85 +/- 0.63] although from educators' viewpoints the upper score belongs to educational content [4.33 +/- 0.68] and the lower score belongs to socioeconomic factors [3.67 +/- 0.71]. The most difference among viewpoints belongs to socioeconomic status [P<0.05] and educational environment domains [P<0.01]. Paying attention to educational quality by medical and science courses designers may have important effects on academic improvement in the students

[ survey on quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction, referred to Shahrekord Hagar hospital in 2005]

Myocardial infarction [MI] is a common and dangerous disorder that threat people life and affects their quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess quality of life in patients with MI were referring to Shahrekord Hagar hospital. In this descriptive and analytical study, 150 patients who suffered from MI, were selected as sample from CCU patients in Shahrekord Hagar hospital. Via interview and referring to patients files data were collected using two sectional questionnaire that included demographic characteristic and standard questionnaire [SF36]. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Mean age of the patients was 55.7 +/- 10.5 and quality of life in majority of subjects under investigation was fairly favorite [53%]. Quality of life in majority of samples in general status [62%], social and occupational [65%] or sleep [61%] status was favorite. However, physical activity in 62% of samples was unfavorite. There was a meaningful correlation between period of diseases and quality of life [P<0.05]. But there was no relation between other demographic variations such as: age, gender and marital status, occupational or economical status and the quality of life. Also there is a meaningful relation between general status, social status, sleep status or physical activity with quality of life [P<0.05]. Medical staffs, especially nurses should pay attention to all dimensions of quality of life in planning care in MI patients. Because unacceptable attention to all these dimensions may cause disturbance in patients' quality of life

[Knowledge, attitude and practice of women about emergency contraception in women who referred to health centers of Shahrekord in 2006]

With respect to the importance of family planning and the potential of emergency contraceptives in prevention of unwanted pregnancy, the present study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency contraception in users of condom, withdrawal and rhythm methods. In this descriptive-analytical study, a total of 400 women who used tp condom, withdrawal and rhythm methods for contraception and referred to the health centers of Shahrekord were questioned for their knowledge, attitude, and practice about emergency contraception. Data were obtained using a self designed questionnaire including demographic characteristics, knowledge [8 questions], attitude [15 questions], and practice [4 questions] and were analyzed using t and Chi square tests. Of the women studied, condom, withdrawal, rhythm, and mixed method were used by 60.5%, 38.8%, 0.3%, and 0.5%, respectively. 78% of the respondents had information about emergency contraception. The knowledge of the users about the method was inadequate in 22.5%, moderate in 55%, and adequate 22% of them. The attitude about emergency contraception was positive in more than 70% of the women, nevertheless, only 20.5% of them practices emergency contraception and 69% of them liked to use these methods in future. The individuals aged ranging of 31-40 years old, the employed [p<0.001] and the high-educated persons [p<0.01] had more information about emergency contraception compared to others. In the individuals studied, the more information about the methods, the more practice in using of them [p<0.001]. With respect to inadequate knowledge and practice of women and their positive attitudes about emergency contraception, it is suggested that the knowledge and attitude of health care providers about emergency contraception should be assessed and also, the education of the women about that is emphasized

Correlation between passive smoker mothers and birth weight of infants

Environmental tobacco smoke is one of the contaminating causes of air in closed areas and this can affect human fetus. To detect the correlation between passive smoker mothers and birth weigh of infants. This was a descriptive and analytical study in which 440 parturient women participated. The cases were questioned during the first hours of their post delivery stay in Hajar hospital. Information such as and height of mothers, of mother, number of pregnancies, weight gain in pregnancy, number of cigarettes smoked in presence of mother and also the birth weight of infants were all recorded. Statistical tools such as t-test, X2 and multivariate regression tests were used to analyze the data. Finding: The showed that 161 [36/6%] of mothers were passive smokers. In this group, the mean of birth weight was 139 gr less than those from non smoker mothers [p=0/001]. There was no significant difference between the birth weight and the number of cigarettes passively smoked, weight gain in pregnancy, number of pregnancies, age and the height of mother. In order to prevent the environmental side-effect of tobacco smoking, it is necessary to stop smoking in public. Also educating the family members to avoid smoking during pregnancy and as part of pregnancy cares is of crucial importance.

effect of valerian on hot flash in menopausal women

Menopause is accompanied by a number of complications, which affects the life quality and diminishes feeling of health. The most common of these complications is hot flash. Hormone therapy is commonly used for treatment of this symptom but it has a few side effects and thus is not used in some patients. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the effect of valerian on hot flash in a group of menopausal women. This double-blinded clinical trial was performed on 48 women aged 45-65 years complaining from hot flash. The women were randomly divided into two groups of experimental [taking valerian] and control [taking placebo]. The women were interviewed and a questionnaire consisting individual characteristics and hot flash severity [using Kupperman index] was filled. Hot flash severity was measured before and 30 and 60 days after treatment. The data was analyzed by SPSS using mann-whhitney and Wilkokson tests. Based on our results, 37.9% of the experimental group was suffered from severe hot flash. One month and two months after treatment, the rate decreased to 6.9% and 3.4%, respectively [p<0.001]. In the control group, the rate was 36.8%, before and 15% one and two months after the treatment [p<0.05]. Mann-Whitney test indicated that valerian was more effective than placebo in reducing the severity of hot flash during the menopausal period [p<0.01]. This drug reduced duration of hot flash, two months after the treatment [p<0.05] and decreased its frequency one [p<0.05] and two months [p<0.01] after treatment. The results of this study showed that valerian is effective for treatment of hot flash during menopausal period and it may be used as an alternative for hormone therapy

application level of the infection control methods in the operation wards of Shahrekord university hospitals compared to the standards in 2005

Nosocomial infection is an important health problem. The operation rooms of the hospitals are potentially favorite places for distribution of these diseases. It is now known that using standard control methods could prevent the infections. The aim of this study was to find the application level of these methods in Shahrekord university hospitals and to compare them with the present standards methods. This descriptive analytical study was performed in three operation wards including 7 operation rooms. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisted of 54 questions about facilities and equipments, 8 questions about personnel practice related to infection control, 12 questions about individual hygiene and scrub methods, 8 questions about disinfection and sterilization and 7 questions about using preventive measures. The data was analyzed using t-test. The findings showed that application of disinfecting and sterilizing methods [93.75%], individual health, scrub methods [79.2%], and the patient admission process [84%] were poor. In conclusion, the operation wards have to be reviewed and supervised regularly for personnel, equipments, buildings, and training of the personnel to use disinfection control methods

[ teratogenic effects of Lamotrigine on mouse fetus]

One of the most important complications of antiepileptic drugs [AEDs] is increased congenital malformations. The risk of malformations in such fetuses is 7-10% compared to 2-4% in the general population. Lamotrigine is a recently introduced AED, with fewer teratogenic effects than that of the older ones and without reported teratogenic effects in most cases. Recently some malformations have been reported related to Lamotrigine use in human beings but the reports are scanty and contradictory and no particular patterns of malformations have been presented. This study has been done to detect the teratogenic effects of this drug in mouse fetus. In this study, NRMI mice were divided into four groups: I] control group 1, II] control group 2, with intraperitoneal administration of ethanol solution, III] case group 1, with intraperitoneal administration of three 25 mg/kg doses of Lamotrigine and IV] case group 2, with intraperitoneal administration of three 75 mg/kg doses of Lamotrigine. Injections were made during the 9[th] to the 18th days of gestation. On the 18th day of gestation, the fetuses were harvested. The body weight and height were measured and malformations in vertebral column, limbs and cranium were looked for and recorded. Malformations were compared in the four groups by SPSS software. In the groups with 25 and 75 mg/kg Lamotrigine administrations, reduction of body weight and height and increased malformations of vertebral column and limbs were noticeable in a dose dependent fashion compared to the control groups number 1 and 2 cranial malformations were insignificant. Based on the results, Lamotrigine can be considered as a risk factor for the increase of malformations in the treated animals. As a number of researchers believe that decrease of serum folate and methionine are effective in the appearance of malformations and they may implicate the situation, further studies on the mechanisms of Lamotrigine from this point of view are recommended

[ reasons for the termination of pregnancies in the third trimester in Shahr-e-kord's Hadjar during 2005]

Observations show that the majority of pregnant women hospitalized in the third trimester of pregnancy, their pregnancies are terminated in the absence of any labor pain. Because of the importance of mother and baby health, this study was designed to assess the reasons for these terminations in Hadjar's University Hospital in Shahr-e-Kord. In this descriptive and analytical study, 750 women who were hospitalized for the termination of pregnancy, were selected randomly and assessed in morning, evening and night shifts. A questionnaire and a check list were used for data collection. Hospital records, interviews with mothers, a vaginal exam and physical exam of infants were used to complete the form and the check list. Data were analized by SPSS software and t, Chi square tests were used and p<0.05 was considered significant. Based on the results, 298 [39.7%] of pregnancies were terminated for labor pain and 452 [60.3%] were terminated according to physicians' advice or other health care providers' without presence of labor pain. In the latter group, 23.2% of pregnancies were terminated for a history of previous cesarean section, elective cesarean sections, reduction of fetal movements, post-term pregnancies, maternal hypertention, placenta previa, placenta abruption or oligohydroamnious. The mean Bishop score for induction was greater in women whose pregnancies were terminated for labor pain than those terminated according to physicians' or any other health care providers' advice [df=541, p<0.001]. The correlation between Bishop score and mode of delivery was significant and in women whose Bishop score was less than 5, cesarean section was higher [df=20, p<0.001]. After the elimination of previous and elective cesarean sections, the correlation between the causes of terminations and mode of delivery was significant and most hospitalized women terminated their pregnancieis, by cesarean section without presence of labor pain [df=16, p<0.001], although in this group the mean gestational age based on LMP and sonography was greater than those with labor pain [t= 3.7, df= 311, p<0.001]. There were no significant differences in the weight of infants in the two groups. Taking the exact information in prenatal cares about the gestational age, carrying out a sonography in the first 26 weeks of pregnancy, educating pregnant women about the time of hospitalization for the termination of pregnancy and complications of early hospitalization, forming a specialty committee to decide on the termination of pregnancies in hospitals and setting practice guidelines in this regard,are efforts to prevent early termination of pregnancies

Parent's perception of obesity in their 6-12 year old obese child ; can parental education be effective?

Obesity in children is a major health problem and parents can play an important role in its prevention and treatment. However, some parents are unaware of the problem and believing that their obese children are healthy do not participate in any related preventive or educational programs. The aim of this study is to assess parental perception of obesity in children aged 6-12 years and to evaluate the effect of education could have on this. This study has been conducted in two stages [stage 1, descriptive and second stage, experimental]. Weight, length, and body mass index were calculated in children aged 6-12 years. Then 300 children with BMIs higher than those standard for sex and age were selected as obese. Questionnaires for each child were completed by one of the parents. Parents that believed their obese children were not overweight, were divided into two groups, randomly. One group was educated about obesity during four, 2-hour sessions whereas the other group were not. After two months, questionnaires were completed by both groups and compared. Findings of the study showed 41/3% obese children are girls and 58/7% are boys. Among parents of obese children, 23/3% believed that their obese children were not overweight and after education, 94/3% became aware of their child's obesity and overweight. In this study, there was no relationship between the mother's job or the child's sex and the mother's perception. Present beliefs of parents regarding obesity and overweight in children need to be assessed in communities and educational programs conducted if necessary

[Elective induction of labor versus spontaneous labor in Hajar hospital, Shahrekord]

With attention to increasing of the early hospitalization of women, induction of labor and its complications, the present study designed to compare the elective induction and spontaneous labor considering the mother and infant outcome. In a prospective and analytical study using of questionnaire and check list, 50 nulliparous women who were hospitalized for elective induction were compared with 50 nulliparous women with spontaneous labor in terms of Bishop score of cervix, duration of labor stages, number of vaginal examinations, intensity of uterine contractions, fetal distress, mode of delivery, Apgar score and birth weight of infants. The exclusion criteria were, multifetal pregnancy, abnormal presentation, premature rupture of membrane, preterm labor and placenta abruption. Data analyzed by t, Chi square and Pearson correlation tests. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of age, job and gestational age, mean of duration of labor stages, number of vaginal examinations, birth weight and Apgar score. In 98% of women with induced labor, Bishop score was <5. In this study group tetanic contractions, fetal distresses and cesarean sections were more than those of women with spontaneous labor [p<0.001]. Elective induction of labor must be applied when there is a medical indication for termination of pregnancy. Onetime admission of women for delivery and change the women's attitude towards the benefits of spontaneous labor and complications of elective induction are suggestive ways until they decide with knowledge and select these methods

[ relationship between passive smoking of mother and pregnancy outcome in Hajar hospital in Shahrekord]

Adverse health effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke [ETS] among non-smokers have been studied occasionally in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of exposure to ETS and pregnancy outcome. In this study 600 non-smoker women who had borned a singleton live baby were studied by questionnaire in delivery room in Hajar hospital in Shahrekord and maternal and fetal outcomes [Anemia, hypertention, placenta previa and placenta abruption, the beginning and method of delivery Apgar score, congenital malformations, birth weight and small for gestational age] were compared in mothers who were exposed to invironmental tobacco smoke with those who were not exposed. We used spss software and descriptive and analytical statistics for analysis of data and P<0.05 was considered significant. Out of 600 women undergone studied, 236 [39.3%] were exposed to ETS. In this group there was a significantly higher incidence of anemia [22.8% versus 14.2%, P<0.001], pre-term birth [15.2% versus 7.9%, P <0.008] and small-for-gestation babies [15.4% versus 6.8%, p< 0.001] as compared to unexposed mothers. The mean birth weight of the babies who were born by mothers exposed to ETS was 139 g less than that of babies in the unexposed group [3094.49 +/- 402 g versus 3233.99 +/- 443 g respectively, p< 0.001]. The multiple logistic regression analyses showed that ETS exposure during pregnancy was significantly associated with a higher risk of small-for-gestation babies, reduction of birth weight, preterm labor and anemia in mother and the small-for-gestational age had a significantly correlation than other factors with exposure to tobacco smoke. Exposure to ETS during pregnancy is associated with higher risk of having a small-for-gestation baby