Psychometric properties of the Social Cognitive Theory questionnaire for physical activity in a sample of Iranian adolescent girl students

This research examined the validity and reliability of a researcher-developed questionnaire based on Social Cognitive Theory [SCT] to assess the physical activity behaviour of Iranian adolescent girls [SCT-PAIAGS]. Psychometric properties of the SCT-PAIAGS were assessed by determining its face validity, content and construct validity as well as its reliability. In order to evaluate factor structure, cross-sectional research was conducted on 400 high-school girls in Tehran. Content validity index, content validity ratio and impact score for the SCT-PAIAGS varied between 0.97-1, 0.91-1 and 4.6-4.9 respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis approved a six-factor structure comprising self-efficacy, self-regulation, family support, friend support, outcome expectancy and self-efficacy to overcoming impediments. Factor loadings, t-values and fit indices showed that the SCT model was fitted to the data. Cronbach's alpha-coefficient ranged from 0.78 to 0.85 and intraclass correlation coefficient from 0.73 to 0.90

Evaluation of the role of striatal cannabinoid CB[1] receptors on movement activity of parkinsonian rats induced by reserpine

It has been observed cannabinoid CB[1] receptor signaling and the levels of endocannabinoid ligands significantly increased in the basal ganglia and cerebrospinal fluids of Parkinson's disease [PD] patients. These evidences suggest that the blocking of cannabinoid CB[1] receptors might be beneficial to improve movement disorders as a sign of PD. In this study, a dose-response study of the effects of intrastriatal injection of a cannabinoid CB[1] receptor antagonist, AM251 and agonist, ACPA, on movement activity was performed by measuring the catalepsy of reserpinized and non-PD [normal] rats with bar test. Also the effect of co-administration the most effective dose of AM251 and several doses of ACPA were assessed. AM251 decreases the reserpine induced catalepsy in dose dependent manner and ACPA causes catalepsy in normal rats in dose dependant manner as well. AM251 significantly reverse the cataleptic effect in all three groups [1, 10, 100ng/rat] that received ACPA. These results support this theory that cannabinoid CB[1] receptor antagonists might be useful to alleviate movement disorder in PD. Also continuance of ACPA induced catalepsy in induced catalepsy. Based on the present finding there is an incomplete overlapping between cannabinoid CB[1] receptor agonist and antagonist effects

[ effect of health education program on knowledge, attitude and performance in male primary school students regarding Tinea capitis in Chabahar]

In many parts of the world Tinea Capitis is a public health problem, especially in primary school children. The control of the disease is dependent on patients' education for increasing their knowledge and health. The aim of this study was to evaluate on knowledge, attitude and performance in male primary school students regarding Tinea Capitis in Chabahar in 2007-2008. In this quasi-experimental [case - control] study, 115 primary school students were randomly selected from two primary school in the city of Chabahar. Students were assigned into two groups. Tools and data collection methods were included: questionnaire, check list and laboratory samples of scalp and hair. At the beginning of the research, a pre-test was performed on the students and according to the data obtained, an educational program were prepared and was performed for experimental group. Post-test was done after two months. Data was analyzed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and McNemar tests. The findings showed a significant increase in the knowledge, attitude, performance in experimental group [P<0.001]. In addition, experimental group demonstrated a significant decrease in Tinea Capitis [P<0.01]. The results of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between Tinea Capitis and weight, type of skin and parents' education [P<0.05]. The results of this research show that the risk of Tinea Capitis transmission is a public health problem and health education is a suitable response to this problem