Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance in Children and Adolescent of Qazvin, Iran

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MetSyn and insulin resistance (IR) in children and adolescents in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 338 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years old who were selected by a multistage cluster random sampling method. We performed standardised measurements of variables including waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, plasma glucose level, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides, and insulin. MetSyn was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. IR was estimated by the homeostatic model assessment. Results: Of the 338 total subjects, 172 were female. The overall prevalence of MetSyn and IR were 3.4% and 18.2%, respectively. There was no sex difference for the prevalence of MetSyn. A total of 185 subjects (56.4%) had one or two components of MetSyn. The most common component was low HDL levels in both sexes, which was followed by high WC in females and high fasting plasma glucose levels in males. Conclusion: The lack of a standard definition of MetSyn in children and adolescents combined with the geographical and socioeconomic differences make it difficult to compare the results from different studies. Modification of lifestyle habits is an important strategy in preventing MetSyn and IR.

Epidemiologic evaluation of child abuse and neglect in school-aged children of Qazvin province, Iran

This study was carried out to detect the prevalence of child abuse in three domains of physical, psychological and neglect among elementary school aged children of Qazvin Province, Iran. In this descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study, 1028 elementary school aged children of Qazvin Province selected through multistage cluster sampling were assessed for child abuse in all domains, except for sexual abuse through a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire was standardized for validity and reliability. Gathered data was statistically analyzed and P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Out of 1028 studied children, including 540 [52.5%] boys and 488 [47.5%] girls 679 [66.05%] cases declared at least one type of child abuse. The number of positive cases for each domain of emotional, physical and neglect was 618 [60.1%], 360 [35%] and 394 [38.3%] respectively. No significance was seen regarding the gender and/or regions of living in any of the domains and total prevalence. Regarding the results of this study which showed a prevalence rate of 66% for child abuse; and since there are strong association between child maltreatment and its impacts in juvenile and adulthood periods in the forms of offending, mental health concerns such as suicide and homicide, substance abuse, school failure, employment difficulties, teenage pregnancy, adult attachment difficulties, family violence, intergenerational violence and so on, appropriate education to the parents, and the punishment laws for child abuse is recommended

Intelligence quotient [IQ] and growth indices in children with the history of low birth weight

In two groups of children with and without the history of low birth weight [LEW], Intelligence Quotient [IQ] and growth indices including weight and height are compared. In this historical cohort study performed in Zanjan City [Iran] 130 six-year-old children of both sexes in two equal groups, 65 with LEW history and 65 with normal birth weight [NEW], were selected randomly to be assessed for IQ, utilizing Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised [WISC-R] and physical growth indices, including weight and height. The results were analyzed statistically and P-values less than 0.05 were considered as significant. Verbal, non-verbal and total IQ, all were significantly different between LEW and NEW groups [P=0.02, P=0.04 and P=0.01, respectively]. Mean total IQ was 93.66 +/- 8.27 and 99.32 +/- 11.05, respectively. Weight and height between case and control groups showed significant differences, too [P=0.001 and P= 0.005, respectively]. The results of this study and similar studies emphasize paying special attention to the problem of low birth weight deliveries, recognizing related risk factors and trying to reduce them

Seroprevalence of hepatitis a in 7-10 year-old children

Hepatitis A is one of the most common infections during childhood, especially in developing countries. Regarding the high prevalence of the disease in Iran, this study was performed to detect the rate of the contact of the children of Zanjan/Iran with the virus of hepatitis A [HAV]. In a cross-sectional study, total anti HAV was assayed by ELISA method in serum samples of 300 children, aged 7-10 years, selected by multistage random sampling. The results were statistically analyzed. 27 children did not agree to participate in the study. Out of 273 samples, including 134 males and 139 females, 121 children [44.3%] had serum antibody against Hepatitis A. Of these children, 42%, 45.4% and 45.3% were 7-8, 8-9 and 9-10 years of age, respectively. No significant difference was found among age groups or between sex groups. According to this study, 44.3% of 7-10 year-old children have had previous contact with hepatitis A virus. This shows a high rate of seronegativity and sensitivity in adult community. Therefore, especially with regard to the high frequency of travels of the people between Iran and neighboring countries, that have high prevalence of disease, revision of national prevention protocol is recommended

Seroprevalence of helicobacter pylori infection among 7-9 year-old children in Zanjan-2004

H. pylori infection is one of the most common infections worldwide. The prevalence of this infection among children varies due to socioeconomic development and differs among different countries. Regarding the absence of previous studies for the Iranian children, this research was performed to detect the prevalence of H. pylori infection among children of city of Zanjan. In this study 278 children of 7-9 years old in Zanjan [summer 2004] were selected by multistage random sampling and then, anti H. pylori antibody [IgG] was assayed on their serum samples. The specimens were examined by ELISA'IgG [DSL Kits made in USA] in the laboratory of Vali-Asr hospital of Zanjan. Titer greater than 15 IU/dL was considered as positive regarding to the false negative or positive states. Finally, the data were analyzed. Out of all obtained samples, 147 were positive and 131 negative, which indicated the prevalence of 52.8% of H. pylori infection in 7-9 year-old children of Zanjan. Also, based on the results there was no significant difference between males and females [P = 0.5]. Different studies have shown the prevalence of H. pylori infection in children from 5% to 90%, Moreover, the prevalence in developing countries is higher. The reports varied in different parts of Iran for the adults [e.g. 30.6% in Yazd and 47.5% in Ardebil] but no previous study was done for the children. Our findings in children not only indicate a high prevalence rate but also show the importance of paying more attention to this infection