Correlation between the third trimester maternal anxiety and neonatal pain during invasive procedures

Neonatal period is one of the most high-risk stages of human life affected by some factors associated to pre- and post-delivery stages, such as invasive procedures. Anxiety is found to be one of the most common psychological disorders during prenatal period, especially the third trimester. Until now, significant negative consequences of anxiety on newborn's health are reported. The main objective for the present research was to determine the correlation between the third trimester maternal anxiety and neonatal pain during invasive procedures. In this longitudinal study, anxiety was measured using self-administered Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] for 75 pregnant mothers referred to hospitals of Bandar-Abbas city, Iran, for routine prenatal care during the third trimester of pregnancy and subsequently after delivery. The physiologic and behavioral responses of their newborn to pain during invasive procedures were evaluated using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Data analysis was carried out using IBM-SPSS Statistics and descriptive-analytic statistical tests [Pearson correlation]. The findings showed no significant correlation between total average scores of the third trimester maternal anxiety and average scores of newborn pain [P = 0.13]. However, there was a significant negative correlation between the mother's trait anxiety and the newborn's mean pain score [P = 0.04]. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that the anxiety of pregnant women during pregnancy may weaken the newborn's response to pain. This decreased sensitivity to pain in newborns can be a result of rising of maternal stress hormones in response to chronic stressors, which may have negative effects on development of newborns' nervous system. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and alleviate pregnant women's anxiety. In addition, more researches can shed light on this issue

effects of enhanced external counterpulsation on health-related quality of life in patients with angina pectoris

The complicated concept of quality of life [QOL] has been considered as an important criterion for health outcomes in chronic diseases, such as heart disease, in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the QOL of patients with angina pectoris after treatment with enhanced external counterpulsation [EECP]. This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 64 patients with angina pectoris undergoing EECP who came to Shahid Chamran and Sina Hospitals in Isfahan. Sampling was performed by the convenient method. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing socio-demographic and clinical data. A standard questionnaire called 36-item Short-Form Health Survey was also used. Questionnaires were completed through interviews and phone calls in three stages [before, immediately and three months after the treatment]. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics [frequency, mean, and standard deviation] and analytical statistics [paired t-test and repeated measures test] in SPSS11.5. The obtained results demonstrated that the majority of patients were men [59.4%] and aged 56-71 years. In addition, 57.8% had hypertension and 56.3% had hyperlipidemia. A history of myocardial infarction was found in 70.3% of the subjects and the familial history of coronary artery disease was detected in73.4%. Although QOL evaluations showed improvements in all subscales immediately and three months after the treatment, the changes were not statistically significant in case of general health, role limitations due to physical problems and role limitations due to mental problems. Similar to previous research, this study showed QOL to improve in patients who undergo EECP. This improvement will remain stable three months after the treatment in all subscales. Therefore, EECP is an efficient noninvasive method in treating patients with angina pectoris and in developing their QOL.

Satisfaction levels about hospital wards' environment among adolescents hospitalized in adult wards vs. pediatric ones

Adolescents admitted to hospital are either surrounded by children or adults. However, age appropriate facilities are often not provided to meet the needs of adolescents, which should be incorporated in the wards. This study compares the satisfaction level about physical environment of the wards among adolescents who have been admitted to pediatric and adult wards. In a cross sectional study, 200 adolescents aged 10-19 were selected from adult and pediatric wards and studied for their level of satisfaction about physical environments of selected wards in Isfahan city. Among the adolescents surveyed in adult and pediatric wards, 44% and 54% reported high satisfaction levels with physical aspects of the ward environment and its facilities, respectively. The average satisfaction level among adolescents in pediatric wards was higher than among adolescents in adult wards [P = 0.04]. However, no significant difference was found between age, number, and length of hospital admissions, insurance, and satisfaction levels with physical aspects of the ward environment and facilities. Adolescents reported better satisfaction with the pediatric wards' environment compared to adults' ward. They require specialized wards to meet their needs according to their developmental period. If not available, facilities should be provided in pediatric wards where adolescents have reported better satisfaction with the wards' environment.

Comparison of dietary intake in children with type I diabetes mellitus and controls

The purpose of nutritional recommendations for children with type I diabetes mellitus [1DDM] is the control of blood sugar to decrease the long term complications of diabetes such as cardiovascular disease that should be prevented from the early childhood Still there are no precise data on compliance with these recommendations in diabetic children. To compare the dietary intake of children with IDDM and Controls and with current recommendations for children with IDDM. In this case-control study, 143 IDDM children and adolescents aged 4-18 years who visited at least three times a year in our research center were selected by continuous convenient sampling. Their nutrient intake was compared with 147 healthy controls matched for age, sex and area of residence. The nutrient content were analyzed by using the Nutritionist III software package and data were analyzed through SPSS software package [version 6]. P value <0.05 was considered significant. The data are presented as mean [ +/- SD] and frequencies. In the 4-6 years age group, the intake of total calories and fiber, in the 7-10 years age group intake of fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugar and saturated fatty acid [SFA], also the percentage of calorie intake from, fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugar and SFA, in the 10-14 year age group intake of sugar and fiber, also the energy intake from poly unsaturated fatty acid [PUFA] and sugar and in the 15-18 year age group the intake of fiber, total calorie, protein, carbohydrate and sugar in diabetic children were higher than the control group. In all age groups the energy intake of carbohydrates and fats were in the standard allowance limits, while percentage of energy consumed from protein in all age groups was slightly higher than standard allowances, bringing about the risk of nephropathy in diabetic children. The intake of fiber decreased by age and SFA intake increased by age, so, dietary educational measures on a national basis are needed to change unhealthy eating pattern in our community

Knowledge and attitude toward AIDS/HIV among senior school students in Isfahan

Considering the increasing spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] in the Middle East, informing about how it can be transmitted and prevented is the primary weapon against its spread. Determining the public information regarding HIV/AIDS and their attitude toward people with AIDS/HIV can provide basis for appropriate educational program in each community. So, we investigated knowledge and attitude toward AIDS/HIV among senior school students in Isfahan, Iran. A cross sectional survey among randomly selected high school students in Isfahan city was conducted. The students responded to an anonymous self administered questionnaire after orally consenting to participate in the study. Knowledge and attitude were scored. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analy7e data by SPSS package. The total knowledge level of 60.2% of students was good, of 34.1% of them was moderate and 5.7% of subjects had poor knowledge levels, and total knowledge level was not significantly different among girls and boys. In the present study there were negative attitudes towards AIDS and HIV positive persons. In 68.6% of students the attitude was moderate, in 23.3% the attitude was good and in 8.1% of students the attitude was poor. Journal and books were the main information sources in girls and in boys the main information source was TV. Most respondents knew the main mode of transmission of HIV infection. Thus, while mass media approaches could be the most likely strategy for future educational efforts, education intervention in schools programs involving teachers and school consultants can be tailored appropriately to the special needs of students, so as to maximize their effectiveness

Comparison of dietary intake between children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and control group

The goal of dietary recommendations in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus is to achieve moderate to good control of blood glucose regarding to decrease in diabetic long-term complications. Although educational programs on appropriate dietary habits are offered in Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center for diabetic patients, there is no information about their dietary habits. This study has been performed to investigate dietary intake in children with diabetes mellitus type1 and to compare the results with that of non-diabetic ones. A cross-sectional study was performed in two groups of healthy and diabetic children. Data were collected by questionnaire and interview. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined by content validity and pilot study. Data were described and analyzed by t-student and Pearson correlation tests in four age groups, using SPSS software. Findings showed that in "A" age group the intake of total calorie and fiber, in "B" age group the intake of fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugar and SFA, also fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugar and SFA-derived calorie consumption, in "C" age group the intake of sugar and fiber, also PUFA and sugar-derived calorie consumption and in "D" age group the intake of fiber, total calorie, protein, carbohydrate and sugar were higher in diabetic children as compared with the control group. In all subjects, the intake of carbohydrate and total fat was the same as standard recommendations, while protein intake was a little higher which increases the risk of diabetic nephropathy. In all study groups, fiber intake has been decreased with increasing the age, so it is suggested to have dietary educational programs for general population with the goal of changing the life style of people, which itself can result in less social isolation in school-aged diabetic children