Oral health behaviours in relation to caries and gingivitis in primary-school children in Tehran, 2008

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence of caries, severe caries and gingivitis in Tehran primary-school children and to analyse the relationship between children's oral hygiene habits and prevalence of these oral health diseases. Data were collected on the oral hygiene habits of 1271 Tehran schoolchildren [637 boys, 634 girls] aged 9-13 years. Clinical examinations were performed to determine the decayed, missed and filled teeth [DMFT] and the presence of gingivitis. Total DMFT >/= 1 was observed in 83.3% of children; 55.5% had tDMFT >/= 4 and 87.7% had >/= 1 site affected by gingivitis. Dental visits of 48.2% of children were limited to toothache occasions and parents' lack of belief in the importance of oral health was the most commonly cited reason [P

Food consumption pattern in the Islamic Republic of Iran and its relation to coronary heart disease

A study was conducted to determine and evaluate the Iranian food consumption pattern in relation to coronary heart disease and dietetic risk factors. Nationwide data collected in our recent surveys were analysed. The findings reveal plant foods to be the basis of the Iranian diet. Of the total energy intake, 66% and 22% came from carbohydrates and fats respectively. The share of fat from different food groups was: meat and eggs 22%, dairy products 10%, fats and oils 58%. The percentage of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was 11.3%, 6.8% and 2.1% of the total energy intake respectively. Although the general food pattern of the population falls within the accepted ranges, the trend in the past 30 years reveals a twofold increase in fat intake