[Study on career of midwives graduated from Qazvin University of Medical Sciences]

Assessing the output of each educational system such as professional state and scientific activities could provide valuable data for training planning. Determining the professional and educational state of midwifery associate degree holders qualified from Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. In this descriptive study, all individuals with an associate degree in midwifery, admitted to Qazvin Nursing and Midwifery College during 1996-2006, were assessed in 2008 -2009. The questionnaires were mailed to all available individuals. After returning of questionnaires, the data on 203 cases were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Of total participants, 88.2% had taken part in the entrance exams for higher academic degrees in midwifery, of which 44.7% were admitted. The academic degrees of study population at the time completed their questionnaires were associate degree in midwifery [68.5%], BSc. in midwifery [30], and MSc in midwifery [1.5%] with 35.5% of associate degree holders unemployed and 11.8% doing their mandatory duties fixed for those qualified from the state-run universities. In general, 68.6% were interested in research activities including participation in research projects, paper presentation as well as contribution in scientific magazines publication. Setting aside those engaged in doing their mandatory duties, the real number of unemployed qualified people is quite high. Regarding the unemployment rate, it might be concluded that one of the reasons to move into higher academic courses is the undesirable conditions of business market for those with an associate degree in midwifery. More attention in recognition and training of those with educational and research merits is suggested

[ effect of education on level of knowledge towards the role and consumption of folic acid supplement in pregnancy]

Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins for women at reproductive age and especially pre-conception and during pregnancy. this study was to assess the effect of education on level of knowledge regarding the role and consumption of folic acid supplement in pregnant women. This was an interventional study in which 126 pregnant women referred to health centers in Qazvin during 2006-2007 were included. Health centers were selected by cluster sampling and the study population chosen randomly. Data were collected through a two-stage interview using a questionnaire. Initially, a questionnaire was completed by interview followed by a15-minute face to face education session and further re-filling of the same questionnaire two weeks later. Data were analyzed using T test, chi square test, and Fisher's exact test. Based on results of present study, the level of knowledge on folic acid consumption among study population was demonstrated to be good [4%], moderate [57.1%], and poor [38.9%] pre-education which changed to 57.1%, 40.5% and 2.4% post-education, respectively. There was a significant difference between the level of knowledge pre- and post-education, statistically [P<0/000]. Consumption of folic acid by pregnant women was found to be around 84.1% before education which rose to 96% after education program with a statistically significant difference pre- and post-education [P= 0/003]. According to data found in our study, midwifes, medics, and health care workers are recommended to follow a given educational package in which the promotion of knowledge on folic acid supplement consumption and its advantages in reproductive age particularly in pregnant women is targeted