[Effects of family based education programs on body mass index of overweight and obese children: an intervention based on the social-cognitive theory]

Introduction: Overweight and obesity in children has been documented to be major health problem. This study is the educational intervention of child`s parents according to the social cognitive theory [SCT] for their body mass index [bmi] decrease in overweight and obese children of pre-elementary grade in Zarrinshahr

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on mothers with overweight and obese pre-elementary school children, residents of Zarrinshahr town in 2015. Mothers were divided randomly into the intervention and control groups [n=45 each]. For the intervention group [children and parents], an educational program was designed, based on the SCT and presented in 4 sessions. Data were collected by a researcher made questionnaire, including demographic information, the structures of SCT, and height and weight measurement tools, both before [baseline] and 5 months after the educational intervention. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, Chi-square test, analysis of covariance and the independent t-test

Results: Five months after educational intervention, mean scores of all structures of SCT, including self-efficiency, outcome expectations, self-regulation and social support of the intervention group showed a meaningful increase [P<0.001] in comparison with the control group. Physical activity of children in the intervention group also had a meaningful increase in comparison with controls. Use of social media, sweetmeats, salty snacks and sweet drinks after intervention showed no significant increase. In children, BMI showed a significant difference, compared to the pre-intervention assessment [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Results of the present study, showed that the social-cognitive theory can be used cautiously in related studies of children affected to by overweight

[Teaching styles of faculty members of Kurdistan university of medical sciences for theoretical lessons; 2010-2011]

Use of different teaching styles and different training methods with supervision on the different needs of the learners during the teaching-learning process can be encouraging to the students for lifelong learning [LLL]. The aim of this study was to determine teaching styles of faculty members of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences for theoretical lessons, to provide information on educational planning and development of combined teaching styles and training methods and adjustment of these styles to learning styles of the trainees in the future. This was a descriptive-analytical study. Statistical population included all of the faculty members of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences [135 faculty members], but only 124 [92%] participated in the study. Data collection tool was the Richman-Grasha teaching style inventory. Data were introduced into SPSS software 19[th] version and analyzed by ANOVA and chi-square statistical tests. The results indicated that the most frequent styles were the "Delegator Style" [60.5%] and the "Formal Authority Style" [33.9%]. The least frequent styles were "Facilitating Style" [0.8%] and "Personal Model Style" [1.6%]. 3.2% of the participants used the "Expert Teaching Style". The demographic characteristics of the faculty members such as; age, teaching background, gender, college or department, educational level and academic rank showed no relationship with their teaching styles. Based on the results of this study, the dominant teaching style of the participants was not related to their demographic data. Other factors like psychological characteristics and training models could be associated with the teaching styles

[Effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes]

Although some studies show that Chromium picolinate supplementation can improve glycemic control in type 2, diabetic patients, information available in this regard is conflicting. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of chromium picolinate on glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes. In this the randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical trial, 40 patients with type 2 diabetes were investigated. They were divided into two groups [n=20 each], the randomized and placebo groups, the former receiving 200 microgram chromium as chromium picolinate [n=20] for 3 months. Body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic control were determined at baseline and at the end of study. Subjects randomized to chromium picolinate, as compared to the placebo group, had a significant decrease in HbA[1C] [-41%, P=0.007vs. 0.12%, P = 0.054] and FBS levels [-22.05%, P = .001 vs. -1.35%, P= .859]. There was no improvement in body composition and lipid profiles of subjects randomized to chromium picolinate, compared to controls. Results of this study suggest that chromium picolinate supplementation in subjects with type 2 diabetes can improve glucose control but it has no effect on body composition and lipid profiles.

Evaluation of DIAGNO dent values before and after the application of opaque fissure sealant to permanent teeth

The ability of DIAGNOdent [DD] for detection of occlusal caries under sealant and its reproducibility is a matter of question for dentists. The aim of this study was to evaluate DD values before and after the application of opaque fissure sealant [FS] and to determine the reproducibility of DD for detection of occlusal caries under sealant. This study was carried out on 42 extracted sound human premolar and third molar teeth. Two examinersassessed the deepest occlusal pit of teeth with DD Pen [Kavo, Germany]. This evaluation was repeated one week later to assess DD reproducibility. Assessment with DD was also performed after acid etching and FS application. The results were recorded and analyzed using linear regression test and SPSS software. The intra-examiner reproducibility of DD was 75.49% and 77.56% for the first and second observers, respectively. The mean DD value after etching and FS therapy increased by 28 and 6 units, respectively. DD has high reproducibility making it suitable for the monitoring of occlusal caries. However, DD value is influenced by the opaque sealant and thus, it should not be used as the sole device for detection of caries under sealants

Prevalence of stress among Iranian medical students: a questionnaire survey

A cross-sectional study measured the frequency of self-reported stress symptoms among a weighted random sample of medical students in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran. The data were gathered using the Kessler IQ-item psychological distress scale. The overall prevalence of stress among 222 students was 61.3% and there were no statistically significant differences in stress levels between students in the pre-clinical and clinical phases or different years of study. Married students had significantly lower scores than single students but there were no differences between the sexes. Students who chose to study medicine had lower stress scores than those who were influenced by family or had no choice about the subject. Students with mild to moderate stress were significantly more likely to suffer physical problems [OR = 4.42]. Interventions are needed to tackle stress and improve Iranian medical students' physical and psychological well-being

[ Relationship between Breastfeeding and body mass index in primary school children of Rasht/Iran]

Nowadays in many parts of the world, obesity and overweight problems in children is considered essential. Overweight in childhood has been known as a factor affecting on the overweight in adult ages and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma and diabetes. Considering of the risky role of increasing of weight for children's health, researchers aimed to determine the relationship between breastfeeding and Body Mass Index in primary school children of Rasht/Iran. This was a case-control study which after obtaining the necessary licenses was performed in 8 primary schools of Rasht. 320 samples including 80 in case group [BMI>85th percentile for age and sex] and 240 in control group [BMI=5th to 85th percentile for age and sex] were selected. Data gathering tool were questionnaire, scales and tape meter. Finally, data were analyzed statistically by Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. The findings showed that the mean and standard deviation of total duration of breastfeeding in case group were 19.02 +/- 9.14 and in control group were 19.36 +/- 8.66, and there was no significant difference between these means. On the other hand, 82.5 percent of the samples in case group and 92.9 percent in control group had exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months and it showed significant difference [P=0.024]. The mean and standard deviation of meals frequency, duration of television watching, sleep duration of day and night and start time for complementary feeding in case and control group showed no significant statistical difference. In this study, the average of duration of breastfeeding [up to 2 years and more] in overweight and obese group was lower than the average in group with normal weight, but this difference was not statistically significant. On the other hand, the percent of children that had exclusive breastfeeding for 4-6 months in normal weight group was significantly more than overweight and obese children. In other words, this study showed that exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months after birth can be associated with reducing overweight and obesity in primary school children. On this basis, we can probably help to prevent overweight and obesity in children in the future by teaching more and more accurate about exclusive breastfeeding for parents, especially mothers and health care providers

Evaluation of stability parameters in in-vessel composting of municipal solid waste

Composting is a reliable technology for production of stabilized organic matter that is suitable for agriculture, but this process should be carefully monitored with appropriate indices. Quality of compost is important from maturity and stability viewpoint, but in most compost factories proper attention is not paid to it. This study was designed to evaluate the stability indices in municipal solid waste composting, for selecting the best index in quality monitoring of the wastes. Processed and shredded municipal solid waste from Isfahan compost plant was used as raw material in an in-vessel composting process. A cylindrical reactor with 1 m height and 50 cm diameter made of Pyrex glass was designed. Air was supplied at a specifically flow rate 0.2 L/min.kg to maintain aerobic condition. NH[4][+]/ NO[3] ratio, dehydrogenase enzyme activity [DA], pH, oxidation reduction potential [ORP or Eh] and specific oxygen uptake rate [SOUR] were used as stability indices. These parameters were measured during 40 days of composting process. Changes in these parameters during this period were surveyed and analyzed. Statistical analysis was carried out to choose best of them. Results showed that among the indices, SOUR can show the different stages of microbial decomposition and a numerical value for compost stability also SOUR value less than 2 mg O[2]/gVS.h can show the full stability of compost

[Anxiety prevalence survey of 144 students from payam-e-nour boiene mieandasht university [Isfahan] and its relationship with irritable bowel syndrome in 2011]

Background: irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] is a disease or functional gastrointestinal disorder, which appears to be associated with mental disorders, including anxiety. IBS seems to be involved in the creation and prevalence of anxiety, which varies in different societies. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of anxiety and its relationship with IBS among students of Payam-e-Nour Boiene Mieandasht University [Esfahan]

Materials and Methods: this study was a cross-sectional analysis study on 144 students that used a stratified random sampling method. We used the Cattell questionnaire, Rome III criteria and the collaboration of a general physician to measure anxiety

Results: there were 74 [51.4%] female patients. The mean age of all participants was 22.73+/-2.93 years. The prevalence of disease was 25%, and the prevalence of anxiety was 47.9%. Prevalence was higher in women than in men. Among anxiety disorders, marital and family history of anxiety in a statistically meaningful relationship was observed [p < 0.001]. We found a statistically meaningful relationship between a history of anxiety and IBS [p = 0.003]

Conclusion: anxiety seems to be involved in causing disease IBS. And disease prevalence was higher in these students than seen with other studies. We recommend better planning to prevent and promote improved mental health for students

[Relationship between educational practice of volunteer health workers and preventive behavior of households under their coverage regarding cutaneous leishmaniasis based on the BASNEF model in Yazd City, Iran]

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between educational practice of volunteer health workers [VHWs] and preventive behavior of households [HH] under their coverage regarding cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] based on the BASNEF model in Yazd City, Iran. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all the 60 VHWs in the CL-endemic regions in Yazd City were interviewed and completed a valid and reliable questionnaire designed by the investigator. In addition, from among the households under coverage of each one of the VHWs, 2 HHs were selected randomly and their heads were interviewed and completed the relevant questionnaire [total n=120]. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. There was a positive correlation between the knowledge and attitude of VHWs and knowledge of the households, as well as between the VHWs' behavioral intention and households' behavior. Further analysis of the data also revealed a positive correlation between the enabling factors of VHWs and the knowledge, behavioral intention, enabling factors and behaviors of families, as well as between educational behavior of VHWs and knowledge, attitude and behavior of the families. Volunteer health workers can potentially play an important role in case-finding, prevention and timely treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, merely promoting their awareness of the disease will not lead to improvements in their educational behavior in the community. More effective education aiming at promoting their awareness and enabling factors, as well as developing better attitude in them, will certainly result in better behavior of households and control of the disease

[Measurement of facial movements with photoshop software]

Although there are several methods to evaluate facial nerve palsy, most of them are not objective. In case of symmetric movements of face, photoshop software is useful for objective assessment of facial nerve injuries. In this descriptive-analytic study, the facial movements of sixty normal subjects [30 females and 30 males] were photographed. Displacement of facial movements in specific landmarks was measured by Photoshop software. The collected data then were analyzed by SPSS software. The mean displacement of forehead wrinkles and landmarks on cheeks in right and left sides was respectively 10.6 mm, 10.1 mm and 9.4 mm, 9.7 mm. The mean displacement of oral commissure in right and left sides during smile was 11.8 mm and 11.5 mm. The comparison showed no significant difference between both sides [P>0.05]. The mean distance between landmarks [lateral canthus, oral commissure and Cheek] and axis of face were compared too. The results showed that both sides were symmetric. Facial movements were measurable by Photoshop software and this method was applicable to assessment of facial nerve palsy and also synkinesis

Demographic, clinical features and treatment outcomes in 700 achalasia patients in Iran

Achalasia is the most recognized motor disorder of the esophagus. Because it is an uncommon disease, most studies have reviewed small numbers of patients. Here, we report demographic, clinical features and treatment outcomes in 700 achalasia patients. In all patients, diagnosis was established based on clinical, radiological, endoscopic and manometric criteria. A questionnaire was completed for each patient and included the patient's age, gender, initial symptoms, frequency of different symptoms, presence of positive family history for achalasia, other accompanying diseases and treatment outcomes. In our study men were affected more than women [54.3% vs. 45.7%]. Patients' mean age was about 38 years. The most frequent symptoms noted were: dysphagia to solids and liquids, active regurgitation, passive regurgitation and weight loss, respectively. Women complained of chest pain more than men [59% vs. 47.1%, p=0.04]. The vast majority of our patients were treated by pneumatic dilation [PD] of the LES and in long-term follow-up, 67% were in the responder group. Females responded better than males to PD. Dysphagia to solids is the most common symptom in patients with achalasia. Chest pain was significantly higher among women. PD is an effective treatment for achalasia with long-term efficacy in the majority of patients

Comparison of effecacy of fluoxetine with nortriptyline in treatment of major depression in children and adolescents: a double-bind study

The incidence of depression is 0.9% in preschoolers, 1.9% in school age children, and 4.7% in adolescents. Current antidepressant treatment of mood disorders in children and adolescents is still in the early phases of being validated with double-blind efficacy studies. In this study the efficacy of nortriptyline has been compared with fluoxetine in the treatment of major depression in children and adolescents. This was a double.blind clinical trial for 8 weeks, undertaken in the Isfahan Child and Adolescent Guidance outpatient Clinic, Isfahan, Iran. Subjects were 40 outpatients children and adolescents [20 boys and 20 girls] aged 7-16 years of old who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Forth Edition, for Major Depression. To determine the scores of two groups [Baseline and after treatment], we used Children Depression Inventory [CDI]. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive nortriptyline 2mg/kg/day for 8 weeks [group A] or fluoxetine 1mg/kg/day for 8 weeks, [group B]. Paired t-test was used to compare the mean of CDI score of each group before and after treatment. To compare the reduction in the Children Depression Inventory score, an unpaired t-test was used. The mean depression score was 28.9 [SD +/- 8.46] before intervention in fluoxetine group while that was 28.4 [SD +/- 8.76] in nortriptyline group. Independent t-test showed a significant difference between after treatment mean depression scores in both groups [t=2.97, df=38, P=0.004]. The changes at the endpoint compared with baseline were -10.95 +/- 2.61 and 2.6 +/- 0.8 for fluoxetine and nortriptyline, respectively. t- Paired test showed a significant decrease in mean depression score in fluoxetine group [P

efficacy of rational-emotive-behavioral versus relaxation group therapies in treatment of aggression of offspring of veterans with post traumatic stress disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] in war veterans has been linked with symptoms in their children, including symptoms resembling those of the traumatized parents, especially aggression. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group therapy in reducing aggressive behaviors of male adolescents whose fathers have war related PTSD. 36 male children [aged 11 19 years] whose fathers had PTSD, were randomly assigned into three groups for Rational-Emotive- Behavioral Therapy [REBT], Relaxation Therapy, and Wait-List control group. Each method had a course of ten therapeutic group sessions of 60 minutes once a week. Rates of aggression were assessed by Aggression Questionnaire [AGQ] at baseline, end of intervention, and two months later. The difference between AGQ scores of three groups was statistically significant. The behaviors of the three groups were not homogenous across the time [group ' time interaction] and showed a statistically significant difference. This study revealed that the intervention groups were superior to control group in reduction of aggressive behaviors in male adolescents of war veterans with PTSD. Further studies with greater sample size, prolonged duration of follow up, and multiple assessment procedures may be needed for better conclusions

effect of educational programme based on Health Belief Model [HBM] on the foot care by type II diabetic patients

Diabetes a major threat fo public health today and deaths resulting from its later complications such as diabetic foot, have increased alarmingly, causing physical and emotional problems and disability for diabetic patients. The current strategy for prevention of diabetic foot prevention is health education. This study was conducted to assess effects of educational interventions based on the HBM model used in food care by type 2 diabtetic patients. This is an interventional study in which 108 type 2 diabetic patients attending the the Kermanshah diabetic centre participated. They were randomly divided into the case and control groups. For data collection by interview a questionnaire consisting of 59 questions arranged in 5 sections including the demographic HBM model parts [perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers] and also cues of action foot care at home [self-reporting] and the checklist section was used. Realibility and validity of this questionnaire was confirmed before the study. Educational interventions based on HBM model were implemented in three 60 minute-sessions after completion of questionnaires and the data was again collected after one month. Findings showed means for knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, mean grades were at average levels and whereas the foot care mean grade was below average. After intervention, however, the results demonstrated that knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, action and checklist mean grades in type 2 diabetic patients increased significantly in the case group. The findings of this study showed that foot care increased when knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, elevated. These study results confirm the effectiveness and influence of the use of the HBM model in foot care by type 2 diabetic patients

[Effect of massage therapy on the level of blood glucose in diabetic children]

Introduction: Since the recognition of diabetes, different management methods have been found of which the most important ones are insulin and regimen therapies as well as exercise. Besides these types of management and treatment, complementary treatments such as massage therapy also can be practiced in this study. The goal of this study is assessment of the effect of massage therapy on the level of blood glucose in diabetic children

Methods: This is a quasi-experimental, two group, two step, pre Post design. Samples included 15 diabetic children, 7-15 years old, all having including criteria of the study, in two groups of control and massage. Sampling was done with convenience method and groups were divided randomly by the investigator. In massage group, parents had to massage their children's body 6 times everyday for 15 minutes at bedtime, for a period of two months. After completing education, one glycated hemoglobin test was done as well as a retest after two months. The data were analyzed by SPSS software and descriptive inferential statistical method

Results: Paired t_test showed that glycated hemoglobin had been significantly decreased after study in massage group compared with pre-study period [P<0/05]. Analysis of variance showed a mere significant difference between pre and post study mean of glycated hemoglobin between massage and control groups [P<0/05]

Discussions: Results showed the positive effect of massage on decrease of blood glucose resulting in the decrease of glycated hemoglobin in diabetic children. Therefore, this method can be suggested as a complement method in addition to the routine treatment of diabetes to decrease blood glucose in diabetic children