Analyses of some relevant predictors on self-management of type 2 diabetic patients

Diabetes is a life threatening illness in both developed and developing countries. Self-management in diabetes is a process which facilitates adoption of self-management behaviors. This process includes need assessment, goals setting and life experiences of diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to determine some relevant factors on self-management among type 2 diabetic patients in order to facilitate planning intervention programs in health promotion field. This study was a cross sectional analysis which assessed some related factors of self-management as a predictor among 140 diabetic patients affiliated to an ambulatory health center in Isfahan in 2011. The tool of data collection was a multidimensional questionnaire included socio demographic and health characteristics [12 items], diabetes distress [17 items], self-efficacy [8 items], and self-management [35 items].Collected data was analyzed by SPSS software version 11.5 with using statistical tests. Findings showed that some variables such as age [p=0.004], duration of disease [p<0.001], sex [p=0.003], co morbidity [p=0.004], BMI [p=0.02], level of education; higher than diploma [p=0.02], medication treatment [p<0.001], health status [p<0.001], diabetes distress, [p<0.001] and self-efficacy [p<0.001] had significant relation with self-management. Predictors [R[2] = 46%]. Multivariate regression dedicated some variables such as age [6=-0.155, P=0.02], health status [6= 0.238, P=0.009], diabetes distress [6= -0.243, P=0.001], self-efficacy [6- 0.372, p<0.001] and BMI [6- - 0.17, P=0.01]. Adopting of self-management behaviors has significant reverse in relation to age, duration of disease, BMI, and diabetes distress. Meanwhile there was significant direct relation with health status and self-efficacy. Therefore, the best proposed regression model is decreasing diabetes distress and enhancing self-efficacy in order to plan intervention programs among type 2 diabetes patients

[To evaluate of efficacy of education based on health belief model on knowledge, attitude and practice among women with low socioeconomic status regarding osteoporosis prevention]

Osteoporosis is major public health concern affecting millions of adults particularly older adults and women worldwide. Designing effective educational intervention is principle in any health promotion program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an educational intervention based on health belief model on knowledge about, attitudes toward and practice of prevention osteoporosis among women with low socioeconomic status in Isfahan. The study population consisted of 14 women with low socioeconomic status and under 60 years old. A valid and reliable questionnaire developed and used as measurement tool for initial and final assessments in this program. In addition calcium intake and vitamin D, physical activity and exposure to the sun were assessed. The mean age of the participants were 40.8 +/- 10.52 years. The mean score of all parts of health belief model [except for perceived barriers], knowledge, sun exposure, and physical activity after educational intervention compared to before intervention, were increased significantly. There was no statistically significant difference between daily calcium and vitamin D intake before and after intervention. It is concluded that the HBM Model- based educational program on Knowledge and belief regarding Osteoporosis prevention seems practical and effective. However more research should be done to find out more effective intervention regarding optimal calcium and vitamin D intake

[Application of an integrative approach to identify determinants of junk food consumption among female adolescents]

The increasing consumption of junk foods by adolescents is associated with adverse health consequences. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of unhealthy snack consumption among female adolescents using an integrative method based on the theory of planned behavior. The sample included 90 female adolescents aged 12-15 years, from 2 guidance schools in Tehran, selected by systematic sampling. In the qualitative phase of the study, which was of a phenomenology type, the data were collected through 9 focus group discussions. After obtaining parental consent, in each discussion session a moderator followed a topic outline developed based on the theory of planned behavior [TPB]. Data analysis was done using the framework method. The quantitative phase consisted of a cross-sectional study on 790 female adolescents aged 12-15 years old from 10 schools, selected using a randomized stratified cluster sampling method. Data on social cognition [based on TPB] and food consumption [using a 48-item food frequency questionnaire] were collected and analyzed using the multiple regression method. In both phases of the study there was a broad range of factors, some of them contradicting each other, influencing selection of snacks by the adolescents. Taste was identified as the most important factor influencing their attitude towards junk foods consumption. The major predictors of behavior of the adolescents were found to be easy access to junk foods, personal taste preferences, peer pressure, media advertisements, and low price of unhealthy snacks [p<0.05]. The most influential individuals in snack choice, based on the qualitative phase findings, were peers, while quantitative findings identified parents as the most influential. Applying an integrative approach provided a comprehensive insight into the underlying factors of junk food consumption by adolescents. Intervention programs with due consideration of these factors can help reduce unhealthy snack food consumption in this vulnerable group

epidemiogical approach tow ard the problem of drug addiction in tehran

This study took an epidemiological approach toward the problem of drug addiction in Tehran. The subjects were 300 addicts chosen on the basis of stratified random selection out of the population of 3627 prisoners who were all proven addicts and sentenced to imprisonment by the court in the year 1370. A descriptive survey showed that drug addiction generally, and heroin addiction specifically, is more common among the youth. In fact, 89.7% of the addicts were between 15 and 40 years old, with the average age of 32.5% years. The data are summarized in 6 tables and statistical computations, especially the chi-square test which was applied to determine correlation coefficients between the sets of dependent and independent variables, showed that the following factors have the highest influence on this growing phenomenon: Availability of drugs; lack of hobbies; lacking clear objectives and planning in one's life; socto-cultural pressure; family conflicts; illiterate parents; unemployment and immature character. The educational system should also be criticized as 35% of the sample had obtained their high school diploma. This suggests that should be a more effective syllabus for health education on junior high school curriculum and get the teenagers acquainted with the effects of drug addiction on one's health and its consequences