[Silent stroke and related risk factors]

The silent brain infarctions are common in first-ever stroke. Some recent studies show the possible role of silent brain infarction in ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of silent brain infarction in acute first-ever ischemic stroke and its association with stroke risk factors. This descriptive - analytical study was carried out on 203 [94 males, 109 females] patients with acute first-ever ischemic stroke in Shafa hospital in Kerman, Iran during 2010. The diagnosis of ischemic stroke was made by physical examination and was confirmed by MRI and CT Scan. A questionnaire containing demographic information and risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease for stroke as well as presence of silent stroke was completed for each patient. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and logistic regression test. The mean age of patients was 62.56 +/- 17.35 years. Among our patients history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, diabetes, history of ischemic heart disease, history of other cardiac disease and silent stroke were observed in 66 [32.5%], 26 [12.8%], 16 [7.9%], 40 [19.7%], 27 [13.3%], 16 [7.9%] and 31 [15.3%], respectively. The probability of silent stroke among patient with hyperlipidemia, was 3.7 times more than those without hyperlipidemia [95%CI: 1.556-12.780, P<0.05]. There was no significant correlation between silent stroke and the above risk factors. Silent stroke was found in 15% of patients with ischemic stroke. Control of hyperlipidemia can have a vital role in the prevention of silent stroke

Viewpoints of students towards educational services quality presented by [expectations and perceptions] Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences [2008-2009]

The first basic step in planning any quality improvement programs is to determine the educational services quality followed by presenting effective strategies to overcome or reduce the possible gaps in access to standard quality education. This study was conducted to aim of evaluation of the students' viewpoints regarding educational services quality presented by Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive - sectional study was performed on 310 students studying at the Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in the second semester of academic year 2008-2009. The participants were rendomly seclected and the data was collected using a valid and reliable questionaire based on the SERVQUAL [science quality] insterument. The results were then analyzed, in relation to the five service quality [SERVQUAL] dimensions [tangibles; reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy], by t-test and ANOVA using SPSS softwere. The average service quality gap scores was defined as the difference between the average perceptions score and expectations score. Results indicated that the average service quality gap was -1.52 +/- 0.9. The maximum quality gap scores was observed in the faculties of medicine and dentistery respectively [-1.88 +/- 0.8, -2.01 +/- 0.9] and the minimum value was found in the faculty of para medicine [-1.2 +/- 0.7]. The results also showed that there are significant differences among the gap scores of five dimensions. The empathy and reliability dimensions had the minimum gap scores [-1.40 +/- 1] and the tangibles dimension had the maximum value [-1.8 +/- 1.2]. Based on our results, from viewpoints of students, the educational services quality is under the acceptable level. For changing this situation, many actions and measures should be taken including; offering training courses or workshops for academic members and staff, modifying the educational technology, and refurbishing the educational building and campus

[Assessment of the reasons for tooth extraction among patients referred to the Rafsanjan dental school [2008]]

The retention of permanent teeth is important in oral health. Tooth extraction is always the last choice in dentistry, however in the most economically poor countries or those without efficient insurance services; tooth extraction, particularly among restorable teeth is common. The aim of this study was to determine the reasons of tooth extraction and evaluation of oral health status among patients referred to the Rafsanjan Dental School in winter 2008. This descriptive study was conducted on 320 patients. The general information about patient, oral health status, tooth location and causes of extraction after clinical and radiographically examination were collected by a cheklist. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics methods. In this study the most prevalent reasons were not restorable caries [32.5%], restorable caries that the tooth was extracted because of patient's request [30.6%], patient's request [11.6%], untreatable periodontal disease [10%], treatable periodontal disease that the tooth was extracted because of patient's request [5%], impaction [3.1%], malaproposed teeth [2.8%], other reasons [2.8%], and orthodontics [1.6%]. There was no tooth extracted because of pre-prosthetic reasons. Caries and patient's request were the main reasons for tooth extraction in respondents. Proper oral health system including efficient programs focusing on prevention and treatment of caries should be created and developed

[ survey on testosterone blood levels in male irritable bowel syndrome patients in comparison with a control group]

Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] with chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits in the absence of any organic cause is identified as the most common known gastrointestinal disorder. IBS affects both sexes and can occur at any age. Diagnosis of this disease in younger patients and women is more likely. In the pathophysiology of IBS, hereditary, environmental, visceral, psychological factors, emotional stress and to a lesser degree, brain factors and hormones, have been discussed. Cortricotropin releasing factor [CRF] has a strong relationship with stress. This factor plays a role in the production of several steroid hormones, including testosterone. During stress, CRF and its receptors' activities increase. This may play a role in some digestive system disorders such as IBS. This study was undertaken from December 2009 to June 2010 on 32 men diagnosed with IBS from a GI clinic, Iran as cases and 23 healthy men who were employees of Ali-Ebn-Abitaleb Hospital, as the control group. Serum testosterone levels were measured by ELISA. Demographic data and laboratory results were analyzed by SPSS version 15. The t-test compared serum testosterone levels of the two groups. Testosterone levels of the IBS cases were 5.73 +/- 3.5 ng/dl and the control group was 1.84 +/- 0.67 ng/dl in this study, which was statistically significant [P < 0.05]. Testosterone may play a role in the pathogenesis of IBS. More extensive studies should be done to discover the pathogenesis of IBS and role of this hormone

viewpoints of general dentists of rafsanjan and kerman toward continuing education program of restorative dentistry

Identifying educational needs of general dentists and prioritizing them in continuing education programs are matters of necessity. This study was conducted to identify the viewpoints of general dentists concerning their educational needs, proper methods of teaching, and implementing continuing education program of restorative dentistry in Rafsanjan and Kerman. This descriptive cross-sectional study, in which 145 general dentists in Kerman and Rafsanjan participated, was performed in the year 2007. Data was gathered by a questionnaire consisting of demographic questions, 17 questions about the subjects and headings of continuing education program of restorative dentistry, 8 and 6 questions about proper teaching methods and implementing continuing education programs, respectively. The questionnaire was based on 5 point Lickert scale. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics and t-test. Ninety three general dentists from Kerman and 52 ones from Rafsanjan participated in this study. The most important educational priorities in continuing education program of restorative dentistry were new generations of composites, infection control, sterilization principles, causes of anterior and posterior composite resin restorations failure and porcelain laminate veneer. Participants preferred teaching methods of practical training in educational workshops, observing practical works, and lecture along with film presentation; they also realized the study of textbooks and scientific journals, watching educational film, attending seminars and congresses more suitable for continuing education program of restorative dentistry. The headings of continuing education program of restorative dentistry should be revised regularly based on the learners' needs. Performing or observing practical work are recommended as teaching methods for this kind of programs. Also new methods should be employed in implementing the program

[Correlation between marital satisfaction and depression among couples in Rafsanjan]

Marital satisfaction is among the factors considered to influence the improvement and goal achievement of life. Contrarily, depression can suppress motivation and activity, leading to job and family problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between marital satisfaction and depression among couples in Rafsanjan [Iran]. This was a descriptive-analytical study in which 300 married couples [300 men, 300 women], aged between 18-35 years, were investigated. The population study were chosen based on random multi-stage sampling during one-month trial [February to March] in 2003. The data were collected using two questionnaires, the Beck and Enrich scales to study depression and marital satisfaction, respectively. Later, using SPSS software, Pearson correlation coefficient, chi-square test, and Fisher test, the data were analyzed. The prevalence of depression in married couples was 25.7% for men and 27.7% for women. Statically, a significant difference was found between the degree of depression and sex, age, number of children, and the length of marriage. The prevalence of marital satisfaction among couples was 85.4% and 77% for men and women, respectively. Again, a significant difference was seen between the degree of depression and marital satisfaction. In general, there was a negative relationship between depression and marital satisfaction [p<0.05]. Based on data found in our study, more comprehensive health and nursing programs to simultaneously lowering the degree of depression and promoting the level of marital satisfaction among the couples are suggested

[Child abuse prevalence among addicts referred to the Rafsanjan addiction withdrawal center in 2005]

Child abuse and neglect of children referred to the physical, psychological, emotional or sexual abuse, these circumstances result in detrimental impacts on health, welfare and education of children. Based on these considerations, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of child abuse among addicts referred to the Rafsanjan Addiction Withdrawal Center in 2005. In this cross sectional study, 648 addicts randomly selected. A questionnaire was completed for each particpant and the data were then analysed using X[2] test. The findings of this study showed that 81.9% of the participants were child abusers and 87.8% of them were 41-60 years old. The percentages of child abuse found in the participants with a history of parenteral drug-abuse, addiction in their families, divorce, physical harassment, and neglect during their childhood were 93.3%, 89%, 95%, 90.9% and 87.9% respectively. Slapping [17.86%] and deprivation of talking and attention [16.44%] were the most common type of physical child abuse and neglect. In 20.82% cases, the child abuse occurred at the withdrawal period of addiction. The most frequent feelings after child abuse for the child abusers were regret and sadness [36.87% and 35.25% respectively]. This study showed that there is a direct relationship between child abuse and addiction to opiates. Also there are other factors related to child abuse including level of education, economic situation, a history of addiction and divorce in the family of child abuse victims. Therefore, the necessity of an organized care system for children and addicted parents and regulating of supportive rules are obvious and of superme value

[Compliance of standard precautions for prevention of AIDS in maternity care units]

Introduction: AIDS was a problem of the industrial countries at first, but today it is a universal one, so that health care workers especially midwives and other workers in maternity care units are at high risk and their compliance of standard precautions is important. This research was carried out to investigate the quality of compliance of these precautions in maternity care unites

Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive analytic survey carried out on 66 midwives and 16 helper staffs in governmental maternity care unites of Kerman and Rafsanjan. The data were gathered with two checklists. All midwives and helper staffs were involved in this research. SPSS soft ware was used for data analysis

Results: The findings showed that 80.3% of midwives were at average level of practice, 16.7% were poor and 3% good. 75% of helper staffs were at poor level of practice, 25% were average not having good practice. Equipments were appropriate for both of them

Discussion: The midwives and helper staffs had appropriate equipments but only 3% of midwives had good practice while helper staffs didn't. So probably additional factors such as insufficient information and motivation, crowded ward etc. affected their practice. So in order to improve quality of practice, barriers should be determined and removed

Employment status of Refsanjan Medical Sciences University graduates

One of the economical and social challenges of graduates of higher education is unemployment. To determine the employment status of students of Rafsanjan medical university. Through a descriptive study, out of 1168 questionnaires sent to graduated students of Rafsanjan medical university [1990- 1996] by mail, 410 questionnaires that were sent back, were analyzed. The results indicated that 60.5% of the research group were employed at one of the public or private organizations, 35.9% were unemployed and 3.6% were self- employed. Out of the employed population, 33.9% were officially hired, 20.2% were conventionally hired, 15.3% had contracts and 30.6% were in the plan of human resource. The interviewed samples [68.4%] stated that high salary was the motive behind occupation. The prevalence of employment were mostly in radiology [81.6%], nursing [79.7%], Medicine [76.7%] operation room [30.5%] an anesthesiology [46.6%]. Nearly half of the graduates were employed at public offices and the role of private section was not significant in this regard