Prioritization of factors related to mental health of women during an earthquake: A qualitative study / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND@#According to the fact that women account for the highest rate of victims of mental health loss during disasters, prioritization of their requirements is of remarkable significance. Therefore, the present study was carried out with the aim to prioritize factors related to women's mental health during an earthquake.@*METHODS@# This study was conducted using the Delphi method in 2017. Participants consisted of experts including psychologists, counselors and psychiatrists, social medicine specialists, and psychiatric-mental health nurses with experience in service and disaster awareness, especially earthquake. They were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The Delphi method was used in 2 rounds with 21 components and the final attendance of 19 participants and the collective agreement of 75%.@*RESULTS@# Of the 21 factors related to women's mental health during the earthquake, the following components were, respectively, preferred by the participants: psychological well-being training, group relationships and support of women in emergency situations, fair treatment in the provision of rights and services to women, crisis awareness and management of behavior and difficult conditions, and social security during disasters with the total mean standard deviation (SD) of 13.4 (2.4), 13.0 (2.4), 12.7 (2.5), 12.5 (2.4), and 12.3 (2.2), respectively.@*CONCLUSION@# Training in the field of psychology and disasters, and social and cultural factors were prioritized among factors related to women's mental health during an earthquake. Therefore, the results of this study can be applied by the planners and executives of mental health, women and disasters, and the women's community itself.

The incidence of congenital hypothyroidism and its determinants from 2012 to 2014 in Shadegan, Iran: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the major causes of preventable mental retardation in infants. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of CH in Shadegan, Khuzestan Province, Iran from 2012 to 2014 and to identify the risk factors associated with CH. METHODS: A total of 203 cases were confirmed from 2012 to 2014 in Shadegan, with 66, 86, and 51 patients reported in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. A total of 3,900, 3,991, and 4,050 live births occurred in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. The controls (n=657) were selected using a random number table, and a case-control study was carried out to determine the risk factors for neonatal CH, including demographic, environmental, and medical factors. RESULTS: The incidence of CH was 17.0 per 1,000 live births in 2012, 21.5 per 1,000 live births in 2013, and 12.6 per 1,000 live births in 2014. This study showed that the likelihood of CH in children born to parents with a history of consanguineous marriage was 2.41 times greater than in children born to parents with no such history (odds ratio, 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 3.53). This study also found that CH was 3.4 times more likely (95% CI, 2.29 to 5.20) in infants born in urban settings than in infants born in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CH in Shadegan from 2012 to 2014 was approximately 17 times greater than the expected incidence in Iran. CH was associated with a history of consanguineous marriage and urbanization.

effects of consumption of bread fortified with soy bean flour on metabolic profile in type 2 diabetic women: a cross-over randomized controlled clinical trial

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and has become a major threat for global health. Recent studies reported that the soy has beneficial effects in diabetic mellitus patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of soybean flour fortified bread consumption on metabolic profile in type 2 diabetic women. This randomized, cross-over, controlled clinical trial was carried out in 30 type 2 diabetic women. At first, a 2-week run-in period was applied. Then, participants were randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups. Participants in the intervention group were asked to replace 120 g of soybean flour fortified bread with the same amount of their usual bread intake or other cereal products for 6 weeks. After a 4 weeks washout period, participants were crossed over for another 6 weeks. Mean [+/- standard deviation] age and body mass index of subjects was 45.7 +/- 3.8 years and 29.5 +/- 3.9 kg/m[2], respectively. The results of our study showed no significant effects of soybean flour fortified bread on metabolic profile. We found a reduction in serum triglycerides [change difference: -3.7, P = 0.82], serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [change difference:-11.2, P = 0.50], insulin [change difference:-3.6, P = 0.7], and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [change differences: -0.57, P = 0.45] after 6 weeks but these changes were not statistically significant. No significant effects of soybean flour fortified bread on serum concentrations of fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, high-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol levels were found. Six weeks consumption of soybean flour fortified bread among diabetic patients had no significant effects on metabolic profile

association between serum vitamin D levels with general and abdominal obesity among patients with migraine

Obesity is a common health problem around the world. Studies have shown inverse relationship between serum vitamin D levels with obesity among patients and healthy population. The aim of this present study is to examine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels with general and abdominal obesity among migraine patients. The present study is a cross-sectional and 66 migraine patients aged 19-61 years were included for analysis. Partial correlation was performed to assess association between serum 25-OH-D with general and abdominal obesity. Adjustments were performed for age, sex, and education. No relationship was found between serum levels of vitamin D with general and abdominal obesity. However, a significant association was shown between waist circumferences [WC] with body mass index [BMI]. Serum levels of 25-OH-D were not associated with WC and BMI. Furthermore, after adjustment for confounder variables, no association was observed

Validation of a questionnaire for heat strain evaluation in women workers

Physiological, anthropometrical and thermal perceptual are the most important factors affecting thermoregulation of men and women in workplaces. The purpose of this study was determining the validity of a questionnaire method for assessing women's heat strain in workplaces. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 96 healthy women. Data were continuously collected over a period of 3 months [July-September] in 2012. Mean +/- [SD] of age was found to be 31.5 +/- 7.48 years, of height 1.61 +/- 0.05 m, of weight 61.55 +/- 10.35 kg, and of body mass index 23.52 +/- 3.75 kg/m[2] in different workplaces. Heart rate and oral temperature were measured by heart rate monitoring and a medical digital thermometer, respectively. Subjects completed a draft questionnaire about the effective factors in the onset of heat strain. After collecting the questionnaires, the data were analyzed by applying Cronbach's a calculation, factor analysis method, Pearson correlation and receiver operator characteristic curves using the SPSS 18 software. The value for Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.68. The factor analysis method on items of draft questionnaire extracted three subscale [16 variables] which they explained 63.6% of the variance. According to the results of receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off questionnaire score for separating people with heat strain from people with no heat strain was obtained to be 17. The results of this research indicated that this quantitative questionnaire has an acceptable reliability and validity, and a cut-off point. Therefore it could be used in the preliminary screening of heat strain in women in warm workplaces, when other heat stress evaluation methods are not available

Evaluation of the effect of noise on the rate of errors and speed of work by the ergonomic test of two-hand co-ordination

Among the most important and effective factors affecting the efficiency of the human workforce are accuracy, promptness, and ability. In the context of promoting levels and quality of productivity, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to noise on the rate of errors, speed of work, and capability in performing manual activities. This experimental study was conducted on 96 students [52 female and 44 male] of the Isfahan Medical Science University with the average and standard deviations of age, height, and weight of 22.81 [3.04] years, 171.67 [8.51] cm, and 65.05 [13.13] kg, respectively. Sampling was conducted with a randomized block design. Along with controlling for intervening factors, a combination of sound pressure levels [65 dB [A], 85 dB [A], and 95 dB [A]] and exposure times [0, 20, and 40] were used for evaluation of precision and speed of action of the participants, in the ergonomic test of two hand coordination. Data was analyzed by SPSS18 software using a descriptive and analytical statistical method by analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] repeated measures. The results of this study showed that increasing sound pressure level from 65 to 95 dB in network 'A' increased the speed of work [P < 0.05]. Increase in the exposure time [0 to 40 min of exposure] and gender showed no significant differences statistically in speed of work [P > 0.05]. Male participants got annoyed from the noise more than females. Also, increase in sound pressure level increased the rate of error [P < 0.05]. According to the results of this research, increasing the sound pressure level decreased efficiency and increased the errors and in exposure to sounds less than 85 dB in the beginning, the efficiency decreased initially and then increased in a mild slope

Major dietary patterns and their associations with overweight and obesity among Iranian children

Increasing prevalence of obesity is a major health concern. Lifestyle behaviors and diet play an important role in developing childhood obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the association between major dietary patterns and overweight/obesity in a group of Iranian school-aged children. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Isfahan, Iran with 637 elementary school-aged children. A semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess usual dietary intakes. Data on socio-demographic, physical activity and other lifestyle habits were collected using standard questionnaires. Obesity was determined based on national cut-offs. Factor analysis was used for identifying major dietary patterns. Three major dietary patterns were extracted; "Healthy," "Western," and "Sweet-Dairy." After adjusting for confounders, girls in the second quartile of healthy pattern, were more likely to be overweight [odds ratio [OR] =2.23, Confidence intervals [CI] =1.003, 4.96] compared to those in the highest quartile. Likelihood of being overweight was lower for girls in the second quartile of western dietary pattern versus the fourth quartile [OR = 0.46, CI = 0.21, 1.01]. Accordingly, lower adherence to sweet and dairy pattern was associated with lower body mass index [BMI] among girls [OR = 0.42, CI = 0.21, 0.85]. There was no significant relationship between western and sweet-dairy pattern with BMI among boys, however, significant association was observed between lowest and highest quartiles of healthy pattern [OR = 0.36, CI = 0.15, 0.84]. We found significant associations between the three dietary patterns and obesity among girls. Only healthy pattern was related to weight status of schoolboys. Longitudinal studies will be needed to confirm these associations

Cardiac strain between normal weight and overweight workers in hot/humid weather in the persian gulf

In hot weather, overweight and obesity are considered as significant risk factors for the incidence of cardiac strain in workers. This study was aimed to compare cardiac strain among overweight and normal weight workers in hot, humid conditions in the south of Iran. This cross sectional study was conducted on 71 workers in the south of Iran in summer 2010. The heart rate was measured at rest and at actual work. Cardiac strain based on working heart rate [WHR], the relative cardiac cost [RCC], the net cardiac cost [NCC], load relative cardiovascular [CVL], and heart rate reduction was analyzed in 35 normal weight people [body mass index [BMI] <25 kg/m[2]] and 36 overweight people [BMI >25 kg/m[2]] using descriptive statistics. In 42% of the total workers, BMI was >25 kg/m[2]. The average of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index [WBGT Index] in the two groups was not significantly different. The mean WHR in the two groups was 101 +/- 20.3 and 112 +/- 18.9, respectively [P = 0.026]. Percentages exceeded the acceptable limits in the parameters NCC, RCC, WHR, CVL, and Brouha index, which were significantly higher in overweight people than in those with normal weight. Based on the study results, it is concluded that the severity of cardiac strain was higher in overweight workers compared with that in normal weight workers. Hence, in order to decrease the cardiac strain, selecting overweight individuals for these jobs should be avoided and also some vital intervention for losing weight should be implemented such as nutrition education and encouraging them regarding physical activity

Cancer incidence and prevalence in Isfahan: application of mortality data to estimates and projects for the period 2001-2015

The aim of this study was to show up-to-date estimates of incidence and prevalence in Isfahan for all cancers, except non-melanoma skin cancer over the period 2001-2010 to provide projections up to 2015, based on a statistical method that uses mortality and cancer patients' survival data. Mortality data in Isfahan province were collected from various sources such as hospitals, medical forensic, cemetery, and health centers. In addition, population data by sex, age, location, and calendar year in the period of 2001-2010 were acquired from the Statistical Center of Iran. Relative survival probabilities for all cancers combined and for selected specific cancers were estimated based on observed cancer death and expected mortality data. Incidence and prevalence estimates were computed with Mortality-incidence Analysis Model [MIAMOD] method. The estimated age-standardized cancer incidence rate had higher increase rate for urban females than for males. Also, the number of prevalent cancers was higher among females, which was mostly due to better cancer survival rates in women. Age-adjusted incidence was estimated to increase by 6.9 and 8.7 per 100000 annually, between 2001 and 2015, in males and females, respectively. The prevalence is to increase by 24 and 40 and mortality by 2.8 and 2.5 per 100000 between 2001 and 2015. The present study does not only show the incidence and prevalence estimates of all cancers combined, but also gives information about cancer burden, which can be used as a bases for planning healthcare management and allocating recourses in public health

Psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy of the edinburgh postnatal depression scale in a sample of Iranian women

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] has been used as a reliable screening tool for postpartum depression in many countries. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy of the EPDS in a sample of Iranian women. Using stratified sampling 262 postpartum women [2 weeks-3 months after delivery] were selected from urban and rural health center in the city of Isfahan. They were interviewed using EPDS and Hamilton depression rating scale [HDRS]. Data were assessed using factor analysis, diagnosis analysis of receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve, Cronbach's alpha and Pearson correlation coefficient. The age of then participants ranged 18-45 years [26.6 +/- 5.1]. Based on a cut-off point of >13 for HDRS, 18.3% of the participants. The overall reliability [Cronbach's alpha] of EPDS was 0.79. There was a significant correlation [r2=0.60, P value<0.01] between EPDS and HDRS. Two factor analysis showed that anhedonia and depression were two explanatory factors. At a cut-off point12 the sensitivity of the questionnaire was 78% [95% CI: 73%-83%] and its specificity was 75% [95% CI: 72%-78%]. The Persian version of the EPDS showed appropriate psychometric properties diagnostic accuracy index. It can be used by health system professionals for detection, assessment and treatment for mothers with post partum depression

[Assessing relation between functional decline and cognitive impairment in hospitalized elders]

Hospitalization has been recognized as a critical event in the life of elderly persons that is associated with increased risk of functional decline and cognitive impairment. On the other hand, optimal cognitive function is a crucial factor for improving the quality of life of elderly people. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between cognitive impairment and functional decline in hospitalized elderly people. This research is a cross-sectional study with sample size 400 was done in 2011, with convenience sampling of hospitalized elders. Data collected by two instruments, first questionnaire contain two parts; demographic characteristics and Six Item Cognitive Impairment Test and second questionnaire was Modified Barthel Index. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics and Chi-square test or Fisher exact test and Logistic regression model using SPSS version 17. The mean and SD of participants' age was 76/28 +/- 8/3, 10/3% of them was 60-64, 12%; 65-69, 13% 70-74, 26/3% 75-79, 38/4% over 80 years old. The most frequency of them was 80 and over years old. Finding indicated, there is relation between diagnosis and age with cognition status and between age and diagnosis with functional status and between cognitive impairment and functional decline in activity daily living. This study suggested chance ratio of cognition impairment in people with functional decline is 9/57 in comparing with independent functional status, in adverse chance ratio of functional decline in people with cognition impairment 8/7 in comparing with safe cognition status. There is relation between functional decline and cognitive impairment in hospitalized elders. Promoting functional status, mobility and cognition status should be major goals of elders' rehabilitation and primary assessment functional and cognition status in elders' evaluation in care placement is necessity

[Prevalence of dyslexia in first to fifth grade elementary students Isfahan, Iran]

Reading is undoubtedly an essential skill for everybody in these years. Reading disorders or dyslexia can cause several problems for those who suffer from them. Early assessment and diagnosis play an important role in treatment of this disorder. The main aim of this study was determining the prevalence of reading disorder in first to fifth grade elementary school students. The subbasic aim was introducing the screening Inventory Reading Test [IRT] for diagnosis of the Students with reading disorder at elementary schools. A total of 200 students [boys and girls] in five elementary education grades in Isfahan were selected through multi-stage random sampling method and assessed by IRT in 2008. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Software package version 13.0 for Windows. This survey revealed the highest prevalence of reading disorder in the first grade male students [25%], and the lowest in fifth grade female students [0%]. The incidence of dyslexia in all grade generally was 10%. The overall incidence was 66% for male students and 34% for female students. Reading disorder is more prevalent among male students than female students and the Inventory Reading Test is a satisfactory tool for rapid diagnosis of reading disorder

Effect of add-on [self management and behavior modification] education on severity of COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] is a chronic and plenty disease and one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in the world with restrict available medical treatments. The objective of this study was to assess whether psycho-educational plans [self management and behavior modification] administered in primary care have beneficial effects on symptoms of patients with COPD. Material and The study was a prospective, unblinded, randomized controlled trial of usual care vs. usual care plus structured education on the use of 8 sessions of "self management and behavior modification" group education: a simple educational package on life style modification and assumption of special behaviors in different situations of disease. The study was conducted in two educational hospitals [Khorshid and Alzahra] in Isfahan, Iran. Participants were 42 patients with COPD randomized into control or intervention groups. The primary outcome measure was change in severity of COPD symptoms that measured with "Clinical COPD Questionnaire" [CCQ]. The data were analyzed with SPSS software and statistic examination called Ancova- Repeated measure and Mancova-Repeated measure. Self management and behavior modification education were associated with significant higher decrease in mean score of CCQ in symptom, functional state and mental state domains but had no effect on change in mean score of CCQ-Total. Mean score of CCQ in symptom, functional state and mental state domains was lower in the intervention group but there was no difference in mean score of CCQ-Total due to "self-management and behavior modification" plans