[Assessment of serum zinc level in the middle school students of Sanandaj and its relation with gender, body mass index and educational status]

Zinc is essential for human health and its deficiency can lead to various biochemical disorders. The aim of this study was to determine serum zinc concentration in the middle school students of Sanandaj in 2006 and its relation with gender, body mass index [BMI] and educational status. In this cross sectional study 301 students in the middle schools of Sanandaj were selected randomly. BMI was calculated and educational status was obtained from school educational records. Serum zinc concentration was measured by use of flame-atomic absorption spectrometry. Collected data was analyzed by means of T-test, analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation coefficient statistical techniques. Regardless of gender, the mean concentration of zinc in serum was 90.1 +/- 19.1 micro g/dl. The mean concentration of serum zinc levels in boys [93.6 +/- 22.6 micro g/d] was significantly higher [87.4 +/- 15.4 micro g/dl] than that of girls [p < 0.05]. In 31.2% of the students serum zinc concentration was lower than normal value. No correlation was found between serum zinc concentration, BMI and educational status of the students. More than thirty percent of middle school students in Sanandaj suffer from severe or mild zinc deficiency. Considering the importance of zinc in human health, further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency in Sanandaj in order to plan for future interventions

[Knowledge of Kerman general practitioners about Tramadol in 2004]

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic indicated for the management of moderate and severe pains. Its side effects, in parts are due to the activation of micro receptors and in parts to increasing central catecholamine and serotonin levels. In the case of long administration, tramadol has a potential to cause dependency, tolerance and also drug abuse. After prohibition of injective diclofenac, considering Iranian's tendency for rapid sedation of pain symptoms, tramadol has been prescribed widely. The aim of this study is to determine general practitioners knowledge about this new drug. This cross-sectional study was arranged by collecting data through a self-administrated questionnaire consisted of 25 questions related to different aspects of drug knowledge. Sample consisted of 244 general practitioners in Kerman and data analysis was performed by SPSS. Out of 173 general practitioners, 49.1% worked in clinics, 34.9% in private offices and 16% in Emergency Units. Mean knowledge score was 30.72 +/- 0.35 out of the maximum of [50]. From all subjects 49.7% had poor knowledge [Z<-1], while 39.3% had moderate knowledge [-11]. The poorest information was in regard to drug classification and pharmacokinetics, while in dosage and side effects subjects' knowledge was better. No correlation was observed between mean score and variables of job experience, duration, place and sex of practitioners. Considering serious side effects and drug interactions of tramadol and also the low level of knowledge of general practitioners about this drug, educational programs and limitation of distribution seems to be necessary

[Knowledge of Kerman general practitioners about Tramadol in 2004]

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic indicated for the management of moderate and severe pains. Its side effects, in parts are due to the activation of micro receptors and in parts to increasing central catecholamine and serotonin levels. In the case of long administration, tramadol has a potential to cause dependency, tolerance and also drug abuse. After prohibition of injective diclofenac, considering Iranian's tendency for rapid sedation of pain symptoms, tramadol has been prescribed widely. The aim of this study is to determine general practitioners knowledge about this new drug.This cross-sectional study was arranged by collecting data through a self-administrated questionnaire consisted of 25 questions related to different aspects of drug knowledge. Sample consisted of 244 general practitioners in Kerman and data analysis was performed by SPSS. Out of 173 general practitioners, 49.1% worked in clinics, 34.9% in private offices and 16% in Emergency Units. Mean knowledge score was 30.72 +/- 0.35 out of the maximum of [50]. From all subjects 49.7% had poor knowledge [Z<-1], while 39.3% had moderate knowledge [-11]. The poorest information was in regard to drug classification and pharmacokinetics, while in dosage and side effects subjects' knowledge was better. No correlation was observed between mean score and variables of job experience, duration, place and sex of practitioners. Considering serious side effects and drug interactions of tramadol and also the low level of knowledge of general practitioners about this drug, educational programs and limitation of distribution seems to be necessary