[Comparison of prone and supine positions on oxygenation of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome treated with nasal CPAP in Tabriz Alzahra hospital, 2010, Tabriz, Iran]

Results of many studies suggest that prone position is effective in improving oxygenation. This study aims at comparing supine and prone positions on oxygenation of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome who are under N-CPAP treatment. This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study on 44 premature infants of 29-34 weeks gestation who were under N-CPAP treatment in NICU of Tabriz Alzahra Hospital, 2010. The infants were randomly divided into 2 groups. The position of the first group was at first, prone and then supine, and for the second group was vice versa. Arterial oxygen saturation [SatO2] and fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2] were assessed in each position for 30 minutes and were recorded in a questionnaire. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. This study showed that there was a significant statistical difference between SatO2 and FiO2 in both groups in each two positions [p<0.05] and the results of variance analysis were significant [p=0.000], So that satO2 increased and FiO2 decreased when the position changed from supine to prone. This study showed that in premature infants under N-CPAP treatment, SatO2 increased and consequently, FiO2 decreased in prone position compared to supine position. Therefore, if there is no limitation for changing infants' position, prone position can be used to improve oxygenation during N-CPAP treatment

[Predisposing factors of postpartum depression]

Postnatal depression is a major public health problem. With due attention to potential side effects of it on mother and family, determining and reduction of any of the factors can decrease prevalence of this disorder. This study was done to determine the predisposing factors of postpartum depression. It was a cross- sectional study with multistage cluster random sampling of 560 women referred to Tabriz health centers 2 mounts after delivery. Data was collected by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Data related to demographic characteristics, mother- newborn characteristics and social support was also gathered by a research- made tool. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16 by using descriptive statistics, Chi square, one way ANOVA, independent T test and logistic regression. The results of chi square test showed a significant association between mother age, education, illness of mother during pregnancy, type and number of delivery and desired fetal sex and postpartum depression [P<0/05]. The results of independent T test also showed a significant relationship between illness of newborn, unplanned pregnancy and postpartum depression [P<0/05]. The results of one-way ANOVA indicated that the relation between lack of mother's readiness to accept the responsibility of newborn and husband's feelings about recent pregnancy and postpartum depression was significant [P<0/05]. Linear regression showed the most important risk factors of postpartum depression as financial status, educational level, unwanted pregnancy, stress level, newborn illness, and mother's lack of willingness to accept responsibility [p<0.05]. Approaches that will lead to increased willingness of mothers to realize the predisposing factors of this disorder, as well as family support and also social support by health care providers can be effective in preventing postpartum depression

Experience of cyclone Gonu in the Islamic Republic of Iran: lessons learned

Gonu, the second tropical cyclone of the 2007 northern Indian ocean cyclone season, affected Oman, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This report examines the effects of cyclone Gonu in the Islamic Republic of Iran where it approached on its path on 6 June 2007 and reviews the actions taken before, during and after the cyclone. The incident highlighted the need for a special protocol to be prepared for all types of natural disasters. Responsible organizations should train their personnel according to the prepared protocols and service packages. Among the important lessons learned were the need for early warning, proper community involvement, access to essential data for risk analysis, special attention to safety of infrastructures, coordination and command integrity