[Survey about the role of appearance concern with skin cancer prevention behavior based on protection motivation theory]

Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in Yazd city. Childhood and adolescense is an important time for preventing the skin cancers. The aim of this study was to survey the role of appearance concern with skin cancer prevention behavior based on protection motivation theory. Participants in this cross- sectional study were 360 female students from 4 high schools in Yazd city. Data were gathered by using self-reporting questionnaires and were analyzed using SPSS software applying ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression tests. Using Pearson's correlation test, a statistically significant correlation between the appearance concern with perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy, protection motivation and behaviors was found [P<0.01]. The perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self- efficacy, response efficacy, protection motivation, response costs and appearance concern could predict 0.56 of the behaviors and perceived susceptibility was the strongest predictor [beta=0.120]. Also, protection motivation could predict behavior [41%]. Results of this study support the effectiveness of protection motivation theory variables and the role of appearance concern for prediction of skin cancer prevention behaviors in participants

Effect of mass media educational intervention during the 2005 cholera epidemic in Iran

Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes both local outbreaks and worldwide pandemics. There was a cholera epidemic in Iran in summer 2005, during which 1118 individuals were infected and 11 died. The present study was conducted to determine the impact of educational activities of Iranian Ministry of Health on the people's knowledge and attitude towards the disease. This cross sectional study was carried out on 240 subjects. Samples were selected by cluster sampling in Yazd, Iran. Data were collected by a prepared questionnaire and analyzed by student t- test and chi square, when appropriate. Mean scores of subject's awareness before and after outbreak were 4.5 and 10.5, respectively [p<0.05]. Only 33% of subjects knew cholera as a transmittable disease, however, following the intervention, the respected percentage reached up to 99.5%. Our study showed that few people were aware of cholera, however, their awareness improved significantly following the education. Therefore, effective continuous educations should be attempted, especially through mass media, in order to reduce the health and economic impacts of endemic diseases

effects of education on formula and bottle-feeding behaviors of nursing mothers based on PRECEDE model

Although a lot of interventional studies may be found which have investigated the effects of education on nursing mothers regarding advantages of breast-feeding behavior, but very few studies in developing countries have examined whether mothers are conscious of the risks associated with formula and bottle-feeding on children. Knowing that Breast-feeding Index has decreased in Iran and feeding behaviors are not suitable and adequate in nursing mothers, we studied the effect of education based on PRECEDE Model on improving mothers' breast-feeding behaviors in Yazd, Iran. Cluster stage sampling was employed to recruit 60 pregnant mothers who had one month to the time of their delivery. Before and 3 months after implementing the educational program through group discussion, lectures and pamphlets, a self-prepared questionnaire was completed by the respondents. Validity and reliability of the scales were approved. SPSS software was used for the purpose of data entry, manipulation, and analysis. Mean age was 25.9 [ +/- 5.8] years; 96.6% were housewives. After implementing the educational program, mothers' knowledge [38%] and attitude [12.3%] were significantly increased [P=0.001]. After implementing the program, 85% of the mothers fed their children exclusively with mother's milk and 15%, breast-fed together with formula. The children, who were formula-fed, were breast-fed 4-5 times daily as well. Moreover, none of them was formula-fed from the time of birth and formula-feeding was used as a result of improper weight getting in these children. in order to design effective educational programs, healthcare professionals should better understand the determinants of feeding behaviors in nursing mothers and develop stage-specific interventions, within which, promoting predisposing factors like knowledge and attitude are priorities of the program. The PRECEDE Model, as a basic model for programming, was found to be helpful in addressing the effects of education on formula and bottle-feeding behaviors and their predisposing factors in nursing mothers

Knowledge and attitude about HIV/AIDS of schoolteachers in Iran

Around 68 million people are currently infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV]. There are very few studies from developing countries to examine the key factors that determine how much people know about the disease. A cross-sectional study has been conducted comprising 290 interviews with teachers of ten high schools in Yazd City, Iran. More than 90% of the participants had previously received HIV and AIDS information. Only 207 [71.4%] knew the correct' methods of transmission of HIV/AIDS. Teachers' attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were generally positive. Married teachers held a more positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS than unmarried teachers. The results recommended a strategy for AIDS reduction by public health education in Iranian teachers