Comparison of neonatal growth in normal, low and very low birth weights until 18 months

Birth weight is considered as the most important index of neonates' growth as well as the most important determinant of infants' mortality. This study was conducted to investigate the growth pattern in normal, low and very low birth weight neonates for 18 months in the health care centers of Isfahan, Iran. In a cross-sectional and retrospective study, 214 neonates [90 with normal, 90 with low and 34 with very low birth weights] were enrolled in the health care centers of Isfahan and their growth in the 2[nd], 4[th], 6[th], 9[th], 12[th], 15[th] and 18[th] months were investigated. The data collection tool was a 3-part questionnaire which was validated using content validity. A part of data was completed based on the health file of the family. The mean of weight, height and head circumference in the months 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 15 in the three groups with normal, low and very low birth weights were significantly different. In the ages of 6, 15, 12 and 18 months, there was the highest frequency of horizontal trend in the growth pattern of children in the three groups. In the growth rate of neonates with low birth weight, there was the highest frequency of horizontal trend at the age of 12 months and there was the highest frequency of descending trend in the 15th months. The findings showed that according to National Center for Health Statistics [NCHS] percentiles, low and very low birth weight infants had lower growth in weight, length and head circumference compared to normal birth weight infants. Therefore, special attention should be given to healthcare and post-birth growth surveillance of these two groups to maintain and improve the health level of them.

Satisfaction levels about hospital wards' environment among adolescents hospitalized in adult wards vs. pediatric ones

Adolescents admitted to hospital are either surrounded by children or adults. However, age appropriate facilities are often not provided to meet the needs of adolescents, which should be incorporated in the wards. This study compares the satisfaction level about physical environment of the wards among adolescents who have been admitted to pediatric and adult wards. In a cross sectional study, 200 adolescents aged 10-19 were selected from adult and pediatric wards and studied for their level of satisfaction about physical environments of selected wards in Isfahan city. Among the adolescents surveyed in adult and pediatric wards, 44% and 54% reported high satisfaction levels with physical aspects of the ward environment and its facilities, respectively. The average satisfaction level among adolescents in pediatric wards was higher than among adolescents in adult wards [P = 0.04]. However, no significant difference was found between age, number, and length of hospital admissions, insurance, and satisfaction levels with physical aspects of the ward environment and facilities. Adolescents reported better satisfaction with the pediatric wards' environment compared to adults' ward. They require specialized wards to meet their needs according to their developmental period. If not available, facilities should be provided in pediatric wards where adolescents have reported better satisfaction with the wards' environment.

Knowledge and attitude toward AIDS/HIV among senior school students in Isfahan

Considering the increasing spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] in the Middle East, informing about how it can be transmitted and prevented is the primary weapon against its spread. Determining the public information regarding HIV/AIDS and their attitude toward people with AIDS/HIV can provide basis for appropriate educational program in each community. So, we investigated knowledge and attitude toward AIDS/HIV among senior school students in Isfahan, Iran. A cross sectional survey among randomly selected high school students in Isfahan city was conducted. The students responded to an anonymous self administered questionnaire after orally consenting to participate in the study. Knowledge and attitude were scored. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analy7e data by SPSS package. The total knowledge level of 60.2% of students was good, of 34.1% of them was moderate and 5.7% of subjects had poor knowledge levels, and total knowledge level was not significantly different among girls and boys. In the present study there were negative attitudes towards AIDS and HIV positive persons. In 68.6% of students the attitude was moderate, in 23.3% the attitude was good and in 8.1% of students the attitude was poor. Journal and books were the main information sources in girls and in boys the main information source was TV. Most respondents knew the main mode of transmission of HIV infection. Thus, while mass media approaches could be the most likely strategy for future educational efforts, education intervention in schools programs involving teachers and school consultants can be tailored appropriately to the special needs of students, so as to maximize their effectiveness

Comparison of dietary intake in children with type I diabetes mellitus and controls

The purpose of nutritional recommendations for children with type I diabetes mellitus [1DDM] is the control of blood sugar to decrease the long term complications of diabetes such as cardiovascular disease that should be prevented from the early childhood Still there are no precise data on compliance with these recommendations in diabetic children. To compare the dietary intake of children with IDDM and Controls and with current recommendations for children with IDDM. In this case-control study, 143 IDDM children and adolescents aged 4-18 years who visited at least three times a year in our research center were selected by continuous convenient sampling. Their nutrient intake was compared with 147 healthy controls matched for age, sex and area of residence. The nutrient content were analyzed by using the Nutritionist III software package and data were analyzed through SPSS software package [version 6]. P value <0.05 was considered significant. The data are presented as mean [ +/- SD] and frequencies. In the 4-6 years age group, the intake of total calories and fiber, in the 7-10 years age group intake of fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugar and saturated fatty acid [SFA], also the percentage of calorie intake from, fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugar and SFA, in the 10-14 year age group intake of sugar and fiber, also the energy intake from poly unsaturated fatty acid [PUFA] and sugar and in the 15-18 year age group the intake of fiber, total calorie, protein, carbohydrate and sugar in diabetic children were higher than the control group. In all age groups the energy intake of carbohydrates and fats were in the standard allowance limits, while percentage of energy consumed from protein in all age groups was slightly higher than standard allowances, bringing about the risk of nephropathy in diabetic children. The intake of fiber decreased by age and SFA intake increased by age, so, dietary educational measures on a national basis are needed to change unhealthy eating pattern in our community

Otorhinolaryngologic manifestations in thalassemia major patients

In thalassemia major, extramedulary hematopoiesis results in bony deformities such as sever malocclusion in the head and neck, delayed pneumatization of paranasal sinuses and so on. Also, there are many systemic and iatrogenic problems that may affect the head and neck region. The purpose of this study was to determine otorhinolaryngologic manifestations as clinical diseases in thalassemia major patients. In a cross sectional study 190 thalassemia major patients were evaluated [by history and physical examination] for snoring, epistaxis, nasal obstruction, sinusitis, temporomandibular joint [TMJ] pain and TMJ dislocation, tinnitus and hearing loss. Radiological studies of the skull and paranasal sinuses and audiological tests were performed. The data was analyzed in different age groups with chi2 test. Relative frequency of some otorhinolaryngologic manifestations in this population was high. The differences between some clinical diseases as TMJ pain, and epistaxis in different age groups were statistically significant. Thalassemia major increases some clinical diseases in the Otolarygology field. With early diagnosis and early treatment many of them may be prevented

Comparison of dietary intake between children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and control group

The goal of dietary recommendations in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus is to achieve moderate to good control of blood glucose regarding to decrease in diabetic long-term complications. Although educational programs on appropriate dietary habits are offered in Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center for diabetic patients, there is no information about their dietary habits. This study has been performed to investigate dietary intake in children with diabetes mellitus type1 and to compare the results with that of non-diabetic ones. A cross-sectional study was performed in two groups of healthy and diabetic children. Data were collected by questionnaire and interview. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined by content validity and pilot study. Data were described and analyzed by t-student and Pearson correlation tests in four age groups, using SPSS software. Findings showed that in "A" age group the intake of total calorie and fiber, in "B" age group the intake of fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugar and SFA, also fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugar and SFA-derived calorie consumption, in "C" age group the intake of sugar and fiber, also PUFA and sugar-derived calorie consumption and in "D" age group the intake of fiber, total calorie, protein, carbohydrate and sugar were higher in diabetic children as compared with the control group. In all subjects, the intake of carbohydrate and total fat was the same as standard recommendations, while protein intake was a little higher which increases the risk of diabetic nephropathy. In all study groups, fiber intake has been decreased with increasing the age, so it is suggested to have dietary educational programs for general population with the goal of changing the life style of people, which itself can result in less social isolation in school-aged diabetic children