Psychometric properties and factor structure of the child version of intellectual-practical obsessive compulsive inventory [OCI-Y] with regard to junior high school students in Birjand

Background and Aim: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder [OCD] is accounted as the most resistant anxiety disorder. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating the psychometric properties and factor structure of the child version of intellectual-practical obsessive compulsive inventory [OCI-Y] regarding. junior high school students in Birjand

Materials and Methods: The current study was a descriptive one having a factor analysis approach. The study was carried out on 379 students in Birjand using multistage cluster method. The obsessive compulsive inventory [child version] of Fava et al. [2010] was used for data collection. The obtained data was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha and the test-retest method

Results: What was obtained from factor analysis [principal components analysis] and varimax rotation showed seven factors justifying a total of 48.82% of the obsessive compulsive questionnaire variance. The reliability coefficients of Cronbach's alpha for questionnaire components ranged between 0.63% and 0.84%. It was also found that the reliability coefficients ranged between 0.58 and 0.79 which were all significant at alpha =0.01.Besides, the reliability of the questionnaire used was also tested with regard to its components and internal consistency, that were satisfactory

Conclusion: According to the results obtained, the modified obsessive compulsive questionnaire of Fava et al. has an appropriate validity and reliability and can be used in research and clinical situations for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes

Application of Theory of Planned Behavior in Predicting of effective Factors on heterosexual relationship in girls Adolescence of Birjand city

Background and Aim: Puberty is one of the most critical periods in life that makes individual to feel and behave in a different way. One of the major issues faced young people is the conflict between spiritual values, customary and familiar to the freedom or non-freedom of heterosexual relationships and how to deal with it. Therefore, this study aimed to determine Predicting Factors heterosexual relationship in girls Adolescence of Birjand city

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, samples were collected from girl students in high schools in different regions of Birjand in 2015. The survey was carried out via simple random sampling of 395 students. Data were collected by the validated and reliable questionnaire based on theory of planned behavior. The gathered data were analyzed using SPSS20 and descriptive statistical tests and Pearson correlation, logistic regression, t- test and ANOVA tests in significant level less than 0.05

Results: Among the adolescents participating in this study 43.9% with an average duration was about 15+/-7 months. Logistic regression analysis showed that attitudes [P

Conclusion: According to the results of this study showed that the attitude and intention for the relationship with the opposite sex were strong predictors. So the theory of planned behavior can be used as an effective method for planning and intervention to prevent heterosexual relationship

Time to sputum smear conversion in smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients and factors for delayed conversion

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a common infection worldwide. In the eastern part of Iran, fluctuations in tuberculosis prevalence are seen due to the migration of people from Afghanistan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time of bacteriologic sputum conversion after treatment and affecting factors in those whose smear does not become negative. This study was carried out on 85 smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients with the mean age of 65.6 +/- 16.7 years. There were 38 male patients [44.7%], 47 urban residents [55.3%], and only 6 patients [7.1%] from Afghanistan. The mean time of sputum conversion after starting treatment was 1.99 +/- 1.06 months. The mean time of sputum conversion was significantly higher in males [P=0.046], increased bacilli density in the primary sputum sample [P<0.0001, R=0.507], and pre-existing medical illness [P=0.001]. In this study, it was revealed that pre-existing illness, bacilli density in initial smear, and severe involvement of the lung on radiography, could be associated with delay in sputum smear conversion

[Effects of Jujuba essential oil on hair follicle of the skin of Balb/c mice]

Background and Aim: This study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of jujube seed oil on the hair follicle in BALB/c mice

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male BALB/c mice [2.5 months of age] were used. A 4 cm[2] of the back of animal's body shaved with wax. The mice were then divided into five groups [n=8]. The first three groups received Jujube oil concentrations 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups were selected as the base and sham control groups, respectively. The animals received topical treatment of jujuba seed oil for 12 day. Base and control groups received Ocerin and water respectively. After passing 12 day, back skin of animals was shaved again by wax and the treatment was repeated again for further 12 days. At 13[th] day the animals were sacrificed and samples were collected and tissue processing and staining were performed. Data were analyzed by the ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests with the 22[th] version of SPSS software

Results: This study showed that mean number of hair follicles in the skin of 5% jujuba essence treated group [37.75+/-6.6], 10% jujuba [42.75+/-8.3], 15% jujuba [41.25+/-6.2] was meaningful higher than the base [18.50+/-3.1] and sham [15+/-2.1] groups. Furthermore, we also showed that the number of hair papilla, fibroblast cells and collagen fibers were increased in the treatment groups as compared with the control groups

Conclusion: Based on our study, Jujube essential oil can have very positive effects on improving hair growth and can be used for hair losing clinical trial

Effect of curriculum based on theory of planned behavior, on components of theory in patients with hypertension

Background and Aim: Hypertension is one of the most common and important non-communicable diseases and health problems in the world today; nevertheless, it is preventable and controllable

Theory of Planned Behavior is one of the major theories that explains the process of adopting healthy behaviors. The present study aimed atat determining the effect of the theory on components of theory in patients with hypertension

Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled field trial study was done on 110 patients with hypertension in Zirkouh city who were divided into two equal groups. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire used were determined through face and content validity and through Cronbach's alpha and test-retest, respectively. The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS software [V: 16] using statistical t-test and repeated analysis of variance

Results: Both groups were similar regarding mean score of the theory components before intervention, but after the intervention the average scores of the experimental group increased. The attitude increased from 48.7 to 64.1, subjective norm from 34.9 to 43.1, perceived behavioral control from 33.8 to 43, intention behavior from 33.9 to 41.09 and behavior from 65.6 to 82.45; and these differences were statistically significant [P<0.001]

However, nosignificant difference was observed in the control group

Conclusion: Regarding the positive effect of education based on The Theory of Planned Behavior in controlling hypertension, planning of a curriculum based on this theory is recommended

Measurement of CO concentrations in indoor and atmospheric ambient air of Birjand [September 2012 to March 2013]

Background and Aim: One of the notorious air pllutants on which air quality is determined is carbon monoxide [CO]. The aim of the present study was to measure the concentration of CO outdoor and indoor urban environments and compare it with air quality standards within buildings and open spaces

Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive-analytical study of CO estimation in outdoor and indoor air of Birjand. Concentration of CO at the height of 150 cm and in the closest street leading to the specific building and also, inside the building [i.e.drawing room]-at the hight of 75 cm was measured using a CO meter. For data analysis, statistical softwares SPSS [V:18] and Excel were used applying Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Wilcoxon statistical tests

Results: It was found that the highest concentrations of CO in the outdoor air in Birjand were 11 and 10 ppm in December and March, respectively. And highest concentrations of CO in indoor air were 11 and 9 ppm in February, respectively. But, in general, the average concentration of CO measured in outdoor and indoor air quality in both months were less than the standard measure air pollution outside [9ppm]and the quality of indoor air pollution [25ppm]

Conclusion: Regarding to results of the present study, concentrations of indoor and outdoor CO of Birjand air were in standard ranges

Incidence of Phenylketonuria in Southern Khorasan [2012- 2014]

Background and Aim: Phenylketonuria [PKU., OMIM261600] is the most common genetic disorder autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and the metabolism of amino-acids, which is due to deficiency of the liver enzyme phenylalanine - hydroxylase as a result of mutations in the gene encoding it is achieved

The present study aimed at investigating the incidence of PKU n the South Khorasan province between June 2012 and June 2014

Materials and Methods: This study uses data from a national screening for phenylketonuria in South Khorasan Province was conducted. The present study was a retrospective descriptive one. Our data gathering tool included a researcher designed questionnaire and sampling consisted of all live births in the South Khorasan Province from June 2012 to June 2014. Finally, all the data was analyzed using the software SPSS version18.0

Results: The total population screened was 30,368 people. Frequency of confirmed cases was 32 females and 1 male, whose parents were relatives. Incidence of mental retardation in the newborns was zero at the screening time. Incidence of the mentioned disease in Iranian subjects of the province was 0.996:10000 and in all the births, i.e both Iranians and the Afghans, it was0.987: 100000. Occurrence of the disorder in Ghaen was 3.68: 10000; and in the rest of the cities of the province equal to zero

Conclusion: The results show that the incidence of phenylketonuria in the South Khorasan isvery low between 2012 and 2014, although there are considerable numbers of suspected cases

Therefore, continuing of the national screening program of newborns at birth is particularly important

[Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral stress management on depression and anxiety symptoms of patients with epilepsy and migraine]

Background and Aim: Patients with chronic diseases are markedly at the risk of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. Results of various researches have shown the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral stress management on depression and anxiety. The aim of the current study was a comparative effectiveness of cognitive behavioral stress management on "depression" and "anxiety" of patients with epilepsy and migraine

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental clinical trial study 21patients with epilepsy and 19 patients with migraine were selected based on clinical interview and Beck's depression and anxiety questionnaires. Mild to moderate depression and generalized anxiety were diagnosed in these patients. Then, the cases were divided into two treatment groups Patients in both groups received cognitive behavioral stress management. Beck depression and anxiety pre-post test was used to compare the recovery rate of depression and anxiety. Finally, the obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS [V:15], using paired and independent T- statistical .tests at the significant level of P<0.05

Results: Cognitive behavioral stress management was significantly effective on the depression and anxiety symptoms of epileptic and migraine patients and there was a significant difference between pre- and post-test scores [p<0.001], but there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of efficacy

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, cognitive behavioral stress management was effective on the depression and anxiety of epileptic and migraine patients, and chronic disease has no effect on this effectiveness. This method can be used in combination with drug therapy

[ impact of self-care education on life expectancy in acute coronary syndrome patients]

Background and Aim: Acute coronary syndrome is one of heart problems in Iran and the first known cause of death. The present study aimed at assessing the effect of self-care education on life expectancy in acute coronary syndrome patients in the cardiology ward of Valieasr hospital in Birjand

Materials and Methods: This clinical-experimental study was done on 60 patients admitted to the cardiology ward of Valieasr Hospital in Birjand. Sampling was done using non-probabilistic method and the subjects were selected from acute coronary syndrome patients who were randomly divided into a case and a control group. On dismissal [from the hospital] the cases received self-care education by a trained nurse who also followed up the education through telephone calls. In the control group no interventions were made. Data collection means included individual sample form, demographic questionnaire and HRS index, which were all filled out both before and after intervention in both groups. The obtained data was fed into SPSS software [V: 15] and were analysed at the significant level a=0.05 using statistical tests including x[2], independent T, and dependent T

Results: Mean life expectancy mark in the cases increased from 23.6 +/- 2.5 [before intervention] to 33.4 +/- 1.4 [after intervention] P<0.001. However, in the controls no significant changes occurred [22.8 vs 22.4]. Besides, in all three domains of life expectancy a significant increase was observed in the cases after intervention, compared to before

Conclusion: Hospitalized acute coronary syndrome patients have a lower levels of life expectancy. Their life expectancy can increase through providing them with self-care education, which will lead to their independence promotion and self-esteem

[Collaborative citation analysis and accuracy degree of vancouver style application in references of the scientific journal of Birjand university of medical sciences]

Background and Aim: The journals are communication links between authors and subject specialists. The aim of the current study was assessing the citation analysis and accuracy degree of applying vancouver style in the references of the scientific journal of Birjand University of Medical Sciences

Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional and randomized sampling investigation. A total of 168 articles which was published in the Journal of Birjand University of Medical Sciences between 2006 and 2012 were assessed. In these articles, collaboration coefficient, citation and applying Vancouver style in referencing were taken into accoun using a checklist and original references. The obtained results were analyzed applying SPSS software[V: 18] and using T-test

Results: The articles studied had cited to 3634 sources each of which had cited to the average of 21.6 sources. The most Citation [i.e. 82.3%] were to journal articles and 84.1% of the citations were to English ones. The highest percent of the articles were in the domain of health and collaboration coefficient was 0.7

Conclusion: It was found that in the bibliography of the cited English articles, Vancouver style had not been applied completely, which should be paid attention to by scholars in their initial surveying of the articles

Prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B, C, D infections and their associated risk factors among prisoners in Southern Khorasan Province, Iran

Background: Prison inmates are among the high risk population for dangerous infections such HIV, HBV, HCV and other contagious diseases. In spit of many data about the prevalence and risk factors for blood born diseases among prisoners in the world, such data are spares from Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for HIV, HBV, HCV and HDV infections among a large sample of prison inmates in Iran

Methods: In a cross-sectional study in 2009-2010, 881 inmates in three prisons of Southern Khorasan Province in Iran were selected based on a systematic, stratified random sampling method. Sera were analyzed for HBV, HDV, HCV and HIV infections by appropriate commercial ELISA kits. An anonymous questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data and information about risk factors

Results: Overall, 881 prisoners [mean age: 34.7+/-11.4 years, range: 11-84 years, M/F ratio: 4.5/1] were participated in this study. The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection was 6.9% and 7.7%, respectively. Among the HBsAg positive subjects, 6.6% [4/61] and 9.8% [6/61] had HDV and HCV super-infection, respectively. Only one case [0.1%] had HIV infection that was co-infection with HCV. Drug abuse and history of traditional phlebotomy were associated risk factors for HBV infection [P<0.05] and history of drug injection was associated with HCV infection [P<0.05]

Conclusions: This study show fairly higher prevalence of blood borne infections among prisoners and indicate drug abuse and phlebotomy as the associated risk factor. Implementation of appropriate screening tests and preventive programs is suggested in prisons

[Prevalence of malnutrition in adults admitted to the hospitals affiliated to Birjand university of medical sciences in 2011]

Background and Aim: Malnutrition is a prevalent health problem but an unknown one to which little attention has been paid. This can increase complications, morbidity and mortality of the disease. Therefore, early detection of malnutrition to provide nutritional support for patients is very crucial. The main objective of the present study was to determine the nutritional status of patients admitted to the hospitals affiliated to Birjand University of Medical Sciences [BUMS]

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study on patients admitted to five hospitals affiliated to BUMS was done in 2011. Through stratified random sampling, 549 patients older than 20 years were selected from five hospitals and their nutrition status was determined by means of measuring their height, weight, and body mass index according to Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool [MUST] on their admission. The obtained data was analyzed by SPSS [V:16], using X2 at the significant level P <0.05

Results: Mean age of the patients was 49 +/- 20 years. Among them, 52.8% were males. Prevalence of malnutrition was 58.8% from which 53% were at high risk and 5.8% at medium risk. Among the patients, 148 [57.1% female patients were at high risk of malnutrition whereas, in the males the high risk was diagnosed in 143 [49.3%] which the difference was significant [men] [P=0.03]. Prevalence of malnutrition in citizens was higher than villagers [P=0.001]. It was also significantly higher in over 45 year olds compared to other age groups [P=0.04]

Conclusion: Malnutrition is a common problem from which more than 53% of the patients suffer. Therefore, an organized clinical nutritional service in the health centers are required

[ epidemiological study of hospitalised patients with burns in Imam Reza hospital in Birjand between 2007 and 2013]

Background and Aim: Burn is among the most expensive injuries which occur at all ages. Regarding the notoriety of burns and differences in population, community, economics, and cultural sectors, obtaining particular information from each area is needed to plan for prevention and treatment. Thus, the present study aimed at determining epidemiological factors related to hospitalization in the burns ward of Birjand Imam Reza hospital

Materials and Methods: This cross - sectional retrospective study was done on 1160 burn patients who hospitalized in the burn center during 6 years, [between 21 March 2007 and 21 March 2013]. The necessary data was collected by means of a researcher designed questionnaire. The obtained data was analyzed by SPSS software [V: 15.5] and applying descriptive statistics including chi-square and Mann Witnietests [P

Results: Mean age of the subjects was 24.6 20.6 years. Length of hospitalisation was 11.6 12.4 days. The majority of the patients were men [58.8%]. Among the cases, 54.1% were single24.1% were unemployed, 71.4% had either no education or only primary education, and 60.4% were provided with health insurance. It was found that the most common causes of burning were kerosene and or gasoline flame [43.9%] and most burns were due to accidental injuries at home [73.1%]. Among the patients, 37/8% had burned body surface of 10% - 29%. Most [55.9%] had a combination of 2[nd] degree and 3[rd] degree burns, of whom 14.1% of died. Most patients were admitted in in winters [28.2%] and autumns [26%]. There was a significant relationship between variables of burns causes in the patients [P=0.001] and the burned body surface percentages [P=0.001] and also with the season of the year. There was also a significant relationship between age groups and the percentage of burned body surface [P=0.001]

Conclusion: Burns are more prevalent in men [compared to women] and in children

[Assessment of antioxidant properties of berberis vulgarris syrup and their protective effects on hepatic damages induced by CCI4 in the rat]

Background and Aim: Today, it is known that some natural and synthetic compounds possess antioxidant properties and as a result, have gained a lot of significance in food industry. Many of these compounds have got important roles in protecting the liver against destructive factors. The present study is an attempt to survey the antioxidant properties of berberis vulgarris syrup and its liver preserving effects in the rat damaged by carbon tetrachloride

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, total antioxidant capacity of berberis vulgarris syrup was assessed at first using FRAP method and phenolic compound content was tested through Folin Ciocalteumethod. Then, radicals neutralizing effects of berberis syrup were examined by means of DPPH method. Our subjects, i.e. 66 rats, were randomly divided into 6 equal groups. Then, they were fed with Berberis vulgarris syrup at different doses [1%, 4%, and 20%] for four weeks Finally serum content of aminotransferase [SGPT and SGOT], alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin were measured. The obtained data was analyzed using variance analysis and Tukey test through SPSS software [V:15]

Results: BerberisVulgarris syrup has high antioxidant properties as indicated by FRAP method. Results obtained from DPPH method showed that DPPH radicals are better controlled by reducing their production to the consumption interval. Folin Ciocalteu test demonstrated that with an increase in the polyphenol combination, through reducing production to consumption time, a significant increase in polyphenol combination occurred. Tetrachloride carbon treatment significantly increased serum level of alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate transferas of the sample [P

Conclusion: As suggested by the results, BerberisVulgarris syrup failed to preserve the liver of the rat against oxidative damages caused by carbon tetrachloride but iteven showed a proxidative effect

[Effect of "healthy heart education program" on the knowledge and attitude of junior high school students regarding cardiovascular diseases in Birjand during 2011]

Background and Aim: Nowadays, Cardiovascular diseases [CVD] are the most important cause of death in the world. Given the role of cardiac risk factors in the development of atherosclerosis in childhood, the present study was done to investigate the effect of "healthy heart education program." on knowledge and attitude of junior1 students in Birjand during 2011

Materials and Methods: This pre-post quasi-experimental study was done on 395 first grade students of Birjand junior high schools. Multistage randomized sampling method was used. A self-designed questionnaire on the basis of the specified goals of the study was designed, after confirming its validity and reliability. The questionnaires were filled out in two stages, namely before and after interference. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS software [V:16] at the significant level of alpha=0.05

Results: Mean age of students was 12.48 +/- 0.57 years and 181 [45.8%] were male. Mean score of knowledge on risk factors of CVD was 8.26 +/- 3.21 before the education and 9.31 +/- 3.77 after it [P<0.001]. Mean of the students' attitude also increased from 38 +/- 4.93 to 39.1 +/- 5.78 [P<0.001]

Conclusion: The impact of education on awareness and attitudes of the students was confirmed. Thus, healthy heart education programs in schools, as an educational priority, should be considered by the officials and managers in health and education systems

[Factors affecting physical activity behavior based on. Transtheoretical Model in the employees of Birjand universitiesin 2014]

Background and Aim: Physical activity is an effective health behavior not only to prevent various health problems but also to promote healthy lifestyle. Transtheoretical model [TTM] is one of the models applied to assess physical activity behavior. The aim of the current study was to investigate factors affecting physical activity behavior among employees of Birjand universities, based on transtheoretical model

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 employees in deputies of Research and Education sectors in Birjand universities, who were recruited through Census method. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire including demographic variables and having the constructs of transtheoretical model. The questionnaire was completed through self-reported method. Validity of the questionnaire was tested by experts regarding its face and content validity. The questionnaire`s reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha and correlation coefficient through test-retest method. The obtained data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Kruscal-Wallis and post hoc Tukey's test using SPSS software [V: 16] and P<0.05 was taken as the significant level

Results: Mean age of the participants was 36.9 +/- 8.9 years. Out of 200 subjects 90 [45%] were male. Among the participants 14% were in precontemplation stage, 28% in contemplation, 29% in preparation, 7.8% in the action, and 21.2% in maintenance stage of physical activity behavior. ANOVA test revealed a significant difference between the physical activity stage of change and pros, decisional balance, process of change, self-efficacy [p<0.001]

Conclusion: Since the majority of employees had a sedentary lifestyle, it is a necessity to conduct some planned interventions in order to promote their physical activity behavior. This, interventions based on transtheoretical model can be helpful

[Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2-5 year olds and its relationship with parental obesity]

Background and Aim: The aim of the current study was to determine prevalence of obesity and overweight in 2-5 year olds and its association with parental obesity in Birjand

Materials and Methods: This descriptive - analytical study was conducted on five hundred2-5 year olds of Birjand kindergartens and their parents in 2009. Height, weight, and BMI of the subjects were measured using standard methods. In the children, BMI of 85-95 percentile were taken as overweight and BMI>/=95 percentile for age and sex were accounted as obese. Regarding parents, BMI of 25 - 29 were considered as overweight and BMI>/=30 as obesity. The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS software [V: 13] at the significant level of alpha=0.05

Results: Prevalence of obesity in children was 7.6% [6.3% in girls, 8.8% in boys] and that of overweight was 10.6% [11.7% in girls, 9.6% in boys]. Out of all fathers and mothers, 44.2% and 30.2% were overweight, respectively and also 7.8% of fathers and 6.8 of mothers were obese. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children of mothers with normal BMI were 15%, but in those having overweight and obese mothers it was 24%. This prevalence was 15.4% in children with normal BMI fathers and in children having overweight and obese fathers it was 20.8%. It was found that there was a significant positive association between children's BMI and that of their parents [r=0.11, r=0.12, P<0.05]

Conclusion: Given the significant and positive correlation between children's and their parents' obesity, it is important to educate Families to improve their eating patterns and life styles for weight control in their children, particularly in those having obese members

Comparison of components of metabolic syndrome in premature myocardial infarction in an Iranian population: a case -control study

Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease [CAD]. Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with premature myocardial infarction [before 50 years of age]. In this case-control study, we compared 98 consecutive patients who were hospitalized in Birjand with acute first myocardial infarction before the age of 50 years and 98 age- and sex-matched healthy controls without a history of coronary artery disease. The case and control groups were categorized according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel [NCEP ATP III] metabolic syndrome criteria [presence of >/= 3 of the following: Fasting blood glucose >/= 100 mg/dL, triglyceride [TG] level >/= 150 mg/dL, low high density lipoprotein [HDL; <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women], blood pressure >/= 130/85 mm Hg, and waist circumference >102 cm in men or 88 cm in women]. The data were collected and analyzed by t-test, chi[2], and logistic regression in SPSS software 11.5. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in cases than in control group [34.7% in cases, 16.3% in controls, P=0.003]. All components of metabolic syndrome except high waist circumstance in the cases group were significantly higher than in control. The most common component of metabolic syndrome was high TG and the least common component was low HDL. We conclude that prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with premature myocardial infarction is high; high TG is the most common component of metabolic syndrome

Intestinal parasitic infection among school children in south Khorasan Province, Iran

Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major public health problems in developing countries. Children are more vulnerable to these infections. In addition, the prevalence of infection is different among various communities; hence, there is a need for the periodical prevalence evaluation. This study was performed to define the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among the students of South Khorasan Province, eastern Iran in 2007. A cross-sectional study was performed on 2169 students aged 6-11 years in six cities of South Khorasan Province in 2007. Three stool specimens were collected from each student. Specimens were examined with direct wet and formalin ethyl acetate method. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 15 software. From a total 2169 students, 47.7% were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Almost 33.4% were pathogen parasites. The most common parasite was Giardia [28.7%]. The prevalence rate of infection was significantly higher in rural area than that of urban area [P=0.001]. The prevalence of infection was also much more common in those students whose parents were less educated. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in this region is remarkable. Public health education and using healthy water are recommended

Prevalence of malnutrition in under 6-year olds in south Khorasan, Iran

Malnutrition is one of the important health problems throughout the world, particularly in developing countries, which has undesirable effects on mental and physical health of children. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of malnutrition in children under 6 years old in Privince South Khorasan, Iran, in 2007. This cross sectional and descriptive analyticalstudy was conducted on children under 6 years old in South Khorasan Iran, belonging to six urban and rural regions applying multistage cluster sampling methodology. Data were collected through measuring weight and height, structural questionnaires Anthropometeric Nutrution Indicators Survey, and face-to-face interviews with mothers. Malnutrition was measured on the basis of the indices underweight, wasting and stunting. The obtained data was analyzed by means of chi-square test in the packages SPSS and EPI-info 2000, taking alpha=0.05 as the significant level. Out of 1807 children 51.7% were males, 52.2% living in urban areas, and 37% were under 24 months old. Weight index was normal in 52.2% children, 34.4% lightly underweight, 11.7% moderately underweight and 1.2% severely underweight. Prevalence of underweight had a significant relationship to habitation, mothers' job and parents' education level. According to stunting criteria, 55% were normal, 28.4% lightly stunted 12.7% were moderate, and 3.9% severe stunted. Stunting also had a significant relationship to habitation, age, mother's job, and parents' level of education. Wasting criteria showed that 67.8% were normal 24.7% light, 5.9% moderate and 1.6% had severe wasting. This had a significant relationship to sex and habitation. Prevalence of malnutrition was in children and its relationship to socioeconomic variables, measures such as increasing parents' education -especially -especially mothers' knowledge - constancy of breast feeding until the age of 2 years, and promoting nutrition status of children under 6 years are recommended