[Planning and evaluation of an educational program based on precede model to improve physical activity in female students]

Physical activity is one of the main components of lifestyle. Lack of physical activity along with unhealthy eating result in chronic diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, and osteoporosis. This study aimed to design an educational program for improving physical activity in secondary school female students in Tonkabon in 2008. This study was an educational intervention in which 600 students enrolled in the study. The participants were allocated randomly in the intervention [n=300] and control [n=300] groups. Data were gathered using "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" and a standardized questionnaire -according to PRECEDE model- at baseline. The program was planned according to the PRECEDE model and was implemented in the intervention group students. Data were gathered two months after the intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square, t-test, variance and regression analysis tests in the SPSS and STATA. Following the educational intervention, the mean scores of the predisposing factors [knowledge and attitude], enabling factors, and reinforcing factors as well as the behavior were significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group [P<0.001]. The findings showed that this structured program is useful in improving physical activity in female students

[Compaing the personal satisfaction and management style between cooperative and public health centers]

Taking advantage of private sector capabilities in providing health services was considered as a priority through Iran's latest health reform programs. Establishing health cooperatives and transferring health service provision to them through a public-private partnership method was the main strategy chosen in eastern Azerbaijan province of Iran. This study was aimed at comparing management status and staff satisfaction between health cooperatives and public health centers. In this analytical study 9 health centers transferred to cooperatives and 18 current public health centers were compared considering staff satisfaction and management status. Study population was health service providing staff from these health centers in a time period from February to April 2002. Data were analyzed by SPSS 10 statistical package. Chi-Square and t tests were used to analyze data. Staff attitude towards management status of health center was found to be statistically higher in health cooperatives than public health centers in areas like: planning for staff welfare, existence of an annual plan, existence of a process improvement plan, good relationship with clients, team work,on time supply of consumer goods and required equipments. It was also shown that staff satisfaction in fields of sense of respect and sense of ownership and satisfaction with job environment relations was higher in health cooperatives compared to public health centers. Findings of this study indicate that although health cooperatives are structurally similar to or better to say are copied from public health centers, but their managing style is quite different similar to other private managements. It seems that managing system in cooperatives acts more effectively in staff motivation and considering structural and payment limitations in public sector, health cooperatives can be a good alternative