Prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with colorectal cancer in Babol - north of Iran [2008-12]

Background and Objective: Colorectal cancer can significantly cause physical, psychological and social problems. This study was done to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with colorectal cancer in Babol located in north of Iran

Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study was done on 120 [75 males, 45 females] patients with colorectal cancer which registered in the Babol cancer registry in north of Iran during 2008-12. A questionnaire containing demographic information, aspects of the disease and HADS questionnaire was completed by interviewing to assess anxiety and depression for each patient

Results: The prevalence rate of depression and anxiety in patients was 23.4% and 30.8%, respectively. Gender, residency of rural area, and having comorbidities are related to depression among which location was identified as an independent predictor. Urban residency had 79% less risk of depression than rural residents [95% CI=0.06-0.67, OR=0.21, P<0.009]. Gender, resident of rural areas, unemployed, having comorbidities, low income and lack of education were associated with anxiety, among which only education was identified as an independent predictor [95% CI=L32-13.81, OR=4.27, P<0.015]

Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression in colorectal cancer patients was high in this area. Therefore, interventions are recommended to increase awareness and greater attention to rural women and controlling comorbidities

Effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy complications and anthropometric measurements of infants at birth

Maternal zinc supplementation has been suggested as a potential intervention to reduce the incidence of low birth weight [LWB]. The results of placebo-controlled trials are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy complications and outcome. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 196 women who were selected from health care centers in Ardabil between 16-20 wk of pregnancy. Then, they randomly were allocated to receive zinc supplementation [as 220 mg zinc sulfate] or placebo. All information of baseline characteristics, follow up forms, pregnancy complications and anthropometric measurement of infants were collected by trained midwifes. Seventeen of the 196 women were excluded from study. The incidence of low birth weight [<2500 gr] was different significantly after zinc supplementation in placebo group [p=0.01]. Also birth weight was higher in zinc group than placebo group [p=0.03]. No significant effect of treatment was observed on pregnancy complications. However, pregnancy induced hypertension and IUGR were observed only in placebo group. This study showed zinc supplementation during pregnancy improved birth weight and reduced low birth weight

[ effect of active and passive smoking associated with breast cancer]

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and continues to be a major cause of cancer death. Major risk factors for breast cancer studied for many years, but epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent in suggesting all association between smoking and breast cancer risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active and passive smoking on breast cancer. In this case- control study, 105 patients with confirmed breast cancer referred to Omid hospital in Mashhad and were compared with 105 healthy women who were living in their neighborhood and were the age-matched [ +/- 3 years] with case group. Information concerning potential risk factors exposure status was collected by structured questionnaire and interview. Breast cancer risk relation to smoking was estimated by calculating the odds rations. In this study, smoking had no relation with breast cancer. Passive smokers had an odds ratio 18.5 [95% CI= 8.7-39.4]. The women used water pipe had an odds ratio 7.3 [95% CI= 2.7-19.7]. Also, in people who were passive smokers during their childhood, the odds were 4.86 fold. The findings suggested that the risk of breast cancer has a positive relationship with active and passive smoking and water pipe use. Thus, health interventions including no exposure to smoking and not use water pipe seem to be necessary in this regard