effectiveness of education using the health belief model in preventing osteoporosis among female students

This study was conducted to determine the impact of education using the Health Belief Model on preventing osteoporosis among female students. This interventional study [quasi-experimental] was performed on 45 female students aged 15-16 years old who resided in a town near Tehran. The females participated in a three-week educational programme based on the Health Belief Model. The data collection instrument was a validated and reliable questionnaire in five sections: demographics, knowledge, Health Belief Model constructs, physical activity and consumption of foods containing calcium. The mean scores of students knowledge were significantly different before and after the educational intervention [P < 0.05].The mean scores of some Health Belief Model structures changed significantly after the intervention [P < 0.05]. Also post-intervention, physical activity increased [P = 0.041] but calcium intake did not. The use of an educational intervention on osteoporosis seems to improve knowledge and health beliefs and may positively impact physical activity-related behaviour

[Determination of contamination with Clostridium botulinum in two species of processed and non prosecced fish]

The Clostridium botulinum is one of the most important causative of food poisoning. Spores of Clostridium botulinum spread out in the soil, the sea sediments, the marine environments and the marine animals. In recent years use of the marine food products like as fish and cultured fish are elevated. The aim of this study was done to compare between processing and non processing fish infected by predominant type of Clostridium botulinum. This descriptive study was done on the 146 samples of fish in two species of processed and non prosecced that collected from Gilan province in Iran during 2008. These samples included the Liza auratus Fish [45 processed fish and 28 non processed fish] and the Salmo Trutta caspius Fish [34 processing fish and 39 non processing fish]. The samples examined according to the APHA2000 and FDA2003 protocols. Data Analyzed with SPSS-13 and Chi-Square test. 16 [11%] of samples [13% of the processed fish and 7.5% of non processed fish] were confirmed that infected by Clostridium botulinum. Also the dominant type of exotoxin was Type E. The Type E exotoxin was determined from 11 of the samples [6 processed fish and 5 non processed fish]. This study showed that fish are infected by Clostridium botulinum special the type E. also use of fish in bad preparation [half cooking and add material in its stomach] may cause the food poisoning

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and behavior of workers towards occupational health and safety

Studies show that about 90% of accidents occur because of unsafe behavior and human errors. Even if workers do not have the right knowledge, attitude and behavior toward safety measures in a safe workplace, all efforts for an accident-free workplace will be in vain. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and behavior of workers toward occupational health and safety. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on workers in Mahshahr Razy Petrochemical Complexm Ahwaz, Iran. A sample size of 210 was randomly selected. Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Questionnaire's validity was gained by content-validity and its reliability was validated by Kronbach's alpha. Data was analyzed using SPSS 13. Mean age of workers was 31.1 years. The mean of their knowledge, attitude and behavior was reported 26.02, 153.18 and 36, respectively. 52.9% of workers had low, 36.7% moderate and 10.5% high level of knowledge. In addition, 75.7% of the subjects had a positive attitude towards occupational health and safety; 30% of workers had low safety behavior and 70% had safe behavior. The mean of knowledge grade shows a significant relationship with education level. A same relationship was reported for the mean of attitudes and behavior with age. Managers should design and implement educational interventions to promote knowledge, attitude and safe behaviors of workers

[Correlates of unwanted pregnancy among pregnant women attending medical and health centers in Semnan, Iran]

Unwanted pregnancy is one of the most important causes of mother and child mortality. It may end up to illegal abortion and result in inevitable physical and psychological consequences. This study aimed to determine the correlates of unwanted pregnancy among pregnant women attending medical and health centers in Semnan. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 229 pregnant women using random sampling. Women with at least one alive child were recruited. Data were gathered using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests. The mean age was 30.7. The mean age at marriage was 19.7. Of all women, 32.3% had unwanted pregnancy. The results showed that there were significant relationships between age of marriage [P<0.05], current age of women [P<0.05], level of education [P<0.05], No. of children [P<0.01], employment [P<0.05], and income [P<0.01] with unwanted pregnancy. The prevalence rate of unwanted pregnancy was high in the studied population. Educational programs regarding correct methods of contraceptive usages are required

survey of traditional Iranian food products for contamination with toxigenic Clostridium botulinum

This study aimed to determine the rate of Clostridium botulinum contamination in some traditional Iranian food products [cheese, kashk and salted fish] and evaluate the efficacy of the mouse bioassay method in detection of C. botulinum toxins in these foods. A total of 131 samples [57 cheese, 11 kashk and 63 salted fish] were collected and examined to determine the rate of contamination by C. botulinum. Standard monovalent anti-toxins were used to determine the types of toxin. C. botulinum bacteria were detected in 4.58% of the examined samples [1.52% of cheese and 3.06% of salted fish samples]. While no contamination was detected in the kashk samples, C. botulinum types A and E were found to be dominant in cheese and salted fish samples, respectively. These results indicate-some traditional Iranian foods may be contaminated with different types of C. botulinum, and the consumption of these products, either raw or cooked, may contribute to food-borne intoxications

[Recurrent Kawasaki diseases: a case report]

Kawasaki disease is a vasculitis with unknown cause, which is most commonly seen in children younger than 5 years old. The incidence of the disease is between 0.8-3% and male/female ratio is 1.37. Kawasaki is diagnosed basd on prolonged fever at least five days with four of five clinical criteria. Recurrent diseases occur in 1-3% of cases. Multiple recurrences have been reported rarely. We report on a 4-year-old boy that experienced three attacks of Kawasaki disease. All three clinical features were complete diseases and he was treated with IVIG. He was healthy after 6 months of follow up after the third recurrence. We report a case of multiple recurrent Kawasaki disease with coronary aneurysm in different portion. There was no adverse sequelae, after he is treated with IVIG

Effect of betadine on wound healing in rat

Betadine is a disinfectant routinely used in all of the Iranian health centers and many other countries in the world but its effect on wound healing is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of betadine on wound healing in rat. In this interventional study, two groups of rats [n=10 each] were randomized as betadine and control groups. Under nesdonal anesthesia, a full thickness skin in an area of 2 cm[2] was excised on dorsal neck of rats and immediately betadine was applied in betadine group. Control group received no treatment. Wound area percentage of recovery and body weight were measured on postoperative days 1, 4, 7 and 10. Number of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, new vessels, lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and thickness of epiderm were determined in three groups by biopsy on day 10. The results showed the percentage of recovery was not significantly different in the 4th, 7th and 10th days. Revascularisation, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, neutrophils, epidermal depth and collagen fibers were not significantly different between two groups. Macrophages in the betadine group were significantly higher than control group. The results propose that betadine not only does not speed up wound healing but also delays the inflammatory phase

[Evaluation of scoliosis screening results in 10-14 years old students of Shahrekord]

Scoliosis is referred to abnormal curvature of spinal column beyond 10 degrees. The most common type of it, is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis screening test is the most economic and simplest method for diagnosis of the disease. Preferred age of scoliosis screening is 10-14 years old when growth spurt is occurring. This study was performed on 936 students between 10-14 years old in Shahrekord. Diagnosis was based on observation of asymmetric anatomical landmarks [such as spinout process, pelvic and shoulders], Adam's forward bending test and radiographic measurement of Cobb's angle. Eighty-six persons out of 936 were referred to orthopedic clinic. Seven cases had idiopathic scoliosis, 5 females and 2 males. Two persons had thoracic, 4 had thoracolumbar and 1 had lumbar congenital curvature. Two patients had family history of scoliosis and overall prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis was 0.7%. During exercise all 7 patients got tired sooner than their classmates and had higher incidence of back pain. Two girls and one boy needed surgery. Also 3 girls and 1 boy needed Brace treatment. Using this method, the patients can be recognized easier and more rapidly. Therefore, both the curve progression and dysfunction of limb are inhibited leads to decrease need for surgery

[Comparison of the effect of infrared [IR] and Phenytoin cream on skin wound healing in rat]

Background and Objective: Infrared [IR] is one of the modalities in electrotherapy that indicates for treatment of some diseases with minimal side effects, but there is different ideas about its effects on wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of IR on skin wound healing in rat and its comparison with phenytoin's effect

Methods: This interventional and experimental study was done on three groups of rats. After inducing general anesthesia in rats, skin wound was made on dorsal neck about 2 cm[2]. Then from third day after operation, IR and phenytoin cream [1%] were indicated in two groups. No treatment was administered for control group. Wound surface area, percentage of recovery and rat weight change post operation at 1[st], 4[th], 7[th] and 10[th] day were measured. Number of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, new vessels, lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and thickness of epiderm were determined in three groups by biopsy at 10[th] day

Findings: The results showed that percentage of recovery was not significantly different in three groups at 4[th] day. But, percentage of recovery at 7[th] day in IR, control and phenytoin group were 51.5+/-17.7, 38.8+/-17.9 and 55.3+/-10.1, respectively [P<0.04] and at 10[th] day in IR, control and phenytoin group were 68.4+/-17.5, 57+/-18.4 and 78.9+/-8.2, respectively [P<0.01]. Number of new vessels, fibroblasts, macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and thickness of epiderm were not significantly different in three groups after 10[th] days. Number of collagen fibers was significantly different in three groups [P<0.01]

Conclusion: Findings suggest that infrared accelerates wound healing from 7[th] day that this effect is the same as phenytoin's healing effect

Knowledge of and attitudes towards family planning by male teachers in the Islamic Republic of Iran

A cross-sectional study was carried out on knowledge of and attitudes to family planning in male teachers working in the education system in Teheran. We found that 65% of the study population had acceptable knowledge regarding the issue. More than 95% of respondents reported having a favourable attitude towards the implementation of family planning programmes and about 90% believed that decision-making regarding use of contraceptives should be a joint process. To improve the planning and administration of family planning programmes, the main variables identified in this study should be further investigated in different population groups. Addressing men in family planning programmes may improve their success and lead to increased contraceptive use

College students' knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards AIDS in predicting their safe sex behaviour

We tested the applicability of the health belief model [HBM] in predicting college students' intentions to use condoms and condom use and to determine whether or not college students' attitudes toward AIDS would influence their decision to use condoms. United States university students [282] responded to a closed-format questionnaire about condom use, following an elicitation open-ended survey. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive power of the HBM components. Of HBM components, cue to action, barrier and benefit were the most powerful predictors of both condom use intentions and behaviour. Students' beliefs and attitudes toward AIDS did not influence their decision to use condoms