[Comparison of endurance training and endurance training combined with taking garlic supplement on serum homocysteine levels, tissue plasminogen activator in sedentary women]

Introduction: In present study, we examined the effects of endurance training alone and endurance training combined with taking garlic supplement on serum homocysteine levels, complex plasminogen activator [TPA], and body composition parameters such as weight, BMI and body fat percentage in sedentary women

Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven women who used to Alzahra sport clubs of 3 and 4 municipality of Tehran participated in this study [age, 38.53 +/- 7.59 years; weight, 77.61 +/- 5.26 kg]. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups, endurance training, endurance training combined with garlic supplement and the control groups. The training protocol included: Running on a treadmill for 60 minutes at 60 to 75% of maximum heart rate for 10 weeks 5 times a week. Subjects of the training combined with garlic supplement group, received 2 tablets daily [in the form of capsules, 500 mg, nature made]. At the beginning and 48 hours after training, the subjects were assessed for homocysteine and TPA. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and one way ANOVA [P<0.05]

Results: Findings showed that in the endurance training and the endurance training combined with garlic supplement groups, serum homocysteine levels were significantly decreased [p<0.05]. Although, other variables were reduced, but these changes were not statistically significant

Conclusion: According to this study, 10 weeks of endurance exercise with reduction of homocysteine levels, could lead to reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease in sedentary obese women

[Comparison of aerobic exercise and caloric restriction on serum preptin levels and indicators of insulin resistance in obese sedentary women]

Introduction: preptin is a recently isolated peptide hormone that is co-secreted with insulin from the pancreatic beta-cells. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic exercise and caloric restriction on serum preptin levels and HOMA-IR in sedentary obese women

Materials and methods: forty women who referred to home health centers were divided into four groups for 16 weeks of follow up: Aerobic exercise [experimental group 1], caloric restriction [experimental group 2], aerobic exercise with caloric restriction [experimental group 3] and the control group. Training programs in experimental group 1 consisted of aerobic training and running on a treadmill for 105.183 +/- 5.63 minutes, 4 times a wk. In experimental group 2, subjects followed a diet with caloric restriction equivalent to physical activity energy expenditure. Subjects in the experimental group 3 used a training program similar to experimental group 1 for 66.85 +/- 5.34 minutes, 3 times a wk and received a diet with half the amount of caloric restriction of experimental group 2

Results: weight, BMI and WHR showed significant reduction in the experimental groups. Serum preptin levels were decreased by 21.97%, 28.32% and 27.11% in experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. HOMA-IR was decreased significantly in the 3 groups. Significant correlations were seen between changes of preptin and changes of weight, WHR and HOMA-IR [p<0.05]

Conclusion: considering the relationship between preptin and insulin resistance and the influence of aerobic exercise and caloric restriction, preptin may play an effective role in weight management and prevention of diabetes

[Association between spiritual health and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes in Bandar Abbas, Iran]

Spiritual well being is one of the fundamental concepts in chronic diseases in which create meaning and purpose in life and considered as an important approach in promoting general health and quality of life. This study was aimed to explore the relationship between spiritual well being and the quality of life among the patients with type 2 diabetes referred to diabetes clinic of Aboureihan specific diseases centre in Bandar Abbas. This descriptive study was carried out on 330 patients between 40-74 years referred to diabetes clinic in year 2012. Information through spiritual health and quality of life questionnaires were collected. Data analysis by describtive statistics and Pearson Correlation was performed. P<0.05 was considered significant. There was a significant relationship between spiritual well being, religious and existential aspect of spiritual well being and aspects of quality of life. The results may intensify the necessity of strengthening of the spiritual health as a factor affecting quality of life in those patients. The key point in a country like Iran with intellectual, cultural and religious beliefs could be useful and necessary in designing caretherapies programs for such patients

inventory for assessment of female workers' health promotion behaviour based on the integrated model of planned behaviour and self-efficacy

This study aimed to develop and assess the psychometric properties of an Inventory for Iranian Female Workers' Health Promotion Assessment [IWAHPA]. In the first phase of the study a content analysis approach was applied to explore the meaning of health promoting behaviours among female workers. A 120-item questionnaire was developed, based on the integrated model of planned behaviour and self-efficacy. In the second phase the instruments' psychometric properties were assessed. Scale level content validity index was 0.93. Confirmatory factor analysis showed confirmatory factor index 0.97, goodness of fit index 0.95 and root mean square error of approximation 0.05. Concurrent validity versus the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II showed r= 0.60. Cronbach alpha ranged from 0.70 to 0.93 across the subscales. Test-retest reliability revealed no significant differences. The IWAHPA is a culturally sensitive instrument, with a satisfactory level of validity and reliability, that can be used for planning female workers' health services

inventory for assessment of the health needs of Iranian female adolescents

Health needs assessment is a first step to planning adolescent health programmes but it needs to be socioculturally relevant to the target population. This study aimed to develop an instrument to assess the health needs of Iranian female adolescents and evaluate its psychometric properties. Content analysis was applied to explore the health needs of female adolescents through focus group discussions with adolescents and in-depth interviews with key informants. Five themes were identified: educational needs, and emotional, social, physical and spiritual health needs. A scale-level content validity index of 0.92 was obtained. The factor structure was identified by principal component analysis; 5 factors were extracted which accounted for 44.89% of the variance. Reliability of the instrument was demonstrated with a Cronbach alpha of 0.90 for the entire scale. Consistency was established with test-retest reliability with an interval of 2 weeks [intracluster correlation coefficient = 0.984, P< 0.001]. There was a negative correlation with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory [r = -0.66, P < 0.001]. The instrument is culturally sensitive with satisfactory validity and reliability and could be used for planning of adolescent health services

Socially-deviant middle eastern women at a great risk of poor reproductive health

It is important to examine scale and scope of the reproductive health among socially-vulnerable women. The study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that as compared to general population, reproductive health is poorer among socially-vulnerable women. We enrolled 100 cases and 203 controls conducted from January 2010 to January 2011. Cases were socially- vulnerable women seeking care from Tehran's Center for Improving Social Health of Socially-Damaged Women [Specific Center for Socially-Vulnerable Women]. Controls were women referring to health centers of Tehran. Mean age of cases and controls were 34.1 years and 33.8 years, respectively. Unwanted pregnancy was reported by 62.9% of cases and 33% of controls. Among socially-vulnerable women, 50.6% of abortions were reported to happen during the period in which they were using drugs. Among cases, 45.7% reported to give birth to low birth weight newborns and for controls was 11.7%. Among cases with low birth weight child, 64.9% used drug during pregnancy. Birth control was reported by 81.5% of cases and 92.8% controls. The most common method of contraception was condom among both cases [66%] and controls [31.2%]. At least one screening test for cervical cancer was reported by 82.8% of controls and for 47% of cases. Mean age at first sexual intercourse was 15.7 years among cases and 20.9 years among controls. Mean Sexual Performance Scale score was lower among cases [22.3] than controls [25.9] and sexual dysfunction was more prevalent among cases [80.6%] than controls [59.1%]. A high prevalence of reproductive health disorders was documented among socially-damaged women as compared to the women from general population

[ effects of Iran-Iraq war circumstances on adolescent's anthropometric and biochemical indices at the age of 11-18. Tehran lipid and glucose study]

Research on children during war shows that in comparison to the whole population, these children are the most jeopardized group. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of war circumstances on the anthropometric and biochemical indices of adolescent boys and girls who were born during the war-years. In the TLGS, a sub-sample of adolescent, aged between 11 to 18 years old, was selected and divided into two groups. The first adolescent group [war group] were born between 1981 and 1989, and the second adolescent group were born after war years. Height, weight, serum lipids, fast blood sugar [FBS], systolic and diastolic blood pressure and body mass index [BMI] were compared between the two studied groups. The mean weight and height increased at the age of 12, 13, 14 and 17 years old in boys who were born after war. The mean weight of girls in after war group, increased at the age of 11, 13, 14 years old. However, the differences in their height were not statistically significant [P>0.05]. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in both groups. Some anthropometric indices like height and weight were increased in the boys who were born after the war, but in the girls, the mean weight in three ages groups were increased. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and some lipid profile decreased in the boys and the girls who were born after war

[Designing and psychometric properties of a questionnaire for assessing female adolescents' health needs]

Considering the social and cultural characteristics of Iranian adolescents, none of the quantitative instruments designed so far to assess their health needs is quite appropriate. The purpose of this study was to design a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess the health needs of Iranian adolescent females. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches to instrument development were adopted in this study conducted in the District of Sari in the north of Iran. Sampling was objective-based, with an attempt to have female adolescent sample as varied as possible. In the qualitative phase, a content analysis approach was used to explore the concept of health needs as seen by female adolescents. Data were collected using 8 focus group discussions [FGDs] with the presence 6-10 adolescents 12-18 years old in each FGD, as well as 11 semi-structured interviews, each one involving 11 well-informed individuals. In the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties, including content validity, face validity, construct validity, concurrent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability, were determined. Five themes were identified in the qualitative phase of study, including psycho-emotional health, social health, physical health, and educational needs, as well as spiritual beliefs. The mean scale-level content validity index [S-CVI] was found to be 0.92. The factor structure of the instrument was identified by doing a Principal Component Analysis. Five factors were extracted with a total variance account of 45.37%. The reliability and consistency of the instrument were established with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient [0.90] for the entire scale and test-retest reliability with a 2 week-interval Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC=0.984, p<0.001].There was a concurrent correlation between the instrument and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory [PedsQL TM 4.0] [r=0.66, p<0.001]. The instrument developed in this study is a valid, reliable and culturally appropriate instrument for assessment of health needs of Iranian adolescent females

[Relationship between health belief model constructs and DMFT among five-grade boy students in the primary school in Dezfool]

Tooth decay is one of the most common human diseases and it has a close relationship with individual's behaviors. Access to present information or the status can pave the ground for interventions that can improve oral health status. The health belief model is a framework that shows the relation between some of the constructs related personal perceives and cues to action and self efficacy and behavior. This research was done to determine predictors of health belief model constructs in dental caries index in the boy students, in fifthgrade in the primary school in Dezfool in 2010. This research is an analyticdescription type. Initially a questionnaire was self-designed based on model constructs, and validity and reliability was evaluated. Then, 150 students were selected by random sampling method. The collected data form the completed questionnaires were analyzed by SPSS15 software. The results showed that prevalence of tooth decay was%78.7 and M +/- SD of dental caries index was 2.59 +/- 2.05. There was a significant relation between dental caries index and perceived susceptibility [P=0.07, r=0.21], severity [P=0.03, r=0.16], barriers [P=0.07, r=0.21], and self efficacy [P=0.04, r=0.17] constructs, but it had no significant relation with perceived benefits and cues to action. In addition, there was a significant relation between dental caries index and tooth brushing behavior [P=0.002, F=4.05], but it had no significant relation with using tooth flossing. The result of this study confirms that we can decrease tooth decay indicator of students by improving tooth brushing behavior

[Time series analysis of the surface electrocardiogram in patients with atrial fibrillation]

Atrial Fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias. Most statistical analyses had been performed on intra atrial electrocardiograms while, diagnosis of this disorder is made more commonly by use of surface electrocardiogram. The aim of this study was to investigate the abnormality of the electrical system of the heart by using the 12- lead ECG. The 12-lead ECGs of 5 patients with atrial fibrillation and that of a healthy subject were studied for 2.5 minutes and compared with each other. Our study showed that in both normal and abnormal hearts, [V1, V2, V3], [V4, V5, V6], [I, II, III] and [aVR, aVF, aVL] were correlated. The correlation between I, II, III leads had no relation to AF; whereas correlation between aVR, aVF and aVL decreased in the patients. This study showed that we can consider both focus and reentrant theories acceptable for explanation of electrical behavior of heart in AF patients

[Need assessment: sexual health education in family planning centers, Tehran, Iran]

This paper explores the sexual health education needs and appropriate content for such education in Tehran. 21 married female in reproductive age from Tehran were recruited using snowball sampling and participated in qualitative interviews using focus group techniques. Participants addressed four themes: women's sex education needs, husbands' sex education needs, behaviors that women dislike in their sexual relationship, women's ideas about sex education. Sex education needs encompasses various subjects including basic concepts of sexuality and sexual behaviors. A considerable number of women disliked some sexual behaviors and had questions along those lines. They believed that sex education can influence their sexual life in a positive way. Attention to cultural sensitivities, realities of couples' sexual relationship and conceiving their needs as it is, seems to help to design and implementation of a program that is going to meet people real needs

[Is smoke free legislation enforcing completely in Tehran 2009?]

Creating smoke-free public places is essential to protect non-smokers and it also motivates smokers to quit. Considering the smoking ban law in public places of Iran and weakly enforcement of this law, we decided to study the circumstances in Tehran. It was a cross-sectional study which has been done during 2009. Firstly, Tehran's geographic map was divided into 3 areas of north, center and south and secondly 10 spots in each area were selected randomly. By reaching to that addresses easy sampling was done and going straightly toward the right side to collect enough cases. The indicators including 'the existence of smoking ban signs, ashtrays and smoking areas and also the way of showing objecting against smoking' were questioned and observed. 458 restaurants and food courts were studied. In 60 places [13%] there were no smoking ban signs. In 140 places [30%] there were ash trays and in 54 places [12%] there were smoking areas. In 132 places [29%] the in-charge people had no objection against smoking in restaurants. All the cases were aware of smoking ban law in public places. More than 50% considered it as a useful law and 106 restaurants [23%] believed that the law enforcement would increase the number of customers. There was no statistically relationship between the place and working year of restaurants and law enforcement but it was shown a statistically relationship between smoking ban signs and showing objection against smoking and increasing the number of customers [p=0.000]. In spite of the fact that it has been a long time sine the law adaptation, but it has not been fully implemented, so it is necessary to reinforce the law

[Prevalence of obesity in young Tehranian males [18-25y] entering military service [Shahrivar 1386]]

Overweight and obesity is a rapidly growing health problem in every society. Although different reports on increasing obesity in Iran have been published, no accurate estimate has been reported on the prevalence of obesity among young men. The aim of this study, conducted in a sample population of young Tehranian men, was to determine the frequency of overweight and obesity in this group. This cross-sectional study was carried out between the 1st and 20th of Shahrivar 1386. Subjects were 680 young men, randomly selected from among those referring to the health centers for the Pre-Military Service Vaccination Program. Of these, 37 who were sportsmen, were, excluded from the study population. Anthropometric measurements for height, weight, waist and hip circumference of the remaining 643 male subjects, aged 18-25 years old, were obtained their body mass index [BMI] and waist-to-hip ratios were also estimated. Following data collection, the frequencies of obesity and overweight for each age group were determined. Mean age was 20.7 +/- 1.9, and mean body mass index was 24.1 +/- 6.5. The frequency of abnormal body mass index [equal to or more than 25Kg/m2] among the sample population was 32.7% [CI 95%: 29-36.3] of which 23.2% [CI 95%: 19.9-26.5] were overweight and 9.5% [CI 95%: 7.2-11.8] were obese the frequency of central obesity, was 7.2%, based on criteria >/= 0.9 for waist- to- hip ratio, and 7.5%, based on criteria >/= 94 cm for waist circumference. Results showed that 70.8% of obese subjects and 29.2% of overweight ones had abdominal obesity [P < 0.001]. The highest frequency [18.4%] for obese persons was seen around the age of 25 years and that for overweight [41.5%] was seen around the age of 24y. This study reveals that a remarkable percentage of young men in the city of Tehran are either obese or overweight

[Association between body mass index [BMI] and sociodemographic factors among Iranian females aged 15-44 years]

With respect to the high expenses of obesity treatment and its associated complications, there is an urgent need for a suitable approach towards behavioral change in obese subjects. The present study was conducted to determine the association between body mass index [BMI] and sociodemographic factors among Iranian females aged 15-44 years. For this cross sectional study, 2969 females aged 15-44 years were selected through a cluster sampling. We evaluated BMI and its association with occupation, educational level, family size, place of residence, marital status, and age. Logistic regression analysis was used to eliminate the effect of confounding factors. The mean BMI was 25.6 +/- 5.2kg/m2 while 46.2% of subjects had normal BMI, however, 4.6% had severe obesity. BMI was significantly higher among 35-44 years old, married, illiterate, and house keeper females. Regression analysis showed that illiteracy and lower educational level could increase BMI. Our results revealed that the mean BMI of Iranian females exceeds normal value, however, during a 5-year period the frequency of obesity did not alter significantly among females aged >20 years. Age increment, illiteracy, marriage, and housekeeping are associated with higher BMI level

[Effects of progressive muscular relaxation training on anxiety level and health related quality of life in anxious patients after coronary artery bypass surgery]

There is a lack of clinical trials studying the effects of relaxation techniques as a basis of stress management on anxiety and quality of life in anxious patients after heart surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive muscular relaxation training on reducing anxiety and improving quality of life among patients with high levels of anxiety after coronary artery bypass graft surgery [CABG]. A randomized controlled trial with a prospective pretest-posttest experimental design was used. One hundred ten patients with threatening anxiety level, 6 weeks after coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received progressive muscular relaxation [PMR] training, and the control group received only routine cardiac rehabilitation care. State/trait anxiety was measured with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and quality of life was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire. There were significant reductions in state anxiety] P=0.001] and trait anxiety[P=0.001] in the experimental group when compared with the controls after the intervention. Significant improvements were found in the following quality of life measures after participating in progressive muscular relaxation training: physical functioning[P=0.00001], role-physical [P=0.03], bodily pain[P=0.00001], general health[P=0.00001], vitality[P=0.00001], social functioning[P=0.001], role-emotional [P=0.00001] and mental health[P=0.00001]. Teaching relaxation techniques could serve as a resource for improving heart patients' psychological health and quality of life

[Effects of health education program on the AIDS preventive behaviors in prisoners]

Background: Nowadays, prisons are one of the certain centers of HIV in all over the world. In fact, prisoners are not only susceptible to exposure of HIV infection, but also they are a reservoir for beginning and development of HIV in the society

Objective: This study has been aimed to evaluate the effect of health education program on the AIDS preventive behaviors of prisoners aged under 25 years old [Ghezalhesar prison-Tehran]

Methods: In this quasi-experimental research 50 male addicted prisoners were selected. A questionnaire was developed in four sections: demographic factors, knowledge, attitude and practice and it was used after taking reliability and validity. The level of KAP toward AIDS was evaluated first by using a questionnaire [pretest]. The educational needs were recognized, and then the educational plan was designed. Educational methods in this study was lecturing, group discussion, face to face, answer question, poster, leaflet, pamphlet and video film. After 2 month performing educational program, KAP was determined again [posttest] and then was compared with pretest information. Collected data were analyzed by parametric and non-parametric statistical tests

Findings: The results of the study show that 22% of prisoners in prison had drugs Injections, 8% of them had sexual intercourse, 38% of them had one razor shared and 6% of them had tattooed. Also 82% of prisoners were witness in using syringe for drugs and 48% were witness for sexual intercourse of other prisoners. Analysis of the data, before and after the educational program showed that there is significant difference between knowledge, attitude and practice

Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that health education program has caused an increase in KAP