[Intensive care nurses' reaction to futile cares:a phenomenological study]

Introduction: Emotional stress due to futile care is very high and decreasing level of futile care can result in decrease of stress and increase nurses' job satisfaction

Objective: This study aimed to determine intensive care nurses' reaction to futile cares

Methods: In this qualitative study, a phenomenological approach was used. This study was conducted to understand ICU nurses' reaction to futile cares. Personal interview and observation was used for data collection.All interviews were recorded and coded and analyzed by Van Manen analytical method

Results: In this study 25 ICU nurses participated in personal interview. In primary coding 82 codes were extracted. In process of analysis and constant comparison of data, codes decreased to 78. Finally six categories, 17 subcategories and 2 themes emerged. These themes included robotic care and ethic-emotional conflict

Conclusion: Futile care causes the emotional exhaustion and moral distress for intensive care unit nurses. Lack of guidelines for nurses' practice futile care situation is among essential nursing care problems. Therefore in order to decrease futile care and its effects in nurses, health palnners should develop appropriate interventions to overcome existant barriers

[Mimetical signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders in healthy pregnant women, a population based study]

Introduction: Although for thyroid disorders are the second most prevalent endocrine abnormalities among reproductive aged women, the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease can often be masked by the physiologic changes of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to identify physiological signs and symptoms common to both pregnancy and thyroid disorders among a community based sample of pregnant women without thyroid dysfunction

Materials and Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1600 pregnant women. A comprehensive questionnaire including questions regarding the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease was completed for subjects and relevant clinical examinations were conducted. Blood samples were taken and serum thyroxine [T4], T-uptake, thyrotropin [TSH] and thyroid peroxidase antibodies [TPO-Ab] were measured

Results: Of study participants, 63.5% had normal thyroid function. The prevalence of overt hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were 3.8%, and 0.8%, respectively and 29.8% of patients had subclinical hypothyroidism. Of pregnant women without thyroid dysfunction, 64.8% had one or more of the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. Most common symptoms were fatigue [30.3%], followed by lethargy and drowsiness [20.3%]

Conclusion: Normal physiological changes of pregnancy can mimic some of the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. The results indicated that over half of the healthy pregnant women experienced one or more of the signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders during pregnancy. Correct interpretation of signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction during normal pregnancy is critical to discriminate between physiologic and pathological changes

Study on the correlation between serum androgens and sexual function in post-menopausal women

Sexual dysfunction could be influenced by menopause and related hormonal changes. The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between serum levels of androgens and sexual function in post-menopausal women. This is a community-based, descriptive-analytical study involving 405 post-menopausal women, aged 40 to 65 years, who had reached menopause during the three years prior to the study. A multi-stage, randomized sampling was conducted. Data was collected using the Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] questionnaire, a researcher-made questionnaire, and blood samples were obtained to assess serum levels of androgens [testosterone, DHEAS], SHBG and estradiol. Among subjects, 61% had female sexual dysfunction [FSD]. Total testosterone levels had a negative correlation with scores in the domain of desire [r=-0.108, P=0.029], DHEAS levels were positively correlated with scores in the domain of pain [r=0.113, P=0.022] and the free estradiol index [FEI] was also positively correlated with scores in the domain of pain [r=0.115, P=0.020]. Satisfaction with marital relationship had a significant positive correlation with total testosterone levels [r=0.131, P=0.008] and the free androgen index [FAI] [r=0.100, P=0.044]. Examining the correlation between FSFI scores and hormone levels, multiple regression analysis showed that serum levels of total testosterone and FAI were predicting factors, in the domains of lubrication [P=0.042] and satisfaction [P=0.021] respectively. Androgenic hormones can affect certain aspects of sexual function in post-menopausal women, subject, which, however, requires further investigation

[Developing and psychometric properties check list of clinical competency in mental health nursing students]

Introduction: One of the challenges in the medicine education system is evaluation of clinical competency of students. Evaluation of students in clinical education courses sometimes is not following a certain principles and also it is not clear that how much they reach to educational objectives at the end of courses. Aim of this study was developing and psychometric properties assessing psychometric properties of check list of clinical competency in mental health nursing students

Methods: This study was methodological approach. Participants were faculty members, head nurses and nurses who work in psychiatric wards and students [undergraduate and master sciences] of Medical Sciences universities of Iran. Based on entry criteria, sampling approach was depending on objective. Domains of tool developed with use of results of first step of research[qualitative part] in addition to study of valid references this filed .After developing primary check list, stages of psychometric properties including determination of validity[content and facial] and reliability[internal consistency and inter-observer correlation] developed. In order to analyze the data descriptive and analytic statistics with SPSS [20th version] were used

Results: Check list of "Clinical Competency of Mental Health Nursing Students" with 73 items was developed. Content validity ratio was. 83 and content validity index was. 98. Measurment of reliability with the use of internal consistency [Cronbach's alpha] was .98 and inter-observer correlation was.70

Conclusion: Check list of "Clinical Competency of Mental Health Nursing Students" in two issues include general and specific competencies with 73 items was developed .It seems for assessment of different dimensions of clinical competencies of mental health nursing students is appropriate tool

[Comparison of pregnancy self-care, perceived social support and perceived stress of women with gestational diabetes and healthy pregnant women]

Pregnancy complicated by diabetes requires increasing health care resources for controlling sugar levels during pregnancy and reduce the severe perinatal consequences. Now a days changing lifestyle patterns have changed susceptibility to disease. This study was conducted to determine and compare some of the lifestyle factors [pregnancy self-care, perceived social support and perceived stress] of women with gestational diabetes and healthy pregnant women. A comparative- descriptive study was conducted on 100 pregnant women with definite diagnosis of gestational diabetes [diabetic group] and 100 healthy pregnant women [controls] attending teaching health centers affiliated to the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2013. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire related to pregnancy self-care, perceived social support and perceived stress. Data were analyzed using SPSS-18 software. Demographics and obstetrics variables were similar in the diabetes and the controls groups mean pregnancy self-care score was 71.9 and 81.87, respectively [P<0.001], mean perceived social support the was 65.75 and 73.88, respectively [P<0.001], and mean score of perceived stress was 51.57 and 60.27, respectively [P<0.001]. Study results showed that pregnant women with gestational diabetes had less self-care, social support and perceived stress. This study further reveals the importance of women's self-care and perceived social support during pregnancy. The incidence of gestational diabetes can be prevented through increased awareness and education of pregnant women regarding appropriate lifestyles during pregnancy and any interventions that could improve them

Application of FBAT-MM and fbat-lc multimarker methods in association of selected microsatellites with hdl-c in families with metabolic syndrome members: tehran lipid and glucose study

Studying several linked markers provides more information on locating disease genes locus by using genetic association analysis. The aims of this study were to introduce Multimarker Family Base Association Tests [FBAT-MM] and its Linear Combination [FBAT-LC] in multimarker genetic association analysis and to examine the association of selected microsatellites with HDL-C in an Iranian population. One hundred twenty five [1 25] families having at least one member with metabolic syndrome and at least two members with low HDL-C were selected from participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study [TLGS]. Multimarker genetic association of HDL-C level with some microsatellites in the chromosomes 8, 11, 12, and 1 6 were examined using FBAT-MM and FBAT-LC methods. The families consisted of 563 individuals [269 males and 294 females]. FBAT-MM showed significant genetic association only between HDL-C and three microsatellites in Chromosome 1 1 [P<0.05]. The microsatellite Dl 1 SI 304 was found as the significant factor for multimarker genetic association. FBAT-MM and FBAT-LC did not show shortcomings such as excessive conservatism and low power which are, usually, observed in other multimarker methods. Finding microsatellites associated with HDL-C level can provide background for further researches on the role of predisposing genes in metabolic syndrome

Violence toward nurses at emergency rooms [ERs] of hospitals of Medical Universities in Tehran

ER nurses are at risk of violence due to the nature of their job and confrontation with a variety of patients as well as heavy workload. This can, in turn, leads to decreased quality of care. This descriptive study was conducted to identify prevalence and causes of violence toward nurses at ERs of hospitals affiliated with Medical Universities in Tehran. 100 nurses with at least 1 year continuous experience at ER were included in the study. Data were collected by a questionnaire. The questionnaire contained items including demographics, frequency and characteristics of violence at work [physical, verbal, nonverbal] and the factors involved. Content and test-retest as well as internal consistency [Cronbach's a] methods were used for Validity and reliability of the questionnaire respectively. Data were analyzed by version 16 of SPSS package. The most frequent type of violence was verbal [87%]. The frequencies of nonverbal and physical violence were 70% and 28% respectively. The most common type of verbal violence was yelling [84%] and, in physical violence, it was throwing objects [33%]. In nonverbal violence, insulting and threatening look [64%] and hitting on the table were very common. Verbal [48.2%] and nonverbal [65.8%] violence was committed mostly over the past month of the study and at nights. The subjects [38%] experienced verbal violence up to 5 times. The most frequent cause of violence [77%] was the lack of control over entrance of patients' relatives, chi test showed a significant relationship between physical violence and night shifts [P<0.001] and between female sex of nurses and physical violence [P<0.005]. ER nurses usually face with violence in a week and the most frequent types are verbal, nonverbal and physical, leading to decreased speed in delivering efficient care to patients and decreased quality of health care resulted from it

[Comparing the health status of women with wanted and unwanted pregnancy]

Unwanted pregnancy can have negative impacts on maternal health. The aim of this study was to compare the health status of women with wanted and unwanted pregnancies in Kerman, Iran. This case-control was performed on women with wanted [100 cases] and unwanted pregnancies [100 cases] whom refered to health centers in Kerman, Iran during 2010. The tool for data collection included a demographic questionnaire, short form 36 health survey [SF36] and a researcher-made pregnancy's physical health. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were assessed initially prior to study procedure. Data was analyzed by using SPSS-16, Chi-Square, T Student and Mann-Whitney tests. Women with unwanted pregnancies had lower scores for physical and mental health, vaccination and supplement consumption, prenatal care and personal health than women with wanted pregnancies [P<0.05]. Women with unwanted pregnancies had more complications and high risk behavior compared to unwanted pregnancies [P<0.05]. This study indicated that unwanted pregnancies are accompanied with physical and mental health. Thus, special counseling and extra care measures is recommended during unwanted pregnancies. Pregnancy

role of vaginal prolactin in diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of membranes [PROM] is one of the most common complications of pregnancy that has a major impact on pregnancy outcomes. A diagnostic tool that is non-invasive, specific and quick is needed to predict PROM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic power of the vaginal washing fluid prolactin for the diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes and to determine cut-off values. A total of 114 pregnant women were recruited in this diagnostic trial. The PROM group consisted of 54 pregnant women between 20 and 41 weeks of gestation with diagnosis of confirmed PROM [amniotic fluid pooling [+] and Nitrazine paper test [+] and fernt test [+]]. The control group consisted of 60 pregnant women between 20 and 41 weeks of gestation without any complaint or complication. All patients underwent speculum examination for amniotic fluid pooling, nitrazine paper test, fern test, vaginal washing fluid prolactin sampling. Vaginal fluid concentrations of prolactin was significantly different between the two groups [P<0.001]. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were 87.03%, 75.0%, 75.80%, 86.53% and 83.33% in detecting PROM by evaluation of vaginal fluid prolactin concentration with a cut-off value of 9.50 micro IU/ml, respectively. The prolactin levels in the washing fluid of the posterior vaginal fornix in our experience is reliable and non-invasive diagnostic tests of PROM

[Correlation between population characteristics and safety attitude to work of women workers in food factories]

Due to increase of accident work in Iranian women workers, safety attitude is an important factor at work and it should be considered. The aim of this study was to determine correlation between demographic characteristics and safety attitude of women workers in food factories. In this descriptive-correlation study, 171 woman workers were selected by multiphase sampling. Data was collected by 2-part questionnaire of demographic characteristics and "Safety Attitude to Work Questionnaire". Validity of the questionnaires was evaluated by CVI [92.10] and CVR [91.11]. In addition, face and reliability were determined by internal consistency [alpha=0.86] and test-retest [r=0.94]]. Result showed that most of the samples had positive safety attitude [81.3%]. In addition, results showed they also indicated that there is a significant correlation between marriage and number of children with safety attitude to work [P>0.01]. Contrary, there was a negative correlation between salary and work experiences with safety attitude [P>0.05]. Other demographic characteristics did not have a significant relationship with safety attitude [P<0.05]. Due to correlation between some demographic characteristics and safety attitude of women workers, further study is suggested for future research

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

[Effect of peer support groups on promotion of physical health status in multiple sclerosis: testing reed's self-transcendence theory]

Introduction: The Theory of Self-Transcendence proposes that individuals who face human vulnerability or mortality obtain an increased capacity for self- transcendence and its positive influence on well-being. The aim of current study was to determine the effect of Peer Support Groups on promotion of Physical Health Status in Multiple Sclerosis by Testing Reed's Self-Transcendence Theory

Methods and Materials: This study is a before and after quasi-experimental method based on self-transcendence theory that was conducted on 33 patients with confirmed MS participated in 3 peer support groups. Eight weekly 2 hours sessions were held. Data collection tools was Physical aspect of 'Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Inventory' with 78 item and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.93, 'Self-Transcendence Scale' [STS] with 15 item and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.68 that after modifying, it increased to 0.81. Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire [IPQ-R] with 75 items and Cronbach's coefficient was 0.80. Patients completed tools pre- and post of sessions. Data analyzed by SPSS [v.18]

Findings: Illness perception can predict self-transcendence and physical health with 0.7207 effects. Also, self-transcendence can predict physical health with 0.43 effects. New finding was a direct relation between illness perception and physical health [p=0.001] that was not mentioned in Reed's Theory

Conclusions: Based on the results, this theory can be used in research and educational management in nursing and nursing management to improve the physical health of MS patients

[Emotional intelligence and its correlation with some demographic variables in the clinical nurses working in Kurdistan university hospitals in 2010]

Nurses must be able to recognize and manage emotions and feelings of themselves and clients; also, they must have good empathic and communication skills. These capabilities are part of the constituent elements of emotional intelligence. The aim of this study was to determine the level of emotional intelligence, its components and its correlation with some demographic variables in nurses working in the hospitals of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2010. This descriptive study included 344 nurses. Bar-On questionnaire was used to collect required information. Data were analyzed by use of SPSS-18 software. 86.6% of the subjects were female and 13.4% were male. The majority of nurses [77.8%] had a good level of emotional intelligence. Of the five components of emotional intelligence, interpersonal component with a mean value and SD of 77.2% +/- 12.5% had the highest score. Among the 15 factors related to emotional intelligence, social responsibility, empathy and interpersonal skills with mean values and SD score of 82.16% +/- 14.14, 76.84% +/- 13.74%, and 73.59% +/- 15.64% had the highest score, respectively. Emotional intelligence had no correlation with demographic variables of gender, work background, marital status, university and university degree. The nurses had a good level of emotional intelligence in regard to empathy, social responsibility and interpersonal relationships, but improvement of other skills such as problem solving, control of impulsivity and toleration of psychological pressure are also important because of their importance in nursing care

[Development and psychometric evaluation 'nurse satisfaction of report writing scale]

Introduction: Recording nursing care is an important tool to determine eligibility and evaluation of care interventions. In this regard, satisfaction of nurse with recording could provide correct nursing record. The aim of this study was development and psychometric evaluation 'Nurse Satisfaction of Report Writing Scale'

Materials and methods: This Study is an exploratory study that by review of studies about concept and dimensions of satisfaction and satisfaction of nurses about report writing at primilarinary stage of, satisfaction "Nurse Satisfaction Report Writing Scale" was developed. Content validity was measured using Content Validity Index [Waltz and Basel] by 17 experts and face validity of the scale was assessed using 20 experts in the field of report writing and construct validity were evaluated by review of literature, books, articles, researches and interviews of experts. Moreover, reliability of the scale was determined by internal consistency [Cronbach's alpha] and test-retest [Pearson correlation coefficient]

Findings: At first stage item were developed in the scale and later using content validity index, items with value of more than 75% were retained. Hence, the numbers of items were reduced to 66 numbers. Construct validity of the questionnaire showed 7 factors. Furthermore, the findings showed, internal consistency reliability [Cronbach's alpha] [alpha=0/981] for 7 dimensions and re-test by Pearson correlation coefficient [r=0/912]. In final stage, 15 items were deleted thus total number of items reduced to 51 items

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that questionnaire of nurses with 51 items of the type of report writing Likert is valid and reliable. Due to the lack of valid and reliable scale to measure satisfaction of nurses from report writing, using the scale can be helpful. Measuring other types of validity such as concurrent validity is recommended

[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

effect of reflexology on pain intensity and duration of labor on primiparas

Reflexology is an ancient, mild and non-invasive technique, used widely as one of the nonpharmacological methods for pain relief. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of reflexology on pain intensity as well as to determine the duration of labor in primiparas. In 2008, a randomized clinical trial study was conducted randomly enrolling 120 parturient women with low risk pregnancy into three groups in Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The first group received 40 minutes of reflexology at the beginning of active phase [4-5 cm cervical dilatation]. Emotional support was offered for the second group in the same stage of pregnancy and with the same duration. The third group received only routine care during labor. Pain severity was evaluated with visual analogue scale [0 to 10 cm]. In all groups, pregnant women were asked to evaluate the severity of pain experienced before and after intervention and also at cervical dilatations of 6-7 cm and 8-10 cm respectively. Data were collected through the numerical pain scale. Pain intensity at all the three stages of cervical dilatation was significantly lower in the reflexology group. During the 4-5 cm dilatation stage, women in the supported group reported less severe pain compared to those receiving routine care, but no significant differences at the later stages of labor. This indicates that reflexology could decrease the duration of first, second and third stages of labor. Our findings showed that reflexology can be useful to decrease the pain intensity as well as duration of labor

Correlation between anxiety in labor and duration as well as outcome of delivery in women attended to hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti Medical University and Shahid Akbar Abadi Hospital

Delivery is a stressful event. It seems that the cervix of an anxious woman does not dilate easily. The purpose of this study was determine the correlation between anxiety during labor and duration as well as outcome of delivery in women referring to hospitals affiliated to Shahid Behshti Medical University and Shahid Akbar Abadi Hospital. A descriptive correlational design was used. 200 women were selected via a multistage quota sampling in each hospital. A demographic and obstetrical questionnaire, Spielberg's State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a checklist regarding the condition of the parturient women during hospitalization, duration of labor as well as delivery and Apgar score of the neonate were used for data collection.Data were analysed' using SPSS 16 statistical software. most women experienced moderate anxiety [%53/5].Mean of total time of delivery was 250/87 +/- 150/34 minutes,%94/5 was normal delivery and the mean of apgar score in first minute was 9 and in 5 minute was 10. No significant correlation was found between anxiety in labor room and duration [first, second and third stage] as well as outcome [type and Apgar score] of delivery. Since most women experienced moderate anxiety, midwives and other healthcare workers should consider psychological aspects of mothers in labor rooms and make the atmosphere of these placed favorable addition, preparative educational courses during pregnancy is needed

[ relationship between CO ambient and low birth weight]

LBW is the strongest factor related to prenatal, neonatal, postnatal and childhood mortality and morbidity. Air pollution is one of the risk factors that is recently gaining attention. This study was carried out to determine the relationship between the CO ambient and low birth weight in women referring to Tehran hospitals in 2007-2008. In this historical cohort study 225 pregnant women having lived within 5 kilometers of a monitoring station during pregnancy and referring to selected hospitals in Tehran were investigated. An information questionnaire was used for data collection and sampling was done by multistage sampling and convenience method. Women were assigned to low exposure group and high exposure group based on mean exposure to each pollutant during pregnancy. These two groups were matched with respect to confounding factors. SPSS software version 15, T statistics, chi2, Man Withnney, and Relative Risk procedures were used for data analysis. The result showed that 31.6% of CO high exposure group and 7.4% of CO low exposure group had Low birth weight baby. The result also showed a significant relationship between exposure to high amount of CO and LBW [p=0.001]. Relative Risk calculated with confidence interval [RR=4/67, CI=[1/76-9/43] was found to be 95% and the amount of attributable risk was 66%. Based on these finding, exposure to carbon monoxide pollution can cause LBW. There should be an educational program about the disadvantages of CO pollutant on pregnant women living in densely populated areas of the city. Moreover, practical approaches should be provided to reduce these pollutants

[Weight gain and food group consumption patterns in pregnant women of north and east hospitals of Tehran]

Considering the important role played by nutrition in pregnancy outcomes weight gain during pregnancy, and overweight/obesity in later life, this study was conducted to assess the weight gain and food consumption patterns in pregnant women of Tehran. This study was a cross-sectional study with quota sampling based on the aim [n=265]. Data collected by a questionnaire, included two sections: Demographic/socio-economic and 24hour dietary recall, completed by expert interviewers. Mothers' height and weight were measured and BMI were computed. Pre-pregnancy weight was obtained from the historical files. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-Square, student and paired t-test, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Of subjects, 57% were normal weight, 15% underweight, 16% overweight and 12% were obese. Mean weight gain in the overweight and obese groups was higher than the recommended level [p<0.01]; based on FGP recommendations for pregnant women, they consumed less bread/cereals, and milk/dairy products, and more meat/its alternatives, vegetables, fruits, and sweets/fats. The regression model showed that weight gain during pregnancy increased in the number of children and gestational age and decreased with increase in age and pre-pregnancy BMI. Monitoring weight gain during pregnancy, implementing FGP recommendations and awareness regarding about the proper weight gain are the main strategies for preventing post partum overweight/obesity, especially in obese and older women

[Correlation between anthropometric indices at birth and developmental delay in children 4-60 months]

Advancements in medical knowledge and treatment modalities have resulted in increasing the survival rate of high risk infants. This increased number of survivors call attention to future development of these children. After infection and trauma, developmental and behavioral problems are the most common children medical problems. The aim of this study was to determine correlation between anthropometric indices at birth and developmental delay in children 4-60 months that were visited in health services centers affiliated to University of Medical Sciences in 2010. In this descriptive-corrolational study, 401 children 60-4 months that were visited in health services centers affiliated to University of Medical Sciences in 2010 were selected by multistage method. Anthropometric indices of children at birth were collected from their health care records and development status of children was measured by "Ages and Stages Questionnaire". Validity of 0/84 and reliability 0/94 were obtained from pervious study. Data were analyzed by SPPS v 18. The results showed that the average age of children in normal group was 17/33 +/- 13/18 month and in developmental delay group was 29/92 +/- 19/19 month. Most gender in normal group was female [%56] developmental delay group was male [%55/2]. In addition, there were no correlation between height and head circumference at birth and developmental delay. However, birth weight of children with developmental delay were four times lower than birth weight of normal developmental children [p = 0.004, OR = 4]. Factors that lead to intrauterine growth reduction will create many problems in the neonatal period. On the other hand, staying these infants in NICU is longer and lead to presenting disorders in child developmental process