[ prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders in the children of veterans of Shiraz, Iran: a case control study]

This survey was conducted in order to assess the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children of the war-wounded veterans, and to compare it with the general population of Shiraz. The present study was a cross-sectional survey on a random sample of children and adolescents of 223 veteran's [25%-70%] families between 12-20 years old. The control group consisted of students of 12-20 years of age. Diagnosis was made using semi-structured clinical interviews on the basis of DSM-IV, through K-SADS-PL. Out of 223 veteran's families interviewed, 123 families had at least one child with one psychiatric disorder. Those children, 52 boys [15%] and 71 girls [20%], suffered from at least one of the psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of depressive disorders such as dysthymia was 2.3%, major depressive disorder 8.4%, and minor depression 5.8%. The prevalence of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder was [10.1%], separation anxiety disorder [1.4%] obsessive compulsive disorder [4%], panic disorder [3.2%], post traumatic stress disorder [3.2%], social phobia [4.3%] specific phobia [2%] and agoraphobia was [1.4%]. Although the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders did not significantly differ from that of control group, but more studies, and more consultative, preventive and therapeutic actions seem to be necessary for children of veterans, due to a higher prevalence of some of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and some depression symptoms

[ rate of pediculosis capitis in students participating in summer camps in different provinces of Iran]

To determine the rate of Pediculosis Capitis among Iranian students participating in bonyad-e-mostazafan summer camps. This is a cross-sectional study of Perdiculosis Capitis rate among 13206 students from different provinces of Iran in 1384 [2005]. The students were examined immediately after arrival the camps. Examination was then carried out by general practitionnaires through direct observation of the hair. The hair and scalp were examined for Pediculosis Capitis by hand separation of the hair every 1-2 cm. the presence of either live or head eggs, or nits, was considered infestation with Pediculosis Capitis. The data analysis was done by SPSS soft ware and chi square. The total number of children from 21 provinces of Iran was 13, 206. Of all these subjects, 758 [5.7%] were infested by Pediculosis Capitis. 3 [0.1%] of the infested cases were boys and 755 [9.9%] were girls. The results showed a significant sex difference in infested cases [P = 0/000]. The most prevalence was seen in Sistan and Baluchestan [11.1%]. Hormozgan [10.6%]. and Ardebil [7.1%]. Also according the results, the education level of the mother, was found to be associated with the rate of infestation [P = 0.039]. Father education level had no meaningful association. Pediculosis Capitis infestation is a disease of adolescence with a higher prevalence in girls. This skin parasite has a wide distribution all over the country and a significant association with sex and maternal education

Cardiovascular complications of thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia

Cardiac complications due to Iron overload are the most common cause of death in beta-thalassemic patients. Although regular blood transfusions in thalassemia major [TM] patients have improved the quality of life of the patients but the most important complication of such transfusions is iron overload in cardiac tissues. In spite of iron overload in untransfused thalassemia intermedia [TI] patients, the intestinal absorption of iron increases in these patients because of ineffective erythropoesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiac status in thalassemia major and intermedia patients and the investigation of the possible effect of iron overload in the heart of beta-thalassemic patients. 46 patients entered into this study. 26 patients had thalassemia major with regular blood and also chelator transfusions and 20 patients with thalassemia intermedia who had not received regular transfusions. The age of the patients in the 2 groups were similar. The results of clinical evaluation and echocardiographies of the patients of the 2 groups were compared with each other. Collected data were analyzed by means of Chi square and man whitney U tests. Heart failure occurred in two patients with TM [9.52%] and one patient with TI [4.76%]. Considerable pulmonary hypertension [systolic tricuspid gradient >35mmHg] was only present in 3 patients with TI [14.28%]. But systolic dysfunction of left ventricle [ejection fraction<55% or shortening fraction<35%] occurred in 5 patients with TM [23.8%]. In the patients without apparent heart disease, cardiac dimensions, LV mass, LV shortening and ejection fractions, cardiac output and valvular involvement were significantly more in patients with TI. But the maximum speed of systolic flow out of mitral valve in primary phase was higher significantly in TM patients than TI patients. Regular lifelong transfusion and chelation therapy in TM patients prevents premature heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, but LV dysfunction can occur and lead to heart failure. In contrast in TI patients left ventricular function is normal but pulmonary hypertension occurs which may lead to heart failure. Left ventricular performance is better preserved when chelation treatment is adjusted to maintain the serum ferritin concentration at <1000 nanogram/ml

[ role of training workshops of newborn cares in promotion of mothers' knowledge]

The objective was to determine the role of newborn workshop in promoting mothers' knowledge. This is an interventional study [before and after study]. Training courses in neonatal care were held with participants including 150 women visiting the child health center. Learning material was offered in two parts, 1. taking care of healthy newborn and, 2. common neonatal problems. The rate of correct answers to the questions related to neonatal problems was significantly higher than that of incorrect answers. In one half of the questions concerning nutrition and neonatal care there was no difference between rates of correct and incorrect answers, and in the other half, the rate of correct answers was significantly higher than incorrect ones. The study also showed a significant difference between mothers' knowledge before and after workshops [p=0.00]. Several variables, such as age, job, number of pregnancies, number of children, and mother's level of education were evaluated. Results showed that none of them had any effect in increasing mothers' knowledge before and after classes. Regarding the extension of necessary information for mothers and to exterminate wrong attitudes facing neonates [especially first child], there is a need for education of mothers dealing with neonatal daily care, breast feeding and common neonatal problems