Prediction of Self-Management Behavior among Iranian Women with Type 2 Diabetes: Application of the Theory of Reasoned Action along with Self-Efficacy (ETRA).

BACKGROUND: Continuous performing of diabetes self-care behaviors was shown to be an effective strategy to control diabetes and to prevent or reduce its- related complications. This study aimed to investigate predictors of self-care behavior based on the extended theory of reasoned action by self efficacy (ETRA) among women with type 2 diabetes in Iran. METHODS: A sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes, referring to a Diabetes Clinic in Khoy, Iran using the nonprobability sampling was enrolled. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the variables of interest (diabetes knowledge, personal beliefs, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention along with self- care behaviors). Reliability and validity of the instruments using Cronbach's alpha coefficients (the values of them were more than 0.70) and a panel of experts were tested. RESULTS: A statistical significant correlation existed between independent constructs of proposed model and modelrelated dependent constructs, as ETRA model along with its related external factors explained 41.5% of variance of intentions and 25.3% of variance of actual behavior. Among constructs of model, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions among women with type 2 diabetes, as it lonely explained 31.3% of variance of intentions and 11.4% of variance of self-care behavior. CONCLUSION: The high ability of the extended theory of reasoned action with self-efficacy in forecasting and explaining diabetes mellitus self management can be a base for educational intervention. So to improve diabetes self management behavior and to control the disease, use of educational interventions based on proposed model is suggested.

Behavioural and clinical factors associated with depression among individuals with diabetes.

Depression has been linked to greater mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients, but this issue has not been adequately studied in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This cross-sectional study described the prevalence of depression in patients attending a diabetes clinic in Urmia and determined the associated sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical factors. Of 295 patients, 128 (43.4%) had depression scores (> or = 15) on the Beck Depression Inventory. The mean score for all patients was 15.4 (SD 9.5). Those with depression were significantly older and less educated than those without depression, had a longer duration of diabetes and were more likely to suffer complications. On logistic regression analysis, older age was the only variable significantly associated with depression.

Behavioural and clinical factors associated with depression among individuals with diabetes

Depression has been linked to greater mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients, but this issue has not been adequately studied in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This cross-sectional study described the prevalence of depression in patients attending a diabetes clinic in Urmia and determined the associated sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical factors. Of 295 patients, 128 [43.4%] had depression scores [>/= 15] on the Beck Depression Inventory. The mean score for all patients was 15.4 [SD 9. 5]. Those with depression were significantly older and less educated than those without depression, had a longer duration of diabetes and were more likely to suffer complications. On logistic regression analysis, older age was the only variable significantly associated with depression

Immune response to measles vaccine after mass vaccination in Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran.

We investigated the effectiveness of the mass measles vaccination campaign in Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran, by examining the measles IgG seroprevalence and antibody response from paired data before and after the campaign. The overall seropositive rate of 624 subjects aged 5-25 years increased 1 year after the mass vaccination (from 53.0% to 72.3%). A rise in antibody titre occurred in all age groups except the 21-25 years group, which had the highest titre before mass vaccination. On logistic regression analysis, only immune status prior to vaccination was significantly associated with the seroresponse. It may be cost-effective to check antibody titres before mass vaccinations, especially in high vaccine coverage regions with circulating wild virus.

Immune response to measles vaccine after mass vaccination in Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran

We investigated the effectiveness of the mass measles vaccination campaign in Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran, by examining the measles IgG seroprevalence and antibody response from paired data before and after the campaign. The overall seropositive rate of 624 subjects aged 5-25 years increased 1 year after the mass vaccination [from 53.0% to 72.3%]. A rise in antibody titre occurred in all age groups except the 21-25 years group, which had the highest titre before mass vaccination. On logistic regression analysis, only immune status prior to vaccination was significantly associated with the seroresponse. It may be cost-effective to check antibody titres before mass vaccinations, especially in high vaccine coverage regions with circulating wild virus

Predicting Factors in Iron Supplement Intake among Pregnant Women in Urban Care Setting.

BACKGROUND: The world health organization estimates that 58% of pregnant women in developing countries are anemic. In spite of the fact that most ministries of health in developing countries have policies to provide pregnant women with iron supplementation, prevalence of maternal anemia has not declined significantly. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to the current recommendation in the local population and to describe factors associated with taking iron supplementation during pregnancy. METHODS: A questionnaire assessing the use of prenatal iron supplementation was distributed among women recently having delivered in Urmia, west Azerbaijan Province, northwest Iran. The questionnaire consisted of two sections. The first included demographic information and the second part covered questions regarding duration of iron supplementation, awareness of per partum anemia and management including benefits and side effects of iron supplementation. SPSS version 10 was used for statistical analysis; data were analyzed by Chi-Square and logistic regression. RESULTS: Eighty seven percent of participants took iron supplements for at least 4 months. Training during pregnancy was associated with longer duration of iron use. In logistic regression analysis nuliparity was the only variable, which remained in the model .Knowledge of participants on anemia, was obviously poor. Health care stuffs were the main source of information. CONCLUSION: The compliance was rather high but knowledge of subjects was low. Therefore, increasing effort is required to mobilize health workers to distribute information on anemia prevention and using iron supplements properly.