AST/ALT ratio, APRI, and FIB-4 compared to FibroScan for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant risk factor for liver-related disorders. Hepatic fibrosis staging by liver biopsy in these patients can lead to complications. This study aimed to compare aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) with FibroScan results for the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in CHB patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients with CHB referred to the outpatient clinics of Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan, Iran, in 2021. The age and sex of the participants were noted. FibroScan evaluation was done for all subjects. Moreover, AST, ALT, and platelet counts were measured in their blood samples within one month of the FibroScan evaluation. RESULTS: Of the 267 CHB patients evaluated in the present study (mean age: 45.45 ± 18.16 years), 173 (64.8%) were male. According to FibroScan results, 65 CHB patients (24.3%) had F1, 53 (19.9%) F2, 38 (14.2%) F3, and 20 (7.5%) F4 liver fibrosis. There was a significant correlation between FibroScan results and the three indices of AST/ALT ratio, APRI, and FIB-4 (P < 0.001), with the strongest correlation between FibroScan results and APRI (r = 0.682). With an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.852 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.807; 0.897, P < 0.001), APRI ≥ 0.527 had the best diagnostic accuracy (77.15%) for the detection of any grade of liver fibrosis. Although the AUROC curve of APRI and FIB-4 was similar (0.864) for distinguishing between F3/F4 and F0-F2 of liver fibrosis, FIB-4 had the best diagnostic accuracy (82.02%). CONCLUSIONS: APRI can rule out 95.4% of F3/F4 of liver fibrosis and rule in any grade of liver fibrosis in CHB patients by 90.78%. Therefore, APRI appears to be the best substitute for FibroScan in the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with CHB.

Comparison the efficacy of vaginal progesterone versus 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate to prevent preterm birth in high-risk pregnant women undergo cerclage: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of vaginal progesterone with 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHP-C) in prevention of preterm birth in high-risk pregnant women undergo cerclage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized clinical trial registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20181107041585N4), was performed from May 2017 to August 2018 in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Fifty-eight eligible women who were scheduled for cervical cerclage due to a history of two or more previous preterm birth <28 weeks or a cervical length less than 25 mm with at least one previous preterm birth <34 weeks were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received 200 mg of vaginal progesterone suppository daily and the second one received 250 mg of 17OHP-C intramuscular weekly after cerclage procedure until the end of 36 weeks. Patients were followed up to the end of delivery and the newborn until the first 28 d after delivery. RESULTS: Gestational age at the time of birth in 17OHP-C group was significantly higher than vaginal progesterone group (p=.021). However, the incidence of preterm birth in both groups was not statistically significant (20.7% vs. 24.1%). Apgar scores, newborn birthweight, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), was similar in both groups. Adverse events were reported in 48.3% of patients in 17-OHP-C group, and 27.6% of patients in the vaginal progesterone group (p= .014). CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal progesterone and 17OHP-C had similar results in terms of prevention of preterm birth and neonatal outcome. However, the adverse events associated with 17-OHP-C were higher than vaginal progesterone.

The effect of aspirin on preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery among healthy pregnancies with a history of preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Due to the significance of preeclampsia (PE) and its adverse outcomes in the health of both mother and newborn, the present study was carried out to investigate the effect of aspirin on preventing the occurrence of PE, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm delivery in women with a previous history of PE. METHODS: The present clinical trial was conducted on 90 pregnant women with a previous history of PE referred to the Khalij Fars Hospital in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province Iran from April 2017 to August 2018. The subjects of the study were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control to receive either 80 mg of aspirin or placebo daily during the pregnancy. Patients' information was obtained and recorded upon entering the study, follow-up visits, and childbirth. RESULTS: Among participants who entered the clinical trial, 86 patients (95.6%) completed the study. During the pregnancy, systolic blood pressure increased by 8.25 ± 14.83 and 19.06 ± 18.33 mmHg in aspirin and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.001). Also, the same happened with diastolic blood pressure (6.12 ± 11.46 vs 13.48 ± 13.95 mmHg, p = 0.010). The rate of PE was equal to 27 (62.8%) and 38 (88.4%) in the aspirin and placebo groups, respectively (aOR = 0.23, p = 0.013). In the aspirin group, the rate of IUGR was equal to 27.9% compared with 25.6% of newborns in the control group (aOR = 1.18, p = 0.750). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the rate of preterm delivery between the two groups (p = 0.061). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study conducted exclusively on women with previous documented PE revealed that taking aspirin may have a preventive effect on PE in the current pregnancy.

B Butterfly Campaign: A social marketing campaign to promote normal childbirth among first-time pregnant women.

PROBLEM: The steep increase and inappropriateness of caesarean birth represent a healthcare problem in Iran. AIM: The purpose of study was to evaluate the effect of a campaign based on social marketing to promote normal childbirth. METHOD: The study was designed as a prospective case control study. The social marketing campaign was implemented from March 2016 to January 2017. A demographic data questionnaire, obstetrical history questionnaire, maternal knowledge assessment questionnaire, and maternal health belief questionnaire comprised the instruments for this study. Only women planning a caesarean birth without any medical indications for the caesarean were enrolled in the study as a case. Those who met the same inclusion criteria and did not want to participate in the campaign were assigned to the control group. FINDINGS: In total, 350 first-time pregnant women who composed the campaign group (n=194) and control group (n=156) completed the study. The mean baseline level of knowledge and Health Belief Model component score did not differ between the two groups at baseline. However, after the campaign, knowledge scores, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and cues to action scores differed significantly between the campaign and control groups. The follow-up of all participants in both groups showed that 35.6% (n=69) of participants in the campaign group chose natural birth as their birth method, whereas only 13.5% (n=21) in the control group delivered their newborn vaginally. CONCLUSION: The B Butterfly social marketing campaign successfully targeted first-time pregnant women who chose to have unnecessary elective cesarean births.

Risky behaviors of taxi drivers in Bandar Abbas, Iran.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: It has been revealed that taxi drivers break more traffic rules than ordinary drivers. Such risky behaviors include stopping at prohibited areas and sudden change of direction. The present study aimed to determine the Risky Behaviors of Taxi Drivers in Bandar Abbas, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 184 taxi drivers were randomly selected from eight taxi stations located at different parts of Bandar Abbas city in 2016. Taxi drivers' risky behaviors were evaluated via a 20-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 19, using descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-test. The p-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the drivers was 45.1 (±11.1) years. The mean of their occupational experience was 18.7 (±10.8) years. The risky behaviors which showed the highest frequency were respectively, failure to use signal-lights, driving too close to the cars in front, refusing to drive within the lanes and erratic lane changing.The lowest frequency belonged to running a red light, ignoring 'no entry' signs and taking illegal U-turns. Risky driving behaviors were shown to be significantly more prevalent among drivers with previous experience of crashes or tickets than drivers with no such experiences (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Increasing the role of police supervision for the strict implementation of driving laws, and modification of the drivers' behavior and implementation of periodic training programs on drivers' safety issues can be considered for reducing taxi drivers' unsafe behaviors.

Prediction of safe driving Behaviours based on health belief model: the case of taxi drivers in Bandar Abbas, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Road accidents are among the main causes of mortality. As safe and secure driving is a key strategy to reduce car injuries and offenses, the present research aimed to explore safe driving behaviours among taxi drivers based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). METHODS: This study was conducted on 184 taxi drivers in Bandar Abbas who were selected based on a multiple stratified sampling method. Data were collected by a questionnaire comprised of a demographic information section along with the constructs of the HBM. Data were analysed by SPSS ver19 via a Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regressions. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 45.1 years (SD = 11.1). They all had, on average, 10.3 (SD = 7/5) years of taxi driving experience. Among the HBM components, cues to action and perceived benefits were shown to be positively correlated with safe driving behaviours, while perceived barriers were negatively correlated. Cues to action, perceived barriers and perceived benefits were shown to be the strongest predictors of a safe drivers' behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study in designing health promotion programmes to improve safe driving behaviours among taxi drivers, cues to action, perceived benefits and perceived barriers are important. Therefore, advertising, the design of information campaigns, emphasis on the benefits of safe driving behaviours and modification barriers are recommended.

Prediction of taxi drivers' safe-driving behaviors based on the theory of planned behavior: The role of habit.

BACKGROUND: Safe-driving behaviors of taxi drivers are fundamental to health. The present research aimed to predict the taxi drivers' safe-driving behaviors based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and habit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present research is of a descriptive/analytical cross-sectional type conducted on 184 taxi drivers in Bandar Abbas who were selected through a multiple-stratified sampling method. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire comprised of two sections (demographic information and the constructs of TPB. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were later on analyzed via SPSS ver 19 and Pearson's correlation coefficient as well as multiple regressions. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 45.1 (standard deviation [SD = 11.1) years, and they had an average experience of taxi driving for 10.3 years (SD = 7.5). Subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and habits were the predictors of one's intention of driving safely (r 2= 0.30, F = 18.7, P < 0.001). Moreover, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and habits were found to be the predictors of safe-driving behaviors (r 2= 0.19, F = 8.1, P < 0.001). Finally, habits showed to be a stronger predictor of safe-driving behaviors than attitude and perceived behavioral control. CONCLUSION: Consideration of individuals' behavioral habits and correction of unsafe habits, focus on the adverse effects of unsafe-driving behaviors, goal setting to change incorrect driving habits, attention to influential groups in altering unsafe-driving behaviors, and careful monitoring of abiding by the rules are suggested to promote safe-driving behaviors.

The prevalence of zinc deficiency in 6-month to 12-year old children in Bandar Abbas in 2013.

BACKGROUND: Zinc deficiency is an important problem in children, especially in developing countries. Zinc supplements have beneficial effects on multiple factors, including treatment of growth retardation and hypogonadism, and they can be used as therapeutic and prophylactic agents against infection in children. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency in 6-month to 12-year-old children in Bandar Abbas. METHODS: This study was done in Bandar Abbas in 2013. In this cross-sectional study, 583 children were evaluated after obtaining a written informed consent from their parents. Zinc levels < 6 µg/dl were defined as zinc deficiency, zinc levels of 80-66 µg/dl were defined as insufficient, and zinc levels of 80-115 µg/dl were defined as sufficient levels. SPSS software, version 20, descriptive statistics, the chi-squared test, and the t-test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-three children with a mean age of 42.82±30.68 months participated in this study. Among the participants, 263 (45.1%) were females, and 320 (54.9%) were males. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 17.5% in this study. Zinc deficiencies were reported in 67 males (20.94%) males and in 35 females (13.30%). Zinc deficiencies were more common in boys, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that the prevalence of zinc deficiencies is high in Bandar Abbas and that it is more prevalent in males than in females. The children in this area should be screened for zinc deficiency. Future studies should focus on then treatment of zinc deficiency and its role in different aspects of children's health.

Montelukast versus inhaled mometasone for treatment of otitis media with effusion in children: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Otitis media is one of the most common infections among children and is a complication in about 30% of common colds. The most common complication of acute otitis media is otitis media with effusion. Some studies have reported the effects of montelukast and mometasone nasal spray in treatment of otitis media with effusion. However, current information is inadequate in this issue. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of montelukast and mometasone nasal spray in treatment of otitis media with effusion in children attending Koodakan hospital in Bandar Abbas, Iran. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was done on 2- to 6-year-old children attending Koodakan Hospital in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, in 2014. Patients were divided into three groups of montelukast, mometasone, and control group. Audiometry was done for all patients at baseline and four weeks after treatment. Patients were compared for treatment results. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 143 children were included in the study. Mean age of the participants were 44.64 ± 18.03 months. There was no significant difference in treatment results in different treatment groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Mometasone and montelukast are not effective and not recommended in treatment of otitis media with effusion in children. More studies are needed in this regard. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02541760. FUNDING: The authors received financial support for this research from Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences.

The differences between pregnant women who request elective caesarean and those who plan for vaginal birth based on Health Belief Model.

BACKGROUND: Although vaginal birth is the safest type of childbirth, sometimes caesarean is necessary for the safety of the mother or the infant. The problem is that low-risk, healthy women are choosing caesarean as a birth option despite the fact that it is fraught with possible complications. AIM: To determine the differences and identify the predictors for the way women plan their childbirth based on Health Belief Model. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bandar abbas city, Iran, from May to October 2015. The study recruited eligible women who self identified themselves as requesting a caesarean or vaginal birth in their response to a questionnaire. FINDINGS: Of 470 recruited women, 183 (38.9%) planned to have a caesarean without medical indication. Maternal characteristics (age, level of education, occupational status, involvement in a medical profession, and household income) and obstetric variables (health provider type, place of prenatal care, and the number of children planned for the future) influenced the decisions made by the women. There was a significant difference between women planning a caesarean and those planning vaginal birth in terms of childbirth knowledge. Significant differences were observed regarding maternal self-efficacy, with women planning a caesarean reporting significantly lower self-efficacy than women planning a vaginal birth. Women planning a caesarean birth were also significantly less likely to perceive themselves as being at risk for caesarean-related side effects than women planning a vaginal birth. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive childbirth knowledge can lead to positive maternal attitude towards vaginal birth and may improve birth confidence.

Epidemiological aspect of scorpion sting in Bandar Abbas, Iran, during 2009-2011.

INTRODUCTION: People in tropical and semi-tropical areas are in danger of scorpion sting, and this can be a serious problem for them. Mortality due to scorpion sting in the tropical and semi-tropical areas of Iran is about 75%, and this makes scorpion sting in these areas a serious medical problem. Because of this problem, our aim was to assess the epidemiological aspects of scorpion sting in Bandar Abbas, Iran, during 2009-2011. METHODS: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, epidemiologic data of 698 scorpion sting cases, who were referred to the Shahid Mohamadi Hospital of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan Province collected from 2009 until 2011. The data included demographic and individual information, such as age, gender, geographic location, bite site, when the incident occurred, and anti-venom consumption. The required data were extracted from the patients' recorded information in the Hospital, and we recorded data in a special checklist and imported the data into the computer for statistical analysis using of SPSS software, version 21.0. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage, were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-one (37.4%) of the cases were urban and 437(62.6%) were rural. Males comprised 50.1% of the cases, and women comprised 49.9% (p >0.05). Twenty-five point two percent of scorpion sting cases occurred among people in the 21 to 30 age group, and there were very few cases among people in the 51 to 60 age range (p<0.05). Most of cases were recorded in April and October, and the fewest cases were recorded in July and January (p<0.05); also 32.2% of scorpion sting cases occurred after midnight and in the early morning hours. CONCLUSION: Our survey showed that there was a high incidence of scorpion stings in rural areas, among 21-30 age group, among housekeepers, and among students. These results indicate the need for public education programs and better sanitation services in the rural areas around Bandar Abbas city. Prospective studies can help to health and medicine organization for prevention and treatment of scorpion sting.

Spatial Distribution of Scorpion Sting in a High-Risk Area of Southern Iran.

Scorpion sting is a public health problem in south and southwestern parts of Iran, with about 36,000 cases recorded annually. This study aimed to find the spatial distribution of scorpions and their stings in Bandar Abbas County. Monthly scorpion sting cases at the village level were obtained and used for mapping. Scorpions were collected from 14 collection sites using a UV lamp at night and searching under stones during the day time. During the study period, a total of 3,971 cases of scorpion sting were recorded, most of them were found in mountainous areas and affected individuals aged 25-44 yrs. In total, 18 scorpion species belonging to 10 genera were collected and identified. The peak of scorpion sting cases occurred from July to September. The northern part of the mountainous areas had a richer species composition. Hemiscorpius persicus and Hemiscorpius gaillardi were collected for the first time in the area. There were 22 scorpion species in the area across studies; among them, 10 were most dangerous. Hemiscorpius genus is the main etiologic agent in Bandar Abbas County. Mapping dangerous species allows the health system to provide relevant anti-scorpion venom serum accordingly and more cost-effectively.

Desmopressin versus Oxybutynin for Nocturnal Enuresis in Children in Bandar Abbas: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nocturnal enuresis is among the most common disorders in children. Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are available for nocturnal enuresis. Studies for reaching the best pharmacological treatment for this disorder are continuing. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of Desmopressin and oxybutynin for treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children from Bandar Abbas in 2014. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2014 and participants included 66 children with nocturnal enuresis who were more than 5 years old. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The first group received 120 microgram Desmopressin daily for 2 months, then 60 microgram daily for 2 months, then 60 microgram every 2 days. The second group received 5 mg oxybutynin twice a day for 6 months. The patients were followed after 1, 3, and 6 months to track treatment response. The study outcomes were frequency of nocturnal enuresis, urinary incontinency, urgency, and frequency. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respects to sex, age, place of residence, and parents' education (p<0.05). Nocturnal enuresis, incontinency, urgency, and frequency of nocturnal enuresis was significantly lower with Desmopressin treatment in comparison to the oxybutynin treated group after 1 and 3 months (p<0.05). In addition, constipation and xerostomia were more frequent among the oxybutynin group after 1, 3, and 6 months (p<0.01). Blurred vision was also more frequent among oxybutynin group after 3 months (p<0.01). After 6 months the frequency of nocturnal enuresis and its frequency was higher in oxybutynin group in comparison to the Desmopressin group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Desmopressin is more effective and has lower rate of side effects in comparison to oxybutynin for treatment of nocturnal enuresis. We recommend using Desmopressin for treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children. More studies are needed to achieve the best pharmacological treatment option for treatment of nocturnal enuresis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with a ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02538302. FUNDING: The funder of this research is Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences.

Human Herpes Virus Type 6 and Febrile Convulsion.

OBJECTIVE: Febrile Convulsion (FC) is occurred in 6 months to 5 yr old children. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HHV-6 infection in FC admitted patients of Bandar Abbas Children Hospital, southern Iran. MATERIALS & METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 118 children aged 6-60 months who had FC were selected by a simple random method in 2010-11. Demographic data, clinical manifestation and two blood samples gathered to assess the human herpes virus type 6 (HHV6). Blood sample obtained at the time of admission and 10 days after the first examination. ELISA was used to detect HHV-6 IgG. The subjects were studied in two groups with and without infection of HHV-6. Two groups were compared by t-test and X2. RESULTS: Fifty-three subjects completed the study, including 30 boys (56.6 %) and 23 girls (43.4%). The HHV-6 infection was detected in 23 patients out of 53 studied subjects. The mean of age for the groups with and without HHV-6 infection was 19.7±9.7 and 20.4±10.2 months old, respectively. The most common clinical presentation in both groups was rhinorrhea, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy without any significant difference between two groups. Five patients (21.7%) in HHV-6 group and 1 patient (3.3%) in HHV-6 negative group had postictal phase more than 15 minutes (P<0.05). Convulsion within 1 hour from beginning of fever was more frequent in HHV-6 infection group than the other group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: There was not any difference in terms of age group, gender and clinical manifestation of infected and non-infected children with FC. Postictal phase and seizure during 1 hour after the fever were significantly different between two groups.

Severity of Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Alopecia Areata in Bandar Abbas, Iran.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic disease which esthetic outcomes may result in deep effects on mental disorders of patients. In this case-control study, we compared the mental health of 68 patients diagnosed with AA with 68 healthy individuals using Hamilton anxiety and depression rating scales. There were significant differences between the case and control groups regarding the prevalence of anxiety and depression. The means of anxiety scores in cases and control group were 12.76±7.21 vs 8.54±6.37, P=0.003. Likewise, the means of depression scores for the groups were 12.84±4.03 vs 6.22±4.95, P=0.001. Further-more, patients with AA were exposed to depression approximately five times and to anxiety about three times more than normal people. Our study revealed a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in AA patients. Dermatologists should pay more attention on psychological effect of the disease on the patients.

AIDS and hepatitis B and C high risk behaviors among 15 to 45 years old individuals in Bandar Abbas (Iran) in 2012.

BACKGROUND: AIDS and hepatitis are two of the most important health issues in the world. Adolescents and individuals in their reproductive years are important population for interventions in order to reduce high risk behaviors for transmission of sexually transmitted disease. However the prevalence of AIDS and hepatitis B and C is high in Bandar Abbas, no study is available about high risk behaviors related to these diseases in Bandar Abbas. The aim of the current study was to investigate high risk behaviors related to AIDS and hepatitis B and C among 15- to 45 year old individuals in Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran. METHOD: In this analytical study, 1938 participants between 15- and 45 years of age in Bandar Abbas in 2012 were selected to participate in this study. For each individual, the following information was sought: shared syringes, phlebotomy, tattoos, prisoning, drug abuse, amphetamine, alcohol, smoking, unsafe sexual contacts, as well as demographic information including age, sex, marital status, and education level. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, Illinois, United States) using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. RESULTS: A total of 8.4% reported having had tattoos; 10.3% reported previous phlebotomy. Individuals with prison history included 7.3% of our study population and their mean age was 31.4 years. Unsafe sexual contact was reported in 10.7% of the study sample. High risk behaviors were more common among individuals with a low educational level, and in alcohol users and amphetamine users (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High risk behaviors are more common among individuals in their reproductive years. Increasing educational level and knowledge translation are effective in preventing AIDS and hepatitis high risk behaviors.

Evaluation of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder risk factors.

Background. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among children. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for ADHD in children. Method. In this case-control study, 404 children between 4 and 11 years old were selected by cluster sampling method from preschool children (208 patients as cases and 196 controls). All the participants were interviewed by a child and adolescent psychiatrist to survey risk factors of ADHD. Results. Among cases, 59.3% of children were boys and 38.4% were girls, which is different to that in control group with 40.7% boys and 61.6% girls. The chi-square showed statistically significance (P value < 0.0001). The other significant factors by chi-square were fathers' somatic or psychiatric disease (P value < 0.0001), history of trauma and accident during pregnancy (P value = 0.039), abortion proceeds (P value < 0.0001), unintended pregnancy (P value < 0.0001), and history of head trauma (P value < 0.0001). Conclusions. Findings of our study suggest that maternal and paternal adverse events were associated with ADHD symptoms, but breast feeding is a protective factor.

Determinants of health related quality of life on people living in bandar abbas, iran.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between socio demographic status and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) has not been well documented in most population of Asian countries including Iran. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of HRQOL in general population living in Bandar Abbas. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted among general population living in Bandar Abass, Iran from Jun to Jul, 2007. Using a multistage sampling method, a random sample of individuals aged 15 years and over were interviewed through SF-36 questionnaire .Multiple logistic regression analysis were used to predict determinant factors on health related quality of life. RESULTS: Overall, 1675 Iranian adults were interviewed. The majority of the participants were female (50.4%), married (70.9%) and employed (36.8%). The range of education years of most participants (56.7%) were from 6 to 12 years. Female participated in this study had significantly poorer HRQOL than male in all aspects of SF-36 except for Role Emotional (P< 0.001). Furthermore there were significant differences between different age groups in all individually scales and two summaries (P< 0.001). After adjusting for the impacts of other socio demographic factors, variable such as older age, female gender and lower educational level could independently decrease both mental and physical aspect of HRQOL (P< 0.01). CONCLUSION: Female, older and less educated people are at higher risk of poorer health quality of life in both mental and physical aspects and should be considered as high risk groups in priority health programs.

Health related quality of life in elderly people living in Bandar Abbas, Iran: a population-based study.

Measuring health related quality of life of old people has become an important public health issue with the aging of population in developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the health related quality of life of old people living in Bandar Abbas, Iran. This was a population-based study in which a random sample of 1000 individuals of the community aged over 60 years were interviewed using SF-36 questionnaire. Overall health related quality of life and relative differences between men and women and also between different age groups (60-75 years vs. >75 years) was assessed in this study. A total of 1000 elderly individuals completed the SF-36 questionnaire. Of all participants 499 (49.9%) were men, 501 (50.01%) women, 789 (78.9%) aged 60-75 years, and 211 (21.1) aged over 75 years. The logistic regression analysis showed the age over 75 years could increase the risk of lower score of physical [OR: 2.69, CI; (1.96-3.73] and mental [OR: 1.58, CI (1.16-2.15)] component summaries of SF-36 regardless other factors. Additionally, suffering from chronic diseases could decrease physical and mental scores of health related quality of life separately [OR: 8.6, CI; (4.37-16.94) and OR: 1.8, CI (1.1-2.99) respectively]. Women compared to men and illiterate old people compared to literate ones are more likely to perceive worse health related quality of life especially in physical component [OR: 1.35, CI; (1.01-1.81) and OR: 1.59, CI (1.12-2.24) respectively]. The findings of this study suggest that health related quality of life in old people is not only decreased by aging, but each of other factors such as female gender, illiteracy, and chronic diseases could decrease health related quality of life of old people.

Prediction of breast self-examination in a sample of Iranian women: an application of the Health Belief Model.

BACKGROUND: Iranian women, many of whom live in small cities, have limited access to mammography and clinical breast examinations. Thus, breast self examination (BSE) becomes an important and necessary approach to detecting this disease in its early stages in order to limit its resultant morbidity and mortality. This study examined constructs arising from the Health Belief Model as predictors of breast self examination behavior in a sample of women living in Bandar Abbas, Iran. METHODS: This study was conducted in eight health centers located in Bandar Abbas, Iran. The sample consisted of 240 eligible women who were selected from referrals to the centers. The inclusion criteria were as follows: aged 30 years and over; and able to read and write Farsi. Women with breast cancer, who were pregnant, or breast feeding, were excluded from the study. Data were collected by using a self administered questionnaire which included demographic characteristics and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. This instrument measures the concepts of disease susceptibility (3 items), seriousness (6 items), benefits (4 items), barriers (8 items) and self-efficacy (10 items). RESULTS: The subjects' mean age was 37.2 (SD = 6.1) years. Just under a third of the subjects (31.7%) had performed BSE in the past and 7.1% of them performed it at least monthly. Perceived benefits and perceived self-efficacy of the women who performed BSE were significantly higher compared with women who did not practice BSE (p < 0.03). Furthermore, perceived barriers were lower among those who had performed BSE (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that women who perceived fewer barriers (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.63-0.77, p < 0.001) and had higher self-efficacy (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13, p = 0.003) were more likely to perform BSE (R2 = 0.52). CONCLUSION: Findings from this study indicated that perceived barriers and perceived self-efficacy could be predictors of BSE behavior among the sample of women. Therefore, BSE training programs that emphasize self-efficacy and address perceived barriers are recommended.