Journal of community health research

1-12

Authors: Mostafa Vahedian, Roya Sadeghi, Rohollah Farhadlu , Azamossadat Nazeri, Azizallah Dehghan, Mohammad Hassan Barati

Abstract Introduction: Most inappropriate healthy behaviors originate in the experience of childhood and adolescence, and healthy nutrition during maturity period plays an effective role in the human growth and health. Materials and Methods: In this semi experimental study, the effect of various educational methods on nutritional knowledge, attitude and behaviors of guidance school students in Qom city was evaluated in the period of 2011-12 and compared by using a four-part questionnaire (demographic, knowledge, attitude and behavior characteristics). Three schools were selected by cluster sampling method and from each school, 110 students were randomly grouped (330 students) to control, booklet and lecture groups. Firstly, the questionnaires were completed by students as a pretest and then nutritional educational program was performed for three groups in three sessions; and three months later the same questionnaires were used. Results: Interventions caused a significant increase in the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and behavior of two experimental groups (P<0.05) although this difference was not statistically significant in control group (p>0.05). The mean differences of knowledge and attitude sections in lecture group were more statistically significant than booklet group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both educational methods increased the level of nutritional knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of students and it was more significant in lecture group. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrated positive effects of educational health programs on promotion of nutritional knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of students. Therefore, it is necessary to consider educational programs in order to improve nutritional behavior. Keywords: Nutritional Status; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

22-30

Authors: Mansooreh Dehghani, Iraj Nabipour, Sina Dobaradaran, Hafez Godarzi

Abstract Introduction: Cadmium (CD) and lead (Pb) are widely used in the industrial and refining activities and are frequently detected in sediments. The main objectives of this research were focused on determining the concentration of Cd and Pb in the sediments of Asaluyeh and compare them with other parts of the world. Materials and Methods: The concentrations of Pb and Cd in the sediments of Nayband Bay area (contaminated area) and Lavar-e Saheli (control area) were measured. In the summer of 2013, the samples of sediment were collected from 40 stations. The samples were digested using the method Yap 2002 and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The median concentration of Pb and Cd in the sediments were collected from Nayband ranged from 3.56 to 5.25 μg/gdw and 1.16 to 1.44 μg/gdw, respectively. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in most of the sediment samples in the study area were higher than the Persian Gulf standards. Conclusion:Therefore, it is essential to use abatement efforts to clean-up the polluted areas in the coastal area of the Asaluyeh Bay and prevent the discharge of the untreated or partially treated wastewater to the Persian Gulf as well. Keywords: Cadmium, Lead, Sediment, Asaluyeh, Persian Gulf

39-48

Authors: Ahmad Haerian-Ardakani, Mohammad Ali Morowatisharifabad, Mohsen Razavinia, Hassan Rezaeipandari

Abstract Introduction: Dental fear is a major factor in postponing and cancelling a dental appointment. The studies in this field are still limited. The current study was conducted to examine dental fear in patients refering to dentists of Mashhad, Iran. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive study, 400 patients were selected randomly from 20 dental offices in Mashhad. The data were collected, using Dental Fear Scale. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire have been measured and confirmed in previous studies. The data were analyzed, using the SPSS software to perform t-test, ANOVA, Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient, and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient. Results: Nearly 20.8% of the participants had mild dental fear, 57.5% and 21.8% had moderateand severe dental fear. The mean score of fear was statistically higher in females (49.95±13.3) compared to males (39.69±14.7). In terms of marital status, the highest mean score of fear was observed among the divorced and widows (51.82 ± 14.2). In terms of occupation, the highest mean score of fear was observed among the housewives (52.63±12.89). Correlational analysis showed an inverse relationship between dental fear score and age (r=-0.18,p<0.001), education level (ρ=-0.28,p<0.001) and income (ρ=-0.39,p< 0.001). Conclusion: Females, particularly housewives, have a significantly higher level of dental fear, and it had an inverse correlation with age, education level and level of income. Therefore, decreasing dental fear level should be considered in interventional and educational programs. KeyWords: Dental Fear, Patients, Iran, Descriptive

59-66

Authors: Mohamad Hossein Baghianimoghadam, Sakinah Gerayllo, Ensiyeh Sharifi, Ehsan Sharifi, Vida Pourmazar, Arefe Dehghan, Razie Piruze

Abstract Introduction: Satisfaction as a key indicator of health care quality is important for development, recognition and treatment of people in need. The aim of this study is to determine the rate of satisfaction of referral people from the health centers of Yazd city. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive analytic (cross- sectional) study. The participants were 360 clients, who had referred to 13 health centers of Yazd city and were selected by simple sampling methods. The data was collected by a standard questionnaire. After collection, the data were analyzed by SPSS 18, descriptive tables, ANOVA, and T-test. Results: The mean age of participants was 32.81±9.96, from which 135 (37.6%) were male and 224 (62.2%) were female. About 303 (62.2%) patients were married. 187 (51.9%) patients were university graduates and 15 (4.2%) were illiterate. Results showed that the satisfaction from the time in more than 94% of participants was moderate. And 49.4% of participants were mostly satisfied by the behavior of employees. Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that most discontent patients complained of equipment, which should be considered for future planning by authorities. Keywords: Satisfaction, Health center, Delivery of services, Yazd