Journal of community health research

159-167

Authors: Hadi Eslami, Ameneh Marzban, Fatemeh AkramiMohajeri, Zeynab Rezaei, Mohammad Rafati Fard

Abstract Introduction: Today, transmitted diseases through food and food poisoning have been considered as a public health problem in many countries. Lack of knowledge concerning hygiene and food safety can increase the risks associated with the consumed foods. Hence, the present study aimed to determine the students' knowledge and attitude of hygiene and food safety in Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd. Materials & Methods: This study is a cross-sectional survey in which 358 students were selected, out of 5400 students of different Schools of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd, via stratified random sampling method. In order to glean the study data, a questionnaire was applied, which were then analyzed applying Mann- Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The mean score of knowledge has been reported in a low level within 33% of students and the mean score of attitude has been demonstrated to be at a good level within 63.4% of students. Most students revealed a low knowledge level regarding the proper procedures for food storage and food-borne diseases. Moreover, 28.5% of students had a history of food poisoning, whose knowledge and attitude levels were significantly less than those of students who had no history of food poisoning (P≤0.001). Conclusions: As the study findings revealed, training programs in the form of workshops and courses related to hygiene and food safety can be effective for the students in increasing students' knowledge especifically lower grades students. These programs should contain practical information about microbiology of transmitted diseases through food and proper food storage methods.

177-193

Authors: Mohammad Malakootian, Asghar Askarpour, Najme Amirmahani, Zahra Nasiri, Alireza Nasiri

Abstract Introduction: The development of an effective method regarding chromium removal from the environment is of great importance. Therefore, the present study aimed to examiner magnetic nanoparticles coated with alumina modified by Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) in the removal of Cr6+ through magnetic solid phase extraction method. Materials & Methods: At first, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized, coated with alumina, modified with CTAB and characterized with suitable instruments. The factors affecting the process of chromium removal were investigated, including the concentration of CTAB, the pH, the amount of nanoparticles, the sample volume, a proper eluent, the adsorption and desorption time, and the effect of interfering ions. Moreover, the chromium concentration was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) technique. The adsorption isotherm, adsorption capacity, and recoverability of the adsorbent were further examined. Results: The modified magnetic nanoparticles were demonstrated to be homogeneous, spherical, with a size lower than 20 nanometer having a magnetic property. The optimal conditions for chromium removal entailed 7*10-6 mol/L concentration of CTAB, pH range of 6-8, 0.1 g of the nanoparticles, 10 mL volume of the chromium sample (5 μg mL-1), nitric acid 2 M as a suitable eluent, 15 minutes of adsorption and desorption, and no interference of interfering ions in the process of chromium separation. The process efficiency under optimal conditions was determined to be over 95%, which this process followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption capacity proved to be 23.8 mg/g. Reusing after four times of adsorbent recovering was effective in the chromium removal (80%). The method accuracy for five measurement times was 4.155% and the method’s LOD was 0.081 mg/L. Conclusion: The method enjoys the benefits of convenient preparation of the adsorbent, high selectivity, high accuracy, short process time, and high-efficiency in chromium removal from aquatic environments, lending itself to be used in the real samples.

203-214

Authors: Mehdi Raadabadi, Mohsen Barouni, Reza Goudarzi, Najme Baghian, Asma Sabermahani

Abstract Introduction: Understanding the development situation is regarded necessary in order to plan to achieve the optimal development. This understanding involves separating study regions from planning areas, evaluating the separate regions via development indicators, and ranking each area in terms of having development blessings. Therefore, this study aimed to stratify Kerman province districts in terms of health indicators using taxonomy models. Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on the stratification of 16 Kerman Province districts based on 10 selected health indicators using taxonomy models. The study data were collected by the researcher from statistical center of Iran as well as Kerman University of Medical Sciences. In order to analyze the data, SPSS.19 and Excel 2010 softwares were utilized. Results: The taxonomy model results revealed Baft district (0.46) and Rigan district (0.96) as the most and least developed districts, respectively. Moreover, 31.25% of the studied cities were moderately developed, 37.5% were less developed and others were the least developed ones. Conclusions: A relatively large difference can be observed between cities in regard with their health sectors. Most of the cities did not demonstrate satisfactory status concerning healthcare indices. Therefore, formulating plans on how to allocate resources for the health sector in order to improve the health status of the cities demand to be essential for the policy makers.

220-233

Authors: Razieh Charkhkarzadeh, zahra derakhshan, Mohammad Miri, Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush, Mohammad Hasan Lotfi, Vahid Jafari Nodoshan

Abstract Introduction: Studies have demonstrated that the presence of standard amount of fluoride in drinking water can prevent tooth decay. Meanwhile, higher concentration than permitted amount in drinking water causes bone disease and dental fluorosis. Given the importance of fluoride in drinking water as well as GIS ability in spatial analysis of various factors in the groundwater, this study aimed to evaluate concentration of fluoride in the plain of Yazd-Ardakan using two IDW (Inverse Distance Weighting) and Kriging models. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, the applied data on the water quality of underground water of Yazd Regional Water Company and the average annual fluoride in 2014 were related to 76 rural wells and 107 urban wells in the studied area. The fluoride rate in groundwater in rural and urban areas was compared to the standard amount of Institute of Standard and Industrial Researches and then was analyzed via Arc GIS software using IDW and Kriging interpolation methods. Results: The mean concentration of fluoride was 0.68 mg/l in rural areas and 0.7 mg/l in urban areas. With regard to the minimum and maximum concentrations of fluoride as well as standard deviation of 0.364, fluoride concentration fluctuations in rural areas were reported higher than urban areas, For both rural and urban areas, Kriging interpolation method was more efficient than IDW method. Conclusion: The study findings revealed shortage of fluoride in drinking water and the risk of tooth decay within the residents of southern districts of Yazd-Ardekan which necessary management needs to be taken in regard with these areas. It is worth mentioning that Geo-statistical methods can greatly assist in understanding the environmental issues.