Journal of Health Research in Community

1-10

Authors: Farshid Mahmoudi , Amirhossein Davoudian talab , Gholamreza Badfar

Introduction and purpose: The growing use of ionizing radiation in disease diagnosis necessitaes the appropriate use of devices and awareness regarding the principles of radiation protection. With appropriate adoption of personal protection equipment and compliance with the existing regulations in relation to protection of the buildings where sources of ionizing radiation are located in, the adverse effects of radiation can be curtailed to a great extent. Methods: In this descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study, we investigated the rate of compliance with radiation protection standards of 45 radiography rooms in 32 diagnostic imaging centers in Khuzestan Province, Iran, 2015. The centers were chosen through random cluster sampling method. The data were obtained using open-ended interview and a checklist designed based on the recommendations of the International Commission for Radiation Protection and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Results: The compliance rates with regard to radiology room, radiology equipment, darkroom, and radiographer’s protection were 80.76%, 80.47%, 69.28%, and 93.12%, respectively. Maximum and minimum rates of compliance with the standards were related to performance of the cassette tray (100%) and hopper status (25%), respectively. Comparison of public and private imaging centers in terms of safety standards showed no significant differences (P>0.05).Conclusion: The observance of the radiation protection standards in Khuzestan Province was in a relativly desirable condition. However, there are some shortcomings in compliance with the principles of protection in the darkroom. In this regard, with recommend adopting protection measures such as timelyreplacement of processing solution, appropriate ventilation of darkroom, provisionof protection equipment and appliances, and protection training required for entering the darkroom.

26-34

Authors: Hamidreza Nasehinia , Sajad Rahimi , Mehdi Kiani , Mohammad Reza Ghaneapur , Fateme Ajam

Introduction and purpose: Diseases and poisonings, caused by the consumption of sweets contaminated with microorganisms, have always been considered as one of the major nutritional problems of people living in the developing countries, including Iran. Regarding this, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of microbial contaminations of traditional sweets supplied in Yazd city, Iran, in 2015. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 322 samples of traditional sweets supplied in Yazd confectionaries, which were randomly selected. These samples were tested in terms of such microorganisms as Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, yeasts, and molds, using the microbiological tests, which were based on the Iranian national standards.Results: According to the results, the prevalence rate of microbial contaminations was 33.8% (n=322). Furthermore, the “Pistachio Luz” and “Hajji Badam” had the highest (88.8%) and lowest (0%) prevalence rates of microbial contamination, respectively. Additionally, the prevalence rate of contamination to Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Molds, and Yeasts were 13.2%, 5%, 21.7%, and 11.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Given the high rate of microbial contamination in the traditional sweets, especially “Pistachio Luz”, offered in Yazd, more regulatory and monitoring measures should be taken in the production and distribution of these sweets.

46-53

Authors: Qasem Abedi , Nasibe Zerangian , Mehran Asadi-Aliabadi , Fereshteh Rostami-Maskopaee

Introduction and purpose: Healthy nutrition is an important factor in student learning and educational achievement. The present study aimed to survey snack pattern and some of its associated factors among students in elementary schools of Gonbad city, Iran, during 2013-2014. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 245 students from eight elementary schools (both state and independent) of Gonbad city, Iran. The participants were chosen through multistage sampling method; in doing so, first Gonbad city was divided into four regions. The subjects were selected after selecting a random sample of schools in each region proportionate to the size of the region. Data was collected through a checklist consisting of two parts of demographic data and consumed snacks, which were collected by health experts. To analyze the data, Chi-squared test and Spearman’s rank-order correlation were used in SPSS, version 17. Results: The mean age of the students was 10.3±1.4 years. About 97.7% of the students consumed snack. Biscuits, cakes, and cookies were the most frequently consumed snacks (49%). Moreover, a significant relationship was found between snack consumption and maternal age (P<0.045), maternal educational level (P<0.001), and birth order of the students (P<0.045). Conclusion: Despite the favorable status of snack consumption in students, more attention should be drawn to the type of materials used in snacks. Given the importance of consumption of breakfast and snack in students, we recommend implementing training programs for students as to the importance of eating snacks.