Journal of community health research

80-95

Authors: Seyed Mostafa Shiryazdi, Saeed Kargar, Ali Reza Farahbod, Hosein Neamatzadeh, Nasrin Ghasemi, Mohaddeseh Aboueian-Jahromi

Abstract Introduction: The early detection of breast cancer is directly relevant to women's knowledge about breast cancer and its screening methods. The knowledge, attitude, and behavior of women in Yazd have not been examined yet; however breast cancer is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Health. The objective of this study is to examine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of women referring to Yazd city health centers regarding breast cancer screening and its relationship with socio-demographic variables. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 438 women referring to health centers of Yazd city in 2010 by using cluster sampling. A standard questionnaire was designed to elicit socio-demographic data, and knowledge, attitude and practices of these women towards breast cancer. The data were analyzed by statistical tests of SPSS software. Results: 380 (86.8%) participants had moderate to poor knowledge of breast cancer screening methods. There was a significant relationship between the knowledge and educational level and age. 310 (70.8%) participants had moderate attitude. There was a significant relationship between the attitude, age and job. 288 (65.8%) participants had poor practice. There was a significant relationship between the practice and all variables other than familial history. The main reason (184 (59.4%) participants) for not practicing breast self examination is reported to be "not being aware of the correct practice of breast self-examination". The most important source of information was television. Conclusion: With respect to the results of this study, we recommend the establishment of institutes and guidelines that will spread information about breast cancer screening. Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Yazd, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice.

103-114

Authors: Mohammad Malakootian, Marzie Javdan, Farnaz Iranmanesh

Abstract Introduction: A high concentration of fluoride causes health problems in man. How to remove excess fluoride from water is the objective of this project. The study focuses on an evaluation of the performance of activated bauxite mines in Yazd province in order to remove fluoride from drinking water. Materials and Methods: This study was an experimental one conducted on synthetic samples and water from May to November of 2013 in Kuhbanan region at the Environmental Health Engineering Research Center. Bauxite was taken from Sadr Abad and Shomal-e-Yazd mines. Bauxite analysis was performed using X- Rey Fraction and X-Ray Diffraction. The effects of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and different concentrations of fluoride on defluoridation were determined. The optimal conditions were performed on real samples. In order to better understand the processes of absorption, synthetic and adsorption isotherms were studied. Fluoride content was determined by the SPADNS method and data analysis was performed by Excel. Results: The maximum removal efficiency for synthetic solution was obtained by 25g/L bauxite of Sadr Abad mine and 30g/L bauxite of Shomal-e-Yazd mine at pH 7, with the contact time of 180 minutes as 75.31% and 59.90%, respectively and the removal efficiency of actual samples in optimum conditions was 51.21% and 36.68%. Freundlich isotherm with a correlation coefficient greater than 99% showed better results for both types of bauxite. Conclusion: bauxite from Sadr Abad mine is more efficient than that from Shomal-e-Yazd mine. Keywords: Adsorption isotherm, Fluoride, Shomal-e-Yazd Bauxite, Sadr Abad Bauxite

124-131

Authors: Yahya Pasdar, Mitra Darbandi, Seyyed Mustafa Nachvak

Abstract Introduction: Working at an early age can have adverse consequences on health. Working children due to their occupational hazards are at risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases such as malnutrition, anemia and growth retardation. This study aimed to determine the nutritional status and prevalence of anemia in working and non-working children. Material and Methods: This case-control study was carried out as cross-sectional, on 90 working and 90 non-working 8-18 year-old boys in Kermanshah. The data gathering tools were demographic and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Anthropometric parameters were measured using standard tools. 5 ml blood for blood biomarkers test was collected from the participants. Results: Average height and weight of the working children were respectively 3.7 cm and 5.7 kg less than of those of the non-working children (P = 0.02). Prevalence of iron deficiency in working children was more than double in non-working children (28% vs 11.3%, P = 0.01). Hemoglobin concentration in working children was significantly less than that in non-working children (p=0.05). Except for bread and cereals, the working children’s consumption of all food groups was significantly less than that of non-working children (P <0.001). Conclusion: Working children are at the risk of developing anemia and malnutrition so they need emergency nutritional supports. Keywords: Working children, nutritional status, anemia & anthropometry.

145-152

Authors: Ali Chaparian, Hosain Hekmati Moghadam, Mahsa Mansourian

Abstract Background: Ionizing radiation has long-term risks, including cancer in particular. Since physicians request radiological examinations for patients, they need to be aware of its benefits and also risks. The aim of this study was to assess the overall knowledge of physicians in Yazd province about the radiation risks associated with diagnostic imaging procedures. Material and Methods: In this descriptive study, a questionnaire containing 25 questions was used to evaluate physicians’ knowledge of radiation doses received from radiological procedures and risks of cancer from diagnostic imaging. Their demographic characteristics such as age, sex, specialty and experience (years of practice) was also asked. Normality of data distribution was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilks test and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. A t-test was used for continuous variables and comparison of mean differences in scores for dichotomous variables. Spearman's correlation coefficient was carried out to look for any relationship between variables of age and experience with the knowledge of the physicians. Results: The overall mean knowledge score was 14 ± 3.15 out of 25 questions, or 56% ± 12.6%, and the scores ranged from 11.5% to 81%. The total mean score did not correlate with age and experience, but there was a significant difference (P value= 0.001) between men and women and also among the two main respondent groups, general practitioners and specialists (P value= 0.012). Physicians’ knowledge about detrimental effects of radiation including both deterministic and stochastic effects was very weak. Conclusion: The awareness of physicians about radiation is generally inadequate. Adequate training to practicing physicians about risks of radiological examinations seems necessary, and revision of the curriculum of medical students in this area is recommended. Key words: Physicians; Awareness; Ionizing radiation; Imaging procedures; Cancer