Journal of community health research

163-167

Authors: Ali Fattahi Bafghi, Abolfazl Hoseizadeh, Abbas Ali Jafari, Masoumeh Naghshi Jouzsheri

Abstract Introduction: The vaginal flora is a dynamic ecosystem that can be easily altered. There are four causes of vaginal discharges which cover almost 95% of vaginaitis. Candidal Vaginaitis is an infection of vagina’s mucous membranes by Candida albicans (CA). The present study attempted to study Candidal Vaginitis in women referred to health centers in Yazd and to investigate the role of innate & cell-mediated immunity against Candidal Vaginitis. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from September 2011 to September 2012 in Yazd city. A total of 360 women were recruited. The collection of material for diagnosis was ideally performed during a comprehensive pelvic examination using a speculum for diagnosis of CA by identifying vaginal pH, smear preparing and staining, and culturing. Results: Finally, of all the 360 women that were observed and tested, 120 (33.33%) were involved and 240 (66.67%) were not involved. Of the 120 infected women, 55 patients had Bacterial vaginosis (15.6%), 40 patients had Ca (10.8%) and 25 patients had Trichomonas vaginalis (5.9%). Despite the role for cell-mediated immunity in host protection against the majority of mucosal CA infections, studied has been in women with recurrent vaginitis, in HIV-infected women. Thus, current investigations have been focused specifically on innate and acquired immune responses against CA at the vaginal mucosa instead of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis being caused by defective or dysfunctional CD4+ T helper 1-type cell-mediated immune reactivity. Conclusion: It is strongly suggested that distinct vaginal lymphocyte subsets participate in the adaptive anti-Candida immunity at the vaginal level, with the vaginal CD4_ T cells probably playing a major role.

177-184

Authors: Mahmoud Zare Jamalabadi, Mohammad Bagher Kajbaf , Ehsan Mohiti Ardakani

Abstract Introduction: A large body of literature on school health and review of its history in the world shows that most countries have paid special attention to this issue. The students’ health is of high importance, not only because they comprise the vulnerable population of the society, but also because they are the future national and human capital and the guarantors of a country’s socioeconomic development. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study the statistical population included all 110 primary schools (girls' and boys') in Yazd, 2nd district, of which 50 were randomly selected. The data were gathered using a questionnaire with two separate parts. The first part was about environmental health and safety status of the schools and the second was about their public health status. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts’ judgment and the reliability was estimated to be 82% using Cronbach's alpha test. Results: Most of the schools had suitable area per student, health care rooms, standard first aid kit, appropriate drinking fountains, and standard toilets. In 66% of the schools the distance of the blackboard from the first student was ≥2.5 m. Most of the schools had appropriate indexes for the status of light, ceiling, color and class wall. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the health status of primary schools of Yazd, 2nd district, was consistent with the required standards of school health regulations. Health status was not significantly different in girls' and boy's schools.

195-203

Authors: Abbas Ali Jafari, Abbasd Fallah-Tafti, Ali Fattahi-bafghi, Benafshah Arzy

Abstract Introduction: Human oral cavity consist a mass of microorganisms, which may altered by application the complete removable denture in edentulous patients. The aim of present study was to compare the dominant oral micro-flora between edentulous denture users with dentate elderlyThe aim of the present study was to compare the dominant oral micro-flora between edentulous denture users with dentate elderly. Materials and Method: In the current analytical, cross-sectional study, 30 edentulous patients with complete removable denture and 30 dentate subjects, who had been admitted for non-prosthetic treatments, were randomly selected in Yazd dentistry department. Their oral cavity samples were obtained using sterile cotton-tip swabs for direct smear analysis and cultivation on the selective fungal and bacterial media. Isolated predominant bacteria and fungi were enumerated and identified by microbiological differential diagnosis tests. The data were analyzed with SPSS software with T test and the differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: The non-aureus staphylococcus and alpha-hemolytic streptococci showed the highest positive culture among the isolated microorganisms in both groups whereas beta hemolytic streptococci showed the least percentage of isolated microorganisms in both groups. The higher density of non-aureus Staphylococci, α-hemolitic Streptococci, Gram negative cocobasillus, non-pathogenic Neisseria, Candida and Corynebacterium were recovered from oral samples of denture users in comparison with dentate subjects (P= 0.0001). A statistically significant correlation between the number of isolated microorganisms and the duration of denture utilization in denture users was also seen (P=0.013). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that complete denture can act as a predisposal factor in the overgrowth of several oral micro-flora particularly Candida, non-aureus Staphylococci, α-hemolytic streptococci, gram negative cocobacillus, non-pathogenic Neisseria, and Corynebacterium, which emphasized the users denture hygine.

210-224

Authors: Amir Nik-Azin , Mohammad Reza Naenian, Mohammad Reza Shairi

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-52) in a sample of Iranian students. Materials and Methods: Using Multistage Sampling, 551 students from middle and high school, studying in Yazd city were selected as a sample. In this study” KIDSCREEN-52 HRQOL questionnaire”, and some other questionnaires that assess similar construct were employed. To examine the validity of the questionnaire, construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis and diagnosis validity) and convergent validity were used; and Cronbach Alfa coefficient and test -retest reliability were also used to examine the reliability of the scale. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and comparative fit index (CFI) values were 0.053 and 0.97 respectively, showing an excellent (adequate) fitness between the specified model and the observed data. However, the obtained convergent validity indicated that the relationship among KIDSCREEN-52 dimensions with other similar constructs, except for social acceptance and bulling, were moderate to high and significant. Differences in KIDSCREEN-52 dimensions were also found based on mental health and socio-economic status. All Alfa coefficients (except for social acceptance and bulling) and test- retest reliability coefficient (two week distance) were acceptable. Conclusion: The KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire has a good validity and reliability in Iranian student population.