Birjand University of Medical Sciences

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer has been considered as a major health problem in females, because of its high incidence in recent years. Due to the role of breast self-examination (BSE) in early diagnosis and prevention of morbidity and mortality rate of breast cancer, promoting student knowledge, capabilities and attitude are required in this regard. This study was conducted to evaluation BSE education in female University students using Health Belief Model. METHODS: In this semi-experimental study, 243 female students were selected using multi-stage randomized sampling in 2008. The data were collected by validated and reliable questionnaire (43 questions) before intervention and one week after intervention. The intervention program was consisted of one educational session lasting 120 minutes by lecturing and showing a film based on HBM constructs. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS (version11.5) using statistical paired t-test and ANOVA at the significant level of α = 0.05. RESULTS: 243 female students aged 20.6 ± 2.8 years old were studied. Implementing the educational program resulted in increased knowledge and HBM (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefit and barrier) scores in the students (p ≤ 0.01). Significant increases were also observed in knowledge and perceived benefit after the educational program (p ≤ 0.05). ANOVA statistical test showed significant difference in perceived benefit score in students of different universities (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the positive effects of education on increasing knowledge and attitude of university students about BSE, the efficacy of the HBM in BSE education for female students was confirmed.

Background and aim: In adult population, the stretch-shortening cycle exercise (plyometric exercise) is often used to improve muscle power, neuromuscular coordination and vertical jump performance. Unfortunately, there is limited information about effectiveness of this type of ...

Context: Various studies have shown that quality of life in women after menopause undergoes radical changes. Several factors such as psycho-social factors are associated with the quality of life during menopausal period. Aims: The present study surveyed the factors associated with quality of life of postmenopausal women in Isfahan, based on Behavioral Analysis Phase of PRECEDE model. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted through stratified random sampling among 200 healthy postmenopausal women in Isfahan in 2011. Subjects and Methods: Data were collected by two valid and reliable questionnaires (one to assess the quality of life and the other to survey the factors associated with the Behavioral Analysis Phase of PRECEDE model). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 18) and analytical and descriptive statistics. Results: Pearson correlation indicated a positive and significant correlation between the quality of life and attitude toward menopause, perceived self-efficacy, and enabling and reinforcing factors, but there was no significant relationship between the quality of life and knowledge about menopause. Also, the quality of life in postmenopausal women had significant correlation with their age, education level, marital status, and employment status. Conclusion: Based on the present study, attitude, perceived self-efficacy, perceived social support, and enabling factors are associated with the quality of life in postmenopausal women. So, attention to these issues is essential for better health planning of women.

Background: Effective cancer pain management requires accurate knowledge, attitudes, and assessment skills. The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the knowledge and attitudes of nurses concerning cancer pain management with the use Health Belief Model (HBM) as conceptual framework. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive survey and included 98 randomly selected nurses from Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran. A self-administered questionnaire which was designed on the basis of HBM was used to collect the data. Knowledge, attitudes, and HBM constructs regarding cancer pain were the main research variables. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS (version11.5) using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation at the significant level of α=0.05. Results: Ninety-eight nurses aged 38.7 ± 7.04 years were studied in this survey. From the 10 pain knowledge questions assessed, the mean number of correctly answered question was 61.2 (SD=16.5), with a range of 30-100. There was a direct correlation between knowledge and attitude of nurses with HBM constructs except for perceived barriers and perceived threat. Among the HBM constructs, the highest score was related to self-efficacy with mean score of 87.2 (SD=16.4). Conclusions: The findings support the concern of inadequate knowledge and attitudes in relation to cancer pain management. We believe that basic and continuing education programs may improve the knowledge level of nursing about pain management.

Background: To achieve stable social development, the cooperation of all members of a community is basically required. Providing and improving the health standard is one of the most fundamental dimensions of human social evolution. This is more essential than the other aspects of development (public cooperation demands) and health volunteers are the forerunners of this cooperation, who have voluntarily set about having the public participate in providing and elevating the level of community health. The present study aimed to determine the effect of implementing "the health communication plan" by health volunteers in suburban villages regarding the health knowledge and attitude of rural women. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, knowledge and attitude of 121 females (age 15-49 years), who were under the supervision of health centers in four suburban villages (the case group), before and after performing the health volunteer plan, were compared to those of 94 females (age 15-49 years) in another group of four suburban villages (the control group) lacking health volunteers under the care service of two rural health centers. Data gathering instrument was questionnaires and interviews. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS (ver. 11.5) using statistical paired t-test and Sign test. P≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The study showed that the mean of rural women's health knowledge and attitude had increased and there was a significant difference between before intervention and after intervention values in the two groups (P<0.001). Comparing the averages of the two groups also revealed a significant difference (P<0.001). Conclusions: According to the findings and the positive effects of performing suburban health volunteer plan on the health knowledge and attitude of rural women, it would therefore be important to suggest that suburban health volunteers are very helpful and effective in improving the knowledge and attitude level of rural women. In brief; as a direct result of their health performance, performing the plan all over rural health centers is recommended.

Introduction: Teachers are one of the most influential groups in elevating social health, and their teaching nutritional points to the students can both affect students' awareness and the transferring of such nutritional education to the families. This study was undertaken tosurvey the influence of nutrition and nutritional health education on the awareness of female elementary school teachers. Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven female elementary school teachers were chosen from the Ferdows City for this quasi-experimental study. Prior to the outset of the educational workshop, they were asked to fill out a questionnaire about nutrition and nutritional health, which was followed by the two-day workshop. After two months, they were given a second questionnaire. The results were analyzed by paired t-test, ANOVA, and McNemar. In all the tests, a significance level a = 0.05 was considered. Results: Findings of the study showed that the mean score of awareness before interference was 10.98%, which reached up to 18.2% after the interference (P < 0.001). With regard to theimportance of breakfast intake, the teachers' awareness increased from 57.9 to 98.2% from before to after intervention, respectively. Conclusion: Applying interventional methods of education in teacher training centers in conjunction with medical and educational centers, with regard to nutrition and nutritional health, can elevate the health of students.

Background: Stage of Change and Health Belief Models are two the most common models that have been applied in mammography screening behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify women in different stages of mammography adoption and to examine association between women's beliefs by stage of change among Iranian women. Methods: In this population-based study, mammography screening behavior determined using the Rakoweski stage of change scale, and women beliefs were determined by Farsi version of Champion's Health Belief Model scale (CHBMS). The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS (version 16.0) using statistical analysis of variance and Chi-square tests that used to determine relation between socio-demographic variables and HBM scales with stage of mammography. In all of the tests, a significant level α = 0.05 was considered. Results: According to stages of change distributions for mammography screening behavior, 36.2% were in pre-contemplation, 21.1% in contemplation, 4.2% in action, 6.2% in maintenance, and 32.3% were in relapse stage. There were significant differences in mammography stage by age, education, married status, family monthly income, husband job, information about breast cancer, and history of breast problems. ANOVA test showed significant differences by stages for all HBM scales, except to perceived severity. Conclusion: The findings indicated that women in pre-contemplation, relapse, and contemplation stages are more likely need to educational intervention, which emphasizes the benefits and barriers of mammography, health motivation, and self-efficacy. Furthermore, examining individuals' beliefs about breast cancer and mammography screening by stage of mammography adoption is especially important in order to development of effectiveness interventions, which targeted to stage of change and promote mammography screening behavior.

Backgrounds: Marriages and establishing a family is one of the most important events in the life of each person. It has significant effects on personal and social health, if it occurs with sufficient knowledge in the proper conditions. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of pre-marriage instruction on the knowledge and health attitudes of the couples attending the pre-marriage counseling classes. Materials and Methods: This pre and post quasi-experimental study was conducted on 250 couples attending the pre-marriage counseling classes. The required information was collected using an autonomous questionnaire designed based on the research objectives. The questionnaire included three parts: Demographic information, knowledge (27 questions) and attitude (18 questions. The questionnaire was filled out before and after the pre-marriage counseling program, which was presented as lectures. The effect of the instructional program was analyzed using a statistical test. Results: The results showed that 83.2% of the couples had poor knowledge, 16% average, and 0.8% had good knowledge before the intervention. After the intervention, 60.4% of couples had poor knowledge, 31.6% average and 8% had good knowledge. The results also revealed that that the difference in mean scores of knowledge and attitudes regarding reproductive health, family planning, genetic diseases and disabilities was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Despite the mean scores of knowledge and attitude of the couples had increased after the instructional intervention, the increase in knowledge level was not very high. So the knowledge score of the couples increased just 4.3%, and only 8% of the couples had good knowledge after the instructional intervention. Therefore, to achieve a relatively stable behavior change in individuals and improving the health level of the young couples, it is recommended that more attention pay to the quality of the instructional classes.

Background and Aim: Puberty is one of the most critical period in a female adolescents' life. During this period, in addition to consideration of the girls' social problem and relationships, it is necessary to pay close attention to the health problems of puberty and get them aquainted with puberty health necessities. This intervening study aimed at evaluating the effect of educational program for puberty health on improving intermediate and high school female students' knowledge in Birjand. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 325 female intermediate and high school students were selected through randomized cluster sampling during several stages. Then, a self-set questionnaire including 20 questions, each having one point regarding puberty health, was distributed among them. After being filled out, the questionnaires were gathered. Following this, under a systemic educational plan all intermediate and high school selected students were given the same instruction by trained instructors. Instruction time for each meeting was estimated 1.5 hours. One month after the educational program and handing out the pamphlets in schools, the previous questionnaires were again distributed among the students to fill out, then, they were gathered. Those students who, for whatever reason, had avoided to fill out the questionnaires were omitted from study. At the end, 302 students who had filled out the questionnaires before and after intervention were studied. The obtained data were analysed by statistical paired Student ttest at significant level of P 0.05. Results: Out of 302 students, 151 were intermediate and 151 high school students. Knowledge level among intermediate students was estimated 5.03±3.7 before intervention and 10.8±4.8 after intervention. Among high school students, the scores were 4.1±2.3 and 8.7±3.8, respectively. There was a significant difference between pre-intervention stage and post-intervention stage in both groups (P<0.001). Also, mean knowledge grade in all the students under study increased from 4.6±3.1 before intervention to 9.7±4.4 after intervention (P<0.001). Conclusion: Performing educational programs during puberty has a crucial role in young girls' knowledge increase. Since young girls often do not share their problems with their parents and their peers during the period, instructional classes in schools provide a good oppotunity for them to present their problems and finding solutions.

The aim of the current study was to investigate breast cancer screening performance among Iranian Turkmen women along with their knowledge and beliefs. A cross-sectional study was carried out in June to December 2011. Through clustered sampling method, 1080 Iranian Turkmen women completed the questionnaire including breast cancer screening adherence, knowledge, fatalism beliefs, and perceived threat using Champions Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS).The mean age of the participants was 43.04 (SD = 11.80) years. Compliance rate in a regular basis based on national guidelines was 13.1%, 2.5%, and 0.9% for SBE, CBE, and mammography, respectively. A mere 4% have been provided adequately with information about breast cancer. Having knowledge was the best predictor of breast cancer screening adherence along with high educated husbands for SBE performing. Susceptibility and fatalism were low and were influenced by participants’ educational level and age. In conclusion, Iranian Turkmen women...

Breast cancer is an international health problem in the world over. Mammography screening behavior has critical role in early detection and decreasing of its mortality. Educational programs play an important role in promoting breast cancer screening behaviors and women health. Health belief models (HBM) is the most common models that have been applied in Mammography screening behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of breast cancer screening education using HBM on knowledge and health beliefs in 40 years women and older. In this Population-based controlled trial, 290 women of 40 years and older were divided randomly into experimental and control groups. Health beliefs determined using the Persian version of Champion&#39;s health belief model scale (CHBMS). Questionnaires were completed before and 4 weeks after intervention. Four educational sessions were conducted each session lasting 90 min by lecturing, group discussion, showing slide and educational film base...

Breast cancer remains a substantial health concern in Iran due to delay and late stage at diagnosis and treatment. Despite the potential benefits of mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer, the performance of this screening among Iranian women is low. For planning appropriate intervention, this study was carried out to identify mammography rates and explore determinants of mammography screening behavior in females of Isfahan, Iran. In this population-based study, 384 women of 40 years and older were interviewed by telephone. The Farsi version of Champion&#39;s Health Belief Model scale (CHBMS) was used to examine factors associated with mammography screening. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS (version 16.0) using statistical Chi-square, Fisher Exact test, t-test and multiple logistic regression model to identify the importance rate of socio-demographic and Health Belief Model (HBM) variables to predict mammography screening behavior. In all of tests, the lev...

This study evaluated serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in women with ectopic pregnancy (EP), miscarriage, and normal pregnancy (NP). This was a case-control study comparing serum VEGF concentrations among 72 women with ectopic pregnancy (n = 35), miscarriage (n = 15), and normal pregnancy (n = 22) matched for gestational age. For the determination of serum VEGF concentration a solid phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. Patients were stratified according to serum VEGF above or below 200 pg/ml. The serum level of VEGF was significantly higher in women with EP (median 211.1 pg/ml; range 5-1,017.0 pg/ml) than in women with normal pregnancy (median 5 pg/ml; range 5-310.6 pg/ml) p &lt; 0.0001. Serum VEGF concentrations did not show any statistically significant difference between women with miscarriage (median 231.9 pg/ml; range 5-813.7 pg/ml) and EP (median 211.1 pg/ml; range 5-1,017.0 pg/ml). When threshold concentrations of ser...

Breast cancer is the common cancer among women. Mammography is the most sensitivity and exclusive of test for early diagnosis of it. Thus, using of effective and appropriate method to promote and follow up this behavior is essential. Telephone interview provide valuable help for data collection and evaluation of health education programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of educational intervention on promote mammography screening behavior using telephone follow up. In this Population-based controlled Trial study, 290 women aged 40 years and older in Isfahan city were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Mammography screening behavior stage of change was determined by the Rakoweski stage of change scale. Questionnaires were completed before, 3 and 12 months after educational intervention. Telephones follo w up interview between 3 and 12 months after educational intervention was performed for experimental group each 2-3 month once. The results showed that there was a significant difference in stage of change between

Background and Aim: Along with extensive control of communicable diseases and decrease in their prevalence, congenital anomalies (CA) has grasped much attention in recent years. Almost 20% of babies' mortality under one year of age is associated with CA. The present study was conducted to determine the percent of newborns with CA under Birjand city health centers. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical and retrospective study all newborns with CA under Birjand city health centers during 2007-2012 were studied. Necessary data was collected by means of a researcher-designed questionnaire .whose content validity had already been confirmed.. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS software (version 16) and Kruskal Wallis descriptive analytical statistical test at the significant level α=0.05. Results: Out of 22076 newborn babies during 2007-2012, 118 cases had CA (CA prevalence was 5.34%). It was found that CA was more prevalent in boys than in girls (55.9% vs. 44.1%).The babies' parents were mainly (58.5%) relatives. Congenital heart diseases (36.5%) and musculoskeletal disorders (16.1%) were accounted as the most prevalent. Most of the babies with CA had passed away when the present study began CA. Kruskal wallis analysis showed a significant difference in mean age of the deceased babies regarding their types of abnormalities (P=0.03). Conclusion: Most of congenital anomalies had a relationship with nervous and cardiovascular systems. Abnormal babies were very prone to death, and frequently they died while being uner one year. Thus, regard to premarital genetic counseling and undergoing prenatal diagnostic tests are necessary.

Background and Aim: Physical activity is an effective health behavior not only to prevent various health problems but also to promote healthy lifestyle. Transtheoretical model (TTM) is one of the models applied to assess physical activity behavior. The aim of the current study was to investigate factors affecting physical activity behavior among employees of Birjand universities, based on transtheoretical model. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 employees in deputies of Research and Education sectors in Birjand universities, who were recruited through Census method. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire including demographic variables and having the constructs of transtheoretical model. The questionnaire was completed through self-reported method. Validity of the questionnaire was tested by experts regarding its face and content validity. The questionnaire`s reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha and correlation coefficient through test-retest method. The obtained data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Kruscal-Wallis and post hoc Tukey's test using SPSS software (V: 16) and P<0.05 was taken as the significant level. Results: Mean age of the participants was 36.9 ± 8.9 years. Out of 200 subjects 90 (45%) were male. Among the participants 14% were in precontemplation stage, 28% in contemplation, 29% in preparation, 7.8% in the action, and 21.2% in maintenance stage of physical activity behavior. ANOVA test revealed a significant difference between the physical activity stage of change and pros, decisional balance, process of change, self-efficacy (p<0.001). Conclusion: Since the majority of employees had a sedentary lifestyle, it is a necessity to conduct some planned interventions in order to promote their physical activity behavior. This, interventions based on transtheoretical model can be helpful.

With regard to high cancer incidence, as one of the major mortality causes worldwide, following human societies industrialization in recent years breast cancer, dealt with in the present article, has got a particular impact on women who possess a pivotal role in family and society. Thus, adoption of effective diagnostic procedures in the early stages of the disease is very important, which must be considered as a substantial component of the strategies aimed at women's health promotion and decreasing of breast cancer mortality rate. Meanwhile, women's education and their awareness promotion and advising them to carry out different methods of breast cancer screening in the early stages of the symptoms, as preventive measures, play important roles. The present review article attempts to study prevalence and epidemiology of breast cancer, its risk factors and its different stages of prevention.

Background: Breast cancer remains a substantial health concern in Iran due to delay and late stage at diagnosis and treatment. Despite the potential benefits of mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer, the performance of this screening among Iranian women is low. For planning appropriate intervention, this study was carried out to identify mammography rates and explore determinants of mammography screening behavior in females of Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this population-based study, 384 women of 40 years and older were interviewed by telephone. The Farsi version of Champion's Health Belief Model scale (CHBMS) was used to examine factors associated with mammography screening. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS (version 16.0) using statistical Chi-square, Fisher Exact test, t-test and multiple logistic regression model to identify the importance rate of socio-demographic and Health Belief Model (HBM) variables to predict mammography screening behavior. In all of tests, the level of significant was considered a = 0.05. Results: Mean age ± SD of women was 52.24 ± 8.2 years. Of the 384 participants, 44.3% reported at least one mammogram in their lifetime. Logistic regression analysis indicated that women were more likely to have mammography if they heard/read about breast cancer (OR = 4.17, 95% CI 2.09, 8.34), menopause in lower age (OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.87, 0.99) and history of breast problem (OR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.12, 0.32). Also, women who perceived more benefits of mammography (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.63, 2.09), fewer barriers of mammography (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86, 0.96) and had more motivation for health (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.89, 1) were more likely to have mammography. Conclusion: The findings indicated that the rate of mammography screening among women in Isfahan province is low and highlights the need for developing a comprehensive national breast cancer control program, which should be considered as the first priority for healthcare providers. Also, identification of these factors can help to design an appropriate educational intervention that focuses on benefits of mammography screening, decreasing changeable barriers, improving access to mammography, increasing health motivation, promoting perceived self-efficacy and mammography adherence.

Background: Despite recent pharmaceutical advancements in the production of new antibiotics, antibiotic resistance is increasing at an alarming rate in mammals; given the high prevalence of infectious diseases. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the epidemiology of different infections in patients admitted to the infectious disease ward of Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad, NorthEast of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1681 patients referred to Imam Reza hospital of Mashhad during 2006-2008. Prepared checklists were used to collect the required data, including age, gender, employment status, place of residence, length of hospitalization and season of admission in patients diagnosed with infectious diseases. Results: In the current study, prevalence of tuberculosis, septicemia, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), febrile neutropenia, myocarditis, and gastrointestinal infections were estimated at 8.4%, 8.3%, 7.1%, 5.4%, 4.9%, 3.9%, and 3.8%, respectively. Also, major respiratory infections were reported in 5.8% of the studied patients. Among the female patients in the study, 20.9% and 10.56% were diagnosed with pneumonia and tuberculosis, respectively. As for the male patients, 16.1%, 10.7%, and 7.1% were diagnosed with pneumonia, nervous system infections and tuberculosis, respectively. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, the most common causes of hospital admission were respiratory infections (e.g. pneumonia), nervous system infections, tuberculosis, septicemia, skin and soft tissue infections and UTIs. Considering the diversity of infections, epidemiological evaluation of these diseases is essential, especially in regions with high prevalence of infectious diseases. Furthermore, etiological diagnosis is considered imperative for clinicians before initiating therapy in patients with infectious diseases.