The Relationship Between Perceived Stress Level and Consumption of Fast Foods Among Female Students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences

the present research aimed to study the relationship between the consumption of fast foods with perceived stress level among female students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The present research was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study which was conducted on female students of different faculties and majors in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2016-2017. Out of the study population, 152 students were selected as the sample using random cluster sampling method. The required data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire , a standard 14-item scale for the measurement of perceived stress level, and a checklist to record the number of fast foods consumption (daily, weekly, and monthly). Finally, the data were statistically analyzed using descriptive and analytic tests in SPSS-18. Participation in the study was voluntary. Results: The results showed that 45.4% of students participated in this study aged 18-20, 16.4% of them were studying in General Hygiene, and 85.8% were a B.S. student. The mean score of perceived stress and fast foods consumption was 51.36±13.52 and 12.42±5.42, respectively. The results indicated that there is a significant relationship between age and perceived stress and also between mother’s educational attainment and perceived stress Conclusion: Considering the relationship between perceived stress and fast foods consumption in university students, it is necessary to apply effective patterns and theories of health education and promotion and also to pay attention to interpersonal and environmental factors in order to reduce stress and encourage healthy diets eating habits. Keywords Stress, Fast foods, University, Student, Health

THE EFFECT OF HOLY QURAN RECITATION SOUND ON VITAL SIGNS AND ARTERIAL OXYGEN PRESSURE OF UNCONSCIOUS PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED IN ICU

Introduction: Treatment of diseases may be one of the numerous aspects of the divine verses of Quran. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of playing holy Quran recitation as a tranquilizer on vital signs and arterial oxygen pressure of unconscious patients hospitalized in ICU. Materials and methods: This is a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study conducted on 20 unconscious patients in ICU that were almost homogenous in terms of consciousness level and cause of coma. Participants were divided randomly into case and control groups. For participants in the case group, the Yasin surah with the voice of Al-Menshawi was played every day for 15 minutes by an MP3 player. The vital signs and arterial oxygen pressure of two groups was checked before and after intervention. The collected data was analyzed by means of SPSS 16 software and by paired t-test. Results: Results of this study showed that after intervention, in the case group, the mean systolic P=0.04] and diastolic P=0.05] blood pressure, pulse rate P=0.001] and arterial oxygen pressure P=0.04] had significant differences in comparison with before intervention. However the difference was not statistically significant about the breath rate and body temperature. discussion: Playing the holy Quran recitation led to the balance in blood pressure and arterial oxygen pressure of patients. Therefore it is possible to use it as a treatment method in order to make a balance in the vital signs of unconscious patients

Proper consumption of sugary drinks and its association with adolescent girls' knowledge and skill

Background: Changes in the nutritional behaviors from consumption of traditional nutriments to intakes of high energy, concerned in powering the increasing problem in adolescents and children's obesity. The current study intended to evaluate Proper consumption of sugary drinks and its association with adolescent girls' knowledge and skill in Shahr-e-kord city, Iran. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on girl's students in Shahr-e-kord city. Using random sampling method and based on sampling size formula, a total of 308 of the girls students were randomly selected from the schools and were registered into the study. Then they received a research-made questionnaire containing questions about the knowledge, skill and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0 by ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age of the participating adolescent girls was 13.86 ± 1.3 years old. The mean score for knowledge was 36.53 ± 21.87 and the mean score for the skill of preparing and consumption of sugar free drinks was 35.77 ± 24.67. The average amount of daily consumption of sugary drinks among studied adolescent girls was 2.95 glasses. There was a direct significant association between students' knowledge and skill (P = 0.002, r = 0.182), There was also a significant reverse association between adolescents' skill (P = 0. 006 r = -0.228) and knowledge (P = 0. 05 r = -0.322) with consumption of sugary drinks. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, to increase the consumption of valuable foods and improving adolescents' nutritional habits, more attention should be paid to the health education and promotion and by using effective relevant patterns and theories

The Relationship Between Perceived Stress Level and Consumption of Fast Foods among Female Students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences

Background and aims: Nowadays, with the advancement of science and technology, lifestyle has changed and fast foods are being commonly consumed. Due to their special circumstances, university students are susceptible to stress, anxiety, and bad nutritional patterns and, because of the consumption of high amounts of fat and salt and physical inactivity, are at increased risk of overweight and obesity. Therefore, the present research was conducted to study the relationship between the consumption of fast foods and perceived stress level among female students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The present research was a descriptive-analytical study conducted on female students of different faculties and majors in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2016-2017. From the study population, 152 students were selected as the samples using random cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire (age, major, parents’ education level, education level, and place of residence), a standard 14-item scale for the measurement of perceived stress level, and a checklist to record the frequency of fast foods consumption in university and home or dormitory (daily, weekly, and monthly). Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and analytical tests (chi-squared, independent t test, and Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation coefficients) in SPSS 18. Participation in the study was voluntary. Results: Results showed 45.4% of participants aged 18-20, 16.4% of whom were studying in public health, and 85.8% were BSc students. The mean scores of perceived stress and fast foods consumption were 51.36 ± 13.52 and 12.42 ± 5.42, respectively. There was a significant relationship between age and perceived stress (P = 0.000), and between mother’s education level and perceived stress (P = 0.011). There was no significant relationship between the mean score of perceived stress and fast foods consumption in participants (P = 0.072) Conclusion: Considering the level of perceived stress and fast foods consumption in university students, it is necessary to apply effective patterns and theories of health education and promotion and also to direct attention to interpersonal and environmental factors to reduce stress and encourage healthy eating habits

Investigation of heat stress in workplace for different work groups according to ISO 7243 standard in Mehr Petrochemical Complex, Assaluyeh, Iran

   Heat stress is a significant occupational health and safety for workers in petrochemical industries. Heat stress is a combination of heat load individual and environmental factors impose on workers’ bodies, which in turn, have impacts on workers’ performance, safety, and health. The present paper is carried out to determine the heat stress levels in workplace and to compare it with allowed Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) according to ISO 7243 standard. the present study was carried out in three consecutive weeks in Mehr Petrochemical Complex in South Pars Special Economic Zone in Assaluyeh, 270Km southeast of Bushehr in spring of 2011. The study was carried out on workers in different parts including workers in packaging, mechanics, welding, and store keeping sections.  Environmental parameters of dry temperature, natural wet temperature, glowing temperature, and relative humidity were measured to calculate an index for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature according to ISO7243 standard, and metabolism rate was estimated according to ISO 8996 standard. Metabolism level for workers in two groups of mechanics and welding sections according to ISO 8996 standard was 95W/m2, and for workers of packaging and store keeping sections calculated as 75W/m2. Based on ISO 8996, work load for all four sections was light. The means of weather parameters such as dry temperature, natural wet temperature, glowing temperature, and relative humidity were statistically significant for all four sections. It was also indicated that the highest level of WBGT were obtained for workers in mechanics (33.26±0.21), packaging (32.02±0.2), welding (31.37±0.2), and the lowest level was estimated for store keeping workers (27.4±0.22), with changes being statistically significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: findings of the present study indicated significant changes between different groups in measured parameters and calculated indices, which confirm results of previous body of research. Workers in three groups of mechanics, packaging, and welding are exposed to heat stress, and among these three, mechanics workers’ exposure to heat stress is higher, but WBGT index in store keeping work place is lower than allowed level. Thus, they have been experiencing favourable work atmosphere.

Investigation of the knowledge and skill of proper consumption of fruit and vegetables among shahrekord adolescent girls

The life style is formed and stabilized in adolescence. Since consumption of fruits and vegetables may affect the risk of chronic diseases, their low consumption during adolescence is very important. Knowledge and skill is considered as one of the main determinants of this behavior. This study aimed to investigate the Knowledge and skill of proper consumption of fruit and vegetables among adolescent girls in Shahrekord, Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytic investigation conducted on high school girls in Shahrekord city during 2013 to 2014. 308 female students were selected randomly from 8 high schools and a researcher made questionnaire was used to collect the demographic, Knowledge and skill related data. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated by internal consistency method (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70, Cronbach's alpha= 0.76), respectively. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS-21 software. Results: The mean age of students was 13.86 ± 1.3 years. There was no statistically significant association between consumption of fruit and vegetables and fathers' education level, mothers' job and parents' age. However, there was a significant association between fathers' job and adolescents' skill of fruit and vegetables consumption (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant association between mothers' education level and adolescents' knowledge and skill of fruit and vegetables consumption was observed (P < 0.05). There was a significant direct association between knowledge and skill (P=0.01 and r=082), so that adolescents with more knowledge, had a better skill as well. Conclusion: Considering the adolescents' low knowledge and skill in proper consumption of fruit and vegetables and also the direct association between knowledge and skill, it seems necessary to implement educational programs according to the health education and promotion theories and models, with contribution of parents and school personnel, to improve the knowledge and skill and empower adolescent girls in consumption of fruit and vegetables

Association between social cognitive theory constructs and fruit and vegetable's consumption in adolescent girls

Background: Unfortunately just a few numbers of children and adolescents use sufficient amounts of fruit and vegtabless. This study aimed to investigate the Association between social cognitive theory constructs and fruit and vegetables consumption in adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive analytic study conducted on 308 high school girls (first grade) who were selected by cluster sampling method in Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. A researcher made questionnaire was used to collect the needed data like demographic variables, substructures of perceived self-efficacy, outcome expectations and outcome evaluation. In order to investigate the fruit and vegetables consumption status, the standard questionnaire of Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software. Results: The mean scores of outcome expectation, outcome evaluation and perceived self-efficacy were 35.52±16.26, 34.60±20.21 and 32.55±19.81, respectively of the total score of 100. The mean scores of fruit and vegetables consumption and vegetables consumption were reported as 1.45±0.68 and 1.47±0.95, respectively, as well. There was a direct significant correlation between adolescents' perceived self-efficacy and outcome expectations (P = 0.034, r = 0.040). A direct significant correlation was also observed between fruit consumption and both outcome evaluation (P = 0. 033, r = 0.012), and perceived self-efficacy (P = 0.051, r =0.064). Conclusion: Regarding the status of fruit and vegetables consumption and the mean scores of social cognitive theory constructs and relationship between them and also the importance of promoting healthy diet in the critical period of adolescence, it seems necessary to use efficient patterns and theories of health education and promotion has been considered

HOW DO THE STAFFS WORKING IN STEEL FACTORIES IN ARDEKAN CITY DEAL WITH THE RISKS OF MOBILE PHONES?

Nowadays, mobile phone is one of the most important tools required for social and professional life; however, in some circumstances it can threaten the health of individuals. This study was aimed to determine the behaviors of the staffs working in steel factories in Ardekan city toward the risks of mobile phone radiation and microbial contaminations. This cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 2014, was aimed to evaluate the staff behaviors toward the risks caused by mobile phone radiation and microbial contamination. The study population was consisted of the staffs working in Steel Plant of Ardekan city. The participants of the study were selected via using cluster sampling method. A researcher made questionnaire was used to collect the data; it had 15 items which were used to assess the behavior. The validity (face and content validity) and reliability of the questionnaire were first confirmed and then it was used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22 statistical software. In this study, a total of 319 employees working in steel factories were evaluated. The mean age of the subjects was 33.04 ± 8.05 years, the mean work experience of the staff was 8.3 ± 6.05 years, the mean household size was 2.4 ± 1.33 persons, and the mean mobile phone bill at the last two months was 50.25 ± 43.47. The mean score of the staff behavior varied from 0.9 to 2.4. The studied staff had a poor performance in terms of health promoting behaviors. Apparently, to promote staff health it is necessary to utilize educational interventions aimed at increasing staff awareness, changing their attitudes and behavior, and finally changing their lifestyle..5%). Most cases whose reports were unsatisfactory were documented in the first phase of the study (i.e., 9 patients, 90%). Conclusion: Cervical screening with Pap smear enables early diagnosis and management of cervical abnormalities and consequently a decrease in the rate of invasive cervical cancers. It is suggested to conduct studies with larger sample sizes to ensure the beneficial effects of cervical screening

The relationship between functional health literacy and health promoting behaviors among older adults

Background: Health literacy is a measure of individual’s ability to read, comprehend, and act on medical instructions. Older adults are one of the most important at risk groups affected by the impact of inadequate health literacy. Health promoting behaviors in older adults have potential impact on their health and quality of life and reduce the costs incurred to health care. Given the paucity of information health literacy and health promoting behavior, the purpose of this study was to examine health literacy level in older adults and the relationship between health literacy and health promoting behaviors. Materials and Method: A cross‑sectional survey of 354 older adults was conducted in Isfahan. The method of sampling was clustering. Health literacy was measured using the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA). Data were collected via home interviewing. Health promoting behaviors were measured based on self‑reported smoking status, exercise, and consumption of fruit and vegetables. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one‑way ANOVA and χ2 tests under SPSS 18 software. Results: The sample group averaged 67 ± 6.97 years in age. Approximately 79.6% of adults were found to have inadequate health literacy. They tended to be older, have fewer years of schooling, lower household income, and being female Individuals with inadequate health literacy were more likely to report limitations in activity and lower consumption of fruit and vegetables (P < 0.001). No significant association was found between health literacy and smoking status. Conclusion: Considering high prevalence of inadequate health literacy among older adults, and its inverse relationship with some health promoting behaviors. Simple educational materials and effective interventions for low health literacy people can improve health promotion in society and mitigate the adverse health effects of low health literac