Survey of knowledge and attitude of mothers about consuming healthy breakfast and snacks in children

Background and Aims: The consumption of healthy breakfast and snack have an important role in the physical and mental health of students, so that a perfect and appropriate breakfast will enhance the learning power and happiness of the children. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and attitude of mothers in Islamshahr city regarding the consumption of healthy breakfast and snack by children.Materials and Methods: Throughout the present descriptive and analytical study, 315 boys and girls were selected by cluster random sampling and their mothers were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected using appropriate questionnaires that included demographic characteristics, questions related to the knowledge and attitude. The validity of questionnaires were assessed in view of the apparent face and content. Test-retest method and internal consistency were used for questionnaires reliability. Correlation coefficient and Cronbach alpha coefficient were 0.73 and 0.83, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software considering t-tests and variance analysis (ANOVA). All stages of this research were conducted ethically.Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the status of mothers› employment as well as their education level with the average score of knowledge and attitude (p<0.001). The mothers› knowledge about consuming healthy breakfast and snack was also poor (p<0.05), but their attitude was evaluated at a good level (p>0.05).Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it is better to emphasize on awareness raising strategies in designing nutritional interventions for consuming breakfast and snack in mothers of students.Keywords: Healthy Breakfast, Healthy Snack, Mothers, Knowledge, Attitud

Mother’s Behavior Regarding Preparation of Healthy Breakfast and Snacks for Children: A School-based Intervention Research

Healthy breakfast and snacks play an important role in students’ physical and mental health and education is one of the most effective strategies for improving the nutritional status of children. The aim of this study was to survey the effect of school-based educational intervention on mothers’ behavior with respect to healthy breakfast and snacks for children. In this experimental study, random sampling was conducted and 120 students were selected and divided into two experimental and control groups and their mothers were invited to participate in the study. Samples were examined in two stages through pre-test, and a delayed post-test with a questionnaire that consists of demographic information questions related to knowledge, attitude, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and behavior. Training, lectures and group discussion methods and question and answer with educational aids such as pamphlets were used. Data were analyzed by using SPSS16 and paired t-test, t-test and chi-square analyses were employed. The mean scores of knowledge (6.20±88.30), attitude (1.65±25.95) and perceived benefits (0.29 ±17.95), perceived barriers (2.71±34.70), and behavior of mothers (8.38± 115) in the experimental group significantly increased after intervention (

The Relationship between Spirituality and Demographic Factors among Students Living in Dormitory of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.Background and Objective: Spirituality is a global phenomenon which recognizes human as a whole and his connection to a Supreme Being as a reason to live and to find meaning and purpose. Students of medical sciences are a large part of health care providers all over the world, and the quality of their services is directly associated with the effectiveness of the health system. Having said that, this study was conducted to determine the level of spirituality and its related factors among students of Shahid Beheshti University of medical sciences.Method: The present study is a descriptive-analytical one conducted on 540 female and male students residing in dormitories of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Multistage random sampling was used. The inclusion criterion was students’ consent to participate in the study. The data were gathered through two questionnaires, namely Demographic Factors Questionnaire and Spirituality Assessment Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by T-test and one-way analysis of variance. In this study, the ethical issues were all considered and the authors declared no conflict of interest.Results: The results indicate that there is a significant relationship between some demographic variables (economic status and academic year of students) and spiritualty as well as spiritual attitude. Besides, variables of marital status, faculty, economic status, and academic year significantly correlate with spiritual ability.Conclusion: To promote spirituality of university students, cultural values should be designed and implemented more effectively. Moreover, faculty members need to be selected more carefully because spiritual professors have the ability to revolutionize their students.For downloading the full-text of this article please click here

Availability and Accessibility of Fruit and Vegetable in Home and School for Iranian Students: A Cross-sectional Research in Schools of Tehran, Iran

Background: Availability and accessibilityarereported as the main determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption among children. The present study was conducted to assess the status of availability and accessibilityto fruit and vegetable at school and home among Iranian adolescents in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess status of fruit and vegetable availability and accessibilityamong Iranian adolescents. In this study, 500 adolescents aged 11 to 14 years old were investigated in Tehran, Iran. Subjects were chosen by multi-stage random sampling method. The data collection tool was a valid researcher-made questionnaire consist of 21 questions. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results 68% (n=344) and 27.2% (n=136) of students reported that fruit and vegetables is available in their home always, respectively. Also, 19.6% (n=98), and 58.4% (n=292) of students reported that most of the times and always unhealthy foods were sold in schools’ buffets, respectively; 88% (n=440) of students declared that they are allowed to take fruit and vegetable from the refrigerator and eat any time they want to. Results showed no significant difference between boys and girls in terms of availability and accessibility(P=0.268). In addition, there was a significant relationship between variables of residential area, family and home size, birth order and the parents’ education level and availability and accessibility (

Effect of educational program on HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitude, and behavioral intentions of male high school’s students in Bavanat (Fars province): An interventional research

Introduction: Sexually transmitted diseases were acquired through avoidable and changeable behaviors, so education should be considered as an effective strategy to prevent new HIV infections. This study aims to determine the effect of educational intervention on knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions of the second grade students in male high schools of Bavanat about HIV/AIDS in the year 2011.Materials & Methods: In this semi-experimental (before & after) study, after selection of schools that have study condition from 5 high schools, all 99 students of two high schools were selected. The data gathering tool was a valid and reliable researcher designed questionnaire. After pre-test, educational intervention was conducted immediately and 45 days after educating, respectively. Primary and secondary post-tests were performed. Participation in the plan was voluntary and informed. In this study, the collected data have been analyzed using the SPSS version 14 software.Results: The findings showed that the mean scores of knowledge have significant difference after intervention (p<0.001). In addition, the difference between pre and post intervention about mean scores of attitude and behavioral intentions was statistically significant (p<0.001).Discussion & Conclusion: Regarding promotion of students’ awareness and attitudes, continuing and new educations in curricula of students is suggested.Key words: Education, HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Attitude, Behavioral Intentio

بررسی آگاهی و نگرش مادران در خصوص مصرف صبحانه و میان وعده سالم در کودکان

Background and Aims: The consumption of healthy breakfast and snack have an important role in the physical and mental health of students, so that a perfect and appropriate breakfast will enhance the learning power and happiness of the children. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and attitude of mothers in Islamshahr city regarding the consumption of healthy breakfast and snack by children.Materials and Methods: Throughout the present descriptive and analytical study, 315 boys and girls were selected by cluster random sampling and their mothers were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected using appropriate questionnaires that included demographic characteristics, questions related to the knowledge and attitude. The validity of questionnaires were assessed in view of the apparent face and content. Test-retest method and internal consistency were used for questionnaires reliability. Correlation coefficient and Cronbach alpha coefficient were 0.73 and 0.83, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software considering t-tests and variance analysis (ANOVA). All stages of this research were conducted ethically.Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the status of mothers› employment as well as their education level with the average score of knowledge and attitude (p<0.001). The mothers› knowledge about consuming healthy breakfast and snack was also poor (p<0.05), but their attitude was evaluated at a good level (p>0.05).Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it is better to emphasize on awareness raising strategies in designing nutritional interventions for consuming breakfast and snack in mothers of students.زمینه و اهداف: مصرف صبحانه و میان وعده سالم نقش مهمي در سلامت جسمي و فكري کودکان دارد، به طوري که باعث افزاش قدرت یادگيري و شادابي کودکان مي گردد. هدف از این مطالعه تعیین آگاهی و نگرش مادران شهر اسلامشهر در خصوص مصرف صبحانه و میان وعده سالم در کودکان می باشد. مواد و روش ها: این مطالعه از نوع توصیفی تحلیلی می باشد. 315 دانش آموز پسر و دختر به روش نمونه گیری تصادفی خوشه ای انتخاب و از مادران آنها برای شرکت در مطالعه دعوت به عمل آمد. داده ها با استفاده از پرسشنامه ای که شامل مشخصات جمعیت شناختی و سؤالات مربوط به آگاهی و نگرش بود، گردآوری شد. روایی پرسشنامه به دو روش روایی صوری و محتوایی سنجیده شد. برای تعیین پایایی پرسشنامه مذکور نیز از روش های آزمون–باز آزمون و همسانی درونی استفاده شد. براي تحلیل داده ها از نرم افزار SPSS16 و آزمون هاي t مستقل و ANOVA استفاده شد. تمامی مراحل مطالعه حاضر طبق موازین اخلاقی اجرا گردید. یافته ها: نتایج نشان داد که ببین وضعیت اشتغال و سطح تحصیلات مادران با میانگین آگاهی و نگرش مادران تفاوت معنی داری وجود دارد (P<0/05) و وضعیت آگاهی مادران در خصوص مصرف صبحانه و میان وعده سالم در سطح ضعف  (P>0/05)، ولی نگرش آنها در سطح خوب ارزیابی شد (P<0/05). نتیجه گیری: با توجه به نتا یج این تحقیق، در طراحي مداخلات تغذیه اي جهت مصرف صبحانه و میان وعده سالم در مادران دانش آموزان بهتراست بر استراتژي هاي افزاش آگاهی تاکيد شود

HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and perceptions among medical students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences: a theory-based cross-sectional study

Background and Aims: Health care personnel are at occupational risk of blood-transmitted pathogens such as; HBV, HCV, and HIV. Educational interventions must be designed for this vulnerable group before entering workplaces. Medical sciences universities are the best places for designing such interventions, and also, academic duration is the best time for that. Assessing current situation is considered as a primary phase of designing programs. This study has been carried out for assessing knowledge and health beliefs of Isfahan medical students toward HIV/AIDS in 2009.Material and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional research. All the 1st year students of Isfahan medical school (disciplines of medicine, anesthesia, and laboratory sciences) in 2009-2010 (n=175) participate in this study. Data gathering instrument were demographic questionnaire and scales (knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity) that designed by the authors. For validity of the designed tools, two methods of face and content validity were applied using expert panel. The tools reliability was done by two methods (test-retest & internal consistency, Cronbach’s Alpha). Participation of students in research was voluntary and with informed consent. SPSS 16.0 software was used for data analysis in this research.Results: Based on findings, 99.4% of all students have high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Also, results showed 50.6% and 64.6% of samples have respectively high levels of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity. There was no significant correlation between demographic variables and main factors of research (knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity).Conclusion: Although, knowledge of medical students was desired and acceptable, but this result dose not means that these students do not need HIV/AIDS education. Perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of students is not acceptable, and thus educational interventions are seriously needed.Key words: Knowledge, Health Belief, Perceived Susceptibility, Perceived Severity, Students, HIV/AIDS

Attitudes of the Primiparous Mothers towards Exclusive Breastfeeding: Application of an indirect Measurement

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is a very important principle in ensuring the health of infants. Its benefits for the infant, mother, family, and community are emphasized by all experts. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of mothers toward exclusive breastfeeding and its related factors. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 420 women referred to comprehensive health service centers in Tehran. The samples were selected through multistage sampling. The data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of two sections: behavioral beliefs and evaluation of behavioral outcomes and were analyzed by t-test and ANOVA using SPSS 16. Results: The mothers’ attitude, behavioral beliefs, and evaluation of behavioral outcomes were significantly correlated with their age, job, place of delivery, and hospitalization of their infants. The mothers’ attitudes and behavioral beliefs were also significantly correlated with their husband’s education and the status of infants (P 0.05). The findings showed that most of the mothers' beliefs about the outcomes of exclusive breastfeeding (increased emotional bond between the mother and the infant, growth and strength of infant's bones and teeth, and infant's immunity to diseases such as diarrhea) were significant (P< 0.05). Conclusions: When designing interventions, efforts should be made to create and maintain a positive attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding through the promotion of behavioral beliefs and evaluation of behavioral outcomes

دانش و ادراکات دانشجويان پزشکی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی اصفهان در زمينه

Background and Aims: Health care personnel are at occupational risk of blood-transmitted pathogens such as; HBV, HCV, and HIV. Educational interventions must be designed for this vulnerable group before entering workplaces. Medical sciences universities are the best places for designing such interventions, and also, academic duration is the best time for that. Assessing current situation is considered as a primary phase of designing programs. This study has been carried out for assessing knowledge and health beliefs of Isfahan medical students toward HIV/AIDS in 2009.Material and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional research. All the 1st year students of Isfahan medical school (disciplines of medicine, anesthesia, and laboratory sciences) in 2009-2010 (n=175) participate in this study. Data gathering instrument were demographic questionnaire and scales (knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity) that designed by the authors. For validity of the designed tools, two methods of face and content validity were applied using expert panel. The tools reliability was done by two methods (test-retest &amp; internal consistency, Cronbach’s Alpha). Participation of students in research was voluntary and with informed consent. SPSS 16.0 software was used for data analysis in this research.Results:&nbsp;Based on findings, 99.4% of all students have high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Also, results showed 50.6% and 64.6% of samples have respectively high levels of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity. There was no significant correlation between demographic variables and main factors of research (knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity).Conclusion: Although, knowledge of medical students was desired and acceptable, but this result dose not means that these students do not need HIV/AIDS education. Perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of students is not acceptable, and thus educational interventions are seriously needed.زمینه و هدف: بدیهی است که درخصوص قشر آسیب پذیر پرسنل مراقبت های بهداشت درمانی در برابرHIV/AIDS مداخلات آموزشي بايد قبل از ورود اين افراد به محيط هاي کاري طرح ريزي گردند، و دانشگاه هاي علوم پزشکي بهترين مکان و دوران تحصيل اين افراد بهترين زمان براي طرح ريزي چنين مداخلاتي است. نظر به اينکه بررسي وضعيت موجود از اولين مراحل براي طراحي برنامه هاي بهداشتي مي باشد، هدف اين مطالعه بررسي ميزان آگاهي و اعتقادات بهداشتي دانشجويان دانشکده پزشکي دانشگاه علوم پزشکي اصفهان در مورد ايدز مي باشد. مواد و روش ها: اين مطالعه توصيفي - تحليلي و از نوع مقطعي است که روي دانشجويان سال اول دانشکده پزشکي دانشگاه علوم پزشکي اصفهان در سال ۱۳۸۸ انجام گرفته است. تعداد ۱۷۵ نفر با روش نمونه گيري آسان (در دسترس) انتخاب شدند. روش جمع آوري داده ها با استفاده از پرسشنامه حاوي سوالات جمعيت شناختي و سوالات مربوط به آگاهي، حساسيت درک شده و شدت درک شده بود. روايي پرسشنامه از طريق اعتبار صوري و محتوي مورد تأييد قرار گرفت، پايايي آن نيز با استفاده از روش هاي آزمون – آزمون مجدد و همساني دروني (آلفاي کرونباخ) محاسبه گرديد. یافته ها: یافته های این مطالعه نشان داد در جمعیت مورد مطالعه 4/99 درصد دانشجویان دارای آگاهی سطح بالا، 6/50درصد آنها آسیب پذیری درک شده در سطح بالا و 6/64درصد نیز دارای شدت درک شده بالایی بودند. همچنین بین متغیرهای جمعیت شناختی و زمینه ای از قبیل: سن، جنس، وضعيت شغلي، وضعيت تأهل، وضعيت شغلي والدين و محل سکونت با متغيرهاي آگاهي، آسيب پذيري درک شده و شدت درک شده ارتباط معني داري مشاهده نگرديد. تيجه گيري: اگر چه سطح آگاهي دانشجويان در خصوص ايدز در اين مطالعه بالا بود، اما به منزله عدم نياز اين جمعيت به ارائه آموزشHIV/AIDS نمی باشد. وضعيت حساسيت درك شده و شدت درک شده دانشجويان مطلوب و قابل قبول نيست بنابراين لزوم و ضرورت جدي آموزش هاي صحيح دانشجويان گروه هاي پزشكي درباره ايدز براي بالا بردن ادراكات آنها در زمينه آسيب پذيري نسبت به بيماري و جديت آن كاملاً محسوس است

Development and validation of a new scale for prediction of low back pain occurrence among nurses

There are several scales for prediction of low back pain (LBP) occurrence, but most of them only consider occupational aspect. This study aimed to develop and validate a new biopsychosocial scale for the LBP prediction among nurses. In this mixed-method study, a scale was developed by integrating the findings from the literature review and the semi-structured interviews. The qualitative and quantitative face and content validation were then performed. The construct validation was performed based on the hypothesis testing by independent-samples ttest using the SPSS in a case study with 241 nurses. The reliability of the scale was also tested through 15-day interval test-retest reliability by Intra Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Then the Minimum Detectable Changes (MDC) and MDC % was calculated. The results showed that the three dimensions (occupational, psychosocial and individual), consisted of 40 items, predict LBP occurrence. Both the scale and the three sub-scales could differentiate known groups of nurses in terms of LBP. These groups were nurses: with/without LBP during the past 12 years, with a high/low occurrence of LBP, with/without co-morbidity, being female/male, with/without night shift, and with high/low repetition of loads/patients handling. The average measure ICC of the scale was 0.866 (P <0.001). The MDC95 (MDC %) was 14.86 (15.65 %). We concluded that the proposed scale is a simple and trustworthy tool which supports the multidimensional nature of LBP