Comparison of knowledge, attitude and practice of urban and rural households towards nutritional factors related to osteoporosis and osteopenia

Background & Objectives: The aim of this study was carried out to compare knowledge, attitude and practice of urban and rural households towards osteopenia and osteoporosis in Golestan, Sistan & Balouchestan and Boushehr provinces in Iran. Methods: single-stage cluster sampling was used. The questions about knowledge about, attitude toward and practice of nutritional factors related to osteopenia and osteoporosis were asked by a structured interview. Results: A total of 2306 households have been selected as overall sample size. Knowledge level of urban households about calcium as a preventive factor of osteoporosis & osteopenia was more in Sistan & Balouchestan, Golestan and Boushehr provinces. Knowledge level of urban households about calcium food courses: (Milk, Yogurt, Cheese and Dairy alternatives) was also better than that of rural habitants (P). Consumption of pasteurized milk had been paid more attention in urban households (P<0.001). The difference of daily milk intake in rural and urban households with pregnant or lactating women was not significant. Exposure of infant to sun as preventive factor was not satisticaly significant between rural and urban habitants. Conclusion: It is concluded that the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of rural households toward osteoporosis and osteopenia was weaker than urban households

Surveying the amount of junk food consumption in under-3-year-old children of rural and urban areas, 1998

Background: With respect to the lack of sufficient vitamin, calorie, minerals and proteins in junk foods, they have the ability of filling child's stomach and decreasing their appetite, thus, he/she would miss the opportunity of a healthy nutrition. Unfortunately, the nutrition profile of under-3-year-old children is not determined in our country, so the present study was conducted over under-6-year-old children of urban and rural areas in 1998. Materials and Methods: It was a descriptive study. The study population included 16418 under-3-year-old children of urban and rural areas. Nutrition pattern was determined through a questionnaire.Results: 47.1 of urban and 51.2 of rural children aged 6-12 months have used junk foods including coca, sweets, chocolate and so on. For children aged 12-24 months these figures were 90.3 and 87.7, respectively. Main nutrients including meat, egg and dairy were used 3 times a week, however, these junk foods were used 9 times a week.Conclusion: With respect to the known complications of junk food consumption, further studies considering the traditional foods through educational programs should be kept in mind. Needless to say, promoting parents' knowledge could be helpful