A survey on functional constipation and its risk factors in older people in Shahreza, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Functional constipation is prevalent among older people. It has major effects on the quality of life of them, as well as the high costs of treatment. This study investigated functional constipation and risk factors affecting older people living in Shahreza, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 older people in Shahreza. They were selected by simple random sampling. We used the Rome III Criteria, the Elderly Physical Activity Questionnaire (PASE), and related questions from the SIB system (integrated health system). After completing the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using the mean and standard deviation, Chi-square test, independent-samples t-test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The prevalence of functional constipation was 45%. There are significant relationships between functional constipation with dental problems (P = 0.02), intake of fluid (P = 0.001), fruits (P = 0.001), and vegetables (P < 0.001), polypharmacy (P = 0.003), and antidepressants (P = 0.008), history of colon (P = 0.003) and anal (P = 0.001) diseases, stroke or mobility disabilities (P = 0.002), the level of physical activity (P = 0.002), and gender (P = 0.04) in older people living in Shahreza. CONCLUSIONS: According to the high prevalence of functional constipation in the studied older people, it is necessary to focus on controlling risk factors and planning to prevent the destructive effects of social restrictions on older people during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The effect of a health belief model-based education on nutritional behavior and biochemical factors of patients with myocardial infarction: A line follow-up experimental study.

Background and Aim: Myocardial infarction is a common cause of hospitalization, and nutritional behaviors are risk factors in such patients. The present study aimed to determine the effect of education based on the health belief model on nutritional behavior and indices in patients with myocardial infarction. Methods: The present experimental study examined patients with myocardial infarction in 2021. Seventy-two patients with myocardial infarction were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received educational interventions based on the health belief model in four 60-min sessions for 3 months. The constructs of the health belief model, nutritional behavior, and indices were measured using a valid questionnaire before, 1, and 3 months after the intervention. At the end, the study data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups in the mean scores of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, nutritional behaviors, and body mass index after the intervention (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was found in the field of perceived barriers (p > 0.05). Biochemical factors also had a significant difference after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Educational intervention based on the health belief model is effective for myocardial infarction patients and has a significant impact on the constructs of perceived sensitivity, perceived intensity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy as well as biochemical factors, so it can be used to improve the nutritional status of patients suffered from a myocardial infarction.

The effect of educational intervention based on the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold extended model on the process of caregiving for people with dementia.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the impacts of an educational intervention based on the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold (PLST) extended model on caregiving for people with dementia (PWD). METHOD: This study was conducted in Isfahan, Iran, from May 2016 to June 2018, with 38 caregivers of PWD as participants assigned to an intervention group. Data were collected using a multi-sectional, researcher-developed questionnaire that recorded the demographic characteristics, and measured the dementia-related knowledge and caregiving practices of the participants. The questionnaire and an educational program were designed in three parts according to the educational needs of caregivers to enhance their practice, skills, and ability to handle challenging behaviours in PWD. The questionnaire's face validity was confirmed by expert review, and its reliability was assessed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient (knowledge section, 0.838; practice section, 0.802). The sampling method used was convenience sampling, and none of the caregivers refused to receive the educational content. Therefore, the evaluation of the program lacks a randomized controlled group. To tailor the intervention program to the participants' needs, the educational content was based on the PLST extended model. RESULTS: The mean scores for knowledge and practice increased following the intervention (P < 0.05). An educational intervention, using the PLST extended care model, thus produced positive impacts in improving the knowledge and practice of caregivers of PWD. CONCLUSION: Educating caregivers with the PLST extended model, with a specific focus on the cultural and religious backgrounds of societies, is recommended.

The effect of educational intervention based on the PEN-3 model on breast cancer screening behaviors.

Background: Breast cancer is the most important malignancy and the main cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. Breast cancer screening is an effective way to reduce breast cancer deaths. Objectives: The present study aimed to provide breast cancer screening behavior training for female teachers in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and methods: This randomized controlled trial included 120 teachers who have randomly divided into two groups (60 in the control group and 60 in the intervention group). The data collection tool was a PEN-3 model-based questionnaire. Four 90 min training sessions were held for the intervention group to modify perception and enablers. Breast self-examination (BSE), Clinical breast exam (CBE), and mammography (MMG) were investigated in both groups before and after 6 months after the last training using SPSS20 and appropriate statistical tests. Results: The frequency of BSE (p = 0.02), CBE (p = 0.04), and MMG (p = 0.01) in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group 6 months after training. The mean scores of perception and enablers were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group 3 and 6 months after training (p < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis indicated that perception factors were the strongest predictors of breast cancer screening behavior in teachers. Conclusion: Results of the present study indicated that using the PEN-3 model in the educational intervention was effective in improving breast cancer screening behavior.

Anti-inflammatory-antioxidant modifications and synbiotics improved health-related conditions in patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis: A single-center, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is growing evidence that dietary modification can improve clinical manifestations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of synbiotics and anti-inflammatory-antioxidant-rich diet on fatigue, pain, gut and bladder status, and sexual function in patients with progressive forms of MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center, single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, seventy participants with three forms of progressive MS (primary-progressive, secondary-progressive, and progressive-relapsing) were randomly assigned to receive either synbiotics supplement and anti-inflammatory-antioxidant-rich diet or a placebo along with their usual diet for a duration of four months. Modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS), global pain scale (GPS), bladder control scale (BLCS), bowel control scale (BWCS), and sexual satisfaction scale (SSS) were assessed at baseline and at the end of the trial. RESULTS: Sixty-nine participants successfully completed the trial, resulting in a 98% adherence rate to the diet, and no reports of serious side effects. Significant mean changes were observed in fatigue (Δ for experimental group = -10.5 ± 10.8 vs. Δ for control group = -0.08 ± 4.1; P < 0.001), pain (-14.1 ± 19.0 vs. 0.9 ± 10.3; P < 0.001), bladder (-0.76 ± 2.1 vs. 0.3 ± 1.1; P = 0.013) and bowel (-6.6 ± 3.2 vs. -0.05 ± 2.3; P < 0.001) control, as well as sexual function (-1.0 ± 2.3 vs. 0.51 ± 0.21; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory-antioxidant-rich diet and synbiotics co-supplementation demonstrated improvements in fatigue, pain, sexual function, and bowel/bladder status among patients with progressive MS.

Application of Theory of Planned Behavior in Pregnant Women Training Regarding Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Behaviors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of the theory of planned behavior-based education program on promoting the urinary tract infection prevention behaviors in pregnant women. METHODS: The present study was a randomized controlled trial in which 100 pregnant women, who visited the healthcare centers of Zarinshahr City, were randomly divided into two groups, intervention and control. Five education sessions based on the theory of planned behavior were held for the intervention group. RESULTS: After implementing the educational intervention, the mean scores of knowledge and constructs of the theory of planned behavior significantly increased in the intervention group over time (P < 0.001). After the educational intervention, the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) was 4.3% in the intervention group and 21.3% in the control group. CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of methods such as group discussion and role playing promoted attitudes, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms of pregnant women, and as a result, UTI in women in the intervention group was reduced.

Application of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in Teaching Skin Cancer Prevention Behaviors in Male Students.

Adolescents are at high risk of skin cancer. Since protecting the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays is an important way to prevent this disease, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching skin cancer prevention behaviors using the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in male students in Isfahan. An intervention study examined change in attitudes and behaviors among 104, 13-year-old male students from two schools in Isfahan, Iran. The schools were randomized to either receive or not receive a 5-session skin cancer prevention curriculum based in PMT theory. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire that included demographic, PMT, and behavior construct variables. Questionnaires were completed by both groups before and 2 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, paired t-test, and McNemar's test. The results indicated that the mean scores of all constructs of PMT increased in the intervention group compared to the baseline assessment, except for the response cost (P < 0.001). The mean score of students' skin cancer preventive behaviors was 39.6 (21.4) in the intervention group, and it increased to 74.7 (23.5) after educational intervention, while the control group did not exhibit any significant behavior change. The intervention certainly shows the potential for being effective over the short-term. Therefore, it is recommended that PMT-based educational interventions be designed to teach and promote social health, particularly at an early age.

Effects of anti-Inflammatory-antioxidant-rich diet and co-supplemented synbiotics intervention in patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis: a single-center, single-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence has demonstrated that patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have dysbiotic gut microbiomes, and anti-inflammatory nutritional interventions can normalize this status. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of dietary intervention in patients with progressive forms of MS. METHODS: Seventy patients with three forms of progressive MS (primary-progressive, secondary-progressive, and progressive-relapsing) were randomly assigned into intervention (daily synbiotics capsule plus anti-inflammatory-antioxidant rich diet) or control (placebo capsule plus dietary recommendations) groups for four months. Faecal calprotectin level, Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and anthropometric measurements were evaluated at baseline and trial cessation. Analysis of covariance was conducted and adjusted for age, gender, education level, family history & duration of MS, type of progressive MS, type of main drug, and physical activity. RESULTS: Sixty-nine participants were included in the final analysis (n of intervention = 34; n of control = 35). Synbiotics and dietary intervention significantly reduced Faecal calprotectin level after six months (110.5 ± 75.9-44.7 ± 49.3 É¥g/g, P < 0.001), and mean changes were statistically significant in comparison with control group. However, intervention did not elicit any change in the anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSION: Synbiotics supplementation and adherence to an anti-inflammatory-antioxidant-rich diet reduced intestinal inflammation and improved clinical manifestations in progressive forms of MS.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT20141108019853N7..

Effect of Education Based on Health Belief Model on the Dietary Intake of Patients with a Myocardial Infarction.

INTRODUCTION: Dietary modification significantly impacts reducing myocardial infarction (MI) mortality and its recurrence. This study aimed to investigate the effect of education on the dietary intake of patients with MI based on the health belief model. METHOD: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on patients with MI from October 2021 to January 2022. A total of 72 MI cases were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received an educational intervention based on the health belief model for three months in four sessions. The structures of the health belief model were measured using a questionnaire before the intervention and one and three months following it. Dietary intake was measured with a three-day dietary record before and after three months of the intervention. RESULTS: After the educational intervention, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the average scores of awareness, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy (P<0.01). However, no significant difference was observed concerning the perceived obstacles. Although there were no significant differences between dietary intake at the baseline, the intake of energy, cholesterol, and energy percent from carbohydrate, total fat, and saturated fatty acids were lower, and fiber intake was higher in the intervention group versus the control group after the intervention (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Given the positive effect of the health belief model in this study, it is suggested to use this model for designing education for MI patients focusing on nutrition.

Evaluation of medication adherence and its relevant factors among hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional study in Shahrekord health-care system.

BACKGROUND: Medication adherence means compliance with patient adherence to medication orders, including timely and correct consumption of medication prescribed by a physician. The present study aimed to determine the extent of adherence to hypertension drug medication in patients covered by comprehensive health service centers of Shahrekord, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study examined 401 hypertensive patients registered in the Integrated Health Record System (SIB). SIB is a Persian term related to Health Record System. To collect data, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used. The questionnaire was completed by the patients and analyzed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA, version 26), Chi-square test, independent t-test, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The results indicated that adherence to antihypertensive medication was low in 5.7% of patients, while 63.3% of patients had sufficient compliance. Forgetting to take medications (52.9%) was the most common reason for nonadherence to medication in hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION: Given that forgetting to take medications was the main reason for nonadherence to medication in hypertensive patients, designing and implementing necessary trainings by comprehensive health centers to realize the importance of daily use of medication by hypertensive patients and their families are recommended.

The effect of sesame oil consumption compared to sunflower oil on lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases in the world. There is strong evidence that dyslipidemia and other cardio-metabolic disorders are highly prevalent in patients with NAFLD. This trial aimed at examining the effect of sesame oil (SO) in the context of a weight loss program on lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in women with NAFLD. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was carried out on 60 women with NAFLD. Subjects were randomly assigned to the SO group (n = 30) and sunflower oil (SFO) group (n = 30), each person consuming 30 g of oil per day for 12 weeks. All the participants received a hypocaloric diet (- 500 kcal/day) during the study. Lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices were assessed at pre- and post-intervention phases. RESULTS: In total, 53 participants completed the study. Following 12 weeks of intervention, anthropometric indices (p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p < 0.05) were significantly decreased in both groups and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly decreased in So group (p = 0.03). There was no significant change in lipid profile in both groups (p > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, DBP (p = 0.031) and total cholesterol (TC) divided by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.039) in the SO group were significantly reduced compared to the SFO group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present clinical trial revealed that SO and SFO may not differently affect anthropometric indices, SBP, and lipid profile except for TC/HDL-C. In addition, SO may be effective in improvement of DBP and TC/HDL-C compared to the SFO group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethical approval of this trial was obtained at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with the reference number of IR.MUI. RESEARCH: REC.1399.548 ( https://ethics. RESEARCH: ac.ir/ProposalCertificateEn.php?id=158942&Print=true&NoPrintHeader=true&NoPrintFooter=true&NoPrintPageBorder=true&LetterPrint=true ), and it was registered before the start of the patient recruitment on December 12th, 2020 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with the registration number of IRCT20140208016529N6 .

Sesame Oil Ameliorates Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, and Fatty Liver Grade in Women with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Undergoing Low-Calorie Diet: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Background: The type and amount of dietary fats play an important role in fat accumulation in the liver. Sesame oil (SO) is a good source of monounsaturated acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Objective: This trial aimed at examining the effect of SO consumption on the levels of liver enzymes and the severity of fatty liver in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) undergoing a weight loss diet. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was carried out on 60 women with NAFLD. Subjects were randomly assigned to the SO group (n = 30) and sunflower oil (SFO) group (n = 30), each person consuming 30 grams of oil per day for 12 weeks. All the participants received a hypocaloric diet (-500 kcal/day) during the study. Fatty liver grade and liver enzymes were assessed at pre- and postintervention phases. Results: 53 patients completed the study. Significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and fatty liver grade were observed in both groups (P < 0.05). Following SO, significant decreases in serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT) were observed. After adjusting for confounders, ALT, AST, and fatty liver grade of the SO group were significantly reduced compared to the SFO group (P < 0.05). However, the changes in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The desired effects of weight loss were reinforced by the consumption of SO through improving fatty liver severity and serum ALT and AST levels in NAFLD patients. Moreover, low-calorie diets may lead to favorable outcomes for NAFLD patients through mitigation of obesity and fatty liver grade.

The effects of sesame oil on metabolic biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Background: Clinical evidences showing the effects of sesame oil on metabolic biomarkers led to inconsistent results. Propose: This meta-analysis was designed to examine the effects of sesame oil on metabolic biomarkers in adults, including the maximum number of clinical trials. Methods: Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched to date up to July 2021 to identify eligible clinical trial studies. We obtained the pooled estimates of weighted mean differences (WMDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects meta-analysis. Result: Meta-analysis showed that sesame oil consumption significantly lowered the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: -3.268 mg/dl; 95% CI: -4.677, -1.86; P < 0.001), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (WMD: -4.847 nmol/dL; 95% CI: -7.051, -2.698; P < 0.001) between the intervention and control groups. Also, this study showed sesame oil consumption significantly decreased HbA1C (WMD: -2.057%; 95% CI: -3.467, -0.646; P = 0.004), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD: -2.679 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.257, -0.101; P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: -1.981 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.916, -0.046; P = 0.045), body weight (WMD: -0.346 kg; 95% CI: -0.641, -0.051; P = 0.021), and body mass index (BMI) (WMD: -0.385 kg/m2; 95% CI:-0.721, -0.049; P = 0.025) after intervention. No significant effect was seen in serum insulin levels (p > .05). Conclusions: The current study provided some evidence regarding the beneficial effects of sesame oil on metabolic biomarkers. Further studies are still required to confirm our results. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-00997-2.

Relative Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancers in Isfahan County, Iran, 2005-2010.

Background: Spatial disease mapping is a widespread tool in ecological analysis to obtain accurate estimates for incidence, relative risks (RRs), prevalence, or mortality rates regarding to increase the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer in Isfahan in recent years. This study aimed to inspect the RR of GI cancer in Isfahan counties using empirical and full Bayesian model. Materials and Methods: Data of this ecological study were GI cancer cases which registered in health-care system of Isfahan University of Sciences during 2005-2010. We applied shared component model to model the spatial variation incidence rates of the GI cancers. We compared three models such as Gamma-Poisson, lognormal, and Besag, York, and Mollie (BYM) Bayesian. WinBUGS and GIS 10.1 software were used. Results: According to the fitted model, BYM model had best fit to the data. However, in general, ranks of RRs in most counties are identical; counties with higher RR in one map have higher RR in other maps. Geographical maps for three cancers in women were smoother than men. Isfahan has high RR in women, whereas this point is slightly different in men. Daran, FreidoonShahr, and Isfahan are cities which have high RR in esophagus, stomach, and colon cancer, respectively. Conclusions: Lognormal and BYM maps had very similar results. Despite some differences in estimation values, in nearly all maps arias Isfahan had high RR in GI cancer. It is recommended to promote the use of screening programs and increase awareness of people in high RR areas to reduce the incidence of GI cancer.

Quantification of human adenovirus in irrigation water-soil-crop continuum: are consumers of wastewater-irrigated vegetables at risk?

Because of health concerns regarding the presence of enteric viruses in wastewater effluents, this study was designed to investigate the occurrence of human adenovirus (HAdV) in the irrigation water-soil-crop continuum. Viral particles were extracted from wastewater and wastewater- or water-irrigated soil and crop samples and analyzed using real-time PCR. Concentration of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were also determined. Quantitative microbial risk assessment was performed to determine the HAdV illness risk associated with the consumption of wastewater-irrigated vegetables. HAdV-F was detected in 74% of wastewater effluent samples with a mean concentration of 38 Genomic Copy (GC)/mL. HAdV was also detected in wastewater-irrigated soil (2 × 102 GC/g) and crop (< 10 GC/g) samples, with no statistically significant difference in concentrations between wastewater- and freshwater-irrigated samples. The results showed no correlation between concentrations of FIB and HAdV in the analyzed samples. Mean probability of illness risk from consumption of wastewater-irrigated vegetables was 4 × 10-1 per person per year (pppy) which was about two orders of magnitude higher than the proposed value by WHO (10-3 pppy) for safe reuse of wastewater. This finding suggests that the wastewater reuse for irrigation of vegetables eaten raw could pose a threat to human health with respect to the risk of viral illness, signifying stricter management of wastewater reuse. However, because of uncertainties in the QMRA model, particularly the ratio of infectious to non-infectious virus particles, more data is required to validate the predicted risk. This information is especially important in arid and semi-arid regions where high temperatures, UV radiation intensity, and desiccation can efficiently inactivate microorganisms in the environment.

The effect of educational intervention on self-care behavior in hypertensive older people: Applying the health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a worldwide health issue. Increasing aging has given rise to the prevalence of this problem. Disease management using educational intervention based on theoretical frameworks is effective for influencing self-care behavior. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of educational intervention on self-care behaviors that influence hypertension control among the elderly population during 2020 based on the health belief model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on rural older people in Ardestan, Iran. Assessments were done before and after three educational intervention sessions with a control group. The random sampling has done on 99 hypertensive elderly people in two rural centers of Ardestan from 2019 to 2020. Awareness variables, components of the health belief model, and blood pressure were assessed before and three months after the intervention. Data analysis was done using descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS: The study groups did not differ significantly in terms of the variables studied at the beginning of the study. After three months, the variables of awareness, self-care, and perceived sensitivity constructs, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and guide to action showed a significant rise in the experimental group compared to the control group. In addition, the effectiveness of educational intervention significantly increased self-care behavior in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Educational intervention based on the health belief model can be effective to reduce the barriers of self-care behaviors. In order to have a lasting change in behavior, the use of behavioral change patterns that ecologically take into account interpersonal, organizational, and social factors is suggested too.

The effects of Mediterranean diet on severity of disease and serum Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in patients with Parkinson's disease: a single center, randomized controlled trial.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) as one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders may be affected by healthy dietary pattern. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Mediterranean Diet (MeD) on serum Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and disease severity in PD patients.Materials & Methods: In this single-center randomized clinical trial, patients with idiopathic PD (n = 80) were selected randomly allocated to either MeD or control group (Iranian traditional diet); an individualized dietary plan based on the MeD was designed. Serum TAC and the motor & non-motor disease aspects using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) were evaluated in two groups. Statistical Analysis of data was performed using SPSS 24.Results: 70 PD patients with a mean age of 58.96 ± 8.7 and UDPRS of 41.66 ± 20.19 were analyzed in this study. MeD significantly increased serum TAC (P < 0.001). UPDRS score was also lowered in MeD group (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Mediterranean diet seems to have some benefits in PD. as well, TAC levels can also be affected by MeD. Anyway, further studies are needed to confirm the mentioned outcomes.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT20141108019853N4.

Is any association between alternate healthy eating index (AHEI) with lipid profile and liver enzymes? A cross-sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Based on evidence, there is a significant relationship between diet quality and the chronic conditions such as dyslipidemia and liver disorders. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) and some biochemical measurements (lipid profile and liver enzymes). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 127 hospital employees were randomly selected (of 250 screened volunteers). AHEI was estimated based on a 168 items food frequency questionnaire. The laboratory data [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST)] were extracted from periodic examinations. The physical activity was also estimated with international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: Among 127 completed data, the mean AHEI score was 47.1. There was a direct relationship between AHEI score and HDL (P = 0.02). Among the AHEI components, the score of nuts and soybeans was directly associated with HDL level (P = 0.007). There was no association between the other AHEI components and selected biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Nuts and soybeans consumption-one unit per day-may increase HDL levels. More studies are needed to evaluate the diet quality with the other dietary indices. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-021-00898-w.

Health literacy and its dimensions in elderly people in Farsan city, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Health literacy is an important variable in the promotion and improvement of the health of all social groups, especially the elderly people. It indicates cognitive and social skills that specify the individuals' motivation and ability to access and perceive information using methods for health retention and improvement. The present research aimed to study health literacy and its relevant dimensions in a population over 60 years of age in Farsan city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 384 older people in Farsan city was conducted, using a standard health literacy questionnaire including 33 items and 5 dimensions on a 5-point Likert scale for collecting data. Data analysis was done using descriptive and analytical statistics, using the multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the dimensions, the highest and lowest scores belonged to decision-making and reading skill dimensions, respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that among the demographical variables, education level, age, sex, and job were the best predictors of total scores of health literacy (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The health-related institutions should make effort to improve the elderly people's health literacy based on general literacy, using suitable methods with less need to read and paying attention to personal characteristics.

Application of BASNEF model in students training regarding cutaneous leishmaniasis prevention behaviors: a school-based quasi experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in 98 countries, and 350 million people are at risk of the disease worldwide. In endemic areas, conducting educational interventions is necessary to change preventive behaviors of CL. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an educational intervention based on the BASNEF model on CL preventive behavior in students. METHODS: The present quasi-experimental study examined 80 students living in endemic areas of leishmaniasis in Isfahan province, Iran based on the BASNEF model. The required data were collected twice before and two months after the educational intervention based on a questionnaire whose validity and reliability had been already proven in other studies. The intervention was performed in three educational sessions for the students in the intervention group and 1 educational session for teachers and parents. Data were analyzed by SPSS (VER26) using the chi-square test, independent t-test, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and Paired t-test. RESULTS: After intervention, the mean scores of Knowledge (P < 0.001), attitude (P = 0.02), subjective norms (P = 0.04), behavioral intention (P < 0.001), and behavior (P = 0.02) indicated significant differences between the intervention and control groups, but an increase in mean scores of enabling factors was not significant (P = 0. 93). CONCLUSIONS: Providing students with the educational intervention based on the BASNEF model improve their ability to the extent that they transmit these educations to their family members, which would be effective in preventing and controlling CL in leishmaniasis-prone areas. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Name: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Registration number: IRCT20201024049131N1. Registration date: 2020-11-20. Registration timing: prospective.