The transtheoretical model, health belief model, and breast cancer screening among Iranian women with a family history of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Participation of Iranian women with a family history of breast cancer in breast cancer screening programs is low. This study evaluates the compliance of women having a family history of breast cancer with clinical breast exam (CBE) according to the stage of transtheoretical model (TTM) and health belief model (HBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we used Persian version of champion's HBM scale to collect factors associated with TTM stages applied to screening from women over 20 years and older. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS, using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, independent t-test, and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Final sample size was 162 women. Thirty-three percent were in action/maintenance stage. Older women, family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives, personal history of breast disease, insurance coverage, and a history of breast self-examination were associated with action/maintenance stage. Furthermore, women in action/maintenance stages had significantly fewer perceived barriers in terms of CBE in comparison to women in other stages (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in other HBM subscales scores between various stages of CBE screening behavior (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The finding indicates that the rate of women in action/maintenance stage of CBE is low. Moreover, results show a strong association between perceived barriers and having a regular CBE. These clarify the necessity of promoting national target programs for breast cancer screening, which should be considered as the first preference for reducing CBE barriers.

Relation of air pollution with epidemiology of respiratory diseases in isfahan, Iran from 2005 to 2009.

BACKGROUND: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) scientists shows that long-term exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of respiratory diseases such as allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of ozone, fine particles, and other airborne toxicants. Air pollution factors are considered as one of the underlying causes of respiratory diseases. This study aimed to determine the association of respiratory diseases documented in medical records and air pollution (Map distribution) of accumulation in Isfahan province, Iran. By plotting the prevalence and spatial distribution maps, important differences from different points can be observed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The geographic information system (GIS), pollutant standards index (PSI) measurements, and remote Sensing (RS) technology were used after entering data in the mapping information table; spatial distribution was mapped and distribution of Geographical Epidemiology of Respiratory Diseases in Isfahan province (Iran) was determined in this case study from 2005 to 2009. RESULTS: Space with tracing the distribution of respiratory diseases was scattered based on the distribution of air pollution in the points is an important part of this type of diseases in Isfahan province where air pollution was more abundant. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study emphasis on the importance of preventing the exposure to air pollution, and to control air pollution product industries, to improve work environmental health, and to increase the health professionals and public knowledge in this regard.

The association between spatial distribution of common malignancies and soil lead concentration in Isfahan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Malignancies are primarily environmental diseases mostly attributed to environmental factors. By plotting the prevalence and spatial distribution maps, important differences can be observed in detail. This study aimed to determine the association between map distribution of malignancies and the geological phenomena of lead (Pb) accumulation in soil in the province of Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: Spatial distribution maps of malignant diseases were plotted by using data recorded during 2007 to 2009 in the Isfahan Cancer Registry Program. Data on Pb accumulation in soil was obtained from the National Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration. Pb concentrations were documented in three parts of agricultural, non-agricultural, urban, and industrial land. The geographical mapping of cancers and soil Pb were then incorporated into a geographic information system (GIS) to create a spatial distribution model. RESULTS: The spatial distributions of ten common malignant diseases in the province, i.e. skin cancers, hematological malignancies, and breast cancers, followed by other malignancies were scattered based on Pb distribution. In fact, common cancers were more prevalent in the parts of the province where soil Pb was more abundant. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study underscore the importance of preventing Pb exposure and controlling industrial production of Pb. The data is also important to establish further effects modeling for cancers. Moreover, physicians and health professionals should consider the impact of environmental factors on their patients' health.

Comparison of Nutritional Behaviors and Physical Activities between Overweight/Obese and Normal-Weight Adults.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are major problems with increasing rates among adult populations. Nutritional behaviors and physical activity are the most important influencing factors. In this article, we conducted a survey on the nutritional behaviors and physical activities among normal-weight and overweight/obese adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey on some of the nutritional behaviors and physical activities of 729 middle-aged adults. Data regarding desirable or undesirable use of fruits, fish, dairy products, oil, fast foods, and carbonated drinks and the intensity and duration of physical activities were collected from our data bank and analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Our results indicated that overweight/obese people had an improper usage of fruits, oil, fast foods, and carbonated drinks and had lower physical activity. There was also a significant increase in intensity, duration per day, and weekly days of physical activity in healthy groups. Logistic regression analysis of nutritional behaviors, physical activities, and obesity also indicated that undesirable usage of oil, fast foods, and carbonated drinks and undesirable physical activity are associated with risks for overweight/obesity (odds ratio [OR] =10.70, OR = 7.45, OR = 7.48, and OR = 2.16, respectively) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This article puts emphasis on the role of proper nutritional behaviors and higher physical activities in decreasing the risks of developing obesity, and we suggest that further interventions could be made based on the results of our study.

Effect of Training through Short Message Service on Compliance and Mean Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension has been one of the early mortality and morbidity in human societies. Training and consequently compliance increase will lead to improve treatment progress and disease control. The study aimed at the effect of training through short message service (SMS) on blood pressure mean and compliance scale in hypertensive patients. Hypertension control is essential to prevent early mortality. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled clinical, uni-center, single-blinded. The study was managed in a health-care center subordinated to Medical University of Isfahan, Iran, in 2017. Sampling was a convenient method therefore the researchers implemented it for 188 hypertensive patients who were allocated randomly into two groups: SMS group and control group. First, all patients filled the compliance questionnaire, and their blood pressure was measured. Afterward, the intervention group would be texting daily for 1 month containing a training text. During 1 and 2 months after intervention, all patients' blood pressure will be measured, and then the questionnaire had been filled 2 months after intervention, again. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure mean decreased from 136.23 ± 15.91 to 121.70 ± 14.43 and diastolic blood pressure mean decreased from 91.95 ± 8.24 to 86.64 ± 7.86 in the intervention group according to analysis of variance through repeated measurement and is significantly different in comparison with control group (P < 0.001). Compliance scale increased from 72.95 ± 7.65 to 85.40 ± 5.62 based on dependent t-test which was significantly different with the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SMS training would be an effective method to control hypertension.

Growth disorders among 6-year-old Iranian children.

BACKGROUND: Sociodemographic factors are important determinants of weight disorders. National representative studies provide a view on this health problem at national and regional levels. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the distribution of growth disorders in terms of body mass index (BMI) and height in 6-year-old Iranian children using geographical information system (GIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional nationwide survey, all Iranian children entering public and private elementary schools were examined in a mandatory national screening program in 2009. Descriptive analysis was used to calculate the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity, and short stature. Then, ArcGIS software was used to draw the figures. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 955388 children (48.5% girls and 76.5% urban). Overall, 20% of children were underweight, and 14.3% had high BMI, consisted of 10.9% overweight and 3.4% obese. The corresponding figure for short stature was 6.6%; however, these growth disorders were not equally distributed across various provinces. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed unequal distribution of BMI and height of 6-year-old children in Iran generally and in most of its provinces particularly. The differences among provinces cannot be fully explained by the socioeconomic pattern. These findings necessitate a comprehensive national policy with provincial evidence-based programs.

Intrinsic third ventricular craniopharyngioma: A case report.

Craniopharyngioma accounts for 2.5-4 percent of all intracranial tumors. The tumor is more observed in the chiasmatic region in adults and the intraventricular subtype is rare. We report an intraventricular craniopharyngioma in a 22-year-old woman presented with chronic headache. Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed hyperintense large mass on T(1)-weighted images and hypointense mass on T(2)-weighted images in third ventricle with pressure effect on both lateral ventricles and foramen of Monro. The diagnosis of craniopharyngioma was confirmed through histopathological examination of the resected tumor after surgery. After a follow-up period of nine months, neither tumor recurrence nor regrowth occurred. The early diagnosis of this relatively frequent tumor would help to prevent related sequelae.

Children, CT Scan and Radiation.

Children are more sensitive to radiation than adults. Computerized tomography (CT) consists of 25 % of all medical imaging. It was estimated that more than 2% of all carcinomas in the USA are due to CT scans. There is an ongoing focus on the reduction of CT scan radiation dose. Awareness about risk-benefits of CT has increased. Reduction of radiological exam is an important issue because the accumulation effects of radiation can be hazardous. In addition, proper protocol should be followed for diagnostic procedures of ionization radiation and computerized tomography. Effective radiation dose should range from 0.8 to 10.5 millisievert. The same protocol should be followed in different hospitals as well. Basic principles of radiation protection should be monitored. As much as possible, both technician and radiologist must be present during computerized tomography for children, and MRI and ultrasound should be replaced if possible.