RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The growing supply and prevalence of waterpipe (WP) smoking among Iranian adolescents have become a concern for both families and policymakers. The aim of this study was to determine the factors underlying WP use and also to design an intervention program based on social cognitive theory (SCT) aimed to reduce the demand for WP smoking among male adolescents. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study involved 189 high-school students in Kerman, Iran, who were split into two groups, an intervention group and a control group. A validated questionnaire based on SCT constructs was used to collect data. The intervention was performed over four sessions with a focus on preventing WP smoking. RESULTS: Before intervention, the lifetime and current-use prevalence of WP smoking across both groups was 48.5% and 20.2%, respectively. In the intervention group, the most change was related to knowledge score from 10.70 ± 4.38 to 16.52 ± 3.89 (P < 0.0001) and outcome values score from 12.40 ± 3.81 to 13.53 ± 4.23 (P = 0.007); however, in the control group, no significant changes were seen in posttest scores. The scores for self-efficacy (P = 0.21), outcome expectations (P = 0.09), and environment constructs (P = 0.06) did not show any statistically significant changes after the intervention in both groups. Overall, there was no significant difference in the rate of WP smoking after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, although some construct scores showed significant differences after the intervention, there was no significant change in the prevalence of WP smoking. More effective educational interventions based on this theory but with a greater focus on self-efficacy and environmental influences may be warranted.
RESUMEN
Nanoparticles of cerium oxide CeO2 are important nanomaterials with remarkable properties for use in both industrial and non-industrial fields. In a general way, doping of oxide nanometric with transition metals improves the properties of nanoparticles. In this study, nickel- doped cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized from Stevia rebaudiana extract. Both doped and non-doped nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray, Raman spectroscopy, and Vibrating-Sample Magnetometry analysis. According to X-ray diffraction, Raman and Energy Dispersive X-ray crystalline and single phase of CeO2 and Ni doped CeO2 nanoparticles exhibiting fluorite structure with F2g mode were synthesized. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy shows that CeO2 and Ni doped nanoparticles have spherical shape and sizes ranging of 8 to 10 nm. Ni doping of CeO2 results in an increasing of magnetic properties. The enhancement of ultraviolet protector character via Ni doping of CeO2 is also discussed.