Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background & Objective: One of the serious challenges in human societies is the pandemy of AIDS therefore, raising people’s awareness of AIDS may be an effective preventive measure against this disease. The aim of the present research was to compare the two teaching methods of lecturing and the provision of pamphlets on the knowledge and attitude of high school students in the city of Mane & Semelghan with regard to AIDS. The study was performed in 2010. Material & Method: This is a Quasi-experimental study that was conducted on 394 students. Subjects were divided into three groups of control, pamphlet and lecture through sampling methods of multi stages. The students’ knowledge and attitude were measured before and after intervention. Data was collected through questionnaires and was analysed by SPSS 16. The statistical methods of Paired t-test and Analysis of Variance was used to analyze the data. Results: Findings showed no significant difference between the three groups in knowledge and attitude before intervention. On the other hand, after the intervention there was a significant difference between the three groups (P <0.001 & p=0.01 for knowledge and attitude respectively). The pamphlet method had no significant effect on knowledge (P =0.36) and attitude (P =0.16) of the students, while teaching by lecture had a significant positive effect on students' knowledge and attitude (P<0.001). Conclusion: the data of this study show that the use of lectures as an educational method is more effective than the pamphlet method for improving knowledge and attitiude in students.

Abstract Background & objective: Students' mental health is a priority of health systems. University environment and dormitory and some other factors may impose on mental health of systems. This research aimed to examine the status of students' mental health studying at North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences in 2010. Materials & Mehtods:This descriptive-analytic study was conducted in the first semester of the year 2010. A total of 212 students living at dormitory completed a questionnaire including demographic information and GHQ containing 28 items. The data were analyzed with SPSS. Statistical tests are Chi square and kruskal Wallis. Results: Findings showed that 43.1% of students were in some way suspicious of having mental disorder and mean score was 24.21±1.58. 6.6% of students suffered from physical problems, 7.1% anxiety disorder, 10.8% social disorder and 9% depression. In this research no significant relationship was found between mental disorder and field of study, family income, and entrance year (P>0.05). A significant relationship was found between mental health and gender (P<0.019). Conclusion: Based on findings of this study, the prevalence of mental disorder (43.1%) is high between students and counseling different aspects to improve students' mental health status may be an urgent requirement.

Abstract Background & Objective: Suicide as a major health problem is a priority in health system, caused by different risk factors that differ in each society. Base on definition of world health organization suicide is a conscious act that the person try to end his/her life with lethal action. Since suicide is the most important psychological emergency, this study aimed to assess the suicide trend and its related factor in Bojnurd. Material & Methods: study population consisted of all attempted suicide who admitted to the Emam reza hospital (2748-person) from 2006 until 2011. We used data from the hospital records and a check list was filled for each case. Descriptive statistics and chi square test were calculated using SPSS version 16. Results: mean age of the study population was 23.44 ± 8.66. Suicide rate were 67.1 and 38.3 percent in women and men respectively. Most suicide was done by pills (87.5%) and after that by poison (7.4%). Most suicide was occurred in unemployed people (50.4%) and fewer rates were observed in civil servants (2%). In regard to season, the lowest has occurred in spring and the highest in autumn. Sex, marital status, and education were significantly correlated with suicide (P-value<0.05). Conclusion: since the suicide was high among youth and women the precise training program should be designed for families by health policy makers to solve the problem of this group of people

Abstract Background and Objectives: Obesity is the most important nutritional problem among teenagers in developed countries and its resulted handicaps is the main nutritional and health issues. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their related factors among high school students aged 14-17 years old in North Khorasan province. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 450 high school students who were in first, second and third stage. Samples were selected by random cluster sampling. Overweight and Obesity were determined according to body mass index (BMI) more than 85 percentile for corresponding with sex and age. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16. Results: The mean BMI were significantly higher among female students. The prevalence of overweigh and obesity was two times higher in females in three age categories. Mean height of males in three age categories was higher the 50 percentile of CDC chart, and mean height of female only in 14-year category was correspond with 50 percentile. There was a statistical significant relation between BMI with sex, job, family income, hours working with computer and fathers’ BMI. Conclusion: appropriate nutritional intervention and educational program to increase the knowledge of families about the proper nutrition, especially in mothers are the best way to prevent and control obesity among children

Abstract Background & Objectives: Brucellosis is a Zoonotic infection, occurs in different parts of the world especially in developing countries and is important both public health and economically aspects. The aim of this study was to determine epidemiological aspects of disease in Northern Khorasan province, north east of Iran. Material & Methods: Several data sources in this cross-sectional study were used such as all documents in province and districts health center and also documents in private laboratories in the province. Demographical and laboratory information of all cases that diagnosed during 2006–2011 were checked. We used SPSS16 software to do statistical analysis of the samples and presented with descriptive analysis, chi-square and T-test) P > 0.05). Results: We retrospectively evaluated 1310 patients with brucellosis in North Khorasan province during the study. The prevalence rate of the disease was 26.6 per 100,000 annually. 55.3% of patients were male. More cases have seen in Bojnurd district (26.4%). The majority of the patients were from rural (71.5%). The monthly variation of disease shows that most of cases diagnosed in springs and June. There was a significant correlation between gender and place of residence. Conclusion:The results obtained from this work indicate that the prevalence rate of brucellosis in North Khorasan province is higher than average rate of Iran country. Such a high prevalence rate is alarming and requires control and prevention measures.

Abstract Background and Objectives: Life style is composed of a chain of active parameters in all dimensions of human life and has a substantial impression on health of population. Since vast majority of health problems has a strong relationship to life style, occurrence of many somatic and psychological disorders would be prevented provided that life style rectified. Blood pressure is one of the most important health criteria moderated when life style has been changed. The aim of this investigation was to study the cause_ effect relationship of life style and blood pressure in administrative employees in Bojnurd rural areas. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical (cross sectional) study 380 cases of governmental administrative employees were selected on a stratified random sampling with proportional allocation basis. The Study was conducted on 2012 in Bojnourd city of Iran. Primary data gathering tools were data recording sheet and lifestyle questionnaire. BP ≥ 90/140 were considered as hypertensive. The data analyzed in SPSS software. (V18) Results: The life style in 3 levels of desirable ,relatively desirable and undesirable estimated to be 4.58, 52.48 and 42.94 respectively. 7.4% of those studied suffered from high systolic blood pressure and 15.2% had diastolic hypertension. Blood pressure was significantly related to age, weight, height, marital status, exercise, nutrition, stress and body mass index. Conclusions: stress, malnutrition and obesity are among the factors influencing the incidence of hypertension. The essence of implementation of ongoing intervention programs by official bodies to change individual behaviors and lifestyle seems to be required.

Abstract Background & Objectives: It is generally believed that medical sciences students face tremendous stress in the course of their study, these stresses affects their quality of life. Regarding the importance of this feature, we decided to determine quality of life in North khorasan University of medical Sciences in 2011. Material and Methods: A descriptive analytical (cross-sectional) study was conducted on students of North khorasan University of medical Sciences (n=300) in 2011. The research tools included the questionnaires of demographic information and SF-36, a validated instrument for mental and physical health assessment. The data were analyzed by SPSS-16 software and presented with nonparametric tests such as Kruscal -Wallis and man-witney. Results: The results showed that 115(38.3%) of students were male and 185 )61.7%) were female. 15.2% of students experienced very weak level of quality of life, 26.4% weak level, 32.9% good level and 25.5% very well level of quality of life. There was significant relationship between the obtained score of quality of life and level of interest in field of education, satisfy of facilities and field of education Conclusion: The results showed that more than of students experienced good level of quality of life. The results suggest paying more attention to HRQOL and planning for promotion students' HRQOL.

Abstract Background & Objectives: Pediculosis is one of the common social and health problems among human population that is very prominent among students. Determination of presence and prevalence of Pediculosis could be a good health indicator in each area. Given that the importance of this health problem among students, we aimed to study the prevalence of head lice (Pediculosiscapitis) at primary schools of Mane-va- Semelghan district. Material and Methods: In this descriptive analytic study data were gathered using a checklist consists of demographic characteristics such as age, gender, school grade, parents’ occupation and habitual area. Statistical tests as t-student and chi square was used to analyze data. All data analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Results:There was statistical significant relationship between gender, number of family members, habitual area, the related health center, using scarf at home, and the previous history of Pediculosis with the present involvement with Pediculosis. Conclusion: Pediculosis infestation is still an important health problem in most communities. The result of this study showed the relationship between the prevalence of Pediculosis with different factors such as individual, behavioral, socio-cultural, geographical, and availability to health services. Precise policy making and health education could help to prevent this health problem.

Abstract Background & Objectives: Knowledge about the nature and types of learning styles in learners can help teachers to adjust their teaching methods with students, learning styles to achieve the desired educational outcomes. This study was conducted to determine students’ learning styles based on Kolb learning pattern in North Khorasan University of medical sciences. Material & Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on students of North Khorasan university of medical sciences in 2012. Kolb's Learning Style Inventory was used to conduct the research. Data were analyzed by spss16 software and presented with chi-square test. Results: Of the 240 subjects, 79(32/9%) of subjects were male and 161(67/1%) of subjects were female. Mean age (s) and score were 20/82 years and 16/25 respectively.Percentage of the students’ learning style for converging, accommodating, absorbent and divergent was 45/4, 17/1, 23/3 and 14/2 respectively. There was a statistical significant difference (P≤0/05) between learning styles of the nurse school students and health school students. The most learning style in the nurse school students and health school students was converging and divergent respectively. Conclusion: According to our results the most prevailed learning style was converging style and so traditional education methods were boring. Therefore use new education methods according to student fields for example group discussion and problem solving are recommended

Abstract Background & Objectives: The high prevalence of obesity, especially among adolescence, is one of the most important problems of societies. In addition to genetic factors, dietary habits and lifestyle (physical and leisure time activity) are the factors that could influence the prevalence of obesity. This study aimed to determine the pattern of food consumption and physical activity among high school students in the North Khorasan Province Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 high school students in North Khorasan. A multistage sampling was done. Data were collected for each subject using a questionnaire consist of anthropometric, demographic, dietary habits and lifestyle (physical and leisure time activity) information. Statistical paired t-test, chi-square, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze data using SPSSversion16 Results: From the 450 study population, 228 were females (50.7%). The prevalence of obesity was higher in girls in comparison with boys. Up to 60.2% and 64.5% of boys and 38.6% and 47.4% of girls in the morning and evening shift of the school eat breakfast during the weekdays, respectively. The boys were doing more Physical activity compare with girls .Up to 35% of students during weekdays were watching television for two hours, while on holidays 39.8% were watching about 4 hours. Statistically significant association was found between BMI and eating snacks while watching TV, working with computer, eating dinner, eating snacks in the morning and afternoon, rice consumption for meals, using bread with the meals, consumption of raw vegetables and fruit during the week, cooking methods of rice,and attending in the sports class during summer.(P <0.005) Conclusion: high prevalence of obesity, receiving high calorie in diet and poor dietary habits,and physical inactivity in adolescence need careful educational and cultural planning by the authorities and health policy makers.

Abstract Background & Objectives: Hospitals are significant provider arm of health care services. Performance indices are one of the importance factors in hospital efficiency and productivity. This study aimed to compare the performance indices for hospitals in North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences by Ministry of Public Health standard. Material & Methods: this was a cross-sectional study that investigates the performance indices for hospitals in the North Khorasan University of medical sciences in 2013-2014.Data collection was performed standard Questionnaire of the Health Ministry. To analyze the data we used SPSS 16 software and descriptive statistical were applied. Results: Performance indicators of hospitals in North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences have good condition. the bed occupancy rate, the average turnover rate and the average length were %74.6, %75.81 and 2.23 days in 2013 respectively. the bed occupancy rate, the average turnover rate and the average length were %71.2 , %76.41 2.5 days in 2014 respectively. Between 2013 and 2014, the indicators of hospitals showed no significant change. Conclusion: in according to the state of the studied hospitals by standards have in good condition. In order to improve and to develop, new goals select for the Hospital and It is recommended that hospital administrators use experiences of others.

Background & Objectives: Head lice infestation also known as Pediculosis capitis is one of the common diseases in children. Head lice are obligate blood-feeding human ectoparasite that is one of the public health problems in spite health promotion and medical sciences progress. Infestation observed worldwide but overcrowded living conditions, poverty and lack of hygiene can be associated to head lice prevalence. Head lice infestation causes not only physical symptoms but also psychological effects and social pressures. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate and epidemiological factors related to Pediculosis capitis infestation among elementary students in the city of Bojnurd, north east of Iran. Materials and methods: The study was conducted from January to March 2013 in all elementary schools of Bojnurd city, North Khorasan province, Iran and used systematic random sampling. Totally 1475 students between 6-14 years old were examined. Students in the schools were examined by trained and experienced researchers under the supervision of medical entomologist. The diagnosis of pediculosis was confirmed by presence of egg, nymph or adult lice. A special questionnaire was completed for students. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version16 using chi-square and proper statistical tests. Results: Infestation was determined 7.7%. Females showed significantly greater infestation(12.4%) than male (2.9%). There was a significant relationship between head lice infestation and sex, family size, number of rooms , bathing facilities in the home, shared use of personal belongings, hair length, presence of health teacher, frequency use of comb and finally use of scarf in room in females (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of pediculosis in elementary schools in Bojnurd is an important public health problem especially in female's schools. Collaborative and participation efforts among physicians, health teachers, and parents are necessary to maintain effective epidemiological surveillance and provide treatment

Background & Objectives: Obesity is the most important nutrition - health problem of adolescents in developed countries, and the role of dietary habits and associated factors in nutritional disease is undeniable. Furthermore, weight gain especially in adolescence is associated with negative attitudes to own their. This study examined the relationship between food habits with body mass index and fat distribution in high school girls in Bojnurd. Materials and Methods: This cross -sectional study was conducted on 250 high school girls in 2012. Multi-stage sampling was carried out and data sheet and eating habits questionnaire was used as a means of collecting data. BMI (body mass index) and fat mass index were also measured by standard methods. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS package (version 16). Results: The results showed that the prevalence of obesity and overweight were 3.2 and 12%, respectively. 43 obese individuals (17.1%) had abdominal obesity. A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and fat mass index (p<0.0001). Average intake of fat and energy in overweight and obese were significantly higher than underweight and normal weight ones (p<0.05). The relation between dietary habits and levels of parental education and income were significant (p<0.05) Conclusion: High intake of fat and energy was associated with BMI and fat mass index in high school girls. Accordingly, the inclusion of nutrition education programs and presenting the correct pattern of food consumption can be strategies for health promotion.

Background & Objectives:  Brucellosis is a Zoonotic infection, occurs in different parts of the world especially in developing countries and is important both public health and economically aspects. The aim of this study was to determine epidemiological aspects of disease  in Bane County, Kurdistan province, west of Iran.

Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional and analytic study several data sources were used such as all documents in Bane County and districts health center and also documents in private laboratories in the county. Demographical and laboratory information of all cases that diagnosed during 2011–2012 were checked. We used SPSS16 software to do statistical analysis of the cases and presented with descriptive analysis, chi-square) P > 0.05).

Results:We retrospectively evaluated 135 patients with brucellosis in Bane County, Kurdistan province, west of Iran during the study. The prevalence rate of the disease was 48.9 per 100,000 annually. 52% of patients were male The majority of the patients were from rural (85.9%).The job of 50.4% of patients was ranchering. The monthly variation of disease shows that most of cases diagnosed in springs and June. There was a significant correlation between gender and place of residence. Conclusion: The results obtained from this research indicate that the prevalence rate of brucellosis in Bane County, Kurdistan province is higher than average rate of Iran country. With respect to the results of this study, more attention from officials about prevention and controlling of the disease is demanded.

Key words: Insidence, brucellosis, Epidemiological aspects

Background & Objectives : Leishmaniasis is endemic in 88 countries and 350 million people in world are at risk. According to importance of education in large population, this study was designed and done with the aim evaluating the effect of educational program based on BASNEF model on Volunteer Health Workers (VHWs) on Preventive behaviors among families under supported of VHWs.

Material & Methods: In this Quasi-Exprimental study, 60 VHWs and 120 households that were resident in endemic area of CL in Jajarm city in 2013 were selected through multi stage sampling method. Intervention was done based on BASNEF model. Data were collected before educational intervention and 3 months after educational intervention using reliable and valid questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS16 software and chi-square, t paired-Test, independent t-test, Mann-whitney and Wilcoxon.

Results: The mean score of knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, enabling factors, behaviors and influence of subjective norms after educational intervention in households in experimental were significantly increased (P<0.05) while the changes in control group were not significant.

Conclusions: This educational program led to educational behaviors in VHWs and change in preventive behaviors among families. So we recommended BASNEF model was used in planning educational programs in related to educating families about cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Keywords: BASNEF Model, Volunteer Health Workers, Educational Intervention, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background & Objectives: Based on WHO report, cutaneous leishmaniasis disease is one of the world health problems, especially in tropical and semitropical countries. One of the efficient way for control and prevention of this disease is the education of the people, So called “Health -Go betweens” can have an efficient role in this basis, so the goal of this research is the survey of knowledge, attitude and practice of “Health-Go betweens” about cutaneous leishmaniasis disease in “Esfarayen country in Iran” in 2013.

Material & Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 313 girl “Health -Go betweens” of “Esfarayen country” which had selected based on census in 2013. The data were  collected by the questionnaire that its reliability and validity had deliberated. The questionnaires were filled out by “Health-workers”. The data were analyzed by the “SPSS16” software and statistical tests “t-independent” and “chi-square”.

Results: All of participants in this study were female. Majority of participants %77 were married and 76.82% of them were village settlers. Mean score of “Health-Go betweens” about cutaneous leishmaniasis disease basis on knowledge was 11.99±2.76, attitude was19.8± 51.61 and practice was 14.83± 5.47. 86/6% of participants had a good knowledge about cutaneous leishmaniasis meanwhile about attitude and practice by sequence was 5.1% and 32.6%. 53.4% of participants had mentioned that their first premiership for gaining the information about cutaneous leishmaniasis were “Health-workers”. Between job with knowledge and attitude showed statistically significant correlation also between settlement place with attitude and practice of participants showed statistically significant correlation (P<0.005).

Conclusion: By regarding to the rather appropriate knowledge of “Health-Go betweens” about cutaneous leishmaniasis disease which have gained from “Health-workers” and the importance of this group activities, the educational emprises and more consideration of health-responsible are requisite.

Key words: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Health-Go Betweens, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background & objectives: In Iran, road traffic collisions are the first cause of disease burden. Driving is not means just applying technical skills to control the vehicle, but rather reflects the driver’s classification of character. One of including variables related to driving is aggression. And causes a lot of dangers in driving. Based on our surveys through the world, questionnaire is the practical tool to assess driving behavior. The aim of this study is to assess the validity and reliability of DVQ’s Persian version.

Materials and Methods: The 15-item DVQ was translated to Persian according to retranslation method. In the revised version, 3 new items were added and then completed by 400 staffs of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences. Finally, we employed retranslation method and Cronbach's alpha coefficient to validity assessment.

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 35.88 years old. 301 Participants were male and 99 were female. We recognized in PCA Test 2 subscales which showed variance of 36.5% that their Cronbach’s Alpha was between 0.68 to 0.78.ICC Test for 2 subscales and total questionnaire were from 0.75 to 0.87. There were significant correlation among factors such as DVQ score, sex and age.

Conclusion: The results indicated that the 18-item Persian version of DVQ is a suitable criterion to recognize driver revenge-seeking behavior.

Key words: Driving vengeance Questionnaire, Validation Studies, Reliability

Background & Objectives: Since diabetes is a lifelong disease with no cure, this disease is a life-long self-care needs. Diabetic foot is a significant problem in patients with type II diabetes, which can be in some cases lead to amputation.

Material & Methods: This cross - sectional study was conducted on patients referred to the clinic diabetes in 2014 was a city of Sabzevar. Non-probability sampling method of sampling was available to collect data, a questionnaire developed parallel process model development and verification of the reliability and validity of the 400 patients (diabetics) were also used. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17 and regression testing

Results: The mean age history of diabetes 45/11 ± 7/51, 65/6 ± 74/9 year knowledge score of 2/60 were a hundred. The perceived sensitivity of patients to the risk of diabetic foot and its consequences 67 percent, the perceived effectiveness of the strategies recommended to hygiene 1/72 of hundred variable The severity of diabetic foot infection 9/60 hundred 4/73 and 8/69 respectively performance and self-care variable and score a hundred

Conclusion: The results showed that the most influential factor in increasing severity of structural self-care behavior in patients with diabetes is to develop effective interventions to increase self-care behavior must be considered.

Keywords: Diabetic foot, Extended parallel process model, Diabetes type2

Background & Objectives: Fasting is an important decision for the diabetic patients, that should be done considering to the religious instructions and medical consultant. To decrease symptoms of diabetes, it is very important to estimate awareness of these patients in this domain. Aim of this study is knowledge of diabetic patients about fasting who were referred to the diabetic clinic at bojnurd district-2015

Material & Methods: This sectional study was performed on 376 diabetes patients who were referred to diabetic clinic at Bojnord district in 2015. Data were gathered using dual questionnaires. Statistical analysis was done by Pierson coordinate index statistical tests, freet and one way variance analysis using the SPSS 16.

Results: Mean age was 54.35±15.83 years old and most of them were females (62.3%). Majority of cases (90.3%) were suffered from type two diabetes, and 48.3% of them were illiterate. Mean score for awareness was 35/31±11/36. The most correct answer was related to the feeding diabetic patients at Ramadan month (51/03+18/49), and the least correct answer was in line with consumption of medicines decreasing blood sugar (18/0+23/44). In mean score based on level of education, there was only a significant difference in total score (p=0.035). 

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the diabetic patients have a low awareness of diabetes and fasting. Therefore, awareness of diabetic patients, can be important in controlling and prevention of its complications and person healthcare.

Background & Objectives: Drug substitution treatments are important due to their social pathology decreasing role. The effectiveness of these treatments is depended on several factors including patients’ treatment attitudes, which is critical in their treatment acceptance and persistence. Regarding a valid instrument necessity in study of the patient’s attitudes, a survey was conducted to validate the Persian version of the questionnaire on attitudes toward methadone maintenance treatment.

Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study in 2015. The questionnaire was translated into the Persian language through an open translation procedure and was revised and modified by the related professionals. Seven hundred and fifty patients with substance use disorder filled out the questionnaires. The same questionnaire was filled out again by 100 out of the 750 participants. Data was statistically analyzed through SPSS16 based on statistical tests including Cronbach’s Alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient, and factor analysis correlation.

Results: The mean age of participants was 40.92+13.12 years old and 628 participants were male (83.7%). The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient for Methadone scale treatment of the addiction treatment attitudes in this study was 0.81 and The Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.75.

Conclusion: The Persian version of the 32-item questionnaire of the addiction treatment attitudes toward methadone maintenance treatment was found as an appropriate instrument for addiction treatment attitude study.