Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Most
women with MS are diagnosed during their reproductive ages. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the interaction between fertility, pregnancy, and MS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive–analytic study was conducted on 110
women suffering from MS with a history of pregnancy (between 2007 and 2017 years) in Isfahan,
Iran. Samples were selected in a census model. Women completed a researcher-constructed
questionnaire by telephone. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: demographic information, MS
and its symptoms and treatment, and reproductive system and the history of pregnancy associated
with MS. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using Chi-square, ANOVA, and t-test.
RESULTS: The mean age of women was 32.4 years. In this population, the average number of
pregnancies was 1.61, the number of deliveries was 1.35, the number of abortions was 0.24, the
history of ectopic pregnancy was 0.01, the number of alive children was 1.36, and the number of dead
children was 0.01. The average time of the last MS attack before the pregnancy was 21.36 months.
Fatigue (24.5%) was the most common symptom exacerbated during pregnancy. MS symptoms
improved in 55.0% of women in the second trimester.
CONCLUSIONS: MS had no effect on the pregnancy status, such as the number of abortions,
ectopic pregnancy, alive and dead children, and the duration of pregnancy. Symptoms of the disease
improved during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnancy has a protective role against MS.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Considering the high prevalence rate of congenital hypothyroidism CH in Iran, an
epidemiological study in each region would be helpful in understanding the etiology of the disorder
and providing preventative strategies in this field. This study aims to determine the prevalence of
CH in different cities of the Isfahan province.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive and retrospective study was conducted among 918
primarily diagnosed CH neonates, who have been identified through the neonatal screening program
from 2009 to 2015. At the age of ≥3 years, treatment was discontinued for 4 weeks, and T4 and
thyroid‑stimulating hormone were measured. Permanent (PCH) or transient (TCH) was determined
from the results of the thyroid function tests.
RESULTS: From 389,101 screened neonates, 918 were diagnosed with primary CH. The overall
prevalence rate of CH was 2.36 in 1000 live birth (ranged 1.58–7.22 in 1000 live birth in different
cities). The highest prevalence rate of CH was reported in Ardestan, Khansar, Golpaygan, and Nain
cities with prevalence rate of 4.86–7.22 in 1000 live birth and lowest prevalence occurring in Fereydan,
Shahreza, Isfahan, and Mobarakeh cities with prevalence rate of 1.58–1.89 in 1000 live birth. In
392 cases which reached to 3 years of age, the rate of TCH was 47.45%. In Chadegan, Natanz,
Fereydunshahr, Shahinshahr, Najafabad, Dehaghan, Borkhar, and Mobarakeh, the prevalence of
PCH was <50%.
CONCLUSION: The current findings indicate that the incidence rate of both PCH and TCH are
high in Isfahan province with significant variability in different cities which could be due to the role
of different genetic, prenatal, and different environmental factors. These epidemiological data could
be used as baseline date to design more etiological studies.

Abstract Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the intake of
different food groups by pregnant mothers and neonatal low birth weight and premature
births. Materials and Methods: In this cohort, the target population was 225 pregnant women,
randomly selected from different geographical areas of the city of Isfahan, Iran (from April to
September, 2012). The main variables in the study were weight and gestational age of the
neonates and the type and amount of different food groups used by the mothers. All nutritional
variables were compared according to different groups of infants (normal, premature, and low
birth weight). In the multivariate analysis, multiple linear and logistic regression models were
used to identify those different food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) variables independently
associated with the newborn’s weight and gestational age, adjusted by maternal consumption
of calcium supplementation, folic acid, and omega‑3, during pregnancy. Results: A total
of 214 (47.7% boys) infants with complete information were included. They had a mean
gestational age of 38.72 ± 1.2 weeks. The mean birth weight was 3.11 ± 0.384 kg. The
percentages of premature and low birth weight (LBW) infants were 7 and 5%, respectively. At
multiple logistic regression controlling for potentially confounding factors that were significantly
associated with prematurity and LBW at univariate analysis (maternal consumption of calcium
supplementation, folic acid, and omega‑3, during pregnancy), type of nutritional groups
containing dairy products, proteins, fish, and shrimp group, as well as fruits and vegetables,
had a significant positive association with increasing the gestational age (P < 0.05). The group
that consumed proteins, fish, and shrimp, as well as fruits and vegetables had a significant
positive association with the newborn’s weight (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated
the importance of proper nutrition on reducing the rates of LBW and premature births.
Comprehensive educational programs at
individual and public levels are warranted in
this regard.