Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Development and validation of structured training module for healthcare workers involved in managing pediatric patients during COVID‑19 pandemic using “Objective Structured Clinical Examination” (OSCE)

. Rachna Pasi; . Thirunavukkarasu Arun Babu; . Vinoth Kumar Kalidoss

Volume 13, Issue 1 , January 2023, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 (Coronavirus disease‑19) is an ongoing pandemic. COVID vaccineadministration in adults has provided some degree of protection from infection but children are ...  Read More BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 (Coronavirus disease‑19) is an ongoing pandemic. COVID vaccineadministration in adults has provided some degree of protection from infection but children are stillsusceptible So, we have to be prepared to handle COVID‑19 infection in children by training ourhealthcare workers by updating both their knowledge and skills. We developed a training module totrain our healthcare workers in all domains of learning and also planned related assessment methodsto know the effectiveness of the module.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a quasi‑experimental study with pre‑ and post‑interventionconducted at a tertiary‑level teaching medical college in southern India from July to September 2021.The training module was developed as per the “ADDIE” model of the development process module.It was further validated by five experts before implementation. In addition to the quasi‑experimentalmethod of evaluation like pre‑ and post‑test, Observed Skill clinical examination (OSCE) had beenalso used as an assessment tool at the completion of training. A total of 92 participants have beentrained as per this module in our tertiary‑level care hospital. The association between continuousand categorical variables was assessed using an independent t‑test and ANOVA, and paired t‑testwas used for comparing the difference between pre‑ and post‑test scores.RESULTS: Pre‑test scores had no association with years of experience (P = 0.803) and previoustraining status of participants (P = 0.350). The mean difference of pre‑ and post‑test scores was 3.8and it was statistically significant (P value < 0.001) A weak positive correlation between pre‑ andpost‑test was present by the Spearmen correlation test (r = 0.337). The correlation between post‑testscore and OSCE score does not have a significant correlation.CONCLUSION: Structured training module was effective in training the participants. Multimodeassessment method (Pre‑test, Post‑test, and OSCE) is an important step to evaluate any trainingprogram as compared to only the pre‑ and post‑test methods of evaluation.

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‘Eat Right, Future Bright: Nutrition Education Program’ (ERFB-NEP) module for aboriginal primary school children in Malaysia

. Nur A. Nordin; . Syasya N. Haris; . Syahrul B. A. Hamid

Volume 13, Issue 1 , January 2023, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Nutrition is essential for schoolchildren to reach their full potential psychologicallyand cognitively. Malnutrition, which is prevalent among aboriginal schoolchildren ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Nutrition is essential for schoolchildren to reach their full potential psychologicallyand cognitively. Malnutrition, which is prevalent among aboriginal schoolchildren in Malaysia,can interfere their learning and academic performance. Developing a module to be used during aschool‑based nutritional intervention program is essential to ensuring that students develop healthyeating habits and lifestyles. Thus, this study aims to develop and validate nutrition education modulefocusing on aboriginal schoolchildren for the eat right future bright (ERFB) nutrition education program.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in three steps: Step 1:development of module based on literature reviews, Step 2: content and face validation of the moduleby the expert panels, and Step 3: face validation of the module by target users. This study has usedthe validation form proposed by de Castro. This form consists of seven aspects, two aspects relatedto content validity and another four aspects related to face validity. A content validity index (CVI) wasused to analyze the content validity. Two formulas were used to calculate CVI, which were I‑CVI andS‑CVI. Meanwhile, the data for module’s face used the level of agreement.RESULTS: Both I‑CVI and S‑CVI obtained more than 0.78 and 0.80, respectively, which indicatethat the module has good content validity. Moreover, for face validity, the total of agreement fromexpert panels and target users was more than 75%, which is considered face validated.CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the module that has been developed has good content validity and canbe used by teachers in teaching appropriate nutrition knowledge to aboriginal primary schoolchildren.

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Investigating the relationship between attitudes toward fertility and childbearing and the value of children with attitudes toward fertility control in married women aged 15‑45 in Isfahan

. Shahnaz Kohan; . Mahboobe Gholami; . Fatemeh Shaghaghi; . Zahra Mohebbi-Dehnavi

Volume 12, Issue 11 , December 2022, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The family is one of the important social institutions and the function of childbearingis one of the important functions of the family. The decision to have children depends ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The family is one of the important social institutions and the function of childbearingis one of the important functions of the family. The decision to have children depends on theindividual’s attitude about the consequences of having another child and their perceived norms.Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between attitudes toward fertilityand childbearing and the value of children with attitudes toward fertility control in married womenaged 15 to 45 years in Isfahan.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross‑sectional correlational study that wasperformed on 500 married women with at least one child in health centers affiliated to IsfahanUniversity of Medical Sciences. Data collection tools in this study were standard questionnaires.The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22.RESULTS: The mean score of attitude toward fertility control was 40.43 ± 9.03. The area of securityin old age and the area of procrastination had the highest mean values of children and attitudestoward fertility and childbearing, respectively. Analysis of data by Spearman test showed that thereis a significant relationship between all dimensions of child value and attitudes toward fertility andchildbearing with attitudes toward fertility control (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: A positive attitude toward the child increases the likelihood of having children andbelieving in the negative impact of the child on freedom reduces the likelihood of having a desirefor fertility. Changing attitudes of societies toward childbearing and less desire to have childrenshould not be sought only in material, economic, or social reasons but also cultural factors shouldbe considered in this area.

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The effect of holding a workshop (group and face‑to‑face training method) on nutrition adjustment on anthropometric indices in children with chronic liver disease

. Zahra Namjou; . Seyed Ali Jafari; . Aramesh Rezaeian; . Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan; . Elham Shahraki Moghadam

Volume 12, Issue 10 , November 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Complications of chronic liver disease (CLD) in children play an important role in mortalityand disability. This disease is one of the health problems of the country and ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Complications of chronic liver disease (CLD) in children play an important role in mortalityand disability. This disease is one of the health problems of the country and due to its chronic and irreversibledisease, it needs care and treatment education programs. Therefore, this study was performed to determinethe effect of nutrition adjustment training program on anthropometric indices in children with CLD.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial study was performed on 75 children(45 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group) with CLD in the nutrition clinic of GhaemEducational‑Research Center in Mashhad. Children and caregivers with inclusion criteria enteredthe study after completing written consent. Anthropometric indices (abdominal circumference, bodywater level, body fat, height, weight, body mass index, arm circumference) were measured andrecorded in children at the beginning of the study. Children and their caregivers were randomlydivided into control and intervention groups. The intervention group underwent nutritional adjustment(calculation of energy and carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, vitamins and minerals, calculationand selection of diet) training (face to face) for 6 sessions (each session 90–120 min, three timesa week for 2 weeks). Twelve weeks after the start of the study, children in both intervention andcontrol groups were evaluated for anthropometric indices. The collected data were analyzed by SPSSsoftware version 16 and descriptive and analytical statistical tests (Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon).RESULTS: The results of Wilcoxon statistical test showed that children in the intervention group atthe end of the study compared to the beginning of the study had significant changes in scores aroundthe abdomen (P = 0.001), total body water (P = 0.009), total fat (0.001 > P), height (P = 0.001),weight (P < 0.001), body mass index (P < 0.001), arm circumference (P < 0.001). The mean scoresat the end of the study increased compared to the beginning of the study, but the mean scores ofthe studied indices in the control group did not change significantly.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that diet adjustment training program can be effectiveon anthropometric indices of children with CLD. For this purpose, the use of this educational methodis recommended to improve the anthropometric indices of these children.

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Effect of video games on preoperative anxiety in 3‑ to‑6‑year‑old of a sample of Iranian children undergoing elective surgery

. Elham Rostami; . Sedigheh Khanjari; . Hamid Haghani; . Houshang Amirian

Volume 12, Issue 4 , April 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: As pediatric surgeries are rising and current methods to reduce perioperative anxiety are lacking in preschool children. The purpose of this study was to determine ...  Read More BACKGROUND: As pediatric surgeries are rising and current methods to reduce perioperative anxiety are lacking in preschool children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of video games on preoperative anxiety in 3‑ to‑6‑year old of a sample of Iranian children undergoing elective surgery children.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current quasi‑experimental pretest posttest design, after standard translation, the modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale was administered to 102 children undergoing surgery from December 2016 to August 2017 in Kermanshah, Iran. Children are assigned to an intervention or control group. Each child’s anxiety was measured at two points at the time of arrival and after waiting for 20 min in the holding area. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 22. The Chi‑square, independent t‑test, and paired t‑test at the significance level of P < 0.05 were performed.RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the mean anxieties in control group (42.58 ± 18.54) and intervention group (46.11 ± 14.09) before the game (P = 0.282). However, after playing the video game in control groups (53.26 ± 18.00) and game groups (34.88 ± 10.81), there was a significant difference in favor of the video game (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study suggest that approved video game by experts to decrease mean preoperative anxiety in 3‑ to‑6‑year‑old children. Therefore, video games recommended to be implemented at the preventive level in hospital.

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Spiritual needs of mothers having children with cancer: A qualitative study

. Sherafat Akaberian; . Marzieh Momennasab; . Shahrzad Yektatalab; . Mitra Soltanian

Volume 11, Issue 11 , December 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Diagnosing cancer, as a life‑threatening event, in children and adolescents stopsthe normal course of life for all family members. Spirituality, which plays an essential ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Diagnosing cancer, as a life‑threatening event, in children and adolescents stopsthe normal course of life for all family members. Spirituality, which plays an essential role in copingwith illness and death, can increase resistance against psychological crises induced by cancerdiagnosis and treatment. This study aims to discover the spiritual needs of mothers having childrenwith cancer aged 1–12 years old.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, the conventional content analysis approachwas used. The research environment was three pediatric oncology wards of Amir Hospital in Shiraz,Iran. Data were collected from September 2019 to March 2020 through face‑to‑face semi‑structuredin‑depth interviews. Fifteen participants including 12 mothers and 3 nurses were interviewed throughpurposive method considering maximal variation. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, andsubjected to a qualitative analysis. Credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability ofdata were confirmed.RESULTS: The mean (± standard deviation) age of the mothers was 35.76 (±5.96) years old. Thespiritual needs of the mothers were classified into three categories, including religious well‑being,existential well‑being, and growth and excellence as well as seven subcategories. Religious well‑beingincluded subcategories of direct and indirect connection with God, existential well‑being includedsubcategories of need for hope, multifaceted support, and rethinking, growth, and excellence consistedof subcategories of devoting yourself and surrender.CONCLUSION: Mothers of children with cancer face important spiritual needs. Therefore, it isnecessary for the treatment team to identify these needs and use them to provide appropriatespiritual care.

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The effect of nutritional education program on micronutrient intake in children with chronic liver disease: A clinical trial

. Zahra Namjou; . Seyed Ali Jafari; . Aramesh Rezaeian; . Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan; . Samira Nasrfard

Volume 11, Issue 10 , November 2021, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in theworld that threatens the health of children due to its many complications such as malnutrition ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in theworld that threatens the health of children due to its many complications such as malnutrition andproblems related to growth and development. Paying attention to nutrition and lifestyle modificationin these children is of special importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effectof nutritional education program on micronutrient intake in children with CLD.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a two‑group randomized clinical trial that wasperformed by available sampling and referred to Ghaem Children’s Hospital in Mashhad in 2016. Inthis study, 77 children with CLD who met the inclusion criteria (45 children in the intervention group and32 children in the control group) were studied. The intervention included six workshops and training onproper diet, post‑workshop phone calls, and regular face‑to‑face counseling sessions (first 4 weeksonce a week and second 4 weeks once every 2 weeks) on adherence to the above diet. Patientsin the control group received routine care. The collection tools in the study included demographicinformation questionnaires, body composition device, and diet plan form in the form of 24‑h recallforms. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical tests and Mann–Whitney andWilcoxon statistical tests using SPSS software version 16.RESULTS: Based on the results of the study, the mean age of the research units was 7.8 ± 3.6 years.The mean duration of CLD was 4.6 ± 1.8 years in the intervention group and 5.1 ± 1.9 years in thecontrol group. The mean crude intake of most minerals after the intervention was significantly higherthan before the intervention, except for the crude intake of retinol, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, VitaminC, iodine, and Vitamin B12. Furthermore, in relation to the modified intake of micronutrients, themean modified intake of most micronutrients after the intervention showed a significant increasecompared to before, except for retinol, Vitamin D, niacin, B12, and iodine.CONCLUSION: Considering the effect of providing a nutritional education program to improvemicronutrient intake in children with CLD and emphasizing the importance of adequate micronutrientintake in improving the health of children, special nutrition programs should be provided to thesechildren with special attention. In this regard, nurses can play an important role in improving thequality of nutrition of children by providing nutrition programs with appropriate follow‑up.

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Effect of a self‑help educational program with peer group on anxiety of mothers of children with cancer: A clinical trial study

. Akram Gholamian; . Masoud Bahrami; . Mohammad Reza Sherbafchi; . Mahboobeh Namnabati

Volume 11, Issue 7 , August 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The mental health of the mothers of the children with cancer is strongly influencedby the child’s illness and treatment process. This study aimed to investigate the ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The mental health of the mothers of the children with cancer is strongly influencedby the child’s illness and treatment process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a self‑helpeducational program with peer group on anxiety of the mothers of the children with cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial study was conducted on 44 mothers of the childrenwith cancer in an educational Hospital of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Conveniencesampling method was performed on the eligible mothers, and using random allocation, they weredivided into two groups of the intervention (n = 22) and the control (n = 22). Both groups completedthe Hamilton Anxiety Questionnaire before and after the intervention. The intervention of the studywas a self‑help educational program with peer group that was performed in collaboration with themothers of the children with cancer, a psychiatrist, and cancer nurses in the hospital within 3 months.RESULTS: The results showed that 55% of the mothers of the intervention group had severe andvery severe anxiety before the intervention, but the intensity of their anxiety was reported to bemoderate after the intervention. The analysis of covariance with adjusted anxiety score in the twogroups showed that the mean score of anxiety in the intervention group decreased from 22.3 to 12.3after the intervention, showing a significant difference (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The program, designed to support the mothers and guide the specialists andpsychiatrists to counsel the mothers, can enhance their self‑help and reduce their anxiety level.

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The association of psychological well‑being and fertility intention in parents of children with intellectual disability: A foundation for reproductive education

. Sepideh Sheidanik; . Mitra Savabi‑Esfahani; . Amir Ghamarani; . Amir Erfani

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Childbearing is an important event in a couple’s life. The parents might have childrenwith disability that affected on their well‑being after the children’s ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Childbearing is an important event in a couple’s life. The parents might have childrenwith disability that affected on their well‑being after the children’s birth. Well‑being considered as animportant aspect of a couple’s quality of life which may alter the future of their fertility. The presentstudy was conducted to the association of psychological well‑being and fertility intention in parentswith educable intellectually disabled children.METHODS: The study was a cross‑sectional descriptive research conducted on parents of childrenwith intellectual disability (n = 386). Parents were selected randomly of schools of exceptionaleducation and welfare. The data were collected using Ryff’s scale of psychological well‑being,demographic information, and fertility intention questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptiveand analytical tests including independent t‑test, Chi‑square test, Mann–Whitney U‑test, and Logisticregression.RESULTS: The majority of parents (83.9%) reported the negative infertility intention. Despite the meanscore of well‑being in parents without fertility intention (75.71 ± 11.67) was lower than parents withfertility intention (76.90 ± 11.27), the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The logisticregression analysis indicated that the parents’ age and number of children with intellectual disabilitywere predictors of fertility intention (P < 0.05), and their increase decreased the fertility intention.CONCLUSION: It seems that the lack of difference in psychological well‑being scores between thetwo groups of parents might be due to the equal severity of disability in children. The results alsoindicated parents’ age and the number of children correlated with fertility intention. The findings canbe used to advance counseling programs in the field of healthy reproduction for this group of parents.

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The deficits of the Iranian educational system in teaching children with conduct disorders

. Sajad Sajadi; . Ghoncheh Raheb; . Masoumeh Maarefvand; . Khadijeh Abolmaali Alhosseini; . Abolfazl Ghasemi

Volume 10, Issue 9 , September 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: One of the serious issues in the field of children’s social and mental health globally,is conduct disorder. Concerning the special problems of these children, their ...  Read More BACKGROUND: One of the serious issues in the field of children’s social and mental health globally,is conduct disorder. Concerning the special problems of these children, their need for appropriateeducation seems vital. Thus, this study aimed to identify the educational deficiencies in the Iranianeducation system in terms of educating children with conduct disorder.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a qualitative content analysis study of the directed type.The population was in Tehran City, Iran. This research was performed on 23 individuals using atriangulation sampling technique and in‑depth interviewing. The study subjects were children withconduct disorder, their parents, teachers, and social workers, and psychology experts. The studyparticipants were selected using a purposive sampling method, and the tool used for data collectionwas a checklist of questions that has been approved by 4 experts. MAXQDA (version 12) softwarewas used for data analysis in this study.RESULTS: The obtained data suggested that the deficits of the educational system in Iran areclassified into four categories, including the lack of knowledge and skills of school staff, the lack ofnecessary workforce, the lack of appropriate hardware facilities, and the lack of coordination andcooperation between individuals and systems.CONCLUSION: Considering the present study results, to improve the educational status of childrenwith conduct disorder and reduce their problems, it is necessary to resolve the identified educationaldeficiencies as soon as possible by the government, policymakers, and educators.

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Family problems associated with conduct disorder perceived by patients, families and professionals

. Sajad Sajadi; . Ghoncheh Raheb; . Masoumeh Maarefvand; . Khadijeh Abolmaali Alhosseini

Volume 10, Issue 7 , July 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Conduct disorder is among the most serious and complex complications in schoolaged children. Considering severe problems in the families of children with conduct disorder, ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Conduct disorder is among the most serious and complex complications in schoolaged children. Considering severe problems in the families of children with conduct disorder, thisarticle aimed to investigate such problems in this group.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This qualitative research was conducted on 23 participants in Tehran,Iran. The study participants were selected by purposive sampling technique. Interviewees consistedof children with conduct disorder (8–12 years old), their parents, teachers, and relevant experts. Thisstudy is a qualitative research which is a content analysis. The research tools included a checklist ofquestions approved by experts. The content analysis method was used with the help of MAXQDAsoftware to analyze the obtained data.RESULTS: The findings comprised the studied families’ issues in five categories. These classesincluded the parents’ marital problems, helplessness, and inability of the family to improve conditions;inappropriate discipline approaches; the family’s lack of interest in the treatment; and the familymembers’ mental harms.CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to provide appropriate facilities and health-care centers for thefamilies to reduce the burden of their problems. In addition, a specialist and experienced work teamconsisting of at least a child psychiatrist, a child psychologist, and a social worker is necessary toserving these families.

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Effectiveness of a curriculum‑based educational intervention on oral health behavior and dental caries experience among Indian schoolchildren

. Vineetha Karuveettil; . S. Vijay Kumar; . Chandrashekar Janakiram; . Joe Joseph

Volume 10, Issue 4 , April 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The high incidence of dental diseases among Indian children can be attributed to lowawareness regarding the oral health maintenance. The school health curriculum in India ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The high incidence of dental diseases among Indian children can be attributed to lowawareness regarding the oral health maintenance. The school health curriculum in India is deficientof an oral health component, and there are no organized oral health programs for schoolchildrenexisting at present. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of an oralhealth curriculum in improving the oral health behavior and dental caries experience in schoolchildren.METHODS: A nonrandomized trial with pretest/posttest design was conducted among 600schoolchildren. Two intervention arms were designed with one group receiving health education from adental health professional and other from a school teacher. The oral health curriculum was customizedfor three sections of different age groups (lower primary [LP], upper primary [UP], high school [HS])and implemented for a period of 1 year. Oral health behaviors were recorded using a Knowledge,Attitude and Practice (KAP) questionnaire and were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year ofthe educational intervention. Dental caries experience was measured Pre and Post - interventionusing deft and decayed, missing, and filled teeth indices. Descriptive statistics were calculated forcontinuous data, and the change in KAP scores and dental caries experience was analyzed usingthe repeated measures of ANOVA, independent t‑tests, and paired t‑tests.RESULTS: There were significant improvements in KAP regarding oral health among Indianschoolchildren. Significant reductions in decayed primary teeth were observed in LP and UPschoolchildren post-intervention. However, there was no significant difference in primary outcomebetween the two intervention arms.CONCLUSIONS: A curriculum‑based health education intervention customized for different agegroups was found to be effective in improving oral health behavior and dental caries experienceamong Indian schoolchildren.

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A healthy behavior and socioeconomic inequality in school‑age children in the West of Iran

. Ali Kazemi Karyani; . Behzad Karami Matin; . Zhila Kazemi; . Shahin Soltani; . Mohammad Ebrahimi; . Satar Rezaei

Volume 10, Issue 3 , March 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sufficient physical activity (SPA) in children and adolescents has an important rolein health, growth, and development of persons. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Sufficient physical activity (SPA) in children and adolescents has an important rolein health, growth, and development of persons. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence ofand inequality in physical activity (PA) in 12–15‑year‑old students in the West of Iran, 2018.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional study, 1404 students from 14 schools ofKermanshah city were included. Data on demographic and socioeconomic status (SES) of studentsand their family, body mass index, moderate‑to‑vigorous PA of students were collected. Normalizedconcentration index (NC) and decomposition analysis applied to measure inequality in SPA and thecontribution of affecting factors, respectively.RESULTS: About 19% of the students had SPA. The proportion of SPA in boys was higher thangirls (38.98% vs. 9.84%). There was a significant deviation from equality line (NC = 0.31; 95%confidence interval [CI]: 0.23, 0.38) and NC for boys and girls were 0.15 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.25) and0.05  (95% CI: −0.07, 0.17). Sex of students and SES of households with 59.09% and 39.77%contribution to the measured inequality in SPA were the highest positive contributors. Householdsize (−2.60) had a negative contribution to inequality in SPA.CONCLUSION: There was a significant pro‑rich socioeconomic inequality in SPA and sex, and SESwere the main contributors to the inequality in PA. Some interventions are needed to improve PAamong children and adolescents with a focus on girls and low‑SES groups to narrow the existing gaps.

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Effects of an oral health program: Community‑based education among mothers of young children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods

. Zeliha Asli Öcek, Ece Eden; . Ummahan Yücel; . Meltem Çiçeklioglu

Volume 10, Issue 2 , February 2020, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: An oral health program for mothers starting from pregnancy in a disadvantageddistrict of İzmir was performed in 2013–2016. Dental behaviors and their determinants ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: An oral health program for mothers starting from pregnancy in a disadvantageddistrict of İzmir was performed in 2013–2016. Dental behaviors and their determinants amongintervention and control groups were compared in the third phase of the program.METHODS: This nonrandomized‑controlled study was conducted in Phase 3. The intervention groupbegan with 248 pregnant women; 69.4% (n = 172) of mothers with 6–9‑month‑old babies participatedin Phase 2, 2014. At Phase 3 (18–24 months), 68.6% (n = 118) of mothers in the intervention groupand 113 mothers living in another district as controls were included. Sociodemographic characteristics,determinants of behaviors, and outcomes defined as dental behaviors in the last week were assessedusing a questionnaire.RESULTS: Regarding knowledge, perceived severity, and fatalistic beliefs, the intervention grouphad higher correct answer percentages. The percentage of mothers who could clean their children’steeth before sleep was higher in the intervention group (76.3%; P < 0.05), but the difference waslost by a child’s resistance. The significant difference on avoiding bedtime nursing (65.3%) andsugary snacks (74.4%) in the intervention group disappeared with the obstacle of a child’s protestsor interference from relatives. In the intervention group, 32.2% of the mothers reported that theydid not give any sugary snacks, 43.2% had never fed during sleep, and 26.3% cleaned theirchildren’s teeth during the last week. The results in the control group were 24.8%, 18.6%, and 8.8%,respectively (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The program improved the mothers’ views regarding the determinants of dentalbehaviors, but greater support against obstacles was needed. Social environmental support is plannedfor the following stages of the program.

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The impact of poor glycemic control on lipid profile variables in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

. Neda Mostofizadeh; . Mahin Hashemipour; . Marjan Roostazadeh; . Elham Hashemi‑Dehkordi; . Armindokht Shahsanai; . Mohsen Reisi

Volume 9, Issue 1 , January 2019, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its related comorbidities are considered animportant health issue. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of glycemic control on lipid ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its related comorbidities are considered animportant health issue. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of glycemic control on lipid profilevariables in children with T1DM.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 274 children (≤19 years of age) with T1DM whohad referred to the outpatient clinics of endocrinology in Emam‑Hossein Hospital of Isfahan, Iran.Based on American Diabetes Association criteria, patients were divided into two groups includingoptimal glycemic control (OGC) and poor glycemic control (PGC). Mean lipid level and frequenciesof lipid profile abnormalities between the two studied groups were compared.RESULTS: Mean age of the studied population was 13 ± 5.9 years and 133 (48.5%) were boys. A totalof 162 (59.1%) and 112 (40.9%) patients had PGC and OGC, respectively. Hypercholesterolemia wasthe most common dyslipidemia in both groups (33 [29.1%] of OGC and 63 [39.1%] of PGC patients).The frequency of high low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) was significantly higher in patients with PGCthan those with OCG (P = 0.007). The frequencies of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia,and low levels of high‑density lipoprotein were also higher in PGC group, but did not reach thesignificant threshold.CONCLUSION: It is suggested that glycemic control is in association with lipid profile abnormalityin patients with T1DM. High LDL was significantly more frequent in patients with PGC than thosewith OGC. It is recommended to investigate the role of glycemic control on other cardiometabolicrisk factors of T1DM patients. Our findings could be used for planning preventative strategies forreducing T1DM‑related cardiovascular disease.

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Association of childhood croup and increased incidence of airway hyperreactivity in adulthood

. Mohammadreza Modaresi; . Ali Pourvali; . Gholamreza Azizi; . Reza Rezaee Taher; . Tina Alinia; . Mohsen Reisi

Volume 8, Issue 8 , August 2018, , Pages 1-4

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Some evidence suggests that childhood croup could be associated with increasedincidence of adulthood bronchial reactivity, but its significance is uncertain. The aim of ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Some evidence suggests that childhood croup could be associated with increasedincidence of adulthood bronchial reactivity, but its significance is uncertain. The aim of the presentstudy was to evaluate the long‑term outcome of early life croup.PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case–control study was conducted in 2010–2012 in Isfahan,Iran. The case group consisted of 164 adolescents with a history of severe croup in early life and anequal number of healthy controls without any history of croup or other chronic or recurrent respiratorydiseases. The two groups were compared according to pulmonary function tests and bronchialreactivity (exercise challenge test). Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS softwarepackage, version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). P < 0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: Baseline spirometric values (forced expiratory volume in 1st s (FEV1), forced volumecapacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and forced expiratory flow at 25%–75% (FEF25–75) were similar in caseand control groups. A reduction in FEV1 and FEF25–75 after exercise challenge test was seen in9% and 12.8% of patients, respectively, whereas this was reduced in only 4.2% and 6.1% of thecontrols (P = 0.034 and P = 0.021, respectively).CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that childhood croup might be a predisposing factor for bronchialhyperreactivity in adulthood. Longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm the clinical significanceof these findings.

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The effect of an eye health promotion program on the health protective behaviors of primary school students

. Nukhet Kirag; . Ayla Bayik Temel

Volume 8, Issue 3 , March 2018, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Undiagnosed and uncorrected refractive errors in childhood can negatively affectthe development of vision and cause students to have low academic success and even quit ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Undiagnosed and uncorrected refractive errors in childhood can negatively affectthe development of vision and cause students to have low academic success and even quit schoolbefore graduation. This study aims to determine the effects of an eye health promotion program onthe health protective behaviors of primary school students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study using a pretest‑posttest design with a controlgroup was conducted in three public primary schools in Aydın, a city in the Western Anatolia Regionof Turkey, between April and November 2014. The eye health promotion program was provided by theresearchers to the experimental Group 2 days in 4 weeks. The data were analyzed using the t‑test,Chi‑square analysis, the Mann–Whitney U‑test, the Wilcoxon signed‑rank test, and the McNemar test.RESULTS: The average age of the students was identified as 9.0 ± 3.64 years. The studentswearing glasses all in the experimental group and 53.3% in the control group were found to alwayswear their glasses after the education program was completed (P < 0.05). These students, 97.9%in the experimental group and 58.1% in the control group underwent eye examinations from anophthalmologist (P < 0.05). The eye health protective behaviors of the experimental group werefound to have positively changed in the final follow‑up, compared to the control group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The eye health promotion program was found to be effective in improving eye healthprotective behaviors within the experimental group.

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Comparison of the effects of storytelling and creative drama methods on children’s awareness about personal hygiene

. Mohammad Reza Soleymani; . Soheila Hemmati; . Hassan Ashrafi‑Rizi; . Leila Shahrzadi

Volume 7, Issue 5 , September and October 2017, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Maintaining and improving the health situation of childrenrequires them to become more aware about personal hygiene through proper education. Based onseveral ...  Read More BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Maintaining and improving the health situation of childrenrequires them to become more aware about personal hygiene through proper education. Based onseveral studies, teachings provided through informal methods are fully understandable for children.Therefore, the goal of this study is to compare the effects of creative drama and storytelling educationmethods on increasing the awareness of children regarding personal hygiene.METHODS: This is an applied study conducted using semiempirical method in two groups. Thestudy population consisted of 85 children participating in 4th center for Institute for the IntellectualDevelopment of Children and Young Adults in Isfahan, 40 of which were randomly selected andplaced in storytelling and creative drama groups with 20 members each. The data gathering toolwas a questionnaire created by the researchers whose content validity was confirmed by healtheducation experts. The gathered information were analyzed using both descriptive (average andstandard deviation) and analytical (independent t‑test and paired t‑test) statistical methods.RESULTS: The findings showed that there was a meaningful difference between the awareness scoreof both groups before and after intervention. The average awareness score of storytelling group wasincreased from 50.69 to 86.83 while the average score of creative drama group was increased from57.37 to 85.09. Furthermore, according to paired t‑test results, there was no significant differencebetween average scores of storytelling and creative drama groups.CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study showed that although both storytelling and creativedrama methods are effective in increasing the awareness of children regarding personal hygiene,there is no significant difference between the two methods.

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Nurses’ experiences from pain management in children in Iranian culture: A phenomenology study

. Parvaneh Abazari; . Mahboobeh Namnabati

Volume 7, Issue 4 , July and August 2017, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Management pain in hospitalized children is challenging for the health-careprofessionals. Nurses have the most interactions with children who need to assess and manage fortheir ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Management pain in hospitalized children is challenging for the health-careprofessionals. Nurses have the most interactions with children who need to assess and manage fortheir pain. Therefore, the aim was to describe nurses’ experiences from pain management amonghospitalized children from Iranian culture in this study.METHODS: A phenomenological study was conducted in which 23 nurses working in an educationalhospital in Isfahan–Iran. The nurses participated in interviews based on a purposeful sampling method.RESULTS: Participants’ experiences were categorized into three major themes and twelve subthemesincluding the nurses’ ability of detection of the pain nature, reaction to pain management and beliefin pain relief.CONCLUSIONS: The research showed that the nurses have valuable experiences in painmanagement in their workplaces. Their descriptions were based on the use of three domains thatconsist of knowledge, belief, and practice. Therefore, it is vital to focus on the subject of pain innursing curriculum and guidelines in hospitals. A more extensive research is needed to demonstrateperceived barriers to pain management.

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Cystic fibrosis prevalence among a group of high‑risk children in the main referral children hospital in Iran

. Mohammad Reza Modaresi; . Jamal Faghinia; . Mohsen Reisi; . Majid Keivanfar; . Shiva Navaie; . Javad Seyyedi; . Faride Baharzade

Volume 7, Issue 3 , May and June 2017, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Knowledge about cystic fibrosis (CF) in Iran is very limited. The objective of thisstudy was to determine the prevalence of CF among a group of high‑risk children with ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Knowledge about cystic fibrosis (CF) in Iran is very limited. The objective of thisstudy was to determine the prevalence of CF among a group of high‑risk children with suggestiveclinical features in the main referral hospital in Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study children consisted of 505 patients who had presented withone or more of the following symptoms: chronic or recurrent respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinalsymptoms as rectal prolapse, steatorrhea, hepatobiliary disease as prolonged jaundice, failure tothrive, hyperglycemia and glycosuria, hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, hypoprothrombinemia,anemia or edema, and positive family history of CF. Patients were screened using pilocarpineiontophoresis to collect sweat and chemical analysis of its chloride content with classic Gibson andCooke technique.RESULTS: Of 505 patients, 89 (17.6%) had positive sweat chloride screening test. Five (1%)patients had required cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductive regulator protein mutation analysisto confirm CF.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that in Iran, CF is more common than what previouslyanticipated. Larger studies are warranted to identify the incidence, molecular basis, and clinicalpattern of CF in the Iranian population.

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Investigating the mental health and coping strategies of parents with major thalassemic children in Bandar Abbas

. Sakineh Dadipoor; . Hamid Haghighi; . Abdoulhhossain Madani; . Amin Ghanbarnejad; . Fatemeh Shojaei; . Aliakbar Hesam; . Ali Safari Moradabadi

Volume 5, Issue 4 , August 2015, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Introduction: Major thalassemia is a hereditary, chronic blood disease caused by the synthesisdeficiency of one or more polypeptide chains of globin during childhood. This leads to ...  Read More Introduction: Major thalassemia is a hereditary, chronic blood disease caused by the synthesisdeficiency of one or more polypeptide chains of globin during childhood. This leads to the rise ofblood pressure and family tensions. Therefore, the coping strategies of the family could seriouslyaffect and facilitate the thalassemic child’s healthy growth. The present research sought to investigatethe mental health and coping strategies of families with major thalassemic children in Bandar Abbasin 2013. Materials and Methods: This study is of a descriptive‑analytical and cross‑sectionaltype. Research population consisted of 140 parents of major thalassemic children who visitedShahid Mohammadi Hospital of Bandar Abbas. The instruments used were the 12‑item GeneralHealth Questionnaire of Goldberg and Williams along with the coping strategies questionnaire.Nonprobabilistic, convenient sampling method was used. To analyze the data, Spearman’scorrelation coefficient, Chi‑square and descriptive statistical tests were used. The significancelevel was set at P < 0.05. Results: Data analysis showed that parents’ mental health (32 ± 4.25)along with their coping strategy scores (45 ± 7.50) was about the average. The most prevalentcoping strategies among the parents were represented as: “I trust in God in order to get my problemssolved” (87%), “to get mentally and spiritually relieved, I would visit mosques and holy shrines” (53%),and “to overcome problems, I make harder attempts” (50.7%). A significant correlation was foundbetween the parents’ coping strategies and general health (P < 0.001). A significant correlationwas also observed between mother’s educational level (P = 0.044), age (P = 0.022) and generalhealth. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results of this research, it is categorical forthe ministry of health and medical education and those in charge to pay special and adequateattention to the social, spiritual, and mental health of these children and their families.

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Risk factors of low birth weight and effect of them on growth pattern of children up to sixth months of life: A cross‑sectional study

. Mohammad Hossein Baghianimoghadam; . Behnam Baghianimoghadam; . Nahid Ardian; . Elham Alizadeh

Volume 5, Issue 3 , May 2015, , Pages 1-4

Abstract

  Introduction: Children are more risk‑prone group of the population and low birthweight (LBW) is the leading cause of newborns’ mortality and morbidity. LBW is definedas child’s ...  Read More Introduction: Children are more risk‑prone group of the population and low birthweight (LBW) is the leading cause of newborns’ mortality and morbidity. LBW is definedas child’s birth weight lower than 2500 g. Many maternal and fetal factors are determinedas risk factors of LBW. This study tries to detect related factors to LBW and effect of themon children’s growth pattern up to sixth month of life in Health centers of Urmia city, Iran.Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional study was carried out in Urmia city usingregistered data from mothers` documents. All related data such age and weight of infants,mothers’ age, gestational age (GA) at the time of delivery, time gap between two pregnancies,past history of abortion, prenatal care history, systemic and underlying diseases, hemoglobinof mothers during pregnancy, and pattern of infant’s growth up to sixth month of age wereregistered in a questionnaire. All registered data were transferred to SPSS 15 software andanalyzed. Results: Mean ± SD of birth weight was 3071 ± 625.66 g. There was a significantrelationship between birth weight and mother’s age (P < 0.001) and weight (P < 0.001).Children of mothers younger than 18 years had much birth weights. There was asignificant relationship between birth weight and GA during delivery (P < 0.001). Childrenof preterm labor had lower birth weights. In twins, LBW was more prevalent (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Our results show that LBW is related to multiple causes and that most ofthem are preventable with educational programs and also strict and regular prenatal care.Decreasing incidence of LBW children can be achieved by cooperation between differentparts of health and clinical systems.

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Comparison of anxiety prevalence among based and offshore National Iranian Drilling Company staff’s children in Ahvaz, 2013

. Ali Zargham-Boroujeni; . Zohre Shahba; . Heidarali Abedi

Volume 5, Issue 3 , May 2015, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: Anxiety is one of the most common psychological issues among all age groupsincluding children. The main role of parents has been known to support their children. Being faraway ...  Read More Background: Anxiety is one of the most common psychological issues among all age groupsincluding children. The main role of parents has been known to support their children. Being faraway from a source of support has been shown to be a potential trigger for childhood anxiety.Periodical jobs, including offshore work, are among the main reasons for absence of one ofthe parents. Therefore, this study aims to assess anxiety in children of National Iranian DrillingCompany offshore staff. Materials and Methods: In this historical cohort study, 160 studentsincluding 80 boys and 80 girls were selected through convenient random sampling from theschools of National Iranian Drilling Company. Data were collected using Revised Children’sManifest Anxiety Inventory (by Reynolds and Richmond), consisting 37 items and a demographicquestionnaire. The collected data were statistically analyzed by t-test and logistic regressiontests through SPSS software. Results: The mean anxiety score was 12.80 among offshore staff’schildren and 11.67 among the children of the based staff. The ratio of manifest anxiety amongthe offshore workers’ children was significantly more than the based ones’. Conclusions: Basedon the findings, offshore fathers’ job affects the anxiety of the children.

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Watching television by kids: How much and why?

. Mohammad Ali Morowatisharifabad; . Masoud Karimi; . Fatemeh Ghorbanzadeh

Volume 5, Issue 3 , May 2015, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Television (TV) viewing by children may be linked to a range of adverse healthand behavioral outcomes. This study was aimed at examining the relationship betweensocioeconomic ...  Read More Introduction: Television (TV) viewing by children may be linked to a range of adverse healthand behavioral outcomes. This study was aimed at examining the relationship betweensocioeconomic factors of families and TV watching behavior among 3–5 years old childrenin Ardakan, Yazd, Iran. Materials and Methods: In the cross‑sectional study, mothers of 188children (93 boys and 95 girls) between 3 and 5 years old completed a researcher‑designedquestionnaire. Data were analyzed by using SPSS, using bivariate correlations and t‑test forindependent samples. Results: The mean of TV viewing was 2.68 ± 1.6 h daily, ranging from0 to 9 h. There were no statistically significant gender differences on the basis of daily TVwatching. There were positive associations between the children’s daily TV watching and ageas well as children’s daily TV watching and their mothers’ time spent on watching TV. Childrenwho lived in houses with the yard and could use it as a playground watched less TV than didthe children who lived in houses without the yard. Conclusion: The results suggest that healthcare professionals should be aware of the association between different socioeconomic statusaspects of families, such as the children’s and mothers’ time spent on watching TV and havinga yard in the house in an attempt to develop effective strategies and interventions to preventexcess TV watching.

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Evaluation of growth and development pattern in normal, low and very low birth weight neonates at 18 months of age

. Zahra Abdeyazdan; . Soheila Ehsanpour; . Elahe Hemmati

Volume 4, Issue 4 , August 2014, , Pages 1-4

Abstract

  Introduction: Growth and development monitoring could lead to general judgment aboutchildren’s health. With advances in NICUs establishment, the survival rate of very low birthweight ...  Read More Introduction: Growth and development monitoring could lead to general judgment aboutchildren’s health. With advances in NICUs establishment, the survival rate of very low birthweight (VLBW) neonates has increased in many countries including Iran. Because of the lack ofstudies about growth and development pattern of low birth weight (LBW) and VLBW neonatesin Iran, the present study aimed to compare growth and development of normal, low and verylow birth weight neonates at 18 months of age. Materials and Methods: In a cross‑ sectionaldescriptive study, 214 children with age 18 months were enrolled (90 LBW, 90 LBW and34 VLBW) and their growth and development were assessed. Data gathering tool was aresearcher made questionnaire including anthropometrics measures and developmental keypoints. Data analyzed by descriptive (mean and SD) and inferential (ANOVA) tests using SPSSversion 15. Results: There were significant differences in the mean of anthropometric indexesbetween three groups. Majority of subjects in three groups had normal weight growth trend.Mean scores of gross motor and fine motor development indexes had significant association withbirth weight. Meanwhile, there was no significant association between mean scores of social/cognitive and also language developmental aspects and birth weight. Conclusion: Findingsrevealed that in LBW and VLBW children, growth indexes at the age of 18 months are so farfrom those of NBW neonates. Further nationwide prospective studies, with a longer period oftime is needed to estimate when Iranian LBW children reach at the levels of NBW ones.

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