Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract Background: Nowadays, obesity is considered a worldwide problem. Although genetics is
one of the factors associated with obesity, its predisposing factors include nutritional and
environmental factors. Several studies have addressed the relationship between nutritional
factors and general and central adiposity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine
the relationship between the consumption of dairy products and prevalence of obesity and
central obesity in young female university students at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 236 healthy female
university students in the age range of 18 and 30 years who were selected randomly from
among the students at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A previously validated
semiquantitative food questionnaire was used to assess their entire dietary component intake.
Physical activity was evaluated by recording daily physical activities. Findings: The prevalence
of obesity, central adiposity, and excess weight was 1.7, 0.9, and 8.1%, respectively. The mean
values of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were 21.54 kg/m2
 and 70.37 cm,
respectively. Moreover, the mean value of dairy product consumption was 444.24 g/day. The
results showed no significant relationship between dairy or calcium intake and weight and waist
circumference as well as prevalence of obesity, central adiposity, and excess weight (P>0.05).
Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between the consumption of dairy products
and calcium intake and excess weight, obesity, and central adiposity among female university
students. However, this study is important in that the prevalence of obesity, central adiposity,
and excess weight along with the mean values of BMI and waist circumference are reported.

Abstract Introduction: This study was aimed to compare the effect of nutrition educational program
based on HBM with traditional education recommended weight gain among pregnant women
in Gonabad. Target population was pregnant women who were resided in Gonabad and went
to urban health care centers for prenatal cares. Materials and Methods: 110 pregnant women
(case group: 54, control group: 56) were selected who had come to this centers in the first
stage of prenatal care (6th -10th week of pregnancy) in 1388 and were consequently classified
in case and control group. There is no significant difference for age, education, number of
parity, history of abortion and job between case and control groups. Results: There was no
significant differences in nutritional behavior mean score before intervention in case (74.42
± 12.78) and control (77.14 ± 15.35) groups (P value = 0.82, independent t- test); but after
education, intervention was significant in nutritional behavior between two groups (P value =
0.01, independent t- test); Discussion: after intervention, there also was significant difference
in HBM structures mean score in case group compare with control group and the highest rise
in score was related to perceived benefits (15.13 increment).

Abstract Introduction: Workers in different jobs are exposed to noise, which can affect hearing loss and
sleep disturbance in the long term. Excessive noise exposure may lead to increased blood
pressure, reduced efficiency, and increased absenteeism. Materials and Methods: In this
case‑control study, 80 workers were studied in terms of noise exposure and blood pressure.
Noise exposure was measured by SEL 440 sound level meters according to ISO 1996 standard.
Blood pressure of the case and control groups was measured in workplace, under standard
circumstances, using ALPK2 mercury sphygmomanometer during physical examination. Data
were analyzed by t‑test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Mean level of noise was
95.21 ± 2.56 db, which was significantly higher than permitted limit of 85 db (ACGIH 2009) (P <
0.01). Diastolic blood pressure was normal in 28.8% and high in 50.1%, and between these in
21.1% of workers. Mean difference of systolic blood pressure in two studied groups (P < 0.01)
was meaningful. However, mean difference of diastolic blood pressure was not significant in two
studied groups (P > 0.05). There was a positive and weak relationship between noise and systolic
blood pressure (r = 0.28, P < 0.006). Conclusion: Prolonged exposure to industrial noise is related
with high blood pressure as a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is recommended
that training programs be held for workers, preventive measures for noise exposure at workplace
be taken, blood pressure of workers be attended to and special care be given to workers with a
history of hypertension.

Abstract Background: Animal bite is one of the problems of public health which has the potential risk of
rabies disease. This study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of animal bite in Aq
Qala city from 2000 to 2009. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross‑sectional study,
13142 cases of animal bites which were recorded in Rabies Treatment Center of Aq Qala City
were entered into the study by census method. The data were collected from the registered
office profile of people who had referred to this center. The obtained data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and
Chi‑square test. Findings: Of 13142 registered cases, 72.1% were men and 27.9% were
women. The mean age of the victims was 25.0 ± 17.8 years, most of whom (84%) lived in
villages. Also, most cases of animal bite were done by dogs, (97.8%) occurred in legs (69.6%).
Most of the victims were students (28.9%). The highest frequency of bites happened in spring
(28.8%). The incidence rate of animal bite was 1222/100,000 people. The highest and lowest
incidence rates were 1608/100 000 in 2004 and 1117/100,000 in 2009, respectively. There was
a significant relationship between season and the number of bites (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The
incidence of animal bite in Aq Qala city was higher than that in other studies in different parts
of the country. Considering the high cost of antirabies serum and vaccination, it is essential to
take necessary measures reduce the incidence of this problem.