Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract Purpose: This study has been conducted to identify the roles of self-efficacy, benefits of and
barriers to physical activity, and its relationship with physical activity in male and female high
school students in the city of Izeh, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive
analytical study, 500 students (200 boys and 300 girls) from high schools of Izeh city during the
period 2011-2012 were chosen using the multistage random sampling method. The data for this
study was acquired through a multisectional questionnaire that included sections as follows:
Demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, and perceived benefits and barriers. The gathered
data was then studied and analyzed. Statistical tests such as independent t-tests, Spearman’s
correlation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression were used to interpret and
analyze the data. Results: Data analysis showed that the mean age of male participants was
15.67 ± 0.95 years and females 15.86 ± 1.16 years. The average weekly time of physical activity
in male students was 424.74 ± 158.48 min and in females 186.63 ± 90.59 min. The mean scores
for self-efficacy and perceived benefits of physical activity were significantly higher in boys as
compared to girls. There was a positive and significant correlation between the mean scores for
perceived self-efficacy and the weekly time in male students spent on physical activity as well as the
mean scores for perceived benefits and the weekly time spent on physical activity in both genders.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that many factors influence students’ physical
activity; however, the role of these factors is not identical in the two genders. An understanding
of these factors helps educationalists and other health experts design appropriate interventions.

Abstract Introduction: Marriage is known as the most important incident in everyone’s life after birth. The
most important purpose of marriage is achieving a life followed with love and affection beside
the spouse and providing mental comfort and general health. The aim of the present study is
to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence health and marital satisfaction
among married people. Materials and Methods: The research method is descriptive- analytic
and its design is comparative, done on 226 people including 114 persons (50 women and
64 men) having marital conflicts, and 112 people (58 women and 54 men) having marital
satisfaction, by cluster random sampling from 13 districts of the city of Isfahan. Bar-on (with
90 questions) and Enrich marital satisfaction (115 questions) questionnaires were used
for collecting the required information. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics
including independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analysis, using
SPSS software version 19. Results: The results from the research showed that the scores of
emotional intelligence in married people group having marriage conflicts who had referred to
the administration of justice was 57.3 ± 13.2, and the random sample from the married people
in the city of Isfahan as the comparing group had the score of 67.2 ± 9.5, and the difference of
the average scores for the emotional intelligence for the two groups was significant (P < 0.001).
The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant and positive relation between
emotional intelligence and marital satisfaction (P < 0.001, r = 0.529). The results of linear
regression also showed that the general emotional intelligence predicts the quality of marital
satisfaction. The emotion of the predicting line of the marital satisfaction score (y) is in the form
of: y = 14.8 + 0.656x, by using the emotional intelligence score (x). Conclusion: Regarding
the close relations between emotional intelligence and marital satisfaction, education centers
such as universities, organizations and family clinics could use this variable in micro- and
macro-social plans for improving the quality of the married people relations and promoting
health of the families and the society.

Abstract Introduction: The goal of this study was to determine the association between constructs of
the Health Belief Model (HBM) (i.e., perceived susceptibility to health-related problems due to
smoking, perceived barriers to non-smoking, perceived benefits of non-smoking, perceived
self-efficacy to non-smoking, and cues to action of non-smoking) and cigarette smoking
among male pre-college students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 382
pre-college students was conducted in Isfahan, in 2010. The method of sampling was systematic
randomized and students were selected from eight schools. The instrument was developed by
the researchers based on the Health Belief Model. Statistical analyses were carried out using
SPSS.V.18, Chi-square, and independent t-tests. Results: The mean age of the students was
17.72 ± 0.62 years. Overall 7.2% of the subjects reported having smoked in the past 30 days
and 32.7% % of the samples reported ever having smoked in their life time. Results of the t-test
showed that there were significant differences in knowledge, perceived susceptibility (P =0.03),
benefits (t (246) = −2.51, P =0.01), self-efficacy (P < 0.001), and cues to action (P = 0.007),
between smokers and non-smokers Conclusion: These results suggested that the constructs of
HBM can be incorporated when examining the predictors of cigarette smoking and developing
smoking prevention programs among pre-college students. Furthermore, with a better
understanding of the factors affecting this complex behavior (cigarette smoking), it can be a
useful step to reduce the rate of death, costs, and also improve the community health outcomes.

Abstract Introduction: The prevalence of breast cancer among women in compare to other types of
cancers in all over the world and in Iran is high. Mastectomy surgery is one of the common
treatments for these patients. Another method, which is less invasive, is Lumpectomy. This
study comprised the satisfaction of patients under two types of surgery; Mastectomy and
Lumpectomy. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, two types of patients which
had either, Mastectomy or Lumpectomy, were studied. Results: From 119 patients which studied
here, 80 patients (66.7%) were treated by mastectomy and 39 patients (32.5%) were treated
under lumpectomy. Two groups had not significant differences in duration between diagnostic
and surgery, the number of lymph nodes involved and the number of lymph nodes removed.
Lumpectomy patients had higher pain and numbness in 24 h, 1 week after surgery and at the time
of study than the other group. The observed difference was significant (P = 0.043). Discussion:
It is implied in previous studies that patients under lumpectomy had more satisfaction than
patients under mastectomy. However, no differences were observed in quality-of-life between
the two groups in some other studies. The differences between various studies might be for the
sake of cultural variety and time interval between surgery and filling questionnaire.

Abstract Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a collection of metabolic disorders, which can increase the
mortality rates from 20% to 80%. One of strategies to control the disease is the attention to the
dietary habits. Compliance with proper diet is one of the major challenges in the management
of this syndrome. Due to this fact, that the patient is responsible for the adjustment of the
daily diet, it is important to identify the factors affecting the adoption of nutritional self-care.
Besides, self-efficacy is considered as an important pre-requisite for this behavior because it
acts as an independent part of the basic skills. This study was carried out with the purpose of
determining the predictive role of perceived self-efficacy on macronutrients intake in women
with metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study with correlational
nature in 2012, there were 329 patients with the metabolic syndrome. The patients were covered
by Isfahan oil industry medical centers and selected by a systematic method. In order to gather
information on perceived self-efficacy, the questionnaires constructed by the researchers were
used and the validity and reliability had been confirmed by the calculation of content validity
indexand content validity ratio values and the indices of internal consistency and stability of the
tool. The 24-h dietary recall questionnaire was also used for 3 days in order to investigate the
nutritional behavior. The obtained data from the dietary recall questionnaire were analyzed by
the N4 nutritional software. In this study, AMOS software version 16 was used for the structural
model fitting by using the generalized least squares method besides the SPSS statistical
software version 16. Results: These averages obtained from the results: 2512.37 kcal energy
intake, 70.95 g protein, 420 g carbohydrates and 61.61 g of fat per day. The mean of perceived
self-efficacy score was 47.89. The Pearson correlation coefficient was indicated a significant
inverse relationship between the perceived self-efficacy and intake of macronutrients in the
metabolic syndrome. The most direct effect of the coefficient of perceived self-efficacy was
observed on fat and carbohydrate intake (P < 0.05 and β = −0.592) and (P < 0.05 and β =
−0.395). Conclusions: The amount of energy,
carbohydrate, fat and protein were more than
the recommended dietary allowances levels
and the amount of self-efficacy was moderate.
The present study showed that perceived
self-efficacy provided a useful framework to
understand and predict adherence to dietary
self-care behaviors in patients with metabolic
syndrome.

Abstract Introduction: Due to the impacts of spirituality and its dimensions on psychological structures in the
workplace and their ability to influence organizational performances have received a great attention
in recent years. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between dimensions of spirituality
with mental health and hope for future. Materials and Methods: This is a correlational study with
a statistical population, including public Hospital’s personnel of Shiraz done in autumn 1389. To
collect the research data, three different types of questionnaires were used: (1) Hope for the future
(4 items), (2) mental health (12 items), and (3) components of religiosity/spirituality at (31 items and
based on 5 components). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and Hierarchical regression
analysis. Findings: Research findings show that there are significant correlations between existential
well-being and hope for the future, motivation, devotion and coping and hope for the future, and
mental health and hope for the future. Furthermore, all components of religiosity/spirituality have
had significant correlations with mental health. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that in the
first step motivation, devotion and coping with a variance of 5%, in the second step motivation,
devotion and coping with mental health with a variance of 6.4%, in the third step motivation, devotion
and coping with mental health and existential well-being with a variance of 9.1% and in the fourth
step, the combining of motivation, devotion and coping and existential well-being with a variance
of 8.9% with hope for the future have meaningful multiple relationships. Conclusion: Findings
indicated that motivation, devotion and coping with existential well-being, respectively, were the
most important dimensions of religiosity-spirituality that together with mental health affect hope for
future. It is necessary that the dimension of motivation, devotion and coping, existential well-being
and personnel mental health should be strengthened to increase the staff’s hope for future.

Abstract Background: World Health Organization findings shows that up to year 2020 the number
of fatality due to driving accidents will increases up to 65%, which is 80% is in developing
countries. Iran has one of the highest rates of road traffic accident mortality rate in the world.
Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out in the center and west of
Iran upon 540 ordinary and taxi drivers who were driving regularly from bus terminals and the
travel agencies to other cities. Data collection tool is a questionnaire that measuring driving
risk taking by two items of risky driving behaviors and risk taking attitudes. Findings: The
results of this study showed that the averages of risk driving behaviors scores were higher
than the average of risk taking attitudes scores. The results of logistic regression test showed
that the risky driving behaviors can be a predictor of driving accidents due to individuals’ risk
taking (P = 0.014). Among all these variables, attitude toward rule violations and speeding,
aggressive driving and violation of the road laws respectively are important predictive of drivers’
risk taking (P < 0.0010). Discussion and Conclusion: Although attitude toward risk taking
has been located at a low level by different ways, a desired result was not obtained from the
reduction of those high risky behaviors; in fact, high-rate of accidents and traffic incidence in
Iran indicates this matter well.

Abstract Introduction: Work-related stress is one of the basic problems in industrial also top
10 work-related health problems and it is increasingly implicated in the development a number
of problems such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal diseases, early retirement to
employees. On the other hand, early retirement to employees from the workplace has increased
on the problems of today’s industries. Hereof, improving work ability is one of the most effective
ways to enhance the ability and preventing disability and early retirement. The aim of This
study is determine the relationship between job stress score and work ability index (WAI)
at the refinery workers. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which
171 workers from a refinery in isfahan in 2012 who were working in different occupational groups
participated. Based on appropriate assignment sampling, 33 office workers, 69 operational
workers, and 69 maintenance workers, respectively, were invited to participate in this study. Two
questionnaires including work related-stress and WAI were filled in. Finally, the information was
analyzed using the SPSS-20 and statistic tests namely, analysis of covariance Kruskal-Wallis
test. Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA and t-test. Results: Data analysis revealed that 86%
and 14% of participants had moderate and severe stress respectively. Average score of stress
and standard deviation was 158.7 ± 17.3 that was in extreme stress range. Average score
and standard deviation of WAI questionnaire were 37.18 and 3.86 respectively. That placed in
a good range. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that WAI score had significant reversed
relationship with a score of stress. Conclusion: According to the results, mean stress score
among refinery worker was high and one fator that affect work abiity was high stress, hence
training on communication skills and safe working environment in order to decreses stress,
enhance the work ability of workers.

Abstract Context: Addiction, as a social problem, is a phenomenon that causes structural changes in
cultural, social, political, and economic system in society. Prevention of this problem means
decrease of risk factors and increase of protective factors; and recognition of these factors is
possible with the help of update, accurate, and complete information in information systems.
Aims: The aim of this study was to compare substance dependence treatment information
system (SDTIS) in America, England, and Iran. Materials and Methods: This research was an
applied and comparison-descriptive study, in which SDTIS was compared in America, England,
and Iran. These countries were chosen based on available information on the Internet and also
on the development of these countries in the health information management field. Information
resources included library resources, electronic resources, and expert people (Health Information
Management, Medical Records Education, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Medical Informatics).
The data collection tool was the data raw form, whose reliability was proved by expert people.
Statistical Analysis Used: Findings were analyzed by theory and descriptive method. Results:
America and England had the SDTIS. Their systems had special characteristics such as goals,
scope, special method for collecting, processing, reporting, quality and validity control, and
confidentiality principles. However, there was no such system in Iran and the present situation in
Iran has many differences with similar situations in the studied countries. Conclusion: Presence
of an information system in the substance dependence treatment field helps to prevent, control,
and treat addicted people. Hence, we try to submit a suitable model for implementing this system.

Abstract Background: Infection control is an essential part of caring for hospitalized infants. With
regard to the change of bacterial resistance over time and places, as well as the need for
periodic studies on the effectiveness of antiseptics, this study aims to compare the effects of
both solutions of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine on skin bacterial flora among hospitalized
infants. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial recruited 98 hospitalized infants and each of
the above-mentioned solutions has been applied to a small area in the left or right side of the
infants’ bodies. Skin cultures were taken before, immediately after and 2 h after the randomly
chosen infants’ skin areas that were disinfected by each solution (588 skin cultures in total).
Colony count and determination of microorganism types were done by only one person in a
single laboratory. The study has been conducted in two teaching hospitals in Isfahan, Iran.
Results: Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common microorganism prior to skin
disinfection by either solution. Two hours after disinfection, “Staphylococcus epidermidis” and
“Staphylococcus epidermidis and kelebsila” had the highest frequencies of 3.1% and 3.1%,
respectively. Before and 2 h after disinfection, distribution of different types of microorganisms
had no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.84 and 0.13, respectively); however,
the difference was significant immediately after disinfection, P < 0.01. Conclusion: The present
study demonstrated that 10% povidone-iodine solution has more significant effect on reduction
of skin pathogens promptly after application compared to 2% chlorhexidine. Therefore, prior
to any catheterization procedures, it is imperative to use 10% povidone-iodine solutions for
skin disinfection.

Abstract Background: Some studies have shown that increased rate of iron stores even in a normal
range may increase cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in some individuals. Lipid disorders are
also the risk factors for CVDs. Therefore, the question is whether or not iron store is correlated
with lipid profile, this study evaluates the association between dietary iron, iron stores and serum
lipid profiles. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 82 healthy
university students and university staff females in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences who
were in reproductive age and announced their readiness to participate in the study. Serum
ferritin concentration, components of lipid profile, blood glucose, and insulin were measured in
all the subjects. Dietary intake was assessed by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.
Data analysis was done through SPSS software, version 18. Results: Pearson correlation
test showed a positive and significant correlation between serum ferritin concentration levels
with triglyceride (r = 0.278; P = 0.006), total cholesterol (r = 0.267; P = 0.008), and blood
glucose (r = 0.275; P = 0.006); however, the correlation between serum ferritin, high-density
lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and insulin was not significant.
After adjustment of confounding factors, only the significant correlation occurred for blood
glucose (P = 0.016). Before and after adjustment of confounding factors, there was no
significant correlation between hemoglobin and hematocrit with concentration of lipid profile
components, glucose and insulin. Before and after adjustment of confounding factors, there
was no significant correlation between total amount of iron, heme iron, and non-heme dietary
iron with concentration of lipid profile components, glucose and insulin. Conclusion: According
to the current study, serum ferritin is directly and significantly correlated with concentration of
fasting blood glucose, which emphasized on the amount of iron store with blood glucose even
in healthy people. The results of the present study indicate no significant correlation between
iron store and dietary iron intake with lipid
parameters and insulin. Conducting more
extensive epidemiologic studies in men and
other age groups is recommended.

Abstract Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease; it can cause serious complications. Diabetes
self-management is essential for prevention of disease complications. This study was
conducted to evaluate self-management promotion educational program intervention
efficiency among diabetic patients in Iran and health belief model (HBM) was applied as a
theoretical framework. Materials and Methods: Overall, 120 Type 2 diabetic patients referred
to rural health centers in Gachsaran, Iran participated in this study as randomly divided into
intervention and control group. This was a longitudinal randomized pre- and post-test series
control group design panel study to implement a behavior modification based intervention to
promotion self-management among diabetic patients. Cross-tabulation and t-test by using
SPSS statistical package, version 16 was used for the statistical analysis. Results: Mean age
was 55.07 years (SD = 9.94, range: 30-70). Our result shows significant improvements in
average response for susceptibility, severity, benefit and self-management among intervention
group. Additionally, after intervention, average response of the barrier to self-management was
decreased among intervention group. Conclusion: Our result showed education program
based on HBM was improve of self-management and seems implementing these programs
can be effective in the and prevention of diabetes complications.

Abstract Background: E-learning, in addition to promotion of patients’ level of awareness, causes a more
efficient way to increase patient-personnel interaction and provision of patients’ educational
content. Materials and Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 100 primigravida women,
referring to Navab Safavi health care center affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences,
were selected through convenient sampling. The subjects received education via E-learning or
booklet education methods for four weeks. Questionnaire of satisfaction with the awareness
of prenatal care was completed by both groups before and 4-6 weeks after education. Data
were analyzed by student t-test and paired t-test through SPSS with a significance level of
P < 0.05. Results: No significant difference was noted between scores of satisfaction and
awareness in both groups before education, while a significant difference was observed four
weeks after intervention (P = 0.004). There was a significant difference between scores of
satisfaction and awareness after intervention in both groups (P = 0.001, P = 0.034). Satisfaction
and awareness scores increased by 169% and 123%, and 61% and 37% in the E-learning and
control groups, respectively (P = 0.034). Conclusions: E-learning can cause an increase in
the level of primigravida women’s satisfaction and awareness. Therefore, conducting such
education, as an efficient learning method, is recommended as it needs less time, has lower
costs, and does not need any special equipment.

Abstract Introduction: To achieve a valid evaluation of faculty members, it is necessary to develop an
inclusive and dynamic system of evaluation addressing all the activities and responsibilities of
faculty members. Among these responsibilities, educational activities comprise an important part
which needs to be investigated. This study aimed to investigate the current system of evaluating
the faculty members’ educational duties. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study,
a checklist for investigating the current evaluation system and was developed confirmed by a
focus group. The data for checklist were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire
and interview with eight experts of faculty evaluation that worked in different Iranian Medical
Universities. For completion of information, the available documents and records were studied.
Finally, the current evaluation system of different universities was depicted. Results: The
developed checklist had six themes and 123 subthemes. The extracted themes included:
Tools, evaluators, processes, appropriateness of faculty field of work with evaluation, feedback
status, and university status regarding decisions made based on faculty evaluation results.
As for comprehensiveness, all evaluation items except for evaluation and assessment skills
and religiosity from personality traits subtheme were fully investigated. The evaluation tools
were not enough for different types of education such as clinical education. In six universities,
the feedbacks provided were only for making inter/intra department comparison, and no
scientific suggestions were included. The results of evaluations were used only for the faculties’
promotions. Discussion: Suitability between evaluation and performance components is a
necessity in every evaluation system. The study showed this does not exist in Iranian Universities.
For instance, there was no appropriate tool for the evaluation of clinical education. Also, the results
of the faculty evaluation were not used for the improvement of their educational performance.

Abstract Background: An audit is a written series of simple, direct questions, which when answered and
reviewed, tell whether the laboratory is performing its procedures, activities, and policies correctly
and on time. Aim: The aim of this study is to briefly highlight the importance of audit in blood bank
services. Materials and Methods: An Audit of Blood Bank Services was carried out in a Blood
bank of the tertiary care hospital, Central India by using the tool kit, (comprised of checklists)
developed by Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka WHO, July 2008. Results: After going
through these checklists, we observed that there is no system for assessing the training needs
of staff in the blood bank. There was no provision for duty doctor’s room, expert room, medical
technologist room and duty care service. There was no checklist for routine check for observation
of hemolysis and deterioration of blood and plasma. There was no facility for separate private
interview to exclude sexual disease in the donor. Requisition forms were not properly filled for
blood transfusion indications. There was no facility for notification of donors who are permanently
deferred. There were no records documented for donors who are either temporarily or permanently
deferred on the basis of either clinical examination, history, or serological examination. It was
found that wearing of apron, cap, and mask was not done properly except in serology laboratory.
When the requisition forms for blood transfusions were audited, it was found that many requisition
forms were without indications. Conclusion: Regular audit of blood bank services needs to be
initiated in all blood banks and the results needs to be discussed among the managements,
colleagues, and staffs of blood bank. These results will provide a good opportunity for finding
strategies in improving the blood bank services with appropriate and safe use of blood.

Abstract Background: This study was designed to assess the validity and reliability of the designed sexual,
behavioral abstinence, and avoidance of high‑risk situation questionnaire (SBAHAQ), with an aim
to construct an appropriate development tool in the Iranian population. Materials and Methods:
A descriptive–analytic study was conducted among female undergraduate students of Tehran
University, who were selected through cluster random sampling. After reviewing the questionnaires
and investigating face and content validity, internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed
by Cronbach’s alpha. Explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using SPSS
and AMOS 16 Software, respectively. Results: The sample consisted of 348 female university
students with a mean age of 20.69 ± 1.63 years. The content validity ratio (CVR) coefficient was
0.85 and the reliability of each section of the questionnaire was as follows: Perceived benefit (PB;
0.87), behavioral intention (BI; 0.77), and self‑efficacy (SE; 0.85) (Cronbach’s alpha totally was
0.83). Explanatory factor analysis showed three factors, including SE, PB, and BI, with the total
variance of 61% and Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) index of 88%. These factors were also confirmed
by confirmatory factor analysis [adjusted goodness of fitness index (AGFI) = 0.939, root mean
square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.039]. Conclusion: This study showed the designed
questionnaire provided adequate construct validity and reliability, and could be adequately used
to measure sexual abstinence and avoidance of high‑risk situations among female students.

Abstract Context: Lack of physical activity is a contributor to the obesity epidemic and is speculated
to relate to reduced academic performance; however, this link has yet to be examined
within the college population. Aims: The purpose of this study in a group of undergraduate
students, was to determine if aerobic exercise activity was related to academic performance.
Materials and Methods: The participants for this study included 740 students at multiple
universities enrolled in nursing and kinesiology studies. The participants completed the Leisure
and Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: Pearson’s χ2
 analysis revealed differences
in grade point average with aerobic activity (χ2 = 44.29, P ≤ 0.001) as well as a trend
toward differences in grade point average with weightlifting activity (χ2 = 22.69, P = 0.61).
Conclusions: Based on these findings it can be suggested that college students engage in
greater aerobic exercise.

Abstract Introduction: Paying attention to improving the nutritional status of adolescents can be one of the
most effective fundamental measures for preventing chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular
diseases in later life. Identifying the predicting elements in different behaviors is one of the most
effective ways that can be considered in prevention programs in different communities, particularly
in developing countries. The purpose of was to determine the perceived efficacy, benefits and
barriers related to a healthy nutrition pattern and the relation of these variables with a healthy diet in
male and female high school students in Izeh city. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional
descriptive and analytic study conducted throughout high schools in Izeh City, the subjects were
500 students (300 girls and 200 boys) from the 1390-91 school years who were selected through
the multistage random sampling method; the acquired data was then studied and analyzed. The
data for this study was gathered through a multi-sectional questionnaire (that included demographic
characteristics, self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers). The Independent t-test, Spearman’s
Correlation, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Linear Regression were used to interpret and
analyze the data. Results: Data analysis showed that the mean age of male participants was
15.67 ± 0.95 years and females 15.86 ± 1.16 years. The mean score for healthy eating patterns
in male students was 46.83 ± 14.86 and in female students 44.20 ± 14.16 respectively. The mean
score for perceived benefits of healthy eating in girls was significantly higher than that in boys. There
was a direct meaningful relationship between the mean score of benefits and perceived self-efficacy
with the healthy eating behaviors in the two sexes, (P < 0.001). The results of the multiple linear
regression analysis revealed that the most important predictive factors in the students’ healthy
eating behavior are self-efficacy and perceived benefits respectively and that perceived barriers
is not an influencing predictor in healthy eating patterns. Conclusion: The results of this study
showed that many factors influence students’ diet pattern and undeniably the role of these factors
are not alike in the two sexes. The results also showed that perceived self-efficacy and benefits
of healthy nutrition strengthens healthy eating
behavior in students and thus these factors
should be considered by health authorities in
the country in any future programming.

Abstract Introduction: Influenza A/H1N1 pandemic has recently threatened the health of world’s population
more than ever. Non-pharmaceutical measures are important to prevent the spread of influenza A/
H1N1 and to prevent a pandemic. Effective influenza pandemic management requires understanding
of the factors influencing preventive behavioral. This study reports on predictors of students’
preventive behaviors for pandemic influenza A/H1N1 using variables based on the protection
motivation theory (PMT). Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, multiple-stage
randomized sampling was used to select 300 female students in Isfahan who completed a
questionnaire in December 2009. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire based on
PMT. The statistical analysis of the data included bivariate correlations, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis,
and linear regression. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.62 (SE = 1.1) years old. Majority
of participants were aware regarding pandemic influenza A/H1N1 (87.3%, 262 out of 300). Results
showed that, protection motivation was highly significant relationship with preventive behavior
and predicted 34% of its variance. We found all of the variables with the exception of perceived
susceptibility, perceived severity, and response cost were related with protection motivation and
explained 22% of its variance. Conclusion: Promotion of students’ self-efficacy, and intention to
protect themselves from a health threat should be priorities of any programs aimed at promoting
preventive behaviors among students. It is also concluded that the protection motivation theory may
be used in developing countries, like Iran, as a framework for prevention interventions in an attempt
to improve the preventive behaviors of students.

Abstract Introduction: Recent progress in providing innovative solutions in the organization of electronic
resources and research in this area shows a global trend in the use of new strategies such
as metadata to facilitate description, place for, organization and retrieval of resources in the
web environment. In this context, library metadata standards have a special place; therefore,
the purpose of the present study has been a comparative study on the Central Libraries’
Websites of Iran State Universities for Hyper Text Mark-up Language (HTML) and Dublin
Core metadata elements usage in 2011. Materials and Methods: The method of this study
is applied-descriptive and data collection tool is the check lists created by the researchers.
Statistical community includes 98 websites of the Iranian State Universities of the Ministry of
Health and Medical Education and Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and method
of sampling is the census. Information was collected through observation and direct visits to
websites and data analysis was prepared by Microsoft Excel software, 2011. Results: The
results of this study indicate that none of the websites use Dublin Core (DC) metadata and
that only a few of them have used overlaps elements between HTML meta tags and Dublin
Core (DC) elements. The percentage of overlaps of DC elements centralization in the Ministry of
Health were 56% for both description and keywords and, in the Ministry of Science, were 45%
for the keywords and 39% for the description. But, HTML meta tags have moderate presence
in both Ministries, as the most-used elements were keywords and description (56%) and the
least-used elements were date and formatter (0%). Conclusion: It was observed that the
Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science follows the same path for using Dublin Core standard
on their websites in the future. Because Central Library Websites are an example of scientific
web pages, special attention in designing them can help the researchers to achieve faster
and more accurate information resources. Therefore, the influence of librarians’ ideas on the
awareness of web designers and developers
will be important for using metadata elements
as general, and specifically for applying such
standards.

Abstract Background: A school-based poisoning prevention program for young school children was
implemented and evaluated in Isfahan city by Poison Control Center (PCC) of Food and
Drug Deputy in 2010. Objectives: The aim of the program was to evaluate the effectiveness
of education on children’s knowledge on poisoning and its consequence and also on their
attitude in case of exposure to poisonous or hazardous substances and poisoned patient.
Materials and Methods: In a pretest-posttest design, samples of 520 students from the fifth
grade (10-11 years old), from twenty randomly selected girls’ and boys’ primary schools
were involved in the study. These children were from two different geographical locations
with different socio-economical levels (high-income and middle-income). After collection
of pretest questionnaires, 6 poisoning education sessions were implemented in selected
schools by trained teachers in a week. Results: Following the education program, knowledge
on various issues of poisoning significantly improved as did attitude to the poisonous
agents and poisoned patients. In girl students, strong increase was found in knowledge
on poisoning with carbon monoxide and heating devices from pretest to posttest. While in
boy students, the strongest increase was in item of knowledge on poisoning prevention.
Children living in the regions with middle-income conditions had more base-line knowledge
and attitudinal aspect when compared with children with high-income condition. Comparison
of all students showed significant differences (P < 0.001) on knowledge scores on various
issues of poisoning before and after education. Conclusion: The school-based educational
programs provide a good opportunity to poison information centers in preventing poisoning.

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess dietary habits and related factors
among type 2 diabetic mellitus patients for designing an effective nutrition intervention.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive–analytical study was performed on 480 diabetic
patients referred to four selected teaching hospitals affiliated to the Tehran University of Medical
Sciences (TUMS) in Tehran for a period of nine months in 2012. Patients’ dietary habits were
measured by a 51-item self-report instrument with four general questions about dietary habits
and four subscales reflecting domains including general diabetes information (12 items),
planning, shopping for, and preparing meals (6 items), eating meals (17 items), and family
influence on dietary habits (12 items). The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS
software version 11.5. Results were considered significant at a conventional P < 0.05 level.
Results: Mean age of the participants was 59.96 ± 11.53 years. Mean scores in the domains
were (53.72 ± 19.83), (57.31 ± 23.82), (52.27 ± 12.13), and (64.72 ± 14.3), respectively.
Family influence on dietary habits was highlighted as the most important domain in the dietary
habits instrument. Study results revealed that there was a significant association between
the four domains and socioeconomic and some variables related to dietary habits such
as dietary self-management, planned healthy lifestyle and attending diabetes educational
programs. Discussion: The important role of family on dietary habits among type 2 diabetic
patients highlighted the role of perceived social support from the family. The results of the
sociodemographic variables stressed the necessity of tailoring specific intervention programs
accordingly.

Abstract Introduction: The demand for genetic counseling has been greatly increased in the recent
years in Iran and the entire world. However, there are no systematic training courses for
genetic counseling in the country. The purpose of this research was compiling the curriculum
for the Master of Science (MSc) in genetic counseling. Materials and Methods: This
descriptive study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 in Isfahan University of Medical
Sciences. A questionnaire with 25 questions was prepared based on the literature review.
The assessment was conducted by using the questionnaire as well as outcome of group
discussions with three geneticist groups including, members of the board of medical genetics,
genetics graduate students, and practitioners in genetic counseling. The curriculum was
designed after determining the educational needs and priorities by the genetic board.
Results: The results of this research led to set the educational goals for the MSc in genetic
counseling. Finally, the course curriculum was compiled. Discussion: The designed MSc in
genetic counseling in this study was generally similar with the courses in other universities.
Although, the assessment results were different in some cases with the same academic
courses such as to give more importance to basic medical needs in comparison with the
needs of clinical sciences. Therefore, more attention should be paid on prerequisite courses
rather than the rotational periods in the hospital. Among the reasons for this difference, it
could be noted to the differences in undergraduate educations and differences in the status
of provided genetics services in Iran. The final conclusion of this research was to design a
fundamental course to overcome one of the severely tangible requirements in the country
field of health, namely genetic counseling.

Abstract Background: The pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities toward the pharmaceutical care practice
have developed considerably during the recent years. Objectives: The aim of this program is to
explore the opinions and performances of community pharmacists with regard to their professional
tasks and responsibilities in Isfahan city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional
questionnaire survey of community pharmacists was conducted on a sample of 150 pharmacists
using the Delphi process. Data were collected on the opinions and performances of the
pharmacists’ task, professional responsibility and expertise, organizational and managing skills,
and sociodemographic information. Results: The response rate was 93.3%. High expressions
of agreement were found with most of the task and professional responsibilities and managerial
skills and the mean rates of the self-reporting performance of most key tasks were ‘always’. The
important differences were found in two opinions about the pharmacists’ responsibilities, (a)
declining to dispense the prescribed drug that was not appropriate for the patient’s illness and (b)
keeping the patient’s medical records for future needs. The pharmacists’ opinions on various forms
of professional expertise were diverse, especially on recognizing that the required medications
were not prescribed for the patient, being informed on the pharmacotherapy subsequence
and predicting the therapeutic outcomes, interpreting the laboratory tests results, and assisting
persons in need of emergency first aid. Conclusion: Pharmacists largely agreed with most
of the professional tasks and responsibilities, however, new educational programs should be
developed to promote the pharmacists’ knowledge and skills concerning pharmacotherapy. Also
an extended role for pharmacists needs to be addressed in the pharmacy regulations and laws.

Abstract Type-2 diabetes is a major, non-communicable disease with increasing prevalence at a global
level. Type-2 diabetes results when the body does not make enough insulin or the body cannot
use the insulin it produces. Type-2 diabetes is the leading cause of premature deaths. Improperly
managed, it can lead to a number of health issues, including heart diseases, stroke, kidney
disease, blindness, nerve damage, leg and foot amputations, and death. Type-2 diabetes or
adult-onset diabetes is most common type of diabetes, usually begins when a person is in
his or her mid-50s, but diabetes is not inevitable. Minor changes in your lifestyle can greatly
reduce your chances of getting this disease. Therefore, in order to prevent this condition, action
should be taken regarding the modifiable factors that influence its development-lifestyle and
dietary habits. However, with proper testing, treatment and lifestyle changes, healthy eating as
a strategy, promote walking, exercise, and other physical activities have beneficial effects on
human health and prevention or treatment of diabetes, promoting adherence to this pattern is
of considerable public health importance.