Students In Shiraz Research Articles

Investigation of Relative Air Contribution in Total Pyrene Intake among Primary School Students in Shiraz, Iran

The present study was conducted to evaluate the total internal intake of pyrene and estimate the relative contribution of air to total absorption rate of this compound in Shiraz, Iran. Sixty ambient air samples were collected every 3 days at two stations to measure particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including pyrene. Urine samples were also collected from 120 primary school students to determine 1-hydroxypyrene, as the solely biomarker of pyrene. The total pyrene intake and estimating the relative air contribution in total intake were modeled using concentrations of particulate-bound PAHs and 1-hydroxypyrene levels. The mean total intake of pyrene for students lived in urban and suburban areas were 5.30 and 4.31 μg/day, respectively. The relative contribution of ambient air to total pyrene intake was 0.88% and 0.71%in urban and suburban areas, respectively. The findings indicate that ambient air in Shiraz is not a major source of exposure to and intake of the pyrene.

Prevalence of Substance Abuse (Tobacco, Alcohol, Narcotics and Psychotropic Drugs) and Its Relationship to Family Factors in Pre-university Male Students in Shiraz 2017-2018.

Teenagers are valuable resources in communities and they are faced with multiple risk factors. Factors such as family attachment, devotion to family, parent's educational level, and parental support are the protective factors against high-risk behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of drug use among pre-university students and its relationship with familial factors. 1000 Fourth grade high-school male students were randomly selected during 6months in four districts of Shiraz City during 2017-2018. 14% of the participants were current smokers, 13.5% had a history of alcohol consumption, and 1% used psychotropic drugs, respectively. Moreover 59% of the participants who had consumed alcohol were cigarette smokers as well. 4.5% of them used all the three substances such as alcohol, tobacco and psychotropic drugs. Children whose parents do not set clear regulations or do not control their children are at higher risk of drug abuse.

After Isolation: Mirrors between Parallel Worlds and New Conceptual Spaces of Activism in Post-Revolutionary Iran

In this article, we theoretically conceptualise the renegotiation of participatory action and activism through the formation of intellectual space that is self-reflective and upheld by what we metaphorically describe as mirrors between parallel worlds. Rethinking what activism is and how an individual relates to their social group is dependent on different levels of self-reflection, self-criticism and competing scales of insertion of other people’s struggles into one’s own political vision in an effort to intellectually rectify the local tensions that emerge in a post-revolutionary context where people are disconnected from global-level activism. A significant aspect of this analysis is our interlocutors’ imaginative capacity to draw from other people’s experiences through cultural and visual artefacts and integrate them into their own life history with the intention to address national or group-specific dilemmas. While some have drawn attention to the importance of noting how spaces for activism are remade in the post-revolutionary context due to such sentiments as disappointment, we instead examine the formation of conceptual spaces of activism within the context of isolation in contemporary Iran. Empirically, we bring together a political analysis of the novel Bevatan by Reza AmirKhani, and interviews conducted with English literature students in Shiraz.

Game versus Lecture-Based Learning in Disaster Risk Education; An Experience on Shiraz High School Students.

Objective:To compare the effect of lecture and game methods in disaster risk education on high school students' knowledge.Methods:This research was a randomized field trial of educational intervention for high school’s students in Shiraz, Iran. Through cluster sampling, the 332 students were randomly selected and their knowledge was compared in two randomized allocated intervention groups by pretest and posttest. For one group a classic lecture about the basic concepts of disaster risk management were presented. In the other group through a game base method and demonstrations the mentors tried to educate the considered concepts.Results: In this study 332 students were participated in lecture (n=166) and game (n=166) groups. There was a significant increase between the mean of students' knowledge in the two groups of lectures and games method after educational intervention. The mean of students' disaster risk knowledge in the lecture and game methods were 17.47 and 29.77 percent respectively (p<0.001).Conclusion: The game's educational method was more effective than the traditional lecture method on students' knowledge and it can be considered as a new approach for promoting the behaviors on disaster risk management.Clinical Trial Registry:IRCT20171014036766N

Attitude and Use of E-Learning, education by medical students in Shiraz, Iran

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the use of e-learning in medical education in Shiraz, Iran.Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 300 medical students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire contained a series of questions on the demographic characteristics, accessibility to computer and internet, use of internet for medical education and training, familiarity with e-learning, and the reasons for use of computer.Results: A total of 270 participants completed their questionnaires, 30.7% students reported familiarity with e-learning, 21.3% found e-learning beneficial, 57.6% used internet for education, 43.4% considered e-learning useful for medical education, and 57.9% students thought e-learning must be more prevalent in medical education. Most of the students (78.5%) used their personal computer for e-learning, only 6.3% did not use the computer for education.Conclusion: Considering the increasing role of computer and internet in daily life, the current results indicate that the attitude of the participants towards e-learning was positive. However, medical students have to be made aware of the advantages of e-learning. Technological limitations were less compared to reports from the other developing countries.

Sleep Pattern Evaluation of 8 to 12-Year-Old Students in Shiraz

Sleep Pattern Evaluation of 8 to 12-Year-Old Students in Shiraz

A Cognitive Neurodynamic Approach to Prediction of Students' Adaptation to College: An Ex-Post Facto Study.

Introduction:Campus life tends to make social and academic demands on college students. To cope with these demands, students are required to use their neurocognitive skills of problem-solving and planning intentional actions that target towards adaptation to college. This paper presents an illuminating perspective that would inform understanding of a new approach to cognitive neuroscience. The linkage between cognition and adaptation was sought in the context of a cognitive neurodynamic approach proposed by the Intention, Meaning, and Perception (IMP) model of neuro-occupation.Methods:An ex post facto study was conducted on a convenience sample of 187 college students in Shiraz, Iran. A brief questionnaire was developed to screen participants for diversity of cognitive neurodynamic processing capacity and three standardized questionnaires were used to gather data about college adaptation manifestations. The partial correlation, 1-way, and 2-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data.Results:The partial correlation test showed large, positive correlation (r≥0.7, P<0.001) between elements of the cognitive neurodynamic process, denoting that the interrelated connections among intention, meaning, and perception were governed by feedback loops. One-way ANOVA test revealed that students with diverse cognitive neurodynamic processing capacity had a variety of college adaptation manifestations. Two-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant main effect for neurodynamic processing capacity (F2, 178=8.1, P<0.001).Conclusion:College adaptation could have been established by the cognitive neurodynamic process proposed by the IMP model. Therefore, it is advisable for faculty, mental health practitioners, and counselors who work with students at universities to understand this process and address students’ maladaptation to campus life.

Central Obesity and BMI Associated with Different Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescent

Adipose tissue distribution is effective in metabolic complications resulting from obesity. Fat accumulation in the body, particularly increase in visceral fat, is a major risk factor of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and android obesity based on various phenotypes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in 14-18 year old high-school girl students in Shiraz in 2009. This descriptive study was conducted on 14-18 year old high-school girl students in Shiraz in 2009. Considering the confidence coefficient of 95% and loss rate of 20%, a 3190subject sample size was determined for the study. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. After obtaining written informed consents, demographic information questionnaire was completed and the participants were examined regarding hirsutism, acne, alopecia, and menstrual disorders. Besides, the criteria proposed by Adams et al. were employed to diagnose PCOS in sonography. Android obesity and Body Mass Index (BMI) were evaluated, as well. The results of independent t-test showed no significant difference among various phenotypes of PCOS regarding mean android obesity and BMI (P&amp;gt;0.05). The results of the present study revealed no significant relationship between girl adolescents' obesity and various phenotypes of PCOS. However, adolescents should be informed about the long-term hyperandrogenic outcomes which are accompanied by insulin secretion and endanger their health after the age of 40 years.

Relationship between Parenting Styles, Self-compassion and Emotional Intelligence and Antisocial Behaviors in Students

Background: According to the observations, antisocial behaviors are among major behaviors among male and female students. People with antisocial behaviors suffer from problems with respect to the quality of life. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the relationship between parenting styles, self-compassion, and emotional intelligence with antisocial behaviors in students. Methods: The population included all students in Shiraz, Iran in the academic year of 2016. The sample was comprised of 148 students (74 male and 74 female) who were selected randomly through multi-stage sampling method. The instruments used in the study were parenting style questionnaire, self-compassionate scale (SCS), trait meta mood scale (TMMS), and Levenson antisocial behavior scale. Extracted data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression statistics in SPSS version 21. Results: Authoritarian parenting style (t = 2.08, B = 0.17, P =0.03), permissive parenting style (t = 2.16, B = 0.16, P= 0.01), self-compassion (t = -4.08, B = -0.31, P= 0.00), and emotional intelligence (t = -2.93, B = -0.28, P = 0.01) are predictors of antisocial behaviors. According to multiple regression analysis, authoritarian parenting style, permissive parenting style, self-compassion, and emotional intelligence were significant predictors of antisocial behavior. Moreover, authoritative parenting style was not included in the analysis. Conclusions: Authoritarian parenting style, permissive parenting style, self-compassion, and emotional intelligence should be highly regarded as they highly predict antisocial behavior.

Diet Knowledge and Behaviors Related to Prevention of Obesity Among Students Aged 11 to 15 Years in Shiraz, Iran

Background: One of the most challenging issues in public health is childhood obesity in the 21st century. In Iran, the overall prevalence of overweight has increased and the total rate of obesity was estimated to be 12.3% (calculated as 6.5% for individuals less than 18 years). Objectives: The present study aimed at determining the diet knowledge and diet behavior among students in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2040 students in 8 selected public high schools in 2013 in Shiraz, Iran. Random sampling method with proportionate allocation to size was used. To collect data, a standardized pretested questionnaire was used. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Response rate was 97.1%. Most (52.1%) of the students were male. The mean age of the respondents was 13.02 ± 0.724 and ranged from 11 to 15 years. About 61.3% of the students did not notice the label of food calories, and 73.8% did not know that family history of obesity would increase the risk of obesity. Only 16.5% of the respondents ate vegetables 4 to 5 times a week, and 23.6% ate fresh fruit per week; but 64.2% drank soft drink more than 2 times a week, and 82.2% ate fast foods more than 2 times a week. Conclusions: The findings revealed that student’s perception about diet knowledge and diet behavior was low. Thus, targeted education should be implemented to improve healthy lifestyle in this age group.

Psychometric Properties of Beck Depression Inventory-II for High School Children in Shiraz City, Iran

Background: Depression causes poor academic performance, substance abuse, antisocial behavior, school avoidance, and running away from home in adolescents. Due to the high prevalence of depression in adolescents, reliability, and validity of this questionnaire in this age group is of special importance. Symptoms of depression in children and adolescents are different from their indications in adults. Objectives: The current study aimed at assessing reliability and validity of the Beck depression inventory- second edition (BDI- II) in high school students in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: A total of 1150 high school students from Shiraz were selected to assess the validity and a sum of 128 students from the same city were tested to measure the reliability of the study. Concurrent validity and factor analysis were used to assess validity. Concurrent validity was assessed using Beck anxiety inventory and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS)-21. Factor analysis was computed using varimax rotation method. To assess reliability, test-retest and Cronbach’s alpha were adopted. Results: Correlation coefficients for the concurrent validity of this inventory with Beck anxiety inventory and DASS-21 were 0.45 and 0.55, respectively. The results of factor analysis with varimax rotation method showed 4 factors that predicted 43.69% of the total variance of the test. The reliability and correlation coefficients 0.55 and 0.83 were obtained from test-retest and Cronbach’s alpha methods, respectively. Conclusions: Based on the results of the current study, researchers can use BDI- II in psychological research and clinical use for high school students in Shiraz.

HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Attitude among High School Students in Shiraz, Iran in 2015

Background & aim: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The awareness of HIV preventive measures and its transmission routes have an important role in controlling the HIV infection in the society. Regarding this, the present study aimed to investigate the awareness and attitudes of the high school students regarding HIV/AIDS infection in Shiraz, Iran, in 2015. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 102 students, selected form six high schools. The students and schools were selected using the random sampling technique. The data were collected using a standard researcher-made questionnaire. The data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test through SPSS version 18. Results: As the results of the present study indicated, 55% of the participants were male, and the majority of them were about 17-18 years old. The participants’ general knowledge about HIV was found to be at moderate level. However, they had insufficient awareness of the associated transmission routes and major causes of this disease. The students majoring in biological sciences were more aware of this issue than other students. In addition, the majority of the students had highly positive attitudes towards the AIDS patients and confirmed their right to live and use all facilities. However, a large proportion of the students denied to share a location or personal items with these patients. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, almost all students had high level of general information about HIV. Nonetheless, given the students’ low awareness and knowledge levels about the HIV transmission routes, the administration of the related educational programs is an urgent need to correct the students’ misconceptions about the HIV patients and improve their knowledge in this regard.

Studying the Effectiveness of Combination Therapy (Based on Executive Function and Sensory Integration) Child-Centered on the Symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

The aim of the present study is to examine the effectiveness of combination therapy based on executive function and sensory integration child-centered on ADHD. For this purpose, from among all first, second and third grade primary school students in Shiraz, 40 children were selected. The selected students were randomly assigned in two groups of experimental (n = 20) and control group (n = 20) by random method through internet call from Education site, and by Clinical Interview, implementation of CSI-4 parent form, and according to the criteria for entry and after matching. Combination therapy based on executive function and sensory integration includes 24 sessions of an hour and a half, in groups of five in four groups of children that was held three times a week. Pre-test and post-test in both groups was performed using CSI-4 parent form. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of covariance and SPSS software. The results showed that combination therapy based on executive function and sensory integration child-centered reduces attention deficit and hyperactivity.

Relationship between religion and school students' road behavior in southern Iran

PurposeUnsafe behaviors are an important cause of accidents in adolescent age groups. This study was designed to examine the behaviors of adolescent pedestrians in southern Iran. MethodsThis is a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of high school students in Shiraz, capital city of Fars Province, Iran. Five hundred and sixteen students were selected by multi-stage sampling. Data were collected by the use of three questionnaires, which included Persian copies of adolescent road user behavior questionnaire (ARBQ), Duke University Religious Index (DUREL), as well as the context and independent variables questionnaire. ResultsThe results showed that a decrease in dangerous behaviors on the road resulted in an increase in respondents' intrinsic religiosity. Also, engagement in unsafe crossing behavior in the road decreased with increasing respondents' intrinsic religiosity. Another finding showed that female students were less involved in dangerous play and planned protective behaviors on the road. ConclusionFindings clearly indicate that intrinsic religiosity has a significant role in reducing the risky road behaviors of students. Hence, religion may improve road safety in school students' road behavior in Iran.

Seroepidemiological survey of toxoplasmosis among female university students in Shiraz, southern Iran

Background: Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in different populations in Iran varies according to the people eating behaviors and also geographic and climatic differences of each area. Objective: The current study aimed to provide recent data regarding the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among female university students in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, in Fars province, southern Iran. Materials and Methods: The subjects of the study were 503 female university students. Blood samples were collected from each participant and tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) kit. Demographic characteristics and risk factor related to Toxoplasma were also recorded during the samples collection. Results: The mean age of participants was 22.2 (±3.83) years and the majority (54.9%) of subjects was in the age group of 20-25 years old. Anti T. gondii antibodies was detected in sera of 43 out of 503 enrolled students, corresponding to an overall seroprevalence of 8.5%. Of these, 37 (7.4%) were seropositive for only IgG, 7 (1.4%) were seropositive for only IgM and 1 (0.2%) were seropositive for both IgG and IgM. The differences between age and animal contact with seropositivity to toxoplasmosis were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that more than 90 % of the female university students in this study were seronegative for toxoplasmosis. As these students are in their childbearing age, there is a possibility for their newborns to become infected with Toxoplasma. The control and preventative measurements are necessary to reduce the rate of T. gondii infection in such individuals.

The Relationship Between Behavioral Inhibition Strategies for Cognitive Regulation of Emotions and Young Adult Family of Life Events and Changes with Obsessive-Compulsive Traits in Students

Background: According to the observations, obsessive-compulsive traits are the most important among behavior among the high school male and female students. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive traits have less quality of life. Objectives: The present study aimed at determining the relationship between behavioral inhibition, strategies for cognitive regulation of emotions and young adult family of life events and changes with obsessive-compulsive traits in male and female high school students. Methods: The population of the study included all high school students in Shiraz in 2016 academic year. One hundred sixty-seven students (73 males and 94 females) who were selected through random multistage sampling method participated in this study. The instruments were obsessive-compulsive inventory-revised, adults scale of behavioral inhibition, cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire, and young adult family inventory of life events and changes. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis) statistics via SPSS software. Results: According to the multiple regression analysis, behavioral inhibition, catastrophizing, and rumination were best predictors of obsessive-compulsive traits. Conclusions: Since behavioral inhibition, catastrophizing, and rumination might result in obsessive-compulsive traits, sufficient attention should be paid to these factors.

Biological monitoring of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene by PAHs exposure among primary school students in Shiraz, Iran

This research aimed to estimate PAHs exposure in primary school students and determine its association with other PAHs-related factors. In total, 120 male primary school students (9-12years old) were randomly selected from urban and suburban areas in Shiraz. The parents were required to complete a questionnaire including information about second-hand smoke exposure, residential traffic density, daily diet, and walking or being driven to school. High-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector was also used to analyze urinary 1-OHP. t test, ANOVA (with Ducan's post hoc test), and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between quantitative and qualitative variables and urinary 1-OHP concentration. The range and geometric mean of the creatinine-corrected 1-OHP levels were 120-6950 and 1460ng/g creatinine, respectively. Besides, 1-OHP levels were higher among the children with smoker parents compared to those having non-smoker parents. The results also revealed a correlation between the duration of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and 1-OHP concentration. This correlation was also observed for daily uptake of smoked or grilled foods. However, traffic congestion did not have any significant effects on 1-OHP levels. PAHs are commonly present in Iranian diet. As a result, the weekly intake of dietary PAHs was the most effective predictor of PAHs exposure in the study population. Due to adverse health effects of PAHs on humans, especially children, more extensive studies are required to identify the sources that contribute to environmental PAHs exposure.

Commentary on “Workplace Violence against Medical Students in Shiraz, Iran”

Commentary on “Workplace Violence against Medical Students in Shiraz, Iran”

Family Functioning, Identity Formation, and the Ability of Conflict Resolution Among Adolescents

Family is perhaps the most influential system in individuals’ life in which various behaviors are learnt. Family functioning refers to the ability of family to meet its responsibilities. The present correlation study used a multi-stage cluster sampling method to recruit 686 subjects including 338 males and 348 females from all high school students in Shiraz, Southern Iran. The McMaster family assessment device, identity styles inventory, and the conflict resolution questionnaire were used to collect data on family functioning in relation with subjects’ identity style and conflict resolution capacity. Findings demonstrated a significant negative correlation between family functioning and informative/normative identity styles both in males and females. There was however a significant positive correlation between family functioning and avoidance identity style in both gender groups. With regard to the relation between family functioning and the ability of conflict resolution, our analysis revealed a significant negative correlation both in males and females. The present report corroborated the defining role of family functioning in the development of adolescents’ psychological characters.

Workplace Violence Against Medical Students in Shiraz, Iran

BACKGROUND: Violent behavior in the workplace, or workplace violence (WPV), is considered a serious threat to the mental and physical health of employees. WPV ranges from verbal abuse to physical assaults and even sexual harassment. Objectives: Every medical student may be repeatedly exposed to violence in hospitals due to direct contact with the public and patients. This study investigates the prevalence of all types of WPV against medical students. Patients and Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 275 medical students in the educational hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The survey questionnaire used was a modified version of a WPV questionnaire translated into Farsi. The questionnaire included demographic information and types of violence experienced including physical violence, verbal violence and sexual harassment. Standard descriptive statistics were used to report the frequency of events. The associations between categorical variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Of 193 respondents, 24.9% reported experiencing physical violence, 85.5% reported being verbally threatened and 26.1% reported being sexually harassed. Males were more likely to be exposed to physical violence and females to sexual harassment. Patients' relatives were the most frequent perpetrators of physical and verbal violence while physician colleagues were the main source of sexual harassment Conclusions: As the emotionally stimulated companions of patients were found to be the most frequent perpetrators of physical and verbal violence, providing special training for medical students on how to deal with such incidents, increasing the number of nursery personnel and increasing the quantity and quality of hospital guards is necessary to minimize the prevalence of violence against medical students. Keywords: Workplace Violence; Medical Students; Sexual Harassment; Verbal Violence; Physical Violence; Iran Language: en