مجله سلامت و بهداشت
سال پانزدهم شماره 3 (پیاپی 62، پاییز 1403)

The attached growth process is an aerobic method for wastewater treatment where microorganisms grow on the surface of a substrate. In this study, a small-scale attached growth reactor was used for wastewater treatment for eight weeks in rural and small communities. 

The average operational parameters of HRT, DO, MLSS, and MLVSS were measured in the pilot-scale reactor. The reactor's ability to remove suspended solids, organic materials such as BOD5, COD, and nutrients like TP, TKN, 4NH-N, as well as coliforms, was also analyzed. Coliform tests were conducted using the MPN method and dilution, BOD5 tests were performed with a BOD measuring device, and COD tests were carried out using the COD Set-Ups COD VARIO method and purchased kits. 

The average removal efficiency for BOD5, COD, TP, TKN, NH4-N, TSS, fecal coliforms, and total coliforms was 73.1%, 82.5%, 48.9%, 58%, 82%, 92.8%, 85%, and 81%, respectively.

The results of this study indicated that the stability of the microbial biomass present in the biofilm is observed after several weeks of system operation, and the attached growth system effectively reduces solids and organic compounds during its various stages. Additionally, acceptable results regarding total and fecal coliforms were obtained in the absence of any disinfection, indicating that the attached growth system can be a suitable option for wastewater treatment in small communities.

Tobacco health literacy refers to the ability of individuals to understand and use health information related to tobacco. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of education on improving health literacy about the effects of cigarette smoke among pregnant women in 2023.

This quasi-experimental study utilized a pre-test and post-test design with intervention and control groups. The sample comprised 80 pregnant women visiting health centers in Shahrekord, selected through random sampling and divided randomly into intervention and control groups. Data were collected using a tobacco health literacy questionnaire in both pre-test and post-test phases (one month later) and analyzed with SPSS 20 software using paired and independent t-tests.

The paired t-test results indicated a significant increase in the average health literacy scores related to tobacco in the intervention group after training (p=0.000). The independent t-test showed that the post-education average health literacy score in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.001).

The findings demonstrate that educational interventions effectively enhance tobacco health literacy among pregnant women, contributing to reduced smoking exposure during pregnancy. These results can inform the design of targeted interventions and educational programs addressing the needs of pregnant women.

Adolescents are crucial and sensitive age group in any society, with their health forming a fundamental basis for the society health. Despite the importance of healthy nutrition during adolescence, most adolescents globally consume less than the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables while increasing their intake of carbonated drinks and high-fat processed fast food. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to fruit and vegetable consumption among female high school students and the factors influencing these behaviors.

This cross-sectional study included 270 first female high school students from Nehbandan city in 2023, randomly selected using multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire along with knowledge, attitude, and practice assessments, and analyzed using SPSS-23 software utilizing descriptive-analytical statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's correlation.

The average age of the students was 13.9±0.75 years. The mean scores and standard deviations for beverage and vegetable consumption, attitude, and daily performance were 17.76±2.8, 24.68±5, and 3.7±1.5 respectively, with the daily and weekly performance of fruit and vegetable consumption at (3.7±1.5) and 10.28±5.3 respectively. There was a significant relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and factors such as father's occupation, family income, and mother's education (p< 0.05).

The results indicated that while students had favorable knowledge and attitudes towards fruit and vegetable consumption, their actual consumption practices were inadequate. Factors such as attitudes, mother's education level, father's occupation, and income significantly influenced students' fruit and vegetable consumption. Therefore, educational interventions and counseling for mothers on the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption for family health, especially for adolescents, along with government support for low-income families to improve nutrition, are essential.

Beta-alanine supplementation is known to enhance athletic performance.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a period of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with beta-alanine supplementation on cardiorespiratory performance and blood lactate levels in active women.

Thirty-two active young women were divided into four groups (eight individuals per group): control (placebo), supplement, and training combined either with placebo or supplement. In the pre-test and post-test, blood samples were collected, and cardiorespiratory performance was evaluated by measuring maximum heart rate (HRmax), distance walked, aerobic power (VO2max), and blood lactate levels were evaluated after Cooper's test. The supplement group received four grams of beta-alanine daily for eight weeks, while the training groups completed an eight weeks HIIT program. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis.

There was no significant difference in distance walked and VO2max between the four groups at both time points. However, significant differences were observed in HRmax and blood lactate levels among the groups (p<0.05). HRmax and blood lactate of the supplement and training group were significantly lower than the other three groups, and blood lactate of the supplement group was also significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, the supplement and training group had significantly increased distance walked and VO2max compared to the control and training with placebo group, and the supplement group compared to the control group (p<0.05).

The combination of HIIT and beta-alanine supplementation had a more pronounced effect on cardiorespiratory performance and blood lactate levels in active women compared to either intervention alone.

Environmental health involves the regulation of factors significantly affecting human health, encompassing various diseases transmitted through water, air, food, and other environmental elements. Given its important role, health has always been a primary concern for humanity. Islamic teachings emphasize health and its enhancement even more rigorously than the World Health Organization's charter. This study aims to explore the components of environmental health as depicted in the Quran.

This applied research was conducted in two stages. The first stage employed a qualitative research method (descriptive and analytical) using a triangulation approach to extract and compile data, incorporating Quranic verses, related research, and theoretical foundations. In the second stage, the frequency and importance of environmental health components in the Quran were analyzed using content analysis. Quranic texts and seven primary components of environmental health were examined.

The analysis of environmental health components from the Quran reveals the following frequencies: soil (27), water (22), plants (26), fruits and plants (35), mountains (39), sea (41), and wind (33). Among these, the sea component appears most frequently.

The abundance of components indicates that the sea has the highest importance coefficient (0.183) in terms of environmental health from the Quranic perspective, while water has the lowest importance coefficient (0.098).

Sleep is essential for physical and mental restoration, crucial for enhancing athletic performance. Vitamin D plays both direct and indirect roles in sleep regulation, with deficiencies linked to sleep disorders. This study aimed to explore the sleep quality (SQ) of young soccer players and its relationship with their vitamin D status.

This descriptive-analytical study included 75 young male soccer players, aged 18-22 years, with over three years of sports experience, selected through simple random sampling. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess SQ, with scores of 5 or above indicating poor SQ. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured using ELISA. Spearman's correlation coefficient was employed to evaluate the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and SQ (p≤0.05).

The study revealed that 22.67% of participants had vitamin D deficiency, and 40% had insufficient vitamin D levels. Additionally, 69.33% of participants exhibited poor SQ. A significant positive correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and SQ among players with deficient and insufficient vitamin D levels (p<0.05).

Vitamin D deficiency and poor SQ are prevalent among young soccer players, and inadequate vitamin D levels may be associated with poor SQ, especially in winter. It is recommended that athletes maintain adequate vitamin D levels to enhance sports performance.

Asthma is a prevalent chronic disease which has seen an increase in its incidence in recent years. Assessing quality of life can standardize communication between doctors and patients, potentially improving clinical and functional outcomes. This study aims to determine the quality of life in asthmatic patients aged 12 and over at the Asthma and Allergy Clinic of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences.

This cross-sectional study included 200 patients using a census sampling method. Data were collected using the standard SF-36 questionnaire.

Of the 200 patients, 103 (51.5%) were male, and 97 (48.5%) were female. The average age was 29.64 years, with the largest age group being 15 to 25 years old. The highest and lowest numbers of residences were in Ardabil and Nir, respectively. The average monthly income was 3.47 million Tomans, and the average treatment cost was 230.10 thousand Tomans. Among the patients, 105 (52.5%) had the allergic type, 47 (23.5%) had the non-allergic type, and 48 (24%) had the Samter phenotype, with most patients exhibiting good asthma control. The majority of patients were in the fourth treatment stage, and the economic burden of the disease was considered heavy by most. Patients with the allergic phenotype, treatment costs less than 250 thousand Tomans, age less than 25 years, and in treatment stages 1, 2, or 3, had a better quality of life than others. However, gender and living in a city or town did not significantly affect the quality of life.

The quality of life in asthmatic patients is related to asthma phenotype, control status, average treatment cost, age, and treatment stages.

Mindfulness, a psychological concept involving an individual's ability to focus on current experiences and regulate them, plays a crucial role in mental health. Depression and anxiety are prevalent issues among students, affecting their academic and psychological performance. Given the significance of mindfulness and its impact, this study aims to explore the correlation between mindfulness, depression, anxiety, and demographic factors in students at the Khalkhal Faculty of Medical Sciences.

This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study involved 106 students from Khalkhal School of Medical Sciences. The research instrument was a four-part questionnaire covering demographic information, anthropometry, Beck's depression, Beck's anxiety, and five facets of mindfulness. Data were analyzed using Pearson's statistical tests and regression analysis.

The study found that 1.9% of students were severely depressed, and 22.6% were severely anxious. There was a significant inverse relationship between depression scores and mindfulness (p=0.001) and a significant relationship between anxiety and mindfulness (p=0.0001). The multiple linear regression model indicated that anxiety and depression could predict changes in the average mindfulness score (R²=38.45).

The findings suggest that mindfulness is significantly related to depression and anxiety, with an inverse relationship between overall anxiety scores and mindfulness. Therefore, emphasizing mindfulness is vital for health.