---

Background: Pain is an unpleasant feeling which humans experience. It is a warning sign of the damaged tissue. Due to the awful sense of pain, scientists always attempt to relieve it. Retinoic acid (RT), an active metabolite of natural vitamin A has important roles in modulation of the inflammatory responses. The aim of the present study was to analyze the pain threshold of rats which had microinjections of RT, applying acute and chronic models. Methods and Materials: In this study, the tail flick and formalin tests were used to determine pain threshold. In each test, the acute and chronic pain thresholds of 252 Wistar male rats (275 ± 25 gr) were assayed. The druge were injected in the acute model one-dose30 minutes before behavioral testing and in chronic model two-dose for one or two-weeks. The rats of both models divided randomly into six groups (n=7). In four treatment groups retinoic acid (RT) intra cerebro ventricular (i.C.V) were injected as dosagc of 0.5, 3 and 6 (µg/kg) micrograms per kilogram. In control group, was microinjected by ACSF. In vehicle group injected RT solvent (DMSO+ Distil water). Results: The resuits Showed acute injection of RT did not change pain thresholds in the tail-flick methd, but the chronic administration of RT (0.5, 1, 3, 6 µg/kg) reduced tail-flick latencies of the rats (p<0.05) in compare to DMSO group. The threshold of pain in the first phase of formalin test was reduced after injection of 3µg/kg of RT for two weeks. Conclusion: It was concluded that chronic i.c.v. injections of RT can induce significant hyperalgesia in rat.

---

Abstract Background: Side effects of drugs were increased with intractable consumption and this fact is more important in women during pregnancy and lactation period. The aim of this study has been determined the effect of education based on Health Belief Model on self-medication in mothers referring to health centers of Arak. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 300 mothers referring to health centers of Arak were participated. Data were collected with a questionnaire based on Health Belief Model and a performance checklist about drugs intractable consumption. Before educational intervention, questionnaires and checklists for both groups were completed and then intervention was done during 1 month in 4 sessions, 60 minutes. Data again were collected and then analyzed 3 month after intervention in both groups. Results: Before educational intervention, the rate of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefit of self medication were in the mediate level and the mother's performance about drug intractable consumption were more than mediate. After educational intervention, between two groups had significant difference in all variables and mothers performance in self-medication was reduced (p<0.05). Conclusion: By increasing in mean score of Health Belief Model parts, including: knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefit, performance in field of self-medication was reduced. Recommended, training based on this model carried out in other health centers for reducing drugs intractable consumption.

---

Abstract Background: Educational decline is one of the most important problems in educational institutes. There for, present study was aimed to survey frequency of educational decline and some effective factors of student’s opinion in Arak University of Medical sciences, 2009. Materials and Methods: In a analytical cross sectional study, 600 students passing at least one term of their course in Arak university of medical science in 2009, were determined by questionnaire and interview. After data gathering, students divided two groups, successful and non successful base n educational average and failed terms and then data were analyzed and determined frequency and some effective factors on it. Results: Decline education frequency is 19% and there were significant difference between sex, marital status, average score diploma, educational level of father, hesitancy, gap between diploma and university admission and course satisfaction between two groups of successful and unsuccessful students (P<0/05). However, no significant correlation observed in age, course, family economic status and mother’s job (p>0/05). Also, most of effective problem solutions in student’s viewpoint are included admission in university base on diploma average score and use of expert consular. Conclusion: Educational managers should be considering effective variables on performance and educational decline in students, in order to identifying high risk students and providing better facilities for them by appropriate consulting.

---

Background:Today, in spite of quick and amazing human advancements in prevention treatment, and control of diseases and their positive effects on the community, lack of reliance on the instructions of prophets on spirituality and ethics of human relationships has led to health, social, ethical, and environmental crises that have resulted in spread of emerging diseases such as AIDS. Therefore, the way out of this crisis is the return to the instructions of prophets and religions, especially Islam. This article explains the role of Islam instructions in achieving millennium development goals in the fight against malaria and AIDS. Materials and Methods: In this review article, through access to reliable sources in the form of a descriptive article, practical strategies of Islam for achieving millennium development goals for fighting diseases, AIDS, and malaria are investigated. In so doing, by applying appropriate keywords to electronic and manual search in reliable Islamic and medical resources, data were collected and the central research question was addressed. Results: Based on the results of the reviewed studies, instructions and ideas of Islam on reconstructing the environment, preservation of natural resources, observing personal health, priority of health to treatment, abstinence from risky sexual behaviors, and so forth have practical implications for malaria and AIDS control and prevention so that if there had been commitment to Islam, AIDS as an emerging disease might never have developed. Conclusion: Noticing the availability of resources and instructions in Islam on health and medicine for prevention and fight against diseases, such ideas can be utilized for preventing the emergence and development of other new diseases. Hence, Islamic instructions can be presented to the world as practical strategies for achieving millennium development goals.

---

In the Holy Quran, it is stated that “eating honey has healing for people” “Fihe shefaho lenas”. The word “healing” in Quran has not been used about any other food but honey and one Sura in Quran is dedicated to Nahl (bee). This study investigates the importance of honey from the perspective of Quran and medicine. This review article investigated the therapeutic properties of honey from the perspective of Quran and medicine through text analysis and manual and online search. Medicine has proven that honey due to its low moisture, high osmosis, and high acidity inhibits the growth of infectious agents and creates a sterile coat on the wound. Prophet Mohammad said, “Lam yastashfeo almariz bemasale sharbato olasal”, meaning that nothing cures the sick person the way honey does. Studies have shown that honey is effective in strengthening child development and treatment, prevention, and improvement of skin, respiratory, liver, gallbladder, eyes, ears, and nose diseases and cancer. The application of natural honey to healing diabetic and cutaneous ulcers and the topical application of honey to open wounds can accelerate the healing process. Oral administration of dates honey syrup can enhance the natural progression of delivery and womb contractions which decrease the need for cesarean. It can be concluded from the review of the literature that emphasis of Quran on the use of honey in diet and its reference to the healing property of honey for people has not been without a cause. Modern medicine also verifies the curative properties of honey for many diseases.

---

Background: Prevention, control, or eradication of brucellosis in a country or region needs policy-making, decision-making, and possessing accurate epidemiological data and information. Therefore, this study was done to review the epidemiology and some factors affecting the interval between the onset and diagnosis of brucellosis in Markazi Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data on patients diagnosed with brucellosis during 2010-2011 in Markazi Province were studied. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics as well as chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test using SPSS software. Results: Out of all cases (907), the interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was more than a month in 363 cases (41.7%). The interval between the onset and diagnosis was significantly associated with location (urban or rural) (P=0.001), city of residence (P=0.001), career (P=0.002), and type of disease (new or failure case) (P=0.008). Conclusion: Since the interval time between the onset and diagnosis of brucellosis among rural residents, ranchers, housewives, and farmers is more, greater attention should be paid to this new class.

---

Background: Brucellosis is one of the zoonotic diseases that has always been considered a health problem in Iran. Since this disease is endemic in Arak and Markazi Province, this study was done to investigate its epidemiology during 2001-2010. Materials and Methods: In this epidemiological study, data on patients with brucellosis were obtained from the medical records in Arak Health Center during 2001-2010. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16. Results: During this period, 3880 new cases were reported. The mean incidence rate of brucellosis was 60 per 100000 people during 2001-2010. The greatest incidence was in 2004 (111.5 per 100000 people), whereas the lowest incidence was in 2006 (40.5 per 100000 people). Overall, 72% of the patients lived in villages, and 60% of them were male. The majority of the patients were in the second decade of their lives (10-19 years old). The majority of the patients had Wright test titer=1:320 and 2ME titer=1:80 in serology titration. Conclusion: Arak is one of the regions with high incidence of brucellosis. In this region, the patients are mostly male, live in villages, and age 10-19.

---

Background: Considering the lack of a standardized and validated questionnaire on oral health care for pregnant women based on a specific behavioral pattern, the aim ofthis study was development and psychometric assessment of an oral health instrument based on Health Belief Model in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 340 pregnant women in Arak city. After reviewing the related literature, the instrument was designed and its content validity ratio, content validity index, face validity, and exploratory factor analysis were measured. For measuring the reliability of the scales, three methods, including test-retest, internal consistency, and agreement, were used. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: The reliability of the 61 items was evaluated with impact score of 1.5 and the content validity index of 0.79 and based on exploratory factor analysis were classified into seven categories. The overall reliability measured through Cronbach alpha was 0.84. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.88, perceived susceptibility was 0.73, severity was 0.70, perceived benefits was 0.75, perceived barriers was 0.71, the cues to action was 0.72, and self-efficacy was 0.76. Kappa coefficients were determined with a high performance for checklists. Conclusion: This study provided good evidence of the strength factor structure and reliability of Health Belief Model structures about oral health behaviors in the vulnerable group of pregnant women, according to the study of psychometrics process.

---

Background: Inmedical practice, learning the correct method of CPR and its practice and continuous training are of great importance. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mental practice on learning basic CPR operations in undergraduate anesthesiology students studying at Arak University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This educational trial was carried out on 46 anesthesiology students at Arak University of Medical Sciences that were divided into intervention (mental and practical training) and control (practice alone)groups. Then they were assessed through accuracy and speed checklist designed by two instructors blind to the presence of training. Data were analyzed by t-test and Chi-square using SPSS software. Results: The mean scores of speed in intervention and control groups were 2.50.26 and 3.160.33, respectively, which showed a significant difference (p=0.001). The mean scores of the accuracy of students’ performance in case and control groups were 4.330.7 and 3.40.62, respectively, which indicated asignificant difference between them (p=0.001). Theopinions of the students in the mental practice group (90%) suggested the positive effects of mental practice on their performance. Conclusion: This study showed that mental practice increases students’ performance. Hence, for achieving better results in clinical practice, the application of both physical and mental exercisesby the teachers is suggested.

---

Background: Considering the importance of the presence of volunteer health care communicators and the reduction in their cooperation with health centers or their breaking off their communication in recent years, this study was done to explore the educational needs of health care communicators and their instructors. Materials and Methods: In a qualitative study, data were obtained through focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual depth interviews (IDIs) for need assessment from three groups of active volunteer health care workers, inactive volunteer health care workers and health instructors. In total, 14 FGD and 5 DII were held to cover the aims of research chosen by aimed sampling. The analysis was carried out by qualitative content analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged from data analysis, including the concepts of soft and hard tools (time, space, educational tools, and educational content), educator (teaching methods, awareness, and skills), and learner (application, literacy, experience learning level, and motivation). Conclusion: Many of the educational needs of the health care communicators and their educators had not been met which, in many cases, had led to the discontinuation of their cooperation with health centers. Hence, presenting the obtained feedback to officials for meeting their needs can be an effective measure in improving the activities of the communicators and their continuous presence in the health care system.

---

Background: Nowadays, the elderly population is growing all over the world. Diseases and conditions resulting from this evolutionary process can severely affect the quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of educational programs of healthy lifestyle on the quality of life of the elderly in Arak city.

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental was carried out on 60 elderly subjects in Arak city. The subjects participated in classes on nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and life skills for a month and they were followed for three months after intervention. Data were collected by the short form quality of life (SF-36) in elderly.

Results: The mean score of quality of life was 61.06±7.42. The highest mean was associated with social health (74.5±15) while the lowest mean was for physical health (46±17). In terms of quality of life indicators before educational intervention, four categories emerged: poor (13.3%), medium (30%), good (41.7%), and high (15%). After intervention, the majority of the samples fell in the good (38.3%) and high (45%) categories. There was a significant difference before and after the educational intervention (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Education to elderly about the healthy lifestyle practices can prevent a lot of problems and help them to improve their quality of life. Therefore, classroom education is fruitful for this group that is often neglected.

---

Background: Survey and control of nosocomial infections in the world is a global priority that The objective is to minimize infections in addition to decreased length of hospitalization And also significantly reduce the cost of health care .The aim of this study was evaluating the knowledge, self-efficacy and Practice of nursing staff in Disciplines Standard Precautions in order to prevention of nosocomial infection.

Materials and Methods: This Cross-sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 130nursing staff selectedin in Arak university of medical sciense in 2013. Data collected with validity and reliebility questionnaire including of knowledge, self-efficacy and Practice of nursing staff in Disciplines Standard Precautions in order to prevention of nosocomial infection. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and analytical statistical methods and pearson correlation.

Results: The mean knowledge was 46.92±14.66 and Practice 49.46±6.96 and average self-efficacy was 52.2±10.81 about infection prevention. There was not significant relationship between knowledge and Practice. But there was a significant relationship between self-efficacy, knowledge and Practice and marriage. Moreover there was a significant relationship between knowledge and gender. (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Despite moderate self-efficacy majority of Nurses do not have appropriate knowledge about prevention of nosocomial infection based on the findings of this study. Considering the important role of nurses in nosocomial infection prevention, training is necessary to increase nurses prevention behaviors. Therefor paying more attention by authorities to apply the necessary actions for training of nurses.

---

Background: Solid waste is one of the environmental pollution. Therefore the aim of this study was to survey of knowledge, attitude and practice of student and teachers about weast management for developing methods of educational in Arak city.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 1739 student and 149 teacher in school of Arak city in 2012. sampling with cluster and data collection with questionnaire including knowledge, attitude, practice and appropriate resource of education for waste management. Finally data analyzed with statistical tests.

Results: The mean knowledge and attitude student was 4.1±1.9 (out of 8) and was 20.63±5.9 (out of 35) respectively. Based on most educational methods for weast management viewpoint of student book 441 student (29% ) but impact of internet very low interest 487 (32%) of student. Moreover the most educational methods based on level of education significant difference was observed (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Due to a level of knowledge and attitude of student and accsses to educational resourse and huge of weaste in school educational program planned via book, teacher and peer education for student recommended.

---

Background: One of the amendments made in Iran's Health System was family physician program were introduced in 2004 . This study aimed to describe the experiences of physician and other health team members about general interest of this program.

Materiasl and Methods: This study is a qualitative and data collection method was in-depth interviews (semi-structured). Groups participants including 15 physicians, 15 midwives and 25 healthworker declare their experiences about of general advantage in this program. In total, 55 interviews were carried out in population. Purposive sampling fand content analysis with comparative of the methods were used.

Results: In this study, after continuous analysis of data 376 initial codes were obtained. After integration of theses codes 30 the secondary cods come out which consist of public or general interest and economic benefit, respectively. Moreover 4 sub-categories (improve of index of public health and care, health folder, insurance for rural, low referral to expert of physican), were created.

Conclusion: Based on the results the use of electronic folders instead of traditional folder and accelerate to acsess of information patient for promotion of care and finally delivery some facilitate for health team worker recommended.

---

Background: Planning of educational programs to inform the people about the prevention of diseases such as cancers is necessary. This study was conducted to determine the effect of educational interference based on HBM on practices of women about gastric cancer.

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 88 women participated from Arak. The subject were randomly divided in two groups, experimental group and control group (each group includes 44 women). Inclusion criteria were absence of cancer, Iranian nationality, age over 18 years, living in the city. Data collected with a questionnaire based on HBM and performance checklist about colorectal cancer prevention was used in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational program. Intervention was done in 1 month consist of 3 session each session 45 minutes. Three months later data were recollected and analyzed.

Results: In this study, the mean age in case and control group was 38.3±9.6 and 36.3±11.1 years respectively, with no significant differences (p=0.381). Average scores of knowledge and practice in experimental was 72.8±13.06 and 30.81±6.2 respectively group before the intervention, which was 88.05±12.2 and 65.3±8.9 respectively after the intervention (p<0.05). Moreover before of intervention susceptibility, severity and percieved benefit about practice of mothers was moderate but after intervention the entire items between experimental and control groups was significantly different (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Finding of this research confirms the effect of Health Belief Model on prevention from gastrointestinal cancer in women of Arak.

---

Background: Accidents and injuries one of the main causes of death and disability in the world and the most significant causes in children referred to hospital. So, this study aimed to assess the health belief model constructs and function of the mothers referred to health centers in the city of Khorramabad in the preventive behaviors of accidents and injuries in children.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional and analytical study was done on 261 mothers with children aged less than 5 years are referred to health centers in the city of Khorramabad in 2014. Data was collected with a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model. The data collected were analyzed by software SPSS-20.

Results: In this study the mean and standard deviation of age of mothers was 28.98±5.37 years and the mean score of function and self-efficacy were 59.1±14.74 and 69.1±11.07 respectively. Moreover, the mean scores of the other health belief model constructs such as perceived sensitivity, severity, benefits and barriers was higher than average. There was significant negative correlation between self-efficacy and perceived barriers (r=-0.256, p<0.01), and also between the perceived barriers and function (r=-0.391, p<0.01).

Conclusion: According to the score of the function of mothers and the other constructs of health belief model, training programs based on the model directly and indirectly in the form of multimedia training package recommended to promote preventive behaviors of accidents occur in children.

---

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after delivery plays a crucial role in preventing infants morbidity and mortality. Exclusive breastfeeding intention during pregnancy is one of predictors of this behavior. Determining the effective factors in exclusive breastfeeding intention helps plan for promoting breastfeeding intention and behavior. The aim of this study is to determine predictive factors of exclusive breastfeeding intention in pregnant women, based on the theory of planned behavior.

Materials and Methods: This analytical study was conducted in 2014 on 224 primigravide women referred to Health Centers of Kashan. The samples were randomly selected from 16 health centers. The mothers completed the questionnaires of demography, intention, attitude, subjective norms and the perceived behavior control. A linear regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of the exclusive breastfeeding intention.

Results: In regression model, the perceived behavior control (&beta=0.42, p<0.001), attitude (&beta=0.27, p<0.01) and subjective norms (&beta=0.18, p=0.059) were predictors of the exclusive breastfeeding intention. This model could explain 63% of the variance of the exclusive breastfeeding intention. The knowledge and demographic factors were not predictors of the intention.

Conclusion: The results reveal the perceived behavior control, attitudes and subjective norms could predict exclusive breastfeeding intention, so they should be considered as general guidelines in designing educational interventions in order to improve exclusive breastfeeding in women.

---

  Background: M others must gain enough knowledge and practice about danger signs in children to achieve behavior change. Knowing such factors influencing behavior change will facilitate change. So, training about danger signs in children using models that identify the factors influencing behavior is essential. Health belief model is one of the effective models in education. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of education on behavior of mothers about danger signs in children less than five years.

  Materials and Methods: This is an educational trial study that was conducted on 116 mother with children under five years old referring to treatment health centers in Arak city in 2014. They were divided into two groups case (n=56 ) and control ( n=60 ) randomly.

  The data collected by filling the valid and reliable questionnaire that reseatcher made along with interview. An educational intervention was conducted in case group during the four learning sessions. Three months after educational intervention, post-test was conducted by filling questionnaire. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS software in significance level of p<0/05.

  Results: There was no significant difference between mean score of health belief model construct and behavior in the experimental and control groups before the intervention(p<0.05) , but significant differences were shown after intervention(p<0.001). The mean score of the mothers in the intervention group before and after intervention was 39.58±42.15, and 84.52±23.05 respectively, that showed significant differences (p<0.001).

  Conclusion: According to the results of this study, educational intervention based on initial assessment on Health Belief Model was effective in improving mothers' practice about danger signs in children. Thus, it can be helpful to design training programs.

---

Background: Today, environmental pollutants are one of the most important human problems. The purpose of this study was to assess the health belief model structures for promotion of preventive behaviors in pregnant women exposed to air pollution in Arak city in 2014.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 208 pregnant women referred to healthcare centers in Arak city were selected by multistage sampling and were studied. Data were collected by using a valid and reliable self- report questionnaire. The questionnaire included the demographic characteristics of the mother, the aspects of the HBM model, and the maternal practice checklist. Finally, the data were analyzed.

Results: The mean age of subjects was 26.48 ±4.77 and the mean gestational age was 14.88 ±5.59 weeks. The highest level of education for pregnant women (47.1%) was a diploma. The mean practice score was 72.9 and among the structures, the highest and the lowest score was obtained for perceived susceptibility(83.25) and barriers(59.16), respectively. To predict the hehavior by using the HBM structures, regression analysis showed that of the studied variables, the external practice guides, perceived susceptibililty, and barriers are as behavior predictive predictive agents that totally, predicted 26% (R2=0.265) of behavior changes.

Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the design of educational interventions should be based on the external practice guides, perceived susceptibility and barriers structures as the most important predictors of maternal behavior.

---

Background: Today, the consumption of junk food as a snack among children, especially in elementary school students is on the rise. This research has measured Theory of Planned Behavior constructs in this field.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 217 primary school students in Arak city in 2015. Students were selected according to cluster sampling method. Data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire consisting of theory of planned behavior constructs such as attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention and performance. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire was studied before the study. Multivariate linear regression model was used to determine the most important predictive constructs of students behavior.

Results: In this study, the mean and standard deviation score of attitude (75.41±12.42), subjective norm (78.25±11.20), perceived behavioral control (63.69±17.06), behavicral intention (76.26±15.44), and performance (48.84±24.44) were observed. Based on the results, perceived behavioral control could predict 23 percent change in behavior. There was a direct correlation between the score of constructs and performance(p<0.05). Moreover, there were not any significant differences(p>0.05) between students nutrition and age(r=0.019), weight (r=0.07), height (r=0.12) and BMI (r=0.07).

Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that positive attitude and self-esteem must taken into account to control students diet, in the design of interventions to prevent consuming junk food.