Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health concern, associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pediatric and adolescent TB reflects ongoing transmission and presents unique clinical challenges. This study aims to examine the ten -year trend of TB among children and adolescents in Hamadan Province, Iran, to provide data-driven insights for policymakers and contribute to reducing the regional burden of TB. Materials and Methods: This retrospective descriptive-analytical study included all identified TB cases among individuals under 18 years of age in Hamadan Province, Iran, over 10 years from 2012 to 2022. Data were extracted from the TB-register system of the Health Deputy of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. A total of 35 cases of TB were identified among children and adolescents under 18 years of age during the study period. Results: Regarding TB type, 60% had extra-pulmonary TB and 40% had pulmonary TB. Among extra-pulmonary cases, lymph node involvement was the most common manifestation. Of the 14 pulmonary TB cases, 57.1% had negative initial smears. After two months of treatment, 83.3% of smear-positive patients converted to smear-negative. Most cases were newly diagnosed, and treatment outcomes were favorable. Temporal trend analysis revealed a statistically significant decline in TB incidence among children and adolescents in Hamadan Province. Conclusion: Key findings indicate that extra-pulmonary TB was predominant, with lymph node involvement being the most common site. A significant decline in pediatric TB incidence over the past 10 years suggests progress in regional TB control efforts. Enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions are required to further reduce the pediatric TB burden in this region.
Background and Objectives: Attachment-based family therapy interventions and transdiagnostic integrated therapy are considered cognitive-behavioral therapies that reduce psychological stress when practiced by individuals. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of attachment-based family therapy and transdiagnostic integrated therapy on parental self-efficacy and subjective well-being of adolescents with self-injurious behaviors. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population included all female high school students in Kerman, Iran, and their mothers in the academic year 2023-2024. Of the students who scored above the cutoff on the Self-Injurious questionnaire, 36 adolescents and their mothers were randomly selected. Of these 36, 12 were randomly assigned to the attachment-based family therapy group, 12 to the integrated transdiagnostic therapy group, and 12 to the control group. Self-Injurious questionnaires, the Parental Self-Efficacy Scale by Domka et al., and the Renshaw Subjective Well-Being Scale were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance and the Bonferroni post hoc test with the help of SPSS software (version 26). Results: Based on the findings of the present research, attachment-based family therapy and integrated transdiagnostic therapy were effective in increasing the total score of parental self-efficacy and subjective well-being. In addition, between-group comparisons showed no significant difference between the two intervention groups in the post-test and follow-up stages (p<0.05). Accordingly, it can be concluded that no difference was observed between the effectiveness of attachment-based family therapy and integrated transdiagnostic therapy in increasing the total score of variables. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, both intervention methods can be used to increase the level of parental self-efficacy and subjective well-being of adolescents with self-injurious behaviors, as the results indicate that the interventions are effective at an appropriate level.
Background and Objectives: Given the southeastern region of Iran's location along active faults and its history of destructive earthquakes, identifying factors that affect adolescent safety behaviors is crucial. This study aimed to identify predictors of earthquake safety behaviors among adolescents in Chabahar, Iran, using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 200 adolescents living in Chabahar, Iran. Multi-stage random sampling was conducted from schools in different regions. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the constructs of PMT, including awareness, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and protection motivation. The questionnaire's reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, and its validity was confirmed through expert review. The data were analyzed using Stata software (version 17) and descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: Male gender (P = 0.0001, β = 2.43), ninth grade (P = 0.001, β = 2.79), and mother's university education (P = 0.001, β = 3.29) were the most important predictors of increasing earthquake safety behaviors. Also, among the constructs of PMT, awareness (P = 0.008, β = 0.14), perceived susceptibility (P = 0.0001, β = 0.18), self-efficacy (P = 0.004, β = 0.17), and protection motivation (P = 0.001, β = 0.19) were identified as significant positive predictors. The final model explained 49% of the variance of the dependent variable (R² = 49, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This model has strong explanatory power for predicting adolescent earthquake safety behaviors. These results emphasize the need to design safety-oriented educational programs that strengthen awareness, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and motivation to protect among adolescents, especially girls and lower-grade students.
(# Contributed equally as the first author) Background and Objectives: High-carbohydrate diets are common among adolescent students, and mental health is shaped mainly during these years. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between sugar consumption and mental health among high school students in Abadan, Iran, 2023-2024. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted on 627 male and female high school students through a random cluster sampling method. Three questionnaires were used for data collection: a demographic information questionnaire, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and a General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Results: Sugar consumption was reported as: 78% (489 individuals) consumed less than 30 kg, 14.4% consumed between 30 and 50 kg, and 7.5% consumed more than 50 kg. The occurrence of psychological symptoms in students consuming between 30 and 50 kg and over was higher (P<0.00). Conclusion: Ultimately, a significant positive association was identified between the consumption of sugar and carbohydrates and the mental health status of adolescent students.
Background and Objectives: Adolescence is a critical stage in girls' lives, often accompanied by various reproductive health challenges. In Iraq, the high rate of adolescent fertility (58.01 per 1,000 women aged 15–19 years) and cultural barriers highlight the urgent need for reproductive health services. Nurses play an essential role in education and awareness; however, limited specialized knowledge may reduce the effectiveness of their intervention. This study assessed nurses' knowledge of health-promoting behaviors for adolescent girls' reproductive health. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 2024, 125 nurses (mean age: 37.22 ± 9.92 years) from Al-Diwaniyah hospitals in Iraq were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a 25-item questionnaire covering four domains (puberty and marriage, pregnancy and childbirth, family planning, and sexually transmitted infections [STIs]) and rated on a 3-point Likert scale, completed in person by participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26), applying Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman correlation, analysis of variance, and logistic regression tests. Results: Most nurses (65%) had moderate knowledge (50%–75%). Knowledge was highest in family planning (64.40%) but lower in STIs (58.08%) and pregnancy (57.87%), with only 44.3% of correct responses on STI prevention. No demographic variables were associated with knowledge (P > 0.05). While 68.5% of nurses had positive attitudes toward education, only 34.7% found adolescent communication easy. Conclusion: Cultural taboos and inadequate training exacerbate knowledge gaps. Targeted workshops on STI prevention and counseling skills, alongside clinical guidelines, can enhance reproductive health services and improve adolescent girls' health.
Background and Objectives: In Iranian medicine, the concept of temperament is associated with many anthropometric, behavioral, and physiological indicators, as well as diseases. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between mothers' temperament and their newborns' health status at birth. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 700 mothers who were referred to various women's hospitals in Hamedan, Iran, in 2023. Data were collected one day after delivery using the Salman Nejad questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20) with quantitative and qualitative statistical methods, with a significance level of less than 0.05. Results: In terms of warmth and coldness, 471 mothers (67.3%) had cold temperaments, and in terms of humidity and dryness, 396 mothers (56.6%) had moist temperaments. Moreover, among those with mixed temperaments, 292 (41.7%) had cold and wet temperaments. Normal delivery and higher birth weight were significantly higher in mothers with warm temperaments than in mothers with cold temperaments (P value = 0.005, 0.043). However, no significant relationships were observed between mothers' temperament and height or head circumference (P values = 0.602, 0.276). Conclusion: Mothers with a warm temperament had higher birth weight and were more likely to have normal deliveries. By correcting the cold and humid temperament, the likelihood of a normal delivery and the birth of infants with appropriate birth weight can be increased.
Background and Objectives: Understanding the educational needs of mothers is the first step toward enhancing their awareness and empowerment in addressing the challenges of puberty among adolescent girls. This qualitative study aimed to explore mothers' educational needs regarding adolescent girls' health during puberty. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on conventional content analysis and purposeful sampling, ensuring maximum diversity until data saturation was reached, over six months in 2024. Data collection involved conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with 19 qualified participants at the Imam Khomeini Comprehensive Health Center and selected health centers affiliated with Qom University of Medical Sciences in Qom, Iran. Data analysis was conducted using the content analysis approach proposed by Granheim and Lundman (2004) in six consecutive steps. The MAXQDA software (version 10) was used for data analysis. Results: Data analysis led to the emergence of a theme titled “Multidimensional Issues in the Education Process of Mothers during their Daughters’ Adolescence and Puberty”. This theme includes six main categories: “Socialization”, “Physical issues”, “Puberty-Specific Lifestyle”, “Sexual Education”, “Physical-Psychological Self-Care”, and “Psychological-Emotional Issues”, along with 17 subcategories. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the educational needs of mothers during the puberty of adolescent girls are multifaceted and encompass various dimensions. These needs manifest in areas such as adolescent socialization, physical, mental, and emotional health, sexual education, psychophysical self-care, and lifestyle modifications. Therefore, it is essential to develop educational programs tailored to the specific understanding of these needs, taking into account the cultural context of the society. Such initiatives can effectively address the knowledge gaps mothers face, ultimately enhancing their ability to support their daughters during this critical developmental phase.
Background and Objectives: In recent years, spirituality has gained attention as a tool for improving mental health. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of implementing a spiritual health promotion program on loneliness and stress in high school adolescent girls in Gorgan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This experimental randomized controlled study with a pre-post design was conducted on 80 high school adolescent girls who visited health centers in Gorgan during the years 2020–2021. Data collection tools included demographic information questionnaires, the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire, and the Loneliness Questionnaire, which were completed before and one month after the intervention in both groups. Educational content was delivered to the intervention group in eight 40-minute sessions, following the spiritual health promotion program. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26) and independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: The mean age of the adolescent girls in the intervention and control groups was 16.16 ± 0.60 and 16.35 ± 0.64 years, respectively. In the intervention group, 19 (51.4%) participants were in the 10th grade, compared to 15 (44.1%) participants in the control group. After the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of the total loneliness score decreased to 38.45 ± 5.45, and the stress score declined to 18.43 ± 6.82. Conclusion: Education based on spiritual health promotion significantly reduced stress and loneliness in adolescent girls. Identifying students experiencing challenges in these areas and applying this educational method can effectively support their mental health improvement.
Background and Objectives: Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of rare genetic disorders that cause blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. This disease significantly impacts not only the affected child but also the parents, affecting their quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to determine the quality of life of parents with children suffering from epidermolysis bullosa. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, all observational studies published between 2013 and 2025 in Persian and English databases were collected and examined using the keywords related to quality of life, parents, and epidermolysis bullosa. After eliminating duplicate and irrelevant cases, the quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: A total of 342 articles were identified. After removing 189 duplicates, the titles and abstracts of 153 articles were reviewed. Of these, 138 were excluded since they assessed different concepts in parents of children with epidermolysis bullosa and did not evaluate the parents' quality of life. Additionally, 2 articles were excluded due to the unavailability of full-text versions. Among the remaining 13 articles, 5 received a score of 4 stars according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, indicating low study quality, and were thus excluded from this study. Ultimately, 8 articles remained for comprehensive review and analysis. Conclusion: The presence of epidermolysis bullosa not only affects the quality of life of the affected children but also imposes significant physical, psychological, social, and economic burdens on their parents and families, collectively diminishing their overall quality of life.
Background and Objectives: Children's social-emotional well-being and resilience play an important role in their attitude, behavior, and success in their personal and social lives. The present study aimed to standardize the scale of social, emotional, and resilience development in children in early childhood settings in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive-experimental research consisted of all children aged 4 to 6 years, prior to entering primary school, in Isfahan, Iran, during the school year 2022-2023. A total of 100 students were selected through random sampling. In this study, the social, emotional, and resilience scale was first translated into Persian; then, it was implemented with the selected sample. Based on the collected data, the results of exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the investigated scale, in the Iranian sample, includes five subscales, namely, Social Performance, Self-Control, Assertiveness and Emotional Stability, Task Orientation, as well as Curiosity and Enjoyment of Exploration. Additionally, to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the mentioned questionnaire, average variance indices, Fornell-Larcker matrix, single-dual validity ratio matrix, Cronbach's alpha, and composite reliability were used. Overall, the results of the present study showed that the Iranian version of the social, emotional, and resilience questionnaire has good validity and reliability. Results: In the current study, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.898, and for the subscales of Social Performance, Self-control, Assertiveness, Task Orientation, and Enjoyment of Exploration, the values were 0.84, 0.78, 0.73, 0.82, and 0.85, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis of the original 6-factor structure confirmed five components, and the emotional stability component was removed. Overall, 25 out of 36 items were found to be valid, and the remaining items were removed from the questionnaire. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the scale of social, emotional, and resilience development in 4- to 6-year-old children can be a valid and reliable 5-factor tool for evaluating the social, emotional, and resilience characteristics of Iranian children.
Background and Objectives: Specific learning disabilities are among the most common childhood disorders and are often accompanied by deficits in executive functions. One key component of these functions is inhibitory control. This study aimed to systematically review the deficits in inhibitory control among students with specific learning disabilities and to analyze the various tools used to assess these deficits. Materials and Methods: This study was a systematic review of English-language articles published between 2000 and 2024 in reputable scientific databases. Using relevant keywords, articles that studied inhibitory control in children with specific learning disabilities were selected according to the PRISMA model, and after a multi-stage screening process, were selected for the final analysis. Results: Review of the 12 selected articles, involving 574 children with learning disabilities and 341 typically developing peers, showed that the Stroop test demonstrated the highest sensitivity in identifying inhibition deficits, while other assessment tools, including the go/no-go and stop-signal tasks, provided inconsistent results. Conclusion: The findings suggested that inhibitory control deficits in children with specific learning disabilities may be more closely related to difficulties in interference control rather than motor response inhibition. These differences may also result from methodological differences or different cognitive processes measured by each instrument.
Background and Objectives: Due to population growth policies and the importance of encouraging fertility, pregnant adolescents face unique physical, psychological, and social changes. The present study aimed to assess the impact of self-care counseling on improving the quality of life in this vulnerable group. Materials and Methods: This two-group randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out on 70 primigravida adolescents aged 10-19 years with singleton pregnancies of at least 20 weeks in Darreh Shahr, Iran. After obtaining informed consent and random allocation, the intervention group received four weekly sessions of self-care counseling (45-60 minutes each) based on the GATHER model. Both groups completed a quality-of-life questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 2023) using paired and independent t-tests. Results: The most significant improvement was observed in the concern/worry domain in the intervention group (from 55.69±19.43 to 68.94±20.95; P<0.05). Although improvements were also detected in the physical, mental, and compatibility domains, they were not statistically significant. On the contrary, the control group demonstrated a significant decline in some areas, particularly in the concern/worry domain. Conclusion: Self-care counseling contributes to the psychological and emotional well-being of pregnant adolescents and enhances their overall quality of life. Integrating structured self-care programs into prenatal care can be an effective strategy for supporting this age group during pregnancy.
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated urgent global vaccination efforts. The Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, developed using inactivated virus technology, has been widely used among pregnant women. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Sinopharm vaccination during pregnancy on neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 236 pregnant women at Fatemiyeh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, between 2021 and 2022. The study included 118 women who received the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine (vaccinated group) and 118 unvaccinated women (unvaccinated group). Neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth, birth weight, Apgar scores, congenital anomalies, and neonatal mortality, were assessed and compared between the two groups. Results: Baseline characteristics, such as maternal age, body mass index, and parity, were similar between the groups (P>0.05). Neonatal mortality was slightly higher in the vaccinated group (0.8% vs. 0% in the unvaccinated group). Nonetheless, no statistically significant differences were observed in other outcomes, including birth weight, congenital anomalies, or rates of spontaneous abortion. Conclusion: The Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine appears to be safe for pregnant women, with no significant increase in the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. These findings support the use of the Sinopharm vaccine in pregnant women for protection against COVID-19, though further long-term studies are warranted.
Background and Objectives: Cancer is among the most common chronic diseases. The treatment process causes many changes in the individual's lifestyle and leads to many physical and mental challenges in their life. Since children are more sensitive, they are more deeply affected by such issues. For this reason, patients with cancer need intensive spiritual attention and spiritual care. On the other hand, humans are multifaceted beings; therefore, their physical and spiritual dimensions should be considered in treatment. The present study investigates spiritual care in children with cancer. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 nurses, selected from the children's departments of medical education centers affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. The Spiritual Care Competency Questionnaire, along with sections of the Short Multidimensional Spirituality Questionnaire, was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24). Results: Based on the findings, the average spiritual care score was above average and within the desired range. A significant difference was observed only in the negative spiritual confrontation subscale, with marital status as the predictor (P < 0.05). The mean score for negative confrontation was higher among single individuals. Based on an analysis of variance, no significant differences were found in the mean scores for spiritual care and its subscales across age, employment type, work experience, and work shift. Conclusion: Nurses and patients are aware of the positive impact of spirituality on spiritual health, but obstacles remain, including limited time, inadequate skills, and insufficient training in providing spiritual care.
Background and Objectives: Spirituality serves as a shield for adolescents against negative consequences, such as identity crisis and the tendency toward addiction. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the relationship of spiritual health with identity crisis and the tendency toward addiction among male adolescents in Hamedan, Iran, in 2022. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 273 students from boys’ high schools in Hamadan, Iran, were included in 2022. Initially, schools were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Next, students who met the inclusion criteria were selected using convenience sampling. Research tools included: a demographic information questionnaire, the Poloutzin and Ellison Spiritual Health Questionnaire, the Ahmadi Identity Crisis Questionnaire, and the Addiction Tendency Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (linear regression and correlation). In addition, the collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 24). Results: The results obtained indicated that most adolescents (41.8%) were in the tenth grade, with an average age of 16.57 ± 0.94 years. Most adolescents had moderate spiritual health (83.61±22.42). Additionally, the mean scores for identity crisis and addiction tendency were 6.60 ± 5.51 and 38.73 ± 8.66, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was observed between spiritual health and identity crisis (P<0.001), as well as between spiritual health and addiction tendency (P=0.024). Conclusion: Considering the significant relationship of spiritual health with identity crisis and addiction tendency, it can be concluded that adolescents with higher spiritual health are less prone to deviations typical of this developmental stage. Therefore, it is suggested that future studies focus more on the necessity of enhancing spirituality in adolescents to promote their growth and flourishing.
(# Contributed equally as the first author) Background and Objectives: Adolescence is a sensitive stage for initiating risky smoking behavior. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of training empowerment skills based on self-efficacy theory, using health literacy strategies, on smoking avoidance among first-year female adolescents in middle schools in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 128 girls (64 cases per intervention and control group) residing in Mashhad, Iran, in 2024. Sampling was performed using a multistage cluster method, where schools and classes were randomly selected first. Then, all eligible students within those classes were included in the study through convenience sampling. Data were collected using self-efficacy questionnaires for avoiding smoking and the General Self-Efficacy Scale in three stages: before, immediately after, and three months after the educational intervention. Analysis was performed using an independent t-test and chi-square tests in SPSS software (version 25). Results: Prior to the educational intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of smoking avoidance self-efficacy scores and general self-efficacy (P > 0.05). However, immediately after the intervention and three months later, this difference was significant in the intervention group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that empowerment training based on self-efficacy theory using health literacy strategies is effective in increasing self-efficacy to avoid smoking in adolescent girls.
Background and Objectives: Internet addiction among adolescents poses a significant threat to their physical, mental, and social well-being. The investigation of the relationship between health-promoting behaviors and this phenomenon can aid in designing effective preventive interventions. The present study aimed to determine the association between health-promoting behaviors and internet addiction among adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Hilla (Iraq) in 2023, 200 adolescent female students were selected and examined using a combined convenience and systematic random sampling method. Data were collected through the standardized Health-Promoting Behaviors Questionnaire and Young's Internet Addiction Questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS (version 22) software, employing descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and chi-square test. Results: Health-promoting behaviors, such as exercise (p=0.703), healthy diet (P=0.312), handwashing (P=0.110), good relationships (P=0.536), mood improvement (P=0.965), and seeking medical information (P=0.812), did not have a significant impact on internet addiction. In addition, the Spearman correlation indicated no significant relationship between the total score of health behaviors and internet addiction (r=0.057, P=0.421). Conclusion: Health-promoting behaviors do not significantly reduce internet addiction. It is recommended that comprehensive prevention programs, including life skills training, time management, stress reduction, and psychosocial interventions, be designed to address internet addiction among adolescents.
Background and Objectives: The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the level of oxidant capacity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with the severity of the disease in children with COVID-19 hospitalized in Besat Hospital in Hamadan (Iran) in 2021. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 90 children hospitalized in pediatric wards of Besat Hospital, Hamadan, were included. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group of patients without COVID-19 and the second group of patients with COVID-19 who were diagnosed by the attending physician in the inpatient ward. 3 cc of blood samples were taken from each group to determine the total oxidant status (TOS) and TAC. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05. Results: In comparing OS biomarker factors between healthy and COVID children, this study showed no significant difference in the mean TOS, and TAC between the healthy and diseased groups (P>0.05). There was also no significant difference in mean TOS in different age groups. However, a difference in the mean TAC was observed in groups. In addition, the mean TAC was highest in children under 2 years of age and lowest in the 2-6-year-old group. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that, in general, the level of OS is not higher in infected patients. This issue is partially compensated by increasing TAC levels, such that the level of OS in patients is not significantly different from that in healthy individuals.
Background and Objectives: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, characterized by chronic inflammation of the small intestine. This condition leads to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and extraintestinal manifestations, including growth failure, osteopenia, and anemia, posing serious consequences for the health and development of children. The only way to manage this disease is to adhere to a gluten-free diet. Numerous studies have reported conflicting results regarding nutritional deficiencies in children with celiac disease and the impact of a gluten-free diet on these deficiencies. The present study aimed to describe micronutrient deficiencies and propose strategies for the improvement of these deficiencies in children with celiac disease. Materials and Methods: Online database searches were performed until December 2024. The keywords employed included "celiac disease," "nutritional status," "vitamins," "minerals," "nutrients," "gluten-free diet," "children," "micronutrients," and "malnutrition." Studies were initially selected based on their titles, followed by an evaluation of the abstracts, and subsequently, a thorough review of the full texts of the articles. Results: Children with celiac disease commonly experience deficiencies in micronutrients, such as iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which arise from malabsorption and the atrophy of intestinal villi. These deficiencies may persist even after the initiation of treatment, as the elimination of gluten-containing grains, particularly enriched breads, can lead to nutritional imbalances. Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, monitoring nutritional status and adhering to a balanced gluten-free diet is essential. Furthermore, referral to a nutritionist for education and ongoing assessment of the nutritional status of children with celiac disease is of utmost importance.
Background and Objectives: Identifying factors affecting breastfeeding duration can play a key role in designing effective interventions to increase this duration. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the average duration of breastfeeding and its associated factors among women attending Baqiyatallah Hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 499 women attending the Baqiyatallah Hospital clinic in 2023. Simple random sampling was used, and women with at least one child participated in this study. Data were collected through a researcher-made checklist. Independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to examine the relationship between variables and breastfeeding duration. Results: In this study, the mean age of participants was 34.6±7.8 years, and the mean breastfeeding duration was 12.9±8.6 months. Of the total participants, 5.2% did not breastfeed at all, and 26.2% breastfed for at least 24 months. The most common reasons for discontinuing breastfeeding included insufficient breast milk (38.3%), unintended pregnancy (22.2%), lack of spousal support and encouragement (22%), and maternal perception of inadequate nutrition (21.8%). Type of delivery, family size, socioeconomic status, and education level were also significantly associated with breastfeeding duration (P<0.05). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of considering mothers' individual and social conditions in health and support planning. Moreover, the findings indicate that increasing breastfeeding duration requires attention to factors, such as maternal education, social support, improved economic conditions, and the promotion of natural childbirth.
