Behjat Shokrvash

Bio: Behjat Shokrvash is an academic researcher from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Likert scale & Exploratory factor analysis. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 13 publications receiving 93 citations. Previous affiliations of Behjat Shokrvash include Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Correlates of physical activity in adolescence: a study from a developing country

Abstract: Background: Physical activity is important for adolescent health. The current study aimed to explore factors that predict physical activity among adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of physical activity among a sample of adolescents in Tabriz, Iran. Information on physical activity was collected using a modified version of the Adolescent Physical Activity and Recall Questionnaire (APARQ). In addition, a self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, perceived family support, and self-efficacy. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between physical activity and independent variables including gender and psychosocial predictors. Results: In all, 402 students were studied. The mean age of adolescents was 12.93 (SD=0.49) years; 51.5% were female. The mean time of moderate and vigorous physical activity for all adolescents was 44.64 (SD= 23.24) Metabolic Equivalent (MET) min per day. This figure for female adolescents was 38.77 (SD=19.94) MET min per day and for males it was 50.87 (SD=24.88) (P<0.001). The results obtained from multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that female gender (OR=2.59, 95% CI=1.46-4.57, P=0.001) and poor family support (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.03-1.20, P=0.038) were the most significant contributing factors to low level physical activity in adolescents. Other variables studied did not show any significant results. Conclusion: The findings from the current study indicated that female adolescents were at risk of lower level of physical activity. In addition, it was found that the lack of family support represented an increased risk for low-level physical activity. It seems that family support should be an integrated part of any health education/ promotion programs for improving physical activity among young adolescents in general and for female adolescents in particular. Keywords: adolescent health; physical activity; family support; Asia; Iran (Published: 13 May 2013) Citation: Glob Health Action 2013, 6 : 20327 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/gha.v6i0.20327

Social support and dairy products intake among adolescents: a study from Iran

Abstract: Adequate daily milk and dairy products intake seems to an important for adolescents’ health. This study aimed to identify the high-risk group adolescents who did not meet the recommended daily serving milk and dairy products and indeed to find out associated factors relating to their nutrition behaviors. This cross sectional study was carried out on 7th grade students, in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan province, Iran. An anonymous self–administrated questionnaire including items on perceived social support, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors was administered. In addition a valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) measuring daily milk products serving intake as a main outcome measure was completed for each respondent. Logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the association between milk and dairy products consumption and independents variables. In all 402 students (51.5 % female) participated in the study. The mean age of students was 12.9 (SD = 0.49) years. The average daily intake of milk and dairy products was 1.64 (SD = 0.78) servings per day. Overall 14.2 % of adolescents (18.8 % of girls, and 9.2 % of boys, p = 0.006) reported consumption of the recommended daily milk and dairy products serving per day. The results indicated that gender boys (OR for boys = 2.41, 95 % CI = 1.25–4.67), mother age (OR for age group 40–55 years = 2.52, 95 % CI = 1.18–5.38), poor perceived emotional family support, (OR = 1.10, 95 % CI = 1.05–3.61), and poor perceived practical family support (OR = 2.04, 95 % CI = 1.18–4.17) were the most significant contributing factors to low level milk and dairy products intake in adolescents. The findings indicated that adolescents did not take the recommended daily amount of milk and dairy products and this appeared to be strongly related to low perceived family support. To achieve the recommended daily milk and dairy products serving consumption, family involvements in any programs that specifically address emotional and practical support for promoting daily milk and dairy products intake among adolescents are suggested.

Fruit and Vegetables Consumption among Adolescents: A Study from a Developing Country

Abstract: 5 Abstract: A diet rich in fruit and vegetables as an optimal eating behavior is recommended for adolescent health. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify factors related to daily fruit and vegetables consumption among 402 adolescents in Tabriz, Iran. A general self-administrated questionnaire was used to assess demographic characteristics, subscale perceived family support and self efficacy. A valid food frequency questionnaire was also used to measure daily consumption of fruit and vegetables. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression tests were performed to examine the association of fruit and vegetables daily intake with psychosocial predictors and gender. The mean age of adolescents was 12.93±0.49 year and 51.5 % were girl. Overall, the average serving size was 2.58 ±0.96 for fruit and 2.67±0.99 for vegetables. Only one third (30.3% and 34.6%) of adolescents had the optimal consumption of fruit and vegetables, respectively. Compared to boys, girls recorded high level of fruits (35.7 % versus. 24.6%) and vegetables (36.2 % versus. 32.8%) intake. Male gender (OR =2.03, 95% CI= 1.04-2.52, P=0.030), employed mothers (OR= 2.11, 95% CI=0.92-3.88, p=0.083), high-fat foods (OR= 2.11, 95% CI=1.01-4.21, p=0.045), perceived emotional family support (OR=1.10, 95%CI= 1.01-1.15, p=0.014) and practical family support (OR=1.04, 95% CI =1. 10-1.11, p=0.029) showed significant relationship with low consumption of fruits and vegetables. It was found that the boys were at risk of low levels of daily fruit and vegetable consumption. The lack of family support represents an increased risk for lacking in daily fruit and vegetable consumption. It seems that family support should be an integrated part of any health education/promotion programs to improve daily fruits and vegetables consumption among adolescents.

Conversion of extrinsic into intrinsic motivation and computer based testing (CBT).

Abstract: Because computers are used in many aspects of today’s life, it seems necessary to include them in teaching and assessment processes. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to construct a multidimensional valid scale, to identify the factors that influenced the nature of student motivation on Computer Based Testing (CBT), to recognize how students self-regulated their activities around CBT, and to describe the efficiency of autonomous versus controlled situations on motivation. The study was carried out among 246 Iranian Paramedical Students of Tabriz Medical Sciences University, Tabriz, Iran; 2013–2014. The researchers prepared a questionnaire, based on the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), containing 26 items with a five-point Likert scale. It was prepared according to a previous valid questionnaire and by sharing opinions with some students and five professors. The factor analysis was done to perform instructional and exploratory factor analysis. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin(KMO) measure was performed and variables were correlated highly enough to provide a reasonable basis for factor analysis. The selected 4 factors determined a 60.28% of the variance; autonomy 26.37%, stimulation 14.11%, relatedness10.71%, and competency 9.10%. A questionnaire was prepared and validated, based on SDT variables. The results indicated that autonomous extrinsic motivation correlated positively with intrinsic motivation and CBT. There was a general positive attitude towards computer-based testing among students. As students became intrinsically motivated through the promotion of autonomous regulation, CBT was recommended as a proper test mode.

Physical activity in Iranian older adults who experienced fall during the past 12 months

Abstract: Background: Physical activity may have several benefits for elderly people. However, the risk of falling might prevent this population from showing interest in physical activity. This research was aimed to explore facilitators and barriers to physical activity in older persons who have experienced at least one fall in the past 12 months. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in 2010-2011, in Tehran, Iran. Using a multistage sampling method a group of elderly people entered into the study. A multi-section questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic information, physical activity level, and different determinants that might influence physical activity. Several statistical tests including linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: In all, 180 old people from 40 elderly centers (49 men and 131 women) took part in the study. The mean age of participants was 65.9±6.1 years. The result indicated that most participants experienced two or more falls during the last year (54.5%). Those who had more falls significantly scored lower on the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (p < 0.0001). ‘Keeping in touch with friends’ was the most important advantage cited by participants for performing physical activity. The results obtained from linear regression analysis showed that ‘perceived benefits’ was the only significant factor that associated with physical activity (β=1.03, p <0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that perceived benefits could facilitate physical activity among elderly regardless of number of falls, self-reported health and daily living activities. However, we observed inverse association between number of falls and physical activity. Indeed the findings suggest that we should reinforce benefits exist when designing programs to increase physical activity among elderly population.

Self-determination theory applied to health contexts: a meta-analysis

Abstract: Behavior change is more effective and lasting when patients are autonomously motivated. To examine this idea, we identified 184 independent data sets from studies that utilized self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000) in health care and health promotion contexts. A meta-analysis evaluated relations between the SDT-based constructs of practitioner support for patient autonomy and patients’ experience of psychological need satisfaction, as well as relations between these SDT constructs and indices of mental and physical health. Results showed the expected relations among the SDT variables, as well as positive relations of psychological need satisfaction and autonomous motivation to beneficial health outcomes. Several variables (e.g., participants’ age, study design) were tested as potential moderators when effect sizes were heterogeneous. Finally, we used path analyses of the meta-analyzed correlations to test the interrelations among the SDT variables. Results suggested that SDT is a viable conceptual framework to study antecedents and outcomes of motivation for health-related behaviors.

The role of social support on physical activity behaviour in adolescent girls: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Adolescent girls have been targeted as a priority group for promoting physical activity levels however it is unclear how this can be achieved. There is some evidence to suggest that social support could impact the physical activity levels of adolescent girls, although the relationship is complex and not well understood. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse the relationship between social support and physical activity in adolescent girls, exploring how different types and providers of social support might influence the relationship. Articles were identified through a systematic search of the literature using 14 electronic databases, personal resources, grey literature, and reference lists of included studies and previous reviews. Search terms representing social support, physical activity and adolescent girls were identified and used in various combinations to form a search strategy which was adapted for different databases. Cross-sectional or longitudinal articles published in English that reported an association between social support and physical activity in adolescent girls between the ages of 10 to 19 years were included. Studies that focused only on clinical or overweight populations were excluded. Data extraction was carried out by one reviewer using an electronic extraction form. A random 25 % of included articles were selected for data extraction by a second reviewer to check fidelity. Risk of bias was assessed using a custom tool informed by the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Cohort Study Checklist in conjunction with data extraction. Cross-sectional results were meta-analysed and longitudinal results were presented narratively. Small but significant associations between all available providers of total social support (except teachers) and physical activity were found (r = .14-.24). Small but significant associations were also identified for emotional, instrumental and modelling support for some providers of support (r = .10-.21). Longitudinal research supported the cross-sectional analyses. Many of the meta-analysis results suggested high heterogeneity and there was some evidence of publication bias, therefore, the meta-analysis results should be interpreted with caution. In conclusion, the meta-analysis results suggest that social support is not a strong predictor of physical activity in adolescent girls though parents and friends may have a role in enhancing PA. PROSPERO 2014: CRD42014006738

Projected effect of dietary salt reductions on futurecardiovascular disease

Abstract: BACKGROUND The U.S. diet is high in salt, with the majority coming from processed foods. Reducing dietary salt is a potentially important target for the improvement of public health. METHODS We used the Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Policy Model to quantify the benefits of potentially achievable, population-wide reductions in dietary salt of up to 3 g per day (1200 mg of sodium per day). We estimated the rates and costs of cardiovascular disease in subgroups defined by age, sex, and race; compared the effects of salt reduction with those of other interventions intended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; and determined the cost-effectiveness of salt reduction as compared with the treatment of hypertension with medications. RESULTS Reducing dietary salt by 3 g per day is projected to reduce the annual number of new cases of CHD by 60,000 to 120,000, stroke by 32,000 to 66,000, and myocardial infarction by 54,000 to 99,000 and to reduce the annual number of deaths from any cause by 44,000 to 92,000. All segments of the population would benefit, with blacks benefiting proportionately more, women benefiting particularly from stroke reduction, older adults from reductions in CHD events, and younger adults from lower mortality rates. The cardiovascular benefits of reduced salt intake are on par with the benefits of population-wide reductions in tobacco use, obesity, and cholesterol levels. A regulatory intervention designed to achieve a reduction in salt intake of 3 g per day would save 194,000 to 392,000 quality-adjusted life-years and $10 billion to $24 billion in health care costs annually. Such an intervention would be cost-saving even if only a modest reduction of 1 g per day were achieved gradually between 2010 and 2019 and would be more cost-effective than using medications to lower blood pressure in all persons with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Modest reductions in dietary salt could substantially reduce cardiovascular events and medical costs and should be a public health target.

The effect of resistant dextrin as a prebiotic on metabolic parameters and androgen level in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a randomized, triple-blind, controlled, clinical trial

Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common abnormalities in women of reproductive age that can lead to a variety of metabolic and reproductive disorders. Studies reveal that a healthy diet is the most effective way for treating the risk factors associated with metabolic disorders and place greater emphasis on the consumption of prebiotic foods. The present study aims to determine the effect of resistant Dextrin on metabolic parameters, including lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBS) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and androgen levels, including serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and free testosterone, as the primary outcomes, and manifestations of PCOS including menstrual cycle irregularity and hirsutism, as the secondary outcomes. This randomized, controlled, triple-blind, clinical trial was conducted on 62 women aged 18–45 in Tabriz, Iran, in 2016–2017. The participants were divided into a prebiotic group and a placebo group using block randomization. The prebiotic group consumed 20 g of resistant dextrin dissolved in a glass of water and the placebo group 20 g of maltodextrin also dissolved in a glass of water on a daily basis for 3 months. To measure the serum lipid profile, FBS, hsCRP, DHEA-S and free testosterone before and 3 months after the intervention, 5-ml blood samples were collected from the participants and analyzed using the ELISA method. The Ferriman–Gallwey scale for assessing hirsutism and a checklist for assessing menstrual cycle characteristics were completed before and 3 months after the intervention. A general linear model was used to analyze the data. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and baseline values. 3 months after the intervention, based on the ANCOVA and after adjusting for the baseline values, the mean serum levels of LDL-C (adjusted mean difference = − 29.79; 95% CI = − 43.37 to − 16.21; P < 0.001), triglyceride (AMD = − 38.50; 95% CI = − 59.73 to − 17.28; P = 0.001), total cholesterol (AMD = − 29.98; 95% CI = − 40.14 to − 19.82; P < 0.001), FBS (AMD = − 11.24; 95% CI = − 15.43 to − 7.06; P < 0.001), hsCRP (AMD = − 1.75; 95% CI = − 2.92 to − 0.57; P = 0.004), DHEA-S (AMD = − 0.7; 95% CI = − 1.34 to − 0.13; P = 0.017) and free testosterone (AMD = − 0.32; 95% CI = − 0.56 to − 0.08; P = 0.010) revealed a statistically significant decrease in the intervention group compared to the placebo group, while the mean serum HDL-C showed a statistically significant increase in this group compared to the placebo group (AMD = 5.82; 95% CI = 2.27–9.37; P = 0.002). 3 months after the intervention, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of menstrual cycle intervals and hirsutism (P < 0.001). Resistant dextrin consumption can regulate metabolic parameters and androgen levels and manifestations including hirsutism and menstrual cycle irregularity in women with PCOS.