Author/Authors :
Qorbani, Mostafa Dietary Supplements and Probiotics Research Center - Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran , Kelishadi, Roya Child Growth and Development Research Center - Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , Djalalinia, Shirin Development of Research and Technology Center - Deputy of Research and Technology - Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran , Motlagh, Mohammad Esmaeil Department of Pediatrics - Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran , Kasaeian, Amir Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Ardalan, Gelayol Child Growth and Development Research Center - Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Noncommunicable Disease - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , Shafiee, Gita Chronic Disease Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Safari, Omid Department of Pediatrics - Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran , Heshmat, Ramin Chronic Disease Research Center - Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Baradaran Mahdavi, Sadegh Medical Students' Research Center - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract :
Background: This study aimed to assess the pattern of hygienic behaviors of Iranian children and adolescents
at national and sub-national levels according to the socioeconomic status (SES) of their living region.
Methods: Data were obtained from the fourth national school-based surveillance survey entitled, “CASPIANIV
study” (2011-2012). It was conducted among 14,880 students, aged 6-18 years, who were selected by multistage
random cluster sampling from 30 provinces in Iran. We used the World Health Organization Global
School-based Student Health Survey (WHO- GSHS) questionnaire. Data were analyzed at national and subnational
levels according to the SES of the living region.
Results: Overall, 13,486 students (49.2% girls) with the mean (SD) age of 12.50 (3.36) years participated in
this study (participation rate: 90.6%). At the national level, 67.21% of the participants had daily tooth brushing,
the frequencies for always washing hands after using the toilet, washing hands before eating, and washing hands
with soap in school were 85.61%, 56.53%, and 50.32%, respectively.
The frequency of daily tooth brushing had no significant difference according to the SES of the living region. In
all of the categories of washing hands, the West region (second high SES rank) had the highest frequency of
hygienic behaviors (p<0.001).
Conclusion: In general, the reported hygienic behaviors were at an acceptable level; however, a large comprehensive
health-promoting plan should be considered for all children and adolescents at the national and subnational
levels taking into account the disparities according to their SES.
Keywords :
Iran , Children and Adolescents , Hand Washing , Tooth Brushing , Hygienic Behaviors
