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Background & objectives: Microbial, physical and chemical characteristics of drinking water depending on the type and quantity is the basis of water as whether it would be drinkable . In addition, each of the above mentioned characteristics has a great impact on quality enhancement, increase of acceptance level and threat on consumer health. Regular monitoring on quality of urban drinking water network and the remediation of old pipes has also essential role on human health. The purpose of this study is to know the value of physical, chemical and microbial parameters of Lahijan urban drinking water according to the type of pipe from distribution network and urban structure and to compare their values with national and international standards.

Methods: In this research based on 3 types of asbestos, galvanized and polyethylene piping, 50 Samples were taken on May and June 2012 from drinking milk houses and public places. Parameters including chlorine residue and pH were determined and microbial analyzes were also done. Possible effects on health and the properties of bulk water were questioned from users through the questionnaire.

Results: The amount of residual chlorine and pH were in the range of 0.2-0.5mgL^-1 and 6.74-7.40, respectively. The averageof residual chlorine and pH were 0.235±0.097 and 6.88±0.14, respectively. None of the specimens tested for coliform bacteria contamination was seen.

Conclusions: Based on the results of the questionnaire and public Dissatisfaction of the municipal drinking water, continuous chlorination and water quality have to be monitored more closely.

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Background & aim: Diabetes is one of the most common health problems in the world that can be controlled through educational programs. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of educational intervention based on extended theory of reasoned action on self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 90 patients with type 2 diabetes were assigned into experimental (45 people) and control (45 people) groups using stratified randomization method. Data collection tool was a questionnaire based on the extended theory of reasoned action and self-care behaviors. Data were collected before and 3 months after the intervention. Data analyses were performed by parametric statistical tests using SPSS-20.

Results: The results showed that mean scores of all structures of extended theory of reasoned action has increased significantly in the intervention group after educational intervention (p<0.05). However, changes were not significant in control group (p>0.05). Educational intervention had also significant effect on promotion of self-care behaviors in patients of the intervention group.

Conclusion: The findings of the current study showed that designing interventions based on extended theory of reasoned action can be an appropriate framework to improve self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

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Background & objectives: Adolescents are vulnerable age group due to lack of knowledge and skills to avoid high risk behaviors and lack of access to acceptable and appropriate reproductive health information and services. This study was done to explore the views and experiences of adolescent girls and key adults in conjunction with the Iranian adolescent girls' challenges in accessing SRH information and services.
Methods: This is a qualitative study.  Data were gathered through semi structured interviews and  focus groups with 247 adolescent girls and 71 key adults including health policymakers, governmental, nongovernmental and international health programs managers, health providers, mothers, teachers, sociologists and clergy in four Iranian cities. Data were coded and categorized using content analysis by MAXQDA10.
Results: The main challenges  identified were classified in four categories: (1) political challenges such as lack of an adopted strategy by the government; (2) social and cultural challenges such as taboos; (3) structural and administrative challenges such as inappropriate structure of the health system; and (4) non-use of religious potential.
Conclusions: In Iran, the concept of adolescent reproductive health has not been well understood and is very controversial. Government leaders and policymakers should try to provide reproductive health services that are consistent with the community’s cultural and religious values for adolescent girls to overcome the challenges of access.

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Background & objectives: Nutrition literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain process, understand and use nutritional information to make an appropriate decision about nutritional behaviors. This study aimed to determine the nutrition literacy status of 4000 adults, aged 15 years and older, in Kohgiloye and BoyerAhmad province in 2017.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 4000 adults were selected based on multi-stage sampling method to evaluate their nutrition literacy. Data were collected using standard nutritional literacy assessment questionnaire adapted for Iran population. Chi-square, T tests, one-way ANOVA and regression analysis were applied for data analysis.
Results: Mean and standard deviation of nutrition literacy scores were 21.61 ± 6.42 (minimum and maximum score: 0-35). 8.4% of subjects had inadequate nutrition literacy, 37.4% had adequate nutrition literacy and 54.2 % had moderate nutrition literacy. Basic knowledge of nutrition, ability to select food groups and understanding skills were stronger predictors of nutrition literacy.
Conclusion: Most of subjects had moderate nutrition literacy. Therefore, the people with adequate nutrition literacy will be increased, if an effective intervention method will properly develop and implement to improve the nutritional literacy. In developing this intervention method, focus on basic knowledge of nutrition, ability to choose food groups and understanding skills are necessary.