Background & Objective: Menarche is an important event during developing stages in females. Several factors can affect the determination of the menarche age including socioeconomic situation, family customs and nutritional status. Different researches show that obese girls become menarche earlier than thin ones. Regarding the importance of nutrition in menarche age, the present study was conducted to evaluate nutritional status among girls in Ardabil at menarche age (10-14 years old). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship among anthropometrics (e.g. weight, height, BMI, MAC), nutritional status, economic factors and menarche age.

 Methods: This cross - sectional study was done on 612 primary and secondary school girls at the age of 10-14 during 1999-2000. Height, weight and MAC of these subjects as well as their BMI were calculated. Their nutritional status (24-hour recall and food frequency) and menarche age were studied. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS ver.9 and Food Processor.

 Results: There was a significant relation between height and menarche age (P<0.05). Menarche age reduced with increasing of weight and BMI, and the differences were significant (p<0.05). Menarche age of girls whose MAC was less than 22cm was lower than individuals with MAC≥22 cm and this difference was significant (P<0.01). Girls with≥40% caloric intake from fat had lower menarche age than the other groups but this difference was not significant. Food frequencies showed that the most frequently used foods in each week were two kinds of local bread (Lavash and Barbary), sugar, vegetable oil, chocolate, cheese, apple and rice.

 Conclusions: Menarche is affected by anthropometrical factors and nutritional status (particularly fat intake).

Background & Objectives: In young females, especially among university students because of the physiological needs, the intake of energy and essential nutrients is very important. Some changes happen in the life style of these students, which can affect their nutritional status. In this study the nutritional status, energy and nutrients intake of young female students living on and off campus were investigated.   

Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study nutritional status of 82 on-campus female students and 74 off-campus ones (Age range=18-24) were assessed and compared using anthropometrics measurements and three-day dietary records method including one day off. Nutritional values were analyzed  using FP₂ computer program and statistical analyses were carried out by EPI₆.

Results: The findings indicated no significant difference between the daily average energy intake of on-campus and off-campus students (2247±24) and (2192±21 kcal respectively).    Energy intake of on-campus students from carbohydrates was significantly higher than that of off-campus students, whilst energy intake from protein and fat was significantly lower (p<0.001). 34.2% of on-campus students and 58.1% of off-campus ones received more than 30% of their energy from fat. Besides, 85.4% of on-campus students and 44.6% of off-campus ones received less than 15gr of fiber every day. Results also indicated that mean intake of, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, C and folacin for on-campus students was significantly lower than off-campus students (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The findings indicated that in both groups the intake of some essential micronutrients was lower than recommended levels. However, in general the nutritional status of off-campus students was better than on-campus ones. On the basis of these results the improvement of university food service programs would be beneficial.           

 Background and Objectives: Food insecurity and hunger not only affect physical health, but also have social and psychological consequences. Therefore, monitoring food security and fighting against food insecurity and hunger is necessary in a society. This study was carried out to investigate the determinants of food insecurity in northwest of Tabriz (Asadabadi region).

 Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 300 subjects in 2004-2005. The prevalence of food insecurity was assessed using a short questionnaire. Information regarding the socio-economic and cultural status of the subjects was collected through a questionnaire. In order to assess the status of food security on the basis of income, occupation, education level and family size, distribution of secure and insecure groups was individually determined, and then Chi-Square test was used to test the significance of the relationship between these groups. Nutritional status was assessed using food frequency questionnaire. Food groups that had significant correlation with income (relationship between groups and subgroups of foods with income was determined using Pearson correlation coefficient) were selected as a criterion for comparing secure and insecure groups. Mean frequency of criteria foods consumption in two groups was compared using independent-sample t-test.

 Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was 36.3%. Food insecurity increased with family size and declined with income, education and job status of the head of the family (p<0.01). The results of food frequency showed that the mean frequency of bread and potato consumption in food insecure group was meaning fully higher compared to food secure group. Mean frequency consumption of rice, vegetable, fruit, red meat and dairy products in food insecure group was significantly lower compared to food secure group (p<0.001).

 Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed the impact of socio-economic and cultural status of the families on food security. It also indicated that nutritional problems are prevalent in society. Therefore, it is necessary to give practical solutions to fight against food insecurity as a major problem in society.