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Background: Body concerns and its health consequences such as eating disorders and harmful body change activities are mentioned in Asian countries. This study evaluates factors contributing to body image/shape changes in an Iranian population. Methods: In this cross sectional study we focused on four main body change activity (diet, exercise, substance use, and surgery) and their risk factors such as demographic variables, Body Mass Index (BMI), Media, Body Esteem, Perceived Socio cultural Pressure, Body dissatisfaction and, Self Esteem. Approximately, 1,200 individuals between 14 55 years old participated in this study. We used a multistage sampling method. In each region, the first household was selected at random. The probability of outcomes was estimated from logistic models. Results: About 54.3% of respondents were females. The mean (SD) of age was 31.06 (10.24) years. Variables such as gender, age, BMI, use of media and socio cultural factors as, body dissatisfaction, body esteem and pressure by relatives were the main factors that influenced body change methods. In particular we have seen that male are 53% less likely to follow surgical treatments, but 125% were more likely to use substances. Conclusions: Investigation of body concern and its health related problem should be assessed in cultural context. For effectiveness of interventional programs and reducing harmful body image/shape changes activities, socio cultural background should be noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knee malalignment is an important modifiable cause of osteoarthritis (OA). Surgical therapeutic procedures depend on proper knee alignment assessment. The purpose of this study was to compare knee alignment parameters between double and single leg weight-bearing radiographs and to evaluate the reproducibility of inter- and intra-observer measurements., Methods: One hundred eight patients (59 male and 49 female) with knee deformity visited at Kerman Knee Clinic were selected. Full limb anteroposterior (AP) Radiographs were taken for each participant in double and single leg weight-bearing positions. Hip-Knee-Ankle Angle (HKAA), Medial-Proximal-Tibial Angle (MPTA), Lateral-Distal-Femoral Angle (LDFA) and Joint-Line-Convergence Angle (JLCA) measured. Images stored on PC were examined by three observers to assess inter and intra observer reproducibility. Data analysis was done by SPSS software., Results: The mean age of patients was 48.4 (±6.84) years, mean BMI was 26.55 (±1.94) Kg/m2. The mean HKAA and JLCA were significantly different between double and single leg weight-bearing radiographs. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) test showed high (0.99) inter-reproducibility between three observers in all cases, except one (ICC=0.92). Intra-observer reproducibility indicated a strong correlation between the observer's measurements at different times (ICC > 0.99)., Conclusion: HKAA and JLCA were affected by the patient's position. Observer and time interval had no effect on either of HKAA, MPTA, LDFA, and JLCA. Also the measurement of knee alignment parameters was not dependent on observer's experience. In conclusion single leg weight-bearing radiography is more representative of knee alignment and is inter and intra-observer reproducible.