Mojtaba Khazaei; Fatemeh Ghasemi; Mehrdokht Mazdeh; Elham Khanlarzadeh; Masoud Ghiasian
Abstract
Background and aims: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has several types, some of which damage myelin and some others cause axonal damage. Detecting the type of GBS is important in determining the type of treatment and its prognosis. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological characteristics ...
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Background and aims: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has several types, some of which damage myelin and some others cause axonal damage. Detecting the type of GBS is important in determining the type of treatment and its prognosis. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of GBS and its variants in patients referred to Sina hospital in Hamadan, Iran, in 2018. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 51 patients who were admitted to Sina hospital and diagnosed with GBS in 2018 were examined. Demographic data, GBS type, disease outcomes, and pre-clinical and clinical findings of patients were collected. Data were then analyzed using the Stata software version 12, and P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 51 investigated patients, 34 (66.66%) were male. The most common variant type was acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) with 27.45% of cases followed by acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) with 19.61% of cases. Further, the highest average hospitalization days (11.1 ± 11.7 days) were for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) patients, while the lowest (6.85 ± 1.91 days) was for AIDP patients (P < 0.001). All CIDP cases occurred in spring, and 71.43% of AIDP cases occurred in summer. Moreover, all 7 cases with acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) syndrome and the only case with the miller-fisher syndrome (MFS) occurred in fall (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, most variants of GBS in Hamadan province were AIDP in demyelinating form and AMAN variant in the axonal deterioration form. However, studies with a larger sample size are recommended in the west of Iran to better understand the epidemiology and to ensure common types of GBS.
Nader Aghakhani; Shahin Izadi; Kazhal Mobaraki; Jamal Ahmadzadeh; Arash Aliasghari
Abstract
Plague has been among the most devastating infectious diseases in human history. The decrease in the plague in recently reported cases and studies implies that the plague should not recur, but the fact is that it (Black Death) is still around and may appear again. The disease can be occult for many years. ...
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Plague has been among the most devastating infectious diseases in human history. The decrease in the plague in recently reported cases and studies implies that the plague should not recur, but the fact is that it (Black Death) is still around and may appear again. The disease can be occult for many years. The reemergence of the plague epidemic with unusual clinical form, magnitude, and rapid expansion at any place and time without prior notice could pose a serious risk to public health. Plague outbreaks most likely result from the reactivation of organisms in local foci. The reemergence of foci suggests that environmental or climatic changes could be favorable for an epidemiological cycle of Yersinia pestis. Thus, countries harboring plague foci can be at risk of outbreaks in the future. Different epidemiological aspects of the plague must be emphasized in prophylactic medical plans and health education systems, and healthcare workers should be alert and aware of the natural cycle, as well as clinical symptoms and signs of plague. Finally, surveillance, education, and research are also suggested regarding this fatal infection and other emerging diseases.
Mehrdad Maleki Jamasbi; Hiva Azami; Hadis Ebrahimi Neshat; Kamran Alipoor; Payam Karimian
Abstract
Background and aims: Cerebrovascular accidents are a major cause of death and disability in many countries. Therefore, the epidemiological indicators are highly important in the case of these patients’ mortality. The present study aimed to determine the epidemiology of mortality due to cerebrovascular ...
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Background and aims: Cerebrovascular accidents are a major cause of death and disability in many countries. Therefore, the epidemiological indicators are highly important in the case of these patients’ mortality. The present study aimed to determine the epidemiology of mortality due to cerebrovascular accidents in patients admitted to Sina (Farshchian) hospital of Hamadan within 2018-2019. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data of deceased patients were collected from one-year medical records in the neurology wards of Sina (Farshchian) hospital in Hamadan using the census method and a researcher-made checklist. The exclusion criteria were the cause of death except for cerebrovascular accident and incompleteness of data in patient’s medical record. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods and SPSS 21. Results: Out of the 1196 patients admitted to the neurology wards, 159 cases died, and this rate was nearly equal between men and women. The highest mortality frequency belonged to ischemic type (83%), people over 60 years old (83%), illiterate (77.4%), urban (69.2%), self-employed (42.8%) individuals, and those with a history of underlying disease (73.6%), no history of smoking (90.6%), previous stroke (78.6%), and family history of stroke (99.4%). Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that certain groups such as the elderly, illiterates, urban residents, self-employed, and people with underlying diseases had a higher mortality rate due to cerebrovascular accidents. Thus, special attention to these groups in health planning can be efficient in reducing the mortality of these accidents.
Nadia Shigaeff; Marcus Vinicius Mariano de Souza; Ana Cristina Viana Campos
Abstract
Background and aims: In December 2019, the disease associated with SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The older population is regarded as the greatest risk group. The objective of the present study was to investigate the epidemiological aspects of COVID-19 during 2020 in the ...
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Background and aims: In December 2019, the disease associated with SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The older population is regarded as the greatest risk group. The objective of the present study was to investigate the epidemiological aspects of COVID-19 during 2020 in the older adults in the Brazilians Amazon region. Methods: The present study is a longitudinal study based on a national database from the Website of the State Department of Health of Para from January to December 2020. Medical, socio-demographic, and geographical data were analyzed to assess the epidemiological data to verify whether there was an association between these variables using logistic regression. Results: Official data published until December 31 indicated 293 802 confirmed cases and 7199 deaths from COVID-19 in the state of Para, as well as a 12.5% rate of fatality. Para has demonstrated a linear curve in relation to the number of deaths since August. More cases of COVID-19 were found among the older people, men, and people who declared themselves brown, and a greater chance of death was observed among indigenous and yellow people. Conclusion: Brazil is among the five countries with the highest number of infected cases and deaths resulting from COVID19, possibly due to poor planning concerning social isolation and the lack of public health policies and guidance by government leaders, especially in this specific context.
Maria Cecília de Souza Anacleto; Jessica Souza Lopes da Silva; Millena Venâncio Gonçalves; Mateus da Silva Matias Antunes; Diêgo Correia de Andrade
Abstract
Background and aims: The incidence of renal failure (RF) is growing in Brazil, resulting in increased public spending and negatively affecting the public health, which can lead to patient death. Identifying factors associated with mortality from this condition can help to characterize susceptible populations; ...
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Background and aims: The incidence of renal failure (RF) is growing in Brazil, resulting in increased public spending and negatively affecting the public health, which can lead to patient death. Identifying factors associated with mortality from this condition can help to characterize susceptible populations; therefore, institutional and governmental measures can be adopted for prevention and treatment. Materials and Methods: Descriptive epidemiological study using secondary data from Brazilian database (DATASUS). Deaths from RF between 2009 and 2019 and characteristics such as color/race, gender, education, region, and age group of the individuals were analyzed. Results: Since 2016, there has been a reduction of approximately 2% per year in the RF case fatality rate. North, Northeast, and Southeast regions had the highest case fatality rate, 13.6%, 13.17%, and 12.84%, respectively, which may be associated with high prevalence of chronic-degenerative diseases. The elderly had the highest case fatality rates, ranging from 9.67% in individuals aged 50-59 years to 27.52% in the elderly over 80 years. Children under 1 year of age had a high case fatality rate of 15.03%. Moreover, the case fatality rate for individuals with education levels above 12 years of schooling was 0.50%, while the case fatality rate for individuals with 1 to 3 years of schooling was 3.52%, which is seven times higher. Case fatality rates of indigenous populations in the South and Southeast regions were 12.0% and 16.5%, approximately 20% higher than other populations. Conclusion: The presence of chronic-degenerative diseases, age above 50 and below 1 (elderly and preterm newborns), low level of education and being indigenous are factors associated with mortality from RF in Brazil.
Ebrahim Sahafizadeh; Mohammad Ali Khajeian
Abstract
Background and aims: Iran had passed the third peak of COVID-19 pandemic, and was probably witnessing the fourth peak at the time of this study. This study aimed to model the spread of COVID-19 in Iran in order to predict the short-term future trend of COVID-19 from April 23, 2021 to May 7, 2021.Methods: ...
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Background and aims: Iran had passed the third peak of COVID-19 pandemic, and was probably witnessing the fourth peak at the time of this study. This study aimed to model the spread of COVID-19 in Iran in order to predict the short-term future trend of COVID-19 from April 23, 2021 to May 7, 2021.Methods: In this study, a modified SEIR epidemic spread model was proposed and the data on the number of cases reported by Iranian government from February 20, 2020 to April 23, 2021 were used to fit the proposed model to the reported data using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Then the short-term future trend of COVID-19 cases were predicted by using the estimated parameters.Results: The results indicated that the effective reproduction number increased in Nowruz (i.e., Persian New Year, 1400) and it was estimated to be 1.28 in the given period. According to the results from the short-term prediction of COVID-19 cases, the number of active confirmed cases in the fourth peak was estimated to be 516 411 cases on May 2, 2021.Conclusion: Following the results from our short-term prediction, implementing strict social distancing policies was found absolutely necessary for relieving the Iran’s health care system of the tremendous burden of COVID-19.
Khadije Alavi
Abstract
Background and aims: Mental health problems are considered as important public health issues. This study aimed, firstly, to investigate the epidemiology of mental disorders’ symptoms among the students of Bojnord University and examine the role of demographic characteristics in the prevalence of ...
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Background and aims: Mental health problems are considered as important public health issues. This study aimed, firstly, to investigate the epidemiology of mental disorders’ symptoms among the students of Bojnord University and examine the role of demographic characteristics in the prevalence of the given symptoms; and, secondly, to explore and compare the predictive role of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in identifying symptoms of different mental disorders. Methods: A total of 351 students from Bojnord University completing their 2018-2019 academic year were recruited using cluster sampling method and responded to Symptom Checklist-SCL90 and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage, as well as multiple regression analysis. Results: According to the findings from this epidemiological study, 33% of the students suffered from moderate symptoms of mental disorders, while 14% of them suffered from severe symptoms. Demographic characteristics of gender, marital status, and place of origin (i.e., being indigenous/non-indigenous) were not found to exert a significant effect on the prevalence of symptoms of mental disorders. The results of multiple regression analysis also indicated that cognitive emotion regulation strategies were capable of predicting all nine dimensions of mental disorder symptoms. In this regard, the maladaptive strategies were discovered to play a stronger role in predicting mental disorders compared to adaptive strategies. Conclusions: Mental disorders were very common among university students. No significant relationship was detected between the prevalence of mental disorders’ symptoms and gender, marital status, and place of origin. The study findings were also found to support the trans-diagnostic role of the emotion regulation in mental disorders.
Masoumeh Sadat Mousavi; Seyedeh Leila Dehghani; Bahareh Behzad; Samira Pourrezaei; Marzieh Ata’ali
Abstract
Background and aims: Female sex workers (FSWs) play an essential role in the transmission of HIV and are considered critical groups compared to the public groups of society and their customers. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the status of sexual intercourse among prostitutes in Shiraz ...
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Background and aims: Female sex workers (FSWs) play an essential role in the transmission of HIV and are considered critical groups compared to the public groups of society and their customers. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the status of sexual intercourse among prostitutes in Shiraz in 2015-2016. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 162 prostitutes referred to Shiraz transitional damage reduction centers and the information was gathered through a checklist. Results: The results showed that the mean age at the first vaginal intercourse was 16.57±3.65. In 62.3% of people, the main reason for prostitution was the need for money to help the family. It was also found that 39.5% of prostitutes had anal sex, and more than 95% of them did not use condoms during sex. There was also a statistically significant relationship (P<0.01) between the age of sexual intercourse and education level. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that prostitutes initiated the first sexual intercourse at a very young age, and increase in the education level postponed the first sexual intercourse. Otherwise stated, the first sexual intercourse can be delayed by increasing the level of education.
Alireza Salahshouri; Javad Ramezanpour; Hamid Gheibipour
Abstract
Background and aims: Brucellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in both humans and animals. It has been controlled in developed countries; however, it is still regarded as a public health problem in developing countries including Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology ...
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Background and aims: Brucellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in both humans and animals. It has been controlled in developed countries; however, it is still regarded as a public health problem in developing countries including Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of human brucellosis in Isfahan province. Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive study investigating the epidemiology of human brucellosis in Isfahan province from 2010 to 2015. Sampling was done using Isfahan’s disease registry database. Chi-square and t test were used for analyzing the data, and all data analyses were performed using SPSS software version 21.0. Results: A total of 3,245 patients were included in this study, and their mean (SD) age was 35.29 (18.00) years. The age group of 15-25 years with a frequency of 23.80% had the highest frequency of the disease. The annual incidence of the disease from 2010 to 2014 shows an increasing trend, reaching from 6.25 to 15 per 100 000 people. It was reduced in 2015 and reached 12.25 per 100 000. In addition, the highest incidence was observed in July. Conclusion: This study implies that the trend of human brucellosis has been increasing over the years, so it is recommended that people be educated on how to prevent it in humans and animals. The results of this study can help health administrators in the province to more effectively control the disease at the provincial level by identifying high-risk cities and focusing on health care in these areas.
Saeed Mousavi; Atousa Aminzadeh; Roya Yahyaabadi; Negin Aminianpour
Abstract
Background and aims: Many pathologic conditions can affect the tongue and their pattern of occurrence may differ. The objective of this study was the epidemiological survey of tongue lesions reported in a 10-year period in the Oral Pathology Department of Khorasgan Dental School. Methods: In this ...
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Background and aims: Many pathologic conditions can affect the tongue and their pattern of occurrence may differ. The objective of this study was the epidemiological survey of tongue lesions reported in a 10-year period in the Oral Pathology Department of Khorasgan Dental School. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 800 biopsy records were retrieved from the archives of the Oral Pathology Department of Khorasgan Dental School and examined. Moreover, the prevalence of lesions was investigated in terms of age and gender using descriptive statistics. Results: The prevalence of lesions analyzed in the present study was 4.37%. About 71.42% of the participants were female and 28.58% were male. Irritation fibroma had the highest frequency (20%). The most frequent lesion among women was lichen planus with a prevalence of 20% and the most frequent lesion among men was irritation fibroma with a prevalence of 30%. The highest frequency was observed in the age group of 21-30 years. Squamous papilloma, lichen planus, and irritation fibroma were the most common lesions with a prevalence of 25%. No lesion was detected in people aged 1-10 years. Conclusion: In the present study, reactive lesions were the most prevalent tongue lesions. According to the findings, changing the lifestyle and observing oral hygiene seem to help prevent these lesions to a large extent.
Mohammad Mahdi Majzoobi; Amir Hossein Maghsood; Mohammad Matini; Khosrow Sardarian; Sayed Ali Alavi; Mohammad Fallah
Abstract
Background and aims: Previous studies have shown that the intestinal parasites have the high prevalence in Hamadan province. However, this problem has not been addressed properly yet and, therefore, there is not up-to-date information about it. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal ...
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Background and aims: Previous studies have shown that the intestinal parasites have the high prevalence in Hamadan province. However, this problem has not been addressed properly yet and, therefore, there is not up-to-date information about it. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in different residential areas of Hamadan Province (urban and rural areas) and compare the obtained findings with the results from previous studies on these parasites in this region and other parts of Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 2948 fecal samples were collected from all rural and urban inhabitants of the province (including 12 cities) by cluster random sampling method. Fecal samples were examined using the direct smear and formalin ether concentration techniques. A questionnaire was used to collect relevant epidemiologic information about the study population.Results: Overall, 52.2% of the samples were from rural areas, and the rest were from urban areas. As for the gender of study population, 50.6% were male and 49.4% were female (Mean age 29±12.3). The infection rate was 4.9% for both pathogenic and non-pathogenic parasites. Only 4 specimens were positive for ova (Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, and pinworm). A total of 69 specimens (2.3%) were positive for pathogenic parasites, and 73 specimens (2.5%) were positive for non-pathogenic (E. coli). The most important intestinal parasite in this region was found to be Giardia lamblia. It was also discovered that totally 2.3% of the studied population was infected with this parasite.Conclusion: According to the results from this study, this area was not faced with a problem caused by the intestinal parasites at the time. In addition, only G. lamblia was found to have been a moderate parasitic problem in the province.
Epidemiology
Abbas Haghighat; Sobhan Pourarz; Afsaneh Zarghami
Abstract
Background and aims: This study aimed at analyzing the epidemiological features and complications of different types of maxillofacial traumas in patients who referred to Alzahra hospital, Isfahan during 2005-2019.Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included all patients with maxillofacial ...
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Background and aims: This study aimed at analyzing the epidemiological features and complications of different types of maxillofacial traumas in patients who referred to Alzahra hospital, Isfahan during 2005-2019.Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included all patients with maxillofacial traumas who had been admitted to Alzahra hospital from March 1, 2005 to February 31, 2019. Several parameters were registered, consisting of patients’ demographic information, and time, location and the etiology of the accident, and clinical details related to injury and treatment procedures were recorded as well. Finally, the data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 1677 documents of traumatized patients were evaluated, including 79.66% men (n=1336) and 20.33% women (n=341). The statistical difference between the number of male and female patients was significant (P < 0.001) and maxillofacial traumas were more prevalent in the third decade of life (35.4%). Eventually, the highest number of referents was from Isfahan province (79.2%).Conclusion: In general, traumatic accidents related to face and jaws are more prevalent in 21-30-year-old male patients mostly due to driving accidents, and driving accidents with vehicles was the most frequent cause of trauma.
Epidemiology
Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Nasrin Shokrpour; Hamed Delam
Abstract
Background and aims: Leishmaniasis is one of the most overlooked diseases in tropical areas, which can lead to many deaths and illnesses. The present study was designed to determine the trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the south of Fars Province (south of Iran) during 2007-2016.Methods: ...
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Background and aims: Leishmaniasis is one of the most overlooked diseases in tropical areas, which can lead to many deaths and illnesses. The present study was designed to determine the trend of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the south of Fars Province (south of Iran) during 2007-2016.Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of all people with cutaneous leishmaniasis referring to the Center for Infectious Diseases in Larestan, Gerash, Evaz, and Khonj in the south of Fars Province during 2007-2016. The incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis was analyzed using the Cochrane-Armitage trend test, and the significance level was considered 5%.Results: In general, 4602 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were reported from 2007 to 2016. The highest and lowest incidence rates (659.1 versus 88. 3 per 100 000 people) were observed in 2008 and 2012, respectively. In addition, the incidence of the disease significantly reduced (P Trend = 0.003). Finally, the 0-4 age group had the highest incidence of the disease (69.64 per 100 000 people), and the hands were the most common organ affected by cutaneous leishmaniasis (37%).Conclusion: According to the research findings, the incidence rate of cutaneous leishmaniasis is declining although leishmaniasis is still one of the endemic diseases in the region. Therefore, preventive and controlling interventional programs can be effective in reducing new cases of the disease, including the education of individuals, especially children, environmental cleanup, and extermination and control of stray dogs and rodents in the suburbs.
Epidemiology
Elham Rezaee; Fatemeh Heidari; Mohammad Nowrouzi
Abstract
Background and aims: Pediculosis is one of the most common parasitic diseases that affect a wide range of age groups. The prevention of head lice infections promotes the physical and mental health of people in the community. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of head lice infections ...
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Background and aims: Pediculosis is one of the most common parasitic diseases that affect a wide range of age groups. The prevention of head lice infections promotes the physical and mental health of people in the community. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of head lice infections and the factors affecting them in those who referred to health centers in Gerash County from 2011 to 2018.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on patients suspected with head lice infections in health centers in Gerash. These infections were diagnosed by observing adult lice, nymphs, or nits on the head with the help of a magnifying glass. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS software, version 22 and P ˂ 0.05 was considered as the significance level.Results: In general, 66 410 patients suspected with head lice were examined, of whom 2,547 cases (3.83%) were reported with confirmed infections including 2395 female (94.03%) and 152 male (5.97%) cases. The highest levels of infections were reported in the age group of 6-10 years while the lowest levels of infections were found in children less than 6 years of age. A significant statistical relationship was observed between head lice and gender, age, season, and the place of residence, and year of infection (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Due to the increasing trend of head lice infections in recent years, pediculosis is still considered a health problem. Therefore, training on personal hygiene, adequate access to health services, and early diagnosis and treatment can play an important role in the prevention and elimination of head lice.
Cancer Epidemiology
Rida Salman; Khairallah Amhaz; Ali Hellani; Loubna Tayara; Batoul Mourda
Abstract
Background and aims: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. There are no recent data on the lung cancer prevalence in Lebanon, and the available data are based on prediction. Thus, this study aimed to determine the incidence rate of lung cancer during 2014, among patients who were ...
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Background and aims: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. There are no recent data on the lung cancer prevalence in Lebanon, and the available data are based on prediction. Thus, this study aimed to determine the incidence rate of lung cancer during 2014, among patients who were newly diagnosed at Lebanese teaching hospitals. In addition, the study attempted to identify the associated risk factors of lung cancer, the most common presenting symptoms at the diagnosis time, and the stage at which the majority of the patients were diagnosed at the targeted population.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in many teaching hospitals affiliated to the Lebanese University in Lebanon in 2016.Results: The lung cancer incidence was 221.9 per 100 000 in 2014. Most patients aged 60 years and over and as regards gender distribution, the majority of them included men. Further, more than half of the patients had the (COPD) and 97% of patients had symptoms at their presentation. Based on the results, 57.9% of them had stage IV lung cancer, but only 12% were diagnosed at the stage IA. Furthermore, 80.6% and 16.4% of patients had non-small and small cell lung cancer, respectively. Finally, 75.4% and 12.1% of them were treated with chemotherapy and underwent surgery, respectively, while 5.2% of patients had radiotherapy.Conclusion: The findings of our study showed a higher incidence rate of lung cancer since 2008 which was diagnosed more commonly in men and with the patient’s history of COPD. Eventually, the diagnosis was mostly made at a later stage with non-small cell lung cancer that was the most common histology type.
Epidemiology
Mansour Bahardoust; Marjan Mokhtare; Arash Sarveazad; Shahdieh Karimi; Atefeh Talebi; Arezoo Chaharmahali; Shahram Agah
Abstract
Background and aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the important public health diseases in Iran.Therefore, to control the prevalence of the disease, knowledge is required regarding the risk factor ofHBV. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of HB transmission.Methods: ...
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Background and aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the important public health diseases in Iran.Therefore, to control the prevalence of the disease, knowledge is required regarding the risk factor ofHBV. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of HB transmission.Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted on the possible risk factors of HBVtransmission. To this end, a total of 171 patients with HBV infection and 171 controls from Rasoul-e-Akram hospital were investigated during 2015-2018. All subjects were directly evaluated using a faceto-face questionnaire about demographic aspects. Finally, HBV infection and its risk factors among thesubjects were detected using hepatitis B surface antigen test.Results: Overall, 171 HBV patients including 77 (42%) males and 93 (58%) females were evaluated.The mean age of the participants was 40 ± 13 years. Univariate logistic analysis showed that HBVinfection in these cases was associated with addiction injection (odds ratio [OR] = 4.08, CI:1.3-9.57), family history (OR = 4.52, CI: 1.27-10.7), and having a history of blood transfusion (OR =3.16, CI: 1.52-5.37). There were no significant relationships between the liver function tests, alcoholconsumption, the history of dental visits, and HBV participants. In addition, the logistic-regressionmodel proved that patients with a history of HBV-infected parents (At least one of them) and addictioninjection were severely subject to HB infection. In other words, there was a significant associationbetween a history of HBV-infected parents and addiction injection and HB infection.Conclusion: In general, HBV infection was strongly related to having a family member infected withhepatitis B, suffering from addiction injection, and having blood injection.
Maziyar Mollaei Pardeh; Soheila Khodakarim; Korosh Etemad; Ali Habibi; Abolghasem Shokri
Abstract
Background and aims: Injuries as a result of accident and other incidents are the largest andpreventable public health issue in terms of morbidity and disability. Thus the present research aims toepidemiologically analyze the accidents in the individuals referred to Haftkel hospital during 2014.Methods: ...
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Background and aims: Injuries as a result of accident and other incidents are the largest andpreventable public health issue in terms of morbidity and disability. Thus the present research aims toepidemiologically analyze the accidents in the individuals referred to Haftkel hospital during 2014.Methods: The present research is a cross-sectional study with descriptive analytical approachconducted on a total of 667 patients referred to inpatient medical center and road emergency centersof Haftkal in Khuzestan province, due to the accidents from mid-March 2014 to early March 2015.Data analysis was conducted using frequency distribution and percentage for qualitative variablesand mean (standard deviation) for quantitative variables and binary logistic regression and chi-square.P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: From mid-March 2014 to early March 2014, 667 accident victims referred to inpatienttreatment centers and emergency centers, around 67% of whom were men and 33% women. Thehighest number of injuries was found in the age range of 16 to 39 years (42.6%, n = 284). More thanhalf (56%) of these incidents occurred in city. More than 60% of the cases (n = 404) were related toaccidents and the others involved attack by animals, fall, burn, poisoning and strike. Chi-square testshow a strong significant relationship between the injury induced death and the accident location(P < 0.01).Conclusion: The majority of the injured people were men and half of the incidents were associatedwith traffic accidents and in addition, all deaths occurred due to accident by vehicles. Mortality ratedue to traffic accident was very high.
Epidemiology
Rouhullah Dehghani; Masoud Amiri
Volume 4, Issue 2 , April 2017, , Pages 91-93
Abstract
Zika virus is an Arbovirus identified first time in 1947 in Uganda. Zika epidemic is a threat far greater than the Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organization has urged Asian countries to be vigilant about the risk of spreading Zika virus and preventive measures to control it. In Iran, 64 species of ...
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Zika virus is an Arbovirus identified first time in 1947 in Uganda. Zika epidemic is a threat far greater than the Ebola outbreak. The World Health Organization has urged Asian countries to be vigilant about the risk of spreading Zika virus and preventive measures to control it. In Iran, 64 species of mosquitoes from Culicidea family have been reported three of which belong to the Aedes genus, and one of which is Aedes albopictus. Iran also has suitable climate for endemic transmission of Zika virus. Immigrants from neighboring countries for economic reasons, could increase the risk of disease transmission in Iran. The destination countries of Iranian passengers, especially in East Asia, are at risk or have been reported to have cases of Zika. So, traveling to areas where active Zika virus exists and its transmission is common, could potentially increase the risk of transmission of Zika. Close supervision alongside the borders is necessary when foreign people arrive in the country.
Genetic Epidemiology
Hugo Leonardo Pereira Matsuchita; Amanda de Faveri Pitz; Francine Nesello Melanda; Regina Mitsuka Bregano; Francisco Jose Abreu de Oliveira; Fabiana Maria Ruiz Lopes Mori; Maria Claudia Noronha Dutra de Menezes; Idessania Nazareth Costa; Wander Rogerio Pavanelli; Monica Lucia Gomes; Cristiane Maria Colli; Emerson Jose Venancio; Ivete Conchon-Costa
Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2017, , Pages 1-9
Abstract
Background and aims: We investigated the children of Parana State, Brazil the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and the associated factors involved in the transmission of intestinal parasites, and we genotyped the Giardia duodenalis isolates obtained. Methods: Fecal samples were analyzed by established ...
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Background and aims: We investigated the children of Parana State, Brazil the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and the associated factors involved in the transmission of intestinal parasites, and we genotyped the Giardia duodenalis isolates obtained. Methods: Fecal samples were analyzed by established microscopic methods. G. duodenalis positive samples were subjected to genotypic characterization by PCR amplification of sequences of the glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh) and by enzymatic digestion with the restriction enzyme NlaIV for classification of genotypes. Results: Of the 877 samples tested, 41% were positive for some intestinal parasitosis, the most common being the presence of protozoa (87.8%). Lack of basic sanitation and poor health education were associated for the intestinal parasite cases found, and the only associated factor for giardiasis was low family income. The G. duodenalis assemblages of gdh amplified samples were 68.6% B and 31.4% AII. Conclusion: These data demonstrate the importance of epidemiological studies for the development of effective strategies with the aim of decreasing the incidence of intestinal parasites in children. Moreover, these results contribute to our knowledge of G. duodenalis assemblages circulating in the world and also offer support for future work on the molecular and clinical aspects of giardiasis.
Epidemiology
Leila Rostamizadeh; Sayed Rafi Bahavarnia; Roya Gholami
Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2017, , Pages 37-43
Abstract
Background and aims: Congenital anomalies are as the major causes of stillbirths, neonatal death, disability and childhood health problems all over the world. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and pattern of congenital anomalies in newborn during the first 24 hours of life in Shahid-Madani ...
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Background and aims: Congenital anomalies are as the major causes of stillbirths, neonatal death, disability and childhood health problems all over the world. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and pattern of congenital anomalies in newborn during the first 24 hours of life in Shahid-Madani hospital, Azarshahr, Tabriz, during two periods 2002-2003 and 2012-2013 years. Methods: This is a records-based descriptive study with 4515 newborns who were delivered at Shahid-Madani hospital. Results: The incidence of congenital anomalies in newborns during 2002-2003 and 2012-2013 years was 1.31% and 1.06 respectively. We found that the incidence rate of congenital anomalies has declined during one decade, and also the pattern of these has varied. In 2002-2003, the most common anomaly was musculoskeletal system anomaly whereas in 2012-2013, the genitourinary system was the most frequent anomaly. Conclusion: Our findings showed incidence and pattern of congenital anomalies have changed during one decade. Research into the etiology, prevention and prenatal care planning must focus on in prevalent congenital anomalies in this city.
Neurology
Masoumeh Pourhadi; Fereshteh Ahmadinejad; Reza Maghsoudi; Mohammad-Saeid Jami
Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2017, , Pages 78-83
Abstract
Background and aims: Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) is the most prevalent hereditary neuropathy and its frequency is 1 in 2500. CMT is a heterogeneous disease and has different clinical symptoms. The prevalence of CMT and involved genes differ in different countries. CMT patients experience considerable ...
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Background and aims: Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) is the most prevalent hereditary neuropathy and its frequency is 1 in 2500. CMT is a heterogeneous disease and has different clinical symptoms. The prevalence of CMT and involved genes differ in different countries. CMT patients experience considerable sleep problems and a higher risk of decreased quality of life. In this work it was aimed to provide a review on the genetic and epidemiologic aspects of this disease. Methods: In the current review article, we performed a literature search on the epidemiology of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease” and provided a brief review on epidemiology, genetic, and complications of CMT. Databases Web of Science and PubMed were searched using the Endnote software for the publications on CMT during 2000 to 2016. Results: Charcot Marie Tooth disease has different prevalence around the world and is the most common neuropathy. Epidemiological studies have estimated the prevalence of CMT in Japan 1/9200, in Iceland 1/8300, in Spain 1/3500 and in Italy 1/5700.The patients have different phenotype and the age of onset. There is a variety of inherited patterns of disease and many genes have been identified responsible whose mutations are main cause of the disease. Conclusion: Due to the impact of this kind of disabilities on the national health, further studies seem to be necessary to gain better knowledge of the disease particularly in the regions with higher prevalence. Moreover molecular biology services offered by genetic laboratories can reduce the incidence of disorder.
Epidemiology
Mehdi Ranjbaran; Mahmoud Reza Nakhaei; Mina Chizary; Mohsen Shamsi
Volume 3, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 294-301
Abstract
Background and aims: The World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommended executive breastfeeding for 6 months after birth. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of executive breastfeeding in Iran by a meta-analysis study to be used by policy-makers ...
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Background and aims: The World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommended executive breastfeeding for 6 months after birth. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of executive breastfeeding in Iran by a meta-analysis study to be used by policy-makers in order to health programmer plan in this field.Methods: In this meta-analysis study, the databases of ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar and domestic databases were searched between January 2007 and March 2015. Between the studies with regard to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 studies were selected. Data were analyzed using Stata 11 software.Results: Sever heterogeneity was observed among reported prevalence based on the results of Chi-square based on Q test and I2 statistics (Q=6132.55, P2=99.8 %) and consequently, random effect model was used for themeta-analysis. The overall estimated prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Iran was 49.1% (95% CI: 33.4-64.9).Conclusions: In the present study, it was summarized the results of previous studies and showed that the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Iran has been increased and currently is in a satisfactory level. The ongoing national programs for preservation and promoting of exclusive breastfeeding should continue.
Epidemiology
Ayoob Rostamzadeh; Daryoush Fatehi; Hossein Masoumi; Masoud Amiri
Volume 3, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 172-175
Abstract
Background and aims: One of the most common injuries around the world is the traumatic injury of the spine and spinal cord with unknown worldwide situation of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) affecting on the effectiveness of preventive policy programs. In addition, because of possibility of making ...
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Background and aims: One of the most common injuries around the world is the traumatic injury of the spine and spinal cord with unknown worldwide situation of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) affecting on the effectiveness of preventive policy programs. In addition, because of possibility of making paralysis, the potential injury to the spine could be one of the most important traumas and a major cause of disability. Methods: This research is a review study. Initial studies had focused on the descriptive epidemiology, considering incidence rates, age, gender, race, etiology and level and completeness of injury, but the recent researches are focusing on identifying of the high-risk groups, making awareness, establishing trends, predicting the needs, and thus contributing to effective health care planning of this condition. Results: An important part of the prognosis, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic spinal trauma could be diagnostic medical imaging. While spinal cord and soft-tissue injuries could be evaluated better by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); spine fractures could be characterized better by computed tomography (CT). Conclusion: Imaging using CT and MRI is essential in the management of acute/chronic spinal cord injuries. The problem could be that due to fear of clinicians from missing occult spine injuries, they ask radiographs for almost all injured patients. It is recommended that a National Registry for spinal cord injuries be established by the national Ministry of Health, so that the etiological pattern of spinal cord injuries in the world can be known.
Cancer Epidemiology
Sepideh Mahdavi; Neda Amoori; Hamid Salehiniya; Zeinab Almasi; Mostafa Enayatrad
Volume 2, Issue 4 , November 2015, , Pages 184-189
Abstract
Background and aims: Bladder cancer is the most common tumor of the urinary tract and the ninth cancer in terms of incidence in both sexes in the world. Bladder cancer is the second most common cancer among men in Iran. The most important risk factors which attribute to the incidence of bladder cancer ...
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Background and aims: Bladder cancer is the most common tumor of the urinary tract and the ninth cancer in terms of incidence in both sexes in the world. Bladder cancer is the second most common cancer among men in Iran. The most important risk factors which attribute to the incidence of bladder cancer are tobacco usage, exposure to industrial materials, and chronic infection by Schistsoma. This study aimed to investigate the trend of death from bladder cancer in Iran. Methods: This study was conducted by the use of data on mortality in Iran during 2006-10. Data on mortality from cancer within the study period were collected and entered on a pre-designed form. Mortality rates per 105 persons were calculated by age group and sex, and the trend of mortality from this cancer was determined. Results: The results from the calculation of mortality rates per 105 persons indicated that the death rate from bladder cancer is reduced from 1.12 to 1.09. The mortality rates during all the years under the study showed that increasing age increases the bladder cancer in men. Conclusion: No particular change was observed in the analysis of the trend of tobacco using in Iran in the last two decades, which can be considered as one of the causes of constancy of mortality trend from bladder cancer. However, given the increase in the number of people over 65 and the observed growing trend in bladder cancer incidence in various regions of the country, it is recommended that health policies are adopted in order to prevent the risk factors behind this type of cancer such as tobacco and harmful industrial materials.
Epidemiology
R Rajabzadeh; K Arzamani; HR Shoraka; H Riyhani; Seyed Hamid Hosseini
Volume 2, Issue 4 , November 2015, , Pages 197-203
Abstract
Background and aims: Leishmaniasis is a widespread problem, especially in the tropical and subtropical countries. Since understanding the epidemiologic and geographical distribution of the diseases is necessary for prevention and controlling the Leishmaniasis. This study was conducted on epidemiological ...
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Background and aims: Leishmaniasis is a widespread problem, especially in the tropical and subtropical countries. Since understanding the epidemiologic and geographical distribution of the diseases is necessary for prevention and controlling the Leishmaniasis. This study was conducted on epidemiological survey of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in North Khorasan Province, using Arc GIS Software during the years 2006-2013.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data of the Leishmaniasis patients between the years 2006-2013 were collected from the different districts of North Khorasan Province. The gathered data were analyzed by using SPSS16 statistical software and chi-square test.Results: Data concerning 2831 patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis were collected. The maximum outbreak of the disease occurred in 2011 and the minimum occurrence was reported in 2008. The mean age of the study population was 22.80 ± 18.08 and the maximum cases of infection were observed in age group of 16-30 years. 58.6% of the patients were male and 53.5% of them lived in the villages. The maximum infection of the disease was observed in Esfarayen with 1095 people (38.7%). There was a significant relationship between the gender and age of the patients and cutaneous Leishmaniasis (P<0.001).Conclusion: In this province, Leishmaniasis is more epidemic among men of 16-30 years of age, villagers and laborers. These factors have to be necessarily considered in prevention and controlling programs.