Epidemiology
Sajad Bagherian; Majid Mardaniyan Ghahfarrokhi; Ebrahim Banitalebi
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 12 April 2021
Abstract
Background: According to WHO, immediate self-quarantine is assumed as the best course of action for highly contagious diseases. But, many individuals have so far become overweight and are also suffering from physical problems. Therefore, the present study aimed to effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on interest ...
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Background: According to WHO, immediate self-quarantine is assumed as the best course of action for highly contagious diseases. But, many individuals have so far become overweight and are also suffering from physical problems. Therefore, the present study aimed to effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on interest in home-based exercise.Methods: This descriptive study with a comprehensive electronic systematic search in the Google Trends database using the keyword of “home-based exercise” retrieved the relevant data about the Internet search activity of people in the Iranian community. The data were accordingly obtained within two-time intervals, i.e., from February 18, 2020 to October 18, 2020 and eight months prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 (namely, June 18, 2019 to February 18, 2020). The Wilcoxon test and the Spearman’s correlation coefficient used to analyze the data.Results: The results established significant increase in “home-based exercise” Google search in the eight-month time interval during COVID-19 compared with the same period before the pandemic (p<0.001). As well, the findings revealed a significant correlation between “home-based exercise” Google search and positive COVID-19 cases in the time intervals of February 18, 2020 to April 18, 2020 (r=0.756, p=0.0001), April 18, 2020 to June 18, 2020 (r=-461, p=0.0001) but not, June 18, 2020 to August 18, 2020 (r=0.044, p=0.737), August 18, 2020 to October 18, 2020 (r=0.246, p=0.056), and over time (r=-0.083, 0.0195).Conclusion: The prevalence rate of the COVID-19 pandemic and social constraints including self-quarantine seem to have raised people’s interest in doing exercises, especially home-based exercises.
Social Epidemiology
Fatemeh Rashidi; Maryam Mansouri Baghbaderani; Forutan Salehinezhad; Maryam Dastoorpoor
Abstract
Background and aims: Suicide is one of the most important complications of the industrialized world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of suicide attempt and suicide deaths in the population covered by Dezful University of Medical Sciences (DUMS). Methods: In this ...
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Background and aims: Suicide is one of the most important complications of the industrialized world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of suicide attempt and suicide deaths in the population covered by Dezful University of Medical Sciences (DUMS). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the registered data of 3958 suicide attempts and 205 suicide deaths in Dezful from 2012 to 2018 were used. Gender, suicide method, residence, marital status, age, and education were used as the explanatory variables. The chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between qualitative variables in SPSS 22.0. A simple time series chart for suicide cases was drawn using the simple time series plot. Results: A total of 3958 suicide attempts and 205 suicide deaths were recorded in the study population. The suicide trend during 2012-2018 years was declining. Most of the suicides cases were female (60.1%), used drugs (65.3%), lived in cities (51.8%), were in the age group of 15-24 years (49.6%), and were middle school educated (26.8%). Drug abuse was reported more frequently than other methods (p ≥0.001). Conclusion: In this study, most of the suicide cases were females, married persons, adolescents, middle school educated persons, and drug users. It is suggested that the cultural, social, and economic problems of the families, especially women, be considered important and the families and the vulnerable groups receive the appropriate training.
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.
Virology
Mazaher Khodabandehloo; Pezhman Sharifi
Abstract
Background and aims: Maternal primary and recurrent infection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) may be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy and may have complications such as death or growth, along with the development retardation of the fetus and infant. The aim of this study was to determine ...
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Background and aims: Maternal primary and recurrent infection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) may be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy and may have complications such as death or growth, along with the development retardation of the fetus and infant. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against CMV in young women, Sanandaj, Iran. Methods: To this end, 90 women (15-40 years old) referring to a clinical laboratory were randomly selected and announced their informed consent to participate in this cross-sectional study. Demographic information and women’s data were collected, including pregnancy, history of abortion, and history of blood transfusion. Then, women’s sera were measured for CMV IgG and IgM antibodies using the electrochemiluminescence technique. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software. Results: The prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against CMV in women was 92.2% (95% CI = 86.5-97.8) and 0%, respectively. In addition, the average CMV IgG antibody level was about 137.52 ± 85.215 SD IU/mL. The results revealed a significant statistical association between IgG antibody and pregnancy (P value = 0.012) while there was no association between CMV IgG antibody and other demographic data. Conclusions: In general, high percentages of women had CMV IgG antibody whereas 7.8% of them were susceptible. They are expected to acquire CMV primary infection, and therefore, the screening of antibodies to CMV is suggested for prenatal care.
Giti Shirvani; Rahman Abdizadeh; Koroush Manouchehri Naeini; Seifollah Mortezaei; Mina Khaksar
Abstract
Background and aims: Toxocariasis caused by the larvae of Toxocara spp. is a zoonotic infectionwith global distribution that is considered an important health problem in the humans. The soil isregarded as the main source of the transmission of Toxocara infection to susceptible hosts. This studyinvestigated ...
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Background and aims: Toxocariasis caused by the larvae of Toxocara spp. is a zoonotic infectionwith global distribution that is considered an important health problem in the humans. The soil isregarded as the main source of the transmission of Toxocara infection to susceptible hosts. This studyinvestigated the existence of Toxocara spp. ova in rural and urban public areas of Chaharmahal andBakhtiari province.Methods: A total of 180 soil samples were randomly collected from 74 public places from urban andrural areas of nine counties of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province during May to September, 2017.The samples were examined for Toxocara spp. eggs by the modified sucrose flotation method.Results: The contamination rate of the soil samples with Toxocara spp. ova varied within 0%-18.1% indifferent counties. Overall, 9 (5%) out of 180 examined soil samples were found positive for Toxocaraspp. ova. Of nine investigated districts, Toxocara spp. ova were observed in four counties and thehighest rate of soil contamination was found in Farsan county with 18.1%. Finally, the prevalence ofToxocara spp. eggs was more in the rural areas (6.7%) compared to the urban ones (3.3%).Conclusion: This study was the first investigation regarding the contamination of Toxocara spp. eggs inthe soil of public places in rural and urban areas of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Accordingto the results, the rate of soil contamination in this region was lower compared with the other parts ofIran. Therefore, a further study is required to determine factors that may be involved in the distributionof Toxocara spp. in different areas of this province.
Fatemeh Salehi; Ali Ahmadi
Abstract
Background and aims: The purpose of this study was to revalidate the Persian version of the WHOquality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument to determine the quality of life status in the ShahrekordCohort Study (SCS) in the southwest of Iran. This study was designed to serve as one of the sources ofthe Prospective ...
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Background and aims: The purpose of this study was to revalidate the Persian version of the WHOquality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument to determine the quality of life status in the ShahrekordCohort Study (SCS) in the southwest of Iran. This study was designed to serve as one of the sources ofthe Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2000 people were randomly selected from thestudy population of the SCS. The reliability and internal consistency of the WHOQOL-BREF weremeasured using Cronbach alpha coefficient and Pearson’s correlation. construct validity and factorsmeasured using Pearson’s correlation matrices with each of its domains. To measure the face, content,and construct validities, the views of the panel of experts and exploratory factor analysis were used. Inaddition, the validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using linear regression.Results: All domains of the questionnaire met the minimum reliability standards (Cronbach alphaand intra-class correlation >0.7), except for social relationships. The results of comparison analysisindicated that the questionnaire discriminated well between subgroups of the study samples differingin their health status. Regarding validity, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was 0.94 and the valueof Bartlett’s test was 1699.01 (P≤0.001).Conclusion: The findings suggested that WHOQOL-BREF is a reliable and valid measure of healthrelatedquality of life among SCS population.
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.
Molecular Epidemiology
َAli Fattahi Bafghi; Gilda Eslami; Oghol Niazjorjani; Farzaneh Mirzaei; Javad Namrodi
Abstract
Background and aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a major health issue in many parts of Iran.Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a non-endemic area is not as simple as that in endemic foci.The management and treatment of this disease are global dilemmas. The purpose of this study was toidentify Leishmania ...
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Background and aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a major health issue in many parts of Iran.Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a non-endemic area is not as simple as that in endemic foci.The management and treatment of this disease are global dilemmas. The purpose of this study was toidentify Leishmania species isolated from human cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions in patients referredto health centers of Golestan province, Iran.Methods: Cutaneous leishmaniasis patients with suspected lesions were clinically examined. Historyof journey to the endemic areas of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis and/or anthroponotic cutaneousleishmaniasis and the characteristics of their lesion(s) were recorded. Diagnosis of the lesion was doneby using direct smear microscopy and conventional polymerase chain reaction.Results: Out of 360 patients, 202 (57.4 %) were male and 158 (42.8 %) were female. A total of 360samples were selected from different cities. The number of infected samples in the cities is as follows:Azad Shahr [3 (1.5%)], Aq Qala [11 (5.7%)], Ali Abad [4 (2.1%)], Bandar Turkmen [3 (1.5%)], BandarGaz [2 (1%)], Ramian [3 (1.5%)], Kalaleh [23 (12.1%)], Kord koy [1 (0.5%)], Galikesh [7 (3.7 %)],Gomishan [12 (3.6 %)], Gorgan [13 (6.8 %)], Gonbad Qabus [99 (52.1 %)], Marave Tappe [7 (3.6%)]and Minoodasht [2 (1%)]. In the molecular investigations, 186 (96.8%) samples were observed toacquire rural cutaneous leishmaniasis, 4 (2.1%) to acquire urban cutaneous leishmaniasis and 170(47.2%) to be uninfected.Conclusion: Although history of visiting endemic areas is an important factor to be considered indiagnosis, parasitological confirmation is necessary for the initiation of treatment.
Babak Moeini; Masomeh Rostami-Moez; Fereshteh Besharati; Javad Faradmal; Saeed Bashirian
Abstract
Background and aims: Health literacy (HL) can affect individual health, health communication anderror in taking medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the level of HL and associated factorsamong Iranian adults.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 240 participants over 18 years of age referring ...
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Background and aims: Health literacy (HL) can affect individual health, health communication anderror in taking medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the level of HL and associated factorsamong Iranian adults.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 240 participants over 18 years of age referring to health centersin Hamadan, west of Iran in 2015 were selected by multistage random sampling. HL was assessedby the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA). The questionnaire was completed by atrained interviewer. The independent variables were structural and intermediate social factors basedon the Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH). Data were analyzed by using IBM SPSSversion 22.Results: Average age of the participants was 30.88 ±7.38 years and 75.4% of the them were female. Thetotal score of HL was 64.58 ±16.71 (range: 23.82-98.98). Overall, 31.7% (n = 76) of the participantshad adequate HL level, 32.5% (n = 78) had borderline HL level and 35.8% (n = 86) had inadequateHL level. Additionally, participants with higher educational levels had higher HL scores than thosewith lower educational levels (P < 0.001). HL score was significantly higher in males than in females(P = 0.017).Conclusion: HL level seems to be inadequate among Iranian adults in the west of Iran. Moreover,enhancing social determinants such as educational level seems to increase HL. The results highlightedthe necessity for change and improvement in adults’ HL.
Epidemiology
Jahanshah Mohammadzadeh; Shahram Mami; Khadijeh Omidi
Abstract
Background and aims: Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder, and students are morepredisposed to depression than other populations. This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate themean depression score in Iranian students based on DASS-21.Methods: The search was carried out using keywords ...
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Background and aims: Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder, and students are morepredisposed to depression than other populations. This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate themean depression score in Iranian students based on DASS-21.Methods: The search was carried out using keywords Depression, Student, DASS-21 and Iran indomestic databases, including SID, Medlib, IranMedex, Irandoc, and Magiran. Data were analyzedusing a meta-analysis (random effects model). The heterogeneity of studies was studied using theI2 index. Data were analyzed using the Stata software version 11. DASS-21 had been used in allreviewed studies.Results: The sample size was 3229 people included in 17 studies. The mean depression score inIranian students based on DASS-21 was 9.30 (95% CI: 12.57-6.03), 8.90 in female students (95% CI:4.50-13.29) and 8.45 in male students (95% CI: 4.03-12.86). The mean scores of anxiety and stress instudents were 8.58 (95% CI: 5.95-12.86) and 9.91 (95% CI: 11.28-8.54), respectively.Conclusion: The mean depression score is higher in female students than in male students, and themean score of stress is slightly higher than those of anxiety and depression.
Nursing
Babak Moeini; Hamid Abasi; Maryam Afshari; Morteza Haji Hosseini; Ali Ghaleiha
Volume 5, Issue 3 , Summer 2018, , Pages 73-79
Abstract
Background and aims: Students are exposed to multiple mental disorders. One of the most important things that students face to is homesickness and depression that causes reduction happiness in them. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between homesickness with depression and happiness ...
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Background and aims: Students are exposed to multiple mental disorders. One of the most important things that students face to is homesickness and depression that causes reduction happiness in them. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between homesickness with depression and happiness in dormitory students in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at on 387 dormitory students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences from January to April 2016. The sampling was stratified random with proportional allocation. Data collection was completed through self-reporting, and the use of four informational demographic questionnaires, homesickness Benfleet questionnaire, student's depression questionnaire (USDI), and oxford happiness questionnaire. Analysis was performed using SPSS23 software Results: Results showed that depression had inverse (-0.6) relationship with happiness, so that with increasing depression scores happiness decreases. Depression had significant direct relationship with homesickness (0.3), therefore with increasing homesickness scores, depression scores also increases. As well as homesickness has a significant inverse relationship (-0.2) with happiness score, and with increasing homesickness, happiness decreases.
Zahra Omrani; Elnaz Talebi
Abstract
Background and aims: A high number of healthcare team members are nurses. Nurses’ quality of lifelevel is an important issue because it affects their level of care delivered to their patients. Knowledgeabout nurses’ level of quality of life is useful for planning. The present study was conducted ...
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Background and aims: A high number of healthcare team members are nurses. Nurses’ quality of lifelevel is an important issue because it affects their level of care delivered to their patients. Knowledgeabout nurses’ level of quality of life is useful for planning. The present study was conducted to examinethe quality of life of nurses and related factors.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed during 2015-2016. Samples wererecruited from single nurses who worked in teaching hospitals in Tehran. To this end, 200 nurses wereselected by using simple random sampling method. Data collection was performed by researchersusing a researcher’s self-designed checklist for demographic characteristics and a 36-Item Short FormSurvey (SF-36). After data collection, data analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0 software.Results: Of 200 nurses, 118 (59%) were female, and 82 (41%) were male. Of 200 nurses, 192 (96%)were registered nurses and the rest had Master of Science degree in nursing. The mean score of qualityof life was 71.44 ± 10.12. Among subscales of quality of life, higher and lower scores were relatedto the subscale ‘social role functioning’ and ‘physical functioning’, respectively. Nurses’ sex was asignificant factor that affected their quality of life (P < 0.05).Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, nurses’ quality of life was at moderatelevel totally; however in some subscales they had some problems. Nurses’ quality of life needs moreattention. Further study in this regard is recommended.
Habib-allah Shahriyari; Masoud Amiri; Zahra Shahryari
Abstract
Poverty is a multi-dimensional problem; thus, various researchers, based on their field, have investigated different aspects of poverty. Moreover, poverty, as a global problem, could be an interesting subject for both developed and developing countries. In recent decades, both international organizations ...
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Poverty is a multi-dimensional problem; thus, various researchers, based on their field, have investigated different aspects of poverty. Moreover, poverty, as a global problem, could be an interesting subject for both developed and developing countries. In recent decades, both international organizations and different countries have had some programs for reducing poverty. The evaluatinon of power and capacity of national economy for coping with poverty is the first essential step. In addition, in long-term period, poverty would depend on economy development, but in short-term, considering the proper concept of poverty with potential available financial resources is necessary. Then, calculation of poverty line and percentage of poor people using the appropriate methods is the next step. In recent decades, Iran's economy has had different economic problems such as inflation increasing, unemployment, deficit of payment balance in macroeconomic and its effect on poverty and in equal income distribution in microeconomics. Effects of the price balancing on poverty is also an important topic that its evaluation is possible with the data acquired after the policy of subsides’ law. Another aspect is the picture of poverty in rural and urban communities in the last year and near to implementation of this policy. This article presenta an overall picture of poverty in urban and rural communities of Iran as well as world-based defined indices in poverty literature.
Habib-allah Shahriyari; Masoud Amiri; Zahra Shahriyari; Fatemeh Farzin
Abstract
A regular activity in all human societies is the evaluation and control of important socioeconomicindices. Unemployment rate is one of these indices, which is very important in evaluating andapplying policies for control or preparation of desired changes in economy; in fact, it is a challengefor policy ...
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A regular activity in all human societies is the evaluation and control of important socioeconomicindices. Unemployment rate is one of these indices, which is very important in evaluating andapplying policies for control or preparation of desired changes in economy; in fact, it is a challengefor policy makers. Employment and unemployment are 2 words that have different definitions amongpeople and professional centers of statistics. Since the statistics and methods applied for calculatingIranian employed and unemployed people have been provided by Statistical Center of Iran (SCI), thecomparison of these definitions with recommended ones defined by International labor organization(ILO) may project 2 different items. In accordance with the definition of unemployment by ILO andSCI, each person who works at least 1 to 2 hours a week, even without receiving money, is consideredas an employed person, otherwise is named as unemployed. Considering this definition, a newquestion may arise: in Iran, with consideration of location, subsistence, and labor market conditions,could people be satisfied with their living situation? Perhaps in some countries, this definition may beoperational but not for Iranian worker community; in fact, no one in Iran and many other countrieswould be satisfied with one-hour work per week as an employed person.
Payam Khomand; Sajjad Abdolmalaki; Ebrahim Ghaderi; Sahar Khoshravesh
Abstract
Background and aims: The most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis of all ages is Guillain-Barresyndrome (GBS). Further understanding of this disease is important because of its life-threateningnature in life. The aim of this study was to conduct a 10-year survey on epidemiological and clinicalfeatures ...
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Background and aims: The most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis of all ages is Guillain-Barresyndrome (GBS). Further understanding of this disease is important because of its life-threateningnature in life. The aim of this study was to conduct a 10-year survey on epidemiological and clinicalfeatures of GBS in Tohid and Besat hospitals, Sanandaj, Iran, from 2005 to 2014.Methods: This study was a retrospective study, based on medical records, in which 98 hospitalizedcases in Tohid and Besat hospitals (tertiary referral hospitals), Sanandaj, Iran, between 2005 and 2014were investigated. The epidemiological and clinical information was obtained from eligible cases.Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Chi-square and t test were used for analyses. Thesignificant level was considered at P < 0.05.Results: The mean age of cases with GBS was 22.16 years. Among final 69 patients who were studied,36 cases (52.2%) were male and 33 cases (47.8%) were female. Most cases of disease occurred inthe spring. Thirty-nine patients (56.52%) had risk factors like history of gastrointestinal infections,respiratory infections, and surgery 2-4 weeks before the disease onset. Four cases (10.25%) neededmechanical ventilation. The most common protocol of treatment was IVIg (n = 47, 68%). More thanhalf of the patients (52.2%) achieved relative recovery. In 6 patients, (8.7%) relapse was occurred.Conclusion: Our study showed that there was a significant relationship between sensory- motorinvolvement, gender and age. Moreover, the relationship between gender and prognosis was indicated(P < 0.05).
Mohammad Ali Soleimani; Saeed Pahlevan Sharif; Ameneh Yaghoobzadeh; Kelly-Ann Allen; Hamid Sharif Nia
Abstract
Background and aims: Despite a substantial body of work examining the role of death anxiety (DA)in an individual’s quality of life, there is a lack of valid and standardized instruments that couldmeasure this construct for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The objective of this study ...
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Background and aims: Despite a substantial body of work examining the role of death anxiety (DA)in an individual’s quality of life, there is a lack of valid and standardized instruments that couldmeasure this construct for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The objective of this study wasto examine the psychometric characteristics and factor structure of the Templer Death Anxiety Scale(TDAS) within a sample of Iranian patients who had experienced acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods: In this study, 584 patients with CHD completed the TDAS. A principal components analysisevaluated dimensionality of the measuring instrument. Reliability and validity were assessed.Results: Factor analysis found 3 distinct factors (fear of death due to illness, fear of facing death, anddistress due to short time of life). Convergent and discriminant validity for the constructs of the TDASwere fulfilled. The internal consistency for the measure was < 0.70.Conclusion: Findings revealed that the Persian version of the TDAS is a valid and reliable instrumentthat can be used for the assessment and evaluation of DA in Iranian patients with CHD.
Health Promotion
Morteza Arab-zozani; Reza Majdzadeh; Parvin Sarbakhsh; Roshanak Naseri Sis
Abstract
Background and aims: Positive attitudes toward future career lead to job motivation and consequently to career success. Health technology assessment (HTA) students are worried about their future career due to lack of defined vacancies. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of HTA ...
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Background and aims: Positive attitudes toward future career lead to job motivation and consequently to career success. Health technology assessment (HTA) students are worried about their future career due to lack of defined vacancies. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of HTA students toward the field of study and future career. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015. The samples (n = 40) were selected by census and the questionnaire was sent by email to each participant. The data collection period was 6 months. The questionnaire reliability was evaluated using Cronbach alpha (α = 0.85). Questions were measured by 5-point Likert scale (absolutely agree to absolutely disagree). The data were analyzed by relevant statistical tests using SPSS version 20.0. At the beginning of the study, informed consent forms along with questionnaire were sent to participants and the participants were enrolled if they were volunteered. Results: Response rate was 95%. The mean score of students’ attitudes toward the field of study and future career was 62.48 (11.15) and 62.63 (8.61) respectively. Participants’ attitudes were generally positive. There was a significant positive correlation between the 2 main areas of attitude (r = 0.43, P = 0.006). Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that the attitudes of HTA students toward the field of study and future career are positive. Proper planning in the admission process, addressing the needs of students, professor’s paying attention to motivate the students and responding to student questions, and anticipated job categories in the relevant organizations, can lead to job satisfaction and optimism about the future career.
Epidemiology
Rouhullah Dehghani; Masoud Amiri
Volume 4, Issue 2 , Spring 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.
HIV/AIDS
Abbas Rezaianzadeh; Hedayat Abbastabar; Abdolreza Rajaeefard; Haleh Hgaem; Maliheh Abdollahi
Volume 4, Issue 2 , Spring 2017, , Pages 145-155
Abstract
Background and aims: The pandemic of AIDS is a global emergency and one of the biggest challenges in social and individual life. This study aimed to evaluate the survival time of HIV patients and its effective factors. Methods: This historical cohort study was conducted on the individuals infected with ...
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Background and aims: The pandemic of AIDS is a global emergency and one of the biggest challenges in social and individual life. This study aimed to evaluate the survival time of HIV patients and its effective factors. Methods: This historical cohort study was conducted on the individuals infected with HIV in Fars province, south of Iran, during 2006 to 2013. The study data were obtained from information documented in the patients’ records. For statistical analysis, at first, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used as univariate method and then, time varying Cox regression model was applied as multiple analyses. Results: The findings of the present study implied that some variables could play the role of risk factors in HIV patients, and shorten the patients’ life span e.g. older age, female gender, unemployment, delay in HIV diagnosis, drug injection, and higher Hemoglobin (HGB) levels. Conclusion: Many factors affect HIV patients’ survival time. Some of these factors, such as gender and genetic factors, are irreversible. However, some others, including drug injection, are preventable. This implies that in order to slow down the speed of HIV conversion to AIDS and delay the occurrence of death, special attention must be paid to these factors and changing the patients’ conditions accordingly.
Epidemiology
Leila Rostamizadeh; Sayed Rafi Bahavarnia; Roya Gholami
Volume 4, Issue 1 , Winter 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.
Epidemiology
Rouhullah Dehghani; Masoud Amiri
Volume 3, Issue 3 , Summer 2016, , Pages 201-203
Abstract
Due to special conditions of Iran; i.e., neighboring to major centers of drug production in Afghanistan during the last few decades, it was the passageway of the drug to Europe. Moreover, because of appropriate context of social, economic and cultural situations, there was an increased addiction and ...
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Due to special conditions of Iran; i.e., neighboring to major centers of drug production in Afghanistan during the last few decades, it was the passageway of the drug to Europe. Moreover, because of appropriate context of social, economic and cultural situations, there was an increased addiction and drug trafficking in Iran. It is obvious that a lot of people would be involved directly and indirectly with drugs; so the drug has become a major problem in Iranian society, especially in the provinces in near of Afghanistan and Pakistan borders. The reports have indicated an increasing spread of drug addiction in Iran. Addiction among all social classes and occupational groups, age and sex, is raised. In fact, an important part of social problems, directly or indirectly related to drug dependence. Therefore, prevention of addiction as the basis of many diseases is vital priority for Iran. Fair distribution of facilities and services in society and equal opportunities for all members of society can legitimately, step forward in to deal with social ills such as addiction.
Epidemiology
Mehrdad Mahdian; Mojtaba Sehat; Mohammad Reza Fazel; Habibollah Rahimi; Mahdi Mohammadzadeh
Volume 3, Issue 3 , Summer 2016, , Pages 259-267
Abstract
Background and aims: Life expectancy is one of the most important indicators of health and well-being of a society. Since it is claimed that in Aran-Bidgol region, center of Iran, life expectancy is higher than the average of the country, this study was designed. Methods: During a cross-sectional study, ...
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Background and aims: Life expectancy is one of the most important indicators of health and well-being of a society. Since it is claimed that in Aran-Bidgol region, center of Iran, life expectancy is higher than the average of the country, this study was designed. Methods: During a cross-sectional study, population and mortality data of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (KAUMS) in 2011 were used for calculating life expectancy. Brass Growth-Balance method was used to adjustmortality data with over 5 years old and to correct under reporting of deaths. Completeness and coverage of death registration data and the correction factor were calculated. Finally, anadjustedlife table for males and females was calculated separately. Microsoft Excel 2007 was used for calculations. Results: Population of Aran-Bidgol was 93571 in 2012 based on KAUMS data. Among the total population, 47331 (50.6%) were males. Number of registered deaths was 479 [280 male (58.4%)]. Completeness of the death registration data was found to be %74.9 for males and %70.1 for females. Correction factor (K) for adjustment of reported death was calculated to be 1.33 and 1.42 for males and females respectively. Adjusted life expectancy at birth for males and females was 71.3 and 76.5 years respectively. Conclusion: Although adjusted life expectancy for females in our study was to some extent more than the average life expectancy of Iranian women, but this indicator was slightly lower in men. Generally, it seems that there is no considerable difference between life expectancy of Aran-Bidgol population and national average life expectancy.
Cancer Epidemiology
Neda Amoori; Sepideh Mahdavi; Mostafa Enayatrad
Volume 3, Issue 3 , Summer 2016, , Pages 268-275
Abstract
Background and aims: Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second cause of deaths among cancers worldwide cancer in the world. This study aimed to estimate the rate and trend of death from stomach cancer in Iranian population between 2006 and 2010. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional ...
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Background and aims: Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second cause of deaths among cancers worldwide cancer in the world. This study aimed to estimate the rate and trend of death from stomach cancer in Iranian population between 2006 and 2010. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional conducted using mortality data in Iranian population between 2006 and 2010. The number of deaths, death rate, and sex ratio of mortality, mortality rates by age and gender groups, and trends of mortality from stomach cancer were calculated and reported. Cochrane Armitage test was used for linear trend by Winpepi software to study the trends of Stomach cancer mortality. Results: The results showed that between 2006 and 2010, 34950 cases of death have been reported from stomach cancer. The mortality rate per 100,000 reached from 11.22 in 2006 to 11.06 in 2010. All years studied indicated that death due to stomach cancer were higher in males than females. Also, with increasing age, the mortality rate of stomach cancer was increased. Conclusion: Our findings showed the decreasing trend of mortality due to stomach cancer may be due to increasing in lifespan and survival, enjoying the better diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for patients, and underestimation of the number of stomach cancer deaths. Since the cancer is the most frequent cause of death among cancers in Iran, additional investigation is necessary to determine the risk factors of the cancer to decline the mortality rate.
Epidemiology
Mehdi Ranjbaran; Mahmoud Reza Nakhaei; Mina Chizary; Mohsen Shamsi
Volume 3, Issue 3 , Summer 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
Narjes Rajaei Behbahani; Koorosh Etemad; Yadollah Mehrabi; Ali Ahmadi; Jalil Hasani
Volume 3, Issue 2 , Spring 2016, , Pages 106-111
Abstract
Background and aims: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality among men and women so that the difference in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms between men and women can affect diagnosis and time of decision making for treatment and consequently disease outcomes. Therefore, knowledge ...
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Background and aims: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality among men and women so that the difference in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms between men and women can affect diagnosis and time of decision making for treatment and consequently disease outcomes. Therefore, knowledge of different symptoms affects the prognosis of the disease according to the gender. This study was conducted to determine the difference in clinical manifestations of MI between men and women. Methods: In this cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study all patients with primary diagnosis of AMI (n: 33831) in Iran in 2014-2015 were included. Data analysis was done by Stata. For descriptive data, central indices and distribution were used, and for investigation of the association among the variables, independent t-test and logistic regression were used. Results: Overall, 33831 patients were included in this study, of whom, 24532 (51.72%) were male and the rest were female. Mean age at MI incidence was 80.0 7.59 years in men and 13.66 13.0 in women. Being female increased the likelihood of dyspnea by 3.1 times, vomiting by 31.1 times, and jaw pain by 21.1 times. No significant difference was seen in left arm pain, chest pain, nausea, and sweating between men and women (P>0.05). Conclusion: Atypical symptoms, particularly in women, may cause the delay in referring the patients and also delay in decision making for diagnosis and treatment by the medical team. Hence, staff and patients of ICUs need more special information about AMI symptoms, especially with regard to gender.