Payam Samei; Hassan Talakesh; Alizamen Salehifard Jouneghani; Masoomeh Khaledi Sardashti
Abstract
Background and aims: Children with thyroid disorders may be significantly exposed to a higher likelihood of constipation; however, the cause of this link remains unclear. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism in children suffering from chronic constipation. Methods: This cross-sectional ...
Read More
Background and aims: Children with thyroid disorders may be significantly exposed to a higher likelihood of constipation; however, the cause of this link remains unclear. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism in children suffering from chronic constipation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 380 infants over 30 days old with chronic constipation. All participants were asked for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 tests. Results: The average age of participants was 64.62 ± 37.28 months. The overall hypothyroidism in the study population was estimated to be 4.2% based on the value of measuring serum TSH and 1.0% based on the value of serum-free T4. Further, abnormal values of both serum biomarkers led to the prevalence rate of 0.02% for hypothyroidism. Conclusion: According to the findings, there was a relationship between hypothyroidism and constipation in children; however, this relationship needs further evaluation.
Epidemiology
Tahereh Abdoli; Mansooreh Samimi; Fatemeh Atoof; Mohammad Shayestehpour; Majid Ehsani
Abstract
Background and aims: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited disorder of blood clotting in humans. The prevalence of VWD is different among various populations. The prevalence of this disorder in women with menorrhagia is less reported in Asia and Iran. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence ...
Read More
Background and aims: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited disorder of blood clotting in humans. The prevalence of VWD is different among various populations. The prevalence of this disorder in women with menorrhagia is less reported in Asia and Iran. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of VWD in women of reproductive age with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).Materials and Methods: A total of 160 women in the reproductive age group (15-45 years) with HMB who referred to the hematology clinic of Kashan Shahid Beheshti hospital during 2019 participated in this cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics, clinical testing, and physician-reported problems of each participate including age, menstrual cycle length, uterine myoma, and polyp were collected using a questionnaire, sonography, and physical examination of women by a physician. The laboratory tests included hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, iron, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).Results: Fifteen patients (9.3%) with severe menstrual bleeding had VWD with a mean age of 34.60±6.85 years. The frequency of the uterine fibroid (myoma) in women with VWD was significantly higher than that in patients without VWD (p =0.03). The mean ferritin level among 15 women with VWD and 145 women without VWD was 23±4.28 ug/dL and 30.68±4.46 ug/dL, respectively (p =0.001). The mean serum iron in total participants was 35.3±11.48 ug/dL and VWD patients had a lower iron level compared to those without VWD (p =0.001). There was not a significant difference in TIBC level between women with and without VWD (p =0.6).Conclusion: Based on the results, 9.3% of women of reproductive age with HMB in Kashan, Iran, had VWD, which is lower compared to other regions of Asia.
Epidemiology
Hamed Delam; Omid Soufi; Ahmadreza Eidi; Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan
Abstract
Background and aims: Self-medication, as the most common method of self-care, is one of the major problems in treatment in many countries in the world. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of self-medication and identify the factors associated with casual medication use among students ...
Read More
Background and aims: Self-medication, as the most common method of self-care, is one of the major problems in treatment in many countries in the world. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of self-medication and identify the factors associated with casual medication use among students of Larestan University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2020. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2020. The study was conducted at Larestan University of Medical Sciences and 147 students entered the study through convenience sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made self-treatment questionnaire. After collecting the data, the SPSS software version 25.0 was used to analyze the data. Fisher’s exact test, independent t test, and chi-square test were used to investigate the relationship between the variables. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 62.5%. The most common sources of self-medication were pharmacies and previous prescriptions. The most common illnesses treated with over-the-counter medications include colds, headaches, and digestive problems. The most important over-the-counter medications include painkillers, anti-colds, antibiotics, iron pills, calcium supplements, and antihistamines. A comparison of students’ attitudes towards medication showed that attitudes “I feel my problem has been treated with over-the-counter medications” and “I feel I have enough information about diseases and how to treat them” (the group who did have self-medication and the group who did not have self-medication) had a significant difference between the two groups (p <0.05).Conclusion: The results of the present study showed a high prevalence of self-medication among students. We recommend holding special training classes for the communities in order to provide information about the irreparable effects of self-medication and create new policies for prescribing and delivering medicine.
Clinical
Mehdi Khazaei; Zainab Eslami Hasan Abadi; Mohammad Keshvari Delavar; Morteza Shamsizadeh
Abstract
Background and aims: Hemodialysis (HD) is considered as the main method of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in many countries including Iran. Given the limited number of epidemiological studies in this regard at the provincial level across the country, the present ...
Read More
Background and aims: Hemodialysis (HD) is considered as the main method of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in many countries including Iran. Given the limited number of epidemiological studies in this regard at the provincial level across the country, the present study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of ESRD patients and determine the most important causes of ESRD in Hamadan Province.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 508 HD patients in Hamadan province in January 2017. The checklist used to gather information comprised of the patient’s demographic and clinical information. The analysis was carried out using descriptive analysis including frequency tables and charts and the chi-square statistic test was used to compare the groups using Stata software, version 12.Results: The prevalence rate of HD treatment was 288.9 per million population (PMP). Further, most under HD patients were married, illiterate, and urban residents. The mean age of patients at the diagnosis was 47.64 ± 15.17 years. Hypertension (37.4%), diabetes (28.74%), and glomerulonephritis (10.63%) were the common causes of ESRD. Eventually, there was a significant difference between ESRD causes according to gender and residency (P < 0.05).Conclusion: In general, the prevalence rate of HD in Hamadan was relatively similar to that of developing countries although it was lower than the national average. Furthermore, hypertension and diabetes were the common causes of ESRD in Hamadan Province. Therefore, preventive strategies should be taken to modify their risk factors.
Cyuzuzo Callixte; Adamu Ayubu; Pudji Lestari; Ndayisaba Daniel; Theresia Indah Budhy
Abstract
Background and aims: Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal parasite and a causative agent ofamoebiasis which is a common life-threatening parasitic disease. This study was intended to determinethe prevalence of E. histolytica and to provide the primary data about its infections among the patientsattending ...
Read More
Background and aims: Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal parasite and a causative agent ofamoebiasis which is a common life-threatening parasitic disease. This study was intended to determinethe prevalence of E. histolytica and to provide the primary data about its infections among the patientsattending Nyanza District Hospital in Rwanda.Methods: Bottles were used to collect 138 stool specimens from patients. All the samples were physicallyanalyzed based on their colors, states, and the presence of blood or mucus. The wet preparationmethod and zinc sulphate floatation technique were used to concentrate the parasites. Microscopicanalysis was done to examine the presence of cysts and trophozoites. Data were statistically analyzedby SPSS using chi-square test and independent t test.Results: The prevalence of E. histolytica was 15.94%. The sex distribution of infections revealed thatmales (21.54%) were more infected than females (10.95%). The highest prevalence of E. histolyticawas found in the age group of 1-19 years old (27.11%) and the lowest prevalence was observed in theage group of 20-39 years old (6.89%). A prevalence of 33.33% was reported among the people whodirectly drink tap water and 40% of infections among the patients who did not wash their hands beforeeating and after using latrines.Conclusion: Overall, E. histolytica is still considered as a health burden in Nyanza District Hospital.Therefore, it is vital to control direct exposure to its risk factors for mitigating the occurrence ofamoebiasis.
Epidemiology
Maysam Rezapour; Zahra Khorrami; Raheleh Tabe; Narges Khanjani
Abstract
Background and aims: Many workers face significant hazardous workplace exposures, especially indeveloping countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occupational riskfactors and common occupational diseases in Kerman.Methods: This study was based on data from occupational ...
Read More
Background and aims: Many workers face significant hazardous workplace exposures, especially indeveloping countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occupational riskfactors and common occupational diseases in Kerman.Methods: This study was based on data from occupational risk factor and disease monitoring systemsavailable at Kerman Province Health Center during 2011-2015. These data are gathered semiannuallyby occupational hygienists based on standard checklists provided by the Ministry of Health andMedical Education and these checklists include exposures and diseases related to the workplace.Results: Based on the results, 292 (3.7%), 281 (3.58%), 261 (3.32%), and 115 (1.47%) cases werefound regarding occupational hearing loss, respiratory conditions, work-related back pain, andmusculoskeletal disorders, respectively, which were related to different occupational exposuresdiagnosed in Kerman during 2011-2015. Moreover, dust, work tools, wrong body position duringwork, and noise were the most common risk factors in this respect.Conclusion: Overall, occupational hazards are considered as an important health issue in Kerman.Therefore, it is necessary to control exposure to these risk factors in order to prevent occupationaldiseases.
Epidemiology
Delara Laghousi; Mahasti Alizadeh Mizani; Nayyereh Aminisani; Javid Sadeghi; Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi
Abstract
Background and aims: Although chronic bronchitis is markedly under-diagnosed in the general population, it has a significant impact on the health status and the well-being of patients as well as healthcare resource consumption. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic bronchitis and its ...
Read More
Background and aims: Although chronic bronchitis is markedly under-diagnosed in the general population, it has a significant impact on the health status and the well-being of patients as well as healthcare resource consumption. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic bronchitis and its correlates in the northwest of Iran.
Methods: In 2014, all residents aged 35 and over in Khameneh city, East Azerbaijan, were invited to participate in the pilot phase of the Azar cohort study. The respiratory symptoms questionnaires were filled out by two trained general practitioners. Participants with a cough and phlegm on most days during at least three successive months in the previous two years were classified as chronic bronchitis group. Chi-square test was used to compare the chronic bronchitis and smoking status between males and females.
Results: A total of 1036 participants were interviewed, 1006 of whom had completed a respiratory questionnaire, from them 544 (54.1%) were females, and 462 (45.9%) were males. The mean age was 52.5 ± 10.5 years. The prevalence of smoking was 16.2%. According to the chronic bronchitis definition, 24 (2.4%) subjects were classified with chronic bronchitis, and the prevalence was higher in the males (4.1%) than that in the females (0.9%). The prevalence was higher among the active smokers and ex-smokers compared to non- smokers (8.6% and 4.1% vs. 0.8%). The prevalence of cigarette smoking was 16.2% and it was higher in the males than that in the females (33.5% vs. 1.5%).
Conclusion: the prevalence of chronic bronchitis in the population of the region under study was relatively low in comparison to the other parts of Iran and its prevalence was higher in the males than that in the females.
Jalal Poorolajal; Soheila Panahi; Ali Ghaleiha; Ebrahim Jalili; Nahid Darvishi
Abstract
Background: Despite the growing epidemic of suicide among college students, the associated risk factors of suicide have not been properly understood in developing countries. This study estimated the prevalence of suicide ideation and attempt and associated risk factors among college students.Methods: ...
Read More
Background: Despite the growing epidemic of suicide among college students, the associated risk factors of suicide have not been properly understood in developing countries. This study estimated the prevalence of suicide ideation and attempt and associated risk factors among college students.Methods: We performed this cross-sectional study from January to May 2016 and invited college students to participate voluntarily in the study. The outcomes of interest were suicide ideation and attempt. The exposures of interest were behavioral risk factors, including having girlfriends/boyfriends, emotional breakdown, illegitimate heterosexual and/or homosexual intercourse, cigarette smoking, substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, and social media.Results: Of 1254 participants, 146 (11.7%) had suicidal ideation during the last year and 63 (5.0%) had attempted suicide at least once in the last year. After adjusting the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for age and sex, suicide ideation was significantly associated with emotional breakdown 2.33 (1.64, 3.31), heterosexual intercourse 2.71 (1.77, 4.15), homosexual intercourse 3.21 (1.97, 5.25), cigarette smoking 4.03 (2.65, 6.11), substance abuse 12.09 (7.97, 18.35), psychiatric disorders 12.48 (7.59, 20.53), no interest in the discipline 2.08 (1.40, 3.07), and despair about the future 2.18 (1.49, 3.19). There was no significant association between suicide ideation and using social media 1.13 (0.65, 1.96).Conclusion: This study provided beneficial information about the association between suicidal ideation and attempted suicide and some behavioral risk factors among college students and emphasized the importance of these modifiable risk factors that if neglected, may severely impair the students' function.
Epidemiology
Azam Sabahi; Leila Ahmadian; Fatemeh Salehi; Sayed Mahmoud Mirzaee
Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2017, , Pages 61-68
Abstract
Background and aims: Among all cancers, colon cancer is common and deadly, yet preventable. The estimated worldwide incidence of colon cancer is more than one million new cases per year. This study was done to identify the epidemiological features and risk factors of colon cancer in different regions ...
Read More
Background and aims: Among all cancers, colon cancer is common and deadly, yet preventable. The estimated worldwide incidence of colon cancer is more than one million new cases per year. This study was done to identify the epidemiological features and risk factors of colon cancer in different regions of Birjand. Methods: This retrospective, descriptive analytical study of patients with colon cancer was conducted in Birjand educational hospitals. This study examined the patients whose colon cancers had been confirmed by a pathologist (2006-11). Statistics related to these patients were collected from pathology centers affiliated to Birjand University of Medical Sciences. Data were analyzed using descriptive (frequency and relative frequency) and analytical (chi square test) statistics. SPSS software was used to analyze the collected data. Results: Results of the present research showed that a total of 38 people with colon cancer were hospitalized in Birjand educational hospitals between 2006 and 2011. In the present study, there was a significant difference between the patients’ job and the type of morphology (P=0.018) and the therapeutic procedures (P=0.001); Adenocarcinoma was mainly reported among housewives (n=10, 76.9%). Concerning therapeutic procedures, housewives underwent colectomy surgery more than other groups (n=8, 61.5%). Conclusion: Controlling colon cancer which is one of the most common cancers in the world is a great epidemiologic success. The findings of this study presented a complete and exact image of epidemiology of this cancer in the region and provided the authorities with precious information; therefore, they can make decisions about identifying colon cancer risk factors in the region.
Epidemiology
Marziyeh Safari; Azam Samiee; Fatemeh Salehi; Seyede Nafiseh Ahmadi; Seyede Soghra Ahmadi
Volume 3, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 214-221
Abstract
Background and aims:The most common reason in neonatal mortality rate in the world is low birth weight (LBW). The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence and related factors associated in birth weight in Garmsar, Iran in 2013. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 683 ...
Read More
Background and aims:The most common reason in neonatal mortality rate in the world is low birth weight (LBW). The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence and related factors associated in birth weight in Garmsar, Iran in 2013. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 683 live births which delivered in Garmsar in 2013. The required information was collected by examining the health records of pregnant women and completion of the data registration forms. Data collection was controlled by using SPSSand analyzed by using an Independent T-test, Chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: According to the results, 32 infants out of 683 infants born in 2013 had low birth weight, i.e. the weight less than 2500g. LBW prevalence estimated in this study was 4.7%. There were significant statistical relations between low birth weight and the variables including number of births, mothers’ occupation and interval of less than 3 years between pregnancies and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Conclusion: Although our results regarding LBW prevalence and risk factors confirm the results of other studies,it was recommended perspective studies to reconfirm the LBW risk factors.
Nutrition
Mohammad Hozoori; Azadeh Safaei-Motlagh; Azadeh Marzban
Volume 3, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 222-231
Abstract
Background and aims: Nutrition has a determinant role in success of professional athletes and dietary supplements can play an important role for supplying the nutritional needs for them in some situations. Consumption of Dietary Supplements (DS) was significantly increased in recent years. Based on this ...
Read More
Background and aims: Nutrition has a determinant role in success of professional athletes and dietary supplements can play an important role for supplying the nutritional needs for them in some situations. Consumption of Dietary Supplements (DS) was significantly increased in recent years. Based on this fact, assessing the amount, purposes and type of the supplements are all as prior as the affective factors on the choice and preparation of that. Therefore, we are going to evaluate the consumption of dietary supplement among athletes of Karaj, a big city near Tehran, capital of Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 195 athletes that were randomly selected from 8 sport clubs of Karaj city between December 2014 and February 2015. A self-administered questionnaire containing 17 questions was used to evaluate the field of sport, history and reasons of consuming the supplements, source of information and providing centers. Validity and reliability of questionnaire determined through panel of experts and Cronbach’s alpha (N=25, α=0.85) respectively. Results: The mean age of the athletes was 24±7 years old. Thirty six percent of participants consumed the supplement during the study and 49% reported the previous use of it. The most important reasons of supplement’s consumption were empowering sport’s ability by 48%. Also supplying needs of body by 39% and increasing muscle’s mass by 31% named the second and third reason of supplement use. For 64% of participants coach is the most important source of information and question about DS, and then nutritionists (24%) and Internet (23%) were after that in order. Sixty one percent of participants considered the coach as the most important source for buying supplements and then 51% of participants mentioned pharmacies as second main source for buying DS. Protein supplements, vitamins, creatine and glutamine were named as the most commonly used DS.Discussions: The results of this study indicate that dietary supplements usage is common among athletes. According to these results, coaches have a significant role in athlete information and supplying the required supplements of athletes. It is necessary to consider the appropriate policy to remove coaches from the supply chain of dietary supplements.
Epidemiology
Fatemeh Boomadi; Sareh Hatamian; fatemeh salehi; seyede nafiseh ahmadi; seyede soghra ahmadi
Volume 3, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 276-282
Abstract
Background and aims: Depression is an affective (mood) disorder accompanied by the sense of disappointment, incompetence, sense of transgression, fear and sense of humility. Depression is the daily depressed-mood for two weeks. The aim of this study is analysis of the prevalence and effective factors ...
Read More
Background and aims: Depression is an affective (mood) disorder accompanied by the sense of disappointment, incompetence, sense of transgression, fear and sense of humility. Depression is the daily depressed-mood for two weeks. The aim of this study is analysis of the prevalence and effective factors on post-natal depression in women referring to Garmsar city health centers in 2015. Methods: This study is a descriptive and periodical study. The statistical population in this research includes the women who went to Garmsar city health centers during the second and third quarters in 2015, two months after their labor. The method of collecting data in this study was by census, and the data-collecting tool was Edinburg standard questionnaire for post-natal depression diagnosis. After collecting and re-controlling, the data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software package. Descriptive statistics (average and standard deviation) were used for describing the data. The analytical statistical tests (chi square and independent t-test) were used for the data analysis. Results: The findings showed that 40 out of 110 mothers were depressed (score of over 12), and the prevalence of post-natal depression mothers referred to Garmsar health centers was about 36%. The results indicated that there were no significant statistical relations between mother’s age, education, number of labor, types of childbirth, children’s sex, unwanted pregnancies, the history of sterility, and post-natal depression. Conclusion: Due to unpleasant effects of depression on the living qualities of mothers’ and the embryos’ and eventually the families, and due to its extensive prevalence in the city of Garmsar, precise identification of effective factors in emergence of this disorder seems to be essential. By awareness from its risk factors, some of the inevitable factors could be reduced or even confronted, and the relevant consequences can be reduced by timely and proper interventions.
Epidemiology
Yadollah Ramezani; Mahmoud Mobasheri; Sayed Gholamabas Mouasvi; Majid Barati
Volume 3, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 119-127
Abstract
Background and aims: Obesity and overweight is a major public health problem and, alongside hypertension, is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases incidence. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and its association with hypertension in the patients referred ...
Read More
Background and aims: Obesity and overweight is a major public health problem and, alongside hypertension, is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases incidence. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and its association with hypertension in the patients referred the healthcare center in Jandaq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 patients (168 men and 232 women) referring to urban healthcare centers in Jandaq. By means of necessary instruments, the individuals’ weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Also, the individuals’ blood pressure was measured and classified in accordance with the standard manual, and after filling out the questionnaires, the data analysis was done by SPSS. Results: The prevalence of overweight was 29.3% in men and 35.7% in women. The prevalence of hypertension was 29.1% in men and 35.3% in women. Family history of hypertension and cardiovascular disease was effective on the individuals’ acquiring hypertension. With the increase in the patients’ age, both BMI (P<0.035) and blood pressure (P<0.001) increased. Also, increase in BMI in the individuals was significantly associated with blood pressure rate (P<0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence rate of overweight and obesity in Jandaq is high. There was an association among the individuals’ BMI, blood pressure and age. Therefore, it is necessary to develop health education programs and to inform the public regarding the increase of mobility and improvement of the nutrition, and to implement effective interventions in health planning in this center.
HIV/AIDS
Amin Doosti-Irani; Zahra Cheraghi; Safoora Doosti-Irani
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2015, , Pages 146-151
Abstract
Background and aims: Burden of HIV and AIDS is considerably different among regions and countries around the world. The aim of this study was to assess the inequality in the prevalence of HIV, according to human development index worldwide. Methods: The desired outcome was prevalence of HIV, which was ...
Read More
Background and aims: Burden of HIV and AIDS is considerably different among regions and countries around the world. The aim of this study was to assess the inequality in the prevalence of HIV, according to human development index worldwide. Methods: The desired outcome was prevalence of HIV, which was estimated in 100 countries in 2012. The annual report of Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) was used for determining the prevalence of HIV in countries. In addition, we used the data of the human development index of the countries from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). We defined inequality of human development index in the prevalence of HIV by using the concentration index. Results: Concentration index for prevalence of HIV among 25-49 years adults was -0.217 (95% CI: -0.074, -0.361). This index indicated the inequality in the prevalence of HIV based on the human development index and concentrating on more HIV subjects in poor countries. In addition, concentration indexes in the prevalence of HIV among young males and females were 0.229 and -0.200, respectively. Conclusion: This study emphasized on the inequality in the prevalence of HIV and concentration of HIV in countries with lower human development index. Therefore, it is recommended that the international organizations should perform fundamental actions to help these countries, such as prevention, care and treatment programs.
Clinical
Mehrnaz Mozaffarian; Mojdeh Sharifian Fard; Reza Vafaee; Alireza Jahangirifard
Volume 2, Issue 2 , April 2015, , Pages 78-81
Abstract
Background and aims: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disease mainly involves sacroiliac and axial joints; but it may also have extra-articular involvement. Accordingly, this study was designed to determine the frequency of cardiac involvement among patients with ankylosing ...
Read More
Background and aims: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disease mainly involves sacroiliac and axial joints; but it may also have extra-articular involvement. Accordingly, this study was designed to determine the frequency of cardiac involvement among patients with ankylosing spondylitis.Methods: This study was performed as a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional survey. In this study 50 consecutive patients with AS and 40 normal healthy subjects were enrolled and compared for cardiologic manifestations.Results: The frequency of cardiac involvement was similar between AS patients and normal subjects (P>0.05). However, there was significant difference between 2 groups in point of mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation (P<0.05).Conclusions: Totally, according to the obtained results, it may be concluded that the frequency of cardiac involvement in AS patients and normal subjects were relatively similar.
Epidemiology
Ali Ahmadi; Mahmoud Mobasheri; Hamid Soori
Volume 1, Issue 1 , December 2014, , Pages 3-8
Abstract
Background and aims: Coronary heart diseases (CHDs) contribute to mortality, morbidity, disability, productivity and quality of life. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of major risk factors for CHD in the provinces of Iran. Methods: This study reported pre-existing data and was of secondary, ...
Read More
Background and aims: Coronary heart diseases (CHDs) contribute to mortality, morbidity, disability, productivity and quality of life. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of major risk factors for CHD in the provinces of Iran. Methods: This study reported pre-existing data and was of secondary, descriptive type. Prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors was defined for the provinces of Iran. A reliable report of NCD risk factors, the national surveillance program conducted in Iran, such as type II diabetes, hypertension and mean body mass index (BMI), smoking, hookah smoking, high cholesterol and obesity was used. Results: The highest and lowest prevalence of hypertension was obtained in Bushehr (20.85%) and Yazd (12.86%) provinces, respectively. The highest mean BMI was reported from Mazandaran province (26) and the lowest from Sistan and Baluchestan province (22.50). Qom province had the highest prevalence of diabetes (27.65%). The highest prevalence of high cholesterol was obtained in Lorestan province (50.87 %) and the lowest in the Khouzestan province (22.71%). East Azarbaijan province had the highest prevalence of smoking (14.8%) and Kurdistan province the lowest (0.16%). Hookah smoking was most prevalent in Hormozgan province (7.62%). The highest prevalence of physical activities was reported from Sistan and Baluchestan province (47.84%) and the lowest from Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad (22.2%). Conclusion: Prevalence of CHD risk factors is the main priority for the Iranian health system. There is a need for intervention programs in the provinces which are at greater risk as well as for modification of people’s lifestyle.
Epidemiology
Ataollah Hashemian; Ashraf Direkvand-Moghadam; Ali Delpisheh; Azadeh Direkvand-Moghadam
Volume 1, Issue 1 , December 2014, , Pages 9-15
Abstract
Background and aims: Internet addiction is one of the problems emerged with the development of technology. Considering the potential negative effects of internet addiction on health, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of internet addiction in university students in Ilam, west of Iran, ...
Read More
Background and aims: Internet addiction is one of the problems emerged with the development of technology. Considering the potential negative effects of internet addiction on health, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of internet addiction in university students in Ilam, west of Iran, in 2014.
Methods:In this cross– sectional study, 1066 university students in both public and private sectors were assessed in 2014. The samples were selected by multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected by a two-part questionnaire: the personal characteristics and Internet Addiction Test (IAT)-20. This 20-itemed questionnaire measures internet addiction in mild, moderate and severe levels. Each answer is scored based on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. The higher score represents a greater level of addiction. The total score between 20 and 49 represented mild, 50-79 showed moderate and 80-100 was severe addiction.
Results:Overall, 466 (43.7%) of students were placed in the Internet addiction group. Generally, 39.6% of students had mild and 4.1% had moderate addiction. No case of sever Internet addiction was seen. Prevalence of internet addiction in the medical students was higher compared to nonmedical students (P< 0.0001).
Conclusion: Based on the results, internet addiction should be considered as a serious problem in adolescents and young adults. So, it is necessary that proper use of internet to be educated to adolescents and young adults to prevent the risk of internet addiction.
Epidemiology
Fatemeh Anjomshoa; Mohammad Esmaeli-Abdar; Hossein Rafiei; Maryam Arjmand-Kermani; Faranak Hassanarabi; Athare Hasani; Zahra Esmaeili
Volume 1, Issue 1 , December 2014, , Pages 24-28
Abstract
Background and aims: Mental disorders may negatively affect on the quality of life in hemodialysis patients and their response to treatment. The aim of present study was to examine the prevalence of depression and related risk factors in hemodialysis patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, ...
Read More
Background and aims: Mental disorders may negatively affect on the quality of life in hemodialysis patients and their response to treatment. The aim of present study was to examine the prevalence of depression and related risk factors in hemodialysis patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, during June 2013 to September 2013, 217 patients with hemodialysis whom were admitted to Kerman hemodialysis center were examined. The depression level of patients was assessed using Iranian version of Beck Depression Inventory. Results: The mean score of depression was 24.2±12.6 (range: from 2-59). Totally, 29%, 30% and 27.4% were reported as suffering from mild, moderate and severe level of depression, respectively. The results of the present study also showed that diabetic patients and patients with hypertension were significantly at a higher risk of depression. Conclusion: Results of the present study indicates that depression is highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients. It is important that all patients with maintenance hemodialysis be frequently screened for signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as depression.