Epidemiology
Saleh Jafarian; Ali Ahmadi; Masoud Amiri; Rahman Biokani; Zohreh Abbaspour; Masoud Mahmoudzadeh
Abstract
Background and aims: Motorcycle accidents are a major concern for countries. One of the most important risk factors for motorcyclists is the lack of helmet use. This study aimed to measure the rate of the helmet use and predictive factors in Shahrekord, Iran.
Methods: Using simple random ...
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Background and aims: Motorcycle accidents are a major concern for countries. One of the most important risk factors for motorcyclists is the lack of helmet use. This study aimed to measure the rate of the helmet use and predictive factors in Shahrekord, Iran.
Methods: Using simple random sampling method, this cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 with a sample size of 350 motorcyclists. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data, and the SPSS software version 24 was used to analyze the data.
Results: The mean age of participants was 28.8 ± 10.1 years. Out of 350 participants, 15.1% and 1.4% of motorcyclists and their passengers used helmets. The most important predictors of helmet use were age more than 35 years, high education, and having a driving license. The most important reason for using the helmet was protection against injuries in accidents.
Conclusion: According to our results, the rate of helmet use was low. Thus, more efforts should be made to intervene and train for the helmet use among community members with an emphasis on younger people, individuals with governmental jobs, and people with lower education level.
Epidemiology
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 23 December 2020
Abstract
Background: Negative urgency reflects a specific facet of impulsivity and correlates with a wide range of health-related risk behaviors, including but not limited to problematic substance use. Negative urgency is also shaped by family socioeconomic position such as parental educational attainment.Aim: ...
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Background: Negative urgency reflects a specific facet of impulsivity and correlates with a wide range of health-related risk behaviors, including but not limited to problematic substance use. Negative urgency is also shaped by family socioeconomic position such as parental educational attainment.Aim: To investigate sex differences in the boosting effects of parental educational attainment on children's negative urgency in the US. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study using the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Baseline ABCD included 10535 American children between ages 9 and 10 years old. The independent variable was parental educational attainment. The primary outcome was the negative urgency measured by the Urgency, Premeditation (lack of), Perseverance (lack of), Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency, Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-SS). Mixed-effects regression models were used for data analysis.Results: In the overall sample, parental educational attainment was not associated with negative urgency in the children. Sex showed a statistically significant interaction with parental educational attainment on children's negative urgency, indicating a stronger protective effect of high parental educational attainment for female, compared to male, children. In stratified models, high parental educational attainment was associated with lower levels of negative urgency in female but not male children.Conclusion: Parental educational attainment is a determinant of negative urgency for female but not male American children. American boys have high levels of negative urgency, which is a risk factor of drug use, at all parental education levels.
Epidemiology
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 03 April 2021
Abstract
Background: While increased parental education reduces children’s sleep problems, less is known about racial variation in such protection. According to Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory, economic resources such as parental education show weaker health effects for minority groups ...
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Background: While increased parental education reduces children’s sleep problems, less is known about racial variation in such protection. According to Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) theory, economic resources such as parental education show weaker health effects for minority groups such as Blacks and Latinos than non-Latino Whites, which is due to racism and social stratification. Aim: In this study, we investigated the association between parental education and children’s sleep problems, as a proxy of sleep problems, by race. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 11718 American children aged 9-11. All participants were recruited to the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. The independent variable was parental education, a five-level nominal variable. The dependent variable, sleep problems, was a continuous variable. Race/ethnicity was the effect modifier. Age, gender, and marital status were the covariates. Mixed-effects regression models were used for data analysis. Results: Parental education was inversely associated with children's sleep problems. However, there was a weaker inverse association seen in Black families when compared with White families. This was documented by a significant statistical interaction between race and parental education on children’s sleep problems. Conclusion: Diminished protective effect of parental education on children’s sleep problems for Black and Latino families compared to non-Latino White families is similar to MDRs and reflects the higher-than-expected health risk to middle-class Black and Latino children.
Epidemiology
Jamal Ahmadzadeh; Arash Aliasghari; Marzieh Hossini; Fatemeh Rahimi; Kazhal Mobaraki
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 03 April 2021
Abstract
As a result of the global crisis related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), confusion, anxiety and fear and other psychological effects have been created among the general population in this global village. Unfortunately, these factors have provoked inappropriate behavior, and in aspect of socially, ...
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As a result of the global crisis related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), confusion, anxiety and fear and other psychological effects have been created among the general population in this global village. Unfortunately, these factors have provoked inappropriate behavior, and in aspect of socially, it seems to converting to a social stigma which affects the dignity of the morbid persons with COVID-19. In addition to the patient, the stigma can also affect interpersonal relationship among nurses, family, friends and also relationships of the communities. In this critical situation in which each person in this global village is involved, we need to take care of each other with empathy, and that is key to solve and passing the problem and preventing of the social stigma associated with COVID-19 disease. This commentary provides the effects of social stigma related to COVID-19 and practical measures for the world communities to deal with this social problem.
Epidemiology
Eidha Ali Bin-Hameed; Huda Ameen Joban
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 06 April 2021
Abstract
AbstractBackground and aim: Cholera is a disease of acute watery diarrhea caused by Vibrio cholerae which is usually transmitted through contaminated water. In this study, we collected and analyzed the related epidemiological data to determine the outbreak of cholera in Hadhramout, Yemen during the epidemiological ...
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AbstractBackground and aim: Cholera is a disease of acute watery diarrhea caused by Vibrio cholerae which is usually transmitted through contaminated water. In this study, we collected and analyzed the related epidemiological data to determine the outbreak of cholera in Hadhramout, Yemen during the epidemiological weeks 2019.Methods: A retrospective study conducted according to screening rapid diagnostic and confirmatory laboratory culture testing methods used for diagnosis the suspected clinically cholera cases.Results: A total of 794 suspected cases cholera, 399(50.5%) positive cases were detected by rapid diagnostic test, 76(9.6%) of them were confirmed by laboratory culture test with statistically significant (P-value 0.05). The highest proportion of cholera cases 224(28.2%) were reported in less than 15 years age group with statistically significant (P-value=0.003) when tested by rapid diagnostic test, and 45(5.66%) when confirmed by laboratory culture test with no statistically significant (P-value >0.05). Hajr directorate was the most effected 242(30.47%) followed by Mukalla city directorate 108(13.60%) when tested cases by rapid diagnostic test (P-value >0.05), while Hajr and Mukalla city directorates reported 55(7.0%) and 15(2.0%) respectively when confirmed by laboratory culture test with statistically significant (P-value = 0.002).Conclusion: Recognition of cholera outbreak highlight the need for consistent laboratory and epidemiological based surveillance that can support prevention and control activities.
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.
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 ...
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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
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 ...
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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 ...
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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.
Epidemiology
Ameneh Nasiri; Bahareh Gholami Chaboki; Seyed Soheil Saeedi Saravi; Mojgan Nazari
Abstract
Background and aims: Patient information leaflets (PILs) are the best form of written information transfer. The aim of this study was to investigate the sources of drug information and the reading rate of PILs among medical sciences students. Methods: Three hundred students were entered ...
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Background and aims: Patient information leaflets (PILs) are the best form of written information transfer. The aim of this study was to investigate the sources of drug information and the reading rate of PILs among medical sciences students. Methods: Three hundred students were entered in this cross-sectional study via simple random sampling at the Faculty of Paramedical, Nursing and Midwifery of Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Results: The participants considered the physician as the most reliable source for receiving drug information. Pharmacists, PILs, and the Internet were mentioned as the next sources, respectively. About 15.3% of people always read PILs. Students used PILs along with other sources of drug information. Conclusion: The type of medication and the individuals’ need for the type of information, along with the structure and presentation of the materials in the PILs, are all contributing factors.
Epidemiology
Saleh Jafarian
Abstract
Menarche is a sign of puberty and the beginning of ovarian and other endocrine functions relating to reproduction. It is an important event demonstrating the end of childhood and the start of reproductive years for each woman that is preceded by the complex process of some hormonal changes ...
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Menarche is a sign of puberty and the beginning of ovarian and other endocrine functions relating to reproduction. It is an important event demonstrating the end of childhood and the start of reproductive years for each woman that is preceded by the complex process of some hormonal changes in the puberty period. Moreover, it is an important clinical indicator of girls’ physical, nutritional, and reproductive health. Early age at menarche, as the onset of menstrual periods in girls, has a substantial effect on their physical and sexual health and is related to the increased risks of unfavorable health outcomes. Further, menarche appears to be associated with several risk factors of emergent chronic disease. In recent decades, the age at menarche has shown a gradual decline from 16-17 years to less than 13 years. Evidence indicates that childhood obesity is related to earlier menarche. Finally, this change may be partially explained by the global epidemic of obesity.
Epidemiology
Hadis Barati; Erfan Ayubi; Sohrab Iranpour; Mohammad Barati; Ahmad Allah-Abadi; Seyed Saeed Hashemi- Nazari
Abstract
Background and aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world. Sabzevar city is endemic area for CL in the north east of Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sabzevar County using ...
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Background and aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world. Sabzevar city is endemic area for CL in the north east of Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sabzevar County using the segmented regression model. Methods: This ecological study used the existing data related to the rural districts of Sabzevar County that were obtained from the Health Deputy of this county during 2011-2017. In addition, the segmented regression model was applied to evaluate the time trend of CLs. Finally, Joinpoint software was used for time series analysis. Results: A total of 1912 CL cases occurred in Sabzevar County from 2011 to 2017, with an incidence rate of 93.61 per 100 000. The highest and lowest observed incidence rates were in 2011 (25 per 10 000 persons) and 2015 (3.24 per 10 000 persons), respectively. Based on the results, the annual incidence of CL in the intended region decreased and the annual percent change was equal to -22.40. Further, the time series analysis using segmented regression by rural districts showed a change point in the trend of the incidence of leishmaniasis in three rural districts (Pain Joveyn and Joghatai in 2014 and Qasabeh-ye Sharqi in 2013). In other words, the trend was different before and after the change point in the mentioned districts. Conclusion: In general, the results indicated that interventional, preventive, and therapeutic measures for breaking the chain of CL transmission in Sabzevar have been desirable in recent years. Eventually, it is suggested that further time-series studies be conducted at the level of the month or a longer interval in order to better evaluate the period effect and secular trend.
Epidemiology
Hamid Gheibipour; Soheila Khodakarim; Asaad Sharhani; Koorosh Etemad; Abolghasem Shokri
Abstract
Background and aims: Injection drug use is considered as an international public health threat that can lead to serious health-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to obtain a profile of injection drug users (IDUs) in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2017. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried ...
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Background and aims: Injection drug use is considered as an international public health threat that can lead to serious health-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to obtain a profile of injection drug users (IDUs) in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2017. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 606 male IDUs who were recruited from 2 drop-in centers in Kermanshah using a snowball sampling method. Continuous and categorical variables are expressed as the mean and standard deviation, as well as frequency and percentage, respectively. Results: The mean age of participants in this study was 36.7 ± 8.51 years and at first drug injection was 29.35 ± 8.04 years. In addition, the highest frequency of injection drugs belonged to heroin (99.00%), methamphetamine (86.00%), and opium (85.00%), respectively. However, the lowest injection drugs were opium syrup (0.50%), ecstasy (0.50%), and amphorphine (0.20%). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, heroin, methamphetamine, and opium had the highest frequency injection among male IDUs in Kermanshah, and the age of the first drug injection was low among these individuals. Accordingly, wider coverage prevention programs are highly recommended, including harm reduction programs, counseling centers with improved quality of services, treatment programs, and greater attention to human resource development-based counseling and education.
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
Rida Salman; Mira Alsheikh; Rim Ismail
Abstract
Background and aims: The diagnostic workup for pulmonary embolism (PE) includes D-dimer assay and computed tomographic angiography. Several D-dimer assays have been approved for PE diagnosis with different sensitivity and specificity. We aimed to study the sensitivity and specificity of ...
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Background and aims: The diagnostic workup for pulmonary embolism (PE) includes D-dimer assay and computed tomographic angiography. Several D-dimer assays have been approved for PE diagnosis with different sensitivity and specificity. We aimed to study the sensitivity and specificity of the quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer assay used in a referral teaching hospital in Lebanon for the diagnosis of acute PE. Methods: Using a retrospective chart review, we studied 300 patients who had D-dimer test at Rafik Hariri University Hospital in the period between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Accordingly, 93 patients had a CT angiography after being suspected to have acute PE. A statistical table 2*2 was used to compare the results of CT angiography and D-dimer test. Results: Thirteen patients (13.97%) had PE and 60 patients (64.51%) had positive D-dimer test. Quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer assay had a sensitivity of 69%, specificity of 36%, and negative predictive value of 88%. False positive ratio was also 64%. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained with an area under the curve measuring 0.527. Conclusion: Quantitative latex agglutination D-dimer assay has a high negative predictive value; thus, it can exclude a PE diagnosis if it is associated with low clinical pretest probability.
Epidemiology
Shervin Assari
Abstract
Background and aims: This study aimed to compare non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) American adults for the associations of educational attainment and household income with perceived racial discrimination. Methods: The 2010 National Alcohol Survey (NAS N12), a nationally ...
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Background and aims: This study aimed to compare non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) American adults for the associations of educational attainment and household income with perceived racial discrimination. Methods: The 2010 National Alcohol Survey (NAS N12), a nationally representative study, included 2635 adults who were either NHB (n = 273) or NHW (n = 2362). We compared NHBs and NHWs for the associations between education, income, and perceived racial discrimination. We used linear regression for data analysis. Outcome was perceived racial discrimination; the predictors were educational attainment and household income; covariates were age and gender; and moderator was race. Results: In the total sample, high income was associated with lower levels of perceived racial discrimination, while educational attainment was not significantly associated with perceived racial discrimination. There was also an interaction between race and education but not household income, suggesting a difference in the association between educational attainment and perceived racial discrimination between NHB and NHW individuals. For NHW individuals, household income was inversely associated with perceived racial discrimination. For NHB individuals, however, household income was not related to perceived racial discrimination. For NHB but not NHW individuals, educational attainment was correlated with more not less perceived racial discrimination. Conclusion: High income protects NHW but not NHB individuals against perceived racial discrimination, and NHB individuals with high education levels report more not less perceived racial discrimination.
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 ...
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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.
Epidemiology
Mahmoud Mobasheri; Soleiman Kheiri; Seifollah Bakhshi; Yadollah Ramezani; Mansour Firouzbakht
Abstract
Background and aims: The World Health Organization has listed Iran as the country with the highest number of driving accidents worldwide. Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari is among the top ten provinces in Iran. The aim of this study was to carry out an epidemiological survey on driving accidents resulting ...
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Background and aims: The World Health Organization has listed Iran as the country with the highest number of driving accidents worldwide. Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari is among the top ten provinces in Iran. The aim of this study was to carry out an epidemiological survey on driving accidents resulting in deaths that were referred to the Forensic Medical Center. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data were obtained from the Forensic Medical Center in Shahrekord, the provincial capital, during 2005-2016. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test by SPSS. Results: The number of registered accidents causing death was 3001. The highest number of accidents (13.5%) occurred from August 23rd to September 22nd, which equates to the last months of the summer according to the solar calendar. Location wise, the highest number of accidents happened in Shahrekord (58.2%). In addition, men and married people were more involved in accidents compared to women and singles. The age group of 21-25 had the most number of accidents. Further, the main road had the highest percentage of accidents (86.7%) compared to freeways, by-ways, and rural roads. Finally, head trauma 1634 (60.7%) was the most important cause of death in people who were in car accidents. Conclusion: Based on these results, policymakers and planners have to carry out necessary positive interferences and plans in order to reduce the number of factors which increase car accidents. Eventually, accidents are usually caused by multiple elements and this makes it necessary to review and optimize the operational output of responsible organizations and offices and the cooperation between them.
Epidemiology
Seyed-Mohammad Omrani; Shahyad Azari-Hamidian
Abstract
Background and aims: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are still a focus of research because of their role in the transmission of diseases and annoying biting behavior. Source reduction is an effective measure to control mosquito populations, which is based on good knowledge of larval habitats. ...
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Background and aims: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are still a focus of research because of their role in the transmission of diseases and annoying biting behavior. Source reduction is an effective measure to control mosquito populations, which is based on good knowledge of larval habitats. This study was conducted to obtain that basic knowledge in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Methods: This study was carried out in 2011 and 2012. Geographical coordinates, altitude, pH, temperature, and the dissolved oxygen level of larval habitats were recorded by relevant devices, followed by documenting physical attributes by direct observation. In addition, the indices of biodiversity were calculated to analyze the vertical biodiversity of species. Finally, the affinity index was calculated to elucidate species co-occurrence. Results: Eighteen species were recovered from 92 larval habitats. Low- (≤ 1400 m), mid- (1401–2000 m), and high- (≥ 2001 m) altitudes lodged 7, 17, and 14 species, respectively. Further, the indices of the species richness and biodiversity for these altitudinal categories were 0.93, 1.94, and 1.58, as well as 1.54, 2.13, and 1.96, respectively. Larval habitats were mostly natural, temporary, with standing but clear water, muddy substrate, sunlit, and with vegetation. Other physicochemical characteristics and affinity of species were described and discussed as well. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of vertical distribution and biodiversity of mosquito larvae in Iran. The relative uniformity of physicochemical characteristics of larval habitats was attributed to prevailing water resources in the studied area and sampling design. The oviposition site selection of gravid mosquitoes is still an unresolved problem which needs further investigations.
Epidemiology
Sharon Cobb; Shervin Assari
Abstract
AbstractBackground and aims: According to the sponge hypothesis, compared to men’s self-rated health (SRH),women’s SRH is more likely to reflect conditions other than chronic medical conditions (CMCs) suchas psychiatric disorders (PDs). As a result, poor SRH is a weaker predictive factor ...
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AbstractBackground and aims: According to the sponge hypothesis, compared to men’s self-rated health (SRH),women’s SRH is more likely to reflect conditions other than chronic medical conditions (CMCs) suchas psychiatric disorders (PDs). As a result, poor SRH is a weaker predictive factor for mortality risk forwomen than men. Most of this literature, however, is done in samples that are predominantly middleclassWhite. To test the sponge hypothesis among economically disadvantaged African Americans(AAs), this study compared low-income AA men and women for the effects of the number of PDs andCMCs on SRH.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a non-random sample (n = 150) ofeconomically disadvantaged AA adults with PD(s). Structured face-to-face interviews were used tocollect data. SRH was measured using a single-item measure. PDs and CMCs were also self-reported.We applied linear regression models to test the interactions between SRH and the number of PDs andCMC as well as gender.Results: The number of PDs and CMCs were associated with SRH in the pooled sample of low-incomeAA adults with PD(s). However, we found a significant interaction between the number of PDs andgender. This interaction suggested a stronger association between PDs and SRH for AA women thanAA men. Gender did not alter the association between the number of CMCs and SRH.Conclusion: The number of PDs is a determinant of SRH for low-income AA women but not AA men,supporting the sponge hypothesis.
Epidemiology
Elaheh Ainy; Hamid Soori; Roghayeh Paydar
Abstract
AbstractBackground and aims: This study was conducted to determine the economic, social, and culturalfactors influencing the consumption of drugs by drivers of public vehicles in 2013.Materials and Methods: The capture-recapture method was employed to determine drug use, its type,and the time of consumption ...
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AbstractBackground and aims: This study was conducted to determine the economic, social, and culturalfactors influencing the consumption of drugs by drivers of public vehicles in 2013.Materials and Methods: The capture-recapture method was employed to determine drug use, its type,and the time of consumption among drivers of public transport. At the capture stage, 384 of the sampleswere surveyed and then (15 days later) at the recapture stage, 1176 drivers were randomly selected.All drivers who crossed the boundaries of Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Khorasan Razavi, West and EastAzarbaijan, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Gilan during the defined time were randomly selected. Thesample size was 196 drivers for each boundary based on the traffic volume of each boundary and typeof vehicle.Results: The mean age of the addicted and non-addicted subjects was 41.65 ± 3.41 years and39.63 ± 2.11 years, respectively, with a significant difference (P = 0.01). There were significantdifferences between addicted and non-addicted subjects with respect to some of the socioeconomicvariables such as monthly income (P = 0.001), owning home (P = 0.001), owning car (P = 0.001),ethnicity (P = 0.016), and education (P = 0.01). There were significant differences in the economic andcultural factors affecting addictive drug use between non-addicted and addicted subjects (P = 0.001).Conclusion: A significant difference in economic and cultural factors, ethnicity, and levels of educationwas observed between non-addicted and addicted subjects.
Epidemiology
Mehri Rejali; Seyede Soghra Ahmadi
Abstract
Background and aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI)among the pregnant women and the risk factors related to it in Shahrekord, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 832 patients were examined during 26 to 30 weeks of pregnancyand their UTIs were studied. ...
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Background and aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI)among the pregnant women and the risk factors related to it in Shahrekord, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 832 patients were examined during 26 to 30 weeks of pregnancyand their UTIs were studied. The required information was collected by examining the personalpregnancy health records and completion of the data registration forms. All statistical analyses wereperformed in SPSS software version 23.0 using chi-square and independent t test.Results: According to the results of this study, out of 832 pregnant women, 109 were diagnosed withUTI; hence the prevalence of UTI was recorded to be 13.1% in this study. Moreover, there was asignificant relationship between UTI and variables of delivery, severe nausea and vomiting duringpregnancy (known as morning sickness), genitourinary disorders, infertility, and blood group.Conclusion: According to the study results, it seems that screening and treatment of UTIs have beendone appropriately and in the right time, in health systems of the city of Shahrekord which have ledto the reduction of disorders in infants, as well as maternal diseases. Even in the absence of any UTIrelatedsymptoms, screening tests for UTI are recommended.
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 ...
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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
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.
Epidemiology
Moslem Taheri
Abstract
Dear Editor, I have read with great interest the article titled "The Relationship between Caesarean and Neonatal Hypothyroidism in Chadegan City" by Naderi et al[1]. Best regards and thanks to the authors, it is an interesting topic however these few points that I would entitled to highlight. First in ...
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Dear Editor, I have read with great interest the article titled "The Relationship between Caesarean and Neonatal Hypothyroidism in Chadegan City" by Naderi et al[1]. Best regards and thanks to the authors, it is an interesting topic however these few points that I would entitled to highlight. First in the method section, that author mentioned the record 86 cases. This is not likely to have such high number in only one year, the highest prevalence in this area is two case in 1000 birth. [2, 3] Also , it is mentioned that individual and group matching has been used, in this situation conditional logistic regression or logistic regression should be used to adjusted confounders[4] Finally, there is inconsistency between value in the text & in the table2 for value of control group (176 vs 126). According to the results of this table, the odds ratio is equal to 0.56(CI 95%: 0.30-1.02), but in the results of another value was reported.