Ali Ameli; Alireza Salehi; Hossein Molavi Vardanjani; Mina Vojoud Vojoud; Firoozeh Rahmati
Abstract
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of IPV among married Iranian women.Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, following PRISMA guidelines, ...
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Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of IPV among married Iranian women.Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, following PRISMA guidelines, eight electronic databases were searched for quantitative articles, with the target population of married Iranian women. Articles from 2010 to 2020 were extracted and assessed with an 8-scored checklist for risk of bias. Different types of IPV include mental, physical, and sexual types. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 and Q tests. Random effect model was used for meta-analysis. Factors such as income, education, employment, mean age, urbanization, and human development index (HDI) were assessed within homogenous groups.Results: Thirty-four studies (19,445 participants) were included. The mean age of women was 33.4 years. The overall prevalence of past-year IPV was estimated at 62.6% (CI: 53.6-71.5). Mental, physical, and sexual violence were estimated at 59% (CI: 53.7- 64.4), 30.8% (CI: 26.2-35.4), and 29% (CI: 22.4-35.5), respectively. The results revealed that a negative correlation existed between the occurrence of violence and higher education, higher HDI indices for regions, and employment.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that IPV exists in high proportions in Iran. Improving the economic situation, increasing education, and raising public awareness through social media are the preventive factors.
Leila Bazrafkan; Masoud Yousefi; Javad Kojuri; Mohammad Ansarizadeh; Habibolah Rezaei
Abstract
Background: The current study examines general dental students’ views about the ethics level in education, research, and provision of dental services.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on all general dental students at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences selected in ...
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Background: The current study examines general dental students’ views about the ethics level in education, research, and provision of dental services.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on all general dental students at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences selected in the census. The researcher-made questionnaire was prepared online with PorsLine. In this questionnaire, examples of observing or not observing ethics in education, research, and provision of dental services by faculty members were presented to the dental students. Finally, all collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 26.Results: 47 students participated in the current study. The participant’s mean age was 25.95 with a standard deviation of 3.5. Results of the study showed that the mean and standard deviation of non-observance of ethics in education, the provision of dental services, and research were 3.05±0.9, 2.37±1.03, and 3.04±1.15, respectively.Conclusion: General dental students reported that the level of ethics in education, research, and provision of dental services by faculty members was unfavorable, so it is recommended that medical education courses related to ethics should be held for faculty members.
Kourosh Azizi; Mohsen Kalantari; Masoumeh Amin
Abstract
Background: Scorpions, as a group of venomous invertebrates, are distributed worldwide including the Middle East. These arthropods are distributed throughout Iran, are dangerous to humans and animals, and can cause severe damages and even death.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, scorpions were collected ...
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Background: Scorpions, as a group of venomous invertebrates, are distributed worldwide including the Middle East. These arthropods are distributed throughout Iran, are dangerous to humans and animals, and can cause severe damages and even death.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, scorpions were collected from different parts in southern Iran such as Kohgiluyeh and Fars provinces using hand catch method with U.V torch. Morphological identification of scorpion specimens was done using specific keys.Results: Besides different species of scorpions, Hottentotta jayakari Pocock, was identified in Amir Oncology Hospital, Shiraz city, Fars province, South of Iran, 1895.Conclusion: Hottentotta jayakari is endemic in tropical regions and its existence in Shiraz with a mild climate seems unexpected. In addition, Amir Hospital is an oncology treatment center and this scorpion was caught on the hospital grounds. It is possible that more species can be identified in this province by conducting more studies.
Hassan Jolaei; Mostafa Abdollahi; Maryam Safarirad; Enayat Berizi; Mohammad Hashem Yousefi; Seyyed Mohammad Ali Noori
Abstract
Background: Improper use of antibiotics and not paying attention to withdrawal time causes antibiotics to enter the milk, which can cause allergies in humans and cause antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria in the long run, so quality and hygienic milk control is essential.Methods: This study aimed ...
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Background: Improper use of antibiotics and not paying attention to withdrawal time causes antibiotics to enter the milk, which can cause allergies in humans and cause antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria in the long run, so quality and hygienic milk control is essential.Methods: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic residues in milk as a systematic review and metaanalysis from 2004 to 2021 for 15 years in Iran. The data were collected from four international search databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, and four Iranian databases, including SID, MagIran, Civilica, and IranDoc.Results: After reviews of 314 studies, 38 were finally selected, and the information was recorded and analyzed in Stata software. The results of this study show that the residual prevalence of antibiotics in milk using the screening method was 28% (CI: 0.34-0.22). The residual rates of antibiotics using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were 43% (CI: 0.26-0.59) and 27% (CI: 0.05-0.49), respectively.Conclusion: The data obtained from the meta-analysis show that despite various reports of a quantitative amount of antibiotic residue in milk, the average amount in the ELISA method was 16.98 ppm. Although the prevalence of antibiotics in Iran is relatively high, a quantitative amount is optimal. Also, since the use of antibiotics in livestock is almost inevitable, proper withdrawal time of antibiotics can play an important role in preventing the release of antibiotic residues in milk.
Habibollah Azarbakhsh; Mousa Ghelichi-Ghojogh; Elahe Piraee; Layla Shojaie; Hossein-Ali Nikbakht; Ali Hemmati; Maryam Hezarian; Rozhan Khezri; Alireza Jafari; Aliasghar Valipour
Abstract
Background: Viral hepatitis is one of the world’s top five infectious diseases that cause premature death. Each year, at least one million people die from these infections worldwide. This study investigated the epidemiological features and trend of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus ...
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Background: Viral hepatitis is one of the world’s top five infectious diseases that cause premature death. Each year, at least one million people die from these infections worldwide. This study investigated the epidemiological features and trend of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in Abadan City, southern Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on recorded data of HBV and HCV infections from the notifiable disease surveillance system of Abadan University of Medical Sciences from 2014 to 2020. The incidence per 100,000 population for HBV and HCV infections has been calculated by study years and age groups. The chi-square test was applied to compare various types of infections.Results: The average age of the participants was 40.47±13.20, ranging from 1-88 years. This study estimated the prevalence of HBsAg-positive cases from 2014 to 2020 as 1.53, 6.92, 7.07, 7.07, 8.15, 3.23, and 3.38 per 100,000, respectively. Also, the incidence of HCV-infected cases during these years were 3.23, 6.46, 11.84, 6.46, 8.92, and 2.15 per 100,000 populations, respectively. The average age of patients varied widely based on the type of hepatitis (P=0.001) so that the mean age in HBV-infected patients was 41.06±12.41 years, 41.76±12.99 years in HCV-infected and 22.93±18.02 years in HBV/HCV-infected patients.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest a lower prevalence of hepatitis B and C compared to other regional studies conducted in Iran. In recent years, the incidence of HBV and HCV has declined, indicating the successful implementation of the vaccination plan and observance of health tips in Abadan.
Hasan Bakhshi; Amir Masoud Jafari-Nozad; Kourosh Arzamani; Hamed Ghasemzadeh- Moghaddam; Mona Fani; Mohammad Shoushtari; Navid Dinparast-Djadid; Anna-Bella Failloux
Abstract
Background: Scientific overwhelming evidence confirms that the prevalence and incidence of mosquito-borne viruses such as chikungunya (CHIK) are dramatically increasing in Middle- Eastern countries including Iran.Methods: I n t his r eview a rticle, u sing r elevant k eywords (“Chikungunya” ...
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Background: Scientific overwhelming evidence confirms that the prevalence and incidence of mosquito-borne viruses such as chikungunya (CHIK) are dramatically increasing in Middle- Eastern countries including Iran.Methods: I n t his r eview a rticle, u sing r elevant k eywords (“Chikungunya” OR “CHIKV” OR “Aedes albopictus” OR “Aedes aegypti”), available literature was searched to collect data related to the reports of CHIK and its main vectors, Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti, in Iran and 15 neighboring countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.Results: CHIK was reported in neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Qatar, and Iraq. Furthermore, presumably introduced in 2019, CHIK was reported in 11 provinces in Iran with overall seropositivity of 17.23% in humans over the past three years. The mosquitoes, Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti, have recently been reported in the southeast and south of Iran.Conclusion: Given the change in climate, even if the density of the vectors is still limited, there is no guarantee that their population will not spread much more in the coming years. This emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen the surveillance system for the vectors, and sustained surveillance of CHIK infections in mosquitoes and humans, preferably in a collaborative international project.
Zahra Nasiri; Mohsen Kalantari; Masoumeh Amin; Salman Daliri; Kourosh Azizi
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of arboviruses is increasing worldwide. Their vectors are widely distributed in different continents of the world. Despite the importance of the phleboviruses, unfortunately data about the spread of the viruses in human and animal communities is very limited.Methods: This study ...
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Background: The prevalence of arboviruses is increasing worldwide. Their vectors are widely distributed in different continents of the world. Despite the importance of the phleboviruses, unfortunately data about the spread of the viruses in human and animal communities is very limited.Methods: This study is a systematic review of phlebovirus and its vectors worldwide, with emphasis on Middle East countries including Iran. Accordingly, all English language articles which were conducted up to the end of 2020 were found by searching the databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus. Furthermore, the authors used the Strobe checklist to evaluate the quality of the articles.Results: Phlebotomus perniciosus was the main vector of the Tosca virus in the Mediterranean regions such as Italy, France, and Greece. In African counties, Aedes species were more important vectors of phleboviruses, especially Rift Valley fever. As these diseases can easily spread to even uninfected areas of Asia, permanent monitoring is needed to control phleboviruses.Conclusion: Practical methods have been used to control the vectors and hosts of phleboviruses. Some important methods are listed as follows: impregnated bed nets/curtains, residual spraying, repellents, establishment of the robust surveillance of animal and their products, and limited movement of livestock during outbreak time. These methods can minimize the risk of transmission of phleboviral diseases, especially RVF infection.
Arsalan Amirkafi; Seyed Massoud Madjdzadeh; Mohammad Amin Gorouhi; Alireza Sanei-Dehkordi; Ismaeil Alizadeh; Abbas Aghaei Afshar
Abstract
Background: Malaria is the most important mosquito-borne disease in Iran in recent decades. This disease is endemic in the south to the southeastern Iran. Knowledge about larval habitats, species diversity, and distribution pattern of malaria vectors will help authorities in the appropriate management ...
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Background: Malaria is the most important mosquito-borne disease in Iran in recent decades. This disease is endemic in the south to the southeastern Iran. Knowledge about larval habitats, species diversity, and distribution pattern of malaria vectors will help authorities in the appropriate management of this disease. Qaleh Ganj county is one of the main endemic areas for malaria in the south of Iran. Little information is available about the fauna of mosquitoes and their characteristics in this area.Methods: This study aims to assess the fauna, larval habitats, species diversity, and distribution pattern of Anophelinae mosquitoes using the Geographic Information System (GIS) in Qaleh Ganj County, the southeast of Iran. The potential aquatic habitats for Anopheles larvae were selected based on the variety of topography and history of the malaria epidemic. The mosquito larvae were collected using dipping method from April to December 2018. Finally, the diversity, richness, and evenness indices were calculated.Results: A total of 1042 larvae were found. The dominant species was Anopheles culicifacies s.l. Giles, 1901. The Shannon diversity index ranged from 0.76–1.54 between different collection sites, while the other indices showed the highest and lowest diversity, evenness, and richness of species in each area.Conclusion: Due to the fact that some of the species in this region are species complexes, molecular studies are needed to find better information about the genetic diversity of these species which can be helpful for the malaria elimination program in Iran.
Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Mehdi Sharafi; Abdollah Azizi; Mozhgan Seif
Abstract
Background: It is estimated that in 2025, the cost of diabetes will account for 40% of total health spending. In Iran, 4.5 to 5 million people are afflicted with diabetes, and its prevalence has doubled during the past three decades. The aim of this study was to determine the function and preparedness ...
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Background: It is estimated that in 2025, the cost of diabetes will account for 40% of total health spending. In Iran, 4.5 to 5 million people are afflicted with diabetes, and its prevalence has doubled during the past three decades. The aim of this study was to determine the function and preparedness of diabetes surveillance system in Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all managers, health policymakers and experts of diabetes(N:125) entered the study and completed a questionnaire on the existence and implementation of the surveillance system domains (from data collection to evaluation) and the relationship between domains of this system and their function. The descriptive statistical method, path analysis, was employed using Amos.Results: A ccording t o m anager’s v iewpoint, t he r ange o f existence and implementation of all domains of surveillance system were 12% to 68.7% in average. They believed that 10-69% of domains of surveillance system were working properly. Most of respondents (59-87%) declared that investing in diabetes at different levels of prevention was less than expected. Satisfaction with both diabetes surveillance system function and diabetic patients was low and they don’t have a good and bright future for diabetes and its various aspects. By modeling analytical structural equations, some components of surveillance system were moderately worked together.Conclusion: we conclude that we must first formulate and prepare a standard surveillance system as well as train the relevant personnel and make clear changes in the existing care system. With the current surveillance system, we have a long way to go to prevent and control diabetes to an acceptable the average level of performance of the care system is lower than expected
Habibolah Rezaei; Seyede Yasamin Hossayni; Seyed Alisaleh Golami; Masoud Yousefi; Fatemeh Mohammadi
Abstract
Background: Identifying ethical challenges and then developing ethical codes and making ethical decisions are one of the solutions to promote professional ethics in any field. Given that ethical challenges in Iranian dentistry education have not been identified so far, the aim of the present study was ...
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Background: Identifying ethical challenges and then developing ethical codes and making ethical decisions are one of the solutions to promote professional ethics in any field. Given that ethical challenges in Iranian dentistry education have not been identified so far, the aim of the present study was to explain the ethical challenges in dentistry education.Methods: The present qualitative research was performed using qualitative content analysis approach. Participants included faculty members and students of general dentistry from dental schools of metropolitan area 5 of Iran (Shiraz, Yasuj, Bushehr, and Bandar Abbas); they were selected using purposeful sampling. The researcher collected data using semi-structured interviews and focus group. Participants’ conversations were recorded, implemented immediately, and analyzed using MAXQDATA software version 10. Confirmability, credibility, dependability, and transferability were used as the criteria used to ensure scientific accuracy.Results: A total of 16 faculty members attended focus group sessions and individual interviews. A total of 114 codes were extracted, which were classified into three main categories: ethical challenge in the educational system (three subcategories), educational ethical challenge related to faculty members (four subcategories), and educational ethical challenge related to students (two sub-categories).Conclusion: There are many ethical challenges in the field of dental education from the faculty members and students’ perspective that must be addressed by faculty authorities, faculty members, and students. It is suggested that solutions to address these challenges should be considered in future researches; if necessary, appropriate ethical codes should be codified in this regard.
Amirhossein Erfani; Reza Shahriarirad; Keivan Ranjbar; Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Mohsen Moghadami
Abstract
Background: Knowledge and awareness of disease transmission modes and basic hygiene principles during a public health crisis are crucial for developing effective control measures. The researchers aimed to evaluate Iranians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) throughout the coronavirus disease ...
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Background: Knowledge and awareness of disease transmission modes and basic hygiene principles during a public health crisis are crucial for developing effective control measures. The researchers aimed to evaluate Iranians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to detect related sociodemographic variables.Methods: This cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted from the 2nd - 8th March 2020 among the general population of Iran above 15 years of age. A 76-item self-designed questionnaire regarding KAP towards COVID-19 was used, and the participants’ demographic characteristics and sources of information were collected. The Snowball sampling method was applied for data collection, and responses were scored based on the Likert scale. Simple and multiple linear regression was performed using SPSS version 26. The statistical significance level was P<0.05.Results: Among 8591 participants, the overall achieved knowledge, attitude, and practice score regarding COVID- 19 characteristics were 90%, 90%, and 89%. Also, an overall score of 85% was achieved regarding the knowledge of the transmission mode and high-risk groups for COVID-19. There was a significant association between female gender, higher age, and higher education with knowledge, attitude, and practice. Male gender, being single, and lower education levels were associated with lower scores in knowledge and practice (P<0.001) and poorer attitudes towards COVID-19 (P<0.001, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively).Conclusion: During its outbreak, the Iranian population demonstrated decent knowledge, appropriate practice, and a positive attitude towards COVID-19. Furthermore, health education programs, mainly targeting lower-knowledge individuals regarding COVID-19, are essential for encouraging a positive attitude and maintaining safe practices. Hopefully, by increasing knowledge via public health policymakers and the cooperation of the Iranian authorities and the general population, optimistic control and elimination of the disease can be anticipated.
Eshagh Barfar; Behzad Raei; Fatemeh Saeedinezhad; Behnoush Danyali; Seyed Muhammad Nasir-Al- Din Tabatabaei; Zahra Kazemi
Abstract
Background: Taxes are not only an important source of government revenue, but also one of the most important policy tools for tobacco control. The present study was designed to determine the optimal tax rate on cigarettes.Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted using the survey data from ...
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Background: Taxes are not only an important source of government revenue, but also one of the most important policy tools for tobacco control. The present study was designed to determine the optimal tax rate on cigarettes.Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted using the survey data from the Statistics Center of Iran from 2015 to 2019. The survey is carried out every year at the national level and households are selected by three-stage stratified sampling method. The inclusion criteria for our study were based on household information in the study period and its completeness and legibility. The Poisson regression model was used to estimate the factors affecting the quantity of cigarette demand in households with smoker members. The optimal tax rate on cigarettes was calculated based on the concept of Laffer curve. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 15.1.Results: The study was performed on 191,648 Iranian households. The cigarette price elasticity of demand was around -0.24. There were statistically significant relationships between the cigarette demand and variables including having a member of 15-18 years in the family; having male member of 19-64 years; having a female member of 19-64 years old; the study periods; age, education level; and job status of the household head (P<0.05). According to the Laffer curve simulation, if cigarette tax rate is increased to account for 219% of the retail price, that will maximize incremental tax revenues at around US$2.39 billion.Conclusion: The government can achieve public health goals as well as maximum tax revenues by raising cigarette taxes by almost 200% and raising the average price of a cigarette pack from $1 to about $3.
Amir Saeed; Navid MoradiKashkooli; Anahita Sanaeidashti; Zahra Seratishirazi; Mahvash Alirahimi
Abstract
Background: Nosocomial infection (NI) has always been considered a significant problem around the world. Due to the special conditions of the admitted patients, NI is of significant importance in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The present study was an attempt to study the prevalence of NI ...
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Background: Nosocomial infection (NI) has always been considered a significant problem around the world. Due to the special conditions of the admitted patients, NI is of significant importance in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The present study was an attempt to study the prevalence of NI in PICU and its effects on hospital stay and mortality rate.Methods: The present research is a retrospective cross-sectional study in which the clinical and laboratory data of 693 patients admitted to the PICU of Namazi Hospital in 2018 was studied. Then, the information was entered into SPSS and analyzed.Results: Of 693 admitted patients, 101 developed a nosocomial infection in the PICU, accounting for 14.57% of patients. Pneumonia, urinary infection, and septicemia were reported as the most frequent nosocomial infections. The most common pathogen responsible was Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter in pneumonia, Enterococcus in urinary infection, and Stenotrophomonas in septicemia. The present study showed that nosocomial infection was associated with increased hospital stay and mortality rate.Conclusion: Nosocomial infection is considered an important challenge in the health system; its prevalence in different parts of the world is different, and it was not high in the present study. Nosocomial infection increases mortality and hospital stay and imposes a heavy burden on the health system; therefore, it is vital to decrease its prevalence. These findings can be used to plan for better infection control strategies and decrease nosocomial infection, hospital stay, and mortality rate.
Kourosh Azizi; Hedayat Dorzaban; Aboozar Soltani; Hamzeh Alipour; Seyed Aghil Jaberhashemi; Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri; Tahereh Mohammadi; Zahra Fereydouni; Azim 0000-0002-4167-5843 Paksa
Abstract
Background: Aedes mosquitoes transmit important arboviral diseases such as dengue to humans. This study was conducted to determine dengue virus infection in Aedes mosquitoes, emphasizing Aedes aegypti by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay from different regions in Southern Iran.Methods: ...
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Background: Aedes mosquitoes transmit important arboviral diseases such as dengue to humans. This study was conducted to determine dengue virus infection in Aedes mosquitoes, emphasizing Aedes aegypti by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay from different regions in Southern Iran.Methods: Aedes samples were collected by standard methods from different habitats of Hormozgan province, Southern Iran, in 2016-2017, and identified by morphological characteristics. In this study, TissueLyserII was used to homogenize the collected mosquitoes. In addition, the RT-PCR technique was used to identify dengue virus RNA.Results: Overall, 1351 larval and adult Aedes mosquitoes were collected from five sites in Hormozgan Province, including 452 adults and 899 larvae. Five species from Aedes genera were collected (Ae. aegypti, Ae. vittatus, Ae. caballus, Ae. caspius, Ae. vexans). The investigations of dengue virus infection in Aedes mosquitoes showed no dengue virus infection in this species.Conclusion: This study provides important information about Aedes mosquitoes. Vector control strategies must be emphasized and prioritized. Such actions prevent the establishment of Aedes mosquitoes and the spread of arboviral diseases in new areas. In addition, early detection of arboviruses in vectors and entomological monitoring can enhance the control measures for arbovirus diseases.
Vahid Rahmanian; Saied Bokaie; Aliakbar Haghdoost; Mohsen Barouni
Abstract
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected infection currently occurring in some regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. This study was an attempt to determine the temporal patterns of VL from January 2000 to December 2019 in the Ardabil Province of north-western Iran using the Markov ...
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Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected infection currently occurring in some regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. This study was an attempt to determine the temporal patterns of VL from January 2000 to December 2019 in the Ardabil Province of north-western Iran using the Markov Switching Models (MSM).Methods: This descriptive study used monthly data of 602 VL cases during the study period. The data were provided by the Leishmaniasis National Surveillance System (LNSS), the Iran Meteorological Organization (IMO), and Space Agency (SA), and two states were considered for such modelling. Given the Akaike and Bayesian information criterion, the two-state MSM with a five-month lag is an appropriate model.Results: The MSM showed that the probability of staying in the non-epidemic state is 67%, (P11), while that of staying in an epidemic state is 93% (P22). The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was 31.63%, and the portmanteau test (Q=19.03, P=0.66) for the residuals of the selected model revealed that the data were completely modelled. The total VL cases in the next 24 months forecasted 14 cases.Conclusion: The MSM has a relatively acceptable predictive power and is useful in planning future interventions with more information about different stages of the epidemic it provides to policymakers for early warning of epidemics.
Mohammad Khammarnia; Mostafa Peyvand; Fatemeh Setoodehzadeh
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Mohammad Hossein Kaveh; Shirin Ahmadnia; Mohadeseh Motamed-Jahromi; Fazlollah Ahmadi
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 epidemic in Iran has imposed a heavy social, economic, political, and psychosocial burden and caused devastating social problems. On the other hand, it has also led to promising social cohesion. This study aimed to explore the community-wide changes following the COVID-19 pandemic ...
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Background: COVID-19 epidemic in Iran has imposed a heavy social, economic, political, and psychosocial burden and caused devastating social problems. On the other hand, it has also led to promising social cohesion. This study aimed to explore the community-wide changes following the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand how these changes may affect the Iranian community.Methods: This qualitative study used the grounded theory approach and conducted from May 2020 to March 2021 at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Adopting a purposive sampling approach, 15 faculty members in different fields participated in this study, and 17 interviews were performed.Results: This study indicated that the core phenomenon in the social change process was “struggling for survival and livelihood”. Therefore, people tried to identify and choose strategies to deal with or repel COVID-19 disease as a life-threatening situation. A set of contextual factors influenced their choice. The media and the performance of organizations as intervening conditions also played an important role in this process. Finally, this complex process led to constructive and destructive outcomes in society.Conclusion: The COVID-19 epidemic caused various multifaceted social changes in the Iranian community. Some social consequences were constructive and contributed to community development, while others jeopardized community development goals. Therefore, the paradigm model developed in this study can help policymakers and social planners develop programs to promote community health.
Vahid Rahmanian; Farhang Hooshmand; Razieh Zahedi; Narges Rahmanian; Seyede Somayeh Hoseini; Zeynab Sahraian; Maryam Chegeni
Abstract
Background: Currently, COVID-19 is a global public health problem. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies related to Covid-19 in the general population in southern Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study of the seroepidemiological type investigated the serological ...
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Background: Currently, COVID-19 is a global public health problem. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies related to Covid-19 in the general population in southern Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study of the seroepidemiological type investigated the serological prevalence of COVID-19 from October to December 2020 in Jahrom, Fars province, Iran. A total of 612 participants were selected using multistage cluster random sampling regardless of age or gender. The dataset in the study included the participants’ demographic information, the history of exposure to COVID-19 patients, the history of PCR tests, and the history of COVID-19 symptoms in previous months. In addition, this study examined the raw and survey weight adjusted estimates with Stata version 14. Finally, logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for serum prevalence.Results: The participants’ mean age was 38.88±13.91 and the majority were 30 to 49 years (51.4%), with a female preponderance (58.7%). The estimated adjusted seroprevalence was 32.66 (95%CI: 28.93-36.63), with 207 positive cases for either IgG or IgM. The results of multivariable logistic regression showed that seropositivity in the participants was 4.95 times more likely associated with a history of positive PCR test (OR: 4.95, 95%CI: 2.46-10.90) and 2.14 times in patients with a history of muscle pain in previous months (OR: 2.14, 95%CI: 1.03-4.47).Conclusion: The actual number of patients with COVID-19 is significantly higher than the number of cases confirmed by the disease monitoring system based on PCR tests. Therefore, tracking individuals’ contact with confirmed patients using extensive testing and segregation of asymptomatic patients can help control the epidemic.
Abdolhalim Rajabi; Mohammad Ebrahimi Kalan; Ali Shahryari; Maryam Ahmadi-Livani; Arezoo Foroughi; Teimoor Jorjani; Mehdi Fazlzadeh; Ziyad Ben Taleb; Abdurrahman Charkazi
Abstract
Background: In the early days of the pandemic, the rise in COVID-19 cases prompted many governments to lockdown the waterpipe-serving venues, which may affect the patterns of use among this centuries-old tobacco product. Here, we studied the pattern of WP smoking among Iranian adults during the COVID-19 ...
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Background: In the early days of the pandemic, the rise in COVID-19 cases prompted many governments to lockdown the waterpipe-serving venues, which may affect the patterns of use among this centuries-old tobacco product. Here, we studied the pattern of WP smoking among Iranian adults during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we conducted an online survey among sample of 213 waterpipe(WP) smokers who were selected by convenience sampling method from the Golestan province, in Northern Iran using WP smoking patterns, Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Scale, 11 (LWDS11), and selected demographic variables. Collected data comprises demographic and WP smoking patterns during COVID-19.Results: About 70% of participants reduced their WP use compared to the time before COVID-19, modestly due to pandemic effects. Around 38.5% of the subjects believed WP bars were covertly operating during the lockdown and continued serving their customers. Singles and less educated adults had lower mean attitude scores regarding the decrease in WP smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic (P<0.05). Structural equation analysis revealed that the immune system improvement with WP smoking had the strongest effect. (0.74). A strong inverse correlation exists between the WP dependence level and the negative belief toward WP smoking during the COVID-19 epidemic (r=-0.66, P<0.001).Conclusion: There is a clear need for appropriate interventions to change the belief of WP smokers regarding the dangers of this practice during the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly among single people and those with lower levels of education. Furthermore, regulatory authorities should exercise stricter controls to ensure the complete closure of WP bars.
Mousa Bamir; Atousa Porshikhali; Ali Masoud; Reza Sadeghi
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Habibollah Azarbakhsh; Aliasghar Valipour; Ali Hemmati; Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Leila Moftakhar
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 emerged in China for the first time, and spread rapidly in the world and in Iran. It caused the death of many people. This study was performed to estimate the years of life lost due to COVID-19 in southwestern Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, deaths due to COVID-19 were ...
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Background: COVID-19 emerged in China for the first time, and spread rapidly in the world and in Iran. It caused the death of many people. This study was performed to estimate the years of life lost due to COVID-19 in southwestern Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, deaths due to COVID-19 were investigated from February 20, 2020 to November 20, 2020 in southwestern Iran. Descriptive analyses included: sex ratio of deaths, mean and standard deviation of quantitative variable of age at the time of death, and specific ages-sex mortality rates. Years of life lost due to COVID-19 were estimated using standard life expectancy and lifetime table of the World Health Organization in 2015.Results: The number of deaths due to COVID-19 was 938 cases. The sex ratio of mortality (male to female) was 1.2, and the people over the age of 80 years had the highest mortality rates in both sexes. The total number of years of life lost was 13205 years, and the 60-69 age group had the highest years of life lost.Conclusion: Based on the findings of our study, health policymakers need to implement timely strategies and plans to reduce deaths especially for the possibleadvent of the next wave of COVID-19.
Mahnaz Yadollahi; Leila Mohammadinia; Mojtaba Norouzi
Abstract
Background: Trauma, the most common cause of mortality in children and adolescents, imposes high costs on the community. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of trauma in children and adolescents and the risk factors associated with death to provide a clinical model of traumas in terms of ...
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Background: Trauma, the most common cause of mortality in children and adolescents, imposes high costs on the community. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of trauma in children and adolescents and the risk factors associated with death to provide a clinical model of traumas in terms of the type of injury and to adopt effective preventive interventions.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 12522 children and adolescents based on the data recorded in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS 115) in 2017. The study population consisted of trauma patients who had contacted EMS 115. Then, demographic and clinical variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test and logistic regression model.Results: The results showed that 3448 out of the 12522 participants (27.5%) were female, and 9072 (72.5%) were male. The mean age of the injured people was 11.82±5.33 years. The highest and lowest injuries frequencies were accidents (71.8%) and drowning (22%), respectively. Additionally, the highest frequency of death was related to drowning (25.93%). Furthermore, accidents, combats, falls, and drowning significantly correlated with mortality (P<0.001).Conclusion: Considering the relationship between accidents, combats, falls, drowning, and mortality, it can be concluded that the identification of at risk groups, development of training courses, and adoption of protective measures can help take an effective step toward preventing these types of injuries and declining the frequency of mortality among trauma patients.
Jalal Mohammadi; Mohsen Kalantari; Zahra Nasiri; Davood Mehrabani; Hamzeh Alipour; Mohammad Djafar Moemenbellah-Fard; Kourosh Azizi
Abstract
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is still widespread in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The vector of the disease is a sandfly, when infected with Leishmania parasite, can transmit the parasite from humans to other vertebrates. As knowledge about causative agents, vectors, and reservoirs ...
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Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is still widespread in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The vector of the disease is a sandfly, when infected with Leishmania parasite, can transmit the parasite from humans to other vertebrates. As knowledge about causative agents, vectors, and reservoirs of VL in Iran is necessary to control the disease, the present review study has focused on the disease elimination status from a health perspective in the country. Methods: In a recent review, various databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Google Scholar, MEDLIB, Irandoc, Magiran, and SID were searched using the keywords “visceral leishmaniasis”, “VL”, “kala-azar”, “causative agent”, “parasite”, “vector”, “reservoir”, and “Iran”, and the retrieved data were extracted and reviewed independently during 2001-2019. Results: 475 published studies were recorded about VL in Iran from 2001 to 2021. 68 articles were later excluded from the study due to duplication after the initial review. Leishmania infantum and L. tropica were the causative agents, and dogs and humans were the reservoirs. The most common vectors were Phlebotomus major, P. kandelakii, P. keshishiani, P. alexandri, P. perfiliewi, and P. tobbi in different country regions. Conclusion: The prospect of eliminating VL in Iran is inadequate. Based on the findings, L. infantum and L. tropica were the causative agents, and humans and the Caninae subfamily were the VL reservoirs in the country. These findings can be added to the literature when health policymakers target preventive measures for VL in Iran.
Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari; Marzieh Shirazikhah; Sina Ahmadi; Yahya Salimi; Akbar Biglarian; Ali Almasi; Toktam Paykani
Abstract
Background: Iran, after China, emerged as one of the first COVID-19 epidemic countries. Despite all efforts to interrupt new transmission chains, the virus continued to quickly spread across the country. WHO has highlighted a crucial role for social factors and intersectoral collaboration to tackle COVID-19. ...
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Background: Iran, after China, emerged as one of the first COVID-19 epidemic countries. Despite all efforts to interrupt new transmission chains, the virus continued to quickly spread across the country. WHO has highlighted a crucial role for social factors and intersectoral collaboration to tackle COVID-19. This study aimed to identify challenges related to the upstream determinants and downstream risk factors of COVID-19 infection in Iran as perceived by health professionals at different levels of service administration. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in October 2020. A directed qualitative content analysis was done to explore the views of health professionals and administrators toward determinants of COVID-19 infection in Iran. Using a deductive approach, we tested the implications of the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) framework regarding COVID-19. Results: The determinants of COVID-19 infection in Iran are referred to as: 1) upstream social determinants, including political considerations in dealing with COVID-19, conflicting authority structures between and within organizations and sectors, poor intersectoral collaboration, unstable macroeconomic environment, pandemic crisis management, poor governance in the health system, cultural and societal values, trust and social capital, and individuals’ socioeconomic status; and 2) downstream risk factors, including poor health literacy, poor compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines, secrecy related to the infection, individual’s health status, lifestyle, and virus characteristics. Conclusion: It is essential to motivate people to practice preventive COVID-19 infection behaviors. To change the behavior at the population level, a complex fusion of policy and practice, and dealing with the complexity of structural determinants and downstream risk factors are needed.
Padideh Daneii; Vida Sarmadi; Negin Mahmoudi; Amir Kian Moaveni; Fatemeh Mohammad Alizadeh; Sina Neshat; Armindokht Shahsanaee
Abstract
Background : Academic failure is one of the most important issues for both family and students. It has many adverse consequences on students' mental health. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence academic achievement can help reduce academic failure and thus improve students' physical, mental, ...
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Background : Academic failure is one of the most important issues for both family and students. It has many adverse consequences on students' mental health. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence academic achievement can help reduce academic failure and thus improve students' physical, mental, and educational status. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between students' attributional styles and academic achievement in medical students at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The present study has a cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical design. Cronbach's alpha coefficient confirmed the reliability of the ASQ (Attributional Styles Questionnaire) questionnaire for each subscale . The sampling method in this study was census and consisted of 76 First- and Seven- Semester medical students at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In this study, Attributional Styles Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to measure attributional styles. Descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test were used through SPSS software version 25 for data analysis. Results: The results showed there is a significant relationship between optimistic and pessimistic attributions and academic achievement. In terms of the overall score of the questionnaire, positive and negative attributions were significantly higher in medical students with higher grade point averages than students with lower grade point averages and academic probation (P <0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between the medical students’ attribution styles at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and their academic achievement.