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.
Jafar Hassanzadeh; Zahra Maleki; Arefe Abedinzade; Mohebat Vali
Abstract
Background: The rapid response of governments to overcome COVID-19 is increasingly important. In this study, we investigated the epidemiological changes of Covid-19 and the vaccination status of this disease in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO).Methods: This research is a descriptive ecologic study. ...
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Background: The rapid response of governments to overcome COVID-19 is increasingly important. In this study, we investigated the epidemiological changes of Covid-19 and the vaccination status of this disease in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO).Methods: This research is a descriptive ecologic study. Data on vaccination status in the EMRO region were collected and Also the daily cases, daily COVID-19 mortality, the total number of deaths, and cases from January 3, 2020, to June 13, 2022.Results: Iran had the highest number of known cases and deaths, while Bahrain and Tanzania had the highest cumulative rates of cases and deaths, respectively. The highest average monthly incidence rate changes were observed in Iraq, with 41.74%. Iran had the highest average monthly death rate changes with 25.75% and the highest number of known cases and deaths.The United Arab Emirates had the highest total vaccinations per 100 individuals and the highest percentage of persons fully vaccinated.Conclusion: It appears that cooperation among countries in the region regarding vaccination can lead to a decline in the disease and ultimately control its spread. Furthermore, there is a noticeable decrease in the percentage of monthly changes after the start of vaccination in the EMRO countries. The gradual increase in some countries during the last segment highlights the importance of booster vaccinations.
Itse Olaoye; Akinola Ayoola Fatiregun; Adewale M. Adejugbagbe; Modupeola Dosumu; Ekun Opeyemi; Zubairu Mahmud; David Adeleke; Tsemaye Jacdonmi; Aladesawe Talaat Adesokeji; Famokun Gboyega; Abiona Samuel
Abstract
Background: Yellow fever (YF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the yellow fever virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquito species. Despite the availability of a very effective vaccine, yellow fever virus (YFV) remains a public health threat across Africa. Enhanced disease surveillance, vector ...
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Background: Yellow fever (YF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the yellow fever virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquito species. Despite the availability of a very effective vaccine, yellow fever virus (YFV) remains a public health threat across Africa. Enhanced disease surveillance, vector control, and high vaccination coverages are key to the prevention and control of YF. This paper aimed to describe yellow fever surveillance in Ondo state and the outbreak investigation activities conducted in the LGAs where outbreaks occurred in the year 2021.Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. We conducted an epidemiological investigation of yellow fever suspected and confirmed cases in Ondo State in Nigeria in 2021, using the YF case-based surveillance data. We described outbreak investigation and response activities carried out in affected LGAs, where the outbreaks were confirmed.Results: A total of 62 suspected YF cases were reported from January to December 2021, with no record of mortality. More than half (53%) of the cases were between the age of 15 to 29 years. About three-quarter of the reported cases (73%) had received the YF vaccine. The overall attack rate was 1.33 cases per 100,000 population. Only 3 out of the 62 reported cases were confirmed as yellow fever cases.Conclusion: The resurgence of yellow fever in the state puts the state at high-risk for yellow fever transmission. To reduce the immediate risks to the health of the population, specific activities should be tailored towards increasing awareness on yellow fever transmission, prevention, and control. These include activities on risk communication and community engagement, active surveillance, vector control, strengthening of routine immunization, as well as continued implementation of preventive mass vaccination campaigns.
Tayebeh Rakhshani; Zahra Motlagh; Poran Hezarvand Zanganeh; Davood Farsi; Banafsheh Bizhani; Seyyed Saeed Hashemi Nazari
Abstract
Background: Traffic accidents are considered a major public health problem in many parts of the world. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of the accidents leading to pedestrians’ death in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2015-2017.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015-2017. ...
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Background: Traffic accidents are considered a major public health problem in many parts of the world. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of the accidents leading to pedestrians’ death in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2015-2017.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015-2017. The statistical population was pedestrians who died in traffic accidents in Ahvaz city. The data collection source was the Forensic Medicine Organization. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 16 software using descriptive statistics and chisquare test. Results: Among the 165 pedestrians who died in traffic accidents, 72.1% (119 people) were male and 27.9% (46) female. The mean age of the deceased subjects was 38.38±2.44. The highest frequencies of death in the age groups over 65, under 7, and 25-34 years old were 19.4% (32 people), 14.5% (24 people), and 14.5% (24 people), respectively. Most of the deceased were illiterate (34.5% (57 people)), self-employed (24.2% (40 people)). The final cause of death in more than half of the pedestrians was head trauma (64.8%) (107 people), and most of the deceased had died in hospitals (71.5%) (118 people).Conclusion: Considering that young and older people are two high-risk groups in car accidents, training safety and improving pedestrian safety by creating a safer environment can play a significant role in reducing deaths.
Habibollah Azarbakhsh; Marziye Tolide; Ali Jalilian; Kumars Eisapareh
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiological indicators of brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran, during the years 2011 to 2018. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analytical study was performed on 1,002 patients with brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran. ...
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Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiological indicators of brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran, during the years 2011 to 2018. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analytical study was performed on 1,002 patients with brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran. People with a Wright test greater than 1.80 or a positive 2ME test who were diagnosed with brucellosis were followed up and treated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and Excel 2007. Results: 1002 patients with brucellosis were diagnosed, 566 of whom were male (56.5%) and 436 were female (43.5%). The mean age at the onset of the disease was 38.11 ± 19.61 in men, 41.73 ± 15.67 in women, and39.94 ±17.81 in both sexes. The incidence of brucellosis in 2011 was 20.44 per 100,000 (22.30 per 100,000 in men and 18.53 per 100,000 in women), which dropped to 15.94 per 100,000 in 2018. Regarding the season, most cases of the disease were observed in summer (31%), spring (24.7%), winter (23.6%), and autumn (20.7%), respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that the age of the onset of the disease was middle age, when individuals are active labor and human capital working in a community. Therefore, improving cross-sectoral and intra-sectoral cooperation and promoting effective education for prevention seem necessary.
Gayan Surendra; Irosha Perera; Sumith Attanayake
Abstract
Background: Oral and Maxillofacial (OMF) injuries constitute a multifaceted public health threat in Sri Lanka. Surveillance of OMF injuries has become crucial for planning and monitoring of preventive and control strategies. A pilot project was undertaken aiming at strengthening the OMF injury surveillance ...
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Background: Oral and Maxillofacial (OMF) injuries constitute a multifaceted public health threat in Sri Lanka. Surveillance of OMF injuries has become crucial for planning and monitoring of preventive and control strategies. A pilot project was undertaken aiming at strengthening the OMF injury surveillance system at National Dental Hospital (Teaching) Sri Lanka (NDHTSL). Methods: The current interventional study with pre- and post-evaluation was conducted from March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020 at NDHTSL. Pre-intervention assessment was performed to identify the deficiencies in the injury surveillance system. Subsequently, a novel OMF injury surveillance system was introduced and implemented at NDHTSL. The interventions were conducted over a period of 3 months, following which a post-intervention assessment was performed to assess the success of the interventions. Results: The previous injury surveillance system had many deficiencies, such as lack of comprehensiveness, not specific to dental trauma, lack of data flow and high respondent burden, etc. Interventions included development of a novel OMF injury surveillance form, circulating comprehensive guidelines on the new system and awareness program for relevant staff. Quality indicators of injury surveillance demonstrated improvements from pre-intervention stage to post-intervention stage, such as coverage from 2.7% to 72.2%, completeness from 95% to 100%, and accuracy from 66% to 100%. The perceptions and satisfaction of the dental surgeons on OMF injury surveillance system was significantly improved by the intervention (p≤0.001). Conclusion: The strengthened OMF injury surveillance system was deemed efficient and effective. Further studies are warranted at different service levels prior to island wide expansion of the present system by incorporation and integration of it into the existing National Injury Surveillance System.
Introduction
Oral and Maxillofacial (OMF) injuries constitute a multifaceted public health threat in Sri Lanka. The victims of this tragedy are more often children, adolescents and young males who are in economically productive age group (1–3). Hence, OMF injuries impact the economic productivity of the country while increasing the public health expenditure. Furthermore, road traffic accidents are on the rise which result in an enormous burden of OMF injuries (3–6).
“Oral and Maxillofacial injuries” is a composite term which includes injury to the oral and facial region, teeth and related structures (7); prevalence, causes and factors related to OMF injuries across the globe have been described by many published researches (8–11).
Surveillance is defined as ongoing systematic collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of health-related data for evidence-based decision making (12–14). Injuries are acute non-communicable diseases which should be prevented and controlled, based on the surveillance data (15). Therefore, developing the capacity of global injury systems has attracted attention as one of the most significant opportunities in global public health (16). Hence, a strengthened OMF injury surveillance system would be a prerequisite for the development of policies, strategies, guidelines as well as for expedition of the current OMF injury prevention activities (17).
Injuries are the leading cause of hospitalization over the last two decades, accounting for about 1 million hospitalizations each year which underpins the importance of a complete, accurate and timely injury surveillance system (17). Furthermore, a study published in 2004 revealed that OMF trauma was the leading cause of dental inpatient service utilization (18).
Dental trauma is the most common cause of dental emergencies (19). Moreover, dental trauma is recognized as a major dental public health problem across the globe which requires regular updates of knowledge in dental traumatology for preventive and control measures (20). One of the important prerequisites for development and evaluation of such prevention strategies at local level would be the establishment of a specially designed injury surveillance system which provides accurate, complete, and timely data (21). However, lack of timely, complete and accurate data on OMF injury surveillance has become a global issue that hampers timely action and research (22). Surveillance systems for Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries have been designed by other countries with some strengths. A study conducted in Victoria, Australia, emphasized that oro-dental trauma data can be combined with injury surveillance data that are routinely collected to improve service planning and the design of oro-dental injury prevention interventions (23). Even though epidemiological data are required for service planning related to dental and oral trauma, it is evident that epidemiological data are limited and have deficiencies in coverage, comprehensiveness, and timeliness in the field of oral and dental injuries (15).
The present injury surveillance system at NDHTSL is not efficient and the collected data are not being analyzed and utilized for decision making and planning at the central level. Therefore, health staff is demotivated and does not participate in the surveillance system (24). Moreover, the current injury surveillance system is not comprehensive with regard to collection of data pertaining to OMF injuries which could be considered as a huge deficiency in this system. Against this backdrop, a strengthened OMF injury surveillance system consisting of complete, accurate, and timely collection, analysis, interpretation, dissemination, and utilization of data for decision making has become a timely need.
NDHTSL is the premier tertiary care public dental hospital in the country where patients with OMF injuries are admitted, referred, and managed, with the mission to be the center of excellence in patient centered care, education, research, and innovation. However, all such endeavors should be evidence-based for optimal outcomes. Therefore, this project aims to strengthen the OMF injury surveillance system at NDHTSL by addressing aforementioned weaknesses of injury surveillance systems.
Gideon. I.A. Okoroiwu
Abstract
Background: Ascaris worm, as one of the commonest helminthic infections, constitutes a major public health challenge and concern in the majority of developing countries. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Ascaris worm infection and its associated risk factors among primary school children ...
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Background: Ascaris worm, as one of the commonest helminthic infections, constitutes a major public health challenge and concern in the majority of developing countries. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Ascaris worm infection and its associated risk factors among primary school children in Lambata community to determine the prevalence of Ascaris infection, age, gender and associated risk factors among them to create awareness and effective management program. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted between January 2019 and November 2020, in nine selected primary schools in Lambata community. A total of 303 stool samples were collected using random sampling to determine the prevalence of Ascaris infection using stool smear technique. The socio-demographic data were collected, using a structured interview questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using simple percentages, OR and chi-square analytical methods. Results: Out of the 303 screened stool samples, 156 (51.5%) had Ascaris infection. The most infected age-groups were 11-12 years old (73.8%; OR = 2.11) and 9-10 years (57.1%; OR = 2.01), while 6-8 year old subjects had the lowest rate (42.3%; OR = 1.00) of infection. Males (65.9%; OR= 2.00) were more infected than their female (39.9%; OR = 0.09) counterparts (p <0.05). Age, educational status / occupational status of parents, and defecation habits were significantly(p <0.05) associated with the prevalence of Ascaris infection. Conclusion: With the overall prevalence of 51.5% of Ascaris infection among the subjects, there is an indispensable need for health education promotion and coordinated de-worming of the primary school children in this community
Masoumeh Bagheri; Hamzeh Alipour; Ali Keshawarz
Abstract
Background: Scorpion sting is one of the serious and major medical problems in the world. Shiraz is a tourist city and one of the high-risk areas where a number of scorpion sting occurs annually.
Objectives: The present research aimed to conduct an epidemiological study of scorpion sting in Shiraz County.
Methods: ...
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Background: Scorpion sting is one of the serious and major medical problems in the world. Shiraz is a tourist city and one of the high-risk areas where a number of scorpion sting occurs annually.
Objectives: The present research aimed to conduct an epidemiological study of scorpion sting in Shiraz County.
Methods: The is a cross-sectional study performed using a checklists to collect data about scorpionism in Shiraz health center during 2014-2018.
Results: The results of the study showed that the total number of scorpion stings was 844 cases. generally, 336 cases (39.8%) were female and 508 s (59.3%) male. The results from the residential area revealed that 817 cases (96.8%) were urban and 27 (3.1%) were rural. The highest frequency of scorpionism happened in the 25-34 years old group (286,33.8%) and after that 15-24 year old (165,19.4%), 35-44 year old (157, 18.6%), 45-54 year old (108, 12.7%) groups, and the least frequency awas seen in the 0-4 year old group. The time periods between the sting and injection of anti-venom were less than 6 hours for 822, (85.5%) of cases, 6–12 hours for 101, (11.9%) of cases and, more than 12 hours for 21 (2.4%) cases. A total of 844 cases were recovered; 690 (81.7%) of them recovered with anti-venom and 154 (18.2%) injured individuals recovered without any anti-venom, the sting site was 27.6% in the foot, 57% in the hand, and 20% in the head and trunk.
Conclusion: Shiraz is a major tourist city, and most cases of scorpion-sting occur in summer and spring, when the tourist population is high, so health care providers must carry out an integrated program in those months.
Fernando Almeida
Abstract
Background: The estimation of the real number of COVID-19 infected people is one of the concerns of the governments around the world. In this sense, this study seeks to assess the incidence and fatality of COVID-19 in Europe considering the expected number of the infected cases.
Methods: A quantitative ...
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Background: The estimation of the real number of COVID-19 infected people is one of the concerns of the governments around the world. In this sense, this study seeks to assess the incidence and fatality of COVID-19 in Europe considering the expected number of the infected cases.
Methods: A quantitative exploratory study was performed on the top 10 countries most affected by COVID-19 by 9th June in Europe. Furthermore, this study presents three propagation estimation models of the COVID-19 that help us to understand the real incidence of the pandemic in each country. Each model is briefly explained and applied.
Results: The findings revealed a great heterogeneity of COVID-19 cases and deaths among the countries. The indicator of the number of deaths reveals the greatest disparity between other countries with the United Kingdom, recording about 6 or 7 times more deaths than Russia or Germany. Infection fatality rate (IFR) tends to be a more reliable indicator when analyzing data because it is less dependent on the number of tests performed.
Conclusion: Several estimation models can be used to determine the incidence of COVID-19. However, their results in European countries are still quite asymmetrical although they are more reliable than just looking at the perspective of the number of cases or deaths recorded. The infection fatality rate (IFR) emerges as a more accurate indicator by estimating the expected number of registered cases, which includes asymptomatic cases and patients with mild symptoms that are not known and reported by health authorities.
Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Ahmadreza Eidi; Zahra Keshtkaran; Nasrin Shokrpour; Parisa Zand; Hamed Delam
Abstract
Background: In December 2019, a series of pneumonia cases of unknown cause appeared in Wuhan, China, which was very similar to viral pneumonia. In late January 2020, the World Health Organization named this disease the sixth public health emergency of international concern due to an increase in ...
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Background: In December 2019, a series of pneumonia cases of unknown cause appeared in Wuhan, China, which was very similar to viral pneumonia. In late January 2020, the World Health Organization named this disease the sixth public health emergency of international concern due to an increase in the number of COVD-19 cases. This study was designed to determine different epidemiological and clinical aspects of COVID-19 worldwide. Methods: This is a review study. We searched for articles related to COVID-19 from December 20, 2019 to June 05, 2020. Two researchers performed the search separately, and finally articles containing information on coronavirus, its mortality and epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the patients were selected for review and extraction. Results: The results of various studies show that the most common symptoms of the disease include fever, cough and fatigue, and the most common respiratory symptom is Rhinorrhoea. Transmission occurs primarily when an infected person sneezes or coughs through respiratory droplets, such as the spread of influenza and other respiratory pathogens. Some studies have reported that the COVID-19 incubation period is an average of 4.6 days, ranging from 1.2 to 11.1 days and can potentially be asymptomatic. Conclusion: The significant increases in the morbidity and mortality necessitate prevention and control activities by educating people on important health issues such as staying at home, using clean masks and gloves, as well as performing proper and timely medical interventions.
Hamed Delam; Safoura Izanloo; Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Ahmadreza Eidi
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common female genital cancers. It accounts for about half of the one million new cases and one-quarter of all cancer deaths in women. The present study was designed to comprehensively identify the risk factors of cervical cancer using the results of similar ...
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Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common female genital cancers. It accounts for about half of the one million new cases and one-quarter of all cancer deaths in women. The present study was designed to comprehensively identify the risk factors of cervical cancer using the results of similar studies. Methods: The present study was an epidemiological review study. Searches related to the epidemiology and risk factors of cervical cancer between April 2020 and May 2020 were conducted by two researchers at four Latin scientific databases (Google Scholar, PubMed / Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science). The two researchers examined the extracted articles and included articles that referred to the epidemiology and risk factors of cervical cancer. Results: The most important risk factors for cervical cancer included human papillomavirus, viral, fungal and bacterial infections, sexual behavior, smoking, pregnancy and childbirth, and other factors (family history and menopause earlier than 45 years). Conclusion: It is recommended that health issues should be considered, especially during sexual intercourse, HPV screening in women, as well as periodic examinations for women.
Hamed Delam; Kosar Zarebi; Esmaeil Kavi; Nasrin Shokrpour; Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan
Abstract
Background: Suicide is a multi-factorial phenomenon whose patterns can vary even from one place to another in one country; the purpose of this study was to determine the causes of suicide attempt in a 6-year period in Larestan County in the period between 2012 and 2017. Methods: The present study was ...
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Background: Suicide is a multi-factorial phenomenon whose patterns can vary even from one place to another in one country; the purpose of this study was to determine the causes of suicide attempt in a 6-year period in Larestan County in the period between 2012 and 2017. Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study. In order to investigate the epidemiological condition of suicide attempters in Larestan, all files of suicide cases registered in the period between 2012 and 2017 in this city were investigated, and finally 723 cases were included in the study. For statistical analysis, independent t-test, chi-square and logistic regression models were used. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results: Of the total 723 suicide attempts recorded in the health network of Larestan, the mean age at suicide attempt was 26.08 ± 7.88 years and 3.73% of them had died as a result of suicide attempt. Drug abuse and poisoning were the most common methods of suicidal attempt. Based on the regression model, Increase in age, male sex, and physical problems were the most important factors in predicting suicide death (P<0.05). Conclusion: Various factors including age, male gender and physical problems contribute to suicide and deaths associated with it; therefore, the implementation of educational and counseling programs for these individuals, especially in adolescence and youth, and people with physical and psychological problems is essential.
Hamed Delam; Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Ahmadreza Eidi
Abstract
Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine glands at any age and sex. The present study was designed to comprehensively identify the epidemiological status of thyroid cancer using the results of similar studies. Methods: The present study was an epidemiological review study. ...
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Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine glands at any age and sex. The present study was designed to comprehensively identify the epidemiological status of thyroid cancer using the results of similar studies. Methods: The present study was an epidemiological review study. Studies on the epidemiology of thyroid cancer between March 2020 and April 2020 were searched by two researchers at four Latin scientific databases (Google Scholar, PubMed / Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science). Persian and Latin articles about the epidemiology of thyroid cancer were included in the study. Results: The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing worldwide; however, this type of cancer has a good survival rate. The most important risk factors for thyroid cancer include Ionizing radiation, diet, female gender, age, genetic background and race and ethnicity. Conclusion: The incidence of thyroid cancer in the world is increasing. Therefore, preventive and protective measures to reduce the risk factors of this cancer are recommended to reduce the incidence of the disease.
Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Mohammad Reza Foroutani; Ahmadreza Eidi; Hamed Delam
Abstract
Abstract Background: Malaria has been considered by health systems as one of the most dangerous human infectious diseases. In Iran, the disease has caused great economic and social damage to the country. The present study was designed to identify the epidemiological situation of malaria during 2006 to ...
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Abstract Background: Malaria has been considered by health systems as one of the most dangerous human infectious diseases. In Iran, the disease has caused great economic and social damage to the country. The present study was designed to identify the epidemiological situation of malaria during 2006 to 2018 in the southern region of Fars province, southern Iran. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of all people with malaria whose information was recorded at the Larestan Infectious Diseases Center from 2006 to 2018. To extract the data, a checklist was used that included information such as the total number of smears performed each year, the number of positive smears, age of the individual, sex, type of malaria species, and the month of the disease. Results: Out of a total of 85,201 smear tests performed to identify malaria in the region, 190 had positive smear tests. The majority of the positive cases were Afghan nationalities. Most cases of the disease were seen in 2017, 2008 and 2016, respectively. In all years, men were more likely than women to have malaria, and the highest prevalence was in the age group of 21-30 and 11-20 years, respectively. Conclusion: Despite the relative decrease in malaria cases in recent decades in Larestan city, in recent years, especially from 2014 to 2018, the increasing trend of the disease has been relatively shown again, so making active diagnosis, equipping health systems and doing more blood smears tests are necessary to reduce the prevalence of malaria in this region.
Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Khalil Safari; Nasrin Shokrpour; Hamed Delam
Abstract
Objective: Fars province in south Iran is an endemic focus of Leishmaniosis. This study was designed to evaluate the epidemiological status of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Fars province, South Iran, from 2007 to 2016.
Methods: This study was a retrospective-analytical cross-sectional study. The study ...
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Objective: Fars province in south Iran is an endemic focus of Leishmaniosis. This study was designed to evaluate the epidemiological status of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Fars province, South Iran, from 2007 to 2016.
Methods: This study was a retrospective-analytical cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of all people with Leishmaniasis, who referred to the infectious disease center in four cities of Larestan, south Fars province, from 2007 to 2016. Chi-square test and ANOVA were used in data analysis. The significance level was considered as 5%.
Results: In the period 2007-2016, 4599 cases of cutaneous Leishmaniosis were registered. The highest number of cases occurred in 2008. The mean age in 2007 and 2016 was 17.7±17.1 and 12.9±16.5, respectively. Women were the majority of cases, from 2007 to 2012. Hand ulcers were the most prevalent part of the body in all these years, except 2016. In terms of seasonal distribution, most of the cases occurred in winter and the least in summer. Afghan and Pakistani immigrants produced the majority of cases.
Conclusion: The trend of cutaneous Leishmaniosis has declined in Larestan city from 2007 to 2016. However, Leishmaniosis is still a major public health problem. Since the majority of cases were related to Afghan and Pakistani immigrants, it is necessary to ward off these people
Mansour Kashfi; Nahid Hatamian; Tayebeh Rakhshani
Volume 6, Issue 1 , January 2018, , Pages 23-28
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the provision of health care in Iran, brucellosis is still an endemic disease, so this study was carried out to determine the epidemiology of brucellosis in Andimeshk city during 2001-2016. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with brucellosis, ...
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Introduction: Despite the provision of health care in Iran, brucellosis is still an endemic disease, so this study was carried out to determine the epidemiology of brucellosis in Andimeshk city during 2001-2016. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with brucellosis, which were reported by governmental and non-governmental departments and received relevant diagnostic and laboratory information after receiving reports from patients. The obtained information was entered in the survey form. Sampling was done by census. SPSS version 20 was applied for analysis of data using descriptive statistics as well as the chi-square and independent t-test; a significant level of 0.05 was considered. Results: In the study period, there were 713 patients with brucellosis in Andimeshk. There were 390 males and 324 females with a male to female ratio of 1.02:1. The age of the patients ranged from 1 to 74 years with a mean of 31.19±17.03 years. The annual incidence rate per 100,000 persons was 24.42. There was a statistically significant association (p <0.05) between sex and exposure to infected milk and cattle. Also, the results showed that there was no statistically significant association (p>0.05) between the infected milk and job, year, season and month. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study showed that the incidence of brucellosis was higher among males, young people, and dairy farmers. Therefore, continuous surveillance and efforts are required to further decrease the cases of brucellosis.
Tayebeh Rakhshani; Mansour Kashfi; Irandokht Amirian; Mohammad Reza Ebrahimi; Seyyed Saeed Hashemi Nazari
Volume 6, Issue 1 , January 2018, , Pages 29-35
Abstract
Introduction: Traffic accidents are considered a major public health problem in many parts of the world. The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of fatal traffic accidents in Yasouj city during the years 2014-2015. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out through a cross-sectional ...
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Introduction: Traffic accidents are considered a major public health problem in many parts of the world. The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of fatal traffic accidents in Yasouj city during the years 2014-2015. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out through a cross-sectional method and the study population included all individuals who had died in traffic accidents in Yasouj city during 2014-2015. The source of data collection was the Legal Medicine Organization. The data were analyzed through SPSS 16,using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the deceased was 35.44 ± 20.99 years. The highest death rate was observed in the age groups over 25-34 years old (21.3%), 15-24 years (17.6%) and 35-44 years (17%), respectively. Most of the deceased were male (75%), single (55.4%), illiterate (44%), self-employed (29.3%) and residents of rural areas (52.3%). The ultimate cause of death of more than half of the deceased was head trauma (30.7%) and most of the deceased had died at the accident site (55.4%). 52.7% had died of collision with a passenger car. There was a significant association between the location of death and location of accident (outside/inside)(p-value=0.004); also, the result showed no significant relationship between the cause of death and location of accident (p-value <0.001) and type of vehicle (p-value <0.001).
Mojtaba Naghshvarian; Mohammad Hossien Kaveh; Maryam hesampour; fariba Rezaee; Ali Reza Mirahmadizadeh
Volume 4, Issue 1 , January 2016, , Pages 32-39
Abstract
AbstractBackground: The reduction of suicidal attempts as one of the most important goals is improvement of societies’ health status. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiologic aspects of suicide cases in Fars province in 2010-2011.Methods: A total of 9714 suicide cases in Fars province, south ...
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AbstractBackground: The reduction of suicidal attempts as one of the most important goals is improvement of societies’ health status. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiologic aspects of suicide cases in Fars province in 2010-2011.Methods: A total of 9714 suicide cases in Fars province, south of Iran, in 2010-2011 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study through census. The study data were collected using suicide registry forms in the health centers affiliated to Fars province department of health services and analyzed using SPSS, version 17.Results: The rate of suicide attempts was 116.5 per 100,000 population in Fars province (93per 100,000 among men and 141.5 per 100,000 among women). The results showed significant differences between the suicide rates based on sex, age group, place of living, and season of the year (P<0.001). Most of these cases were female (59.4%), single (52.9%), 15-24 years old (56.4%), had high school education (25.8%), lived in urban areas (69.6%) and were female homemakers (30.3%). Based on the data, however, the largest number of suicide deaths resulted from self-immolation (56.7%).Conclusion: The present study findings revealed different rates of suicidal attempts based on sex and age group. Also, the importance of education and mental support, especially among women and singles, and also preventive measures in the context of uncontrolled immigration from the countryside to the large cities seems to essential more than ever. Yet, defects in some findings, particularly information about etiology, suggest that more researches should be conducted and suicide data registry and reporting systems should be improved.
Hamid Kassiri; Ali Kasiri; Niusha Kasiri; Fahimeh Moeininejad
Volume 3, Issue 2 , April 2015, , Pages 83-87
Abstract
Background: Pediculosis capitis is a continuous common health problem worldwide. Pediculus capitis distributes quickly in overcrowded regions. The goal of the present research was to determine some epidemiological features of head lice infestation in Khorram-shahr County, southwestern Iran. Methods: ...
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Background: Pediculosis capitis is a continuous common health problem worldwide. Pediculus capitis distributes quickly in overcrowded regions. The goal of the present research was to determine some epidemiological features of head lice infestation in Khorram-shahr County, southwestern Iran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients with head lice infestation who referred to the Khorram-shahr Health Center during 2006 to 2009. The gold standard in the diagnosis of infestation was the detection of living nymphs, adults and/or nits on the scalp and hair. After the visual inspections with using a lens and the aid of an ordinary comb, cases were asked to complete a data gathering form containing some questions about demographic and epidemiologic features. The collected information was evaluated using SPSS software, version 11.5. Results: Totally, 1091 patients were infested with pediculosis capitis. The overall prevalence of head lice infestation during the four- year period was 0.73%. Girls were significantly more infested (87.2%) than boys (12.8%). Pediculosis capitis infestations were highest (46.2%) in subjects aged 6-10 and lowest in those aged less than six (6.4%). The majority of cases lived in the rural areas. The percentage of infestation in rural and urban patients was 59.2% and 40.8%, respectively. Nearly, 11.8% of the patients with head lice had a history of infestation. Most of the cases were found in the Autumn (35.8%). Conclusion: Girls were more frequently infested with Pediculus capitis than boys. It can also be concluded that head lice infestation is not highly prevalent in Khorram-shahr.