Mohadeseh Lakzaei; Fatemeh Jafari; Mohammad Mohammadi Abnavi; Saeed Keshvari; Hamed Karami
Abstract
Background: Rabies is one of the important diseases and is usually transmitted by the bite of infected animals. This study investigated the epidemiological situation of animal bites in northeastern Iran from 2017 to 2021.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Sampling was done by census, and all animal ...
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Background: Rabies is one of the important diseases and is usually transmitted by the bite of infected animals. This study investigated the epidemiological situation of animal bites in northeastern Iran from 2017 to 2021.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Sampling was done by census, and all animal bite cases, including 3679 people, were enrolled in the study. Cases of animal bites registered at the rabies treatment centers by Esfarayen County in the North of Khorasan province, from 2017 to 2021, were analyzed. Thetool for collecting information was the portal of the Ministry of Health, and SPSS version 26.0 was used for data analysis.Results: The mean age of the subjects under study was 33.9±20.4 years; of them, 2636 (71.6) were men and 838 (22.8) were students. 1448 (97.6%) of those with upper body injuries referred to the health center for less than 48 hours. 2024 (94.3%) were bitten by a dog and most of the bites (N=1055, 28.7%) happened in spring. The incidence of animal bites was 25.54 per thousand people. The trend has increased since the beginning of the study from 476 per 100,000 in 2017 to 648 per 100,000 in 2021 (P<0.001).Conclusion: Considering the increase in animal bite cases in Esfarayen County and the loss of life and money caused by it, including the risk of rabies transmission and increasing costs of vaccination and serum therapy, the cooperation of related organizations and interventions is necessary to reduce animal bite cases.
Zahra Arabkermani; Roxana Sharifian; Peivand Bastani; Azadeh Bashiri; Abbas Sheikhtaheri
Abstract
Background: Vitiligo is a prevalent skin disorder that has significant biological and social consequences for the affected individuals. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to diagnose this disease and treat patients, and powerful information and monitoring systems, such as a registry, are ...
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Background: Vitiligo is a prevalent skin disorder that has significant biological and social consequences for the affected individuals. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to diagnose this disease and treat patients, and powerful information and monitoring systems, such as a registry, are required. This study aimed to identify the design requirements for vitiligo registry in Iran.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a content analysis approach in 2020. In total, 9 dermatologists and health information management and medical informatics specialists working in Tehran, Shiraz, and Mashhad universities of medical sciences were interviewed. The participants were selected by a non-random purposive sampling method. The data were analyzed manually using thematic analysis approach.Results: In this study, 7 major themes and 14 sub-themes were obtained regarding vitiligo registry design requirements. The major themes included registry objectives, structure, data sources, inclusion criteria, classification system, data quality control, and data reporting.Conclusion: In total, 7 major themes and 14 sub-themes were identified to design the vitiligo registry. Developing a vitiligo registry based on these requirements could provide a better understanding of this disease, deliver high-quality services to patients across the country, and facilitate research on this disease.
Masoumeh Amin; Hamideh Edalat; Hamidreza Basseri; Morteza Zaim; Kourosh Azizi; Mostafa Salehi- Vaziri; Sahar Khakifirouz; Mohsen Kalantari; Mozaffar Vahedi; Saideh Yousefi; Parisa Amin
Abstract
Background: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are significant vectors of mosquito-borne diseases prevalent across temperate and tropical regions. Understanding the abundance and distribution of these vectors is essential for studying the ecoepidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases.Methods: This cross-sectional ...
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Background: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are significant vectors of mosquito-borne diseases prevalent across temperate and tropical regions. Understanding the abundance and distribution of these vectors is essential for studying the ecoepidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases.Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify mosquito populations (Culicidae) and conduct molecular analysis for Flavivirus infections, explicitly focusing on West Nile Virus (WNV) and Dengue Virus (DENV) in Fars Province, Southern Iran. Mosquitoes were collected from 23 stations across urban and rural areas and migratory bird habitats in five counties, using hand catch with manual aspirators, CDC light traps with CO2, and human and animal bait methods from April to December 2018. Molecular screening for Flavivirus RNA, including WNV and DENV, was performed using a specific PCR technique.Results: 8212 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing four genera and nine species. The most prevalent species were Culex pipiens (54.20%), Culiseta longiareolata (30.40%), and Culex sinaiticus (10.25%). Molecular screening was conducted on the 8212 mosquitoes grouped into 150 pools based on sex, species, and trapping location. None of the pools tested were positive for Flavivirus RNA.Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of monitoring mosquito species distribution and emphasizes the need for enhanced Flavivirus surveillance and long-term monitoring programs in the region to understand the risk of disease transmission better.
Rozhan Khezri; Shaker Salarilak; Sepideh Jahanian
Abstract
Background: Preterm birth (PTB) is a significant global health issue, with the majority of preterm births occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Iran. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTB and its associated factors in urban areas of Iran.Methods: Over one year, ...
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Background: Preterm birth (PTB) is a significant global health issue, with the majority of preterm births occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Iran. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTB and its associated factors in urban areas of Iran.Methods: Over one year, this case-control study included 387 pregnant women (129 cases and 258 controls) in Sardashat, Iran. Data were extracted from medical records. Gestational age was estimated through ultrasound in the first trimester. Statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression.Results: The prevalence of PTB was 7.43%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between PTB and the following factors: education levels, antenatal care (ANC) visits [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=7.91 (95% CI: 2.43–25.71)], premature rupture of membranes (PROM) [AOR=5.25 (95% CI: 2.01–13.74)], gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) [AOR=5.27 (95% CI: 1.49–18.58)], and preeclampsia [AOR=9.47 (95% CI: 3.02–29.73)].Conclusion: Identifying pregnant women at risk of preterm birth is crucial, and treatments are available to reduce the risk. Our research suggests that factors such as education level, ANC visits, PROM, GDM, and preeclampsia predispose pregnant women to preterm birth.
Raziyeh Janizadeh; Ashkan Jafari Malek Abad; Mehdi Jahangiri
Abstract
Background: Since the coronavirus spread in Iran, almost all healthcare workers (HCWs) have been fighting this disease. Due to the high workload, high prevalence of the virus, lack of specific treatment, and the uncertainty of the end of this epidemic, they experienced difficult working conditions, which ...
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Background: Since the coronavirus spread in Iran, almost all healthcare workers (HCWs) have been fighting this disease. Due to the high workload, high prevalence of the virus, lack of specific treatment, and the uncertainty of the end of this epidemic, they experienced difficult working conditions, which resulted in psychological consequences. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the psychological effects of COVID-19 on health care workers (HCWs). Awareness of their psychological status will help to suggest strategies to improve the situation.Methods: In this systematic review, the published articles up to August 2022 were systematically searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The following search strategy was used for searching related papers in all databases: “COVID- 19” OR “SARS-COV-2” AND “Psychological” OR “Stress” OR “depression” AND “Healthcare workers” AND “Iran”.Results: The studies showed that psychological problems increased in Iranian HCWs during the pandemic. The most prevalent issues were anxiety (40%-97.24%), stress (27.8%- 48.97%), and depression (35.1%-38.71%). They also suffered from insomnia, PSTD, and burnout. Factors such as gender, age groups, history of physical illnesses, and history of psychiatric were associated with these problems.Conclusion: HCWs are exposed to psychological and mental issues. Thus, taking measures that protect them in both physical and psychological dimensions is very important. Implications for nursing management: the findings showed HCWs were more vulnerable to adverse psychological effects such as anxiety, stress, and depression. Policymakers and managers should implement supportive, protective, motivational, encouraging, and training interventions to prevent and reduce these consequences.
Behrouz Fathi; Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq; Sara Pourazavi; Haidar Nadrian; Ahmad Kousha
Abstract
Background: As physical inactivity is presently a global concern, encouraging people to engage in physical activity (PA) is a public health policy priority. This study was conducted to analyze the process of change in the adoption of policies which aim at promoting PA in setting the policy agenda.Methods: ...
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Background: As physical inactivity is presently a global concern, encouraging people to engage in physical activity (PA) is a public health policy priority. This study was conducted to analyze the process of change in the adoption of policies which aim at promoting PA in setting the policy agenda.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using document reviews and semi-structured interviews. A total of 23 key informants from different sections of the policymaking process for PA promotion programs in Iran participated in the study. Purposeful sampling with a maximum variation was used to identify the key informants. Analysis of documents and interviews was conducted on the basis of Kingdon’s multiple streams Framework (MSF): problems, policies, and political streams. The MAXQDA-10 software was used to manage the data analysis process.Results: The problem stream was found to be “the high prevalence of physical inactivity, perceived subjective barriers, and contextual factors for PA” throughout the country. The policy stream focused on integrating PA services into primary health care, scheduling national and global calendar campaigns and events, and using the existing legal structures to promote PA in communities. At the political stream, support for policy documents and various legislative and governing authorities, as well as international support, particularly the World Health Organization 2018–2030 agenda, provided a favorable environment for this issue.Conclusion: Despite the opening of a policy window for developing policies to promote PA, several challenges may hinder the policy implementation process, including a lack of health promotion approach in the health system, lack of inter-sectoral cooperation, COVID-19 pandemic-associated restrictions, and management and structural issues. As the policy window is not being used appropriately, the policymakers must review the policies, with particular attention to the feasibility of policies, the organizational culture of the different ministries, and the mediating and advocating roles of the health sector in operationalizing the policies.
Fatemeh Setoodehzadeh; Kosar Rezaei; Mohammad Khammarnia; Zeinab Almasi; Mostafa Peyvand
Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency anemia in children is one of the most important challenges in the global health system. Also, it is one of the main problems in Iran, especially in the southern regions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting iron deficiency anemia in children ...
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Background: Iron deficiency anemia in children is one of the most important challenges in the global health system. Also, it is one of the main problems in Iran, especially in the southern regions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting iron deficiency anemia in children under two years of age.Methods: This case-control study was conducted on children under two years of age in Sistan and Baluchestan Province in the southeast of Iran with the highest birth rate in 2020. In the study, 760 children were divided into case and control group (380 vs 380). A standard information form was used for collecting data, and the data were analyzed using SPSS-21 by chi-square test and logistic regression.Results: There were significant associations between the child’s iron deficiency anemia and the type of child nutrition (P=0.000), history of child’s food allergies (P=0.021), child’s congenital anomalies (P=0.009), maternal body mass index (P=0.083), number of previous pregnancies (P=0.035), history of abortion and stillbirth (P=0.027), use of postpartum supplementation (P=0.004), mother’s anemia (P=0.000), family marriage (P=0.001), father’s job (P=0.017), father’s anemia (P=0.000), and father’s addiction (P=0.007). Also, based on multivariate regression, the most important predictor of iron deficiency anemia in children was father’s addiction (OR=1.720; 95% CI: 1.067 – 2.773).Conclusion: The findings showed that parental factors could play an important role in causing iron deficiency anemia in children. These risk factors can be improved and prevented by promoting health education, increasing parental awareness and knowledge, and improving the lifestyle of families. Therefore, holding educational and counseling classes for parents is especially recommended.
Abdolrahim Asadollahi; Mahin Nazari; Khadijeh Jafarpour; Leila Ghahremani; Nasim Pirzadeh
Abstract
Background: Old age is a sensitive period of life and paying attention to its needs is a social necessity. The older adults are exposed to threats such loneliness, isolation, and lack of social support. The aim of this study was to investigate the index of intergenerational quality in Persian and Arab ...
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Background: Old age is a sensitive period of life and paying attention to its needs is a social necessity. The older adults are exposed to threats such loneliness, isolation, and lack of social support. The aim of this study was to investigate the index of intergenerational quality in Persian and Arab ethnic groups in aging society in Iran.Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study on Persian and Arab ethnic groups. The statistical population of this research consisted of the elderly belonging to two ethnic groups: Persians and Arabs. The sampling was done using the quota randommethod. The sample size of this research was estimated based on Morgan’s table to be 217 older adults.Results: In terms of health status, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Associational Structural Correlation, Normative consensus correlation, Normative consensus correlation, Emotional closeness, Intergenerational conflict, Ambivalence in the two groups were not significantly different. The general scale of the intergenerational quality questionnaire responses showed the closeness of the general scale of the questionnaire between the two groups.Conclusion: The comparison of the results of the two groups in this study showed that the Arab people had a better health status than the Persian ones.
Zahra Yazdanpanahi; Zahra Beygi; Seyedeh Zohre Sajadian; Zahra Saheb Karam; Mahboubeh Hajifoghaha
Abstract
Background: Sexual function is the result of a complex relationship between the body and the mind. It can be affected by various dimensions of health, including spiritual health. In this study, we aimed to assess sexual function and its relationship with spiritual health and religious attitude in Iranian ...
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Background: Sexual function is the result of a complex relationship between the body and the mind. It can be affected by various dimensions of health, including spiritual health. In this study, we aimed to assess sexual function and its relationship with spiritual health and religious attitude in Iranian women.Methods: The present descriptive, analytical research was carried out on 514 women in reproductive age, who had referred to the health centers of Shiraz, Iran, from February to September 2015. The participants were required to complete the Religious Attitude Scale, Spirituality Well-being Scale, and Female Sexual Function Index. The psychometric properties of these questionnaires were assessed in Iran. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the collected data, and a P-value lower than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.Results: The mean score of spiritual health was significantly higher in women with a healthy sexual function compared to those with sexual dysfunction (P=0.03). Also, we found a significant relationship between spiritual health and sexual desire (P=0.007) and sexual satisfaction(P=0.03). A significant relationship was also observed between religious health and sexual satisfaction(P=0.03). Besides, the results indicated a significant association between existential health and sexual desire(P=0.002), sexual arousal(P=0.003), and pain(P=0.03). A significant relationship was observed between religious attitude and sexual function(P<0.001).Conclusion: Given that sexual function is one of the basic components of women’s health in reproductive age that needs special attention. It seems that for improving it, taking effective measures such as paying attention to women’s spiritual health can have positive effects on their sexual function.
Masoumeh Amin; Mohsen Kalantari; Saideh Yousefi; Mozaffar Vahedi; Sorna Dabaghmanesh; Hamid Reza Ghorbani; Marzieh Shahriari Namadi; Parisa Amin
Abstract
Background: The general purpose of this study was to investigate the species diversity and characteristics of the larval habitats of culicids in important tourism centers of Fars province to design a comprehensive program to control them.Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted from April to the ...
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Background: The general purpose of this study was to investigate the species diversity and characteristics of the larval habitats of culicids in important tourism centers of Fars province to design a comprehensive program to control them.Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted from April to the end of September 2021, the species diversity of mosquito larvae and the characteristics of larval habitats were investigated. Mosquito larvae were collected using the dipping method and the characteristics of larval habitats such as permanent or temporary habitat, water running, intensity of sunlight, vegetation, habitat floor, turbidity, natural or artificial were recorded according to the hydro ecological characteristics.Results: Totally, 8825 specimens were collected and identified from 9 selected locations in Marvdasht city and 6 selected locations in Maharloo wetland. Collected species were Culex pipiens (39.77%), Culex sinaiticus (3.80%), Culex quinquefasciatus (23.68%), Culiseta longiareolata (17.52%), Uranotaenia unguiculata (9.02%), and Anopheles stephensi (6.21%). Most specimens (79%) were collected from natural habitats. There is a significant difference between the number of collected mosquitoes with the permanent habitat, stagnant water, partial sunlight, vegetation, turbidity, and natural habitat (P<0.0001). The dominant species were Cx. pipiens (39.77%) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (23.68%).Conclusion: These species are potentially involved in the transmission of many pathogens to humans and domestic animals and should be extensively studied. The results of this study suggest that environmental factors play an important role in larvae’s habitat preference.
Saeed Seyfi; Mohammad Javad Moradian; Mozhgan Seif; Samaneh Mirzaei; Khadijeh Nasiriani
Abstract
Background: Stroke is recognized as the second leading cause of death and the primary cause of disability in developing and underdeveloped countries. This study investigated the time trend of calls for suspected stroke received by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from 2013 to 2019 in Shiraz, Iran.Methods: ...
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Background: Stroke is recognized as the second leading cause of death and the primary cause of disability in developing and underdeveloped countries. This study investigated the time trend of calls for suspected stroke received by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from 2013 to 2019 in Shiraz, Iran.Methods: This was a descriptive - ecological study using time series data. The necessary data were extracted from the Shiraz Emergency Medical Center from 2013 to 2019. Excel 2013 and SPSS (version 24.0) were used for data analysis. The results were then presented in figures and tables.Results: From 2013 to 2019, the EMS call center in Shiraz City received 844,004 calls, of which 6,620 were suspected stroke cases. The number of suspected stroke cases demonstrated a steady trend within a certain range from 2013 to 2016. However, there was a significant increase between 2016 and 2017, after which the number of stroke cases reached relative stability. In the short-term seasonal trend, we found that the number of suspected stroke cases reported to EMS was higher in cold seasons compared to warm seasons.Conclusion: The results showed that the long-term trend of reported suspected stroke cases to EMS is currently stable, following a previous increase in Iran.
Mohammad Khammarnia; Eshagh Barfar; Hossein Abrishami; Fariba Ramezani Siakhulak
Abstract
Background: Access to healthcare services is a prerequisite for societal justice. Unfair distribution of these services can lead to patient migration to cities with higher quality medical centers for better medical services. This study aimed to determine the direct and indirect non-medical costs of patients ...
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Background: Access to healthcare services is a prerequisite for societal justice. Unfair distribution of these services can lead to patient migration to cities with higher quality medical centers for better medical services. This study aimed to determine the direct and indirect non-medical costs of patients referred from Sistan and Balouchestan to hospitals in Mashhad.Methods: A descriptive-analytic study was conducted in Eastern Iran in 2020. The research sample included all patients who migrated from Sistan and Balouchestan to Mashhad for medical purposes and were hospitalized in government hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The total number of these patients was 2062, and they were identified using a census method in 2020. Given the large population size (2060 individuals), 350 patients were selected as a sample based on the Cochrane method. A validated checklist was used for data collection, and SPSS-23 software was used for data analysis.Results: The average direct non-medical cost for medical services in Mashhad was 61,686,857 Rials (270 USD). The highest and lowest costs were related to travel costs (26,545,714 Rials or 116 USD), and care received for children (37,142 Rials or 0.16 USD), respectively.Conclusion: According to the results of this research, an increase in direct non-medical and indirect costs due to patient migration for treatment imposes significant costs on patients and their families. It is crucial to have an equitable distribution of health and treatment resources and facilities across a country’s geographical regions to ensure access to health services.
Vahid Rahmanian; Karamatollah Rahmanian; Mohammad Rahmanian; Nader Sharifi
Abstract
Background: Iran has witnessed a significant and rapid decline in fertility rates over the past few decades, a phenomenon referred to as the reproductive revolution. One crucial factor influencing fertility rates is the preference for a child’s gender, which can impact family size. This study aimed ...
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Background: Iran has witnessed a significant and rapid decline in fertility rates over the past few decades, a phenomenon referred to as the reproductive revolution. One crucial factor influencing fertility rates is the preference for a child’s gender, which can impact family size. This study aimed to determine the gender preference and desired family size among marriage candidates in Southern Iran in 2021.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 744 marriage candidates from Jahrom County, Fars province, Iran, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Experts confirmed the questionnaire’s face validity and its reliability was established with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81.Results: Of the participants, 54.6% were women, 86.8% resided in urban areas, and 60.6% had a diploma or lower educational level. The mean age at first marriage was 26.86±8.22 years, and the mean desired number of children was 2.09±1.10. The preference for a boy as the first child was 24.6% among men and 22.9% among women, while the preference for a girl was 17.4% among men and 24.1% among women (P=0.084). Furthermore, 46.4% of men and 47.8% of women believed they would continue having children if they did not have a son (P=0.72). Factors such as gender, age, education, occupation, monthly income, and place of residence showed no association with the preference for a boy as the first child (P>0.05).Conclusion: On average, marriage candidates desired two children. There was a slight preference for boys. It is recommended that adolescents and young adults receive appropriate education about gender equality in schools and universities to mitigate gender bias and discrimination at the community level.
Mehdi Sharafi; Najibullah Baeradeh; Masumeh Daliri; Hossein Kargar; Elham Haghjoo; Akram Farhadi; Sima Afrashteh
Abstract
Background: Thyroid problems have been reported in over 110 countries worldwide. In some countries, the prevalence of known thyroid disorders has been reported to be as high as 18.9%. Given that thyroid dysfunction can adversely affect adult health, we aimed to assess the prevalence of thyroid disease ...
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Background: Thyroid problems have been reported in over 110 countries worldwide. In some countries, the prevalence of known thyroid disorders has been reported to be as high as 18.9%. Given that thyroid dysfunction can adversely affect adult health, we aimed to assess the prevalence of thyroid disease and related factors in the Fasa Persian Cohort Study Centre.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in southwestern Iran. It included 10,132 participants, with an average age of 48.63. Demographic and clinical data were used as baseline cohort information. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors associated with thyroid disease.Results: The prevalence of thyroid disease was 8.8%. According to the results of the multiple analysis gender (AORfemale/ male=5.94.95% CI: 1.66-7.58), education level (AOR Literate/ Illiterate=1.21, 95% CI: 1.04-1.40), diabetes (AORYes/No=1.32, 95% CI: 1.09-1.69), hypertension (AORYes/No=1.38, 95% CI: 1.17-1.64), depression (AORYes/No=1.72, 95% CI: 1.38-2.13) were associated with the odds of thyroid disease. Also, metabolic equivalent task (MET) (AOR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.02-0.083), duration sleep (AOR6- 7/≤5=0.77, 95% CI: 0.61-0.97), and duration sleep (AOR≥8/≤5=0.80, 95% CI: 0.64-0.99) were identified as protective factors in the study.Conclusion: This study’s findings indicated that the total prevalence of thyroid disease in adults was 8.8%. The researchers found that gender, education level, hypertension, diabetes, and depression increased the odds of thyroid disease. In addition, duration of sleep and MET were identified as protective factors. Further consideration of thyroid disease and screening for this population is recommended.
Ali Ameli; Alireza Salehi; Hossein Molavi Vardanjani; Mina 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.
