Seyed Esmaeil Managheb; Mesbah Shams; Mahmood Soveid; Mohamad Hadi Imanieh; Mohsen Moghadami
Volume 3, Issue 4 , October 2015, , Pages 167-168
Abstract
Incidence of diabetes is increasing in developing countries as well as Iran. Half of the patients are not aware of their disease so screening of diabetes is necessary. Lifestyle changes in society, high-saturated fat diet and decreased physical activity are the factors that influence the growing rate ...
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Incidence of diabetes is increasing in developing countries as well as Iran. Half of the patients are not aware of their disease so screening of diabetes is necessary. Lifestyle changes in society, high-saturated fat diet and decreased physical activity are the factors that influence the growing rate of diabetes in Iran.1 The need for addressing type 2 diabetes has been clarified for family physicians.2 Diabetes is a common disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It has an asymptomatic stage that may be present for up to several years before diagnosis.3 Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease.4 In a study among patients over 45 years with type 2 diabetes, these results were reported: 22% suffered from retinopathy, 7% had impaired vision, 6% had kidney diseases, 9% had clinical symptoms, and 19.1% were at risk for foot ulcers.5 Early treatment of type 2 diabetes can reduce or delay complications.6 Optimal glycemia and BP are important in the prevention of diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD).4 Therapeutic goals in patients with complications, such as CKD, include maintaining renal function and stopping the trend of renal deterioration.5 Progression of diabetic nephropathy can be slowed through the use of some medications.4 How to screen and manage chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes is shown in Figure 1.
Reza Kazemi; Safora Karimpour; Maryam Shahriyari; Seyed Noredin Hossaini
Volume 5, Issue 4 , October 2017, , Pages 188-192
Abstract
Abstract Background: The mental workload and cognitive failures are among the factors affecting the human behavior, performance and efficiency, which are both effective on the human error and accidents of the drivers. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between cognitive failure and ...
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Abstract Background: The mental workload and cognitive failures are among the factors affecting the human behavior, performance and efficiency, which are both effective on the human error and accidents of the drivers. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between cognitive failure and mental workload of taxi drivers in Shiraz.Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 taxi drivers in Shiraz in 2017. In order to measure the mental workload and cognitive failure, NASA-TLX mental workload questionnaire and CFQ cognitive failure questionnaire were used, respectively. Finally, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Pearson correlation, T-test and one-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data statistically.Results: The taxi drivers' mental workload was reported relatively high in this study and the results showed that a significant relationship was found between mental and temporal workload and nominal memory error of drivers at 5% error level (p <0.05). Also, a significant relationship was observed between temporal pressure and performance and memory and attention, respectively (p<0.05). In general, a significant relationship was observed between total cognitive failure and total mental workload (p<0.05). Also, demographic factors as age had a significant effect on both mental workload and cognitive failure (p<0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant relationship between the mental workload and cognitive failure, so that with increasing the mental workload, cognitive failure of taxi drivers also increased and the probability of the human error and consequently driving accidents increased. Therefore, reducing the mental workload with providing ergonomic solutions can greatly prevent the human error in driving as a major contributor to many accidents.
Soroush Maazinezhad; Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Vahab Karamivand; Mahmoud Rahmati
Abstract
Background: Schizophrenia, as a chronic and debilitating disease, has consequences not only for the patient but also for the family and society. It severely destroys the energy and resources available to the patient's family. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the burden ...
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Background: Schizophrenia, as a chronic and debilitating disease, has consequences not only for the patient but also for the family and society. It severely destroys the energy and resources available to the patient's family. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the burden on caregivers of schizophrenic patients and their perceived social support. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the statistical population consisted of all Caregivers of schizophrenic patients referred to Farabi Psychiatric Center of Kermanshah in 2019. Out of them, a sample of 125 individuals was selected by the convenience sampling method. Two standard questionnaires, family burden interview schedule, and Social support inventory were used to assess the family burden and social support. Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.69±12.78 years. The results showed the mean score of social support in the individuals as 14.72±5.93. Furthermore, the mean score of the family burden was found at 28.03±11.03. There was a significant statistical reverse correlation between social support and family burden (p<.001, r=-378). The regression model showed that social support could predict family pressure. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical statistics (chi-squared, Spearman’s, and linear regression), where the significance level was set at 0.05. (P<0.05). Conclusion: Caregivers of schizophrenic patients are exposed to high psychological, economic, and social pressures. This can be effective in reducing the quality of patient care. Therefore, increasing the level of social support in these people is essential in reducing the complications of schizophrenia.
Seyed Aghil Jaberhashemi; Mohammad Djaefar Moemenbellah-Fard; Mousa Khosravani; Mojtaba Norouzi; Hadi Kalari
Abstract
Objective: The main aim of this research is to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on malaria control with respect to indoor residual spraying (IRS) in a community of Southern Iran. Introduction: Human malaria is an important vector-borne infectious disease in Iran. It remains endemic ...
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Objective: The main aim of this research is to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on malaria control with respect to indoor residual spraying (IRS) in a community of Southern Iran. Introduction: Human malaria is an important vector-borne infectious disease in Iran. It remains endemic over most parts of the oriental region of Iran that is still in the pre-elimination phase without considerable drop in the proportion of malaria cases. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional household survey conducted in Kazerun, Fars province, Iran, to examine he malaria status and identify the parameters that obstruct the progress of the elimination phase. A standard questionnaire with 20 questions was provided to households including knowledge, attitude and practice categories. Sampling was then stratified to choose the samples in three rural foci of Kazerun. Results: The sex ratio of participants included 192 females (92.3%) and 16 males (7.7%), respectively. This community benefited mostly from acceptable literacy level. A strong association prevailed between the majority of respondents’ (88.5%) knowledge of fever and chills as the main symptoms of malaria and their literacy level. The majority (198, 95.2%) of volunteers declared that malaria disease was transmitted through the mosquito bites. In line with this study, literate persons have raised motivation and attitude to use bednets and keep themselves away from mosquitoes. These individuals cooperate perfectly with healthcare workers in malaria control program strategies (especially IRS). Conclusion: Comprehensive and synergistic measures are needed to be taken to manage malaria elimination strategy in Iran.
Ahmadreza Eidi; Hamed Delam
Abstract
In December 2019, in Wuhan, China, a group of acute respiratory illnesses was diagnosed with unknown etiology, which today is known as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) [1]. Coronavirus is a single-stranded RNA virus that affects both humans and animals. The disease spread rapidly throughout China ...
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In December 2019, in Wuhan, China, a group of acute respiratory illnesses was diagnosed with unknown etiology, which today is known as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) [1]. Coronavirus is a single-stranded RNA virus that affects both humans and animals. The disease spread rapidly throughout China and other countries [2, 3]. In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the outbreak of the new coronavirus as the sixth public health emergency of international concern [4]. In general, the first step in preventing the spread of infectious diseases is quarantine and isolation; in public health, quarantine means separating and keeping people at risk of contracting an infectious disease, including travel bans, daily commutes, and public gatherings. Isolation also means isolating the infected people [5]. For the first time, China's National Health Commission has implemented quarantine and isolation of people at risk and patients with COVID 19, and other countries have taken action following the outbreak [6]. Usually, people who experience quarantine have unpleasant feeling about it. Cases such as separation from loved ones, loss of freedom, insecurity about illness, and boredom can have many negative psychological burdens, for example disorders such as anxiety, depression, dysfunction, or unwillingness to work [7]. In addition to the fear and anxiety caused by the virus, other factors can negatively affect a person's mental health. One of these factors is Internet addiction [8]. The Internet is an essential and integral part of the new lifestyle. The term Internet addiction refers to the psychological dependence on the use of the Internet, which is a problematic behavior in human interaction with technology that can have significant effects on increasing stress, depression and social communication disorders [9]. In general, it can be said that three personal, social and internet factors play a role in Internet addiction. Personal factors are related to individual characteristics such as introversion, inability to communicate sufficiently, and low self-efficacy. Internet factors also include more time to use the Internet, easier access to the Internet, and superior Internet skills. Social factors also include low family support and sociological problems of the individuals. The important point is that the combination of social and personal factors can have a significant impact on Internet addiction [10]. Due to the prevalence of COVID 19 and home quarantine and lifestyle changes, Internet addiction is one of the disorders that can increase dramatically. On the other hand, Internet addiction can increase the chances of developing other mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Internet addiction can also endanger a person's physical health and reduce social, occupational, and recreational activities. Applying educational and counseling programs (virtually via the Internet and the media) to help reduce the psychological problems of Internet addiction and provide solutions in this course can be helpful.
Maryam Nejabat; Mohammadreza Heydari; Parisa Keshani; Hassan Joulaei; Nazanin Nazari
Abstract
Background: There are some debates about the possible unintended effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on consumer health. The gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the health of the host, especially in gastrointestinal diseases. The current review focuses on the studies with the ...
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Background: There are some debates about the possible unintended effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on consumer health. The gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the health of the host, especially in gastrointestinal diseases. The current review focuses on the studies with the aim of evaluating whether their outcomes indicate any adverse effects of feeding genetically modified (GM) crops on alteration and the count of gut microbiota.Methods: A structured literature search was performed independently by three authors on Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase on the 1st of July 2019. In total, 333 publications were obtained by the search strategy, which decreased to 306 after excluding the duplicates. Furthermore, experimental studies that have designed a control group and were written in English were included in the review. After reviewing the full texts, 16 studies were included. To access the quality of articles, we used the Cochrane checklist.Results: Ten publications (62.5%) used 50% or more genetically modified (GM) diet in the treatment group. In 11 studies (68.7%), the duration of animal feeding was 90 days or more. There were no significant differences in the experimental and control groups of both male and female rats on the 90th day; it can be concluded that non-genetically modified (GM) and genetically modified (GM) rice diets did not cause any changes in the gut bacteria. Data analysis of different animal models showed that the most changes in the microbial flora were observed in the chicken and the least in the rat. In the studies in this review, all microbial isolates were anaerobic, and the Lactobacillus and Enterococcus families were common organisms.Conclusion: Based on our literature review, we claim that there is not any significant difference in gut microbiota between the control group and the group with a transgenic diet. The mechanisms of the effects of genetically modified (GM) foods on the gut microbiota in animals should be explicated in future studies. Nevertheless, this study provides valuable information for research on genetically modified (GM) foods and whether they are useful or detrimental to human health.
Mohebat Vali; Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Zahra Maleki; Fatemeh Goudarzi; Arefe Abedinzade; Haleh Ghaem
Abstract
Backgrounds: Given the novelty of COVID-19, reviewing diagnostic methods can be of great help to community health policymakers. Considering the importance of diagnosing COVID-19 and the need for reducing the number of false positive and false negative cases that appear to be different in various ...
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Backgrounds: Given the novelty of COVID-19, reviewing diagnostic methods can be of great help to community health policymakers. Considering the importance of diagnosing COVID-19 and the need for reducing the number of false positive and false negative cases that appear to be different in various diagnostic methods, this systematic review aimed at comparison of PCR test accuracy with laboratory data and CT SCAN in COVID-19.
Methods: In this systematic review, EMBASE (Elsevier, 2018), MEDLINE (National Library of
Medicine, 2018), Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics, 2018b), and Google Scholar
data bases were searched for the studies published prior to 3 April 2020. Based on the inclusion criteria, 20 out of 859 primarily screened studies were finally assessed.
Results: The results indicated that the laboratory diagnosis of viral nucleic acid could have false-negative results, and serological testing of virus-specific IgG and IgM antibodies should be used as an option for diagnosis. Moreover, chest Computerized Tomography (CT) was found to be more sensitive in comparison toReverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) (98% vs. 71%). Hence, the articles offered the combined use of chest CT, SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, and multi-plex PCR.
Conclusions: Follow-up RT-PCR and chest CT are necessary in COVID-19. In addition, serological testing of virus-specific IgG and IgM antibodies along with laboratory diagnosis of viral nucleic acid can lead to the highly sensitive and accurate diagnosis. Moreover, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is one of the cost-effective methods in epidemic conditions in low- and middle-income countries.
Asita Elengoe; Shalini Selvam
Abstract
Background: The year 2020 began with a new public health hazard. A novel coronavirus, acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered in Wuhan, China on 12th December 2019. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the name of the disease as ‘COVID-19’. ...
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Background: The year 2020 began with a new public health hazard. A novel coronavirus, acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered in Wuhan, China on 12th December 2019. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the name of the disease as ‘COVID-19’. Objective: The morphology, pathogenic mechanisms, causes, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, therapeutic potential, clinical studies on COVID-19 infection, preventive measures, and mental health care were described in this study. Methods: A literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Frontiers, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The search was broadly scoped, using key terms such as SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, etc. Results: The genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2, drugs, and their potential mechanisms used in humans to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 were tabulated. Moreover, twenty-five clinical researches carried out against COVID-19 infection were also tabulated in this study. Preventive measures such as chemical disinfectants and increasing test capacity were also discussed. Conclusion: The current study provides a snapshot of the overview of the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. The findings suggested the effective preventive measures to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and develop a better vaccine. The information from this review study also aids in early preparations for future pandemic outbreaks.
Salma Mahmoodianfard; Neda Haghighat
Abstract
Obesity is known as a major public health problem, with multi-factorial aspects. A complex interaction among genetic, physiological, and behavioral variables affects both the development and maintenance of the obese condition. Currently, there is an increasing interest in recognizing the significant ...
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Obesity is known as a major public health problem, with multi-factorial aspects. A complex interaction among genetic, physiological, and behavioral variables affects both the development and maintenance of the obese condition. Currently, there is an increasing interest in recognizing the significant role of psychosocial determinants of dietary behaviors to develop effective interventional weight loss programs. A review of the existing knowledge about the psychosocial determinants of food intake may be beneficial for developing dietary behaviors for health promotion among the populations. Differences in the psychosocial determinants of eating between obese and nonobese individuals and youth and adult groups provide a better understanding of the drivers of socioeconomic disparities in dietary intake, and how to develop targeted intervention strategies. In this review, we discussed the basic psychosocial concepts and theories related to food behaviors. Then, the psychological factors associated with the obesity-related food behaviors and the comparisons between the correlates of dietary behavior in obese and non-obese individuals were explained. Finally, the results of population-based studies which have addressed the contribution of dietary behavior among the youth and adults were presented.
Kumars Eisapareh; Mohammad Hossein Kaveh; Farzaneh Noroozi; Fateme Eftekharian
Abstract
Background: Regarding demographic, socio-economic differences, and some other infrastructural factors, there are concerns about the access to and use of mobile health technology. This study aims to identify the facilitators and barriers to the use of mobile health from the perspective of users.Methods: ...
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Background: Regarding demographic, socio-economic differences, and some other infrastructural factors, there are concerns about the access to and use of mobile health technology. This study aims to identify the facilitators and barriers to the use of mobile health from the perspective of users.Methods: In this qualitative meta-synthesis, electronic databases were systematically searched. Studies included qualitative investigations published by 30th of December 2020 that examined the facilitators or barriers to using mobile health from the users’ point of view. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist was used to evaluate the quality of each study. A steady comparison process has been used to identify similar structures in several studies that have been summarized in thematic constructs.Results: Six factors were identified as barriers and seven factors as facilitators. Barriers included difficulty in use, inaccessibility, uselessness or inapplicability, lack of adequate skills, communication barriers, and security concerns; facilitating factors included motivational factors, documentation, degree of ease, provider credibility and source of information, perceived usability, social-cultural appropriateness, and perceived benefits.Conclusion: The findings of this study provide a good basis for information and communication technology practitioners as well as health care services to improve access to and use of mobile health technology by adopting appropriate policies for infrastructure development and social empowerment. Further research focusing on technological, demographic, and geriatrics aspects is suggested.
Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi; Samiyeh Sadeghpour; Aref Faghih
Abstract
Background: Patients’ adherence to the therapeutic regimen predicts the success of treatment and reduces the complications and severity of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on Teach-back method with adherence to treatment ...
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Background: Patients’ adherence to the therapeutic regimen predicts the success of treatment and reduces the complications and severity of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on Teach-back method with adherence to treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: We performed a quasi-experimental study on 90 patients with type 2 diabetes in the control and experimental groups. Data collection tools were a two-part questionnaire which consisted of the demographic information and the Mandaloo treatment adherence questionnaire with 40 questions. An educational intervention was performed for the members of the intervention group. One week and forty days after the intervention, the two groups filled out the treatment adherence questionnaire again. The gathered data were analyzed in SPSS software version 22 using statistical tests of Wilcoxon, Chisquare, Makhli, Ben Foroni, the repeated-measures variance of analysis, and independent t-test. The significance level in this study was considered less than 0.05.Results: The mean scores of adherence to treatment in the training group before the intervention, one week, and forty days after the intervention were 120.52±11.49, 157.60±17.96, and 140.65±18.80, respectively; also, in the control group, the mean scores were 113.38±16.89, 150.67±18.58, and 145.02±18. 47, respectively. There was no difference in terms of adherence to treatment between the control and experiment groups (P=0.164).Conclusion: The findings also showed that adherence to treatment in both groups in all three measurement times was at the fitness level.
Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Ahmadreza Eidi; Omid Soufi; Hamed Delam
Abstract
Background: In the last two decades, the number of people who have referred to mental health services due to concerns about gender identity has increased dramatically. The aim of this study was to present the most important and fundamental results of studies on transgender psychological and behavioral ...
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Background: In the last two decades, the number of people who have referred to mental health services due to concerns about gender identity has increased dramatically. The aim of this study was to present the most important and fundamental results of studies on transgender psychological and behavioral disordersand compare these results.
Methods: This is a narrative review study. Search for articles related to common psychological and behavioral disorders in transgender people was done by two trained researchers between December 2019 and March 2020 in 5 Latin scientific databases (Google Scholar, PubMed / Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and Embase).
Results: Psychological and behavioral disorders were much higher in transgender people than in the general population. The most common disorders included anxiety and depression, suicidal attempt, drug abuse, self-injury without suicidal tendency, and HIV.
Conclusion: Transgender people are constantly harassed and abused by friends, acquaintances, classmates and teachers, and even their families. Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of HIV infection and other sexual misconduct. Therefore, governments need to implement their support programs through training centers and counseling for transgender individuals.
Soudabeh Sabetian; Bahia Namavar Jahromi; Farnia Feiz; Isabella Castiglioni; Claudia Cava; Sina Vakili
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is now spread worldwide. Therefore, informative and reliable data related to the exact effects of COVID-19 on fertility and pregnancy is still of great interest until the ...
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Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is now spread worldwide. Therefore, informative and reliable data related to the exact effects of COVID-19 on fertility and pregnancy is still of great interest until the pandemic is declared over. General guidelines regarding the protection and management of COVID-19 have been published and new information will continue to be updated daily.
Methods: In this review, we summarized clinical health guidelines for reproductive and infertility centers to improve quality management in assisted reproductive technology and minimize the potentially harmful consequences of COVID-19 on pregnancy and fertility.
Results: As specified in the literature, protocols consist of five categories, including protocols for couples, protocols for women, protocols for men, labor and delivery, and postpartum and breastfeeding.
Conclusion: General protocols for patients and staff may vary depending on specific conditions. However, this review provides some rules to ensure their safety against the disease during the pandemic.
Parviz Mirzaei; Nafiseh Vaez; Mohammad Hassan Talebian
Abstract
Background: The nature of population policies in the field of health, especially population, fertility, and childbearing is complicated, so the families’ and policymakers’ decision on the quantity and quality of the reproduction and the childbearing process has been controversial. This paper ...
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Background: The nature of population policies in the field of health, especially population, fertility, and childbearing is complicated, so the families’ and policymakers’ decision on the quantity and quality of the reproduction and the childbearing process has been controversial. This paper was conducted to identify and explain the adverse effects of population policies on reproductive health and childbearing in 1978-2020. Methods: This study has a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical design. The study participants were 30 managers and specialists who studied in the fields of policy, demography, sociology, and health at university of medical sciences in Khuzestan in 2019-2020. Delphi method was used and the data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was standardized by calculating the validity and reliability using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The authors analyzed data using descriptive and inferential statistics,. The main question was whether the population policies adopted after the Islamic Revolution have challenged decision-making on reproductive health and childbearing at both levels of operational managers and the society? The main hypothesis allocated the answer "yes" to itself. However, since policymakers still do not frequently use policy-making knowledge as a criterion for public policy, there is dissatisfaction and mistrust among families who have to implement the policies.. Thereforethe new message of the researchis that in the future, any decision and manipulation on health and population should be all-inclusive and comprehensive along with conservatism and maturity. Results: The significance level was observed in 18 items, and it indicates that population policies on reproductive health and childbearing in the studied variables have been facing challenges. The main challenges included lack of experts in reproductive health policymaking, lack of sufficient evidence to make decisions, lack of attention to spatial planning infertility policy making, lack of a coordinated system between the Ministry of Health and other ministries, lack of ideological-based reproductive health policymaking, lack of attention to the socio-economic evaluation of population policies, and lack of long-term strategic and sustainable vision in health-based policymaking. Conclusion: Population policies on reproductive health and childbearing after the revolution are not adequate for the country's decision-making system to achieve a proportionate and balanced population. Therefore, practical work and special responsibility accomplish the most promising demographic result
Faith Ireye; Alphonsus O Aigbiremolen; Olubowale Ekundare Famiyesin; Grace Ireotoi; Ephraim Ogbaini-Emovon; Osamwonyi Irowa; Osasu Imafidon; Wisdom William
Abstract
Background
Edo State has recorded recurrent Lassa fever (LF) outbreaks in the past and had the highest proportion of confirmed cases in Nigeria in 2018. The aim of this study was to profile Lassa fever contacts and demonstrate the implications of contact tracing in the control of the disease.
Methods
This ...
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Background
Edo State has recorded recurrent Lassa fever (LF) outbreaks in the past and had the highest proportion of confirmed cases in Nigeria in 2018. The aim of this study was to profile Lassa fever contacts and demonstrate the implications of contact tracing in the control of the disease.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study which was based on secondary analysis of information derived from Lassa fever contact tracing forms used during the response to the LF outbreak of 2018 in Edo State. Contact tracing and data management were part of WHO’s support to the State. Using SPSS, associations and other relationships between selected variables were tested. The significance level was set at p< 0.05.
Results
Total contacts followed up were 2527 during the period under consideration. Higher mean contacts per case (CPC) was significantly associated with contacts in Edo South, with contacts of cases that died and with cases with symptomatic contacts (F= 8.307, p<0.001; t= 14.995, p<0.001; t= 6.161, p= 0.014 respectively). Following the integration of contact tracing with awareness campaigns, the number of newly diagnosed cases per week dropped from over 30 in the 7th week to 2 in the 13th week (42 days or 2 incubation periods).
Conclusion
Effective contact tracing contributed significantly to the identification of symptomatic contacts and to rapid control of the 2018 Lassa fever outbreak in Edo State. We recommend the deployment of effective contact tracing in the control of outbreaks of viral haemorrhagic fevers especially Lassa fever.
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.
Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Hamed Delam; Maasumeh Elahi; Sahar Akbarpoor; Zohreh Faramarzian
Abstract
Background: The mental health of healthcare workers has been a concern during the outbreak of 2019 novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19). Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the anxiety of the healthcare workers during Covid-19 epidemic and to discover the factors affecting it.
Methods:The ...
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Background: The mental health of healthcare workers has been a concern during the outbreak of 2019 novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19). Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the anxiety of the healthcare workers during Covid-19 epidemic and to discover the factors affecting it.
Methods:The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. In this study, the anxiety of 124 nurses, operating room staff, midwives and anesthetists working in different wards of Imam Reza Hospital in Lar in 2020 was assessed using the Corona Anxiety Scale Questionnaire.
Results: The results showed that most of the samples were female, married, with a bachelor's degree and an average age of 33 years. 53 (42.8%) participants had mild anxiety and 34 (27.4%) had severe anxiety. Comparison of anxiety levels based on demographic variables of participants in the study showed that there was no significant relationship between anxiety levels with gender, marital status, education level, and field of study (P> 0.05).
Conclusion:According to the results of the study and the worsening of the COVID-19 epidemic, there is a need to strengthen the awareness and address the issues related to mental health of healthcare workers.
Ratnakar Shukla; Nidhi Shah; Sharmila Patil; Anant Patel; Mohammad Goldust; Ruchita Hasija; Nitin Nadkarni
Abstract
Background: This study was performed to describe clinical profile of patients with androgenic alopecia and investigate the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in androgenic alopecia.Methods: In this prospective study, adult patients in stage III-VI androgenic alopecia were enrolled. ...
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Background: This study was performed to describe clinical profile of patients with androgenic alopecia and investigate the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in androgenic alopecia.Methods: In this prospective study, adult patients in stage III-VI androgenic alopecia were enrolled. Their clinical profile, i.e., age, duration of alopecia, history of previous treatment, family history of alopecia, pattern of alopecia, grade of alopecia, and hair pull test were noted. The enrolled patients were treated with PRP once a month for 3 months and evaluated with clinical photographs. Hair density and hair thickness were measured using USB portable digital trichoscope and digital computerized trichoscan analysis. Clinical evaluation was performed using a 4-point scale including worsening, no improvement, mild improvement, and moderate to significant improvement. Patients were followed every month for 4 months after the procedure.Results: Out of 36 patients, 7 (20%) had a history of previous treatment and 12 (33.3%) had a positive family history of alopecia. The mean (SD) hair count of 17.33 (4.42) at visit 1 increased to 19.20 (6.24) at visit 4 (P<0.0001). The mean hair thickness increased from 0.07 (0.058) mm at visit 1 to 0.11±0.09 mm at visit 4 (P<0.0001). Overall, clinically significant and mild improvement was observed in 11 (33.66%) and 9 (30%) patients, respectively. No improvement was observed in 4 (13.33%) patients, whereas 2 (6.66%) patients experienced worsening of the condition.Conclusion: PRP is effective in increasing the hair count and hair thickness. However, clinically significant improvement was observed in only one third of the patients. PRP can be considered as an adjuvant treatment for patients with androgenic alopecia.
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.
Monireh Alipoor; Jeyran Ostovarfar; Mahin Nazari; Ahmad Maghsoudi
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a period of important emotional, physical, and mental changes characterized by significant adjustment problems. Adjustment with others is the most essential aspect of personal development. On the other hand, the inability to adjust with others may disrupt the normal flow ...
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Background: Adolescence is a period of important emotional, physical, and mental changes characterized by significant adjustment problems. Adjustment with others is the most essential aspect of personal development. On the other hand, the inability to adjust with others may disrupt the normal flow of everyday life and emotional, social, and cognitive aspects. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between adjustment and individual and family characteristics in secondary school female students in Mahshahr city.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 students. The participants were selected through multi-stage sampling. First, the data were collected using two questionnaires, including demographic and Adjustment Inventory for School Students (AISS). Then, the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, chi-square, correlation coefficient, and one-way ANOVA.
Results: The results showed a significant relationship between the mother’s educational level, the families’ economic conditions , and leisure time management with total and emotional adjustment in students(P<0.05). There was a significant relationship between the number of brothers and the educational level of the mother, with educational adjustment in students. (P <0.05). The correlation coefficient results showed a positive and significant correlation (P <0.05) between emotional, social, and educational adjustment,
Conclusion: According to the research findings, family factors need special attention to increase student adjustment.
Zohreh Hatami; Fariba Hasani; Roya Kochakentezar; Fatemeh Golshani
Abstract
Background: Having an appropriate appearance in adolescent girls is one of the important traits of adolescence that is affected by various psychological factors and causes the formation of different eating attitudes and behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of body checking ...
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Background: Having an appropriate appearance in adolescent girls is one of the important traits of adolescence that is affected by various psychological factors and causes the formation of different eating attitudes and behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of body checking behaviors associated with alexithymia and parenting behavior to eating attitudes of adolescent girls.
Methods: The research method was cross-sectional, descriptive-correlation based on structural equations. The statistical samples of the study included all female high school students in Torbat-e Heydarieh, Khorasan Razavi in the academic year of 2018-2019 (N = 2832); of them, 390 were selected according to the Slovin formula and multi-stage cluster sampling. They filled out alexithymia questionnaires by Bagby et al., and parental rearing methods by Baumrind, and body checking by Reese et al. The obtained data were analyzed by regression equations using SPSS 23 and Amos 18 software.
Results: The findings showed a positive and significant correlation between the variables of alexithymia, permissive, authoritarian parenting behavior and body checking behaviors with eating attitude; also, there was a significant negative correlation between the variables of assertive and authoritative parenting behavior with eating attitude (P<0.01). Also, eating attitude based on alexithymia, authoritarian and authoritative parenting behaviors could be directly and indirectly predictable through the mediation of body checking behaviors, and the research model was approved. It can be concluded that when alexithymia and parental behavior are combined with body checking behaviors, they have more effects on the intensity of eating attitudes.
Conclusion: According to the results, training parenting methods and emotional skills affect the formation of positive attitudes about the body checking and creating normal eating attitude.
Efat Mohamadi; Zhila Najafpour; Mohammad Mehdi Kiani; Morteza Mohammadzadeh; Amirhossein Takian; Alireza Olyaeemanesh
Abstract
Background: There are substantial differences in the health outcomes across countries. Then, assessment of the status of health indicators can give us a valuable information to adjust policies to improve the health status in the world. This paper examines differences and relationships of health status ...
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Background: There are substantial differences in the health outcomes across countries. Then, assessment of the status of health indicators can give us a valuable information to adjust policies to improve the health status in the world. This paper examines differences and relationships of health status and contextual factors.Methods: This is a multi-country cross-sectional study performed using secondary data of different sources in 2019. We identified indicators that revealed the relationships of health status and health coverage and also contextual factors by expert panel which consist of two categories of indicators: (1) producing health indicators as dependent variables (Life expectancy, Healthy life expectancy, Maternal mortality ratio, Under-five mortality rate and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) service coverage indicator); (2) contextual indicators as independent variables (Current Health Expenditure, Skilled health professionals density, Population density and Government Type). Also, countries were categorized based on the income level and six regions of World Health Organization (WHO). We used SPSS 20 software for a descriptive analysis and R 2018 software for statistical analysis and also drawing of scatter charts.Results: Results showed a considerable gap between the average of life expectancy (84.2 vs. 53 years) and healthy life expectancy rate (72-63.3 years). This disparity was observed in the Maternal mortality and Under-5 mortality rate (from 882 to 3 per 100000 live births), (5 is 2.1 and the highest is 127.3). Although there was a marginal correlation between population density indicator and life expectancy, healthy life expectancy, and under-5 mortality rate indicators (±0.2), there was no correlation between population density and maternal mortality rate with UHC (P>0.05).Conclusion: There is a considerable difference between countries in producing health indicators based on contextual indicators; a comprehensive health system approach that can result in improvement in the health outcome.
Qasem Asgari; Seyedeh-Zahra Zandavi; Mohammad Djaefar Moemenbellah-Fard; Amin Hosseinpour; Mohsen Kalantari; Aboozar Soltani
Abstract
Background: Leishmaniasis, as a neglected health issue, is spreading in most parts of the world. It is one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Iran. Bee venom has shown a wide range of medicinal properties. The present study aimed to survey the effect of venom and propolis of Apis mellifera ...
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Background: Leishmaniasis, as a neglected health issue, is spreading in most parts of the world. It is one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Iran. Bee venom has shown a wide range of medicinal properties. The present study aimed to survey the effect of venom and propolis of Apis mellifera on Leishmania major in different environments, including in vivo and in vitro.Methods: In this experimental study, bee venom was extracted using the modified Benton method, and propolis was prepared by the soxhletation method. The promastigotes of L. major were exposed to the different doses of the venom (0.03125-1 μg/ml) and propolis (2.5-80 μg/ml) and then evaluated by MTT assay and Flowcytometry after 24 hours. In vivo phases, 107 promastigotes of the L. major in stationary phase were intradermally inoculated into 48 mice based on the study design. After appearance of the wounds, the mice were topically treated with the lotion containing different doses (5 and 10 μg/ml) of the venom and propolis. The size of the ulcers was measured for four weeks.Results: The results showed that propolis and BV had no significant effects on the vitality of Leishmania promastigotes. However, they had a high mortality effect on macrophages. The highest mortality belonged to propolis (78.39 %). In vivo results showed significant differences between some treated and control groups in terms of the mean ulcer size.Conclusion: It seems that a combination of honeybee venom and propolis in a particular dosage can prevent the development of the ulcers caused by L. major. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects of their constituent compounds precisely.
Mahtab Ardeshirzadeh; Saeed Bakhtiarpour; Rezvan Homaei; Zahra Eftekhar Saadi
Abstract
Background: Divorce, as an issue, can contribute to the development of a wide range of problems and consequences and frequently lead to an increased risk of social problems at both individual and social levels. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) ...
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Background: Divorce, as an issue, can contribute to the development of a wide range of problems and consequences and frequently lead to an increased risk of social problems at both individual and social levels. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on post-divorce adjustment in divorced women referred to the counseling center in Ahvaz city in 2019.
Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test, posttest, and follow-up design and a control group. Using convenience sampling, we selected 45 divorced women willing to participate in the study. Then, we randomly divided them into two experimental groups (compassion-focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy) and a control group (n = 15 per group). The research instrument included the Fisher Divorce Adjustment Scale (FDAS). The first intervention program consisted of eight 60-minute sessions of compassion-focused therapy and the second intervention program consisted of ten 90-minute sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy.
Results: The results showed that both compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) were effective in increasing post-divorce adjustment in divorced women (p<0.01). There was no significant difference between the CFT and ACT on post-divorce adjustment in this group of women (p>0.05). These results continued until the follow-up stage.
Conclusion: According to research findings, both CFT and ACT were efficient therapies in increasing post-divorce adjustment in divorced women. Thus, both approaches can strengthen treatment interventions to increase adjustment in divorced women
Azadeh Mehrdoost; Reza Jalilzadeh Yengejeh; Mohammad Kazem Mohammadi; Ali Akbar Babaei; Azadeh Haghighatzadeh
Abstract
Background: Pharmaceutical pollutants are one of the most important pollutants for water resources, and their health and environmental effects have been well estimated.Absorption is one of the best methods of the removal of antibiotics using nanocomposite.
Methods: This experimental study was performed ...
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Background: Pharmaceutical pollutants are one of the most important pollutants for water resources, and their health and environmental effects have been well estimated.Absorption is one of the best methods of the removal of antibiotics using nanocomposite.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on Nano composites. The PAC/Fe/Si/Zn Nano composite was successfully synthesized using a co-precipitation method in which iron (Fe), silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) were loaded on the activated carbon powder (PAC). The structural features of the as-synthesized Nano composite were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The as-synthesized Nano composite was utilized to remove azithromycin and cefixime from aqueous solution with the assistance of UV light. The effect of operational parameters such as pH, irradiation time, initial azithromycin/cefixime concentration and Nano composite dose on UV-assisted removal performance was evaluated using an optimization process.
Results: The UV-assisted removal activities indicated more removal percentage (99.7%) for azithromycin compared to cefixime (95.6%). The kinetics of removal was tested using Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, indicating the first-order reaction kinetics as the best model for UV-assisted removal of both azithromycin and cefixime. Adsorption equilibrium data were modeled using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Azithromycin equilibrium adsorption showed a good fit with both Langmuir and Freundlich models, while the most suitable model for cefixime adsorption was estimated to be Langmuir isotherm.
Conclusion: The findings showed that PAC/Fe/Si/Zn Nano composite were well able to degrade non-biodegradable antibiotics in aqueous solutions, which is very valuable from environmental aspects.
