Volume 19, Issue 2 (Vol.19, No.2, Summer 2023)                   irje 2023, 19(2): 98-110 | Back to browse issues page

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Hajivalizadeh F, Sanjari M, Fahimfar N, Khalagi K, Mansourzadeh M J, Hesari E, et al . Inequality in the Distribution of Bone Densitometer Devices in Iran. irje 2023; 19 (2) :98-110
URL: http://irje.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7193-en.html
1- General Practitioner, Non-Communicable Diseases Control and Prevention Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
2- Associate Professor of Nursing, Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Obesity and Eating Habits Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5- PhD in Medical Librarianship and information, Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
6- MSc in Epidemiology, Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
7- Professor of Endocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
8- MSc in Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
9- MSc. in Epidemiology, Non-Communicable Diseases Control and Prevention Office, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
10- Professor of Epidemiology, Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , aostovar@tums.ac.ir
Abstract:   (464 Views)
Background and Objectives: In Iran, a substantial number of individuals at risk of osteoporosis lack access to osteoporosis diagnostic services, highlighting a significant gap in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of osteoporosis. This study aims to investigate the distribution of bone densitometer devices in Iran.
Methods: Bone densitometry devices across the country in 2018 were assessed through a comprehensive census. Information regarding these devices was gathered based on their location (urban or rural), ownership (government or private), adherence to standards, and years of operation. To calculate the inequality index in the distribution of devices among cities within a province, the frequency of devices in the provincial center was compared to those outside the center. To assess the inequality in the distribution of devices among the provinces of the country, the Lorenz curve and concentration index were utilized. All values were calculated per one million people over 50 years of age.
Results: Of the total 492 bone density measurement devices in the country, 399 devices (81.0%) were located in provincial centers. Out of these, 103 (20.9%) devices were in government-owned centers, while 389 (79.0%) devices were in privately-owned centers. For every one million individuals over 50 years old, the total number of devices, standard devices, standard devices with less than 10 years of operation, and devices in government-owned centers were calculated as 33.4, 20.3, 9.9, and 7, respectively. The inequality index in the distribution of devices in the cities was found to be 4.7. Furthermore, the inequality index in the distribution of devices between provinces was estimated as 0.13 (95%CI: 0.005-0.25) (P value=0.05).
Conclusion: There exists a significant disparity in the distribution of bone densitometry devices across the provinces and cities within the country.
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Epidemiology
Received: 2023/01/10 | Accepted: 2023/09/30 | Published: 2023/09/9

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