Showing 30 results for Sharifi
S Bokaie, L Sharifi, S Mamishi, A Nadim,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (25 2006)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Kala azar is a parasitic disease which belongs to the category of metazoonoses (a communicable disease which requires at least to an invertebrate host), In Iran canines are major reservoir for it and most of patients are 6 months to 2 years old. The aim of this study was evaluation of the clinical and epidemiologic aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in patients visiting the Children Medical Center over the 12 past years.
Methods: This study used the hospital records of a case series of 106 kala azar patients hospitalized in the Children's Medical Center between 1991 and 2001. We extracted and analyzed data on geographical location, background factors, clinical and laboratory findings, response to treatment and Glucantimeâ side effects.
Results: The greatest number of cases was seen in 1992 and the smallest number in 1993 and 2003 the number of cases peaked in the spring. Most patients referred to the Center are aged 1 to 4 years, and there is a strong preponderance of males (82.1% vs 17.9%). The majority of these children came from families in which the breadwinner was a peasants or a laborer. Common laboratory findings included anemia, rising ESR titers and thrombocytopenia. The most striking clinical signs and symptoms were fever, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Eighty-three percent of the patients had shown clinical improvement, 1.9% had died and 15.1% had relapsed. Moreover, in 52.8% of cases, the disease was treated successfully with within 2 weeks the incidence of Glucantimâ side effects was low. The cities of Khorramabad, Karaj and Saveh had produced the greatest numbers of cases.
Conclusions: Compared to other studies, our case series showed a higher proportion of male patients and a somewhat different clinical and laboratory profile. However, the most important achievement of this study was identification of major endemic foci in Ardabil province, northwestern parts of Ghom province, Khorramabad, and regions located south of the Alborz Mountains (e.g. Saveh
I Sharifi, F Zamani, Mr Aflatoonian, Ar Fekri,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (22 2008)
Abstract
Background & objective: In Iran, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) as a health problem is increasing and presenting two epidemiological forms Zoonotic CL (ZCL) and anthroponotic CL (ACL). The objective of the present study was to introduce the CL epidemic in Baft district, Kerman province.
Methods: This study was conducted in 3 villages Soltanabad, Vakilabad and Shahmaran as a census between spring and autumn of 1998 in Orzoeihe region, Baft district. Various epidemiological aspects of this epidemic including prevalence and related demographic factors, diagnosis by direct smears, identification of the causative species by immunological and biological methods were determined.
Results: Population of the 3 villages was 13721 mean 21.8±13.9 years, 50.7% males and 49.3% females.. The prevalence rate of 12.3% with mean age of 16.3±12.1 years were infected. Most of the cases were in 10-20 years of age and in Soltanabad (30.6%). The mean number of lesions was 2.58, majority with ≥2 lesions, frequently located on the legs and hands. No previous history of CL scar were observed. All 100 IFAT, 30 ELISA tests and 18 inoculated mice showed L.major as the overall causative agent.
Conclusions: This is the first epidemic of CL occurred in the southern villages of Baft district with high severity in all age and sex groups in a new agricultural region. Probably the source of infection was the new comers who arrived the region from endemic areas for agricultural purposes and infecting the gerbils. Thus, this new agricultural development has created an extraordinary suitable condition for propagation of rodents and sand fly populations, then the occurrence of the new epidemic in rural residence, consequently.
D Tayyebi, M Tabatabaii, M Rahsaz, S Sharifi, M Shariati, I Sohrabi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (20 2009)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a one the cause of congenital illness and disability, including hearing loss and mental retardation. CMV is a herpesvirus which establishes a persistent life-long infection. Since the prevalence of antibodies against the virus varies in different geographical areas in the world, we decided to identify the seroepidemiology of CMV infection.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 360 volunteer asymptomatic healthy female students in Islamic Azad University of Kazeroun. The men age of subjects was 20.8 years. For serological studies five (ml) of blood sample was collected and the serum was isolated by centrifugation. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for determination of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies of CMV. Finally the results were analyzed by statistical methods.
Results: Overall, CMV-IgG antibody was positive in 340 persons (94.4%) out of 360 subjects and they have a previous infection. However, Only four persons (1.1 %) were determined to have IgM antibody. Also we couldn’t find any significant difference concerning their fields of study and their residency (p>0.05).
Conclusions: With considering the high rat of CMV infection rate in young female, it is suggested to have appropriate preventive programs for women particular in susceptible groups.
I Najafi , M Hosseini , S Safari , A Shojaee, A Sharifi, M Mehrani , R Babaee ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (11 2010)
Abstract
Background & objectives: In the management of crush syndrome, the way of treating compartment syndrome is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of compartment syndrome treatment after Bam earthquake.
Methods: Clinical and laboratory findings of all fasciotomized patients in Bam earthquake were analyzed. Then nonfasciotomized patients with same characteristics were selected and the outcomes of two groups were compared.
Results: Fasciotomy for 107 injured out of 2962 hospitalized patients, was performed (46% female). Mean age of fasciotomized patients was 27.4±9.7 years (min=10, max=65 year). There were not significant differences in the final outcome of two groups with the same clinical, biochemical and demographic characteristics.
Conclusions: Fasciotomy for 107 injured out of 2962 hospitalized patients, was performed (46% female). Mean age of fasciotomized patients was 27.4±9.7 years (min=10, max=65 year). There were not significant differences in the final outcome of two groups with the same clinical, biochemical and demographic characteristics.
Mr Aflatoonian, I Sharifi, L Ranjbar,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (22 2010)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in district of Bam. It has created considerable concerns by people and health authorities. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the earthquake and costs of prevention on CL prevalence after earthquake
Methods: This research is based on a natural intervention, in which the information related to the costs and prevalence of CL were collected and analyzed three years after the earthquake (2006-2008) and then compared with similar data three years before the earthquake (2000-2002) as control group.
Results: the earthquake increased the CL prevalence approximately 5.2 fold, although the cost of prevention had no significant effect on control of disease. The average cost of prevention was determined to be two US dollars per capita during the years after the earthquake. It figures up an overall estimation of 600000 US dollars for the three years after the earthquake. Meanwhile the cost of prevention before the earthquake was determined less than 5% comparing to after earthquake.
Conclusions: The findings of this cost-analysis showed that the current and conventional methods of CL prevention seem not useful. It could be concluded that current preventive measures such as spraying and impregnated bed nets particularly in natural disasters would have no effect on control of disease. Further researches are needed to find out the best method of prevention of CL disease. At present, it seems that early case-finding and prompt treatment of cases would be a proper method to control anthropometric CL .
H Akbarein, A Bahonar, Oa Nekouei Jahromi, H Sharifi,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (20 2011)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Designing and application of experimental studies in veterinary medicine have
been given paid more attention in recent years. This review aimed to evaluate the methodological quality of all
published articles in Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran between 2000 and 2009.
Methods: Evaluation studies with experimental designs were identified by reviewing titles and abstracts. Two
reviewers coded reporting quality of articles.
Results: Of the 738 total published articles, 289 (39.16%) articles had experimental designs. Sample size was
reported in 93.4% of studies, only 36% of studies explained their study design clearly and randomization was
reported only in 33.6%. The ethical approval was mentioned in only two percent. Seventy six percent studies had
comparison group.
Conclusion: The quality of reporting of experimental studies in the Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
was not generally acceptable. Therefore it is felt that authors should consider more necessary criteria for
standard publication in veterinary journals.
Mr Aflatoonian, I Sharifi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (11 2011)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one the major health problem in tropical and sub– tropical countries. Bam district in Iran is an old focus of anthroponotic CL (ACL). The aim of this survey was to assess the prevalence rate of CL by case– finding, treatment of cases and training of primary school children in the city and suburb of Bam in 2010.
Methods: All school children in three levels (18501 children) were included. Children were physically examined for presence of sores or scars. Suspected cases were referred to the center for cutaneous leishmaniasis control (CCLC) for diagnosis and the CL positive children were treated, accordingly. School children were trained and also educational and informative pamphlets were given to their parents.
Results: After initial physical examination ,117 suspected school children (6.9%) were referred to the CCLC and 48 children (28 per 10000) diagnosed as CL patients, comprising of 19 females (39.5%) and 29 males (60.5%). Fifteen (31.2%) school children were identified as lupoid leishmaniasis, failure to treatment or non – healing cases.
Conclusion: The prevalence rate was decreased about 18– fold as compared to the previous investigation in 2005. Establishment of the CCLC, active case– finding and subsequent treatment, seem to be a successful model for controlling CL in the endemic countries.
Mr Aflatoonian, I Sharifi, A Nadim, B Aflatoonian,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Bam is one of the old CL centers and this study aimed to determine and compare the period prevalence among its population and housing units in two periods of 1990-92 and 2010-2012.
Methods: In this descriptive–analytical study, data were collected in the questionnaires through door-to-door visits environmental hygiene, and inquiring the history of the CL disease. A questionnaire was completed for each household, the data were analyzed using SPSS software and t- and X2 tests. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The prevalence rates in the periods 1998-1999 and 2010-2012 were 10.3% and 2.1%, in the study population and 33.6% and 5.5% in the residential units in the period of the last 3 years, respectively with a very significant difference (P<0.0001). The environmental hygiene of the houses in terms of vector breeding was significantly lower in the period 1990-1992 than 2010-2012 (P<0.0001). The mean score of environmental hygiene was 11.5 and 16.6 out of 20 during the two periods, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, urban CL is extremely reflective of the environmental changes and probably the best preventive measure is to improve the environmental hygienic conditions in and around the households. Public participation and commitment of the health authorities in this regard could be an important measure for planning preventive programs.
H Akbarein, Ar Bahonar, S Bokaie, N Mosavar, A Rahimi- Foroushani , H Sharifi, As Makenali, Nd Rokni, B Marhamati- Khameneh , S Broumanfar,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (Vol 10, No.3 2014)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Bovine Tuberculosis (BTB) is one of the most important zoonoses. Mycobacterium bovis is the responsible agent of BTB in the cattle. The current study was conducted to investigate the determination factors of BTB in dairy farms covered by the tuberculin screening test.
Methods: A herd level case- control study was carried out in 124 (62 cases & 62 controls) dairy farms in the provinces of Tehran, Alborz, Hamedan, Isfahan, Qazvin, Qom, Mazandaran and Semnan. The control farms were individually matched with case farms by farm capacity and distance. Statistical analyses were done by Stata 11.2 using conditional logistic regression.
Results: Proper management of manure (OR=0.12 95% CI: 0.03-0.49), regular flaming of stalls (OR= 0.21 95% CI: 0.04-0.92) and complete fencing around the farm (OR= 0.17 95% CI: 0.03-0.81) decreased while the presence of rodents (rat) (OR= 4.90 95% CI: 1.04-23.01) increased the risk of infection. The interaction among these variables was not statistically significant
Conclusion: According to the results, there is an essential need to pay more attention to rodent control in farms.
M Mohammadkhani , H Sharifi, H Rashidi, Ar Nabipour, M Jahanshahi,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (Vol 10, No 4 2015)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Brucellosis is a zoonosis disease that is important in humans and animals. Since the disease is important in ranchers and veterinarians, we conducted this study to estimate the seroprevalence of the infection in these groups in Kerman.
Methods: In this descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, 187 industrial and semi-industrial dairy personnel and veterinary network staff of Kerman in 2012 were recruited. Rose Bengal, Wright and 2-Mercaptoethanol were done on serum samples. Demographic and occupational characteristics of the participants were recorded. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression via the Stata software. Results: The prevalence of brucellosis was 3.2%. In this study, the history of brucellosis in the family, working in the veterinary network, and working in semi-industrial versus industrial dairy farms were the risk factors of the disease.
Conclusion: Although the prevalence of the infection was lower than other studies, it was still considerable in these groups therefore, it is necessary to improve preventive measures in these groups.
H Sharifi, Aa Haghdoost,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (Vol 11, No 1 2015)
Abstract
Background & Objectives : Management of time-dependent variables is the advantages of survival analysis. This study compares time-dependent and -independent variables in survival analysis in culling of dairy cows.
Methods: In this historical cohort, 7067 dairy cows in the Province of Tehran were recruited. Cows were followed to the next calving or culling. Data on the occurrence of health disorders, calving season, parity, and milk production was obtained. Model 1 treated diseases as time-independent covariates. In models 2, up to 5 diseases were considered time-dependent covariates. For each observation, we split follow-up time in intervals each corresponding to a different lactation month using Lexis expansion of the original dataset. Model 2 assumed that an animal experienced a certain disease from the beginning of the occurrence of that disease by the end of the period. Model 3 assumed that cows were at risk from the begging of the study until the disease occurred (inverse of model 2). In models 4 and 5, an animal was assumed to experience a certain disease for 1 month if the disease occurred during this period. In Model 4 assumed diseases occurred only one time, and in model 5, multiple disease occurrences at different months were considered as different episodes.
Results : AIC in model 1 and 5 was 10809 and 10366 moreover, BIC was 10926 and 10528. According to this numbers and the shape of the Cox-Snell Residuals, model 5 with Gompertz distribution was the best model.
Conclusion : Models without time dependency tended to seriously underestimate the risk of a disease on culling.
Mr Aflatoonian, I Sharifi, Mr Shirzadi, B Aflatoonian,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (Vol 12, No.1 2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is restricted to humans; thus, prompt diagnosis and early treatment are significant measures to control the disease. This study was conducted to determine the effect of direct active case- detection and early treatment on the control of ACL in Bam District.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed based on intervention and nonintervention. After the 2003 earthquake, an equipped treatment center was established to actively detect CL cases following the CL epidemic. This intervention was carried out in 2007 and the suspected cases were referred to the center for diagnosis and treatment Another comparable CL treatment center was selected as the control in Kerman. The recorded data of the patients were analyzed with statistical tests at p<0.05.
Results: The incidence rate steadily increased to 30% from 2003 to 2007 whereas the incidence gradually decreased to 1% after the intervention. However, by contrast, the incidence rate increased significantly in the control area. The treatment failure and relapse rate of ACL showed no significant difference with the control group before and after the intervention. The effectiveness of the intervention was calculated to be 85%.
Conclusion: Active case-detection and early treatment of ACL could be an effective measure in controlling ACL, particularly during epidemics. Lessons learned from the 2003 Bam earthquake could be used as a suitable model for ACL endemic areas, nationally and globally.
R Safari Faramani, H Akbarin, Aa Haghdoost, A Beigzadeh, Ah Takian, R Malekzadeh, E Mostafavi, H Sharifi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (Vol 12, No.1 2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Taking into account the roles and positions of WHO Collaborating Centers (WHOCCs) in the furtherance of national goals and the great impact of their interaction as well as cooperative relations between these centres, this study was conducted to assess the current status of WHOCCs, identify opportunities and threats, and provide practical solutions to solve WHOCCs problems.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an open-ended questionnaire in 2014. The questionnaire revolved around the WHOCCs' status in terms of goal achievement, manpower problems, financial resources, communications, as well as suggestions to solve problems in these domains. These findings were approved in the second convention of the heads of WHOCCs in Kerman in 2014 and the questionnaires of the second phase were distributed and completed by participants. Data were analyzed using the content analysis method.
Results: The majority of the centres assessed their performance regarding the national goals (11.59) in comparison with international goals (14.20), and self-regulated goal setting (14.7o) in an unfavorable condition. Financial problems and lack of recruitment were the most important problems for WHOCCs. The support of the Ministry of Health, WHO, supporting universities, and establishing research networks at national and international levels to foster communication, contracts to share experiences and resources, considering the authors' rights as well as introducing the competencies of centres at national and international levels, were some of the suggestions proposed.
Conclusion: It seems that more support of the WHO, Ministry of Health, and supporting universities is needed to increase financial resources and recruit staff.
Mr Aflatoonian, I Sharifi, M Zeinali, M Bamorovat, B Aflatoonian,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (Vol 12, No 2 2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a public health problem in Iran and Kerman Province which is expanding to new foci. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence of CL by a simple and cost – effective method in a major focus of CL in the city of Kerman, southeastern Iran.
Methods: A combination of two longitudinal and cross – sectional studies was performed. First, the frequency of referred patients to the CL treatment clinic in 2009-2014 was assessed. Then, four highly infected zones consisting of 800 households in the city were selected. In addition, the relative proportions of referred and non – referred subjects were assessed. Eventually, the incidence of CL was calculated by dividing the number of CL cases over the total at risk population for the corresponding period (2009-2014).
Results: The mean annual incidence was 175 per 100000 (943 patients) in the city of Kerman, while it was 500 per 100000 people (0.5%) in the new foci. The highest CL infection was observed among the <25-year-old individuals but there was no significant difference between the sexes.
Conclusion:The incidence rate probably increased significantly following the 2003 Bam earthquake because of the migration of CL patients to southern, eastern, and northeastern areas of the city of Kerman. Since only 50% of the cases were passively referred to the CL treatment clinic, health authorities should actively detect CL cases by house – to – house visit for effective treatment strategies.
Z Boluki , A Bahonar, K Amiri, H Akbarin, H Sharifi, A Akbari Sari, R Partovi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (Vol.12, No.4 2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Brucellosis in livestock has led to a significant reduction in the economic capital in Iran. Estimation of the economic losses due to this disease helps to highlight the importance of the disease and makes it easy to justify brucellosis control programs.
Methods: Estimation was done based on the data received from the Iran Veterinary Organization and statistics book of the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture. Economic Loss was estimated assuming the equality of the incidence of the disease in total livestock population with its incidence in tested livestock. The direct costs of culled brucella positive animals, reduced milk production, reduced weight of animal, abortion, and reduced fertility were calculated based on the price of the animal or the product in each year. Due to inflation, the costs were adjusted using the discount rate. Therefore, the losses were compared in each year.
Results: The maximum loss due to brucellosis in the studied period occurred in 2014. Comparison of the losses due to bovine and ovine brucellosis showed that the total economic loss in the sheep and goat population was 5.53 times greater than the loss in the cattle population. Estimation of total economic loss in 12 years of the study was 8,129,116 million IRR (1 USD≅35000 IRR).
Conclusion: More serious attention should be paid to animal brucellosis from both health and economic points of view. Prevention from massive economic losses and human brucellosis control and eradication will not be possible without controlling the disease in the animal population.
S Sharifi, M Karami, N Esmailnasab, Gh Rooshanaei, Farsan,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (Vol.12, No.4 2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cardiac diseases are a major cause of death in Iran. The number of deaths from cardiac diseases can be reduced through controlling air pollution. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between increased air pollution and mortality from respiratory and cardiac diseases in Tehran.
Methods: The average daily concentrations of five pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10) were collected from 8 stations in Tehran, Iran. Then, their effects on the number of daily deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were calculated using time series and Poisson GLARMA model (generalized linear autoregressive moving average). The climatic elements such as mean, maximum, and minimum temperature and daily humidity were considered as confounding factors.
Results: After adjustment for potential confounding variables of the final model of the pollutants, the mean daily ozone level (P = 0.02) and particulate matters less than 10 microns (P <0.001) had a significant correlation with the number of daily deaths.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study that addressed the relationship between air pollutants and death using new statistical methods, it is necessary to take more effective measures to control ozone and particulate matters less than 10 microns to reduce the mortality of heart and respiratory diseases in Tehran.
R Sahebi, Sa Motevalian, L Sahebi, H Sharifi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (Vol.13, No.2, Summer 2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the intrinsic estimator method and the age, period and cohort accounting model used for identifying age, period, and cohort trends in incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates.
Methods: The data of 2 studies " Age, Period, and Cohort Effects on Alcohol and Drug use Among Students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences from 2006 to 2009" and "The Role of Age, Period, and Cohort Effects on Smoking among the Students of Tehran University of Medical Science "were used. First the age, period and cohort accounting model and then The IE method are explained, their advantages and disadvantages are discussed, and their results are compared.
Results: Both methods showed an increasing, decreasing, and increasing trend for age, cohort, and cohort effect for the prevalence of smoking. IE could predict a preventing effect for an early age factor for smoking. In the descriptive model, a decreasing trend was seen from old cohorts to younger cohorts in nearly all age groups. However, the IE method did not show any cohort effects for alcohol consumption in female studnets.
Conclusion: Currently, the IE method is the best method for solving linear dependence between three variables of age, birth cohort, and period in this type of studies. However, researchers should use it with caution because it has many pitfalls.
S Abbaszadeh, Mr Baneshi, F Zolala, Y Jahani, H Sharifi,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (Vol.13, No.3, Atumn 2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: We may sometimes measure the joint effect of correlated independent variables on several dependent variablesThe present study aimed to evaluate the performance of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) on complex relationships between variables.
Methods: The present study evaluated the knowledge and attitude of 15-18 year-old individuals towards narcotics (glass, ecstasy). The effect of independent variables on two latent variables of knowledge and attitudes was studied using SEM and MANOVA modelingThe mean square error of methods were compared.
Results: The direction of associations was similar in both methods but their coefficients and p-values were different. only the effect of gender (P-value= 0.007) on knowledge in both methods was significant. Nevertheless, gender (P-value < 0.001) and marital status (P-value< 0.001) were significantly associated with attitude in both methods. The mean square error of multivariate analysis of variance and structural equation modeling was 0.98 and 0.002 respectively.
Conclusion: In the current studythe performance of SEM was better than MANOVA. Therefore, it is suggested that SEM to be used to study the multifactorial relationship between variables. In addition, only gender was effective on knowledge in both methods, while gender and marital status were effective on attitude in both methods.
Mm Vakili, L Babakhani, S Sharifi, A Moazen, Z Mehrabi, K Kamali, M Namadian, E Shakibazadeh,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Vol.14, No.2, 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The pandemic of HIV/AIDS is spreading rapidly in the Middle East, in particular in Iran. Designing an educational program involves assessment of the educational needs of people with valid and culture-based tools. This study was conducted with the aim of psychometric analysis of an instrument for assessment of HIV/AIDS knowledge based on the Iranian culture in different population groups.
Methods: In this psychometric analysis, 58 items related to AIDS knowledge were prepared based on a literature review. Then, the face validity and content validity of the instrument was determent by the impact item score, content validity ratio (CVR), and content validity index (CVI). The reliability of the scale was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test-retest.
Results: Based on face validity and content validity, the research scale had 44 items with an item impact score > 1.5, a CVR > 0.49, and a CVI > 0.79. The Scale had three sections, general knowledge about HIV/AIDS (9 items), knowledge about HIV transmission (25 items), and knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention (10 items). The Scale also had a high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient=0.77-0.91, ICC=0.88)
Conclusion: The results of the study showed the instrument was a valid and reliable scale for measurement of knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
Mm Vakili, A Moazen, S Sharifi, K Kamali,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (Vol.14, No.3, 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The results of recent studies suggest that model-based health education programs are more effective in changing health behaviors. Interventional programs based on health education theories can be used to explain individual and psychological behavioral determinants in order to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS. This study was conducted with the aim of psychometric analysis of an HIV scale based on model, population and culture of Iran.
Methods: We used qualitative and quantitative methods during August 2015 to December 2017. The items were generated based on a literature review and interviews with an expert panel. After providing a primary list of the instrument items, we used content and face validity. The first step of the study was done in a sample of medical and non-medical college and high school student from Zanjan. The exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability of the scale were measured.
Results: Fifty-eight items were generated from interviews with experts and review of the literature. After measuring the face and content validity, the items decreased to 53 items. The exploratory factor analysis discovered five factors (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy), including 30 items for high school students and 31 for university students, that predictive more than 58% of the observed variance. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the sub-scales ranged from 0.80 to 0.86, and the ICC was above 0.86.
Conclusion: The results showed that the HBM was a valid and reliable tool for measuring the HIV/AIDS beliefs and could be used in future investigations.
