J Poorolajal, P Tajik, B Yazdizadeh, M Sehat, Ar Salehi, M Rezaei, K Holakouie Naieni,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (20 2009)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Observational studies are not often reported in detail and clear enough, so that assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of these studies is not straightforward. To improve the reporting of observational studies, a checklist of items called ‘Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology’ (STROBE) was developed by some experts in October 2007. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of reporting of observational studies before STROBE statement.
Methods: We included randomly sixty cohort studies published in six important international journals until October 2007. Then, we used STROBE checklist to assess the strengths and weaknesses of these included studies.
Results: On average, more than 81% (95% CI: 77%-87%) of included studies pointed to 43 items of aim of this study. The most reported (100%) items were "scientific background" and "rationale for the investigation" and the less reported (30%) item was “flow chart”.
Conclusions: Although, the quality of reported cohort studies’ results was acceptable, the type of study, journal and date of publication could influence on the quality of observational studies.
Mr Aflatoonian, A Nadim, I Sharifi, M Bamorevat, S Tajik, M Hashemian, R Abasi Rayeni, R Shabanzadeh, B Aflatoonian,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (Vol.15, No.3 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the health problems in Iran, especially in Kerman Province. The aim of this study was to determine the morbidity rate of CL in two new foci in the east and southeast of Kerman.
Methods: At the end of 2017, demographic data were obtained from the health centers of Kerman. Using cluster sampling, 800 households (40 clusters of 20 households) were studied in Allahabad (southeast) and Sarasiab (east), Keramn. From each subject, data were collected regarding age, sex, number and location of the ulcer(s), scarring, and time and place of infection. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The prevalence of CL was 9.6 in Allahabad and 42.8 in Sarasiab and the incidence (new cases) was 3.2 and 3.8, respectively. The highest rate of infection was found in Allahabad in the age group under 6 years old and in the Sarasiab was over 40 years old. There was a significant difference in nationality and local transmission between the rwo regions (P <0.001).
Conclusion: The ratio of the prevalence to incidence in two regions showed that the focus in the east of Kerman was almost 12 years old, whilst a new focus is developing in the southeast. It is suggested that the health centers in the city of Kerman provide a regular program including active case- detection and free-of-charge treatment of patients in the aforementioned areas until complete recovery to achieve disease control.
