Showing 57 results for Risk
M Nejatifar , H Soori, M Ghaffari,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: A feasible and cost-effective tool is required to investigate young children' behaviors with regard to the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometrics of the Persian version of the Injury Behavior Checklist (IBC).
Methods: After validating the translation (backward-forward translation), the final version of the checklist was developed through content analysis and face validity and according to the comments of a panel of experts. The final version was distributed among 300 mothers of children aged 2-5 years referring to the kindergartens of Tehran. Convergent validity was evaluated by internal consistency through calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, as well as item-total correlation. The reliability of the checklist was assessed through the test-retest method with participating 55 mothers and comparison of the scores of the two steps by correlation coefficient and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
Results: The content validity ratio was acceptable (0.6-1) for 100% of the items, and the content validity index was 0.93 for relevancy and clarity and 0.92 for simplicity. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.87. All 24 items of the IBC were acceptably and directly correlated with the total score of the tool (r=0.25-0.65). Reliability results also confirmed the test-retest reliability of the Persian version of the IBC (r=0.90; ICC=0.86).
Conclusion: The Persian version of the IBC is a reliable tool for investigation of risk taking and its association with different injuries in children aged 2-5 years.
S Bokaei, K Absalanfard, Mh Fallah Mehrabadi , H Ebrahimzadeh Mosavi , A Ghajari , N Shahbazian,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In Iran, rainbow trout farms exist in almost all provinces. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia is one of the most important infectious diseases of the rainbow trout which is a serious threat to the farming industry. This study was conducted to investigate outbreaks in 2014 and identify important determinants of the agent entry and disease occurrence in the farms.
Methods: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the disease was detected based on clinical signs and laboratory investigations by PCR methods.
Results: During 52 weeks of the study in 2014, 114 of 1140 (12.63%) farms were affected within 78 zones in 14 provinces. In multivariable analysis, illegal entrance of fries (odds ratio: 7.81, 95% CI: 3.63-16.8), illegal entrance of fish (odds ratio: 5.60, 95% CI: 3.03-10.35) and use of river as the water supply (odds ratio: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.51-4.02) were detected as risk factors associated with virus entry and disease outbreak in farms.
Conclusion: Observing biosecurity measures in the farm level, applying risk-based surveillance based on known risk factors, and assessing these factors on a regular basis are important in prevention and control of VHS.
S Mehdipour, F Zolala, M Hoseinnejad, R Zahedi, E Najafi, M , N Farrokhnia, M Fathi,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Evidence suggests that underlying diseases increase the severity of influenza and lead to hospitalization or death. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with hospitalization of patients in Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran during an outbreak of H1N1 influenza in December 2015.
Methods: In this case-control study, the case group comprised 85 patients who were hospitalized for influenza and the control group included 51 patients who had influenza symptoms and were discharged after required evaluations and check-up. The data were collected from both groups on a daily basis for two weeks. For data analysis, descriptive analysis, logistic regression analysis, Lasso Regression, and likelihood ratio were used. Analysis was performed using the Stata version 12 and R software.
Results: Among the variables examined, after removal of additional variables, 12 variables were introduced into the multivariate regression. The history of pulmonary disease and diabetes increased the odds of hospitalization following influenza by more than 11 (OR = 11.6, P. value = 0.003) and 9 times (OR = 9, P. value = 0.01), respectively.
Conclusion: Underlying disease and factors play a major role in exacerbating the disease. Therefore, the health system should take the necessary preventive measures when outbreaks occur.
F Feizmanesh, Aa Safaei,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pulmonary embolism is a potentially fatal and prevalent event that has led to a gradual increase in the number of hospitalizations in recent years. For this reason, it is one of the most challenging diseases for physicians. The main purpose of this paper was to report a research project to compare different data mining algorithms to select the most accurate model for predicting pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients. This model would provide the knowledge needed by the medical staff fir better decision making.
Methods: In this research, we designed a prediction model using different methods of machine learning that would best predict the probability of pulmonary embolism in patients at risk. Among data mining algorithms, Bayesian network, decisions tree (J48), logistic regression (LR), and sequential minimal optimization (SMO) were used. The data used in the study included risk factors and past history of patients admitted to the Lung Department of Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Results: The results showed that the accuracy and specificity of all prediction models were satisfactory. The Bayesian model had the highest sensitivity in predicting pulmonary embolism.
Conclusion: Although the results showed a little difference in the performance of prediction models, the Bayesian model is a more appropriate tool to predict the occurrence of pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients in this type of data. It can be considered a supportive approach along medical decisions to improve disease prediction.
Mh Fallah Mehrabadi, F Tehrani, A Bahonar, A Shoushtari, A Ghalyanchilangeroudi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: HPAI has economic and public health importance. Aquatic and shore migratory birds are the main reservoirs and the cause of the spread of viruses across countries. The aim of study was risk assessment of the spread of the avian influenza H5 viruses.
Methods: In this qualitative study, structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to assess the risk of the introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5-subtypes) into Iran.
Results: Over 300 wetlands, natural and artificial lakes, ponds, and more than 517 bird species (swans, geese, ducks, and coots) are identified in Iran. Weakness in detecting virus entry windows, weakness in passive surveillance of migratory birds, inadequate supervision on hunting of migratory wild birds, movement of hunted birds without any criteria without the control of the Veterinary Organization, inability to monitor the supply of migratory birds in the LBMs, law weaknesses in dealing with offenders, lack of training for people, presence of suitable conditions for close contacts between wild birds and backyard and industrial poultry, and weakness of research on AI in migratory birds were the most important factors influencing the spread of these viruses.
Conclusion: HPAI will be one of the most important challenges for the poultry industry and public health. Solving this challenge requires national determination, overhead organizational views, collaborative and practical cooperation of related organizations, and short and long-term planning based on the realities of the country.
M Karami Jooshin , H Izanloo, A Saghafipour, F Rezaei, M Asadi Ghalhari ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cholera is one of the communicable diseases that should be reported immediately as a public health threat. This study was conducted to study the probable risk factors of cholera outbreak in Qom, central Iran, during 2017.
Methods: In a case-control study, 37 cholera patients diagnosed based on para - clinical tests and 37 control samples were evaluated. Charts, frequency tables, regression logistic, Chi-square and t-test in SPSS software ver.25 were used for data analysis.
Results: The causative agent in the Qom cholera outbreak was Vibrio cholerae serotype Inaba. Most of the patients (54%) were in the age range 21-40 years. Most of the cholera cases were males (87%), Iranians (81%), and school or college students (30%). The peak of the epidemic occurred in the third week of November 2017, coinciding with a religious event. Nearly half of the patients were identified at the cross-border surveillance centers. The most important risk factors for the outbreak were a history of travel to Iraq in order to attend the Arbaeen religious event (95%), (OR=75, P-value<0.001), and a history of consuming unreliable foods and water (94% and 50%, (OR=66, CI=8-410, P-value=0.00 and OR=11, CI=2.7-46)), respectively.
Conclusion: Cross-border surveillance of cholera in common borders with Iraq, especially in the Arbaeen religious event, played a vital role in identifying patients suspected of cholera. The surveillance of communicable diseases should be strengthened when entering and leaving the Arbaeen event.
H Gheibipour, K Etemad , S Khodakarim, A Sharhani, S Ebrahimi Kebria,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The prevalence of HBV infection among injection drug users (IDUs) is higher than the general population due to high-risk sexual behaviors and the needle sharing. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection and its effective factors among IDUs of Kermanshah Province in 2016.
Methods: This ia descriptive-analytic study was performed in 606 male IDUs in Kermanshah Province in 2016. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. HBV was also evaluated through blood tests using the rapid test. Simple and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to investigate the factors affecting HBV infection. Data were analyzed using STATA-12 software.
Results: The prevalence of positivity HBV antibody was 3% (95% CI: 1.61- 4.32) among male IDUs. According to the results of unit-variable logistic regression analysis, the duration of drug injection (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15) and the number of daily injections (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.81) were risk factors for HBsAg positivity but there were no significant associations in the multivariate regression model.
Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV is much higher among IDUs than in the general population. These populations are at risk for viral infections such as HBV; therefore, it is recommended to provide necessary education about the prevention methods as well as the necessary screening for them.
H Tekeh, H Ansari, , N Noori, K Tirgarfakheri, F Zare,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect that accounts for 25% of all congenital anomalies. This study was conducted to identify the risk factors od congenital heart disease in southeast Iran.
Methods: In this case-control study, 353 cases were selected from children aged 0 to 59 months who suffered from congenital heart disease and were referred to the Children’s Heart Clinic of Zahedan. Moreover, 353 controls were selected from healthy children aged 0 to 59 months who presented to health centers in Sistan and Baluchistan Province. The cases and controls were matched for age, sex and place of residence. The data were collected using interviews with children’s mothers and analyzed using independent t-test, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression models.
Results: This study showed that the lack of folic acid consumption in pregnancy (OR =11.8), mot using multivitamins during pregnancy (OR = 4.1), history of CHD in first-degree relatives of parents (OR=3.4), history of abortion (OR =3.4), presence of telecommunication rig in the vicinity of the house (OR=3) and exposure to secondhand smoke (OR=2.9) significantly increased the chance of a CHD (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Effective planning, emphasis on the use of supplements during pregnancy, and improved awareness of the society, especially high risk women, can be helpful in decreasing CHD in this region. Providing education regarding preventive factors seems to be necessary for health and medical workers to control risk factors and reduce costs associated with CHD.
Aa Abbasi, Hr Bahrami, B Beygi, E Musa Farkhani, V Vakili, F Rezaee Talab , R Eftekhari Gol , M Talebi,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Sleep disorders include problems involving the quality, timing and amount of sleep, which cause decreased functioning and discomfort during the daytime. Considering the importance of sleep in health and quality of life and the probability of the related disorders in the elderly, this study was conducted to investigate sleep disorders and their risk factors in an elderly population covered by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: We conducted one of the largest population-based cross-sectional studies in an elderly population covered by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2016. In this study, a total 8496 elderly people aged 60-90 years old with sleep disorders were compared with 35041 elderly subjects without complaints. Data were extracted from the Sina Electronic Health Record System. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were carried out using the STATA ® version 14 to determine associations between independent variables and sleep disorders.
Results: In multivariate analysis, male gender (AOR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.55-0.61), being married (AOR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.83-0.93), overweight and lightweight compared to normal weight (AOR=1.27; 95% CI: 1.21-1.34 and AOR=1.20; 95% CI: 1.04-1.38, respectively), smoking (AOR=2.22; 95% C.I: 2.05-2.40), high blood pressure (AOR=1.44; 95% C.I: 1.37-1.52), diabetes (AOR= 1.49; 95% C.I: 1.40-1.58) and depression (AOR=3.05; 95% C.I: 2.74-3.38) variable remained in the final model after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusion: In this study, gender, marital status, body mass index, smoking, blood pressure, diabetes and depression were the main determinants of sleep disorders. It is necessary to identify the risk factors and perform appropriate interventions to improve the sleep.
F Amiri , H Sharifi, E Ghorbani , Fs Mirrashidi, M Mirzaee, N Nasiri,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Congenital hypothyroidism is one of the reasons for mental retardation and premature death of infants. Since identification of the determinants of hypothyroidism plays a significant role in its prevention, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism and to investigate its determinants in newborn infants.
Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of the data of the neonatal congenital hypothyroidism screening program. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed based on the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level in the heel prick blood samples on the third to fifth day of life. The data of infants born in Jiroft hospitals were collected from Jiroft Health Center and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression test.
Results: In this study, 4998 newborns (2450, 49.02% female, 2548, 98 / 50% male) were investigated. The study samples were newborns born from March to March 2016. The prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism was 1 in 135 live births. The prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism was higher in babies born by cesarean section (IRR = 2.2, 95% CI =1.1-4.1), newborns admitted to the NICU (IRR = 4.6, 95% CI=2.4-8.9), and babies with high birth weight (IRR = 5.3, 95% CI =3.5-8.1).
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypothyroidism was higher in this study compared to other studies. Its prevalence was higher in males than in females. Genetic and environmental differences may explain this difference. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was higher in infants born through cesarean section and newborns hospitalized in NICU.
M Saberi, M Hosseinpour , A Khaleghnejad Tabari, H Soori, Mr Maracy,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Congenital anomalies are also known as birth defects and congenital disorders. Congenital anomalies occur in about 3-7% of the newborn babies worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of congenital anomalies and their determinants in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 1395.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in all infants born in 1395. The data were analyzed with the SPSS software version 20 using Binary logistic regression.
Results: Of 5455 births in Isfahan hospitals, 121 neonates were diagnosed with major congenital anomalies. The total incidence of major congenital anomalies was 2.2 per 100 births. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between maternal blood group, consanguinity, sex and height of infant with congenital anomalies in newborns (P <0.05). Moreover, 26.7% of all abnormalities were related to limbs and the lowest percentage was related to genetic abnormalities, digestive system, anus, and spine with an incidence of 0.7% for each.
Conclusion: More attention should be paid to premarital genetic counseling in order to identify the consanguinity factor as a risk factor for genetic abnormalities. Moreover, pregnant women should be educated about the timely intake of micronutrients to control abnormalities.
Hr Bahrami Taghanaki , E Mosa Farkhani , R Eftekhari Gol , P Bahrami Taghanaki , S Bokaei, A Taghipour, B Beygi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Diabetes is considered as one of the most common endocrine disorders worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with diabetic complications.
Methods: A case-control study was performed on the data of 70089 diabetic patients (4622 cases and 53613 controls) extracted from the SINA Electronic Health Record (SinaEHR®) in a population covered by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2018. The effect of independent variables on the likelihood of diabetic complications was investigated using single-variable and multivariate logistic regression models with the control of the potential confounding effects.
Results: Using the multivariate logistic regression, the odds of developing diabetic complications were 0.35 (0.31-0.38) for living in the city, 0.73(0.67-0.79) for living in the suburbs and 0.31(0.28-0.33) for living in rural areas relative to the metropolises, 0.84 (0.78-0.91) for illiterate subjects, 0.70 (0.66-0.75) for physical activity, 1.51(1.34-1.71) for stage 1 hypertension and 1.87 (1.43-2.44) for stage 2 hypertension relative to normal blood pressure, 0.79(0.74-0.85) for uncontrolled low density lipoprotein and 1.42(1.33-1.51) for uncontrolled hemoglobin A1C.
Conclusion: Various risk factors were identified to increase the odds ratio of diabetic complications. The most important risk factors were uncontrolled glycosylated hemoglobin and stage 1 and 2 hypertension. Control of these factors can reduce the chance of diabetic complications in diabetic patients.
A Hadianfar, S Rastaghi, A Saki,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Covid-19 epidemic began in Wuhan, China in the late 2019 and became a global epidemic in March 2020. In this regard, one of the most important indicators of the healthcare systems is the in-hospital mortality rate, which occurs with a time lag of one to two weeks after hospitalization. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative risk of Covid-19 mortality considering this time lag according to the number of daily hospitalizations.
Methods: The data included the number of daily hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19 from 15 May 2020 to 10 February 2021 in Iran, which was obtained from the Github database. A log-linear distributed lag model was used to evaluate the relationship and lag effect between daily hospitalization and relative risk of death.
Results: The mean number of daily hospitalizations and deaths were 1342.2 ± 7 731.5 and 190.6 11±118.6 in the study period, respectively. It was found that an increase in the number of daily hospitalizations had a significant relationship with an increase in the relative risk of death on the same day and in the following days. As the number of hospitalizations exceeded 2000 patients per day, the cumulative relative risk of death increased to more than one.
Conclusion: The results showed that the number of hospitalizations exceeding 2000 people per day was an alert for the country's healthcare system. Overall, prevention and observance of health protocols in the first level followed by early diagnosis of the disease, improving the hospitals facilities and preparedness of healthcare staff can reduce the relative risk of death in the possible future peaks.
Malihe Safari, Salman Khazaei, , Mohammad Abbasi, Ghodratollah Roshanaei,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The incidence of rectal cancer is increasing in developing societies, especially in younger age groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting the survival of patients with rectal cancer in the presence of competing risks.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the data of 121 patients with rectal cancer during 2001-2017 were studied. Death related to cancer progression was considered as the interest outcome and other causes of death were considered as competing risks. Cause-specific and sub-distribution hazard models were used to investigate the factors affecting patient survival in the presence of competing risk.
Results: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 53.4 (13.9) years and 68 patients (56.2%) were male. The results of log-rank test showed that sex, age, metastasis, type of first treatment, rate of penetration into intestinal wall, tumor location, number of lymphomas involved and tumor size had significant effects on the patient survival (P<0.05). Based on cause-specific and sub-distribution hazard models, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and tumor grade had significant effects on death hazard due to the cancer progression (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Due to the need to consider competing risks, the results of both competing risk methods showed that tumor grade, lymph node metastasis and stage increased the instantaneous hazard and hazard of cancer death. Therefore, to determine the specific risk factors for each cause of death in the survival analysis, competing risk methods should be used if there is more than one cause of death.
Sa Hashemi, K Holakoui-Naeini, Ma Mansournia, R Akrami, M Nomali, T Valadbeigi, V Mennati, Ha Adineh, Mr Taghavi, M Ghafouri, S Poorbarat, A Hoseinzadeh, M Farahdel, Mr Armat, M Haresabadi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: COVID-19 is a new disease and little information is available on its risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine the mortality risk factors in patients with COVID-19 in the northeast of Iran.
Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted. Patients of both sexes with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 infection who died during the study were studied as the case group and patients who were in good general health and ready for discharge were studied as the control group. Data analysis was performed with the STATA software version 14 using descriptive statistics and univariate and multiple logistic regression tests.
Results: Six hundred and eleven patients were studied (27% cases and 73% controls). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of death were 2.8 times higher in patients over 80 years compared to patients aged 50-60 years. In addition, age under 40 years reduced the odds of mortality by 85% and living in rural areas increased odds of death by 2.2 times. Cough, general fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting increased the odds of COVID19 survival.
Conclusion: The odds of mortality were higher in elder patients with COVID-19. In addition, living in rural areas increased the odds of mortality in patients. Cough and fatigue reduced mortality; however, it is needed to address other hidden factors for sound judgment.
L Shams, Gh , T Nasiri, M Meskarpour Amiri,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status and non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factors in one of the northern counties of Iran.
Methods: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Langrud County in 2019. In this study, 906 rural and urban households were surveyed using mixed sampling. The data collection tool was the standard questionnaire of "NCD disease care system". Households’ exposure to NCD behavioral risk factors (including unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle and smoking) in different socio-economic groups was examined and compared with logistic regression models using the STATA software.
Results: The probability of smoking in illiterate subjects and those with unfinished high school education and high school diploma was 5.1, 7.5 and 4.2 times higher than those with university education (OR = 5.1,7.5,4.2; P <0.05). The probability of unhealthy diets in the first and second quartiles of income (very low and low income) was 3.4 and 2.6 times higher compared to the people in the fourth quartile of income (high income) (P <0.05; OR = 3.4, 2.6).
Conclusion: The micro-level socioeconomic inequalities (within the county) have a significant relationship with households’ exposure to NCD risk factors. Reducing socio-economic inequalities at the micro level should be considered as an appropriate tool to reduce health inequality at the macro level.
M Bagbanian, M Momayyezi, H Fallahzadeh, M Mirzaei,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Drug use not only affects a person's physical and mental health, but also affects the health of others in the community. Various variables, including demographic and social factors, affect drug use. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of drug use and related factors in the participants of Shahedieh Cohort Study.
Methods: A descriptive study was performed using the first phase of Shahedieh cohort study on 10194 adult residents of Shahdieh, Zarch, and Ashkezar in 2015-2016. The aim of the cohort study was to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in adults aged 35-70 years. Data were analyzed with the SPSS 20 using chi-square and logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of illicit drug use in the present study was 15.5% with a mean age of onset of 31.5 ± 9.2 years. The most common drug was opium (98.2%). The most common method of drug use was inhalation (98.1%). The logistic regression showed that male gender (P< 0.001), age 40 to 49 years (P<0.001), low education (below high school diploma) (P<0.001), positive history of smoking (P<0.001) and alcohol consumption (P<0.001) were the most important factors associated with drug use. In addition, a positive history of ischemic heart disease (P=0.007) and psychiatric disorders (P=0.02) were the diseases related to drug use.
Conclusion: The prevalence of drug use was high in the study population. There is an urgent need for intervention and preventive measures to solve this complex social problem.
Zahra Hamidi, Mehdi Ranjbaran, Fateme Qotbi Nia, Akram Bahojb, Hamid Karyab,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Chromium is a heavy metal that toxic to humans in small concentrations. This study aimed to evaluate the cancer risk of exposure to chromium in drinking water in rural areas of Qazvin province.
Methods: Water sampling was performed according to the standard methods for water and wastewater examination and chromium analysis was performed with ICP-OES. Exposure factors were determined using a validated questionnaire. Finally, the risk assessment of oral and dermal exposure to chromium was performed using the risk assessment technique. Monte Carlo simulation was also used to determine the uncertainty caused by point risk estimation.
Results: The mean concentration of chromium in drinking water was 2.8±5.04 μg/l. The excess lifetime cancer estimated by the Monte Carlo simulation was 30.8 cases per 100,000 in the studied population, indicating 100 cases of cancer in the population living in rural areas of the Qazvin province.
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that although the concentration of chromium was lower than the maximum allowed in the national standard (0.05 mg/l), the risk of carcinogenesis was higher than the acceptable risk level of WHO (1 case per 100,000). Also, using the results obtained from the Monte Carlo simulation instead of point estimation provides higher confidence in risk management decisions.
Mohammad Khajedaluee, Maliheh Dadgar Moghaddam, Amir-Reza Khajedaluee, Hiva Sharebiani, Hamidreza Bahrami Taghanaki, Maryam Ziadi Lotfabadi, Zeinab Shateri Amiri,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of adult mortality in many developing countries. This study aims to compare the estimation of the ten-year relative risk of cardiovascular events using the Framingham criteria with a native model.
Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014, focusing on the adult population (≥16 years) of Mashhad. Stratified random cluster sampling was employed to gather participants' information based on Framingham's criteria. Data mining, utilizing the decision tree algorithm design, was evaluated using Rapidminer v5.3 software and the cross-validation method.
Results: Out of 2978 individuals, 1930 (64.9%) were women and 1041 (35.1%) were men, with a mean age of 43.5±14.7. Applying the Framingham criteria, the ten-year risk levels of cardiovascular disease were estimated as follows: 77.8% at a low-risk level, 13.4% at a medium-risk level, and 8.8% at a high-risk level.
Regarding data mining, model number (1) achieved an accuracy of 79.56%, indicating that the predicted risk levels using the Framingham algorithm matched the observed values at 95.24% for the low-risk level, 90.8% for the medium-risk level, and 33.13% for the high-risk level. As for model number (2), an accuracy of 82.78% was obtained, with the matching values being 98.20% for the low-risk level, 0.42% for the medium-risk level, and 53.01% for the high-risk level.
Conclusion: The Framingham criteria demonstrate limited effectiveness in predicting medium and high-risk levels in the Mashhad population. According to the local model, smoking and high blood pressure in adulthood are the most significant factors in predicting the risk of cardiovascular diseases in young individuals.
Faezeh Joghataei, Payam Roshanfekr, Meroe Vameghi, Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari, Neda Soleimanvandiazar, Peimaneh Shirin Bayan, Gholamreza Ghaedamini Harouni,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) is an approach that has been used in health research since the 1990s, and several guidelines have been designed for it. This study examines and compares different guidelines in this field.
Methods: This review study was conducted on the 6 guidelines published in PubMed and Scopus databases. After the initial review, the main dimensions of these guidelines, including the definition and target group, methods used, steps to conduct the research, and time planning were extracted in the form of a comparative table.
Results: In six guidelines, the RAR approach has been defined in relation to the comprehensive and rapid investigation of a health-related problem. There are differences in terms of the number of 'steps' of rapid assessment and response, as well as in 'time planning'; a period of 12 to 16 weeks is considered. Among the methods used in the reviewed guides, the following can be mentioned: reviewing available information, conducting interviews (open, structured, and semi-structured), focused group discussions, and other methods such as observation, surveys, narrative methods, and mapping.
Conclusion: The rapid assessment and response (RAR) can be used as an approach, with high flexibility and consideration of scientific and practical aspects, to assess health problems and high-risk behaviors in hard-to-reach groups.
