Showing 49 results for Moradi
Gh Moradi, Kh Rahmani, P Hemati, H Akbari, F Rezaei, M Dadras, B Amiri, H Erfani, M Soroush, S Darvishi, J Soltani, T Mokhtari Azad , Mm Gouya,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (Vol.15, No.2 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Iran, like most other countries in the world, is always threatened with global epidemics and pandemics of influenza. The purpose of this study was to review the influenza surveillance system in Iran.
Methods: Data of this study were obtained from the surveillance system of the Center for Communicable Disease Control, the review of records, documents, books and published articles and also interviews with process owners and experts of influenza surveillance in 2017-2019.
Results: Influenza surveillance in Iran Currently, a combination of surveillance methods, including caring for patients, laboratory care, hospital care and surveillance of respiratory disease epidemics and also border surveillance. Reporting of human influenza outbreaks, as well as suspected avian flu as main notifiable diseases carried out through telephone. For each suspect case, in addition to taking and sending a sample to diagnose and also detect subtypes of the virus, medical treatment is immediately initiated and tracking of possible contacts is also done.
Conclusion: Although there is currently good coherence in the surveillance of influenza in Iran, but based on concerns about the emergence of influenza pandemics in the future, and considering the possible genetic variation of the flu viruses, the tracking of the flu virus circulation along with updating surveillance system especially emphasizing methods and formulas for rapid identification of disease outbreaks, as well as providing better health care and treatment is essential.
Ha Nikbakht, H Ghaem, Hr Tabatabaee, A Mirahmadizadeh, S Hassanipour, S Zahmatkesh, A Hemmati, F Moradi, A Abbasi,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (Vol.15, No.3 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Anthropometric indices, especially weight, provide useful information for the care and treatment of newborn infants and can be used to identify infants at risk. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the mean weight, height and head circumference measurements of infants and some related factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the anthropometric indices (weight, height and head circumference), demographic characteristics, and delivery data of 1484 newborns in 2016 using multi-stage sampling. Moreover, the predictors of these indices were analyzed using a linear regression model.
Results: The mean weight, height and head circumference of the newborn infants was 3185 ± 465 g, 49.92 ± 2.92 cm, and 34.58 ± 2.29 cm respectively, and 7% of newborns were low birth weight. The male newborns weighed 57.29 g more than females on average at birth (p <0.05). Besides, the height and head circumference of the male newborns were 0.15 and 0.10 cm larger than the female newborns respectively but the difference was not statistically significant. In addition to gender, gestational age at birth (week) and type of delivery correlated with all three anthropometric indices in multivariate analysis.
Conclusion: Identifying and controlling largely adjustable risk factors can make it possible to prevent low anthropometric parameters, particularly low birth weight.
E Ghaderi, M Salehi Vaziri , E Mostafavi, Gh Moradi, Kh Rahmani, M Zeinali, Mr Shirzadi, H Erfani, Sh Afrasiabian, S Eybpoosh,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (Vol.15, No.3 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To provide an overview of the national program of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever surveillance in Iran, its current achievements, and challenges.
Methods: In this mixed method study, the relevant reports, documents, and guidelines, as well as published literature and surveillance data were gathered and critically reviewed. The opinions of the key informants at local and governmental levels were assessed through structured interviews.
Results: The program was integrated into Iran’s primary healthcare (PHC) network in 1999. The involved organizations include CDC, medical universities, Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII), and Veterinary Organization. Case finding is based on standard definitions of suspected, probable, and confirmed cases. Laboratory confirmation is necessary for diagnosis and is provided within 48 hours after receipt of the specimen by the National Reference Laboratory of PII. CCHF treatment is primarily supportive. Antiviral therapy with ribavirin is also considered. Both therapeutic services are free. Education mainly focuses on high-risk groups and healthcare workers. Major achievements of the program include rapid diagnosis and treatment of cases, prevention of nosocomial transmission, identification of high-risk provinces and major transmission routes, improved outbreak preparedness, development of laboratory tests for detection of other arboviruses, and reduction of CCHF case fatality rate.
Conclusion: Program implementation has had a positive impact on early detection and proper control of annual outbreaks. However, some aspects of the program still need improvement, including promotion of the general and high-risk populations’ awareness and regional collaborations (especially among neighboring countries) for infection control in humans, livestock, and vectors.
Kh Rahmani, Gh Moradi, Mb Khadem Erfan , L Faraji, Gh Zamini, B Mohammadian, M Karimi, F Bahrami, A Raeisi,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (Vol.15, No.4 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Iran started malaria elimination campaigns many years ago. The purpose of this study was to review the malaria surveillance system in Iran.
Methods: The data of this study were obtained from the surveillance system of the Center for Communicable Disease Control, a review of records, documents, books and published articles, and also interviews with process owners and experts of malaria surveillance in 2017-2019.
Results: The surveillance system of malaria in Iran has a coherent structure, in which all identified cases are reported and monitored from the environmental levels to the center by telephone instantly. Considering that the main goals of the malaria program including disease elimination have been obtained, the surveillance system in Iran is currently aiming at strengthening the elimination phase. In this stage, all new cases are also epidemiologically investigated in addition to examination, treatment and follow-up for categorization of the cases in categories of relapse, indigenous, introduced, and induced.
Conclusion: The successful implementation of the surveillance system for malaria over time has caused indigenous cases of disease to be limited to three southeastern provinces of the country and there are fewer than 300 new cases a year. Despite success, since the goal of malaria surveillance in Iran is now disease elimination, continuous monitoring of correct implementation of all processes and evaluation of the applied strategies are necessary.
E Ghaderi, Gh Moradi, S Sharafi, Kh Rahmani, Sh Ahmadi, B Mohsenpour, M Nasehi,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (Vol.15, No.4 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Over the past decades, the Iran’s anti-tuberculosis campaign has become highly structured and many achievements have been made. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of the TB surveillance system and its components in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Methods: The data of this study were obtained from the surveillance system of the Center for Communicable Disease Control, a review of the records, documents, books and published articles, and also interviews with process owners and experts of TB surveillance during 2017-2019.
Results: Case finding and treatment and follow-up of TB patients and their household contacts are done In the TB surveillance system. The implementation of the DOTS, (DIRECTLY OBSERVED TREATMENT SHORT-Course) is a major component of the TB surveillance system. Patient registration is done in an online application, which allows extracting and reporting the important indicators of the program. In this surveillance system, there is a special sensitivity to the treatment of patients, so the incidence of multi drug-resistant TB in the country is lower than that of the neighbors. The presence of regional laboratories that cover the entire region of the country is one of the strengths of the TB surveillance program in Iran.
Conclusion: Despite budget problems, the anti-TB program in Iran has many achievements. However, new strategies need to be considered to reduce the incidence of TB.
N Moghimi, Gh Moradi, Sh Amiri, A Saeedi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Vol.16, No.1 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive disease of the joints that presents with articular and systemic symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its relationship with body mass index.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed in 195 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Tohid Hospital, Sanandaj, Iran. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including demographic and clinical characteristics. The SF-36 instrument was used to evaluate the quality of life.
Results: In the study, 40% of men and 58% of women had a disease severity higher than 2.6 according to the Disease Activity Score 28. There was a significant difference in all dimensions of quality of life including physical function, energy / fatigue and general health between men and women (P <0.05). All dimensions of quality of life were inversely correlated with BMI. There was a significant relationship between the disease severity and each of the dimensions of pain, general health and general changes (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is correlated with body mass index and severity of rheumatoid arthritis; therefore, it seems that health policy makers or clinical practitioners need to pay more attention to these two factors to increase the patients’ quality of life.
E Mostafavi, Gh Moradi, Kh Rahmani, F Jahanbakhsh, S Eybpoosh, M Keypour, E Ghaderi, H Erfani, K Hajibagheri, M Zeinali, M Khodabandehloo, M Shirzadi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Vol.16, No.1 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to present a summary of the rabies surveillance program in humans in the country, its achievements and its strengths and weaknesses.
Methods: This study was a review of the country's plan for surveillance and control of rabies in humans. The sources of information included the data, reports, documents, and published guidelines. The viewpoints of stakeholders and experts were also reviewed in this study.
Results: Since rabies is a zoonotic disease, its effective management requires a good collaboration between several organizations. Moreover, because Iran is located in an endemic region, there is a need for the development of regional and international cooperation for the success of disease prevention, control and management. Animal services for biting and rabies control are provided free of charge in more than 700 centers in the country. Major achievements of the program include timely preventive treatment for animal bite cases, knowledge of the geographical distribution of the disease, identification of high-risk provinces, and decreasing the percentage of human deaths.
Conclusion: The program has performed well for rabies secondary prevention. Some aspects of the program, however, still need to be improved, including improvement of educational programs targeting general population and high-risk groups, animal bite prevention, vaccination of domestic dogs, controlling the population of stray dogs, rabies control in wild animals, and proper waste collection and disposal.
M Karami, Kh Rahmani, Gh Moradi, Mm Gouya, A Sabouri , K Entezar Mahdi , Gh Kamali, Sm Zahraei,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Vol.16, No.1 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Elimination and eradication of measles requires designing and implementing an enhanced surveillance system. The purpose of this study was to review the measles surveillance system in Iran.
Methods: The data of this study were obtained from the surveillance system of the Center for Communicable Disease Control; a review of the records, documents, books, and published articles; and interviews with process owners and experts of measles surveillance in 2017-2019.
Results: Iran has a surveillance plan to eliminate the measles. The current design for suspected cases of measles in Iran is a case-based surveillance system, in which for each identified case with fever and maculopapular rashes, some activities such reporting, laboratory confirmation, clinical and epidemiological investigation and case registration in individual forms are done.
Conclusion: Complete surveillance of cases suspicious of measles and high coverage of vaccination in children less than 2 years in a cohesive surveillance system and rapid response to the outbreak have led to lack of occurrence of indigenous measles in Iran. Although the current status of the measles surveillance system in Iran seems to be favorable, since Iran is at the stage of measles elimination, it is essential to increase the sensitivity of the reporting system for suspected cases of measles and to maintain the status of vaccine coverage to save elimination status.
Mm Gouya, Sm Zahraei, Gh Moradi, M Karami, S Mahmodi, Sh Shah Mahmoodi , E Ghaderi, F Kaveh, A Norouzinejad , K Hajibagheri, Kh Rahmani,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (Vol 16, No.2 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: : According to the global strategy for polio eradication, targeted surveillance of the disease is one of the main tasks of the health system. The purpose of this study was to review the status and surveillance of poliomyelitis/acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Iran.
Methods: The present study was a review on the processes, structures and achievements of the poliomyelitis/AFP surveillance system in Iran during 2017-2019. The data of this study were obtained from the surveillance system of the Center for Communicable Disease Control; a review of the records, documents, books and published articles; and interviews with process owners and experts of poliomyelitis/AFP surveillance.
Results: The polio eradication program in Iran is based on the action plan of the World Health Organization that was introduced initially in 1988. Currently, the surveillance system of AFP is active at three levels: country, university, and city. The number of poliomyelitis cases in the country decreased from 50 cases per year in 1985 to zero in 2001, and Iran has been a polio-free country since 2001. The final report on polio eradication in Iran was approved by the regional commission on polio detection in April 2006.
Conclusion: The surveillance system of AFP has had a proper effectiveness throughout the country. Maintaining this situation in the country requires an increase in the sensitivity of the surveillance system of the disease, regular monitoring of vaccine coverage, strict implementation of international health regulations, especially on the eastern borders of the country, and providing technical assistance to neighboring countries.
F Najafi, Gh Moradi, M Mohamadi Bolbanabad , S Rezaei, R Safari Faramani , B Karami Matin , B Piroozi, S Darvishi, T Mohamadi, Sh Amiri Hoseini, B Zarei, A Azadnia,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (Vol.16, No.3 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: On 12 November 2017, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter scale occurred in Kermanshah Province. Explaining the challenges and needs of the victims in such circumstances can be an important source of information for future planning and better management of such conditions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explain the challenges and needs of the earthquake victims.
Methods: This study was a qualitative study. Twenty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers, policymakers, and health and emergency relief providers in earthquake areas, and 10 focused group discussions were held with earthquake victims from December to February 2016. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results: The needs and challenges in Kermanshah earthquake were classified into three periods after the earthquake: 1. Challenges and needs in the first few days with three sub-categories including management, rescue services, and urgent care, 2- Challenges and needs in the first few weeks after the earthquake with three sub-categories including housing and emergency assistance, public health services, and access to health care; and 3. Needs and challenges in several months after the earthquake with four sub-categories including economic, social, infrastructural and health service needs.
Conclusion: Lack of unity of command was the main challenge in this earthquake. Another point was the health needs of victim earthquakes over time. Therefore, dispatching of aid forces to the affected areas during natural disasters should be based on planning and needs.
F Varse, Sh Rimaz, Y Moradi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (Vol.16, No.3 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Randomized clinical trials are the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of medical interventions. Some unpredictable challenges may affect the results of these studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the challenges of clinical trial studies in different stages including design, conduct, analysis, and reporting.
Methods: This study was a qualitative study using content analysis performed from 2017 to 2019. The study population included 13 clinical trial experts who were selected through purposeful sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all subjects. Data saturation was achieved after 13 interviews.
Results: Among the 4 steps of design, conduct, analysis, and reporting, the majority of the challenges were related to conducing randomized clinical trials. Lack of knowledge of researchers, subjects, sponsors and physicians and supervisory and ethical challenges were the main challenges related to performing these studies. Poor design and lack of clinical equipoise were considered as the main challenges in the design step. Inappropriate analytical methods due to the absence of statistician in these studies were considered as the most common challenge related to analysis. Finally, lack of familiarity with international guidelines was the most important challenge in reporting.
Conclusion: There are many challenges in different steps of clinical trial studies. Therefore, additional education sessions focusing on the related guidelines and standards as well as GCP workshops for researchers can be helpful.
M Piri, Aa Haghdioost, F Gadari, M Moradi, M Karamouzian, H Sharifi,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (Vol.16, No.4 2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: At present, investigation of extensive contact of tuberculosis (TB) patients’ families is not a routine part of TB control efforts in most countries. This study was conducted to evaluate the effective contacts of TB cases to assess the potential risk of transmission and its determinants in their families.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, registered TB cases in Kerman, Iran provided information about their family size and type and frequency of unprotected effective contacts with their families from 2014 to 2015. The unprotected effective contact was defined using the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) classification (2005) based on the close, frequent, and long-term contact of TB cases. The demographic variables and the frequency of effective contact were analyzed using a logistic regression model with Stata version 12 with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Overall, among 407 contacts of 74 TB cases, 73% had effective contacts. Having an effective contact was significantly higher among females (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=5.1; 95% CI:1.9-13.7); those with a lower education level (AOR=4.0; 95% CI: 1.4-15.1), lower income (AOR=7.7; 95% CI: 2.2-27.0), and a house size ≤80 m2 (AOR=16.6; 95% CI: 5.1-54.3); Afghan patients (AOR=30.2; 95% CI: 3.4-272.1); and those living in the rural areas (AOR=4.9; 95% CI: 1.8-21.9).
Conclusion: It seems that unprotected effective contact with the family members is high among TB patients, which can be a serious concern for the control of TB in this area. Reducing these unprotected effective contacts through educating patients and their families besides screening of the family members can help the health sector to decrease the burden of TB in Iran.
Ma Soleimani, N Dalvand, S Zarabadi Pour , Z Alimoradi, A Görgülü, N Bahrami,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (Vol 17,No.1, Spring 2021 2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Accurate assessment of patients' death depression requires a specific tool that is appropriate to the culture of each community. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Death Depression Scale in women with breast cancer.
Methods: In this methodological study, 246 breast cancer patients presenting to Qazvin Provincial Hospital completed the 17-item Templar Death Depression Scale. Psychometric properties of this scale were evaluated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was also assessed using Cronbach's alpha, omega and composite reliability.
Results: Exploratory factor analysis showed that six items in the Persian version did not acquire the required loading factor, and were omitted. The remaining eleven items as a single factor accounted for 66.91% of the variance of this concept. In confirmatory factor analysis, 11 items had appropriate fit indices (χ2 = 97.664, p <.001, χ2 / df = 2.504, GFI = .932, CFI = .972, IFI = .973, TLI = .961, SRMR = .030, and RMSEA = .079). A Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.95, Omega coefficient of 0.95, and composite reliability coefficient of 0.96 indicated the acceptable reliability of the 11-item version.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the 11-item Death Depression Scale was valid and reliable in Iranian patients with breast cancer. Given the appropriate psychometric parameters, this scale can be used to assess death depression in future studies.
Maryam Aghajarinezhad, Yahya Salimi, Shahab Rezaeian, Ghobad Moradi, Fatemeh Khosravi Shadmani, Roya Safari Faramani, Ebrahim Shakiba, Yahya Pasdar, Behrooz Hamzeh, Nayebali Rezvani, Mitra Darbandi, Farid Najafi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (Vol.18, No.2, Summer 2022 2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Serological studies are based on the detection of antibodies. However, the produced antibodies decrease over time; therefore, such methods cannot provide a valid estimate of prevalence and incidence. The present study aimed to determine the serum prevalence and cumulative incidence in the Ravansar cohort population (Youth and RaNCD Cohort) in October 2020.
Methods: A random sample of 716 people aged > 18 years old were selected from the participants in the Ravansar cohort study in October 2020. Euroimmun anti-SARS COV-2 IgG ELISA kits (Lübeck, Germany) were used to measure antibody levels. Seroprevalence was estimated with considering of cut-off = 1, and cumulative incidence (modified and modified based on test specificity) was determined using modeling.
Results: In the present study, the serum prevalence of COVID-19 viral infection in the Ravansar cohort population from 22 October 2020 to 18 November 2020 was estimated to be %35.16 (95%CI: %31.64, %38.79). Modified Cumulative incidence and modified based on test characteristics from 20 February to 18 November 2020 were estimated to be %68.85 and %67.71, respectively.
Conclusion: Although very high cumulative incidence may be a sign of approaching herd immunity, adherence to health protocols is still recommended due to the potential role of asymptomatic cases in transmitting the disease to other members of the community; and the presence of new variants of the virus and reduced antibody levels should be considered.
Ali Khorshidi, Mehdi Moradi Nazar, Mansour Masoumi, Mohammad Reza Karami Ghezeli, Zahra Mohammadi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Vol.19, No.2, Summer 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The World Health Organization estimates that over a million people contract sexually transmitted diseases daily. Given the significant impact of these diseases on public health in developing countries, this study aims to investigate the epidemiology and burden of sexually transmitted diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean countries.
Methods: This study utilized global disease burden data from The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation to examine sexually transmitted disease indicators in the Eastern Mediterranean region, encompassing 22 countries from 1990 to 2019. Analyses related to the lost years index, considering premature death and disability (DALY), incidence rate, prevalence rate, mortality rate, and standardized age rates, were conducted. All estimates are reported with 95% uncertainly interval due to various sources of error, including measurement bias and modeling. Microsoft Office Excel 2016 was employed for all analyses.
Results: The age-standardized incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean region decreased from 9053 and 13424 in 1990 to 8658 and 13143 in 2019, respectively, and the age-standardized death rate increased from 2 to 4 per 100,000 people.
Conclusion: Considering the economic burden caused by these diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean region, it is necessary for the health policy makers to develop intervention strategies for prevention and health planning.
Pardis Mohammadzadeh, Maryam Afraie, Elham Nouri, Mohammad Aziz Rasouli, Ghobad Moradi,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (Vol.20, No.3, Autumn 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the health status of Iran with that of the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Countries in terms of various health indicators.
Methods: The data from 27 health indicators were collected in 2023 from WHO, EMRO, and the World Bank and then grouped into five categories: mortality and morbidity indicators, nutritional risk factor and non-communicable disease indicators, health financing indicators, maternal and immunization indicators, and health workforce indicators. This study used MEREC, a method that analyzes the effects of deleting criteria, to determine the weighting of the indicators. The countries were then ranked using the MARCOS method, one of the new multi-criteria decision-making methods.
Results: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were in the best situation. Iran ranked 8th, 6th, 7th, 4th, and 13th in the first to fifth categories mentioned in the methods. Iran also ranked 10th among the countries in the region in the overall ranking of all these indicators.
Conclusion: Many researchers and policymakers evaluate the health status in Iran based on the introduced health indicators. Iran needs to intensify its efforts to strengthen its position in the Eastern Mediterranean region, considering its overall circumstances.
Fereshteh Eidy, Razieh Jafarizadeh, Fatemeh Shoghi, Amirhossein Moradian, Fatemeh Sadat Dolatabadi, Samira Rabiei,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (Vol.20, No.4, Winter 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Overweight and obesity are serious public health problems that have increased significantly among adolescents in recent decades. This condition can affect various aspects of adolescents' quality of life. A questionnaire based on IWQOL-kids was used to assess the quality of life among overweight and obese adolescents in Iran for the first time.
Methods: This study was conducted on 170 overweight and obese adolescents (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 18 years educating in schools of North Khorasan Province. Using a cluster sampling method, data collection was conducted. Data were collected using the IWQOL-kids, a quality of life questionnaire for adolescent obesity, and satistical analyses were conducted using R software version 4.3.2 through univariable and multivariable regression models.
Results: The mean of total score of IWQOL-kids for overweight and obese girls and boys was 82.1 ± 16 and 86.4 ± 15.5, respectively. A significant correlation was found between age and the number of siblings with physical functioning, self-esteem, and overall quality of life scores (p < 0.05). Additionally, age and the number of siblings were significantly associated with social life and family relationships (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Given the impact of weight on adolescents' quality of life, future studies are recommended to include body composition assessments to more accurately examine the impact of gender differences on the quality of life of this age group.
Ezzatolla Gharebagheri, Hojjat Zeraati, Saharnaz Nedjat, Habibeh Moradi, Akbar Fotouhi,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (Vol.21, No.2, Summer 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The removal of the free family planning program was implemented in Iran following the decrease in the fertility rate. This study evaluated the impact of this decision on couples' willingness to have children, the use of contraceptives, the increase in unwanted pregnancies and illegal abortions, especially in rural areas.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive-analytical approach, conducted in 2021 on 592 married women aged 10–54 in Miyaneh. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire through a multi-stage random sampling method and analyzed using logistic and Poisson regression models.
Results: The mean (± standard deviation) of number of children of couples was 2.15 ± 1.01. The level of education and age at marriage of women were identified as the variables affecting the number of live children born. The desire for children was significantly related to the number of live-born female children (OR = 0.23, CI 95%: 0.12, 0.44) and current male children (OR = 0.12, CI 95%: 0.05, 0.25). Unwanted pregnancies in the first half of 2021 were 2.3 times higher than in the same period in 2020.
Conclusion: The results showed that education and age at marriage significantly affect fertility patterns. Most couples consider two children ideal and do not wish to have any more. The removal of the family planning program led to increased unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Thus, revisiting population policies and improving access to family planning services is essential.
Ebrahim Ghaderi, Ghobad Moradi, Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri, Manoochehr Karami, Ehsan Mostafavi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (Vol.21, No.3, Autumn 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Over the past century, multiple pandemics have caused the deaths of millions and inflicted serious harm upon the global economy, and humanity is still concerned about the emergence of future pandemics. This paper aims to provide an overview of the upcoming challenges in public health by reviewing previous pandemics and threats, examining past experiences, and analyzing current conditions.
Methods: In this non-systematic review, the Google Scholar search engine was searched using suitable keywords, and studies relevant to the subject were selected.
Results: With increasing population and closer human interactions, the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases is felt more than in the past. The existence of thousands of pathogens in wildlife, along with the impacts of climate change, globalization, lifestyle, hunting, and environmental destruction, raises the probability of human exposure to these agents. If these encounters lead to genetic changes in pathogens and create new species, the risk of emerging and transmissible diseases to humans will increase. In addition to natural factors, human-related factors including bioterrorism and drug resistance (while not considered direct human actions, they result from human misconduct) must also be considered.
Conclusion: Among various pathogenic microorganisms, viruses are highlighted as the principal agents of future pandemics due to their ability for rapid mutation, persistence in wildlife reservoirs, and the lack of effective preventive and therapeutic tools. What is crucial for countries is to utilize the lessons learned from previous pandemics to increase preparedness through strengthening health systems, employing the one health strategy, and mobilizing all capacities for future pandemics.
Rasoul Gholamiveis, Fatemeh Heydarpour, Mehdi Moradinazar,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (Vol.21, No.4, Winter 2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among Iranian men and has shown a marked increase in both incidence and mortality over recent decades. This study aimed to analyze temporal trends in prostate cancer incidence and mortality in Iran using an Age–Period–Cohort (APC) analytical framework.
Methods: Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 for Iranian males aged 45 years and older during 1992–2021. Data were stratified into eight 5-year age groups and six 5-year time periods. APC analysis was conducted using the second-order difference method, and Joinpoint regression was employed to assess temporal trends in risk factors.
Results: In 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate reached 30.05 per 100,000 population, and the mortality rate reached 10.66 per 100,000 representing increases of 105.96% and 14.99%, respectively, compared to 1992. Age effects were positively associated with both incidence and mortality. The period effect peaked during 2002–2006. Cohort analysis revealed that younger birth cohorts exhibited a slower acceleration in incidence rates. Among risk factors, the disease burden attributable to smoking increased by 17.1%, while the protective effects of low calcium intake and low milk consumption diminished over time.
Conclusion: Rising incidence and mortality are shaped by age, period, and cohort effects. The relative decline in younger cohorts underscores the need for targeted prostate cancer screening programs. Strengthening public health education policies and improving access to diagnostic services can reduce the disease burden.
