Showing 73 results for Rad
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.
Am Mosadeghrad, M Afshari, P Isfahani,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (Vol.16, No.4 2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: A nosocomial infection (NI) is defined as an infection occurring in a patient after 48 hours of hospitalization or up to 72 hours after discharge from the hospital, which was not present or incubating at the time of admission. NIs increase hospital mortality, decrease patient satisfaction, reduce hospital productivity, and increase health system costs. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NIs in Iranian hospitals.
Methods: This study was performed using a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Seven electronic databases and two search engines were searched using appropriate key words to identify research studies on NIs published in Persian and English languages from April 1997 to March 2019 in Iran. Finally, 15 empirical studies out of 89 records were reviewed. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.
Results: The studies reported a prevalence of 0.32% to 9.1% for NIs in Iranian hospitals. The pooled prevalence of NIs in Iranian hospitals was 0.01 % (95% CI 0.0% - 0.02%). The most common type of infection was urinary tract infection and the most common microorganism was Escherichia coli. The highest rate of nosocomial infections was seen in the intensive care unit, internal medicine ward and hematology ward. Suction was the most important risk factor for nosocomial infections.
Conclusion: The prevalence of NIs in Iranian hospitals is low according to the published studies. Appropriate strategies should be implemented to prevent and control NIs.
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.
E Amiri, Aa Rafieirad, N Rafieisadr, H Sharifi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (Vol.18, No.1, Spring 2022 2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Although everyone needs to adopt a healthy lifestyle, it is absolutely important for people living with chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS to lead a positive lifestyle because these people are more vulnerable than others. Considering this fact, the present study was conducted to investigates the lifestyle of women living with HIV/AIDS in Kerman.
Methods:The Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) was used in this survey, which includes six aspects as follows: responsibility, moral development, workout, nutrition, individual relations and stress management. Statistical population included 35 women living with HIV/AIDS in Kerman in 2019.
Results: According to the findings of this study, 34.14% of people who participated in this study had a positive lifestyle and the remaining 62.86% had a negative lifestyle. Based on the findings related to the women’s lifestyle, there was a significant difference in family income and job status. No significant difference was found in other variables such as marital status, age group, education and years living with HIV.
Conclusion: As economic variables (family income and job status) play an important role in adopting a positive lifestyle for people living with HIV/AIDS, it is necessary to help them become self-employed or support them financially so that they can lead a healthy lifestyle.
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.
Maryam Zamanian, Rahmatollah Moradzadeh,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (Vol.20, No.1, Spring 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Indirect methods for estimating hidden populations are essential. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe consumption in the Arak metropolis, Iran, directly and indirectly through network scale-up.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,604 participants. Daily and weekly cigarette and waterpipe consumption data were collected to measure the prevalence directly. The indirect network scale-up method was used to estimate the size of cigarette and hookah smokers. A confidence interval of 95% was considered.
Results: About 49.9% of the participants were men. The average age of men was 39.8 and women 38.7 years. In the direct method, the prevalence of smoking at least one cigarette per day during the last year in women and men was 1.8% (1.0-3.0) and 38.3% (34.9-41.9), respectively. The prevalence of using waterpipe at least once a day during the last year was as much as 0.9% (0.03-1.8) and 4.1% (2.8-5.7) for women and men. In the indirect method of network scale-up during the last year, the prevalence of continuous smoking was 4.8% (4.3-5.0) in women and 19.7% (19.6-19.9) in men. The prevalence of waterpipe in women was calculated at 7.8% (7.8-8.0) and 9.8% (9.7-9.9) in men.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the prevalence of waterpipe and cigarette smoking was high in the Arak, especially among young people. It is suggested to the health system policymakers to pay attention to measures related to reducing the prevalence of these two risk factors, especially among young people, in their health plans.
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.
Zahra Kordi, Mostafa Enayatrad, Abolfazl Emamian, Fatemeh Rahaei, Mansooreh Fateh, Mohammad Hassan Emamian,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (Vol.20, No.3, Autumn 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer is considered as one of the most common cancers in the world and Iran. Epidemiological studies are necessary to evaluate the trend of this disease in society. This study aimed to describe the incidence and trend of colorectal cancer in 13 years in Shahroud and Meyami districts, Iran.
Methods: The data were obtained from the population-based cancer registry system at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, including patients in Shahroud and Meyami districts. The standardized incidence rate (ASR) was calculated based on age and gender, and the 13-year trend from 2010 to 2022 was calculated using joinpoint regression along with the percentage of annual changes.
Results: In general, 543 cases of colorectal cancer were recorded from 2010 to 2022, including 280 (51.6%) males and 263 (48.4%) females. The most recorded cases of this cancer were in 2021 with 54 cases. The Age-standardized mean incidence rate of colorectal cancer in this period was 17.6 per 100,000 people. The ASR of colorectal cancer in males and females was 18.4 (95%CI: 16.2 - 20.6) and 16.8 (95% CI: 14.8 - 18.9), respectively. The annual percent change of ASR during the study period was 2.33% (95% CI: 0.13 – 4.87), indicating an increasing trend.
Conclusion: In the Shahroud and Meyami districts, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer was 17.6 per 100,000 people and has increased relatively over the 13-year study period.
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.
Mohammad Heidari, Mohammad Saadati, Moradali Zareipour, Arezoo Qasemkhanloo, Mehrdad Karimi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (Vol.21, No.1, Spring 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Earthquakes are among the most dangerous natural disasters and can significantly harm human life. Accordingly, public awareness and preparedness for earthquakes are essential. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate earthquake safety behaviors, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and protective behaviors in Khoy, Iran.
Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 412 people in Khoy city using cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-designed questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics and assessments of awareness, attitudes, and protective behaviors against earthquakes. The data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, and backward logistic regression method with Stata 15 software.
Results: The results of the present study indicated that over 66% of individuals had poor knowledge, 42% had an average attitude, and 46% exhibited moderate protective behaviors against earthquakes. The regression model demonstrated that high knowledge increased the likelihood of exhibiting protective behaviors by 1.92 times (OR = 1.92, p = 0.006), while a positive attitude increased this likelihood by 6.12 times (OR = 6.12, p < 0.0001). Also, university education level 2.92 times (p=2.92, OR=0.055) and having previous experience of earthquake 1.89 times (p=0.057, OR=1.89) increase the likelihood of these behaviors.
Conclusion: Considering the low levels of awareness and protective behaviors against earthquakes among the residents of Khoy, educational workshops, and simulation exercises should be organized. Additionally, developing educational content could enhance individuals' preparedness for earthquakes.
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.
