Showing 113 results for Ali
M Solhi, N Nejhaddadgar, A Masoum Alizadeh ,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (Vol 12, No 3 2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Lifestyle is one of the most important indicators of improving the quality of the people's lives. Given the key role of employees as valuable human resources, the aim of this study was to evaluate the lifestyle of the employees working in Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in 2015.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 320 employees working in Ardabil University of Medical Sciences were randomly included. The data collecting tools were a demographic form and the Walker questionnaire, which contained two questions related to the six dimensions of lifestyle. Data were analyzed with correlation tests, Chi-square, T-test, and Linear regression using SPSS.
Results: The lifestyle score was poor in 6.9%, moderate in 75.3%, and good in 17.8% of the employees. The mean and standard deviation of lifestyle dimensions was 22.19±4.9 for health responsibility, 27.93±5.2 for spiritual growth, 24.29±4.6 for interpersonal relations, 20.51±4.4 for stress management, 17.53±4.8 for physical activity, and 23.95±4.2 for nutrition. Women had higher scores than men in most items. There were significant relationships between gender and age with stress management (P=.002), gender and health responsibility (P=.002), educational level and health responsibility (P=.001), educational level and nutrition (P=.004), income and nutrition (P=.001), and educational level and interpersonal relations (P=.003).
Conclusion: The majority of employees their lifestyle was in the middle. The lowest score was related to physical activity and stress management. Interventions for promoting physical activity and stress management among employees is proposed.
R Ali Akbari Khoei, E Bakhshi, A Azarkeivan, A Biglarian,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (Vol 12, No 3 2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: A small sample size can influence the results of statistical analysis. A reduction in the sample size may happen due to different reasons, such as loss of information, i.e. existing missing value in some variables. This study aimed to apply bootstrap and jackknife resampling methods in survival analysis of thalassemia major patients.
Methods: In this historical cohort study, the data of 296 patients with thalassemia major who were visited at Zafar Clinic, Tehran, from 1994 to 2013 were used. Parametric survival models were used to analyze the data. The log – normal survival model was selected as the best model and then the bootstrap and jackknife resampling algorithms were used for this model. Data analysis was carried out with the STATA 12.0 software.
Results: The results of the resampling methods showed that standard errors decreased and confidence intervals were shortened. In addition, the result of the bootstrap and jackknife resampling methods showed that age group and the relationship of the parents (P<0.001) were significant compared with the log-normal model (P>0.900).
Conclusion: Comparison of the confidence intervals suggests that the jackknife resampling method can be used when the sample size is small.
Aa Haghdoost, H Hashemi, S Noori Hekmat , M Haji Aghajani , Gh Janbabaee, A Maher, Am Javadi, S Emadi, H Haghighi, Mr Rajabalipour, R Dehnavieh, M Ferdosi, Hr Rashidinejad, F Moeen Samadani , R Rahimisadegh,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives:Among health sector resources, hospital beds are the primary unit of calculation for the capacity of the health service and vital capacity in patient care. Lack of appropriate distribution in different parts of the country leads to transfer of patients and irreparable problems. The aim of this study was to provide accurate information on the number and distribution of hospital beds in the country in 2016 and to estimate the number of beds required by 2026.
Methods:This descriptive-analytic study was conducted in 2016. The population of the study comprised 439 counties covered by 46 medical universities of the country. In this study, the data of 2016 were used and information about the number and ownership of beds and the size of hospitals were obtained from the treatment deputies of medical universities.
Results:The number of active beds in the country was 117580 in 2016, and it is estimated that in order to meet the needs of the community, this number should reach 194471 beds by 2026. There were 1.47 beds for 1,000 people in 2016, which will increase to 2.9 in 2026 by implementing the NEDA project. The coefficient of variation in 2016 was 36%, which will reach 19% by 2026 according to estimates in the Iran's roadmap project.
Conclusion:The distribution of beds was differed in different regions of the country and there are not enough hospital beds in some areas. If the Iran roadmap is implemented, 2026 beds will be distributed more evenly across the country.
M Haji Aghajani , H Hashemi, Aa Haghdoost, S Noori Hekmat, Gh Janbabaee, A Maher, R Rahimisadegh, S Emadi, Mr Rajabalipour, H Haghighi, R Dehnavieh, F Dehnavieh Tijang ,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Iran is a large country that is often an importer of major medical equipment. There is no comprehensive databank of the status of the equipment in the country. The present study provides a clear description of the dispersal status of major medical equipment in the country in 2016 and the estimated number of required devices in 2026.
Methods: This study was conducted in 2016 in Iran. The study included 8 MRI, CT scan, gamma camera, linear accelerator, PET scan, cardiac angiography, peripheral angiography, and CT angiography devices. The data of the number of equipment in each city were collected through a census of devices.
Results: At the beginning of the year 2016, 3.5 MRI devices, 6.93 CT scans, 2.18 gamma cameras, 1.23 linear accelerators, 0.04 PET scans, 2.3 cardiac angiography devices, 0.27 peripheral angiography devices, and 0.25 CT angiography devices per million population were active in Iran. CT scan and MRI devices were the most available equipment. It is estimated that the same pattern should be maintained in 2026, but the distribution of devices as well as the total number of devices in the country should improve.
Conclusion: In 2016, for most of the devices, the proportion of the device to the population in the whole country was close to the global average, but there was a large accumulation of devices in large cities. This problem has been identified and interventions have been planned to move towards reducing inequalities In Iran's Health Roadmap.
R Dehnavieh, S Noorihekmat, A Masoud, Ma Moghbeli, H Rahimi, A Poursheikhali , M Hoseinpour, S Salari,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the decentralized models that has been formed based on universal health coverage is the model of health complexes in Tabriz. This study was conducted to evaluate the model.
Methods: This case study was conducted in 2017. Beside observation, 28 individuals, including informed experts in the field of establishment of health complexes in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, were purposefully selected and semi-structured interviews were also conducted. To analyze the interviews and the results of observations, the framework analysis was used based on the components of the Primary Care Evaluation Tool (PCET) model.
Results: The strengths of the health complex model are decentralized planning, strengthening the private sector participation, have more appropriate methods for assessing the performance of the health team, creating a sense of delivering effective services in providers, using electronic information registration system, using the prospective payment method, strengthening the referral system, enhancing service continuity, and facilitating financial and geographical access, especially in marginalized areas. However, there are some problems such as lack of some facilities and equipment, lack of some workforces and high workload, financial instability, and lack of insurance organizations cooperation with the plan.
Conclusion: The health complex model has improved organizational, financial, and geographic access to health services. It seems that if the resources are more stable and by cooperation of basic insurances, the results of this project will be better.
M Haji Aghajani , Aa Haghdoost, S Noori Hekmat , Gh Janbabaee, A Maher, Am Javadi, R Rahimisadegh, Mr Rajabalipour, H Haghighi, R Dehnavieh, S Emadi,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The imbalance between the existing human resources and future needs of the health system disturb the service delivery process. The present study aimed at determining human resources needs in the health sector for a 10-year planning program. For this purpose, the researchers examined the geographical distribution of different groups of health system staff in 2016 and 2026.
Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out in 2016. The population of this study included 46 universities of medical sciences. Data of the number and distribution of health care staff working in public, private, charity, and semi-public sectors of medical departments of medical universities were collected. The Qlik View software was used for data integration and designing information dashboards.
Results: At the beginning of 2016, the ratio of nurses, nursing groups, midwives, pharmacists, dentistry and general physician per 100,000 individuals was 133, 199, 32, 17, 22, and 53 respectively, which are estimated to reach 223, 272, 37, 26, 27, and 79 in 2025, respectively. The coefficient of dispersion variation of the above was 39%, 32%, 43%, 33%, 43%, and 44% in 2016, respectively, which are estimated to reduce by 2026 if the Iran medical roadmap is implemented.
Conclusion: The high dispersion index of the medical personnel relative to the population in the cities covered by medical universities indicates unbalanced distribution. If the estimates of the Iran's 2026 medical roadmap are implemented, more appropriate distribution of the medical staff is expected.
A Maher, Aa Haghdoost, S Noori Hekmat , M Haji Aghajani , Gh Janbabaee, H Vaezi, Gh Khademi, S Emadi, R Rahimisadegh, H Haghighi, R Dehnavieh, Mr Rajabalipour,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a clear description of the pre-hospital emergency setting and risk management in accidents and disasters in accordance with current Iran’s standards in different regions of the country. This study was part of the national project "Iran Roadmap (Neda 2026)".
Methods: The data of the major medical equipment was gathered from 48 medical universities covering all of the country's 32 provinces. Goal standards were obtained from the “Ministry of Health” and the “Department of Statistics for Medical Accident and Emergency Management Centers” in all universities. Coefficient of dispersion was calculated to evaluate any dispersion in major medical equipment.
Results: The results of this study showed that in 2017, the highest and lowest coefficient in “pre-hospital facilities” was related to the ambulance engine (301%) and the operational base personnel (93%), respectively. Nio national standards were implemented in “Risk Management in accidents and disasters needs” in most provinces of Iran. In 2026 estimates, all of the factors improved and dispersion decreased.
Conclusion: Despite the poor distribution of prehospital indicators in 2017, forecasting showed desirable conditions in distribution of facilities in the pre-hospital emergency and risk management of accidents and disasters.
R Dehnavieh, Aa Haghdoost, Sr Majdzadeh, S Noorihekmat, H Ravaghi, Mh Mehrolhasani, O Barati, H Salari, A Masoud, A Poursheikhali, N Mirshekari , S Ghasemi, A Esfandiary,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Universal health coverage will have a problem in achieving it’s goals if it doesn’t consider the quality. This study aimed to Background and Objectives: Universal health coverage cannot achieve it’s goals if it doesn’t consider the quality. This study wants to assess the quality of health services in Iran, identify existing challenges and provide solutions.
Methods: This study was a mixed qualitative and review study. In the first stage, the national main indicators of the quality of services were reviewed. Then, the orientation of the available upstream documents on the quality of services was explained. The most important challenges, trends, and recommendations of health quality improvement were extracted via interviews.
Results: Proper observation of the Iran health care quality requires appropriate framework and indicators. Upstream documents strongly emphasized on the government's responsibility to play a key role as stewardship and that the health system should provide the necessary structural, procedural, and consequential requirements besides determining appropriate model. Quality management programs had obstacles in some aspects like the performance of managers and human resources, structural/communicational requirements, education, payment system, culture, use of quality management indicators and models, financial, information, and equipment resources, laws and regulations, and supervision.
Conclusion: Improving the quality of health services in Iran requires strategies in organizing, resource generation, payment, laws and regulations, and behavior of policy makers and planners. Quality tools should be used without haste and should pay attention changes in the nature of diseases, expectations of stakeholders, and increased global attention to this issue in designing related plans.
S Noori Hekmat, H Hashemi, Aa Haghdoost, M Haji Aghajani , Gh Janbabaee, A Maher, A Javadi, R Rahimisadegh, S Emadi, Mr Rajabalipour, R Dehnavieh, H Haghighi,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The distribution of specialists is important in two ways: geographical and specialty. In this study, we provided a description of the distribution of specialists in Iran in 2016 and its estimates in 2026.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2016 to estimate the number of specialists in 2026. Data were gathered through a census of specialists working in each of 439 cities in the country, including those in public and private sectors. Coefficient of variation and the number of specialists in 100000 populations were applied as distribution measures.
Results: In the year 2016, there were 46 specialists per 100,000 populations, and it is estimated that considering the full-time equivalent index of 1.2, 63 specialists per 100,000 populations will be required in the year 2026. The highest and lowest ratio of specialists per population in the year 2016 was reported in Tehran (89 per 100,000 populations) and Jiroft (10 per 100,000 populations), respectively. The gynecologist group and geriatric specialists group were the largest (4747 specialists) and smallest group (4 specialists), respectively.
Conclusion: There was a considerable disparity between different regions of the country in terms of access to specialists. Furthermore, the ratio of specialist per population in different specialty groups varied from one province to another. Upon implementation of the Iran Roadmap, according to 2026 estimates, this dispersion will be reduced to some extent; however, part of the dispersion related to the regionalisation pilicy.
F Heydarpour, A Akbari Sari, M Mohebali, S Bokaie,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (Vol 13, No 1, Spring 2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Leishmaniasis encompasses a wide range of clinical complaints from skin injury to fatal visceral infections. Detailed information about the economic burden of the disease can help health care decision makers to estimate the magnitude of the problem, economic advantages obtained from the prevention of this disease, resource allocation, and disease management. The study was conducted to determine the economic burden of leishmaniasis in humans and animals in Iran in 2013.
Methods: The cost unit was determined through public service tariffs determined by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and interviews with experts, and service costs were calculated by multiplying the cost unit for one person by all infected cases. The course of the disease and the services provided to patients were obtained from the review of the literature and records and interview with experts.
Results: The economic burden of leishmaniasis was estimated more than IRR 213 billion ($6,700,000). Moreover, 39%, 27%, 18%, and 16% of the costs were related to indirect costs, direct medical costs, indirect medical costs, and dogs, respectively. The average direct medical cost of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis was IRR 3381186 ($106) and IRR 9392832 ($295) per person, respectively.
Conclusion: The economic burden of leishmaniasis compared to some diseases such as hydatid cyst showed a smaller number( 232.3 million$). It is recommended that IIranian health politicians consider the economic burden of other diseases.
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.
R Dehnavieh, Aa Haghdoost, S Noori Hekmat, M Bamir, A Masoud, A Poursheikhali, Mr Cheshmyazdan,
Volume 14, Issue 0 (Special Issue, Vol.14, 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Before any development in scientific health activities, we have to observe its scope and compare it with health sector. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the quality and quantity of the health-prioritized disciplines mentioned in the comprehensive health plan of Iran.
Methods: This scientometric cross-sectional study was done during 2010-2017. The study population was 26 prioritized areas in three categories of survival, excellence, and infrastructure according to comprehensive health plan of Iran in 2010. The data collection tool was the SCImago database. The number of documents, citation indicators, and h-index were analyzed by Excel.
Results: The findings of the research showed that the highest h-index of Iran in the excellence, survival, and infrastructure category was in Nano (90), infectious diseases (67), and systematic ecology (56), respectively. Moreover, the highest ranked citations in three categories of survival, infrastructure, and excellence were related to traditional medicine, family medicine, and dentistry with a global rank of 8, 9 and 15, respectively. In categories of excellence, survival and infrastructure; public health, bioinformatics, and infectious diseases had the highest number of products with 7045, 5371 and 5135 articles.
Conclusion: There has been a marked improvement in the quality and quantity of all the subject categories over time. The general domains of excellence, survival, and infrastructure categories had the highest mean H-index, and the highest average growth rate of scientific productions was related to excellence, infrastructure and survival categories, respectively.
R Dehnavieh, Aa Haghdoost, H Rahimi, A Poursheikhali, M Hasani, N Mirshekari, F Hoseinabadi, S Radmerikhi, Z Khajeh, N Khajehpour, A Masoud, M Balochi, S Noori Hekmat, K Nouhi,
Volume 14, Issue 0 (Special Issue, Vol.14, 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Plagiarism is the most prevalent type of scientific misconduct, and various rules and strategies have been proposed to combat it in different countries. A review of other countries' experiences in this area contributes to good policymaking. The present study was conducted to introduce preventive interventions of plagiarism in the leading countries.
Methods: The present study was a qualitative review study of applied practices. In this study, preventive interventions of scientific plagiarism in the 27 European ::::::::union:::::::: countries were studied due to the appropriate coherence and structural similarity at national, organizational, and individual levels. The national-level interventions were analyzed using the content analysis method in mentioned countries.
Results: The results of analyzing the national-level interventions were categorized into eight main themes, including reaching a national agreement on examples of scientific plagiarism and misconduct; policy development; monitoring and supervision; financial support development; development of databanks and software; compiling educational programs for faculty members and students; dissemination and use of successful experiences; and eventually establishment of laws related to scientific misconduct, plagiarism, and punishments activities.
Conclusion: Using preventive interventions at a national level proves the commitment and determination of policymakers to control and prevent plagiarism. Proper use of preventive interventions at a national level strengthens the controlling and preventive infrastructures of this issue at the organizational level, and enhances moral commitment and professional skills among the country's researchers.
H Sajadi, M Vameghi, F Mohammadi Shahboulaghi , D Ali, Sh Mohaqeqi Kamal ,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (Vol 14, No 1, 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Children’s well-being is a multidimensional construct that precedes various aspects of children's lives. This study sought to identify the main areas of children's wellbeing in Iran and their domains, components, and indicators that can be used to measure the well-being of children in Iran.
Methods: In this Delphi study, 30 experts that had educational, research, and executive experiences in various areas of children’s life were consulted. The dimensions, components, and indicators of children’s wellbeing were extracted through a review of the literature and views of the experts and children. The Delphi method was applied in three rounds. The dimensions and components with a higher-than-average score were selected and the percentage of Delphi members’ agreement with related indicators was measured.
Results: Generally, 25 components and 110 indicators related to 7 domains (physical health, safety and risks, economical situation, family, personal and social well-being, education, housing and living conditions) were selected by Delphi members. Consensus on the relevancy of indicators, proportionality, and comprehensiveness was 100%, 95%, and 86%, respectively.
Conclusion: The components and indicators suggested in this study can help to create a composite index for monitoring and comparing the status of the children’s wellbeing between different provinces of Iran in different times. It can also show the strengths and weaknesses of the policies and programs related to children’s wellbeing and help the government to adopt appropriate policies for the whole country as well as each province.
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.
A Alipour, Sa Ghadiri, L Khazaei,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Vol.14, No.2, 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The cause of death in children under one year can be an important tool for designing prevention strategies and reducing the mortality rate. The aim of this study was to estimate the number of deaths in children under one year using the Mr. Murray’s estimation index in Mazandaran Province, and to compare this estimation with reported cases of civil registration organization.
Methods: All deaths of children under one year between 2011 to 2014 registered in hospitals across Mazandaran Province were included in this study. The cause of death as coded in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) was converted to Murray classification. The coefficients in each of the Murray levels were used to estimate actual death cases. We compared this estimation with the number of deaths that is reported annually by civil registration organization.
Results: Seven hundred and sixty four deaths occurred in this period. The leading causes of death in children under one year were conditions of the perinatal period, congenital anomalies and chromosomal disorders, respiratory diseases, and diseases of the cardiovascular system. The Murray method estimated 1711 deaths for the entire Province.
Conclusion: the Murray method predicted that from 2011 to 2014, 390-445 children under one year died in Mazandaran Province annually. There is a controversy between the estimates obtained in this study and the number of deaths reported by the civil registration organization, which may indicate a defect in a complete registration of deaths by this organization.
Mr Jamali, A Shojaee, M Ghanadi, J Jamali,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Vol.14, No.2, 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Evaluation of the epidemiologic pattern of diseases requiring hospitalization is one of the effective factors in better management of hospitals, which can provide health managers and planners with a realistic and appropriate view on procuring the equipment and furnishing and equipping the hospitals in the country. This study was conducted to investigate this pattern based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) using the information recorded in Tehran Health Insurance Organization in a ten-year period.
Methods: In this descriptive research, we examined all records of hospitalized cases registered in the hospital information system of Tehran Health Insurance Organization during 2005 to 2014. The data of more than two million records, including case number, gender, and age of the patients as well as the diagnosis code were extracted from the hospital information system.
Results: From 2008859 cases, 51.9% of patients were male and the mean age of the patients was 24.60±44.22 years. In children less than one year, “certain conditions originating in the perinatal period”, in children aged one to four years “symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified”, in children 5 to 14 years “neoplasm”, in patients 15 to 44 years “pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium”, and in patients above 45 years, “diseases of the circulatory system” were the most common diagnostic categories in hospitalized insured patients.
Conclusion: Due the specialization of diseases and various causes of hospitalization, to prevent wastage of financial and human resources, health policymakers and planners should allocate resources to insurance companies according to the scope of their activities.
H Hatami, H Namdaritabar, M Lotfaliany, S Akbarpour, N Zafari,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (Vol.14, No.3, 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infections could affect the prognosis of disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. We aimed to determine HBV/HCV co-infection in HIV-positive individuals; and to compare the characteristics of different subgroups of HIV/HBV/HCV.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 908 of 2134 newly-registered HIV-positive individuals in the Iranian Ministry of Health in 2016 were recruited. Participants were divided into four subgroups (HBV-/HCV-, HBV+/HCV-, HBV-/HCV+, and HBV+/HCV+). Demographic data and HIV transmission routes were compared between subgroups.
Results: Among908 participants, 505 (60.6%) were HBV-/HCV-, 20 (2.2%) were HBV+/HCV-, 318 (35%) were HBV-/HCV+, and 20 (2.2%) were HBV+/HCV+. Mean age of participants was 36.9 years; 67% were male and 47% were married. The commonest high-risk behaviors were unsafe sex (43.5%) and IV drug-abuse (34.4%). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean ages of subgroups. All HBV+/HCV+ ,92% of HBV-/HCV+, 50% of HBV+/HCV- and 52% of HBV-/HCV- were men and the difference between groups was statistically significant (p-value: <0.001). Seventy four percent of HBV-/HCV+ and 80% of HBV+/HCV+ reported IV drug-abuse. Thirty percent of HBV-/HCV- and 40% of HBV+/HCV- were spouse of HIV-positive or high-risk individuals.
Conclusion: More than 30% of newly registered HIV-positive individuals in the Iranian Ministry of Health in 2016 were co-infected with either HBV or HCV. Frequency of men, marital status and high-risk behaviors were different in various subgroups.
Sa Motevalian, H Gharibnavaz, M Asadi Lari , Sh Seraji,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (Vol.14, No.3, 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Accidents are one of the global concerns in public health. About 1.24 million people die in traffic accidents annually. Road accidents are the leading cause of years of life lost in Iran and motorcyclists are the riskiest group of road users. Drug abuse is one of the main causes of road traffic accidents and motorcycling is more popular in drug abusers. So, this study was conducted to compare the riding behavior of normal and drug abuser motorcyclists.
Methods: This historical cohort was performed in 411 motorcyclists in 3 study groups: 100 methadone consumer motorcyclists, 100 methamphetamine consumer motorcyclists, and 211 normal motorcyclists. The participants in three groups were matched for age and area of residence. A motorcycle riding behavior questionnaire was used to collect the data. Then, the collected data were analyzed with the SPSS (V-20) software using descriptive and analytic statistics. Multivariate linear regression was applied for statistical analysis.
Results: There was a significant difference in the riding behavior score between normal motorcyclists and methamphetamine user and methadone user motorcyclists (P<0.0001), but the difference between drug user motorcyclists was not significant (P=0.292). The most frequent violation in all three groups was speeding.
Conclusion: the results showed speeding was the most frequent violation in all three groups followed by traffic errors. It was found that drug abuse (methamphetamine and methadone) could have an impact on motorcyclists’ riding behaviors as it could increase the riding behavior score in drug user motorcyclists compared to normal motorcyclists.
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.
