Showing 113 results for Ali
Hamid Soori, Nahid Khodakarami, Alireza Zali, Alireza Noori, Samaneh Akbarpour, Fatemeh Sadat Asgarian,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (Vol.18, No.3, Autumn 2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of severe problems in the world. This study investigated the epidemiology of the disease in Tehran in the first quarter of the epidemic's beginning.
Methods: The available information recorded for patients from 20 February 2020 to 20 May 2020 in Tehran was used. To prepare disease-related distribution maps, the addresses of patients' residences in Google Earth were called to ARC-GIS version 10-4. The methods used in GIS include IDW, Hotspot and also software development.
Results: Overall, 3699 individuals whose PCR results were positive in Tehran were included in the study. Out of the total number of them, 550 people died and the fatality rate of the disease in hospitalized patients was 14.9%. One thousand five hundred thirty patients (41.4%) have recovered, and the remaining 1619 patients were under treatment until data collection. Of the total, 1479 confirmed cases were women (40%). The average age was 57.4 years (SD=16.5). The density of cases in areas 4, 8 and 13, and the existence of some cluster diseases in neighborhoods such as Tehran Pars, Ayat and Pirouzi streets are noteworthy points.
Conclusion: The trend of the COVID-19 epidemic is dire and requires long-term measures. Nevertheless, to control this disease, the health system, the policy of isolating patients and suspicious people, wear masks especially in densely populated areas, are the most important controlling factors.
Ali Hasanabadi, Shirin Nasri, Elaheh Salarpour, Naser Nasiri, Hamid Sharifi,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (Vol.18, No.3, Autumn 2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Screening for home contact with TB patients is essential to identify new infections. This study aimed to evaluate the tuberculosis status in family members of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Bam.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as a census of patients' family members whose records are registered during 2013-2019 in Bam Health Center. Patients' information was collected based on a checklist, and then sputum smear-positive patients were identified using tuberculin and sputum smear tests.
Results: Ninety-seven of the patients had a positive sputum smear test result. Based on the records of these patients, 237 members of their families were examined as contact persons. Most of the patients were female and in the age group of 40-50 years; 76.8% of them had unprotected close contact, and 78.9% had a history of permanent contact with patients. Five (2.1%; 95% confidence intervals: 0.7-4.9) sputum-positive smear pulmonary tuberculosis cases were found in contacts of patients, most of them were over 50 years old and primarily women. 40% of these people had unprotected close contact, and 80% had a house with less than 70 square meters.
Conclusion: in this study, 2.0% of the family members of patients were sputum smear-positive. Identifying patients and following them up is essential to prevent the spread of tuberculosis in those people around them. Therefore, screening the patient's family members can significantly help ease the disease burden in Iran.
Layla Halimi, Eshagh Dortaj Rabari, Reza Majdzadeh, Aliakbar Haghdoost,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Vol.18, No.4, Winter 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In adolescence, there is a heightened inclination to cultivate stronger social networks within schools, resulting in the exchange of information. This study investigates the influential factors that shape the exchange of information among students within their classrooms.
Methods: The study involved 350 male and female middle and high school students in Hamadan. Two types of networks were constructed within each class: the communication network, representing ordinary students’ interactions, and the specific network, which focused on the exchange of sensitive information about puberty. The network centrality index was calculated, and factors influencing information transfer were evaluated through a questionnaire.
Results: The degree of centrality in the social network of boys exceeded that of girls, with values of 55.4% versus 47.6% in the communication network, and 33.4% versus 20.1% in the specific network, respectively. The degree of centrality of students had significant positive association with the length of time that they spent with their friends. Moreover, we found the degree of centrality of students in both networks, particularly in special network, was stronger in high schools.
Conclusion: During adolescence, boys tend to possess a broader communication network within their classrooms, enabling them to effectively exchange information about puberty. Factors such as effective communication skills, knowledge about puberty, and spending time with their classmates play crucial roles in facilitating the exchange of information among adolescents in schools.
Fatemeh Shahbazi, Salman Khazaei, Mohammad Mirzaei, Seyed Jalalodin Bathaei, Ali Zahiri, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Vol.18, No.4, Winter 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the mortality rate and years of life lost (YLL) resulting from COVID-19 infection in Hamadan Province.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, information regarding the number of deaths caused by COVID-19 infection was obtained from the Vice-Chancellor of Health at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The research period spanned from February 2020 to February 2021. The deaths recorded by the deputy health department encompassed both outpatients and inpatients. The calculation of Years of Life Lost (YLL) was based on the guidelines outlined in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010. All data analysis was performed using Excel software.
Results: During the study period, a total of 1556 deaths occurred due to COVID-19 infection in Hamadan Province. The years of life lost (YLL) due to premature death were 15783 years (49.99 per thousand) in men, 12794 years (38.43 per thousand) in women, and 28577 years (44.08 per thousand) in both sexes. Specifically, urban areas accounted for 19824 YLL, while rural areas accounted for 8753 YLL.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, COVID-19 infection resulted in a significant loss of potential years of life, particularly among men, those over 60 years of age, and in urban areas. As a result, intervention programs should prioritize the importance of early detection of the disease, reducing its severity, and subsequently mitigating the number of fatalities. Additionally, better control of the disease in elderly populations, who represent the highest proportion of years of life lost, should be a focal point.
Mohammad Khajedaluee, Maliheh Dadgar Moghaddam, Amir-Reza Khajedaluee, Hiva Sharebiani, Hamidreza Bahrami Taghanaki, Maryam Ziadi Lotfabadi, Zeinab Shateri Amiri,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Vol.18, No.4, Winter 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.
Yaser Mesri, Mina Pakkhesal, Aliakbar Naghavialhosseini, Fatemeh Mirzaei, Abdolhalim Rajabi,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Vol.18, No.4, Winter 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health and the significance of oral health, this study aims to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental care utilization among children.
Methods: This retrospective study utilized available data from the archives of the dental clinic at Gorgan Pediatric Hospital in 2022. Information regarding demographic characteristics and the types of received services were collected and entered to SPSS version 26 statistical analysis software. The chi-square test was used to compare the annual differences in the frequency of different service types, and the Cochrane-Armitage test was employed to examine the linear trend of changes in each service.
Results: A total of 24,185 different dental services were received by children aged between 2 and 14 years old referred to dental clinic of Taleghani Children Hospital from March 2020 to February 2022. Comparing the frequency of dental services in 2021 to that of 2020 revealed a 31% decrease in the total number of services. The types of services utilized during the first year of the pandemic exhibited significant changes compared to the pre-pandemic year. This included an increase in tooth extraction (P = 0.001) and a reduction in restorations (P = 0.000). Additionally, a noticeable increase in pulp treatment (P = 0.003) was observed, particularly in the second year of the pandemic.
Conclusion: The frequency of dental care utilization, types of services received, and insurance utilization underwent significant changes during the pandemic. It is crucial to plan for future required treatments and establish infrastructures to address similar pandemics.
Nafiseh Salehnia, Abbas Assari Arani, Hossein Sadeghi Saghdel, Alireza Olyaeemanesh,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Vol.18, No.4, Winter 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Health promotion is a crucial task for policymakers. Therefore, this study aims to identify the key factors that determine population health in Iran and illustrate the causal relationships between these factors.
Methods: The research was conducted using a mixed-method approach in three stages. First, macro social determinants of health were identified by analyzing available resources from 2000 to 2019. Screening of factors was carried out through the fuzzy Delphi method and a survey involving 15 experts. Finally, the causal relationships between the social determinants of health were depicted using a fuzzy cognitive map.
Results: Initially, 96 health determinants were identified at the national and global levels. After the screening, 8 factors that had less significance in population health were excluded. In terms of causal relationships, the economic system emerged as the most important and influential factor, with a centrality degree of 21.06 and an out-degree of 10.91. Following that, governance and policy-making, as well as national policies, were ranked with centrality degrees of 20.25 and 20.19, respectively.
Conclusion: Irrespective of the causal relationships, the health system holds the utmost importance in population health. However, when considering the causal relationships, the economic system takes precedence as the most critical factor, while the health system does not rank among the top three factors. Therefore, the analysis of fuzzy cognitive maps assists policymakers in understanding priorities and the interconnectedness between sectors in developing and implementing health-oriented policies across all sectors, enabling the adoption of the most effective policies.
Maliheh Dadgar Moghadam, Majid Khadem Rezaian, Zainab Shateri Amiri,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Vol.18, No.4, Winter 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The novel and rapidly spreading nature of COVID-19 surpasses the capacity and capabilities of the healthcare system, necessitating comprehensive management. This study aims to explore the role and relationship of social determinants of health with the ultimate outcome of patients.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the information of COVID-19 patients within the coverage area of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences was examined from three sources (outpatient or inpatient) between March 2018 and March 2019, utilizing the census method. The logistic regression model was employed to assess the predictability of social determinants of health.
Results: Out of 182,602 patients, 100,407 (55%) were men, and 82,195 (45%) were women. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of mortality due to corona infection increased by 1.075 (1.073-1.077) times for each year of age. Additionally, the odds were 2.37 (2.06-2.73) times higher in men compared to women and displayed an inverse relationship with educational level (PV<0.001). Job status did not demonstrate a significant effect. The presence of diabetes (OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.19-1.38), underlying diseases (OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.22), and immune system weakness (OR=7.94, 95% CI: 6.44-9.80) were associated with an increased likelihood of death. Conversely, pregnancy (OR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.57-1.42) and high blood pressure (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.89-1.02) exhibited no significant association.
Conclusion: Considering the relationship between social determinants of health and COVID-19 mortality, it is recommended that policymakers involve sectors outside the healthcare system in addressing health matters.
Alireza Didarloo, Behrouz Fathi, Raana Hosseini, Habibollah Pirnejad, Sima Ghorbanzadeh, Kajal Yasamani,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Vol.19, No.1, Spring 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Vaccination stands as a paramount achievement in global public health and a key strategy to control COVID-19. Vaccine acceptance is a pivotal determinant of the success or failure of vaccination programs. Leveraging health education models and theories to predict behavioral intention, this study aimed to investigate the determinants of the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among the general population of Urmia using the Health Belief Model (HBM).
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study employed a cross-sectional approach among 575 individuals aged over 18 residing in Urmia. Sampling was conducted through the snowball and convenience sampling methods. Data was collected using a valid and reliable electronic researcher-made questionnaire comprising four sections: demographic characteristics, knowledge, HBM constructs, and intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 16.
Results: The HBM effectively explained 67% of the variance in the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Within the model's constructs, individuals' perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.505, P = 0.001) emerged as the strongest predictor of the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Other influencing factors included perceived susceptibility (β = 0.158, P = 0.001) and perceived barriers (β = -0.109, P = 0.001).
Conclusion: Given the robust predictive ability of the HBM for the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19, this model can be utilized in educational and behavioral programs and interventions. Special emphasis should be placed on effective constructs, particularly self-efficacy, to enhance citizens' willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Tina Fallah, Ameneh Elikaei, Roxana Mansour Ghanaie, Abdollah Karimi, Iraj Sedighi, Marjan Tariverdi, Arezu Amirali, Tayebe Nazari, Negin Nahanmoghadam, Alireza Nateghian, Seyed Hamidreza Monavari, Seyed Mohsen Zahraei, Sussan Mahmoudi, Masoud Alebouyeh,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Vol.19, No.1, Spring 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Identification of rotavirus genotypes in children is clinically important. This study aimed to determine the spectrum of rotavirus genotypes and assess their correlation with demographic variables and clinical manifestations in hospitalized children.
Methods: To determine rotavirus genotypes, rotavirus positive stool samples of symptomatic children were included in the study between December 2019 and March 2020. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis for VP7 and VP4 genes were performed following standard protocols. Genotypes were determined using specific primers. Validation of results was done through sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20 and GraphPad version 9.5.0.
Results: Among the infected patients, three genotypes emerged as dominant in the studied population. The study demonstrated a significant correlation between genotype frequency and seasonal variations (p-value=0.0077), as well as between genotypes, hospitalization, and severity of diarrhea. While significantly more types of rotavirus group A were identified with increasing age, no correlation was observed between the genotypes and gender (p-value=0.473). Furthermore, there was no significant association between genotype, dehydration rates, and the presence or absence of fever.
Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high diversity of rotavirus genotypes in children. The findings suggest the need for further research to validate the identified correlations between certain genotypes and age groups, seasonal variations, clinical symptoms, and the efficacy of available vaccines.
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.
Fatemeh Hajivalizadeh, Mahnaz Sanjari, Noushin Fahimfar, Kazem Khalagi, Mohammad Javad Mansourzadeh, Elahe Hesari, Bagher Larijani, Hadis Ghajari, Mahboobeh Darman, Afshin Ostovar,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Vol.19, No.2, Summer 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In Iran, a substantial number of individuals at risk of osteoporosis lack access to osteoporosis diagnostic services, highlighting a significant gap in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of osteoporosis. This study aims to investigate the distribution of bone densitometer devices in Iran.
Methods: Bone densitometry devices across the country in 2018 were assessed through a comprehensive census. Information regarding these devices was gathered based on their location (urban or rural), ownership (government or private), adherence to standards, and years of operation. To calculate the inequality index in the distribution of devices among cities within a province, the frequency of devices in the provincial center was compared to those outside the center. To assess the inequality in the distribution of devices among the provinces of the country, the Lorenz curve and concentration index were utilized. All values were calculated per one million people over 50 years of age.
Results: Of the total 492 bone density measurement devices in the country, 399 devices (81.0%) were located in provincial centers. Out of these, 103 (20.9%) devices were in government-owned centers, while 389 (79.0%) devices were in privately-owned centers. For every one million individuals over 50 years old, the total number of devices, standard devices, standard devices with less than 10 years of operation, and devices in government-owned centers were calculated as 33.4, 20.3, 9.9, and 7, respectively. The inequality index in the distribution of devices in the cities was found to be 4.7. Furthermore, the inequality index in the distribution of devices between provinces was estimated as 0.13 (95%CI: 0.005-0.25) (P value=0.05).
Conclusion: There exists a significant disparity in the distribution of bone densitometry devices across the provinces and cities within the country.
Zahra Aliakbarzadeh Arani, Tahereh Ramezani, Azam Hosseinpour,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Vol.19, No.2, Summer 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Considering the documented impact of attitudes towards aging on quality of life, this study aimed to explore hope in life and its association with attitudes towards aging across various age groups in Qom, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2021-2022, included 83 children (8-15 years old) and 340 adults (16 years old and above) selected from different age groups based on the Statistical Center of Iran's classification. The systematic random sampling method was used, considering the frequency percentage of each group from the 2015 census. Data were collected through a demographic form, Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People Scale (KAOPS), and Snyder's Hope questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-24, incorporating Pearson's correlation coefficient, independent sample t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of hope in life and attitude towards aging were 25.97±5.81 (ranging from 6 to 36) and 137.38±21.65 (ranging from 34 to 238) in the children's group, and 27.54±4.92 (ranging from 8 to 32) and 154.66±17.30 (ranging from 34 to 238) in the adults' group, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed a significant relationship between hope in life and attitude towards aging only in the age groups of 16-24 years (r=0.220, P<0.05) and 25-44 years (r=0.273, P<0.01), while this relationship was not significant in other groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Although the relationship between attitude towards aging and hope in life was not strong or significant across all age groups, given the average levels of hope in life across all age groups, promoting positivity and elucidating the positive attributes of aging and the importance of elderly individuals in society can enhance individuals' outlook towards their future life.
Mohammadreza Balooch Hasankhani, Aliakbar Haghdoost, Yunes Jahani,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Vol.19, No.2, Summer 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Time trend analysis of factors such as disease and mortality rates is a crucial component of health planning for any community. It allows for a more accurate interpretation of changes over time. This study was conducted to examine the performance of the Joinpoint regression model in analyzing time trends.
Methods: This study aims to first provide a simplified understanding of the Joinpoint regression model and then demonstrate its application on data regarding the 30-year trends of liver cancer mortality due to alcohol consumption in Iran.
Results: The results of the time trend analysis indicate that the age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer due to alcohol use consumption has decreased by an average of 0.8% per year over the 30-year period in Iran (1990 to 2019). The projections also suggest that this declining trend will continue.
Conclusion: In general, the main advantage of the Joinpoint regression model over other models is its ability to identify periods where significant changes in trends have occurred. Based on the results, the mortality rate of liver cancer due to alcohol use consumption over the 30-year period in Iran can be divided into five periods with different rates of change.
Ali Jafari-Khounigh, Morteza Haghighi, Alireza Razzaghi, Shahram Habibzadeh, Seyed Taghi Heydari, Rasoul Entezarmahdi, Dr. Alireza Ansari Moghaddam, Hamid Sharifi, Mostafa Farahbakhsh, Mahdi Rezaei, Mina Golestani, Ehsan Sarbazi, Naser Nasiri, Homayoun Sadeghi-Bazargani,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (Vol.19, No.3, Autumn 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Masks play a crucial role in preventing and controlling viral epidemics transmitted predominantly through the air. This study aimed to develop and validate a tool to measure people’s attitudes and behaviors related to mask usage during highly contagious viral epidemics.
Methods: In this psychometric study, the initial questionnaire was developed and face validity and content validity were assessed by 17 experts and three lay experts. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was measured using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with the principal component extraction method and Varimax rotation.
Results: Based on a review of previous studies, an initial 27-item questionnaire was crafted. During the face validity stage, two items were excluded. Through calculating the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and the Content Validity Index (CVI), three and one items respectively removed. The average scale level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.95. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.76 for attitude and 0.66 for practice sections; the ICC was equal to 0.873. EFA revealed two factors explaining 63.98% of the total variance.
Conclusion: This questionnaire demonstrated sound reliability and validity in Persian, providing an effective means to assess attitude and behavior related to mask usage during highly contagious viral epidemics. It stands as a valuable tool for use in Iran and other countries.
Fatemeh Rostampour, Hamid Reza Khalkhali, Sima Masudi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (Vol.19, No.3, Autumn 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Animal bites are one of the most important public health problems that cause rabies. This study aimed to investigate the preventive measures taken for animal bite cases that occurred in West Azerbaijan province during 2012 to 2019.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved the review data from all animal bite cases referred to rabies care centers in West Azerbaijan province. Information regarding prophylactic measures to prevent rabies, including post-bite procedures (washing, disinfection, dressing, stitches and receiving antibiotics), anti-rabies vaccine status (referral delay, vaccine dose received, vaccination history, anti-rabies serum, tetanus vaccination history) was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The relationship between delay in referral and the measures taken was investigated using the Chi-square test.
Results: Over the studied years, there were 47131 cases of animal bites. Among these, 63.9% were referred without delay, while 36.1% experienced a delay in referral. Notably, 99.6% of wounds were washed with soap and water, 94.5% were disinfected, and 31.3% received antibiotics. The proportion of individuals receiving antibiotics was significantly higher among those with delayed referrals. Regarding rabies vaccination, 77.3% had received all three initial doses, 15.4% had completed five doses, and 1.1% had not received any vaccine.
Conclusion: While prophylaxis measures for animal bite cases are commendable, there is a critical need for timely administration of rabies vaccine in rabies care centers. Implementing educational programs for general population to encourage prompt treatment-seeking in the event of animal bites is essential.
Shoboo Rahmati, Reza Goujani, Zahra Abdolahinia, Naser Nasiri, Sakineh Narouee, Amir Hossein Nekouei, Hamid Sharifi, Ali Akbar Haghdoost,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (Vol.19, No.3, Autumn 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The influential role of epidemiologists in improving health outcomes and conducting pertinent research becomes apparent when they are strategically positioned and available in sufficient numbers within a nation. This study aims to identify potential job positions in epidemiology within both governmental and non-governmental sectors while estimating the necessary workforce of epidemiologists in the country until 2027.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a combination in two quantitative and qualitative parts. In the qualitative part, interviews were conducted with experts, policy makers, graduates and students of this field in the field of job opportunities. In the quantitative part, the number of epidemiologists needed was estimated using modeling and parameters obtained from the review of the literature and the opinions of experts in this field. In this study, the current and near future needs up to 1406 have been considered.
Results: Based on the interviewes, job opportunities for epidemiologists in the country encompass diverse domains, including problem management and analysis, conducting applied research, data analysis, dashboard development, teaching, training, and future-oriented work (forecasting). Acounting for lost job opportunities, the estimated number of epidemiologists required in the country until 2027 is 1122 individuals, that most of them contribute to the country's health system if job opportunities are created. The highest demand for epidemiologists was identidied in units of the Ministry of Health, medical universities, research centers, and hospitals.
Conclusion: Estimating the number of epidemiologists needed using modeling in the country and paying attention to the current number of graduates, reveals that the growth of this field and the increase in graduates can only occur if job opportunities are clearly defined, created, and implemented across proposed job levels.
Shoboo Rahmati, Zahra Abdolahinia, Sakineh Narouee, Naser Nasiri, Reza Goujani, Ali Akbar Haghdoost,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (Vol.19, No.4, Winter 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Given the significant migration of educated individuals, particularly epidemiologists, throughout the country, it is crucial to investigate the underlying causes. This article presents the findings of an extensive study that sought to explore this issue by gathering insights from experts in the field.
Methods: The study was conducted using qualitative methods, employing content analysis. Data were collected between summer and autumn 2023 through semi-structured interviews with 32 epidemiologists in the country. Analysis followed the steps outlined by Lundman and Graneheim, with coding facilitated by MAXQDA software.
Results: The main challenges of epidemiology in Iran were divided into six main categories. In the field of graduate students, problems in recruitment and employment due to the lack of suitable careers, infrastructure and structural problems of the system, research problems and insufficient knowledge about the performance of this field are the most important challenges, and in the field of students, education problems, structural and infrastructure problems were reported. Also, the main reasons for the migration of epidemiologists were the lack of meritocracy and specialization, inappropriate privileges (including the application of unconventional recruitment quotas), lack of a job market and opportunities for graduates, and inadequate compensation and benefits.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it seems that the migration of epidemiologists as a valuable human resource abroad is a serious concern and problem. The lack of a suitable job position and ambiguity in the path to career advancement due to non-adherence to the meritocracy and skill-building system have increased the motivation to migrate in this group.
Aliasghar Fakhri-Demeshghieh, Hamideh Hasannejad, Alireza Bahonar,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (Vol.20, No.1, Spring 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Antibiotic residues in food, including eggs, are potentially risky to public health. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the relative frequency of antibiotic residues in eggs sold in Iran.
Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, MagIran, Scientific Information Database, and IranDoc were searched. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were articles written in English or Persian investigating the relative frequency of antibiotic residues in eggs in Iran, and the exclusion criteria were articles without an available full text. Frequency data, publication year, diagnostic test type, and sampling location were extracted from relevant articles.
Results: Among the 217 identified results, 11 articles were included in the systematic review. ELISA (six articles) was the most frequently used diagnostic test. East Azerbaijan province accounted for the most significant number of studies (four articles) based on the geographical distribution of sampling locations. Seven classes of antibiotics and 12 types of antibiotics were estimated in terms of antibiotic residues, with tetracyclines (5 articles, 6 assessments) having the highest number of assessments. In addition, the highest reported relative frequencies were related to tetracycline residues (100%) in Isfahan and chloramphenicol (75%) in Tabriz.
Conclusion: Tetracycline and chloramphenicol residues had the most significant relative frequency in eggs across Iran.
Ali Esmaeilpour, Parya Jangipour Afshar, Nouzar Nakhaee, Mehrdad Farrokhnia, Aliakbar Haghdoost,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (Vol.20, No.1, Spring 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the COVID-19 severity and lifestyle among hospitalized patients at Afzali Pour Hospital, Kerman, Iran.
Methods: A total of 289 patients with severe COVID-19 infection (with ICU admission or death) and 293 patients with non-severe type (discharged with no need for hospitalization in ICU) were selected in 2020-2021, and their lifestyle was compared in the last year before the hospitalization.
Results: The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for severe disease was 1.83 (95% CI: 1.24-2.69) in males compared to females, and 4.35 (95% CI:2.20- 8.59) for people older than 60 years compared to age less than 60. The linear effect of average hours of sleeping during a day was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.08-1.36). The ORs of people who had considerable physical activity at work and people with little activity compared to people who mostly sit in a fixed place were 0.35 (95% CI:0.19-0.65) and 0.44 (95% CI:0.23-0.83), respectively. The use of opioids, traditional remedies, and supplements such as vitamin C raised the risk of severe disease, but the use of vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of severe disease, although this was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: It seems that some aspects of lifestyle, such as lack of physical activity, excessive sleep, and consumption of certain substances, such as opioids, might increase the risk of contracting severe and deadly forms of COVID-19.
