Showing 137 results for Iran
N Rajabi, R Fadaei, A Khazeni, J Ramezanpour, S Nasiri Esfahani, Gh Yadegarfar,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Due to the importance of cutaneous leishmaniasis, the national leishmaniasis project began in 2007 in Iran. The aim of the present study was to evaluate community interventions in changes in the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Isfahan Province from 2002 to 2018: an Interrupted time series regression analysis.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a repeated cross-sectional study. The incidence and 95% confidence interval were used to describe the disease trend. Data were entered into the Excel and analyzed using STATA14 software at a significance level of 5%. Intermittent time series regression analysis was used to evaluate community interventions in changes of leishmaniasis incidence.
Results: from 2002 to 2018, the data of 43,904 patients with leishmaniasis was registered in Isfahan Health Centers. The mean (standard deviation) age of the patients was 23.99 (19.03) years. The incidence had a decreasing trend after the interventions in all affiliated cities and the whole province.
Conclusion: The preventive intervention programs of the provincial health center have been rather successful and have reduced the incidence of the disease in the years after the intervention, so that despite the large number of confounding and influential factors regarding this disease, preventive intervention programs have led to disease control according to the reported annual incidence.
M Bagbanian, M Momayyezi, H Fallahzadeh, M Mirzaei,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Drug use not only affects a person's physical and mental health, but also affects the health of others in the community. Various variables, including demographic and social factors, affect drug use. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of drug use and related factors in the participants of Shahedieh Cohort Study.
Methods: A descriptive study was performed using the first phase of Shahedieh cohort study on 10194 adult residents of Shahdieh, Zarch, and Ashkezar in 2015-2016. The aim of the cohort study was to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in adults aged 35-70 years. Data were analyzed with the SPSS 20 using chi-square and logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence of illicit drug use in the present study was 15.5% with a mean age of onset of 31.5 ± 9.2 years. The most common drug was opium (98.2%). The most common method of drug use was inhalation (98.1%). The logistic regression showed that male gender (P< 0.001), age 40 to 49 years (P<0.001), low education (below high school diploma) (P<0.001), positive history of smoking (P<0.001) and alcohol consumption (P<0.001) were the most important factors associated with drug use. In addition, a positive history of ischemic heart disease (P=0.007) and psychiatric disorders (P=0.02) were the diseases related to drug use.
Conclusion: The prevalence of drug use was high in the study population. There is an urgent need for intervention and preventive measures to solve this complex social problem.
T Arian-Mehr, M Karami,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Timely dection of influenza outbreaks is very important for a better reponse to outbreaks. The aim of this study was to assess the moving epidemic method for determinating influenza outbreak threshold levels in Iran.
Methods: The moving epidemic method was applied to the WHO Flunet website data from January 2010 to December 2017 with the aim of determining outbreak alert thresholds. Therefore, the performance of the moving epidemic method in identifying the onset of the outbreak over eight periods was reported using sensitivity and specificity indices.
Results: A total of 69169 influenza-like illnesses were recorded in the Fluent website during the study period. The smallest number of influenza-like illnesses for the epidemic was 187 cases in the third period (2011-2012) and the maximum number was 1086 cases in the seventh period (2016-2015). The earliest epidemic occurred during the third and eighth periods of the 48th week, approximately in mid-February. The minimum duration of the epidemic was 8 weeks and the maximum was 13 weeks. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the moving epidemic method were 55% and 96%, respectively.
Conclusion: The moving epidemic method could be used as a complementary method to detection of influenza outbreks. It is recommended to apply the moving epidemic method on influenza and similar communicable diseses.
A Hosseinzadeh, Mr Baneshi, B Sedighi, J Kermanchi, Aa Haghdoost,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dementia is a chronic disease that imposes a huge financial and social burden on the health system. Knowledge of the prevalence of dementia is essential for healthcare planning and ensuring that there is an adequate service for people with the condition. Considering that the prevalence and geographical variation of dementia are not well known in Iran, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of dementia and its geographic variations in Iran.
Methods: In this study, the prevalence of dementia was estimated indirectly using the frequency of prescribed specialized medicines in one year by generic and brand names in each province. Choropleth maps were used to visually assess the geographical variation of dementia prevalence at the provincial level. Moran I and Getis-Ord Gi (Gi) geographical tests were used to investigate the spatial autocorrelation and geographical variability of dementia prevalence at a significant level of 0.05, respectively.
Results: In this study, the prevalence of dementia was 49.6 and 508.9 in 100000 in the general and over 60-year population, respectively. In the general population, the lowest prevalence was in Hormozgan Province (9.4/100000) and the highest prevalence was in East Azarbayjan Province (96.4/100000). In the over 60-year population, the lowest prevalence was in Hormozgan Province (141.5/100000) and the highest in Isfahan Province (862.5/1000000). According to Moran I and Getis-Ord Gi (Gi) tests, spatial autocorrelation and geographical variability of dementia prevalence were not significant.
Conclusion: The prevalence of dementia in the Iranian over 60-year population is lower compared to western countries; however, it is comparable with the reported dementia prevalence from developing countries. It should be noted that the dementia prevalence is high, similar to developed countries, in some developed provinces of Iran.
Z Alinesaei, Z Hosseinkhani,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Children, especially adolescents, are one of the main victims of domestic violence, who have received less attention despite their vulnerability to this social problem. This study was conducted to determine the adolescents' perspectives and experiences of domestic violence and parental disputes in order to improve our understanding of the various aspects of this social problem for planning the necessary measures to reduce it.
Methods: The present qualitative study was performed with a content analysis approach. The data were collected using semi-Structural interviews. The participants were students aged 12 to 16 years. Purposeful sampling with maximum variation in terms of socioeconomic status, age and gender was performed. In total, 33 interviews were conducted by two interviewers.
Results: A total of 4 categories, 11 subcategories and 120 themes were extracted as the adolescents' experiences. By summarizing and combining similar themes, the main categories included adolescents' psychological reactions and activities at home and in the school, domestic violence outcomes and cause of violence. The most important cause of violence was socio-economic status of the family, especially father's unemployment. Adolescents who had experienced domestic violence had higher tendencies toward high-risk behavior and academic failure.
Conclusion: According to adolescents' views, socio-economic factors play an important role in the occurrence of domestic violence and can lead to unpleasant social experiences and social harms in their future lives. Therefore, it is necessary for parents, teachers, and policy makers to adopt effective measured to reduce this social problem.
Batoul Rabbani, Ardeshir Khosravi, Mahinsadat Azimi, Jafar Sadegh Tabrizi, Azizallh Atefi, Amin Ataey, Hossien Kazemeini, Elham Rashidin,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Overall, the four categories of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Cancer, Diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases) contribute to over 80% of annual premature deaths, with more than 85% of these occurrences transpiring in low- and middle-income countries. This study seeks to assess the likelihood of premature mortality attributable to these diseases across the provinces of Iran.
Methods: Data on causes of death from 2016 to 2019 was extracted from the death registration system of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. To assess the completeness of the death registration system on a provincial level, we employed a novel method introduced by Adair and Lopez.
Results: From 2016 to 2019, non-communicable diseases, specifically the four primary diseases, constituted 68.98%, 69.44%, 69.17%, and 67.94% of all causes of death in Iran, respectively. During the same period, the probabilities of premature mortality attributed to major non-communicable diseases were 14.95%, 15.15%, 15.25%, and 16.63%, respectively. Notably, Golestan province exhibited the highest probability of premature death.
Conclusion: The percentage of probability of death resulting from non-communicable diseases is a crucial indicator for the prevention and control of NCDs at both the international and national levels. This indicator requires ongoing monitoring to effectively address the issue. Given the diverse socioeconomic and epidemiological circumstances across the provinces of Iran, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the current situation regarding these diseases becomes imperative. Such knowledge facilitates the development of well-informed planning and policy-making strategies aimed at managing the increasing burden of NCDs and ensuring equitable healthcare provision.
Fatemeh Shahbazi, Salman Khazaei, Mohammad Mirzaei, Seyed Jalalodin Bathaei, Ali Zahiri, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2023)
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.
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 (6-2023)
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.
Maryam Ghahramany, Nooshin Peyman, Monavar Afzalaghaee,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In recent years, there have been significant demographic changes. One of the most important changes has been the decrease in the fertility rate in many countries, including Iran. In recent decades, considering the vital role of men in having children, the question is whether domestic research on the issue of men's attitude towards having children has enough maturity. Moreover, what are the gaps in the research process of this issue in the country?
Methods: The present study used Iranian research articles published in domestic and foreign journals. To obtain relevant articles from domestic Iran databases (magiran, SID) and international databases (Web of Science, Scopus PubMed,) as well as the Google Scholar search engine was used from the beginning until May 2022 with the keywords: attitude, motivation, intention, childbearing, childbirth, fertility, reproduction.
Results: 18 articles related to the purpose of the research were included in the study. The pattern of two children was the dominant pattern of childbearing among men. A large proportion of men had a positive attitude towards childbearing. Among the variables related to men's attitude towards childbearing were education, socio-economic class, a feeling of loneliness, place of residence, and the amount of internet usage.
Conclusion: It is necessary to increase encouragement policies, raise awareness about the importance of having children, provide proper occupations for men, suitable housing, and implement comprehensive educational programs to strengthen men's optimistic view of having children.
Shoboo Rahmati, Zahra Abdolahinia, Sakineh Narouee, Naser Nasiri, Reza Goujani, Ali Akbar Haghdoost,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2024)
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.
Maryam Zamanian, Rahmatollah Moradzadeh,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2024)
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.
Aliasghar Fakhri-Demeshghieh, Hamideh Hasannejad, Alireza Bahonar,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2024)
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.
Kiumarss Nasseri,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Years of life lost (YLL) or “wasted life” is a measure based on early and untimely death based on the expectation of life at the time of birth. The objective of this study is to measure the YLL during the COVID-19 epidemic in Iran and compare it with a similar antecedent period by age, sex, and province.
Methods: Daily reports of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education on COVID-19 cases and attributed death in the country; Weekly statistics of death and birth, by age, sex, and province reported by the National Organization for Civil Registration; and population data from the Statistical Center of Iran were used in this study.
Results: During the COVID-19 (Corona) epidemic a 27 percent increase in crude death rate was observed compared to similar period before epidemic. During the epidemic period, 319,136 extra deaths was recorded of which 45% was registered as COVID-19 death by Ministry of Health and Medical Education. During this period, a total of 4,897,995 years of life were prematurely lost.
Conclusion: Although this study lacks some detailed analysis due to the limitation of the available data and, it provides a clear picture of the health and demographic impacts of this epidemic in Iran and we can use Information presented in this report in planning and advance preparation for control and management of similar significant epidemics in the future.
Parvaneh Isfahani, Mohammad Sarani, Somayeh Samani, Aliyeh Bazi, Seyedeh Masoumeh Hosseini Zare, Ahmad Siar Sadr, Maryam Sadat Hosseini, Seyedeh Mahboobeh Hosseini Zare,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders among students associated with a major decline in academic and social performance. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of depression in Iran's nursing students.
Methods: the research was conducted as a systematic review and meta analysis, all published scientific articles related to the prevalence of depression in nursing students were searched in 5 databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, SID, Magiran) and Google Scholar search engine and then their quality was evaluated. The heterogeneity of the studies was investigated using the I2 index and meta-regression model to evaluate heterogeneity-prone variables at a significance level of 0.05. Ultimately, 9 articles met the criteria for inclusion in this study and were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software.
Results: Based on the random model, the prevalence of depression in Iranian nursing students was equal to 3.2% (2.1 – 4.5; 95% confidence level). Results showed that the highest prevalence of depression in nursing students was 6.2% (5.3-7.1; 95% confidence limit) in Sistan and Balochestan province in 2004, while the lowest prevalence was 0.8% (0.5-1.2; confidence limit 95%) in Esfahan and Qom provinces in 2016. Also, there was a significant relationship between the calendar year, sample size, average age, and prevalence of depression in Iranian nursing students (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that the prevalence of depression in nursing students was 3.2%, which decreased with the increase of the calendar year and average age. Nevertheless, policymakers and managers must take measures to reduce depression.
Zahra Kordi, Mostafa Enayatrad, Abolfazl Emamian, Fatemeh Rahaei, Mansooreh Fateh, Mohammad Hassan Emamian,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (12-2024)
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.
Pardis Mohammadzadeh, Maryam Afraie, Elham Nouri, Mohammad Aziz Rasouli, Ghobad Moradi,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (12-2024)
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.
Marzieh Fattahi-Darghlou, Hamid Gheibipour, Neda Mahdavi, Fatemeh Shahbazi,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: More than 12 types of cancer are caused by contact with environmental factors and occupational carcinogens. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the trend of mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates attributed to occupational carcinogens in Hamedan province, Iran, from 1990 to 2021.
Methods: In this ecological study, the Global Burden of Diseases database was used to collect the required data. The trend of changes in the mortality and disability-adjusted life years rates was examined using joinpoint regression analysis and the Join Point Regression software.
Results: The years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature death and disability attributed to occupational carcinogens in Hamadan Province increased from 10.31 per 1,000 population in 1990 to 23.33 per 1,000 population in 2021. The average annual percent change (AAPC) in DALYs was 3.79% for women and 2.57% for men. The all-cause mortality rate attributed to occupational carcinogens rose from 0.31 per 100,000 population in 1990 to 0.74 per 100,000 in 2021 (AAPC = 2.78%; 95% CI: 2.68% to 2.90%).
Conclusion: The trend of mortality and disability-adjusted life years due to occupational carcinogens in Hamadan province had an increasing trend overally. Periodic screenings for workers in high-risk occupations are essential to mitigate the burden of occupational cancers.
