Showing 332 results for SH
Batoul Rabbani, Ardeshir Khosravi, Mahinsadat Azimi, Jafar Sadegh Tabrizi, Azizallh Atefi, Amin Ataey, Hossien Kazemeini, Elham Rashidin,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Vol.18, No.4, Winter 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.
Saeed Ghavi, Rafat Asarzadeh, Somayeh Derakhshan, Simin Poursaman, Fereshteh Sohrabivafa,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Vol.18, No.4, Winter 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan, China, leading to the global outbreak of COVID-19. The rapid transmission of the virus, the emergence of various strains, disparities in community vaccination, and the high mortality rate have presented significant health challenges to countries worldwide. Against this backdrop, this study aimed to assess the mental health status of women in the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: The study employed a systematic review approach, conducting keyword searches on databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search terms included "Covid-19 Virus Infection," "Covid-19 Pandemic," "Coronavirus," "Alphacoronavirus," "Bat Coronavirus," "Mental health," "Psychological," "Working women," "Working woman," and "Employee women." Articles published between 2019 and 2021 were collected and evaluated. A total of 11 articles met the inclusion criteria for data extraction and were analyzed.
Results: The reviewed studies identified several significant psychological consequences, with anxiety being reported in 82% of the articles, followed by stress (73%) and depression (64%). The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated negative psychological effects among working women, including those in hospital settings and those working remotely.
Conclusion: A multitude of factors contribute to the experience of COVID-19-related stress among women. These include health disparities, lower professional status, worries about personal health, family and community well-being, financial uncertainties, childcare responsibilities, and decreased social connections. As a result, stress-related disorders such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, insomnia, and burnout tend to manifest more severely in working women compared to men in comparable positions.
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.
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.
Mohammad Sasanipour, Saeedeh Shahbazin,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Vol.19, No.1, Spring 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This research aims to investigate the components of Rowe and Kahn's successful aging model, encompassing the absence of disease and disability, high cognitive and physical performance, and active participation in life among the elderly population in Tehran in 2020, considering both genders.
Methods: This study utilized a survey approach, involving a sample of 637 individuals aged 60 years and above in Tehran. The sample was selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method from 22 districts of Tehran, considering the elderly population in each district. Confirmatory structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to assess whether Rowe and Kahn's model aligns with the collected data.
Results: The study's findings demonstrated that Rowe and Kahn's model exhibited a strong statistical fit (p<0.01). Factor loadings in the overall population model and among the two genders were statistically significant and varied. Across the three dimensions of successful aging (avoiding disease and disability, maintaining physical and cognitive functioning, and continuing engagement with life), avoiding disease and disability was the most strongly associated with successful aging, regardless of gender. However, in the other two dimensions, the significance and strength of participation in life and physical and cognitive function varied based on gender.
Conclusion: Programs to support the physical health of the elderly, especially in chronic diseases resulting from lifestyle choice should be developed, and increasing active participation should be a priority, which requires interventions in youth and middle age.
Fatemeh Rangraz Jeddi, Ehsan Nabovati, Afsaneh Vazin, Azar Houshmand, Reza Abbasi,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Vol.19, No.1, Spring 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Antibiotics are extensively utilized and constitute a significant portion of hospital drug expenses, posing challenges due to their overuse. Among hospital wards, the intensive care unit (ICU) is a major consumer of antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the antibiotic prescription rates within the ICU wards of Namazi Hospital in Shiraz.
Methods: We retrieved and analyzed electronic prescriptions from all 16 ICU wards at Namazi Hospital in 2020. The data were collected using a checklist that included patient demographics, prescription date, and the number of prescribed antibiotics. The relationship between antibiotic groups and patient demographics was assessed using Chi-square test.
Results: Out of 381,003 electronic prescriptions, 67,002 (17.6%) included at least one antibiotic. Additionally, 5,056 patients (98.9%) received antibiotics. Analysis of the prescriptions revealed that most antibiotics were prescribed for male patients and those under 15 years old (P<0.05). Patients admitted during the winter also received the highest rate of antibiotics (P<0.05). The most commonly prescribed antibiotic groups were beta-lactam and chloramphenicols (32.89%), cephalosporins (19.28%), and glycopeptides (18%).
Conclusion: While less than one-fifth of prescriptions included antibiotics, nearly all patients received them. It is advisable for future studies to evaluate antibiotic prescribing based on prescriptions to provide hospital managers with more precise statistics, enabling appropriate actions for antibiotic stewardship.
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.
Fatemeh Ershadinia, Elham Rahimi, Bushra Zareie, Hadi Pashapoor, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Vol.19, No.2, Summer 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The disease surveillance system provides essential information about the population at risk and the disease pattern. This review aimed to describe the experiences of countries in establishing COVID-19 school-based surveillance systems.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review. Four databases were searched between January 2019 and December 2022 using relevant keywords. The studies were screened by two people according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings were extracted using a standard form and aligned to the objectives of the review.
Results: The data from 12 studies were extracted using the standard form. All studies related to the school-based surveillance system of COVID-19. Most of studies were conducted in the United States of America and England. The reports did not conform to the standard. The number of schools covered in surveillance systems ranged from 2 to more than 6000 schools. The age group in these studies was 0 to 19 years. Schools submitted data daily or weekly.
Conclusion: The results of the COVID-19 surveillance systems in schools should be reported according to standard Instructions. This is considered a necessity to monitor and evaluate the surveillance system. It also allows other countries and researchers to share and use the results. In addition, sensitivity, timeliness, and positive predictive value were not reported in implemented surveillance systems.
Maryam Ghahramany, Nooshin Peyman, Monavar Afzalaghaee,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (Vol.19, No.2, Summer 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.
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.
Mostafa Talebi, Sareh Shakerian,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (Vol.19, No.3, Autumn 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a significant endemic diseases in Iran, leading to skin lesions, lifelong scars, and social stigma. This study aims to investigate the influence of climatic and ecological factors on the prevalence of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iran.
Methods: This study employed a narrative review approach. A comprehensive search was conducted using key terms such as 'skin Leishmaniasis', 'cutaneous Leishmaniasis', 'climatic factors,' and 'environmental factors' in both national and international databases. All relevant research was included without limitations on location, time, or research methodology.
Results: The initial search yielded 823625 articles. After refining the search keywords and conducting initial screening, 184 studies remained following the removal of duplicate articles. Subsequent screening for eligibility further narrowed down the selection to 30. The inclusion of 6 master theses brought the final number of studies for review to 36. A review of the studies showed a significant association between certain climatic factors, including temperature, humidity, hours of sunshine, and rainfall, and the incidence of cutaneous Leishmaniasis, across various geographical regions in the country. The relationship between factors such as vegetation, wind, and the number of disease cases had different results in different parts of the country.
Conclusion: The results of the present study show the effect of climatic and environmental factors on the rate of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the country. Considering that the effect of these factors is not the same in all parts of the country, it is necessary to implement effective preventive measures to reduce the disease burden according to the needs of each geographical area.
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.
Asal Aghadavodian Jolfaee, Maryam Jahanbakhsh, Mohamad Sattari, Roya Kelishadi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (Vol.19, No.3, Autumn 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The present research was conducted to predict mental health based on three factors: nutrition, activity, and leisure time, among students in the adolescent age group, using data mining techniques.
Methods: The present analytical study was conducted on 14274 data available in the Caspian 5 database. According to the CRISP-DM method, data mining was done in 6 steps using decision trees, k nearest neighbors, simple Bayesian and random forest techniques in Rapidminer software.
Results: Among the four data mining techniques used to predict the mental health of adolescents based on nutrition, physical activity and leisure time, the random forest technique has the highest accuracy (91.72) and specificity (82.73) and the k-nearest neighbors technique has the highest sensitivity (96.30). In addition, based on random forest techniques, the rule with the highest level of support showed that an adolescent who is in high school, eats breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, drinks tea and coffee weekly, exercises 2 hours a week at school,also, he has 4 days of physical activity for 30 minutes in the last week, and he goes to school with the service, with 100% confidence has good mental health.
Conclusion: Based on the random forest technique, which has showen the best performance, nutrition has the greatest impact on the mental health of Iranian adolescents. So, it is necessary to think about providing a suitable platform for training parents and adolescents regarding proper nutrition and increasing awareness in the field of adolescent mental health.
Faezeh Joghataei, Payam Roshanfekr, Meroe Vameghi, Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari, Neda Soleimanvandiazar, Peimaneh Shirin Bayan, Gholamreza Ghaedamini Harouni,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (Vol.19, No.4, Winter 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) is an approach that has been used in health research since the 1990s, and several guidelines have been designed for it. This study examines and compares different guidelines in this field.
Methods: This review study was conducted on the 6 guidelines published in PubMed and Scopus databases. After the initial review, the main dimensions of these guidelines, including the definition and target group, methods used, steps to conduct the research, and time planning were extracted in the form of a comparative table.
Results: In six guidelines, the RAR approach has been defined in relation to the comprehensive and rapid investigation of a health-related problem. There are differences in terms of the number of 'steps' of rapid assessment and response, as well as in 'time planning'; a period of 12 to 16 weeks is considered. Among the methods used in the reviewed guides, the following can be mentioned: reviewing available information, conducting interviews (open, structured, and semi-structured), focused group discussions, and other methods such as observation, surveys, narrative methods, and mapping.
Conclusion: The rapid assessment and response (RAR) can be used as an approach, with high flexibility and consideration of scientific and practical aspects, to assess health problems and high-risk behaviors in hard-to-reach groups.
Fatemeh Papiri, Sareh Shakerian,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (Vol.19, No.4, Winter 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Evidence suggests that one of the behaviors impacted by the quarantine measures enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic is sexual activity. This study aims to investigate this phenomenon.
Methods: A descriptive-analytical study with before-after measurement was conducted during both the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic periods in 2021-2022, utilizing the standard Sexual Performance Index questionnaire administered to 250 women in Ilam province. Inferential statistics including paired t tests, correlation and chi square analysis were performed by SPSS software.
Results: The findings revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on all six components of sexual function in women of reproductive age, including sexual desire, sexual stimulation, lubrication, pleasure, satisfaction and pain. The average overall sexual performance during the COVID-19 period (2.01±1.25) and in the post-COVID-19 period (2.94±1.2) was lower than the cutoff point (3.8), indicating poor performance across the entire scale of sexual function. The results showed that there is an inverse and significant (P<0.05) relationship between age, duration of marriage and number of pregnancies with sexual function index and its subscales.
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that research population experienced weaker sexual performance during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the post-pandemic period, highlighting the impact of the mental and physical burdens associated with the pandemic on sexual function.
Aysan Amrahi Tabieh, Parvin Sarbakhsh, Shamsedin Namjoo, Hossein Akbari, Hamid Allahverdipour,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (Vol.19, No.4, Winter 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Frailty syndrome significantly impacts the health of older adults, and sleep quality is likely a pertinent clinical factor. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and sleep duration with frailty syndrome in the older adults of Naqadeh City.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 347 older adults aged 60 years and above in Naqadeh city in 2020 using 2-stage sampling (first, stratified, and then simple random sampling. Data collection tools included demographic questionnaires, the Edmonton Frail Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS25 software.
Results: The study revealed that 30.3% of older adults were frail. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation was observed between sleep quality and duration with older adults' frailty (r=0.635, p<0.001 and r=-0.170, p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, all frailty domains exhibited a significant relationship with sleep quality, with the most notable associations found in mood, medication use, and cognition domains (r = 0.487, r = 0.397, r = 0.381, respectively).
Conclusion: Probably, the quality and duration of sleep affect the frailty syndrome, so it is necessary to design and implement effective interventions to improve the quality of sleep and ultimately reduce the frailty of older adults, especially in the domains of cognition and mood.
Elahe Faghihifar, Marjan Ajami, Sareh Shakerian,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (Vol.19, No.4, Winter 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Childhood obesity has become a global challenge today. Many studies have shown the relationship between obesity and socioeconomic factors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate socio-economic inequalities with nutritional patterns and obesity in children.
Methods: This study was conducted using the structural analysis methodology on 80 children from 6 to 13 years old, selected randomly from those referred to the health assessment centers of Sonqor and Kolyai, Iran. The body mass index was calculated using the standard method. Nutritional patterns were measured using the 24-hour food recall questionnaire, and socioeconomic status was assessed using related standard questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and AMOS 24 software.
Results: The results showed that 28.75% of the subjects were obese or overweight. The structural analysis showed that the socioeconomic variable directly affected the nutritional pattern and body mass (-0.43) with an impact coefficient of as much as 0.65. The nutritional pattern variable affected BMI with an impact factor (-0.74). The bootstrap test results indicated that the significant effect of socio-economic status on BMI is mediated by nutritional pattern (-0.48). Prediction values show two economic-social and nutritional pattern variables predicted 0.16 and 0.29 BMI changes, respectively.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed the effect of socioeconomic status on nutritional patterns and body mass index in the research community. Today, The issue of increasing body mass in the world and our country is one of the most important social challenges. Considering the heterogeneous effects of socioeconomic status on nutritional patterns and body mass index, it is necessary to formulate and implement preventive policies according to the conditions of the communities to achieve effective results.
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.
