Showing 120 results for SS
Elham Rahimi, Ebrahim Ghaderi, Ehsan Mostafavi, Mohammad Hossein Panahi, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Vol.19, No.1, Spring 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The publication of outbreak investigation reports is critical for disseminating lessons learned from outbreaks. While there are existing reporting guidelines for outbreak investigations, there is a gap in specific guidelines for reporting food-borne and water-borne outbreaks. This study aims to introduce a specific framework and reporting guideline for food and waterborne outbreak investigations in Iran.
Methods: The initial draft of the framework for reporting food and waterborne outbreaks was derived from existing general reporting guidelines for outbreak investigations. Additionally, a systematic review of studies reporting outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne diseases from 2010 to 2022 was conducted without language restrictions to extract relevant information. Expert opinions were then sought to finalize and adapt the reporting guideline.
Results: The reporting guideline framework for outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne diseases consists of eight parts: title, abstract (background, methods, results, conclusion), introduction, methods (study characteristics, study type, variables under investigation), results (participant information, statistical results, laboratory results, environmental investigation results), discussion, conclusion, and conflict of interest.
Conclusion: This specific reporting guideline for food and waterborne outbreak investigations can be utilized by outbreak investigation teams, rapid response teams, and researchers to effectively report the results of outbreak investigations in this domain.
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.
Abdolahad Nabiolahi, Najmeh Khammari, Nasser Keikha,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Vol.19, No.1, Spring 2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection with high mortality, particularly affecting immunocompromised patients. COVID-19 patients, due to their compromised immunity, are also susceptible to mucormycosis. Given the rising prevalence of mucormycosis, this research aims to analyze highly cited articles focused on mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients.
Methods: This research employed a citation analysis approach using bibliometric analysis. The study's statistical population comprised articles related to mucormycosis and COVID-19 indexed in the Web of Science database between 1945 and 2023 that received a high number of citations. Histcite and VOS Viewer software were utilized to draw scientific and co-occurrence clusters of words.
Results: Analysis of highly cited articles revealed that among the 1,082 documents published, the top 100 works primarily focused on mucormycosis and COVID-19, histopathological findings, and fungal co-infections, garnering the highest citations. An article by Singh received the highest number of citations. The journal "Mycoses" was identified as an influential journal in the COVID-19 and mucormycosis domain, publishing 10 highly cited articles. Co-occurrence analysis of words highlighted four key thematic clusters related to COVID-19 and mucormycosis, as well as other types of fungal infections. Analysis of the top 100 articles indicated that mucormycosis and COVID-19 clusters had the highest frequency, focusing on histopathological areas and fungal coinfections.
Conclusion: The co-occurrence map of words and emerging topics in mucormycosis, COVID-19, and fungal infections can guide researchers in laboratory research, enhancing their understanding of the disease, related current issues and potential treatment methods. Moreover, it offers valuable insights for authors, journals, and researchers in selecting future research priorities.
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.
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.
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.
Ramin Farrokhi, Samaneh Hosseinzadeh, Abbas Habibelahi, Akbar Biglarian,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (Vol.20, No.1, Spring 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Identifying pregnant women who are at risk of premature birth and determining its risk factors is essential because it affects their health. This study aimed to use an interpretable machine-learning model to predict premature birth.
Methods: In this study, data from 149,350 births in Tehran in 2019 were utilized from the Iranian Mothers and Babies Network (IMaN) dataset. Various factors related to the mother and the fetus, such as the mother's demographic variables and health status, medical history, pregnancy conditions, childbirth, and associated risks, were considered. The machine learning models, including multilayer neural networks, random forest, and XGBoost, were employed to predict the occurrence of preterm birth after data preprocessing. The models were evaluated based on accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve. The Python programming language version 3.10.0 was applied to analyze the data.
Results: About 8.67% of births were premature. The XGBoost algorithm achieved the highest prediction accuracy (90%). According to the model output, multiple births, which account for 46% of pregnant women's births, had the highest importance score. Delivery risk factors had a score of 41%, and other variables, including neurological and mental illness, preeclampsia, and cardiovascular disease, were subsequently ranked in order of importance for this particular individual.
Conclusion: Using an interpretable machine learning method could predict the occurrence of premature birth. Based on risk factors, the interpretable machine learning method can provide personalized preventive recommendations for every pregnant woman, aiming to reduce the risk of preterm birth.
Kiumarss Nasseri,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (Vol.20, No.1, Spring 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 (Vol.20, No.2, Summer 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.
Elham Davtalab Esmaeil, Ali Hossein Zeinalzadeh, Leila R. Kalankesh, Alireza Ghaffari, Saeed Dastgiri,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (Vol.20, No.2, Summer 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and familial aggregation pattern of alcohol consumption among father-offspring, mother-offspring, siblings, and spouses in Tabriz city, and to investigate the associated risk factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on 860 individuals in Tabriz city. The heads of households were selected as proband individuals. Conveniently, probands were recruited from daily visitors, and upon agreeing to participate, their first-degree relatives (spouse and children) were also invited to join in. Data were collected using standard self-reported questionnaires. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were employed to assess family aggregation among father- offspring, mother-offspring, and siblings.
Results: No significant of familial aggregation alcohol consumption was observed between spouses (OR=0.54 (0.16-1.8)). Although familial aggregation was observed between mothers and children, this was not statistically significant (OR=1.54 (0.8-2.94)). There was a significant familial aggregation of alcohol consumption between fathers and children (OR=1.98 (1.08-2.5)). Among siblings, familial aggregation was not statistically significant (OR=1.38 (0.41-4.63)).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, family members play an important role in influencing the alcohol consumption behaviors of other family members. Additionally, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, those who are divorced, and singles may be more appropriate targets for alcohol consumption screening programs.
Zahra Kordi, Mostafa Enayatrad, Abolfazl Emamian, Fatemeh Rahaei, Mansooreh Fateh, Mohammad Hassan Emamian,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (Vol.20, No.3, Autumn 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Colorectal cancer is considered as one of the most common cancers in the world and Iran. Epidemiological studies are necessary to evaluate the trend of this disease in society. This study aimed to describe the incidence and trend of colorectal cancer in 13 years in Shahroud and Meyami districts, Iran.
Methods: The data were obtained from the population-based cancer registry system at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, including patients in Shahroud and Meyami districts. The standardized incidence rate (ASR) was calculated based on age and gender, and the 13-year trend from 2010 to 2022 was calculated using joinpoint regression along with the percentage of annual changes.
Results: In general, 543 cases of colorectal cancer were recorded from 2010 to 2022, including 280 (51.6%) males and 263 (48.4%) females. The most recorded cases of this cancer were in 2021 with 54 cases. The Age-standardized mean incidence rate of colorectal cancer in this period was 17.6 per 100,000 people. The ASR of colorectal cancer in males and females was 18.4 (95%CI: 16.2 - 20.6) and 16.8 (95% CI: 14.8 - 18.9), respectively. The annual percent change of ASR during the study period was 2.33% (95% CI: 0.13 – 4.87), indicating an increasing trend.
Conclusion: In the Shahroud and Meyami districts, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer was 17.6 per 100,000 people and has increased relatively over the 13-year study period.
Ali Alami, Hassan Eshaghiyan Farimani, Farnaz Sharifi Mood,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (Vol.20, No.3, Autumn 2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Suicide is a major health concern worldwide, and there is a strong association between the presence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in the future. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological status of suicidal thoughts among university students and its correlation with some of their personal, family, and social factors.
Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on 556 students of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences (GMU) who met the inclusion criteria and were selected by multi-stage sampling in 2023. To collect data, a checklist and the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) were used. The collected data were analyzed using independent t-tests, chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression.
Results: The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of suicide ideation among students of GMU was estimated at 20.5% (17.2-23.8%), with 11.5% of the students having high-risk (High and very high risk) suicidal thoughts. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was significantly higher among female compared to male students (P=0.016). Moreover, single students had more suicidal thoughts compared to married ones (P=0.019). In contrast, there was no statistically significant association between suicidal ideation and age, native status, place of residence and faculty of study of students.
Conclusion: The prevalence of suicide ideation and high-risk suicide ideation among the students was found to be relatively high. Thus, attention to state of mental health of students, especially female and single students, as well as creating suitable conditions for living and studying for them is recommended.
Iman Dianat, Mohammad Sadegh Masoumi, Homayoun Sadeghi Bazargani, Gholam Hossein Safari, Sepideh Harzand-Jadidi,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (Vol.20, No.4, Winter 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the most important steps in reducing traffic accidents is the accurate recording of the spatial information of these incidents using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).The present study was conducted with the aim of geographically analyzing high-risk areas for traffic accidents in Tabriz and determining the spatial distribution pattern of traffic incidents based on accident outcomes.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, data on property damage, injury, and fatal traffic accidents in Tabriz during 2017 were collected from various sources, and accident locations were identified using geographic addresses and coordinates. To analyze the geographical distribution of high-risk accident zones, spatial analysis methods including Moran’s Index, Kernel Density Estimation, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and correlation analysis were employed.
Results: In this study, the cumulative pattern of accidents in Tabriz was confirmed, such that district 8, northeast of District 3, central and southern regions of District 1, and the entrance to District 5 of Tabriz city had dense accident distribution patterns. The religious, commercial, and service land-use layers had the highest correlation with accident density. High-traffic axes had fewer accidents; the highest was related to areas with low traffic volume. Autumn and winter have the most damage accidents, and the highest number of accidents leading to death was assigned to the spring season.
Conclusion: Given the concentration of traffic accidents in high-risk areas of Tabriz—particularly in District 8 and the eastern entrances—it is recommended that traffic infrastructure be improved, traffic regulations be strengthened, and monitoring be enhanced through intelligent systems to reduce accidents. Additionally, conducting public awareness campaigns can also be effective in decreasing traffic incidents.
Fereshteh Eidy, Razieh Jafarizadeh, Fatemeh Shoghi, Amirhossein Moradian, Fatemeh Sadat Dolatabadi, Samira Rabiei,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (Vol.20, No.4, Winter 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Overweight and obesity are serious public health problems that have increased significantly among adolescents in recent decades. This condition can affect various aspects of adolescents' quality of life. A questionnaire based on IWQOL-kids was used to assess the quality of life among overweight and obese adolescents in Iran for the first time.
Methods: This study was conducted on 170 overweight and obese adolescents (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 18 years educating in schools of North Khorasan Province. Using a cluster sampling method, data collection was conducted. Data were collected using the IWQOL-kids, a quality of life questionnaire for adolescent obesity, and satistical analyses were conducted using R software version 4.3.2 through univariable and multivariable regression models.
Results: The mean of total score of IWQOL-kids for overweight and obese girls and boys was 82.1 ± 16 and 86.4 ± 15.5, respectively. A significant correlation was found between age and the number of siblings with physical functioning, self-esteem, and overall quality of life scores (p < 0.05). Additionally, age and the number of siblings were significantly associated with social life and family relationships (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Given the impact of weight on adolescents' quality of life, future studies are recommended to include body composition assessments to more accurately examine the impact of gender differences on the quality of life of this age group.
Ehsan Mostafavi, Kiumarss Nasseri, Parvin Yavari,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (Vol.20, No.4, Winter 2025)
Abstract
 |
Dr. Hossein Sabbaghian, a distinguished veterinarian and epidemiologist, is one of Iran's most prominent figures in epidemiology and public health. This paper reviews her valuable activities and achievements.
Throughout his career, Dr. Sabbaghian has held several key positions, such as Director of the Isfahan Health Research Station, Secretary of the Research Office at the School of Public Health at the University of Tehran, Chairman of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and a member of the University of Tehran's Management Council.
Dr. Sabbaghian has authored numerous epidemiological books and has significantly contributed to the scientific literature on public health and zoonotic diseases in Iran.
Reviewing his valuable services can be very valuable for the epidemiology, and public health community and the country's youth. |
Mahdi Zare Sakhvidi, Moslem Taheri Soodejani, Mohammad Reza Sadeghian, Mohsen Mirzaei, Hossein Akhondi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (Vol.21, No.1, Spring 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic metabolic diseases worldwide, and it requires comprehensive healthcare management. This cross-sectional descriptive study aims to evaluate the healthcare status of diabetic patients in Yazd, Iran, and identify gaps in provided care.
Methods: In this study, 702 diabetic patients registered in the Ministry of Integrated Health System were selected using cluster sampling. To identify care gaps, key indicators, including the frequency of HbA1c testing, referrals to specialists, number of visits to healthcare centers, receipt of diabetes education, and level of blood sugar control, were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) using SPSS software and compared with international standards.
Results: The results of this study indicated that the quality of diabetes care in Yazd was below optimal standards. Only 63.7% of patients underwent hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing, and 42.3% achieved optimal blood sugar control. Additionally, 31.2% of patients had elevated systolic blood pressure, and 12% had high diastolic blood pressure. Fewer than half of the patients were referred to specialists. A sedentary lifestyle was reported in 87.7% of cases, and 79.5% were found to be overweight or obese.
Conclusion: Based on the results, there are significant gaps in healthcare quality for diabetic patients in Yazd, including insufficient specialist referrals, lack of regular lab monitoring, and inadequate lifestyle interventions. Enhancing educational programs, regular specialist consultations, and comprehensive care approaches are essential to improving outcomes.
Shima Shadkam Farrokhi, Amir Hossein Nekouei, Saeedeh Haji Maghsoudi, Hamid Sharifi, Aliakbar Haghdoost,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (Vol.21, No.2, Summer 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Abortion is a significant health and social issue in Iran, which affects women's physical and mental health, as well as population growth rates. This study evaluated and compared direct and indirect estimates of abortion incidence and its associated factors among women of reproductive age in Kerman, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study estimated the incidence of abortion using direct and indirect methods (Proxy network Scale-Up Method). In the direct method, 471 women aged 18-54 were interviewed about their personal experiences with abortion. In the indirect method, 450 women provided information about abortions within their close social networks. The number of abortions reported by each individual was divided by the corresponding person-time to estimate the incidence rate using the direct method. The number of abortions reported within the social network was divided by the size of each individual’s close network population for the indirect abortion incidence estimation.
Results: The annual abortion incidence is estimated indirectly at 62 per 1,000 women of reproductive age (95% CI = 52, 73), with 57% attributed to spontaneous abortion and 43% to induced abortion. Factors such as more children, higher socioeconomic status, and an educated spouse were associated with increased abortion rates.
Conclusion: The occurrence of abortion in Kerman, as in the rest of the country, was a serious health issue. The underlying and root causes should be addressed to manage it more effectively. And it should be noted, more than half of these abortions are spontaneous, meaning that there are inherent limitations in reducing the number of abortions even with optimal management.
Abouzar Raeisvandi, Ladan Mohammadizadeh, Mahsasadat Darb Emamiye, Sakineh Rezaeipoor Kopte, Mahsa Moghanni Yazdi, Elahe Jafari, Marziyeh Amjadi, Zahra Hosseinkhani,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (Vol.21, No.3, Autumn 2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Suicidal thoughts and depression during adolescence present significant challenges that have major negative consequences for public health. The current study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy-based strategic program for preventing suicide and depression in adolescents.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the winter of 2025 on 36 adolescents with suicidal thoughts and depression in Qazvin province, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. The intervention group received cognitive-behavioral therapy for 6 weeks, while the control group received the standard treatment protocol designed by the Ministry of Health for 4 weeks. Comparisons between groups were made before, immediately after, and three months following the intervention. The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation and the Beck Depression Inventory-II were used to assess suicidal thoughts and depression.
Results: The mean difference in suicidal ideation and depression scores (with 95% confidence intervals) in the intervention group compared to the control group was 2.96 (1.19, 4.74) and 5.84 (0.86, 10.81), respectively, immediately after the intervention, and 6.06 (4.51, 7.61) and 11.62 (7.24, 15.99), respectively, at the three-month follow-up. Cognitive therapy had a significant effect only on reducing depression (p = 0.022). Furthermore, the pattern of change in suicidal thoughts over time differed significantly between the two groups (p = 0.021).
Conclusion: The cognitive-based strategic program significantly reduced depression levels among adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating cognitive therapy into depression treatment programs in health and medical centers. Additionally, intervention programs aiming to reduce suicidal thoughts should be designed with consideration of changing patterns of suicidal ideation over time.
Fatemeh-Sadat Hosseini, Farzad Younesian, Masud Yunesian,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (Vol.21, No.3, Autumn 2025)
Abstract
