Showing 33 results for Rahimi
A Motevalian, R Sahebi, A Rahimi Movaghar , M Yunesian,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (Vol 11, No 2 2015)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine age, period, and cohort effects on trend of alcohol and drug use in the students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences from 2006 to 2009.
Methods: Between 2006 and 2009, the students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were surveyed annually using a structured self-administered and anonymous questionnaire. Intrinsic estimator, which is a new method for resolving linear dependency between age, period, and cohort in linear regression models, was used for data analysis.
Results: In the present study, in the descriptive method, the prevalence of alcohol consumption increased in males and females with an increase in age. The prevalence of illicit drug use was higher in 2007 in comparison with other periods for males and females. In the analytical method (intrinsic estimator), there were no age, period and cohort effects for alcohol and drug use for females. For males, the age effect exhibited an increasing-decreasing-increasing trend and period and cohort effects showed a decreasing trend for alcohol use. As for drug use, the age effect exhibited gradual increases. The period effect displayed an increasing-decreasing trend and the cohort effect exhibited an increasing-decreasing-increasing trend.
Conclusion: The IE method showed no age, period and cohort effects for alcohol and drug use in females. The prevalence of drug and alcohol use increased with an increase in age in males. The high prevalence of drug use could be due to easy accessibility and low price of drugs.
M Teimouri , E Ebrahimi, Sm Alavinia,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (Vol 11, No.4, Winter 2016 2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Diabetic patients are always at risk of hypertension. In this paper, the main goal was to design a native cost sensitive model for the diagnosis of hypertension among diabetics considering the prior probabilities.
Methods: In this paper, we tried to design a cost sensitive model for the diagnosis of hypertension in diabetic patients, considering the distribution of the disease in the general population. Among the data mining algorithms, Decision Tree, Artificial Neural Network, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machine, and Logistic Regression were used. The data set belonged to Azarbayjan-e-Sharqi, Iran.
Results: For people with diabetes, a systolic blood pressure more than 130 mm Hg increased the risk of hypertension. In the non-cost-sensitive scenario, Youden's index was around 68%. On the other hand, in the cost-sensitive scenario, the highest Youden's index (47.11%) was for Neural Network. However, in the cost-sensitive scenario, the value of the imposed cost was important, and Decision Tree and Logistic Regression show better performances.
Conclusion: When diagnosing a disease, the cost of miss-classifications and also prior probabilities are the most important factors rather than only minimizing the error of classification on the data set.
Aa Haghdoost, H Hashemi, S Noori Hekmat , M Haji Aghajani , Gh Janbabaee, A Maher, Am Javadi, S Emadi, H Haghighi, Mr Rajabalipour, R Dehnavieh, M Ferdosi, Hr Rashidinejad, F Moeen Samadani , R Rahimisadegh,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives:Among health sector resources, hospital beds are the primary unit of calculation for the capacity of the health service and vital capacity in patient care. Lack of appropriate distribution in different parts of the country leads to transfer of patients and irreparable problems. The aim of this study was to provide accurate information on the number and distribution of hospital beds in the country in 2016 and to estimate the number of beds required by 2026.
Methods:This descriptive-analytic study was conducted in 2016. The population of the study comprised 439 counties covered by 46 medical universities of the country. In this study, the data of 2016 were used and information about the number and ownership of beds and the size of hospitals were obtained from the treatment deputies of medical universities.
Results:The number of active beds in the country was 117580 in 2016, and it is estimated that in order to meet the needs of the community, this number should reach 194471 beds by 2026. There were 1.47 beds for 1,000 people in 2016, which will increase to 2.9 in 2026 by implementing the NEDA project. The coefficient of variation in 2016 was 36%, which will reach 19% by 2026 according to estimates in the Iran's roadmap project.
Conclusion:The distribution of beds was differed in different regions of the country and there are not enough hospital beds in some areas. If the Iran roadmap is implemented, 2026 beds will be distributed more evenly across the country.
M Haji Aghajani , H Hashemi, Aa Haghdoost, S Noori Hekmat, Gh Janbabaee, A Maher, R Rahimisadegh, S Emadi, Mr Rajabalipour, H Haghighi, R Dehnavieh, F Dehnavieh Tijang ,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Iran is a large country that is often an importer of major medical equipment. There is no comprehensive databank of the status of the equipment in the country. The present study provides a clear description of the dispersal status of major medical equipment in the country in 2016 and the estimated number of required devices in 2026.
Methods: This study was conducted in 2016 in Iran. The study included 8 MRI, CT scan, gamma camera, linear accelerator, PET scan, cardiac angiography, peripheral angiography, and CT angiography devices. The data of the number of equipment in each city were collected through a census of devices.
Results: At the beginning of the year 2016, 3.5 MRI devices, 6.93 CT scans, 2.18 gamma cameras, 1.23 linear accelerators, 0.04 PET scans, 2.3 cardiac angiography devices, 0.27 peripheral angiography devices, and 0.25 CT angiography devices per million population were active in Iran. CT scan and MRI devices were the most available equipment. It is estimated that the same pattern should be maintained in 2026, but the distribution of devices as well as the total number of devices in the country should improve.
Conclusion: In 2016, for most of the devices, the proportion of the device to the population in the whole country was close to the global average, but there was a large accumulation of devices in large cities. This problem has been identified and interventions have been planned to move towards reducing inequalities In Iran's Health Roadmap.
R Dehnavieh, S Noorihekmat, A Masoud, Ma Moghbeli, H Rahimi, A Poursheikhali , M Hoseinpour, S Salari,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: One of the decentralized models that has been formed based on universal health coverage is the model of health complexes in Tabriz. This study was conducted to evaluate the model.
Methods: This case study was conducted in 2017. Beside observation, 28 individuals, including informed experts in the field of establishment of health complexes in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, were purposefully selected and semi-structured interviews were also conducted. To analyze the interviews and the results of observations, the framework analysis was used based on the components of the Primary Care Evaluation Tool (PCET) model.
Results: The strengths of the health complex model are decentralized planning, strengthening the private sector participation, have more appropriate methods for assessing the performance of the health team, creating a sense of delivering effective services in providers, using electronic information registration system, using the prospective payment method, strengthening the referral system, enhancing service continuity, and facilitating financial and geographical access, especially in marginalized areas. However, there are some problems such as lack of some facilities and equipment, lack of some workforces and high workload, financial instability, and lack of insurance organizations cooperation with the plan.
Conclusion: The health complex model has improved organizational, financial, and geographic access to health services. It seems that if the resources are more stable and by cooperation of basic insurances, the results of this project will be better.
M Haji Aghajani , Aa Haghdoost, S Noori Hekmat , Gh Janbabaee, A Maher, Am Javadi, R Rahimisadegh, Mr Rajabalipour, H Haghighi, R Dehnavieh, S Emadi,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The imbalance between the existing human resources and future needs of the health system disturb the service delivery process. The present study aimed at determining human resources needs in the health sector for a 10-year planning program. For this purpose, the researchers examined the geographical distribution of different groups of health system staff in 2016 and 2026.
Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out in 2016. The population of this study included 46 universities of medical sciences. Data of the number and distribution of health care staff working in public, private, charity, and semi-public sectors of medical departments of medical universities were collected. The Qlik View software was used for data integration and designing information dashboards.
Results: At the beginning of 2016, the ratio of nurses, nursing groups, midwives, pharmacists, dentistry and general physician per 100,000 individuals was 133, 199, 32, 17, 22, and 53 respectively, which are estimated to reach 223, 272, 37, 26, 27, and 79 in 2025, respectively. The coefficient of dispersion variation of the above was 39%, 32%, 43%, 33%, 43%, and 44% in 2016, respectively, which are estimated to reduce by 2026 if the Iran medical roadmap is implemented.
Conclusion: The high dispersion index of the medical personnel relative to the population in the cities covered by medical universities indicates unbalanced distribution. If the estimates of the Iran's 2026 medical roadmap are implemented, more appropriate distribution of the medical staff is expected.
A Maher, Aa Haghdoost, S Noori Hekmat , M Haji Aghajani , Gh Janbabaee, H Vaezi, Gh Khademi, S Emadi, R Rahimisadegh, H Haghighi, R Dehnavieh, Mr Rajabalipour,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a clear description of the pre-hospital emergency setting and risk management in accidents and disasters in accordance with current Iran’s standards in different regions of the country. This study was part of the national project "Iran Roadmap (Neda 2026)".
Methods: The data of the major medical equipment was gathered from 48 medical universities covering all of the country's 32 provinces. Goal standards were obtained from the “Ministry of Health” and the “Department of Statistics for Medical Accident and Emergency Management Centers” in all universities. Coefficient of dispersion was calculated to evaluate any dispersion in major medical equipment.
Results: The results of this study showed that in 2017, the highest and lowest coefficient in “pre-hospital facilities” was related to the ambulance engine (301%) and the operational base personnel (93%), respectively. Nio national standards were implemented in “Risk Management in accidents and disasters needs” in most provinces of Iran. In 2026 estimates, all of the factors improved and dispersion decreased.
Conclusion: Despite the poor distribution of prehospital indicators in 2017, forecasting showed desirable conditions in distribution of facilities in the pre-hospital emergency and risk management of accidents and disasters.
S Noori Hekmat, H Hashemi, Aa Haghdoost, M Haji Aghajani , Gh Janbabaee, A Maher, A Javadi, R Rahimisadegh, S Emadi, Mr Rajabalipour, R Dehnavieh, H Haghighi,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (Vol.13, (Special Issue) 2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The distribution of specialists is important in two ways: geographical and specialty. In this study, we provided a description of the distribution of specialists in Iran in 2016 and its estimates in 2026.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2016 to estimate the number of specialists in 2026. Data were gathered through a census of specialists working in each of 439 cities in the country, including those in public and private sectors. Coefficient of variation and the number of specialists in 100000 populations were applied as distribution measures.
Results: In the year 2016, there were 46 specialists per 100,000 populations, and it is estimated that considering the full-time equivalent index of 1.2, 63 specialists per 100,000 populations will be required in the year 2026. The highest and lowest ratio of specialists per population in the year 2016 was reported in Tehran (89 per 100,000 populations) and Jiroft (10 per 100,000 populations), respectively. The gynecologist group and geriatric specialists group were the largest (4747 specialists) and smallest group (4 specialists), respectively.
Conclusion: There was a considerable disparity between different regions of the country in terms of access to specialists. Furthermore, the ratio of specialist per population in different specialty groups varied from one province to another. Upon implementation of the Iran Roadmap, according to 2026 estimates, this dispersion will be reduced to some extent; however, part of the dispersion related to the regionalisation pilicy.
H Rafiemanesh , A Rahimi Movaghar , S Nedjat, A Noroozi, K Yazdani,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (Vol.13, No.2, Summer 2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: People with high risk alcohol use disorders are influenced by behaviors that have devastating consequences for them and those around them. The main objective for alcohol screening is to identify people with alcohol use disorders, or people who are at high risk for progression to these disorders. Several screening tools have been designed for this purpose. The aim of this study was to introduce and review important screening tools for identification of alcohol use disorders and problems in the world.
Methods: In this narrative review study, we searched the Web of Science (ISI), PubMed, and Scopus databases using Alcohol, Tools or Instruments, Test, Problem, Use and Use disorder as keywords for finding screening tools for identification of alcohol use problems and disorders. Finally, 10 instruments were introduced.
Results: The most common screening tools for identification of alcohol use disorders and problems were Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), CAGE, Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), as well as T-ACE and TWEAK that are specifically used for evaluation of alcohol consumption in pregnant women. The short forms of the AUDIT, RAPS, POSIT, and CRAFFT are other tests for alcohol consumption.
Conclusion: Several screening tools have been designed for identification of alcohol use disorders and problems; therefore, n appropriate screening test should be selected and implemented with regards to the purpose of screening, research questions, and study population.
R Dehnavieh, Aa Haghdoost, H Rahimi, A Poursheikhali, M Hasani, N Mirshekari, F Hoseinabadi, S Radmerikhi, Z Khajeh, N Khajehpour, A Masoud, M Balochi, S Noori Hekmat, K Nouhi,
Volume 14, Issue 0 (Special Issue, Vol.14, 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Plagiarism is the most prevalent type of scientific misconduct, and various rules and strategies have been proposed to combat it in different countries. A review of other countries' experiences in this area contributes to good policymaking. The present study was conducted to introduce preventive interventions of plagiarism in the leading countries.
Methods: The present study was a qualitative review study of applied practices. In this study, preventive interventions of scientific plagiarism in the 27 European ::::::::union:::::::: countries were studied due to the appropriate coherence and structural similarity at national, organizational, and individual levels. The national-level interventions were analyzed using the content analysis method in mentioned countries.
Results: The results of analyzing the national-level interventions were categorized into eight main themes, including reaching a national agreement on examples of scientific plagiarism and misconduct; policy development; monitoring and supervision; financial support development; development of databanks and software; compiling educational programs for faculty members and students; dissemination and use of successful experiences; and eventually establishment of laws related to scientific misconduct, plagiarism, and punishments activities.
Conclusion: Using preventive interventions at a national level proves the commitment and determination of policymakers to control and prevent plagiarism. Proper use of preventive interventions at a national level strengthens the controlling and preventive infrastructures of this issue at the organizational level, and enhances moral commitment and professional skills among the country's researchers.
Am Mosadeghrad, A Pour Reza , N Abolhasan Beigi Galezan , Sh Shahebrahimi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Vol.14, No.4, 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Human Development Index (HDI) is an important indicator of a country’s development. On the other hand, mortality indicators are the most important indicators of the health of a society. This study aimed to examine the association between HDI and maternal, neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality rates in Iran between 2005 and 2016.
Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted using data collected from Iran Statistics Center, World Health Organization, and United Nations Development Program. SPSS software version 22 was used for data analysis. Pearson correlation test was applied to examine the correlation between HDI and mortality rates. Regression analysis was used to measure the effect of HDI on mortality rates.
Results: HDI increased from 0.690 in 2005 to 0.774 in 2016 (12% rise). Maternal, neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality rates decreased by 26, 41, 52, and 42% in 2016 compared to 2005, respectively. HDI had a significant indirect association with maternal (-0.973), neonatal (-0.983), infant (-0.739), and under-five mortality (-0.987). An increase of 0.01 in HDI reduced 1 maternal death per 100,000 births. An increase of 0.014, 0.009, and 0.008 in HDI decreased one neonatal, infant, and under-five death per 1000 births.
Conclusion: The results showed that increased HDI correlated with decreased mortality rates. Therefore, policy-makers should pay more attention to socio
S Ebrahimi Kebria , Ss Hashemi Nazari, Y Mdehrabi, B Nazparvar , A Shojaei, Sd Mirtorabi,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (Vol.15, No.1 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Suicide is one of the psychosocial problems in Lorestan Province due to its socio-cultural and economic structure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age group, time period, and birth cohort on the suicide incidence in Lorestan Province during the 2006-2015.
Methods: In this study, to overcome the identifiability problem, the Carstensen approach and natural cubic smoothing character were used in age-period-cohort models (APC). Cohort effect was calculated as the relative rate from the 1984 reference cohort for men and 1987 cohort for women. The period effect in both sexes constrained to be relative to 1390 and to be 0 on average with 0 slope. The best APC model for both sexes was the models with "AC-P" parameter, 7 knots, and natural splines for men and B splines for women. All analyses were performed using the R software with Epi package.
Results: The age effect showed that the highest suicide incidence rate was seen in the elderly. Two strong birth cohort effects were observed, one increasing one in the 1980 cohort and one decreasing one in 1991 cohort. The most significant period effect was seen in men in 2011.
Conclusion: The effects of 1991 and 1980 birth cohorts could be due to the consequences of imposed war in Iran. The three economic phenomena, oil price change, increased divorce rate, and increased unemployment rate can be effective in the emergence of the period effect in year 2011.
H Gheibipour, K Etemad , S Khodakarim, A Sharhani, S Ebrahimi Kebria,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (Vol.15, No.1 2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The prevalence of HBV infection among injection drug users (IDUs) is higher than the general population due to high-risk sexual behaviors and the needle sharing. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection and its effective factors among IDUs of Kermanshah Province in 2016.
Methods: This ia descriptive-analytic study was performed in 606 male IDUs in Kermanshah Province in 2016. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. HBV was also evaluated through blood tests using the rapid test. Simple and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to investigate the factors affecting HBV infection. Data were analyzed using STATA-12 software.
Results: The prevalence of positivity HBV antibody was 3% (95% CI: 1.61- 4.32) among male IDUs. According to the results of unit-variable logistic regression analysis, the duration of drug injection (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15) and the number of daily injections (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.81) were risk factors for HBsAg positivity but there were no significant associations in the multivariate regression model.
Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV is much higher among IDUs than in the general population. These populations are at risk for viral infections such as HBV; therefore, it is recommended to provide necessary education about the prevention methods as well as the necessary screening for them.
M Asghari Jafarabadi , L Karimi, F Rahimi Bashar , A Vahedian Azimi ,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (Vol.15, No.4 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training as part of an educational program for patients involved in pathologic and physiological events (PPE) can have important physiological and psychological benefits for the patients, and can affect various dimensions of their lives including the quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of PMR on the quality of life of patients involved in PPE.
Methods: Through searching the words “PMR” and “quality of life (QOL)” in Persian databases including SID, MagIran, IranMedex, and IranDoc and international databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect, all studies published on the effect of PMR on the QOL were extracted. The methodological quality of the papers was examined using Cochrane risk of bias. Data analysis was carried out using a random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed by I2. The data were analyzed using the STATA software version 14.0.
Results: Of 495 studies, only 10 explored the effect of PMR on the QOL of patients. The pooled mean of the QOL and all dimensions were statistically significant, including physical functioning (0.339), physical role limitation (0.378), bodily pain (0.341), general health (0.598), social functioning (0.873), mental health (0.736), emotional role limitation (0.791), vitality (0.706), total physical dimensions (0.652), total mental dimensions (1.316), and total QOF score (0.480). Only one study had a low risk of bias.
Conclusion: Implementation of PMR has a significant effect on the quality of life of patients involved in PPE. PMR is recommended to improve the QOL of the patients.
A Mehri, M Yaseri, D Rahimi, S Nejat,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (Vol 16, No.2 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Self-confidence is an individual characteristic in students that enables them to have a positive or realistic view of themselves. The purpose of present study was to evaluate the validity and psychometric properties of the Self-confidence Questionnaire (PEI)
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 students of four medical universities. Validation of this questionnaire included the steps of translation, content validity, face validity, repeatability and internal consistency.
Results: The mean age of the participants in this study was 32.1 (SD = 5.5) years. The majority of the students were postgraduate students (47%) and the least (11%) were undergraduate students. The results of this study showed that the overall relevancy and clarity of the questions were 92% and 83%, respectively. The percentage of agreement on overall comprehensiveness was 100%. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and interclass correlation coefficient were higher than 0.7 in all domains. The ICC of each question was also between 0.72 and 0.98.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the Persian version of the PEI questionnaire has an appropriate reliability for use in the student population of Iranian universities.
Z Rahimi, H Esmaily, A Taghipour, E Mosa Farkhani , J Jamali,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (Vol.16, No.4 2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Psychological distress is one of the minor psychiatric disorders that can be used as a predictor of serious mental illnesses such as depressive and anxiety disorders. These disorders are predictors of death from cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of psychological distress and its related factors.
Methods: This descriptive- analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. The study population included 1103945 subjects aged 18-65 years old that presented to the health centers of Khorasan Razavi. In this study, demographic checklists and the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-6) were used.
Results: The prevalence of psychological distress was 10.10%. The mean age of the subjects was 35.99 ± 10.46 years old, 62.10% were female, 86% were married, and 78.90% had a high school education or less. The response rate was 98.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between psychological distress and age, gender, marital status, education, location, and occupation.
Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of psychological distress was low. According to the odds ratio (OR), divorced women, illiterate women, housewives, and big city dwellers were high-risk groups for psychological distress. Considering the relatively large sample size, it is necessary to develop appropriate strategies for prevention and treatment, and training of these groups.
H Tavakoli Ghouchani, A Delshad, Hr Shoraka, H Lashkardoost, A Afshari Safavi , J Rahimi,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (Vol 16, Special Issue 2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to major health and socioeconomic problems worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the clinical features and health behaviors related to COVID-19 in patients presenting to selected COVID-19 centers of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out using stratified random sampling in 350 patients presenting to selected COVID-19 centers of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences in August and September 2020. Demographic and clinical features and the data related to COVID-19 disease were collected using a researcher-made checklist and analyzed with the SPSS 24 software using chi-square test and logistic regression.
Results: Of 350 patients, 200 (57.1%) were male and the rest were female. The PCR test was positive in 72% of the patients. The highest percentage of infection was seen in self-employed subjects and driver, people in the age group 30-50 years, and male subjects. The highest observance of masking, hand washing, and social distancing was related to healthcare staff and the lowest was seen in self-employed people, drivers, and military staff. A history of attending a gas station increased the chance of a positive test by 2.3 times (95% CI: 1.13-4.79).
Conclusion: According to the results, age, gender, occupation and history of presence in crowded places are important determinants of infection and adherence to protocols.
M Faghir Gangi, Ali Mirzazadeh, H Rastad, S Nedjat, A Rahimi-Movaghar, K Yazdani,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (Vol 17,No.3, Atumn 2021 2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This qualitative study was conducted to identify reasons for not using condoms by people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran.
Materials and Methods: Purposeful sampling was applied to recruit four groups [male PWID (n = 14), female PWID (n=6), service providers (n=8), and HIV/Addiction experts (n = 9)] into a qualitative study. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) or individual in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results: The mean age was 44.0 years for male and 38.2 for female PWID. Qualitative analysis showed 16 themes for not using a condom, which were grouped in three main categories, including knowledge (3 themes), accessibility (4 themes), and individual barriers to use condoms (9 themes). Poor knowledge included low perceived level of risk, insufficient training, and misconceptions. Lack of access to condoms resulted from the country's new policy for population growth control and decrease in the number of pharmacies and harm reduction centers and prisons where condoms were previously distributed free of charge. Common reported individual barriers to condom use were poverty, homelessness, depression, low self-care, and low self-esteem, less pleasure, having sex under the influence of drugs, and stigma.
Conclusion: Both structural and individual factors may play a role as barriers to condom use among PWID.
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.
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.