Zahra Gaeini, Sevda Alvirdizadeh, Parvin Mirmiran, Fereidoun Azizi,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The association between the consumption of dairy products and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not well-known yet. Here, we aimed to determine the potential effects of total intake and subtypes of dairy products on the development of CVD in an Iranian adult population.
Methods: Among adult participants of the third phase of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), after excluding those with incomplete dietary, biochemical and anthropometric data, and those who had CVD events at baseline, 2635 adults were selected and followed up till the sixth phase of the TLGS. Baseline dietary intakes were evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire with 168 items. There was no significant difference between the baseline characteristics of participants who did not complete the FFQ and those of the total population in the third phase of the TLGS. Finally, the risk of CVD events after adjusting for potential confounding variables was evaluated across the tertile categories of dairy products using the Cox proportional hazard regression models.
Results: During a 10.6-year follow-up, the incidence rate of CVD was 6.5%. After adjusting for confounding factors, there was no significant association between CVD risk and total dairy, low-fat and high-fat dairy, fermented and non-fermented dairy products, high- and low-fat milk, high- and low-fat yogurt, cheese, and cream cheese, as well as ice cream.
Conclusion: According to numerous evidence in previous studies that revealed there is no association between the consumption of dairy products, and CVD risk, independent of high-fat or low-fat dairy products. Hence, it is vital to reconsider dietary recommendations on lowering the intake of high-fat dairy products for the prevention of CVD.
Aliakbar Haghdoost, Samira Emadi, Azam Bazrafshan,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
The migration of elites has become a major challenge worldwide. In Iran, in recent years, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of immigrants. Migration often occurs in different ways including educational migration within geographical borders, field migration, experts avoiding professional activities, and forced or semi-forced migration. Due to the fact that each form of migration can lead to diverse problems, it is imperative to pay attention to the nature and complications of each type of migration in the discussion of human resources management.
Reza Dehnavyeh, Mohammad Jaafari Sirizi, Vahid Yazdi Feyzabadi, Farzaneh Yousefi, Parisa Dehghanian,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Paying attention to future changes and preparing for them is one of the requirements of today's world. Personalized medicine as an emerging and expanding change will bring about changes in medical science. Family physicians as the first line of service delivery and health insurance as factors affecting the provision of services will face this issue. The aim of this study was to draw the space for applying this approach in the field of family physicians and the changes it will bring.
Methods: This study has three stages: preparing a presentation file about personalized medicine and formulating questions, holding a meeting with family physicians, completing the questions form as a group, presenting their opinions, and finally, analyzing and summarizing the views of the doctors by the research team.
Results: Implementing personalized medicine will positively affect each of the family physician's functions, including health management, comprehensiveness of services, continuity of service delivery, coordination, and research. However, like any new change in any field, implementing this approach in this part of the health system will be challenging. There are solutions to face these changes and the resulting challenges from the point of view of family doctors.
Conclusion: As one of the essential parts of facing the changes in the health field, family physicians and health insurance should monitor the issues of this field prospectively and prepare themselves to face them. Providing infrastructures according to possible challenges and considering the principles of change management can be a solution for effectively implementing this approach in this field.
Parisa Janjani, Mina Aghaei, Nahid Salehi, Hosna Janjani,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are recognized as the leading cause of death globally, accounting for a substantial proportion of mortality and disabilities worldwide.
Given that exposure to secondhand smoke is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, this policy brief presents strategies for reducing exposure to secondhand smoke in the healthy population and cardiovascular patients.
Reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases caused or aggravated by secondhand smoke exposure and improving health levels requires a multifaceted approach.
Ali-Asghar Honarmand, Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi, Aliakbar Haghdoost,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Electronic cigarettes are devices that heat liquids containing nicotine and chemicals to produce aerosols that can be inhaled. Although these products have been marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, there is evidence indicating that their use also carries specific risks. Advertising and the influence of social media, particularly among young individuals, have led to increased consumption of these cigarettes and serious concerns. This study aimed to examine the benefits and drawbacks of electronic cigarettes.
Methods: In this narrative review, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched in a non-systematic manner using relevant keywords to identify studies related to the health effects, history, evolution, and cost-effectiveness of electronic cigarettes.
Results: Electronic cigarettes entered the market for the first time in 2003 and quickly gained popularity among consumers. These cigarettes were marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes; however, they contain various chemicals, some of which decompose when heated, producing toxic compounds. Electronic cigarettes can have multiple impacts on health, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, and the potential risk of cancer.
Conclusion: Electronic cigarettes may assist in smoking cessation in some cases, but significant drawbacks accompany these benefits. Given the potential risks, there is a need for further research to comprehensively assess their effects on health for a more informed understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these products.
Fereshteh Eidy, Razieh Jafarizadeh, Fatemeh Shoghi, Amirhossein Moradian, Fatemeh Sadat Dolatabadi, Samira Rabiei,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (3-2025)
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.
Maral Forghanifar, Omid Omid Garkaz, Sahar Paryab, Maryam Farjamfar, Solmaz Talebi, Mahboobeh Pourheidari,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pregnancy is considered a pleasurable event in women's lives, which is accompanied by numerous biological, psychological, and social changes. Among the common consequences of these changes is increased depression. Sexual counseling with pregnant mothers has been suggested as one of the interventions to improve the quality of sexual life and depression by several studies, and this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sexual counseling based on the BETTER model on depression scores during pregnancy.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial involved 144 participants who referred to the health centers of Bahmai, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to two equal groups of 72, including intervention and control. The intervention group participated in two sessions of 45-60 minutes of sexual counseling based on the BETTER model, and the control group received usual prenatal care. Depression scores were measured using the Edinburgh Depression Questionnaire before, after, and one month after the last counseling session. After collection, the data were entered into SPSS-18 and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics.
Results: The results showed no significant difference between depression scores in the control and intervention groups before the test. In contrast, a significant difference was observed in pregnancy depression scores between the intervention and control groups immediately after the intervention and one month later. In the intervention group, the mean depression decreased after counseling (6.54±1.32) and maintained the same effect at a later time (5.59±1.47).
Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of the BETTER model, it is recommended that training in this model and using it to reduce depression during pregnancy be planned.
Rahman Panahi, Armin Baleshzar, Ali Zahmatkesh,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
 |
A review of studies has revealed that the concept of traffic literacy in Iran has not been investigated so far, and there is no valid and reliable tool to measure traffic literacy. In addition, there is a relationship between health literacy in one hand, and managing diseases and accidents, the number of traffic injuries and prevention of road traffic injuries in other hand. Also, considering the relationship between health literacy and the management of diseases and accidents, the rate of traffic injuries, and its role in preventing road traffic injuries, and considering the potential impact of health literacy in promoting safer practices for pedestrians and for having a healthier and safer society, it seems necessary to design a tool to measure traffic literacy in the country. |
Ehsan Mostafavi, Kiumarss Nasseri, Parvin Yavari,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (3-2025)
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. |
Zahra Gaeini, Hanieh Malmir, Sevda Alvirdizadeh, Parvin Mirmiran, Fereidoun Azizi,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Limited data are available regarding the association between the proportions of dietary fats, calculated in the form of fat quality indices, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary fat quality indices (FQI) and the risk of CVD among an Iranian adult population.
Methods: In this study, 1849 adults who participated in the third phase of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) (2006-2008) were selected based on the inclusion criteria and followed up till 2018 (approximately 10 years). Baseline dietary intakes were estimated using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Adjusted hazard Ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CVD were calculated in tertile categories of dietary FQI, including atherogenic, thrombogenic, and health promoting indices, along with ratio of poly-unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids and ratio of hypo and hypercholesterolemia, using the Cox proportional hazard regression models.
Results: The participants' mean (SD) age was 45.9 (11.0). During the 10.6 years of follow-up, 172 cases of CVD were diagnosed. In the crude model, the risk of CVD was 46% higher in participants in the highest tertile of the thrombogenic index (HR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.00-2.15); however, the association did not remain significant in the adjusted models. In addition, the crude and adjusted models had no significant associations between other dietary fat qualities and CVD risk.
Conclusion: The present study found no significant association between dietary fat quality indices and CVD incidence.
Zainab Al-Sadat Alavizadeh, Maryam Farjamfar, Shahrabano Goli, Omid Garkaz, Sahar Paryab, Mahbobeh Pourheidari, Mehdi Fathi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Healthy sexual relations, as one of the basic components of human life, are one of the signs of physical and mental health that have a significant impact on the quality of individual and marital life.
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral sleep therapy on the sexual function of married women of reproductive age in Sabzevar city in 2021-2022.
Methods: This study was conducted as a simple randomized clinical trial before and after intervention and one-month follow-up with intervention and control groups. The sample included 70 eligible women. The intervention group (N = 35) received four individual counseling sessions of cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy, while the control group (N = 35) received no intervention. The research tool included a demographic questionnaire, Hypnotic Induced Profile (HIP), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software.
Results: Based on the results of sexual function, there was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups after cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy intervention (p<0.001) and one month after the intervention (p<0.001). The analysis of the components of sexual function (sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) indicated that all components except for pain and satisfaction had significant differences between the intervention and control groups after the intervention and follow-up. The satisfaction component had a significant difference just one month after the intervention (p=0.010).
Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral sleep therapy counseling is efficacious in improving women's sexual function and most of its components. This approach is recommended to be used to enhance women's sexual function. Additionally, conducting more comprehensive studies can be beneficial.
Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi, Mohammad Khalili, Aliakbar Haghdoost, Abbas Aghaei-Afshar, Hamid Sharifi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, seriously threatening public health. Therefore, prevention and control strategies are critical, given the lack of effective treatment. This study aimed to combine international guidelines for controlling Aedes mosquitoes and managing dengue fever.
Methods: This narrative review focused on international guidelines for preventing and controlling dengue fever and Aedes mosquitoes. Reputable international sources were reviewed, and the selection criteria included the credibility of the issuing organization, focus on vector-borne diseases, and adaptability to different environmental conditions. Key data from each guideline, including objectives, main messages, and recommendations, were extracted. The search timeframe was extended to 2024 and conducted on international websites.
Results: International guidelines emphasized an integrated approach to vector control. Environmental strategies include sustainable water system management, stagnant water elimination, and safe waste disposal. Chemical controls stress the cautious use of larvicides and insecticides while strictly adhering to resistance management protocols. Biological interventions, such as introducing predator species into water bodies, were recommended in specific conditions. The guidelines also highlighted community engagement and education and advocate for intersectoral collaboration. Innovative tools such as insecticide-treated materials, lethal traps, and disease trend prediction technologies were also endorsed. Social mobilization and intersectoral cooperation were key elements for long-term success.
Conclusion: International dengue control strategies combine a multifaceted approach, integrating environmental management, chemical and biological control, and community engagement. Implementing these guidelines as well as technological advancements, and international collaboration can significantly reduce the global burden of dengue fever.
Mahdi Zare Sakhvidi, Moslem Taheri Soodejani, Mohammad Reza Sadeghian, Mohsen Mirzaei, Hossein Akhondi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2025)
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 (9-2025)
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.
Maryam Gholamarzaei, Marjan Ajami, Sareh Shakerian,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Considering the importance of prevention and effective community-based interventions in reducing the psychological and economic burdens of cancers, and focusing on modifiable risk factors, the present study was designed and conducted with regard to several of these factors.
Methods: This case-control study included 211 patients with various types of cancer and 322 controls selected from the PARSA health system. Primary exposures of interest included fast food consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels, while the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure fast food and fruit and vegetable consumption. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and logistic regression were used for analysis.
Results: Logistic regression analysis indicated that inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption compared to adequate intake was associated with odds ratios of 4.49 and 4.042, respectively, for increased cancer risk. In addition, lower fast food consumption (OR = 0.466)] was associated with a 53% reduction in cancer risk. Physical activity [at the walking level] was statistically significant, although the effect size was very weak. Occupation, gender, education level, family history, and age showed statistically significant relationships with cancer, while other demographic variables showed no significant association.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current study and other evidence, as well as the fact that dietary patterns and physical activity are modifiable risk factors, appropriate interventions can play a preventive role in reducing the incidence of chronic diseases. This requires improving community awareness and designing and implementing effective interventions.
Yadollah Azarmi, Moslem Najafi, Zahra Gholizadeh-Gharbalchi, Tahereh Eteraf-Oskouei,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Patient package inserts (PPIs) are the accessible source of drug information which is expcted to contribute with the safe and efficient use of medicines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of pharmacists in Tabriz with the quality of Iranian and foreign PPIs.
Methods: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of 170 pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Tabriz, who completed a validated questionnaire with confirmed reliability and validity. The questionnaire included items regarding the scientific quality of Iranian and foreign PPIs. The study data were presented and analyzed using means, percentages, and frequencies.
Results: Pharmacists were satisfied with the size of the PPIs, font size and font type of the Iranian PPIs (42.4%) and the foreign PPIs (72.3%). With respect to the amount and method of drug use information in PPIs, satisfaction was higher for foreign PPIs than for Iranian PPIs (P=0.017). Satisfaction with the expression of side effects, contraindications, how to adjust the dose of the drug in the underlying diseases and the necessary warnings for children and the elderly in the PPIs of Iranian medicines was significantly less than foreign medicines (P<0.001). Most of the pharmacists agreed to design specific brochures for medical staff and patients.
Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated pharmacists’ dissatisfaction with the scientific quality and the availability of sufficient, up-to-date information in domestic drug brochures for the safe use of medicines. Therefore, standardizing the structure of brochures by utilizing the experiences of other countries, using digital innovations and visual tools, implementing user-friendly tests, and continuous monitoring by Iranian Food and Drug Administration are essential.
Mahsa Saadati, Arezoo Bagheri,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In societies where first marriage and childbearing are delayed, divorce can lead to a decrease in the number of children. Considering the declining fertility rate and increasing divorce in recent years in Iran, it is important to study the intention to have children of divorced women in their second marriages, considering the role of them in fertility. The aim of the present study is to investigate the factors affecting the fertility intention of these women.
Methods: In this study, 410 divorced women under 40 years' old who are in pre-second union were considered. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from the marriage and divorce survey conducted by the National Civil Registration Organization in 2017-2018. A Cumulative-Logit model was used to examine the effect of selected covariates on women's fertility intentions, and the data were analyzed using SPSS.26.
Results: Based on the results, 7.7%, 49.9%, and 42.4% of women intend to be childless, have one child, and have two or more children in their second marriage, respectively. Province of residence, ethnicity, family income level, housing ownership, couple's childbearing status in the first marriage, number of children from the first marriage, and age have significant relationships with women's fertility intentions.
Conclusion: Given the potential capacity of divorced women of fertility age who remarry, planners and policymakers in society can create the possibility of remarriage for these women by establishing cultural, social, and legal frameworks.
Roya Yavarian, Bita Valamanesh, Nasim Talebi Azar,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Borderline personality disorder is a prevalent psychiatric disorder and this study was conducted to examine the prevalence of borderline personality traits and their relationship with the family emotional climate among high school students.
Methods: This cross-sectional, correlational study involved 583 students from public high schools in Urmia city, selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data collection included a demographic information checklist, the Borderline Personality Scale for Children (BPFS-C), and the Alfred B. Hillburn Family Emotional Climate Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 18 software, utilizing descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation), Pearson correlation tests, and one-way analysis of variance.
Results: The study found that the overall average of borderline personality traits across all disciplines was moderate, with higher levels observed in the humanities field compared to other fields. Borderline personality scores were higher among eleventh-grade students. The prevalence of borderline personality traits in the sample was low (26.9%), moderate (58.1%), and high (15%). Most students reported a high emotional atmosphere within their families (89.5%). An inverse and significant relationship was observed between family emotional climate and all dimensions of borderline personality traits. There were significant differences in family emotional climate across different grades, with the eleventh grade reporting the lowest average. Differences in borderline personality traits were also noted across educational levels. While the emotional atmosphere within families was higher among girls compared to boys, there was no significant gender difference in borderline personality traits. Additionally, there were no differences in family emotional climate across educational regions, but the average borderline personality traits were higher in region one.
Conclusion: Overall, the emotional climate within the family serves as a crucial protective factor against the development of borderline traits in adolescents. Educational and psychosocial interventions should prioritize strengthening parent-child emotional connections, fostering empathy, and teaching emotion regulation within families.
Ehsan Mostafavi, Hossein Sabbaghian, Parvin Yavari,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dr. Kiumarss Nasseri, a veterinarian and epidemiologist, is one of the prominent figures in epidemiology and public health in Iran. This paper reviews his invaluable contributions and professional legacy in these fields.
Methods: Information about Dr. Kiumarss Nasseri and his valuable activities was collected from various sources, including documents, articles, and interviews with individuals.
Results: From 1970 to 1989, Dr. Nasseri served as a faculty member in the Department of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health, University of Tehran. Following the Islamic Revolution, he held several key academic and administrative positions, including membership in the Coordinating Council of the School of Public Health, Deputy for Education at the School of Public Health, Director of the International MPH course in collaboration with the World Health Organization, and Head of the Health Group at Iran University Press. He continued his academic and research activities in cancer epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and as a lecturer in epidemiology at the University of Liverpool in England. Professionally, he served as a senior epidemiologist with the California Cancer Registry at the California Department of Public Health. He has authored numerous books in the fields of epidemiology, public health, and zoonoses.
Conclusion: Reviewing Dr. Nasseri’s distinguished career and contributions can provide valuable insight and inspiration for scholars and future students in epidemiology and public health in Iran.
Parisa Amjadi Zin Hajloo, Mohammad Heidari,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Missing data is a common and unavoidable challenge in medical and epidemiological research, often leading to biased estimates, reduced statistical power, and misleading interpretations when not properly addressed. Despite its importance, accessible and practical educational resources on this topic remain limited in Persian. This educational article provides a clear and structured overview of the fundamental concepts of missing data, including definitions, common patterns (univariate and multivariate), and the three major mechanisms of missingness: MCAR, MAR, and MNAR. A range of widely used approaches for handling missing data is summarized, from basic methods such as case deletion and simple imputation to more advanced techniques including multiple imputation and likelihood-based procedures (EM and MLE). Practical examples and visual illustrations are incorporated to facilitate conceptual understanding. The ultimate goal of this article is to provide a practical framework for researchers and students, enabling them to select the appropriate approach for dealing with missing data in the design and analysis of their research and to prevent analytical errors.
