Showing 32 results for Covid-19
Fatemeh Shahbazi, Salman Khazaei, Mohammad Mirzaei, Seyed Jalalodin Bathaei, Ali Zahiri, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the mortality rate and years of life lost (YLL) resulting from COVID-19 infection in Hamadan Province.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, information regarding the number of deaths caused by COVID-19 infection was obtained from the Vice-Chancellor of Health at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The research period spanned from February 2020 to February 2021. The deaths recorded by the deputy health department encompassed both outpatients and inpatients. The calculation of Years of Life Lost (YLL) was based on the guidelines outlined in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010. All data analysis was performed using Excel software.
Results: During the study period, a total of 1556 deaths occurred due to COVID-19 infection in Hamadan Province. The years of life lost (YLL) due to premature death were 15783 years (49.99 per thousand) in men, 12794 years (38.43 per thousand) in women, and 28577 years (44.08 per thousand) in both sexes. Specifically, urban areas accounted for 19824 YLL, while rural areas accounted for 8753 YLL.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, COVID-19 infection resulted in a significant loss of potential years of life, particularly among men, those over 60 years of age, and in urban areas. As a result, intervention programs should prioritize the importance of early detection of the disease, reducing its severity, and subsequently mitigating the number of fatalities. Additionally, better control of the disease in elderly populations, who represent the highest proportion of years of life lost, should be a focal point.
Saeed Ghavi, Rafat Asarzadeh, Somayeh Derakhshan, Simin Poursaman, Fereshteh Sohrabivafa,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan, China, leading to the global outbreak of COVID-19. The rapid transmission of the virus, the emergence of various strains, disparities in community vaccination, and the high mortality rate have presented significant health challenges to countries worldwide. Against this backdrop, this study aimed to assess the mental health status of women in the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: The study employed a systematic review approach, conducting keyword searches on databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search terms included "Covid-19 Virus Infection," "Covid-19 Pandemic," "Coronavirus," "Alphacoronavirus," "Bat Coronavirus," "Mental health," "Psychological," "Working women," "Working woman," and "Employee women." Articles published between 2019 and 2021 were collected and evaluated. A total of 11 articles met the inclusion criteria for data extraction and were analyzed.
Results: The reviewed studies identified several significant psychological consequences, with anxiety being reported in 82% of the articles, followed by stress (73%) and depression (64%). The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated negative psychological effects among working women, including those in hospital settings and those working remotely.
Conclusion: A multitude of factors contribute to the experience of COVID-19-related stress among women. These include health disparities, lower professional status, worries about personal health, family and community well-being, financial uncertainties, childcare responsibilities, and decreased social connections. As a result, stress-related disorders such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, insomnia, and burnout tend to manifest more severely in working women compared to men in comparable positions.
Yaser Mesri, Mina Pakkhesal, Aliakbar Naghavialhosseini, Fatemeh Mirzaei, Abdolhalim Rajabi,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health and the significance of oral health, this study aims to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental care utilization among children.
Methods: This retrospective study utilized available data from the archives of the dental clinic at Gorgan Pediatric Hospital in 2022. Information regarding demographic characteristics and the types of received services were collected and entered to SPSS version 26 statistical analysis software. The chi-square test was used to compare the annual differences in the frequency of different service types, and the Cochrane-Armitage test was employed to examine the linear trend of changes in each service.
Results: A total of 24,185 different dental services were received by children aged between 2 and 14 years old referred to dental clinic of Taleghani Children Hospital from March 2020 to February 2022. Comparing the frequency of dental services in 2021 to that of 2020 revealed a 31% decrease in the total number of services. The types of services utilized during the first year of the pandemic exhibited significant changes compared to the pre-pandemic year. This included an increase in tooth extraction (P = 0.001) and a reduction in restorations (P = 0.000). Additionally, a noticeable increase in pulp treatment (P = 0.003) was observed, particularly in the second year of the pandemic.
Conclusion: The frequency of dental care utilization, types of services received, and insurance utilization underwent significant changes during the pandemic. It is crucial to plan for future required treatments and establish infrastructures to address similar pandemics.
Maliheh Dadgar Moghadam, Majid Khadem Rezaian, Zainab Shateri Amiri,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The novel and rapidly spreading nature of COVID-19 surpasses the capacity and capabilities of the healthcare system, necessitating comprehensive management. This study aims to explore the role and relationship of social determinants of health with the ultimate outcome of patients.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the information of COVID-19 patients within the coverage area of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences was examined from three sources (outpatient or inpatient) between March 2018 and March 2019, utilizing the census method. The logistic regression model was employed to assess the predictability of social determinants of health.
Results: Out of 182,602 patients, 100,407 (55%) were men, and 82,195 (45%) were women. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of mortality due to corona infection increased by 1.075 (1.073-1.077) times for each year of age. Additionally, the odds were 2.37 (2.06-2.73) times higher in men compared to women and displayed an inverse relationship with educational level (PV<0.001). Job status did not demonstrate a significant effect. The presence of diabetes (OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.19-1.38), underlying diseases (OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.22), and immune system weakness (OR=7.94, 95% CI: 6.44-9.80) were associated with an increased likelihood of death. Conversely, pregnancy (OR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.57-1.42) and high blood pressure (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.89-1.02) exhibited no significant association.
Conclusion: Considering the relationship between social determinants of health and COVID-19 mortality, it is recommended that policymakers involve sectors outside the healthcare system in addressing health matters.
Alireza Didarloo, Behrouz Fathi, Raana Hosseini, Habibollah Pirnejad, Sima Ghorbanzadeh, Kajal Yasamani,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2023)
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.
Abdolahad Nabiolahi, Najmeh Khammari, Nasser Keikha,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2023)
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.
Fatemeh Ershadinia, Elham Rahimi, Bushra Zareie, Hadi Pashapoor, Manoochehr Karami,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2023)
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.
Ali Jafari-Khounigh, Morteza Haghighi, Alireza Razzaghi, Shahram Habibzadeh, Seyed Taghi Heydari, Rasoul Entezarmahdi, Dr. Alireza Ansari Moghaddam, Hamid Sharifi, Mostafa Farahbakhsh, Mahdi Rezaei, Mina Golestani, Ehsan Sarbazi, Naser Nasiri, Homayoun Sadeghi-Bazargani,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Masks play a crucial role in preventing and controlling viral epidemics transmitted predominantly through the air. This study aimed to develop and validate a tool to measure people’s attitudes and behaviors related to mask usage during highly contagious viral epidemics.
Methods: In this psychometric study, the initial questionnaire was developed and face validity and content validity were assessed by 17 experts and three lay experts. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was measured using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with the principal component extraction method and Varimax rotation.
Results: Based on a review of previous studies, an initial 27-item questionnaire was crafted. During the face validity stage, two items were excluded. Through calculating the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and the Content Validity Index (CVI), three and one items respectively removed. The average scale level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.95. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.76 for attitude and 0.66 for practice sections; the ICC was equal to 0.873. EFA revealed two factors explaining 63.98% of the total variance.
Conclusion: This questionnaire demonstrated sound reliability and validity in Persian, providing an effective means to assess attitude and behavior related to mask usage during highly contagious viral epidemics. It stands as a valuable tool for use in Iran and other countries.
Fatemeh Papiri, Sareh Shakerian,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Evidence suggests that one of the behaviors impacted by the quarantine measures enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic is sexual activity. This study aims to investigate this phenomenon.
Methods: A descriptive-analytical study with before-after measurement was conducted during both the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic periods in 2021-2022, utilizing the standard Sexual Performance Index questionnaire administered to 250 women in Ilam province. Inferential statistics including paired t tests, correlation and chi square analysis were performed by SPSS software.
Results: The findings revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on all six components of sexual function in women of reproductive age, including sexual desire, sexual stimulation, lubrication, pleasure, satisfaction and pain. The average overall sexual performance during the COVID-19 period (2.01±1.25) and in the post-COVID-19 period (2.94±1.2) was lower than the cutoff point (3.8), indicating poor performance across the entire scale of sexual function. The results showed that there is an inverse and significant (P<0.05) relationship between age, duration of marriage and number of pregnancies with sexual function index and its subscales.
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that research population experienced weaker sexual performance during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the post-pandemic period, highlighting the impact of the mental and physical burdens associated with the pandemic on sexual function.
Maryam Saeedi, Sahar Taleb,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a growing concern about domestic violence worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the general prevalence of all types of violence and the related effective factors during the COVID-19 outbreak among women living in Saveh, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2021 on 423 married women referred to health centers in Saveh who were selected using the cluster method. A demographic information questionnaire and a researcher-made domestic violence questionnaire were used to collect data. Descriptive statistical methods and statistical tests were used to analyze the data and examine the correlation between the intensity (score) of violence with the demographic variables of the samples and their spouses. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22 statistical software. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Most of the participants (59.6%) were exposed to domestic violence. The mean±standard deviation of the overall domestic violence score was as much as 7.47±12.37. The most common type of domestic violence among the studied women was psychological violence. There was a direct and significant relationship between the overall score of domestic violence, the age of the samples and their spouses, and the duration of their marriage (P<0.01). The average overall score of domestic violence was significantly higher in samples who had children, were not pregnant, had drug and alcohol-addicted spouses, were renters, had a decrease in income during the COVID-19 outbreak, and had unemployed spouses (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results, the prevalence of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic was moderate, but its severity was low. Due to the psychological effects of the COVID-19 disease on society people, the increase in the incidence of violent behavior is especially evident in vulnerable families such as low-income families and tenants and women whose spouses are unemployed and abuse substances. Therefore, identifying and supporting vulnerable families for their education and empowerment can reduce the incidence of domestic violence.
Fariba Zomorrodi Zare, Fatemeh Khosravi Shadmani, Roya Safari Faramani, Fatemeh Torkamanasadi, Yazdan Rezaei, Farid Najafi,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination was crucial in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and saving numerous lives. Countries implementing COVID-19 vaccination programs have reported significant reductions in cases, ICU admissions, and COVID-19-related deaths. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccines used in Hamadan province, explicitly focusing on their impact on hospitalization and death caused by COVID-19.
Methods: A test-negative case-control design (TND) was conducted involving patients aged 12 and above who were admitted to hospitals in Hamadan province, Iran, and had symptoms of acute respiratory diseases. Data were extracted from hospital and health system databases. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate vaccine effectiveness for the first, second, and reminder doses in prevention of hospitalization, and severe outcomes (ICU admission or death).
Results: The study was conducted on 3,702 patients, and the maximum effectiveness of vaccines against hospitalization was 50% for patients who received a booster dose. The effectiveness of the first dose of vaccine on severe outcomes (admission to ICU or death) was estimated as 42%, but the effectiveness of the vaccines in the second and booster doses were not significant.
Conclusion: Despite the predominant use of inactivated virus vaccines and delayed initiation of vaccination in Iran, this study shows the effect of vaccination on reducing hospitalization and improving the outcomes of COVID-19. The use of more effective vaccines at a more appropriate time plays an important role in reducing the burden on health services and preventing further transmission in future epidemics.
Ali Esmaeilpour, Parya Jangipour Afshar, Nouzar Nakhaee, Mehrdad Farrokhnia, Aliakbar Haghdoost,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the COVID-19 severity and lifestyle among hospitalized patients at Afzali Pour Hospital, Kerman, Iran.
Methods: A total of 289 patients with severe COVID-19 infection (with ICU admission or death) and 293 patients with non-severe type (discharged with no need for hospitalization in ICU) were selected in 2020-2021, and their lifestyle was compared in the last year before the hospitalization.
Results: The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for severe disease was 1.83 (95% CI: 1.24-2.69) in males compared to females, and 4.35 (95% CI:2.20- 8.59) for people older than 60 years compared to age less than 60. The linear effect of average hours of sleeping during a day was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.08-1.36). The ORs of people who had considerable physical activity at work and people with little activity compared to people who mostly sit in a fixed place were 0.35 (95% CI:0.19-0.65) and 0.44 (95% CI:0.23-0.83), respectively. The use of opioids, traditional remedies, and supplements such as vitamin C raised the risk of severe disease, but the use of vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of severe disease, although this was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: It seems that some aspects of lifestyle, such as lack of physical activity, excessive sleep, and consumption of certain substances, such as opioids, might increase the risk of contracting severe and deadly forms of COVID-19.
