Farahnoosh Farnood, Elnaz Faramarzi, Aysouda Ghanizadegan, Seyyedeh Mina Hejazian, Sepideh Zununi Vahed, Mohammadreza Ardalan,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Sleep disorders are common issues in people's health and can be related to metabolic and kidney diseases. Studies have shown that the relationship between proteinuria and sleep disorders can be modified. Since this relationship has not been investigated in Iranian populations, this study examined the relationship between proteinuria and sleep in the Azar cohort population.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Azar cohort study with a population of 15,000. Based on the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria, 105 patients with proteinuria were selected. After age and sex matching, 420 patients without proteinuria were included in the control group. The patients' sleep patterns were assessed based on a designed questionnaire, and the results were compared between the two groups.
Results: None of the sleep factors significantly differed between the two groups with and without proteinuria (P>0.05). Moreover, the mean weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly different in the two groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between proteinuria and sleep in the Azar cohort population. However, the weight, BMI, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly differed between people with and without proteinuria.
Mohammad Heidari, Mohammad Saadati, Moradali Zareipour, Arezoo Qasemkhanloo, Mehrdad Karimi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Earthquakes are among the most dangerous natural disasters and can significantly harm human life. Accordingly, public awareness and preparedness for earthquakes are essential. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate earthquake safety behaviors, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and protective behaviors in Khoy, Iran.
Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 412 people in Khoy city using cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-designed questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics and assessments of awareness, attitudes, and protective behaviors against earthquakes. The data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, and backward logistic regression method with Stata 15 software.
Results: The results of the present study indicated that over 66% of individuals had poor knowledge, 42% had an average attitude, and 46% exhibited moderate protective behaviors against earthquakes. The regression model demonstrated that high knowledge increased the likelihood of exhibiting protective behaviors by 1.92 times (OR = 1.92, p = 0.006), while a positive attitude increased this likelihood by 6.12 times (OR = 6.12, p < 0.0001). Also, university education level 2.92 times (p=2.92, OR=0.055) and having previous experience of earthquake 1.89 times (p=0.057, OR=1.89) increase the likelihood of these behaviors.
Conclusion: Considering the low levels of awareness and protective behaviors against earthquakes among the residents of Khoy, educational workshops, and simulation exercises should be organized. Additionally, developing educational content could enhance individuals' preparedness for earthquakes.
Bahar Haghdoost, Zhaleh Abdi, Iraj Harirchi, Elham Ahmadnezhad,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highly impacted health systems, and the limitations of the national reporting system have reduced the accuracy of estimating the burden of this disease. This study examined the underreporting of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations using data from the National Survey on Risk Factors for Non-communicable Diseases (STEPS) in Iran in 2021. In this study, 25,425 individuals from the population aged 18 and above were randomly enrolled. In addition to information on non-communicable disease risk factors, participants were questioned about a history of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and intensive care unit admission. The frequency of these events was then compared with registry data at the time of data collection. According to the results, 9.3% (95% CI: 8.56 to 9.44) reported a history of COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, among those infected, 12.71% (11.25 to 14.20) reported a history of hospitalization due to COVID-19. Among those hospitalized, 13.74% (8.25 to 18.9) had been hospitalized in intensive care units. Based on this, it is estimated that the sensitivity of recording symptomatic cases was 61.7% (59% to 65%) and for hospitalized cases was 86% (77% to 97.1%).
As a conclusion, it can be stated that the registered incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 cases in Iran was underreported by nearly 40%, and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 were underreported by about 15%. Compared to data from many other countries, including developed nations, this situation can be considered as acceptable.
Masud Yunesian, Hosna Janjani, Zohreh Bahmani, Kamyar Yaghmaeian, Fatemeh Yousefian, Mina Aghaei,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The increased production of infectious and sharp waste in waste disposal centers has created significant health risks for staff in these facilities. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B and C among staff of the Aradkuh Waste Processing and Disposal Complex in Tehran.
Methods: In this study, 89 staff from four different sections—administrative, pre-processing, post-processing (composting), and landfill were selected through convenience sampling, and their blood samples were tested for HBsAg, Anti-HBs, and Anti-HCV markers using the ELISA method. The anti-Hepatitis B antibody titer (Anti-HBs) was categorized into three levels: complete immunity (>100 IU/L), partial immunity (10-100 IU/L), and no immunity (<10 IU/L). The results were reported based on the staff in different sections.
Results: The results showed that 25% of the staff lacked protective immunity against hepatitis B, while 57% were completely immune, and 18% had partial immunity. The staff in the preprocessing unit were at the most significant risk, with 50% lacking protective immunity, whereas the administrative staff had the best immunity status, with 76% being fully immune. Regarding active hepatitis B infection (HBsAg positive), two individuals (11%) in the primary processing group and one individual (4%) in the post-processing (compost) group tested positive.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that a significant percentage of staff lacked adequate immunity to hepatitis B. Additionally, positive cases of HBsAg and anti-HCV were identified. The staff involved in primary and final processing were at high risk of contracting hepatitis B and C due to frequent contact with urban waste containing used syringes, drug vials, sharp objects, and infectious waste. This highlights the importance of widespread vaccination, continuous monitoring of safety status, and implementation of occupational safety standards to reduce the risks of exposure to infectious waste and sharps. These findings can serve as a valuable basis for designing preventive interventions to promote occupational health among personnel in this field.
Fatemeh Gorji, Abolghasem Pourreza, Masud Yunesian, Simin Zahra Mohebi, Mahnaz Ashourkhani,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Timely use of dental services in early childhood plays an essential role in maintaining the health of primary teeth and preventing complications related to jaw development, nutrition, speech, and mental well-being. Regular dental visits help prevent early childhood caries and its consequences. This study aimed to evaluate factors influencing the use of dental services for primary teeth from parents’ perspectives, based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among 395 parents of children under six attending health centers in Semnan, Iran. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected online via the Hackey questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26 applying Chi-square tests and logistic regression.
Results: A minority of parents were aware of the appropriate timing for the first dental visit. Forty-five percent sought care only when problems occurred, while 36% attended regular check-ups. Overall, 62% reported moderate to good financial status, and 82% had basic insurance coverage. Key determinants of dental attendance included maternal education, service accessibility, insurance coverage, health information sources, and the characteristics of the healthcare providers as an educator. Larger family size and negative experiences with healthcare staff were associated with reduced utilization.
Conclusion: Interventions at individual and structural levels are needed to promote regular pediatric dental visits. Enhancing parental awareness, involving influential health personnel, expanding dental insurance, and fostering positive provider–parent interactions are recommended.
Ezzatolla Gharebagheri, Hojjat Zeraati, Saharnaz Nedjat, Habibeh Moradi, Akbar Fotouhi,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The removal of the free family planning program was implemented in Iran following the decrease in the fertility rate. This study evaluated the impact of this decision on couples' willingness to have children, the use of contraceptives, the increase in unwanted pregnancies and illegal abortions, especially in rural areas.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive-analytical approach, conducted in 2021 on 592 married women aged 10–54 in Miyaneh. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire through a multi-stage random sampling method and analyzed using logistic and Poisson regression models.
Results: The mean (± standard deviation) of number of children of couples was 2.15 ± 1.01. The level of education and age at marriage of women were identified as the variables affecting the number of live children born. The desire for children was significantly related to the number of live-born female children (OR = 0.23, CI 95%: 0.12, 0.44) and current male children (OR = 0.12, CI 95%: 0.05, 0.25). Unwanted pregnancies in the first half of 2021 were 2.3 times higher than in the same period in 2020.
Conclusion: The results showed that education and age at marriage significantly affect fertility patterns. Most couples consider two children ideal and do not wish to have any more. The removal of the family planning program led to increased unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Thus, revisiting population policies and improving access to family planning services is essential.
Bahareh Yazdizadeh, Farid Najafi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
The World Health Organization has extended the roadmap for prevention and control of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) program, 2013–2020 until 2030. In the political declaration of the fourth meeting of the United Nations General Assembly held on September 25, 2025, the promotion of mental health and well-being has also been added to the agenda. The overarching goal of the program is to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030 through prevention and control, as well as by promoting mental health and well-being. The program emphasizes the need to accelerate progress toward these goals through the implementation of a set of evidence-based, cost-effective, and affordable interventions. The role of national research systems is to generate the necessary evidence to identify best interventions, implement them, and monitor and evaluate their outcomes. This article identifies knowledge needs based on an evidence-informed policymaking approach. Within this framework, specific questions are defined for each stage of the policymaking cycle, which must be answered using evidence. Furthermore, the results of the mid-point evaluation of WHO’s 2013–2020 roadmap have been analyzed, and the identified research questions have been incorporated into those arising from the evidence-informed policymaking approach.
