Showing 4 results for Pandemic
H Tavakoli Ghouchani, A Delshad, Hr Shoraka, H Lashkardoost, A Afshari Safavi , J Rahimi,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (3-2021)
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.
Sedighe Sadat Tabatabaei Far, Taha Kushki, Mohammad Jamshidi, Sajad Delavari,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The health sector will face a shortage of manpower during crises. The sustainability and retention of human resources during these conditions are vital. The purpose of this study was to explain possible policies and strategies to strengthen health workers during the crisis and prevent them from leaving the organizations and hospitals.
Methods: This was a scoping review research to find strategies for retention of human resources during epidemics. English and Persian databases were searched and relevant studies were selected and reviewed. The key pieces of information obtained were then categorized. Finally, suggested efficient policies and strategies were summarized and reported.
Results: A total of 168 different articles were collected. After excluding irrelevant studies, 21 articles were selected and fully reviewed. The results were classified into six main categories of policy-making as well as strategies to implement them.
Conclusion: Considering the epidemic situations, in order to strengthen and support human resources in times of crisis, it is recommended that policymakers and decision-makers of the health sector focus their attention on six major topics including education reform, financial support, psychological support, social and welfare support, professional support, and development of infrastructures in deprived and crisis-stricken areas. The important point about suggested strategies is that they need to be in accordance with the ongoing situation of their target societies, as we know that underdeveloped, developing and developed countries have a different set of circumstances and therefore require different priorities and policies.
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.
Ebrahim Ghaderi, Ghobad Moradi, Mostafa Salehi-Vaziri, Manoochehr Karami, Ehsan Mostafavi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Over the past century, multiple pandemics have caused the deaths of millions and inflicted serious harm upon the global economy, and humanity is still concerned about the emergence of future pandemics. This paper aims to provide an overview of the upcoming challenges in public health by reviewing previous pandemics and threats, examining past experiences, and analyzing current conditions.
Methods: In this non-systematic review, the Google Scholar search engine was searched using suitable keywords, and studies relevant to the subject were selected.
Results: With increasing population and closer human interactions, the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases is felt more than in the past. The existence of thousands of pathogens in wildlife, along with the impacts of climate change, globalization, lifestyle, hunting, and environmental destruction, raises the probability of human exposure to these agents. If these encounters lead to genetic changes in pathogens and create new species, the risk of emerging and transmissible diseases to humans will increase. In addition to natural factors, human-related factors including bioterrorism and drug resistance (while not considered direct human actions, they result from human misconduct) must also be considered.
Conclusion: Among various pathogenic microorganisms, viruses are highlighted as the principal agents of future pandemics due to their ability for rapid mutation, persistence in wildlife reservoirs, and the lack of effective preventive and therapeutic tools. What is crucial for countries is to utilize the lessons learned from previous pandemics to increase preparedness through strengthening health systems, employing the one health strategy, and mobilizing all capacities for future pandemics.
