Showing 68 results for Rahi
Saleh Rahimi, Marzieh Fattahi,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (Aug & Sep 2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Due to the impact of health literacy on how people decide about their health, such literacy is considered as one of the important issues in improving community health. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the use of social networks and the health literacy of Ilam public library users.
Materials and Methods: The present study is a practical research conducted based on descriptive-survey method in 2018. Sample size was selected by stratified random sampling. Besides, a three-part questionnaire was applied for data collection. Moreover, SPSS software was used for data analysis: Aanalysis of the mean, standard deviation and correlation coefficient.
Results: According to the average scores, public library users have had good results in health literacy components, with the aim of understanding, assessment, reading, decision making, and access to health information. Also, there was a significant relationship between the use of social networks and users' health literacy; in other words, if there was an increase in the use of social networks, health literacy level would increase.
Conclusion: Since social networks have been instrumental in enhancing the health literacy of public library users as a source of health and sanitary information, appropriate social networking can be provided to share experiences and increase the level of users' health literacy by taking into account the security of users' information and the accuracy of the given information, thereby providing new opportunities and conditions for users, doctors, patients, and planners of this domain.
Reza Abbasi, Leila Ahmadian, Seyedeh Razieh Farrahi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (Oct & Nov 2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The online social networks as new and widespread sources of information have been able to facilitate the accessibility of people to health information. The aim of this study was to determine the use of online social networks and their role in sharing health information among pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in Kerman in the winter of 2017. The study participants were the pregnant women referring to 21 gynecologists’ private offices in Kerman city. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by 4 medical informatics and health information management specialists, and its reliability (71%) was estimated with Cronbach's alpha. Data were analyzed by SPSS using descriptive statistics and analytical tests.
Results: In general, 89% of pregnant women used online social networks and more than 80% of them used it daily. Moreover, more than 57% used these networks for the related information about health and pregnancy period care, and almost 68% of pregnant women considered these networks useful.
Conclusion: This study showed the widespread use of online social networks among pregnant women in Kerman city. If accurate and trustworthy information bits were shared in such networks, they could provide an appropriate platform to improve the awareness, knowledge and health literacy of pregnant woman, and facilitate the exchange of information and experience among them.
Masood Taheri Mirghaed, Batool Ahmadi, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Ghasem Rajabi Vasoukolaii, Mohammad Arab,
Volume 13, Issue 6 (Feb & Mar 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nowadays, medical tourism market is considered as one of the most profitable and competitive industries in the world and is one of the new areas of advanced tourism. The aim of this study was to investigate the marketing status of medical tourism in private and public hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in 2018.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study that investigated the marketing status of medical tourism in 6 private and 14 public hospitals affiliated to TUMS in 2018. A valid checklist was used for data collection; besides, SPSS software, descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied for data analysis.
Results: Product factor has a satisfactory status in state-owned hospitals and an average status in private hospitals. Place factor, people factor, process factor, and physician factor are satisfactory in public and private hospitals. Promotion factor in public hospitals is unacceptable and in private hospitals is average. Besides, price and place factors in public and private hospitals are average. Moreover, there is no significant relationship between any of the above factors and the type of hospitals (public, private).
Conclusion: Due to marketing mix, hospitals and medical institutions can increase the confidence of tourists by adopting international standards in addition to enhancing international reputation. Also, paying more attention to media advertising and providing more facilities can improve the condition of hospitals, thereby attracting more medical tourists and expanding the industry in Tehran.
Sanaz Noroozi, Rahim Ahmadi, Minoo Iranshahi,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Jun & Jul 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Studies have shown that non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs have an effect on cancer cells of digestive system, however, the cellular and molecular mechanism of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their effects on the proliferation of gastrointestinal cancer cells is unclear in many cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cytotoxic dose of tolmetin on BAX and BCL2 genes expression level in gastric cancer cells (AGS).
Materials and Methods: In this laboratory-experimental study, AGS cells were purchased from Pasture institute and divided into control group and groups exposed to different concentrations of tolmetin. MTT assay was used to measure cytotoxic effects of tolmetin. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate BAX and BCL2 genes expression levels. The data were statistically analyzed between groups using ANOVA.
Results: Higher decrease in relative expression level of anti-apoptotic BCL2 was observed than expression level of apoptotic BAX gene in AGS cells exposed to IC50 concentration of tolmetin.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that tolmetin can induce apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by decreasing of anti-apoptotic BCL2 gene expression level. Therefore, consideration might be given to tolmetin in treatment of gastric cancer.
Omid Zadi Akhule, Ehsan Memarbashi, Aysan Judi, Mohammad Hossein Rafiei, Ebrahim Nasiri,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Jun & Jul 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The sterile technique is the basis of modern surgery. Therefore, sterile technique observance is required by the surgical team to preserve patient safety and prevent surgical site infection. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of Surgical Technologists Regarding the Sterile Techniques principles observance in the operating room.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 198 surgical technologists working in hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Surgical technologists were selected by stratified random sampling. Data collection was performed using the researcher-made questionnaire for the measurement of knowledge, attitude and practice of surgical technologists regarding the Sterile Techniques. The data was analyzed using SPSS software and applying descriptive statistics, Chi-square and t-test.
Results: The mean scores of knowledge, attitude and practice of surgical technologists regarding the sterile techniques, were 35.7±5.8, 28.3±3.7 and 38.7±6.5 respectively. The score of knowledge and practice was moderate and the score of attitude was good. Findings showed that there was a significant difference between knowledge and practice score with educational level and The mean score of knowledge and practice was significantly higher in the participants with bachelor’s degree as compared to the participants with associate degree(p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, it seems necessary to promote knowledge and practice of the surgical team members by implementation of training programs, encouraging staff to upgrade their education and continuing to evaluate their knowledge and practice regarding the sterile techniques.
Rasoul Alinejad, Mahdi Yousefi, Hossein Ebrahimipoor, Ali Taghipour, Amin Mohammadi,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Jun & Jul 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The efficiency and effectiveness of any organization depend greatly on proper and effective management and use of human resources. Due to the importance of activities and the motivation of personnel fighting against diseases, as well as the high share of personnel costs in total health expenditures, the use of appropriate methods to determine their workload is important.
Materials and Methods: The present research is a descriptive and applied study, conducted in two quantitative and qualitative dimensions. The research environment was the urban-rural health centers of Savadkuh health network. During the process of calculating the workload, the steps were: identifying activities, correcting and approving activities, determining the percentage of acceptable unemployment, calculating standard time, determining the number of repetitions, calculating work units, determining the workload, and determining the required manpower.
Results: Activities in the field of fighting against diseases were identified and organized in the form of 77 activities. By taking the frequency of each activity into account, the total time of these activities in one month was equal to 10273 work units. The main activities related to vaccine injection and registration of vaccinated specifications in relevant offices and forms included 137 and 115 work units, respectively.
Conclusion: Determining the workload of different health care fields by using this study method creates the potential to estimate the number of manpower required to give all predicted services, and has the potential to reduce the demand for surplus labor and increase employees’ tendency to give more services, if used in current structures.
Ebrahim Hassanzadeh, Edris Hassanpoor, Seyed Sajjad Razavi, Mohammad Reza Sheikhy-Chaman,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (Aug & Sep 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Human resources are one of the most important assets of any organization and the creation of a safe working environment enhances the quality of services in addition to satisfying this valuable capital. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of diagnostic laboratories of hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS).
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 7 IUMS hospitals in 2019. Data collection was performed using a checklist that was validated after being translated (by qualitative face validity method); Then, the safety status of the studied laboratories was classified into four categories: Excellent, good, average and poor. Finally, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS software.
Results: In determining the validity of the checklist using qualitative face validity, experts' opinions were applied as changes in the tool. In the descriptive part of the study and among the safety dimensions of diagnostic laboratories, the highest mean score was related to the dimensions of "communication hazards" and "safety information" and the lowest to the dimension of "fire safety".
Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the overall safety status of the diagnostic laboratories of the hospitals under investigation is at a good level; however, the "fire safety" component as one the most important safety components was considered poor, and necessary steps must be taken to improve it.
Omid Zadi Akhule, Mojgan Lotfi, Ebrahim Nasiri, Saba Chalangari, Yasna Torkali Pur,
Volume 14, Issue 6 (Feb & Mar 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In order to improve patient safety, countries are seeking to monitor the safety of health systems and since surgical safety is an important part of patient safety, this study aimed to determine performance of Operating Room Personnel regarding the observance of surgical safety principles.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on operating rooms of hospitals of Mazandaran university of medical sciences in 2019. Research population included 271 personnel of operating room selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using demographic characteristics questionnaire and Surgical Safety Checklist of the World Health Organization. The data was analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The mean scores of performance of surgical technologists in the circulating and scrub roles and anesthesia technologists regarding the observance of surgical safety principles, were 23.2±3.1, 18.4±3 and 28.2±3.5 respectively. The performance level of all three specialties was moderate. Findings showed that there was a significant difference between performance score with educational level. The mean score of performance was significantly higher in the technologists with bachelor’s degree as compared to the technologists with associate degree (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Considering that the performance of the participants of the study regarding the observance of surgical safety principles, it was not at a desirable level, thus it is recommended to encourage operating room personnel to upgrade their education and to continue monitoring the performance of them regarding the observance of surgical safety principles.
Nida Abdolahi, Mohamad Reza Nili Nili Ahmadabadi, Soghra Ebrahimi Qavam, Khadijeh Aliabadi, Mohammad Asgari,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (Apr & May 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Deep and sustainable learning requires a safe and healthy environment. Moreover, paying attention to the intertwined emotional, motivational, cognitive and social processes in the teaching-learning process is vital. Academic achievement motivation and self-regulated learning (SRL) are two important elements in this process that are influenced by the achievement emotions in the learning environment. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional design model based on control-value theory of achievement emotions (CVT), on academic achievement motivation and self-regulation learning.
Materials and Methods: The research was quantitative and performed by Nonequlment design control group. The statistical population included female second year high school students in Tehran in the academic year of 1997-98, who were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling in two experimental and control groups. The experimental group was trained according to the instructional design model based on CVT theory and the control group did not receive this training method. The questionnaire of academic achievement motivation and self-regulated learning was administered to the experimental and control groups as pre-test and post-test before and after the implementation of the model. Data were analyzed by inferential and descriptive statistics using SPSS software and multivariate covariance.
Results: The results of univariate analysis of covariance of group effect on the scores of dependent variables show that there is a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in cognitive strategy (F=11/94, P>0/05, η2=0/14), metacognition strategy (F=56/06, P>0/05, η2=0/44), motivational beliefs (F=6/36, P>0/05, η2=0/08) and academic achievement motivation (F=10/69, P>0/05, η2 =0/13).
Conclusion: The result of this study show that the use of instructional design model based on CVT theory has a positive effect on cognitive strategies, metacognition strategies, motivational beliefs and learners' academic achievement motivation.
Atefeh Helmi Siyasi, Nahid Bijeh, Elham Hakak Dokht, Gholam Rasul Mohammad Rahimi,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (Jun & Jul 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Recent studies indicate that increased body iron stores have been associated with the development of glucose intolerance and type 2 Diabetes. Ferritin is the most important iron storage protein in the body, which is used to evaluate disorders associated with iron metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training on serum ferritin level, glycemic and lipid indices in women with type 2 Diabetes.
Material and Methods: Twenty Diabetic women aged 45-55 years were selected voluntarily and divided into experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The experimental group participated in the aerobic training program for eight weeks, three 60-minutes sessions per week with an intensity of 55-65% of heart rate reserve. The control group did not participate in any activity during the intervention period. Serum ferritin, glycemic and lipid indices were evaluated before and after eight weeks and then data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: Ferritin (P=0.012), insulin (P=0.004), fasting glucose (P=0.041), insulin resistance index (P=0.012), total cholesterol (P=0.041), and triglyceride (P=0.005) significantly decreased, while the mean of HDL(P=0.012) significantly increased in the experimental group. Moreover, the results showed that changes in ferritin (P=0.002), insulin (P=0.014), insulin resistance index (P=0.001) and TG (P=0.010) were statistically significant between the experimental and control groups.
Conclusion: Women with type 2 Diabetes can benefit from moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programs to improve their glycemic and lipid profile, as well as iron metabolism abnormalities.
Hossein Dargahi, Farugh Nomani, Mohammad Rahim Ghohestani,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (Jun & Jul 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Managers’ sufficient awareness about rules and regulations and the legal issues of health system may lead to their optimal performance in organizations. Therefore, this study is conducted to determine senior managers’ level of knowledge about legal rules and regulations related to the health system in Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).
Materials and Methods: The present descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017. The sample consisted of 75 senior managers. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose face validity was confirmed using the opinions of 7 specialists and experts in the field of medical law, health care and medical services management; besides, regarding its reliability, Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability coefficients were 0.89 and 0.79, respectively. With SPSS software, data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics including absolute and relative frequency and inferential statistics including Pearson and Ka-square correlation tests.
Results: The level of knowledge of the studied managers was below average in most legal areas and legal standards related to the health system. There was a significant inverse relationship between the level of knowledge of organizational, financial and transactional areas, and administrative and employment of managers with passing relevant training courses (P=0.01 and P=0.04).
Conclusion: TUMS senior managers' level of knowledge in the three areas of organizational, financial, and rules and regulations is at medium and lower than medium levels. To raise the awareness of managers, necessary arrangements such as holding training courses with new methods such as simulation, screenwriting, case study and experimentation and using new technologies such as hybrid knowledge management and technology integration are suggested. Also, creating managers' strategic competency system at the levels of general and specific skills, along with continuous training and monitoring the accountability and feedback provided in management processes, will ensure future reforms.
Zeinab Sadat Mousavi, Farshad Ghazalian, Mandana Gholami, Hossein Abed Natanzi, Khosrow Ebrahim,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (oct & Nov 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Inactivity increases the risk of chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the acute changes in Normetanephrine and glucose in boxing with Kinect Xbox with and without blood flow restriction as an alternative to aerobic exercise during quarantine in young non-athletes.
Material and Methods: Fourteen healthy non-athlete individuals with a range of 20 to 40 years of age were randomly and purposefully selected. And on two different days with and without restriction of blood flow, they played boxing with Xbox 360 for 20 minutes. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after
Results: There was a significant increase in serum Normetanephrine playing compared to before the test in both training groups, but the amount of changes between the two groups with and without blood flow restriction was not significant (P≤0.05). Exergames, in the case of unrestricted blood flow, has a significant effect on glucose, but the restriction of blood flow did not lead to a significant difference in the amount of glucose (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: Exergames provide the necessary stimulus for catecholamine secretion and glucose response, and it is recommended for people with limited blood flow. Further studies are needed on the effect of restricting blood flow as a new training method on video game with movement.
Samira Goharinejad, Sharareh Rostam Niakan Kalhori, Raheleh Salari, Mehdi Ebrahimi,
Volume 15, Issue 5 (Dec 2021 & Jan 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes Type II is a chronic metabolic disorder rising its prevalence worldwide. Self-care is the most important management strategy to control the disorder and its adverse effects. The aim of this study was to design and validate an assessment tool to determine the level of self-care of patients affected by Diabetes type II.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. To conduct this study, based on reviewing the texts and reviewing the existing questionnaires, the proposed items were prepared and by eliminating and integrating similar items into a questionnaire in 4 areas related to diet, blood sugar monitoring, Physical activity, drug use was designed with 15 questions. Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes referred to the endocrinology clinic completed a questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and the validity of the questionnaire was assessed by content validity (CVR). Data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that the mean and standard deviation of the age of the studied units was 52.4±12.51 years, of which 50% were female and the other 50% were male. 56% of them had type 2 diabetes for less than 5 years. Also, people with higher education had relatively better metabolic control in diabetes management and patients ‘answer to question 6 had the highest mean, which shows patients’ attention to blood sugar control. To determine the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for all questions was 0.773, with the omission of question 9, it was increased to 0.796. Only two validity questions were 0.66 and 0.16 which were excluded from the test. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated for each question.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the questionnaire has the necessary validity and reliability. With this tool, appropriate advice can be provided to patients with type 2 diabetes in the field of self-care, including diet, medication, physical activity and blood sugar control to prevent the progression of the disease and its complications.
Ali Reza Soleimani, Mohammad Sharif Khoeiniha, Mitra Rahimzadeh, Mohammad Hossein Dehghan,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (Feb & Mar 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Proper knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women about vaccination during this period will have a significant impact on their and their baby’s health. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women toward flu and Td vaccination.
Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study on 312 pregnant women referred to Imam Ali Hospital in Karaj with an age range of 15 to 40 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The method of sampling was convenience sampling. The data was analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The mean age of the women was 27.6±6.54 years. 198 (63.5%) of the subjects were housewives and 114 (36.5%) were employed. 248 (79.5%) and 282 (90.4%) of the subjects had appropriate attitudes and knowledge about vaccination with Td vaccines and Influenza, respectively. Also 293 (93.9%) and 137 (43.9%) of the subjects had practice well against both Td and Influenza vaccines. In women with higher education and better economic conditions, and in working women, the practice of both vaccines has become more suitable. As women get older, knowledge and practice about Td vaccination decreased.
Also, the most common source of information for pregnant women about the vaccination program were 73.4% of health care workers, 12.5% of the Internet, 10.3% of radio and television, 3.5% of friends and acquaintances, and 0.3% of family members, respectively. In the relationship between knowledge, attitude and practice towards Influenza and Td vaccination, there was a direct and significant relationship between them so that with increasing or decreasing one, the other also increased or decreased. Most of the relationship between awareness and practice items was related to Influenza vaccine (r=0.304) and the lowest relationship between knowledge with practice items was related to Td vaccine (r=0.146).
Conclusion: In this study, it was found that with increasing awareness and attitude, vaccination has increased. Regarding Influenza vaccination, due to the significant relationship between the source of information and vaccination, it is recommended that more serious recommendations to be made by the health care staff to pregnant women regarding Influenza vaccination.
Monireh Rahimkhani, Ali Reza Mordadi,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (Feb & Mar 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is gram-positive coccus that is one of the most important causes of nosocomial infections and cause cutaneous or subcutaneous infections. Among these bacteria Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are the most important. The aim of the present study was to investigate the lethal effect of a substance isolated from Staphylococcus aureus under the influence of ciprofloxacin on clinical strains of MRSA.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, 83 strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from hospitals affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences and were referred to the research laboratory in faculty of Allied Medical Sciences. Strains of Staphylococcus aureus were identified genotyping and phenotyping by PCR test to prove the presence of mecA gene. Minimums Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were examined on number of MRSA in the presence of ciprofloxacin antibiotic as well as supernatant extracted from Staphylococcus aureus fluid culture medium under ciprofloxacin stress.
Results: Diagnostic tests of Staphylococcus aureus, including gram staining, catalase and coagulase tests were performed and all strains were Staphylococcus aureus. In the next step, the strains were genetically tested for confirming methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, by PCR test and present of mecA gene. All 83 samples had mecA genes and were MRSA. The mean MIC of ciprofloxacin and supernatant for different strains of MRSA were 0.032 mg/ml and 0.02 ml/ml, respectively, and the mean levels of MBC ciprofloxacin and supernatants for different strains of MRSA were 0.064 mg/ml and 0.04 ml/ml, respectively.
Conclusion: The effect of ciprofloxacin and supernatant on the death of stressed bacteria has been confirmed so that after bacterial stress by the antibiotic ciprofloxacin expression of genes related to programmed death was seen in a number of MRSA samples. The MIC and MBC values for MRSA strains in the presence of ciprofloxacin and the supernatant showed similar results, indicating the lethal effect of the protein secreted by cultured staphylococci in the presence of low amounts of ciprofloxacin on the bacteria themselves.
Sakineh Motayerzadeh, Rahim Tahmasebi, Behrooz Kavehie, Azita Noroozi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (Aug 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Vaccination is one of the most effective preventive measures to control of infectious diseases. To create effective interventions for the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to identify the factors that affect the vaccine acceptance. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive power of the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) for acceptance of Covid-19 vaccine.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1455 people over 18 years old covered in health centers living in Bushehr province in cities of Bushehr, Genaveh, Tangestan, and Asaluyeh in 2021 were selected by convenience method. Data collection was online by using questionnaire included three sections comprised of demographic factors, questionnaire related to model constructs, and self-administered questionnaire related to acceptance of Covid-19 vaccine. Data were analyzed using chi-square, two independent sample T-test and logistic regression; in SPSS software.
Results: Out of 1455 participants, 1067 persons (73.3%) had been vaccinated. The results showed that men (P=0.006), people with higher education (P=0.001), government employees (P=0.001), single people (P=0.01), people with history of specific disease (P=0.05), individuals with a history of Covid-19 positive test (P=0.001) and their family (P=0.03) were more than other vaccine recipients. Perceived severity, response efficacy and perceived self-efficacy were predictors of vaccine acceptance. Predictive variables and constructs explained 43.8% of changes in vaccine acceptance. Among the participants in the study, 1366 (93.9%) were in the fear control process, in which the highest defense response has been avoided.
Conclusion: In order to increase the acceptance of the vaccine, the efficacy and effectiveness of the vaccine and the severity of the complications of the disease should be emphasized. Therefore, public health campaigns aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance should provide a high level of transparency about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines to the community.
Niloofar Mohammadzadeh, Negin Ebrahimi, Mojgan Agah Heris,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (Oct 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: According to the report of the World Health Organization, overweight and chronic and psychological diseases caused by it have reached an alarming level in the world. Today, cognitive behavioral therapy as a specific method for controlling overweight teaches the audience how to identify and change inappropriate behavior patterns and destructive thoughts with distress that negatively affect their behavior and emotions. The purpose of this research was to provide a mobile-based application for overweight control with a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach.
Materials and Methods: This research was of applied-developmental type. In the first stage, by examining the available applications based on mobile and related to weight control and also Beck cognitive therapy protocol for weight loss, the capabilities of the application were identified and then based on a survey of experts, these capabilities were determined. Afterwards, the user interface of the application was designed and the necessary coding was done to use it. The database was then created using MySQL software and the application program was created using Flutter software and Dart programming language and was named CBTdiet. Finally, the usability of the application was evaluated by users using a standard QUIS questionnaire.
Results: Based on the entry and exit criteria, among the 247 identified applications, the capabilities of 17 applications were examined. Finally, according to the opinion of the experts, 21 capabilities, including the ability to send motivational messages to the audience and the ability to reward to achieve weight loss of one kilogram per week, were considered for the design of the application program. The application designed in this research was at a good level from the users’ point of view with an average of 7.99±1.1 and was able to obtain an acceptable level of satisfaction in the evaluation stage. The software’s overall capabilities section got the highest average score (8.12) and the screen section got the lowest average score (7.89) among all sections.
Conclusion: Based on the determined capabilities, a mobile-based application for controlling overweight was designed and created with a cognitive behavioral therapy approach, and it can be effective in overweight control by modifying lifestyle and changing destructive thoughts.
Nazli Ebrahim Netaj, Maryam Rezaei Dastjerdi, Saham Ansari, Kamran Amirian Chayjan, Mahdi Sepidarkish, Jalal Jafarzadeh, Akbar Hossein Nejad, Mojtaba Taghizadeh Armaki,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (Oct 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Denture stomatitis is the most prevalent oral mucosal lesion among denture wearers. Because there have been multiple reports of resistance of Candida species to antifungal drugs in the last two decades, if the antifungal properties of Achillea millefolium and Trachyspermum ammi are validated, these compounds may be a suitable adjuvant drug along with the use of common antifungal drugs. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of alcoholic extracts of Achillea millefolium and Trachyspermum ammi against Candida albicans isolated from denture stomatitis.
Materials and Methods: Antifungal sensitivity of 50 isolates of C. albicans with the origin of denture stomatitis to the alcoholic extracts of Achillea millefolium and Trachyspermum ammi plants as well as the antifungal drugs miconazole and nystatin was determined by broth microdilution method and according to CLSI-M27S4 guidelines. The range of dilution for all compounds was 0.016-16 μg/ml. A concentration of compounds that showed at least 50% growth inhibition as compared to the positive control group was considered MIC (minimum growth inhibitory concentration). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software and the significance level was considered as P<0.05.
Results: The MIC ranges in microbroth dilution method for the antifungal drugs miconazole, nystatin, as well as the alcoholic extracts of Achillea millefolium and Trachyspermum ammi plants on C. albicans, were close to each other, indicating that their effectiveness against C. albicans species does not differ significantly (P<0.05). The Achillea millefolium methanolic extract had the highest and lowest MIC values, with an average of 2.67±2.55 μg/ml and 0.067±0.057 μg/ml, respectively. A significant difference (P<0.001) was observed when the MICs outcomes the herbal alcoholic extracts and antifungal drugs were compared.
Conclusion: Based on the obtained MICs, Achillea millefolium and Trachyspermum ammi alcoholic plant extracts have a lesser efficacy than the antifungal drugs, but even though they may have a lower MIC and more effectiveness than other chemical drugs.
Rahil Nahari, Saeed Hashemzadeh, Ehsan Zarei,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (Feb 2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Medical tourism refers to travel for receiving health services abroad. The COVID-19 crisis affected a wide range of tourism-related businesses, including medical tourism, and caused a decrease in the supply and demand of health services in this market. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Medical Tourism in Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran in 2021. The data used in this study were extracted from the information system of the Ministry of Health from 2018 to 2021, which includes the number, origin, and destination of medical tourists, per capita revenue, and monthly revenue two years before and one and a half years after the COVID-19 pandemic. For data analysis, t-tests of independent groups and interrupted time series regression were used in SPSS and EViews 10 software.
Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a 42% decrease in the average monthly number of medical tourists, a 45% decrease in the monthly revenue, and a 10% decrease in the per capita income per tourist (P<0.05). The arrival of medical tourists from the Republic of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iraq, and Oman has decreased by more than 80%, and the largest decrease in the number of tourists has been related to Ahvaz, Urmia, Tabriz, and Shiraz. In all diagnostic groups except obstetrics and gynecology, there has been a decrease between 50 to 70% The declining trend of medical tourism indicators was stopped in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued as a constant trend.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 crisis has hurt the number of international patients and their revenue in Iran. Relative success in controlling COVID-19 can return to a pre-pandemic situation that requires appropriate policies and administrative measures by government and industry players, such as policies to facilitate patient entry, marketing measures, branding and creating a positive image of the country to potential clients, use of telemedicine facilities for consultations and follow-up, etc.
Keyhan Fatehi, Farimah Rahimi, Reza Rezayatmand,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers that its incidence and prevalence and so deaths due to this cancer have increased worldwide recently. This study examines the economic burden of colorectal cancer from different perspectives by conducting a scoping review.
Materials and Methods: In this scoping review, by searching Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, the articles reporting the costs of CRC were reviewed. The search was limited to those published in the past years leading up to 2020. In addition to categorizing different aspects of the reviewed paper, per capita costs were adjusted with the purchasing power parity in order to make some comparisons possible. In this study, the calculated costs of retrieved studies were categorized based on the perspective of each study.
Results: Out of 29 studies, only two have reported indirect costs of CRC, and 4 studies have reported both direct and indirect costs. In other studies, only direct costs of CRC have been reported. Nearly 40% of studies calculated CRC costs from the provider’s perspective. The highest reported annual per-patient cost was $175020(PPP-adjusted) which is related to the average annual costs of patients with CRC at the fourth stage in the United States from a provider perspective. The lowest reported amount was $ 954(PPP-adjusted) which was related to average annual inpatient costs in Brazil from a provider perspective.
Conclusion: Due to variations in study characteristics in terms of perspective, type of costs, type of patient included, etc. any comparison between the economic burden of CRC should be made with caution. However, reviewing various aspects of the economic burden of CRC reported in included studies, will provide researchers and policymakers with a better insight into the CRC burden while designing intervention programs will reduce the budget impact of the those programs.
