K Azizi , Y Rassi , M.h Motazedian , E Javadian , M.r Yaghoobi-Ershadi , S Rafizadeh , M Mohebali , Gh.r Hatam ,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (4 2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), the most dangerous form of leishmaniasis, is endemic in some parts of Iran, e.g. Ardabil, Fars, East Azerbaijan, Bushehr and Qom provinces. In recent years, the incidence of VL has increased in the Nourabad-Mamassani district in Fars Province. This study was carried out to detect VL vectors and infection rates in this region over the 2003-2004 period.
Material and Methods: Sand flies were captured in the selected villages by means of sticky traps, aspirators and CDC miniature light traps. Heads and distal abdominal segments were used for species identification and other body parts were used for DNA extraction. We employed a semi-nested PCR technique to detect Leishmania, with specific kDNA primers (LIN R4 - LIN 17 – LIN19). Some specimens were dissected for leptomonad infection.
Results: A total of 12688 sand flies were collected. Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) alexandri was the second most prevalent species (17.34%).
The anthropophilic index of this species was 32.5%. Five cases (4.17%) of L. infantum infection were detected among the 120 P. alexandri examined by PCR method. We also observed two cases of leptomonad infection among the 112 dissected specimens.
Conclusion: High prevalence rates and anthropophilic index of P. alexandri plus its natural infection with L. infantum provide enough evidence to implicate this species as the main vector species of VL in the region and the second proven kala-azar vector in Iran. Besides, the Mahoor-Milaty district of Noorabad-Mamassani was identified as a new endemic focus.
Marzieh Sadeghi Hardangi, Ahmad Kalateh Sadati, Seyed Reza Javadian,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hospital social workers as a group of discharge planners perform effective interventions for the safe discharge of patients. The purpose of this research was to investigate the interventions of medical social workers in safe discharge of patients.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in 2023 in Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a sample of 16 social workers working in public hospitals selected by purposeful, accessible and snowball sampling and analyzed using the thematic analysis method.
Results: The findings of this research show that hospital social workers implement specialized interventions within a framework of six planning stages with the aim of safe patient discharge. The three main themes are: professional intelligence, supportive framework and sustainability of interventions; the main theme of the current research is safe discharge.
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that the interventions of social workers for the safe discharge of the patients include measures before, during and after the discharge of a patient, based on the principles, values, intelligence, professional skills and the social work process. Social workers in this field need the support of responsible officials in the health system.
