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Behrooz Yazdan Panah, Mitra Safari, Farah Bahreini, Farzad Vafaee, Mohsen Salari, Mehran Yousefi, Masoud Rezaei, Ali Hosseini, Mohammad Habibian, Farid Moradian,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (8-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Current traditional research methods for solving social problems were challenged due to limited participation of community . The health companion project was carried out with the aim of determining effective model of community participation for solving health problems in Boyerahmad and Dena township. .
Materials and Methods : This study is a community based participatory research performed in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad province 2005-2009.The study population was the entire rural and urban households of Boyerahmad and Dena county.The strategic committee of project including academic researchers, managers of health and health related sectors was formed and this committee selected six regions for research activities. In each region local directing group "health companion " was established with participation of stakeholders: academic researchers, local leaders, health providers and public representatives to guide all aspects of project. The members of the group empowered and enabled by attending training workshops for need assessment, priority setting, research methodology that through these activities the health problem priorities of the regions were recognized, the research area determined and intervention programs were designed and implemented according to these research area.
Results: The most important achievement of this project is the methods of activities to reaching goals. Implementation of six participatory interventional proposal for solving health problems and needs are the other achievement. The frequency and means of health problems and their risk factors significantly reduced after the completion of intervention program in each region.
Conclusion: Establishing and activities of health companion groups followed model of Planned Approach to Community Health (PATCH) that help community to form health promotion team, collecting and organizing of data, choosing health priorities, developing a comprehensive intervention plan and evaluation .
Effat Merghati Khoie, Naria Abolghasemi, Mohammad Hossein Taghdisi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background and A im : sexual health in children is difficult subject, does not deal with it formal method. Importance of Sex education of children is accepted in the world. The aim of this paper is describing the concept of sexual health from the viewpoint of children's famil y and identification norms of child sex education and determining sex education priorities of the parent's viewpoint.
Materials and Methods: This is qualitative study. Samples were selected by targeted method of student's parents of five regional educated o f Tehran. Data were collected by focus group interview and discussion and were analyses by subject and content analysis.
C ONCLUSION onclusion : Most participants believed sexual health behavior in children is not health indicators. They implemented their family policies in management of Sexual behavior o f their children. In Family control was meant: restriction of sexual behavior in child as a norm. Culture of silence and connivance in management of children's behavior has become norm, because child's sexual behavior is inconsistent with traditional values of family. In identifying priorities of sexual education of children, progression interaction between home and school was known as the most deficits. They are acting their internal values in educational system of children because their conflict of values, norms and tastes difference has not been challenge. It is important and priority of parents to being prepared for the management of their children's sexual behavior .
Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosoogh Moghaddam, Shirin Bonak Dari,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Intersectoral Collaboration and Community Participation are two main strategies for sustaining equity in health. Based on the 4th 5years country development plan, Health and Food Security High Council(HC) as a strategy for developing intersectoral collaboration. Reviewing members' opinions of HC may show the clear way of improving intersectoral collaboration for health promotion of the population to senior officials of Ministry of Health and Medical Education.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive and qualitative study. Information were gathered by structured interview to HC members and content analysis of the documents and gray materials related to initiation and performance of the HC since it's opening. Content analysis and adding up the interviews were done by hand after defining the main domains.
Results: Most of HC members believed that the HC effectiveness is very low or low. For the 1st step, defining health priorities and then responsibilities and expectations of each organization were proposed. Organizations necessity to introduce a sustained representative, creating taskforces for deep working on the issues, regular meeting in secretariat, concurrent information sharing to the members, strengthening similar structure in provinces and giving more authority to them and connecting the council to the scientific committees of health elites are main improvement approaches.
Conclusion: There is gap between the performance of the HC and the law makers' expectations. Implementing secretariat of HC including expertise and special working system of intersectoral collaboration will mostly cover the weakness. Defining periodical roles and expectations of organizations and capacity building of health collaborators of the ministries and organizations, and incentivizing organization which have effective contribution, will strengthen and continue the collaboration more.
Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosoogh Moghaddam, Kamel Shadpour, Ali Akbar Zinaloo,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Since health is a multidimensional issue and several factors affected on it, forming a structure which can manage these factors at provincial level is difficult but possible. Analysis of Stewardship function of Iranian Health system showed that an effective platform for operationalizing the national policies has not been provided in provinces yet So, study the current situation of policy making and planning process and designing a model for provinces was necessary.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive and analytic study which used system designation mathod. Information were gathered by reviewing scientific literatures of policy making systems, critical review of documents related the policy making and planning structures in universities of medical sciences(UMS) in the country and written survey of the chancellors. Synthesized information presented to steering committee, that had been selected after stakeholder analysis, and the principles and requirement of designation were agreed by them. Based on the principles, Components of the proposed system as "Provincial Health Policy Secretarite(PHPS)" including mission and goals, system process, procedures and standards, management style and financial, human and information resources prepared and finalized by running several focus group discussion sessions, presenting selected health experts and steering committee.
Results: Scattering of policy and decision making centers in UMSs, weakness of monitoring and evaluation of provincial health policies and programs, weakness of coordination of education, research and health services policies, weakness of evidence based policy making system in 3 levels of UMS, board of trustees and health and food security technical taskforce of the province, weakness of presence of key stakeholders in preparing policies in UMS are the most important improving opportunities of provincial health policy and planning system. Considering existing gaps, PHPS could operationalize brokering, supervising and surveillance roles of the chancellor (Vice Minister of Health at Province) and ensure the attainment of the three streams: following the standards of academic and community engagement, evidence based policies and plans and monitoring progress of provincial health indices improvement policies and plans among executive organizations.
Conclusion: Several units effective on policy and planning in province should be coordinated. PHPS not only prevent the parallel structure but can improve the other structures functions as well. Formal implementation of PHPS in top chart of UMSs and training experts of the unit will help integrated policy and planning and facilitate to achieve the best health indices in the province and the country.
Mohammad Farahmand, Seyed Mohsen Zahraei, Mahmood Mahmoodi, Soosan Mahmoodi, Hamideh Tabatabaei, Zahra Shokati Ashkiki, Yaghoob Mplaei Kandeloosi, Maryam Yousefi, Rakhshandeh Nategh, Shohreh Shah Mahmoodi Sadeghi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Expanded program on immunization is one of the strategic universally accepted methods for control of childhood diseases including poliomyelitis. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) which consists of live attenuated poliovirus is considered as appropriate and most convenient tool for nation-wide vaccination. Polio virus is sensitive to heat, so OPV should be kept frozen and transferred to vaccination centers under cold chain conditions. Thermo-stability of vaccine during transportation is very important. Potency test is used to evaluate the quality and stability of vaccine. This is the first documentated study on evaluation of OPV potency kept out of cold chain conditions in Iran.
Materials and Methods: To study the effects of time and temperature on potency of polio vaccine, vaccine vials were exposed to 24°C (room temperature) and 37°C (average temperature in tropical regions) for one to seven days. Vaccine potency evaluation was performed according to World Health Organization protocol.
Results: It can be inferred from comparison of the results of this study with the international standards that OPV is stable at 37◦C for only one day, but if it is exposed to room temperature for 4-5 days, serotypes 1 and 2 remain unaltered but serotype 3 will lose its potency to a great extent.
Conclusions: Although Polio viruses are relatively resistant to environmental conditions, their sensitivity to heat is the reason to transport the vaccine, which contains live attenuated virus, under cold chain conditions. This will prevent the titer of the vaccine virus to decrease. Vaccine stored at temperature below 4°C is preferred, otherwise the vaccine kept at room temperature (24°C) is useable for 4-5 days, and at 37◦C the vaccine is potent only for one day.
Amin Doosti Irani, Batool Okhovat, Zahra Cheraghi, Mozhgan Talaei, Elham Ahmadnezhad, Mohammad Mehdi Gooya, Mohammad Soroosh, Hossein Masoumi Asl, Kourosh Holakoie Naieni,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Water and food born diseases are one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in through the world. The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting the persistence of diarrheal cases after the explosive epidemic phase of diarrheal disease in Yazd province.
Materials and Methods: We designed a match case control study that was performed on base of incidence cases of diarrhea since 24 Aug, 2013 to 03 Sept, 2013.Characteristics of cases and control were obtained by interviewers using a pre-determined questionnaire. Logistic regression was used at 0.05 significant level.
Results: Totally 69 incidences cases of diarrhea were compared with 138 controls. Incidence rate of diarrhea in Yazd province was 13.79 per thousand. The adjusted odds ratio estimate for presence a patient stricken with gastroenteritis in the household was 3.63 [95% CI: 1.43, 9.20]. The adjusted odds ratio for low education, history of the trip, history of contact with patient and eating outside the home were 1.75, 1.55, 1.93 and 1.37 respectively, that increase odds of disease but their effects was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: In this study the most important risk factor for diarrhea was history of contact with the person with the disease in the household. This result may indicate the lack of personal hygiene by patients and their relatives and thus transmission of disease to others peoples. Therefore the role of health education and informing about transmission and preventive ways is very important in prevention and control of outbreaks of diarrhea diseases.
Ghobad Moradi, Minoo Mohraz, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Masoumeh Dejman, Seyed Ahmad Seyed Alinaghi, Sahar Khosh Ravesh, Hossein Malekafzali,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the views of policy makers and key persons about national AIDS control politics.
Materials and Methods : This qualitative study used purposive sampling. To collect data, the perspectives of six experts about AIDS were inspected. Framework analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results of this study showed that beside the strengths there are also significant weaknesses in making the policies, administering the existing policies, executing the programs in organizations, and planning new policies to control AIDS hence these problems and weaknesses must be identified to achieve the main goals of AIDS control program.
Conclusion: AIDS is not only a health problem but a social, economical and cultural problem, which requires more attention from authorities and related organizations for developing and implementing policies in accordance with international guidelines. To achieve Millennium development goals (MDGs) in the context of AIDS it is essential for policy makers and key figures to consider more effective activities and measures in their agenda.
Mehdi Mir Heydari, Sedighe Sadat Tavafian, Ali Montazeri, Homeyra Fallahi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Addiction behaviors have been established among high risk behaviors among different age groups in Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a designed educational program on high risk behaviors of a sample of addicts in Qom, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Totally, 128 men with addiction history in self help groups referred to health centers in Qom were studied. The instruments used to collect data were a self administered demographic questionnaire and the designed scale high risk behavior based on Health Belief Model (HBM).
Results: The mean age of participants was 32.4 years. There were no significant difference between two groups at baseline in terms of all demographic data and all HBM constructs. The mean scores of HBM constructs, improved significantly in comparison with baseline. (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: This study indicated that designed educational program could improve all HBM constructs after intervention. Additionally, behavior intention might be changed after intervention significantly.
Nastaran Keshavarz, Farah Bahreyni, Safoura Degpasand,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background an Aim: Community-based health promotion program encompasses actions aiming at enabling individuals, organizations and communities for enhancing behaviors and creating a healthier environment. Considerable experiences regarding community health promotion and community-based health promotion exists in Iran, but they have not been documented adequately.
Materials and Methods: This paper reports some of the findings of a situation assessment project of community-based health promotion programs in Iran, including typology of community-based health promotion programs and critical analysis of challenges and threats, discussing potential opportunities to improve community-based health interventions. All the available reports, official documents, information and published papers related to community-based health promotion programs implemented in Iran were examined.
Results: The majority of health-related interventions excluding three national programs, namely, the volunteers, community health workers (Behvarzes) and polio eradication programs, were categorized in three large groups ─ community-based initiatives, community-based participatory research, and community-based addiction prevention. Many of these programs were not community-based in the true sense of the word.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that in Iran, unlike many other countries, the majority of the interventions are initiated and implemented at the national level with good organizational support. Although implementation of such programs is generally considered feasible in Iran, it seems that the available opportunities have not been adequately exploited for their implementation.
Kourosh Holakoie Naieni, Ahmad Raeisi, Leila Faraji,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim : The National Malaria Control Program was developed, in 2011, into the National Malaria Surveillance Program. It is one of the most comprehensive surveillance systems in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of malaria elimination program on data quality and accuracy in the national malaria surveillance system.
Materials and Methods : This was a cross-sectional study conducted in four malaria-prone provinces in Iran to determine and assess the completeness and accuracy of the information collected in the malaria surveillance system. The purpose was to compare data reporting forms 3 and 4 (reporting positive cases from selected district health centers) between two time points, namely, 2009-2010 (before starting the program) and 2010-2012 (after starting the program).
Results: The total number of reporting forms included in the study was 1927, nearly 54% from the initial time point and the rest from the final time point. The highest and lowest proportions were 94.78% and 17.30% from Iranshahr and Hormozgan University health centers, respectively. On the whole, the degree of completeness of the forms was 84% (83.7% and 85% before and after starting the program, respectively). Based on the Chi-square test, the differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Only a minor change occurred in the degree of completeness of the forms between the two time points: a 4% increase in form 4 and a 3% decrease in form 3. It can be concluded, then, that the elimination program h ad no significant effect on the completeness and accuracy of the reporting forms.
Afsaneh Motevalli Haghi, Mohammad Delavari, Mehdi Nateghpour, Mohammad Shekari, Habiballah Turki, Ahmad Raeisi, Azam Roshan,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim : Asymptomatic malaria is a great challenge in the control, elimination and eradication programs of the disease in the endemic areas. The infected individuals with asymptomatic malaria are not cured and are, consequently, a potential source for contamination of the mosquito vectors and spread of the disease in the area. Therefore, detection of asymptomatic infected people is very important as regards combating the disease. This study was conducted to determine the presence and prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Jask district, Hormozgan Province, Iran during 2012-13, in the hope that the results will help in designing strategies to eliminate the disease in the area.
Materials and Methods: A total of 200 persons under coverage of health centers in Jask district were selected randomly and enrolled in the study. From each subject a 5-ml blood sample was taken in 3 occasions (total number of samples = 600), slides p repared and examined using microscopic and molecular (PCR) methods, as well as rapid diagnostic (RDT) tests.
Results: None of the 600 slides prepared microscopically showed any positive malaria case. Neither did any of those prepared by RDTs or Nested-PCR.
Conclusion : The findings of this study indicate that implementation of the malaria control program has been successful in the area therefore the malaria elimination program should continue.
Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosough Moghaddam, Ahmad Hajebi, Mohammad Hossein Salarian Zadeh, Habib Emami,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The Pars Energy-Economic Special Zone, as the energy capital of Iran, needs a healthy productive workforce. In order to be able to promote equitable health indicators of the Zone, it is essential to first obtain information about the situation of the health system in the region.
Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study. Data were collected using an essential public health services (EPHS) performance assessment questionnaire and a researcher-developed questionnaire for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of the Zone health system. In the next phase, stakeholder analysis was done: the major stakeholders were invited and asked, after explaining the methodology to them, to complete, individually, the EPHS performance assessment and the SWOT analysis questionnaires, followed by grouping and summarizing the results. Finally, content analysis of results of the group discussions was done and the main domainsا extracted.
Results: The EPHS overall average score was 37.8 (out of 100, the standard score). The greatest weakness was allocated to information functioning. Delivering public health services by the district health networks was the most important strength. Further analysis of the data showed that the far external environment in all the subdomains was the major threat to the public health in the zone.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be said that the organizational status of the Zone is in a weak and threat position. One of the root causes is poor functioning of the public health system. It is essential that the Ministry of Petroleum and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education find effective ways for integrated leadership of the public health services in the Zone.
Elliyeh Hojjatzadeh, Alireza Heydari, Tahereh Samavat,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Its control decreases the risk of likely complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of behvarz’ education level on blood pressure control among hypertensive patients in the rural areas of Qazvin city, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, including 300 hypertensive patients and 18 behvarz selected by multi-stage sampling, was conducted in health houses of the rural areas of Qazvin city in 2010. Usning standard methods and technics, weight, height and blood pressure were measured. Data were collected by interviews (using questionnaires) and observations and anlyzed using the SPSS software and the Chi Square test as the statistical test (level of sinnificance 0.05 ).
Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 13.2% and 8.7% in the populations under coverage of the health houses manned by community behvarz with a high school diploma and those with an education level below high school diploma, repectively. Only 14.7% of the patienes studied had their blood pressure controlled. There was no statistically significant association between the extent of patients’ blood pressure control and behvarz’ educationl level.
Coclusion: It can be concluded that education level of the behvarz has no effect on hypertensive patients' blood pressure control. In any case, it is recommended to pay more attention to the education and literacy of peripheral health workers and put emphasis on the personnel in-service training, regular monitoring and supervision, as well as health indices assessment.
Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosough Moghaddam, Kamel Shadpoor, Mohammad Hossein Salarian Zadeh, Davood Moghimi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: One of the main functions of municipalities, as a social institution, is providing, maintaining and improving health of citizens. Scattered attempts have been made with the objective of expanding equitable health service networks in cities, particularly suburban areas. The present study aimed at designing an integrated system for urban health managent center.
Material and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study. Based on the viewpoints of experts and relevant stakeholders, global evidence, national experience, and existing legislations, a conceptual framework for designing an urban health management center was developed and requirements for its implementation were determined. On the basis of the conceptual framework, regulations for designing model for a regional urban health management center (RUHMC) was prepared.
Results: The proposed model has 5 important characteristics which would provide an excellent opportunity as a response to the existing challenges of the health network in cities through active participation of the municipality, as a social institution, and other organizations:
1. Facilitating intersectoral collaboration, as against individual movements of the
governmental health sector;
2. Defining and providing social health services and influencing the social determinants of health components;
3. Providing active, rather than passive, services;
4. Decentralization by forming a board of trustees and/or coordination council;
5. Direct community participation in all phases, from decision-making (membership in the coordination council) to service provision.
Conclusion: Pilot implementation and evaluation of the proposed RUHMC model is recommended before expanding it to other parts of the city. In addition, it is essential that, before expanding the model to the other cities, the final regulations be examined and ratified by the High Council of Health and Food Security.
Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosough Moghaddam, Narges Rostami Gooran, Mohammad Javad Kabir,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The most important healthcare reform in Iran during the last decade has been implementation of the family physician and referral system in rural areas and small towns with a population of less than 20000. The program was expanded (as a pilot project), with small modifications, to rural areas of 2 provinces, namely, Fars and Mazandaran. This study was initiated to assess the achievements, challenges and weak points of the pilot project before deciding to expand it to other provinces.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in winter 2013. Data were collected using document desk reviews, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and focus-group discussions. Relevant family health policy makers, managers and service providers in the two provinces were invited to the meetings. The data were analyzed and categorized based on the content analysis method.
Results: The data showed that the family physician program is faced with several challenges regarding objectives; stewardship; service providing; and human, financial and information resources. It is to be noted, however, that the program has had achievements such as increased access to services, increased coordination among insurance organizations and medical universities, and organizing and managing health files.
Conclusion: The program should not be expanded to other provinces before redesigning in order to assure that it is more complete and comprehensive and create commitment and adequate guarantee among stakeholders. It is essential that all the stakeholders agree on general and specific objectives of a 5-year program and prepare an operational plan for each specific objective.
Batool Hossein Rashidi, Hossein Malek Afzali, Fedyeh Haghollahi, Mina Naghi Jaffarabadi, Mohammad Eslami, Mahdieh Yazdanpanah, Mohammad Mehdi Naghizadeh,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Over 200 million pregnancies occur worldwide annually; one third are unwanted and half end up in abortion. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions during women’s childbearing age over a period of 30 years (divided into 5-year intervals) in Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 on 518 married women 15 to 55 years old living in Tehran with a history of at least one pregnancy. A questionnaire containing two sets of questions on individual and demographic characteristics and women’s abortion history was used to collect the data for a period of 30 years (divided into 5-year intervals). The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 16 (the significance level was a p-value of <0.05).
Results: Of the 966 pregnancies among the 518 women studied, 665 (68.4%) were planned and 307 (31.6%) unwanted. There were 249 abortions, 108 (43.4%) of which were miscarriages, 41 cases (16.5%) for medical reasons, and 100 cases (40.2%) induced (deliberate). The proportion of induced abortions in unwanted pregnancies increased from 0.0% in 1981-1986 to 41.7% in 2011-2014.
Conclusion: Based on the findings it can be concluded that due to changes in family planning program effectiveness and accessibility of contraception methods in Iran unwanted pregnancies and the subsequent abortions have become more common.
Narges Rostamigooran, Abbas Vosoogh-Moghaddam, Mohammadhossein Salarianzadeh, Hamid Esmailzadeh, Behzad Damari,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the key role of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in the implementation and follow-up of the health system reform, its organizational culture can play an important role in the success of this transformation. The aim of this study was to determine the dimensions and orientations of the current organizational culture of the MOHME headquarters.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and explorative study. The study population was the central staff of MOHME. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 11.5. Descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and interval) were used to describe quantitatively the cultural dimensions, followed by a qualitative analysis as well.
Results: Analysis of the data showed the following: 1. Organizational cultural dimensions existing at a high level include self-supervision and identity; 2. Organizational cultural dimensions existing at a moderate level include authority and freedom in operations, clear goals and expectations, communication, coordination and coherence; and 3. Organizational cultural dimensions existing at a low level include innovation, learning, fair reward system, acceptance of change, management support and criticism.
Conclusion: Considering the key role of the MOHME headquarters staff in designing and implementing health promotion programs, bringing about changes in the organizational culture should be a top priority of the ministerial high authorities.
Behzad Damari, , Narges Rostamigooran, Mohammad Hossein Salarianzadeh, Sheyda Malekafzali,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: For achievement of equity in the population health the implementation of health in all policies is essential. The most crucial intervention in this approach is inter-sectoral collaboration.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study based on the national policy framework. Data were collected using literature review, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with the stakeholders. The results were categorized into three sections, namely, situational analysis and factors affecting it, developing goals and objectives, and requirements and interventions.
Results: Currently inter-sectoral collaboration in the Iranian health system potentially allows to have health in all policies policy in terms of explicit legislative support, national macro-policies/upstream documents and organizational structure. It will require proper planning as regards designing and institutionalizing appropriate mechanisms for collaboration, as well as cultural and skills capacity building, for stakeholders within and outside the health sector.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can be used in annual operational planning of the High Council of Health and Food Security secretariat.
Ahmad Nejati, Alireza Asgari Golzardi, Farshad Khodakhah, Katayoun Samimi-Rad, Seyedeh Maryam Yousefi, Yaghoub Mollaei-Kandelousi, Maryam Keyvanlou, Mohammad Razaghi, Parastoo Soheili, Delaram Yaghoubzadeh, Nastaran Ghavami, Susan Mahmoudi, Seyed Mohsen Zahraei, Shohreh Shahmahmoodi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: During the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures and protocols such as regular hand washing and wearing a face mask were recommended at the national level. The implementation of these health protocols reduced the prevalence of respiratory diseases, but no study has been conducted to investigate the impact of the implementation of these protocols on the spread of viruses that are transmitted through fecal-oral route. Considering that non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) are mainly transmitted through fecal-oral route, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of non-polio enteroviruses in patients with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Iran before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods: To detect non-polio enteroviruses stool samples of AFP cases received by Iran National Polio Laboratory in 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) and 2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) were tested. To isolate NPEVs by cell culture, the WHO standard protocol was used, and the TaqMan One-Step Real Time PCR was used for molecular testing.
Results: In 2019, a sample of 21 out of 1070 patients and a sample of 12 out of 100 patients were found to be positive for non-polio enterovirus by cell culture and the molecular method, respectively; these ratios decreased to10 out of 678 and 3 out of 100 in 2021.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the observance of personal hygiene and public health protocols during the COVID-19 epidemic have, in addition to the general reduction of respiratory transmission of viruses, also affected the faecal-oral transmission of viruses.
Hamed Moslehi, Reyhaneh Fayyaz, Zahra Validabadi, Iman Zaghian,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to gain a deep understanding of the importance (expected services) and performance (services provided) of mental health services to determine the priority indicators of mental health to help design higher quality and more effective community mental health interventions.
Materials and Methods: This was a mixed-method study including all the mental health executives and practitioners (n=998) in Iran. In the quantitative part, the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) model was used to determine the importance and performance of the current mental health programs in the primary health care (PHC) system, and in the qualitative part complementary explanations were analyzed using the thematic analysis method.
Results: The findings show that there were gaps between the expected services and the services provided in the mental health program. Thus, the following points should be taken into account to be able to improve the mental health services: 1. Strengthening the domestic violence prevention program as regards spouse misbehavior and misbehavior towards children; 2. Continuation of lifestyle skills and parenting programs, 3. Self-care in mental health and drug use programs; 4. psychiatric disorders diagnosis and care and a healthy adolescents program is desirable and necessary, but revising and modifying the suicide prevention program (as regards costs and treatment) are essential. 5. In addition, the psycho-social intervention programs in disasters, addiction harm reduction program, strengthening family foundation and the Competent Family Program are of low importance in formulating a strategy.
Conclusion: Corrective actions based on the prioritizations determined can be included in the working agenda of the managers of mental health care systems at the primary levels to improve the quality of mental health services.
