We assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotics through a questionnai... more We assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotics through a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey among the general public in Bhutan. Of the 692 participants, 52.6% (364) were females with a mean age of 34.2 years. More than half of the respondents showed unsatisfactory knowledge varying significantly from 23.1% to 69.6%. Cotrimoxazole (septran) was the least known while amoxicillin was the most known antibiotics assessed. Two-thirds of the responsents (267) knew that inappropriate use of antibiotics could lead to antimicrobial resistance and 89% (319) were aware of the need to complete the antibiotic courses. In bivariate analysis, satisfactory knowledge was associated with the education level of graduate and higher as compared with no education. This study revealed unsatisfactory knowledge and attitude but satisfactory practices on antibiotics use among participants. Efforts are needed to improve public awareness on antibiotics. Enforcement of regula...
ABSTRACT Objective: This Study was conducted after a diarrhea outbreak that occurred in Yazd Prov... more ABSTRACT Objective: This Study was conducted after a diarrhea outbreak that occurred in Yazd Province, Iran. The aim of the study was to compare knowledge, attitude, practice and other risk factors of the affected communities of diarrhea outbreak (the cities of Zarch, Meibod and Ardakan) to non-affected communities (the cities of Yazd and Taft). Methods: A knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey study was conducted from August to September 2013 enrolling 505 subjects who were referred to health centers anonymously during the epidemic. The questionnaire included the following four parts: (a) general characteristics such as gender, education level, source of health information obtaining; (b) 12 questions on knowledge (Min=0, Max=36); (c) 10 questions on attitude (Min=0, Max=50); and (d) nine questions on practice (Min=0, Max=27). Results: The overall mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice was 28.17 (SD=4.58), 37.07 (SD=4.39), and 21.31 (SD=3.81), respectively. Practice on food and water-borne outbreaks was significantly higher in females (P=0.001) and in non-affected communities (P=0.031). Conclusions: Non-affected communities had a considerably better practice score. With the increase in the score of knowledge on food and water-borne outbreaks, the score of practice increased slightly. Keywords: KAP Study, Food and water borne, Outbreak, Yazd Province
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the geographical distribution of C... more Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the geographical distribution of Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) in Iran using Geographic Information System Methods: The incidence of Congenital Hypothyroidism in each city and province calculated based on national CH screening program and then the map of its distribution was depicted. The spatial distribution of CH was assessed in each city by employing binominal test and Hotspot Analysis. The map of distribution of CH was drawn by ArcGIS version 9.2 software. Results: The national incidence of CH (including both transient and permanent types) has been estimated 2.2/1000 in screened new borne babies. The distribution of CH seems more or less equally around the country and its spatial variation was not statistically significant. We did not find any specific CH Hot Spot in Iran. Conclusions: We did not find any particular explanation for high incidence of CH is Iran geographically; therefore other explanations for such a ...
Community assessment is one of the core competencies for public health professionals; mainly beca... more Community assessment is one of the core competencies for public health professionals; mainly because it gives them a better understanding of the strengths and drawbacks of their jurisdictions. We planned to recognize an appropriate model that provides a conceptual framework for the Iranian community. This study was conducted in Tehran, during 2009-2010 and consisted of two parts: a review of the literature and qualitative interview with selected experts as well as focus group discussion with health field staff. These steps were done to develop a conceptual framework: planning for a steering committee, forming a working committee, re-viewing community assessment models and projects, preparing the proposed model draft, in-depth interview and focused group discussions with national experts, finalizing the draft, and preparing the final model. Three different models published and applied routinely in different contexts. The 2008 North Carolina Community Assessment model was used as a re...
Pain is one of the most important consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI). It may affect several... more Pain is one of the most important consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI). It may affect several aspects of life, especially the quality of life (QoL). Hence, this study was conducted to establish an understanding of pain and its correlates and effects on patients with SCI in our community. In a cross-sectional study, 58 male veterans suffering from SCI were admitted to our center for a regular follow-up. Demographic and SCI-related descriptive information were gathered using a self-reported questionnaire. To evaluate the patients' pain quality and the effect of pain on daily life, a questionnaire in 3 parts of lumbar, cervical and shoulder pain was administered. EuroQoL questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 12 were also used to assess the patients' QoL. The mean age of the participants was 45.91 ± 6.69 with mean injury time of 25.54 ± 5.91. forty-four patients (75.9%) reported pain, including lumbar pain (63%), cervical pain (39%) and shoulder pain (51%). Th...
Although numerous studies have found higher rates of abortion and still births following consangu... more Although numerous studies have found higher rates of abortion and still births following consanguinity (familial marriages), the question of whether consanguinity significantly increases the risk of neonatal death has inadequately been addressed.This study aims to evaluate familial marriage effects on neonatal death in rural areas in Iran. In this nested case-control study, 6900 newbornswho were born in rural areas of Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Province (South-West of Iran)were followed till the end of neonatal period, and neonatal death was the outcome of interest. Subsequently 97 cases and 97 controls were selected in study cohort by using risk set sampling model. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were estimated by usinga conditional logistic regression model. In the final model, prematurity (OR = 5.57), low birthweight (LBW) (OR = 7.68), consanguinity (first cousins) (OR = 5.23), C-section (OR = 7.27), birth rank more than 3 (OR = 6.95) and birthsinterval less than 24 months (OR...
Evaluating the malaria status of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries rel... more Evaluating the malaria status of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries relation to goal 6 of 3rd Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which includes have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria. By 2009, we reviewed the MDGs reports, extracted the data from surveillance system, published, and unpublished data. The main stakeholders, from both governmental and international organizations in the country have been visited and interviewed by the research team as part of the data validation process. The malaria incidence is very heterogeneous among ECO countries, which differ less than 200 cases in total country in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan to 82,564 cases (2,428/100,000) in Afghanistan and 59,284 cases (881/100,000) in Pakistan and about 18/100,000 in Iran in 2008. Malaria has been a major public health problem in Pakistan and Afghanistan and will continue to pose serious threat to millions of peop...
International journal of preventive medicine, 2012
Population-based estimates of traffic accidents (TAs) are not readily available for developing co... more Population-based estimates of traffic accidents (TAs) are not readily available for developing countries. This study examined the contribution of socioeconomic status (SES) to the risk of TA among Iranian adults. A total of 64,200people aged ≥18years were identified from 2008 Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART) survey. 22,128 households were interviewed to estimate the overall annual incidence, severity and socioeconomic determinants of TAs for males and females in Iranian capital over the preceding year. Wealth index and house value index were constructed for economic measurement. Weighted estimates were computed adjusting for complex survey design. Logistic regression models were used to examine individual and SES measures as potential determinants of TAs in adults. The overall incidence of traffic accident was 17.3(95% CI 16.0, 18.7) per 1000 per year. TA rate in men and women was 22.6(95% CI 20.6, 24.8) and 11.8(95% CI 10.4, 13.2), respectively. The ov...
International journal of preventive medicine, 2012
Evaluating the tuberculosis (TB) status of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member cou... more Evaluating the tuberculosis (TB) status of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries relation to goal 6-c of the third millennium, which includes that TB incidence, prevalence, and death rates should be halved by 2015, compared with their level in 1990. In 2009, we have critically reviewed the countries' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) reports and extracted the data from the surveillance system and published and unpublished data. The main stakeholders, from both governmental and international organizations in the country have been visited and interviewed by the research team as part of the data validation process. The TB incidence is very heterogeneous among ECO countries, which differ from 21.7 in Iran to 230.7 per 100,000 in Tajikistan. TB incidence (per 100,000) is more than 100 in six countries and is from 50 to 100 in two countries and is less than 30 in two countries. Only in two countries the crude death rate (CDR) is higher than 70%. In seven count...
Objective. This Study was conducted after a diarrhea outbreak that occurred in Yazd Province, Ira... more Objective. This Study was conducted after a diarrhea outbreak that occurred in Yazd Province, Iran. The aim of the study was to compare knowledge, attitude, practice, and other risk factors of the affected communities regarding diarrhea outbreak (the cities of Zarch, Meybod, and Ardakan) to nonaffected communities (the cities of Yazd and Taft). Methods. A knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey study was conducted from August to September 2013 enrolling 505 subjects who were referred to health centers anonymously during the epidemic. The questionnaire included the following four parts: (a) general characteristics such as gender, education level, source of health information obtaining; (b) 12 questions on knowledge (Min = 0, Max = 36); (c) 10 questions on attitude (Min = 0, Max = 50); and (d) nine questions on practice (Min = 0, Max = 27). Results. The overall mean score of knowledge, attitude, and practice was 28.17 (SD = 4.58), 37.07 (SD = 4.39), and 21.31 (SD = 3.81), respe...
Sexual activity is an important aspect of life in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), rated a... more Sexual activity is an important aspect of life in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), rated as one of the top priorities for recovery of function. This study was conducted to establish an understanding of the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED), a major component of male sexual activity, and its correlates in patients with SCI in our community. In a cross-sectional study, 37 male veterans with SCI admitted for regular follow-up at our center were recruited. Demographic and SCI-related descriptive information was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. Sexual Health Inventory for Men was used to assess the presence and severity of ED. Euro Quality of Life questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were also administered. The mean age of the participants was 45.7 ± 6.5 years with injury duration of 24.7 ± 6.2 years. Mean GHQ-12 score of 3.65 ± 3.38 and mean Sexual Health Inventory for Men score of 11.57 ± 5.28 were measured. All participants had ED, and ...
Abstract:" nBackground and Aim: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications at a low... more Abstract:" nBackground and Aim: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications at a low age are more serious and more progressive than at higher age. Because of this difference in the natural history of the disease as a function of age, this study was ...
To assess subjective quality of life of an Iranian general population sample. This was a populati... more To assess subjective quality of life of an Iranian general population sample. This was a population-based study. Quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. The associations between socio-demographic variables and quality of life were assessed by both univariate and multivariate analyses. In all, 1,164 individuals were studied. The mean age of the participants was 37.6 (SD = 13.2) years, and the mean score for quality of life domains (physical, psychological, social relationship and environment domains) was 14.3 (SD = 2.6), 13.4 (SD = 2.6), 13.9 (SD = 2.6), and 12.3 (SD = 2.4), respectively. The results obtained from univariate analysis did not show a consistent pattern for association between demographic variables and quality of life domains. However, multivariate regression analysis showed that self-reported health condition was the most significant contributing factor to the decreased scores for all domains. Overall, quality of life scores were found to be low among an Iranian general population and greatly varied by socio-demographic variables. In addition, self-reported health condition was found to be the strongest factor affecting people's quality of life.
We assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotics through a questionnai... more We assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotics through a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey among the general public in Bhutan. Of the 692 participants, 52.6% (364) were females with a mean age of 34.2 years. More than half of the respondents showed unsatisfactory knowledge varying significantly from 23.1% to 69.6%. Cotrimoxazole (septran) was the least known while amoxicillin was the most known antibiotics assessed. Two-thirds of the responsents (267) knew that inappropriate use of antibiotics could lead to antimicrobial resistance and 89% (319) were aware of the need to complete the antibiotic courses. In bivariate analysis, satisfactory knowledge was associated with the education level of graduate and higher as compared with no education. This study revealed unsatisfactory knowledge and attitude but satisfactory practices on antibiotics use among participants. Efforts are needed to improve public awareness on antibiotics. Enforcement of regula...
ABSTRACT Objective: This Study was conducted after a diarrhea outbreak that occurred in Yazd Prov... more ABSTRACT Objective: This Study was conducted after a diarrhea outbreak that occurred in Yazd Province, Iran. The aim of the study was to compare knowledge, attitude, practice and other risk factors of the affected communities of diarrhea outbreak (the cities of Zarch, Meibod and Ardakan) to non-affected communities (the cities of Yazd and Taft). Methods: A knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) survey study was conducted from August to September 2013 enrolling 505 subjects who were referred to health centers anonymously during the epidemic. The questionnaire included the following four parts: (a) general characteristics such as gender, education level, source of health information obtaining; (b) 12 questions on knowledge (Min=0, Max=36); (c) 10 questions on attitude (Min=0, Max=50); and (d) nine questions on practice (Min=0, Max=27). Results: The overall mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice was 28.17 (SD=4.58), 37.07 (SD=4.39), and 21.31 (SD=3.81), respectively. Practice on food and water-borne outbreaks was significantly higher in females (P=0.001) and in non-affected communities (P=0.031). Conclusions: Non-affected communities had a considerably better practice score. With the increase in the score of knowledge on food and water-borne outbreaks, the score of practice increased slightly. Keywords: KAP Study, Food and water borne, Outbreak, Yazd Province
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the geographical distribution of C... more Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the geographical distribution of Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) in Iran using Geographic Information System Methods: The incidence of Congenital Hypothyroidism in each city and province calculated based on national CH screening program and then the map of its distribution was depicted. The spatial distribution of CH was assessed in each city by employing binominal test and Hotspot Analysis. The map of distribution of CH was drawn by ArcGIS version 9.2 software. Results: The national incidence of CH (including both transient and permanent types) has been estimated 2.2/1000 in screened new borne babies. The distribution of CH seems more or less equally around the country and its spatial variation was not statistically significant. We did not find any specific CH Hot Spot in Iran. Conclusions: We did not find any particular explanation for high incidence of CH is Iran geographically; therefore other explanations for such a ...
Community assessment is one of the core competencies for public health professionals; mainly beca... more Community assessment is one of the core competencies for public health professionals; mainly because it gives them a better understanding of the strengths and drawbacks of their jurisdictions. We planned to recognize an appropriate model that provides a conceptual framework for the Iranian community. This study was conducted in Tehran, during 2009-2010 and consisted of two parts: a review of the literature and qualitative interview with selected experts as well as focus group discussion with health field staff. These steps were done to develop a conceptual framework: planning for a steering committee, forming a working committee, re-viewing community assessment models and projects, preparing the proposed model draft, in-depth interview and focused group discussions with national experts, finalizing the draft, and preparing the final model. Three different models published and applied routinely in different contexts. The 2008 North Carolina Community Assessment model was used as a re...
Pain is one of the most important consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI). It may affect several... more Pain is one of the most important consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI). It may affect several aspects of life, especially the quality of life (QoL). Hence, this study was conducted to establish an understanding of pain and its correlates and effects on patients with SCI in our community. In a cross-sectional study, 58 male veterans suffering from SCI were admitted to our center for a regular follow-up. Demographic and SCI-related descriptive information were gathered using a self-reported questionnaire. To evaluate the patients' pain quality and the effect of pain on daily life, a questionnaire in 3 parts of lumbar, cervical and shoulder pain was administered. EuroQoL questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 12 were also used to assess the patients' QoL. The mean age of the participants was 45.91 ± 6.69 with mean injury time of 25.54 ± 5.91. forty-four patients (75.9%) reported pain, including lumbar pain (63%), cervical pain (39%) and shoulder pain (51%). Th...
Although numerous studies have found higher rates of abortion and still births following consangu... more Although numerous studies have found higher rates of abortion and still births following consanguinity (familial marriages), the question of whether consanguinity significantly increases the risk of neonatal death has inadequately been addressed.This study aims to evaluate familial marriage effects on neonatal death in rural areas in Iran. In this nested case-control study, 6900 newbornswho were born in rural areas of Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Province (South-West of Iran)were followed till the end of neonatal period, and neonatal death was the outcome of interest. Subsequently 97 cases and 97 controls were selected in study cohort by using risk set sampling model. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were estimated by usinga conditional logistic regression model. In the final model, prematurity (OR = 5.57), low birthweight (LBW) (OR = 7.68), consanguinity (first cousins) (OR = 5.23), C-section (OR = 7.27), birth rank more than 3 (OR = 6.95) and birthsinterval less than 24 months (OR...
Evaluating the malaria status of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries rel... more Evaluating the malaria status of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries relation to goal 6 of 3rd Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which includes have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria. By 2009, we reviewed the MDGs reports, extracted the data from surveillance system, published, and unpublished data. The main stakeholders, from both governmental and international organizations in the country have been visited and interviewed by the research team as part of the data validation process. The malaria incidence is very heterogeneous among ECO countries, which differ less than 200 cases in total country in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan to 82,564 cases (2,428/100,000) in Afghanistan and 59,284 cases (881/100,000) in Pakistan and about 18/100,000 in Iran in 2008. Malaria has been a major public health problem in Pakistan and Afghanistan and will continue to pose serious threat to millions of peop...
International journal of preventive medicine, 2012
Population-based estimates of traffic accidents (TAs) are not readily available for developing co... more Population-based estimates of traffic accidents (TAs) are not readily available for developing countries. This study examined the contribution of socioeconomic status (SES) to the risk of TA among Iranian adults. A total of 64,200people aged ≥18years were identified from 2008 Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART) survey. 22,128 households were interviewed to estimate the overall annual incidence, severity and socioeconomic determinants of TAs for males and females in Iranian capital over the preceding year. Wealth index and house value index were constructed for economic measurement. Weighted estimates were computed adjusting for complex survey design. Logistic regression models were used to examine individual and SES measures as potential determinants of TAs in adults. The overall incidence of traffic accident was 17.3(95% CI 16.0, 18.7) per 1000 per year. TA rate in men and women was 22.6(95% CI 20.6, 24.8) and 11.8(95% CI 10.4, 13.2), respectively. The ov...
International journal of preventive medicine, 2012
Evaluating the tuberculosis (TB) status of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member cou... more Evaluating the tuberculosis (TB) status of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries relation to goal 6-c of the third millennium, which includes that TB incidence, prevalence, and death rates should be halved by 2015, compared with their level in 1990. In 2009, we have critically reviewed the countries' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) reports and extracted the data from the surveillance system and published and unpublished data. The main stakeholders, from both governmental and international organizations in the country have been visited and interviewed by the research team as part of the data validation process. The TB incidence is very heterogeneous among ECO countries, which differ from 21.7 in Iran to 230.7 per 100,000 in Tajikistan. TB incidence (per 100,000) is more than 100 in six countries and is from 50 to 100 in two countries and is less than 30 in two countries. Only in two countries the crude death rate (CDR) is higher than 70%. In seven count...
Objective. This Study was conducted after a diarrhea outbreak that occurred in Yazd Province, Ira... more Objective. This Study was conducted after a diarrhea outbreak that occurred in Yazd Province, Iran. The aim of the study was to compare knowledge, attitude, practice, and other risk factors of the affected communities regarding diarrhea outbreak (the cities of Zarch, Meybod, and Ardakan) to nonaffected communities (the cities of Yazd and Taft). Methods. A knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey study was conducted from August to September 2013 enrolling 505 subjects who were referred to health centers anonymously during the epidemic. The questionnaire included the following four parts: (a) general characteristics such as gender, education level, source of health information obtaining; (b) 12 questions on knowledge (Min = 0, Max = 36); (c) 10 questions on attitude (Min = 0, Max = 50); and (d) nine questions on practice (Min = 0, Max = 27). Results. The overall mean score of knowledge, attitude, and practice was 28.17 (SD = 4.58), 37.07 (SD = 4.39), and 21.31 (SD = 3.81), respe...
Sexual activity is an important aspect of life in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), rated a... more Sexual activity is an important aspect of life in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), rated as one of the top priorities for recovery of function. This study was conducted to establish an understanding of the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED), a major component of male sexual activity, and its correlates in patients with SCI in our community. In a cross-sectional study, 37 male veterans with SCI admitted for regular follow-up at our center were recruited. Demographic and SCI-related descriptive information was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. Sexual Health Inventory for Men was used to assess the presence and severity of ED. Euro Quality of Life questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were also administered. The mean age of the participants was 45.7 ± 6.5 years with injury duration of 24.7 ± 6.2 years. Mean GHQ-12 score of 3.65 ± 3.38 and mean Sexual Health Inventory for Men score of 11.57 ± 5.28 were measured. All participants had ED, and ...
Abstract:" nBackground and Aim: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications at a low... more Abstract:" nBackground and Aim: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications at a low age are more serious and more progressive than at higher age. Because of this difference in the natural history of the disease as a function of age, this study was ...
To assess subjective quality of life of an Iranian general population sample. This was a populati... more To assess subjective quality of life of an Iranian general population sample. This was a population-based study. Quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. The associations between socio-demographic variables and quality of life were assessed by both univariate and multivariate analyses. In all, 1,164 individuals were studied. The mean age of the participants was 37.6 (SD = 13.2) years, and the mean score for quality of life domains (physical, psychological, social relationship and environment domains) was 14.3 (SD = 2.6), 13.4 (SD = 2.6), 13.9 (SD = 2.6), and 12.3 (SD = 2.4), respectively. The results obtained from univariate analysis did not show a consistent pattern for association between demographic variables and quality of life domains. However, multivariate regression analysis showed that self-reported health condition was the most significant contributing factor to the decreased scores for all domains. Overall, quality of life scores were found to be low among an Iranian general population and greatly varied by socio-demographic variables. In addition, self-reported health condition was found to be the strongest factor affecting people's quality of life.
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