Iranian Journal of Public Health
Volume:38 Issue: 3, Autumn 2009

There is a great deal of descriptive studies on obesity in Iran, mostly assessed the prevalence and its relation ship with various risk factors and chronic diseases. In order to obtain/give a better insight into the epidemiology of obesity in Iran in recent years and assess its heterogeneity around the country, we reviewed systematically all available studies and ana lyzed their findings using Meta-analysis. All published papers in Iranian and international journals, final reports of research projects, papers in relevant con gresses, proceeding books and dissertations of students were reviewed. Those findings, which published between 1997 and 2007 and met eligible criteria, were entered in meta-analysis (Random Model). Fifty eight eligible papers (out of 219) including 132864 individuals were entered into analysis. The overall preva lence of obesity for adults (>18 yr) and children (<18y) was 21.5% (CI95% 17.4-25.6) and 5.5% (CI95% 4.5-6.4), respec tively. The prevalence of obesity in boys and girls (<18y) was 5.3% (CI95% 4.1-6.4) and 4.8% (CI95% 4.0-5.7), respec tively. It increased in both adult men and women to 13.7% (CI95% 10.9-16.7) and 27.3% (CI95% 21.3-33.4), respectively. Meta regression indicated that only age explained a considerable proportion of the observed heterogeneity among women. In overall, the risk of obesity was greater in women, but even in adults, the prevalence was less than that in devel oped countries. The percentage of obesity was increased by aging, especially in women. There were large variations in the re ported prevalence of obesity in Iran; it is mainly because of the different in the distributions of age and sex among the sub jects.

Cytokines and specially interferon-gamma (IFN-) are largely responsible for the regulation of the protective im mune response against mycobacterial infections. Several studies have clarified the importance of common variants of IFN- gene regarding the susceptibility to tuberculosis. Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine that is used to prevent se vere forms of tuberculosis could produce local and systemic side effects. In this study we hypothesized that the IFN- (+874T/A) polymorphism was associated with development of BCG adenitis. Thirty patients with BCG adenitis (18 males and 12 females) and 30 age and sex-matched healthy children, vacci nated with BCG during the first two days of life were chosen. All the patients and controls were of Iranian Fars origin and the study was conducted from 2005 to 2007. DNA samples were obtained from 30 patients with BCG adenitis and 30 age and sex matched healthy vaccinees. Polymorphism at +874 was identified using allele specific polymerase chain reac tion. Allele and genotype frequencies in cases and controls were compared using the χ2 test and odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The minor allele (T) frequency was significantly lower in patients with BCG adenitis compared to controls (35% vs. 55%, P= 0.02, OR= 0.441, 95% CI= 0.211–0.919). The Armitage trend test revealed a gradually increasing protection from the AA genotype through AT to TT (common odds ratio= 0.49; P= 0.037). Our data suggest that in an Iranian population, the IFN- (+874T/A) polymorphism is associated with develop ment of BCG adenitis in the vaccinees.

Deletions of the DAZ (deleted in azoospermia) genes within the human Y chromosome’s AZFc region are the most common cause of spermatogenesis failure. These deletions are usually assessed by analyses of genomic DNA ex tracted from peripheral leukocytes. DAZ genes are expressed in male germ cells. In this prospective study, we investigated DAZ expression and deletion in 102 consecutive infertile men presenting with non-obstructive azoospermia in Avesina Re search Institute, Tehran, Iran during 2005-6. In this prospective study, we extracted genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes for detection of DAZ dele tions and testicular biopsies for histopathological assessment and analyses of DAZ expression level by reverse transcrip tion polymerase chain reaction. DAZ levels were normalized to expression of the housekeeping Phosphoglucomu tase 1 gene. In four out of 102 patients (3.9%), we found DAZ deletion. DAZ expression was observed in 60 (61.2%) of 98 other patients. Expression was not detected in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome, but observed in 37 of 40 (92.5%) pa tients with maturation arrest and 20 of 26 (76.9%) with hypospermatogenesis. The absence of DAZ expression could result in quantitative reduction of germ cells and might be observed de spite of normal genomic DNA constitution. We recommend to check DAZ testicular expression and genomic DNA deletion, in non-obstructive azoospermia. This is more recommended to avoid transmission of genetic abnormalities which might lead to infertility in male offspring, when assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are performed.

This study was designed to determine the frequency of Microsatellite Instability (MSI) in young Iranian pa tients with endometrial carcinoma and to evaluate its association with histopathologic and clinical features of disease. Microsatellite status was analyzed in 23 patients with endometrioid type endometrial cancer who were less than 55 years. Clinicopathologic characteristics such as age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetric (FIGO) grad ing and staging of tumor, family history of Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), oral conception (OC) consump tion, number of pregnancies, fertility, menstrual cycles and underlying disease were considered. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to find the significant relationships. MSI analysis showed 8 patients (34.8%) were MSS (Microsatellite Stable), 15 patients (62.5%) were MSI positive. Among cases with MSI phenotype, 4 cases (17.4%) had low instability (MSI-L) and 11 cases (47.8%) had high instability (MSI-H). Three cases with MSI-H had family history of HNPCC related cancers. Five cases (21.7%) had infertility in which 4 of them (80%) had MSI phenotype. There was no statistically significant relationship between MSI phenotype and tumor grade and stage. Few studies reported high frequency of MSI among young patients. Some studies mentioned similar results in endo metrioid type of tumor. This study showed even higher frequency (65%) when MSI analyzed in young endometrioid type endometrial patients. Most cases with infertility had MSI-H phenotype. It may suggest that beside women with family his tory of HNPCC, EC screening using MSI would be beneficial in infertile women too.

The prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections and the anthropogenic risk factors of 978 ran domly selected primary school children from Igbede community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State Southern Nigeria were evaluated. Subjects were screened for the presence of STH using direct smear method and kato-katz techniques. This study was conducted between April and December, 2007 and comprised of 516 (52.76%) males and 462 (47.24%) females be tween the age of 5 and 13 years. Nine hundred and seven (92.74%) of the subjects were infected by soil-transmitted helminthes (STH). The overall prevalence by species was Ascaris lumbricoides (76.89%), Hookworm (54.60%) and Trichuris Trichiura (29.24%). Three hundred and eight two (39.40%) were infected with two or more STH. The prevalence and intensity of all species of STH significantly varied with age (P< 0.05), with highest prevalence in age group 5-7 years. The sex related prevalence showed that males were more infected for all species of STH than females, but this was only statistically significant for hookworm (P< 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis for the epidemiological variable showed that walking barefoot was the only risk factor for hookworm infection while licking of fingers as well as drinking from well and surface tank was risk factors for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections. Considering the high prevalence of STH observed from this study, establishment of sustainable and regular deworming programme in the community coupled with health education messages on good hygienic practices are highly essential

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a major public health problem in the world. Weight loss, muscle and fat mass depletion are common nutritional problems in COPD patients and are determinant factors in pul monary function, health status, disability and mortality. In the present study, we assessed nutritional status in COPD pa tients. This cross-sectional study was performed in the Rasul-e-Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran on 63 COPD patients with mean age (SD) of 67.6 (9.4) years. All subjects were diagnosed by a pulmonary specialist and based on a spirometry test. They were divided into three groups (2, 3, 4 stages of disease). Anthropometric and biochemical indices, body composition analy ses by bioelectric impedance, spirometry test and determination of disease severity were performed for all subjects. All analy ses were performed using the SPSS 14. All data presented as means (± sd). Reduction of body mass index (BMI), Mid-Arm Muscle Circumference (MAMC) and Fat-Free Mass (FFM) were ob served alongside an increase in disease severity but it was not significant. Significant reduction of Fat Mass (FM) (P= 0.007), Fat Mass Index (FMI) (P= 0.03) and biochemical indices like Albumin (P= 0.000) and Total Protein (P= 0.04) were associ ated with an increase in disease stages. It is suggested that in addition to BMI, other nutritional status indices like MAMC, FFM and FM should be used for early diagnosis of malnutrition before weight loss occurs.

Onychomycosis results from invasion of the nail plate by dermatophytes, yeasts or mould species of fungi. The objective was to determine the etiological agents of onychomycosis. A total of 549 patients clinically suspected of onychomycosis were examined for causative fungal agents. Both di rect microscopy and the cultures of the nail material were performed to identify the causative agents between 2004-2005 in Tehran, Iran. Out of 549 cases examined, 263(47.9%) were mycologically proven cases of onychomycosis (139 finger, 124 toe nails), among those 33(6.09%) were only positive in direct microscopic examination. From an etiological point of view, 21.85% of nail infections were caused by yeasts, 10.55% were infected by dermatophytes and 15.5% by non-dermatopyte moulds. Candida albicans was the common yeast causative agent (16.73%) followed by A. flavus (11.78%), T. mentagro phytes (10.26%), C. parapilosis (9.12%), C. tropicalis (8.74%), A. fumigatus (6.08%), T. rubrum (4.94%), A. niger (3.04%), Peni cillium spp. (2.66%), Aspergillus spp (1.90%), each of Rhizopus spp and Cladosporium spp (1.52%), C. guilliermondii (1.14%), Sco po lariopsis spp. (1.14%), each of C. famata, C. glabrata, C. krusei, S. lusitania, Acremonium spp. (0.76%) and C. homicola (0.38%), T. rubrum (4.94%). Candida species were most common responsible agent for onychomycosis in fe male hands (74.1%) fol lowed by 17.26% non-dermatophyte moulds. Dermatophytes caused tinea unguim of hand (8.63%) and peduum (37.1%) in males. Onychomycosis of finger nails was most prevalent in females while toenail infection was com mon in male patients. The yeasts of the Genus Candida and non-dermatophyte moulds are dominant cause of female finger nail onychomy cosis and dermathophytes are principal cause of both finger and toe nails in males in Tehran.

The clinical symptoms of diabetes mellitus in oral cavity are xerostomia, pathological changes in periodontal tis sues and caries. It has been suggested that the determination of salvia`s components in diabetic patients may be useful in de scribing and further understanding the oral findings in this condition. The aim of this study was to detect differences be tween the salivary albumin in diabetic patients and healthy people. A case-control study was carried out using data from Hamadan researches diabetes center in 2008. We selected 40 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus aged 9-61 years, 40 patients with type2 aged 39-82 years and 40 healthy controls aged 20-67 years. Dental and oral status was assessed for all subjects. Completely unstimulated saliva samples were col lected from diabetic patients and control subjects. Nephelometric method was used to determine salivary albumin con centra tion. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS. No significant difference in salivary albumin concentration was found between the control group and type1 dia betic patients but salivary albumin was significantly higher in type2 diabetic patients in compare with control groups (P= 0.017), also no significant difference was found between type1 and type2 diabetic patients. In diabetic patients, complain of dry mouth and burning feeling in mouth was significantly higher, as well as, dental examinations showed higher DMFT mean values than the controls. Adults with type2 diabetes mellitus have higher concentration of salivary albumin that would play a helpful diagnos tic role in oral findings of diabetic patients.

In today’s competitive world, organizations’ survival and success depends on satisfying customer needs and ex pec tations. This is particularly important in health care sector where quality of service and customer relations are the key suc cess factors. The purpose of this research was to determine whether there was a relationship between patient satisfaction and loyalty to the service provider. A total of 240 patients in four private hospitals were invited to complete a survey questionnaire. Both parametric and nonparametric research analysis were performed to test the research hypotheses. In addition, sensitivity analysis was ap plied to identify the most critical satisfaction dimensions that provide the highest return for management effort and financial in vestment. The study used six specific-satisfaction dimensions, including nursing care, operating room, admission and ad ministra tive service, meal, cost and patient room to propose its hypotheses. The patient overall satisfaction was mostly affected by the nursing care, meal, patient room as well as admission and administrative services, respectively. Further, we found that patient overall satisfaction and loyalty were positively corre lated so that one unit increase in patient overall satisfaction increases patient loyalty by 54% to 77%. Hospitals in devising their long-term strategy should pay sufficient attention to the development of their hu man resources. Such a strategy should be leveraged on attracting and retaining competent and customer-oriented nursing and administrative staff, investing in continuous professional development of staff and using advanced technologies to im prove the quality and speed of customer services.

The purpose of this study was to find out the frequency of different serotypes of enteropathogenic Es cherichia coli (EPEC) among healthy/diarrheal cases. A total of 191 strains, 111 from diarrheal and 80 from asymptomatic persons were examined. Determination of the EPEC sero groups was performed by agglutination tests using polyvalent and monovalent O antiserum. PCR-RFLP analysis of the flag el lin-encoding (fliC) gene and agglutination tests using polyvalent and monovalent sera against H antigens (H1 to H 56) according to the instructions of the manufacturer was performed. Seventeen (8.9%) strains were non-motile and untypable with conventional serotyping method that showed as H-. Forty-three fliC restriction patterns were found for motile and non-motile serotypes. Each motile serotype was characterized by one or two fliC specific restriction patterns. O142:H48 (6.8%), O86:H48 (6.3%), O111:H21 (4.7%) and O127:H21 (4.2%) were the most prevalent serotypes, and O55:H12/45, O86:H48, O127:H21, O142:H48, O126:H48 and O126:H19 sero types were the most frequently agents in diarrheal cases, compared to asymptomatic children (P< 0.05). There were com mon EPEC serotypes in diarrheal and asymptomatic children, however some serotypes either found only in diarrheal cases or isolated from asymptomatic persons. Some serotypes were isolated more frequently from diarrheal cases than asymptomatic persons. The conven tional serological method using antisera is the basis for the H typing system in E-coli, but it is impossible to serotype non-mo tile bacteria. PCR-RFLP analysis of fliC gene is a practical method in identifying the H variant in motile and non-motile EPEC serotypes and is useful for epidemiological studies.

The study was conducted to estimate and compare the validity and performance of two screening methods for uri nary schistosomiasis: the interview – reporting blood in urine- and detecting microhematuria by reagent strip. In year 2003, 515 schoolchildren from five schools in Abyan and Taiz governorates in Yemen, were interviewed by healtworker for hematuria, and then urine samples were collected and tested for microhematuria by urine strip and for the presence and count of Schistosoma hematobium by filtration method. Validity and performance indicators were esti mated and compared for the two methods using the filtration method as the reference - standard – test. The mean age of the schoolchildren was 10.7±2.5 years. Boys represented 65% of the sample. The prevalence of the infection as determined by filtration, interview and reagent strip methods was 21.4%, 22.15, and 30.9%, respectively. Sen sitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of the urine strip was higher than the same indicators for the interview method. Com bining the results of both screening methods increased all validity and performance indicators. A statically significant (P< 0.001) association was found between urine strip positivity level and infection intensity. The urine strip had higher validity and performance indicators than the interview method. For its low –cost, sim ple and rapid application, we recommend using it for screening infected schoolchildren in areas endemic with S. hemato bium in combination with the interview method to enhance its performance.

To investigate the association between socio-economic status and obesity in non-menopause women aged 15-49 years in Tehran, Iran. This study was based on Iran National Health Survey conducted in 1999. Obesity is defined as a Body Mass In dex over ≥30. Constructed area (per-person), educational level and job are considered as factors indicating the socioeconomic status. The results have been adjusted for age and mental health using univariate and multiple logistic regression. A total number of 2859 non-menopause women aged 15-49 yr from urban areas of Tehran have been studied. The preva lence of obesity and overweight were 16.4% and 28.4% respectively. Women aged 30-49 yr had greater risk of obesity (ad justed OR= 2.53, 95%CI: 1.99-3.20). Comparing with students, homemakers and employees were at higher risk of obe sity (adjusted OR= 4.33, 95%CI: 2.47-7.76, adjusted OR= 2.82, 95%CI: 1.41-5.63 respectively). Those with >= 12 years of educa tion had lower risk of obesity compared to illiterate women (adjusted OR=.57, 95%CI: 0.38-0.86). The role of social factors is dominant over economic factor on obesity. This fact should be considered as one of the most important research priorities in future researches.

Generally, sewage exposed water could be potentially contaminated with enteroviruses. For this reason, en terovirus isolation from sewage specimens is one of the most sensitive indicators for virus circulation in the population. We evalu ated the ICC-RT-PCR and cell culture methods for detection of enteroviruses in Tehran sewage system. This research utilized 63 specimens provided through Grab sample method to concentrate by two-phase method and cultured in RD and HEp-2 cells, respectively. All specimens then were inoculated using sensitive cell cultures of RD and HEp-2. After 24 hours incubation at 36˚C by means of Pan E.V primers and afterwards Pan P.V Primers along with spe cific sabin primers, RT-PCR was carried out on the cell culture specimens. Data were analyzed using SPSS Software (SPSS for and ANOVA test as well as Chi-square test. Out of 63 collected specimens, enteroviruses were isolated from 33 specimens (52.38%) and 41(65.01%) specimens which utilized cell-culture & ICC-RT-PCR methods respectively. Polioviruses were also isolated from 6 specimens. Statistical analysis indicated that there was a significant relationship (0.05 level) between cell culture and ICC-RT-PCR methods to isolate enteroviruses. Further the sensitivity of ICC-RT-PCR method to detect enteroviruses less than 0.01 TCID50 was evaluated, which indicated that this method is acceptable and sensitive enough to detect enteroviruses in sewage.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Considering immense socioeconomic damages of growing AMI in developing countries we estimated prognostic value of major risk factors of AMI to predict probable In-hospital AMI mortality. In a cohort survey from June 2004 to March 2006, 1798 patients hospitalized with proven AMI entered into two groups: Survived (patients discharged alive) and Expired (patients expired during hospitalization due to AMI). We evaluated relationship of 17 risk factors including age, sex, smoking, opium usage, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, Killip class, existence of Q wave, St segment elevation, bundle branch blocks (BBB), involved surface of heart, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), mitral valve regurgitation (MR), and serum level of Troponin I and CKMB, with patients'' survival and expiry by using chi square test, T test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. There were 1629 (90.6%) survived and 169 (9.4%) expired patients. Factors significantly affected in-hospital mortality of AMI include: age (P< 0.001), femaleness (P< 0.001), smoking (P< 0.001), Killip class>II (P< 0.001), hy per tension (P= 0.036), DM (P< 0.001), bundle branch block (P< 0.001), Moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (P< 0.001), lower Mean LVEF (P< 0.001), and lower mean serum concentration of CKMB and Troponin I (P< 0.001). Mortality was significantly higher in anterolateral infarction. Mean age> 69.01 yr, femaleness, Killip class III & V, hypertension, DM, moderate to severe MR, anterolateral AMI, bundle branch block and higher serum concentration of CKMB & Troponin I are associated with higher In-hospital post-AMI mortality.

Despite many media campaigns by government and private sectors highlighting, water and sanitation treat ment plans and policies, the public health problems are still common in different socioeconomic areas. The objective of our study was to explore the major public health problems prevailing in two different socio economic areas in Karachi, Pakistan. A cross sectional survey was conducted from January 1, 2008, to June 15, 2008. Convenience sampling was used to select the EVACUE housing situated and model village. From each house selected, interviews were conducted based on one participant per house. The main outcome variables were measure of different qualities of drinking water safety, taste, etc. Problems of waste and sanitation included disposal of solid waste and leakage of drainage system in the area. The results found water quality to be good with safe drinking water and less residents complained in EVACUEE as compared to Model. The results also found better sanitary services with proper drainage system and less open dumping of garbage in EVACUEE as compared to Model. Health problems of drinking water and sanitation were more prevalent in low socio economic areas as com pared to higher socio economic area.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with significant maternal and fetal consequences. The aim of pre sent study was to determine the current prenatal CMV seroprevalence in Eastern Azerbaijan and evaluate the routine labora tory diagnostic techniques of anti-CMV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). During the present prospective cross-sectional study, 125 women referred to No. 1 Laboratory of Specialized Clin ics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and seeking prenatal care were evaluated during 2003-2006. CMV IgG and IgM antibodies were determined with ELISA technique. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical pack age version 13.0. Eight four percent of the subjects were seropositive. Out of 20 subjects with primary seronegativity, 12 (9.6%) re mind seronegative during reexaminations and follow up, but eight (6.4%) subjects showed primary infection in the second to third trimesters of gestation. In two (1.6%) of these eight subjects, IgM was persisted for more than 20 months. Results showed a similar seroprevalence of CMV in Eastern Azerbaijan. Also, we found that ELISA IgM test was not an appropriate method for differentiation of past or recent CMV infections especially in the pregnant women

This study aimed at investigating the simple and multiple relationships between personality traits and addic tion potential in university students. Three hundred and forty two students were selected by cluster sampling from the Shahid Chamran University (Iran). The scales used for this descriptive study were NEO-FFI personality inventory and Iranian Addiction Potential Scale (IAPS). To analyze the data, we used descriptive and inferential statistic test via spss-13. There were simple and multiple relationships between personality traits and addiction potential. Multiple regres sion analysis (stepwise method) showed that neuroticism, conscientiousness and agreeableness had significant multiple correla tion with addiction potential (F=32.89, P< 0.001). The components of openness and extroversion eliminated from regres sion. Personality traits predicted addiction potential in university students. The most important suggestion of this re search was to pay attention scientifically to personality characters as a fundamental factor of this difficulty, rather than just empha sizing on the cessation of drug or alcohol using.

Depression is a kind of sorrow that decreases the level of juiciness. Most studies have maintained that psy chological risk factors have the most profound effect on the development of postnatal depression (PND). We compared the postnatal depression among the women with elective caesarean and vaginal delivery. This cross- sectional study was carried out on 120 women 1-4 months after their delivery. Samples were divided in two groups (60 mothers with caesarean and 60 with vaginal delivery).The samples were selected by cluster sampling in Health Center of Yazd City, Yazd Province. To assess the level of depression, we handed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to participants. For data analysis, qui- square, ANOVA and descriptive statistic were used. The mean grade scores of depression of women with caesarean delivery was 17.16 (SD=11.57) and for women with vaginal delivery was 11.05 (SD=9.41).The major depression in women with caesarean was twice the women with vaginal de livery (16.7 via 8.3). There was significant difference between mode of delivery and depression of participants (P= 0.02). Ten dency of sexuality in women with caesarean was lower than women with vaginal delivery. Although the prevalence of PND symptoms seems to be the same across the cultures, risk factors differ sig nificantly. This study identified caesarean delivery as a certain risk factor for increasing prevalence of depression in post natal delivery. This factor must be taken into consideration when planning intervention and preventive strategies for these women

This study was designed to investigate whether there was an association between ABO blood groups and car diovascular risk factors in healthy population. In this cross-sectional study, risk factors screening for cardiovascular disease(CVD) on 5000 healthy persons of Go lestan Province, northern Iran, in 2005 was estimated by a questionnaire that included age, sex, physical activity, smok ing status, blood group type (if they had blood laboratory tests), weight, height, blood pressure and family history of coro nary artery disease (CAD). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 11.5 and by using Chi Square and ANOVA tests. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Amongst 5000 subjects, 2920 had blood laboratory tests and their types of blood group were known. Of the total of 2920, 57.4% were male, 70% were inactive, 14% were smoker, 25% were hypertensive, 23% obese, 21% had family history of CAD and mean age was 41.52±12.317. Blood group O(32.9%), A(30.1%), B(23.3%) and AB(13.7%), respectively had most frequency. Amongst cardiac risk factors, only frequency of family history of CAD in individual with different blood groups was different (P< 0.01) and individual with A blood group reported more family history of CVD versus other blood groups. Amongst cardiovascular risk factors, only family history of CAD had significant relation with ABO.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most frequent genetic enzymatic disorder in hu man, which is inherited as an X-linked gene. It encodes a housekeeping enzyme, which is vital for cell survival. Accord ing to previous investigations, Mediterranean mutation (C563T) of g6pd gene is the most prevalent mutation in some prov inces of Iran and neighboring countries. We aimed to study the Mediterranean mutation of g6pd gene in Khuzestan province of Iran. A total of 1064 randomly selected male blood samples were selected in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, in 2008 and screened for G6PD deficiency using fluorescent spot test method. In order to determine the frequency of G6PD Mediterra nean variant, 144 G6PD deficient samples were analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. Eighty-one out of 1064 random selected screened samples were G6PD deficient, so a 7.6% frequency was obtained for G6PD deficiency. In addition, 105 out of 144 collected deficient samples had Mediterranean mutation that resulted in a 72.91% allel frequency. Corresponding to other investigations in Middle East countries and some provinces of Iran, we found that the Mediter ranean mutation of g6pd gene was the most prevalent variant and G6PD deficiency occurred in a high frequency.