prevalence

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is highly consequential to global health among chronic diseases. Due to a limited researches that have examined relationships between liver enzymes and DM, this study aimed to investigate the link between elevated liver enzymes and diabetes among Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) Guilan cohort study (PGCS) population.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 10519 individuals. The demographic and clinical information of the participants was recorded. The changes in alanine aminotransferases (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were evaluated. IBM SPSS Version 21 was used to analyze the data, with a significance level < 0.05.

The frequency of diabetes was 24.1% and was more prevalent in women than men (27.4% vs. 20.2%, p< 0.001). After removing all confederates, patients with elevated ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP levels were 1.27, 1.27, 1.52, and 1.46 times more likely to have diabetes, respectively. The likelihood of developing diabetes rose in correlation with the number of elevated liver enzymes, up to almost 1.77-fold among subjects with three or four increased liver enzymes.

Patients diagnosed with diabetes exhibited significantly increased levels of liver enzymes compared to those without diabetes. Also, impairment of three or four liver enzymes demonstrated a positive correlation with an elevated likelihood of DM. This indicates the importance of considering the liver status in the management of the DM population.

Periodontal inflammation is one of the most common infectious diseases related to the mouth worldwide.

This study was conducted with the aim of determining periodontal indicators of MS patients after implant placement.

This case-control study was conducted in the group of patients who visited private and public dental clinics in Ilam city for implant placement. In this study, after obtaining informed consent from the patients, their demographic information was recorded, and then the research and clinical examinations were started by the periodontist specialist. Periodontitis was diagnosed using clinical examination and questionnaire. After collecting the desired indicators, the data was entered into SPSS software version 16, and data analysis was done using independent t-test, ANOVA, and regression.

Results showed that 41.7% of the patients in the case group, 20% in control group 1, and 6.7% in control group 2 had symptoms of periodontitis. In the case group, a significant relationship was observed between education status and smoking with periodontitis, such that in patients with education below diploma and a history of smoking, the rate of periodontitis was higher than in other patients (P < 0.05).

The prevalence of periodontitis in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who visited dental clinics for implants was reported to be high. For this reason, it is recommended to carry out preventive and therapeutic protocols in this field more carefully.

Upper and lower limb injuries in handball significantly challenge athletes' performance.

This study investigated the prevalence, type, and location of upper and lower limb injuries in elite male and female Iranian handball players.

This epidemiological study on sports injuries was conducted retrospectively as a cross-sectional study on 276 elite handball players (164 men with a mean age of 25.73 ± 7.77 years, height 181.96 ± 10.14 cm, and weight 84.88 ± 17.39 kg, and 112 women with a mean age of 19.30 ± 4.79 years, height 168.29 ± 5.20 cm, and weight 63.79 ± 9.64 kg). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the injury report form developed by Fuller et al. to examine the prevalence of injuries among handball players. The study used an independent t-test and chi-square test to compare continuous and categorical variables between genders. Descriptive statistics were also applied, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS software.

The findings revealed that 95.65% of handball players reported experiencing serious sports injuries, with men having a higher frequency of prior injuries (46.95%) compared to women (23.21%). Women experienced more contact injuries (51.78%), whereas men had more non-contact injuries (60.36%). Injuries in women occurred more frequently during practice sessions (53.57%), while men sustained more injuries during competitions (49.39%). The majority of injuries in both genders happened without the use of supportive equipment (65.57%). Lower limb injuries were the most common (60.14%), followed by upper limb (30.43%), trunk (25%), and head/face injuries (13.41%). Additionally, the chi-square test showed significant gender differences in injury location (P = 0.022) and experience of serious injuries (P = 0.0001), but no significant differences were found in injury type, timing, or use of supportive equipment.

This study revealed that 95.65% of elite Iranian handball players have sustained serious sports injuries. Men experienced more recurrent injuries, while women reported more contact-related injuries. Injuries were more common during practice sessions for women and during competitions for men. The frequent absence of protective equipment highlights the need for effective preventive measures.

The increasing prevalence of preterm birth in many societies has raised concerns. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with preterm birth in hospitals in Neyshabur, Eastern Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 273 neonates born before 37 weeks of gestational age between 2017 and 2019 in the educational hospitals of Neyshabur. The infants were included in the research through convenience sampling. The research tool consisted of items addressing issues related to both mothers and newborns. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, employing descriptive and analytical statistics, including chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.

The rate of preterm birth in Neyshabur over the three-year period was 2.85%. Bicornuate uterus (1.83%) and cervical insufficiency (1.46%) were the most observed uterine factors, while umbilical cord prolapse (1.83%) and placental adhesion (1.46%) were the most prevalent placental factors. Moreover, breech presentation (10.98%) was the most common co-occurring fetal factor in preterm birth. A significant difference was found between the length of pregnancy and the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section) (P=0.003).

Due to the high prevalence of preterm birth in Neyshabur, it is recommended that mothers undergo periodic evaluations before and during pregnancy to identify and manage any accompanying problems or underlying conditions promptly.

Examine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction among COVID-19 recov-ered patients and whether this condition improved over time. The retrospective study of 50 male patients who have recovered from COVID-19 infection previously hospitalized in dr. H Abdul Moeloek General Hospital between March 2020 – March 2021.

All of these patients were evaluated in terms of erectile and ejaculation function via phone interview. The International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) and Male sexual health questionnaire ejaculatory dysfunction (MHSQ-EJD) were used to assess the erectile function and ejaculatory dysfunction. Sta-tistical analysis was performed to evaluate whether there was a difference between IIEF-5 & MHSQ-EJD scores within 6 months, 6 to 12 months, and >24 months after COVID-19 infection.

The prevalence of ED was 70% and EJD was 2 % during 0-6 months after COVID-19 infection. Mean age and BMI were 50.4 ± 8.5 years and 23.6 ± 1.6 kg/m2 respectively. There are 26 patients (52%) had an educational background lower than bachelor’s degree and 24 patients (48%) had an educational background of bachelor’s de-gree or higher. It was reported that 4 patients (8%) had Diabetes Mellitus and 12 patients (24%) had Hypertension. Most were active smokers (74%) and 2 patients (4%) had reported as active alcohol drinkers. There was a statisti-cally significant IIEF-5 scores difference between three periods of time (p <0,001).

The prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction was high in COVID-19 recovered patients. There was a tem-porary erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction among COVID-19 patients.

Molar incisor hypo mineralization (MIH) is defined as extensive progressive enamel defects with a developmental origin. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of molar incisor hypo mineralization (MIH) in 6-12-year-old Iranian children 2022.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on all 6-12-year-old Iranian children residing in Ilam City, Iran, in 2022. For clinical oral examination, the surface of maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars and incisors was cleaned with a gauze and inspected and examined under adequate lighting and by using a dental explorer in wet conditions for the presence of opaque spots, surface degradation, and caries. The Chi-square and multiple logistic model were applied. Data were analyzed in SPSS V.24 at the level of 0.05 significance.

Totally 1,016 children between 6-12 years participated in the study's first phase, 112 had MIH, yielding a prevalence rate of 11% for this condition. MIH was found in 53.2% of maxillary molars, 37.1% of mandibular molars, 9.7% of both maxillary and mandibular molars, 66% of maxillary incisors, 32% of mandibular incisors, and 2% of both maxillary and mandibular incisors. History of cesarean section (P<0.001), gestational diabetes (P=0.001), Chickenpox (P=0.041), Newborn jaundice (P<0.001), Otitis (P=0.036), Urinary tract infection (P=0.020), Antibiotic therapy (P<0.001) and Respiratory problems (P=0.047) had a positive association with MIH.

The prevalence of MIH was 11% in the study population, and cesarean section, gestational diabetes, medication intake during pregnancy, genetics, newborn jaundice, respiratory problems, otitis, urinary tract infection, antibiotic therapy, and chickenpox were significantly correlated with its occurrence.

Helicobacter pylori infection is common all over the world mainly in developing country around 50% of population may carry it, it’s usually asymptomatic in early childhood but may cause significant problems like peptic ulcer.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and associated factors during infancy.

This study is a cross-sectional study of 110 infants aged from 6 months to 1 year, from 1st Feb. to 1st Aug. 2023. Stool Helicobacter antigen was done for infants and their mothers. Certain demographic and clinical information were obtained then statistical analysis applied.

The results showed 20% of infants were positive for H. pylori stool antigen, mean age of the infants was 8.99 ± 2.074 months. Sixty-two (56.4%) samples were male while forty-seven (42.7%) babies were breastfed. There was a significant association between infantile infection with prematurity, improper hygienic measures, maternal Helicobacter infection and overcrowding.

Helicobacter infection is not uncommon during infancy, Exclusive breast feeding decrease the risk of H. pylori infection in infancy, while other Variables such as gestational age, overcrowding and mother’s H. pylori positivity are known as predictors of H. pylori infection.

The human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1/2 is a retrovirus that can cause adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, tissue-necrotizing lymphadenitis, and tropical spastic paraparesis. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HTLV infection in pregnant women receiving care in Urmia, sited in northwest Iran.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 86 pregnant women in Urmia between May and September 2014. Following interviews and blood sample collection, the participants were screened for IgG antibodies against HTLV-1/2 using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

The average age of the participants was 25.56 ± 5.30 years, with 3 individuals (3.49%) reporting a history of blood transfusion and 18 patients (20.93%) having experienced previous abortions. Serological testing did not reveal any evidence of HTLV-1/2 infection in the study population.

While screening for HTLV-1/2 infection in pregnant women holds significance, it appears that during the study period, this issue was not recognized as a major health concern among pregnant women in Urmia. This observation aligns with findings from other research in Iran, where awareness and emphasis on HTLV-1/2 screening in pregnant populations remain relatively low.

Smoking, particularly hookah use, has become a growing public health concern among adolescents globally.

The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence and underlying factors related to hookah smoking among female students in Kermanshah-Iran.

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 secondary school girls in Kermanshah in 2021. In this study, an electronic, confirmed, valid and reliable questionnaire was used. The participants were selected through a simple random sampling from the secondary schools. The data were entered into SPSS 22 software and analyzed.

The results showed that 5.6% of students have used hookah during the last year and 10.5% in their lifetime. The starting age of hookah smoking among students was 13.4 years old. 19.2% of families and friends of students had used hookah. A relationship was found between hookah smoking in students with hookah smoking family and friends. The risk of hookah smoking in students whose family use hookah is 28.1 times those whose families do not use hookah (95% confidence interval = 5.8, 2.92). The first place of hookah smoking was at home (43.5% of cases).

The current study clarified the role of family and friends in the use of hookah in female students. Considering the increase in hookah smoking among adolescent girls and the important role of family and friends, the inclusion of this subject in future preventive interventions is suggested.

Excessive prescription of antibiotics is the main factor contributing to the emergence of resistant bacteria.

To complement the global research conducted by Belgium's Antrop University and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Iran, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions in Ahvaz hospitals.

This was a descriptive longitudinal study. The statistical population consisted of all patients hospitalized at Imam Khomeini, Golestan, and Abuzar Hospitals in Ahvaz between 2020 and 2021 (2035 patients). The data collection tool was a checklist from the educational department and special care department, completed by clinical assistants and recorded in the Global Point Prevalence online software. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.

The overall prevalence of antimicrobial use in Golestan, Imam Khomeini, and Abuzar Hospitals was reported as 43.2%, 44.1%, and 57.9%, respectively. The most common antibiotics for treating sepsis in both adults and children were vancomycin and meropenem. The most commonly used antibiotics for treating upper and lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) and for surgical prophylaxis were ceftriaxone and meropenem. Meropenem was the most commonly used antibiotic for treating pneumonia. The highest rates of antimicrobial resistance were reported for cefazolin (81.42%), ampicillin (93.77%), and ampicillin (94.02%) in Golestan, Imam Khomeini, and Abuzar Hospitals, respectively. The lowest rates of antimicrobial resistance were reported for ciprofloxacin (18.57%) in Golestan Hospital, ciprofloxacin (15.58%) in Imam Khomeini Hospital, and piperacillin/tazobactam (12.04%) in Abuzar Hospital.

Due to the high consumption of ceftriaxone and the significant resistance to ampicillin and cefazolin, continuous monitoring is essential to adjust antibiotic usage and resistance patterns in local, provincial, and national referral hospitals.

Statement of the Problem: 

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) will appear if there is a problem with the temporomandibular joint, bones, related muscles, or ligaments. This complication causes severe joint pain near the ears, head, neck, and jaws. TMD has been reported to affect 40 to 70% of adults.

Based on previous studies, the present review aimed to determine the prevalence of TMD among the Iranian population.

This review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. All relevant studies published during 2000-2023 were retrieved by a systematic search in available international databases, including Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, and domestic Persian databases, including SID, Magiran, and Iran Medex. Finally, 22 completely related studies were selected to investigate the main objective. The Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) software was used for data analysis in this systematic review.

Initially, 212 articles were retrieved, of which 116 were duplicate studies. Further, 39 studies were excluded after evaluation of the title and abstract, and 35 studies were excluded after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 22 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of TMD in Iran was 0.56 (0.44-0.68).

In general, the prevalence of TMD in the Iranian population is relatively high. Therefore, it is necessary to develop strategies to educate people, especially those at risk. Furthermore, due to the presence of TMD in children and students in some parts of the country, it is necessary to perform essential examinations in preschools to prevent the development of this disorder in later life.

The burden of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is worsening globally. Recognition of paediatric SCA burden is vital to comprehending the overall SCA burden. Aim was to determine the prevalence, disease manifestations and outcomes of paediatric SCA.

It was a retrospective study of all children with SCA, 0.5 year (6months) - 17 years old, managed from 2018 through 2023. Data obtained were sex, age at first visit per year, diagnoses and date per visit, location (clinics or emergency-room) of visit, intervals between visits, and death. Disease manifestations per subject were summarized into diagnosis while default was defined as >3 months visit interval.

Of the 532 subjects, 55.6% were males with overall median (interquartile [IQR]) age on first visit of 9 (5 - 13) years. On average, paediatric SCA constituted 4% of first visits per year. There were 252 sick visits per year, 544 diagnoses per year and 146 hospitalisations per year. Commonest diagnosis in emergency-room and clinics were bone pain crises (46.2%) and steady-state (48.5%), respectively. The 11 - 17-year-olds were more likely to have bone pain crises than 0.5 - 4-year-olds (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.381; 95%CI: 0.487-0.787) and 5 - 9-year-olds (OR 0.298; 95%CI: 0.573-0.861). They were also more likely to have avascular necrosis than the 0.5 - 4-year-olds (OR 0.789; 95%CI: 0.047-0.938) and 5 - 9-year-olds (OR 0.777; 95%CI: 0.064-0.781). Overall median (IQR) default time was 6 (5 - 7) months with more defaults (85.1%) than compliants (14.9%) (p<0.001) while 0.56% died.

The overall prevalence of Paediatric SCA in the region is 4% with approximately one hospitalisation per sick visit and more than one diagnoses per visit. There is a high default rate but a low mortality rate (0.56%). Sustained improvement in the management of SCA, from childhood through adulthood, may help alleviate the increasing burden of the condition.

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CA-UTI) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. This study investigates the prevalence, aetiology, and risk factors associated with CA-UTI in male patients at a referral hospital in North West Cameroon. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022, at the Nkwen Baptist Hospital. Male patients catheterized for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) for at least two days were included. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed with Python. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of CA-UTI. Out of 72 participants, 16 (22.2%) had CA-UTI. Significant risk factors included older age (OR = 1.086, p = 0.017), smoking (OR = 4.25, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR = 7.31, p < 0.001), HIV (OR = 5.87, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR = 9.84, p < 0.001), malignancy (OR = 3.28, p = 0.015), and the use of latex catheters (OR = 2.57, p = 0.048). Shorter duration of catheter dependency also increased CA-UTI risk (OR = 0.020, p = 0.001). The prevalence of CA-UTI was 22.2% among the study population. Significant associations were found with age, smoking, diabetes, HIV, CKD, malignancy, and latex catheter use. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to manage these risk factors and reduce CA-UTI incidence in clinical settings. Effective infection control practices, patient education, and risk factor management are essential for mitigating CA-UTI.

Stress is an important psychosocial factor responsible for the hypertension. Globally, university employees reported a high prevalence of hypertension, and perceived stress; however, in Indian context, as few studies documented this association, we conducted a study documenting the prevalence of hypertension and perceived stress among employees of Solapur University.

A cross-sectional study was conducted during June – September 2022 to screen 231 university employees for hypertension following International Society of Hypertension guidelines. Perceived psychological stress was assessed with Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale. Chi-square test and both univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to evaluate the hypotheses. The significance level for the p-value was set at ≤0.05, and statistical analysis was conducted using Stata 12.1. 

The overall prevalence of hypertension was 39%. More than half of employees (54%) were under moderate to high levels of stress, and they were more likely to be hypertensive than those under low stress. Staff with more than 30 years and in non-teaching posts were about two times more at higher risk of hypertension, and male staff, and those having moderate to high-stress levels were 2.5 times more likely associated with the risk of hypertension as compared to others.

University employees are under high levels of stress which are prone to developing hypertension. There is a need to screen more and more Indian university employees for the presence of hypertension and stress to design appropriate hypertension prevention programmes.