فهرست مطالب

Public Health - Volume:51 Issue: 3, Mar 2022

Iranian Journal of Public Health
Volume:51 Issue: 3, Mar 2022

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1401/01/23
  • تعداد عناوین: 29
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  • Nurainaa Kabilmiharbi, Nor Khamis *, Nor Noh Pages 482-494
    Background

    We aimed to find the commonly used assessments to evaluate driver’s mental workload and its relationship with driving distraction.

    Methods

    Academic articles such as journals, books, reports and conference papers that are related to workload measurements methods used in identifying mental workload among drivers that are dated from Jan 2015 to Apr 2020 were used in this paper. Then, PRISMA checklist and flow diagram are being applied.

    Results

    The few commonly used assessments in evaluating mental workload among drivers are Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), NASA TLX, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Heart Rate (HR), eye tracking and driving performance. Moreover, different types of driving distractions show to affect the driver’s mental workload in one way or another when being evaluated using these assessments.

    Conclusion

    The finding of this study can be used to find the gap for future research in vehicle safety by using multimodal monitoring of different types of assessments to increase the validity and robustness in driving as-sessment.

    Keywords: Mental workload, Fatigue, Driving distraction, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Heart rate
  • Raquel Sánchez Recio*, Juan Pablo Alonso Pérez De Ágreda, María José Rabanaque, Isabel Aguilar Palacio Pages 495-507
    Background

    We aimed to examine the available evidence about the impact of the crisis on the use of healthcare services in Europe.

    Methods

    We developed a systematic review of scientific literature for the period 2008-2017. The researchers searched three databases Medline/PubMed, Scopus and Web of Knowledge. For manual searching, several specialized journals of related scope as well as the finalized articles' reference list were searched. Descriptive and thematic analyses were carried out. PRISMA quality criteria and the recommendations of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination were followed.

    Results

    Of 3,685 studies, 35 met inclusion criteria. Regarding “Effects of the social structure” healthcare accessibility inequalities increased by socioeconomic levels, especially in unemployed, people with low educational levels and migrants. Regarding “Healthcare effect”, the impact of the recession was observed in unmet needs, pharmaceutical spending containment, reduction of hospital beds, and privatization of services.

    Conclusion

    Austerity policies have contributed to increasing inequalities in the use of health services during the economic downturn. In the current economic climate, new management and health planning strategies such as hospitalisation at home, new models of integrated care and pharmaceutical management are needed to help achieve greater equity and equality in health.

    Keywords: Systematicreview, Economicrecession, Healthcaresystems, Inequities, Inequalities
  • Anaanthan Bhuvanendran Pillai, Chin Mun Wong, Noor Dalila Inche Zainal Abidin, Sharifah Fazlinda Syed Nor, Mohd Fathulzhafran Mohd Hanan, Siti Rasidah Abd Ghani, Nurul Afzan Aminuddin, Nazarudin Safian * Pages 508-517
    Background

    We reviewed studies onthe prevalence of Chlamydiainfection as a risk factor for developing cer-vical cancer in a meta-analysis studies published in that subject area.

    Methods

    Cochrane Library and PubMeddatabaseswere systematically searched forarticles (observational and randomized controlled trials) published from 2008-2018. A meta-analysis of studies was performed to analyse the association between chlamydia infection and cervical cancer.

    Results

    Five articles were included in the final analysis (N=5271). All five articles were case-control studies, of which three studies sampled from population-based registries. All studies involved with sexually active women with minimum 15 years old. Three studies reported the association of C. trachomatisinfection cervical cancers, two other studies reported C.trachomatis-HPVco-infection in association with cervical cancer. Result showed C. trachomatishas an overall prevalence of 31.9%, pooled OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.67, OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.78 to 2.54 among cervical cancer. There was a mild publication bias detected at 3.0 effect estimation. Heterogenei-ty detected from clinical and methodological diversities particularly from C. trachomatis-HPV co-infection sub-group analysis, including sampling bias, geographical strain diversity, and different outcome endpoint meas-ured.

    Conclusion

    C. trachomatisinfection was significantly associated with the development of cervical cancer. Co-infection of C. trachomatis-HPV with cervical cancer is plausibly sound but temporality of C. trachomatis-HPV with the development of cervical cancer need to be proven in future prospective cohort studies.

    Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, Human papilloma virus, Sexually transmitted disease, Cervical carcinoma
  • Seyed Hasan Tabatabaei, Hassan Shahrokhi, Kamal Gholipour, Shabnam Izadi, Ramin Rezapour, Saber Azami-Aghdash, Deniz Naghibi * Pages 518-530
    Background

    The role of parents in taking care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is critical. This systematic review aimed to investigate the characteristics and results of parent training interventions for autistic chil-dren.

    Methods

    All relevant studies were searched using Boolean operators such as "AND" and "OR" with the keywords such as “Autism Spectrum Disorders,” “Autism,” “Autistic disorder,” “Asperger syndrome,” “Rett’s syndrome”, “Childhood disintegrative disorder”, “Non-specific pervasive disorder”, Parent*, Education*, train*, teach*, indoc-trinate*, and instruct* in electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of knowledge, and also via manual searching in relevant journals, checking the reference list of articles, expert contact, and grey literature from 1 Jan 2000 to 30 Feb 2020. The retrieved studies were screened and reviewed then quality assessed by CONSORT checklist. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis method.

    Results

    Eventually, 53 articles were considered in which 1758 parents with autistic children participated. Overall, 49 studies were conducted in high-income countries, 19 at home, 25 in training centers, 14 carried out only in training way, 39 in training along with practices and assignments, 30 individual interventions, and 21 in groups. Moreover, the effectiveness of interventions was studied in both parents and children groups. The results for parents show di-rect and indirect favorable impacts ofinterventions on them. The results for the children indicate direct and indirect favorable effects of the parents-based interventions on the child and the symptoms of their disorder.

    Conclusion

    According to the included studies, parents-based training interventions significantly impact parents and their children's behavior.

    Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, Effectiveness, Interventions, Parents training, Systematic review
  • Dariush D. Farhud *, Mahsa Azari, Atefeh Mehrabi Pages 531-534

    Contrary to popular belief, 2019 was not the first time humans were infected by the Coronavirus. Coronavirus is one of the oldest viruses on the earth. This article discusses the history of this virus from Neanderthal time so far. We have collected a variety of articles related to coronaviruses and the extent of their interaction with humans from the first time probably appeared on earth, given that this virus is one of the ancient viruses. By examining and following the footsteps of coronaviruses in different works of literature, we found that the first homo that was infected with the coronavirus was Neanderthal. Moreover, we realized that in addition to risk factors such as age and background diseases, genetic evolution also plays an essential role in the protection of the body against coronavirus. On the other hand, this virus has evolved throughout history gradually, the same as humans. The presence of disease in humans, in any period of history, causes changes in human quality of life. Therefore, paying attention to the background of ancient diseases reveals principal information about the complexity of pathogens.

    Keywords: COVID-19, Ancient viruses, Neanderthal
  • Wei Ma, Lan Zhang*, Chunxiu Wang, Xiaona Xu Pages 535-543
    Background

    To analyze the effect of multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaborative nursing model combined with mind mapping teaching method on postoperative complications and mental health of patients with ad-vanced pancreatic cancer (APC).

    Methods

    The clinical data of 100 APC patients treated in Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China (Dec 2018 -Dec 2020) were retrospectively analyzed. They were randomly and equally split into group J and group Q. The patients of group J were nursedwith mind mapping teaching method, while those of group Q were nursed with MDT collaborative nursing model combined with mind mapping teaching method to compare the incidence of complications, quality of life (QOL) and mental health between the two groupsafter nursing.

    Results

    After nursing, the SAS, SDS and NRS scores decreased in both groups, with the notably lower scores in group Q compared with group J (P< 0.05). After nursing, the QOL scores increased in both groups, with the notably higher scoresin group Q compared with group J (P< 0.05). Compared with group J, the nursing satisfaction in group Q was notably higher while the incidence of complications was notably lower (P< 0.05).

    Conclusion

    The MDT collaborative nursing model combined with mind mapping teaching method in post-operative nursing of APC patients can improve negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, enhance the QOL, alleviate pain, reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve nursing satisfaction, worthy of application and promotion in clinic.

    Keywords: Nursing model, Mind mapping teaching method, Advanced pancreatic cancer (APC), Complica-tions, Mental health
  • Zhen Lu, Yanyan Hong, Yali Tian, Li Zhang, Yan Li * Pages 544-551
    Background

    Toexplore the application of specialist nursing teams in patients undergoing unplanned inter-ruptions in continuous renal replacement therapy.

    Methods

    Sixty-sixpatients admitted to the intensive care unit of Jiangsu Province Hospital, China for con-tinuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and experienced unplanned interruptions from Aug 2020 to Mar 2021 were enrolled as study subjects. Twenty four patients with conventional care were taken as the control group, and 42 patients in the specialized nursing team were taken as the experimental group. The age, type of disease, and degree of illness of the two groups were statistically processed and the differences were not signifi-cant (P>0.05) and were comparable. The control group received routine CRRT care after CRRT rescue, and the experimental group received CRRT care model from a specialized nursing team.

    Results

    Patients in the group with specialized nursing care had 49 instances of CRRT unplanned interrup-tions, and the routine care group had 79 instances of CRRT unplanned interruptions. The number of un-planned interruptions in the experimental group was less than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The incidence of complications in the experimental group were lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The satisfaction and quality of life of nurses in the specialist nursing group were clearly lower than those of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    Specialist nursing teams could reduce the occurrence of unplanned interruptions in CRRT pa-tients in intensive care and allow patients to receive continuity of care

    Keywords: Continuous renal replacement rate, Intensive care unit (ICU), Unplanned interruption rate
  • Jin Young Choi, Jin Hee Lee * Pages 552-561
    Background

    We aimed to investigate factors affecting ego-resilience, emotional labor, and job satisfaction and their relationship with professional self-concept among psychiatric nurses.

    Methods

    The study was conducted among nurses working in four psychiatric wards: Sung Eun Medical Foundation Reference Hospital (Medical Corporation) in Jeongeup City, Korea; Dasarang Hospital in Gwangju, Korea; Saemirae Hospital in Gwangju (metropolitan city), Korea; and Jangseong Hospital in Jangseong-eup City, Korea. All nurses fully understood the purpose of the study andvoluntarily agreed to par-ticipate. From August 14 to September 24, 2020, direct survey data were collected by a researcher using a structured questionnaire. Of the 136 questionnaires retrieved, 129 were used for analysis, while 7 were exclud-ed due to incomplete or missing responses.

    Results

    Significantly different effects on professional self-concept were noted for the following general char-acteristics: age (P<0.001), religion (P=0.024), duration of nursing career (P=0.041), position (P=0.021), salary (P=0.016), nursing job satisfaction (P=0.022), and psychiatric nursing job satisfaction (P=0.010). Moreover, professional self-concept was correlated with ego-resilience (r=0.62, P<0.001) and job satisfaction (r=0.41, P<0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, factors affecting professional self-concept included no religious preference (β=0.25, P<0.001), employment as a charge nurse (β=-0.20, P=0.034), and ego-resilience (β=0.58, P<0.001). The explanatory power was 42.1%.

    Conclusion

    Ego-resilience is thefactor most strongly influencing professional self-concept. Furthermore, professional self-concept was stronger among those without religious preferences and those who held senior positions (charge nurse).

    Keywords: Ego-resilience, Emotional labor, Job satisfaction, Professional self-concept, Psychiatric nursing
  • Changmin Zhang, Jinliang Ma, Junping Hao * Pages 562-568
    Background

    We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of a stress injury in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) and analyze the risk factors, to provide evidence for clinical prevention and treatment.

    Methods

    This retrospective study was conducted in RICU at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China. We selected 85 patients with traumatic CAP who were brought in from January 2019 to December 2020 as the case group and 167 patients without traumatic CAPhospitalized in the same period as the control group.Mul-tivariate binary Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors.

    Results

    The incidence rate of a stress injury in 252 patients was 33.73%. The most affected region found in these patients was the sacrococcygeal region (24.26%). Most of the patients were presented in stage one (49.50%). Factors associated with a stress-induced injury in RICU, CAP patients were CURB-65 combined with cerebrovascular disease, fever combined with heart disease and albumin was found as an independent risk factor.

    Conclusion

    Attempts to improvestress injury in CAP patients through setting measurable process of care standards are to be encouraged. An approach including the patient’sclothes and bedding should be changed frequently, nutrition should be managed and the skin of the patientshould be kept clean and dry. The occur-rence of stress can further be reduced by the use of protective tools and the timely participation of the family members in patient management.

    Keywords: Community-acquired pneumonia, Stress injury, Risk factors, Site, Staging
  • Canan Eryıldız*, Nermin Sakru, Gulcan Kuyucuklu Pages 569-577
    Background

    We aimed to determine the susceptibility of Campylobacterisolates obtained from patients to vari-ous antimicrobial agents and to investigate some related antimicrobial resistance genes.

    Methods

    Fifty-six Campylobacterisolates obtained from fecal specimens by conventional methods at the Trakya University Health Center for Medical Research and Practice, Department of Medical Microbiology in Edirne, Turkey, from 2017-2017 were included. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were investigated by the gradient strip test method, and species determination was made by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). The presence of the erm(B)gene and tet(O) gene was investigated in all isolates by PCR. DNA sequence analysis was performed to detect the presence of mutations in the 23S rRNA positions 2074 and 2075 in five isolates, including two erythromycin resistant isolates. The gyrAgene mutation was investigated by the mismatch amplification mutation assay (MAMA)-PCR.

    Results

    In 54 C. jejuniisolates, resistance to erythromycin was 3.7%; to tetracycline, 59.3%; and to ciprofloxacin, 74.1%. Phenotypically, the tet(O) gene was detected in 33 tetracycline-resistant isolates, but no erm(B) gene was found in any of the Campylobacterisolates. As a result of the DNA sequencing, it was found no mutations in the 23S rRNA gene at the 2074 and 2075 positions. The gyrAmutation was observed in all 41 ciprofloxacin resistant Campylobacterisolates.

    Conclusion

    Among the antimicrobial agents tested, ciprofloxacin had the highest resistance rate, and erythro-mycin had the lowest. Antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacterincreased significantly compared with previously studies in our region as well as in the entire world. Monitoring the resistance to antimicrobial agents used to treat Campylobacterinfections is important in determining empiric antimicrobial treatment.

    Keywords: Campylobacter, Antimicrobial resistance, Resistance genes
  • Karim Sakran, Bassam Abotaleb, Remsh Al-Rokhami, Tsung-Yen Hsieh, Mohammed Al-Wesabi, Abdo Mohammed, Hesham Al-Sharani, Dengqi He*, Ping Shi Pages 578-586
    Background

    Orofacial cleft is among the most common developmental malformations in humans. This study aimed to identify the relationship between environmental factors and nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) in Northwest China.

    Methods

    Thiscase-control study was conducted in Gansu Province, China over two years (Jan. 1, 2017–Jan. 1, 2019). Overall, 600 NSCL/P cases and 660 normal control cases were finally enrolled in the current study. Data were collected by conducting face-to-face interviews with both parents of each case.

    Results

    Univariate (χ2) analysis revealed 22 factors as being significantly associated with NSCL/P. Multivari-ate (stepwise logistic regression) analysis identified that 14 factors had statistically significant association with NSCL/P. Male gender (OR=0.789), paternal age at childbirth of 25-29 yr (OR=0.690),and folic acid supple-ment (OR=0.197) were found to be protective factors against NSCL/P. On the other hand, blood A-type, multiple births, positive family history ofNSCLP (OR=6.660), parental consanguinity (OR=6.107), positive abortion history, high or low maternal childbearing age, and maternal passive smoking (OR=4.349), malnutri-tion (OR=4.431), infections, and drug use (OR=2.188) during early gestation were significant risk factors for NSCL/P.

    Conclusion

    Parental age at childbirth of 25–29 yr, and folic acid supplement can reduce the risk of NSCL/P. By contrast, maternal passive smoking, infections, and drug use during early gestation period, and multiple births,parental consanguinity, positive family history, and maternal abortion history can increase the risk of NSCL/P. Identification of risk factors is essential in minimizing the incidence of NSCL/P in a particular pop-ulation.

    Keywords: Nonsyndromic cleft lip, Etiology, Risk factors, Case-control study, Logistic regression analysis
  • Dragana Davidovic *, Maja Bulatovic, Katarina Paunovic, Nadja Vasiljevic, Danica Zaric, Dusan Popovic, Sanja Milenkovic Pages 587-595
    Background

    Precautionary allergen labels (PAL) should be used to indicate the possibility of allergen presence in the food. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of precautionary labeling statements on different pre-packaged food products in retail stores in Belgrade, Serbia, as well as to assess consumers’ attitudes and behavior towards PAL statements.

    Methods

    This was a descriptive study. The following characteristics of 1404 pre-packaged foods were analyzed: prevalence of PAL, listed food allergens on PAL, and the types of the advisory terminology. In the group of 275 participants (94 with food allergies, and 181 persons who purchasing food for a household member with food allergy) reading practice of PAL, purchasing practice based on PAL, and the opinion about PAL statements credibility were evaluated.

    Results

    Overall, 33.9% of products had precautionary statements for one or more allergens. “Tree nuts” were the most common allergens listed in the PAL. The most common type of PAL was “May contain traces of x [allergen]” (52.7%). The PAL was always read by half of the participants. Less than half (43.3%) of the participants incorrectly believed that PAL is regulated by national law. A quarter of participants thought that the PAL statements are trustworthy.

    Conclusion

    PAL statements frequently are not user-friendly and are not providing sufficient protection for food allergic patients. To gain buyers’ confidence, protect health and provide security, the necessity for the strategies that would regulate PAL by the law exists.

    Keywords: Allergen labeling, Precautionary allergen labeling, Consumer attitudes, Food safety
  • Yeon-Ha Kim, Jung Min Cho * Pages 596-605
    Background

    We explored the potential mediating role of frailty in the relationship between depression and falls.

    Methods

    The participants were 1,408 community-dwelling older people living alone in South Korea. The potential mediating role of frailty in the relationship between depression and falls wasevaluated through univariate and mul-tivariate logistic regression. Baron and Kenny’s three-step criteria for mediation were used to examine the mediating effect.

    Results

    Frailty fullymediated theassociation between severe depression and falls in univariate (t=11.58, P<.05)and multivariate (t=10.42, P<.05)analyses.

    Conclusion

    Frailty is a valuable target for fall interventions in severely depressed older people living alone.

    Keywords: Accidental falls, Depression, Frail elderly, Health service, Living independent
  • Huilan Bao * Pages 606-614
    Background

    Diabetes-related distress (DD) will seriously affect the therapeutic effect of diabetes and the physical and mental health of patients if an intervention treatment is not well implemented. We aimed to ex-plore the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on the DD level and self-care capability of patients with diabetes.

    Method

    Sixty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were selected from the Department of Endocrinology in Jinhua People’s Hospital, China and divided into control (CG) and intervention (IG) groups. Routine diabetes health education (RDHE) was only carried out in the CG, whereas the RDHE and MBCT were provided to the IG. Repeated ANOVA measurements were adopted to investigate the intergroup differences of these two intervention therapies on improving the DD and self-care capability of patients with diabetes.

    Results

    RDHE and MBCT could relieve the DD level of patients with diabetes, but the DD value in IG was lower than that in CG. In comparison with RDHE, MBCT and RDHE could significantly improve the diet and exercise dimensions of patients, and such improvement effects were significantly sustaining (P<0.05). MBCT and RDHE exerted better effects than RDHE alone on blood glucose testing, foot care, and medica-tion intake. However, these effects were not sustaining.

    Conclusion

    The care and medication guide provided by MBCT consultants and medical staff can significant-ly relieve the patients’ DD and enhance their self-care capability. As a low-cost psychological intervention therapy with good sustaining effects, MBCT is important to strengthen the therapeutic effect on diabetes and lowering the medical cost.

    Keywords: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Diabetes-related distress, Self-care, Intervention effect, Mental health
  • Deniz Yorulmaz *, Havva Karadeniz Pages 615-623
    Background

    This study was conducted to identify the reasons for vaccine refusal of individuals/parents by analyzing the comments on the pages screened with the keyword vaccine refusal on social media.

    Methods

    Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. Within the scope of the study, 7 pages, 216 posts and 3446 comments found with the keyword #vaccine refusalwere analyzed. The comments obtained within the scope of the study were evaluated using content analysis and theme analysis methods. The study data were collected between Sep 1st and 11th, 2020.

    Results

    The comments on vaccine refusal were found to increase in 2018 and 2019, especially in September, October, November, and December. The reasons for vaccine refusal were grouped under 2 themes as individual reasons and vaccine-related reasons as a result of the analysis of the comments. The most commonly used word in the text analysis, consisting of 10,428 words mentioned in the posts, was found to be vaccine (3.2%).

    Conclusion

    Individuals/parents refuse vaccination for reasons such as distrust of vaccine content, disbelief in the need for vaccines, distrust of pharmaceutical companies, previous experiences, like-minded peo-ple/platforms, religious reasons, and preference for alternative health care approaches.

    Keywords: Child, Parent, Qualitative research, Social media, Vaccine, Vaccine refusal
  • Eun-Whan Lee, Hee-Sun Kim, Bit-Na Yoo, Eun-Ji Lee, Jae-Hyun Park * Pages 624-633
    Background

    Recently, the South Korean government has adopted a primary-care-based chronic disease man-agement program as a national task. This study aimed to evaluate this program by focusing on hypertension patients and examine the effect of this program on their health.

    Methods

    Overall, 863 subjects who responded to a survey and 1,716 subjects in administrative data were in-cluded. Effects of the program were evaluated based on intermediate outcomes (motivation for self-management, changes in health behavior, medical service utilization, duration of consultation with physicians, and medication compliance) and outcomes (disease management, service satisfaction, and physician–patient relationship, change of blood pressure). Furthermore, we compared study participants’ baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure with corresponding measurements obtained at examinations conducted at 3 and 6 months after baseline measurements.

    Results

    Patients’ motivation for self-management of hypertension, health behaviors (smoking, drinking, and exercise), regular clinic visit, and medication compliance were improved after participating in the program. Fur-thermore, patients’ blood pressure levels were decreased while their satisfaction with physician-patient relation-ships was increased.

    Conclusion

    Primary-care-based chronic disease management program is effective for managing hypertension. Therefore, it is essential to reinforce the role of community-based primary care to improve the health of pa-tients with hypertension

    Keywords: Hypertension, Primary care, Chronic disease, Education, Community medicine
  • Sara Sheikkholeslami, Fereidoun Azizi, Asghar Ghasemi, Abbas Alibakhshi, Hossein Parsa, Setareh Shivaee, Marjan Zarif-Yeganeh, Mehdi Hedayati, Ladan Teimoori-Toolabi * Pages 634-642
    Background

    Epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation are known as the main cause of different types of cancers through inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, especially thyroid cancer. Identification of novel and effective markers are important in diagnosis and prevention of thyroid cancer. In the present study, the expression and methylation of Solute carrier family 5 member 8 (SLC5A8) in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) in comparison to multinodular goiter (MNG) have been studied.

    Methods

    Overall, 41 patients with PTC and 36 patients affected by MNG were recruitedfrom four hospitals in Tehran and Qazvin, Iran in 2018. Thyroid tissues were obtained during thyroidectomy. RNA and DNA were extracted from thyroid tissues. Quantitative RT-PCR assay was performed for determining the mRNA level of SLC5A8while Methylation-Sensitive High-Resolution Methylation was applied for assessing the methylation status.

    Results

    Methylation status of three regions composed of 52 CpG islands in the promoter of SLC5A8gene was studied by HRM assay. SLC5A8level in PTC tissues was significantly downregulated in average 0.4 fold in comparisonwith MNG tissues (P=0.05). The aberrant methylation of SLC5A8(b) region was remarkably different in PTC and MNG cases. The promoter methylation of SLC5A8(c) was significantly related to BRAFmutations and vascular invasion in PTC patients.

    Conclusion

    The aberrant promoter hyper methylation of SLC5A8 was related to aggressive PTC. Therefore, there is some evidence to support the hypothesis that SLC5A8could be a paly important role in the develop-ment of PTC.

    Keywords: DNA methylation, Gene expression, Genes, Tumor suppressor, Thyroid cancer, Papillary
  • Hassan Hashemi, Reza Pakzad, Mohamadreza Aghamirsalim, Abbasali Yekta *, Mohammad Mehdi Sadoughi, Nima Norouzikhiabani, Abolfazl Jafarzadehpour, Roghayeh Esmaieli, Mehdi Khabazkhoob Pages 643-651
    Background

    We aimedto determine the age and sex standardized prevalence of corneal opacity and its de-terminants

    Methods

    The Tehran Geriatric Eye Study (TGES) is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted on 3791 subjects aged above 60 yr in Tehran, Iran (2019)selected using stratified random cluster sampling. After sampling, all subjects underwent complete ophthalmic, optometric, and eye examinations.

    Results

    The 3310 participated in the study, of whom the data of 3284 were analyzed. The age and sex stand-ardized prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI) of corneal opacity in at least one eye, both eyes, and one eye was 9.58% (95% CI: 8.50 to 10.79), 5.52% (95% CI: 4.71 to 6.45), and 4.07% (95% CI: 3.35 to 4.94), re-spectively. The mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) according to LogMar were worse in subjects with corneal opacity (both P<0.001). According to multiple logistic regression analysis, male sex (OR: 1.98; P: 0.003), age>80 yr (OR: 2.05; P: 0.004), and lack of insurance coverage (OR: 1.87; P: 0.004) increased the odds and high school education (OR: 0.68; P: 0.003) reduced the odds of corneal opacity. Among the study variables, sex was the most important determinant of corneal opacity (standardized beta: 0.126).

    Conclusion

    This study found a high prevalence of corneal opacity in the geriatric population. Considering the increasing trend of population aging in Iran, attention should be paid to prioritizing public health policies to estimate resources required for providing comprehensive corneal services andimproving geriatric eye health.

    Keywords: Corneal opacity, Prevalence, Age-sex-standardized, Geriatric
  • Seyedeh Solmaz Talebi, Ali Hosseinzadeh, Fariba Zare, Salman Daliri, Hozhabr Jamali Atergeleh, Ahmad Khosravi, Shahrbanoo Goli, Marzieh Rohani-Rasaf * Pages 652-658
    Background

    The effect of related factors on recovery or death rates may vary from country to country. There-fore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between demographic, clinical, laboratory factors on the survival rates of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Shahroud, Iran.

    Methods

    This is an analytical study of the estimation of the survival of patients with COVID-19. Patients who had positive PCR test were considered as COVID-19 cases, and the 2-month survival of these patients was esti-mated. Among the diseases, heart disease and diabetes were considered as separate variables, and the patients' histories of other diseases were included in the model as comorbidities.

    Results

    Of 396 confirmed patients hospitalized, 109 patients (27.5%) had a history of heart disease, 100 (25.3%) were diabetic, and 80 (20.2%) had a history of other comorbidities. The number of deaths due to the disease was 59 (14.9%). The median age of those who died was 76 years. The multivariate Cox regression analysis shows that heart disease increases hazard ratio more than two times (HR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.33-4.23). The neutrophil-to-lym-phocyte ratio (NLR) factor, (HR=1.15, 95% 1.08-1.22),and older age (HR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.03-1.08)increases the risk of death significantly.

    Conclusion

    The heart disease history, NLR factor andolder age are associated with death of COVID-19 and may be helpful for the early warning and prediction of disease progression.

    Keywords: COVID-19, Iran, Mortality, Risk factors, Survival
  • Mahmoud Khodadost*, Arash Fattahi, Nasrin Hoseiny Nejad, Azad Shokri, Hamed Fattahi, Fatemeh Sarvi, Alireza Mosavi-Jarrahi Pages 659-668
    Background

    Cancers seldom happen in childhood age and awareness of accurate cancer incidence is essential in order to preventive programs. This study aimed to estimate the childhood cancer incidence in Iran using the three-source capture -recapture method.

    Methods

    Total new cases of childhood cancer reported by three national data sources of MAHAK charity database, pathology reports and clinical records in Iran were enrolled in this study. The common cases among three sources were determined using data linkage method. The childhood incidence rate per 1 million popula-tions was estimated based on three-source capture-recapture method. We used BIC, G2 and AIC statistics to select the best-fit model. Arch GIS was used to determine geographic distribution.

    Results

    Overall, 2567 childhood cancer was included by three sources of registries. The total estimated num-ber of childhood cancer was 5388 (95% CI: 4742.15-6228,14). The higher estimated incidence rate was Leuke-mia, Lymphoma by 94.91 and 24.80 per 1 million populations and the lower incidence was liver and retinoblas-toma with 2.35 and 7.01 per 1 million populations. Provinces of Ardabil and Kohgiluyeh with an incidence rate of 420.01 and 404.61per 1 million populations had a higher incidence rate and Mazandaran and Ilam with an incidence rate of 60.87 and 66.88 per 1 million populations had the lowest incidence. The overall completeness of the childhood cancer registry based on three-source was48%.

    Conclusion

    The low-quality childhood cancer registration system highlights the needs for urgent screening programs for early detection in the high prevalent area in Iran

    Keywords: Pediatrics, Cancer, Childhood, Capture-recapture, Geographic distribution
  • Abolfazl Nikpour, Mohammad Gholami Fesharaki * Pages 669-675
    Background

    There have been few reports on relationshipsbetween Shift Work (SW) and time to Noise-In-duced Hearing Loss (NIHL). This research explores the relation between SW and time to NIHL among male workers.

    Methods

    Between 1990 and 2015, this historical cohort study was conducted. Two different definitionsevents (Low Frequency Hearing (LFH) and High Frequency Hearing (HFH)) of NIHL An average pure-tone hearing threshold was thresholds at 1, 1.5 and 2 kHz for LFH(un-normal>20) and 4, 6 and 8 kHz for HFH (un-nor-mal>20) for Air (AC) and Bone (BC) conduction, in both ears, respectively. In this study Kaplan–Meier and Multilevel Cox Modelin addition R version 3.2.1 and MLWiN software used to analysis data. P-values less than 0.05 are considered to be statistically significant

    Results

    There were 6632 male workers in the research survey(mean age=35(±5)). Among these subjects, 2678 (40%),278 (4%) and 3676 (56%) were Day Workers (DW), Weekly Rotating Shift workers (WRS) andRoutinely Rotating Shift workers (RRS), respectively. The result of this study showed more hazard risk of ear problem in LFH (Hazard=1.55 with 95% CI= (1.06-1.39)) and HFH (Hazard=1.08 with 95% CI= (1.04-1.13)) in RRS rather than day workers. In WRS groupear problem has been seen just in LFH (Hazard=1.55 with 95% CI= (1.2-2.0)).

    Conclusion

    The findings of the 15-year historical cohort study generally support a relationship between SW and time to NIHL. Therefore, more actions in the field of noise control, greater use of safety devices as well as increased staff training on the use of safety devices recommended for shift worker.

    Keywords: Hearing loss, Noise-induced, Occupational, Shift work schedule
  • Sajad Bagherian*, Khodayar Ghasempoor, Julien Baker, Mohammad Mashhadi Pages 676-685
    Background

    We aimed to investigate school-aged students' physical activity behaviors and overweight status during the COVID-19 quarantine.

    Methods

    In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was utilized to measure participants' physical activity behavior and overweight status during the COVID-19 quarantine in Iran (May of 2021). Participants self-reported their physical activity levels, types, amounts and locations, as well as whether or not they became over-weight.The chi-square test was used to determine the differences in the distribution of the participant responses.The statistical significance level was set at P<0.05.

    Results

    The questionnaire was completed by 43,660 school-aged students (15,532 boys and 28,128 girls). The age, weight, and height ranges were 8–17 yr, 18–144 kg, and 75–198 cm respectively. Half of the students reported changes in their body weight and became overweight during the COVID-19 pandemic (χ2=25514.4; P=0.001). Forty-one percent reported doing very little or no physical activity, 32% of students reported doing less than one hour of exercise per day (χ2=8547.7; P=0.001). The majority of students (72%) reportedparticipating in physical activity at home (χ2=78851.2; P=0.001). Flexibility was the main kind of exercise performed, followed by walking or running, during the COVID-19 pandemic (χ2=24328.9; P=0.001).

    Conclusion

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, half of the students became overweight, and the majority did not engage in regular physical activity. These findings can help guide efforts to protect and promote children's health during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as influence policies to reduce the risk of future pandemics.

    Keywords: COVID-19, Epidemiology, Physical activity, Home-based exercise, School closer
  • Gita Alizadeh, Mojgan Aryaeipour, Mehdi Mohebali, Gholam Reza Mowlavi, Vahid Raissi, Mohammad Bagher Rokni * Pages 686-694
    Background

    We aimed to compare semi-nested PCR with indirectELISA todiagnose human fasciolosis.

    Methods

    Overall, 70 serum samples were collected from different areas in Iran suspected for fascioliasis.Indi-viduals were classified based on diagnostic offascioliasisand habitat in endemic areas.Finally, all serum samples were tested by indirect ELISA (usingsecretory excretory antigen) and semi-nested PCR (using ITS1gene).The study was conducted in the School of Publish Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2021.

    Results

    Significant differences were found between agreement and similarity of patients' results of indirectELISA and semi-nestedPCR 94.46% and 98.4% respectively (Cohen's kappa≥0.6; P≤0.05). No cross-reactions were observed with other parasitic diseases (toxocariasis, hydatidosis,strongyloidiasis, toxoplasmosis,cutaneous leishmaniasis,taeniasisand trichinosis). 69.84% of samples were positive by both techniques. In addition, the percentage of agreement and similarity between the results of the two techniques based on habitat in endemic areaswas 88.9-100% and 97.7-100%, respectively(Cohen's kappa≥0.6; P≤0.05).

    Conclusion

    Semi-nested PCR could be a suitable method for following up on patients' treatment anda con-firmatory method for ELISA as for diagnosis of human fascioliasis.

    Keywords: Human fascioliasis, Semi-nested polymerase chain reaction, Parasitology
  • Su-Youn Cho, Wi-Young So, Hee-Tae Roh * Pages 695-697
  • Pedram Nourizadeh Tehrani, Seyyed Mohammad Hadi Mousavi*, Majid Safaei Lari, Mobarakeh Ali Panah Dolat Abad Page 698
  • Jung Hun Lee, Tae Yeong Kim, Jeong Ho Jeon, Kyung-Min Jang, Young Bae Kim, Byeong Chul Jeong, Sang Hee Lee * Pages 699-701
  • Ira Nurmala *, Chung Yi Li, Elisa Dwi Pertiwi, Yuli Puspita Devi, Muthmainnah Muthmainnah, Riris Diana Rachmayanti Pages 702-704
  • Hiroki Tomizawa, Hidekazu Saito *, Satoshi Toyoma, Yohei Kawasaki, Takechiyo Yamada Pages 705-707
  • Hashem Heshmati, Elham Shakibazadeh, Sara Mortaz Hejri, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Roya Sadeghi * Pages 708-709