فهرست مطالب

Public Health - Volume:53 Issue: 1, Jan 2024

Iranian Journal of Public Health
Volume:53 Issue: 1, Jan 2024

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1402/11/11
  • تعداد عناوین: 25
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  • Rui Sun, Juan Tao, Na Tang, Zhijun Chen, Xiaowei Guo, Lianhong Zou, Junhua Zhou * Pages 1-11
    Background

    Influenza is the first infectious disease that implements global monitoring and is one of the major public health issues in the world. Air pollutants have become an important global public health issue, in recent years, and much epidemiological and clinical evidence has shown that air pollutants are associated with respiratory diseases.

    Methods

    We comprehensively searched articles published up to 15 November 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Database of Chinese sci-tech periodicals, and Wanfang Database. The search strategies were based on keyword combinations related to influenza and air pollutants. The air pollutants included particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3). Meta-analysis was performed using the R programming language (R4.2.1).

    Results

    A total of 2926 records were identified and 1220 duplicates were excluded. Finally, 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. We observed a significant association between partial air pollutants (PM2.5, NO2, PM10 and SO2) and the incidence risk of influenza. The RRs were 1.0221 (95% CI: 1.0093~1.0352), 1.0395 (95% CI: 1.0131~1.0666), 1.007 (95% CI: 1.0009~1.0132), and 1.0352 (95% CI. 1.0076~1.0635), respectively. However, there was no significant relationship between CO and O3 exposure and influenza, and the RRs were 1.2272 (95% CI: 0.9253~1.6275) and 1.0045 (95% CI: 0.9930~1.0160), respectively.

    Conclusion

    Exposure to PM2.5, NO2, PM10, and SO2 was significantly associated with influenza, which may be risk factors for influenza. The association of CO and O3 with influenza needs further investigation.

    Keywords: Influenza-like illness, Air pollutants, Meta-analysis
  • Sry Suryani Widjaja *, Rusdiana Rusdiana, Tengku Mardani Helvi, Rostime Hermayeni Simanullang, Vito Filbert Jayalie, Rina Amelia, Jessie Arisa Pages 12-22
    Background

    Cell aging is associated with changes in telomeres due to DNA damage arising from chronic inflammation in obese patients. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to find the relationship between obesity and aging or senescence.

    Methods

    The systematic review was conducted through PRISMA guideline, beginning with literature search within 2012-2022 in several databases (PubMed, EBSCOHost, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochrane) followed by screening process using predetermined PICO criteria. Original studies on the topic of obesity and senescence (aging), from preclinical studies to clinical research (cohort or cross-sectional studies) that were published within the last ten years. All studies were appraised using SYRCLE risk of bias tool for preclinical studies and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cross-sectional and cohort studies. The data extraction on the studies’ characteristic and outcome on aging or senescence were followed by quantitative analysis using MetaXL process on prevalence ratio and hazard ratio of obesity to comorbidities and mortality.

    Results

    Fifteen studies were enrolled. Obesity and white adipose tissue cause increased levels of proinflammatory and pro-senescence cytokine and macrophage whilst the aging process lowers metabolism with increased insulin resistance and linked to increased risk of obesity. Obesity occurs in 22% (95% CI 18%-26%) of elderly population with higher prevalence rate in the women population. Obesity is associated with significant increased risk of multimorbidity by 56% (OR = 1.58 [95% CI 1.48-1.96]).

    Conclusion

    The obesity and aging or senescence has reciprocal relationship between each other.

    Keywords: Obesity, Aging, Senescence, Meta-analysis
  • Jie Wei, Yueer Wang * Pages 23-34
    Background

    Intensive insulin regimens are recommended to achieve glycemic goals in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Fast-acting insulin aspart (faster aspart) is a new formulation of insulin aspart (IAsp) in which L-arginine and niacinamide are added to assure formulation stability, early absorption, and ultra-fast action. This meta-analysis compares faster aspart with IAsp for blood sugar control in children with type 1 diabetes. This study suggested treating diabetes with insulin, especially in children with type 1 diabetes.

    Methods

    PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from 2000 to 2023 without language restrictions. Blood glucose monitoring, HbA1c, care model, insulin aspart, IAsp, faster aspart, type 1 diabetes, and pediatrics are Mesh keywords. Cochrane Q statistics and index tested heterogeneity. To account for heterogeneity, Q=145.99 (P-value < 0.001) and =97.26%, and the randomeffect model was used to aggregate primary study results. The meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials was conducted in accordance with PRISMA standards.

    Results

    The overall estimate measure i.e. mean difference was found to be 5.44 [0.45, 10.44] and 7.71 [7.16, 8.26] which indicate significant reduction in the HbA1C level in the fast acting insulin aspart group as compared to the IAsp in T1D. However, the mean difference with respect to BMI was found to be -0.06 [-0.60, 0.48] which indicate non-significant reduction.

    Conclusion

    Faster aspart had faster onset and more early exposure than IAsp in children and adolescents with greater and more variable anti-insulin antibody levels than adults did. Hence fast-acting insulin aspart may provide better glucose control than IAsp in T1D.

    Keywords: Insulin aspart, IAsp, Faster aspart, Diabetes type 1, Care model
  • Ahmad Nejatian, Mohamad Arab *, Amirhossein Takian, _, Kiomars Ashtarian Pages 35-47
    Background

    Social accountability is an important element in health system governance, which is necessary for health system reform and reaching Universal Health Coverage. Understanding the social accountability mechanism and tools will help policymakers to design policies according to the context. We aimed to explore the extent of the application of social accountability in health system governance, its results, challenges, and tools.

    Methods

    We conducted a scoping review study, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping review. An inclusive search in bibliographic databases and search engines was done to identify peer review articles and grey literatures, published in English in the range of 2010 to 2021. Search terms were (social accountability), (public accountability), AND (health system).

    Results

    Thirty-one records met inclusion criteria from 286 potentially relevant sources, which included 25 peer-review articles and 6 grey literatures. Maternal and child health was the main health subject for social accountability interventions. We identified some social accountability tools to apply at the health facility and community levels. Social accountability has some benefits for the health system and for the community and some challenges to the implementation of social accountability were listed.

    Conclusion

    Social accountability improves health system performance. It contains different tools and strategies applied at different levels of the health system. Successful social accountability initiatives that are strategic, multi-interventional, and context-specific can produce good results in health services and social domains.

    Keywords: Good governance, Health policy, Health system, Social accountability
  • Kamyar Ghani, Jaleh Gholami, Ghazal Mousavian, _ Masoumeh Amin-Esmaeili, _ Hassan Rafiey, Nasim Vousooghi, _, Behrang Shadloo, Afarin Rahimi-Movaghar * Pages 48-58
    Background

    The extent of illicit drug use among university students necessitates effective preventive programs. To identify and assess the effectiveness of university-based interventions in preventing or reducing illicit drug use.

    Methods

    The MEDLINE (PubMed), SCOPUS, ISI (Web of Science), and other sources were searched according to the Cochrane Collaboration method. RCTs, CRTs and non- RCTs evaluating university-based interventions designed to prevent illicit drug use were reviewed. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers. The quality of the publications was assessed. Interventions were classified by type, provider, duration, and theoretical background.

    Results

    Of 6652 papers, 11 studies met the eligibility criteria that were conducted between 1987 and 2020. The effectiveness of interventions was different. Substantial heterogeneity among the studies prevented the integration of results for estimating summaries.

    Conclusion

    Despite the importance of the subject, there is a paucity of studies about specific educational programs for illicit drug use, indicating the necessity of further research in other countries.

    Keywords: Prevention, University-based programs, Illicit drug use, Systematic review, Effectiveness
  • Sina Etemadi, Reza Dehnavieh, Marjan Hedayati Pour, Milad Mehri, Anahita Behzadi * Pages 59-69
    Background

    In Iran, the primary healthcare system is the front-line for society's encounter with healthcare. Health planners aim to enhance quality and administer an accreditation program. This study examined program administration prerequisites through systematic review and meta-synthesis.

    Methods

    We conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative literature using Thomas and Hudson's framework. Peer-reviewed papers were searched in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google, and Google Scholar up to 2023.

    Results

    The search found 1308 articles, with 37 relevant ones selected for review. Data extraction included setting, participants, study design, data collection, analysis, and themes. Thirteen qualitative subthemes were identified and were categorized under three elements of the Donabedian model.

    Conclusion

    Before implementing a plan, it is crucial to consider its executive prerequisites. Revision and trialand- error approaches can be costly and time-consuming, potentially hindering the plan's effectiveness and diverting organizations from their primary goal, leading to failure.

    Keywords: Prerequisites, Accreditation, Primary healthcare
  • Hamid Fatemisough, Azam Moradi, Mahboubeh Vahid Dastgerdi, Rouholah Fatemi * Pages 70-80
    Background

    Various factors are involved in the initiation of drug abuse, such as genetic and social factors. Among the factors that can be mentioned in associated with the tendency to addiction in children is the role of family prediction. This study aimed to explore the relationship between parenting styles and addiction tendency in Iran.

    Methods

    We searched Persian database included Magiran, SID, IranDoc and Noormagz for articles from 2007- 2022 in Iran. Seven articles with 1734 subjects were ultimately included in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. Five subscales (parenting method) were brought up for investigation of the relationship between parenting styles and addiction tendency. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each associated factors using random-effects/fixed-effects models. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and the Eggers test and each effect size was calculated manually.

    Results

    Based on Cohen's interpretation criterion are as follow: the mean effect size of the relationship with the permissive style is 0.33 (average), the mean effect size of the relationship with authoritative style is 0.31 (average), the mean effect size of the relationship with the dependent style is 0.28 (average), the mean effect size of the relationship with the freedom-control is - 0.02 (small), the mean effect size of the relationship with the method based on affection-rejection is 0.33 (moderate).

    Conclusion

    Parenting styles have a significant relationship with addiction tendencies in Iran. Therefore, appropriate programs can be provided to strengthen and educate the correct and suitable parenting methods with their children as safe as possible in order to avoid risky behaviors and injuries such as addiction.

    Keywords: Addiction, Meta-analysis, Parenting styles
  • Arash Khaledi, Hooman Minoonejad, Mahdieh Akoochakian, Mehdi Gheitasi * Pages 81-92
    Background

    Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most prevalent spinal abnormalities, appearing far into puberty. Schroth’s exercises (SE) and core-stabilization exercises (CE) have become very prominent among the specialized and general methods to scoliosis treatment. However, their effects are still unclear and there is insufficient evidence of superiority between them. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of these methods on Cobb angles (CA) in AIS.

    Methods

    A systematic review was performed on SE and CE papers. The databases included PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from January 2005 to June 2022. The physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale assessed the quality and provided internal validity and the statistical information of the papers.

    Results

    After screening 410 papers, nine papers (SE=5, CE=3 and SE vs. CE=1), with 339 participants, were admitted for review (PEDro=6). Among them, three (SE=moderate evidence) and two papers (CE=limited evidence) reported clinically significant reductions in CA>5˚, alone or compared to control or other exercise methods, while only one paper (very limited evidence) showed the relative superiority of SE (-7.16˚) compared to CE (-3.27˚). However, three papers did not show clinically significant results (CA<5˚).

    Conclusion

    Moderate and limited evidence suggests that both SE and CE can effectively improve CA, respectively. There is very limited evidence to suggest that SE is more effective than CE in treating AIS. Thus, the definitive answers to the questions, especially concerning the superiority between these two methods, remained unclear. Further high-quality studies must be conducted in the future.

    Keywords: Systematic review, Scoliosis, Exercise therapy, Core stabilization, Schroth method
  • Seyed Mohammad Mohammadi, Nadia Saniee, Tara Borzoo, Esmat Radmanesh * Pages 93-103
    Background

    Leptin has a great effect on bone through direct or indirect involvement in bone remodeling. Considering the ambiguities that exist regarding the effect of leptin on bone and bone-related diseases including osteoporosis, in this study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review of various studies on the effect of leptin on osteoporosis, which may find an answer to the existing ambiguities.

    Methods

    The search was performed to review studies on the effects of leptin on osteoporosis by using several databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Electronic searches were conducted on 5 Jan 2023. There was no limit on the publication date of the articles. The risk of bias for the animal study was assessed with the CAMARADES checklist, and the study quality assessment was also assessed based on the guidelines for in vivo experiments (ARRIVE). In this study, the risk of bias (quality) of human studies was assessed using the quality assessment checklists by NHLBI.

    Results

    Overall, 34 articles were included for data extraction and quality assessment. Overall, 27 human studies and seven animal studies were included in the article. The results of most of the studies conducted in this study showed that leptin has a physiological role in maintaining bone mass and better bone quality and reduces bone marrow adipogenesis and increases bone mineral density (BMD). As plasma leptin levels increased, BMD values or bone formation biomarkers increased.

    Conclusion

    Leptin has an inhibitory role against bone resorption and increasing osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels, which, as a result, maintains bone density and reduces osteoclast activity, and has a positive relationship with increasing osteocalcin.

    Keywords: Leptin, Bone losses, Bone resorption
  • Badriyeh Karami, Mahya Abbasi, Maryam Tajvar * Pages 104-115
    Background

    Children mortality is considered as one of the main indicators of population development and health, while most of the children’s deaths are preventable. This study systematically reviewed the determinants of children mortality in Iran.

    Methods

    This systematic review was conducted to summarize all the factors associated with children mortality in three age groups; Neonate (0-28 d), Infant (28 d-1 yr old) and children (<5 yr old), based on the PRISMA guideline. Many of the electronic international and national databases, in addition to hand searching of reference of selected articles, grey literature, formal and informal reports and government documents were screened to identify potential records up to Jan 2022. We included all studies that identified determinants of child mortality in any province of Iran or the whole country, without any restriction.

    Results

    Overall, 32 studies were included, published between 2000 and 2022, of which 23 were cross-sectional and 15 published in Farsi language. The associations between several risk factors (n=69) and the child mortality were examined. Among the identified factors, ‘birth weight’, ‘mother’s literacy’, ‘socioeconomic status’, ‘delivery type’, ‘gestational age’, ‘pregnancy interval’, ‘immaturity’, ‘type of nutrition’, and ‘stillbirth’ were the most important mentioned determinants of child mortality in Iran.

    Conclusion

    Appropriate interventions and policies should be developed and implemented in Iran, addressing the main identified associated factors, resulting from this review study, with the aim of minimizing preventable child deaths, based on their age categories.

    Keywords: Child mortality, Infant mortality, Neonatal mortality, Systematic review, Iran
  • Heakyong Lee, Jaehee Kim * Pages 116-125
    Background

    Positive and negative emotions have recently revealed a link with primary dysmenorrhea in adults. Among them, roles of stress and self-esteem have been less studied specially in adolescents and the direction of causality has not been clearly established. Therefore, this study investigated whether stress and selfesteem independently affect primary dysmenorrhea after adjustment for the known risk factors in adolescents. Additionally, indirect effects of stress and self-esteem were determined using mediation analyses.

    Methods

    This survey was conducted in adolescent girls aged 15-18 yr in metropolitan regions in South Korea in 2021. The survey included general, menstrual, and lifestyle characteristics, menstrual pain and symptom, perceived stress, self-esteem, depression, and state-trait anxiety.

    Results

    Stress, depression, and anxiety were associated positively with menstrual pain and symptom (all P<0.001) in adolescent girls (n=519). Self-esteem was also associated inversely with negative emotions and dysmenorrhea (all P<0.001). Additionally, stress independently affected frequency and severity of menstrual symptom (both P<0.05), but not pain intensity after adjustment for covariates. Stress also had indirect effect through depression and anxiety on menstrual pain and symptom. Effect of self-esteem vanished after adjustment for covariates, but indirectly reduced menstrual pain and symptom through mediations of stress, depression, and anxiety.

    Conclusion

    Mental health such as stress and self-esteem are important for managing menstrual pain and symptom in adolescents. It should be considered in managing dysmenorrhea.

    Keywords: Dysmenorrhea, Adolescents, Self-esteem, Stress, Anxiety, Depression
  • Xinlong Zhang *, Shaolei Lang, Fei Liu Pages 126-135
    Background

    Gastric cancer patients often feel physically tired and weak, lacking confidence and enthusiasm for relevant treatments. We aimed to explore the impacts of health education based on the theory of protective motivation on the emotional state, cancer-related fatigue, and hope levels of gastric cancer patients.

    Methods

    A total of 160 gastric cancer patients admitted to the Sanmenxia Central Hospital, Henan, China, from May 2019 to March 2022 were selected as subjects. The control group (n=80) received routine health education, while the observation group (n=80) received health education based on the theory of protective motivation. Intervention evaluations included the Morisky medication compliance score, Plain Mood State Scale (POMS), Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS), Herth Hope Scale (HHI), and Simple Health Survey Scale (SF-36).

    Results

    After intervention, both groups showed an improvement in Morisky’s medication compliance score, HHI scale score, and SF-36 scale score (all P<0.05). Additionally, the observation group exhibited greater improvement than the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in POMS scale score and CFS scale score between the two groups before and after intervention. However, after intervention, both groups experienced a decrease in POMS scale score and CFS scale score (both P<0.05), with the observation group showing a more significant decrease compared to the control group (P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    Health education based on the theory of protective motivation effectively enhances the mood state, reduces cancer-related fatigue, and increases hope levels among gastric cancer patients, thereby improving their medication compliance and overall quality of life.

    Keywords: Protective motivation, Health education, Gastric cancer
  • Jeonga Kwon, Young-Vin Kim * Pages 136-144
    Background

    Adolescence is when health behaviors, namely, physical activity (PA), mental health, and hygiene management, are established. As the young represent our future societal welfare, their health requires attention, particularly in the face of a pandemic. We explored changes in Korean adolescent PA, mental health, and hygiene management before and after the COVID-19 pandemic to identify recommendations for improving adolescent health.

    Methods

    We collected 2019–2021 data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Surveys from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for 166,590 middle and high school students (2019: 57,069; 2020: 54,809; 2021: 54,712). We analyzed seven variables (regular PA, high-intensity PA, and strength exercise participation, stress recognition, sleep-time satisfaction, brushing practice, and handwashing practice) to examine changes in adolescent behavior during these years.

    Results

    The findings indicated statistically significant differences in all seven variables over the three years (P<0.05). Specifically, regular PA was higher in 2019 and 2021 than in 2020; high-intensity PAs were highest in 2019, followed by 2021 and 2020; strength exercises were the highest in 2020, followed by 2021 and 2019; stress recognition was higher in 2019 and 2021 than in 2020; sleep-time satisfaction was the highest in 2020, followed by 2021 and 2019; brushing practice was the highest in 2019, followed by 2020 and 2021; and handwashing practice was the highest in 2020, followed by 2021 and 2019.

    Conclusion

    The results recommend the need to encourage structured moderate-to-vigorous adolescent PA and systematic health education to improve Korean adolescent health behavior after COVID-19.

    Keywords: Adolescent, COVID-19, Hygiene management, Mental health, Physical activity
  • Hatice Mutlu *, Gözde Bozkurt, Mesut Can Türkoğlu Pages 145-156
    Background

    Economic convergence signifies diminishing income disparities among global or regional economies and their eventual disappearance. It is also linked to economic growth and key health indicators. We aimed to assess the association between economic convergence and key health indicators in developed countries called G7 (USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Canada).

    Methods

    We examined G7 health and economic indicators from 2000 to 2021 using panel data analysis. We compared balanced and unbalanced panel datasets to address missing data and applied suitable methods to handle missing health indicators.

    Results

    Little's MCAR test (𝑋! = 3.2872, 𝑃 − 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 = 0.3494) confirmed random missing data in the unbalanced panel, enabling us to impute missing values as missing observations were below 5%. Unit root tests on balanced and unbalanced panel data validated the health convergence hypothesis, showing no unit roots in economic growth rate, current health expenditure, and female and male population indicators (P<0.05). Interestingly, the hypothesis for hospital bed counts in the unbalanced panel, differing from the balanced panel, offers new insights into addressing incomplete health data.

    Conclusion

    While G7 have economic similarities, their health indicators diverge (excluding hospital bed counts). Variations in health indicators stem from healthcare system structures, funding mechanisms, resource allocation, and health investments, even among economies of similar size. Therefore, G7 member states should develop tailored national health policies based on their specific circumstances and priorities, utilizing economic convergence data for effective health resource planning.

    Keywords: Economic convergence, Health key indicators, Panel unit root
  • Farzana Ashraf, Shahnila Tariq, Rabia Farooqi, Masha Asad Khan, Mark D. Griffiths, Faramarz Asanjarani * Pages 157-166
    Background

    Medical health practitioners, particularly those working in cancer units, are vulnerable to poor psychological outcomes. The present study was designed to examine the influence of workplace bullying on the mental health of medical and paramedical staff by testing workplace burnout as a mediating factor.

    Methods

    Utilizing a cross-sectional survey, 220 Muslim medical staff officers from the cancer units of three hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, were assessed for workplace bullying, mental health, and workplace burnout using the standardized psychometric measures (i.e., Negative Act Questionnaire; Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale; and Maslach Burnout Inventory). Data were collected from 2019-2020.

    Results

    Workplace bullying and workplace burnout were directly related to mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Moreover, workplace burnout significantly mediated the paths between workplace bullying and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms), suggesting that workplace burnout increases vulnerability to other mental health issues.

    Conclusion

    A need for counseling and suitable management strategies to support medical staff working in cancer units is required.

    Keywords: Workplace bullying, Burnout, Medical health practitioners, Depression, Stress, Anxiety
  • Jing Li, Jianjun Zhang, Bei Zhao, Jie Ma, Chunchun Liu, Yanwei Zhang, Ying Gao * Pages 167-174
    Background

    We aimed to observe the effect of extended care on improving motor function and activities of daily living of stroke-induced hemiplegic patients.

    Methods

    Patients clinically diagnosed as stroke with hemiplegia and hospitalized in the Neurology Department at Tianjin Haibin People's Hospital, China from 2019 to 2020 were selected. One hundred twenty patients were enrolled and randomly divided into the intervention group (60 patients) and the control group (60 patients). The control group was given routine rehabilitation treatment and care. Based on routine rehabilitation treatment and care, the intervention group was given transitional care. After discharge, the patients were followed up. Barthel indexes (BIs) were collected to evaluate the activities of daily living of patients. The Fugl- Meyer Motor Function Assessment (FMA) was adopted to evaluate the patients’ motor function.

    Results

    There was no statistically significant difference in the total BI scores between the two groups of patients at the two time points before intervention and at discharge. The total scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group after 1 month and 3 months of discharge, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in total FMA scores between the two groups of patients before intervention, indicating comparability. After 3 months of discharge, the total FMA score of the intervention group patients was higher than that of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).

    Conclusion

    Continuous care can effectively improve motor function and daily living ability of stroke patients with hemiplegia.

    Keywords: Continuous care, Stroke, Functional rehabilitation
  • Serap Kılıç Altun, Mehmet Emin Aydemir *, Sevil Alkan Pages 175-186
    Background

    Fungal metabolites known as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) are linked to contaminated milk and milk products. Consuming food contaminated with AFM1 poses major health risks and may even be fatal.

    Methods

    The retrieved publications were categorized in this bibliometric study using the Web of Science (WoS) database Jan 1, 1970 to Nov 30, 2022 based on a variety of factors, including the time of publication of articles, citation totals, languages, research areas, countries, affiliations, funding agencies, journals, and keywords analysis to identify any hot and developing subjects. Additionally, VOSviewer software version 1.6.18 provided the bibliometric analysis of the global collaboration network and hot research themes.

    Results

    Overall, 679 published documents were detected. Food Control was the top-line journal in publications on AFM1 research with 540 published articles, while the USA was the best productive country in AFM1 publications as well as the major country with the maximum co-authorship collaboration. This study ensures quantitative and qualitative analyses of the top 25 journals, most cited published articles, most relevant authors and title word occurrences in published documents on AFM1 publications. Over the past two decades, there has been an enormous rise for research conducted on global AFM1.

    Conclusion

    The assessment of the historical state and development trend in AFM1 scientific research can serve as a roadmap for future research and eventually, serve as a foundation for bettering management practices for territorial decisions, healthcare, and dairy industries.

    Keywords: Aflatoxin M1, Milk, Bibliometric, VOSviewer software, Publications
  • Meng Zhang, Jiahao Qiao, Ping Zeng *, Zhuanzhuan Liu Pages 187-197
    Background

    Epidemiological studies have shown a positive relationship between birthweight and breast cancer; however, inconsistent, sometimes even controversial, observations emerged. We re-explored the association between them in the UK Biobank cohort.

    Methods

    Relying on the UK Biobank cohort data of white British volunteers recruited between 2006 and 2010 (5,760 cases and 162,778 controls), we evaluated the causal mediation between birthweight and breast cancer, with age of menarche and age at menopause as two potential mediators under the traditional mediation analysis framework. The non-linear relationship between birthweight and breast cancer was also investigated by including the square of birthweight or discretized birthweight categories (<2.5, 2.5~4.0, or >4.0). Furthermore, we performed a stratification analysis in terms of the menopause status.

    Results

    Birthweight can indirectly influence breast cancer risk in adulthood via the path of age of menarche or age at menopause, and found statistical evidence supporting the existence of suggestive non-linear association between birthweight and breast cancer (β=0.062 and P=0.004 for the square of birthweight) although failing to discover a linear relationship (P=0.230). We also demonstrated such non-linear association seemed more pronounced and robust for premenopausal women compared with postmenopausal ones (27.5% vs. 19.5% increase in breast cancer risk).

    Conclusion

    This study provided an in-depth insight into the observed relationship between birthweight and breast cancer and revealed that non-linear impact and causal mediation commonly drive the connection between the two traits.

    Keywords: Breast cancer, Birthweight, UK Biobank, Non-linear association, Mediation analysis
  • Ivana Simic Vukomanovic, _ Sanja Kocic, Vladimir Vukomanovic *, Katarina Janicijevic, Marija Šorak, Vera Simic, Svetlana Djukic, Slavica Djordjevic, Svetlana Radevic Pages 198-207
    Background

    Cervical cancer occupies a significant place in the overall structure of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. We focused on the sexual health and use of cervical cancer screening among the female working population of reproductive age in Central Serbia.

    Methods

    The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study, according to the methodology Stepwise approach to noncommunicable disease risk factor surveillance WHO. The study population consisted of 1182 female working population aged 18-49 years, living on the territory of Central Serbia. The method of simple random sampling was utilized in the research itself. An anonymous standardized questionnaire was used as a research tool.

    Results

    During the first sexual intercourse, 38.9% of the participants reported not having used any of the contraceptives, whereas 74.5% of the participants reported not having used them during their last sexual intercourse and 26.1% of the respondents reported not having had a single Pap smear in their lifetime. The multivariate logistic regression analysis singled out the following factors in women who reported not having done a Pap smear in their lifetime as the most significant ones: age – the youngest age group (OR = 3.30, CI = 1.80- 6.04), unemployment (OR = 2.87, CI = 0.07-3.40), women who had never been married or had never been in a common-law marriage (OR = 2.55, CI = 1.40-4.66) and individuals with a medium education level (OR = 2.63, CI = 1.67-4.14).

    Conclusion

    In Serbia, all the activities should be directed towards increasing the levels of awareness and knowledge on sexual health and cervical cancer screening services.

    Keywords: Sexual health, Cervical cancer screening, Working population, Central Serbia
  • Lei Li, Aifeng Qiu, Yuhua Shi * Pages 208-218
    Background

    We aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of miR-103a-3p regulating breast cancer progression.

    Methods

    Firstly, clinical tissues was obtained from 2019-2023 at Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, China. miR-103a-3p or ETNK1 expression in clinical tissues or breast cancer cell lines was analyzed with qRTPCR. MDA-MB-231 cells were performed with miR-103a-3p inhibitor or mimic, and OE-ETNK1. The proliferation and apoptosis ability were detected by CCK-8 and TUNEL assay. The xenograft models were established by inoculating transfected MDA-MB-231 cells to BALB/c mice.

    Results

    miR-103a-3p showed an overexpression and was related to poor prognosis in breast cancer. miR-103a- 3p-deprived MDA-MB-231 cells displayed weaker levels of cell proliferation and higher rates of apoptosis. In contrast, ETNK1 was downregulated in breast cancer and proved to be a downstream target of miR-103a-3p. Xenograft models subjected to either miR-103a-3p antagomir treatment or ETNK1-knockdown resulted in tumor growth suppression.

    Conclusion

    miR-103a-3p might promote breast cancer progression by inhibiting ETNK1.

    Keywords: Breast cancer, miR-103a-3p, Proliferation, Apoptosis
  • Diah Yunitawati *, Leny Latifah, Indri Yunita Suryaputri, Agung Dwi Laksono Pages 219-227
    Background

    Cesarean section (CS) could be life-saving with medically indicated, but without it, both women and children could be at risk. The maximum rate for CS is 15%, but it tends to exceed globally.

    Objective

    We aimed to analyze the education level's role in the delivery of CS in Indonesia.

    Methods

    We used the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey data. The study sampled 15,357 women who delivered in five last years. Besides delivery mode and education level, the study also used nine control variables: residence, age, marital, employment, parity, wealth, insurance, antenatal care, and birth type. The study employed a binary logistics regression.

    Results

    The results show women with secondary education (16.5% CS) are 2.174 times (AOR 2.174; 95% CI 1.095-4.316), and higher education (33% CS) are 3.241 (AOR 3.241; 95% CI 1.624-6.469) times more likely to deliver by CS than no-school education (4.4% CS). There was no significant difference between primary (9.1%) and no-education women. Apart from education, primiparous women, age 34-34 yr, attending antenatal care ≥4 times, non-poorest, having insurance, living in the city, and being unemployed also related to higher risk of CS.

    Conclusion

    Exceeded CS in Indonesia occurs mostly in higher education women. Higher education women were more likely to access more information and technology, therefore health promotion on healthy normal birth on social media or m-Health (mobile device-based health promotion) and involving health authorities at every level were suitable to reduce the overuse of the CS.

    Keywords: Cesarean section, Education level, Childbirth, Maternal health, Public health
  • Marita Mohammadshahi, Sara Emamgholipour *, Alireza Olyaeemanesh, Minoo Alipouri Sakha, Ali Akbari Sari, Shahrooz Yazdani Pages 228-237
    Background

    We aimed to investigate the existence of unnecessary demand for angiography and the factors affecting it to provide evidence for decision makers.

    Methods

    This longitudinal panel study was conducted in public hospitals in Tehran, Iran by using 2458 patients' records that were undergoing angiography for suspected coronary artery disease 2013-2015. To modeling the physicians' behavior based on physician-induced demand (PID), the patients were classified as appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate and then Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) model besides the physician ethic index was developed and finally the existence of PID showed based on three scenarios.

    Results

    Angiographies were performed inappropriately in 23.8% of 2458 patients as well 46.7% were uncertain, and 29.5% were appropriate. According to the HLM model, the physician-to-population ratio (δ0= - 0.161) and the interaction variable coefficient are higher than zero and significant (δ1 = 253). The results of the physician ethic index showed that most physicians were at a moderate rate, meaning that their utility was a combination of both pecuniary and non-pecuniary profits (0< │εpδ │<1). Considering the HLM model and the medical ethics index together has almost shown the condition of PID (the necessary condition δ1> 0 and the sufficient condition (1 ≤│εpδ│)) existed for about 26% of all studied physicians who had pure profit maximizer.

    Conclusion

    To reduce induced demand and improve medical ethics adherence in cardiologist, policy makers should develop native guidelines, rules, and instructions besides policies related to education, and increasing patients' awareness.

    Keywords: Supplier induced demand, Physician ethic index, Angiography, Coronary artery disease, Risk score, Insurance, Econometric model
  • Habibollah Azarbakhsh, Fatemeh Rezaei, Seyed Sina Dehghani, Jafar Hassanzadeh, Maryam Janfada, Alireza Mirahmadizadeh * Pages 238-245
    Background

    We aimed to determine the mortality rate and Years of Life Lost (YLL) due to lung cancer in Fars, Iran, during the period from 2004 to 2019.

    Methods

    All deaths due to lung cancer in Fars Province, Iran from the electronic population-based death registration system (EDRS) were obtained. Crude mortality rate, age-standardized mortality rate, YLL and YLL rate data were calculated and trends examined.

    Results

    During 2004-2019, 3346 deaths occurred due to lung cancer in Fars Province, which was 10.8% (3346/30936) of the total cancer deaths in this period. Crude mortality rate of lung cancer had increased 70% and 53% in male and female respectively from 2004 to 2019. The total YLL of lung cancer during the 16-year study period was 28,094 (0.9 per 1000) in men, 14,174 (0.5 per 1000) in women, and 42,268 (0.8 per 1000) in both sexes (sex ratio male/female=2). According to the join point regression, the 16- year trend of YLL rate due to premature mortality was increasing: APC was 2.5% (95% CI 0.9 to 4.2, P=0.005) for males, 1.4% (95% CI 0.3 to 2.6, P=0.017) for females.

    Conclusion

    The mortality rate and YLL due to lung cancer in Fars Province is increasing, although the standardized mortality has a constant trend. Tobacco control is the most effective and least expensive way to reduce the number of lung cancer patients worldwide. National and local media can also play an important role in informing people about the risk factors.

    Keywords: Lung cancer, Trend, Years of life lost, Iran
  • Fatemeh Shaygani, Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh *, Soodeh Jahangiri Pages 246-247
  • Albert Thomas Anastasio, Ardalan Shariat *, Mikhail Bethell, Gholamreza Hassanzadeh Pages 248-250