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Abstract Background Though relatively rare, bone tumors significantly impact patient health and treatment outcomes. Objective This systematic review analyzes the incidence, types, survival rates, and risk factors associated with bone tumors, including both benign and malignant forms. Methods This systematic review was conducted using the keywords “bone tumors,” “epidemiology,” “benign bone tumors,” “malignant bone tumors,” “osteosarcoma,” “Ewing sarcoma,” “chondrosarcoma,” “risk factors,” and “survival” in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 2000 to 2024. The search strategy was based on the PRISMA statement. Finally, 9 articles were selected for inclusion in the study. Results The systematic review highlights that primary bone tumors can be classified into benign and malignant types, with osteosarcoma being the most prevalent malignant form, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The epidemiology of bone tumors is influenced by factors such as age, gender, geographic location, and genetic predispositions. Recent advancements in imaging techniques have improved the detection of these tumors, contributing to an increasing recognition of their prevalence. Data shows that the limited-duration prevalence of malignant bone tumors has increased significantly. This increase is from 0.00069% in 2000 to 0.00749% in 2018, indicating an increasing recognition and diagnosis of these rare tumors over time. Survival rates vary significantly by tumor type, with approximately 50–60% for osteosarcoma and around 70% for Ewing’s sarcoma, though these rates decrease with metastasis. Key risk factors identified include genetic predispositions such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and TP53 mutations, environmental exposures like radiation, and growth patterns related to height. Conclusion The review highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment intervention, as survival rates are significantly better for patients with localized disease compared to those with metastatic conditions. The observed variations in survival rates across different tumor types underscore the need for tailored treatment strategies. Key risk factors include genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, highlighting the need for targeted screening and ongoing research to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies.

Abstract Background Suicide, as one of the most important psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, can be a threat to public health. Understanding the changes in suicide rates before and after the pandemic provides insights into the psychological effects of such crises on communities. This study aimed to compare the trends in suicide and suicide attempt rates in Southeast Iran before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, covering the period from 2016 to 2023. Methods This descriptive-analytical study was conducted through a census method on 5676 individuals who attempted suicide from 2016 to 2023. Medical records of those who attempted suicide were collected from the integrated system of the Ministry of Health (SIB) during the specified years. The data was collected using a checklist and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical tests at the significance level of P

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It has been demonstrated that the prognosis of current drug treatments is affected by a variety of factors, including late stage, tumor recurrence, inaccessibility to appropriate treatments, and, most importantly, chemotherapy resistance. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) contribute to tumor development, with some acting as tumor suppressors and others as oncogenes. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Ks)/AKT serine/threonine kinase pathway is one of the most important common targets of ncRNAs in cancer, which is widely applied to modulate the cell cycle and a variety of biological processes, including cell growth, mobility survival, metabolic activity, and protein production. Discovering the biology of ncRNA-PI3K/AKT signaling may lead to advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment. As a result, we investigated the expression and role of PI3K/AKT-related ncRNAs in clinical characteristics of lung cancer, as well as their functions as potential biomarkers in lung cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Abstract Background Various treatment approaches for individuals with ankle sprains can reduce treatment costs and enhance recovery. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of spring ankle braces with splints and casts in treating ankle sprains. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study involved 60 patients diagnosed with ankle sprains at the orthopedic clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2022. Following diagnosis confirmation through additional examinations and imaging, patients with ankle sprains not requiring surgery were selected and placed in two groups: one treated with spring ankle braces and the other with splints or casts. Both groups underwent a 4-week treatment regimen, comprising 30 individuals each. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results The average age of patients was 32.5 ± 13.4 years. Of the ankle sprain patients, 56.7% were male. Patients reported the highest satisfaction levels with the plaster cast treatment method. A statistically significant relationship was found between patient satisfaction and the treatment methods of spring ankle braces and plaster casting (P

Abstract Background Fracture of the femur is one of the most common fractures that, if not stabilized and treated properly, may lead to severe disability, impairment of the individual’s efficiency, and numerous complications. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment results of femoral shaft fracture with two methods intramedullary nail (IMN) and Plate. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, 60 patients with femoral bone fractures were admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2020 and were treated for at least one year after discharge. They were divided into two treatment groups - Plate fracture fixation (n = 30) and IMN fracture fixation (n = 30). Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist including patient demographics and treatment outcomes. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS-v 26 statistical software and descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significance level of p

BackgroundThe present study tries to evaluate and summarize the available evidence to provide insights into the COVID-19 burden worldwide using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and compare the level of damage across countries during this pandemic.MethodWe conducted a systematic review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to investigate the global burden of COVID-19. Studies were identified through searches conducted on Ovid Medline, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed databases as well as, the Google Scholar search engine. All stages of the search, study selection, qualitative assessment, and data extraction were carried out by two authors separately. Any disagreement among reviewers was resolved by discussion.ResultsThe total DALYs incurred by COVID-19 varied widely among nations, with rates per 100,000 population ranging from approximately 5 in Korea to 5,363 in the US. Deaths due to COVID-19 could substantially impact years of life lost (YLLs), emerging as a major contributing factor to DALYs. Furthermore, unlike in high-income countries, a significant proportion of YLLs in low- and middle-income countries is associated with individuals dying at younger ages. Years lived with disability (YLDs) were also identified as a minor contributing factor to DALY estimates associated with COVID-19.ConclusionOur findings from this investigation provide valuable insights into the impacts of COVID-19 on global health that may be an important basis for assessing its global burden, facilitating international comparisons, and allocating efforts to manage the epidemic. However, challenges persist in identifying and quantifying the economic costs and non-health effects of the event on an international scale.

Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death mechanism distinct from apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis, marked by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Since its identification in 2012, it has developed into a potential therapeutic target, especially concerning GI disorders like PC, HCC, GC, and CRC. This interest arises from the distinctive role of ferroptosis in the progression of diseases, presenting a new avenue for treatment where existing therapies fall short. Recent studies emphasize the promise of focusing on ferroptosis to fight GI cancers, showcasing its unique pathophysiological mechanisms compared to other types of cell death. By comprehending how ferroptosis aids in the onset and advancement of GI diseases, scientists aim to discover novel drug targets and treatment approaches. Investigating ferroptosis in gastrointestinal disorders reveals exciting possibilities for novel therapies, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment and providing renewed hope for individuals affected by these tumors.

The management and treatment of cancer have posed significant challenges in recent years. Conventional chemotherapy, despite its widespread use, has encountered obstacles such as the emergence of drug resistance. As a result, natural products have gained considerable attention as alternative therapies for cancer treatment. These compounds can also be combined with chemotherapy drugs to enhance tumor suppression. Sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound derived from broccoli, has demonstrated remarkable health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. This review focuses on SFN’s role in cancer treatment, emphasizing its biological mechanisms and ability to regulate drug resistance. Key mechanisms discussed include the regulation of cell death pathways, such as apoptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy, which are critical in cancer therapy. Additionally, SFN’s ability to suppress metastasis and impair the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism is highlighted. By inhibiting glycolysis, SFN can reduce the energy supply required for cancer cell proliferation. When combined with chemotherapy drugs, SFN enhances tumor suppression and mitigates drug resistance in human cancers. This is achieved primarily by promoting apoptosis, reducing proliferation, and inhibiting metastasis. In conclusion, SFN shows significant promise in cancer therapy by targeting multiple molecular pathways, improving the efficacy of chemotherapy, and overcoming drug resistance, particularly when incorporated into advanced nanoparticle delivery systems.

Background: Major β-Thalassemia is the most prevalent singlegene disorder in Iran. Over 2 million beta-thalassemia carriersand more than 25,000 patients have been identified nationwide. This study aimed to evaluate the Major β-Thalassemia (MBT) screening surveillance system in the Jiroft district, southeast Iran.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted using the census method and was based on the information recorded in the files of all major thalassemia births (born between 2011 and 2021) in the health centers of Jiroft University of Medical Sciences. A formula was used to calculate the program’s incidence, expected incidence, and success rate. Stata version 14 and Excel software were utilized to analyze the data, and the qualitative data are presented as numerical values and percentages.Results: During the study periods, 91 patients with betathalassemia Major were born in the population covered by Jiroft University of Medical Sciences. By performing prenatal diagnosis tests in the first weeks of pregnancy and obtaining parental consent for legal abortion, the birth of 422 sick children was prevented. The 11-year incidence of beta-thalassemia major was 5.32 per 10,000, and the expected incidence (if no prevention program was implemented) was 30 per 10,000 live births. The mean success rate of the Major β-Thalassemia surveillance system during the study period was 82.26%, which reached 95.45% in 2021.Conclusion: The i mplementation of efficient, e ffective h ealth policies influenced by the native culture of the region has resulted in the thalassemia prevention program in Jiroft City being completely effective. The implementation success rate of this program has exceeded 95%. Modeling and adapting these preventive policies can assist in implementing thalassemia prevention programs in other parts of the country and developing countries.

Abstract Background and Aim Helicobacter pylori plays an important role in causing digestive diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate Helicobacter pylori in COVID‐19 patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods In this case–control study, all patients with COVID‐19 admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft city in 2021 were convenience sampled and divided into two homogeneous groups. Ninety‐five patients with COVID‐19, who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, were included in the case group, while 95 patients with COVID‐19 without gastrointestinal symptoms were included in the control group. Noninvasive diagnostic methods, including serology and stool antigen tests, were used to identify Helicobacter pylori in the studied patients. Results Fifty‐three people (55.8%) from the case group had Helicobacter pylori, and 48 (50.5%) from the control group had Helicobacter pylori. Among the 53 people from the case group, 27 (50.9%) were men and 26 (49.1%) were women. Nineteen people (35.8%) were taking pantoprazole, 10 people (18.8%) were taking nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, 20 people (37.7%) were taking narcotics, and 7 people (13.2%) had peptic ulcer. Seven people (13.2%) had an H2 blocker, and 21 people had an underlying disease. A significant relationship between infection with Helicobacter pylori and the use of pantoprazole, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, narcotics, peptic ulcer, underlying disease, and H2 blocker in COVID‐19 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and without gastrointestinal symptoms was present (P‐value

Context: Dengue fever has been reported in 129 countries worldwide, including 100 countries in the Mediterranean region, South America, and Southeast Asia. It results in approximately 40,000 deaths each year, and there have been significant outbreaks of dengue fever in these areas in recent years. Approximately 50% of the global population is presently susceptible to acquiring the dengue virus, which is classified as an emerging and re-emerging ailment that is likely to impact several nations in the foreseeable future. Evidence Acquisition: Despite the significant harm inflicted upon human health and the economic conditions of countries in recent years, dengue continues to be classified as a neglected disease, without the requisite attention and concerted efforts by countries to effectively manage it. Any actions taken in this domain are inherently constrained. Consequently, due to the significance of dengue fever, this study aims to comprehensively examine this matter. Results: The disease used to be effectively managed in regions like the countries of the American continent and Singapore, but it has made a resurgence. Between 2008 and 2010, the number of cases in the regions of America, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific rose from 0.2 million to 2.2 million. These reports exclusively consist of officially documented sick cases. Multiple outbreaks have been documented in Asia, encompassing countries such as China, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Malaysia, as well as in South America, including Brazil and Mexico. Dengue fever cases have been documented in several Middle Eastern nations, including Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and southern Iran. Local transmission of the disease has begun in Europe, with France and Croatia reporting cases of local transmission. Annually, a minimum of 500,000 individuals experience serious illnesses requiring hospitalization. Approximately 2.5% of individuals who contract the condition die from it. Every year, numerous severe cases of dengue fever are documented, resulting in at least 20,000 deaths. Conclusion: Dengue fever is a complex systemic disease. Assessing the complete range of the disease burden of dengue fever will be crucial to properly comprehend the serious medical and economic repercussions it has on patients and the general public.

Background & Objectivs: Today, despite the existence of numerous treatments for tennis elbow, the search for more effective methods continues due to the limited efficacy of these existing approaches. This study aimed to compare the results of tennis elbow treatment in two groups: patients receiving corticosteroid injection and casting, and patients receiving acupuncture and physiotherapy. Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study, conducted in Jiroft in 2021, investigated the effectiveness of different treatment approaches for tennis elbow. Fifty patients diagnosed with tennis elbow were randomly divided into two groups of 25 each. One group received a combination of corticosteroids and casts, while the other group received acupuncture and physiotherapy. A pain line was used to assess pain levels based on VAS criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 statistical software, employing Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, Mann-Whitney, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Results: The majority of patients were female (66%) and housewives (46%). There was a significant difference in pain outcomes between the two groups: physiotherapy alone and physiotherapy combined with corticosteroids and casts. This difference was observed across various conditions (pain at rest, pain during activity, and amount of pain evoked during activity) (p

Introduction: Clinical education is the most important part of medical education that provides a golden opportunity for medical students to combine their theoretical mix with the clinical environment, and this is important in the countries of the style of the arena of medicine Special attention is paid. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the views and experiences of medical students as facilitators and inhibitors of clinical education quality. Methods: This is qualitative research and a phenomenological approach was used. The study population consisted of medical students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Target-based sampling was performed on 40 medical students. The method for collecting information was a deep interview with the participants. The data were analyzed by the Colaizzi method. Results: Two initial codes were extracted in the form of two main themes (facilitating and inhibiting factors) and 10 sub-themes including providing motivational patterns and creating interest in interns, the high scientific and educational level of attending professors, use of technology, authorizing more responsibility, inappropriate treatment, inappropriate educational planning, inappropriate evaluation method, low-quality mornings, lack of facilities, and overwhelming of some wards were classified. Conclusion: Considering these factors, it is possible to raise the quality of clinical education to the highest possible level and educate responsible and responsible physicians for generations.

Background: Identifying effective factors in death caused by the infection of COVID-19 is one of the most worrisome issues in the globe. This study aims to investigate the frequency of risk factors leading to death in patients with COVID-19. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study done on 150 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2019. Patients were included in the study by census method. The required information was extracted and recorded in the researcher's checklist; which included demographic and social characteristics of patients (age, gender, smoking, and opium consumption), underlying disease,test results (leukopenia, leukocytosis, neutropenia, decrease in albumin, increase in creatinine, ALT, AST, LDH and CRP), and the RT-PCR test.,. The researchers analyzed data using independent sample t-test, and chi-square by SPSS-V22. Results: The mean age of the patients was 72.19 ± 15.97. Most of those who died with COVID-19 were men. There was a statistically significant relationship between the use of drugs and the death of patients with COVID-19(P-value

Background: Sleep health is a relatively new term in the sleep literature and an emerging concept in sleep medicine. Lack of attention to health sleep, leads to an increase in the incidence of various physical, mental, and immune disorders against infectious diseases.Methods: This Narrative review study was conducted in September 2021. Studies and articles published in PubMed Databases, Web of Science, and Google search engine from 1983 to January 2021 were included in the study. All reviews and cross-sectional studies found through the keywords, including Sleep, sleep Health, Sleep Hygiene, Underlying diseases, COVID-19, and coronavirus, were reviewed regardless of the publicationlanguage.Results: According to the collected evidence, sleep deprivation is one of the main causes of underlying diseases, and people with underlying diseases are most vulnerable to COVID-19. Also, East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, with more scientific production in the field of healthy sleep, compared to EU member states, can protect themselves from diseases caused by unhealthy sleep and have lower mortality rate of COVID-19 infection.Conclusion: given the vulnerability of underlying diseases to coronavirus, one of the most important functional areas and preventive factors in the occurrence of the underlying diseases that should be considered is sleep health. Encouraging and promoting sleep health is also important as a protective factor in preventing and managing COVID-19 infectious diseases. Sleep health might also be one of the important factors playing a role in the vulnerability of COVID-19 in different societies.

BACKGROUND: Animal bites are a major threat to human health. The present study was designed to determine the incidence and epidemiological factors and to investigate the process of referral and treatment of animal bite cases in Kerman city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study. All the cases of animal bites that were referred to rabies treatment and prevention centers under the coverage of Kerman health center during 2019 and 2021 were investigated. The data were collected from the health center of Kerman city in Excel form that was registered in the portal of the Ministry of Health. The Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used in SPSS24 software to analyze the data. RESULTS: In this study, 5407 people (4076 men and 1331 women) were bitten by animals. The average incidence of animal bites was 313 per hundred thousand people. The mean ± SD age of the injured was 31.38 ± 17.72 years. 73.2% of cases of attacking animals were dogs, and half of those dogs had owners. 58.6% of cases were injured in the hand, and 94.2% referred to rabies treatment and prevention centers in the first 48 h after the bite. No cases of animal-bitten deaths were reported during this period. Between gender (P = 0.006), age (P = 0.013), place of residence (P = 0.003), occupation (P < 0.000), history of previous bites and vaccinations (P = 0.001), and injured limb (P < 0.000) and not going to receive the next round of vaccinations, there was a statistically significant correlation. CONCLUSION: Animal bites are a major health problem in Kerman, and due to creating health problems and economic losses, it is necessary to take serious action to control and prevent this health threat.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), on 11 March 2020. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) combine the impact of morbidity and mortality, allowing for comprehensive comparisons of the population. The purpose of this study was to estimate DALYs due to COVID-19 in Iran for the first 2 years of the pandemic.MethodsDALYs were estimated as the sum of Years of Life Lost (YLLs) and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) associated with COVID-19 in Iran from 19 February 2020 to 20 March 2022. The life expectancy for COVID-19 YLL estimations was based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study.ResultsThere were 15,639,243 outpatients and 1,170,602 hospitalized confirmed cases, of which 120,965 deaths were as a direct result of COVID-19. DALYs were estimated to be 2,376,552. Overall, YLL contributed to 99.34% of the DALYs, while the remaining 0.66% was attributed to YLD.ConclusionCOVID-19 had a significant impact on population health in Iran during the first 2 years of the pandemic; this study provides a comprehensive depiction of COVID-19’s burden and is helpful for comparing its impact with other diseases in the population and across populations.

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women. Identifying and avoiding the preventable risk factors of BC reduces its occurrence effectively. So, this study aimed to assess BC’s risk factors and risk perception status in Babol, Northern Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 women aged 18 to 70 in Babol, Northern Iran. According to the eligibility criteria, the selected participants completed the demographic characteristics and researcher-made valid and reliable questionnaires. The statistical software was SPSS20. Results The significant risk factors related to BC were old age (60 years old and more) (30.2%), obesity (25.8%), history of radiation (10%), and familial history of BC (9.5%), respectively (P

Introduction: Thalassemia is a genetic disease with an autosomal recessive pattern. Prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of pregnancy in the case of fetus infection is the best way to prevent this disease. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the incidence rate and causes of new cases of major β-thalassemia (MBT) after implementing the national prevention program in Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This was descriptive and analytical study on health system research. Information of patients (Date of birth, status of other siblings) and carrier couples (year of marriage, kinship relationship, performing screening at the time of marriage, history of surveillance, and causes of the birth of beta-thalassemia patient) was obtained from the data available in the Health Department of Kerman Universities of Medical Sciences from 2011 to 2019. Data were analyzed by SPSS (Version 24) using Fisher's exact test. Results: The 9-year incidence rate in the whole region was 0.55 per 10,000 live births. The success rate of the program in the whole region was 84.37%. Fifteen patients were born between 2011 and 2019. The most important cause of MBT incidence was the lack of identification of thalassemia couples and their lack of awareness about their condition (46.6%). Nine (60%) of the patients' parents had consanguineous marriages. There was no statistically significant relationship between causes of new cases of MBT and the level of education and occupation of the patients' parents (P>0.05). Conclusion: Although the implementation of the prevention program has significantly reduced the number of new cases of MBT, appropriate planning to improve the quality of counseling services and carrier couples care and increase the level of awareness and change the attitude of target groups to eliminate the incidence of the disease is necessary.

T he World Health Organization, defines health literacy as cognitive and social skills increasing the motivation and ability of individuals to acquire information to promote and maintain their health (Tugut et al., 2021). Nowadays, food literacy, as a subset of health literacy are receiving serious attention worldwide (Vamos et al., 2021). Food literacy has been defined as a vital element in improving food insecurity and increasing food knowledge and skills with the aim of improving healthy eating behavior, which leads to reducing food hygiene inequalities (Steils and Obaidalahe, 2020).

BackgroundDisasters can lead to large human casualties, destruction of property and economic and environmental resources. The purpose of the present study was to answer the question whether the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is effective in predicting behaviors related to the harmful effects of natural disasters in the households of southern Iran.Materials and methodsThis quantitative and cross-sectional study was conducted on 528 households in Jiroft city. Sampling was done by combined method (the combination of cluster, simple random, proportional and systematic random sampling). A total of 528 households were included. The tools for collecting data were demographic information and a researcher-made questionnaire related to PMT constructs and preventive behaviors from the harmful effects of natural disasters. Data was analyzed using SPSS v21 software, and the necessary analyzes (descriptive tests, chi-square, one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation test) were performed at a significance level of 0.05. Using Amos v 21 software, the predictors of safety behaviors were determined using path analysis.ResultsThe results showed 51.7% lived in the city and 62.1% of residential buildings were of brick without markings. There is a significant difference between preventive behaviors and direct exposure to disasters (p

Abstract Background Aging is a sensitive period of life. Attention to the needs of this stage is considered a social necessity. This study is conducted to investigate the responsiveness level and its effect on service quality from the hospitalized older adults’ viewpoints during the COVID-19 pandemic in the south of Iran. Methods It was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study that was conducted on 386 old patients. The study instrument was a standard questionnaire that includes three sections of demographic information, World Health Organization Responsiveness, and SERVQUAL. Data were analyzed applying descriptive and inferential statistics the same as Independent T-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results The mean levels of responsiveness and service quality were 90.72 ± 9.38 (from 160) and 68.01 ± 8.51 (from 110) respectively. This indicates the average level of these variables from the old patients’ viewpoints. There was a significant positive correlation between responsiveness and service quality (r = 0.585). According to the results of multiple linear regression, the dimensions of communication, dignity, prompt attention, primary facilities, social support, information confidentiality, right to choose, and autonomy were identified as the predictors of service quality. Conclusion The average level of responsiveness and service quality perceived from the old patients’ viewpoints during the COVID-19 pandemic can be considered a necessity for supportive planning among the older adults. Meanwhile, according to the impacts of responsiveness on service quality, educational programs are recommended to promote the level of healthcare providers’ responsiveness.

The lack of any definitive treatment or prevention of COVID-19 disease has created a lot of stress and anxiety in societies. This study aimed to evaluate the resilience and anxiety of COVID-19 in nurses of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft and their relationship with demographic variables from April to August 2020. The present study is descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional. To select the statistical sample, the census method was used so that 80 nurses working in different wards of the hospital were selected and included in the study. The resilience measurement tool is the Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire (CD-RIS). COVID-19 anxiety was assessed using a comprehensive national questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics Chi-square, Independent two-sample parametric t-test, and ANOVA through SPSS 20. The level of COVID-19 anxiety in nurses was moderate (19.3±11.64) and the rate of resilience was low (36.7±16.65). There is a statistically significant difference between resilience in nurses and age (p = 0.003). There was no statistically significant relationship between the rate of resilience in nurses and gender (p = 0.13), the unit of service (p = 0.87), marital status (p = 0.98), work experience (p = 0.06), and the level of education (p = 0.63). There was no statistically significant relationship between anxiety in nurses and age (p = 0.53), gender (p = 0.59), the unit of work (p = 0.48), marital status (p = 0.90), work experience (p = 0.40), and level of education (p = 0.60). The results of multivariate analysis showed that, work experience, and place of work have a statistically significant relationship with resilience and anxiety of COVID-19 in nurses, respectively (p

Background and Objectives: Hypocalcemia is one of the most common neonatal disorders that has a good prognosis if treated promptly and diagnosed correctly. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypocalcemia and associated factors in premature infants in Jiroft, southeastern Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the cases of infants born in the spring and summer of 2019 in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft, southeastern Iran, were examined by the census method. The required information was extracted from the infants' files and entered into SPSS24 software for analysis. Results: Based on the results of the study, out of 78 hypocalcemic premature neonates admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital, 42 (53.8%) were boys and 36 (46.2%) were girls. Thirty-six (46.2%) infants had a birth weight of between 1,500 and 2,000 g, and 42 (35.8%) infants were born between 35 and 37 weeks of age. Most preterm infants (60.3%) had a diabetic mother. Moreover, the number of female preterm hypocalcemic infants with a weight of 2,000 to 2,500 g was higher than their male counterparts. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that prematurity, weight less than 2,000 g, and maternal diabetes were the factors affecting hypocalcemia in preterm infants that should be considered in public health programs.

Abstract Background One of the leading health indicators during the COVID-19 crisis is health literacy and health-promoting behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate health literacy and health-promoting behaviors among women hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic in the southern part of Iran in 2020. Methods This descriptive-analytical study encompassed 465 women hospitalized and treated in none teaching hospitals affiliated with the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Data collection tools were the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results The mean scores of the participants’ "health literacy" and "health-promoting behaviors" were 64.41 ± 11.31 and 112.23 ± 16.09, respectively, indicating the poor level of health literacy and the average level of health-promoting behaviors. Moreover, there was a significant direct correlation between health literacy and health-promoting behaviors (P

Background and Objectives: This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of residents in south of Kerman province in Iran regarding scorpion sting and the factors affecting its prevalence. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on 384 people living in south of Kerman province, Iran. A KAP questionnaire was used which surveyed the necessary information regarding the familiarity of residents with scorpions, the level of exposure to scorpions and effective factors, and knowledge of basic measures against scorpion stings. The questionnaire was completed through an interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results showed the participants’ high knowledge of scorpion shelters (87.9%). Their most common measures in dealing with scorpion stings were hospitalization, use of cold compresses, moving away from the scene, covering the sting area with a cloth, washing the sting site, and applying pressure over the sting site. Most of participants (81.6%) suggested that spraying insecticides and the use of petroleum products were the main methods for getting rid of scorpions. About 31% had belief in traditional medicine. Most of them (73.5%) had found scorpions in their houses and 36.7% reported a history of scorpion sting in the family members. Most of them (64%) had got stung indoors. Moreover, 74.8% of them had houses with no walls or with unfavorable fencing, and for 78.3%, they were not safe in terms of scorpions entering. Conclusion: The measures and training for prevention and control of scorpion stings in south of Kerman province are necessary due to the high exposure of residents to scorpions indoors, the unsafety of their houses, and lack of compliance to preventive measures.

Introduction: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common inherited metabolic disease in Iran that can be prevented by prenatal diagnostic tests (PND). This study was performed aimed to determine the incidence of PKU and the effect of implementing a prevention program on reducing its incidence in the population covered by Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This was a descriptive study on health system research. All PKU carrier couples and patients covered by Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2019 were studied. Data were obtained from the national form of epidemiological study of genetic diseases and genetic surveillance form from the Deputy Minister of Health. Frequency tables and graphs were used to describe the information. Results: In this study, 68 patients and 63 carrier couples were covered and 37 (60.6%) carrier couples were at risk of having a sick child and all of them were under the care of health care centers. For 91.9% of them and 61.9% high-risk relatives, the type of gene mutation was determined. PND tests were performed on 28 (87.5%) pregnant women. Seven affected fetuses were diagnosed, all of which were aborted with parental consent. 32 high-risk couples (86.5%) used safe method of contraception. The 13-year incidence of PKU in the whole region was 1.13 and the expected incidence was 1.36 per 10,000 live births. Conclusion: Implementation of prevention program had an effect on reducing the incidence of PKU. The high frequency of consanguineous marriages can affect the high incidence of PKU. It is necessary to identify the patient's relatives who are at risk of having a sick child (consanguineous marriage), refer them to a genetic counseling center and determining their status can be effective in reducing the incidence of the disease.

Abstract Introduction A new coronavirus, called COVID-19, is an acute respiratory disease, which may arouse many psychological disorders since there is no specialized knowledge about it. The present study aimed to investigate the level of resilience and its relationship with hypochondriasis in nurses working in a COVID-19 reference hospital in south of Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020, in which 312 nurses participated using the census method. Data collection tools were the Conker-Davidson standard resilience scale (CD-RISC) and the Evans Hypoglycaemia Awareness Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression using SPSS software version 23. Results The mean scores of resilience and hypochondriasis were 72.38 ± 7.11 and 49.75 ± 8.13, respectively, indicating the moderate level of these two variables among nurses. Hypochondriasis in 18.91, 61.22, and 1.28% of the nurses was mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between resilience and hypochondriasis (r = − 0.214 and P

Background and Objectives: The widespread prevalence of new coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide can lead to many mental disorders. COVID-19 Care Frontline Staff, are one of the groups most strongly affected by the mental disorders caused by this disease. This study aimed to assess the correlation between the level of depressive disorder and quality of life in employees working in Covid-19 reference hospital in 2020. Methods: This was descriptive-correlation census study performed on 496 employees of Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) Hospital in Shiraz as the reference hospital for treatment of COVID-19 in southern Iran. Data collection tools were standard Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test and ANOVA by SPSS v. 23 software at a significance level of α=0.05. Results: The Mean±SD score of depression and quality of life of the studied employees were 35.8±9.2 (out of 63), 60.7±14.8 (out of 120) respectively. 49.6% and 87.5% of the employees had moderate levels of depression and quality of life, respectively. There was a significant and inverse correlation between depression and employees' quality of life (r=-0.612, P

Abstract Background and Purpose: COVID-19 could be a threat to healthcare workerschr('39') mental health. This study was conducted to investigate job burnout and its relationship with the resilience level of the personnel in the COVID-19 treatment hospital in southern Iran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 on 496 personnel of Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) Hospital selected as the center of COVID-19 in southern Iran. The participants of the study were selected using the census. Data collection tools were the standard Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data analysis was performed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression in SPSS23 at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean scores of job burnout and resilience were 76.95 ± 14.36 (of 132) and 71.21 ± 8.24 (of 125), respectively which indicated the moderate level of these two variables. There was a significant inverse correlation between job burnout and resilience (P

Background and Objectives: Investigating the changes in CT scans of patients is one of the most important methods to determine the prognosis of patients with head trauma, which has been considered by researchers. The aim of this study was to determine the findings of delayed CT scan in blunt head trauma patients referred to Shahid Bahonar Hospital of Kerman in 2020. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study. All patients with blunt head trauma underwent the initial Brain CT based on indications according to the guideline after six Hour of monitoring in the emergency room if they hadnchr(chr(chr('39')39chr('39'))39chr(chr('39')39chr('39')))t any discharge conditions based on the indications in the guideline The brain controls CT was performed. Findings were analyzed by SPSS25 software. Chi-square, Independent T test, ANOVA and logistic regression were used. Results: The results showed that 98.5% of the participants had no changes in their control CT scan. In the change group, 40% of cases had decreased hemorrhage, 35% of cases had increased hemorrhage and 25% of them had new intracranial hemorrhage. There was not also a statistically significant relationship between gender, drug history, outcome, initial CT-Scan findings, age, GCS score, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and duration with CT changes (in unchanged, exacerbated, recovered groups) (P> 0.05). But the results showed that the frequency of exacerbation of symptoms in people with underlying cranial disease was significantly higher than other groups (P=0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, it is possible that performing a primary CT scan in patients with head trauma in EDs is a good method for assessing the general condition of patients with mild to moderate trauma. However, evaluation of the necessity of control CT scan requires research with a larger sample size and longer follow-up.

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic autosomal recessive disorder, which, if not treated on time, can lead to mental retardation and severe developmental delay. The aim of this study was to assess the PKU neonatal screening program in Kerman County, Iran. Methods: This was a health system research study carried out on all newborns screened for PKU from 2012 to 2018 in Kerman. Data were extracted from the Comprehensive Social Genetics Program forms, genetic records, and the national form for investigation of genetic disease incidence. Results: Totally, 121,533 newborns were screened. 108,972 (89.7%) were Iranian, and 12,561 (10.3%) were non-Iranian. Screening coverage in the Iranian population was 92.1%. 80.9% of Iranian and 62.8% of non-Iranian newborns were screened from 3 to 5 days of age. Timely screening of newborns in the Iranian and non-Iranian populations in 2012 was 70.0% and 46.9%, and in 2018, it was 90.2% and 75.1%, respectively. The first visit at the PKU treatment center in 30.7% of Iranian and 33.3% of non-Iranian neonates was before 14 days of age. In the Iranian population residing in Kerman, the incidence rate of PKU was estimated to be 1.35 per 10,000 live births. 62.5% of parents of Iranian and 100% of parents of non-Iranian PKU patients were relatives. Conclusion: PKU screening coverage in Kerman is relatively acceptable, and most newborns were screened on time. Timely screening of newborns in both populations has increased since the beginning of the program until the time of this study. Interventions are required to improve early diagnosis and start treatment during the first 2 weeks of life. The incidence of PKU in Kerman County is approximately equal to the national average. Due to the fact that most parents of PKU patients are relatives, increasing awareness to prevent consanguineous marriages can be effective in decreasing the incidence of this disease.

Introduction:Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is divided into two traumatic and non-traumatic categories. The present study sought to investigate the anatomical properties of non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage in Kerman, Iran. Method:A total of 305 non-traumatic ICH cases were chosen in Shafa medical center. Data from patients’ files and CT scan images, including demographic factors and type of malformation, aneurysm size and shape, as well as the invovled location and artery were gathered and statistically analyzed. Results:Most cases were 40-60 years old. SAH, ICH and SAH+IVH were 69.5%, 14.4 and 8.5% respectively. From all, 65.2% had arteriovenous malformation and following furthure assessment, aneurysm with 148 cases (74.4%) was the most frequent and 57.4% of aneurysm cases were located in the right hemisphere. In 14.9% of cases, multiple aneurysms were observed. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhages caused by arteriovenous malformation were in the shape of an aneurysm; an increase in age may result in higher probability of aneurysm occurence.

Objective (s): Measles is a severe acute respiratory viral infection. The single-stranded RNA morbillivirus from the Paramixoviridea family is easily transmitted among humans through coughing or sneezing droplets. Methods: This was a case-control study that was carried out among people living in cities under coverage of Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran in 2014-2015. Seventy-five patients with confirmed measles (case group) and 150 healthy individuals (control group) were selected for the study. The case group included entered into the study through census method. The control group was randomly selected by simple random sampling from the people who had the inclusion criteria. To control the confounding factors, each case was matched with two persons from the control group for age and gender. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, a significant relationship between measles and, not receiving the vaccine (OR=14.35, CI 95%=7.03-29.27), the history of contact with the definite cases of measles (OR=1.9, CI 95%=1.09-3.43), non-native residents (OR=5.46, CI 95%=1.88-15.78), motherchr('39')s age of older than 30 years at birth (OR=2.8, CI 95%=1.23-6.38) were identified. Conclusion: Based on the findings independent risk factors for developing measles disease were not having measles vaccine, non-native people, history of contact with definite cases of measles and, motherchr('39')s age at birth.

Abstract Introduction The coronavirus disease of the 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has created a sense of fear due to uncertainties in medical students’ personal and professional lives. Medical education is challenging and poses a more significant academic and emotional rigor when compared with other professional programs. With the COVID‐19 having limited treatment options, health literacy (HL) is crucial for managing and responding to the pandemic. This research aims to examine the impact of HL on COVID‐19‐associated fear among Iranian medical students. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted measuring the HL and fear of COVID‐19 using validated scales. Two hundred and seventy‐eight survey responses were received and analyzed descriptively by using SPSS software inferential statistics. Results Mean age of participants was 22.93 ± 5.427 years. The correlation between students’ total health literacy (HELIA) scores and their fear of COVID‐19 (FCV‐19S) scores was −0.279 (p value = .019). The FCV‐19S has a negative correlation with total HELIA in the group of females and males, single and married people, bachelor and MD students, and students living in rural areas and urban areas. The negative correlation of FCV‐19S with total HELIA in males and students who reside in rural areas was the only one that was not significant. In associate degree students, the correlation between FCV‐19S and total HELIA was positive but not significant. Education grades had a significant impact on FCV‐19S. Furthermore, the place of residence also had a significant impact on FCV‐19S. However, the gender and marital status did not significantly impact FCV‐19S. Conclusions The present study showed that students with higher HL scores had lesser fear of COVID‐19. The key stakeholders require several positive strategies to reduce fear and improve health, and such vital policies will assist in improving the students’ health and achieving the sustainable developmental goals.

Coronaviruses are relatively old viruses that first were identified in 1930 as the infectious bronchitis virus in birds, and in 1940 were identified as the cause of gastroenteritis in pigs. Global concern rising about mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic and varieties of clinical signs seems to be a good reason to consider using COVID-19 to fight the virus before becoming infected. According to the unprecedented transmission rate of infectious viruses from the past and the evidence of the effectiveness of using preventive methods in the fight against infectious and respiratory diseases, we use the prominence of the family-centered role in Iran compared to other countries (1,2) Following the globalization crisis of COVID-19 in different parts of the world, Iran was facing a more destructive virus, increasing the most brutal sanctions pressure of the United States which has many effects and challenges. In particular, the medical sector faced severe challenges and problems which is referred as drug terrorism to some extent (4,5) Sanctions caused barriers for importing humanitarian aid and medical supplies, including coronavirus detection tools, providing necessary medicines and raw materials to give citizens access the information about the disease and its prevalence. In such a situation, the country's health sector needs to take preventive measures to reduce transmission risk and manage disease. One of the most important ways to prevent the transmission is maintaining the social distance and home care (family-oriented) which are among the most cost-effective ways to reduce vulnerabilities to Covid-19. Domestic and family-oriented policies and quarantine measures controled the speed transmission in East Asian countries. Their similar cases and useful experiences can be a successful scientific and experimental model for Iran, where needs such a control policy more than other countries. Overall, although living in home quarantine has psychological, social, and economic consequences, in Iran, the first and most important strategy for using a preventive home care policy is to focus on people's culture. Increasing training activities, familirizing people with the proper personal and social health behavior, changing people's attitudes towards the adoption of social spacing and justifying why staying at home can be very effective and helpful. Proper and principled policies by the government, such as promoting e-commerce infrastructure and encouraging people to shop online, providing livelihood support to low-income people, Controlling rumors and preventing the spread of false news and unscientific therapies, controlling anxiety and stress management by creating creativity and innovation for fun and vibrancy to avoid psychological and social challenges in the community in this condition are effective and useful strategies (6).

Background: According to the direct connection between congenital hypothyroidism and iodine deficiency in pregnant women, also relatively high incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in some areas of Kerman province, especially Raver district located in North of Kerman province, this study was performed to determine and compare the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in pregnant women referring to health centers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done during March 2014 and May 2015. Inclusion and exclusion criteria to be considered and UIC were measured by spectrophotometry in 384 and 374 pregnant women in Ravar and Kerman cities, Iran. Sampling method for this study was all of pregnant women in Ravar and random stratified sampling in Kerman. data were collected using a structured questionnaire. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Software, version 20.0 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA). Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and Logistic regression were used for associations and differences. Results: The mean UIC was 200.21 µg/L in pregnant women of Ravar and 238.79 µg/L in pregnant women of Kerman. 22.7% of pregnant women were with low concentrations of iodine, 57.8% within the normal range and 19.5 percent were with high iodine concentrations in Ravar. While 5.3 percent of pregnant women were with low concentrations of iodine, 54.5% were within the normal range and 40.1% were with high UIC in Kerman. There were no significant differences between demographic variables and UIC in the two regions (P> 05/0). Multivariate regression models showed significant connections between the residence and UIC pregnant women (P< 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that UIC in pregnant women of Ravar was significantly lower than Kerman and the place of living can be considered as a predictor of UIC in pregnant women.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the burden of injuries, including spinal cord injuries and limb amputation, caused by the Bam earthquake. Materials and Methods: The data related to morbidity of spinal cord injuries were collected from records provided by State Welfare Organization of Iran. Then, morbidity and mortality data for amputation and also mortality of spinal cord injuries were obtained from a previous study using the network scale-up method. Then, we followed the World Health Organization guidelines to assess the burden of this disease, and then years of life lost (YLL) and years of life lost due to disability (YLD) were calculated. Results: The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by the spinal cord injury were 15,435 years. YLL due to premature mortality was 13,134 and YLD was 2301 years and the number of DALY caused by limb amputation was equal to 2184, all of which were due to YLD. Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, spinal cord injuries and amputations resulting from the earthquake impose many burdens on society. This provides outcomes and evidence for policymaking and planning in the field of health care for policymakers.

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common form of malignant diseases in women. Early diagnosis is effective on its successful treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate breast self-examination and its effective factors based on the theory of planned behavior among women in Kerman, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 300 women referred to the health centers in Kerman, Iran, were selected by the cluster and convenience sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires included demographic variables and questions about knowledge and constructs of the theory of planned behavior. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation, Spearman, Chi-square, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney and logistic regression with the SPSS 21 software. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.26 ± 8.18 years. Results showed that 12.7% of the women performed breast self-examination regularly every month. The most common reason for not doing breast self-examination was not knowing how to perform it. Knowledge was the most important predictor in breast self-examination (OR= 0.896, P

Background: Case finding was improved to the population-based method at the Isfahan Cancer Registry (ICR) during 2005–2008. However, its effects on the number of registered colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and patients' age are not investigated. Therefore, present study designed to investigate the effect of that improvement on the trend of incidence of CRC, and age of CRC cases in ICR's catchment area. Methods: Data from the ICR were retrieved by years for 2000–2011. Annual age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs), truncated ASRs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated for both genders. Rates were standardized based on the 2000 world standard population. Trends were analyzed, and significant change-points were identified using Joinpoint Regression software. Age of CRC cases compared between periods before and after the improvement. Results: A total of 2902 CRC cases had been registered by ICR. Estimated ASRs (95% CI) for 2000 and 2011 were 3.47 (3.45, 3.50) and 10.22 (10.19, 1025) per 100,000 persons, respectively. Two significant change-points were identified (i.e., at 2003 and 2006). However, estimated average annual percent change was as 11. There was no significant difference between mean of patients' age before and after the time of improvement (P = 0.88). Conclusions: Trends of incidence of CRC had been rising in central Iran for males and females, during 2000–2011. It seems that the estimated slope for this trend had been partially artificial and significantly affected by the improvement of case-finding method. However, the improvement had no effect on the patients' age.