eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 276 286 article Seyed Aghil Jaberhashemi jaberhashemi767@gmail.com 1 Ismaeil Alizadeh ismaeil.alizadeh@yahoo.com 2 Mohammad Jaefar Moemenbellah-Fard moemenbellahfard@gmail.com 3 Zahra Amiri amirizahra873@yahoo.com 4 Mojtaba Norouzi m.noroozi7098@gmail.com 5 Farzaneh Azimi far.azimi19095@gmail.com 6 Seyed Mohsen Mohebbi Nodez m.mohebbi62@gmail.com 7 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Health Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (Corresponding Author) Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background & Aims: Human lice infestation is considered primordial in origin, and its control dates back several centuries. However, its social stigma and ostracism remain major public health issues, particularly among school children. The main aim of this survey was to determine the relative frequency of head lice and its effective qualitative parameters among primary schoolgirls on Qeshm Island, south of Iran. Materials & Methods: This descriptive analytic study was performed on Qeshm Island. From 38 private and municipal primary schools, six schools, each including at least 60 female students, were randomly selected; a sample size of about 270 was computed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: In this survey, 283 female primary school students with an average age of 9 ± 2.16 years were investigated, of whom 119 (42%) were infested with head lice. Infestation among 6 to 9- year-old students was significantly lower than in the higher age group (p < 0.001). There was also a significant association between the students’ bathing frequency and lack of head lice infestation (p < 0.05). A significant relationship was evident between the mothers’ education level and head lice infestation in students (p < 0.001).   Conclusion: Low maternal literacy, inadequate bathing frequency, and 11-year-old girls were at risk of head lice infestation. To reduce this problem, there is an essential need for the implementation of health measures such as employing school nurses, promoting public access to health services, educating tutors, students, and their parents, conducting clinical exams, and periodic screening. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-178-en.pdf Ectoparasite Iran Nit Pediculus humanus capitis Student eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 287 291 article Negin Kassiri neginkassiri@gmail.com 1 Samaneh Seydi Joughan samanehseydi1982@gmail.com 2 Hossein Shabani hosseinshabani1900@gmail.com 3 Occupational Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background: Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder which is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern. A person with hemophilia is unable to stop the bleeding process due to the low level or absence of coagulation factors. This may lead to spontaneous bleeding as well as bleeding following injuries or surgical procedures. Case presentation: In this study, we investigated work adjustments in two cases of patients with hemophilia A. Conclusion: Work adjustments depend on the severity of the disorder. Patients with mild hemophilia can work normally in any job, but those with a high risk of bleeding may have some restrictions. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-177-en.pdf Case report Hemophilia Work limitation Work restriction eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 292 297 article Naser Samadi Aidenloo Dr.nasersamadi@yahoo.com 1 Qader Motarjemizadeh motarjemizadeh.q@umsu.ac.ir 2 Sina Hasani Shayan paryaab@yahoo.com 3 Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: β-thalassemia is a severe hereditary disorder caused by defective globin synthesis. Patients suffering from β-thalassemia major require regular blood transfusion therapy to survive. Sight-threatening ocular abnormalities are quite common among these patients. This study was planned to evaluate the prevalence of ocular complications in multi-transfused patients with β-thalassemia who have been receiving deferoxamine. Materials & Methods: Thirty thalassemic patients receiving deferoxamine were studied in this cross-sectional descriptive study. All eligible subjects underwent an ophthalmologic examination, including the Humphrey visual field test, measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central macular thickness (CMT). Results: Visual field defects were the most prevalent ocular abnormalities, observed in 50% of the studied subjects. Other ocular changes were as follows: bilateral cortical cataract (10%), macular pigmentary stippling (6.7%), punctate cortical opacity (3.3%), nuclear sclerosis cataract (3.3%), and macular pigmentary mottling (3.3%). Conclusion: The occurrence of ocular problems is common among thalassemic patients which necessitates long-term follow-up and regular ophthalmologic examination for these patients. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-165-en.pdf Cataract Deferoxamine Ocular manifestation Thalassemia Visual field defects eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 298 305 article Naser Samadi Aidenloo samadi.n@umsu.ac.ir 1 Qader Motarjemizadeh qadermotarjemizadeh@gmail.com 2 Ayyub Shamsi ayyub.shamsi@gmail.com 3 Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran (Corresponding Author) Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: Corneal transplantation is considered the most transplanted solid tissue in humans. The purpose of the present investigation was to recognize the main indications and risk factors for allograft rejection. Materials & Methods: The medical files of all subjects who underwent penetrating keratoplasty at a major referral center in Northwest Iran (Urmia Imam Hospital) were retrospectively reviewed, regardless of the indication for transplantation, over a 13-year period, from 20 March 2002 to 19 March 2015.   Results: In total, 327 cases of corneal transplantation were examined (mean age: 53.48 ± 22.44 years). Of these, 170 patients (52%) were male. Out of 327 individuals, 42 cases (12.8%) experienced graft rejection. Nearly three-quarters of rejected transplants (N = 31, 73.8%) occurred in patients ≥ 40 years (p = 0.381). No significant association was detected between graft rejection and gender (p = 0.136). The most frequent indications for corneal transplantation in cases with rejection were leukoma (N = 13, 31.0%), trauma (N = 12, 28.6%), and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) (N = 9, 21.4%). The most prevalent causes of graft rejection included delayed follow-up (N = 17, 40.4%), recurrence of corneal dystrophies (N = 9, 21.4%), and graft failure (N = 9, 21.4%). Only 3 out of 17 patients (17.6%) with delayed follow-up achieved graft restoration. Conclusion: This study suggests a link between delayed follow-up and graft rejection. Prompt intervention improves the chances of regaining graft clarity, and patients must be well informed about the importance of follow-up visits. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-185-en.pdf Bullous Keratopathy Corneal transplantation Graft rejection Trauma eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 306 323 article Elham Rezaei elrezaeeph@gmail.com 1 Shafagh Aliasgarzadeh dr.sh.aliasgarzadeh@gmail.com 2 Sevda Mikaeili mirak sevda.mikaeili.m@gmail.com 3 Faraz Tayyar-Iravanlou Faraztayyar97@gmail.com 4 Students Research Committee, School of Paramedical Sciences, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Department of Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. Background & Aims: Investigating re-infection with COVID-19 is necessary due to the existence of genetic differences among populations after a general vaccination plan. In addition to genetic differences, gender, age, the presence of underlying diseases, and the type of vaccine are factors that affect the rate and severity of re-infection after vaccination. Materials & Methods: Demography, physical activity and nutrition, underlying diseases, the period of involvement with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the percentage of re-infection before and after each stage of vaccination of the medical staff at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil (Iran) were evaluated. Our study was performed in a descriptive-analytical manner among 149 healthcare workers. The data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: According to the results, 69.1% of healthcare workers had a positive PCR test or symptoms of COVID-19 before the first injection of the vaccine. The types of injected vaccines included AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Bharat, Barekat, Spicogen, and PastoCovac. After the injection of the first dose of the vaccine, the number of severe cases decreased from 30.9% to 10.7%, which indicates the effectiveness of the vaccination. Conclusion: The lowest rate of re-infection was observed in people with good physical activity compared to those who were less active (9.6% versus 59.6%). The highest rate of re-infection with COVID-19 between the first and second doses of the vaccine was related to Sinopharm, Sputnik V, and AstraZeneca. The highest rate of re-infection (82.7%) was in the age group under 40 years old. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-186-en.pdf AstraZeneca Breakthrough infection COVID-19 Vaccine eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 324 332 article Nasrin Heidarzadeh nasrin.hy9597@gmail.com 1 Monireh Rezaee Moradali monir.rezaee@yahoo.co.uk 2 Leila Heidarzadeh leilaheydare63@yahoo.com 3 Leyla Alilu Alilu@umsu.ac.ir 4 Master of Nursing, Department of Midwifery, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran Master of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Associate Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought more attention to health promotion. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of peer education on health-promoting behaviors in patients with COVID-19. Materials & Methods: In 2021, 80 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial, including 40 patients each in the intervention and control groups. Demographic and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) questionnaires were used to collect the data. The sessions were conducted in groups of 10 people, face-to-face, and by phone over 5 days. After one month of implementation, the HPLP-II was completed by both groups again. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16, with a significance level of less than 0.05 taken into account. Results: Most of the patients were in the 46-65 age group. Based on the results of the paired t-test, there was no statistically significant difference in health promotion behaviors before and after the intervention in the control group (p > 0.05). The paired t-test revealed a significant increase in the mean of health-promoting behaviors before and after the peer education intervention in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Health promotion behaviors based on the independent t-test after the intervention revealed a significant difference between the two groups across all domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Peer instruction can lead to an expanded level of well-being- advancing behaviors in patients with COVID-19. It is proposed that future studies center on the impact of peer instruction on health-promoting behaviors in people with other illnesses.  http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-173-en.pdf COVID-19 Health Promotion Peer Education eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 333 347 article Fahimeh Barghi Shirazi 1 Mostafa Modareszadeh 2 Ameneh Marzban amenemarzban@yahoo.com 3 Mohammad Taghi Bastami 4 Hadis Amiri 5 Shandiz Moslehi 6 Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background & Aims: The COVID-19 outbreak poses unique challenges for the emergency department, which is a vital hub for providing quality healthcare during the pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to identify the challenges faced by hospital emergency departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials & Methods: A systematic review was conducted on studies published between 2019 and 2022. The search strategy employed both electronic and manual methods. The main keywords used in this systematic review included hospital, emergency department, COVID-19, epidemic, and challenge. Electronic databases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Scientific Information Database (SID) were searched. Additionally, a three-step screening process was used to select studies using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Finally, the data were analyzed thematically. Results: Out of the 1,357 studies retrieved, 11 were included in this systematic review. After analyzing the findings, four main categories of challenges were identified: leadership-related challenges, patient management, physical and mental fatigue among staff, and resource shortages. Conclusion: Healthcare systems need to be well prepared to deliver effective health services during epidemics. The quality of medical services is compromised by these emerging challenges, and this study provides evidence to support the development of an efficient framework for enhancing hospital emergency department services and addressing the challenges encountered during the COVID-19 epidemic. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-174-en.pdf Challenges COVID-19 Emergency department Epidemic Systematic review eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 348 357 article Rasul Mohammadi rasulmohammadi6464@gmail.com 1 Alireza Rostamzadeh rasulmohammadi64@gmail.com 2 Kamal Khadem Vatan rasulmohammadi@gmail.com 3 Zahra Yekta vahidalinejad64@yahoo.com 4 M.D, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Associate Professor, Department of Cardiology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Professor of Cardiology Department, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran M.D, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias and is classified as tachyarrhythmias. The purpose is to establish a correct and accurate patient diagnosis based on priorities and control, and to give importance to the timely and complete treatment of the disease, as well as the control and treatment of AF and related diseases as a leading factor in preventing heart failure. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 300 patients diagnosed with AF and hospitalized in the cardiac department of Taleghani Hospital between 2003 and 2004 were included. Ultimately, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 12 software. Results: The average age of the patients in this study was 62.66 ± 11.2 years. Of the 300 AF patients studied, 162 (54%) were female and 138 (46%) were male. Among the patients, 95 (31%) had heart failure, of whom 31 (32.63%) had HTN, 27 (28.42%) had IHD, 9 (9.47%) had VHD, 4 (4.21%) had CMP, 2 (2.1%) had COPD, and 1 (1.05%) had thyrotoxicosis. Conclusion: According to this study's findings, several areas should be considered for these patients, including diagnosis, disease control, identifying the background of the disease, preventing complications, and ensuring regular follow-up. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-196-en.pdf Atrial fibrillation Cardiac arrhythmias Hospital eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 358 367 article Samaneh Hosseinzadeh hoseinzadeh.sam@gmail.com 1 Saeideh Davar saeidedavar@gmail.com 2 Department of Biostatistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Epidemiology Biostatistics, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims:  Glycemic control is very important to prevent or suspend complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (PT2D). The aim of this study was to investigate the status of glycemic control and its related factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (PT2D) based on HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and non-fasting blood glucose levels in Golestan Province, Northern Iran. Materials & Methods: The study employed a retrospective cohort design, collecting data longitudinally and retrospectively from 500 patients with type 2 diabetes (PT2D) who were referred to health centers in Golestan Province between 2013 and 2016 (every three months). The study focused on hbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and non-fasting blood glucose (NFBG) levels, which were recorded as binary data (1 = abnormal; if the value exceeded its cut point), indicating a lack of control over these markers. The Index of Glycemic Control (IGC) was calculated for each patient, with an IGC of 3 indicating inadequate glycemic control. Related factors were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model with a beta-binomial distribution. Results: The results indicated that 93% of patients had an Index of Glycemic Control (IGC) equal to 3 in the first year, and this percentage decreased to 60.7% by the third year. The downward trend in IGC was gradual over the three years. Factors contributing to poor glycemic control included younger age, shorter duration of diabetes care, elevated blood lipid levels, high blood pressure, insulin therapy, and overweight or obesity as indicated by BMI. Conclusion: The results obtained from the samples in Golestan Province indicate inadequate blood glucose control and poor quality of care. It is essential to implement more intensive diabetes management strategies within national healthcare plans. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-182-en.pdf Blood pressure BMI Fasting blood glucose Generalized Linear Mixed Models HbA1c Long-Term Care Overdispersion eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2024-11 3 4 368 375 article Neda Hamdolahpour 1 Tahereh Behroozi-lak 2 Sonia Sadeghpour 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: Introduction: Pre-labour rupture of membranes is a critical obstetric condition, presenting an important contribution to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of vaginal fluid creatinine in the identification of PROM. Materials & Methods: In the present descriptive-analytical study, 150 pregnant women were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: confirmed PROM (n=50), suspected PROM (n=50), and healthy controls (n=50). Vaginal fluid samples were collected and analyzed for creatinine concentration using the Jaffe technique. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 16, employing ANOVA and post hoc tests. Results: Mean creatinine level of vaginal fluid was significantly higher in the PROM group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Tukey post hoc test showed significant creatinine level groupings between PROM cases and controls. Maternal age, gestational age, and fetal weight did not show a significant correlation with creatinine levels (p > 0.05). Creatinine testing demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy compared to the Fern test with a moderate correlation rate of 54%. Conclusion: The measurement of creatinine in vaginal fluid is an inexpensive, quick, and dependable diagnostic test for PROM, which is superior to the Fern test. Vaginal creatinine testing may also enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes due to the timeliness and accuracy of early diagnosis of PROM. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-204-en.pdf Creatinine Premature rupture of membrane vaginal discharge