eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 82 91 article Ameneh Marzban amenemarzban@yahoo.com 1 Mohammad-Reza Rezaei rezaei54@yahoo.com 2 Nooshin Yoshany yoshani87@yahoo.com 3 Mahdiye Khaleghi Moori mori541@yahoo.com 4 Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Geography, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran Department of Health Education and Promotion, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Student Research Committee, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Background & Aims: Social participation is a key strategy for promoting health and can greatly impact individual health outcomes. This study explores the relationship between the sense of neighborhood belonging and social participation among residents of Yazd city. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted in 2023 among 20 to 70-year-old residents of Yazd neighborhoods. The sample size, based on statistical calculations, included 620 participants. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, a standard sense of neighborhood belonging, and social participation. The data were analyzed using SPSS24, descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The mean and standard deviation of social participation scores were 85.36 ± 5.69, and the sense of neighborhood belonging was 31.15 ± 3.09. A significant relationship was found between social participation scores and gender. A positive, significant correlation existed between the seven components of neighborhood belonging and social participation levels. Among these, fulfillment of needs and loyalty showed the highest (r = 0.712, p = 0.00) and lowest (r = 0.416, p = 0.02) correlations with social participation, respectively. Conclusion:  The findings highlight a correlation between neighborhood belonging and social participation. To strengthen social networks and neighborhood identity, implementing educational programs, social and cultural activities, and creating safe public spaces are recommended. Building online and offline social networks, organizing sports and recreational activities, and developing charity initiatives can help reduce insecurity, increase residents' sense of responsibility, improve quality of life, and foster loyalty to the neighborhood, thereby positively influencing social participation. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-206-en.pdf Neighborhood Social engagement Social participation Yazd eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 92 102 article Mojgan Hajahmadi Pourrafsanjani hajahmadimojgan@gmail.com 1 Roghaiyeh Afsargharehbagh r.afsargarebag@gmail.com 2 Alireza Rostamzadeh rostamzadeh.a@umsu.ac.ir 3 Mahsa Mirabi Ahar Nejani mirabi.mahsa@gmail.com 4 Behzad Rahimi rahimi.behzad@gmail.com 5 Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Important differences in comorbidities and clinical characteristics exist between women and men with heart failure. This study aimed to explore the influence of gender on the clinical manifestations, complications, and mortality of patients with systolic heart failure. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, medical records of all patients who were hospitalized with heart failure between September 2020 and September 2022 were examined. The study gathered information on demographic characteristics, coronary risk factors, clinical symptoms, pathological features, use of selected drugs, and other comorbidities. Results: Of 1340 patients, 67.2% were men and 32.8% were women with a mean age of 70.58 ± 14.34 years. Fifty-seven (4.2%) patients had the first New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, 120 (8.9%) had the second, 341 (25.5%) had the third, and 161 (12.01%) patients had the fourth NYHA class. The mortality rate and mean ejection fraction (EF) were high in women (9.73%, 35 ± 13.27, respectively). The men had a higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (50.45 ± 15.43) than women (40.68 ± 13.98), which was significant (p = 0.01). The history of hypertension and myocardial infarction (MI) was high in men (86.36% and 33%, respectively) which were significant (p = 0.02, p = 0.005, respectively). No gender differences were found in laboratory findings (p ˂ 0.05). The consumption of drugs was more common in women than in men; therefore, it was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed that women have a significantly higher mean age and EF, drug consumption, and hospital mortality rate compared to men. Otherwise, men have a significantly higher history of hypertension, NYHU function class, and ischemic heart disease. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-203-en.pdf Complications Gender differences Heart failure Mortality rate eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 103 111 article Mashallah Aghilinejad dr.maghilinejad@yahoo.com 1 Mostafa Farhadi mfarhadi111@gmail.com 2 Mohammadreza Ganjedanesh mrgd313@gmail.com 3 Amir Bahrami-Ahmadi bahramia@gmail.com 4 Mohammad Eslami Mhm.eslami99@gmail.com 5 Negin Kassiri neginkassiri@gmail.com 6 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 Occupational Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Occupational Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background & Aims: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal issues, significantly impacting workers’ quality of life and occupational productivity. This multifactorial condition arises from a combination of occupational, lifestyle, and individual factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of NSLBP among workers. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 406 participants, including 202 workers with NSLBP and 204 without. Demographic and occupational questionnaires, along with the Work Ability Index and Job-Related Physical Demands scales, were completed by all participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: Significant associations were identified between longer weekly working hours (p < 0.001), lack of physical activity (p = 0.001), and exposure to occupational hazards (p < 0.05) and NSLBP. Workers exposed to these factors were at a higher risk of developing NSLBP. Conclusion: NSLBP is significantly associated with a combination of individual and occupational factors. The findings highlight the necessity of preventive interventions, including ergonomic workplace improvements, reduced weekly working hours, and the promotion of regular physical activity. These results can inform occupational health policies and enhance workers’ quality of life. However, the study’s limitations, including its cross-sectional design and relatively small sample size, should be considered when interpreting the findings. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-212-en.pdf Ergonomics Low back pain Occupational groups Occupational health eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 112 121 article Sima Ahmadpoor simaahmadpoor@yahoo.com 1 Hamidreza Farrokh-Eslamlou hamidfarrokh@gmail.com 2 Hasan Yusefzadeh hyusefzade2010@gmail.com 3 Cyrus Alinia siros_alinia@gmail.com 4 Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Reproductive Health Research Centre, School of Public Health, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: There is limited evidence in Iran regarding the costs, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness ratios of ultrasound screening scenarios. The aim of this study was to address these knowledge gaps Materials & Methods: We used the cost-effectiveness analysis of one-time pregnancy ultrasound screening (OTPUS) and two-time pregnancy ultrasound screening (TTPUS) strategies from the societal perspective. We applied a Monte Carlo Simulation model including 1000 pregnant mothers and calculated each scenario's cost, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness ratios based on 2020 data. We took the direct medical (obstetrician’s visits, ultrasound tariffs, and confirmatory tests) and non-medical costs (travel costs) into account to calculate the costs based on the bottom-up approach. Moreover, we estimated the number of detected fetal anomalies as an effectiveness factor by considering the sensitivity and specificity of the screening methods. The average and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios determine the cost-effectiveness of each screening scenario. The data on costs were extracted from the official Iranian public sector tariffs in 2020. Moreover, the epidemiological and diagnostic accuracy data were extracted from the published evidence. We applied the one-way sensitivity analysis to determine the effects of data uncertainty on the study's findings. Results: The screening costs per pregnant mother in the OTPUS and TTPUS models were $12.08 and $17.35, and the effectiveness of these approaches was 8 and 17 detected fetal anomalies per 1000 pregnant mothers, respectively. The average cost-effectiveness ratios were $1509.50 for OTPUS and $1020.35 for TTPUS. Finally, the cost of diagnosing an additional anomaly in the two-time ultrasound approach was $585.56. Conclusion: The OTPUS model imposes 43.6% lower costs on pregnant mothers, but also detects a significantly lower number of fetal anomalies. TTPUS policy needs $585.56 more to find an extra case. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-223-en.pdf Congenital Abnormalities Cost-effectiveness Iran Pregnancy Ultrasound eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 122 130 article Parsa Shadnezhad parsashadnezhad@gmail.com 1 Maryam Babazadeh babazadehmaryam43@yahoo.com 2 Amir Rostami arostami2026@gmail.com 3 Nikoo Abdizadeh nikoo.abd.n@gmail.com 4 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute ,Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia , Iran Background & Aims: Committing suicide, particularly among young adults, has become a significant global concern, with approximately 726000 individuals succumbing to this tragedy each year. Suicidal ideation often begins as a nebulous inclination towards self-harm, which can subsequently escalate into actual suicide attempts. Medical students, in particular, are at heightened risk for suicidal ideation due to the prolonged duration of their studies, the demanding nature of their coursework, and the stressful conditions encountered in clinical and hospital settings. This study aims to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation among medical students at Urmia University of Medical Sciences in 2024. Materials & Methods:  This research was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 311 students were randomly chosen through a stratified sampling method. Participants completed a demographic information form along with the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) Questionnaire. Results: In this research, the incidence of suicidal ideation among medical students was found to be 17.7%. Specifically, 14.5% of the participants reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, while 3.2% indicated a willingness to attempt suicide. A notable association was identified between age (p = 0.04) and place of residence (p = 0.016) with suicidal ideation. Conversely, no significant relationships were observed between gender (p = 0.577), marital status (p = 0.813), educational attainment (p = 0.355), nativity status (p = 0.834), and the frequency of shifts per month (p = 0.518) concerning suicidal ideation.   Conclusion: The present research indicates a significant prevalence of suicidal thoughts among medical students. The occurrence of suicide within this demographic can lead to profound and lasting consequences for both the medical and educational frameworks of the nation. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-211-en.pdf Iran Medical students Suicide Suicidal ideation Urmia eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 131 139 article Sevda Afzal-Ahangaran sevdaafzal@gmail.com 1 Yaeghob Sharifi ya.sharifi@gmail.com 2 Maryam Allahyari-Devin alahyaree@gmail.com 3 Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: In this research, a novel series of heterocyclic compounds containing pyrazoline nuclei was synthesized in two steps. Materials & Methods: In the first step, chalcones were prepared using the Claisen-Schmidt reaction between substituted benzaldehydes and acetophenone derivatives. In the second step, the chalcones were cyclized under acidic conditions with hydrazine derivatives to produce pyrazolines. All compounds were characterized through physical, chromatographic, spectroscopic, and elemental analyses, and their antibacterial properties were tested using seven microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of all compounds were determined using the broth dilution method. Results: Among them, compound 2f (4-(1, 5-diphenyl-4, 5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl) phenol) exhibited the highest antibacterial and antifungal activity, making it the most potent compound in the series. Conclusion:  These results indicate that increasing the polarity of the compounds enhanced their efficacy against Gram-positive strains, whereas derivatives containing at least one methoxy group in their structure suppressed Gram-negative growth. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-213-en.pdf Antibiotic resistance Antimicrobial activity Phenylhydrazine Pyrazolines Synthesis eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 140 149 article Javad Harouni j_harooni@yahoo.com 1 Naser Sharafkhani naser90sh@yahoo.com 2 Sahar Mehdipour birgani mehdipoorbirgani@gmail.com 3 Narges Roustaei rousta.biostatistics@gmail.com 4 Moslem Sharifi shamoslem20@gmail.com 5 Seyed Fazel Zinat Motlagh motlaghf@yahoo.com 6 Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Department of Health Education & Health Promotion, Mahabad Faculty of Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Assistant Professor of Biostatistics School of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran Background & Aims: The phenomenon of child marriages, or the marriage of children under the age of 18, jeopardizes the mental and physical health of millions of children and adolescents worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of pregnancy intention among child marriages using the theory of planned behavior in the city of Karun, Southwest Iran. Materials & Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 344 child marriages in the city of Karun, located in Southwest Iran. The data collection tools consisted of a demographic information questionnaire and a structured theory of planned behavior questionnaire, which included questions related to attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: All study participants had completed no more than a high school education, with 96.7% having only completed elementary or middle school. Additionally, 99% of participants were housewives. Of the child marriages surveyed, 50.3% reported intending to become pregnant before the age of 18. Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were found to predict 57% of the variance in intended pregnancy among child marriages. Among these factors, subjective norms had the strongest impact on intended pregnancy among child marriages. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a high prevalence of pregnancy intention below the age of 18 among child marriages who presented to healthcare centers, which could endanger their health. Given the correlation between the structured theory of planned behavior and intended pregnancy below the age of 18 in child marriage, educational strategies based on predictive factors can be used to educate women about respecting the appropriate age and conditions for pregnancy. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-201-en.pdf Child marriage Intention Pregnancy Theory of planned behavior eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 150 156 article Mehdi Kazempour Dizaji mkazempour@sbmu.ac.ir 1 Mohammad Varahram mo.varahram@gmail.com 2 Rahim Roozbahani rahimroozbahani1347@gmail.com 3 Atefe Abedini dr.abedini110@sbmu.ac.ir 4 Ali Zare azare144@gmail.com 5 Syeyd Alireza Nadji s.a.nadji@sbmu.ac.ir 6 Arda Kiani ardakiani@sbmu.ac.ir 7 Niloufar Alizedeh Kolahdozi n.alizadeh.k@gmail.com 8 Mohammad Ali Emamhadi emamhm@sbmu.ac.ir 9 Majid Marjani marjani216@hotmail.com 10 Mycobacteriology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mycobacteriology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Biostatistics, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Virology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Tracheal Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Biostatistics, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background & Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a novel coronavirus, has infected over 91 million people globally, with Iran being severely impacted, reporting 7.6 million cases and nearly 946,837 deaths. This study examines hospitalization trends among COVID-19 patients in Iran to improve resource allocation and patient care. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 4,372 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to Dr. Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran during the first 50 days of the outbreak. The study evaluated admissions to general wards and intensive care units (ICUs). Results: Findings revealed an average daily hospitalization rate of 193.86 patients, with 149.42 (76.94%) admitted to general wards and 44.44 (23.06%) to ICUs. Over time, general ward admissions showed a declining trend, while ICU admissions increased, indicating a potential rise in severe cases. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of monitoring hospitalization patterns to optimize medical resources, including equipment, medications, and staffing. By understanding these trends, healthcare systems can enhance hospital efficiency and improve patient care during future outbreaks. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-192-en.pdf COVID-19 Disease severity Epidemic General ward Hospitalization status Intensive care unit eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 157 165 article Hashem Mahmoudzadeh HashemMahmoudzadehgmail.com 1 Yawar Ghafouri Houshmand@gmail.com 2 Hamid Reza Houshmand HamidRezaHoushmand@gmail.com 3 Seyed Reza Ghaemi Ghaemi.m@umsu.ac.ir 4 Department of Pediatric Disease, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Pediatric Disease, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Pediatric Disease, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: Serum sickness is a type 3 hypersensitivity reaction caused by the injection of foreign proteins, serums, and non-protein medications. This study investigated the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics, along with outcomes, of patients with serum sickness hospitalized at Shahid Motahari Hospital, Urmia, from March 2017 to February 2021. Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 67 patients diagnosed with serum sickness based on a recent history of exposure to an antigenic substance. Demographic, clinical, paraclinical data, and disease outcomes—including hospital stay length, ICU admission history, treatment response, mortality, and information regarding the potential cause of the disease—were collected from patient records, recorded in a checklist, and analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 22. Results: Arthralgia was present in 20 patients (29.9%), gastrointestinal complaints in nine children (13.4%), headaches in eight children (11.9%), muscle pain in 18 children (26.9%), arthritis in 14 children (20.9%), and urinary symptoms in one child (1.5%). The most frequent cause of serum sickness was phenobarbital, identified in 26 patients (38.8%), followed by cefixime in nine patients (13.4%), azithromycin in six patients (9%), ceftriaxone in five patients (7.5%), and co-amoxiclav in four patients (6%). Additionally, leukocytosis was found in 23 patients (34.3%), 32 patients (47.8%) had a positive C-reactive protein (CRP), 32 patients (47.8%) had an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), same as sedimentation rate, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were detected in 4 patients (6%) each. Conclusion: Clinically, serum sickness was most commonly associated with fever, skin rashes, muscle pain, and changes in paraclinical findings in patients. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-217-en.pdf Children Immunological diseases Serum sickness eng Urmia University of Medical Sciences Health Science Monitor 2980-8723 2025-05 4 2 166 172 article Amir Shadloo amirshadloo@gmail.com 1 Vahid Hosseinpour vahidhoseinpour1404@gmail.com 2 Hamidreza Khalkhali khalkhali@umsu.ac.ir 3 School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Background & Aims: The fluctuation in accident-related visits to the emergency department presents a significant challenge, as the department strives to provide quality services to this group of patients. This study aims to explore the trends and seasonal variations in accidents resulting in visits to the emergency department in Urmia city. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study includes data from the emergency department of Urmia city collected from the beginning of 1398 (2019) to mid-1403 (2024). All visits related to accidents during this period were considered. The collected data were analyzed using MINITAB and SPSS softwares. Results:  The average number of accident-related visits to Urmia emergency department per month was 14467 ± 91557, showing an upward trend and seasonal fluctuations across 67 months. The results were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study indicates that the volume of accident-related visits to the emergency department increases in the spring-summer period and decreases during the fall-winter period. This trend has been rising steadily over the years, with no disruption, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-228-en.pdf Accidents Emergency medical services Seasonal changes Time series Trend