Original article
Nahid Maleki; Zahra Jamalafrouz; ZahraSadat Hosseinivaeaz; Sakineh Seddighi
Abstract
Introduction: childbirth is a physiological phenomenon, and normal delivery is the safest way to end pregnancy. Studies have shown that 4/3 of cesarean sections are for non-medical reasons and negative attitudes about normal delivery. The present study aimed to assess the effect of companion training ...
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Introduction: childbirth is a physiological phenomenon, and normal delivery is the safest way to end pregnancy. Studies have shown that 4/3 of cesarean sections are for non-medical reasons and negative attitudes about normal delivery. The present study aimed to assess the effect of companion training based on Bandura's theory on mother’s attitude about delivery method in Mashhad.Methods: This RCT were conducted on 60 primiparous mothers who were admitted to Umm al-Banin Hospital in Mashhad and were randomly assigned to the control group which received 8 sessions of 90 minutes of routin preparation and training sessions based on Bandura's theory were held for the intervention group. Two groups completed Demographic and attitude questionnaire about the method of delivery. Data were analyzed using t-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon in SPSS 16 software. Significance level was less than 0.05.Results: The mean age of mothers in intervention group is 26.7±8.3 and in control group is 28.3±5.9 years. After the intervention, mean of the attitude towards normal delivery was 94.0 ± 6.4 in the intervention group and 85.9 ± 12.9 in the control group (P=0.005). The attitude towards normal delivery after the intervention compared to before the intervention increased by 19.4 ± 10.9 in the intervention group and by 10.1 ± 11.2 in the control group (P=0.002).Conclusion: the present study showed that training along with Bandura's theory improved the attitude of mothers towards normal childbirth. It is recommended to use it as a training method during childbirth preparation.
Original article
Maryam Khoshdast; Ali Madadi Mahani; AmirAli Moodi Ghalibaf; Farid Poursadegh; Fariba Rezaeetalab; Ali Shamshirian; Mahnaz Mozdourian
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), where critically ill patients are treated. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and mortality factors ...
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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), where critically ill patients are treated. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and mortality factors associated with COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, to optimize patient management and improve outcomes. A total of 409 ICU patients were included in the study with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis based on RT-PCR tests, 61.5% of whom were males, with a mean age of 56.32 ± 15.92 years. The most common presenting symptom was dyspnea (95.6%), followed by weakness (82.7%), chest discomfort (77.8%), headache (66.1%), fever (65.4%), and cough (47.8%). Hypertension (52.4%) and diabetes (50.2%) were the most prevalent comorbidities among the participants. The overall mortality rate was 55.9%. Factors significantly associated with higher mortality included older age (p<0.001), confusion at admission (p<0.001), diabetes (p=0.006), hypertension (p<0.001), ischemic heart disease (p=0.014), higher heart rate (p<0.001), respiratory rate (p<0.001), and lower SPO2 (p<0.001). Deceased patients also had significantly higher blood glucose (p<0.001), urea (p<0.001), creatinine (p<0.001), CRP (p=0.017), INR (p=0.026), and CT scores (p<0.001) compared to survivors. The findings underscored the importance of identifying high-risk COVID-19 patients at the time of ICU admission. These results suggested that patients exhibiting these characteristics require close monitoring and early, aggressive interventions from the onset of hospitalization to improve their clinical status and reduce the risk of mortality.
Original article
Asadollah Shakeri; Nazli Farnoosh; Aidin Shakeri; Mohammadreza sabouri
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Preoperative anxiety and fear of anesthesia represent significant psychological burdens for surgical patients, yet their demographic predictors remain understudied in Middle Eastern populations. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of these stressors among first-time ...
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AbstractBackground: Preoperative anxiety and fear of anesthesia represent significant psychological burdens for surgical patients, yet their demographic predictors remain understudied in Middle Eastern populations. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of these stressors among first-time surgical patients in Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients scheduled for first-time surgery at two Zahedan hospitals (2021-2022) completed validated questionnaires assessing anxiety and anesthesia fear. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analyses (SPSS v26).Results: The study revealed that 74% of participants experienced clinically significant preoperative anxiety (mean score 13.21±9.04), with particularly elevated fears related to procedural pain (1.64±1.06), anesthesia needles (1.09±1.16), and potential ICU admission (1.47±1.37). Notably, patients with intermediate education levels (high school/diploma) demonstrated significantly higher anxiety (p=0.019) and fear (p<0.001) compared to both less-educated and more-educated counterparts. While no significant associations emerged with age, gender, or marital status (p>0.05), a strong positive correlation was observed between general anxiety and anesthesia-specific fear (r=0.422, p<0.001).Conclusion: These findings highlight the substantial prevalence of preoperative psychological distress, particularly among patients with intermediate health literacy. The results underscore the need for tailored preoperative education programs targeting vulnerable subgroups to improve surgical experiences and outcomes.
Review
Bahar Moasses Ghafari; Taraneh khodaparast; Ahmad Alinaghi Langari; Parsa Hasanabadi
Abstract
Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) report, about 17.5% of the world population experiences infertility. Some assisted reproductive methods for addressing infertility are well-established, and donation is one such method. Surrogacy, a form of donation, provides an option for parents facing various ...
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Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) report, about 17.5% of the world population experiences infertility. Some assisted reproductive methods for addressing infertility are well-established, and donation is one such method. Surrogacy, a form of donation, provides an option for parents facing various reproductive challenges to have children. Various countries, based on their culture, beliefs, and socioeconomic status, use two main types of surrogacies: traditional and gestational. We conducted a comprehensive search induced in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2000 until 2024 with keywords including "surrogacy," "legal," and “ethic” done. All results were screened, and appropriate texts were included in the study. While some countries have legislation covering one or both types of surrogacy, others have made it illegal. In this study, we analyzed the legal status of surrogacy in 28 countries from five continents. In addition to examining the legal frameworks, we explored the ethical challenges associated with surrogacy. These challenges included risks related to delivery and pregnancy for the surrogate, exploitation, autonomy issues, psychological problems for all parties, the sense of confusion and disparity experienced by the child, child rights, intra-familial sex cell donation, and gender discrimination. These problems can have detrimental effects on surrogacy practices, potentially reducing the effectiveness of this reproductive method. Thus, there is a pressing need for international regulations to address these issues, mitigate risks for surrogates and intended parents, and reduce disputes among all parties involved.
Review
Rana Kolahi-Ahari; Alireza Ghajary; Abdolreza Babamahmoodi
Abstract
Introduction: Serum uric acid (UA) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (UHR) has recently been introduced as a novel indicator of inflammation. However, no reviews have summarized the applications of UHR. We conducted an overview to summarize and assess the current literature to evaluate ...
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Introduction: Serum uric acid (UA) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (UHR) has recently been introduced as a novel indicator of inflammation. However, no reviews have summarized the applications of UHR. We conducted an overview to summarize and assess the current literature to evaluate UHR's clinical findings in cardio-metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.Methods: The PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant articles pertaining to adults (age ≥18) up to December 2023. The search terms used were “uric acid” OR “serum uric acid” OR “serum UA” AND “high density lipoprotein” OR “high density lipoprotein cholesterol” OR “HDL” OR “HDL-C” OR “HDL-cholesterol. The final articles were imported to SCImago Graphica and VOSviewer visualization software for bibliometric analysis.Results: A total of 27 eligible studies were included. The diseases in which UHR was evaluated include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin resistance (IR), hypertension (HTN), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We summarized the various attributes of UHR concerning these diseases, highlighting promising findings and limitations. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the disorder most frequently investigated was DM and IR (33.33%), followed by CVDs (29.62%) and NAFLD (22.22%). Most participants in the studies were from China. Asia and Europe produced the highest number of publications, with both China and Turkey contributing 11 publications each.Conclusion: It appears that the UHR, as an underutilized marker, is associated with cardio-metabolic disorders and CVDs. However, further investigations are requisite to ascertain the UHR prognostic significance for these conditions.
Original article
Soheila Khazaei
Abstract
Introduction:The COVID-19 disease, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019. It rapidly spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) shortly thereafter. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges from mild respiratory ...
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Introduction:The COVID-19 disease, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019. It rapidly spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) shortly thereafter. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges from mild respiratory symptoms to severe cases leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Materials and methods:This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted over one year, from May 2019 to June 2021, during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included all patients presenting with suspected COVID-19 infection who were referred to infectious disease clinics in hospitals across the country. Patients were evaluated for respiratory symptoms (e.g., fever, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough), gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), and general symptoms (e.g., muscle pain, weakness, headache, confusion, groaning). Those requiring hospitalization were included in the study. Patient selection was performed continuously.Results:A total of 19,438 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria for COVID-19 cases were based on clinical findings. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, and disease risk factors were collected using an information system and analyzed statistically. The study adhered to principles of confidentiality and scientific integrity. Data from completed questionnaires were recorded, organized into data tables, and subjected to detailed analysis.
Original article
Zahed Ahmadi; Fatemehzahra Keykha; sahar vesal
Abstract
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most prevalent occupational health issues in hospital settings, imposing substantial financial burdens on healthcare organizations. Nursing staff and other personnel involved in patient handling and transfer are especially vulnerable ...
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Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most prevalent occupational health issues in hospital settings, imposing substantial financial burdens on healthcare organizations. Nursing staff and other personnel involved in patient handling and transfer are especially vulnerable to the development of musculoskeletal disorders.Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 12 departments of Imam Ali Hospital in Chabahar, Iran, during the fall of 2024 on all nursing staff and other personnel responsible for patient transfer. The MAPO method was used to assess the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.Results: This study was conducted on 54 healthcare staff members from various departments of Imam Ali Hospital in Chabahar, including 36 men and 18 women. The average age of men and women was 35.6 ± 9.4 years and 35.5 ± 6.5 years, respectively. The MAPO index in five departments was classified in the red zone.Conclusion: Based on the results, the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders is high in all departments, especially in the Men's Surgery, Emergency, CCU, and Maternity departments of Imam Ali Hospital in Chabahar.
Original article
Oluwole John Oluwafemi; Muisi Alli Adenekan; Adelana Olusegun Odumabo; Okeke Anthony Nnaemeka; Nwogu Magnus Chidinma; Adefemi Ayodeji Kayode; Aloy Okechukwu Ugwu; Awoniyi Adebayo Williams; Omisakin Sunday Isaac
Abstract
Introduction: Preterm birth is a major public health problem and a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality globally and especially in resource-poor settings such as Nigeria. While preterm birth rates are known to be high in Sub-Saharan Africa, current data are insufficient to comprehensively ...
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Introduction: Preterm birth is a major public health problem and a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality globally and especially in resource-poor settings such as Nigeria. While preterm birth rates are known to be high in Sub-Saharan Africa, current data are insufficient to comprehensively explain the contributing factors in this region. This study aims to explore the prevalence, risk determinants, and clinical outcomes of singleton preterm births in Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: This is a retrospective study done over a triennium, between January 2021 and December 2023.
Results: Out of 9180 singleton birth, there were 1828 (19.9%) preterm deliveries. Due to incomplete records, 21 patients were deliberately omitted from the analysis. 1760 (97.4%) were live births while 47 (2.6%) were stillbirths. In addition, of the live births, the majority, 1043 (59.3%), were Moderate-to-late Preterm, followed by 537 (30.5%) who were Very Preterm and 180 (10.2%) were Extremely Preterm. 963 (54.7%) were admitted to the Neonatal Ward, 649 (36.4%) were asphyxiated in the fifth minute of life. Neonatal death occurred in 224 cases (12.7%). Preterm deliveries were higher among multiparous women, women without antenatal booking, and those with hypertensive pregnancy disorders.
Conclusion: The prevalence of preterm deliveries among singleton pregnancies was 19.9% and remains a significant contributor to perinatal mortality. Identified risk factors for preterm birth included multiparity, absence of antenatal care, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy