Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Year:2011 | Volume:18 | Issue:4|Papers Count:11

Background & Aims: In developed countries mental disorders are recognized by screening questionnaires and clinical interviews. Since there is a limited number of epidemiological studies about mental disorders in Iranian population, the present study was performed to find the prevalence and type of mental disorders among Kerman residents older than 15 years old.Method: At the first step, GHQ – 28 was completed door – side for 1527 residents selected through stratified cluster sampling. The cut off point of 6 was considered as disorder presence. At the second step, 490 ones who had obtained the cut off point participated in DSM – IV clinical interview. Results: In whole, 32.1% (34.5% female and 27.1% male) were diagnosed as psychiatrically ill. The frequency of mental disorders was 35.1% among those over 65 years, 35.3% among 45 – 64 years subjects, 100% in divorced, 45.8% in widows, 40.2% in illiterates, 36.9% in students, 34.7% in housewives and 34.8% in low socioeconomic class. Major depressive and panic disorders were the most frequent disorders (6.8% and 4.3% respectively). The frequency of generalized anxiety disorder was 2.8%, schizophrenia was 0.9% and Bipolar disorder was 0.3%. Conclusion: The frequencies of major depressive and generalized anxiety disorder were higher than other studies in Iran and similar to some studies from other countries. Different cultures and screening questionnaires maybe some reasons for these incompatibilities. The results of this study my help mental health providers to improve their programs.

Background & Aims: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common preventable causes of mental retardation throughout the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CH among newborns of East Azerbaijan province in 2009-2010.Methods: This descriptive analytic study was performed by using census cross- sectional method on 62459 neonates in East Azerbaijan province from 21st March 2009 to 20th March 2010. Blood samples were taken within the 3rd -5th days of life by lancet sticking of neonatal heel and transferred to filter papers for measuring TSH level. In the case of TSH ≥ 5mu/l, additional confirmation tests were done and confirmed cases based on serum confirmation test (TSH>10 mu/l or T4<6.5mg/dl) underwent treatment according to the national guidelines. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.Results: The recall rate was 2.5%. Total number of patients was 94, including 55 males (58.5%) and 39 females (41.5%). Prevalence in males, females and overall was respectively 1:588, 1:769 and 1:666, with no significant difference. Seasonal prevalence was respectively 1:833, 1:943, 1:492 and 1:588 that shows no significant difference among four seasons. The highest prevalence was in Tabriz (27.7%) and the lowest in Azarshahr (0%) and Kaleibar (0%). Mean maternal age of affected neonates was 26.22 ± 6.2 years. Mean neonate's weight was 3500 ± 652 grams. In 76% of neonates time of sampling was in the 3rd -5th days of life and in 89% of them test result was announced before 13th day. Mean treatment onset based on neonate's age was 2.7±1 day. In 97.5% of screened neonates TSH level was less than 5 mu/l. Conclusion: The prevalence of CH in East Azerbaijan province is significantly higher than national and worldwide levels that requires continuation and reinforcement of neonatal screening programs. On the other hand, comprehensive and complementary studies for recognizing relevant factors are among priorities of health system research in this province.

Background & Aims: Nanosilver-based paint is a new technology with antimicrobial and antifungal characteristics. These characteristics were investigated in this study with regard to fungal contamination in hospitals.Method: Regarding hospitalization of transplant patients and their sensitivity to hospital infections, two similar rooms were selected in nephrology ward. One of them was painted with Nanosilver paint and the other one with ordinary paint. Sampling was done via Swap Sterile and Open Plate. A total of 350 samples was obtained and colony-forming units in Open Plate and Surface Culture methods in case and control rooms were compared.Results: Mean colony- forming units in case and control groups showed significant difference in both open plate and surface culture methods (P<0.000, P<0.001 respectively). In studying the effect of time passing on the effectiveness of nanosilver paint, P values were 0.165 and 0.644 for open plate and surface culture methods respectively. Conclusion: It was found that Nanosilver paint is indeed effective in reducing both air and surface fungal contamination, but it is more effective on surface. Moreover, the passing of time had no effect on the effectiveness of the paint.

Background & Aims: Major b -thalassemia is a chronic and costly disease for health care system. Although regular transfusion reduces the disease complications, it is associated with complications of hemosiderosis. This study was performed to determine b – thalassemia complications in patients referred to Kerman center for special diseases regardless of their age. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on major b-thalassemia patients referred to Samen-al Hojaj institute in Kerman city during winter 2008 to spring 2009. Those with less than 8 blood transfusion sessions in year were excluded. The results of Physical examination, history, demographic information and laboratory tests were recorded for each patient. Results: In whole, 340 patients were participated of whom, 54.4% were females, 51.76% were below 15 years old, 37.64% were between 16-24 years old and 10.58% were older than 25 years old. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 3.5%. There was no case of hypothyroidism in the age group ≤15 years old. The prevalence of hypoparathyroidism was 8.5%. The most common complication was gonad disorder with the highest prevalence (80.6%) in patients over 25 years old. There was no case of renal or adrenal diseases. The incidence of heart disorders was 9.1% and 2.3% had hepatic disorder that all were older than 15 years old. The prevalence rates of HBV, HCV, HIV were 2.5%, 33% and 0% respectively.Conclusion: Regarding the direct correlation between age and prevalence of complications, performing routine evaluations especially for those older than 15 years is recommended. Since endocrinopathies and liver and heart diseases are common in adult patients with major b – thalassemia, early diagnosis and regular physical examinations are necessary for prevention of complications.

Background & Aims: Giardiasis is one of the human parasitic diseases caused by a flagellate protozoan named Giardia duodenalis (G.lamblia). Giardia is one of the most common organisms causing diarrhea in human and also a common gastrointestinal parasite in vertebrates. Methods: A total of 352 stool samples were collected from patients infected with giardiasis referred to health centers in Kerman city. Samples were examined by formalin- ether concentration procedure. First, DNA extraction was performed on 30 stool samples containing adequate Giardia cysts and then PCR-RFLP was done on glultamate dehydrogenase (gdh) marker. Clinical signs of patients were recorded in a questionnaire and their relationships with molecular results were analyzed.Results: The highest rate of infection was in the age group of 0-12 years with significant difference with other age groups (P<0.0001). The most common clinical signs were abdominal pain (71.7%), diarrhea (69%), abdominal cramping (54.1%) and the least common signs were malaise (20.4%) and fever (16.1%). Of all 30 isolates, 18 samples (60%) were found as genotype All, 5 ones (16.7%) belonged to Al assemblage and 7 samples (23.3%) were BIII assemblage. There was a significant difference between genotyping of Giardia and clinical signs of diarrhea, abdominal signs and nausea (P<0.05). Conclusion: Higher prevalence of Giardiasis was found in the age group below 12 years, but clinical signs in different age groups and two sexes were identical. Assemblage A showed correlation with mild intermittent diarrhea and assemblage B had correlation with persistent diarrhea.

Background & Aims: Metacognition is considered as an important factor in the genesis and continuation of various psychological disorders, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. The aim of this study was comparison of Metacognitive beliefs in Major depression disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy groups.Methods: A total of 50 depressive patients and 49 OCD patients were selected by available sampling from the patients referred to psychiatric clinic of Bozorgmehr and consulting centers of Tabriz. The control group consisted of 51 matched individuals selected from students and staff of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. All patients were asked to complete Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Maudsley obsessive-compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and Metacognitive Questionnaire (MCQ-30).Results: Both OCD and MDD groups showed significant difference with healthy group in metacognition total score and all subscales (P<0.001). MDD group had a significant difference with OCD group only in general negative beliefs and metacognition total score (P<0.05).Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study indicate that depression and obsessive- compulsive disorder are associated with disturbed Metacognitive beliefs.

Background & Aims: Echium amoenum and Citrus aurantifolia are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia and regulation of blood pressure. In this study the effects of co-administration of these herbs on heart rate and blood pressure of rats before and after phynelephrine injection were investigated. Methods: Ten groups of rats respectively received 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg Echium Amoenum, 250 mg/kg Citrus Aurantiflia and combination of 250 mg/kg Citrus Aurantiflia with 100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg Echium Amoenum for 6 days. Control group received water. Blood pressure and heart rate before and after phynelephrine injection were measured and compared among groups. Results: Echium amotnum at 400 and 600 mg/kg dozes significantly increased blood pressure of rats in comparison to the control group (P<0.05) and this effect was more significant after phynelephrine injection (P<0.05). Echium amoenum in combination whit citrus aurantiflia decreased heart rate after phynelephrine injection and also in comparison to the control group. This decreasing effect was more than the effect of 6.688 mg/kg phynelephrine (P<0.05).Conclusion: Since Echium amoentum has an increasing effect on blood pressure especially in higher blood pressures, it is not suggested for those with hypertension. Co-administration of Echium amoentum and Citrus aurantiflia is recommended for decreasing heart rate.

Background & Aims: Therapeutic community (TC) is an approach that its primary aim is to help people with problems of substance abuse. The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of TC in the improvement of life skills and reduction of relapse in male addicts.Method: This research was a quasi-experimental study by using pre-post tests and Follow-up. Research population constitutes all male substance abusers referred to the TC centers of Hamedan, Isfahan and Yazd. samples were selected by stratified sampling in TC centers of mentioned cities and included 442 substance abusers. They were examined during 2 years in three stages of pretest (admission time), posttest (3-6 months after the treatment) and Follow-up (1-year after the treatment) using life skills questionnaire and morphine test.Results: Therapeutic community significantly increased life skills (problem solving, emotion management, communication skill, assertive skill, self awareness and self care skill) of substance abusers after 3 to 6 months of treatment (P < 0.05) and was effective in reduction of relapse after 1 year.Conclusion: This study provides evidence that TC program is effective in internalizing life skills and can reduce the rate of relapse.

Background & Aims: Shift work is programmed in various schedules, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The main purposes of this study were: a) to determine common shift schedules used in petrochemical industries, b) to compare shift work health-related problems among employees working in different shift schedules and c) to recommend appropriate shift schedule.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at 14 petrochemical companies. Study population consisted of 987 shift workers. Data on demographic features, shift schedule and adverse effects of shift work were collected via anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 11.5. Results: Among 987 studied shift employees, 27% worked in 3M-3E-3N-3Res, 61% in 4M-4E-4N-4Res and 12% in 12-hour schedules. Health problems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among 4M-4E-4N-4Res schedule shift workers were significantly less prevalent than other schedules (P<0.05). Furthermore, the results showed that the prevalence rates of health problems among 12-hour schedule shift workers were higher than 3M-3E-3N-3Res schedule workers.Conclusions: Since 12-hour schedule caused higher rates of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among shift workers as compared with 4M-4E-4N-4Res and 3M-3E-3N-3Res schedules, it should be avoided in shift system. Based on the results, 8-hour schedules with clockwise rapid rotation are recommended.