JOURNAL OF ARDABIL UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (JAUMS)
Year:2004 | Volume:3 | Issue:10|Papers Count:9

Background & Objective: The nationwide amblyopia prevention program is performed by prevention deputy of welfare organization every year. In this analytic report practical results of screening program in 1998-2001 were presented and compared with similar findings in other countries. The results were also compared with the findings of previous similar researches in Iran.Methods: The amblyopia screening program was performed on all 3-65 year-old children in day-care centers as well as those referring to the visual acuity measuring centers. The first examination was accomplished by trainers. In the second step doubtful cases were referred to optometrist by trainers and amblyopia was diagnosed by an optometrist and confirmed by an eye specialist after excluding organic causes.Results: 608 out of 8427(7.21%) children examined by trainers in 2001 were referred to an optometrist because of suspected visual disorders. The prevalence of amblyopia in different cities of Ardabil province was 2%-15%. The figures in 2000-2001 were 10% (Rangs=1%-13%), respectively. In 1998 it was 11% (Range =5%-13%). In the second phase of amblyopia plan the prevalence of visual problems was estimated about 21%, 45%, 47%, and 74% in 1998-2001, respectively. In the third phase of the plan the amblyopia prevalence for children examined by eye-specialist in 1999-2001 were 1.6%, 1.41% and 1.25% respectively.Conclusions: In this research the prevalence of amblyopia was found to be 1.42% which has a conformity with the findings of other countries. Moreover, the higher variation in the estimation of the prevalence of visual disorders in this province requires further comparative researches.

Background & Objective: Failure To Thrive (FTT) refers to the insufficient physical growth or inability in keeping the desired growth rate in a period to time.It is a problem in Iran as far as hygienic nutrition is concerned. FTT is a multifactor problem which is caused by various organic and nonorganic agents. This study was conducted to pinpoint the major risk factors involved in the growth of children under 2 years of age who are the most vulnerable age-group in terms of growth disorders.Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2002-2003 on 120 infants (60 cases with FTT and 60 controls) in Namin health centers. The case group was under the third percentage of their growth chart or they had -2SD in growth chart at least in three months. The control group was composed of infants with normal growth chart. The demographic characteristics of parents, and the nutritional and antropometric (height/weight, head circumference) characteristics of the subjects were measured. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software, using chi-square and ANOVA. Results: The findings indicated higher frequency of respiratory infections, diarrhea and vomiting in case group (p<0.05). The control group, on the other hand, outnumbered the case group in terms of the number of infants under 6 months who were exclusively breast-fed (p<0.05). Most of the infants with FTT had a lower birth weight than control group (p<0.05). The number of mothers with lower level of education and those who were housewives and also the number of family members were significantly higher in case group than control group (p< 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of frequency of breast feeding and birth rank. Conclusions: The results indicated that some risk factors such as respiratory infections, birth weight, education, mothers knowledge, exclusive breast feeding and the frequency of diarrhea and vomiting have far more important role in growth disturbances in children compared to factors such as frequency of breasr feeding and birth rank.

Background & Objective: Enterobius vermicularis is a common helminthic infection and its prevalence in Iran is 25 to 92 percent. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection among children going to daycare centers in Ardabil. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2003 on 400 children who were selected from 10 daycare centers using Grahams scotch adhesive tape technique. A questionnaire was filled for every subject and the results were analyzed by Chi-square test.Results: The prevalence of enterobiosis in the children under study was 18.3%. The highest rate (21.62%) was observed among 3-4 year-old children and the lowest rate (16.19%) was seen among 5-6 year-old ones. The infection rate of males and females were 16.4% and 21.2%, respectively. Prevalence of enterobiosis in children of illiterate mothers (54.5%) was higher compared to literate mothers (12.4%) (p< 0.05). Conclusions: In order to prevent this infection, health education especially for illiterate parents or those who have lower level of education is necessary.

Background & Objective: Carotid baroreflex is the most important system of moment-by-moment control of blood pressure. In the past, in order to test carotid baroreflex, invasive methods were incorporated. In 1975 Eckberg introduced a non-invasive apparatus for testing carotid baroreflex sensitivity. The main objective of the present research was to design and construct a more progressive version of the Eckbergs model apparatus. This apparatus would be able to stimulate cervical baroreceptors through sucking the neck. This device will enable physiologists and pharmacologists to perform many researches about carotid baroreceptors.Methods: In this apparatus advanced electronic and mechanical ciruits apply negative controlled pressure on the carotid sinus and increase the blood pressure. By application of negative pressure in front of neck, it stretches the soft cervical tissues including carotid sinus. One of the major modifications included was using resistant rubber instead of lead sheets for making the neck chamber. The whole system was controlled by a computer, which made our system more advanced as compared to the original model suggested by Eckberg. In order to test the apparatus, 12 young male volunteers received a -30mmHg to -90mmHg neck chamber pressure for 10 seconds. Any changes in cardiac cycles during the suction were being recorded using cardiopen II. So the charges could be evaluated.Results: The findings showed that stimulation of carotid baroreceptors increased the length of cardiac cycles abruptly. This increase is significantly different from the baseline( p<0.003) and shows the correct functioning of the equipment. Conclusions: The final tests confirmed the capability of the apparatus in stimulating carotid baroreceptors. This device can be used in other universities and research centers.

Background & Objective: The role of circulating lipids in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke remains unclear despite 3 decades of research. Since ischemic stroke is one of the important causes of death or disability in the world. Finding its risk factors can play a crucial role in health interferences.This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between blood lipids and ischemic stroke.Methods: This was a case-control study conducted in 2002. The case group were patients who were definitely diagnosed to have ischemic stroke for the first time. An equal number of control subjects (with the same age and sex) were selected from other hospital wards. These two groups were compared in terms of the blood lipids. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (release 12) and statistical methods such as ANOVA and multivariate regression. Results: In this research 132 cases were compared with equal number of control subjects. The subjects in both groups were 64.1 years old on average. The mean level of total cholesterol was significantly higher in case group (p=0.001). The mean level of Triglycerides had no significant difference in two groups. Conclusions: Regarding the findings of the present research, offering strategies to lower the chlestrol level through primary prevention as well as drug interferences especially in the groups with other risk factors of stroke, seems to have a significant role in the prevention of ischemic stroke.

Background & Objective: Malignant skin tumors are highly prevalent cancers all over the world. Iran can be regarded as an area in which skin malignancies are so common because of severe sunlight, and occupational requirements of farmers with long exposure to sunlight. This study was an attempt to evaluate the frequency of malignant skin tumors in Urmia. Methods: In this descriptive and retrospective study 61496 pathological reports collected from pathology centers in Urmia between March 1991 and March 2001 were examined. Among these reports, 1099 cases with skin malignancies (including BCC, SCC and CMM) were identified and classified based on factors such as age, sex, job, the location of lesion and patients, residential area. In order to accomplish the incomplete data, the researchers referred to cancer registry center in health deputy of the province.Results: Among 1099 cases, 1076 patients (97.9%) had solitary lesion and 23 cases (2.1%) had multiple lesions. The ratio of male to female is 1.7:1 in all skin tumors. Most patients were farmers (28.02%). BCC was mainly observed on nose (26.2%), SCC was around mouth (36.78%) and CMM was mostly in extremities (45.09%). BCC was mostly on upper half of the face and SCC on the lower half. Most patients age ranged from 60 to 69 years. BCC was the most common histopathological type of tumors (71.62 %). 52.61% of patients lived in Urmia and the rest were from other cities. Comparing the first and second 5-Year periods of this research indicated a 25% increase in the frequency of tumors.Conclusions: According to the increased incidence of malignant skin tumors in this area some measures should be taken to prevent this disease, reduce the risk factors and diagnose these tumors earlier.

Background& Objective: Animal bites are considered to be an important threat to human health. Ardabil province in north-western Iran has the highest incidence rate of animal bites in Iran. This study was an attempt to investigate the epidemiological features of animal bites in Ardabil province during a one-year period from April 1999 to April 2000. Methods: In this descriptive study a special questionnaire was filled for all cases of animal bites reported during a one year period in Ardabil province. The questionnaire included questions regarding rabies, age, sex, job, etc. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (release 9). Descriptive statistics was used in the form of frequency tables and graph in order to summarize the data. Results: The total number of exposed persons to animal bites were 4331. Males comprised 75% of cases (3259) and 1072 persons (25%) were females. The highest incidence rate was seen among 30-50 year-olds. Animal bites were more common in summer. In 3078 cases (17%), legs were the main site of bite. Dog bite was the most common type (95%). Conclusions: This study confirms that animal bite such as dog bite is an important public health problem in Ardabil province. Regarding the importance of this issue it is necessary to take serious measures in order to control and prevent this health thereat.

Background & Objective: Postpartum depression is a problematic and important disease and if not recognized and treated on time, it can be aggravated or chronic. Exercise is strongly recommended in this regard to prevent any family disorders and improve the health of mother, child and family. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exercise on mild postpartum depression among women referring to Ardabil health centers.Methods: This study was a double blind clinical trial. About 50 subjects with normal vaginal delivery were selected. The subjects had referred to health canters in the second week after delivery and were diagnosed to have mild depression using Beck depression test. They were randomly divided into two groups (exercise and non-exercise). Then Beck test was done 6 weeks after delivery again and the results were compared in two groups.Results: The findings indicated that between mildly depressed mothers, 36% were 26-30 years old, 82% were housekeeper, 44% had under diploma education, 60% had two previous deliveries. 56% of exercise group and 32% of non-exercise group were treated. 8% of experimental subjects and 18% of control ones needed psychological consultation 6 weeks after delivery. T-test showed significant differences between two groups (p<0.05).Conclusions: Results showed that exercise had a positive effect on the treatment of mild postpartum depression. As a result it is recommended strongly in postpartum care.