Iranian Journal of Public Health

The Assessment of Muscle Strength for Standing Long Jump and Vertical Jump: Focusing on Muscle-Strengthening Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Jeheon Moon — 2025-11-28

Background: Grip strength is often used as a proxy for systemic muscle strength due to its ease of measurement, but varying errors may occur due to measurement factors. Standing long jump and vertical jump are components of physical fitness, considered to reflect lower extremity muscle power. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the suitability of grip strength as a measure of muscle strength and its relationship to standing long jump and vertical jump performance following muscle-strengthening exercises.
Methods: Articles were selected using the PICOSD framework through a search of PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect up to Dec 6, 2024, including studies involving young, healthy adults, muscle strength improvement, and key terms such as grip strength, standing long jump, vertical jump, and resistance or plyometric training. Thirteen studies were included, comprising 496 participants. Effect sizes for grip strength, standing long jump, and vertical jump were calculated, with internal validity confirmed via publication bias and qualitative assessment.
Results: Meta-analysis of 13 articles with 32 data points revealed a significant improvement in grip strength after muscle-strengthening programs (I²=60%, P<.01), with an effect size (ES) of -1.36 (95% CI: -2.11, -0.62). However, standing long jump and vertical jump showed no significant differences post-training (long jump: I²=0%, P<.65; vertical jump: I²=4%, P<.41), with small effect sizes (long jump, ES: -0.28 [95% CI: -0.51, -0.05]; vertical jump, ES: -0.35 [95% CI: -0.52, -0.19]).
Conclusion: Grip strength is a more reliable indicator of muscle strength than standing long jump and vertical jump, which mainly assess muscle strength rather than muscle strength.

Kangaroo Method Care: Benefits, Proponents and Barriers: A Narrative Review

. Aslinda — 2025-11-28

Babies with low birth weight (LBW) are the highest contributor to neonatal mortality rates. Kangaroo care is an effective, cost-effective nursing action recommended by WHO for the care of premature and LBW babies which can reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, the scope of kangaroo care practice is still low. Various databases such as Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Science Direct have been used as research sources. The time span for the articles accessed ranged from 2014 to 2024. The benefits of kangaroo care can improve the growth of premature and LBW babies, increase breastfeeding, improve the physiological function of babies, reduce infant mortality rates and reduce stress of mothers of premature and LBW babies. Supporting factors for kangaroo care are government support and health service providers, community and socio-cultural support, knowledge and awareness of mothers and inhibiting factors are lack of infrastructure and health facilities, socio-economic and cultural problems, challenges for mothers of LBW babies and lack of knowledge and awareness of various related parties. Kangaroo method care is beneficial for babies and mothers of LBW babies and there are supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. This aimed to increase the coverage of kangaroo method care implementation so as to optimize the growth of LBW babies.

Evaluating the Significance of Coagulation Tests for the Prevention and Treatment of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: A Meta-Analysis

Lili Chen — 2025-11-28

Background: We aimed to assess the clinical significance of obstetric coagulation tests in the prevention and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and to analyze the characteristics of changes in key coagulation indicators during pregnancy and delivery.
Methods: The system searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of science, Wanfang Data knowledge service platform, VIP and China Knowledge Network databases for relevant literature from inception to Aug 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the information and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata/SE 16.0 software.
Results: Twelve studies involving 2531 cases were included. Key findings versus non-pregnant women showed: significantly higher maternal D-dimer (Mean Difference (MD)=1.08, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.61, 1.56) and fibrinogen (MD=1.57, 95%CI: 1.04, 2.10); and lower prothrombin time (PT) (MD=1.13, 95%CI: 0.43, 1.83) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (MD=0.73, 95%CI: 0.31, 1.16). Longitudinal trends across pregnancy trimesters were also significant: D-dimer increased from 0.24 mg/L to 0.46 mg/L and 0.72 mg/L (P=0.02); fibrinogen rose from 3.94 g/L to 4.38 g/L and 5.05 g/L (P<0.001); and PT demonstrated statistically significant changes (P=0.00).
Conclusion: Obstetric coagulation tests effectively reflect changing coagulation status during pregnancy, providing great value for early DIC prevention and intervention. Regular monitoring of key indices can help optimize clinical DIC management and offer more comprehensive strategies for obstetric patients.

Effectiveness of Interventions Utilizing Community Health Worker Model on Reducing Stunting in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Muhammad Alwi Eka Pranata — 2025-11-28

Background: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of interventions delivered by CHWs and their strategies for reducing stunting in LMICs.
Methods: We undertook a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. The articles were selected from major electronic databases, reference lists and grey literature from 2016 and 2023.
Results: Seventeen articles were included in the final analysis from the initial 2,899 search results. CHW-led interventions significantly reduce stunting. Training and refresher courses enhanced outcomes, while challenges included inconsistent implementation and resource constraints. The variability in results underscores the need for multisectoral collaboration to maximize impact.
Conclusion: Our findings highlighted the significant role of CHW-led interventions in reducing stunting, emphasizing their potential as accessible and reliable resources for local communities.

The Microbial Factors, Trace Elements, and Important Biologi-cal Indicators in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

Keli Qu — 2025-11-28

Background: We examined and compared microbiological variables, trace elements, and biological markers in autistic children.
Methods: Several databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, OVID, Google Scholar, and Embase, were utilized for data collection and analysis. We studied meta-analysis data and used a continuous model with fixed or random effects to get mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty-seven studies involving 2557 children from 2014 to 2024 were analyzed.
Results: Autism spectrum disorder had significantly higher C-reactive protein (MD, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.11-2.39, P=0.03), interleukin 6 (MD: 2.80; 95%CI, 1.13-4.46, P=0.001), serotonin (MD, 111.92; 95%CI, 63.75-160.09, P<0.001), Faecalibacterium (MD, 0.48; 95%CI: 0.29-0.66, P<0.001), and Parabacteroides (MD, 0.20; 95%CI: 0.14-0.26, P<0.001), lower oxytocin (MD, -53.24; 95% CI, -73.39- -33.09, P<0.001), and serum iron (MD, -5.78; 95% CI, -9.43- -2.13, P=0.002) compared to control in children.
Conclusion: Autism spectrum disorder had significantly higher C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, serotonin, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides, lower oxytocin, and serum iron compared to control in children. Further research studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

Compassionate Care in a Health Education Setting: A Scoping Review

Rina Jayanti — 2025-11-28

Background: Compassionate care represents a foundational value in healthcare education, essential for cultivating empathy and holistic patient engagement. Despite its recognized significance, integrating compassionate care into educational curricula remains complex. We systematically explored its conceptualization, implementation, and pedagogical strategies within health education to inform curriculum development and professional training.
Methods: Scoping review using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Literature search in Dec 2024 in the Scopus, Emerald Insight, and Wiley Online Library databases, English publications from the last 10 years, focussing on compassionate care in health education. Flow diagram for the PRISMA review scoping shows the search and selection procedures. Tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for thematic analysis. Overall, 4,119 articles were screened, and 21 studies met the inclusion criteria.
Results: Compassionate care enhances empathy, communication, and professional behaviour among students. Development is carried out through experiential learning, narrative reflection, clinical practice, and the role of mentors. Programs like the Kind Care Bundle and empathy training have proven effective. However, implementation faces obstacles such as academic pressure, a rigid educational culture, and a lack of communication training. A structured curriculum approach and an inclusive learning environment are necessary to sustainably cultivate compassion competence in health education.
Conclusion: Compassionate care is an essential component in healthcare education that contributes to the formation of empathetic attitudes and patient-centered care. The integration of compassion values into the curriculum through reflective approaches, clinical practice, and mentorship guidance is important to produce competent, humanistic healthcare professionals who are ready to face the challenges of professional practice.

Nursing Care in Obstetrics and Breastfeeding Practices in Gestational Diabetic Mothers in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Yunyan Deng — 2025-11-28

Background: Despite the fact that nursing care and breastfeeding practices are among the most important aspects of effective GDM management, the impact of these practices is still underexplored. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of obstetric nursing care and the impact on the outcomes of breastfeeding among gestational diabetes mothers.
Methods: A total of 522 records were found after conducting exhaustive searches in the databases of PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library. After eliminating duplicates and screening criteria, there were five studies with 3180 participants, 1377 of whom were experimental and 1803 of whom were control. The effects of nursing interventions on body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and HbA1c levels, subgroup analyses were carried out.
Results: Individual studies suggested benefits in breastfeeding practices, but the study found no significant difference between the nursing and control groups (0.27, 95% CI: 0.05–1.57, P = 0.14). Studies showed that general care worked best for mothers with normal body mass indexes yet mothers with hyperglycemia needed more specific treatments. The findings demonstrate the necessity to interpret results with caution because they appeared affected by heterogeneity along with publication bias.
Conclusion: The nursing interventions which support breastfeeding practices and glycemic management perform best when they target mothers with gestational diabetes by monitoring their body mass index and blood glucose levels. Future research needs to accomplish a clear confirmation of these results involving HbA1c and FPG metrics because of their ambiguous nature.

Unveiling the Complex Interplay of Individual Factors Influencing Unsafe Behaviors in Industrial Workplace: A Systematic Re-view

Azim Karimi — 2025-11-28

Background: This systematic review aimed to clarify the individual factors that contribute to unsafe behaviors in industrial workplaces.
Methods: An initial search across PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus yielded 2,348 articles published between 2000 and 2023. After a rigorous screening process using the PRISMA guideline, 51 studies meeting the inclusion criteria—focusing on individual determinants of unsafe behaviors in industrial environments were selected for in-depth analysis.
Results: The systematic analysis revealed a multifaceted relationship between individual factors and the occurrence of unsafe behaviors. Key themes include the influence of demographic attributes, psychological needs and desires, cognitive factors, and health conditions. The dual-focused approach of addressing both organizational and individual dimensions emerged as crucial for effective safety management. The synthesis of evidence underscores the significance of individual factors in shaping workplace safety. While organizational strategies remain integral, our findings emphasize the complementary role of individual-focused initiatives. A notable gap in the absence of a comprehensive tool for examining all individual factors points toward a crucial avenue for future research.
Conclusion: This review contributes essential insights for organizational leaders, safety managers, and policymakers seeking to enhance safety protocols and create safe and resilient work environments.

The Association between Dairy Consumption and the Risk of Developing Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Behnaz Sedighi — 2025-11-28

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and disabling disease that commonly affects young adults. We aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on the association between dairy consumption, particularly cow milk, and the risk of developing MS.
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for peer-reviewed papers published until 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and observational designs (case-control, cohort, cross-sectional). Studies were excluded if they did not report sufficient data to calculate effect sizes. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.
Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall pooled odds ratio (OR) for the association between total dairy consumption and MS risk was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93–0.99), indicating a weak but statistically significant inverse association. Subgroup analysis of cohort studies, however, showed no significant association (relative risk [RR] = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.95–1.47, P = 0.41). Furthermore, cow's milk consumption alone was not significantly associated with MS development (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.46–1.69, P = 0.21).
Conclusion: Although pooled results suggest a slight protective effect of overall dairy consumption on MS risk, findings remain inconsistent and inconclusive, especially when considering specific dairy products and study design. Additional longitudinal studies with rigorous methodology are needed to clarify the potential role of dairy in MS pathogenesis.

Dimensions of Health System Performance Assessment: A Scoping Review

Khadije Safizade — 2025-11-28

Background: Performance assessment is a key approach to understanding how functions and processes are operating. The first essential step in this process is to determine what aspects should be covered in the assessment. We aimed to identify the dimensions of health system performance assessment in Iran.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted in this study from 2000 to 2024. It was carried out in both Persian and English databases. A total of 17 frameworks or models were identified. Their dimensions, components, and interrelationships were extracted and synthesized. Subsequently, a new framework was developed using the framework analysis approach.
Results: We identified 6 main dimensions and 28 sub-dimensions for health system performance assessment, adopted as a logic model comprising inputs, output, and outcomes. The major dimensions include: Governance and Leadership-vision, policy and planning, communication, monitoring and evaluation; infrastructure, knowledge; standards of care and service of delivery.
Conclusion: Despite the overlap of some of the main dimensions of the frameworks, the consolidated framework has differences from the previous ones, which emphasizes the assessment of qualitative feedback based on their experiences. Therefore, this integrated framework offers a comprehensive structure that is particularly suitable for evaluating the performance of Iran’s health system, taking into account its specific environmental context.

The Etiological Characteristics of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Yuyao, China, 2010-2023

Shaojun Huang — 2025-11-28

Background: We aimed to analyze the etiological composition of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Yuyao from 2010 to 2023, and to provide scientific decision and basis for the development of preventive and control measures for HFMD.
Methods: Employing descriptive epidemiological methods, we analyzed the etiological results of mild cases of HFMD monitored from 2010 to 2023.
Results: From 2010 to 2023, 4,294 samples from HFMD patients in Yuyao, China were analyzed, with 2,362 (55.01%) testing positive for enteroviruses. The most common serotypes were EV71 (30.57%), CA16 (25.91%), and CA6 (8.26%). There was a significant variation in positivity rates over the years, with the lowest in 2023 (22.61%) and the highest in 2012 (95.45%). EV71 was the dominant serotype before 2018, but other serotypes became more prevalent afterward, with CA6 emerging as the primary strain post-2018.HFMD cases occurred year-round, with a clear seasonal pattern peaking from April to October, especially in May. This period accounted for 81.63% of all cases. The disease affected individuals of all ages, but the majority (83.74%) were children under six. Males had a higher detection rate than females, with a significant difference between the genders.
Conclusion: Between 2010 and 2023, the composition of pathogens causing HFMD in Yuyao underwent significant changes. These observations not only deepened the understanding of the epidemic trends and etiological evolution of the disease in the area but also provided scientific support for the development of more targeted prevention and control measures.

Developing and Testing the Validity of a Needs-Based Communication Program for New Korean Nurses’ Organizational Adaptation

Jung-Ha Park — 2025-11-28

Background: We developed a needs-based communication program for fostering the organizational adaptation of new Korean nurses. It tested the program’s effects on their intentions to stay in their job, burnout, fear of negative evaluations, self-encouragement, workplace friendships, communication, and nonviolent communication.
Methods: The communication program was developed based on the nonviolent communication approach. Its effectiveness was tested using a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The participants were Korean nurses with less than six months of experience working in general hospitals located in Busan City and Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Republic of Korea. The experimental group, comprising 49 participants, underwent the needs-based communication program consisting of daily workshops and weekly practice sessions for eight weeks. The control group, comprising 44 participants, received no treatment. The data were collected from May to July, 2025, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2 test, t-test, analysis of covariance, ranked analysis of covariance, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Fisher’s exact test, and McNemar’s test.
Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significantly improved intentions to stay in the job, self-encouragement, workplace friendships, communication, and nonviolent communication (P<0.05). However, burnout and fear of negative evaluations did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The needs-based communication program can be applied to new nurses’ introductory training curricula and is expected to enhance their adaptation to clinical practice.

Long-Term Dynamics of Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Adults and Association with Blood Pressure: Evidence from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

Yang Chen — 2025-11-28

Background: Overweight and obesity have turned into a substantial public health crisis worldwide. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity.
Method: Data collected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 1993 to 2015, including 75,559 adults. We used linear-by-linear trend tests, logistic models, and Cox regression models to test the relationship between the prevalence of overweight and obesity and blood pressure.
Results: From 1993 to 2015, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 34.94% to 69.63%, and the prevalence of females was higher than that of males. Cox regression analysis showed that systolic pressure (SBP) <140 and diastolic pressure (DBP) <90 was associated with a lower prevalence in participants. Compared by both age and gender, SBP and DBP were risk factors for the prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Conclusion: Higher DBP and SBP were associated with a higher risk of overweight and obesity. When developing blood pressure control strategies, comprehensive consideration should be given to population demographics, with an emphasis on promoting individualized intervention approaches.

The Relation of Air Pollution on Morbidity and Mortality of SARS CoV 2 Infection in Tekirdag, Türkiye

Gamze Varol — 2025-11-28

Background: We aimed to investigate the relation between environmental air pollutants such as Particulate Matter 10 (PM₁₀), Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM_2.5), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) on daily cases and deaths associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Methods: The ecological research examined the correlations of the air quality metrics and the data of COVID-19 cases and deaths from March 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021 in the central District of Tekirdağ Province in Türkiye.
Results: During the study period, the average PM₁₀ concentration was 32.57±17.86 µg/m³, PM_2.5 was 20.68±11.31 µg/m³, SO₂ was 11.28±13.42 µg/m³, and NO₂ was 19.07±7.26 µg/m³. The SARS-CoV-2 case fatality rate in the study area during this period was 3.2%. Correlation analyses between air pollutants and SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths revealed significant positive associations between SARS-CoV-2 cases (r=0.220 for PM₁₀, P<0.001; r=0.290 for PM_2.5, P<0.001; r=0.218 for SO₂, P<0.001) and deaths (r=0.203 for PM₁₀, P<0.001; r=0.289 for PM_2.5, P<0.001; r=0.278 for SO2, P<0.001). Moreover, regression analysis revealed that ambient sulfur dioxide (SO_₂) levels significantly predicted both COVID-19 incidence and mortality.
Conclusion: PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and SO₂, key parameters for assessing air quality, exhibit a positive relationship with the increasing number of daily SARS-CoV-2 cases and daily deaths in the study area.

Evaluation of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Cases in the Southeast-ern Border of Turkey in Recent Years

Ahmet Şahin — 2025-11-29

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, is an infectious disease endemic to many countries, including the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The number of cases in this region has surged due to factors such as the Syrian civil war, migration, overcrowded living conditions, malnutrition, decreased sanitation, and delayed diagnoses. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate adult CL patients.
Methods: The patients admitted to the Leishmania Diagnosis and Treatment Centre from Jan 2019 to Jul 2023 were included to the study. Diagnosis was made by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained samples from the serous fluid of cutaneous lesions, identifying the Leishmania amastigote form.
Results: The cohort included 59 females and 41 males with a mean age of 42.8±16.2 yr. The majority resided in urban areas (60%), with single lesions in 57% of cases and multiple lesions in 43%. No statistical difference was found in lesion count between urban and rural residents (P=0.408) or between genders (P=0.932). However, a significant difference in lesion characteristics was observed between Turkish patients and immigrants (P<0.001). Lesions primarily appeared as papules (44%) and nodules (36%), with extremities (65%) and head and neck (50%) being the most common sites. The most affected male age group was 18-29 yr (34.1%), while for females, it was 50-59 yr (27.1%).
Conclusion: CL remains a significant public health issue in the region, exacerbated by socio-economic conditions following the Syrian conflict. Therefore, updating epidemiological data, implementing vector control programs, and promoting disease prevention education are essential.

Factors Associated with Sports Injuries in Korean Youth Track and Field Athletes during Training and Competition

Zhenfei Li — 2025-11-29

Background: We aimed to analyze the risk factors for injuries at different sites and tissues during competition and training, and to provide a scientific basis for the development of targeted injury prevention and rehabilitation programs for young athletes.
Methods: Overall, 257 Korean youth track and field athletes in elementary, junior high, and senior high schools registered in the 2022 Korean Athletic Association were included in this study. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Contingency coefficient were used to analyze the correlation between injured site, injured tissue, training time per day, and training days per week during competition and training.
Results: The lower extremity was the site with the highest injury rate (30.7% in competition vs 43.6% in training), and the ankle and knee had the highest risk of lower extremity injury. Muscles and tendons were the tissues with the highest injury rates (29.6% in competition vs 32.3% in training), and myositis was the main type of muscle and tendon injury. The incidence of injuries to body parts and tissues was higher during training than during competition (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The probability and risk factors of sports injuries are different. Athletes with rich experience need correct sports techniques and reasonable exercise loads to avoid sports injuries. Contact and non-contact injuries are also a cause of sports injuries. Therefore, coaches and athletes need to fully understand the background of the injury and provide a scientific basis for the prevention of youth sports injuries.

Effectiveness of a Smartphone-Based Self-Management App (BeHealth app) for Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Hee-Seung KIM — 2025-11-29

Background: Self-management and health behaviors are essential for improving the quality of life and preventing subsequent complications in patients with breast cancer. To investigate effects of a smartphone-application-based diet and exercise self-management program (BeHealth app) on self-efficacy, health behaviors, and selected cardiometabolic risk factors (body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting glucose) in women with breast cancer.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 49 participants (24 experimental, 25 control) in Seoul between Jan and Feb 2017, assigned using block randomization via Microsoft Excel. They received counseling and underwent a physical examination and blood testing at both trial’s commencement and at a follow-up 12 wk later. The experimental group was given the BeHealth app for setting health goals, keeping a self-diagnosis and health record, and using chat space and health information for 12 wk. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS with ANOVA to assess the BeHealth app's effects on self-efficacy, health behaviors, and selected cardiometabolic risk factors over time between and within groups.
Results: The experimental group showed significantly increased levels of vegetable intake(P=.017) and significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose(P=.037) compared to the control group, suggesting that the BeHealth app may be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Conclusion: The BeHealth app could be further developed to have compatibility with medical data and use in hospitals so that it is more appealing to target breast cancer survivors and increase its effectiveness for decreasing cardiometabolic risk factors in breast cancer survivors.

Quantifying Health-Related Risk Factors Associated with Breast and Prostate Cancer Burden: The Role of Trends and Disparities in Obesity and Cholesterol

Syed Ghavam Shafagh — 2025-11-29

Background: We aimed to identify and quantify trends and disparities in the burden of breast and prostate cancer associated with health-related risk factors.
Method: Cancer outcomes data, such as age-standardized rate of incidence, prevalence, and mortality were retrieved by year and country. The sociodemographic index (SDI) and human development index (HDI) was extracted from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study and the Human Development Report. Univariate and linear regression analyses were uded to explore mean differences and correlation between cancer outcomes and independent variables.
Results: During their decades, there was an upward trend in age-standardized rate of incidence and prevalence for breast cancer (EAPC=0.15 and 0.09, respectively) and prostate cancer (EAPC=0.12 and 0.27, respectively), but a downward trend in age-standardized rate of mortality for breast (EAPC=−0.14) and prostate cancer (EAPC=−0.17). Over time, the prevalence of obesity and overweight increased by 54% and 34%, respectively. An upward trend in the non-HDL level was observed among middle-SDI (+3.76%), lower-middle-SDI (+6.92%), and low-SDI (+14.14%) countries, whereas the opposite trend was observed for high-middle-SDI (-10.12%) and high-SDI (-25.07%) regions. Multivariable regression revealed that the HDI was the main factors affecting cancer outcomes, especially for the prevalence (beta=0.73, P<0.001) and incidence of prostate cancer (beta=0.59, P<0.001).
Conclusion: Disparities in risk factors of cancer outcomes across different regions highlight the need for indispensable actions and policies on the implementation and evaluation of prevention programs among countries to address this problem.

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Meningitis Cumulative Incidence in Iran, 2011-2022

Maryam Ghalandari — 2025-11-29

Background: Meningitis is a public health challenge and one of the plans of the WHO is to defeat meningitis by 2030. This study was conducted to determine the trend of cumulative incidence and to draw a geographic map of meningitis in Iran.
Methods: Data on the cases of Fever and Neurological Symptoms Syndrome was obtained from the national surveillance system from 2011 to 2022. The cumulative incidence of meningitis was calculated for each year. Joinpoint version 5.4.0 and ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) 10.8.2 were used to investigate the trend of the disease incidence and identify the high-risk areas, respectively.
Results: Overall, 18,500 (24.35%) of the total cases were reported as confirmed and probable cases of meningitis. The cumulative incidence of bacterial meningitis decreased significantly in all age groups (P<0.05). The incidence of viral meningitis decreased in all ages and the population under 5 years (P<0.05). The incidence of Hib meningitis decreased in the population under 5 yr from 2015-2019 (P<0.05). The incidence of meningitis from all forms decreased in all ages and populations under 5 yr but increased in the population over 5 yr from 2011 to 2019, though these changes were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The incidence of bacterial and viral meningitis has decreased in Iran similar to most parts of the world. The decrease in the incidence of Hib meningitis after the implementation of the vaccination in children under 5 yr emphasizes the importance of continuing Hib vaccination and integrating pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccinations into the national vaccination program.

Survival and Causes of Death in Infants Admitted in NICU in Iran: A Retrospective Cohort Study 2016-2022

Hosein Dalili — 2025-11-29

Background: We aimed to assess neonatal survival and identify predictors of mortality among infants admitted to a tertiary hospital in Iran between 2016 and 2022.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 7,255 neonates admitted to a tertiary hospital in Iran.
Results: Overall neonatal and preterm mortality rates were 6.6% and 9.1%, respectively, with a declining trend across various medical conditions. Multiple Cox regression analysis revealed several predictors of death as gestational age, birth weight, APGAR scores, congenital defects, sepsis, respiratory disorders, intervention treatments, and antibiotic administration history. Implications for Practice: Although survival rates have improved, neonatal mortality in Iran remains a concern. The leading causes of death—congenital anomalies, sepsis, and respiratory disorders—highlight the need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship and infection control. Managing invasive procedures is essential to prevent hospital-acquired infections.
Conclusion: Further studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship between multiple antibiotic regimens and neonatal survival.

Digestive Stability and Enzyme Inhibitory Potential of Dillenia indica L. Bark Extract: Implications for Public Health in Aging Populations

Bo-Rim Song — 2025-11-29

No Abstract.

A Decade of Challenges from Standardized Residency Training: Urgent Reform Needed in China's Clinical Medical Undergrad-uate Internship Education

Boyang Li — 2025-11-29

No Abstract. Not Abstract.

Gut Microbiota and Recurrence Risk in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Insights from a Competitive Risk Model

Yanmin Gao — 2025-11-29

No Abstract

Urban Planning for Climate Resilience: A Public Health Imperative

Mehdi Rezaei — 2025-11-29

No Abstract.

Breaking the Cycle: How Child Abuse and Neglect Ignite the Path to Addiction

Nader Aghakhani — 2025-11-29

No Abstract