Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 41 11 2012 11 15 1 9 N Parsa 2015 10 03 Background: An explosion of research has been done in discovering how human health is affected by environmental factors. I will discuss the impacts of environmental cancer causing factors and how they continue to cause multiple disruptions in cellular networking. Some risk factors may not cause cancer. Other factors initiate consecutive genetic mutations that would eventually alter the normal pathway of cellular proliferations and differentiation. Genetic mutations in four groups of genes; (Oncogenes, Tumor suppressor genes, Apoptosis genes and DNA repairing genes) play a vital role in altering the normal cell division. In recent years, molecular genetics have greatly increased our understanding of the basic mechanisms in cancer development and utilizing these molecular techniques for cancer screening, diagnosis, prognosis and therapies. Inhibition of carcinogenic exposures wherever possible should be the goal of cancer prevention programs to reduce exposures from all environmental carcinogens. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/2480 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/2480/2460

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 41 11 2012 11 15 10 18 Yueming Chen Daojun Yu Chunning Qiu Guoqian Xiang Weijian Dai Shenghai Wu Xianjun Wang 2015 10 03 Background: To glean insights into the relationship among hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype/subgenotypes, A1762T/G1764A mutations and advanced liver disease such as liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Southeast China. Methods: A case-control study was performed, consisting of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients (n=160), LC patients (n=150), and HCC patients (n=156). Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) was used to detect A1762T/G1764A mutations. HBV genotypes/subgenotypes were determined by multiplex PCR. All patients' clinical data was systematically collected from the hospital records. Results: Our study revealed HBV genotypes C (63.95%) and B (33.69%) were predominant in chronically infected patients, subgenotype B2, C2 and C1 were the major subgenotypes. Both subgenotype C2 infection and A1762T/G1764A mutations were associated with LC and HCC with cirrhosis, subgenotype C2 (OR=2.033, 95%CI=1.246-3.323, P=0.003 for LC vs CHB; OR=3.247, 95%CI=1.742-6.096, P=0.001 for HCC with cirrhosis vs CHB; respectively ), and A1762T/G1764A mutations (OR=1.914, 95%CI=1.188-3.085, P=0.005 for LC vs CHB; OR=2.996, 95%CI=1.683-5.353, P=0.002 for HCC with cirrhosis vs CHB; respectively), but no differences in the frequencies of both variants between LC and HCC with cirrhosis groups were found. Conclusions: HBV subgenotype C2 infection and A1762T/G1764A mutations are both risk factors of LC and HCC with cirrhosis development in the patients with CHB in Southeast China, but all no helpful for predicting HCC development in LC patients. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/2481 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/2481/2461

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 41 11 2012 11 15 19 26 K Peltzer G Mchunu B Tutshana P Naidoo G Matseke J Louw 2015 10 03 Background: The acceptance of HIV testing among patients with tuberculosis (TB) is low in South Africa. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, associated factors and reasons of non-uptake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing by tuberculosis public primary care patients in three districts, South Africa. Methods:  In May-October 2011, this cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 4726 TB patients across 42 primary health care facilities in three districts in South Africa. All new TB and new retreatment patients (N=4726) were consecutively interviewed within one month of anti-tuberculosis treatment. The outcome was self-reported HIV testing after TB diagnosis, validated using clinic registers. Results: Almost one in ten (9.6%) of the 4726 participants had not undergone HIV testing, with the most often offered explanation being that they were not knowing where to get tested (21.3%), followed by believing not to have or at risk for HIV (24.3%), emotional concerns (not ready for test: 13.2%; afraid to get to know: 12.1%; concerns over confidentiality: 6.3%) and concerns about stigma (3.3%) and losing the job (2.0%). In multivariable analysis being male, severe psychological distress, having sex with someone HIV negative or unknown and frequency of sex without a condom were associated with not having been tested for HIV. Conclusions: The level of HIV testing among TB public primary care patients was suboptimal, as per policy all patients should be tested. The South African Department of Health should continue to scale-up HIV testing and other collaborative TB-HIV services at health facilities. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/2482 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/2482/2462

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 41 11 2012 11 15 27 33 Neetu Jain Meenakshi Sharma 2015 10 03 Background: Soil is well known to support the transient or ongoing existence of keratinophilic fungi and potential source of infection for human and animals. Methods: Samples were collected from 67 sites of university campus like PG study centers, playgrounds, gardens, hostels, administrative blocks, library, bank, canteen and road side for the estimation of keratinophilic fungi using the hair baiting technique. Results: Totally, 192 isolates belonging to 14 genera and 21 species were reported. Soil pH range varies from 6.5 to 9.0 pH. Most of the fungi isolated from neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Chrysosporium tropicum (20.83%) was the most predominant fungi reported from all sites. Trichophyton mentagrophytes (15.10%) was the second most commonly reported fungi. Chrysosporium indicum (11.45%), T. simii (9.37%), C.evolceanui (8.83%) T. terrestre (4.68%) and Cephaliophora irregularies (4.68%) were frequently reported.  Microsporum audouinii, Paceliomyces sp., Cladosporium sp. and Sporothrix schenckii were isolated for the first time from Jaipur. Conclusion: Road sides were found most suitable for the occurrence of all most all keratinophilic fungi. Higher incidence of keratinophilic fungi was found in hostel sides followed by road sides, PG study centers and play grounds. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/2483 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/2483/2463

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 41 11 2012 11 15 34 43 Biyan Wang Jinliang Xie Pengqian Fang 2015 10 03 Background: In order to provide guidance on the efficient allocation of health resources when handling public health emergencies in the future, the study evaluated the H1N1 influenza prevention and control program in Hubei Province of China using cost-benefit analysis. Methods: The costs measured the resources consumed and other expenses incurred in the prevention and control of H1N1. The assumed benefits include resource consumption and economic losses which could be avoided by the measures for the prevention and control of H1N1. The benefit was evaluated by counterfactual thinking, which estimates the resource consumption and economic losses could be happened without any measures for the prevention and control, which have been avoided after measures were taken to prevent and control H1N1 in Hubei Province, these constitutes the benefit of this project. Results: The total costs of this program were 38.81 million U.S. dollars, while the total benefit was assessed as 203.71 million U.S. dollars. The net benefit was 164.9 million U.S. dollars with a cost-effectiveness ratio of 1:5.25. Conclusions: The joint prevention and control strategy introduced by Hubei for H1N1 influenza is cost-effective. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/2484 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/2484/2464

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 41 11 2012 11 15 44 53 BC Demirbağ B Erci 2015 10 03 Background: Many alternative interventions are practiced in an effort to reduce symptoms of fibromiyalgia. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sleep and touch therapy accompanied by music and aromatherapy on the symptoms of fibromyalgia and depression. Methods: The study was carried out between September 2009 and March 2011 in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Polyclinic in Trabzon, Turkey. The sample consisted of 162 female patients and had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia at least 6 months prior to the study. Since the sample contains two intervention groups and one control group, each group was assigned 54 patients. Data were collected through a Personal Information Form, a Fibromyalgia Symptom Form and the Beck Depression Index. The study employed a pre-test/post-test control group design. A paired sample t-test was used in the comparisons of the in-group scale points; the chi-square in the intergroup comparisons, and the McNamer test in the in-group comparisons. Results: After the interventions, it was observed that the depression levels in the touch-music-aroma therapy group showed a larger decrease (before: 22.01±5.3; after: 14.52±3.7) than in the sleep-music-aroma therapy group (before: 24.81±5.1; after: 20.16±4.9) and control groups (before: 23.73±4.4; after: 21.05±2.6). Symptoms such as restless sleep, headache, morning fatigue, exhaustion, feeling like crying and bowel complaints were also significantly reduced (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that nurses providing healthcare to FMS patients should also offer these patients aromatherapy, sleep, music and touch therapies. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/2485 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/2485/2465

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 41 11 2012 11 15 54 58 J Poorolajal P Cheraghi A Doosti Irani Z Cheraghi M Mirfakhraei 2015 10 03 Background: This study was conducted to develop a questionnaire in order to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the faculty members and students toward plagiarism. Methods: A KAP study was conducted from June to October 2011 enrolling 390 volunteers anonymously (response rate 96%). The questionnaire included the following four parts: (a) general characteristics like gender, academic degree and education level; (b) nine questions regarding knowledge (Min=0, Max=9); (c) nine questions regarding attitude (Min=9, Max=27); and (d) eight questions regarding practice (Min=0, Max=8). A pilot study was conducted to assess reliability of the questions regarding knowledge and attitude. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the knowledge and attitude questions was 0.70 and 0.74 respectively. Results: The overall prevalence of at least once plagiarism commission was 38% (SD=0.035). The overall mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice was 5.94 (SD=1.66), 24.12 (SD=2.99), and 0.66 (SD=1.15) respectively. Knowledge of plagiarism was significantly higher among higher academic degrees and females. Their negative attitude toward plagiarism was stronger too. No statistically significant difference regarding plagiarism commission was observed among different academic degrees in both sexes. According to linear regression analysis, plagiarism commission decreased 13% per one unit increase in score of knowledge (P=0.005) and 16% per one unit increase in score of attitude (P<0.001). Conclusions: This knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire was developed as a standard tool in order to assess perception of subjects toward plagiarism and to estimate the prevalence and the type of plagiarism commission. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/2486 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/2486/2466

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 41 11 2012 11 15 59 66 R Rahmani Z Khakbazan P Yavari M Granmayeh L Yavari 2015 10 03 Background: Lack of information regarding biochemical changes in women during labor and its outcomes on maternal and neonatal health still is an unanswered question. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of oral carbohydrate intake during labor on the duration of the active phase and other maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: A parallel prospective randomized controlled trial, conducted at the University Affiliated Teaching Hospital in Gonabad. Totally, 190 women were randomly assigned to an intervention (N=87) or control (N=90) group. Inclusion criteria were low-risk women with singleton cephalic presentation; and cervical dilatation 3-4 cm. Randomization was used by random number generator on every day. Odd numbers was used for intervention and even numbers for control group. Intervention was based on the preferences between: 3 medium dates plus 110 ml water; 3 dates plus 110 ml light tea without sugar; or 110 ml orange juice. The protocol is only run once but women ate and drank gradually before second stage of labor. Control group were fasted as routine practice. Neither participants nor care givers or staff could be blinded to group allocation. Differences between duration of the active phase of labor were assessed as primary outcome measure. Results: There was significant difference in the length of second stage of labor (P <.05). The effect size for this variable was 0.48. There were no significant differences in other maternal and neonatal outcomes.  Conclusions: Oral intake of carbohydrate was an effective method for shortening the duration of second stage of labor in low-risk women.  https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/2487 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/2487/2467Background: Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. The infection is characterized by acute and chronic illness, that often lead to liver cirrhosis, and death. In this study, we determined the proportion of patients with hepatitis B infection in Mogadishu and evaluated their hepatitis B viral DNA. Methods: A retrospective hospital-based descriptive study was conducted between July 2022 and October 2023 to collect data from all patients sent to the Dr. Sumait Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia for hepatitis B DNA detection and viral load determination. Results: Among the 406 patients studied in a clinical setting, 54.4% tested positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The cohort predominantly consisted of males (62.8%) and individuals aged 30-39 years (32.8%). Age and sex were significantly associated with HBV positivity, with higher odds observed in older age groups with a 2.62 times higher risk of infection (95%CI=1.447-4.750) for the individuals aged between 30-39 years old, 3.19 times greater (95%CI=1.671-6.114) for those age group between 40-49 years old, and 3.13 times greater (95%CI=1.670-5.870) for those age group above 50 years. It should be noted that these findings are based on a clinical cohort and therefore may not represent the prevalence of HBV in the general population. Conclusion: This study highlights a high proportion of HBV infection among clinical patients with known or suspected HBV infection in Mogadishu, with significant associations between age, sex, and infection risk. Further population-based studies are needed to assess the true burden of HBV in the general population in Somalia.   https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/35571 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/35571/8754

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 55 1 2026 02 07 26 39 Nik Zatul-Iffah N Mohd Nabil Faculty of Education, The National University of Malaysia, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia Mohd Effendi Ewan Mohd Matore Research Centre of Education Leadership and Policy, Faculty of Education, The National University of Malaysia, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia Mohd Syazwan Zainal Research Centre of Education and Community Well-being, Faculty of Education, The National University of Malaysia, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia 2025 03 12 2025 09 25 Background: Self-esteem is a pivotal yet fragile factor influencing the learning and psychosocial outcomes of students with learning disabilities (LD). Although widely discussed, evidence has been inconsistent and dispersed across cultural and methodological contexts. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases search identified 54 records from Scopus and Web of Science, of which eight studies published between 2008 and 2023 met the inclusion criteria. The studies were synthesized into three domains, psychological dimensions, social support and educational interventions. Results: Findings revealed consistent psychological vulnerabilities. Students with LD reported lower academic self-concept than peers, while large-scale evidence showed overall moderate self-esteem with gender differences favoring males. Qualitative accounts from adults indicated ambivalent identities, blending positive traits such as independence with negative perceptions of anxiety and inadequacy. Social support emerged as a protective factor with friendships, parental involvement and teacher encouragement fostering resilience and buffering against stigma. Interventions demonstrated tangible benefits, educational therapy with 150 children improved self-esteem and reduced behavioral problems, while adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy enhanced emotional regulation and self-worth in adults. Conclusion: The evidence highlights the need for integrated, culturally responsive and gender-sensitive approaches that address both academic competence and psychosocial well-being. Future research should adopt larger, longitudinal and cross-cultural designs to better capture developmental trajectories across the lifespan. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/38474 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/38474/8744

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 55 1 2026 02 08 177 179 Haewon Byeon Worker's Care & Digital Health Lab, Department of Future Technology, Korea University of Technology and Education (KO-REA TECH), Cheonan 31253, South Korea 2025 03 17 2025 07 17 No Abstract. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/38534 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/38534/8759

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 55 1 2026 02 08 151 161 Azam Rahimzadeh kalaleh Nursing Research Center of Respiratory Diseases (NRCRD), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Bahrambeygi Nursing Research Center of Respiratory Diseases (NRCRD), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Saeid Besharati Nursing Research Center of Respiratory Diseases (NRCRD), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Masoumeh Nomani Research Center of Thoracic Oncology (RCTO), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zobeydeh Saeed Nursing Research Center of Respiratory Diseases (NRCRD), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2025 05 20 2025 10 19 Background: Air pollution is an important global public health concern with multiple consequences for the individuals with respiratory diseases. We aimed to assess the influence of air pollution variables on the hospitalization rates of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Atmospheric pollutant parameters, such as NO2, SO2, CO, O3, PM₂.₅, PM10, and AQI, from Mar 2022 to Mar 2024 were measured. The information of COPD patients was extracted from Masih Daneshvari Hospital (referral center for respiratory diseases in Tehran). The relationship among data, Relative Risk (RR), and Attributable Proportion (AP) for prolonged exposure to air pollutants during a biennial period was assessed using the Air Quality Plus (2.2.4) software. Results: March 2023 saw the highest number of hospitalizations, with an average of 4.16 cases. This was concurrent with an elevation in PM₂.₅ concentrations. Furthermore, the month of Aug 2023 exhibited a high hospitalization rate, with an average of 3.8 cases, linked to the rise in the concentration of PM₂.₅, NO2, and O3 air pollutants. The highest mean relative risks (RRs) associated with acute exacerbation of COPD were as follows: (PM10: 1.83, PM₂.₅: 1.76). Conclusion: High levels of air pollution, specially PM₂.₅, significantly worsen COPD conditions and are a main trigger for COPD exacerbation. Consequently, enforcing more stringent air quality regulations is an essential public health approach to alleviate the incidence of COPD. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/39189 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/39189/8755

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 55 1 2026 02 07 40 52 Mi Wang Otolaryngology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China Nianci Xiao Otolaryngology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China Qingxiu Yao Otolaryngology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China Mengmeng Chen Otolaryngology Department, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China Weiliu Zhu Otolaryngology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China 2025 03 04 2025 06 01 Background: Chronic tinnitus significantly impacts patients' quality of life, with no consensus on the long-term efficacy of different interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, literature was searched across eight databases up to November 2024. Ten randomized controlled trials were selected. A random-effects model was used to calculate weighted mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. Results: Compared to control groups, TRT significantly improved THI scores (MD = -8.72, 95% CI: -16.65 to -0.79, P=0.03) and showed a trend toward improving VAS scores (MD = -2.78, 95% CI: -5.57 to 0.02, P=0.05). Heterogeneity was high (I²=90-96%), but sensitivity analysis confirmed stable results. Conclusion: TRT has a significant long-term therapeutic effect on chronic tinnitus. Future studies should increase sample sizes, standardize interventions, and optimize review processes to reduce heterogeneity and define optimal TRT strategies. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/38386 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/38386/8745

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 55 1 2026 02 08 180 181 Zahra Zamanian Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Vafa Feyzi Department of Occupational Health and Safety, School of Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mousa Bamir Medical Librarianship, Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Institute for Future Studies in Health, Kerman Uni-versity of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Salman Farahbakhsh 1. Department of Occupational Health, Instructor of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciencess, Sirjan, Iran 2. Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz Universi-ty of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2025 12 28 2026 02 08 No Abstract. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/41865 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/41865/8760

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 55 1 2026 02 08 162 172 Mojtaba Norouzi Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran Naser Nasiri Department of Public Health, School of Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran Sasan Amiri Faculty Member, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Hormozgan University of Medical Science, Bandar Abbas, Iran Habibeh Nasab Environmental Science and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran Nahid Bagheri Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mostafa Eghbalian Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran