Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 51 9 2022 09 03 1990 1998 Myoungjin Kwon Department of Nursing, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, 34520, South Korea Sun Ae Kim Department of Nursing, Korea National University of Transportation, 61, Daehak-ro, Jeungpyeong-gun, Chungbuk, 27909, South Korea Kawoun Seo Department of Nursing, Joongbu University, 201 Daehak-ro, Chubu-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungnam, 32713, South Korea 2021 05 31 2021 07 11 Background: Adolescence is a period of physical and psychological change that causes adolescents to experience anxiety, stress, and loss of control. These experiences can lead to thoughts about suicide. However, not all adolescents with suicidal thoughts attempt suicide. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence suicide attempts among adolescents with suicidal thoughts, and to prepare a theoretical basis for a method to prevent suicide among adolescents. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the 15th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2019) was used. The participants were 7,498 adolescents aged 12-18 yr with thoughts of suicide. Factors influencing suicide attempts among adolescents with suicidal thoughts were analyzed using a complex sample logistic analysis. Results: Gender, age, academic performance, and economic level were the general factors associated with suicide attempts of adolescents with suicidal thoughts. Physical and psychological factors included smoking, alcohol use, drug use, sex-related experience, experiencing violence, efforts to reduce weight, level of physical activity, and depression. Conclusion: Age and gender should be taken into consideration when designing suicide prevention activities. In addition, in order to lower the suicide rate of adolescents in Korea, an effective system of prevention and intervention strategies should be implemented, which attend to the issues of adolescents from low-income families, adolescent weight and body image concerns, and adolescent depression.   https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/25121 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/25121/7711

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 51 9 2022 09 03 1916 1924 Sam-hun Park Asia Contents Institute, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea Jiwon Shim Department of Philosophy, Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea 2022 07 06 2022 09 02 Background: The purpose of this study was to present a plan for utilizing electroceuticals to secure social reliability in Korea by investigating and analyzing the trends of humanities and social science research in Korea regarding electroceuticals.  Methods: The present situation of academic papers in the fields of humanities and social sciences that had researched electroceuticals in Korea and the topics that were directly related to electroceuticals had been reviewed and analyzed. Results: Regarding researches related to electroceuticals in the fields of humanities and social sciences in Korea, they were insufficient quantitatively. Qualitatively, they had leaned too much toward theoretical and abstract discourses regarding neuroethics and neurophilosophy.  Conclusion: If researches in the fields of humanities and social sciences known to play a role in preparing practical guidelines could be carried out sufficiently while preparing a base for solving actual problems raised by electroceuticals, they could actually help plan a specific electroceuticals policy and a law to secure social reliability. Among principles of general life medical ethics (principles of biomedical ethics), when considering the principle of justice, the investment by the Korean government regarding research and development of electroceuticals, the rationalization of electroceuticals regulations, the application of electroceuticals of public health insurance benefit, and voluntary efforts of electroceuticals corporations are important in order to have strong plans for securing the social reliability of electroceuticals. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/29224 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/29224/7705

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 51 9 2022 09 04 2135 2137 Doohwan Kong Department of Sports Medical Center and Sports Medical Research Institute, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, Seoul, Korea Sangjin Yang Department of Health and Exercise Management, Tongwon University, Gyeonggi, Korea Wi-Young So Sports Medicine Major, College of Humanities and Arts, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju-si, Korea Young-Joo Kim Department of Exercise Rehabilitation Welfare, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul, Korea 2022 08 24 2022 09 04 No Abstract https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/29642 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/29642/7727

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 51 9 2022 09 03 1999 2006 Xiaoyin Cong Department of Clinical Psychology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou road, Nanjing, China Yong Li Department of Clinical Psychology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou road, Nanjing, China Rongrong Bian Department of Clinical Psychology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou road, Nanjing, China 2022 03 09 2022 06 29 Background: We aimed to explore the relationship between the sleep and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from the perspective of personality factors. Methods: Overall, 167 patients with IBS-– from First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in Jiangsu Province of China in 2019 were included. Gastrointestinal Symptom Score (GIS), Chinese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) were used to assess gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep and personality. We use mediator variables analyze to explore the relationship between sleep, neurotic personality and gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS patients. Results: 48.5% of IBS patients had sleep disorders. IBS patients with high neuroticism had higher total PSQI scores, longer sleep latency, worse sleep persistence, more nocturnal sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunctions, and more use of sleep medication (P<0.05). Stomach distention, cramping epigastric pain, loss of appetite, and epigastric pain were more prominent in IBS patients with high neuroticism (P<0.05). In addition, neurotic personality was significantly predictive of sleep and some gastrointestinal symptoms, and sleep was a complete mediator of neurotic personality and gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS patients. Conclusion: High neurotic personality in IBS patients leads to more prominent gastrointestinal symptoms by causing sleep disturbance. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/28099 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/28099/7712

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 51 9 2022 09 03 1925 1935 Ma Yiyi Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214000, China Qian Xiaoqin Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214000, China Zhang Lei Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214000, China 2022 03 26 2022 05 30 Background: Chronic liver disease, complicated by portal hypertension (PH), may alter the extra-hepatic hemodynamic condition and spleen stiffness (SS). We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI-based elastographic methods (MRE) for detecting PH. Methods: Seven studies were included with reference to SS with regard to the prediction of PH patients. Major outcomes considered for data extraction were diagnostic parameters for MRI for concluding mild PH, clinically significant PH and severe PH. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane and Science Direct databases were used to extract the published literature through to May, 2021Using the Rayyan Zotero and R softwares Results: Out of 587 studies extracted, 7 were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A QUADAS-2 assessment showed that all studies were clear in terms of patient selection and reference standard. A funnel plot showed that all the selected studies were outliers, indicating a low level of accuracy for the studies included. Subgroup analysis, with reference to SS as a predictor of PH, revealed raw mean difference (RMD) of 7.78% (95% CI 5.23-10.34, P<0.01). The corresponding RMD observed for <60 years and >60 yr were 34.26% (95% CI 9.33- 59.20, I2=100%, https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/28245 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/28245/7706

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 51 9 2022 09 04 2138 2140 EN Mario Javier Olivera 1. Parasitology Team, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogota, Colombia 2. Programme in Health Economics, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia Johana Alenxandra Fory Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogota, Colombia 2020 03 21 2020 04 30 N/A https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/20080 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/20080/7728

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 51 9 2022 09 03 2007 2016 EN Myeonghun Bae Department of Elementary Education, Korea National University of Education, Cheongju, Republic of Korea 2022 07 29 2022 09 03 Background: The study aimed to analyze happiness levels and leisure life satisfaction related to participation in sports leisure activities, and the differences in satisfaction levels by the type of participation events and participants’ demographic backgrounds. Methods: This study was based on the 2020 Korea National Leisure Activities Survey using stratified multi-stage cluster sampling with a population over the age of 15 years and a nationwide survey. Moreover, a household visit interview survey was conducted from September 7 to November 16, 2020. A total of 10,088 people (5,003 males and 5,085 females) responded to the survey. Frequency analysis, chi-square test, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were performed. Results: The analysis of the distribution of participants and the happiness level and overall leisure life satisfaction between participants in sports and non-sports leisure activities showed significant differences (P<0.05). Participants in sports leisure activities had higher levels of happiness and satisfaction with leisure activities than those in non-sports leisure activities. There were significant differences in satisfaction with participation in sports leisure activities by type of sports, age, educational level, marital status, and household income level (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There were significant differences in participation in sports leisure activities by type of sports, age, educational level, marital status, and household income level, and the satisfaction level of participants in sports leisure activities differed according to these factors. This suggests that various educational efforts are required to combine physical education with sports leisure activities in school. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/29437 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/29437/7713

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 51 9 2022 09 03 1936 1949 Reza HabibiSaravi Prehospital Emergency Medical Services and Disaster Management Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Seyed Mohammad Baghbanian Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Ramin Navaie Prehospital Emergency Medical Services and Disaster Management Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Nasrin Sayfouri Department of Foreign Languages, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hesam Seyedin Department of Health in Disaster and Emergency, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Farzad Gohardehi Department of Health in Disaster and Emergency, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fariba Ghasemihamedani Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2021 02 07 2021 11 29 Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients experience a variety of disease caused disabilities that makes them more vulnerable to the effects of disasters. This study aimed to review all existed studies about disasters and related disaster management planning about MS patients. Methods: The PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, ProQuest, science direct , and grey literature databases were searched up to the mid of 2021. All obtained titles were assessed by the inclusion criteria. Abstracts of the relevant titles were reviewed and eligible articles/documents were included for full text review and data abstraction. Results: From 24616 Articles/documents, finally 15 documents (13 articles, and 2 books) were selected. In 8 articles (53%) specifically, focused on MS patients and, in the rest, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan Jung Hun LEE National Leading Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, Yongin, Gyeonggido 17058, Republic of Korea Sang Hee LEE National Leading Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, Yongin, Gyeonggido 17058, Republic of Korea 2018 12 24 2019 01 09 No Abstract. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/15696 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/15696/7080

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2356 2366 Ge CAI Department of Preschool Education, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China Yaping YUE Department of Preschool Education, School of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China Meifang LI Department of Preschool Education, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China 2020 10 09 2020 10 17 Background: During the long–time home quarantine due to COVID–19, preschool-age children can be easily stricken by negative emotions, which give rise to aggressive behaviors. Aggressive behaviors are of different types at the preschool stage. We aimed to investigate the differences of emotion regulation strategies among children age 3–6 yr old with different aggression types and explore the relationship between emotion regulation strategies and aggressive behaviors. Methods: The aggressive behaviors of 1,187 children sampled (event sampling method) from 5 kindergartens in five cities in Henan Province of China were observed on the spot in 2020. Three aggression types (i.e., physical, verbal, and indirect) were selected to conduct a questionnaire survey on emotion regulation strategies and discuss the differences among aggressive children in emotion regulation strategies. Results: Children of different genders are significantly different in aggressive behaviors and problem solving, as well as children at different age levels in self–comfort, passive reaction, and negative regulation strategies. Significant interaction exists between gender and aggression but not in negative regulation strategy; significant interaction also exists between age and aggression but not in cognitive reconstruction, substitutive activity, and aggressive behavior. Significant differences exist among children of different aggression types in positive and negative regulation strategies. The discrimination accuracy of emotion regulation strategies for aggression types is 66.5%. Conclusion: Significant differences exist among 3-6-yr-old aggressive children in emotion regulation strategies, and emotion regulation strategies can effectively distinguish aggressive children of different types. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/22461 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/22461/7072

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 28 22308 22308 Xiaoju ZHOU Department of Infectious Disease, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China Xuequn ZHAO Department of Infectious Disease, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China Jun LIU Department of Infectious Disease, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China Wenjie YANG Department of Infectious Disease, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, China 2020 09 24 2020 10 03 Background: This study aimed to explore effective education method to improve influenza vaccine uptake rate. Methods: Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials was conducted in this study including subgroup analysis and publication bias test. Electronic databases comprised PubMed, EBSCO, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, and Cochrane were searched for studies published up to Oct 8, 2019. Results: Influenza vaccination was significantly different in massages or letters intervention group (OR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.05-1.61). No heterogeneity and publication bias existed in this meta-analysis (I2=43.60%, P=0.131, Pbegg =0.754, Pegger=0.051). Conclusion: Education by messages and letters was effective according to this study. Education messages could be more efficacy combined with easer vaccine access. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/22308 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/22308/7062

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2423 2425 Sangwook SEO Gyeongsangbuk-do Government Public Institute of Health and Environment, Yeongcheon 38874, Republic of Korea Kisok KIM College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea 2018 10 29 2018 12 05 No Abstract https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/15145 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/15145/7081

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2367 2375 Ka Young KIM College of Nursing, Gachon University, Hambakmoeiro 191, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, South Korea Eunmi LEE Department of Nursing, Hoseo University, 79-20, Hoseo-ro, Baebang-eup, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do 31499, South Korea Jeonghyun CHO College of Nursing, Inje University, 75, Bokji-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47392, South Korea 2020 06 29 2020 09 09 Background: We aimed to investigate the factors affecting healthcare utilization among patients with single and multiple chronic diseases using the Andersen healthcare utilization model. Methods: We used a combination of the data from the sixth and seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (2014–2016). The study population was 3,901 patients with single chronic disease and 1,829 patients with multiple chronic diseases as defined by the WHO. Participants were aged 19 yr or older. Multiple regression analysis was employed using the Andersen model to identify factors affecting healthcare utilization (inpatient and outpatient). Results: According to the Andersen model (comprising predisposing, enabling, and need factors and health behaviors), the factors that increased outpatients with single chronic disease were female, being aged 65 yr or older, having basic livelihood security benefit, immobility, and poor subjective health status. Factors that increased inpatients with single chronic disease were being aged under 65, having private insurance, immobility, poor subjective health status, and nondrinking. Moreover, factors that increased outpatients and inpatients with multiple chronic diseases were female, being aged under 65, immobility, and poor subjective health status and immobility, poor subjective health status, nondrinking, and not engaging in physical activity, respectively. Conclusion: We identified factors affecting outpatient and inpatient care utilization among patients with single and multiple chronic diseases, using the Andersen healthcare utilization model. The findings can be used as foundational data to develop preventive and management strategies in healthcare utilization among patients with single and multiple chronic diseases. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/21296 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/21296/7073

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2264 2274 EN Mingxing HOU Department of Gastroenterology Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010058, China Haiqing HU Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China Chunlu JIN Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China Xuemei YU Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China 2018 06 15 2018 09 11 Background: We investigated the efficacy of esomeprazole for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a meta-analysis of clinical trials results. Methods: Medline, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for suitable studies, and double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were involved. A meta-analysis of RCTs was performed to analyze the efficacy of esomeprazole on clinical outcomes that associated with the severity of GERD. Results: A total of 8 clinical trials were selected in our meta-analysis (N=4495, patients with GERD). Esomeprazole treatment yielded a significant improvement in clinical signs and symptoms of GERD compared to placebo group. Funnel plot and Egger test showed there was no significant bias in the publication. Cochrane collaboration tool and Jadad scale were used to indicate that all 8 RCTs were of high quality. The results of Galbraith radial plot showed that no study was the major source of heterogeneity. Esomeprazole treatment significantly decreased the relapse rates more than that of placebo group (RR = 0.729; 95% CI: 0.670 to 0.794; P<0.001). It seems to be lower rates of heartburn (RR = 0.747; 95%CI: 0.665-0.839; P <0.001) and epigastric pain (RR = 0.795; 95%CI: 0.679-0.932; P =0.005) in esomeprazole-treated group compared with the placebo group. Moreover, serious adverse events was less likely to happen after esomeprazole therapy (RR = 1.406, 95% CI: 1.030-1.918; P =0.032). Conclusion: Compared with the control group, esomeprazole is a promising therapeutic agent that improves the management of patients with GERD. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/13725 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/13725/7063

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2426 2427 Stefka IVANOVA Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria Angelina KIRKOVA-BOGDANOVA Department of Medical Informatics, Biostatistics and E-Learning, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria Maria VAKRILOVA BECHEVA Speciality Rehabilitator, Medical College, Medical University Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria 2019 10 14 2019 11 03 No Abstract https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/18651 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/18651/7082

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2376 2383 Stevo POPOVIC Faculty for Sport and Physical Education, University of Montenegro, Niksic, Montenegro AND Montenegrin Sports Academy, Podgorica, Montenegro Boris BANJEVIC Army of Montenegro, Airforce Military of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro Bojan MASANOVIC Faculty for Sport and Physical Education, University of Montenegro, Niksic, Montenegro AND Montenegrin Sports Academy, Podgorica, Montenegro Dusko BJELICA Faculty for Sport and Physical Education, University of Montenegro, Niksic, Montenegro AND Montenegrin Sports Academy, Podgorica, Montenegro 2020 11 02 2020 11 08 Background: The body composition and physical fitness of members of the army is always a relevant topic for research, since the level of defense and security of people and material goods in a specific territory in many ways depends on the level of ability of the army. However, members of the armed forces are a heterogeneous group, typified by different abilities, characteristics, but also everyday needs, and the trend of changing body composition and reducing physical fitness is a current issue that has not bypassed this population either. Therefore, this study aimed to determine possible differences in body composition indicators that could appear between members of the Army of Montenegro of different military specialties. Methods: The sample of respondents included 240 Montenegrin male soldiers (32.5yr±9.5), who were measured at the sports dispensaries within the barracks of Montenegrin Army around the country in the spring of 2020, was classified into eight numerically equal subsamples according to their military specialty. The sample of variables included five anthropometric measures, which were necessary to calculate two derived body composition indicators: Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Fat Percentage (FAT %). Using the one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc test with Taki’s model, the variables were analyzed. Results: It was determined that the body composition of Montenegrin soldiers shows a certain peculiarity compared to other national military corps, while there are differences in body composition indicators between members of the Montenegrin Army of different military specialties. Conclusion: This fact dramatically strengthens the issues of Montenegrin distinctive regarding body composition, both in general terms and in terms of distinctive within specific professional vocations. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/22730 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/22730/7074

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2275 2286 Haewon BYEON Department of Medical Big Data, College of AI Convergence, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Gyeonsangnamdo, South Korea 2019 10 17 2019 12 09 Background: The objectives of this study were to systematically review the effects of grief-focused interventions, applied to dementia caregivers, on emotional burden including sadness and to provide baseline information for dementia caregivers to maintain mental health by identifying the effect size of intervention using a meta-analysis. Methods: We evaluated literature published from Jan 1, 2000, to Jun 28, 2019. Consequently, we selected five studies to conduct a systematic review. The Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields was used for conducting a quality assessment on the selected literature. Results: The results of the quality assessment showed that the score ranged from 11 to 24 points: one strong, one good, two adequate, and one limited. When the meta-mean was compared before and after grief intervention, the effect size of the random-effect model was 0.31 (95% CI: -0.07, 0.69) showed ‘intermediate effect’, but the confidence interval was not significant. Conclusion: The grief intervention for dementia caregivers revealed a moderate effect but it was not significant. In order to prove the effectiveness of grief intervention for dementia caregivers, a meta-analysis targeting RCT studies is needed. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/18686 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/18686/7064

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2428 2430 EN Nyeonju KANG Division of Sport Science & Sport Science Institute, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea 2018 11 05 2018 12 02 No Abstract https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/15236 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/15236/7083

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2384 2391 EN Yanping JI Department of Nursing, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, P.R. China Qingbin DING Operating Room, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150070, P.R. China Tingting LI Ward II, Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, P.R. China Renhong TANG Operating Room, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150070, P.R. China Jing ZHANG Department of Nursing, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, P.R. China 2020 07 14 2020 08 20 Background: Illness can provoke a crisis response that affects condition acceptance, treatment and recovery. Patients’ sense of coherence can influence this and has been explored across patient cohorts internationally. However there are few studies that examine these effects in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. This study investigated sense of coherence and social support of patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Methods: The psychological status of 146 patients admitted to the Digestive System Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China from Mar 2016 to Mar 2019 with hepatic cirrhosis was assessed using the Sense of Coherence (SOC-13), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and crisis assessment scales. Results: There was a low level of crisis response in patients with hepatic cirrhosis that was influenced by age, disease course, education level and Child-Pugh grade and negatively correlated with sense of coherence and social support. Conclusion: Liver cirrhosis patients had a low level of crisis response. As the level of crisis response in is correlated with patients' sense of coherence, social support and educational level, careful assessment, tailored educational interventions and mobilizing of family support are important to maximize responses to illness and thus improve quality of life. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/21485 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/21485/7075

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2287 2294 EN Mozhgan MOGHTADERI Allergy Center of Aliasghar Hospital, Neonatal Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Saeed HOSSEINI TESHNIZI Clinical Research Development Center of Children Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran Tahereh MOGHTADERI Department of Soil Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Ali ASHRAF Student Committee of Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Habibollah FARAJI Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran 2019 10 10 2020 03 03 Background: Classroom is where children spend much of their time in; this study aimed to identify the concentration of heavy metals in the classroom dust based on the results of various studies in the world using the published data up to years 2018. Methods: Fifteen studies were selected for the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean concentration of 11 heavy metals including arsenic, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc was extracted. Results: The highest mean concentration of heavy metal (mg/kg) in classroom dust was related to iron (3904.7, 95%CI: 3657.1-8154.3), zinc (429.9, 95%CI: 182.8-677.1) and barium (419.2, 95%CI: 274.7-253.7), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed the maximum concentration (mg/kg) of iron in Iran (16945.5), zinc in Hong Kong (2293.5), barium in China (979.8), manganese in Iran (288.9), lead in Iran (258.8), chromium in Ghana (381.3), copper in Hong Kong (274.4), nickel in Iran (50.1), cobalt in China(43.4), arsenic in China(13.7) and cadmium in Hong Kong(8.7). Conclusion: Even safe and healthy classrooms can threaten children’s health by heavy metals. These metals are important since they are naturally found throughout the earth’s crust, accumulate in the food chain and contaminate drinking water as well as alloys in school equipment. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/18613 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/18613/7065

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2431 2432 Hossein MOLAVI VARDANJANI Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Kamran BAGHERI LANKARANI Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Amir Hossein HASSANI MPH Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2020 05 05 2020 05 29 No Abstract https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/20695 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/20695/7084

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2392 2399 EN Sun Mi SHIN Department of Nursing, Joongbu University, Geumsan-gun, Korea 2019 05 17 2019 08 25 Background: Interests between pain and frailty have been increasing in aging or aged societies. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of pain and frailty and to find the influence of pain on frailty. Methods: Subjects were selected with aged 65 yr or older among pooled Korea Health Panel data from 2009 to 2013. The prevalence of pain was determined by combining some pain and extreme pain and also, frailty was defined when subjects had at least one of the following 6-domain frailty: physical inactivity, mobility reduction, dependence of daily life, depression, multimorbidity, and disability. Results: The prevalence of pain and frailty was 56.1% and 59.8%. It was significantly higher in female (66.1% and 65.2%) and the oldest-old (69.4% and 71.8%). After adjusting for gender, age group, spouse, illiteracy, and economic activity, odds ratios of frailty for some pain and extreme pain were 2.8 (95% CI 2.6-3.0) and 10.5 (95% CI 8.0-13.8) in total subjects. The odds ratios of each 6-domain frailty for some and extreme pain were also significant. Among them, mobility reduction was 5.1 (95% CI 4.5-5.8) and 16.5 (95% CI 13.6-20.1), and dependence of daily life was 3.9 (95% CI 3.5-4.5) and 12.4 (95% CI 10.2-15.1). Conclusion: Among the elderly, prevalence of frailty (59.8%) was somewhat higher than that of pain (56.1%). Female and oldest-old had higher prevalence of pain and frailty. In addition, some pain and extreme pain had a decisive influence on frailty and each 6-domain frailty. Therefore, pain control is essential to prevent or manage frailty. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/17200 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/17200/7076

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2295 2307 Khorshid MOBASSERI Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Saber AZAMI-AGHDASH Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Ahmad KHANIJAHANI Department of Health Administration and Public Health, John G. Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Rahim KHODAYARI-ZARNAQ Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2020 10 18 2020 11 07 Background: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) severely affects those above the age of 60 yr and those with other conditions. This study aimed to review the available evidence on older adult's issues in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The framework is based on scoping review of literature published from Jan 10 to Jul 31, 2020. Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases and other sources of information, to identify grey literature, were selected for data collection. Two researchers independently screened all studies and extracted data. All types of studies published about SARS-CoV-2 and related to older adults’ issues were eligible. Results: Overall, 210 documents were included in the final analysis. Letter to the editor was the most frequent article format (20.95%). Most of the papers were from the United States (38.09%) and published in Jun 2020 (29.52%). After content analysis, six following themes were extracted: Supporting and information sources, e-health services, access to essential supplies, Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs), physical and mental consequences of self-isolation, neglect of older adults, ageism and age discrimination. Conclusion: In the pandemic, there is an urgent need for interventional research and innovational implementations to address issues related to providing services for older adults. This can help older adults to maintain their physical and mental health, and reduce the spread of infection in nursing homes. Further studies focusing on the rights of the older adults are needed on all issues associated with COVID-19. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/22545 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/22545/7066

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2433 2434 Mojtaba SAADATI Department of Biology, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran Hamid CHEGNI Department of Immunology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali Dalir GHAFFARI Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Zuhair MOHAMMAD HASSAN Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2020 04 28 2020 05 01 No Abstract https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/20575 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/20575/7086

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 49 12 2020 11 29 2400 2408 MunHee KIM Department of Health Science, Korea National Sport University, Seoul 05541, Republic of Korea 2020 10 24 2020 11 29 Background: Weight control is crucial for osteoarthritis management. This study investigated weight control methods in postmenopausal Korean osteoarthritis patients and examined their correlation with subjective health status and figure recognition, obesity, quality of life (QoL), and hemodynamic variables. Methods: One thousand six hundred and seventy-eight female postmenopausal osteoarthritis patients participated in the 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A frequency analysis was conducted for weight control methods, and phi coefficients for crossover analyses or Cramer’s V coefficient were calculated to identify the relationships between weight-control-related variables and subjective health status and QoL. Using independent t-tests, we examined the relationships of weight control methods with hemodynamic variables. Results: Postmenopausal osteoarthritis patients’ preferred weight control methods were exercise, meal volume reduction, functional diet consumption, and the skipping of meals. Osteoarthritis patients who performed exercise demonstrated improved subjective figure recognition and health status, body weight, and recent 2-week discomfort, QoL, and hemodynamic variables (systolic blood pressure and fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] levels). However, patients who attempt 2018 11 01 1703 1708 Youliang OU Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China Yanli ZHOU Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China Ping XIANG Dept. of Medical Quality Management, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China 2018 10 29 Background: This study aimed to observe the effect of fine nursing on pain and postpartum recovery during natural delivery of pregnant women. Methods: The clinical data of 192 primiparas who were expecting labor in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China from 2015-2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 100 cases were treated with fine nursing before and after delivery, and 92 cases were treated with routine nursing. The pain rate, the second stage of labor, the amount of bleeding 2 hours postpartum, and postpartum recovery were compared between the two groups. Results: The number of cases of grade 0 and 1 pain and the good rate of pain were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group, the number of cases with grade 2 pain in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.01). The second stage of labor and the 2h postpartum hemorrhage in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.001). The number of maternal cases with good postpartum sleep, good lactation and good mental health in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Fine nursing before and after delivery can reduce maternal pain rate, shorten the second stage of labor, reduce the amount of bleeding after 2 hours postpartum, promote good sleep, lactation, psychological conditions, reduce postpartum infection rate, which is conducive to maternal body recovery, worthy of clinical promotion.      https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/15159 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/15159/6199

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 47 11 2018 11 01 1709 1716 Marita MOHAMMADSHAHI Dept. of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hasan HEMATYAR Dept. of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Masoumeh NAJAFI Dept. of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Minoo ALIPOURI SAKHA Dept. of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abolghasem POURREZA Dept. of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2018 10 29 Background: The rate of caesarean section (C-section) in Iran is too high, so having a plan to control it is crucial. Since one of the most important reasons for inclination of providers to do C-section is financial issues, the purpose of this study was offering financial solutions for increasing normal vaginal delivery (NVD) and decreasing non-indicated C-section. Methods: This analytical-descriptive research, used game theory for offering financial mechanisms. The game was a dynamic one in which the backward induction was used to obtain a Nash equilibrium. Financial structure and the mean number of NVD and C-section in a certain period of time in comparison with standards were as the main influential factors on financial dimensions and were included in the model. Results: The effect of financial structure was shown through a specified insurance for childbirth, existence of a monitoring department and tariffs. Conclusion: The main solution for controlling C-section in designed game was taxes and fines for physician or hospital in non- indicated cases and giving reward otherwise.   https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/15160 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/15160/6200

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 47 11 2018 11 01 1717 1724 Susan MOHAMMADI KEBAR Dept. of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Saeed HOSSEINI NIA Dept. of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Nasrollah MALEKI Dept. of Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Afshan SHARGHI Dept. of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran Arash SHESHGELANI Dept. of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran 2018 10 29 Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most common cause of organ dysfunction in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. There is no consensus definition of AKI in ICU patients. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the incidence rate, risk factors and clinical outcome of AKI using the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage kidney disease) classification in ICU patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study, on 900 patients admitted to the ICU during a one year period at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardebil, Iran from 2014 to 2015. AKI was defined by the consensus RIFLE criteria. Results: The overall incidence rate of AKI was 37%. The patients with AKI were also classified according to RIFLE as follows: Risk (8.2%), Injury (13.4%), Failure (13.2%), Loss of kidney function (1.3%), and End-stage kidney disease (0.8%). The mortality rate was 58.3% for AKI patients, and 13.4% for non-AKI patients (P<0.001). Patients in RIFLE-R (Risk) had a mortality rate of 37.8% compared with 48.8% for those in RIFLE-I (Injury) and 76.5% for RIFLE-F (Failure) patients (P<0.0001). Significant risk factors to the development of AKI were included: age more than 60 yr, increased length of hospital stay, systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg, requirement of mechanical ventilation, relevant comorbidities, anemia, thrombocytopenia, increased serum bilirubin and liver enzymes, and serum sodium abnormalities. Conclusion: The RIFLE classification is a useful and suitable clinical tool to evaluate the incidence and mortality rate of AKI. In ICU patients, AKI is associated with increased mortality rate.   https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/15161 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/15161/6201

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 47 11 2018 11 01 1725 1733 Ensieh Sadat MIRSHARIF Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh HEIDARY Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Reza VAEZ MAHDAVI Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran Reza GHAREBAGHI Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran. AND International Virtual Ophthalmic Research Center, Tehran, Iran Shahriar POURFARZAM Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran Tooba GHAZANFARI Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran 2018 10 29 Background: The aim of this study was assessment of the chronic effects of sulfur mustard (SM) among victims. Methods: In this cohort study, 355 SM-exposed subjects from Sardasht, and 123 controls from Rabat, both from West Azerbaijan Province, Iran were included. The spirometric evaluation and the global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) classification were applied for all. Serum levels of urea, creatinine (Cr), and uric acid (UA) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were assessed. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS. Results: All were male, with a mean age of 43.7±10.7 and 41.6±9.9 years in case and control groups, respectively. The case group had significantly higher values of Cr (P<0.001) and UA (P=0.018) than the control group. This was also the case in the Cr level (P<0.001) in subjects without pulmonary dysfunction, between both groups. There was significant difference in the GFR (P=0.047) between both groups and between sub-groups with pulmonary dysfunction in the case and control groups (P=0.045), as well as between SM-exposed subjects with and without pulmonary dysfunction (P=0.009). Serum Cr, UA, sUA/Cr ratio, and BUN as well as the GFR did not have any significant correlation with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio. Conclusion: Despite significantly high levels of Cr and UA in the case group, no significant correlation was found between serum Cr, UA, sUA/Cr ratio, BUN, and GFR with spirometric values. Further studies are required to reveal the underlying molecular and clinical significance of these findings.     https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/15162 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/15162/6202

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 47 11 2018 11 01 1734 1741 Yasaman GARME Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran Mahdiyeh MOUDI Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran Ramin SARAVANI Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran AND Dept. of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran Hamidreza GALAVI Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran AND Dept. of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran 2018 10 29 Background: Nitric oxide (NO) has been associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). NO is synthesized enzymatically from l-arginine (l-Arg) by three NO synthase (NOS) isoforms, Neuronal NOS (nNOS or NOS1), Inducible NOS (iNOS or NOS2), and Endothelial NOS (eNOS or NOS3). The impact of NOS2 gene polymorphism was investigated on the susceptibility of T2D in a sample of Iranian population (Southeastern of Iran). Methods: In 2015, the present case-control study was conducted on 152 T2D patients and 157 healthy control subjects (HCs) referring to Bu-ali Hospital of Zahedan, eastern Iran. Genotyping of NOS2 rs2779248T/C and rs1137933C/T variants were done using the Tetra-Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR) method. Results: CT genotype of rs1137933C/T was significantly associated with increased risk of T2D (P<0.0001). The T allele of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was also strongly associated with T2D risk (P<0.0001). For rs2779248 T/C, TC genotype of this SNP decreased the risk of T2D (OR=0.25 95%CI= 0.15-0.42, P<0.0001); however, CC genotype of this SNP increased the risk of T2D (P<0.005). There was no significant association between clinical-demographic characteristics of T2D group with respect to both SNPS in dominant. Conclusion: CT genotype and C allele of NOS2 rs1137933 C/T polymorphism were associated with a higher risk of T2D, and no association was observed between T allele of NOS2 rs2779248 T/C polymorphism and T2D while TC genotype of this SNP decreased the risk of T2D in the study participants.   https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/15163 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/15163/6203

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 47 11 2018 11 01 1742 1748 Elham MOGHADDAS Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Abdolmajid FATA Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. AND Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mehdi ZAREAN Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran . AND Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Majid DERAKHSHANI Dept. of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran Mahdi FAKHAR Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran Seyed Aliakbar SHAMSIAN Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2018 10 29 Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), so-called Kala-azar is a life threating parasitic infectious disease caused by Leishmania spp. L. infantum is the main causative agent for Mediterranean form of Kala-azar which is endemic in northeastern Iran. This study attempted to investigate existence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Khorasan Razavi. Methods: Between 2014 and 2016, tissue samples collected from spleen and liver of 192 stray dogs were examined to investigate existence of L. infantum. Kinetoplast DNA (k-DNA) PCR was performed to identify the species of parasites. The positive PCR products were sequenced