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Showing 11 results for Covid-19
Zeinab Mohammadzadeh, Elham Maserat,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (3-2020)
Abstract
Dear Editor,
Shortly after the first outbreak in China, the Corona virus has affected many countries around the world. The first confirmed case of the virus in Iran was reported in Qom on February 2020, and then it spread to other cities in Iran. The outbreak has caused many social and economic challenges for the international community; also, there is no complete information about this disease.
One of the most important challenges is the prevalence of inaccurate information about the disease, which has many psychological, political, social and economic effects on society. Infodemic or the spread of wrong information about the disease through various social media in the global community is a serious problem for public health.
The dissemination of information can severely affect people's behavior and alter the effectiveness of governments’ countermeasures. In this present letter was reviewed integrated portal as a one of the solutions to infodemic management. The use of authentic sources to provide accurate information in the community is one of the best approaches to combat this phenomenon. Timely information sharing and comparison of epidemiological and genomic data on infectious diseases leads to faster and more efficient control of global outbreaks and disease tracking. In spite of all the problems in this area, various solutions have been proposed for this issue.
The portal is one of the significant technologies which provide correct and required data for different users. Web portals are increasingly becoming part of modern life. Portals collect uniform information from multiple sources and provide consistent access to multiple information, software and applications from different databases to organizations and community. Portal content is available from a variety of tools such as PCs and smartphones. For example, government web-portals can be used by public and private organizations. Many studies have confirmed the usefulness of portals for managing infectious and chronic diseases, if it is designed according users need.
The accurate and comprehensive information sharing with all stakeholders and health organizations such as WHO about Covid-19 is essential for better management of the disease.
One of the applications of portals is sharing of accurate and reliable information by responsible authorities for managing this disease. Justice must be respected in presenting results of recent research on Covid 19, and everyone has equal access to this information according to their role in society. By sharing the results of scientific research, the general public are also preparing themselves to fight the disease.
In recent days, various applications, soft wares and websites have been provided by the relevant organizations for the effective management of CVD 19. The integration of these technologies into comprehensive portal is essential for a comprehensive management of disease.
The portal will be accessible to public, patients, providers and policy makers. It can prepare educational, medical, and research information for users.
Some benefits of portal including information gathering from various sources, availability of information for all user groups (general and specific users), uploading information by users according to the access level, designing customized pages by users or groups, decreasing the attendance of patients and public in high risk areas, increasing information security, reducing people's confusion about finding the required information and facilitating communication.
Mostafa Shanbehzadeh, Gholam Basati, Hadi Kazemi-Arpanahi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (6-2020)
Abstract
Introduction: Improving the quality, safety and effectiveness of health care services is the most important advantages of using the Public Health Information Exchange (PHIE) infrastructure. This infrastructure has three centralized, decentralized, and hybrid architectures. This study sought to identify the most appropriate technical architecture for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Information Exchange (CoVIE) based expert panels.
Materials and methods: In order to identify the desired CoVIE technical architecture, a qualitative approach was used and a number of meetings were held with experts in Health Information Technology and Management (HITM) and Health Informatics fields working at Iran, Tehran and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (IUMS, TUMS and SBUMS). Basic concepts, including the type of technical architecture and exchange context, were categorized and discussed in terms of themes, sub-themes, and codes. Finally, the results were evaluated using content analysis and descriptive statistics.
Results: The universities of Iran and Tehran had chosen hybrid model in national context and Shahid Beheshti University selected regional centralized model as the optimal technical architecture for CoVIE.
Conclusion: Hybrid model with implementation at national context was selected for CoVIE in Iranian health system. Implementation of this architecture improves the effective management of information exchange in the context of CoVIE.
Saeed Hemati, Razi Naserifar, Arash Rahmatian, Ghasem Talee, Elham Bastani, Aryoobarzan Rahmatian, Amir Abdoli, Morteza Shams, Zahra Mahdavi,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (9-2020)
Abstract
Behzad Aria, Jamshid Ayatollahi, Hamideh Kargar,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (3-2021)
Abstract
Introduction: Given the high spread and mortality rate of COVID-19, it is of great importance to find solutions to prevent it. In this study, the role of physical activity and body mass index in the development or prevention of COVID-19 was investigated.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants included 155 patients with coronavirus selected as the experimental group and 150 age-matched healthy people included in the control group. The participants' physical activity levels were assessed using Beck's physical activity questionnaire. Independent t-test and binary logistic regression were run to analyze the data.
Results: The findings showed a significant difference between the patient and control groups body mass index (BMI), and total physical activity (P <0.05). On the other hand, total physical activity had a significant effect on COVID-19 prevention (P <0.05), but BMI had a significant increasing effect on the risk of COVID-19 (P <0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that physical activity can be effective in the prevention of COVID-19, but a higher body mass index may increase the risk for the development of COVID-19.
Mehdi Omidi, Rahebeh Abedi, Elham Sobati, Ali Sohrabnejad,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Air pollution is one of the prime public health concerns influencing infectious diseases. From May 13 to July 29, 2020(77 days), Tehran experienced unhealthy conditions caused by high levels of O 3 and PM2.5, whereas other pollutants remained at safe levels. This study, for the first time, sought to investigate the linkage between not only PM pollutants, but also O 3 and the number of daily confirmed new cases of COVID-19 in Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the data on air pollution were obtained from an average of 23 air quality monitoring stations scattered in 20 districts of Tehran municipality during the 77days. Pearson’s correlation and log-linear generalized additive model (GAM) were used to examine the association of the daily numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and levels of O 3 and PM2.5. Also, effective degrees of freedom (edf) used to determine the structural relationship between independent and dependent variables. GAM was performed by R software (version 3.5.3) with the “mgcv” package (version 1.8-27).
Results: The results show a significant relationship betweenO 3, PM2.5, and COVID-19 (P <0.001), while other pollutants such as NO 2, PM10, CO, and SO 2 remain at healthy levels during the study period. Besides, O 3 and PM2.5 with edfs greater than 1 had significant nonlinear effects on the daily number of COVID-19 cases (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, there is a positive nonlinear association between O 3, PM2.5, and daily confirmed cases of COVID-19. These findings suggest that O 3 and PM2.5 levels should be considered as influential factors that can aggravate coronavirus infection.
Javad Cheraghi, Aref Nooraei, Marzihe Havasi, Salman Soltani, Saeed Feez Babaei, Mostafa Hajizade,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (1-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: With the outbreak of COVID-19, researchers started their studies on the various aspects of the infection by this newly-emerged virus. In addition to the pulmonary infection routes, some signs were discovered regarding psychological and physiological damages.
Materials and Methods: Our study aimed at collecting the results of the studies around the world on the possible psychological and physiological damages caused by COVID-19 in the neural system. Herein, we gathered 125 related articles up to June 2021 by searching the keywords COVID-19 brain infection, COVID-19 infection disease imaging findings COVID-19, mental health, and COVID-19 in the databases such as Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Google. The articles unrelated to the objective of our study were excluded, and finally, 43 articles were used.
Results: In this study, reports indicate an increase in the volume of gray matter in the hippocampus and olfactory lobe and an increase in anisotropy in the white matter in people with the acute form of the disease compared to people without it. Therefore, psychologically, some forms of mental rumination and apathy were confirmed in affected people.
Conclusion: Considering the probable inability of the SARS-COV virus to cross the blood-brain barrier, the reason for the neuropathological lesions and brain encephalopathies has yet to be discerned, and this is a somewhat unknown mechanism
Maryam-Sadat Sadrzadeh-Afshar, Gelareh Forouzani,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (6-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, emphasizing the ongoing importance of understanding and managing infections. Dentists, facing a direct infection risk, require proper training, making an educational needs assessment essential to address knowledge gaps.
Materials & Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire assessing COVID-19 awareness, attitude, and performance among dentists was developed and validated. Administered to 181 participants in Tehran, the data underwent quantitative analysis using nonparametric tests.
Results: Participants (98 men, 86 women) from healthcare centers in Tehran, with a mean age of 44 and 15.29 years of service, scored averages of 51.97, 77.01, and 61.92 in awareness, attitude, and performance, respectively. Significantly, the study revealed a relationship between years of service plus age and awareness scores. Gender also played a role, with men exhibiting higher performance mean values.
Conclusion: The study highlights the imperative for interventions to boost dentists' knowledge. Recommendations include workshops and informational brochures to enhance awareness and performance, particularly in the context of emerging pandemics.
Elahe Haghighat-Manesh , Ebrahim Alinia-Ahandani , Naeeme Dorri-Mashhadhi , Mohsen Hajihoseini,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Pandemics and subsequent lockdowns can profoundly impact the mental well-being of college students. This study aimed to assess the extent of mental health challenges among college students during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in Iran, while also identifying associated factors.
Material & Methods: Conducted as an online cross-sectional study, data were gathered during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Iran (between March 21, 2020, and April 21, 2020). A total of 330 college students participated in an online survey, addressing questions across two parts. The first part encompassed demographic information such as age, gender, marital status, residency status, field of study, academic year, history of COVID-19 infection, presence of COVID-19-infected relatives, and adherence to a regular study schedule. In the second part, students completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Descriptive and linear regression analyses were employed for data analysis.
Results: Among participants, 38.6% reported probable somatic symptoms, 41.8% reported probable anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbances, 91% indicated potential issues with social functioning, and 23.9% reported probable depressive symptoms. Overall, 57.9% experienced potential psychological distress. Notably, adherence to a regular study routine (β = -0.396) emerged as a negative predictor for potential psychological distress, whereas having COVID-19-infected loved ones (β = 0.159) was identified as a positive predictor.
Conclusion: The prevalence of probable somatic symptoms, anxiety, sleep problems, social functioning issues, depressive symptoms, and overall psychological distress was notably high among college students during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. However, maintaining a consistent study schedule, being married, and older age were associated with lower levels of potential psychological distress. Additionally, having loved ones infected with COVID-19 emerged as a risk factor for probable mental health challenges.
Bahare Fallah, Fatemeh Fathi, Mohammad Adham, Melika Moradi, Khadijeh Nasiriani, Sara Jambarsang, Fatemeh Bakhshi,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (6-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to examine the interplay between COVID-19-related knowledge, anxiety, and preventive behaviors among individuals who have survived COVID-19.
Material & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design recruited 230 participants from three public hospitals through simple randomization. Participants completed a questionnaire via email and phone, comprising sections on personal information, the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), and COVID-19 knowledge and preventive behaviors. Data analysis utilized T-tests, ANOVA, and regression models.
Results: Out of 230 individuals, 200 responded (an 87% response rate). Education level significantly correlated with COVID-19 knowledge and preventive behaviors. Job status also showed a significant association with participants' understanding and actions regarding COVID-19. Regression analyses revealed that higher levels of knowledge (β=0.5, p=0.001) and anxiety (β=0.182, p=0.001) were linked to increased engagement in preventive behaviors.
Conclusion: This study focused on COVID-19 survivors, finding that anxiety may serve as a motivating factor for engaging in preventive behaviors. These findings hold implications for policymakers in promoting effective preventive measures.
Ehsan Ghasemi , Ali Khorshidi, Mehdi Omidi , Kourosh Sayehmiri,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (6-2024)
Abstract
Introduction:: The proliferation of the COVID-19 virus has become a significant global public health concern. Iran was among the countries severely affected by this virus, facing considerable challenges in managing and treating COVID-19 infections. To implement more efficient care and prevention strategies, it is critical to understand the progression of the illness and the mortality rate of those affected. This study focuses on analyzing the mortality trends of COVID-19 patients in Iran. The primary aim is to apply statistical models to characterize and predict fatalities caused by COVID-19 in Iran.
Material & Methods : Data on COVID-19-related deaths in Iran were analyzed, encompassing the daily number of new cases and the cumulative number of cases reported between February 19, 2020, and May 15, 2022. The data were divided into six periods to develop more accurate models. Ten time series and regression models were fitted to the data, with the best model for each variable in each period identified using the coefficient of determination (R²) index. The significance of the models was assessed using the F-test.
Results:Throughout the study period, the ARIMA (4,1,4) model and the cubic regression model were the time series models that best fit the mortality data. The cubic model provided the best fit during the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth periods, while the quadratic model was the best fit during the sixth period. For the cumulative death data, the cubic model was the most accurate.
Conclusion: The study's findings demonstrate that time series and regression statistical models can effectively model and forecast COVID-19 mortality data on both a daily and cumulative basis.
Fatemeh Mollarahimi-Maleki , Mohammad Shahidi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Introduction
Coronavirus disease 2019 is an emerging respiratory infectious disease caused by a strain of the coronavirus family. Vaccination is one of the main ways to control this disease. This study was conducted to investigate the severity of pulmonary involvement and some clinical outcomes in vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients.
Materials and methods
This retrospective study was conducted between December 2021 and May 2022 with 200 patients in two groups. Sampling was done as available, and patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital were examined. Mann-Whitney u and Chi-square test were used for analysis.
Results
The average age of the studied patients was 59.2 (±17) years, the most common pattern of lung involvement in this study was the GGO pattern. According to the report in the documents, 45 people in the vaccinated group and nine people in the unvaccinated group did not have any lung involvement in CT and the observed difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001).
In terms of oxygen saturation percentage, the lowest level (75%) was observed in the unvaccinated group, also the difference in average hospitalization days between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.001).
Conclusion
The results of this study showed that the COVID-19 vaccine can effectively reduce the extent and severity of lung involvement and the need for supplemental oxygen in vaccinated patients. To reduce complications from COVID-19, healthcare workers should continue to promote vaccination at recommended doses for all eligible individuals, as it is effective in controlling serious clinical outcomes.
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