Knowledge and Practice of Secondary Girl Students of Birjand in Relation to Iron Deficiency Anemia and Iron Supplementation in 2015

Background: Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional problem in the world that has affected the physical and mental health of many adolescent girls. The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge and practice of secondary girl students of Birjand about iron deficiency anemia and iron supplementation in schools. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 on 300 girl students in the secondary schools of Birjand who were selected through cluster sampling. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire containing demographic variables, 18 questions about knowledge and 7 questions for practice. Data were analyzed through SPSS18 and using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Mean scores of knowledge and practice of students were respectively 61.4±13.3 and 59.9±11 of 100. Knowledge of 13.3% of students and practice of 12% of them was good, while 25.7% of students had poor knowledge and 23.3% had poor practice. From all, 13.3% had not consumed iron tablets distributed at school. Knowledge of students showed a significant relationship with father's (P=0.013) and mother's education (P=0.009) and students' practice had a significant relation with father's job (P=0.01) and mother's education (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Given the results of this study showing relatively poor awareness and practice of students; planning and implementation of educational programs to improve students’ knowledge and practice on anemia, prevention of iron deficiency and correct consumption of iron supplements, seems necessary

Randomized controlled trial for the efficacy of three versus five sessions of grief counseling on the psychological aspects following COVID-19 bereavement: A study protocol

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have experienced traumatic losses and therefore are at risk of developing complicated grief regarding the restrictions on the performance of routine mourning rituals. This study is a randomized controlled trial for assessing the efficacy of three versus five sessions of grief counseling on grief intensity, psychological distress, and quality of life of grief among bereaved people due to COVID-19.MethodsA total of 120 bereaved people, due to COVID-19, will be enrolled in this multi-center randomized controlled trial after assessment for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following the informed consent procedure, participants will be allocated into two groups equally by the Stratified Balanced Block Randomization, one of them delivering a three-session grief counseling intervention and the other delivering a five-session grief counseling intervention. The intervention will be delivered by trained psychologists via in-person individual sessions. The primary outcome is grief intensity, and the secondary outcomes are psychological distress, quality of life, and satisfaction of the participants. These outcomes will be measured by the Grief Intensity Scale (GIS), the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), the Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12), and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8), respectively. The assessments will be done at three time points, one before the intervention and the others 1 month and 3 months after the intervention. The data will be analyzed using the SPSS V.18 and Stata V.11 software. The analysis approach will be “intention to treat.”DiscussionResults of this study can be applied for selecting the most suitable intervention leading to the prevention of complicated grief and the maintenance and promotion of the mental health of bereaved people due to COVID-19.Clinical trial registration[irct.ir], identifier [IRCT20200505047305N1]

The unfinished agenda of communicable diseases among children and adolescents before the COVID-19 pandemic, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND: Communicable disease control has long been a focus of global health policy. There have been substantial reductions in the burden and mortality of communicable diseases among children younger than 5 years, but we know less about this burden in older children and adolescents, and it is unclear whether current programmes and policies remain aligned with targets for intervention. This knowledge is especially important for policy and programmes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to use the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 to systematically characterise the burden of communicable diseases across childhood and adolescence. METHODS: In this systematic analysis of the GBD study from 1990 to 2019, all communicable diseases and their manifestations as modelled within GBD 2019 were included, categorised as 16 subgroups of common diseases or presentations. Data were reported for absolute count, prevalence, and incidence across measures of cause-specific mortality (deaths and years of life lost), disability (years lived with disability [YLDs]), and disease burden (disability-adjusted life-years [DALYs]) for children and adolescents aged 0-24 years. Data were reported across the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and across time (1990-2019), and for 204 countries and territories. For HIV, we reported the mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) as a measure of health system performance. FINDINGS: In 2019, there were 3·0 million deaths and 30·0 million years of healthy life lost to disability (as measured by YLDs), corresponding to 288·4 million DALYs from communicable diseases among children and adolescents globally (57·3% of total communicable disease burden across all ages). Over time, there has been a shift in communicable disease burden from young children to older children and adolescents (largely driven by the considerable reductions in children younger than 5 years and slower progress elsewhere), although children younger than 5 years still accounted for most of the communicable disease burden in 2019. Disease burden and mortality were predominantly in low-SDI settings, with high and high-middle SDI settings also having an appreciable burden of communicable disease morbidity (4·0 million YLDs in 2019 alone). Three cause groups (enteric infections, lower-respiratory-tract infections, and malaria) accounted for 59·8% of the global communicable disease burden in children and adolescents, with tuberculosis and HIV both emerging as important causes during adolescence. HIV was the only cause for which disease burden increased over time, particularly in children and adolescents older than 5 years, and especially in females. Excess MIRs for HIV were observed for males aged 15-19 years in low-SDI settings. INTERPRETATION: Our analysis supports continued policy focus on enteric infections and lower-respiratory-tract infections, with orientation to children younger than 5 years in settings of low socioeconomic development. However, efforts should also be targeted to other conditions, particularly HIV, given its increased burden in older children and adolescents. Older children and adolescents also experience a large burden of communicable disease, further highlighting the need for efforts to extend beyond the first 5 years of life. Our analysis also identified substantial morbidity caused by communicable diseases affecting child and adolescent health across the world. FUNDING: The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Centre for Research Excellence for Driving Investment in Global Adolescent Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Funding: F Carvalho and E Fernandes acknowledge support from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (FCT), in the scope of the project UIDP/04378/2020 and UIDB/04378/2020 of the Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences UCIBIO and the project LA/P/0140/2020 of the Associate Laboratory Institute for Health and Bioeconomy i4HB; FCT/MCTES through the project UIDB/50006/2020. J Conde acknowledges the European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC-StG-2019-848325). V M Costa acknowledges the grant SFRH/BHD/110001/2015, received by Portuguese national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), IP, under the Norma Transitória DL57/2016/CP1334/CT0006.proofepub_ahead_of_prin

The global, regional, and national burden of adult lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancer in 204 countries and territories:A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Importance Lip, oral, and pharyngeal cancers are important contributors to cancer burden worldwide, and a comprehensive evaluation of their burden globally, regionally, and nationally is crucial for effective policy planning.Objective To analyze the total and risk-attributable burden of lip and oral cavity cancer (LOC) and other pharyngeal cancer (OPC) for 204 countries and territories and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) using 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) Study estimates.Evidence Review The incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to LOC and OPC from 1990 to 2019 were estimated using GBD 2019 methods. The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate the proportion of deaths and DALYs for LOC and OPC attributable to smoking, tobacco, and alcohol consumption in 2019.Findings In 2019, 370 000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 338 000-401 000) cases and 199 000 (95% UI, 181 000-217 000) deaths for LOC and 167 000 (95% UI, 153 000-180 000) cases and 114 000 (95% UI, 103 000-126 000) deaths for OPC were estimated to occur globally, contributing 5.5 million (95% UI, 5.0-6.0 million) and 3.2 million (95% UI, 2.9-3.6 million) DALYs, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, low-middle and low SDI regions consistently showed the highest age-standardized mortality rates due to LOC and OPC, while the high SDI strata exhibited age-standardized incidence rates decreasing for LOC and increasing for OPC. Globally in 2019, smoking had the greatest contribution to risk-attributable OPC deaths for both sexes (55.8% [95% UI, 49.2%-62.0%] of all OPC deaths in male individuals and 17.4% [95% UI, 13.8%-21.2%] of all OPC deaths in female individuals). Smoking and alcohol both contributed to substantial LOC deaths globally among male individuals (42.3% [95% UI, 35.2%-48.6%] and 40.2% [95% UI, 33.3%-46.8%] of all risk-attributable cancer deaths, respectively), while chewing tobacco contributed to the greatest attributable LOC deaths among female individuals (27.6% [95% UI, 21.5%-33.8%]), driven by high risk-attributable burden in South and Southeast Asia.Conclusions and Relevance In this systematic analysis, disparities in LOC and OPC burden existed across the SDI spectrum, and a considerable percentage of burden was attributable to tobacco and alcohol use. These estimates can contribute to an understanding of the distribution and disparities in LOC and OPC burden globally and support cancer control planning efforts

Global burden of chronic respiratory diseases and risk factors, 1990–2019: an update from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Updated data on chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are vital in their prevention, control, and treatment in the path to achieving the third UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a one-third reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030. We provided global, regional, and national estimates of the burden of CRDs and their attributable risks from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, we estimated mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence, and incidence of CRDs, i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumoconiosis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis, and other CRDs, from 1990 to 2019 by sex, age, region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) in 204 countries and territories. Deaths and DALYs from CRDs attributable to each risk factor were estimated according to relative risks, risk exposure, and the theoretical minimum risk exposure level input. Findings: In 2019, CRDs were the third leading cause of death responsible for 4.0 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 3.6–4.3) with a prevalence of 454.6 million cases (417.4–499.1) globally. While the total deaths and prevalence of CRDs have increased by 28.5% and 39.8%, the age-standardised rates have dropped by 41.7% and 16.9% from 1990 to 2019, respectively. COPD, with 212.3 million (200.4–225.1) prevalent cases, was the primary cause of deaths from CRDs, accounting for 3.3 million (2.9–3.6) deaths. With 262.4 million (224.1–309.5) prevalent cases, asthma had the highest prevalence among CRDs. The age-standardised rates of all burden measures of COPD, asthma, and pneumoconiosis have reduced globally from 1990 to 2019. Nevertheless, the age-standardised rates of incidence and prevalence of interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis have increased throughout this period. Low- and low-middle SDI countries had the highest age-standardised death and DALYs rates while the high SDI quintile had the highest prevalence rate of CRDs. The highest deaths and DALYs from CRDs were attributed to smoking globally, followed by air pollution and occupational risks. Non-optimal temperature and high body-mass index were additional risk factors for COPD and asthma, respectively. Interpretation: Albeit the age-standardised prevalence, death, and DALYs rates of CRDs have decreased, they still cause a substantial burden and deaths worldwide. The high death and DALYs rates in low and low-middle SDI countries highlights the urgent need for improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures. Global strategies for tobacco control, enhancing air quality, reducing occupational hazards, and fostering clean cooking fuels are crucial steps in reducing the burden of CRDs, especially in low- and lower-middle income countries

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe

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Research Self-efficacy among Postgraduate Students at Birjand University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Research self-efficacy is the main factor influencing successful administration and pursuing of research by postgraduate students. This study aimed to determine research self-efficacy among postgraduate students at Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS) in 2015-16. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 master and PhD students at BUMS in 2015-16 academic year who were selected by census method. Data were collected by means of Phillips and Russell’s research self-efficacy questionnaire whose validity and reliability had already been confirmed. The collected data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression. Results: A total of 154 questionnaires were analyzed. The average age of students was 30.51±6.3 years. The mean score of research self-efficacy was 180.43±53.1 (out of 297) and showed a significant difference in terms of education and marital status being significantly higher in PhD students (223.24±18.84) and single students (189.45±33.52). However, no significant difference was found in research self-efficacy scores in terms of gender, residential status, and faculty. There was a significant direct relationship between grade point average and research self-efficacy (r=0.290, p=0.0001). Conclusion: The results showed that the research self-efficacy of the postgraduate students at BUMS was at an average level and appropriate educational interventions are required to enhance research self-efficacy

The effect of biological treatment methods on the concentration of carbonaceous pollutants in the slaughterhouse wastewater: A systematic review

The systematic review conducted in this study aimed to investigate the effect of biological methods of slaughterhouse wastewater treatment (SWWT) on reducing carbonaceous pollution concentration in the effluent. The researchers performed a comprehensive search for relevant articles in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, focusing on studies published up to January 2022. After screening the retrieved records, the researchers identified 71 relevant articles that contained data on the removal efficiency of carbonaceous pollutants in slaughterhouse wastewater. These pollutants included total chemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, soluble chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, five-day biochemical oxygen demand, organic material, soluble organic compounds, and total organic carbon. The results of the qualitative synthesis indicated that certain SWWT methods exhibited higher removal efficiencies for carbonaceous pollutants. These methods were characterized by long hydraulic retention times, the use of polymeric filter media, attached growth processes, and operation at maximum organic loading rates. It's important to note that specific details regarding the individual studies and their findings are not provided in the given information. However, the systematic review suggests that certain biological treatment methods can effectively reduce carbonaceous pollution concentrations in slaughterhouse wastewater