Investigation of the incidence rate and geographical distribution of congenital hypothyroidism in the newborns in Ilam Province by using geographic information system (GIS) between 2006 and 2016

Background and Aim: Congenital hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder and is one of the main causes of mental retardation in the newborns. Genetic, environmental and geographical factors are associated with the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and correlation of geographical factors with congenital hypothyroidism in Ilam Province. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive analytical study and evaluated the incidence rate and geographical distribution of congenital hypothyroidism in the newborns in Ilam Province from the beginning of 2006 to the end of 2016. We studied the results of heel samples of the newborns between 3 to 5 days of age who had been screened for congenital hypothyroidism in the referral laboratories of the health centers of the health department of the Ilam University of Medical Sciences in all cities of Ilam Province. We used ArcGIS (ver 10.3) software for evaluation of geographical distribution. Statistical tests of Poisson regression and scatter plot were used to investigate the relationship between geographical factors and the incidence rate of congenital hypothyroidism. Data analysis was performed by use of SPSS 16 software. Results: Based on the findings of the screening of 106900 newborns born in Ilam Province, the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in this study was 2.61 in 1000 live births (2.7 male newborns / 1000 live births, and 2.48 female newborns / 1000 live births). Among all the patients 55.4% were male and 44.6% were female. There was a significant correlation between the mean annual rainfall and herbal coverage with congenital hypothyroidism (p0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, incidence of congenital hypothyroidism is high in Ilam Province. Abdanan and Ilam cities had the highest incidence rates of hypothyroidism and are among the high risk hotspots of the disease. As a result, authorities should take appropriate measures in order to control and reduce the incidence of this disease in the province. Also, among the geographical factors, the mean annual rainfall, herbal coverage and sunlight were associated with congenital hypothyroidism

The Iranian blood pressure measurement campaign, 2019: study protocol and preliminary results

Purpose Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for premature mortality and morbidity in Iran. The objective of the Iranian blood pressure (BP) measurement campaign was to identify individuals with raised blood pressure and providing appropriate care and increase the awareness among the public and policymakers of the importance of tackling hypertension. Methods The campaign was conducted in two phases. The first (communication) phase started on May 17th (International Hypertension Day). The second phase started on June 8th, 2019, and lasted up to July 7th during which, blood pressures were measured. The target population was Iranians aged >= 30 years. Participants voluntarily referred to health houses in rural and health posts and comprehensive health centers in urban areas in the setting of the Primary Health Care network. Additionally, over 13,700 temporary stations were set up in highly visited places in urban areas. Volunteer healthcare staff interviewed the participants, measured their BP, and provided them with lifestyle advice and knowledge of the risks and consequences of high blood pressure. They referred participants to physicians in case their BP was high. Participants immediately received a text message containing the relevant advice based on their measured BP and their past history. Results Blood pressure was measured for a total of 26,678,394 participants in the campaign. A total of 13,722,148 participants (51.4%) were female. The mean age was 46 +/- 14.1 years. Among total participants, 15,012,693 adults (56.3%) with no past history of hypertension had normal BP, 7,959,288 participants had BP in the prehypertension range (29.8%), and finally, 3,706,413 participants (13.9%) had either past medical history of hypertension, used medications, or had high BP measured in the campaign. Conclusion The campaign was feasible with the objective to increase the awareness among the public and policymakers of the importance of tackling hypertension in Iran