Female Sexual Dysfunction and its Associated Risk Factors: An Epidemiological Study in the North-East of Iran

Background & aim: Female sexual function (FSD) is a multifactorial phenomenon. Sexual function is influenced by different personal and environmental factors. This study aimed to evaluate FSD and its contributing factors using female sexual function index (FSFI). Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 264 women referring to 11 health centers of Sabzevar, Iran during October 2012 to January 2013 using a convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated Persian version of FSFI containing six domains of sexual desire, lubrication, sexual arousal, sexual satisfaction, orgasm and sexual pain as well as demographic questionnaire. A total score of Results: The mean age of women enrolled in this study was 32.2±10.27 years . Considering the cut-off point of sexual dysfunction at 28, 62.1% of the study population had FSD. Highest rate of FSD was estimated at 49.2%, Age was associated with a significant decline in total scores of FSFI (P=0.042). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between duration of marriage and total scores of FSFI (

Epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis in the Middle East and north Africa: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis in the Middle East and north Africa is poorly understood. We aimed to provide a comprehensive epidemiological assessment of C trachomatis infection in the Middle East and north Africa. METHODS: We did a systematic review of C trachomatis infection as well as a meta-analysis and meta-regression of C trachomatis prevalence. We searched PubMed and Embase, as well as regional and national databases up to March 13, 2019, using broad search terms with no language or year restrictions. Any document or report including biological measures for C trachomatis prevalence or incidence was eligible for inclusion. We extracted all measures of current (genital or rectal), recent, and ever infection with C trachomatis. We estimated pooled average prevalence in different populations using random-effects meta-analysis. Factors associated with prevalence and sources of between-study heterogeneity were determined using meta-regression. FINDINGS: We identified a total of 1531 citations, of which 255 reports contributed to 552 C trachomatis prevalence measures from 20 countries. No incidence measures were identified. Pooled prevalence of current genital infection was 3·0% (95% CI 2·3-3·8) in general populations, 2·8% (1·0-5·2) in intermediate-risk populations, 13·2% (7·2-20·7) in female sex workers, 11·3% (9·0-13·7) in infertility clinic attendees, 12·4% (7·9-17·7) in women with miscarriage, 12·4% (9·4-15·7) in symptomatic women, and 17·4% (12·5-22·8) in symptomatic men. Pooled prevalence of current rectal infection was 7·7% (4·2-12·0) in men who have sex with men. Substantial between-study heterogeneity was found. Multivariable meta-regression explained 29·0% of variation. Population type was most strongly associated with prevalence. Additional associations were found with assay type, sample size, country, and sex, but not with sampling methodology or response rate (about 90% of studies used convenience sampling and >75% had unclear response rate). There was no evidence for temporal variation in prevalence between 1982 and 2018. INTERPRETATION: C trachomatis prevalence in the Middle East and north Africa is similar to other regions, but higher than expected given its sexually conservative norms. High prevalence in infertility clinic attendees and in women with miscarriage suggests a potential role for C trachomatis in poor reproductive health outcomes in this region. FUNDING: National Priorities Research Program from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation)

Comparative Screening of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in Women Population in Tehran, Iran

BACKGROUND: There are more than 30 different sexually transmissible agents while the most common one is Chlamydia trachomatis. In this prospective study, we decided to compare the prevalence of infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic females. METHODS: Two hundred sixty urine samples of women in two groups (symptomatic and asymptomatic) were collected from patients attending Mehrad Hospital in Tehran, Iran and tested by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Thirty nine women in both groups were infected (14.99%), while 27/130 subjects were in symptomatic group (20.76%), compared with 12/130 person in asymptomatic group (9.23%). No statistically significant difference was found between two groups. Data analysis showed infection with C. trachomatis in symptomatic women to be significantly associated with history of sexually transmitted infections, white blood cells in urine and epithelial cells in urine. CONCLUSION: The present study recommends that targeted screening programs in high risk sexually active women (like as individuals who had a history of STIs) are needed as part of case-finding strategies and treatment

Assessment of Hearing Loss in 2-years Follow up study of Neonates with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Objective: Congenital CMV infection constitutes the main cause of sensory neural hearing loss (SNHL) worldwide. The rate of CMV induced SNHL is not well documented in developing countries like Iran. Therefore, this prospective follow up study was aimed to evaluate this rate among neonates with congenital CMV infection. Materials & Methods: Infants with congenital CMV infection who were admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units and infected infants who were identified in 2 other prospective screening studies in our region were enrolled. Audiological follow up was performed for all the cases. Antiviral therapy was administered for the newborns in case of having severe symptoms. Results: A total of 22 infants with congenital CMV infection were entered into the study, of which, 8 and 14 had symptomatic and asymptomatic congenital CMV infection, respectively. In total, 3 of 22 infants had SNHL (13.6%; 95% CI: 2.8-39.8), 2 of 8 with symptomatic cCMV infection (25.0%; 95% CI: 3-90) and 1 of 14 with asymptomatic cCMV infection (7.1%; 95% CI: 0.1-39). No association was found between SNHL and risk factors related to CMV in newborns. In conclusion, the findings of this study revealed that the rate of congenital CMV induced SNHL is high among neonates how born in our region. Severe sequelae of congenital CMV infection indicate the need for screening for CMV infection at birth to reduce the risk of CMV complications and the financial load of treatment imposed on health care and treatment systems in the country