Knowledge and Attitude of Iranian Youth Toward AIDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Iran

Inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes are the major hindrances to prevent the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude toward the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome among youths in Iran. We conducted a systematic review, searching online databases until July 2018, focusing on knowledge and attitudes about the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Iranian youths. We included the studies that aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of people from Iran and were conducted in the last 18 years. In total, 14 eligible papers (out of 300) were entered into the analysis, and the overall knowledge of Iranian youth toward the acquired immune deficiency syndrome was 57.6 (95 CI: 56.7-58.5). Also, the results of Cochran's test showed the heterogeneity of the studies (Q=1578.2, df=13, I2=79.4, p<0.001). We concluded that our results would guide the development of population-focused knowledge and attitude about the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Iran, which is lacking among the general public and healthcare staff. ©Carol Davila University Press

UV-Related Melanoma Cancer and Its Association with the Human Development Index (HDI): GLOBOCAN Sources and Methods

Background: Exposure to radiation is a major risk factor for skin cancer so that 65 to 90 of skin cancers can be attributed to the exposure with sunlight. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the association between the human development index and the incidence of UV-related melanoma. Methods: This is an ecological study. Data on the incidence of UV-induced melanoma were extracted from the GLOBOCAN estimates (GLOBOCAN 2012), and data on the human development index were extracted from theWorld Health Organization (WHO) database. Data analysis was conducted by Stata software (Ver. 14). The descriptive analysis involved mean and standard deviation. The correlation method was used to evaluate the association between the population attributable fraction (PAF) of melanoma for ultraviolet (UV) and the HDI components. A P value 0.05). In Africa, a negative correlation was observed, though it was not statistically significant (r = -0.301, P > 0.05). The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant statistical relationship between the incidence of UVrelated melanoma and the levels of development (F = 25.1, P < 0.0001) so that the higher the score of HDI, the higher the incidence of this cancer. Conclusions: Since there is a positive correlation between UV-related melanoma and HDI, further attention should be paid to this risk factor, especially in countries with a high HDI to reduce the UV-induced melanoma cancer

Insufficient Physical Activity Among Adults and Human Development Index: A Global Study

Background: Insufficient physical activity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, plays an important role in the spread of non-communicable diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the insufficient physical activity and its relationship with the human development index (HDI) in the world. Methods: This is an ecological study, and the study data, including the human development index and the incidence of insufficient physical activity, were extracted from the World Bank's database. The descriptive analysis included mean and standard deviation. The inferential analysis consisted of two-way correlation and ANOVA at a significance level of less than 0.05. The analyses were performed using Stata-14 software. Results: The highest insufficient physical activity in both sexes (39.26 37.42, 40.95) was found in the Americas, especially in highincome regions. There was a significant positive correlation between the incidence of insufficient physical inactivity and HDI in the world (r = 0.446, P < 0.0001). This correlation was also significant in Asia and Africa (P < 0.05). The results showed a positive correlation between components of HDI (i.e., gross national income per 1000 capita, mean years of schooling, life expectancy at birth, and expected years of schooling) and insufficient activity (P < 0.0001). The results of ANOVA also exhibited a significant relationship between the mean prevalence of physical inactivity and the level of development (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Given the significant correlation between the incidence of insufficient physical inactivity and HDI, understanding this correlation and its components, especially in low- and middle-income countries can alleviate the impact of physical inactivity epidemics in the future, thereby contributing to the effective global prevention of non-communicable diseases