{"title":"The Prevalence of COVID-19 in Dentists and Dental Assistants","authors":"N. Akbari, H. Salehiniya, H. Abbaszadeh","doi":"10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6726","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6726","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19 in dentists and dental assistants and their associated signs and symptoms. \u0000Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey from 9th to 23th May 2020. The sample size was 385. The questionnaire was registered at Porsline website. The questionnaire included questions about infection of dentists, dental assistants and their families with COVID-19, signs and symptoms, paraclinical tests, and treatments. The data were entered into Excel and SPSS software and analyzed using logistic regression test. \u0000Results: From all responding dentists, 15.8% were suspected of having covid-19. Based on symptoms, only 1.6% of dentists were highly suspicious for COVID-19. Only 0.78% of dentists were definitely positive for COVID-19 based on paraclinical tests. Symptoms were often very mild to moderate in severity. Among dental assistants, 5.5% were suspected of having COVID-19. Based on symptoms, none of dentists’ assistants were highly suspicious for COVID-19. None of dental assistants were definitely positive for COVID-19 based on paraclinical tests. Symptoms were often very mild to moderate in severity. Logistic regression showed that the odds of infection with Corona was higher in government-sector dentists than in the private sector (OR: 1.189; 95% C.I: 0.812-1.742), in specialist dentists than in general (OR: 1.903; 95% C.I: 0.532-2.245), and in dentists between the ages of 30-60 years old than under the age of 30 (OR: 3.647; 95% C.I: 0.840-15.835). Conclusion: Despite the fact that dentistry is a high-risk job for COVID-19 infection, the overall prevalence of COVID-19 in dentists and their assistants might be very low and the severity of symptoms in case of infection is probably mild.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42744093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Growth Characteristics of Four Low-and Middle-Income Countries Children Born just After the Millennium Development Goals","authors":"S. K. Wake, T. Zewotir, E. K. Muluneh","doi":"10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6710","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6710","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Socioeconomic inequality among low- and middle-income countries has an immense impact on the growth characteristics of children. Consequently, the millennium development goals were established for action to fight poverty and reduce the health problems for most disadvantaged groups. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the growth characteristics and correlates of height growth among children in low- and middle-income countries. \u0000Methods: Data from the Young Lives study conducted in Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam for 15 years were used. A linear mixed-effects fractional polynomial modeling approach was used to analyze the growth characteristics and to assess the determinants. \u0000Results: There was a significant growth difference in height among children in low- and middle-income countries. Children in Vietnam grew at a faster rate during the entire period considered (1-15 years). In four countries, children grew very quickly in early childhood and the growth rates slow down gradually during the consecutive years. The results show that factors such as gender, parents’ education, household size, wealth index, access to sanitation, fathers’ age and residence area are significantly associated with child growth. \u0000Conclusion: The functional relationship between height growth and time is nonlinear. Males are taller than females at an early childhood age. Children from the most educated father and mother had been taller than those from the least educated father and mother. The effect of the household wealth index is positive on height growth, while the effect of household size is negative.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45864359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Population Size Estimation of High-Risk Behavior in Isfahan, Iran: Using the Network Scale-up Method in 2018","authors":"Meysam Abshenas Jami, M. Baneshi, M. Nasirian","doi":"10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6711","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6711","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objective: Due to the impact of risky behaviors in the community and the need for getting information and planning in this regard, the number of people with high-risk sexual behaviors in Isfahan will be indirectly estimated by the network scale-up method. \u0000Method:In a cross-sectional study conducted in June2018in14districts of Isfahan, a sample of1000 people was recruited by a non-random multistage method and interviewed using a standard questionnaire to identify people with high-risk sexual behavior. Data are analyzed based on a network scale-up method in the STATA application. \u0000Results:According to a report by men, the prevalence of male Extra marital sexual relations (N=2437) and relation with paying prostituted women (N=1211), with non-paying prostituted women (N=298), Homosexuality (N=696) and history of traveling for sexual relations (N =880/100,000); And according to a report by women, the prevalence of female Extra marital sexual relations (N=1386) and Sex Worker women (Monetary) (N=946), Sex Worker women (Non-Monetary) (N=258), and history of travelling for sexual relations (N=13/100,000). In both sexes, the age group of18 to 30years was more at risk for sexual behaviors than other groups. \u0000Discussion and Conclusion: It seems that the prevalence of sexual high-risk behaviors in Isfahan is remarkable as the increased prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, but unfortunately, the required training is low in this regard, more attention should be paying to train people to prevent the prevalence of these high-risk sexual behaviors in society.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47670203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatemeh Rezaeisharif, A. Saki, A. Taghipour, M. Tajfard
{"title":"A Decision Support Model for the Necessity of Cardio-Angiography, A Result of Generalized Additive and logistic Regression Model","authors":"Fatemeh Rezaeisharif, A. Saki, A. Taghipour, M. Tajfard","doi":"10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6712","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6712","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Angiography is used as the gold standard for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is an invasive procedure and has several complications. Also, some patients refuse angiograms for reasons such as fear, high cost, and loss of trust in physician diagnosis. The negative results of this test is more than a third. Therefore, having a statistical predictive model for estimating the risk of CAD, as an evidence-based support system, can help the physician and patient decide on the necessity of angiography. \u0000Aims: In this study we aimed to find an evidence-based supportive model for decision making on the necessity of angiography in people who were candidates for angiography by the physician after initial tests. \u0000Methods: In this study, 1187 patients who had been referred to Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and diagnosed with physicians after initial tests were enrolled. Demographic data, lipid and blood sugar levels, and the history of underlying disorders were variables that were studied in the statistical model fitting. Initially, generalized additive models were used singularly for quantitative predictors, then by applying right transformations on the predictor variables we entered them simultaneously in logistic and count regression models. These two models were fitted to the data using R software and then compared in terms of predictive accuracy. \u0000Findings: Generalized additive models showed that the relationship between CAD with the hs-CRP level was not monotone. Exploratory analyzes showed that 62% of people with hs-CRP level <3 and 50% of people with hs-CRP levels between 3 and 6 were suffered from the CAD. The highest rate of CAD was seen in the range of 6-8 (93%) but with increasing the hs-CRP level to above 8 it decreased to 70%. The relationship between age and the risk of CAD was S-shaped. Risk of CAD in diabetic subjects with normal FBS was equal to that of nondiabetic subjects with normal fasting blood sugar. The age, gender, diabetes, FBS, and hs-CRP were significant in both models (p <0.05). The area under the ROC curve was upgraded to 81 for the logistic model. \u0000Conclusion: The most important finding of this exploratory study was that out of 232 patients with hs-CRP level between 6 to 8, 217 (93%) had coronary artery occlusion, for these subjects the probability of occluding a coronary artery was 0.93. The present study also showed that if the blood sugar is controlled in patients with diabetes, then this disease will not be a risk factor for patients with coronary artery occlusion. The logistic regression model presented in this study is recommended as the final model to support decision-making about the necessity of angiography.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47138015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Beiranvand, Z. Khazaei, Maryam Parsanahad, Zahra Hamule, Susan Mohamadi Hossein Abadi, M. Rezaei, Shahnaz Ghalavandi, V. Momenabadi, M. Seraji
{"title":"The Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and Identification of Its Risk Factors in South Western of Iran in 2019-2020","authors":"R. Beiranvand, Z. Khazaei, Maryam Parsanahad, Zahra Hamule, Susan Mohamadi Hossein Abadi, M. Rezaei, Shahnaz Ghalavandi, V. Momenabadi, M. Seraji","doi":"10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6724","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6724","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major cause of burden of diseases in women within the first 4 weeks of delivery. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the role of various factors in PPD in the northern and northeastern regions of Khuzestan province. \u0000Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was undertaken as the first phase of a case-control study on 1424 mothers in the first 24 to 48 hours after childbirth between January 2019 and January 2020. The data collected covered three areas: baseline characteristics, medical history, and PPD. The latter was measured using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale with a cut-off point of equal to or greater than 12. The collected data were analyzed using Stata-16 software and simple and multiple Logistic Regression models. \u0000Results: The prevalence of PPD was estimated at 26.6% in the study sample. In the multiple model, the History of elective abortion (OR= 2.26, 95%CI=1.19, 4.27), delivery in the summer (OR= 2.11,95%CI=1.39, 3.20), birth defect (OR= 2.09, 95%CI=1.10, 3.94), the history of infertility treatment (OR= 0.33, 95CI=0.18, 0.61) and living in urban areas (OR= 0.52, 95%CI=0.39, 0.70), had relationship with the chance of developing PPD. \u0000Conclusion: The results of this study, which sought to identify factors reinforcing and preventing PPD, can be used to identify mothers at risk for PPD. Moreover, it can help make appropriate interventions, including psychological and emotional support of mother during and even before pregnancy to alleviate PPD.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45502203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparing of Data Mining Techniques for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients with COVID-19","authors":"M. Shanbehzadeh, A. Orooji, H. Kazemi-Arpanahi","doi":"10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/JBE.V7I2.6725","url":null,"abstract":"The article's abstract is not available.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44046521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hassan Neishaboori, S. Sabet, P. M. Yeganeh, S. R. A. Pirsaraei
{"title":"The Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Celiac Disease among Patientswith Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Zanjan Province, Iran","authors":"Hassan Neishaboori, S. Sabet, P. M. Yeganeh, S. R. A. Pirsaraei","doi":"10.18502/JBE.V6I4.5685","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/JBE.V6I4.5685","url":null,"abstract":"Background: There are some overlaps between celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms (IBS). It can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of celiac disease. In some guidelines, it is recommended to screen for celiac in IBS cases. For assessment of the necessity for such diagnostic approaches in patients, this study was done to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of celiac disease among IBS cases in Zanjan, Iran. \u0000Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 121 cases with IBS attending to gastroenterology clinics since 2015 to 2018 were enrolled. The laboratory tests and upper digestive endoscopy were performed for all patients. Endoscopic biopsy specimens were taken from the duodenum, and the samples were examined to confirm diagnosis of celiac disease. Data analysis was done by SPSS software. \u0000Results: Of 121 studied patients, 51.2% were male. The mean age of the patients was 36.65 ± 10.09 years old. The most common IBS subtype was mixed (80.2%). According to the serology results and Marsh grading, 4.1% and 1.6% had celiac disease and potential celiac disease, respectively. There were statistically significant differences among celiac disease in gastroesophageal reflux disease and abdominal discomfort/cramping. \u0000Conclusion: The incidence of celiac disease was evaluated 4.1 cases per each 100 patients with IBS, which was higher than recent similar studies, and screening for celiac disease in these patients is advisable. However, further studies with larger sample size are required to attain more definite results.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46445603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of Thyroid Function Tests of Primary Hypothyroidism Diagnosed Cases’ by Using Big Data: 13-Year Single Center Experience","authors":"I. Sahin, C. Ersoy, I. Ercan, M. Dirican","doi":"10.18502/JBE.V6I4.5681","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/JBE.V6I4.5681","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Our aim is to perform an analysis, using big data, of cases diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism and aged 18 and over who presented to our hospital, by evaluating the laboratory and socio-demographic data of the patients. Clustering analysis was performed in the big dataset for the purpose of structure-search study on the subject. \u0000Methods: According to ICD 10 diagnoses of hypothyroidism between 2005 to 2018 in our hospital 130159 patients aged 18 and over with E03 and E06 diagnosis codes were included in the study. Since drugs containing levothyroxine used in primary hypothyroidism treatment have an effect on the measured hormone levels, in our study, TSH, fT3 and fT4 laboratory values in the first diagnosis of cases who had not received any treatment as part of the diagnosis according to demographics were analysed. Patients with one or more missing laboratory values were excluded, and data of 2680 patients with complete data and TSH values above 4.94 mU/L were retained. Analysis was made with the k means clustering technique, with the data separated into two sets. k means clustering was performed by including age, TSH, fT3 and fT4 variables. Cliff’s Delta effect size coefficients and confidence intervals were calculated to perform size of the difference. \u0000Results: The higher prevalence of primary hypothyroidism in female and the peak in hypothyroidism at 4-5 decades in both genders were observed. In which ages were low, fT3 and fT4 values were higher, whereas TSH values were lower in male. In which ages were low, TSH values were higher, whereas fT4 values were lower in female. \u0000Conclusion: This study is the first big data analysis study carried out about primary hypothyroidism in our country. Despite the difficulties in implementation, it should not be forgotten that studies like these are important methods for enabling data to be created in our country.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47951812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andreas Anestis, Odysseas Lomvardeas, Nikolaos Papadakis
{"title":"Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the Greek population regarding the COVID-19 pandemic during the national lock-down (March 23 - May 03, 2020): A web-based cross-sectional study","authors":"Andreas Anestis, Odysseas Lomvardeas, Nikolaos Papadakis","doi":"10.1101/2020.12.19.20248550","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.12.19.20248550","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: The study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the COVID-19 pandemic during the total lockdown of spring 2020 in Greece. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 13 to May 5, 2020. Adult residents of Greece anonymously completed an online survey that was distributed through email and social media. A total of 1396 fully complete questionnaires were collected. Demographic questions, questions regarding the knowledge about the disease etiology, diagnosis and prevention, and questions related to the respondents' attitude and perception toward the restriction measures and the confidence in different kinds of institutions providing information were included in the survey items. The appropriate statistical analyses were conducted according to the type of variable and the research question. Results: The highest knowledge scores were found in females (74.8%, p = 0.015), individuals over 60 years old (77.3%, p<0.001) and individuals having completed post-secondary or tertiary education (76.5%, p<0.001). Five attitude patterns toward the pandemic were identified: 'trust in institutions', 'trust in the restriction measures', 'trust in media and the internet', 'trust in traditional institutions', and 'measures deniers'. Age, education, and knowledge score were the factors defining the attitudinal patterns revealed. Conclusions: Education and public awareness of scientifically accurate information are the means for eliminating individually and socially irresponsible and dangerous behaviors and protecting public health in periods of health crises.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47361537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effect of Weather Parameters on Covid 19 Endemic: A Global Perspective","authors":"M. Roshini Sooriyarachchi","doi":"10.18502/jbe.v6i2.4868","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/jbe.v6i2.4868","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: According to the Oxford Medical Dictionary, Corona virus is the largest known viral RNA genome and causes devastating epizootics in livestock and poultry. Human corona viruses cause upper respiratory tract infections and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The initiative for this study was the extreme life threatening nature of this virus and the global pandemic it has caused. The responses were taken to be the number of deaths, number of recoveries and the number sick with the disease at a particular point in time,globally and the explanatory variables were climate variables. \u0000Method: This is a survey type of study as the data has been extracted over a short period of time and the sampling method adopted is post cluster sampling. Simple descriptive statistics, clustering and generalized linear mixed models have been used for modelling. \u0000Results: There was a strong regional effect of over three which was highly significant for every Covid 19 response. The air quality and temperature interaction and the air quality and humidity interaction were associated with the count of death at 0.0298 and 0.0027 levels of significance respectively. The count recovered was strongly associated with the temperature and humidity interaction and air quality at significance levels of 0.0002 and <0.0001 respectively. The Count at risk was strongly associated with the temperature, wind speeds and air quality three way interaction and this was significant at 0.0005 level. \u0000Discussion: All four weather parameters effected one or more of the Covid 19 responses. The plots of Student residuals versus fitted values showed well-fitting models. The results of this research is useful in planning health care and allocating resources according to the region and the climate during a particular period.","PeriodicalId":34310,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biostatistics and Epidemiology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47776356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}