ABSTRACT
The number of people with HIV/AIDS in Iran is increasing. Populations' knowledge and awareness are crucial steps to prevent HIV/AIDS epidemic. This systematic review aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS in Iranian population. Reviewing related titles in national and international databanks resulted in 62 eligible studies published between 1998 and 2008. To explore the source[s] of heterogeneity, meta-regression model was used. Due to the methodological diversity of included studies [e.g. their sampling or data collection methods] pooled estimation of the results were hard to be applied. The mean for knowledge score among 24 eligible studies [including 24,011 individuals] varied between 14.7 and 84.0 out of 100. Among those 16 eligible studies [including 11,104 individuals], the reported mean for attitude varied between 32.6 and 78.4 out of 100. In overall, it seems that the knowledge and attitude in Iranian population still need to be improved; however, the results from our systematic review showed a considerable heterogeneity among the results that can be originated from the diversity of target populations and/or their methodology of included studies. Planning for further targeted programs and modifying public education for more effective schemes are necessary to be emphasized, as there was not a significant change in the level of knowledge or attitude based on the included studies
ABSTRACT
Reviewing the scientific literature concerning the analysis of different aspects of PhD education systems can help improve the knowledge promotion system in Iran. Different PhD training models around the world and their advantages and disadvantages have been investigated. The study explored the published papers using a systematic approach. Promotion plans in other countries were also investigated. Main databanks between 1998 and 2008 were systematically reviewed using ten standard and sensitive keywords. In the next step, the contents of eligible papers were analyzed and classified. Thirty-two eligible papers were included in the final analysis. The main themes in these papers were about the student admission, supervision of PhD students and evaluation methods. In addition, these papers discussed how universities might improve the links between their PhD students and the community and industry. Moreover, we found information about the variety of training method between different countries, the trends in the number of PhD students and their age, sex and ethnic compositions. Major challenges for Ph.D education include: discipline, law and order in Ph.D programs, quality of supervision, completion time, drop-out rates, increasing number of students, preparation for employment, labor market qualifications and skills, cost of education, inter- university student exchange programs and foreign students admission. Based on our findings, we need to pay more attention to diversify PhD training schemes particularly research-based PhD and professional PhD and to provide PhD education systems appropriate to the present and future needs of our society
Subject(s)
Humans , Review Literature as Topic , Students, MedicalABSTRACT
There is a great deal of descriptive studies on obesity in Iran, mostly assessed the prevalence and its relationship with various risk factors and chronic diseases. In order to obtain/give a better insight into the epidemiology of obesity in Iran in recent years and assess its heterogeneity around the country, we reviewed systematically all available studies and analyzed their findings using Meta-analysis. All published papers in Iranian and international journals, final reports of research projects, papers in relevant congresses, proceeding books and dissertations of students were reviewed. Those findings, which published between 1997 and 2007 and met eligible criteria, were entered in meta-analysis [Random Model]. Fifty eight eligible papers [out of 219] including 132864 individuals were entered into analysis. The overall prevalence of obesity for adults [>18 yrs] and children [<18 y] was 21.5% [CI95% 17.4-25.6] and 5.5% [CI95% 4.5-6.4], respectively. The prevalence of obesity in boys and girls [<18y] was 5.3% [CI95% 4.1-6.4] and 4.8% CI95%4.0-5.7], respectively. It increased in both adult men and women to 13.7% [CI 95% 10.9-16.7] and 27.3% [CI95% 21.3-33.4], respectively. Meta regression indicated that only age explained a considerable proportion of the observed heterogeneity among women. In overall, the risk of obesity was greater in women, but even in adults, the prevalence was less than that in developed countries. The percentage of obesity was increased by aging, especially in women. There were large variations in the reported prevalence of obesity in Iran; it is mainly because of the different in the distributions of age and sex among the subjects