[The relationship between health literacy and self-care among patients with type 2 diabetes residing in the city of bastak]

Introduction: health literacy is the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and also the health care services required to make informed-care health related decisions. Low health literacy has a negative impact on care and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, although this disease may require lifelong care. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between health literacy and self-care in patients in Bastak with type 2 diabetes

Materials and Methods: this study was a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2015 on 265 patients with type 2 diabetes. Data collection was conducted using the Iranian adult Health Literacy [HELIA] questionnaire and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities [SDSCA]

Results: the results of this study show that 51.7 percent of patients had low levels of health literacy. The average score of self-care one week before study was 53.78+/-15.67. In the present study, significant relationships were found for health literacy with self-care and two of its domains, including physical activity and diet

Conclusion: diabetic patients need more knowledge and a proper attitude to control their disease successfully with appropriate self-care. More attention to the issue of health literacy in health promotion programs is highly recommended

[Assessment of physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of biological mud isolated from salt lake in Aran-Bidgol against several antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens]

Aran-bidgol Lake is one of the hypersalin lakes in Iran that is full of black mud in most seasons. Studies have shown that this type of mud is rich in minerals and natural antibiotics, and has the potential to be used in the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of black mineral mud isolated from Aran Bidgol salt Lake, on several common antibiotic resistant pathogens. We used XRD and XRF tests to investigate the physicochemical properties of the mud. We prepared serial mud concentrations of 0.01 to 0.6 g/ml in Mueller Hinton Agar and used minimal bactericidal concentration [MBC] test to investigate the antibacterial activity of the mud, against drug-resistant strains of P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, E. coli and S. aureus. Comparison of the physicochemical properties of this mud with those of the commercial sample [Fango] showed that the percentages of inorganic compounds are similar in the mud isolated from Aran-Bidgol Lake and Fango mud, but the percentages of Na[+] and Cl[-] ions were higher in Aran-Bidgol mud sample. Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the Aran-Bidgol mud showed that more than 90% of the strains were susceptible to the mud at MBC 4 g/ml. According to the results of this study, this mud is suitable for the successful commercial purposes and use in mud therapy clinics

[Prevalence of hyperlipidemia in adolescents 10-19 years old, Ahvaz, 2009-2010]

Different studies showed fat intake in childhood and adolescence has long term effects on health, increasing the risk of non communicable disease in adulthood. In Iran the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is increasing, while the age of incidence has decreased. The aim of this study is evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidemia in adolescents, aged 10-19 years, in Ahvaz. This descriptive analytic cross sectional study was conducted in the Ahvaz health center, using multistage cluster sampling. After giving complete information to participants about the research, written informed consent was obtained from each participant or their parents and questionnaires were completed for all participants. Blood sampleing, and demographic information including waist, height and weight were measured by standard methods. In this study, 2239 adolecents, aged 10-19 years were enrolled; 1117[49.9%] boys and 1122[50.1%] girls. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia according to AAP was 29.9% [boys 32.8%, 27.1% girls]. Compared to boys, mean total cholesterol and LDL were higher in girls, aged between 10-14 years. Lipid factors were more prevalent in 14-15 year old girls and in 16-17 year old boys. Prevalence of hyperlipidemia increased with increase in BMI. Dyslipidemia has a significant prevalence among adolescents in Ahvaz, necessitating special attention be paid to educating people on diet and exercise to prevalence condition

[Comparison of mental health in hearing impairment elderly with hearing aid and without hearing aid in Ahvaz in 2012]

Hearing loss can affect physical, mental and social health of deaf individuals and may lead to depression, anxiety, isolation, suspicion and stress. This study is aimed to compare the mental health in hearing impaired elderly with hearing aid and hearing impaired elderly without hearing aid, referred to Ahvaz imam Khomeini hospital. This is a descriptive - analytic, case-control study. The study population included 72 hearing impaired elderly with 60 years of age and older referred to Ahvaz imam Khomeini hospital. Therefore, 36 patients with hearing aid and 36 patients without hearing aid were allocated into each group consisted of 18 women and men. Data collecting tool included Kohlberg general health questionnaire - 28 [GHQ-28]. Public health measures [GHQ-28] includes general health and four subscales of anxiety, depression, physical symptoms, social dysfunction. Independent samples t test was used for data analysis. Mean mental health scores in hearing impaired elderly without hearing aid and with hearing aid was 48.13 and 35.66, respectively. T test showed that the difference between 2 groups is statistically significant [p=0.001] and the difference mean mental health scores between men and women in 2 groups was significant [p

[Examination with two types of semmes Weinstein monofilaments as screening tools for diabetic peripheral neuropathy]

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the more common complications plaguing individuals with type 2 diabetes. The development and progression of such complications are responsible for much of the morbidity and mortality related to this disease. This investigation evaluated accuracy of lily and Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments examination for diabetic peripheral neuropathy screening. Our study population consisted of 150 patients treated for diabetes mellitus at the Diabetes Clinic of the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. The samples were chosen on the basis of a non-randomized sampling. All patients were tested for sensory neuropathy using two types of monofilament [Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination 8, and 10-grams]. In the next phase EMG-NCV were examined. Sensitivity and specificity two types of monofilaments were analyzed. The 10-g monofilaments had a sensitivity ranging from 38.5% to 51.3% at sites 1-4, and specificity between 73 to 87.4 the sensitivity and specificity of the 8-g monofilament were 41 to 51.3% and 72.1 to 86.5% respectively. Two types of monofilaments at with 51.3 and 74.8% sensitivity and specificity respectively sites 1 and 4 was the most useful diagnostic test for DPN. These data suggest that the monofilaments may be the optimum methodology for identifying individuals at risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Hence, we recommend screening of patients for neuropathy as soon as they are diagnosed with diabetes

[ comparative study on the personality traits of opioid- dependents with and without somatic chronic pain complaints]

Some people use opioid substances to relief their chronic somatic pains. There are differences in the personality traits of this individuals and others who abuse opioid substances. The purpose of the present study was to compare these two groups in regard to their personality traits and disorders. In a cross-sectional study between 2007 to 2011, all patients referred for drug quit to the outpatient addiction clinic of Imam Hospital affiliated to Jundishapur University were investigated demographically. In addition, all of them underwent physical examination, MMPI test and psychiatric interview. Then they were divided into two groups of "with pain complaint" and "without pain complaint". Their personality traits were compared using t-test and chi[2]. The total number of patients was 488, including 478 males and 10 females. Mean scores of Psychatenia [pt] and paranoia [Pa] indexes in the patients who suffered from chronic non- cancer pain was lower in comparison to the patients without pain complaint. Based on the results of psychological interview, the prevalence of personality disorder was higher in the "without pain" group. Patients with chronic pain had higher educational degrees and they were more likely under the influence of their friends at the onset of opioid abuse. In the present study those who used opioid for pain relief, had healthier psychiatric profiles and personalities. Their psychiatric interviews were more valid and reliable and their psychological problems were less than the other group and their addiction was a maladaptive behavior

Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in type 2 diabetic patients and its association with glycemic control and duration of diabetes

Long-standing uncontrolled type 2 DM may affect the motility and function of the gastrointestinal [GI] system, throughout the GI tract, from the esophagus to the anorectal region. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of GI symptoms in type 2 DM patients and its association to age, sex, glycemic control and duration of diabetes. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 350 adult type 2 DM patients, selected with sequential sampling from the Ahvaz Diabetes Research Center Clinic in 2010. Data were collected by a questionnaires and analyzed using independent t-test and Chi-score with SPSS version18. Patient mean age was 56 +/- 11 years, and the prevalence of GI symptoms was 67%. The most prevalent GI symptoms were constipation [43%], bloating [35%] and regurgitation [31%]. Prevalence of GI symptoms was related to duration of diabetes [P<0.001]. Higher levels of fasting plasma glucose increased the prevalence of GI symptoms [P=0.003], which were significantly higher in females than in males [P<0.001], and also in older patients [P=0.003]. There was no association between prevalence of GI symptoms and levels of HbA1C or BMI. Prevalence of GI symptoms in type 2 DM was 67%, the most prevalent being constipation, bloating and regurgitation. There was significant association between prevalence of GI symptoms and acute glycemic control [FBS], duration of type 2 diabetes, female gender and age

[Related of knowledge and attitude with medication control of tuberculosis patients reffering to ahwaz anti T.B center]

Although directly observed treatment [DOT] strategy had decreased TB mortality, but, in developing countries, TB is yet the leading cause of preventable deaths. The most important reason for inefficiency of treatment is noncompliance on the part of the patient, That it caused not only increasing of probability of recurrence and multi drug resistance, but also formation of prejudicial personal, social, psychological and economical effects. This was a descriptive- analytical study that carried out to assess quality of adherence to tuberculosis drug regimen and its relation to knowledge and attitude factors in patient's reffered to health centers of Ahwaz. The sample size included 167 patients in course of TB treatment that selected randomly and based on aim. A questionnaire, observation, sputum smear, potts - cozart test [for detect of isoniazide metabolites in urine] was used to data collection. Reability of questionnaire was determined by alpha-cronbach correlation method [alpha=0.81]. Showed that 52.7 percent of patient had good adherence to drug regimen, 35.3% had midscore adherence and 12% had poor. In the case of relation between adherence and knowledge and attitude factors showed that statistical meaningful relation found between adherence and knowledge [P=0.017], attitude [P=0.0001]. Results showed that some factors such as cognition, attitude were effective on quality of adherence. It seems that it is required to containing a compiled and continious education for patients in treatment protocols. This is resulted in increasing of knowledge of patients and their family and promote of their attitude about disease and treatment

[Relationship between parity and metabolic syndrome in non-obese postmenopausal women]

Metabolic syndrome is a key factor in developing cardiovascular disease and is a major problem in many countries. With regard to the young Iranian population, high frequency of pregnancy, and the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, especially in women after menopause, it is a great concern in Iran. This study was performed to investigate the relationship between the number of deliveries [Parity] and metabolic syndrome in non-obese postmenopausal women. This cross sectional study was carried out on 140 healthy non-obese postmenopausal women who had a BMI less than30 Kg/m2, at 2009 in Ahvaz. The data which were collected through interviews contained demographic information, the number of parity, age at menopause, values of HDL-C, FBS, TG serum after 12 hours fasting, blood pressure and waist circumference. We used the Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis by SPSS 15 software. There was significant relationship between parity and components of metabolic syndrome such as FBS [P<0.001], systolic blood pressure [P=0.001], diastolic blood pressure [P=0.003], waist circumference [P=0.004] and triglycerides[P=0.009] except HDL-C [P=0.08]. There is significant relationship between parity and metabolic syndrome [P=0. 05] Increasing in parity is associated with increasing in FBS, BP, TG and WC and metabolic syndrome.Therefore, control and reduction of pregnancies should not be disregarded

[Intraoperative mitomycin-C versus bevacizumab on success rate of phacotrabeculectomy]

To compare the success rate of mitomycin-C Versus bevacizumab for prevention of bleb failure following phacotrabeculectomy. In this study 74 eyes of 69 patients with uncontrolled IOP, progressive visual field loss and cataract were randomized in two groups. In the first group, after conjunctival peritomy at the sclera flap site, sponge pats soaked in mitomycin C with concentration of 0.25mg/ml were applied for 3 minutes. In the second group, bevacizumab with concentration of 1.25mg/0.5ml was injected adjacent to the bleb at the end of surgery. Seventy four eyes of 69 patients including 41 men and 28 women with mean age of 66.92 +/- 9.8 years and 64.57 +/- 8.8 years in either study group respectively were included. Data collected from 6 to 12 months after surgery were analyzed. Mean intraocular pressure in the bevacizumab group was significantly higher than the MMC group [15.91 +/- 4.9 mmHg vs 12.76 +/- 3.1 mmHg, P= 0.001] at 6 months and [15.76 +/- 3.26 mmHg vs 13 +/- 2.4 mmHg, P= 0.003] at the end of 12 months. Bleb characteristics including extension, elevation and vascularity showed no significant difference between two groups. [P values 0.94, 0.93, 0.41 after 6 months, and 0.56, 0.58, 0.89 after 1 year of follow up respectively]. One eye in the second group underwent trabeculectomy because of uncontrolled IOP despite using 3 antiglaucoma medication. One eye in each group underwent bleb revision due to failing bleb. No sides effects related to the medications were noted in any of the two groups. Mitomycin C is more effective than bevacizumab for IOP control after phacotrabeculectomy; however, there is no difference between the two agents in terms of bleb characteristics and side effects

[Comparison of the effect of clinical evaluation by two methods: Portfolio and popular, on satisfaction of nurse students]

Introduction: Clinical evaluation is one of the important factors in nursing education, and there are some difficulties in evaluation of clinical skills, representing more practical and effective ways in this field is the topic of many researches. So, in this research we designed a lesson plan based on portfolio evaluation method and used it in nurse student's clinical courses. Then we compared their satisfaction from clinical evaluation with popular method

Methods: In this experimental research, students in fifth semester of nursing at Tehran University of Nursing and Midwifery are participated. These students were divided into subgroups of 7 and 8. Each of these subgroups passed the clinical probationary in cardiac unit. After explaining the research goals, these subgroups were put in two research groups randomly. In portfolio group [n=21] students evaluated by using portfolio method and portfolio evaluation tool. And in other group [n=20], popular form of clinical evaluation in university was used. Both groups answered the satisfaction questionnaire in last day. Content validity and reliability of questionnaire was tested. Data analyzed by SPSS software and with Chi square, Fisher Exact, Mann Whitney, Wilcoxon and spearman's rho tests

Results: Findings showed that students had 21.5 +/- 1.36 years of old and most of them was female and married. Satisfaction in portfolio group was meaningfully greater than popular group in three aspects: alignment of subjects in evaluation method and form with clinical course objects [P=0.04], creating interest and motivation for participation of students in learning [P=0.005], motivating students to use books and other scientific references [P=0.01]. Satisfaction of popular group from fairness of evaluation method was greater than portfolio group [P=0.017]. There were no meaningful results in other aspects

Conclusion: More satisfaction in some aspects from portfolio method represents acceptance of new active methods of learning and evaluation by students. so, using portfolio as one of the best method of clinical evaluation in nursing and doing more researches advised

[Evaluating the effect of oral bromelain [pineapple] on episiotomy wound healing in primiparus women]

Episiotomy is the most common perineal incision in midwifery to facilitate the expulsion of the fetus. Perineal damages cause disability in many normal daily activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of bromelain on episiotomy wound healing in primiparus women. In this double-blind clinical trial study, 82 primiparus women referred to Ahvaz Amiralmomenin hospital were randomly assigned to receive bromelain [100 mg] and placebo. The initial dose of bromelain was administered 2 hours after delivery. Tablets were given three times a day for six days. Wound healing was measured by REEDA scale on 3[th], 7[th] and 14[th] day after delivery. Data were analyzed using independent T-test, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. The average scores of wound healing in bromelain group were significantly lower than placebo group on 3[th], 7[th] and 14[th] day after delivery [P=0.001]. There was a significant difference in total wound healing between the two groups on 14[th] day after delivery [P=0.001]. Bromelain has a significant effect on better and faster healing of episiotomy wound. Hence, it can be used to accelerate episiotomy wound healing

Survey the effect of benson relaxation intervention on quality of life [QOL] in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy disorder in the word. Chemotherapy as an effective measure decrease quality of life [QOL] in these patients. Side effects of chemotherapy can be effective on physical, emotional and social aspects. Complementary medicine can be effective on QOL. The purpose of this study was survey the effect of Benson relaxation intervention on QOL in breast cancer who was undergoing chemotherapy. This study was designed on quasi-experiment in which 25 subjects who have breast cancer without metastasis and receiving chemotherapy with TAC [Taxotere Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide,] regimen. Subjects completed demographic data, C-30 and BR23 QOL questioners in first day of treatment and 3 week after it. Then the Benson relaxation to subjects were considered. The individuals received audiotape of relaxation to do the technique daily 15-20 min. for 3 weeks. At the end questioners were completed by subjects. Information analyzed by SPSS soft ware. There was statistically significant improvement in QOL [P=0.02] and Physical functioning [P=0.001], ole functioning [P=0.001], emotional functioning [P=0.001], cognitive functioning [P=0.001], social functioning [P=0.001], body image [P=0.001], sexual enjoyment [P=0.01], future perspective [P=0.001] and there was no statistically significant improvement in sexual functioning [P=0.7] after Benson relaxation intervention. Benson Relaxation intervention could be an effective approach for improving QOL in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in 6-7 and 13-14 years old ahvazian school children

The prevalence rates of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema which are common disorders of children vary widely in different areas. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and severity of allergic disorders among Ahvazian children by ISAAC protocol in 2006-7. The descriptive study was conducted on primary [6-7 years] and guidance [13-14 years] schoolchildren who were randomly selected among Ahvaz schools by cluster sampling method. Data were collected using phase I standardized International study of asthma and Allergy in child hoos [ISAAC] questionnaire which was completed by schoolchildren itself or by the parent of each child. Data were analyzed by SPSS-15 and using Chi-square test. The prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema were 14.1%, 18.2% and 8.4% respectively. Sex difference was not significant, while by educational level guidance students showed significant higher prevalence for asthma and allergies [11.8% vs 16.4% P<0.01]. The Prevalence of [physician diagnosed] asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema" were 8.4%, 12.3% and 5.7% respectively; guidance school children in compare to elementary school children showed higher rate in the each 3 conditions [P<0.01]. Allergic disorders are common in Ahvaz and its prevalence is similar to those reported from other parts of Iran. The prevalence of physician diagnosed asthma was higher than that reported from other regions of Iran, but lower than those obtained from neighboring Arab countries

Prevalence of cryptosporidium infection in immunocompromised patients, in south-west of Iran, 2009-10

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection by antigen detection in faeces among immunocompromised patients referred to educational hospitals of Ahvaz City, South-West of Iran, 2009-1010. Fecal samples from 176 immunocompromised patients were collected and Cryptosporidium coproantigen test was performed using ELISA method [DRG kit, Germany]. A questionnaire was completed for each case and the results were analyzed using descriptive and Chi-square test, SPSS statistical software [15[th] version]. Our study indicated 5.1% Cryptosporidium infection prevalence in the immunocompromised participated population. Furthermore, 4.2%, 4%, 4.5% and 9.1% infection rates were identified in children suffered from hematopoietic malignancy, adult cancer patients, renal transplant recipients, and HIV[+] cases, respectively. There was not significant correlation between the infection and age and gender [P>0.05]. Infection was most frequent among HIV[+] patients. The present study confirmed the high prevalence of Crytosporidium antigen in fecal samples of immunocompromised patients in the region. As no chemotherapeutic agents have yet proven, especially in immunosuppressed patients, therefore our results highlight the importance of preventive intervention in these groups

[Public awareness of diabetes mellitus in Ahvaz]

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important chronic diseases which is substantially increasing in the world especially in developing countries. Nowadays changes in life style, inadequate diabetic habits, sedentary life and obesity are among the most significant causes of type 2 diabetes. Increase in general population knowledge can greatly reduce the expansion of the disease and progression of its complications. The aim of the present study was determine population knowledge of diabetes mellitus in Ahvaz. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study on 400 visitors of Simorgh exhibition of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences which was held during the 10 days of Fajr in 2009 were the subjects of this study. Data were collected by a questionnaire and analyzed by chi-square test with SPSS. The awareness of diabetes amont Ahvazians was good in 36.8%, at intermediate level in 44.2% and weak in 19% of the subjects of the study. Average age of participants was 31years.Women's knowledge was more than men [P<0.001]. Married persons had more knowledge than unmarried [P<0.001]. With increasing in education level, knowledge on diabetes also increased. Housewives and official clerks had more knowledge than others. The presence of diabetic patients augmented the knowledge of other members of the family. Friends, acquaintances and relatives were the main source of information and the other sources, in descending order, were magazines and books, radio and TV and physicians. The results of this study suggest that the overall population's knowledge on diabetes is at an intermediate level. We conclude that although the population knowledge on diabetes is in an intermediate level, removing two factors of increasing age and presence of diabetic patients in the family from the study yields in an intensely reduced knowledge and thus it is required to get knowledge on diabetes from lower ages

[ effect of progressive muscular relaxation on quality of life in adolescents with epilepsy]

Epilepsy can causes some problems for epileptic child and adolescences that are negative effect on quality of life in these patients. relaxation was effective in reducing seizure frequency. Purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive muscular relaxation on quality of life in adolescents with epilepsy. This investigation is a quasi-experimental study. Twenty epileptic people were selected by goal-based sampling. Data were collected in start of research, 4 weeks late and past of intervention by interview, demographic questionnaire and Iranian version of the QOLIE-AD-48 questionnaire. Participants were asked to practice the technique 20 minutes daily at home for 4 weeks. findings had showed school performance had the highest score in quality of life [89.52] and attitude toward epilepsy had the least score in quality of life mean scores [22.5] of patients. Quality of life mean scores improved from 62.27 to 71.95 after intervention period [P<0.001]. All five domains of quality of life scores [epilepsy impact, memory- concentration, health perception, school performance and physical function] [P<0.001] enhanced after relaxation practice period but it was not significant for the mean scores of social support, stigma and attitude toward epilepsy. Findings showed effects of progressive muscular relaxation on improving quality of life of epileptic adolescents

Prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren in Ahvaz, Islamic Republic of Iran

The prevalence of asthma was determined in a random sample of schoolchildren in Ahvaz city, southwest Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood [ISAAC] protocol. The prevalence of ever wheeze and current wheeze was 11.1% and 7.4% among 1410 children aged 6-7 years [parent-reported] and 17.7% and 10.3% among 1450 children aged 13-14 years [self-reported]. The prevalence of ever asthma was significantly higher among 13-14-year-olds [9.8%] than 6-7-year-olds [6.8%] but no significant difference was found between males and females in either age group. Comparisons are made with other Iranian cities and international data

[ effect of apple vinegar on blood glucose control and lipid profile in rats]

Regarding the recent evidence suggesting the effect of apple vinegar on reduction of postprandial blood glucose, this study was carried out with the aim of determining the effect of apple vinegar on fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], and lipid profile in healthy and diabetic rats. 31 wistar male rats were assigned into 4 groups as follows: the healthy control, apple vinegar-fed healthy, diabetic control, and apple vinegar-fed diabetics. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in rats. The control groups received standard rat food, while the treatment groups received mixed 6% apple vinegar and standard rat food for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, HbA[1c] and lipid profile [total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol] were measured before and after the intervention. Fasting blood glucose did not change with the consumption of apple vinegar. However, HbA[1c] in diabetic group decreased significantly compared with pre-intervention [P<0.05] and control-diabetic group [P<0.05]. In healthy group with the uptake of apple vinegar, reduction of LDL [P<0.005], and increase of HDL [P<0.005] were observed compared to pre-intervention and with healthy control. In diabetic group with the uptake of apple vinegar significant reduction of TG [P<0.005] and significant increase of HDL [P<0.05] were observed compared to the control group. The results of this study showed that uptake of apple vinegar improve lipid profile in healthy and diabetic rats, and reduces HbA1c in diabetic rats

[Prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision in Khoozestan province, Iran]

To determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision in Khoozestan province in 2006. This population-based cross-sectional study included all residents of Khoozestan province during 2006. The study was designed according to World Health Organization recommendations. Sample size was calculated based on the distribution of the population of Khoozestan according to the national census and estimated rates of blindness. Sampling was performed via multi-stage clustered random method. Information was collected using a questionnaire, including general information and results of optometrists' and ophthalmologists' diagnoses. Initial data accumulation was performed at rural and urban health centres. Categorization of blindness and low vision was based on the International Classification of Diseases version 10 [ICD 10]. Overall, 6960 subjects with mean age of 24.7 +/- 18.3 years participated in the study [response rate 74.53%]. The prevalence of bilateral blindness and low vision among 5-year and older population were 1.3% and 2.6%, respectively with a significant positive trend with age [P<0.001] and no significant difference by sex and residential area. The leading causes of visual impairment included cataracts [39%], refractive errors [37.9%] and amblyopia [23.6%]. A minority of cases were due to trauma [1.3%] and surgical complications [1.9%]. It is estimated that there are 28537 cases of bilateral blindness and 105995 people with low vision in Khoozestan province. The prevalence of blindness and low vision in this province is in an average rate as compared to similar countries. We recommend performing similar studies throughout the country and reinforce the need for expansion of health programs on prevention and control of visual impairment. These studies are necessary for the appropriate design of Vision 2020 program in Iran