Distribution of ophthalmologists and optometrists in Islamic Republic of Iran and their associated factors

We aimed to determine the distribution of ophthalmic care providers and its correlation with health and socioeconomic status and health system indicators. Data were gathered from the Iran Medical Council and the Iranian Societies of Ophthalmology and Optometry. Concurrent indicators were collected from the Statistical Center of Iran and national studies. A population-adjusted number of combined ophthalmologists and optometrists was used as the main dependent variable. Optometrist/ophthalmologist ratio was 0.9. We had 1 ophthalmologist and 1 optometrist for every 40 000 and 45 000 individuals, respectively. We observed a direct correlation between the number of ophthalmologists, optometrists and life expectancy at the provincial level. Gross provincial income and expenditure and provincial literacy were correlated as well. Provincial unemployment had a negative correlation. Provincial hospital statistics and population density were also significantly correlated. The Islamic Republic of Iran has met the World Health Organization's desired per capita number of ophthalmologists and optometrists, but there is wide variation in their density

Mortality from pandemic influenza a [H1N1] in Iran

Due to worldwide spread of influenza A [H1N1] virus, the World Health Organization declared the first pandemic of influenza in four decades. This study aims to report the mortality from pandemic influenza A [H1N1] in Iran population and its epidemiologic and clinical characteristics up to December 21, 2009. The data were obtained from all provinces and reported to center for disease control of Ministry of Health and Medical Education [MOHME] of Iran through nationwide surveillance system for influenza A [H1N1] was implemented by MOHME since April 2009. Of 3672 confirmed cases of influenza A [H1N1] in Iran between 22 May and 21 December 2009, 140 [3.8%] deaths were reported, mostly in 15-65 year old [yo] age group [67%]. The highest admission mortality rate was in > 65 yo group [107 deaths/1000 hospitalized cases]. Of decedent patients, 54% had no long term condition or risk factor, 34% had one, 11% had two, and 1% had three. Diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, chronic respiratory diseases and hypertension were the most common underlying conditions. The most common clinical pictures of death were acute respiratory distress syndrome and viral pneumonia. Although 66% of decedent patients received oseltamivir, enough information was not available about time of onset of antiviral therapy. As death due to influenza A [H1N1] occurs in all age groups and in those with and without any predisposing factors, we recommend health policy makers to provide influenza vaccination for people with underlying conditions and respiratory hygiene for all people

[Molecular epidemiology, concepts and domains]

Molecular epidemiology is relatively a new scientific field that explores the epidemiological aspects of diseases using molecular techniques. Genetic epidemiology is a branch of molecular epidemiology that explores the expression of genes and the interactions between genes and environment. Moreover, molecular epidemiology is one of the best methods to address some specific issues such as: 1. Exploring how diseases such as HIV/AIDS had expanded among countries and in the world 2. Exploring the distribution of diseases in populations and tracking their transmission chains 3. Exploring the virulence of pathogens using molecular markers and linking their characteristics to the epidemiological indicators such as incidence and prevalence. In this paper written for general practitioners and medical experts, the applications of molecular epidemiology in public health and medicine by unfolding simple and practical examples have been discussed