ABSTRACT
Carotid ultrasound appears to be useful in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. In this study, we have assessed the carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] in a group of individuals without a history of cardiovascular events. A sample of 431subjects [189 [43.9%] males and 242 [56.1%] females] was obtained from an urban population using a stratified-cluster method in Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerosis disorder study. None of the subjects had a history of the cardiovascular event. Carotid artery duplex ultrasound was used to determine the CIMT in all subjects, and to identify those with an abnormal value [CIMT [+]; i.e., CIMT >/= 0.8 mm]. Dietary intake of participants was assessed using a questionnaire for 24-h dietary recall. The relationship between anthropometric, biochemical and dietary data and CIMT were assessed. The mean age of subjects was 48.7 +/- 8.0 years. Of the 431 patients, 118 [27.4%] were found to be CIMT [+]. Of the cardiovascular parameters assessed, only age [odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval [CI]], 1.11 [0.56-4.34]; P < 0.01] and male gender [OR [95% CI], 1.14 [0.63-2.23]; P < 0.05] were significant independent predictors of ultrasound defined CIMT. Crude and total energy adjusted intake were not associated with the presence of CIMT [+]. It appears that within a relatively young Iranian population of individuals without a history of cardiovascular event, the presence of CIMT [+] defined by duplex ultrasound cut-off value of >/= 0.8 mm, did not associate with several modifiable cardiovascular risk factors or measures of dietary intake
ABSTRACT
Objective [s]: The rising of risky injections has caused HIV infections epidemics among Intravenous Drug Users [IDUs]. So, high costs of HIV/AIDS care and low financial resources necessitate economic evaluation to choose the best decision to control HIV/AIDS. This study was conducted to determine cost-effectiveness of Methadone Maintenance Treatment [MMT] centers to prevent HIV infections among IDUs
Methods: In this study, we selected all seven MMT centers and their IDUs [n = 259]. We calculated all costs from government perspective. Mathematical models were used to estimate number of HIV cases averted from risky injecting behaviors changes
Results: Total cost of MMT centers was 204297.7 dollar and cost of HIV/AIDS care in no intervention scenario, was estimated 13942756.8 dollar. ICER was 109035.3 dollar per HIV case averted based on an estimated 126 HIV case averted. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that MMT intervention is cost-effective even in worst scenario and ICER varies from 39149.42 dollar to 290004.1 dollar per HIV case averted
Conclusion: Considering to high effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MMT centers, it is necessary to develop these centers in regional and national levels to cover the high risk people more