Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of hypertension among adults: a cross-sectional study in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Considering the importance of this disease for public health, this study was designed in order to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of HTN in the Iranian adult population.@*METHODS@#This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,107 residents of Isfahan, Iran. Samples were selected through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 2015-2016. The outcome variable was HTN, determined by measuring blood pressure in the right arm via a digital arm blood pressure monitor. Awareness, treatment, and control of HTN were assessed by a validated and reliable researcher-developed questionnaire. Other demographic and clinical variables were assessed via a demographic questionnaire.@*RESULTS@#The overall prevalence of HTN was 17.3% (18.9 and 15.5% in men and women, respectively). The prevalence of HTN increased in both genders with age. The prevalence of awareness of HTN among people with HTN was 69.2%, of whom 92.4 and 59.9% were taking medication for HTN and had controlled HTN, respectively. Logistic regression identified age, body mass index, having diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and a positive family history of HTN as determinants of awareness of HTN.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results showed that HTN was highly prevalent in the community, especially in men and in middle-aged and older adults. Approximately 30.8% of patients were unaware of their disease, and there was less awareness among younger adults. Despite the high frequency of taking medication to treat HTN, it was uncontrolled in more than 40.1% of patients. Health policy-makers should therefore consider appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies for these high-risk groups.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of hypertension among adults: a cross-sectional study in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Considering the importance of this disease for public health, this study was designed in order to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of HTN in the Iranian adult population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,107 residents of Isfahan, Iran. Samples were selected through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 2015-2016. The outcome variable was HTN, determined by measuring blood pressure in the right arm via a digital arm blood pressure monitor. Awareness, treatment, and control of HTN were assessed by a validated and reliable researcher-developed questionnaire. Other demographic and clinical variables were assessed via a demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HTN was 17.3% (18.9 and 15.5% in men and women, respectively). The prevalence of HTN increased in both genders with age. The prevalence of awareness of HTN among people with HTN was 69.2%, of whom 92.4 and 59.9% were taking medication for HTN and had controlled HTN, respectively. Logistic regression identified age, body mass index, having diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and a positive family history of HTN as determinants of awareness of HTN. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that HTN was highly prevalent in the community, especially in men and in middle-aged and older adults. Approximately 30.8% of patients were unaware of their disease, and there was less awareness among younger adults. Despite the high frequency of taking medication to treat HTN, it was uncontrolled in more than 40.1% of patients. Health policy-makers should therefore consider appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies for these high-risk groups.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of hypertension among adults: a cross-sectional study in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Considering the importance of this disease for public health, this study was designed in order to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of HTN in the Iranian adult population.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,107 residents of Isfahan, Iran. Samples were selected through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 2015-2016. The outcome variable was HTN, determined by measuring blood pressure in the right arm via a digital arm blood pressure monitor. Awareness, treatment, and control of HTN were assessed by a validated and reliable researcher-developed questionnaire. Other demographic and clinical variables were assessed via a demographic questionnaire.RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HTN was 17.3% (18.9 and 15.5% in men and women, respectively). The prevalence of HTN increased in both genders with age. The prevalence of awareness of HTN among people with HTN was 69.2%, of whom 92.4 and 59.9% were taking medication for HTN and had controlled HTN, respectively. Logistic regression identified age, body mass index, having diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and a positive family history of HTN as determinants of awareness of HTN.CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that HTN was highly prevalent in the community, especially in men and in middle-aged and older adults. Approximately 30.8% of patients were unaware of their disease, and there was less awareness among younger adults. Despite the high frequency of taking medication to treat HTN, it was uncontrolled in more than 40.1% of patients. Health policy-makers should therefore consider appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies for these high-risk groups.

Effects of a lifestyle modification program on knowledge, attitude and practice of hypertensive patients with angioplasty: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: lack of knowledge, attitude and practice are some of the barriers of having a healthy lifestyle and controlling high blood pressure. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a lifestyle modification program on knowledge, attitude and practice of hypertensive patients with angioplasty

Methods: this study was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted from November to April 2014 on 60 hypertensive patients with angioplasty in Shahid Chamran hospital of Isfahan, Iran. The samples were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Data collection was performed in three stages by a researcher-made questionnaire. The intervention plan was 6 education sessions and then follow up were done by phone call. The gathered data were analyzed via SPSS [V.20], using t-test, Chi-square, repeated measurement, and post hoc LSD test and ANOVA statistics

Results: the mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice in the experimental group immediately after the intervention was 77.8+/-7.2, 88.3+/-6.4 and 86.2+/-6.5, respectively and one month after the intervention was 80.8+/-7.4, 91.1+/-3.5 and 92.5+/-2.2, respectively. But in the control group, the mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice immediately after the intervention [34.90+/-11.23, 61.11+/-6.28, and 38.64+/-7.15] and one month after the intervention was [38.64+/-7.15, 59.56+/-6.31 and 37.27+/-7.26

Conclusion: lifestyle modification program can be effective in promoting the knowledge, attitude and practice of hypertensive patients with angioplasty. Nurses can use this program in their care provision programs for these patients

Genotyping of echinococcus gtanulosus isolates from human clinical samples based on sequencing of mitochondrial genes in Iran, Tehran

The present study was aimed to investigate molecular diversity of Echinococcus gmnulosus isolates collected from human clinical samples using two mitochondrial genes cox1 and nod1 in Iran. Forty seven human hydatid cysts were collected through surgery from two hospitals in Tehran during 2010-2012. To determine the fertility of protoscoleces, the cyst fluids were subjected to morphological microscopic examinations. Protoscoleces were removed from each cyst and their total genomic DNAs were extracted. PCR was performed to amplify fragments of 450 and 400 base pair [bp] for cox1 and nod1 genes, respectively. Genotype diversity and sequence variation of the strains were studied by bioinformatics software and in comparison with those mtDNA sequences already dposited in GenBank. Sixteen, [53.3%], 13 [43.3%], and 1 [3.3%] samples were related to lung, liver, and spleen, respectively. The remained 17 unfertile samples were excluded from the study. From the 29 isolates, 86.7% [n=26] and 10% [n=3] were related to G1, and G3 genotypes, respectively. The sole isolate with G6 genotype was obtained from lung sample. Analysis of concatenated sequences of cox1+nad1 indicated the presence of 11 haplotypes among our strains that were related to genotypes G1 [n=9], G3 [n=1] and G6 [n=1]. In consistent to other reports from Iran, genotypes G1, G3, and G6 were observed in our human isolates. The rate of G3 genotype was however higher than other studies implying that human can be considered as a new appropriate host for G3 genotype. Further studies with more sample size from different geographic areas of Iran are needed for E. granulosus mapping

Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency in infants with neonatal cholestasis

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency [A1ATD] is the most important indication for liver transplantation in children. The gene frequencies vary in different ethnic groups. In the present study, we attempt to determine the frequencies of the most common defective alleles, Z and S, in Iranian children suffering from idiopathic neonatal cholestasis. Eighty-seven infants were typed for Z and S alleles. In a single center study, 87 consecutive liver biopsies from infants with cholestasis were reviewed and patients with neonatal cholestasis enrolled in the study and cases with confirmed biliary tract atresia excluded. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded blocks were used for DNA extraction. AAT genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay and amplification of the two most common deficiency variants, S and Z alleles, and then sequencing of PCR products. There were 48 [55.2%] males and 39 [44.8%] females, with a median age of 60 days. Out of 87 of the study subject, 2 [2.2%] were heterozygous for the S allele, and no ZZ, SS or MZ individual was found in the patients. No other polymorphism was found in the sequencing results. In comparison to other populations, AAT deficiency seems not to be an important etiologic factor for neonatal cholestatic liver disease in Iran; however, further studies are recommended to estimate the true mutant gene frequencies

Migraine and its relationship with dietary habits in women

Migraine is defined as a chronic disabling condition which influences all physical, mental, and social dimensions of quality of life. Some 12-15% of the world population suffers from migraine. The disease is more common among women. The onset, frequency, duration, and severity of migraine attacks may be affected by other predisposing factors including nutrition. Therefore, determining these factors can greatly assist in identification and development of its prevention. Considering the importance of nutrition in maintaining and promoting health and preventing diseases, the present study was conducted to determine the relationship between headaches and nutritional habits [frequency and type of consumed foods] of women suffering from migraine. This analytical case-control study was conducted on 170 women [in two groups of 85] selected by convenient sampling for the case group and random sampling for the control group. Data collection tool was a 3-section questionnaire including personal information, headache features, and nutritional habits. The questionnaire was completed in an interview performed by the researcher. The data was then analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistical tests [frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation] and inferential tests [chi-square, independent t, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman's correlation tests]. The results demonstrated a significant relationship between headache and some food items including proteins, carbohydrates, fat, fruits and vegetables. To be more precise, there were significant relationships between headaches and the frequency of consumption of red meat [p = 0.01], white meat [p = 0.002], cereals [p = 0.0005], vegetables [p = 0.009], fruits [p = 0.0005], salad dressing [p = 0.03], and eggs [p = 0.001]. Moreover, a significant relationship existed between headache and type of consumed oil, meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables [p < 0.05]. It is necessary to put more emphasis on the significance of correcting dietary patterns in order to prevent headache attacks and reduce the complications arising from drug consumption in migraine patients. Social and economical efficiency of the patients will thus be enhanced.

effects of reflexology on chronic low back pain intensity in nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Humans have been involved with the phenomena of pain and pain relief from the ancient times. Back pain is the most common pain. In fact, eight out of ten people experience it in their lifetime. However, individuals with specific jobs, including nurses, are faced with this problem more. Nursing is in the top ten careers suffering from the most severe musculoskeletal injuries. There are non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments to relieve back pain. One of the non-medical treatments of pain is called reflexology which is a branch of complementary and alternative therapies. This research has been conducted to investigate the effect of reflexology on chronic low back pain intensity. This study was a double-blind clinical trial. The study population consisted of 50 female and male nurses suffering from chronic low back pain working in hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The participants were divided into two groups of reflexology and non-specific massage. A questionnaire was completed through interviews and a 40 minute sessions of interventions were performed three times a week for two weeks. Pain intensity was measured by Numerical Analogue Scale for pain before and after the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent t-test and chi-square test, were used to analyze the data. The results showed a significantly higher reduction in pain intensity scores in the reflexology group after the intervention as compared with the non-specific massage group. However, the non-specific massage was also significantly effective in reducing pain. Reflexology can be effective in reducing the severity of chronic back pain, i.e. it is able to reduce pain from moderate to mild. Thus, this technique is recommended to be performed by nurses as a complementary therapy in patient care.

effect of a care program on pain intensity of cancer patients who underwent surgery and hospitalized in Sayyed-Al-Shohada Hospital of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2011

One of the most frequent issues nurses encounter with after or during cancer-related surgeries is pain. For postoperative pain relief, different nonpharmacologic interventions, such as nurse-patient communication, mental support, preoperative education, and consultation can be used. Doing such interventions may decrease postoperative pain. However, the research results regarding the effect of such measurements on pain intensity is contradictory. So in this research study the effect of a pain management plan on pain intensity after cancer surgery was assessed. The present study is a pre- and posttest case and control clinical trial, which was conducted in Sayyed- Al-Shohada Hospital of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2011. Care program consisted of pain education, communication with the patient, and pain measurement. Seventy patients were sampled based on the inclusion criteria and randomly assigned in 2 groups. Data were collected using American Pain Society-patient outcome questionnaire, which measured pain intensity. In the experimental group, the mean score of pain intensity before surgery and in the first 12-24 h after surgery was less than the control group. Also comparing pain intensity mean differences before and in the first 12 h, before and in the first 24 h indicated that the experimental group had lower scores than the control group, but these differences were not statistically significant. In both the groups, in the first 24 h following surgery the mean score of pain intensity decreased significantly. Results of the present research study suggested that a nursing pain management program consisting consultation, education, and pain assessment may have a clinical effect on cancer patient pain intensity following surgery. However, these results were not statistically significant. This might be due to the limited sample size as well as conducting the program in a short period of time. It is recommended that effects of such a program on the pain intensity will be examined further with a larger sample and in a longer period of time.