Analysis of mental health research in the Islamic Republic of Iran over 3 decades: a scientometric study

This study described the characteristics of mental health research from the Islamic Republic of Iran published from 1973-2002. Research articles in psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience published in local or international journals were drawn from IranPsych, a national database of research in mental health and related disciplines. Of 3113 articles, 21.8% appeared in international journals, but there was international collaboration among the authors in only 2.3%. There was a marked increase in the number of publications over time, especially in the last 5 years. Analysis of research areas showed a proportionate rise in neuroscience research and a decline in mental health service research. Our study provides an empirical basis for policy-making and strategy planning in the nation's mental health research

qualitative study of changes in supplying of illicit drugs in Bam during the first year after the earthquake

The study was designed to assess the changes in supplying of illicit drugs during the first year after Ban earthquake on December 2003. This qualitative research was conducted in Bam and the uillage of Baghchamak. Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and ethnographic observations were used. The sample included drug dependents, drug sellers, ordinary people, drug treatment providers and others key informants. The majority of respondants believed that opium purity has declined after the quake and its price with initial decrement has remained relatively similar to pre-quake level. They believed it still is easily available as it had been prior to the quake. The majority of respondents believed that the purity of heroin has also declined and its price and availability did not change significant. The solid majority believed that the supply of hashish and alcohol has not been changed. Most respondents believed that the intensity of current drug law enforcement in Bam is similar to pre-quake time. Implementing a unified policy and planning for drug abuse prevention and treatment programmers are suggested. A more serious action against heroin trafficking is also recommended

Status of mental health research concerning women in Iran over the past 3 decades

The purpose of this scientometric study was a quantitative analysis of mental health research concerning women in Iran. All scientific papers published in a 30year- period [1973-2002], in both national as well as international scientific journals, were brought into consideration for this study. Articles are indexed in the "Databank for Iranian Mental Health Researches [Iran Psych]. The articles in which the samples or the main subjects were females, considered as mental health in women. Authors assessed these studies for the following data: year of publication and language, specific fields and subject topics, research design, location of data collection, financial supports, gender and academic degree and the status of collaboration among authors. Out of 3031 articles, 239 [%7.9] were related to mental health in women. Most have been published in general medical journals and the overall trend of publications shows arise. The first authors in two - third of the articles were women and the most common area of research was psychology. The most common research topic was psychological factors affecting medical condition, especially gynecological and obstetrical problems. There were a few articles about old age female mental health or occupational mental health. There were no mental health professionals among the authors of 20% of the articles. It is suggested that collaboration should increase among mental health groups and other clinicians. Subject topics about women in rural area, health service, occupational mental health and elderly female need further research

Opioid use in patients presenting with pain in Zahedan, Islamic Republic of Iran

To study the prevalence and factors associated with opioid use in pain, 480 consecutive patients with a chief complaint of pain were interviewed at 10 clinics in Zahedan. The data were analysed in relation to 18 possible associated factors. The prevalence of opioid use was 28.5% in patients presenting with pain. There was no significant relation between opioid use and chronic pain [>/= 6 months], but there was a relationship with the following 5 factors: previous opioid use by friends [72.9% versus 20.4% without friends using], occupation [58.5% private sector employees/self-employed versus 17.4% housewives], cigarette smoking [60.8% versus 21.8% not smoking], consultation for a psychological problem [38.3% versus 23.3% without], and death of a spouse [60.0% versus 26.1% without]

[ bibliometric study of scientific mental health journals of Iran]

The aim of this project was to appraise the scientific mental health journals published in Iran and also to present a general profile of their characteristics. The journals evaluated in the study were published from 1990 to 2003. The scientific journals in the domain of mental health published in Iran and circulated until the implementation of this study were identified by library references, data banks, internet sites, and the editorial offices of the publications. The variables in the study were divided into three main groups: publication characteristics of the journals, distinctiveness of journals' license holders and personnel, and finally specificities of journals' contents. 23 out of 800 evaluated journals met the inclusionary criteria for this project. Less than 1/3 of the journals possess the official academic ranking of Publication Commission granted by Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology or Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education. None of these periodicals are indexed in any of the credible information banks. Nine journals did not have International Standard Serial Number [ISSN] and five journals had no English abstracts. Eleven journals were published by universities; five were published by governmental organizations and seven were funded by private organizations or scientific societies. During the study period, 1008 research articles were published in the journals. The average number of articles binded in each issue was 2.70[ +/- 1.2].The average number of articles in journals with official academic ranking certificate was higher than the journals without the certificate.There seems to be a relatively adequate number and variety of scientific mental health journals in the country,but too few articles are printed in them. For further progress in the upcoming years, the followings are suggested: quality improvement of the journals, more publication of indigenous research articles, publication of domestic periodicals in English, and indexing them on credible international information banks