Analysis of familial aggregation, co-aggregation and association within person of myopia and four phenotypes of astigmatism based on a conditional model: tehran eye study

Background: To determine the familial aggregation, Coaggregation and within person association of myopia and four phenotypes of astigmatism by a conditional model in Tehran Eye Study

Materials and Methods: Myopia, Total, ATR, WTR and oblique astigmatism were studied through a population based, cross sectional study in 1326 siblings older than 5 years from 531 families with 2-4 siblings using stratified cluster random sampling from August to December 2002 in Tehran Eye Study

Results: Based on the conditional model and via Proc GENMOD SAS 9.1, the conditional odds ratios [95% confidence interval], that indicates conditional familial aggregation, for the total, WTR, ATR and oblique astigmatism and myopia were 1.16 [1.01-1.33], 1.59 [1.17-2.16], 1.77 [1.39-2.26], 2.12 [1.41-3.19] and 1.96 [1.72-2.24], respectively .On the other hand, conditional odds ratios that indicates within person association of two disease, for myopia and WTR, myopia and ATR, myopia and Oblique and at last myopia and total astigmatism were 5.74 [3.99-8.17], 3.41 [2.01-5.82], 4.6 [2.15-9.86] and 6.10 [4.76-7.82], respectively. Although no significant familial co-aggregation has been identified

Conclusion: Based on conditional model and after controlling for the confounders, this analysis yielded, a significant aggregation of four phenotypes of astigmatism and myopia, a large within person association and moderate but non-significant coaggregation of these disorders

[Knowledge translation: a model for research utilization]

The present study was aimed to design a knowledge transfer model that would provide a conceptual framework for linking the different components of a knowledge translation cycle. Such a theoretical model will enable us to organize and evaluate the current situation and design further studies on the transfer of research generated knowledge. This research, performed in 2006-7 in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, utilized two district methodologies: the first part was a narrative review with the goal of identifying the existing knowledge transfer models; the second part included focus group discussions to find out the views and opinions of researchers and decision-makers concerning the factors that promote or hinder knowledge translation within the health system. The two studies have provided the input for designing a "Knowledge Translation Cycle" with five domains: Knowledge Creation, Knowledge Transfer, Research Utilization, Question Transfer, and the context of University. Within each domain, the model includes two components [with the exception of the university context]. This model offers a theoretical basis for identifying the basic requirements and the linking mechanisms for the translation of knowledge

[HIV positive patients and utilization of dental health services]

To determine the level of dental health services utilization by HIV-positive patients. In this study we used a proportional random sampling method to select 230 HIV-positive patients from three HIV counseling centers. An anonymous questionnaire was completed for each patient. The total demand for dental services was 165. The rate of demand was 47.9% and the rate of utilization was estimated 75.9%. Most patients [56%] did not have insurance. Only 60% of these individuals notified the health workers of their HIV status. The most common reason for not demanding services was high cost, and the most common reason of non-utilization was the refusal by health workers to provide services. The main reason for not reporting the HIV-positive status was fear of rejection by the dentist. Inadequate insurance coverage and poverty might result in decreased access to dental health in HIV-positive individuals. In addition there is need to improve knowledge of HIV in dentists and change their attitudes and practices in order to increase utilization of dental services by HIV-positive patients