ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to identify the spatial distribution of tuberculosis and determine the TB control program parameters in the regions supervised by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2006-2012. METHODS: The present ecological study was performed on 1797 TB patients in Shiraz University in 2006-2012 which were recorded by health centers using TB Register software. The study data were collected through over-counting and analyzed using the SPSS statistical software (ver. 19). Besides, the maps were drawn by ArcGIS, version 10. RESULTS: The incidence rate of TB was 4.8 in 100,000 at the end of 2012. Success in treatment was adequate only in 2012 (89.7%). However, recovery of pulmonary TB was not adequate in any of the study years. In our study, the majority of the patients belonged to the 25-34 years age group that constitutes the active faction of the society. Moreover, the maps provided by GIS showed a high incidence rate of extra pulmonary TB in Firozabad Township during 7 years (2.7 in 100000 populations). CONCLUSION: Incidence of TB in the regions supervised by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences follows a specific pattern, which requires exclusive studies for further evaluation of the incidence determinatives in various environmental and social conditions.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cooperation of all health sectors and early diagnosis of the disease are the key factors for controlling tuberculosis. This study assesses the patterns of reported tuberculosis cases in Iran. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study. Tuberculosis cases were defined according to World Health Organization and Iran's national TB guidelines. Final data were prepared for analysis using SPSS16 software. RESULTS: Public hospitals, public and private outpatient clinics reported 4111 (39.1%), 3007 (28.6%) and 2839 (27%) cases of TB, respectively. The highest number of reported TB cases was from the public healthcare system. One third of TB cases were reported by private outpatient clinics. CONCLUSION: It is essential to make a plan such as public-private mix model in Iran. Because of high coverage of private physicians in our country and even in rural areas, it is quite necessary to involve private system in tuberculosis program.
ABSTRACT
The present study examined the effects of occupational exposure of a group of dentists to low levels of mercury. The study population consisted of 106 dentists and 94 general practitioners (referent group), from private and public clinics in Shiraz city. Subjects were requested to complete a questionnaire on demographic variables, suspicious symptoms of intoxication and work practices. Additionally, atmospheric and urinary concentrations of mercury were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy technique. The data were analysed by χ(2) test, independent sample t-test and multivariate logistic regression analysis, where applicable. Both groups were similar as far as most demographic and socioeconomic variables, but age and number of personal amalgam fillings, were concerned. Median of atmospheric concentration of mercury was found to be 3.35 µg/m(3). Likewise, the urinary concentration of mercury in dentists was estimated to be 3.16 µg/g creatinine. This value was significantly higher than that of the referent group. Similarly, analysis of the data revealed that neuropsychological, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and dermal symptoms were more prevalent in dentists. Our findings indicate that occupational exposure of dentists to mercury, even at low levels, is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of symptoms of intoxication.
