Prevalence of refractive errors among primary school children in a tropical area, Southeastern Iran

Objective: To determine the prevalence of refractive errors among primary school children in Zahedan District, Southeastern Iran, as a tropical area. Methods: In this cross sectional study, a total of 400 students were selected randomly using multi-stage sampling technique. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent (SE) of -0.5 diopter (D) or more, hyperopia was defined as SE of +2.00 D or more and a cylinder refraction greater than 0.75 D was considered astigmatism. Anisometropia was defined as a difference of 1 D or more between two eyes. Cycloplegic refractive status was measured using auto-refractometer (Topcon 8800). Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22 software program. Results: Mean ± SD of SE was (1.71 ± 1.16) D. A total of 20 students [6.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.96%-9.64%] were myopic (≤ -0.5 D), 186 students (58.1%, 95% CI: 52.50%-63.56%) were hyperopic (≥ +2.00 D) and 114 students (35.6%, 95% CI: 30.43%-41.18%) were emmetropic. The prevalence of astigmatism (≥ 0.75 D) among students was 3.4% (95% CI: 1.82%-6.25%). Anisometropia of 1 D or more was found in 21.3% (95% CI: 16.98%-26.23%) of the studied population. The prevalence of refractive errors was higher among girls than boys (73.1% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.001), but it was not significantly different among different age groups (P = 0.790). Conclusions: Refractive errors affect a sizable portion of students in Zahedan. Although myopia is not very prevalent, the high rate of hyperopia in the studied population emphasizes its need for attention.

Scorpion fauna and epidemiological aspects of scorpionism in southeastern Iran

Objective: To identify the scorpion fauna and classify the epidemiological aspects of scorpionism in an endemic region, Southeast Iran. Methods: Scorpionism data were collected from health centers and hospitals in Sistan-Baluchestan Province during 2010-2011. Specimens were collected at night, using UV light, between May and October 2012.Results:Five species including Odontobuthus odonturus, Hottentotta (Buthotus) jayakari, Compsobuthus matthiesseni, Scorpio maurus and Orthochirus scrobiculosus are reported for the first time from this area. Androctonus crassicauda was the dominant species. In total, 3638 scorpion sting cases were recorded by health system, the majority of which were females. Stings mostly occurred in July and the age group of 15-24 years presented the highest frequency. Scorpionism decreased during 2011 compared with that in 2010 (68.2%). In total, 246 scorpions were collected from two families (Buthidae and Scorpionidae). Conclusions: Based on the results, scorpionism is a serious health problem in this area and increasing knowledge of residents regarding the prevention methods of scorpion stings is recommended. Additional research on the scorpion fauna, their ecological and molecular variety in this part of the country is needed as well as the correlation between scorpions’ species and the clinical signs and symptoms.

Scorpion fauna and epidemiological aspects of scorpionism in southeastern Iran

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the scorpion fauna and classify the epidemiological aspects of scorpionism in an endemic region, Southeast Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Scorpionism data were collected from health centers and hospitals in Sistan-Baluchestan Province during 2010-2011. Specimens were collected at night, using UV light, between May and October 2012.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In total, 246 scorpions were collected from two families (Buthidae and Scorpionidae). Five species including Odontobuthus odonturus, Hottentotta (Buthotus) jayakari, Compsobuthus matthiesseni, Scorpio maurus and Orthochirus scrobiculosus are reported for the first time from this area. Androctonus crassicauda was the dominant species. In total, 3 638 scorpion sting cases were recorded by health system, the majority of which were females. Stings mostly occurred in July and the age group of 15-24 years presented the highest frequency. Scorpionism decreased during 2011 compared with that in 2010 (68.2%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Based on the results, scorpionism is a serious health problem in this area and increasing knowledge of residents regarding the prevention methods of scorpion stings is recommended. Additional research on the scorpion fauna, their ecological and molecular variety in this part of the country is needed as well as the correlation between scorpions' species and the clinical signs and symptoms.</p>