---

Background: Funnel plot is a graphical tool for investigating publication bias in meta-analysis studies. The aim of this study is to introduce another application of funnel plot that is monitoring one of the Iranian family performance indices and determining the position of each health center of Markazi province in terms of patient referral rates by general practitioners to specialists and to compare it with bar and caterpillar plots.

Materials and Methods: In order to draw the funnel plot, the average monthly percent of referrals for each district of Markazi province in 2011 was computed. In this study, Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education standard figure of 10% was considered as the limit of referral to the second level of Iranian health services. The 99% confidence interval of the control limit for each district was computed according to 3 standard deviations of the percent of referrals relative to the total patient visits.

Results: Based on funnel plot results, five out of ten districts were in the expected range of referral (Ashtian, Saveh, Tafresh, Khomein, and Komijan). However, in other five districts, the referral rate was greater than the expected rate (Arak, Shazand, Zarandiyeh, Delijan, and Mahallat). Mahallat district had the highest rate of referral.

Conclusion: The funnel plot was more informative than the other two plots Thus, it can be viewed as a useful tool in monitoring health programs throughout the country.

---

Background and Aim: AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a deadly disease that affects the human immune system. This study evaluated the Quality of Life (QoL) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients in Markazi Province .
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020-2021 in Markazi Province . The World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaire was used to determine the QoL in HIV patients. This questionnaire includes the physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationship, environment, and spirit. Statistical analysis was performed in STATA software. 
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1398.008).
Results: A total of 126 people with HIV were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 40.4±10.2 years. The mean score of each of the physical domains was 14.4±3.3, psychological 11.7±3.2, independence 13.3±3.8, social relationships 11.2±3.1, environment 0.8±0.3 10, spiritual was 13.2±3.3, and total QoL score was 12.1±2.6. In multivariate linear regression analysis, socioeconomic status and history of imprisonment significantly predicted higher scores of overall qualities of life.
Conclusion: The total score of QoL in people with HIV in Markazi Province is average. Among the factors affecting it are gender, socioeconomic status, and history of imprisonment. It is suggested that QoL assessment of these patients be added to their care protocols to take effective measures to improve it.