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Showing 25 results for Covid-19

Mozhgan Hashemieh,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract

Background and Aim: In December 2019, the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, China, and then spread rapidly around the world, such that the World Health Organization reported it as a pandemic. This study aims to review the epidemiological findings, transmission methods, clinical manifestations, radiological symptoms, prognosis and treatment of COVID-19 in children, as well as the differences caused by the virus between children and adults.
Methods & Materials: The search was conducted in databases such as PubMod, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar using the keywords “COVID-19”, “Coronavirus”, “Children”, and “Pandemic”.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical principles have been observed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results: Most of the data related to COVID-19 are related to the course of this disease in adults and related information for children is limited. Most findings suggested that the course of the disease is milder in children and the infection caused by the virus has a better prognosis in children. Due to the mild clinical symptoms in children, many of them are not diagnosed in the early stages of the infection. With the increase in the number of cases worldwide, the prevalence of this disease in children is certainly increasing.
Conclusion: COVID-19 has milder clinical symptoms and a better prognosis in children. Today, no vaccine or antiviral drug has been developed for this disease; hence, prevention is the best solution.

Sajjad Tezerji, Fatemeh Nazari Robati,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract

Background and Aim: Food security at individual, family, national, regional and global levels can be achieved when all people at all times have physical and economic access to adequate and healthy food to meet their nutritional needs and priorities for a healthy and active life. This study aims to investigate the status of food security and its related socioeconomic factors in households during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-9) pandemic in Kerman, Iran.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 households selected randomly from five comprehensive health centers in five districts of Kerman city in Iran. A demographic/socioeconomic questionnaires and the Persian version of the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey (HFSS) were used for collecting data.
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles are considered in this article. The participants were informed about the purpose of the research and its implementation stages. They were also assured about the confidentiality of their information and were free to leave the study whenever they wished, and if desired, the research results would be available to them.
Results: There was a significant relationship between the socioeconomic factors (household size, house size, and number of amenities) and the food security. There correlation between the household size and food security was positive (R= 0.142, P<0.001), while the correlation of house size (R= -0.093, P<0.005) and number of amenities (R= -0.73, P<0.001) with food security was negative.
Conclusion: By increasing the awareness of people and improving their economic situation, it is possible to improve the food security situation of households in Kerman city.

Amir Hossein Ahmadi Hekmatikar, Mahdieh Molanouri Shamsi,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract

Background and Aim: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), as a viral disease, has increasingly highlighted the need for lifelong exercise due to its immunological and physiological effects is necessary on health. In this review study, while examining the effects of moderate-intensity exercise on the physiological and immunological responses associated with COVID-19, appropriate exercise patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic are presented.
Methods & Materials: In this study, the search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, ISC, PubMed, Google Scholar, MagIran, and Noor databases on related articles using the following keywords: coronavirus, COVID-19, exercise and coronavirus, exercise and immune system, high-intensity exercise and immune system.
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles in writing this article have been observed according to the instructions of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results: Moderate-intensity exercise can help boost the function of the immune system. On the other hand, high-intensity exercise can have negative effects on the immune system, which can be a bad strategy increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
Results Moderate-intensity exercise can help boost the function of the immune system. On the other hand, high-intensity exercise can have negative effects on the immune system, which can be a bad strategy increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
Conclusion: Due to the onset of the second wave of COVID-19 in the world, it is recommended to continue to exercise at home observing the hygiene rules (maintaining humidity and disinfecting environmental surfaces) and using appropriate intensity and duration.

Mohammad Rahmanian, Ali Reza Kamali, Hadi Mosalanezhad, Mahdi Foroughian, Navid Kalani, Naser Hatami, Mohammad Heidarnezhad, Esmaeal Rayatdoost, Samaneh Abiri,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract

Background and Aim: The recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a lot of stress and anxiety in the world. Given that health care workers are at the forefront of fighting against COVID-19, they are the first to be exposed to this disease.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 402 medical and administrative staff working in hospitals and health centers affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in 2020. Data collection tools were a demographic form and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS).
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Vice-Chancellor for Research of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.JUMS.REC.1399.046).
Results: The mean score of psychological symptoms of anxiety in the medical staff (46.91) was higher than in the administrative staff (42.63). Its physical symptoms were also higher in the clinical staff (12.80) compared to the administrative staff (10.94). There was a significant difference between the clinical and administrative staff in terms of anxiety (P=0.030).
Conclusion: Medical staff has higher psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety compared to the non-medical staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, in order to reduce the anxiety of medical staff, health policymakers should take the necessary measures to take care of this group.

Said Ariapooran, Marzieh Amirimanesh,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract

Background and Aim: Nurses experience many psychological problems during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak, and compare these problems in nurses based on gender, educational level, marital status and department.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive study conducted on 312 nurses working in hospitals in Malayer, Iran. who were selected using census method. They completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Scale for Suicidal Ideation questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) were used to analyze the collected data in SPSS v. 24 software.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Malayer University (Code: IR.MALAYERU.REC.1399.002).
Results: It was reported that 15.38% of nurses had moderate-to-severe depression; 46.47% had moderate-to-severe anxiety, 27.56% had plans for suicide, and 9.94% had active suicidal desire. The results of MANCOVA showed that depression (P=0.009) and anxiety (P=0.001) in female nurses was significantly higher than in male nurses. Depression and suicidal ideation of nurses with bachelor’s degree were higher compared to nurses with master’s degree (P=0.01). Anxiety and suicidal ideation of single nurses were higher compared to married nurses (P=0.01). Nurses in the emergency department (P=0.03), ICU/CCU (P=0.04) were more anxious than the pre-hospital emergency nurses.
Conclusion: Prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in nurses during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Iran is high. Therefore, it is recommended to use psychological therapies to reduce their depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation during the outbreak.
Roya Rashidpouraie, Mohammad Nader Sharifi, Mina Rashidpouraei,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract

Background and Aim: Abortion has always posed challenges in the areas of ethics, law, religion, philosophy, and reproductive health. Some countries have had different approaches to abortion at different times. Today, abortion is a major challenge in Iran. Social developments and increasing level of health literacy, awareness and participation of women in social and economic fields have led to incompatibility of theoretical and practical aspects in these areas. Women sometimes have abortions without attention to the national law. In Iran, the reasons for legal abortion are the life-threatening conditions of the mother and the fetus. During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some countries have revised their abortion laws and regulations. In some countries, such as France and Finland, these revisions are permanent; in countries such Portugal and Norway, the changes are temporary; and in other countries such as Germany and Belgium, it is unclear whether the changes are permanent or temporary. In this study, we aim to review the abortion laws and regulations in Europe and Iran. Then, by discussing the new guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluate the effects and consequences of this pandemic on abortion. 
Methods & Materials: The search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar as well as national databases such as SID, MagIran, and IranMedex on studies published from 2002 to 2020 using the following keywords:Abortion, illegal abortion, induced abortion, and COVID-19. Due to the onset of SARS-COV1 epidemic in 2002, all articles published between these two outbreaks were searched.
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles were observed in this article.
Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, some European countries revised the abortion laws and regulations, mostly due to realize the reproductive health right. It seems that, this revision has not yet been taken place in Iran.
Conclusion: With the emergence of COVID-19, some countries had revised their abortion laws and regulations to reduce unsafe abortions. It seems that during the Covid19 pandemic, due to changes in lifestyle such as social distancing and economic and social lockdowns, it needs to revise medical laws and regulations in health-oriented and time-dependent areas (such as abortion) so that the principles of medical ethics such as beneficence and maleficent, can be applied. Having COVID-19 and consequently abortion during the pandemic is one of the most challenging issues that should be addressed in terms of ethical, jurisprudential and legal aspects. Development of regulations based on ethical principles during the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary to prevent illegal and unsafe abortions.
Seyed Mohammadreza Alavizadeh, Mojgan Sepah Mansour, Mostafa Nokani, Somaye Entezari, Mehrdad Sabet, Mohammadreza Seirafi, Roxana Kaekhaneh, Amirshahab Shahabi,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (9-2021)
Abstract

Background and Aim: The World Health Organization has recently identified COVID-19 as a pandemic. The outbreak of the disease has caused many people around the world to become extremely frightened and they show phobic signs. The purpose of the present study was to develop and normalize of Germophobia Questionnaire (GPQ).
Methods & Materials: The participants were 113 individuals (74-female) of the Iranian population. They completed the GPQ and Y-BOCS.
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles and privacy policies of the results informed the participants. This study was approved in the second session of the Psychological Committee of the Islamic Azad University of Tehran’s province in March 2020.
Results: The results illustrate that the GPQ has acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (a=0.67), reliability coefficients with split-half (0.72), and one-week test-retest (r=0.73); in addition, the GPQ demonstrate moderate convergent validity with contamination obsessions checklist of Y-BOCS (r=0.44) as a convergent coefficient; and finally, the exploratory factor analysis indicates three-factors of the GPQ. 
Conclusion: Based on these findings, the GPQ has acceptable and good psychometric properties; researchers can use the GPQ as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the germophobia levels in epidemic and pandemic crises like COVID-19.
Morteza Ghasemi, Hamidreza Jamilian, Mansoureh Nourizadeh Ab-Barik,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (9-2021)
Abstract

Background and Aim: The main purpose of this study was to compare the metacognitive beliefs of people with hypochondriasis Covid 19 and normal people.
Methods & Materials: In this research, the causal-comparative method has been used. The statistical population of the study included all people with hypochondriasis disorder Covid 19 in Arak, based on this, 30 people from the population with this disorder and 30 people from the normal population were selected by available sampling method and based on Age and education were matched. Data were collected based on the short form of the 1997 Wells Metacognition Questionnaire (MCQ-30). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze the data.
Ethical Considerations: The present study has been registered with the code IR.IAU.ARAK.REC.1399.036 in the ethics committee of Islamic Azad University Arak branch. 
Results: There was a significant difference between metacognitive beliefs in patients with hypochondriasis covid 19 and normal individuals (P<0.001). These patients were significantly different from normal individuals in the components of positive beliefs about worry, negative beliefs about thought control, self-awareness, cognitive uncertainty, and the need to control thoughts. And in the components of positive beliefs about anxiety, negative beliefs. They got higher scores on controlling thoughts and cognitive self but on the components of cognitive uncertainty and the need to control thoughts compared to normal people.
Conclusion: Hypochondriasis disorder causes many problems for the individual and the health system, so by recognizing the dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs of these patients, metacognitive therapy can be an effective treatment for this disorder.
Fatemeh Samimi, Reza Azizi, Farideh Jalali Mashayekhi,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (11-2021)
Abstract

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a new member of the coronavirus family causing acute respiratory infection. Patients with COVID-19 have a higher risk of developing oxidative stress during this infection. Moreover, the virus induces ROS production that activates cellular pathways for viral replication. 
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is a crucial transcription factor in cellular antioxidant defense by mediating Virus-induced oxidative stress and ROS production. This article suggests that an Nrf2 activator may be beneficial in preventing oxidative stress development in COVID-19 patients. Coronaviruses are a significant group of viruses that cause different illnesses in humans and animals. These illnesses can range from the common cold to more severe diseases such as SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and COVID-19. COVID-19 is a new viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). 
The main symptoms of COVID-19-infected patients are fever, dry cough, fatigue, and sometimes respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, sore throat, and infection [1]. 
Fatemeh Mohammadi, Maryam Nikrou, Kimia Sadeghi, Farid Askarifard, Mohammad Sayyadi,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract

Background and Aim Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disorder that can affect many body systems, including the hemostatic system. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of hemostatic system and the blood coagulation in COVID-19.
Methods & Materials In this review study, the articles were searched using the keywords COVID-19, Respiratory infection, and Coagulopathy in Google Scholar, PubMed, Google Springer and Science Direct databases.
Ethical Considerations Ethical principles in writing this article were observed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Results Many changes in the coagulation profile of infected patients were reported, including changes in the platelet count, fibrinogen/fibrin degradation product, D-Dimer, fibrinogen, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time. With the increase in the number of patients with COVID-19, several studies found out the occurrence of thrombosis and coagulopathy in patients.
Conclusion Due to the increase in the occurrence of coagulation disorders in patients with COVID-19, the administration of anticoagulants is needed for their treatment; it can play an effective role in improving the prognosis of patients.

Javad Sarvmeili,
Volume 25, Issue 3 (8-2022)
Abstract

Background and Aim So far, extensive research has been conducted on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and its disease in different regions of the world. The aim of these studies is to present practical findings and suggestions about more familiarity with the characteristics of this virus, including its structural and genetic characteristics, origin of genesis, evolution, genomic changes, biological cycle and pathological function, that can be used to adopt efficient strategies in controlling and treating the pandemic.
Methods & Materials In order to perform genomic analysis, the complete sequence of the desired coronaviruses with accession numbers obtained from GenBank or GISAID was stored from databases such as NCBI and BV-BRC, and then the sequences were aligned with Workbench CLC Main software. In the next step, the phylogenetic tree was drawn by Neighbor-Joining method with 1000 repetitions (bootstrap) by MEGA X software and FigTree version 1.4.4 was used to display the tree more clearly. 
Ethical Considerations All ethical principles in writing this article have been observed according to the instructions of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results In the current study, mutations and the effect they may have on transmissibility, pathogenicity and vaccine effectiveness, molecular features, epidemiology and the place of emergence of coronaviruses, focusing on variant of concern (VOC) including alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), gamma (P.1), delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) are presented.
Conclusion The occurrence of mutations and continuous evolution have led to the rapid and simultaneous emergence of different variants, each of these changes can contribute to the escape of therapeutic methods such as neutralizing antibodies (Nab) and convalescent plasma, as well as reducing the effectiveness of vaccines. Therefore, increasing monitoring for documentation, understanding the spread of different lineages and more detailed study of these mutations in identifying variants and effectively dealing with them is of great importance.

Farzin Bagheri Sheykhangafshe, Fereshteh Rezazadeh Khalkhali,
Volume 25, Issue 5 (12-2022)
Abstract

Ryu S, Nam HJ, Jhon M, Lee JY, Kim JM, Kim SW. Trends in suicide deaths before and after the COVID-19 outbreak in Korea. PLoS One
Zeinab Safdari, Saeed Moosavi Pour, Zabih Pirani,
Volume 25, Issue 6 (3-2023)
Abstract

Introduction: The outbreak of covid-19 caused an impact on the process of education in schools and universities. Therefore, the current research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of virtual education based on interactive multimedia, video and educational factor on the learning rate and cognitive load of students in the conditions of covid-19 postgraduate students.
Methods: The method of the present research was quasi-experimental. The statistical population of the research included all master's students in the field of educational sciences in the course of research methods in the academic year 2019-1400, in the number of 36 people who were present in three different classes.
Results: The statistical sample also included a census of the research population, 36 people who were randomly assigned to three groups of interactive multi-media based education (9 people), film-based education (16 people) and training agent (11 people) And they responded to PASS (1994) cognitive questionnaire. To analyze the data, univariate covariance analysis was used through SPSS-23 statistical software. This research was reviewed in Islamic Azad University - Arak Unit and approved with the ethics code IR.IAU.ARAK.REC.1401.096. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and they were assured that their information would be confidential
Conclusions: The results showed that there is a significant difference in learning variables and cognitive load between each of the interactive multimedia groups and the video with the educational factor compared to the traditional group, with an error level of 0.05, and these groups performed better in learning variables and cognitive load. It can be said that virtual education based on interactive multimedia and video can be used to increase learning and cognitive load and cause students' academic progress.

Dr Majid Gholami-Ahangaran, Dr Maryam Karimi-Dehkordi,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract

Introduction: Coronaviruses are mainly the cause of respiratory disease in humans, and among the known species, the coronaviruses that cause SARS, MERS, and Covid 19 cause severe respiratory disease. So far, no specific treatment has been found for these diseases. Considering the beneficial effects of medicinal plants as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, the use of herbal compounds can be effective in mild infection of coronaviruses.
Methods: PubMed database was used to search for articles containing the terms coronavirus, SARS, MERS, as well as human and herbal medicine. The inclusion criteria were all full articles with the mentioned keywords and the exclusion criteria were summary articles and articles presented in conferences. A total of 36 articles on human coronaviruses were found. Most of the studies were about SARS (SARS-CoV) with 26 articles (72.22%). Two articles (5.55%) were found about Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and only one article (2.77%) about MERS (MERS-CoV). It should be noted that one study included SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV and six studies (16.66%) also investigated SARS, MERS and Covid-19 at the same time. Ethical principles have been respected in writing the article, according to the instructions of the National Ethics Committee and COPE regulations.
Results: Some medicinal plants have been identified with effective antiviral activity against SARS, MERS, and Covid-19 coronaviruses, including green tea, cinnamon, licorice, cure, sage, chives, rhubarb, nettle, and blackberry. Considering that these medicinal plants have already been used with different therapeutic effects in the human medicinal pharmacopoeia, it is recommended to conduct clinical trials on humans in order to achieve an effective dose against common human coronaviruses.
Conclusions: Although some medicinal plants have been recommended for use in the treatment of coronavirus respiratory syndrome in humans, the effects of these plants on other biological factors have not been studied, until now. It is necessary to evaluate their side effects simoultaneous with clinical trials and confirming the effectiveness of these compounds.
Dr Sina Banijamali, Dr Oldooz Aloosh, Dr Vahan Moradians, Dr Tayeb Ramim, Dr Haleh Afshar,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract

Introduction: Patients with COVID-19 can have various and complex coagulation disorders that cause hypercoagulable conditions. Investigating the role of anticoagulants with different doses in the outcome of patients with COVID-19 seems to be needed. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of predicting factors of severe disease, including the number of lymphocytes, LDH, and the recovery status of patients. 
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Hazrat Rasool Akram (PBUH) Hospital. Study entry includes acute respiratory symptoms caused by COVID-19 disease (uncontrollable cough, dyspnea, prolonged medicine and blood saturation drop) along with lung involvement in chest spiral CT scan without injection, SARS RT-PCR–CO virus test was positive and transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) was indicated. Anticoagulant starting time, type and dose of anticoagulant received and duration of use were recorded. Two groups of prophylaxis dose, higher dose than prophylaxis (medium dose and therapeutic dose) were divided.
Results: Out of the total number of patients referred to Rasul Akram Hospital, 90 people (43 women (47.8%) and 47 men (52.22%)) participated in this study. The average hospitalization in the ICU was 13.50 ± 12.39 days and 17.18 ± 13.36 days in the hospital. Also, the duration of coagulant therapy was 17.13 ± 13.38 days. 53 patients (58.9%) received a prophylactic dose, 28 patients (31.1%) received a therapeutic dose, and 9 patients (10%) received a moderate dose of anticoagulant. Anticoagulant in 74 patients (82.2%) was unfractionated heparin (UFH) and in 16 cases (17.8%) low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The changes of LDH, number of lymphocytes, dimer, fibrinogen, ferritin and FDP according to the dose of anticoagulant assessed in the three groups of prophylaxis, treatment and no statistically significant difference. The mean of ICU admission days according to different doses of anticoagulant did not show a statistically significant difference.
Conclusions: Finally, the findings obtained from the study showed that the use of different doses of anticoagulant does not cause a difference in the level of LDH, number of lymphocytes, ferritin and FDP at different measurement times. Also, the length of stay in the hospital and the time of hospitalization in the intensive care unit did not differ between the groups receiving prophylactic anticoagulant, medium dose and therapeutic dose.

Mohammad Douzandeh Nargesi, Zohreh Teymori, Mehnoosh Tavakkolifard,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract

Introduction: The stress caused by COVID-19 had affected many people in society, especially individuals at risk. The present study was carried out to investigate, firstly, whether COVID-19-related stress plays a mediating role in the relationship between rumination and aggression in drug-dependent people undergoing treatment. Secondly, the study was conducted to know whether rumination has an indirect effect on the aggression of substance-dependent people under treatment through the mediation of COVID-19-related stress.
Methods: In this correlational analytical study, 136 patients undergoing maintenance treatment with methadone who were willing to enter the study were investigated by the available sampling method in two addiction treatment centers in the 1st and 2nd districts. The data collection tools in the present study included the Corona Disease Anxiety Questionnaire, Rumination Questionnaire, and Bass and Perry Aggression Questionnaire. After collecting the data, the anxiety score of each participant was measured from 0 to 54, the rumination score from 0 to 88, and the aggression score from 29 to 145. Then, the data was analyzed using Lisrel statistical software.
Results: Findings showed that the direct effect of rumination on aggression is 0.23, which is significant at the P < 0.01 level. Therefore, rumination has a positive and direct effect on aggression. Also, COVID-19-related stress plays a mediating role in the relationship between rumination and aggression in drug addicts under treatment. In addition, the indirect effect of rumination on aggression is 0.25, which is significant. Thus, rumination has an indirect effect on aggression through the mediation of COVID-19-related stress.
Conclusions: According to the high prevalence of psycho-social problems such as depression, anxiety, fear, addiction, job burnout, suicidal thoughts, violence, domestic and post-traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the post-corona era, we have witnessed a high amount of mental and social injuries in the world. For this reason, governments must screen psychologically vulnerable groups in advance.
Alireza Rezaie Ashtiani, Ali Jadidi, Ali Khanmohammadi Hazaveh, Seyed Mohamad Aghae Pour,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract

Introduction: One of the clinical manifestations of coronavirus is neurological symptoms. However, due to the emergence of this virus, little information is available about its symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of neurological symptoms in patients with coronavirus at hospitals in Arak.
Methods: In this study, all patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in two hospitals in Arak who were willing to participate were selected by census. The questionnaires consisted of two parts: demographic information and the prevalence and severity of neurological symptoms, which were completed by interviews with patients.
Results: 208 patients with a mean age of 60.5±14.1 years participated in the study. Of the 20 neurological symptoms studied, only two (tingling around the mouth and cranial nerve palsy) were absent in patients. The most common neurological symptoms in patients were headache (82.5%), fatigue (81%) and muscle pain (74.9%), respectively. Also, according to the visual scale, participants reported the highest severity for headache (average: 7.5), followed by fatigue (average: 7.03), and muscle weakness (average: 6.9).
Conclusions: The results showed that the most common neurological symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease include headache, fatigue, and muscle pain and the most severe neurological symptoms in these patients are headache, fatigue, and muscle weakness. According to the findings of this study, these results can be used to diagnose patients and follow them up.
Sayed Hossein Mousavi, Ali Jafari, Hossein Basirian,
Volume 27, Issue 5 (12-2024)
Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of the "Health Communication" discussion plan, the most serious sparks of which were struck in the minds with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, revealed the importance of paying attention to improving health communication more than ever. For this purpose, in the current study, the formulation of a conceptual model of health communication capacities in pandemic conditions was examined from the perspective of health system experts.
Methods: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach and the foundation's data theory method. Sampling was done with a purposeful snowball method, which included 20 communication and media professors and health professionals. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews and document reviews based on the systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin (open, central, and selective coding), which includes causal conditions, central idea, context, mediating conditions (intervenor), strategies, and consequences of analysis. Validation was done through the review of participants and experts in the health system.
Results: The findings of the research in the grounded theory section show that the dimensions of the paradigm model include the central phenomenon: health communication (effective and informative communication), causal conditions: health communication harms (infodemic), the context of harms (widespread and popular media, lack of authority of the health unit, mass information, politicization), strategies (holding officials accountable, reliable sources and producing practical content, anxiety management, avoiding exaggeration of people's participation, teamwork and combination of experts, using the experiences of other countries) and consequences including (attracting trust and forming beneficial relationships) took place.
Conclusions: According to the dimensions achieved in presenting the model for improving health communication capacities in pandemic conditions in the country, it can be said that on the one hand, "transparency and immediacy of information" and the other hand, "empathy and trust between people and officials" in such More than one situation should be considered.
Hosein Sarmadian, Nader Zarinfar, Masoud Bahrami, Mohammad Matin Arjmandzadegan, Dr Roham Sarmadian, Yasamin Zarinfar,
Volume 27, Issue 6 (1-2025)
Abstract

Introduction: The Symptoms of Omicron are still unknown. Primary data show that the Omicron symptoms are mainly related to the respiratory system, including runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and sneezing. Based on the need for more evidence about Omicron symptoms, this study was conducted to investigate the symptoms of this COVID serotype.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed for 6 months in Arak city on 160 definitively diagnosed patients with Omicron. For all patients who entered the study, the information evaluation checklist, including demographics and symptoms (24 symptoms), was completed. Disease diagnosis was done by PCR.
Results: The disease of 55% of people was mild, 35% moderate, and 10% severe. Fifty-one people (31.9%) mentioned a history of previous infection with COVID-19. Pulmonary involvement, the type of drug used, and anxiety at the time of infection were related to the severity of the disease (P < 0.05). The five most common symptoms of Omicron (%) were sore throat (86.3), cough (82.5), weakness and lethargy (76.3), headache (72.5) and dry mouth (62.5). There was also a relationship between old age with dry mouth and headache, underlying disease with sneezing, anxiety during illness with joint pain and chest pain, and smoking with abdominal pain (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The most common symptoms included sore throat, cough, weakness and lethargy, headache, and musculoskeletal pain. However, reduced smell and taste, night sweats, fever, and joint pain, common in the previous serotypes, were among the less frequent symptoms of Omicron.
Bahare Bayat, Kobra Rahzani, Davood Hekmatpou,
Volume 27, Issue 6 (1-2025)
Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus crisis is a multidimensional phenomenon that affects even the family. The impact of the situation on the family has been less discussed. Therefore, a qualitative study was conducted to explain families' experiences with patients suffering from COVID-19.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with a content analysis approach in 2021. Sampling started with purposive sampling and continued theoretically until information saturation was reached. The primary data collection tool was a semi-structured, in-depth interview in which
10 participants were interviewed.
The participants were people from the family of a patient with COVID-19 who, while willing to participate in the study, were either involved in caring for the patient or were worried about the patient's infection. In addition, their patient recovered from Corona and was alive. The interview location was chosen according to the participants' opinion, whether it was at their home or a place that was convenient for them. The interviews were analyzed using the Granheim and Lundman method.

Results: After analyzing the data, initially, 391 codes, 16 subcategories, and finally, five themes were extracted. The five themes that emerged are the experienced symptoms of the disease with two subcategories (symptoms of the onset of the disease and the course of the symptoms), mental and emotional disturbances with seven subcategories (contagion anxiety, death anxiety, fear of the vague nature of the disease, torment of conscience, obsession, emotional suffering, and financial worries), sacrifice in care with two subcategories (suffering care and multiplicity of roles),  resilience in the path of care with three subcategories (supportive aspects, reduction of caregiving stress and obtaining information about the disease), Change and evolution in the course of life with two subcategories (individual growth and getting the meaning of life).
Conclusions: According to the present study, after one of the family members gets infected with Corona, the other members have a crisis. The individual, psychological, social, and economic dimensions of the family foundation are facing challenges. It needs the comprehensive support of the family as the first and most important institution of society. Although facing this crisis and accompanying challenges leads to the experience of special suffering, it lays the foundation for personal growth and a better understanding of the meaning of life. Therefore, it can be said that the experience of this crisis is not only from the social aspect but also from the individual aspect, along with tremendous positive and negative developments.

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