The effect of curcumin and high-content eicosapentaenoic acid supplementations in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the effect of curcumin and eicosapentaenoic acid, as one the main components of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, on anthropometric, glucose homeostasis, and gene expression markers of cardio-metabolic risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted at the Endocrinology Clinic of Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz. It aimed to determine the impact of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), and curcumin supplements on various health indicators in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) from 2021.02.01 to 2022.02.01. The study was a randomized double-blinded clinical trial and conducted over 12 weeks with 100 participants randomly divided into four groups. Stratified randomization was used to assign participants to two months of supplementation based on sex and Body Mass Index (BMI). The study comprised four groups: Group 1 received 2 capsules of 500 mg EPA and 200 mg DHA, along with 1 nano-curcumin placebo; Group 2 received 1 capsule of 80 mg nano-curcumin and 2 omega 3 Fatty Acids placebos; Group 3 received 2 capsules of 500 mg EPA and 200 mg DHA, and 1 capsule of 80 mg nano-curcumin; Group 4, the control, received 2 omega 3 Fatty Acids placebos and 1 nano-curcumin placebo. RESULTS: After twelve weeks of taking EPA + Nano-curcumin supplements, the patients experienced a statistically significant reduction in insulin levels in their blood [MD: -1.44 (-2.70, -0.17)]. This decrease was significantly greater than the changes observed in the placebo group [MD: -0.63 (-1.97, 0.69)]. The EPA + Nano-curcumin group also showed a significant decrease in High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) levels compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the EPA + Nano-curcumin group had a significant increase in Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels compared to the placebo group (p < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index, Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI), or Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) levels between the four groups (all p > 0.05). There were significant differences between the Nano-curcumin and EPA groups [MD: -17.02 (-32.99, -1.05)], and between the Nano-curcumin and control groups [MD: -20.76 (-36.73, -4.79)] in terms of lowering the serum cholesterol level. The difference in Triglycerides (TG) serum levels between the EPA + Nano-curcumin and placebo groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.093). The Nano-curcumin group showed significant decreases in Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared to the EPA group [MD: -20.12 (-36.90, -3.34)] and the control group [MD: -20.79 (-37.57, -4.01)]. There was a near-to-significant difference in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) serum levels between the EPA + Nano-curcumin and EPA groups (p = 0.056). Finally, there were significant differences in the decrease of serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels between the EPA and Nano-curcumin groups [MD: -127.50 (-247.91, -7.09)], the EPA and placebo groups [MD: 126.25 (5.83, 246.66)], the EPA + Nano-curcumin and Nano-curcumin groups [MD: -122.76 (-243.17, -2.35)], and the EPA + Nano- curcumin and placebo groups [MD: 121.50 (1.09, 241.92)]. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that 12-week supplementation with EPA and Nano-curcumin may positively impact inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic parameters in patients with diabetes. The supplementation of EPA and Nano-curcumin may be a potential intervention to manage diabetes and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes. However, further research is needed to validate the study's findings and establish the long-term effects of EPA and Nano-curcumin supplementation in patients with diabetes.

Long and Short-term Metformin Consumption as a Potential Therapy to Prevent Complications of COVID-19.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of metformin in complication improvement of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial that involved 189 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Patients in the intervention group received metformin-500 mg twice daily. Patients who received metformin before admission were excluded from the control group. Patients who were discharged before taking at least 2000 mg of metformin were excluded from the study. Primary outcomes were vital signs, need for ICU admission, need for intubation, and mortality. Results: Data showed that patients with diabetes with previous metformin in their regimen had lower percentages of ICU admission and death in comparison with patients without diabetes (11.3% vs. 26.1% (P=0.014) and 4.9% vs. 23.9% (P≤0.001), respectively). Admission time characteristics were the same for both groups except for diabetes and hyperlipidemia, which were significantly different between the two groups. Observations of naproxen consumption on endpoints, duration of hospitalization, and the levels of spO2 did not show any significant differences between the intervention and the control group. The adjusted OR for intubation in the intervention group versus the control group was 0.21 [95% CI, 0.04-0.99 (P=0.047)]. Conclusion: In this trial, metformin consumption had no effect on mortality and ICU admission rates in non-diabetic patients. However, metformin improved COVID-19 complications in diabetic patients who had been receiving metformin prior to COVID-19 infection, and it significantly lowered the intubation rates.

Comparison of losartan and amlodipine effects on the outcomes of patient with COVID-19 and primary hypertension: A randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the drug selection in hypertension (HTN) management in patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to compare the effects of losartan and amlodipine in patients with primary HTN and COVID-19. METHODS: In this randomised clinical trial, hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and primary HTN were enrolled in the study. One arm received losartan, 25 mg, twice a day and the other arm received amlodipine, 5 mg per day for 2 weeks. The main outcomes were compare 30-day mortality rate and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The mean age of patients treated with losartan (N = 41) and amlodipine (N = 39) was 67.3 ± 14.8 and 60.1 ± 17.3 years, respectively (P value = .068). The length of hospital stay in losartan and amlodipine groups was 4.57 ± 2.59 and 7.30 ± 8.70 days, respectively (P value = .085). Also, the length of ICU admission in losartan and amlodipine group was 7.13 ± 5.99 and 7.15 ± 9.95 days, respectively (P value = .994). The 30-day mortality was two and five patients in losartan and amlodipine groups, respectively (P value = .241). CONCLUSIONS: There was no priority in losartan or amlodipine administration in COVID-19 patients with primary HTN in decreasing mortality rate, hospital and ICU length stay. Further studies need to clarify the first-line anti-HTN medications in COVID-19.

Effect of bromhexine on clinical outcomes and mortality in COVID-19 patients: A randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Bromhexine is a potential therapeutic option in COVID-19, but no data from a randomized clinical trial has been available. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bromhexine in intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Methods: An open-label randomized clinical trial study was performed in Tabriz, North-West of Iran. They were randomized to either the treatment with the bromhexine group or the control group, in a 1:1 ratio with 39 patients in each arm. Standard therapy was used in both groups and those patients in the treatment group received oral bromhexine 8 mg three times a day additionally. The primary outcome was a decrease in the rate of ICU admissions, intubation/mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Results: A total of 78 patients with similar demographic and disease characteristics were enrolled. There was a significant reduction in ICU admissions (2 out of 39 vs. 11 out of 39, P = 0.006), intubation (1 out of 39 vs. 9 out of 39, P = 0.007) and death (0 vs. 5, P = 0.027) in the bromhexine treated group compared to the standard group. No patients were withdrawn from the study because of adverse effects. Conclusion: The early administration of oral bromhexine reduces the ICU transfer, intubation, and the mortality rate in patients with COVID-19. This affordable medication can easily be administered everywhere with a huge positive impact(s) on public health and the world economy. Altogether, the verification of our results on a larger scale and different medical centers is strongly recommended. Trial Registration: IRCT202003117046797N4; https://irct.ir/trial/46969.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies and DNA in Iranian HIV Patients.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Toxoplasma gondii infection has public health importance and can lead to serious diseases in immunosuppressed patients, such as HIV cases. Appropriate control of T. gondii infection in HIV patients requires information about the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies and DNA in different population. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and DNA in HIV patients in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: A total of 149 HIV patients from the Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Tehran, Iran were enrolled in the study. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM were detected by ELISA and T. gondii DNA was evaluated by PCR and quantita- tive real-time PCR. IgG positive samples were also assessed for their avidity. RESULTS: Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM were positive in 46.3% and 2.7% of cases respectively. 92.7% of our patients showed past infection and 4.3% revealed recently acquired toxoplasmosis based on their IgG avidity test. T. gondii DNA was not detected by PCR but real-time PCR results showed DNA in 4.7% of total patients and 13.1% of the IgG seropositive cases. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that latent toxoplasmosis was relatively prevalent in our study population, but new T. gondii infection had low prevalence. Almost half of our patients were IgG negative and at risk of acquiring toxoplasma infection. Low copy numbers of DNA were detected in 4.7% of the cases without any clinical manifestation. Therefore, detection and monitoring of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and DNA in HIV patients is substantial to estimate the risk of reactivation and new infection.

Vitamin D Deficiency among Patients with Tuberculosis: a Cross-Sectional Study in Iranian-Azari Population.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency has been conducted with increased risk for tuberculosis (TB). Despite this association, discrepancies exist among different studies in different regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its predictors in tuberculosis among the Iranian-Azari population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 participants were enrolled in this study, 30 of which were newly diagnosed TB patients and 30 were healthy volunteers. At least two serum samples were collected, the first sample before the start of anti-TB treatment and the second sample 3 months after the effective treatment. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25 patients vs. 2 healthy individuals; P<0.001) and serum levels of the vitamin D (22.66±15.17 vs. 73.03±25.6 ng/mL; P<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with TB than healthy subjects. Likewise, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the extrapulmonary TB group was higher than that of the pulmonary TB, but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0 .397). Moreover, there was no significant difference between mean levels of vitamin D in patients with tuberculosis before and after treatment (P = 0.787). Linear regression analysis showed there was no significant relationship between vitamin D levels after treatment and age, gender, body site of tuberculosis, and vitamin D levels before treatment, P≥0.68. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is higher in patients with tuberculosis than healthy individuals.

Effects of atorvastatin on proteinuria of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in patients with history of gestational diabetes mellitus: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes is known as one of the diseases through pregnancy. In the present study, changes in proteinuria after atorvastatin administration among patients with history of gestational diabetes were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 42 patients were included in the study. Atorvastatin was administered for 21 patients, and 21 patients were designated as control group. Lipid profile, protein, and 24 h urine creatinine (uCr) levels were determined in the beginning and 3 months after intervention. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Lipid profile in intervention group was enhanced; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) had decreased while triglyceride had not changed and high-density lipoprotein had been increased. There was no statistically significant change in serum Cr, serum urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate, uCr, urine volume, 24-h urine protein level, or urine protein/Cr ratio on both groups during the study; also, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although LDL level decreased after atorvastatin therapy, atorvastatin therapy had no effect on the level of proteinuria or other parameters related to kidney function.

Relationship between Plasma Levels of Zinc and Clinical Course of Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a common disease and is more prevalent among children and the elderly. Zinc (Zn) is an essential substance for the human body and plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Studies have shown a possible relation between the Zn plasma levels and pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 100 patients with pneumonia, who were referred to the Educational-Medical Centers of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, were included in the study. The plasma levels of Zn of all patients were measured. The patients were divided into two groups of normal and low plasma levels of Zn. The severity and clinical course of pneumonia, including the durations of fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea were evaluated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The plasma levels of Zn were normal in 56 patients and low in 44 patients. The mean duration of fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea in the group with normal plasma levels of Zn were 1.58±0.68, 2.04±0.81, and 2.78±0.84 days, respectively; and those in the group with decreased Zn plasma levels were 1.72±0.70, 2.18±0.90, and 2.97±0.91 days, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the incidence of severe pneumonia was significantly less in the group with normal Zn plasma levels (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present study, there was no statistically significant relationship between the plasma levels of Zn and the clinical course of pneumonia. However, Zn lowered the incidence of severe pneumonia.

Effects of Helicobacter pylori treatment on rosacea: A single-arm clinical trial study.

Rosacea is a chronic dermatological disease. Helicobacter pylori has been discussed as one of its causative factors. In this clinical trial study, we attempted to evaluate the effect of H. pylori standard eradication protocol on the rosacea clinical course. In this single-arm clinical trial, patients ascertained to have H. pylori infection based on serological studies were assessed to examine existence of rosacea. Patients with concurrent rosacea and H. pylori infection were included in the study and underwent standard H. pylori eradication therapy. Rosacea was evaluated using the Duluth rosacea grading score at the beginning, 2 months later and at the end of the trial (day 180). Of 872 patients positive for H. pylori, 167 patients (19.15%) manifested the clinical features of rosacea. The patients with concurrent rosacea were younger (P < 0.001) and with a female sex predominance (P = 0.03) when compared with rosacea-free patients. Of 167 patients, 150 received H. pylori eradication therapy, demonstrating a 92% (138/150) cure rate. The rosacea Duluth score grading on day 0, 60 and 180 among 138 patients significantly decreased in most of the criteria except for telangiectasias (P = 0.712), phymatous changes (P = 0.535) and the existence of peripheral involvement (P = 0.431). The present study concluded that H. pylori eradication leads to improvement of rosacea.

Gentamicin-mediated ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity: A clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: Aminoglycosides and mainly gentamicin are the most important antimicrobial agents. Two different methods of administration exist: Single and multiple doses. There has always been a controversy about the less harmful administration method, to minimize adverse effects of gentamicin - deafness and renal insufficiency. In this study, it was aimed to compare two different methods of administration to figure out the least harmful treatment method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a clinical study, eighty patients aged 12-55 years who were admitted with sepsis syndrome were included in the study; they were divided into two groups: The first group received single-dose treatment (5 mg/kg) whereas the second group was treated with multiple doses (1.7 mg/kg three times a day) of gentamicin. RESULTS: The results show that blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CR) levels were decreased in the first group. Both blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and also mean glomerular filtration rate was increased in the same group. In the second group, mean BUN and CR levels were increased while the GFR was decreased in the same group. There was also a gradual increase in GFR in the first group. GFR <80 was decreased from 20% to 5.1% in the first group while increased from 5% to 27.5% in the second group. Results of audiometric studies show 6.1% hearing problem in the first group and 12.8% in the second one. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study showed that nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity are minimized in single-dose administration compared to multiples doses.

Ki-67/MIB-1 as a Prognostic Marker in Cervical Cancer - a Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In cervical cancer patients it has been reported that there in a significant Ki-67/MIB-1 expression is correlated with survival in cervical cancer patients. However, the prognostic value is still not well understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present meta-analysis the prognostic value of Ki-67/MIB-1 with regard to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in cervical cancer was investigated. The databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Science Direct and Wiley Online Library were used to identify appropriate literature. RESULTS: In order to explore the relationship between Ki-67/ MIB-1 and cervical cancer, we have included 13 studies covering 894 patients in the current meta-analysis. The effect of Ki-67/MIB-1 on OS for pooled random effects HR estimate was 1.63 (95%confidence interval (CI) 1.09- 2.45; P<0.05). The pooled HR for DFS was 1.26 (95%CI 0.58-2.73; P>0.05) and the subgroup analysis indicated Ki-67/MIB1 was associated with DFS (HR=3.67, 95%CI 2.65-5.09) in Asians. CONCLUSIONS: According to this meta-analysis, Ki-67/MIB-1 has prognostic value for OS in patients suffering from cervical cancer. For better evaluation of the prognostic role of Ki-67/MIB-1 on DFS, studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to validate present findings in the future.

Comparison effect of intravenous tranexamic acid and misoprostol for postpartum haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the third-most common cause of maternal death in the United States and it is still the first prevalent cause of maternal death in developing countries. Active prevention of haemorrhage with an uterotonic or other new drugs leads to a decrease in postpartum vaginal haemorrhage. The aim of this study was to compare anti-haemorrhagic effect of Tranexamic acid (TXA) and Misoprostol for PPH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a double-blinded randomised control clinical trial, 200 women were included after Caesarean or natural vaginal delivery with abnormal PPH. They were divided into two equal intervention and control groups. Effect of intravenous TXA and Misoprostol for postpartum haemorrhage was examined. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 26.7 ± 6.5 years which ranged from 14 to 43 years. The sonographic gestational age in the group treated with TXA was 37.7 ± 3.4 weeks and it was 37.4 ± 3.3 weeks for the other group (P = 0.44). The haemorrhage in the TXA and Misoprostol groups was 1.2 ± 0.33 litres and 1.18 ± 0.47 litres, respectively (P = 0.79). The haemoglobin levels after 6-12 hours of labour, in TXA group was more than that of the Misoprostol group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.22 and P = 0.21, respectively). CONCLUSION: Regarding to the superior results in Misoprostol group in one hand and lack of significant differences between two groups in haemorrhage during labour, post-partum haemoglobin level and discharge haemoglobin level, we can state that Misoprostol has no specific preferences to TXA, but more studies with greater population are needed.

Effect of hemodialysis on pulmonary function tests and plasma endothelin levels.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a complex illness that involves different organs including the lungs. We studied the pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases (ABG) and plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels to check whether there is any change in their levels after hemodialysis (HD) in patients with ESRD. In this cross-sectional study (from July 2009 to April 2010), 20 patients with ESRD were evaluated. ABG, spirometric parameters and plasma ET-1 were measured before and after HD in these patients. Student's t-test was performed to clarify the differences and Pearson's test was used for correlations. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Significant reduction was seen in oxygen saturation (O2sat), partial pressure of carbon-dioxide (PaCO2) and oxygen (PaO2) after a HD session (P <0.001). Also, improvement was seen in all spirometric parameters except forced expiratory volume (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) after HD. Plasma ET-1 levels decreased significantly after HD. Mean ET-1 before HD was 6.88 + 5.81 pg/mL while it was 3.91 + 2.76 pg/mL after HD (P = 0.009). Based on the plasma levels of ET-1, the patients were divided into two groups. The mean level of ET-1 was higher in the first group. Significant increase was seen in spirometric parameters in the second group. Our study suggests that, in patients with ESRD, plasma ET-1 level is higher than in the normal population, and this is closely related to deterioration of pulmonary function tests. Significant reduction of plasma ET-1 may be an important factor in the improvement of spiro-metry parameters after HD.

Thrombolytic therapy for cerebral vein thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus.

A 20-year-old woman was admitted to a Gynecology Hospital in her 6(th) month of pregnancy for high blood pressure and tonic-clonic seizure. Primary diagnosis was eclampsia, and for that reason she underwent cesarean section. She also had headache on frontal and parietal areas without nausea or vomiting. There was not a focal neurological sign. Rheumatology consultation was requested. Systemic lupus erythematosus and secondary antiphospholipid (APS) was confirmed. The patient had headache that continued several days after cesarean section, therefore, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) were performed, and cerebral vein thrombosis was documented. Distal segment of right lateral sinus and sigmoid sinus were not appeared in brain MRV. Abnormal hypersignal intensity of right lateral sinus/coronal T2 was detected. Thrombolytic therapy with 20 mg tissue plasminogen activator on right sigmoid and transverse sinus was performed by an interventional neurologist. After this procedure, the patient(')s headache healed and she was discharged in a good condition.

Efficacy of fibrin glue on seroma formation after breast surgery.

Background and Objectives. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of fibrin glue plus conventional drain placement versus conventional drain placement in the prevention of seromas after breast procedures. Among methods employed to reduce seroma magnitude and duration, fibrin glue has been proposed in numerous studies, with controversial results. Design and Setting. A prospective, randomized, controlled study of subjects who were randomized into control and experimental groups was conducted. Methods. Collected data included age, surgeon, medical and surgical history, comorbidities, procedure performed, number of axillary nodes, number of positive axillary nodes collected, final pathologic diagnosis, cancer stage, hospital stay, postoperative day of drain removal, complications, incidence of seroma formation, interval to seroma resolution, and number of postoperative visits. Results. Analysis of 60 patients showed similarly matched groups. Seroma formation rate was 24.1% in the control group and 16.1% in the fibrin glue group. The rate of wound complications was similar. Conclusions. Although use of fibrin sealant resulted in a nonsignificant decrease in seroma formation rate compared with that of drain placement, the higher cost and cumbersome technique tend to indicate that there is no advantage to using fibrin glue over drain placement with the technique described.

Treatment of scabies: comparison of ivermectin vs. lindane lotion 1%.

Topical antiscabietics have poor compliance. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin with topical lindane in treating scabies. In this clinical trial, 248 patients from 2 to 86 years of age were divided into two groups. Oral ivermectin was given to group A in a single dose of 200 µg/kg body weight. Group B received application of lindane lotion 1% twice at one-week interval. When there was no cure in two weeks, 2nd treatment was given with either drug in the respective group. A single dose of ivermectin provided a cure rate of 58.6% at two-week follow up, which increased to 92.7% with 2 doses at the end of 4-week interval. The application of lindane lotion 1% twice at one-week interval was effective in 44.3% of patients at two-week follow up, which increased to 71.7% after repeating the treatment for another two weeks. Single dose application of oral ivermectin was as effective as twice application of lindane lotion 1% at one-week interval. Two doses of ivermectin proved superior to lindane lotion 1% after repeating the treatment at 4-week follow up.

Knowledge and attitude of Iranian University students toward human papilloma virus.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and its association with cervical cancer as a leading cause of death make it necessary to evaluate and improve the public knowledge, especially of university students, about this cause of disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of knowledge and attitude of a total 669 students from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences was therefore performed with a modified validated questionnaire, arranged into 5 parts and containing 55 questions, in July 2011. Questions were directed to study socio-demographic characteristics of the participant, knowledge about HPV disease, transmission route, relationship with cervical cancer, predisposing factors, and participants attitude toward people with HPV infection. RESULTS: All of the participants were Moslem with a mean age 25.6±5.33 years of age. All of the participants had heard of HPV, and acquired their knowledge through university courses (90.6%); the majority of them knew that HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and a potential cause for genital warts but general knowledge about details was not high. Mean knowledge score of residents and post graduate midwifery and nursing students was high as compared to other groups (P<0.001). Statements that indicated the presence of fear to communicate with people suffering HPV and people's avoidance to rely on babysitting of these patients were observed. Educational level (ß=0.21, P<0.001), age (ß=0.18, P=0.002,) and smoking (ß=-0.11, P=0.006) were predicted to effect knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate level of knowledge about HPV among medical university students makes it necessary to set effective national public health efforts on HPV education and prevention considering he excess of young population in Iran vulnerable to cervical cancer.

Parental knowledge and attitudes about human papilloma virus in Iran.

Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of common sexually transmitted diseases leading to cervical cancer. Evaluation of parental knowledge and attitudes toward HPV were aims of present study to provide an appropriate method to decrease burden of this infection on society. During this study, 358 parents were assessed for knowledge about HPV and its related disorders. Some 76% of parents had no information about HPV infection and among the informed parents 36% had obtained their information via internet and others from studying medical resources. The average score of mothers information about HPV infection was higher than that of fathers, and also educational level and age had significant impact on knowledge of parents about HPV. Parent knowledge about the hazards of HPV was higher than their knowledge about modes of transmission. Lack of awareness about HPV infection was high in this study, underlining the urgency of education among all adult people in our society.