ABSTRACT
Background: Human Development Index [HDI], maternal mortality rate [MMR] and children aged under 5 years mortality rate [U5MR] are fundamental issues, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in HDI, MMR and U5MR from 1980 to 2010 in certain West Asian countries as well as the relationship between these indexes.
Methods: In this ecological study, HDI, MMR and U5MR information from studied countries during 1980 to 2010 was extracted from the gap minder site and then analysed using descriptive and analytical methods, including Spearman correlation.
Results: The lowest and highest rates of HDI and MMR in 2010 were seen in the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan [HDI: 0.49, 0.81; MMR: 7.14, 335.45 respectively]. HDI is rising in all countries studied, with the highest increase in the Islamic Republic of Iran [0.21]. MMR and U5MR saw a decline over the years, with the greatest decrease seen in India, and the lowest and highest child mortality rate in 2010 found in Bahrain and Pakistan [8.3, 91.8 respectively]. However, there was a negative relationship between HDI and MMR [r = -0.7, P < 0.001].
Conclusions: HDI increased during 1980-2010. The highest rate of HDI decrease was observed in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the greatest reduction of MMR was seen in India. Also, the highest decrease in U5MR was related to India as well, while MMR and U5MR rate decreased. Hence, improving HDI might have a definite impact on decreasing MMR and U5MR, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Because of the special working conditions, healthcare workers are the most at-risk groups for HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of health/medical workers about HIV/AIDS
Methods and materials: We conducted a descriptive-analytical study of 235 samples [144 men, 91 women] of healthcare personnels in Khaf city. The sample was selected by multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data collected anonymously through a questionnaire consisting of four sections, including ; demographic information and questions about knowledge, attitudes and individual performance. The reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha [? =0.87]. Data analyzed by SPSS 18 software using descriptive, analytical and t-test, ?[2] and regression methods
Results: Most of the study participants were male [61.27%]. The average age of participants was 35.6 +/- 5.6. Most of the study participants were workers of health houses [17.9%]. Knowledge, attitude and practice were different about HIV/AIDS depending on job nature. From the study population, 47.5% had good knowledge, 37.1% had moderate and the other had poor knowledge. Knowledge, attitudes and behavior in lower-level positions in the health care system, which are also potentially at risk, are significantly lower [p?0.005]. Knowledge and practice was better among female than male staff
Conclusion: In general, Knowledge, attitude and practice level of health personnel was fairly good. A combination of training methods to improve knowledge, attitudes and preventive behaviors is needed in low-level jobs which do not have a college education