Determining the perceived risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) among hookah users in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Hookah consumption is harmful to human health and can cause various diseases. Developing lung cancer and other lung diseases are one of the health consequences of hookah consumption. Measuring the perceived risk for being diagnosed with these conditions among hookah users is necessary. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the perceived risk of lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in hookah users in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a descriptive-analytical approach on 340 hookah users between January-May 2023. These people were recruited through convenience sampling. The information on the perceived risk of participants was collected through a questionnaire on the perceived risk of lung cancer and COPD. Data were analyzed through descriptive tests and multiple linear regression tests. These analyses were performed using Stata statistical software version 17. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of the perceived risk for lung cancer was 8.41 ± 5.50 and for COPD was 8.51 ± 5.58 out of 20 possible scores. The results of multiple linear regression generally showed that the using other type of tobacco (ß = 3.14, p < 0.0001), 2 or more use of hookah in past month (ß=-3.41, p = 0.025), unskilled workers (ß = 1.79, p = 0.017), married smokers (ß=-1.31, p = 0.026), negative attitude toward hookah (ß = 0.46, p < 0.0001) were the predictive variables regarding to lung cancer perceived risk. In line with COPD the using other type of tobacco (ß = 3.47, p < 0.0001), once a month use of hookah in past month(ß=-3.74, p = 0.041) and twice or more use of hookah in past month (ß=-4.82, p = 0.008), smokers in contemplation stage (ß = 3.91, p < 0.0001), female smokers (ß = 3.08, p < 0.0001), unskilled workers (ß = 2.42, p = 0.007), negative attitude toward hookah (ß = 0.46, p < 0.0001) were the predictive variables to COPD perceived risk. CONCLUSION: In general, the perceived risk of developing lung cancer and COPD among hookah users was low. Therefore, it is necessary to provide widespread information about the potential harm of hookah in causing lung cancer and COPD, at the community level.

Bidirectional association between COVID-19 and the environment: A systematic review.

The global crisis caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) affected economics, social affairs, and the environment, not to mention public health. It is estimated that near 82% of the SARS-CoV-2 genome is similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome. The purpose of the review is to highlight how the virus is impacted by the environment and how the virus has impacted the environment. This review was based on an electronic search of the literature in the Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed database published from December 2019 to July 2020 using combinations of the following keywords: SARS-CoV-2 transmission, COVID-19 transmission, coronavirus transmission, waterborne, wastewater, airborne, solid waste, fomites, and fecal-oral transmission. Studies suggest the thermal properties of ambient air, as well as relative humidity, may affect the transmissibility and viability of the virus. Samples taken from the wastewater collection network were detected contaminated with the novel coronavirus; consequently, there is a concern of its transmission via an urban sewer system. There are concerns about the efficacy of the wastewater treatment plant disinfection process as the last chance to inactivate the virus. Handling solid waste also requires an utmost caution as it may contain infectious masks, etc. Following the PRISMA approach, among all reviewed studies, more than 36% of them were directly or indirectly related to the indoor and outdoor environment, 16% to meteorological factors, 11% to wastewater, 14% to fomites, 8% to water, 9% to solid waste, and 6% to the secondary environment. The still growing body of literature on COVID-19 and air, suggests the importance of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via air and indoor air quality, especially during lockdown interventions. Environmental conditions are found to be a factor in transmitting the virus beyond geographical borders. Accordingly, countries need to pay extra attention to sustainable development themes and goals.

A qualitative exploration of the factors associated with initiation to methamphetamine use in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Crystal (methamphetamine) is a strong stimulant of addictive substances that affects the central nervous system. The consumption of this substance is increasing among teenagers and adult young people in the country. In this matter, one of the practical and important ways to its control is to identify the factors leading to its first use. Thus this paper, explores the factors related to the first crystal use in Golestan province, Iran. METHODS: In a qualitative study, 19 crystal users were recruited in the study conducted in Golestan province by snowball sampling from DIC (Drop-In Center) in addiction treatment centers. The interviews were mostly carried out individually with the participants; only one interview was conducted in an addiction treatment camp in the form of a group-focused discussion. Data analysis was implemented through content analysis in MAXQDA 10 software. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 35.05 ± 6.06 years with a range of 23-46 years. Meanwhile, the mean of crystal use period was 7.42 (SD: 3.61) and a range of 1-14 years. Based on the obtained data, the reasons for first crystal use could be categorized in six; 1: "crystal use to other drugs rehabilitation"; 2: "Lack of awareness of the addictive nature of crystal"; 3: "stimulating curiosity in public with crystal-use friends", 4: affordable and convenient use", 5: "anti-sleeping effects and increasing work efficiency", and 6: "therapeutic and other misconceptions"". CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that crystal is mostly abused to opium rehabilitation. The lack of awareness and misconceptions about this substance can lead people to crystal use. Therefore, designing public health interventions to increase awareness about negative consequences of crystal use is fundamental to prevent people from abusing it. We suggest designing public health program to promote awareness about health risks of crystal and modifying related misconceptions. Finally, the government can establish policies to mandate sale tax for crystal producers and reduce easy access to crystal especially among youth.

Assessment of the Physicochemical Quality of Drinking Water Resources in the Central Part of Iran.

The aim of the study described in this article was to assess the physicochemical quality of water resources in Isfahan province, located in the central part of Iran, from June to November 2012. Comparison of the results with the acceptable limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water showed that nitrate, chloride, iron, and fluoride concentrations exceeded the maximum acceptable level in 12.3%, 9.2%, 6.8%, and 1.5% of samples, respectively. Total dissolved solids (TDS) and turbidity values also exceeded the maximum acceptable level in 9.2% and 3.1% of samples, respectively. In general, the quality of drinking water resources in the central part of Iran at present is mostly acceptable and satisfactory. It may be deteriorated in the future, however, because water quantity and quality in arid and semiarid areas are highly variable over time. Therefore, continued monitoring of the water resources quality is extremely important to environmental safety.

Environmental factors and building conditions for risk of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the northeast of Iran: a population-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease that significantly affects countries in the developing world. This study evaluated the environmental factors and building conditions associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in northeast Iran. METHODS: A population-based case-control study was performed between 1 July 2018 and 1 March 2021 in northeast Iran; two controls were selected for each case. Patients and controls were compared for environmental factors, building conditions and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: There were 170 confirmed leishmaniasis cases during the study period. Familiarity with people with active leishmaniasis in open areas of the body increased the odds of getting the disease (odds ratio [OR] 2.41 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.18 to 4.93]). In the case group, the history of contact with animals such as sheep, goats, cows, mice and camels was significantly higher. Housewives (OR 0.08 [95% CI 0.02 to 0.27]) and self-employed people (OR 0.22 [95% CI 0.07 to 0.70]) were less likely to become infected. The individuals who lived in houses with asbestos cement roofs were more likely to become infected (OR 4.77 [95% CI 1.34 to 16.91]) compared with those who lived in houses with bituminous roofs. CONCLUSIONS: The most significant risk factor identified in the present study was the type and condition of the home's roof. Housing construction improvement is vital to prevent leishmaniasis in northeast Iran.

Evaluation of Bacteriological and Chemical Quality of Dialysis Water and Fluid in Isfahan, Central Iran.

BACKGROUND: Chemical and microbial quality of water used in hemodialysis play key roles in a number of dialysis-related complications. In order to avoid the complications and to guarantee safety and health of patients therefore, vigorous control of water quality is essential. The objective of present study was to investigate the chemical and bacteriological characteristics of water used in dialysis centers of five hospitals in Isfahan, central Iran. METHODS: A total of 30 water samples from the input of dialysis purification system and dialysis water were analyzed for chemical parameters. Heterotrophic plate count and endotoxin concentration of drinking water, dialysis water and dialysis fluid of 40 machines were also monitored over a 5-month period in 2011-2012. RESULTS: Concentration of the determined chemicals (copper, zinc, sulfate, fluoride, chloramines and free chlorine) did not exceed the recommended concentration by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) exclude lead, nitrate, aluminum and calcium. Furthermore, the magnesium; cadmium and chromium concentration exceeded the maximum level in some centers. No contamination with heterotrophic bacteria was observed in all samples, while the AMMI standard for endotoxin level in dialysis fluid (<2 EU/ml) was achieved in 95% of samples. CONCLUSION: Dialysis water and fluid failed to meet the all chemical and bacteriological requirements for hemodialysis. To minimize the risk of contaminants for hemodialysis patients therefore, a water quality management program including monitoring, maintenance and development of water treatment system in hemodialysis centers is extremely important. In addition, an appropriate disinfection program is needed to guarantee better control of bacterial growth and biofilm formation.