A seroepidemiological study of Helicobacter Pylori infection in a young asymptomatic population in Tehran

Helicobacter pylori is one of the world’s most common pathogens. It colonizes about 60% of the world population. There is very little data present on the prevalence of H. pylori infection among the healthy population in Iran. Our aim was to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among children and young adults in Tehran and its relationship with a number of sociodemographic factors.

In a cross sectional investigation, the seroepidemiology of H. pylori infection was studied using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti H.pylori IgG in 431 asymptomatic 10 to 25-year old volunteers attending 5 out-patient clinics in Tehran. Among these subjects, 42.7% seropositive for H. pylori. There was an age-related increase in H. pylori infection and significant differences in H. pylori infection rate was demonstrated according to residential territory in Tehran, family size, parental educational level, economic status, water source and pet keeping. There was no significant difference in H. pylori infection related to gender. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that age, residential territory, family size, parental educational level, water source and keeping pets had the most significant association with H. pylori. It was concluded that the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Iran is generally higher than in developed countries and the rate of acquisition of H. pylori infection increases with age and it is inversely related to socioeconomic status.

Authors: Pirouz T, Anahid M, Shekarabi M, Hosseini AF

Source: Journal of Iran University of Medical Sciences. 2000;7: 58

Prevalence of hearing disorders among the students of public primary schools in Western Islamabad, western Iran

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hearing disorders among the student of public elementary school by otoscopy, puretone audiometry, impedance audiometry and questionnaires. It was carried out in a cross-sectional descriptive survey on 1000 students (500 girls and 500 boys) among the students of primary schools of Western IslamAbad, western Iran in 1997-98. The results could be classified according to the method of investigation:

1. Otoscopic examination revealed abnormal conditions of external auditory canal in 13.65% of cases, which was more prevalent in girls than boys (right ear: p=0.012, left ear: p=0.043). Impacted cerumen was responsible for most of these cases (13.3%) and abnormal tympanic membrane was seen in 6.75% of cases, mostly in the form of retraction (2.95%).
2. Impedance Audiometry showed 11.05% abnormal tympanograms, mostly type C (4.1%).
3. Pure Tone Audiometry demonstrated an overall 9.7% hearing loss in this population, which included 3.5% bilateral and 6.2% unilateral hearing loss. Moreover, 4.15% of the population under study suffered from sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) observed mostly in boys and conductive hearing loss mostly in girls. The difference was statistically significant in the left ear (p<0.05).

Positive family history was evident in students with some hearing disorders. Interestingly, only 11.4% of parents, 13.4% of teachers and 14.4% of afflicted students were aware of the problem.

Authors: Ghasempour AR, Moosavi A, Keihani MR

Source: Audiology. 1999-2000; 13,14: 20

Comparison of fertility indices in iranian and non-iranian populations in Ray, southern Tehran in 1997

We studied fertility indices of Iranian and non-Iranian populations, which were covered by 23 Ray’s health houses, southern Tehran. This cross-sectional study aimed to prove the effect of increasing number of non-Iranian immigrants on health indices of this area. The data collection method was census of permanent residents of the villages by means of vital horoscopes.

In this sample, 8,494 of 27,611 population were non-Iranians. Dependency ratio and natural growth rate was 75% and 1.14% in Iranians and 98% and 1.74% in non-Iranians, respectively. Mortality in non-Iranians was 1.24 times greater than Iranians’ mortality rate. General Fertility Rate in Iranians was 60 and non-Iranians was 110 live births in 1000 women of childbearing age. Total fertility rate in Iranians was 1.73 and in non-Iranians 3.27 neonates for each woman. Age-specific fertility rates were absolutely higher in non-Iranians. Gross reproductive rate was 0.87 in Iranians and 1.59 in non-Iranians. Modern contraceptive methods coverage was 70% in Iranian couples and less than 40% in non-Iranian couples. About 96.94% of Iranian deliveries and 70.9% of non-Iranian deliveries were safe (p<0.01).

This study shows that the non-Iranian immigrant minority have considerable impact on fertility indices. Special training and health programs should be devised to target this population.

Authors: Sadeghi-Pour H-R, Mahdavi A, Taamoli S, Jalali Z

Source: The Journal of Faculty of Medicine. 2000; 58: 97

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