Iranian Journal of Epidemiology

Determining the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Traffic Accidents Using GIS-based Data in Tabriz

Iman Dianat — 2025-06-09

Background and Objectives: One of the most important steps in reducing traffic accidents is the accurate recording of the spatial information of these incidents using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).The present study was conducted with the aim of geographically analyzing high-risk areas for traffic accidents in Tabriz and determining the spatial distribution pattern of traffic incidents based on accident outcomes.

Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, data on property damage, injury, and fatal traffic accidents in Tabriz during 2017 were collected from various sources, and accident locations were identified using geographic addresses and coordinates. To analyze the geographical distribution of high-risk accident zones, spatial analysis methods including Moran’s Index, Kernel Density Estimation, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and correlation analysis were employed.

Results: In this study, the cumulative pattern of accidents in Tabriz was confirmed, such that district 8, northeast of District 3, central and southern regions of District 1, and the entrance to District 5 of Tabriz city had dense accident distribution patterns. The religious, commercial, and service land-use layers had the highest correlation with accident density. High-traffic axes had fewer accidents; the highest was related to areas with low traffic volume. Autumn and winter have the most damage accidents, and the highest number of accidents leading to death was assigned to the spring season.

Conclusion: Given the concentration of traffic accidents in high-risk areas of Tabriz—particularly in District 8 and the eastern entrances—it is recommended that traffic infrastructure be improved, traffic regulations be strengthened, and monitoring be enhanced through intelligent systems to reduce accidents. Additionally, conducting public awareness campaigns can also be effective in decreasing traffic incidents.

Physicians’ Job Satisfaction with the Medical Profession and Its Influencing Factors: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Iranian Physicians

Mahla Iranmanesh — 2025-06-09

Background and Objectives: In the field of medicine, job satisfaction holds significant importance, as it plays a vital role in the quality of healthcare services. This study aimed to assess physicians' job satisfaction levels and identify the related factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted online in 2023 among 1,100 Iranian physicians using a respondent substitution method. Physicians answered the questions regarding themselves and their closest physician friend, with whom they maintain regular contact and interactions. Satisfaction was categorized using a Likert scale into two scales: sufficient satisfaction (very high and high) and insufficient satisfaction (very low, low, and moderate). Factors affecting job satisfaction among physicians were determined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results: Among the 2,200 physicians, 24.9% (547 individuals) of the physicians were satisfied with their profession, while 75.1% (1,653 individuals) had low or moderate (insufficient) satisfaction. The odds of male physicians being satisfied with their profession were 1.54 times higher than female physicians. Factors including interest in medicine, the amount of time spent practicing medicine, sufficient income, low occupational stress, high job stability, no reduction in professional autonomy compared to the past, migration status, time dedicated to practicing medicine in public and private sectors as well as in academic activities, pursuing further education, and the physician’s income were all positively and significantly correlated to job satisfaction (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Job satisfaction among Iranian physicians is significantly influenced by various factors such as interest in medicine, adequate income, job stability, and reduced job stress. The highest level of satisfaction was observed among male physicians. Improving working conditions and reducing job stress are essential to improving job satisfaction and the quality of healthcare services.

Investigating the Quality of Life of Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity Using an IWQOL-kids Questionnaire

Fereshteh Eidy — 2025-06-09

Background and Objectives: Overweight and obesity are serious public health problems that have increased significantly among adolescents in recent decades. This condition can affect various aspects of adolescents' quality of life. A questionnaire based on IWQOL-kids was used to assess the quality of life among overweight and obese adolescents in Iran for the first time.

Methods: This study was conducted on 170 overweight and obese adolescents (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 18 years educating in schools of North Khorasan Province. Using a cluster sampling method, data collection was conducted. Data were collected using the IWQOL-kids, a quality of life questionnaire for adolescent obesity, and satistical analyses were conducted using R software version 4.3.2 through univariable and multivariable regression models.

Results: The mean of total score of IWQOL-kids for overweight and obese girls and boys was 82.1 ± 16 and 86.4 ± 15.5, respectively. A significant correlation was found between age and the number of siblings with physical functioning, self-esteem, and overall quality of life scores (p < 0.05). Additionally, age and the number of siblings were significantly associated with social life and family relationships (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Given the impact of weight on adolescents' quality of life, future studies are recommended to include body composition assessments to more accurately examine the impact of gender differences on the quality of life of this age group.

The Association between Dietary Fat Quality Indices and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Zahra Gaeini — 2025-06-09

Background and Objectives: Limited data are available regarding the association between the proportions of dietary fats, calculated in the form of fat quality indices, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary fat quality indices (FQI) and the risk of CVD among an Iranian adult population.

Methods: In this study, 1849 adults who participated in the third phase of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) (2006-2008) were selected based on the inclusion criteria and followed up till 2018 (approximately 10 years). Baseline dietary intakes were estimated using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Adjusted hazard Ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CVD were calculated in tertile categories of dietary FQI, including atherogenic, thrombogenic, and health promoting indices, along with ratio of poly-unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids and ratio of hypo and hypercholesterolemia, using the Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results: The participants' mean (SD) age was 45.9 (11.0). During the 10.6 years of follow-up, 172 cases of CVD were diagnosed. In the crude model, the risk of CVD was 46% higher in participants in the highest tertile of the thrombogenic index (HR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.00-2.15); however, the association did not remain significant in the adjusted models. In addition, the crude and adjusted models had no significant associations between other dietary fat qualities and CVD risk.

Conclusion: The present study found no significant association between dietary fat quality indices and CVD incidence.

Effectiveness of Sexual Counseling Based on the BETTER Model on Depression Score During Pregnancy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Maral Forghanifar — 2025-06-09

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy is considered a pleasurable event in women's lives, which is accompanied by numerous biological, psychological, and social changes. Among the common consequences of these changes is increased depression. Sexual counseling with pregnant mothers has been suggested as one of the interventions to improve the quality of sexual life and depression by several studies, and this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sexual counseling based on the BETTER model on depression scores during pregnancy.

Methods: This randomized clinical trial involved 144 participants who referred to the health centers of Bahmai, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to two equal groups of 72, including intervention and control. The intervention group participated in two sessions of 45-60 minutes of sexual counseling based on the BETTER model, and the control group received usual prenatal care. Depression scores were measured using the Edinburgh Depression Questionnaire before, after, and one month after the last counseling session. After collection, the data were entered into SPSS-18 and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results: The results showed no significant difference between depression scores in the control and intervention groups before the test. In contrast, a significant difference was observed in pregnancy depression scores between the intervention and control groups immediately after the intervention and one month later. In the intervention group, the mean depression decreased after counseling (6.54±1.32) and maintained the same effect at a later time (5.59±1.47).

Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of the BETTER model, it is recommended that training in this model and using it to reduce depression during pregnancy be planned.

The Benefits versus Risks of E-Cigarettes, Vapes, and Pods: A Review Article

Ali-Asghar Honarmand — 2025-06-09

Background and Objectives: Electronic cigarettes are devices that heat liquids containing nicotine and chemicals to produce aerosols that can be inhaled. Although these products have been marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, there is evidence indicating that their use also carries specific risks. Advertising and the influence of social media, particularly among young individuals, have led to increased consumption of these cigarettes and serious concerns. This study aimed to examine the benefits and drawbacks of electronic cigarettes.

Methods: In this narrative review, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched in a non-systematic manner using relevant keywords to identify studies related to the health effects, history, evolution, and cost-effectiveness of electronic cigarettes.

Results: Electronic cigarettes entered the market for the first time in 2003 and quickly gained popularity among consumers. These cigarettes were marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes; however, they contain various chemicals, some of which decompose when heated, producing toxic compounds. Electronic cigarettes can have multiple impacts on health, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, and the potential risk of cancer.

Conclusion: Electronic cigarettes may assist in smoking cessation in some cases, but significant drawbacks accompany these benefits. Given the potential risks, there is a need for further research to comprehensively assess their effects on health for a more informed understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these products.

In Commemoration of Dr. Hossein Sabbaghian, a Prominent Iranian Epidemiologist

Ehsan Mostafavi — 2025-06-09

Dr. Hossein Sabbaghian, a distinguished veterinarian and epidemiologist, is one of Iran's most prominent figures in epidemiology and public health. This paper reviews her valuable activities and achievements.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sabbaghian has held several key positions, such as Director of the Isfahan Health Research Station, Secretary of the Research Office at the School of Public Health at the University of Tehran, Chairman of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and a member of the University of Tehran's Management Council.

Dr. Sabbaghian has authored numerous epidemiological books and has significantly contributed to the scientific literature on public health and zoonotic diseases in Iran.

Reviewing his valuable services can be very valuable for the epidemiology, and public health community and the country's youth.

Spreading Patterns of “Gene”, “Meme” and “Teme”

Saeed Dastgiri — 2025-06-09

Biological evolution leads to changes and extension in biological units’ pool of the population, which is called “gene.” This definition of evolution has comprehensively become more complex today, which includes behavior and cultural units called “meme”, and electronic or digital units called “teme in addition to the biological units. The spread of all three units (gene, meme, and teme) follows a specific evolutionary algorithm inspired by Darwinian principles regarding reproduction and selection of the best adaptation.

The propagation pattern of genes is based on the genetics laws, whereas the epidemiological pattern for meme and teme usually follows viral models. The success of a meme lies in its ability to spread across an entire population like an epidemic to ultimately become a stable and endemic component of that culture.

In conclusion, further research would be essential for the comparison of cultural and behavioral evolutionary algorithms with biological evolution and modeling the development and evolution of meme and teme in order to discover their advantages and disadvantages in human populations.

The Necessity of Designing a Tool for Measuring Traffic Literacy in Iran

Rahman Panahi — 2025-06-09

A review of studies has revealed that the concept of traffic literacy in Iran has not been investigated so far, and there is no valid and reliable tool to measure traffic literacy. In addition, there is a relationship between health literacy in one hand, and managing diseases and accidents, the number of traffic injuries and prevention of road traffic injuries in other hand. Also, considering the relationship between health literacy and the management of diseases and accidents, the rate of traffic injuries, and its role in preventing road traffic injuries, and considering the potential impact of health literacy in promoting safer practices for pedestrians and for having a healthier and safer society, it seems necessary to design a tool to measure traffic literacy in the country.