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Background Critical inter-provincial differences within Iran in the pattern of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and difficulties inherent to identifying prevention methods to reduce mortality from NCDs have challenged the implementation of the provincial health system plan. The Shahrekord Cohort Study (SCS) was designed to address these gaps in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, a province of high altitude in the southwest of Iran, characterized by its large Bakhtiari population, along with Fars and Turk ethnicity groups. Methods This ongoing cohort, a prospective, large-scale longitudinal study, includes a unique, rich biobank and was conducted for the first time in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province in Iran. SCS is a part of the PERSIAN (Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN) cohort. The study began in 2015, recruited 10075 participants (52.8% female, 47.2% male) from both urban (n=7034) and rural (n=3041) areas, and participants will be annually followed up for at least 15 years. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data from the SCS, using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Data analysis was performed using Stata software. Results The prevalence of NCDs was 9.8% for type 2 diabetes, 17.1% for hypertension, 11.6% for thyroid disease, 0.2% for multiple sclerosis and 5.7, 0.9 and 1.3% for ischemic heart disease, stroke and myocardial infarction, respectively. The prevalence of multimorbidity (≥2 NCDs) was higher in women (39.1%) than men (24.9%). The means (standard deviations) of age, BMI, systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were 49.5 (9) years, 27.6 (4.6) kg/m2, 115.4 (17.3) mmHg and 96.7 (27.3) mg/dL, respectively. Logistic regression models showed that older age, female gender, living in an urban area, non-native ethnicity, high wealth index, unemployment, obesity, low physical activity, hypertriglyceridemia, high fasting blood sugar, alkaline urine pH and high systolic and diastolic blood pressure were associated with increased prevalence of NCDs. Conclusions The SCS provides a platform for epidemiological studies that will be useful to better control NCDs in the southwest of Iran and to foster research collaboration. The SCS will be an essential resource for identifying NCD risk factors in this region and designing relevant public health interventions.

Introduction: Cancers is considered as the third reason of death after cardiovascular disease and accidents. These types of disease are one of the most critical issues in health and treatment in Iran and the world. Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct an epidemiologic investigation on types of cancers in Dezful. Patients and Methods: In this epidemiologic study, recorded data of cancers during 2006-2011 was considered. The data were gathered from all of health centers, pathobiology laboratories, and all public and private hospitals in the city of Dezful. Additionally the data of oncology and radiotherapy departments were considered. The, incidence rate in every 100 000 people had been calculated in subgroups of gender and age groups. Results: Of 2202 registered cases of cancers during 6 years in Dezful, 42.38% were female and 57.61% were male. Cancer incidence during 6 years reached to 525 (incidence of 111.68 per 100 000) in 2011 to 223 (incidence 55.4 per 100 000) in 2006. During this period, skin cancers (16.47 per 100 000) and stomach (10.88 per 100 000) had the highest incidence. The most common cancers in males and females were skin and breast cancers, respectively. Breast cancer in females had two peaks from ages 50-54 years and more than 85 years old. Conclusion: Regarding ascending order of cancer incidence in the region and also the high incidence of skin and stomach cancers, preventive modalities including individuals' personal protection of sunlight and dietary patterns modification are suggested. Additionally, individual's screening and self-examining are suggested too.

Background and Aim: Patients with thalassemia major are classified in high risk group for diabetes mellitus, and therefore monitoring blood glucose level has a vital importance in these people. As high fetal hemoglobin level in thalassemia patients interferes with measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A 1C), fructosamine evaluation as an alternative approach is suggested. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 33 diabetes mellitus patients with betathalassemia (21 female and 12 male cases). The following biochemical measurements were done: blood glucose level through biochemical glucose oxidation method, fructosamine by colorimetry, hemoglobin A 1c by immunoturbidimetry, serum ferritin by chemiluminescence and fetal hemoglobin by HPLC methods. Using SPSS software v18.0, statistical analysis was done and correlation between fructosamine and hemoglobin A 1c (Pearson's correlation) and linear regression were investigated. p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In female and male patients, blood glucose levels were 204±103 mg/dL and 224±101 mg/dL (p=0.63), fetal hemoglobin were 9%±7% and 13%±9% (p=0.22); serum ferritin levels were 1744±1534 ng/mL and 3253±1773 ng/mL (p=0.96), respectively. Mean serum fructosamine level was 442±124 mmol/L and glycosylated hemoglobin amount was 8.9%±1.8%. These two parameters showed significant correlation (r=0.69, p<0.01). Blood glucose level with hemoglobin A 1c (r=0.75, p<0.01) and fructosamine (r=0.54, p<0/01) showed a significant correlation. Conclusion: In diabetic patients with thalassemia major who have frequent blood transfusion, evaluation of serum fructosamine and glycosylated hemoglobin levels are both reliable approaches for estimating blood glucose levels and the two methods can be used alternatively.

Introduction: Female-headed women refer to women without regular attendance or a man's supports carry the family's economic responsibility. This definition includes divorced women, widows, women with addicted husbands, disabled or unemployed, or women whose husbands immigrated, and themselves provide living expenses. Objectives: Given the low and vague data about the sexual behavior of women vulnerable to HIV and AIDS in the country and given the importance of the issue, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection in female-headed households in Shiraz. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 455 female-headed households referring to charities in Shiraz. The priority related to women whose husbands have died, been imprisoned or separated because of addiction. Data including age, marital status, number of children, and high-risk behaviors of the spouse were collected by interview. ELISA test was performed for all participants and in the case of a positive test, the Western blot was performed. Results: Totally, 455 women were included in the study. A total of 455 cases were studied, with an average age of 41.88 ± 7.88 years, and the mean number of children 2.69 ± 1.81. The highest frequency (37.58%) was for those with primary education level. Most women (68.57%) were unemployed. Of the total number of participants in the study. Regarding marital status, in most subjects, husband died (75.60%). With respect to high-risky wife behavior, 72.57% had high risk sexual behavior and 11.28% had drug abuse, the prevalence of HIV 1.53 estimated. Conclusion:This study shows that female-headed households are at risk for HIV. If the level of physical, psychological and social life and financial support for this group of women is improved, it will ultimately reduce their negative impact on society.