Background: Empirical studies show social and psychological supports are pivotal for maintaining physical, psychological, and social health in patients living with HIV/AIDS. Objectives: The present study aimed at evaluating social and psychological support and the relationship between these two factors among HIV/AIDS patients receiving services form health centers of Zahedan province, south eastern Iran. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted. HIV/AIDS patients, who received services from health care facilities of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences were recruited in the study. Psychological well-being and social support were assessed using the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being and medical outcomes study Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS) questionnaires, respectively. Multivariable linear regression analysis using backward stepwise method was conducted to determine factors related to psychological health and social support. Results: A total 110 patients aged over 16 years old (83 males) were included in the study. Unsafe injecting drug use was the major HIV transmission route (59.1%). Mean psychological health score was significantly higher in males compared to females (P = 0.048). Also, a gender difference was observed for mean social support score, although it was non-significant. The regression analysis showed that females versus males and AIDS patients versus HIV infected patients had lower score of psychological well-being, moreover, social support positively and independently related to the score of psychological well-being (β =-0.505; 95% confidence interval: 0.360 to 0.649). Conclusions: The findings suggest that female patients, those living in the AIDS stage, and those with poor social support are more vulnerable to having lower level of psychological well-being. Harm reduction programs should be reinforced in such groups.

Objectives Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) from the hospital may negatively impact patients’ well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the main reasons for DAMA among parents of children admitted to the paediatric ward of the Ali Ebne Abitaleb Hospital in Zahedan, Iran. Methods Participants in this case–control study included 130 children who had been admitted to the hospital's paediatric ward. Participants were divided into two equal groups: (1) those with incomplete treatment and (2) those who stayed in the hospital until the completion of their management and followed regular discharge procedures. A self-administered questionnaire was utilised for data collection. Results Participants included 130 children aged <1–18 years with an average of 3.3 ± 3.7 years; 51.5% (67) were girls, and 48.5% (63) were boys. The results showed a significant relationship between DAMA and the father's level of education ( p < 0.05), length of hospitalization ( p < 0.001), and duration of treatment ( p = 0.027). No significant correlation was found for other factors ( p > 0.05). Conclusion This study found that the key reasons for DAMA were as follows: lack of satisfaction with physicians and hospital staff, family disturbance due to the presence of other children at home, inadequate economic situation, and being away from home. Providing professional education to parents and expressing the benefits and disadvantages of refusing complete treatment may help parents make better decisions.

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Background. Regeneration of bone defects remains a challenge for maxillofacial surgeons. The present study aimed to compare the effects of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and the combination of octacalcium phosphate/gelatin (OCP/Gel) on mandibular bone regeneration in rats Methods. In the present study, 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The animals were randomly assigned to the following experimental groups: OCP (n=12), OCP/Gel (n=12), and the control group (n=12). Defects were created in the rat mandibles and filled with 10 mg of OCP and OCP/Gel disks in the experimental groups. In the control group, however, no substance was administered. Samples were taken on days 7, 14, 21 and 56, respectively, after the implantation. Sections (5 µ) were prepared and stained by H&E. The sections were studied, and the volume fraction of newly formed bone was measured by Dunnett's T3 test based on the significance level (P=0.05). Results. In the experimental groups, the new bone formation began from the margin of defects 7‒14 days after the implantation. During the healing process, the newly formed bone healed a larger area of the defects and grew structurally. In the control group, the defects were primarily filled with dense connective tissue, and only a small amount of new bone was formed. The present study showed a statistically significant difference in the volume of newly formed bone between the experimental groups and the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion. OCP/Gel composite can be beneficial in the healing process of mandibular bone defects.

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are common in children. The cause of URTIs is usually viral, but parents' attitudes often contribute to inappropriate prescription of antibiotics, promoting antibiotic resistance. Objectives: The objective of this study was to study the knowledge and behavior of mothers about antibiotic use in children under six years old with URTI. Methods: Ninty-seven mothers with children under six years were evaluated in a semi-kap study about antibiotic use in children under six years old with URTI. Sampling was done with the convenient method. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire.