Objectives:Reliable evidence is the keystone for any noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention plan to be initiated. In this study we carried out a risk factor investigation based on the WHO Stepwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS).Methods:The study was conducted on 1000 adults between 15 and 64 years of age living in Ardabil province, north-west Iran during 2006, based on the WHO STEPS approach to surveillance of risk factors for NCD. At this stage only the first and second steps were carried out. Data were collected through standard questionnaires and methods analyzed using STATA version 8 statistical software package.Results:29.0% of men and 2.6% of women were current daily tobacco smokers. The mean number of manufactured cigarettes smoked per day was 18.9 among current daily smokers. Smoking was most prevalent among men of low-income families and those of lower education. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.6 kg/m2, and was significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure. 58.9% were overweight or obese; 18.0% had raised blood pressure and 3.7% had isolated systolic hypertension. The mean number of servings of fruit consumed per day was 1.1; 33.1% had low levels of activity. Combined risk factor analysis showed that 4.1% of participants were in the low-risk group (up to 5.1% among men and 3.2% among women). Those in the high-risk group comprised 25.6% in the 25- to 44-year age group and 49.7% in the 45- to 64-year age group. Mean BMI increased by age in both sexes at least at the first three decades of adult life.Conclusion:Based on observed status of risk for cardiovascular health, burden of cardiovascular diseases is expected to increase if an effective prevention strategy is not undertaken.
Appendicitis is the most common emergency surgical admission regardless of the age group. In case of delay in diagnosis, serious complications may occur, needing immediate actions. Complications of acute appendicitis like perforation, peritonitis, and sepsis are to justify massive negative appendectomies. In this study, it has been tried to collect data about negative appendectomy during last 5 years in Modarres hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran, based on demographics and correlation with diagnostic studies before operation. This study is important in terms of economy and health care aspects. Data were collected about all patients appendectomized during 5 years between 2012 and 2017 at Modarres hospital. There were 1454 records, of which 108 records were excluded from the study due to the lack of enough data, interval appendectomy, and clean appendectomy. Finally, end 1346 appendectomies were assessed. There were 275 (20.4%) and 1071 (79.6%) negative appendectomy and suppurative appendicitis, respectively. Preoperative ultrasonography (US) was performed on 753 (56.0%) patients, of which 472 (62.7%) and 281 (37.3%) cases were coordinated with and different from pathologic records, respectively. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan was performed for 316 (23.5%) patients, which matched and differed pathologic records in 280 (88.6%) and 36 (11.4%) cases, respectively. Diagnosis of appendicitis should still mainly be based on history, and clinical and laboratory data.
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