Original Article
Mahnaz Yadollahi; Farshid Farbodan; Maryam Zamani; Shahram Bolandparvaz
Volume 13, Issue 2 , April 2025, Pages 69-75
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors influencing helmet usage behavior among motorcyclists.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of injured motorcyclists was conducted at Shahid Rajaee Hospital (Shiraz, Iran), using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected via a structured medical ...
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Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors influencing helmet usage behavior among motorcyclists.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of injured motorcyclists was conducted at Shahid Rajaee Hospital (Shiraz, Iran), using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected via a structured medical form, and logistic regression with the “Backward” technique was applied to identify risk factors associated with helmet use.
Results: Among 147 patients, 139 (94.55%) were un-helmeted, and 8 (5.45%) were helmeted. The mean age of helmeted riders was 41.46±17.44 years, compared to 29.21±12.23 years for un-helmeted riders. After data balancing, key predictors of helmet use included riding before noon (OR=10.164, 95% CI [4.543, 22.738]), crashes in urban areas (OR=21.740, 95% CI [5.535, 85.383]), absence of head/neck injuries (OR=4.549, 95% CI [2.075, 9.970]), absence of facial injuries (OR=5.108, 95% CI [1.587, 8.694]).
Conclusion: These findings could assist policymakers in understanding helmet usage behavior and increasing helmet usage rates. They also support evidence-based strategies to reduce traffic crashes. Addressing helmet-related discomfort and enhancing public awareness of helmet benefits could significantly reduce motorcycle-related trauma.
Original Article
Marjan Hamidnezhad; Mozhgan Ansari; Tahura Afshari Saleh; Samira Foji
Volume 13, Issue 2 , April 2025, Pages 76-82
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Trauma and Injury Severity Scores (TRISS) and Madras Head Injury Prognostic Scale (MHIPS) in assessing the prognosis of head trauma patients in the emergency department.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical (predictive) study, 140 head ...
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Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Trauma and Injury Severity Scores (TRISS) and Madras Head Injury Prognostic Scale (MHIPS) in assessing the prognosis of head trauma patients in the emergency department.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical (predictive) study, 140 head trauma patients admitted to the emergency department of Shahid Beheshti Hospital (Sabzevar, Iran), were included from January to November 2023. Participants were selected via convenience sampling method and based on the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the TRISS, and the MHIPS scale, and analyzed using Stata software (version 17).
Results: The mean age of the injured patients was 39.72±19.86 years, and 102 (73%) patients were male. For intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization prediction, the MHIPS tool showed a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 86%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 60%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98%. For mortality prediction, the MHIPS tool had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 86%, PPV of 27%, and NPV of 99% in predicting death. The TRISS tool demonstrated a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 96%, a PPV of 81%, and an NPV of 95% for ICU hospitalization, and a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 87%, PPV of 26%, and NPV of 98% for mortality. No significant difference was observed between TRISS and MHIPS in predicting the probability of ICU admission and mortality (p=0.797).
Conclusion: Both TRISS and MHIPS demonstrated satisfactory predictive value for head trauma outcomes, with neither tool being superior to the other.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Trauma and Injury Severity Scores (TRISS) and Madras Head Injury Prognostic Scale (MHIPS) in assessing the prognosis of head trauma patients in the emergency department.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical (predictive) study, 140 head trauma patients admitted to the emergency department of Shahid Beheshti Hospital (Sabzevar, Iran), were included from January to November 2023. Participants were selected via convenience sampling method and based on the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the TRISS, and the MHIPS scale, and analyzed using Stata software (version 17).
Results: The mean age of the injured patients was 39.72±19.86 years, and 102 (73%) patients were male. For intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization prediction, the MHIPS tool showed a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 86%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 60%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98%. For mortality prediction, the MHIPS tool had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 86%, PPV of 27%, and NPV of 99% in predicting death. The TRISS tool demonstrated a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 96%, a PPV of 81%, and an NPV of 95% for ICU hospitalization, and a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 87%, PPV of 26%, and NPV of 98% for mortality. No significant difference was observed between TRISS and MHIPS in predicting the probability of ICU admission and mortality (p=0.797).
Conclusion: Both TRISS and MHIPS demonstrated satisfactory predictive value for head trauma outcomes, with neither tool being superior to the other.
Original Article
Siamak Rimaz; Vahideh Abdi; Cyrus Emir Alavi; Sanaz Masoumi; Mahsa Sadeghi; Mohammadreza Mobayen; Parissa Bagheri
Volume 13, Issue 2 , April 2025, Pages 83-89
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the survival rate and identify associated risk factors in mechanically ventilated (MV) burn patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Velayat Hospital, a burn and plastic surgery referral center affiliated with Guilan University ...
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Objectives: This study aimed to determine the survival rate and identify associated risk factors in mechanically ventilated (MV) burn patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Velayat Hospital, a burn and plastic surgery referral center affiliated with Guilan University of Medical Sciences, between March 2011, and September 2020. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records and analyzed using SPSS software (version 24.0). Patients discharged alive or lost to follow-up were treated as censored observations in a time-to-event analysis.
Results: The mean age of survivors was 19.03±30.21 years, compared to 42.54±19.30 years in the non-survivors. Men comprised 78.9% (n=30) of survivors and 64.9% (n=155) of non-survivors. The mean intensive care unit (ICU) survival time was 18.33±1.36 days (median=12±1.24 days). There were significant differences between survivor and non-survivor groups in terms of age, length of stay, presence of comorbidities, inhalation injury, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (p<0.05). The Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significant difference in survival probability between MV and non-MV groups (p=0.028), with a higher survival probability observed in non-MV patients.
Conclusion: Age, length of stay, renal failure, ARDS, and sepsis were associated with increased mortality risk in MV burn patients. While these findings highlighted critical prognostic factors, causal inferences require further investigation through longitudinal or interventional studies to guide targeted therapeutic strategies.
Original Article
Nima Faghirpour; Enayatollah Homaie Rad; Leila Kouchakinejad; Zahra Mohtasham Amiri
Volume 13, Issue 2 , April 2025, Pages 90-97
Abstract
Objective: The study aimed to explore experts’ perspectives on the factors contributing to accidents involving the elderly in Guilan, Iran.
Methods: This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis with an inductive approach in 2024. Fourteen experts from Guilan (Iran) were purposefully ...
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Objective: The study aimed to explore experts’ perspectives on the factors contributing to accidents involving the elderly in Guilan, Iran.
Methods: This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis with an inductive approach in 2024. Fourteen experts from Guilan (Iran) were purposefully selected. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide containing open-ended questions, which was developed through an expert panel discussion. All stages of data analysis were performed manually following the Graneheim and Lundman’s approach.
Results: Three main categories, 10 subcategories, and 29 key codes were identified. The “Individual Factors” category had six subcategories: physical abilities, psychological factors, traffic literacy, cultural attitudes, and Individual needs. The “Environmental Factors” had two subcategories: road and traffic infrastructure, and weather conditions. The “Policy-making” category consisted of three sub-categories: transportation safety, healthcare system, and public education.
Conclusion: To reduce damages from elderly-related accidents, preventive measures should focus on improving health services, enhancing traffic education, and addressing specific behavioral and cultural factors. Additionally, enhancing infrastructure, designing age-appropriate vehicles, and implementing targeted policies could significantly mitigate accident risks among this population.
Original Article
Marzeyeh Soleymani Nejad; Fatemeh Estebsari; Mahmoud Abbasi; Marzieh Latifi
Volume 13, Issue 2 , April 2025, Pages 98-104
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing pedestrians’ preventive behaviors regarding road traffic safety among students at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework.
Methods: In 2022, a total of 337 SBMU students ...
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Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing pedestrians’ preventive behaviors regarding road traffic safety among students at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework.
Methods: In 2022, a total of 337 SBMU students were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using a 45-item questionnaire based on HBM constructs: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and behavior. The questionnaire was distributed electronically via SBMU’s social media channels. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 18). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 26.68±2.8 years. The most significant influential factor was family (94.3%), followed by social media. Among HBM constructs, perceived susceptibility had the highest mean score. A one-point increase in perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and cues to action scores significantly increased the likelihood of adherence to safe pedestrian behavior (β=0.06, p=0.04; β=0.121, p<0.001; β=0.219, p=0.003, respectively). Conversely, an increase in perceived barriers significantly decreased adherence to safe pedestrian behavior (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Family and social media play a crucial role in shaping students’ perceptions of road traffic safety. Enhancing perceived susceptibility and benefits, as well as providing effective cues to action, can significantly promote preventive behaviors among students.
Original Article
Zoya Hadinejad; Mehrdad Farrokhi; Shokoufeh Ahmadi; Mohammad Saatchi; Hamidreza Khankeh
Volume 13, Issue 2 , April 2025, Pages 105-114
Abstract
Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to identify the key challenges associated with managing patients affected by biological emergencies in Iran.
Methods: This study was part of grounded theory research using the constant comparative analysis method proposed by Corbin (2014). Data were gathered ...
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Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to identify the key challenges associated with managing patients affected by biological emergencies in Iran.
Methods: This study was part of grounded theory research using the constant comparative analysis method proposed by Corbin (2014). Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 25 individuals with expertise or experience in managing biological emergencies. Purposive sampling, followed by theoretical sampling, was employed until theoretical saturation was reached. Data collection was conducted between April and November 2023, and MAXQDA software (2020) was used for data analysis.
Results: After several rounds of data analysis and summarization, considering similarities and differences, four main categories and 14 subcategories were identified. The main categories included: 1) lack of a comprehensive risk communication strategy, 2) inefficiencies in patient flow mismanagement, 3) systemic political and governance challenges, and 4) deficiencies in resource allocation and utilization.
Conclusion: This study highlighted the challenges faced by Iran’s Healthcare system in managing affected individuals in biological emergencies. Key issues included mismanagement of patient flow and systemic inefficiencies. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of Iran’s Healthcare system. Further research is recommended to provide practical strategies for managing biological emergencies in the future.
Case Report
Anurag Kumar; Khan Abdul Vakil; Anil KUMAR; Majid Anwer; Sanjay Kumar; Deepak Kumar; Rekha Kumari
Volume 13, Issue 2 , April 2025, Pages 115-122
Abstract
Suicidal cut-throat injuries are rare in Indian society, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant rise in unemployment among Indian youth led to increased psychological distress and depression, contributing to a surge in suicide cases, ...
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Suicidal cut-throat injuries are rare in Indian society, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant rise in unemployment among Indian youth led to increased psychological distress and depression, contributing to a surge in suicide cases, including those presenting with cutthroat injuries in emergency departments. This study reported two distinct cases of suicidal cutthroat injuries, both involving young individuals who were unemployed during the pandemic and suffered from underlying psychiatric disorders. Both patients presented with severe neck injuries, requiring immediate and complex intervention. Their conditions were further complicated by the psychological trauma associated with their mental health disorders. The management of these cases required a multidisciplinary approach, involving emergency medical care, surgical intervention, and psychiatric support. Both patients received prompt attention and stabilization, followed by psychological counseling and long-term psychiatric care. Their recovery was closely monitored, with a focus on addressing the root causes of their distress. These cases highlighted the increasing incidence of suicidal cutthroat injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to managing both the physical and psychological aspects of such critical situations. This report underscored greater attention to mental health, particularly among the unemployed youth during crises.
Letter to the Editor
mohammad farhadi
Volume 13, Issue 2 , April 2025, Pages 123-125
Abstract
I commend the authors for their insightful manuscript "Effect of a Boswellia and Ginger Mixture on the Memory Dysfunction of the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial(1)This study examines whether a combination of Boswellia (360 mg) and ginger (36 mg) taken ...
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I commend the authors for their insightful manuscript "Effect of a Boswellia and Ginger Mixture on the Memory Dysfunction of the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial(1)This study examines whether a combination of Boswellia (360 mg) and ginger (36 mg) taken three times per day (marketed as “Memoral”) can improve memory deficits in patients who have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). One hundred patients were randomized (1:1) into either the intervention or placebo groups. All participants had subjective complaints of memory dysfunction post-injury. Memory performance was assessed at baseline (about one-week post-discharge), after one month (when the intervention was complete), and after three months, using the Persian version of the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT).Overall, this trial contributes valuable preliminary evidence that combining Boswellia and ginger may help hasten or strengthen recovery from memory dysfunction after mild TBI, at least over three months. The authors implemented a robust RCT methodology and demonstrated statistically significant improvements in several memory metrics (Total Learning, Retroactive Interference, Forgetting Rate, Net Positive Score) with no notable adverse effects.However, replication in larger, multi-center cohorts (emphasizing longer follow-up, formal adherence checks, and additional potential confounders) is needed as with many single-center trials. Future investigations measuring inflammatory and oxidative markers would also help clarify the mechanism of action. Despite these limitations, the study’s design and results suggest that the Boswellia–ginger mixture holds promise as an adjunct therapy for post-mTBI memory dysfunction.
