International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Holistic Care Management of Diabetes Mellitus: An Integrative Review24812481ENFaculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok, Thailand & Nursing Program, STIKes Wira Medika Bali, IndonesiaAssociate Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok,Postdoctoral Researcher, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University BangkokNursing Program, STIKes Wira Medika BaliNursing Program, STIKes Wira Medika Bali20211013Comprehensive care includes the spiritual and the bio-psycho-social person. The aim of this study is to explain how people with diabetes mellitus manage holistic treatment. Search for multidatabase papers: Ovid, CINAHL, and PubMed. PICOT-based keyword description is P: any diabetes population, I: holistic care, C: any comparison, O: blood sugar, T: whenever. The English article, journal quest, full-text article available, and published article were criteria for inclusion in this study. In the quest journal, a strategic manner is performed using three keywords: holistic, diabetes mellitus, and blood sugar. We reviewed ten papers. The result showed that comprehensive care was explained in terms of technology, holistic care program, and holistic care relating to complementary alternative medicine. Discussion in this study is that holistic care services give significant results in the treatment of people with diabetes mellitus.http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2481http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2481/717718321International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Challenges of the Health System in Preventing Non‑Communicable Diseases; Systematized Review24832483ENDepartment of Health Services Management, Student Research Committee, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Health Management and Economics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanAustralasian Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (ANNI), 8054 Monash University LPO, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia & Supreme NanoBiotics Co. Ltd. and Supreme Pharmatech Co. Ltd., 399/90-95 Moo 13 Kingkaew Rd. Soi 25/1, T. Rachateva, A. Bangplee,
Samutprakan 10540, ThailandDepartment of Medical Library and Information Sciences, Health Information Technology Research Center, Student Research Committee, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanDepartment of Health Services Management, Health Management and Economics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan20211013<p><strong>Background</strong>: The basis of prevention of non‑communicable diseases is the identification of primary risk factors and the prevention and control of these factors. The purpose is to prevent the spread of the disease and to control it as much as possible. If population growth continues at this rate, by 2030, 52 million people will die from these diseases each year. The aim of this study was to evaluate the challenges of preventing non‑communicable diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: The present study was a systematic review that conducted in July 2020 and the articles related to prevention of non‑communicable diseases on databases of web of science, PubMed, Scopus, science direct, Ovid, Pro Quest and Google Scholar. Strategy for searching and selecting the articles was PRISMA Guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Challenges of non‑communicable disease prevention, in 4 main codes, including infrastructure, economic, demographic and management and 12 sub‑codes that include, lack of preventive infrastructure, restrictions on access to medicine, restrictions on primary health care, restrictions on access to Technology, disease‑oriented disease, unsustainable financial resources, failure to implement poverty reduction projects, increase in aging population, migration, rapid and unplanned urban planning, hasty planning and lack of internal and external coordination were classified.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: To reduce non‑communicable diseases, strengthen global capacities, reduce risk factors for NCDs and place social determinants by creating health‑promoting environments, strengthen health systems to implement prevention and control of NCDs, and place determinants Social can play an effective role through people‑centered primary health care</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2483http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2483/717718323International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Prevalence of Complete Edentulism in Individuals at Least 30 Years Old in Iran since 2000: A Systematic Review24842484ENDepartment of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Shahed University, TehranFaculty of Dentistry, Shahed University, TehranDepartment of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Shahed University, TehranDepartment of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Shahed University, Tehran20211013<p><strong>Background</strong>: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to investigate the prevalence of complete edentulism in Iran.</p><p><strong>Method</strong>: An electronic search was performed using three scientific databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Irandoc. Moreover, a hand search was performed on theses in the Dental Faculty of Shahed University. Studies published since 2000 were included if they reported on the prevalence of edentulism in Iran in populations at least 35 years old. Eight articles and seven theses were included in the study.</p><p><strong>Result</strong>: The reported prevalence of edentulism in Iran ranges from 3% to 78%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: In this study the reported prevalence has remained stable during the studied period.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2484http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2484/717718324International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Hacking Covid-19 with Technology24852485ENDepartment of Anaesthesia, AIIMS, Rishikesh, UttarakhandDepartment of Anaesthesia, AIIMS, Rishikesh, UttarakhandDepartment of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS, Rishikesh, UttarakhandDepartment of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS, Rishikesh, UttarakhandDepartment of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS, Rishikesh, UttarakhandDepartment of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand20211013The development, implementation and advancement of technology solutions aimed at combating the COVID-19 outbreak are rapidly taking shape in India. Governments, Venture Capitalists, Academic Institutions, Incubators, Start-ups, and businesses large and small are all doing their part to deploy new innovative solutions as quickly as possible. Various databases were searched to look for different advancements in technology during the current coronavirus pandemic. It is seen that on one end nonpharmacological measure (social distancing, self-isolation, clean hands, and face masks) are time-tested and low-tech ways to help mitigate the viral spread. On the other end, Science and technology sector constituting of data science, machine learning, rapid diagnostic tests, mobile-first telehealth and computational simulation systems for drug development, artificial intelligence, virtual collaboration, and data tracking are complex ways of using the technology that have strengthened our pandemic response.http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2485http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2485/717718325International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Quercetin Can Inhibit Angiogenesis via the Down Regulation of MALAT1 and MIAT LncRNAs in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells24712471ENDepartment of Biology, Zarghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, ZarghanDepartment of Biology, Zarghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, ZarghanTransplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz20211010<p><strong>Background</strong>: Angiogenesis is an important step in cancer metastasis since it enables the growing tumor to receive nutrients and oxygen. Quercetin is a generic flavonoid and has been investigated for its ability to inhibit angiogenesis in different types of cancers. MALAT1 and MIAT lncRNAs are associated with the angiogenesis process. MALAT1 induces hypoxia‑driven angiogenesis via the overexpression of angiogenic genes. Down regulation of MIAT1 could inhibit the proliferation of endothelial cells, tube formation, and migration. In this study, we assessed the anti‑angiogenic activity of quercetin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) via the expression of MALAT1 and MIAT genes.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: In the present study, HUVEC cells were incubated with various concentrations of quercetin for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell proliferation was then evaluated by MTT assay. RNA was extracted by TRIzol and cDNA synthesis. The expression levels of MALAT1 and MIAT genes relative to the GAPDH gene were quantified using the highly sensitive real‑time PCR method.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Our results demonstrated that quercetin has an inhibitory impact on the cell viability of HUVEC cells. The IC50 values of quercetin after 24, 48, and 72 h were 282.05 µΜ, 228.25 µΜ, and 131.65 µΜ, respectively. The MALAT1/GAPDH ratio was computed as 0.21 for 24h, 0.18 for 48h, and 0.29 for 72 h. The MIAT/GAPDH ratio was computed as 0.82 for 24h, 0.84 for 48h, and 0.78 for 72 h.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: In conclusion, quercetin treatment had an anti‑angiogenic effect on HUVEC cells, at least partially via the down regulation of MALAT1 and MIAT LncRNAs gene expression.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2471http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2471/717718311International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Unsafe Practices Associated with HCV Infection Among Adults: A Case Control Study24722472ENDepartment of Tropical Medicine Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al‑Azhar UniversityDepartment of Tropical Medicine Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al‑Azhar UniversityCommunity Medicine, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al‑Azhar University20211010<p><strong>Background</strong>: Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) occurs globally. It is a substantial cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Egypt one the countries that has the highest hepatitis C burden in the world. The occurrence of HCV is directly related to the number of individuals who regularly share injection instruments and to the prevalence of inappropriate parenteral procedures in healthcare facilities. The study aimed to identify unhealthy community practices related to HCV infection.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: a nested case control study carried out in Damietta Governorate, Egypt. Where150 cases (positive for HCV) and 300 controls (negative for HCV) were randomly chosen.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Participant who shared shaving razor was 8.4times more likely to acquire HCV infection followed by IV fluid and needle or sharp stick (about six times more risk).while acupuncture, cupping, tattooing and traditional cauterization carried 1.6 to 3.6 times more risk for HCV infection.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Unhealthy community practices carried a higher risk for acquiring HCV infection. It is highly advocated to strengthen infection prevention and control program in health care facilities and health education programs to enhance community awareness and empowerment.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2472http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2472/717718312International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Comparison Prophylactic Effects of Gargling Different Doses of Ketamine on Attenuating Postoperative Sore Throat: A Single‑Blind Randomized Controlled Trial24742474ENAnesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanGeneral Physician, School of medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanAnesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanAnesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanSchool of Medicine, Najaf Abad University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan20211013<p><strong>Context</strong>: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common annoying problem following endotracheal (ET) intubation. Aims: Comparing the impact of low and high doses of ketamine gargle on lowering POST incidence and severity. Settings and Design: 96 patients selected for septoplasty surgery under general anesthesia were investigated through a single‑blind randomized controlled trial.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: This study was performed on three equal groups. Group K and G gargled 50 and 100 mg ketamine, respectively, solved in normal saline and group C gargled pure normal saline for 30 s at 5 min before tracheal intubation. POST severity measured immediately after the entrance to the postanesthetic care unit (PACU) and then 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, and 24 h after operation. Statistical Analysis Used: Collected data were analyzed by the Chi‑square test, Mann‑Whitney test, Kruskal‑Wallis test, one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Friedman test using SPSS version 20.</p><p><strong> Results</strong>: POST incidence and severity in group C were significantly higher than both K and G groups at all times. Although significant differences between low and high doses of ketamine were acknowledged at 8 h post‑operation, 100 mg ketamine could attenuate POST severity further than 50 mg at all times.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: It seems that 100 mg outperformed 50 mg ketamine without rising complications and dissatisfaction for subjects. So, it gives us a powerful reason to suggest gargling 100 mg ketamine for lessening POST incidence and severity</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2474http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2474/717718314International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Role of Cystatin C in Predicting Disease Activity and Flare‑Up in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Longitudinal Follow‑Up Study24752475ENDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanDepartment of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, New York20211013<p><strong>Background</strong>: We aimed to determine the sensitivity of serum cystatin C (Cys‑C) in predicting lupus flare‑up.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: In a longitudinal study, 77 patients were followed‑up for up to 15 months. Cys‑C, physician global assessment (PGA), and lupus activity index (SLEDAI) were recorded during each visit. Flare‑up was defined as an increase ≥4 scores in SLEDAI compared to the last visit. The predictability of flare‑up by Cys‑C was evaluated by generalized linear‑mixed effect model (GLMM) and generalized estimating equation (GEE). Predictive power of Cys‑C, SLEDAI, and PGA was compared by the area under the curves (AUC) and application of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Lupus flare‑up was observed in 14 out of 77 patients on the 1st visit, 3 out of 41 patients on the 2nd visit, 2 out of 26 patients on the 3rd visit, 1 out of 14 patients on the 4th visit, and 1 out of 3 patients on the 5th visit. Mean Cys‑C levels in patients with flare‑up vs. those with no flare‑up in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd visits were 1769 vs. 1603 (P = 0.6), 5701 vs. 2117 (p = 0.2) and 1409 vs. 1731 (p = 0.9), respectively. Cys‑C had lower predictive power than PGA and SLEDAI for either flare‑up, active nephritis or SLEDAI in GLMM/GEE models. Cys‑C also showed lower sensitivity (AUC = 0.701, 95%CI = 0.579‑0.823, P = 0.003) than PGA and SLEDAI, to distinguish patients prone to flare‑ups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Although Cys‑C had some sensitivity for predicting flare‑up, active nephritis or SLEDAI, its sensitivity was lower than that in PGA and SLEDAI.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2475http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2475/717718315International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Investigation of the Effect of 5‑Aza‑2’‑Deoxycytidine in Comparison to and in Combination with Trichostatin A on p16INK4a, p14ARF, p15INK4b Gene Expression, Cell Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis Induction in Colon Cancer Caco‑2 Cell Line24762476ENResearch Center for Non‑Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Fars ProvinceResearch Center for Non‑Communicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Fars ProvinceDepartment of Student of Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Fars Province20211013<p><strong>Background</strong>: The cell cycle is divided into four phases, G1, G2, S, and M phase. The mammalian cell cycle is controlled and governed by the kinase complexes including cyclin and the cyclin‑dependent kinase (CDK), cyclin‑CDK complexes. The activity of the complexes is regulated by cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs), the INK4, and the CDK interacting protein/kinase inhibitory protein (CIP/KIP) families. Promoter hypermethylation and histone deacetylation of CDKIs have been reported in several cancers. These changes can be reversed by DNA demethylating agents, such as decitabine, 5‑Aza‑2′‑deoxycytidine (5‑Aza‑CdR), and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs), such as trichostatin A. Previously, we reported the effect of 5‑Aza‑CdR and trichostatin A (TSA) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study aimed to investigate the effect of 5‑Aza‑CdR in comparison to and in combination with trichostatin A on p16INK4a, p14ARF, p15INK4b genes expression, cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in colon cancer Caco‑2 cell line.</p><p><strong> Methods</strong>: The Caco‑2 cells were cultured and treated with 5‑Aza‑CdR and TSA (alone and combined). The cell viability, apoptosis, and relative gene expression were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and real‑time quantitative reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction (qRT‑PCR), respectively.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Both compounds inhibited cell growth, induced apoptosis, and up‑regulated the p16INK4a, p14ARF, p15INK4b gene significantly. The TSA had a more significant effect in comparison to 5‑Aza‑CdR. Furthermore, maximal apoptosis and up‑regulation were observed with combined treatment.</p><p><strong> Conclusions</strong>: our finding indicated that 5‑Aza‑CdR and TSA can epigenetically re‑activate the p16INK4a, p14ARF, p15INK4b gene resulting in cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in colon cancer.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2476http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2476/717718316International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Joint Disease Mapping of Breast, Uterine, and Ovarian Cancers in Cities of Isfahan Province from 2005 to 2010 Using Spatial Shared Component Model24772477ENDepartment of Biostatistics, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanDepartment of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan & Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, KermanshahHealth Education and Health Promotion, Health Promotion Department, Health School, ShirazSocial Department of Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan20211013<p><strong>Background</strong>: Breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers are the most prevalent types of cancers among women. The aim of this study was to estimate the relative risk of these cancers and recognizing spatial patterns of their shared and specific risk factors in cities of Isfahan province, one of the most populated provinces of Iran, using spatial shared component model.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: In this ecological study, the population consisted of all the registered patients having breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers in the cities of Isfahan from 2005 to 2010. In order to simultaneously analyze these diseases and clarify common and specific patterns of disease, spatial Shared component model was applied. Model fitting was done using Bayesian inference in OpenBUGS software.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: The highest relative risk of breast cancer was seen in Isfahan (4.96), Shahreza (2.37), Dehaghan (5.01), Lenjan (2.33), and Najafabad (2.68), respectively. For ovarian cancer, Isfahan (4.29), Shahreza (2.51), Dehaghan (5.02), Lenjan (2.06), Najafabad (2.00), and Borkhar (2.39) had the highest relative risk, respectively. However, no significant difference was seen among the cities for uterine cancer (P > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Since ovarian and uterine cancers are the less prevalent disease in comparison with breast cancer, the preciseness of these estimates were improved remarkably over simple mapping models. Based on this model, the estimates were done according to the correlation between the diseases. After recognizing the spatial patterns of the shared and specific risk factors and reviewing of previous studies, regardless of risk factors data, environmental pollution arises as a potential risk factor.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2477http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2477/717718317International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Possible Preventive Effect of Donepezil and Hyoscyamoside by Reduction of Plaque Formation and Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease24782478ENDepartment of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, TehranDepartment of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non‑communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanDepartment of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, TehranDepartment of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran20211013<p><strong>Background</strong>: Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common age‑dependent dementia. The complex natural accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) precursor protein in hippocampus neurons is regarded as the earliest pathological feature of AD, although there are cholinergic assumptions and effective inflammation in AD. In this animal experimental study, we evaluated the preventive effect of hyoscyamoside (Hyo) and donepezil (Dz) on plaque formation and improvement of neurogenic inflammation in AD rats.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: Dz was prepared and Hyo (steroidal saponin) was isolated from Hyoscymus niger. Then, Wistar rats divided into five groups including negative and positive controls, AD, Dz, and Hyo treatment groups based on the drug exposure and their behavioral alternation was examined using Morris water maze (MWM) test. Bielschowsky staining was used to detect the nerve fibers. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)‑4 and IL‑6 were evaluated by ELISA. The RNA expression of cyclin‑dependent kinase CDK11-P58 in peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed using quantitative PCR.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: The MWM test showed significant changes in time the models spent to find the hidden platform. The Hyo treatment group showed a notable speed change (P < 0.01). The histopathological analysis of the hippocampal tissue revealed the inhibition of Aβ formation in the treatment groups. The treatment groups had a significant decline in the serum level of IL‑6, and the IL‑4 serum level was increased in the Hyo and Dz treated groups. The expression levels of CDK11-P58 was significantly decreased in the treatment groups.</p><p><strong> Conclusions</strong>: In sum, the therapeutic effects of Hyo is comparable with that of Dz in AD rats by suppressing neuroinflammation. Thus, these compounds could be considered as a preventive agent in the AD therapy.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2478http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2478/717718318International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Transition in Smoking Stages and Its Relationship with Family Psychological Function and Perceived Social Support in Adolescents of Tabriz, Iran24792479ENStudent Research Committee & M. Sc. Student of Community Health Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, TabrizTabriz Health Services Management Research Center & Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, TabrizPsychiatric Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, TabrizDepartment of Community Health Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, TabrizTabriz Health Services Management Research Center & Department of Community Health Nursing, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz20211013<p><strong>Background</strong>: There is limited information on the relationship between family psychological functions and perceived social support with progress in cigarette smoking stages in adolescents. This study was aimed to determine the relationship between family psychological function and perceived social support through a transition in different stages of cigarette smoking in adolescents of Tabriz, Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: In this study, 4,216 students (14–19 years old) from high schools were selected by multistage cluster sampling method. Initially, we used valid and reliable questionnaires for demographic characteristics, risk factors, Iranian family psychological function, and perceived social support. The smoking status questionnaire was administered twice, with an interval of 6 months. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Overall, 3,968 students with the mean (standard deviation) age of 15.96 (0.75) years completed the questionnaire in the first phase of the study. The results showed that lower levels of family psychosocial function (P < 0.001) and perceived social support (P < 0.001) in the univariate state were significantly associated with progress in cigarette smoking stages. By controlling the potential confounding factors, the weak and moderate family psychological function compared to the strong function increased the chance of progress in the cigarette smoking stages by almost 11 and 4 times, respectively (P < 0.001). The low and moderate level of perceived social support compared to the high level increased the chance of progress in cigarette smoking stages by almost 7 and 2 times, respectively (P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: It is suggested to perform an organized, precise, and operational planning for strengthening the family psychological functions and providing an appropriate social support condition among adolescents to prevent the tendency toward cigarette smoking and its more advanced phases.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2479http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2479/717718319International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Impact of Maternity Support Program on the Stress of Mothers in the First Encounter with the Preterm Infants24802480ENNursing Care Research Center (NCRC), Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, TehranDepartment of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, ShahroudDepartment of Epidemioligy, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Science, ShirazHazrate Rasoul Medical Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, TehranDepartment of Psychiatry, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari,Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud20211013<p><strong>Background</strong>: Mothers of premature infants experience a high level of stress. The current study was conducted aiming at investigating the impact of maternity support program on the stress of mothers in the first encounter with infants.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: This experimental study began in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of two hospitals of Tehran; that is, Mahdieh (intervention) and Shahid Akbar‑Abadi (control), from Feb 14, 2016, to May 14, 2016. Both are educational and referral centers including three levels of NICU that were randomly allocated to intervention and control sites. In the span of study period all 75 infants and mothers with inclusion/exclusion criteria in the Mahdieh hospital were included in the intervention group and vis‑à‑vis all 68 infants and mothers in Shahid‑Akbar‑Abadi were enrolled in the control group. The designed intervention was conducted based on the support system pattern of mothers with premature infants in the interventional group. In the first stage of intervention, in the intervention group, mothers were provided informational, emotional, and spiritual support before and during the first exposure and were empowered for comfortable interactions. The control group received routine care. After the first exposure, the mothers’ stress was measured by the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS: NICU). The data were analyzed by STATA software as well as t‑test, Chi‑square, and average treatment effects (ATEs) were estimated using inverse probability treatment weights (IPTW).</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: After adjusting pre‑treatment variables by IPTW, the adjusted average difference in the stress score over the NICU environment, infant’s behavior and appearance, the special treatments on him/her, and the change in the parental role and total stress were 1.47 (1.19–1.75), 1.06 (0.73–1.14), 1.21 (0.93–1.49), and 1.18 (0.93–1.44), which were lower than the control group (P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The intervention reduced significantly the stress of mothers. The policy‑makers are suggested to conduct this method.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2480http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2480/717718320International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Stigma; A Major Challenge Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic24702470ENDepartment of Nursing, School of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, ArakDepartment of Nursing, School of Nursing, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak20211010<p>Dear Editor,</p><p>Upon the spread and turning into an epidemic of an infectious disease such as the Covid-19, people become very frightened and worried. Among factors affecting the anxiety related to such outbreaks are patients’ fears of social reactions and the stigma of being a carrier. Stigma indicates a negative behavior or attitude towards a specific person or condition.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2470http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2470/717718310International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Tests for the Detection of Antibodies to SARS‑CoV‑2: Importance of the Critical Professional Interpretation24732473ENCentro de Investigaciones Sobre Endemias Nacionales, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa FeFacultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental de Cuyo, CCT CONICET,20211013In the current COVID‑19 pandemic, it is necessary to count on early diagnosis of the infection and its distribution in the population, in order to take appropriate clinical and epidemiological decisions. It is fundamental to have useful laboratory tests for each context.http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2473http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2473/717718313International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212620211013Renin Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 and COVID‑19: Prevention and Treatment24822482ENDepartment of Physiology, Sazevar University of Medical Sciences, SabzevarWater and Electrolytes Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan20211013Dear Editor, The 2019 novel corona virus (SARS‑CoV‑2) has already taken on pandemic proportions, having infected more than seven million people in 213 countries. The increased prevalence of the disease as well as involvement of the angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) have suggested to consider its role in corona virus infection diseases‑2019 (COVID‑19).http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2482http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2482/717718322