Showing 11 results for Policy Brief
Zeinab Hamzehgardeshi, Zohreh Shahhosseini, Afsaneh Fendereski, Farangis Habibi, Mohammad Ahmadi,
Volume 32, Issue 218 (3-2023)
Abstract
Pregnancy is a critical period. A healthy lifestyle during pregnancy has profound direct and indirect effects on the long-term health of the mother, the fetus and the newborn. According to studies, healthy lifestyle education for pregnant mothers in Iran, including at the level of primary health care, is not in a favorable condition. Lack of training program updates for midwives and lack of documented comprehensive educational content are among the reasons. The present policy brief aimed at dealing with this health problem by implementing the best evidence in practice. We propose "delivering healthy lifestyle education to pregnant women by midwives according to the best evidence-based criteria" to the health policymakers in Iran Ministry of Health and medical sciences universities. In this regard, it is recommended to systematically train midwives in healthcare settings, integration of healthy lifestyle education to mothers and primary health care programs, including that in the electronic health records of pregnant women, and continuous monitoring of these activities could be of great benefit.
Laleh Karimzadeh, Ebrahim Salehifar, Narges Mazloomi, Mohammadhosein Esfahanizadeh, Hashem Ghezelsofla, Adele Rafati, Fatemeh Khaleghi,
Volume 32, Issue 218 (3-2023)
Abstract
Consumption of thousands of tons of industrial chemicals in agriculture, such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, has created significant environmental problems. The regulations for the import, production, formulation, and utilization of chemical, biological and organic fertilizers and pesticides are not completely implemented in Iran. According to the latest notification of the Jihad Agriculture Minister entitled "Instructions for monitoring the production and health promotion of plant products" (1095/020-06/04/2022), the Ministry of Health is the body responsible for investigating and monitoring the remaining of chemical compounds (pesticides, fertilizers, growth regulators, plant hormones, nitrates, and heavy metals). Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Food and Drug Deputy in collaboration with Research and Technology Deputy, The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences Food and Drug Organization, Provincial Agricultural Jihad Organization, Provincial Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Agricultural and Natural Resources Engineering Organization of Iran, Iran National Standards Organization, and Environment Protection Agency aim at regulating the utilization of chemical pesticides in agricultural products (strategic products) in Mazandaran province to control the consumption of pesticides in agricultural products and minimize their potential risk to human health and the environment. The main solutions include generating QR Code in the integrated electronic services system of the Organization of Agricultural Engineering and Natural Resources and issuing certificates for product improvement in the Electronic Agricultural Permits System in order to register plant products in production units.
Seyed Hassan Nikookar, Mahmoud Fazeli-Dinan, Morteza Zaim, Ahmadali Enayati,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (11-2023)
Abstract
Background and purpose: Dengue fever has become a major public health problem in many regions of the world due to increased trade and travel and problems in controlling Aedes vectors. The purpose of this policy brief is to review, analyze and present evidence-based policies for dengue prevention and control.
Materials and methods: The present research is a systematic review in order to compile a policy brief in Iran, which was carried out in 3 stages according to its methodology. In the first stage, the justification and description of the problem was done in a systematic manner and by examining scientific documents through searching in national and international scientific databases, websites, guidelines and books. In the second stage, a draft of the priority elements related to the policy framework was prepared by the first author and discussed with the other authors. In the third stage, the draft questions were categorized and summarized, and then the policies were compiled in close discussion with all authors.
Results: According to the recommendations of the best available evidence in the literature, five policy options were presented for the prevention and control of dengue fever, including 1- development of basic, applied and innovative research 2- Strengthening the capacity and capability of the human, infrastructural and health system in all relevant sectors for the surveillance, control, monitoring and evaluation 3- strengthening inter- and intra-sectoral coordination and collaboration 4- community engagement and mobilization 5- scaling up of functions and integrating tools.
Conclusion: In order to increase the long-term impact of policies, it is recommended to use an integrated approach with the continuous support of all stakeholders (local, national, regional).
Ali Ghaemian, Mahna Gholami, Maryam Nabati,
Volume 33, Issue 1 (11-2023)
Abstract
Due to the increase in the average age and metabolic diseases in the Iranian population, an increase in the prevalence of atherosclerotic aortic valve stenosis is expected. In severe and symptomatic cases of this disease, if the valve is not replaced, the death rate increases by 50% with every two years of age. Non-invasive intervention of aortic valve implantation through catheter (TAVI) is suitable for patients in whom open heart surgery is impossible or associated with high risk. Despite the widespread use of the TAVI method around the world and in some medical centers of the country, until now this method has not been started and performed in the Mazandaran Heart Center, a specialized and sub-specialized referral center for cardiovascular patients in Mazandaran province and other parts of the north of the country; Also, provision of a 3D esophageal echocardiography device is necessary as a basic prerequisite. In this policy brief, evidence-based solutions in this field and the challenges ahead have been proposed and presented to policymakers and managers in the field of cardiovascular health by the researchers of the Cardiovascular Research Center of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Therefore, the officials pay sufficient attention to the necessity of equipping the Mazandaran heart center with a 3D transesophageal echocardiography device and funding it, providing physical facilities including a dedicated operating room and training facilities to form a specialized team skilled in TAVI procedure and insurance coverage for this Service is emphasized.
Hajar Shokri-Afra, Mahboobeh Ebrahimi, Reyhane Ebrahimi Shahabi, Tarang Taghvaei, Ziaeddin Oladi, Ahmad Raeisi,
Volume 33, Issue 2 (12-2023)
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects over 1/3 of the Iranian adult population. NAFLD is predicted to soon become an epidemic with widespread social and economic consequences due to the increasing prevalence of its risk factors. So far, NAFLD has received less attention from the public health system. It is necessary to adopt and develop effective national policies and guidelines based on evidence related to the prevention, diagnosis, care, and treatment of NAFLD. The researchers of the Gut and Liver Research Center, affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, with the aim of helping to solve this challenge, have presented the current policy brief using the research evidence available in databases and the review of the national higher-order documents. First of all, it is suggested that the government should legally and financially support NAFLD as a serious social health issue. Subsequently, the Ministry of Health should provide relevant standards and executive guidelines according to the existing conditions in Iran's healthcare system, under the legal and financial support of the government. In this policy summary, some of the implenetable and high-priority measures included designing national service standards by specialized liver working groups; providing funds for the development of human, physical, and study resources; developing people-oriented health/educational systems, and providing care and treatment services through multi-specialty clinics
Maryam Khazaee-Pool, Maryam , Zarghani,
Volume 33, Issue 221 (5-2023)
Abstract
The universal nature of science and increasing complexity of technological issues and developments in different sciences led to the growth of interdisciplinary cooperation. Some health issues such as addiction, population aging, emerging and re-emerging diseases, and environmental pollution are beyond the scope and capacity of a single-discipline expertise and require constructive dialogue and cooperation between different specialized fields. Currently in Iran, the development of interdisciplinary cooperation is not of much interest at medical sciences universities. The present policy brief aimed at addressing this issue by reviewing the upstream documents proposed by the Parliament Education/Research Commission, the development roadmap in the 9th and 10th governments, and interviewing elites in interdisciplinary fields.
Mahbobeh Montazeri, Ahmad Daryani,
Volume 33, Issue 227 (12-2023)
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the cause of toxoplasmosis, an infection with worldwide distribution. Considering the burden of congenital toxoplasmosis, opportunistic toxoplasmosis infection in immunocompromised patients, and the increasing of these patients, regarding the variety of weather conditions and social factors in Iran, evaluation and improvement of the methods of controlling and preventing toxoplasmosis is necessary in the country. The lack of a mandatory national program for the control and prevention of toxoplasmosis, the failure to implement a regular screening program during pregnancy, the lack of a national network for registering positive cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, and the need to improve the quality of educational programs are among the most important challenges in the future. In this regard, the researchers of the Toxoplasmosis Research Center have introduced and proposed new programs for the control and prevention of toxoplasmosis in Iran and presented solutions to the mentioned challenges to be given to the policymakers for the Ministry of Health and the universities of medical sciences in the current policy summary report. To develop a control and prevention program for toxoplasmosis in Iran, the following goals should be considered: prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis, regular screening during pregnancy and follow-up of seronegative cases, secondary prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis based on screening and treatment before the birth of the baby, follow-up of treatment in IgG and IgM positive infants to prevent ocular toxoplasmosis in the future, health education for women in reproductive age, examination of knowledge and awareness of pregnant women about toxoplasma and its transmission routes, prevention of toxoplasmosis in other patients, the establishment of a reference laboratory for toxoplasmosis diagnosis, prevention of infection in animals and disinfection in meat, reduction of environmental pollution and public education
Sorour Ashari, Parisa Islami-Parkoohi, Nahid Ramezanghorbani, Farhad Gholami, Pedram Ebrahimnejad , Maryam Khazaee-Pool , Alireza Rafiei,
Volume 34, Issue 233 (5-2024)
Abstract
Knowledge translation is the sharing of knowledge obtained from research with knowledge users, including community members, organizations, and policymakers, to use it to improve systems and improve the provision of services and products. The implementation of the knowledge translation process in the health field is facing challenges in our country, which is partly because of insufficient knowledge about the concept of knowledge translation and how to implement the knowledge translation process. In the present study, the definition of knowledge translation, and how the process and tools of knowledge translation were discussed, and then, while reviewing the status of knowledge translation in Iranian universities of medical sciences, solutions for the implementation of knowledge translation were presented. Some of the mentioned knowledge translation tools in this study are podcasts, three-minute thesis presentations, webinars, infographics, research news from research results, press releases, journal clubs, policy briefs, and clinical guidelines. The situation of knowledge translation has been reported as inappropriate and incomplete in medical sciences universities of Iran. In these studies, the evaluation was done using the evaluation tool of knowledge translation, which included the four areas of audience needs assessment, knowledge production, knowledge transfer, and evidence application. According to the current situation of knowledge translation, the implementation solutions of knowledge translation in each field have been presented separately. Appropriate networking between knowledge producers and knowledge users, as well as holding regular meetings with representatives of executive organizations and industry owners to determine research priorities, are among the solutions presented in the audience needs assessment section. Creating the infrastructure to carry out research projects based on the needs of the audience, allocating the necessary resources for the implementation of research projects, active participation of representatives of executive organizations in the process of conducting research, creating an internal network between academic researchers to advance research priorities as much as possible, and also pay attention to the quality of knowledge production to gain the trust of the audience are the solutions provided in the knowledge production sector. Acquainting researchers with the field of knowledge transfer and its importance, allocating resources to implement the knowledge transfer process, using appropriate and up-to-date tools for knowledge transfer by researchers, and creating rules to support researchers who, before publishing their research findings in reputable journals, publish them through other means of knowledge transfer, institutionalizing the mechanisms of benefiting from the research achievements in the general education program, and also considering the incentive plans for the transfer of the produced knowledge are among the solutions presented in the knowledge transfer section. Producing valid and reliable evidence, placing produced evidence at the disposal of policymakers, building trust in the audience by researchers, policymakers, and relevant officials to use produced evidence, informing the audience about the need to use production evidence, creating appropriate communication between knowledge producers and knowledge users through the use of knowledge brokers, the existence of resources and financial support for the use of evidence by policymakers as well as target audiences are some of the solutions provided in the use of evidence section
Sorour Ashari, Parisa Islami-Parkoohi, Maliheh Ghasemi Tirtashi, Keshvar Samadaee Gelehkolaee, Farhad Gholami, Sepideh Khalili Savadkouhi, Alireza Rafiei,
Volume 34, Issue 241 (1-2025)
Abstract
Infertility management and measures to reduce its prevalence are of considerable importance. In recent years, knowledge translation has been emphasized and prioritized in various fields, especially medical sciences, as a means to improve the health of communities. The purpose of this study is to describe the application of knowledge translation in the field of infertility. The necessary measures for effective infertility management are situated within four main areas: building a culture of awareness around infertility, preventing infertility, diagnosing infertility, and treating infertility. Implementing knowledge translation within each of these areas represents an essential and effective step toward reducing infertility prevalence. One of the most influential knowledge translation tools for building awareness and shaping culture is the media, which can play a critical role in educating the public. Infertility is caused by a variety of factors, including some that are specific to men (e.g., developmental diseases in male children), others specific to women (e.g., ovulatory disorders), and factors affecting both sexes (e.g., sexually transmitted diseases). Therefore, providing comprehensive education and increasing community awareness in these areas are crucial steps for infertility prevention. Despite advancements in infertility treatments, many individuals remain unaware of available options. Enhancing public knowledge of treatment methods, including fertility preservation strategies such as ovarian and egg freezing, is essential. Furthermore, raising awareness about issues such as insurance coverage for infertility treatments is equally important, as economic constraints are often significant barriers to seeking care. Additionally, certain aspects of infertility treatment, such as third-party reproduction, warrant focused attention from policymakers and officials. Through the development of strategic policy briefs by experts, policymakers can establish effective frameworks to address these challenges. In conclusion, utilizing knowledge translation tools such as raising awareness through the media, developing strategic policy briefs, and creating evidence-based guidelines by researchers and specialists in infertility management is a critical step toward reducing infertility prevalence and improving overall community health.
Zohreh Shahhosseini, Roya Nikbakht, Negin Kalvani, Malihe Nourollahpour Shiadeh,
Volume 34, Issue 241 (1-2025)
Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding is a vital factor in improving maternal and child health. Studies among Iranian mothers indicate suboptimal rates of exclusive breastfeeding, as well as low levels of awareness and self-efficacy in this regard. Breastfeeding education plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. However, current training programs in Iranian healthcare centers primarily focus on general literacy rather than health literacy, which encompasses the ability to access, comprehend, evaluate, and apply health-related information. Additionally, a uniform approach to breastfeeding education is applied to all mothers, regardless of their individual needs and literacy levels, highlighting the necessity for more effective and targeted educational interventions. This policy brief emphasizes the importance of adopting a health-literacy-based approach to breastfeeding education as a key strategy for enhancing the quality of exclusive breastfeeding programs in Iran. The objective of this brief is to address this gap through a comprehensive assessment, including policy considerations, database analysis, field research, and adherence to regulations in Mother- and Baby-Friendly Hospitals. Proposed strategies include developing and implementing a national health policy on breastfeeding education, along with monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; integrating breastfeeding education with a health-literacy approach into maternal primary care services and electronic maternal and neonatal health records; enhancing the communication and educational skills of midwives and other maternal and child healthcare providers so they can deliver breastfeeding education in a simple, comprehensible, and practical manner that is tailored to mothers' cultural and social needs; and leveraging modern educational technologies, such as multimedia tools and mobile applications, to facilitate maternal access to essential information.
Mona Ghazanfari, Sabrieh Asadi Shahi Sarae, Sanaz Yaalimadad, Bahador Nikoueian Shirvan, Somayeh Ghanbari, Hossein Mohammad Taghi Fam, Mohammad Taghi Hedayati,
Volume 34, Issue 242 (2-2025)
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis is known as one of the most dangerous fungal diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals or patients with long-term hospitalization in intensive care units. This disease imposes a significant burden on the Iranian health system with its high mortality rate and high costs due to hospitalization and treatment. On the other hand, the increasing resistance of Aspergillus species, especially Aspergillus fumigatus, to azole drugs is a serious challenge. The country's lack of an effective strategy and program to monitor and treat this disease is a major obstacle to its control. Researchers from the Invasive Fungal Research Center affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, by presenting this policy brief report, emphasize the need for immediate action and attention to a multifaceted approach of clinical vigilance, ongoing research, and management of environmental factors, and propose operational solutions including the establishment of continuous clinical and environmental monitoring systems, the development of rapid diagnostic tests, research and development of new drugs, specialized training of medical staff, the development of aspergillosis infection control protocols, and monitoring the use of azole fungicides in agriculture. The development of a comprehensive national program, cooperation between policymakers and health managers, researchers and medical mycologists, and other health and medical specialists, along with interdisciplinary measures, will play an important role in managing this crisis.
