Shahram Sadeghvand, Ali , Taghizadeh Orangi, Sophia Mansouripour, Erfan Golshan Shali, Maryam Shoaran, Gisou Erabi,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurologic disorder that manifests symptoms such as impaired movement control. Constipation is also highly prevalent (26%- 74%) among children. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of constipation and the management of constipation symptoms in children and compared the efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lactulose in treatment. We also assessed the control of adverse complications such as intestinal bleeding.
Methods and Materials: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 48 patients with CP aged 1 to 15 years at Mardani Azar Children's Hospital in Tabriz for 12 months (January to December 2022). According to the ROME IV criteria for defining constipation, the prevalence among patients diagnosed with CP was investigated. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of group 24 individuals, using computer-generated numbers. The first group received PEG, while the second group was treated with lactulose. They were monitored for one month and then for their symptoms and outcomes every three months. Overall success was defined as having a frequency of defecation greater than twice a week and experiencing fecal incontinence no more than once a week. Statistical analyses were conducted using the chi-square test, student’s t-test, and logistic regression using SPSS v. 26.
Results: A significant alteration was observed in defecation frequency and fecal incontinence 12 and 24 weeks after the start of treatment. Defecation frequency rose from 5.3% to 6.3% in the first group and from 5% to 5.7% in the second group (p = 0.01). The success rates for 12 weeks were 57% and 33% for the first and second groups, respectively (p = 0.04). Also, the success rate for 24 weeks was 62% for the first group and 37% for the second group (p = 0.02). The difference in success rates between the two-drug treatments was significant, leading us to conclude that PEG could be a more suitable option.
Conclusion and Discussion: Constipation is one of the critical problems among children with CP, and PEG could provide more favorable outcomes than lactulose as a treatment option for patients with constipation.
Mahboubeh Hojati, Marjan Mansourian, Shahrokh Izadi,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Comprehending the prevalence of abortion is vital for gaining insights into reproductive health, demographic trends, and broader impacts on family privacy, psychological well-being, and healthcare costs. This study aimed to ascertain the lifetime prevalence of both spontaneous and induced abortions among women aged 10 to 53 in Isfahan province and to identify associated factors.
Methods and Materials: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Isfahan province in 2024. The target population consisted of women of reproductive age (10 to 53 years) residing in Isfahan. A multi-stage cluster sampling approach was used, and 3000 women were interviewed. To investigate factors related to abortion, the Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and multiple logistic regression were employed.
Results: A total of 670 women, accounting for 22.2% (95% CI: 22.04%-25.24%), reported having had an abortion at some point in their lives, with 19.4% reporting spontaneous abortions and 3.9% reporting induced ones. The study found significant associations between abortion and various factors, including age, spouse’s age, spouse’s occupation, education, number of children, relationship status of the couples, duration between marriage and cohabitation, use of birth control methods, and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, the logistic regression analysis revealed that increasing age (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06) was associated with higher odds of having had a previous abortion.
Conclusion and Discussion: The findings from this study shed light on the urgent need for multifaceted approaches to tackle the prevalent rate of abortion. It is crucial to implement educational programs, provide strong family support, and improve accessibility to health services as vital components of a holistic strategy aimed at improving reproductive health outcomes.
