Received: October 2017, Accepted: April 2017 Background: One of the most important epidemiologic indices for the assessment and measurement of dental caries is the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index which is used as an important criterion for the evaluation of the oral and dental health status of individuals. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine DMFT6 (DMFT of the first permanent molar) index and the related factors with the caries free status in students of 12 years of age in Larestan, Iran, in 2014. Materials and Methods:The present cross-sectional survey was conducted on 2436 students. Data were collected using the National Oral Health Promotion Plan Checklist. If the features of decayed, missing, and filled were observed in any of the first permanent molars, they received a score of 1. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, chi-squared test for trend, independent two-sample t-test, and multiple logistic regression model. Results: The mean and standard deviation of DMFT6 in all students was 1.00 ± 1.36. It was 1.07 ± 1.39 and 0.93 ± 1.33 in girls and boys, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0080). In addition, more than half of the students (51.5%) were caries free. The variables of gender (P = 0.0007), mothers' education (P < 0.0001), and fathers' occupation (P = 0.0045) were determined as the related factors of the caries free variable in the logistic regression model. Conclusions: It seems that the amount of the DMFT6 index in students of 12 years of age in Larestan was high compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards in 2010. Therefore, it is recommended that efficient plans be made to promote the oral and dental health of students.

Background: One of the important aspects of the epidemiologic study of suicide and its related behaviors is the identification of suicide methods. This study aimed to investigate the geographical epidemiology of common methods of suicide and suicide attempts in Fars Province located in Southwestern Iran during the years 2010-2013. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 17,342 suicide and suicide attempt cases in Fars Province. To collect the data, the monthly suicide prevention program checklist was used. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software, R software, and ArcGIS software. Using Bayesian hierarchical models, the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were prepared and calculated according to the common suicide and suicide attempt methods. Results: On average, the suicide rate in Fars Province was 3.85 in one hundred thousand people per year. The geographic pattern of suicide in the mentioned province showed that the highest rates of hanging were reported in the cities of Firuzabad, Farashband, and Larestan, Iran, and the highest rates of self-immolation were reported in cities of Mamasani, Shiraz, and Firuzabad, Iran. Conclusions: Despite the low rate of suicide in the cities of Fars Province, the rate of suicide-related behaviors, including suicide attempt and suicide by violent and deadly methods, was high in some areas of the province. Therefore, restricting access to lethal means and methods of suicide and planning to identify areas with high risk for suicide in the province is necessary.

Background: Hospitalization in the coronary care unit (CCU) is a concern for patients and their companions. Different studies have presented conflicting results about the effect of visitors on physiological parameters of patients. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in physiological parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate) due to presence of visitors at the bedside of patients admitted to CCU at Ali-ibn Abi Talib Hospital of Rafsanjan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 281 patients hospitalized in the CCU. Patients' systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were obtained using a heart monitoring device 2 hours before, during, immediately, and 2 hours after the visit and were recorded in checklists by nurses. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Mean and standard deviation of patients' age was 62.96 ± 12.16 years (ranged between 29-93 years). Mean changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate of patients in studied time periods was statistically significant (P < 0.001),so that they increased during visit, and then, after 2 hours they returned to primary levels. Women's physiological parameters were higher than men's over all time periods (P < 0.050). Patients' average systolic blood pressure did not differ across age groups (P > 0.050). Average diastolic blood pressure in patients older than 70 years was less than other age groups and average heart rate in patients older than 60 years was higher than younger patients (P < 0.050). Conclusions: The average of physiological parameters increased during visits, but decreased to primary levels 2 hours after visits. These changes were not considered clinically important.

Background: Self-burning is known as an extremely violent means of suicide. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of self-burning in Iranian townships covered by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during years 2009 to 2012. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional research was performed on 250 self-burning cases and 181 self-burning attempts. Data was collected from the Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program Checklist. To analyze the data, the chi-square test and logistic regression model were utilized. Results: Most self-burning cases were observed in females (70.4%), married individuals (60.4%), an age group of 15 to 24 years (38%), and rural residents (60.8%). Moreover, the highest and lowest self-burning cases had occurred during spring (31.2%) and fall (17.6%) (P = 0.736). Conclusions: The findings are indicative of a high occurrence of self-burning among young married females. Therefore, it is vital to provide this at risk group with the necessary prevention programs.