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In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore the challenges of providing services and supports for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families from the perceptions of professionals and parents of children with ASD. We classified the results of the study into three key categories including shortcomings in the management of children with ASD; shortcomings of supportive programs and facilities for children with ASD and their families; and organizational challenges in providing services for these children. We analyzed data using the content analysis method. The results showed that there is a wide range of challenges in providing sufficient and high-quality services for children with ASD and empowerment programs for their parents.

Background. The health of retirees, as an expanding and vulnerable group, is of particular importance in society, and it is necessary to prioritize their problems in critical situations such as the spread of the coronavirus. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of social and cultural capital on the level of fear of COVID-19 among retired employees of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (TUOMS). Methods. This survey-based research employed a descriptive-explanatory design and was practical in terms of purpose. This study selected 410 retirees from TUOMS in Iran using a simple random sampling method. The data collection tools in this study included three questionnaires: cultural capital, social capital, and fear of COVID-19. We tested the research hypotheses using SPSS software (version 22). Results. The bivariate results of the study indicated that social capital and its dimensions (social networks, social trust, and social participation) and cultural capital and its dimensions (embodied, objective, and institutional) had a significant and inversed effect on the level of fear of COVID-19 among the retirees. The regression model of fear of COVID-19 also found that both independent variables (social capital and cultural capital) were statistically significant and could explain about 36% and 31% of the changes in the dependent variable (fear of COVID-19 among retirees), respectively. Conclusion. This study indicated a significant and inverse relationship between social and cultural capital and the level of fear of COVID-19 among the retirees of TUOMS. The findings of the present study can be generalized to all retired TUOMS employees. Therefore, healthcare policymakers should take effective measures to increase the funds allocated to diseases such as COVID-19 and reduce the fear of the disease, which is a risk factor for physical and mental diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishment of an interpersonal-violence registry system (IPVRS) is a promising initiative to tackle violence. This qualitative study aimed to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the feasibility of establishing the IPVRS in the East-Azerbaijan province of Iran. This qualitative study using content analysis was conducted to explore the importance, challenges, and facilitating factors of establishing the IPVRS from the viewpoints of stakeholders. Forty-six individuals from the Forensic Medical Organization, the University, the Welfare Organization, the Training and Education Organization, hospitals, and primary health centers participated in the study. Six themes and 13 sub-themes were identified. The importance of the establishment of the IPVRS was sub-categorized into two main themes, including violence as a public health priority and severe consequences of violence including intensive health and social outcomes and high use of medical services. The most critical challenges of establishing the IPVRS were categorized into two main themes including victims' under-reporting due to financial difficulties as well as psychosocial barriers and structural barriers such as organizational barriers and methodological challenges. Inter-sectoral partnership was identified as the main facilitating factor in the successful establishment of the IPVRS. The participants recommended improving the development of the IPVRS by stepwise development of the program, resource absorption from other beneficiary organizations, and making more coverage in the registry system. In conclusion, the establishment of the IPVRS is identified as an effective strategy to tackle violence-related issues. Close collaboration with different governmental and non-governmental sectors and the gradual development of the registry system can pave the way for establishing the IPVRS. This study has several implications for identifying potential challenges and facilitators of the IPVRS applicable to other developing countries with similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Today, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in both sexes. There are several risk factors for heart diseases; some controllable, others not. However, socioeconomic, technological, and environmental factors can impact CVD as well as exclusive risk factors. Accurate identification and assessment of these factors are often difficult. In the present systematic review, we aimed to explore factors affecting CVD. Methods: Multiple databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane) and gray literature were searched. The included studies described at least one determinant of CVD. The framework method was applied to analyze the qualitative data. Results: A total of 64 studies from 26 countries were included. The contextual determinants of CVD were categorized into 45 determinants, 15 factors, and 4 main social, economic, technological, and environmental categories. The 15 potentially reversible factors were identified as sociodemographic, violence, smoking, occupation, positive childhood experience, social inequalities, psychological distress, eating habits, neighborhood, family income, rapid technology, environmental pollution, living environments, noise, and disaster. Conclusions: Devolution and more efficient health policies are required to achieve further sustained reduction in CVD mortality, increase life expectancy, and reduce its associated risk factors. Policymakers should fully address the value of social, economic, technological, and environmental factors. In fact, a prevention agenda should be developed and updated collaboratively in terms of the determinant factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]