A Case Control Study of Acute Leukemia Risk Factors in Adults, Shiraz, Iran

authors:

avatar Negin Hadi 1 , * , avatar M Moezzi 2 , avatar A Aminlari 3

Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Assistant Professor Education Development Center (EDC), Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrkord, Iran
Intern, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

how to cite: Hadi N, Moezzi M, Aminlari A. A Case Control Study of Acute Leukemia Risk Factors in Adults, Shiraz, Iran. Shiraz E-Med J. 2008;9(1): 2-10. 

Abstract

Background:

Leukemia is one of the most common cancers in Iran. Few studies have focused on identifying the causative factors for leukemia. This implies the necessity of this case-control study. This study was undertaken to identify possible risk factors associated with leukemia.

Materials and Methods:

In a case-control study matched by age and sex. 100 leukemic patients admitted in hematology wards in Namazee Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were enrolled. Control group compromised 100 hospitalized patients whose diseases were unrelated to leukemia, and another 100 individuals selected from the general population. Questionnaires were completed by trained medical students.

Results and Discussion:

The most significant risk factors were: place of birth and residence during the past 10 years, jobs related to agriculture/animal husbandry, contact with chemical products, history of contact with animals, family history of cancer among 1st degree relatives, and cigarette smoking for more than 10 years.

Conclusion:

This epidemiologic study has encountered several restrictions that had effect on our statistics. Future studies should be conducted to achieve a more accurate result.

Full Text

Full text is available in PDF