Previous studies and meta-analyses suggest an association between hypertension and tinnitus; however, the influence of hypertension severity and control status remains unclear.

We aimed to investigate the association between hypertension and tinnitus in detail using a large, population-based dataset from a rural setting.

Design

Observational cross-sectional study.

Setting

Sheshdeh, Fasa, Iran.

We analysed data from 9775 individuals in the general population, aged 35–70 years, excluding those with a history of cancer, pregnancy or medical conditions known to cause tinnitus, such as stroke, seizures or multiple sclerosis. Additionally, although the study design aimed to exclude participants using aminoglycosides because of their significant ototoxic effects, no such users were identified during the study period.

Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of ≥90 mm Hg on at least two separate measurements or as current use of antihypertensive medications following a prior diagnosis. These medications included ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics, aldosterone antagonists and atenolol. Stage I hypertension was classified as an SBP of 140–159 mm Hg or a DBP of 90–99 mm Hg, while stage II was defined as an SBP of ≥160 mm Hg or a DBP of ≥100 mm Hg. Controlled blood pressure was defined as values below these thresholds. Tinnitus, assessed by a self-reported questionnaire, was defined as a continuous wheezing sound in the ear persisting for more than 1 week.

Among participants (4446 males, 5309 females; mean age 48.55 (SD 9.53) years), the prevalence of tinnitus and hypertension was 7.4% and 19.3%, respectively. Hypertension was significantly associated with higher odds of tinnitus (adjusted OR=1.34; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.62). Notably, even participants with controlled hypertension had a 27% increased odds (OR=1.27; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.59) compared with normotensive individuals. The odds were highest in those with uncontrolled grade II hypertension (OR=2.08; 95% CI 1.25 to 3.47), demonstrating a dose-response relationship.

Our findings suggest a positive association between hypertension and tinnitus, with odds increasing alongside the severity and poor control of hypertension. Importantly, even controlled hypertension was associated with elevated odds, indicating that tinnitus screening may be warranted in all hypertensive patients, regardless of control status. These results underscore the need for heightened clinical awareness and further research into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking vascular health and auditory symptoms.

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) training has gained momentum in stroke rehabilitation for reducing falls by enhancing balance and stability.

VR interventions offer superior immersion, interactivity and creative engagement compared with conventional therapies. However, the precise mechanisms by which VR influences dynamic stability remain unclear. Moreover, there is currently limited information regarding user experience (UX) in this context.

This study protocol outlines a randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of an immersive VR intervention on the dynamic stability of gait parameters in stroke survivors, incorporating an assessment of UX. Two groups of subjects will be enrolled in this study, including patients with a stroke within the previous 6–12 months who will receive (1) 3 weeks of immersive VR training (intervention) or (2) conventional rehabilitation (control).

The primary outcome of the study will be dynamic stability measures and the UX. The secondary outcomes include anxiety and depression, fatigue, functional mobility, functional walking ability, static balance, fear of falling and adverse effects. All participants will be assessed at baseline, after 3 weeks and after 2 months of the initiation of the study.

The study ethics were approved by the ethical committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (registration No IR.TUMS.NI.REC.1401.091, registered on 8 January 2023). Written consent is going to be taken from all of the participants. The study adheres to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Dissemination of study findings will occur through peer-reviewed publications and knowledge translation activities targeting clinicians, researchers and rehabilitation professionals. Data generated from this study will be anonymised and curated in accordance with institutional and national data protection standards

IRCT20231031059916N1.

Longitudinal studies provide insights into the outcomes of medical training curriculum. However, few educational cohort studies have been conducted in Iran. This study aims first to evaluate the impact of the current curriculum on medical students' medium- and long-term academic and career outcomes and, second, to identify medical students' characteristics and how they change through the doctor of medicine programme.

This protocol outlines a multi-phase, prospective cohort study that will take place in Mashhad, Iran. The study will implement the Kirkpatrick model, investigating medical students' knowledge, skills, behaviour and professionalism development over 10 years. Approximately 1000 medical students will be recruited through peer invitations and social networks. Data will be collected through baseline and follow-up questionnaires, academic performance records and comprehensive test scores throughout the Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme.

The data from the questionnaires will be reported using a Likert scale. Quantitative data will be described using means and SD, while qualitative variables will be presented as frequencies and percentages. We will evaluate the relationship between quantitative variables using correlation coefficients and the relationship between qualitative variables via the ² or Fisher exact test. All tests will be two-sided, with a significance level set as p

All participants will complete written informed consent before data collection. All students can withdraw from the study at any time with no consequences. Results of this study will be presented at relevant conferences and will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

IR.MUMS.REC.1400.311.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace are a major health problem which is significantly related to the adverse effects on the workforce’s health in different occupations, including the petrochemical industry employees. Many health behaviors can play a significant role in preventing complications caused by MSDs; however, in developing countries such as Iran, there is a lack of clarity about the factors affecting the prevention of complications from these disorders from the perspective of petrochemical industry employees. This study aimed to investigate effective factors to prevent complications caused by MSDs in petrochemical industry workers in Iran.

This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis method. The data were collected using in-depth and unstructured interviews with 23 employees and managers of the petrochemical industry. In this study, the participants were selected from different industry centres using the purposeful sampling method and based on the maximum diversity (work duties, age, level of education). The collected data were then analysed using the initial matrix developed based on the available literature.

The analysis of the data from 23 interviews resulted in the identification of four main categories: educational-consultative support, organisational-management structure transformation, infrastructure security and physical environment redesign, and self-care necessity. These categories are the primary factors that influence the preventive behaviours related to MSDs among employees in the petrochemical industry.

The concepts that have emerged based on the results of this study can potentially help to develop comprehensive and appropriate training and health promotion programmes in creating, maintaining and promoting preventive behaviours of complications caused by MSDs in petrochemical industry workers.