samira mirzaei; Zahra Zamanian; Jafar Hasan Zade
Volume 3, Issue 3 , July 2015, , Pages 113-118
Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of work shifts and mental workload on chronic fatigue among female nurses in Intensive Care Units of selected hospitals in Shiraz. Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study were 118 female nurses working in Intensive Care Units ...
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Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of work shifts and mental workload on chronic fatigue among female nurses in Intensive Care Units of selected hospitals in Shiraz. Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study were 118 female nurses working in Intensive Care Units of three hospitals in Shiraz with an average age of 304.8± years. SP (Samn-Perelli) Mental fatigue scale and NASA task load index were rated for two weeks at the beginning and end of each work shift. The Checklist Individual Strenght (CIS) questionnaire was completed to assess the fatigue during the last two weeks. Results: Mean score of chronic fatigue was 69.2±13. Menal fatigue and mental workload per shift were significantly correlated with work shifts (P=0.001). Mental workload (P=0.006, r=0.24) and mental fatigue caused by work shifts (P=0.001, r=0.42) were also significantly correlated with chronic fatigue. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that mental workload and work shifts influence the nurses’ fatigue in Intensive Care Units. Therefore, using intervention strategies to reduce mental work load and modification of shift work system in this group seems to be necessary.
Abooalfazl Azhdarpoor; Rabieh Hoseini; Mansoureh Dehghani
Volume 3, Issue 4 , October 2015, , Pages 153-159
Abstract
Background: High amount of heavy metals in sludge is one of the major obstacles to its use on farms. The present study aimed to investigate the possibility of leaching heavy metals from wastewater sludge by Fenton method and determine the optimum level of parameters, such as iron, hydrogen peroxide, ...
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Background: High amount of heavy metals in sludge is one of the major obstacles to its use on farms. The present study aimed to investigate the possibility of leaching heavy metals from wastewater sludge by Fenton method and determine the optimum level of parameters, such as iron, hydrogen peroxide, time, and pH for Fenton reaction. Methods: The effects of various parameters, such as pH (2-9), hydrogen peroxide concentration (0.5-6 g/l), Fe concentration (0.5-4 g/l), and leaching time (5-60 min), were studied. Results: The results showed that the optimal condition for leaching of heavy metals occurred at pH of 2 3, hydrogen peroxide concentration of 3 g/l, iron concentration of 2 g/l, and leaching time of 15 min. Under these optimal conditions, 92% of Zn, 100% of Cd, 100% of Pb, and 80% of Cu were leached from the wastewater sludge. Conclusions: Fenton method can leach heavy metals from wastewater sludge through decomposition of organic materials at H2O2/Fe ratio of 1.5:2.
Mohammad Khammarnia; Aziz Kassani; Mostafa Peyvand; Fatemeh Setoodezadeh
Volume 4, Issue 1 , January 2016, , Pages 27-31
Abstract
Abstract:Background: Systemic thinking can provide practice in multidisciplinary team working and improve the organizational efficacy. This study aimed to determine the association between systemic thinking and partnership working in the employees of a medical sciences university in the south of Iran.Methods: ...
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Abstract:Background: Systemic thinking can provide practice in multidisciplinary team working and improve the organizational efficacy. This study aimed to determine the association between systemic thinking and partnership working in the employees of a medical sciences university in the south of Iran.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (ZAUMS) in 2015. The study population consisted of all employees in ZAUMS; 370 participants were selected through stratified random sampling. Two standard questionnaires were used for data gathering. The data were analyzed in SPSS (v21) using Pearson, One way ANOVA, and logistic regression. The level of significance was considered as 0.05.Results: In this study, 225 participants (60.8%) were female and their mean age was 34.7±8.7. The score of partnership working for 362 participants was higher than the mean standard (40). Systemic thinking had a positive association with partnership working (p=0.001) and married status of the participants (p=0.04). Partnership working in male and older staff was more than others in ZAUMS (p<0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Systematic thinking had a positive association with the employees’ working partnership. Moreover, the male staff had better systematic thinking. It is recommended that the managers should promote systematic thinking in staff, especially in females, for better partnership and efficacy in organizations.
Mohammad Reza Samaei; Mohammad hasan Ehrampoush; Hoshang Maleknia; Zahra Elhamiyan; Ebrahim Shahsavani; Asghar Ebrahimi
Volume 4, Issue 2 , April 2016, , Pages 83-88
Abstract
Background: Heavy metals have destructive and irreversible effects on the human, plants and animals. Some industries in Yazd enter industrial wastewater to municipal wastewater collection system. This can lead to high levels of heavy metals in wastewater and in turn in the wastewater treatment plant ...
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Background: Heavy metals have destructive and irreversible effects on the human, plants and animals. Some industries in Yazd enter industrial wastewater to municipal wastewater collection system. This can lead to high levels of heavy metals in wastewater and in turn in the wastewater treatment plant effluent. Methods: This study was carried out during four months from December 22, 2009 to May 20, 2010. The experiment was performed on the inflow, outlet of anaerobic pond and first and second facultative ponds of wastewater treatment plant and then transferred to the laboratory and measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The results of the experiments showed that the average cadmium concentrations in the inflow, anaerobic pond outlet, and first and second facultative pond outlet were 0.0066, 0.0087, 0.0076, and 0.0083μg/l, respectively. The average amounts of chromium in the inflow, anaerobic pond outlet, and first and second facultative pond outlet were 0.0076, 0.0065, 0.0043, and 0.0056 μg/l, respectively. Cadmium concentration in the effluent was higher than standard. Conclusion: The comparison of the obtained data with Iranian standards for wastewater treatment for reuse in irrigation shows that the cadmium concentration exceeded the standard and the chromium concentration was lower than the standard. Therefore, it is not suitable for reuse in the crop farms and aquatic life.
Haleh Ghaem; Atousa Fakherpour; Mahmoud Hajipour; Mohsen Shafiee
Volume 4, Issue 3 , July 2016, , Pages 129-136
Abstract
Background: Today, the quality of life (QoL) studies have an important role in public health care, especially among the old adults suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes. Diabetes and its complications can widely affect various aspects of QoL. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess diabetic ...
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Background: Today, the quality of life (QoL) studies have an important role in public health care, especially among the old adults suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes. Diabetes and its complications can widely affect various aspects of QoL. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess diabetic patients’ QoL and identify the factors that affect it. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 593 randomly selected diabetic patients aged 60 years and above who were admitted in 13 diabetes clinics in Shiraz, Iran, in 2014. Diabetes Quality of Life-Brief Clinical Inventory (DQOL-BCI) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life in these patients. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed, using Stata software, version 12, to identify the predictors of DQoL. Results: The participants’ mean DQoL score was 41.8±6.2 with a mean age of 66.2±6.0 years. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that FBS level (115-180 mg/dL: P=0.05; above 180 mg/dL: P=0.02) and duration of diabetes (4-9 years: P=0.06; above 9 years: P=0.002) were two important clinical predictors of DQoL. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a relationship between clinical and socio-demographic factors and diabetic patients’ QoL. Considering these related variables could lead to effective control of diabetes complications and improvement of the patients’ QoL.
Mohammad Esmaeili; Fahimeh Dehghani; Zahra Chabokinezhad
Volume 4, Issue 4 , October 2016, , Pages 189-193
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Studies have shown that some personalcharacteristics such as perfectionism are associated withcardiovascular diseases. Hence, this study was designed withthe aim of doing a comparative evaluation of perfectionism incoronary heart disease patients and healthy individuals referredto ...
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AbstractBackground: Studies have shown that some personalcharacteristics such as perfectionism are associated withcardiovascular diseases. Hence, this study was designed withthe aim of doing a comparative evaluation of perfectionism incoronary heart disease patients and healthy individuals referredto Shahid Faghihi Hospital in Shiraz.Methods: This is a case-control study carried out on 80cardiovascular patients and 80 healthy people who referred toShahid Faghihi Hospital. The sampling was done through theconvenience sampling method. The Frost MultidimensionalPerfectionism Scale (FMPS) was used to collect the information.Besides, t-test was applied to analyze the data in the SPSSsoftware, version 16.Results: The mean ages of the participants in this study were48±12.2 and 34±9.6 in patients and normal subjects, respectively.Negative perfectionism among the people with cardiovasculardisease was higher than the healthy individuals (69.5±12.8 and64±15.5, respectively, with P=0.03) and there was a significantdifference between these two groups. In terms of perfectionismsubscales, there was a significant difference between thetwo groups regarding personal standards (P<0.00), parentalexpectations (P=0.02), and uncertainty in acts (P=0.04).Conclusion: In general, our study results showed that there wasno significant difference between patients with cardiovasculardisease and normal subjects in terms of perfectionism, but asignificant difference was seen between some subscales ofperfectionism in the two groups.
Masoumeh Akhlaghi
Volume 5, Issue 1 , January 2017, , Pages 32-37
Abstract
Background: The close relationship between diet and disease emphasizes the need for optimal diet evaluation. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency by which each of Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010, Diet Quality Index-International (DQI), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), and Diet Diversity ...
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Background: The close relationship between diet and disease emphasizes the need for optimal diet evaluation. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency by which each of Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010, Diet Quality Index-International (DQI), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), and Diet Diversity Score (DDS) evaluates the diet. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 438 adults aged 20-50 years were recruited. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. HEI-2010, DQI, MDS, and DDS were calculated and scored according to their corresponding criteria.Results: Energy (1917 ± 554 kcal to 2898 ± 933 kcal), saturated fats (17.0 ± 6.8 g to 28.1 ± 11.5 g), and cholesterol (244 ± 195 g to 414 ± 343 g) increased across tertiles of DDS and energy (2017 ± 699 kcal to 2621 ± 748 kcal) increased across tertiles of DQI. In contrast, saturated fats decreased (23.9 ± 12.0 g to 20.8 ± 8.1 g for HEI-2010 and 23.7 ± 10.0 g to 20.5 ± 10.4 g for MDS), but energy and cholesterol did not change significantly across tertiles of HEI-2010 and MDS. Other nutrients either did not change or changed appropriately across tertiles of the different indices.Conclusion: DDS and, to a less extent, DQI may not be good indicators of healthy diet especially in terms of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Maryam Marzban; Maryam Siadati; Karam Tavani; Abdolrasul Hemmatid
Volume 5, Issue 2 , April 2017, , Pages 72-78
Abstract
Background:Patient satisfaction is an integral component of service quality and obtaining feedback from patients about the quality of primary health care is the best way to extend more patient-centered goals to health care delivery. This study was conducted to measure the level of client satisfaction ...
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Background:Patient satisfaction is an integral component of service quality and obtaining feedback from patients about the quality of primary health care is the best way to extend more patient-centered goals to health care delivery. This study was conducted to measure the level of client satisfaction with Urban Family Physician and Referral System (UFPARS) programMethods: This repeated cross-sectional study was done in Fars province, South of Iran, at two sections. Totally, 5901 patients in two sections (6 and 24 months after the UFPARS startup) were selected using multi-stage random sampling. The participants answered a self-administrated questionnaire. We measured the client satisfaction using 5-point Likert-scaled score and combined the questions; for each component of UFPARS, 6 satisfaction dimensions were made. We compared the participants’ level of satisfaction in two parts, using t-test.Results: Reliability was acceptable, and equal to 85% or more in all domains .In all components of UFPARS, the mean client satisfaction score was higher than 3 out of 5. The lowest client satisfaction scores were seen in the outpatient services. In three components of UFPARS including enrolment, family medicine and para-clinics, the mean satisfaction scores significantly decreased (P<0.001) between the two sections. But other components showed no significant change. Conclusions:The level of satisfaction with UFPARS in Fars province was shown to be relatively medium to high. Low client satisfaction between the two sections could be a bad sign and we recommend that the problems should be tackled gradually. Although family physician program in Iran has some limitations, implementing this plan step by step can lead to a medical reform in Iran. We can develop better programs based on the comments from service recipients, and prompt the project and some program processes.
Ehsan Azizi; Alireza Arashpour; Leila Raisi Dezaki
Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, , Pages 130-137
Abstract
During the last two centuries, human being has emitted huge amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, by providing energy from fossil fuels. The increasing accumulation of these gases in the atmosphere has led to "global warming" and as a result "climate change". This inauspicious phenomenon has ...
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During the last two centuries, human being has emitted huge amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, by providing energy from fossil fuels. The increasing accumulation of these gases in the atmosphere has led to "global warming" and as a result "climate change". This inauspicious phenomenon has such a wide domain that threat the survival of the human around the world. The sharp decline in fresh water sources and strategic agricultural products and severe destruction of environment are just some inevitable adverse effects of climate change. Therefore, it would be a proper ground for breaching some of the most important human rights. The aim of this research is to show effects of climate change on "right to health" and some other related rights, and therefore responsibilities of governments to fight against that. Conclusion: Climate change due to human activities, makes a proper field for breach of human rights globally, and as we see "right to health" is affected absolutely. According to principal of "common but differentiated responsibilities", most of the burdens of combating against climate change are on the shoulders of developed states and developing countries have much less obligations; but at least have common responsibilities. Rather, all of the states have clear international obligations for protecting human rights in their territories. Therefore any state must separately or together with others, take urgent and also long term measures to fight this phenomenon. If climate change continues; negligence of states in performing due diligence in this regard may lead to their international responsibility or even their incapability for governing the state in accordance with "good governance principles".
Fatemeh Kianpour; Haleh Ghaem; Zahra Amiri
Volume 5, Issue 4 , October 2017, , Pages 169-175
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Proper weight gain is essential for the mother’s health and pregnancy. On the other hand, insufficient weight gain is directly related to a decrease in the growth and preterm birth. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the mother’s Body Mass Index (BMI) ...
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AbstractBackground: Proper weight gain is essential for the mother’s health and pregnancy. On the other hand, insufficient weight gain is directly related to a decrease in the growth and preterm birth. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the mother’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and pregnancy and delivery outcomes in mothers referred to Gerash health centers in 2014.Methods: This retrospective, cohort study was conducted on the data from 554 pregnant mothers referred to Gerash health centers to receive pregnancy healthcare from April to November 2014.Results: The mothers’ mean age was 25.9±5.4 years and their mean weight gain was 11.6±4.0 kg. In addition, 62.6% and 37.5% of the babies were born through natural delivery and cesarean section, respectively. About 9% of the children were pre-term, while 91% were term and post-term. Besides, 5.4% and 5.1% of the mothers got gestational diabetes and anemia, respectively. The results of logistic regression analysis showed positive relationships between the type of delivery and BMI (OR: 1.10(95% CI: 1.05-1.14)), history of cesarean section (OR: 0.02(95% CI: 0.01-0.07)), and mother’s age (OR: 1.06(95% CI: 1.03-1.10)) (p<0.05). Moreover, a positive relationship was found between the gestational weight gain and infant’s birth weight (g) (OR: 18.42(95% CI: 8.02 – 28.82)) (p<0.05).Conclusion: According to the finding, it seems that it would be necessary to plan educational and counseling programs before the pregnancy for the mothers. Therefore, the role of health authorities is more important than ever in promoting the general knowledge to reach the proper weight before and during pregnancy.
Tayebeh Rakhshani; Mansour Kashfi; Irandokht Amirian; Mohammad Reza Ebrahimi; Seyyed Saeed Hashemi Nazari
Volume 6, Issue 1 , January 2018, , Pages 29-35
Abstract
Introduction: Traffic accidents are considered a major public health problem in many parts of the world. The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of fatal traffic accidents in Yasouj city during the years 2014-2015. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out through a cross-sectional ...
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Introduction: Traffic accidents are considered a major public health problem in many parts of the world. The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of fatal traffic accidents in Yasouj city during the years 2014-2015. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out through a cross-sectional method and the study population included all individuals who had died in traffic accidents in Yasouj city during 2014-2015. The source of data collection was the Legal Medicine Organization. The data were analyzed through SPSS 16,using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the deceased was 35.44 ± 20.99 years. The highest death rate was observed in the age groups over 25-34 years old (21.3%), 15-24 years (17.6%) and 35-44 years (17%), respectively. Most of the deceased were male (75%), single (55.4%), illiterate (44%), self-employed (29.3%) and residents of rural areas (52.3%). The ultimate cause of death of more than half of the deceased was head trauma (30.7%) and most of the deceased had died at the accident site (55.4%). 52.7% had died of collision with a passenger car. There was a significant association between the location of death and location of accident (outside/inside)(p-value=0.004); also, the result showed no significant relationship between the cause of death and location of accident (p-value <0.001) and type of vehicle (p-value <0.001).
Leila Khabir; Nurollah Mohamadi; Changiz Rahimi; Seyed Ali Dastgheib
Volume 6, Issue 2 , April 2018, , Pages 80-88
Abstract
Background: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Metalization-based Treatment (MBT) are two approaches to the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The present study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of dialectical behavior group therapy and metallization-based group therapy ...
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Background: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Metalization-based Treatment (MBT) are two approaches to the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The present study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of dialectical behavior group therapy and metallization-based group therapy on reduction of the severity of symptoms in patients with BPD. Methods: This is a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 36 patients diagnosed with BPD by a psychiatrist. They were examined by a semi-structured clinical interview. Data were collected from March 2017 to June 2017. The participants were categorized into intervention and control groups. Before, immediately and two months after the intervention, the participants filled out the Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index (BPDSI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) questionnaires. Results: The two group therapy based on MBT and DBT were effective in reducing the symptoms of borderline personality disorder equally (p=0.4). Both treatments were more effective than the control group receiving only medication (p<0.001). This improvement was persistent two months after the intervention (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that group psychotherapy based on metallization and dialectical behavior combined with pharmacotherapy is considerably more effective than treatment with pharmacotherapy. Metallization can be a common factor in any successful treatment of BPD.
sedigheh Ebrahimi; Vahid Reza Zarei
Volume 6, Issue 3 , July 2018, , Pages 136-141
Abstract
Introduction: Mistreatment with medical students is a global phenomenon, which has been proved in several studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent of mistreatment that the medical students experience in educational hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional ...
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Introduction: Mistreatment with medical students is a global phenomenon, which has been proved in several studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent of mistreatment that the medical students experience in educational hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out using descriptive-analytical method. All medical students were studied in educational hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences by census method. A questionnaire with 26 questions was used to collect data on demographic information, experience of mistreatment and observation of mistreatment towards the other students and open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 software. Results: The results of the study showed that 86.3% of the students experienced at least one kind of mistreatment during the previous year; among these misbehaved students 57.5% were female and 42.5% were male. The most cases of mistreatment were verbal mistreatment (95.1%) and abuse of authority (76.2%). The highest number of mistreatment has taken place in obstetrics and gynecology(OB-GYN) departments (60.3%) and in internal departments (49.2%), respectively; most of the individuals who misbehaved toward the students were residents (73%),nurses (66.7%), and interns (60.3). Conclusion: Regarding the high prevalence of mistreatment against medical students, there is a need for a plan for training communication skills and more support for students in this field.
Laya Ebrahimi; Saeid Hosseinzadeh; Maryam Pourmontaseri; Jafar Jalaei
Volume 6, Issue 4 , October 2018, , Pages 190-197
Abstract
Background: With the advancement of nanotechnology, nanoparticles have been applied in our modern society. However, the hazardous effects of nanoparticles on organisms have not been thoroughly clarified yet. Considering the migration of nanoparticles in food and its subsequent consumption by humans, ...
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Background: With the advancement of nanotechnology, nanoparticles have been applied in our modern society. However, the hazardous effects of nanoparticles on organisms have not been thoroughly clarified yet. Considering the migration of nanoparticles in food and its subsequent consumption by humans, we have employed normal cell line, the African green monkey kidney cell line (Vero) for evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of the silver nanoparticles. Currently, there are various approaches to perform toxicity tests. In this study, we investigated the effects of citrate-based silver nanoparticles on Vero cells to explore the adverse effects of these nanoparticles. Methods: In an experimental work, to synthetize silver nanoparticles, silver nitrate and citric acid were used. Nanoparticles were further characterized by UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Dynamic Light scattering (DLS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Cells were exposed to various concentrations of the nanoparticles (1.56 to 1000 µg/ml) for 24 h and 48h. The cytotoxic activity and apoptosis were determined using MTT assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, respectively. Results: The present study showed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity of the silver nanoparticles with log IC50 values of ~ 10.68 and 2.06 µg/ml for 24 h and 48 h, respectively on Vero cell lines. Analysis by AO/EB staining indicated that the silver nanoparticles induced apoptosis in the cell lines. Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles revealed cytotoxic effects on the Vero cells which was associated with the method of synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
Seyed Yaser Hashemi; Mojtaba Emkani; Azizallah Dehghan; Reza Kalantari; Milad Gholami
Volume 7, Issue 1 , January 2019, , Pages 31-35
Abstract
Background: Job stress is one of the most hazardous factors in workplace that endangers the workers’ public health physically and psychologically.
Aims: This study was conducted to investigate the general health status and occupational stress of workers in an electrical tablet production industry ...
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Background: Job stress is one of the most hazardous factors in workplace that endangers the workers’ public health physically and psychologically.
Aims: This study was conducted to investigate the general health status and occupational stress of workers in an electrical tablet production industry in Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 110 workers employed in electrical industry. The data were gathered by using demographic features questionnaire, general health questionnaire (GHQ), and job stress questionnaire (OSIPOW). The questionnaires were completed by interview to minimize the error in the data collection stage. Data were analyzed using SPSS (ver.20). A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: 63.6% of the participants in this study were in inappropriate general health status. There was a significant difference between the total score of general health and education level (P=0.04). Also, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in working time in administrative and non-administrative parts. A significant relationship was observed between inefficiency and dichotomy of job stress with the total level of general health (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Education and job stress are effective factors on the workers working in this industry.
Alireza Choobineh; Hadi Daneshmandi; Shahed Asadi; Shahram Ahmadi
Volume 1, Issue 1 , July 2013, , Pages 33-40
Abstract
Background/Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common causes of occupational injuries. This study was conducted with the objectives of determination of prevalence rate of MSDs and ergonomics assessment of the risk of MSDs among workers of a petrochemical company. Methods: ...
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Background/Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common causes of occupational injuries. This study was conducted with the objectives of determination of prevalence rate of MSDs and ergonomics assessment of the risk of MSDs among workers of a petrochemical company. Methods: In this study, 261randomly selected workers in a petrochemical company with at least one year of job tenure participated. Office and operational personnel were studied separately. In office jobs, data were collected using Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire (NMQ) and ergonomics checklist for assessment of work conditions. In operational jobs, NMQ and QEC (Quick Exposure Check) methods were applied to gather the required data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: The most prevalent MSDs symptoms were reported in the lower back (36.2%), upper back (31%), neck (31%) and knees (30.3%). The results showed that the prevalence of MSDs indifferent body regions of the office staff was higher than those of operational workers. Also, in 40.9% of the observed cases, total ergonomics index was in action category 1 (inappropriate working conditions) and 59.9% of the subjects taken in action category 2 (appropriate working conditions). The results of assessment by QEC technique among operational workers showed that in 82.8% of the workers studied, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was high or very high. Conclusions: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the office staff was higher than that of operational subjects. To improve the working conditions, taking risk factors of the lower back, upper back, neck and knees into consideration seems to be essential.
Hamzeh Alipour; Mohammad Reza Abaie; Hossein Ladonni; Ali Akbar Kadivar
Volume 1, Issue 2 , October 2013, , Pages 94-97
Abstract
Background: Malaria is the most important vector-borne disease in many tropical countries all over the world. Because of the widespread use of pyrethroid insecticide treated mosquito nets in the world, the effects of excito-repellency (ER) phenomenon of pyrethroids against main malaria vector, Anopheles ...
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Background: Malaria is the most important vector-borne disease in many tropical countries all over the world. Because of the widespread use of pyrethroid insecticide treated mosquito nets in the world, the effects of excito-repellency (ER) phenomenon of pyrethroids against main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi were studied.Methods: The ER phenomenon of three concentrations of two synthetic pyrethroids (permethrin and deltamethrin) as well as etofenprox was evaluated against Anopheles stephensi under laboratory conditions. Female 5-7 day unfed mosquitoes were exposed to animal bait in holder and the animal’s back and head were covered with impregnated bed net in -ER test chamber.Results: Deltamethrin was more effective compared to other insecticides in killing the mosquitoes. The mean of entry to exit trap showed significant differences in all concentrations of insecticides (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that ER phenomenon of insecticides should be noticed in vector control programs. The ranked data indicated the relative potency of both pyrethroids and etofenprox. Deltamethrin repels the female mosquitoes more than other insecticides tested.
Leila rezaei; Vali Alipour; Sakine shokooheyan; Amin Ghanbarnejad
Volume 2, Issue 1 , January 2014, , Pages 36-41
Abstract
Background: Pre-chlorination of raw water containing natural organic matters may lead to forming harmful disinfection by-products such as trihalomethanes (THMs), the measurement of which needs expensive advanced analytical instruments. This study was conducted to anticipate THMs formation potential in ...
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Background: Pre-chlorination of raw water containing natural organic matters may lead to forming harmful disinfection by-products such as trihalomethanes (THMs), the measurement of which needs expensive advanced analytical instruments. This study was conducted to anticipate THMs formation potential in Bandar Abbas drinking water system using cheap and simple experiments and a mathematical model. Methods: In a 24 week sampling program, 96 samples were collected weekly from raw water (RW), clarification (CE), filtration (FE), and disinfection effluent (DE). After measuring the Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC), residual chlorine, contact time, temperature and pH of water, THMs concentration was calculated using a mathematical model. Results: The means of DOC concentration in RW, CE, FE and DE were 5.56, 4.21, 3.50, and 3.01 (mg/l), respectively. The mean of temperature values varied from 22.28 in RW to 21.25 in DE and the mean of pH variations was measured from 6.75 in DE to 8.37 in CE. Also, the mean of residual chlorine concentration was 0.0 to 1.72 in RW and DE, respectively. Conclusion: The means of calculated THMs were 37.92±4.82μg/l, 51.15±9.44μg/l, and 52.71±8.37μg/l for CE, FE, and DE respectively; this did not meet the related EPA standard (30- 40μg/l); therefore, further detailed studies should be conducted to resolve the consumers’ concerns in this regard.
Ahmad Kalateh Sadati; Kamran Bagheri Lankarani; Halimeh Enayat; Akbar Rasekhi Kazerooni; Sara Ebrahimzadeh
Volume 2, Issue 2 , April 2014, , Pages 78-87
Abstract
Background: Many of health system services are done in clinical counseling. A patient’s expectation of clinical consultation and physician office visits is to obtain diagnostic-remedial results, while such an expectation can be fulfilled only through an active relationship between the doctor and the ...
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Background: Many of health system services are done in clinical counseling. A patient’s expectation of clinical consultation and physician office visits is to obtain diagnostic-remedial results, while such an expectation can be fulfilled only through an active relationship between the doctor and the patient. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of doctor- patient interaction in an educational clinic in southern Iran. Methods: This is a conversation analysis based on critical approach. So, 33 clinical consultations were analyzed critically. Results: Results showed that paternalistic model is the overall pattern in consultations. This leads to limitation of the patients’ opportunity to participate in their diagnosis and treatment. Powers’ asymmetrical relations lead to conditions in which physicians determine the clinical counseling process. Also, physicians determine the subject of consultation in the counseling period. In this situation, the patients’ concerns were ignored. This ignorance leads to the patients’ suppression in problematic situations. The main point is that the clinical counseling occurs in one general contract that is unwritten but has been known for the two sides of interaction. Conclusion: Clinical counseling can be an active consultation when it included the symmetrical distribution of power and the patient has an active participation in the consultation. Therefore, the new patient-centered approaches can be an appropriate model for access to a type of consultation based on symmetrical power distribution between physician and patient.
fatemeh ahmadi nezhad; Parvin Abedi; Shahnaz Najar; Mohammad Hossein Haghighi Zadeh
Volume 2, Issue 3 , July 2014, , Pages 125-133
Abstract
Background: Preconception counseling is preventive medicine in obstetrics. Preconception care creates an opportunity for examining conditions before pregnancy improving pregnancy outcome. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the adaptation rate of preconception care with the national ...
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Background: Preconception counseling is preventive medicine in obstetrics. Preconception care creates an opportunity for examining conditions before pregnancy improving pregnancy outcome. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the adaptation rate of preconception care with the national standards at health care centers, Ahvaz, 2014.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at health care centers in 2013 selected randomly. The samples of the study included 385 women at their fertility age who came to receive health services. Researcher observed simultaneous care and filled the related forms. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistic SPSS version 19.Results: Results showed that the presented preconception care as to the case history section was weak for 14.3% of the cases, medium for 42.3% and desirable for the remainders (43.4%). In addition, presented preconception care at test’s section was weak for 38.4% of the cases, medium for 50.1% and desirable for 11.4%. Presented preconception care at exam’s section was weak in 82.3%, medium in 16.9%, and desirable in 0.8%. Presented preconception care at immunization’s section was weak in 42.3% of cases, medium in 43.1%, and desirable in 14.5%. As to resented preconception care at education’s section, it was weak in 81.6% of the cases, medium in 13.8%, and desirable adaptation with the standard guidelines of country in 4.7%. 84.9% of women were completely satisfied with centers, 11.9% relatively satisfied, and just 3.3% were dissatisfied.Conclusion: Presented preconception care at health care centers is not in the same line with the national standard; thus, a more accurate control is needed.
Behnam Mohammadi- Ghalehbin; Gholam Reza Hatam; Iraj Mohammad-Pour; Nafise Ghobakhloo; Faeze Foroughi- Parvar
Volume 2, Issue 4 , October 2014, , Pages 164-167
Abstract
Background: There are many genera of free-living amoeba in the environment, but members of only four genera (Naegleria, Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia and Sappinia) have an association with human infection. Water, soil and air are main sources of infective types of these pathogenic organisms for human.Methods: ...
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Background: There are many genera of free-living amoeba in the environment, but members of only four genera (Naegleria, Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia and Sappinia) have an association with human infection. Water, soil and air are main sources of infective types of these pathogenic organisms for human.Methods: Totally, 30 samples were collected from the surface water sources of Shiraz city, the capital of Fars province, during July and August 2009. The samples were filtered and their sediments were cultured on non-nutrient agar medium and seeded with non-pathogen Escherichia coli. Then, they were incubated at three different temperatures, 22˚C, 37˚C, and 44˚C. The media were checked with invert microscopy and amoebae were recognized by phase–contrast microscopy and observed by light microscopy after Trichrome staining. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for molecular detection.Results: Of the 30 samples, 29 were recognized morphologically as Acanthamoeba, the characteristics of 20 of which were confirmed by PCR. The growth rate of amoeba in 22˚C was more than 37˚C. Eight of the samples grew at 44˚C, but flagellate forming test and PCR were negative for Naegleria fowleri. Two of them were identified morphologically as Balamuthia and Sappinia.Conclusion: Since Fars province is located in the subtropical region where there are a lot of parks and green areas with surface water, the potential risk of diseases caused by free-living amoebae should be considered. Further investigations about various aspects of these important opportunistic protozoa are recommended especially for establishment of appropriate prevention tools.
Zahra Zamanian; Reza Rostami; Kiana Nikeghbal
Volume 3, Issue 1 , January 2015, , Pages 45-49
Abstract
Background: Noise is one of the most important hazardous physical factors in industrial environments. This study aimed to determine the effects of noise exposure on serum cortisol level and some blood parameters among male workers of a steel production company.Methods: This cross-sectional study was ...
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Background: Noise is one of the most important hazardous physical factors in industrial environments. This study aimed to determine the effects of noise exposure on serum cortisol level and some blood parameters among male workers of a steel production company.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 male workers in a steel production company. In order to assess the changes in blood parameters, such as serum cortisol level, lipid profile, and blood sugar, blood samples were taken from the participants before and after the work shift. Besides, CEL 440 sound level meter was used to measure the equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq) and analyze the noise in octave band frequencies. Analyses of data were performed by SPSS software (version 16) using the Paired sample t-test.Results: The laboratory findings indicated an increase in serum cortisol at all exposure levels. However, the changes were not statistically significant. An increase was observed in blood sugar levels at all the three noise levels and the increment was statistically significant at 95 dB noise level.Conclusion: The present study showed that exposure to high sound levels leads to changes in biological parameters, although under the scenario explained in this study these changes did not reach statistical significant.
Hamid Kassiri; Ali Kasiri; Niusha Kasiri; Fahimeh Moeininejad
Volume 3, Issue 2 , April 2015, , Pages 83-87
Abstract
Background: Pediculosis capitis is a continuous common health problem worldwide. Pediculus capitis distributes quickly in overcrowded regions. The goal of the present research was to determine some epidemiological features of head lice infestation in Khorram-shahr County, southwestern Iran. Methods: ...
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Background: Pediculosis capitis is a continuous common health problem worldwide. Pediculus capitis distributes quickly in overcrowded regions. The goal of the present research was to determine some epidemiological features of head lice infestation in Khorram-shahr County, southwestern Iran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients with head lice infestation who referred to the Khorram-shahr Health Center during 2006 to 2009. The gold standard in the diagnosis of infestation was the detection of living nymphs, adults and/or nits on the scalp and hair. After the visual inspections with using a lens and the aid of an ordinary comb, cases were asked to complete a data gathering form containing some questions about demographic and epidemiologic features. The collected information was evaluated using SPSS software, version 11.5. Results: Totally, 1091 patients were infested with pediculosis capitis. The overall prevalence of head lice infestation during the four- year period was 0.73%. Girls were significantly more infested (87.2%) than boys (12.8%). Pediculosis capitis infestations were highest (46.2%) in subjects aged 6-10 and lowest in those aged less than six (6.4%). The majority of cases lived in the rural areas. The percentage of infestation in rural and urban patients was 59.2% and 40.8%, respectively. Nearly, 11.8% of the patients with head lice had a history of infestation. Most of the cases were found in the Autumn (35.8%). Conclusion: Girls were more frequently infested with Pediculus capitis than boys. It can also be concluded that head lice infestation is not highly prevalent in Khorram-shahr.
Masoud Neghab; Parisa Azad; marzieh Honarbakhsh; Fatemeh Zarei; Ebrahim Ghaderi
Volume 3, Issue 3 , July 2015, , Pages 119-124
Abstract
Background: Despite wide application of chromium in electroplating industry, the pulmonary effects of chronic exposure to this chemical have not been extensively studied and are subject of debate and controversy. This study was, therefore, undertaken to further address this issue. Methods: The study ...
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Background: Despite wide application of chromium in electroplating industry, the pulmonary effects of chronic exposure to this chemical have not been extensively studied and are subject of debate and controversy. This study was, therefore, undertaken to further address this issue. Methods: The study population consisted of a group of 15 workers with a history of past and present occupational exposure to chromium mists and 15 unexposed healthy subjects (referent). Subjects were interviewed, respiratory symptom questionnaires were filled out for them, and their parameters of pulmonary function (PFT) were measured during the shift and a few days after exposure ceased. Results: Both groups were similar as to the number of smokers, their length of smoking, and demographic factors such as age, weight and height. Although the unexposed group, on average, were slightly older than their exposed counterparts, statistical analysis of the data revealed that symptoms such as productive cough, phlegm, wheezing and shortness of breath were significantly (P<0.05) more prevalent among the exposed workers. Furthermore, the parameters of pulmonary function (PFT) of the exposed workers, while at work, were significantly lower than those of referent individuals. Interestingly, PFT of the exposed subjects generally showed some improvement a few days after their exposure ceased. However, despite this relative recovery, the differences of PFT values between the exposed and referent groups, from statistical point of view, remained significant. Conclusion: Our data support the proposition that exposure to chromium mists induces abnormal respiratory symptoms as well as both acute, partially reversible and chronic irreversible lung functional impairments.
Zahra Soltani; Mohammad Reza Fakoorziba; Mohammad Djafar Moemenbellah-Fard; Mohsen Kalantari; Mohsen Akbarpour; Hossein Faramarzi; Kourosh Azizi
Volume 3, Issue 4 , October 2015, , Pages 160-164
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in many parts of Iran. This study was conducted to investigate the fauna and some biologic factors of sand flies and detect CL vector(s) in Kharameh district which is one of the most important foci of the disease in Fars province, southern Iran. Methods: ...
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Background: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in many parts of Iran. This study was conducted to investigate the fauna and some biologic factors of sand flies and detect CL vector(s) in Kharameh district which is one of the most important foci of the disease in Fars province, southern Iran. Methods: To identify the fauna, a total of 1549 sand flies were collected from April 2014 to March 2015. To determine the monthly activity, sand flies were collected from indoor and outdoor areas of the lowland and the highland regions. Results: Ten species of phlebotomine (four Phlebotomus spp. And six Sergentomyia spp.) were identified and Phlebotomus papatasi was the dominant species (53.45%). To determine the sand flies naturally infected by Leishmania spp., 188 female sand flies (145 P. papatasi, 29 P. sergenti, and 14 P. alexandri) were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Two (13.16%) specimens of P. papatasi were found to be positive for Leishmania major. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first PCR detection of L. major within naturally infected P. Papatasis and fly as the main vector in this region of south Iran.