Maryam Fakhrzad; Ali Akbar Fazaeli; Yadollah Hamidi
Abstract
Background: Catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) has been explained as a growth in spending for health care services that exceeds 40% of total household income. Therefore, devoting a large portion of household resources to health care services can greatly threaten to standards of living in the short ...
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Background: Catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) has been explained as a growth in spending for health care services that exceeds 40% of total household income. Therefore, devoting a large portion of household resources to health care services can greatly threaten to standards of living in the short and long term. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the financial contribution of Iranian households in health care services system in Hamadan Province in 2017.Methods: This cross-sectional study reflected on spending for health care services. For this purpose, the data were extracted from the household expenditure statistics published in the database of the Statistical Center of Iran. Accordingly, among the common econometric models associated with the subject matter, the logit model was employed, and the data were then analyzed using the Stata 14 software.Results: The study findings revealed that 8.9% of the total household costs had been allocated to health care services. The results also showed that 3.5% of the households faced catastrophic cost among all the studied households. Upon examining the factors, significant relationship was further observed between the probability of exposure to CHE and living in rural areas, income decile group, number of employees, and marital status in the households concerned.Conclusion: It was concluded that poor distribution of health care services, unequal distribution of income and wealth among jobs, as well as socioeconomic conditions could influence CHE. Therefore, there is a need to plan and develop policies for better access to health care services.
Habibollah Azarbakhsh; Marziye Tolide; Ali Jalilian; Kumars Eisapareh
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiological indicators of brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran, during the years 2011 to 2018. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analytical study was performed on 1,002 patients with brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran. ...
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Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiological indicators of brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran, during the years 2011 to 2018. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analytical study was performed on 1,002 patients with brucellosis in Ilam province, west of Iran. People with a Wright test greater than 1.80 or a positive 2ME test who were diagnosed with brucellosis were followed up and treated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and Excel 2007. Results: 1002 patients with brucellosis were diagnosed, 566 of whom were male (56.5%) and 436 were female (43.5%). The mean age at the onset of the disease was 38.11 ± 19.61 in men, 41.73 ± 15.67 in women, and39.94 ±17.81 in both sexes. The incidence of brucellosis in 2011 was 20.44 per 100,000 (22.30 per 100,000 in men and 18.53 per 100,000 in women), which dropped to 15.94 per 100,000 in 2018. Regarding the season, most cases of the disease were observed in summer (31%), spring (24.7%), winter (23.6%), and autumn (20.7%), respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that the age of the onset of the disease was middle age, when individuals are active labor and human capital working in a community. Therefore, improving cross-sectoral and intra-sectoral cooperation and promoting effective education for prevention seem necessary.
Tooba Kazemi; Bita Bijari; Mohammad Reza Abedini; Hamid Azadmehr
Abstract
Background: Obesity is one of the most public health challenges in the 21st century, which has increased in most countries during the last decade. This study aimed to determine factors affecting the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and central obesity among urban adults referred to Birjand health centers ...
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Background: Obesity is one of the most public health challenges in the 21st century, which has increased in most countries during the last decade. This study aimed to determine factors affecting the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and central obesity among urban adults referred to Birjand health centers in 2017. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the data of all individuals who were registered in the Integrated health application system of Birjand (SIB) from April 2016 until March 2017 by census method. A checklist was designed to include the participants’ demographic characteristics, weight, height, and waist circumference. After coordinating with the health department of Birjand University of Medical Sciences, the authors logged in to the SIB system, collected and entered the data into the checklist. Then, the authors analyzed data using chi-square, independent sample T-test, and ANOVA tests by SPSS-22 software. Results: In the present study, 10,000 people participated. Their average age was of 44.3±11.8 years. The majority were females 7190 (71.9%) out of which 4827 (48.3%)were in the age group of 30 to 40 years old. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and central obesity in urban adults who registered in the SIB system in Birjand was 3539 (35.4%), 1968 (19.7%), and 4847 (48.5%), respectively. These features for women were significantly higher than men in all age groups. Conclusion: These findings revealed that obesity and abdominal obesity were high in urban adults in Birjand, which requires immediate intervention to improve the obesity status.
Fatemeh Jafari; Sepideh Mohseni Heidari; Layla Shojaie; Mohebat Vali; Fatemeh Jahani; Seyed-Mostaffa Mirzad; Hossein-Ali Nikbakht; Soheil Hassanipour Azgomi; Mousa Ghelichi- Ghojogh; Haleh Ghaem
Abstract
Background: Successful treatment of breast cancer (BC) depends on its early detection, which has a significant role in reducing its mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the services provided and the results in women referred to Babol Health Center Breast Cancer Screening Clinic.Methods: ...
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Background: Successful treatment of breast cancer (BC) depends on its early detection, which has a significant role in reducing its mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the services provided and the results in women referred to Babol Health Center Breast Cancer Screening Clinic.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 1421 individuals. Data were collected using a questionnaire, including demographic information, health history, and screening questions. Initial examinations were performed by midwives at the centers, and suspected or family history cases were referred to counseling centers and then to a physician for mammography. All follow-up was recorded by an expert in the center.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 46.19±8.84 years, and that at first delivery was 21.08±4.38; 93 (6.5%) of them had a history of infertility and 253 (17.8%) had a family history of BC. Of those who did a clinical examination, mammography and ultrasound, 580 (40.9%), 171 (12%), and 441 (31.1%) had BIRADS above two, respectively, and 12 of those who performed biopsy had a positive mass result. Among the other variables studied, history of benign tumor (OR=2.86, P<0.001) and changes in breast skin (OR=2.96, P=0.021) and change in the breast size (OR=2.92, P. value=0.020). ) was observed in predicting effective mammography. In the random forest chart, the history of benign tumors showed 20.34% of mammographic predictions. Breast self-examination with 12.06% and then hormonal drugs with 10.45% were in the second and third ranks.Conclusion: Using two methods of clinical examination and mammography will identify most people in stage 2 who have a good prognosis. Given the proper functioning of the center, it is suggested that more extensive screening should be done to reduce the prevalence and costs of treatment.
Reza Moghadam; Seyed Ali Jozi; Rokhshad Hejazi; Mojgan Zaeimdar; Saeed Malmasi
Abstract
Background: Cities, as population centers, face increasingly diverse environmental problems. Hence, there is an urgent need for a healthy environment by eliminating the emission of various life-threatening air pollutants with different origins. The present study aimed to determine the air pollution zones ...
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Background: Cities, as population centers, face increasingly diverse environmental problems. Hence, there is an urgent need for a healthy environment by eliminating the emission of various life-threatening air pollutants with different origins. The present study aimed to determine the air pollution zones using the AERMOD model and provide a strategic management plan to reduce air pollution in District 2 of Tehran, Iran. Methods: In this study, the air pollutant dispersion was evaluated by the AERMOD model exploiting spatial analysis (interpolation) and field measurements. The samples were collected from 32 places in the North, South, Central, East and West of District 2 of Tehran. Air quality indices, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide were analyzed in the experiments. Zoning and mapping of dispersion maps and spatial analysis were performed by ArcGIS.10 software using inverse distance weighted interpolation methods in the study area. Results: According to the results, the highest concentrations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide pollutants were related to stations 28, 26, 15 and 15 with values of 10.9, 54.6, 32.8, and 31.9 ppb, corresponding to the southern, eastern, southern, and southwestern regions in Sharif, Punak, and Kuy-e Nasr neighborhoods, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the statistical tests of correlation coefficient, normalized mean error, and normalized mean bias, all the calculated results confirmed the accuracy of constructed model and that the modeling would not have sufficient accuracy and performance without the implementation of AERMAP
Ahmad Baleshzar; Zeinab Rasouli Kahaki; Zahra Rojhani
Abstract
Background: Productivity plays a fundamental role in the global economy. Human resources are the most important factor, causing an increase or decrease in the productivity of an organization. Ergonomics is the scientific theory that studies the relationship between individuals and other elements of a ...
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Background: Productivity plays a fundamental role in the global economy. Human resources are the most important factor, causing an increase or decrease in the productivity of an organization. Ergonomics is the scientific theory that studies the relationship between individuals and other elements of a system and the profession applies theories, principles, evidence, and methods to design to optimize human well-being and productivity of the organization. This study aims to investigate the effects of ergonomic features and anxiety on the productivity of office workers. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 176 office workers (133 female and 43 male) of a university with three years of work experience were randomly selected. Data collection tools included demographic surveys, an inspection checklist, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) checklist, the productivity measurement questionnaire, and Beck anxiety inventory. Results: The study results showed that 70% of workstations need to be changed through ergonomic interventions and changes. According to the results obtained from the linear regression model between productivity and working posture, anxiety, and work environmental factors, there is a positive relationship between working environment conditions and productivity (P=0.002). Conclusion: The main contribution of this research is that productivity should receive attention through changing working environment. The chairs are a vital element of an ergonomic and productive work office
Akram Sadat Jafari Roodbandi; Alireza Choobineh; Vafa Feyzi; Zohre Foroozanfar; Nazanin Hosseini
Abstract
Background: Physical fitness and optimum functional movement are essential for efficient performance of job tasks without fatigue and injury. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Functional Movement Screening (FMS) test score and prevalence of Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) in emergency ...
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Background: Physical fitness and optimum functional movement are essential for efficient performance of job tasks without fatigue and injury. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Functional Movement Screening (FMS) test score and prevalence of Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) in emergency nurses and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff. The present study also sought to determine optimum cut-off point of FMS test score in health personnel.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 134 male and female emergency nurses and EMS technicians. After watching a video tutorial and undergoing practical training of how to do the FMS test, the participants carried out the test while wearing comfortable clothes. In addition to the demographic data questionnaire, Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was also completed for each participant. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software, version 18 at the significance level of 0.05.Results: Totally, 49.3% (n=66) of the participants were female. The subjects’ mean age and work experience were 35.3±8.7 and 11.4±7.7 years, respectively. Cut-off point of 17 was determined with the highest sensitivity (0.71) and specificity (0.71) based on ROC curve. The highest prevalence of MSSs was observed in the knees (n=44, 32.8%) and lower back (n=31, 23.1%). Multiple linear regression modeling also showed that age, sex, and the prevalence of MSSs were significantly associated with the FMS test score.Conclusion: FMS test seems to be an appropriate screening tool in pre-employment and periodic medical tests for jobs requiring physical fitness and optimum functional movements.
Mehdi Ahmadian; Mohsen Ebrahimi
Abstract
Background: Several studies have investigated supplement and drug use prevalence among elite athletes. However, nonelite athletes who exercise in gyms to improve their health and appearance have received less attention. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of supplement use in recreational ...
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Background: Several studies have investigated supplement and drug use prevalence among elite athletes. However, nonelite athletes who exercise in gyms to improve their health and appearance have received less attention. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of supplement use in recreational athletes in Fars, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 256 recreational athletes (165 men and 91 women, mean age 28.67±7.28) completed the questionnaire (researcher-made), and the differential validity was estimated by the comparison of novice and elite athletes using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Moreover, the reliability of the instrument was confirmed based on internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and stability (repeatability) using test-retest (correlationcoefficient of the test scores). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Results: In this study, 84% of the participants used various supplements, and 54% consumed performance-enhancing and occasional drugs. The most common supplements were multivitamins (77.7%), protein powders (69.1%), fish oil (47.9%), and vitamin D (39.9%). According to the findings, 46.8% of the subjects consumed supplements to improve their physical appearance, while 21.8% used these substances to enhance their health. Meanwhile, 62.2% of the athletes considered themselves fit (not obese/lean), while 31.1% and 33.3% tended to lose weight and slightly gain weight, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, the rate of consuming supplements, weight loss drugs, occasional drugs, and performance-enhancing drugs was high in the recreational athletes in Fars province, which indicated the necessity of more control and attention to the prevention of excess supplement use and raising awareness in this regard.
Mohammad Hossein Kaveh; Farzaneh Fanaei; Seyed Mohammad Mazloomi; Ali Reza Mirahmadizadeh; Reza Barati-Boldaji; Elaheh Shoushtari-Moghadam
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a volunteer-led food safety training program based on social cognitive theory on behaviors and their determinants among community women.Methods: This is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in 8 urban health centers in Marvdasht ...
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Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a volunteer-led food safety training program based on social cognitive theory on behaviors and their determinants among community women.Methods: This is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in 8 urban health centers in Marvdasht city, southern Iran. 60 volunteers and 502 women who were selected through multi-stage cluster random sampling method participated in the study. A 4-session food safety training program was implemented for health volunteers in the experimental group (n=30). They then trained the women in the experimental group (n=260) in their local community for a month. Data were collected using validated questionnaires in the group of volunteers before and one week after the intervention and in the group of women before and one month after the intervention. Data were entered in SPSS software version 22 and analyzed using Chi-Square and comparisons between the two groups were conducted by ANCOVA. P<0.05 was considered as the significant level.Results: The results of the study showed significant improvements in food safety-related behaviors and their determinants in the experimental groups, i.e., among both health volunteers and community women after the intervention. No significant changes in the study constructs (knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectations and behavior) were observed among women in the control group after the intervention.Conclusion: The findings of this study were in favor of the success of health volunteers in food safety training with the aim of improving food safety-related behaviors and their determinants (within the framework of cognitive theory) among community women.
Masoud Sayadi Shahraki; Bahareh Sadat Abtahi Naeen; Amin Asefi; Mahdi Rafie; Shima Sefiddashti; Milad Nazari Sabet
Abstract
Background: Hand dermatitis is a group of diseases that result in inflammation of the skin in the area of the hand. The prevalence of latex allergies has been increasing in recent years, one of the reasons being the use of latex gloves to maintain safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of wearing ...
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Background: Hand dermatitis is a group of diseases that result in inflammation of the skin in the area of the hand. The prevalence of latex allergies has been increasing in recent years, one of the reasons being the use of latex gloves to maintain safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of wearing cotton-polyester gloves under surgical latex gloves to improve the symptoms. Methods: This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial performed in Alzahra and Ayatollah Kashani hospitals in Isfahan. The statistical population consisted of the staff of the surgery room. Sampling was done by the census from October 2018 to March 2019. Cotton-polyester gloves (weight between 5–10 grams, 50% cotton and 50% polyester) are soft and flexible and easily absorb the sweat- under latex gloves. Also, it can be re-sterilized with ethylene oxide. In rupture of surgical gloves due to strong and integrated stitching, the cotton-polyester gloves prevent hand burns with electrocautery or damage by sharp objects. These gloves were distributed and used among the samples for 6 months. Results: Data were analyzed based on symptoms of erythema, appearance, economic burden, and disruption in daily life; there was a significant relationship between lack of using cottonpolyester gloves under the surgical gloves compared to when using them (P<0.01). However, there was no significant relationship between pain and disorder in social relations (P>0.01). Conclusion: Using cotton-polyester gloves under surgical latex gloves can improve the symptoms of dermatitis. On the other hand, the use of these gloves will not interfere with the function of the hands.
Mohammad Hassan Minooeianhaghighi; Alireza Mohammadzadeh; Fatemeh Khani; Roya Peirovi-Minaee; Milad Mokhtarzade; Javad Bagheri
Abstract
Background: Mosques are known as a gathering place and a center of worship for Muslims. The present study aimed to investigate the environmental health status and fungal and bacterial contamination of mosques in Gonabad, Iran. Methods: This analytic-cross sectional study assessed the environmental health ...
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Background: Mosques are known as a gathering place and a center of worship for Muslims. The present study aimed to investigate the environmental health status and fungal and bacterial contamination of mosques in Gonabad, Iran. Methods: This analytic-cross sectional study assessed the environmental health status of mosques using the relevant regulations. The sterile carpet sampling method and the sterile swap were used to take the samples of the surfaces. Standard methods were used to determine fungal and bacterial contamination. Overall, 67 samples were taken from the surfaces of doors, windows, and carpets. Data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Data analysis indicated that the environmental health status of mosques was acceptable. None of the dermatophyte fungal colonies grew on the plates which contained Sabouraud agar with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol (SCC) during incubation of primary culture media. Aspergillus niger was detected in all mosques and on all surfaces. Frequency and percentage of Aspergillus niger were 18 (48.67%) and 6 (16.23) for Mucor. In the case of bacterial contamination, Coagulasenegative staphylococci with the highest percentage (38.46%) and Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, and Escherichia coli, each with 3.84%, were the lowest types of detected bacteria, respectively. The most fungal and bacterial contamination was detected in the carpets. Conclusion: According to the results, it is essential to pay attention to the environmental health of the mosques and personal hygiene that requires the implementation of new programs and rules to increase the health awareness of worshipers and mosque servants to prevent the spread of fungal and bacterial infections.
Eshagh Barfar; Behzad Raei; Fatemeh Saeedinezhad; Behnoush Danyali; Seyed Muhammad Nasir-Al- Din Tabatabaei; Zahra Kazemi
Abstract
Background: Taxes are not only an important source of government revenue, but also one of the most important policy tools for tobacco control. The present study was designed to determine the optimal tax rate on cigarettes.Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted using the survey data from ...
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Background: Taxes are not only an important source of government revenue, but also one of the most important policy tools for tobacco control. The present study was designed to determine the optimal tax rate on cigarettes.Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted using the survey data from the Statistics Center of Iran from 2015 to 2019. The survey is carried out every year at the national level and households are selected by three-stage stratified sampling method. The inclusion criteria for our study were based on household information in the study period and its completeness and legibility. The Poisson regression model was used to estimate the factors affecting the quantity of cigarette demand in households with smoker members. The optimal tax rate on cigarettes was calculated based on the concept of Laffer curve. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 15.1.Results: The study was performed on 191,648 Iranian households. The cigarette price elasticity of demand was around -0.24. There were statistically significant relationships between the cigarette demand and variables including having a member of 15-18 years in the family; having male member of 19-64 years; having a female member of 19-64 years old; the study periods; age, education level; and job status of the household head (P<0.05). According to the Laffer curve simulation, if cigarette tax rate is increased to account for 219% of the retail price, that will maximize incremental tax revenues at around US$2.39 billion.Conclusion: The government can achieve public health goals as well as maximum tax revenues by raising cigarette taxes by almost 200% and raising the average price of a cigarette pack from $1 to about $3.
Rita Rezaee; Sahar Zare; Fatemeh Niknam; Ali Akbari; Mohammad Shirdeli; Farshad Falahati; Saeed Aghajani
Abstract
Background: A variety of clinical and administrative employees form a complicated communication network which makes various conflicts and contradictions possible in hospitals. This highlights the significant impact of internal communication in directing healthcare centers as one of the manager’s ...
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Background: A variety of clinical and administrative employees form a complicated communication network which makes various conflicts and contradictions possible in hospitals. This highlights the significant impact of internal communication in directing healthcare centers as one of the manager’s duties. Although improving hospital management is key to improvement of the healthcare delivery, few studies have been conducted to address internal communication as one of the main management tasks in hospitals. The current study aimed to determine the contributing factors influencing internal communication based on hospital managers and healthcare personnel’s points of view. Methods: A qualitative study utilizing a content analysis approach was performed. A purposive sampling method was recruited and twenty hospital managers and healthcare staff in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis by MAXQDA version 10. Results: Eight managers and twelve healthcare staff including eleven male and nine female subjects participated in the study. Three main themes were discerned: namely “personal factors”, “technical factors”, and “organizational and structural factors”. The participants placed the most emphasis on leadership and new technologies as the influential subthemes. Conclusion: Many factors can affect internal communication, some of which depend mostly on managers to be applied effectively in the hospitals and some on healthcare staff. The identified factors help the managers and staff to recognize how their internal communication can be impressed by these factors and how they can create effective internal communications.
Erfan Kharazmi; Mohammad Amin Bahrami; Shima Bordbar; Zahra Shayan; Hanie Gholampoor
Abstract
Background: In recent decades, especially after the publication of the World Health Report in 2000, many efforts have been made to develop assessment tools and improve the performance of health systems at the global and national levels. The purpose of this study was to design a method and assess the ...
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Background: In recent decades, especially after the publication of the World Health Report in 2000, many efforts have been made to develop assessment tools and improve the performance of health systems at the global and national levels. The purpose of this study was to design a method and assess the performance of health systems in various countries in its use.Methods: In this retrospective study, health systems were evaluated using the opinions of experts as well as international data. Health system experts expressed their views on appropriate indicators for evaluation. The performance of the studied health systems was ranked using multi-criteria decision-making techniques (SAW & TOPSIS). Collected data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.Results: Data related to 38 indexes in eight general areas of macroeconomics, affordability for health costs, disease control, health care financing, health and nutrition, life expectancy, health resources, and mortality rates were collected in 105 countries from 2018 to 2020. According to the findings of country ranking, the health systems of Sweden, Norway, and Japan have the best performance and Afghanistan, Nigeria and Guinea have the weakest performance in the years examined.Conclusion: Health systems face major challenges around the world. Scientific evaluations show that spending more resources and costs does not necessarily enhance the performance of health systems, yet using and distributing these resources and costs in health systems could enhance the hope for better performance.
Maryam Nikbina; Zahra Pajohideh
Abstract
Background: Overall, women make up a third of the world’s workforce. With the heavy increase in the number of working women, marital dissatisfaction will also increase. While the strength of the marital relationship without having satisfactory sex is in jeopardy, paying attention to sexual satisfaction ...
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Background: Overall, women make up a third of the world’s workforce. With the heavy increase in the number of working women, marital dissatisfaction will also increase. While the strength of the marital relationship without having satisfactory sex is in jeopardy, paying attention to sexual satisfaction is an essential part of healthcare standards; it is also part of sexual health in women. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the of job and sexual function and satisfaction in Ahwaz city. Methods: The is a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study. The sampling was done through random-convenience method on 685 women who referred to the health centers and hospital in Ahwaz (137 housewives and 548 employees in educational, health, medical, and administrative and service sectors) and had the inclusion criteria. A three-part questionnaire was used which included questions on a) personal characteristics including age, occupation type, years past from marriage, the number of children, age of youngest child, age of spouse and preventing pregnancy, b) Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and c) Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. Results: There was a significant relationship between the type of job with lubrication, satisfaction, intercourse pain, total sexual function, and sexual satisfaction scores. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it seems that there is an relationship between the type of job with lubrication, satisfaction, intercourse pain, total sexual function and sexual satisfaction scores (P=0.4); due to increase in the number of employed women, the detecting and solving of sexual dysfunctions have a significant effect on improving the quality of marital relationships, which is an important step in order to prevent family disputes and its consequences.
Sasan Ghorbani Kalkhajeh; Kamal Shakhi; Behnaz Dindamal; Farzad Faraji-Khiavi
Abstract
Background: Aggressive behaviors are the most critical and common challenges shown by children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through their life. Children- scale for hostility and aggression: reactive and proactive (C-SHARP) is a comprehensive instrument for measuring aggressive behaviors. No instruments ...
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Background: Aggressive behaviors are the most critical and common challenges shown by children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through their life. Children- scale for hostility and aggression: reactive and proactive (C-SHARP) is a comprehensive instrument for measuring aggressive behaviors. No instruments have been developed for measuring aggression in children with ASD or other developmental disabilities in the Persian language; therefore, this study aimed to assess the reliability, validity and responsiveness to change of Persian version of C-SHARP in children with ASD.Methods: This is a psychometric study with three phases including translation process, assessment of the validity and reliability, and responsiveness to change. World health organization (WHO) guidelines for translation and adaptation process were used to translate the C-SHARP. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the instrument, we performed across-sectional study on 162 children with ASD and dimensionality and convergent validity, internal consistency, and composite reliability were used. In order to measure responsiveness, we performed a comparative study in the form of a free-gluten dietary intervention, and gamma correlation coefficient was used to correlate change the scores with GRS.Results: Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were reported greater than 0.85 for all subscales and the composite reliability coefficient for C-SHARP was 0.94. Root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.052 which confirmed robust construct of C-SHARP Persian version. Average variance extracted (AVE) for total C-SHARP was >0.50. Gamma correlation coefficient was 0.77, indicating excellent responsiveness to change of the instrument.Conclusion: The current study approved the reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change of the Persian C-SHARP in children with ASDs. Persian C-SHARP can be used in clinical and research settings to assess aggression.
Reza Tavakkol; Ashkan Karimi; Armin Fereidouni; Azadeh Amiri; Ebrahim Nazari Far
Abstract
Background: Coping strategies depend to a large extent on stressors, individual experiences, severity, and characteristics of the stressors. In general, it seems that the risk of physical and mental health problems in stressful situations increases if people do not use coping mechanisms. Methods: This ...
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Background: Coping strategies depend to a large extent on stressors, individual experiences, severity, and characteristics of the stressors. In general, it seems that the risk of physical and mental health problems in stressful situations increases if people do not use coping mechanisms. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study of analytical and descriptive type performed on 192 operating room staff at 7 hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected through "Ways of Coping Questionnaire (Folkman and Lazarus)", "General Health", and "Lifestyle" questionnaires. SPSS software version 20 was then used to analyze the data. Results: The analysis of the results revealed that the total mean scores of lifestyle and mental health were reported to be 333±42.91 and 39.24±39.24, respectively. Also, the mean total scores of the emotion-focused problem-focused style were equal to 100.16±13.90 and 104.38±14.89, respectively. There was a significant relationship between gender and work experience in the emotion-focused coping style (P<0.05). There was also a direct relationship between lifestyle and coping strategies in the operating room staff, and that the relationship was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Due to the high level of stress among the operating room staff and also the relationship between coping strategies and gender, it seems quintessential that operating room staff should take measures to avert and reduce staff stress. Furthermore, given the use of various coping strategies in stressful situations by operating room staff, it appears necessary to train the people living in that specific society to use effective coping techniques.
Amir Saeed; Navid MoradiKashkooli; Anahita Sanaeidashti; Zahra Seratishirazi; Mahvash Alirahimi
Abstract
Background: Nosocomial infection (NI) has always been considered a significant problem around the world. Due to the special conditions of the admitted patients, NI is of significant importance in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The present study was an attempt to study the prevalence of NI ...
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Background: Nosocomial infection (NI) has always been considered a significant problem around the world. Due to the special conditions of the admitted patients, NI is of significant importance in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The present study was an attempt to study the prevalence of NI in PICU and its effects on hospital stay and mortality rate.Methods: The present research is a retrospective cross-sectional study in which the clinical and laboratory data of 693 patients admitted to the PICU of Namazi Hospital in 2018 was studied. Then, the information was entered into SPSS and analyzed.Results: Of 693 admitted patients, 101 developed a nosocomial infection in the PICU, accounting for 14.57% of patients. Pneumonia, urinary infection, and septicemia were reported as the most frequent nosocomial infections. The most common pathogen responsible was Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter in pneumonia, Enterococcus in urinary infection, and Stenotrophomonas in septicemia. The present study showed that nosocomial infection was associated with increased hospital stay and mortality rate.Conclusion: Nosocomial infection is considered an important challenge in the health system; its prevalence in different parts of the world is different, and it was not high in the present study. Nosocomial infection increases mortality and hospital stay and imposes a heavy burden on the health system; therefore, it is vital to decrease its prevalence. These findings can be used to plan for better infection control strategies and decrease nosocomial infection, hospital stay, and mortality rate.
Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari; Marzieh Shirazikhah; Sina Ahmadi; Yahya Salimi; Akbar Biglarian; Ali Almasi; Toktam Paykani
Abstract
Background: Iran, after China, emerged as one of the first COVID-19 epidemic countries. Despite all efforts to interrupt new transmission chains, the virus continued to quickly spread across the country. WHO has highlighted a crucial role for social factors and intersectoral collaboration to tackle COVID-19. ...
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Background: Iran, after China, emerged as one of the first COVID-19 epidemic countries. Despite all efforts to interrupt new transmission chains, the virus continued to quickly spread across the country. WHO has highlighted a crucial role for social factors and intersectoral collaboration to tackle COVID-19. This study aimed to identify challenges related to the upstream determinants and downstream risk factors of COVID-19 infection in Iran as perceived by health professionals at different levels of service administration. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in October 2020. A directed qualitative content analysis was done to explore the views of health professionals and administrators toward determinants of COVID-19 infection in Iran. Using a deductive approach, we tested the implications of the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) framework regarding COVID-19. Results: The determinants of COVID-19 infection in Iran are referred to as: 1) upstream social determinants, including political considerations in dealing with COVID-19, conflicting authority structures between and within organizations and sectors, poor intersectoral collaboration, unstable macroeconomic environment, pandemic crisis management, poor governance in the health system, cultural and societal values, trust and social capital, and individuals’ socioeconomic status; and 2) downstream risk factors, including poor health literacy, poor compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines, secrecy related to the infection, individual’s health status, lifestyle, and virus characteristics. Conclusion: It is essential to motivate people to practice preventive COVID-19 infection behaviors. To change the behavior at the population level, a complex fusion of policy and practice, and dealing with the complexity of structural determinants and downstream risk factors are needed.
Jahangir Biglari; Shahin Kazemi; Rouhollah Shokri; Kamal Jalilian; Mitra Mohammadi
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was determination of the quantity and quality of construction and demolition waste materials in Kermanshah city, Iran.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional research was carried out on eight urban areas in Kermanshah city from April to December in 2018. Due to the ...
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Background: The aim of this study was determination of the quantity and quality of construction and demolition waste materials in Kermanshah city, Iran.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional research was carried out on eight urban areas in Kermanshah city from April to December in 2018. Due to the fact that in winter season, the C&D rate in Kermanshah is very low, data were not included in the study. Parameters of weight, volume, and density were calculated and presented in a seasonal average. The descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data in SPSS and Excel software.Results: More than 372.62 ton of waste materials were generated during the study, and the amount of concrete, bricks, soil, plaster, stone, ceramic, asphalt, and glass were approximately 31.49, 26.09, 23.45, 10.7, 3.37, 2.79, 2.07, and 0.0003%, respectively. According to the results, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, wood, plastic, paper, and cardboard have been recycled and sold due to their high economic value. Therefore, they were not in the C&D waste or were very little.Conclusion: With regards to the high volume of C&D waste generated, setting laws and regulations to reduce C&D waste should be considered to control optimally and efficiently the processes of production, collection, transportation, disposal, and recycling of waste.
Zakiye Ghelbash; Ladan Zarshenas; Ebrahim Moghimi Sarani
Abstract
Background: Psychosocial adjustment problems can be obviously detected in patients with major depressive disorder. The present study aimed to assess the impact of cognitive-behavioral group training on psychosocial adjustment among patients with major depressive disorder.Methods: This randomized clinical ...
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Background: Psychosocial adjustment problems can be obviously detected in patients with major depressive disorder. The present study aimed to assess the impact of cognitive-behavioral group training on psychosocial adjustment among patients with major depressive disorder.Methods: This randomized clinical trial with pre/posttest design was conducted on 50 patients with major depressive disorder who were hospitalized in Ebnesina hospital, Shiraz, Iran. The intervention group took part in eight sessions of psychotherapy based on cognitive-behavioral approach. The participants completed Bell adjustment inventory before and two weeks after the intervention. After all, the data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software.Results: The results revealed a significant difference between the two groups regarding the score of psychosocial adjustment after the intervention (P=0.000). Indeed, a significant difference was found in the intervention group’s adjustment score before and after the intervention (P=0.000). A significant difference was also observed between the two groups regarding the difference in the adjustment scores (P=0.000).Conclusion: It is expected that behavioral skills alongside cognitive skills can empower the individuals’ capabilities to create more appropriate and purposeful relationships. Cognitivebehavioral training is a combination of behavioral and social skills together with modification of individuals’ attitude and cognition.
Mohammad Khammarnia; Seyed Mohammad Hashemi-Shahri; Alireza Ansari-Moghaddam; Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei; Ali Naghizadeh; Mohammadhadi Abbasi; Seyed Mohammad Nasiruddin Tabatabaei; Fatemeh Setoodehzadeh; Mehdi Zangane Bayegi; Majid Sartipi
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has become a global problem. In this case study, the experiences gained from disease control in rural areas are reported. Methods: An observational study was done in 2020 in Sistan and Balochestan, the largest province with most rural areas in the southeast of Iran. Results: After ...
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Background: COVID-19 has become a global problem. In this case study, the experiences gained from disease control in rural areas are reported. Methods: An observational study was done in 2020 in Sistan and Balochestan, the largest province with most rural areas in the southeast of Iran. Results: After identification of the first patient of Covid-19 in a rural area, three measures were taken including: 1. Diagnosis, screening and treatment of the disease (Incident command post was established and the village was completely quarantined, etc.; 2. Intersectoral coordination for epidemiological management (limiting traffic for people and any gathering); and 3. Identification of any Covid-19 positive cases. The results of these measures showed that after quarantining the village and performing the mentioned actions, the number of patients decreased, and the disease was controlled. Conclusion: Quarantine of the contaminated rural area and people’s traffic routes is one of the most important measures in controlling Covid-19.
Masoumeh Sadat Mousavi; Seyedeh Leila Dehghani; Mohammad Fararouei; Parvin Afsar Kazerooni; Maryam Nasirian; Haleh Ghaem
Abstract
Background: Life satisfaction is a comprehensive concept reflecting the general feeling of people about the society in which they live. Previous research has found that health status is associated with life satisfaction. Sexual intercourse is of physiological and psychological needs, which is closely ...
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Background: Life satisfaction is a comprehensive concept reflecting the general feeling of people about the society in which they live. Previous research has found that health status is associated with life satisfaction. Sexual intercourse is of physiological and psychological needs, which is closely associated with the wellbeing of any individual. In this study, we examined life satisfaction in Marvdasht, Fars province.Methods: This population-based survey was conducted in 2016 among Marvdasht urban and rural population aged 18-50 years. The participants were selected via cluster random sampling. A telephone survey was conducted to complete an interviewadministered questionnaire. Significance level in this study was considered 0.05. All stages of data analysis was done in SPSS22 software.Results: A total of 3879 participants from urban and rural areas of Marvdasht were interviewed. There was a difference between urban and rural men in terms of sexual satisfaction (P=0.01) (7.90±2.01 vs. 8.15±1.89) and life satisfaction (P=0.011) (5.64±3.54 vs. 5.14±3.71). Satisfaction in both cases in men in urban areas was better than men in rural areas. Also, the average score of sexual satisfaction was higher in rural men compared with that in urban male residents (P=0.01). Regarding women, at error level of 0.05, there was a difference between urban and rural women in terms of sexual satisfaction (P<0.0001) (8.62±1.502 vs. 9.12±0.789) and life satisfaction (P<0.0001) (8.37±1.641vs. 9.13±0.669), so that satisfaction in both cases in women in rural areas was higher than men in urban areas.Conclusion: Life satisfaction had a close relationship to geographical areas of residence. However, this was for women living in rural areas than women living in urban areas in both cases.
Alireza Nematollahi; Shadi Zamansaraei; Farima Safari; Parvin Bahrami
Abstract
Background: Ebstein’s anomaly (EA) is a congenital heart defect that causes cyanosis and arrhythmia. The treating physician has difficulty when it comes to pregnant women since patients frequently reach reproductive age. How to manage these patients during pregnancy or approach patients who are ...
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Background: Ebstein’s anomaly (EA) is a congenital heart defect that causes cyanosis and arrhythmia. The treating physician has difficulty when it comes to pregnant women since patients frequently reach reproductive age. How to manage these patients during pregnancy or approach patients who are planning to become pregnant is an important issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate previous and current literature reviews, as well as case studies, to better understand how to treat Ebstein’s abnormality in pregnancy. Methods: This study is a literature review with case report. Here, we review the literature on this subject to discuss how to manage Ebstein’s anomaly in pregnancy. We analyzed the literature from different perspectives. We also focused on three of Ebstein’s anomaly-affected women’s pregnancies. Results: Three women had four pregnancies, all of which were delivered vaginally or through cesarean section. There were no preterm births. 2.540.88 kg was the average birth weight. There were no cardiac abnormalities in any of the three infants. One patient had Ebstein’s abnormality and congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA). Conclusion: In Ebstein’s abnormality, pregnancy is often well tolerated. However, the maternal risks of pregnancy correlated with the severity of anatomical malformations and the presence of cyanosis or simultaneous other cardiac anomalies.
Sanaz Noroozi; Mostafa Farahbakhsh; Mohammad Taha Saadati Rad; Shahrokh Amiri; Farinaz Saeedi
Abstract
Background: Methylphenidate is an important drug treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Parents’ knowledge of the drug predicts their adherence to this treatment and active participation in the therapeutic interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge ...
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Background: Methylphenidate is an important drug treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Parents’ knowledge of the drug predicts their adherence to this treatment and active participation in the therapeutic interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of the parents of children with ADHD, who referred to the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, regarding methylphenidate (Ritalin).Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 300 parents during 2019-2020. The subjects were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the socioeconomic status questionnaire and a researchermade questionnaire, which encompassed the two sections of demographic information and parents’ attitudes, knowledge and performance. The validity and reliability of the tool were confirmed. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and t-test.Results: The mothers played a more significant role in the care of children with ADHD compared to the fathers. Significant correlations were observed between the parents’ knowledge, attitude, and performance with Ritalin consumption, and the knowledge score of the parents was low (46.6%), confirming their need for education in this regard. Meanwhile, 52.86% of the parents had a moderate knowledge level, and only 1% had excellent knowledge regarding the drug. Overall, the parents considered methylphenidate a more effective drug for ADHD compared to other medications. However, 84% of the parents were concerned about their children’s Ritalin addiction. According to the results, mothers played a more significant role in the treatment of children with ADHD compared to the fathers.Conclusion: According to the results, parents’ participation in the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD as a supporter and provider of methylphenidate had a positive effect in this regard. Therefore, supporting and improving the knowledge and attitude of parents could improve their perception of methylphenidate consumption by their ADHD children, thereby enhancing the prognosis of the patients.