The quarterly Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System is a non profitable periodical, common to the School of Health and Nutrition and the vice-chancellor for Health at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The journal publishes original research papers, short communications, scientific notes, case reports, letter to editors, and review articles in English. The scope of papers comprises all aspects of Health Sciences and Surveillance System. The Editorial Board would be glad to receive your original papers on any area of Health Sciences.   


Dear Authors, Colleagues,

 

     I would like to inform you that, starting from [2025 August 14th], the Article Processing/Acceptance Fees of JHSSS have been updated to help us maintain and improve the quality of peer review, professional editing, and platform maintenance.

For details, please refer to the table in the Guide for Authors section.

We greatly value your understanding and continued support.

 

Prof. K. Azizi

Editor in Chief

JHSSS

 

Review Articles

A Comparative Study of Non-Communicable Diseases Management During Pandemics in Iran and Selected Countries

Pages 188-203

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.108172.2111

Zahra Taghvaeikeshtkar, Leila Riahi, Leila Nazarimanesh, Kamran Hajinabi

Abstract Introduction: Maintaining continuity of care for patients with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is imperative during pandemics. This study evaluates NCD management strategies by conducting a comparative analysis between Iran and seven other nations.
Methods: This comparative qualitative study, conducted in 2023, employed sampling to examine Iran against Germany, Canada, the United States, Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. The study focused on five core components: health workforce, health information systems, medical products, health financing, and leadership and governance. Data were extracted from reputable scientific databases and analyzed using the four stage Adaptive Education Model (description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison).
Results: The comparative analysis identified eleven key components influencing NCD management during pandemics. These included the presence of a comprehensive national strategy, effective inter sectoral collaboration and coordination across governmental levels, access to sufficient financial resources and appropriate allocation, the efficiency and effectiveness of the financial system, optimal workforce density and distribution, community resilience and welfare, availability and quality of essential products, medications and technologies, integration of COVID-19 related data, data quality and accuracy, and the utilization of telemedicine.
Conclusion: The findings of this study, by pinpointing critical sub-components of NCD management during pandemics, can assist policymakers and health system managers in improving planning and enhancing NCD management in crises. By focusing on the gaps and international lessons learned, this research offers an opportunity to strengthen Iran’s healthcare system and reduce inequalities in access to health services.

Original Article

Perceived Social Support among Women with Breast Cancer

Pages 204-211

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.108713.2126

Duaa Saeed Obaid, Wafaa Ahmed Amin

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally, and patients often face challenges during and after treatment. Perceived social support can reduce stress, enhance coping, and improve quality of life. To evaluate perceived social support, socio-demographic, and health-related factors in women with breast cancer.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 purposively sampled breast cancer patients at Marjan Medical City/Oncology Center from October 11, 2023, to February 9, 2025. Data were collected via direct interviews using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. 
Results: Perceived social support among participants was moderate (M=3.24±0.77 on the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) scale, with family support rated the highest (M=3.89±0.87) and friend support the lowest (M=2.73±0.94). Demographic factors (age, marital status, education, income) showed no significant association with support levels (all p-value>0.05). Health-related factors, such as time since diagnosis and treatment type, were significantly associated with perceived support (p-value<0.001).
Conclusion: Targeted support interventions, particularly for vulnerable populations and those undergoing intensive treatments, should be integrated into multidisciplinary care to improve outcomes.

Original Article

Investigating the Role of Short and Long Sleep Durations in Cardiovascular Diseases: Results from Kharameh PERSIAN Cohort Study in Iran

Pages 212-219

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.106961.2056

Alireza Dehghani, Mozhgan Seif, Abbas Rezaianzadeh

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are now among the most common chronic conditions and are the leading cause of disability, morbidity, and mortality worldwide. Also, sleep 
duration is considered a neglected modifiable risk factor for CVDs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between sleep duration and the prevalence of CVD in a large scale of the Iranian population.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, baseline data from 9,632 participants aged 40 to 70 years were collected between 2014 and 2016 and analyzed. Sleep duration was categorized into five groups (<6, 6–6.9, 7–7.9, 8–8.9, and ≥9 hours). The association between categorized sleep duration and the prevalence of CVD was assessed using both crude and adjusted multiple logistic 
regression models. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed.
Results: In the crude analysis, both males and females who slept <6 hours showed similar odds ratios for CVD (males: OR=1.42, P=0.046; females: OR=1.44, P<0.001). In the adjusted model, both short (<6 hours) and long (≥9 hours) sleep durations were associated with increased odds of CVD for both genders, reaching statistical significance exclusively in females. A sensitivity analysis was then performed, which resulted in modest attenuation of the associations in both genders.
Conclusion: Overall, our findings indicate that both short and long sleep duration are associated with an increased risk of CVD, particularly among females. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced sleep duration for cardiovascular health and support the potential benefit of sleep related interventions in reducing CVD risk.

Original Article

Effect of an Educational Program on Nurses’ Practices Regarding the Care of Newborns with Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Pages 220-228

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.109629.2155

Salim Amir Yousef, Khamees Bandar Obaid

Abstract Background: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units NICU, especially for preterm infants. Nurses have a significant role and responsibility in managing RDS, and their competency directly influences patient outcomes. There is also some evidence of discrepancies in knowledge levels and application of practice. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a structured educational program on nurses’ practices related to the care of newborns with RDS in a NICU. To assess the impact of an educational intervention on the clinical practices of NICU nurses in managing neonatal RDS and to examine the association between nurses’ socio-demographic characteristics and their practices levels. 
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was completed from June to August 2025 at two children’s hospitals in Al-Hilla, Iraq, with a sample of 50 nurses (25 in the study group and 25 in the control group) selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated observational checklist to evaluate nursing practice before and after the educational program. The intervention consisted of both theoretical and practical educational sessions on the 
management of RDS. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and chi-square in SPSS version 23. A Shapiro-Wilk test was conducted to confirm normality (p=0.087). 
Results: Both groups had moderate levels of practice before the intervention. There was no significant difference in the mean practice score (study group: 1.59±0.14; control group: 1.64±0.12; p=0.17). After the educational program, the study group showed a significant increase in practice post intervention (mean score 1.76±0.08), with 80% of students in the good practice category compared to only 28% pre-intervention. The control group remained largely unchanged post intervention (mean score 1.65±0.10; p=0.006). There was no significant association between the nurses’ practice and age, educational level, previous education or training, and years of work experience (p>0.05). 
Conclusion: The organized educational intervention made a significant difference in nurses’ practices surrounding infants with RDS. The findings make a clear case for the value of education and practice to improve the practice of neonatal nursing beyond passive clinical experience or background qualities or characteristics.

Original Article

Predictive Factors of Waste Separation Behavior in Housewives in Shushtar City: An Application of Value-Belief-Norm Theory

Pages 229-236

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.107549.2077

Leila Ghahramani, khadijeh jafarpour, masoud karimi, Zahra derakhshan

Abstract Introduction: Waste management is a critical issue in urban planning, posing a significant challenge for modern societies. As populations grow and urbanization increases, the volume of waste generated also rises, putting pressure on existing infrastructure and ecosystems. Therefore, this research was designed and implemented to investigate the predictors of waste separation behavior among housewives based on the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) Theory.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on housewives living in Shoushtar city, Khuzestan province, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire developed based on the Value-Belief-Norm Theory. The data were analyzed using SPSS 28 and AMOS 28 software at a significance level of p<0.05. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling were employed for data analysis. Ethical Consideration: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (IR.SUMS.SCHEANUT.REC.1402.119).
Results: The mean age of the participants was 36.10±9.93 years. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed significant correlations between waste separation behavior and the constructs of the 
Value-Belief-Norm Theory. The strongest correlations were observed with altruistic values (r=0.344, p<0.001) and intention (r=0.435, p<0.001). However, egoistic values, biospheric altruism, 
the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP), and descriptive norms did not significantly affect behavior. The proposed model explained 37% of the variance in waste separation behaviors.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the VBN theory framework is useful in predicting waste separation behaviors. Among the constructs, human altruism, awareness of consequences (AC), 
personal norms (PN), injunctive norms, and intention were identified as the most important predictors of adherence to waste separation behaviors.

Original Article

Burden of Headache Disorders among Health Workers: YLD Estimations and Comorbidity Adjusted Modeling Using GBD Methods

Pages 237-245

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.107557.2078

Maedeh Moradi Farahani, Seyed Jalil Masoumi, Mohebat Vali, Jafar Hassanzadeh, Alireza Mirahmadizadeh

Abstract Background: Headache disorders significantly affect over half of the global population, notably healthcare workers through YLD and productivity loss. This study aimed to identify demographic 
and job-related disability disparities among health workers.
Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed baseline cohort data from 5,924 health workers at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (2018). YLD calculations used GBD disability weights and comorbidity adjustments via multiplicative models. Nonparametric tests, including Kruskal–Wallis H and post hoc Mann–Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction, were used for group comparisons.
Results: Our findings revealed a substantially higher prevalence based YLD for headache disorders (mean: 9,460±26,300 per 100,000) compared to the global age-standardized estimate of 588.4 per 100,000 reported by the GBD study.  Women (0.135±0.31) had a higher mean YLD than men (0.042±0.18) though it was not statistically significant (p=0.84). Younger workers (0.102±0.30, p<0.001), university-educated (0.102±0.27), upper-middle-class (0.1195±0.293), and clinical/medical staff (0.113±0.29, p=0.002) showed the highest YLD. Depression (58.6%) was the most frequent comorbidity; adjusted models confirmed comorbidity impact.
Conclusion: Headache disorders create significant disparities among health workers by age, education, socioeconomic status, and job type. Depression is a prevalent comorbidity. Adjusted 
YLD models improved burden estimation, underscoring the need for targeted occupational health interventions.

Original Article

An EpiEpidemiological demiological Study of Measles Trend from 2019-2023 in Iraq

Pages 246-252

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.107723.2085

Amany A Mousa, Atta A AL-Sarray, Ishraq A Chiad, Ahmed H Radhy

Abstract Background: As a highly contagious systemic viral infection, measles has a significant fatality rate, mostly from subsequent infections. This study assesses patient-specific demographic and environmental profiles while calculating mortality rates over a five-year follow-up period.
Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study analyzing epidemiological data on measles from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023. T The duration of data collection continued for the period from 2024/October/17th to 2025/February/28th. The data of the whole Iraq was collected from Iraqi Ministry of Health\Department of Public Health\Communicable Disease Control Center, from the section of epidemiological surveillance. 
Results: This study included 3,873 laboratory-confirmed measles cases out of over 20,000 suspected cases. Their mean age was 6.4 ± 8.4 years (ranging from 2 days to 79 years). The most affected age group was 1–4 years old (42. 5%). Males affected 52.34% of the cases, while females accounted for 47.66%. 77.35% of the patients were unvaccinated, 10.02% were vaccinated, and 
12.63% had unknown vaccination status. The incidence rate in 2023 reached 32.3 per 100,000 populations, the highest during the study period. The highest number of cases was reported in 
Baghdad–Karkh (15. 32%). 
Conclusion: Measles incidence peaked in 2023, while the lowest rates were observed in 2021. Geographically, Baghdad reported the highest prevalence, whereas Sulaymaniyah recorded the 
lowest. Regarding diagnostic methods, more than 50% of cases were diagnosed clinically, while Epilink-based diagnosis was the least frequent. Ultimately, misinformation and vaccine hesitancy 
remain significant obstacles to measles eradication. This suggests a major outbreak in 2023, possibly due to declining vaccination rates or inadequate public health responses.

Original Article

Relationship between Knowledge of Iraqi Cement Factory Workers toward First Aid and Occupational Safety

Pages 254-263

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.107729.2087

Ahmed Riyadh Farhan, Hussein Mansour Ali Al-Tameemi

Abstract Background: Industrial work environments, such as cement factories, present considerable occupational hazards. Occupational safety knowledge and first aid proficiency are essential for ensuring comprehensive workplace safety. Knowledge of safety mitigates the risks, whereas first aid offers prompt assistance. Despite advancements, gaps remain in workers’ integrated knowledge of safety and emergency response. An integrated understanding is crucial for implementing effective safety practices. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of 
cement factory workers in Iraq regarding occupational safety and first aid. More importantly, we sought to establish the relationship between their knowledge in these two areas and aimed to determine whether a correlation existed between the workers’ demographic characteristics and their knowledge.
Methods: A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between December 26, 2024, and February 28, 2025, using a convenience sampling technique. The study included 350 workers recruited from five cement factories in the Middle Euphrates region of Iraq. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire consisting of three main sections: socio-demographic characteristics, occupational safety knowledge, and first aid knowledge. The validity of the instrument was established through expert review, and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and the Kruskal–Walli’s test. 
Results: The study showed disparate degrees of expertise in both domains. The general proficiency in first aid was assessed as “Fair” (mean score 1.31), revealing deficiencies in areas such as burns and bone injuries. Statistically significant correlations were observed between the workers’ knowledge of first aid and their understanding of workplace safety. Moreover, substantial 
correlations were identified between their knowledge in both areas and their socio-demographic features (e.g., age, level of education, and years of service).
Conclusion: The results demonstrated a significant association between occupational safety and workers’ first aid knowledge in the cement industry. Persistent gaps in first aid awareness 
emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive, practical training programs tailored to address these deficiencies. Such programs must be specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of the 
workforce to foster a robust safety culture, with special attention to employees with lower educational backgrounds or limited experience. Moreover, these findings demonstrate the value of implementing clear policies and strategies aligned with international safety standards, such as those advocated by the International Labor Organization and the World Health Organization, to institutionalize safety procedures effectively. Integrating recommendations for occupational safety into factory regulations will promote adherence and systematic risk management. Economically, improving first aid and safety knowledge can lead to reduced workplace injuries, minimizing lost workdays and associated costs, thereby enhancing overall productivity and operational efficiency. This underscores the value of investing in ongoing safety education to protect employees and optimize industrial performance.

Original Article

Temporal, Spatial, and Seasonal Trends of Pneumonia, Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and Influenza in Thailand: Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Pages 264-275

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2025.107730.2088

Pannawadee Singkaew, Prakasit Tonchoy, Phakinee Suta

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated non pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) significantly disrupted respiratory disease transmission worldwide. However, comparative evidence across time, geography, and seasonality in Southeast Asia remains limited. To examine changes in incidence, spatial distribution, and seasonal patterns of pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), and influenza in Thailand across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods.
Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using national surveillance data from all 77 Thai provinces (2014-2024). Monthly incidence rates were analyzed using negative binomial regression. Spatial patterns were visualized through choropleth maps and regional incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Seasonality was assessed using seasonal-trend decomposition (STL) and two-way ANOVA (Month×Period).
Results: Influenza incidence dropped sharply during 2020–2021 and rebounded over 30-fold post-pandemic (IRR_PD2=34.36, 95% CI: 24.26–48.72). Pneumonia declined by 37% in 2021 (IRR_D2=0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.96), and then rose significantly post-pandemic (IRR_PD2=1.97, 95% CI: 1.39–2.78). TB remained relatively stable. Influenza suppression was spatially uniform, with rebounds clustered in urban provinces. Pneumonia showed uneven regional resurgence; TB patterns remained geographically consistent. Seasonal cycles for all diseases re-emerged after the pandemic. Influenza exhibited a new mid-year peak, pneumonia aligned with rainy and winter months, and TB maintained a January–May peak.
Conclusions: The pandemic induced pathogen-specific shifts in respiratory disease dynamics in Thailand. Influenza and pneumonia showed marked suppression and atypical rebounds, while TB patterns remained steady. These findings underscore the need for adaptive surveillance, sustained TB services, and spatially responsive planning to strengthen future respiratory disease preparedness.

Health Integrated System in Iran: Opportunities and Constraints

Volume 9, Issue 3, July 2021, Pages 206-207

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2021.89191.1162

Fatemeh Setoodehzadeh, Mohammad Khammarnia, Mostafa Peyvand

Abstract Nowadays, information and communications technology (ICT) has deeply influenced different aspects, especially healthcare sector.(1) Increasing public awareness and expectations has encouraged healthcare providers to use modern technologies to improve service quality.(2) Health technologies provide useful information for improving planning,  implementing, monitoring, and policy making based on evidence (3). In fact, an electronic health record (EHR) is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart. EHRs are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users. While an EHR contains the medical and therapeutic histories of patients, an EHR system is built to go beyond standard clinical data collected in a provider’s office and can be inclusive of a broader view of a patient’s care.(4)
From the beginning of applying family physician and rural insurance program in Iran, different software packages have been developed for making EHR; however, due to technical and structural constraints and also different personal motivations, it is removed from the registration process and recording data in the early stages .(5)
After implementing the health transformation plan (HTP) in 2014, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) launched the health integrated system (SIB) in 2016 with the aim of recording the EHR of households. SIB system follows valuable goals such as applying electronic health record, creating a national health information base, and providing referral systems in the family physician plan. Now, all health workers such as supervisor, general practitioners and dentists, health care providers, midwives, dietitians, mental health and social workers at the first level of service delivery record information on the SIB system. The information that is registered by users on SIB system are as follows: demographic information, disease reporting, physicians' visit, medical history, medications, vaccinations, and radiology and laboratory results. (6)
After four years of SIB implementation at the comprehensive health centers, health centers, and health houses, the significant strengths of this system are:(5)
• Possibility of supervision and direct and online evaluation by all managers in the health system
• Establishment of a comprehensive EHR system for individuals from birth to end of life
• Exclusion of the paper and bureaucratic system and quick extraction of health statistics
• Application of new care guidelines and instant access of users
On the other hand, constraints of the SIB systems are:
• Extensive data recording and time-consuming nature of service registration in the system
• Absence of proper internet infrastructure, especially in rural areas
 
• Increase in the possibility of unrealistic data entry by compulsion of officials in order to increase service recordings
• Incompatibility of certain system information with community needs and local preferences and specific diseases in each region of the country, and also lack of connection of SIB system information between specialized and sub-specialized centers after five years from the establishment of this system in Iran.
Therefore, for successfully implementation of the system in the health field, it is recommended that we should provide hardware infrastructure, rationalize the number of required services in the system in the first years and then add other services in the long term, hold regular training courses, encourage family physicians as primary caregivers of services at the first level to accept this system, and record the information(7).
E-health not only could increase the wellbeing of user, but also the pressure on the health care system could be somewhat relieved. By introducing the SIB, we have expanded the toolkit of user-centered design methods for e-health development. The method facilitates easy communication with novices about a future e-health technology, the identification of factors that can hinder or support end-user acceptance of a future e-health technology, and early and cheap possibility for testing functional design decisions (8).
Keywords: Information, Health transformation plan, family physician Iran
Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable
Consent for publication: Not applicable
Availability of data and material: Not applicable
Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Funding: Not applicable
Authors' contributions: All authors have contributed in all sections of the manuscript preparation.
Acknowledgements: Not applicable
Study highlights: Although Integrated Health System has limitations, by taking some measures, it can be useful for health care system of Iran.

Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Determination of the Associated Factors among Workers of a Dairy Products Factory

Volume 2, Issue 4, Autumn 2014, Pages 134-139

zahra zamanian, hadi daneshmandi, Hojjatolah Setoodeh, Ebrahim Nazaripoor, Abdollah Haghayegh, Saeed Shaban Sarvestani

Abstract Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common causes of occupational injuries that appear in the lower back, neck and upper and lower extremities mainly. This study was conducted to assess the risk of MSDs and determine of its associated factors in workers of a dairy products company.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 male employees (21-41yrs) using census sampling method participated. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire, Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire (NMQ) and QEC method for assessment of postures during the work. Data were analyzed using statistical tests including test of proportion, multiple logistic regression, and Fisher’s Exact by SPSS software (Version 16.0).Results: The results of this study showed that the lower back (37%), shoulders (36%), and hand/wrist (33%) had the highest prevalence of symptoms of disorders among workers. The results of multiple logistic regression showed a significant association between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in different regions of the body and age, job experiences, shift working and BMI. The results of assessment of physical exposure to musculoskeletal risks by QEC technique showed that in 52% of the studied workers, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in Action Level (AL) 1, 9% in AL2, 30% in AL3, and 9% in AL4. Also, the finding revealed a significant relationship between the prevalence rate of MSDs and the risk level (low and high risk) achieved by QEC method.Conclusions: Prevalence of symptoms of pain in different regions of the body had an association with age, job experience, shift working and BMI. Corrective measures seemed essential in improvement of working condition in the studied workers.

A Study of Antibiotics Self-Medication at Primary Health Care Centers in Shiraz, Southern Iran

Volume 1, Issue 1, Summer 2013, Pages 1-5

Mehrdad Askarian, Mohsen Hosseingholizadeh mahani, Mina Danaei, Mohsen Momeni

Abstract Background: Nowadays, self-medication of therapeutic agents is of global concern particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries. Some studies conducted in Iran showed that the frequency of self-medication was significant. Objective: This research was conducted to estimate the prevalence of arbitrary use of antibiotics in Shiraz community with special interest in its determinant factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz, in 2009. Approximately 710 out of all patients referred to all health care centers in Shiraz were selected to fill out a questionnaire containing 23 questions divided into two parts. The frequency of self-medication according to demographic factors was described and the association between independent variables and selfmedication was analyzed. Results: The frequency of self-medication in this study was 44.5% and the request to prescribe antibiotics by the patients was 53.5%. Amoxicillin was the most widely used drug by the participants. There was a significant association between age and gender with self-medication. The frequent cause for self-medication was common cold. Approximately, 74.4% of the participants reported their previous experience as the main reason for self-medication. Conclusion: The results of this survey demonstrated the high frequency of self-medication in Shiraz. Socio-cultural determinants are the etiologic factors for self-medication. Policy makers are recommended to provide community-wide educational programs to make people aware about the adverse effects of self-medication. There was a significant association between age, gender and education with self-medication and governments could pay more attention to these factors for designing the interventional programs.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Assessment of Working Conditions in an Iranian Petrochemical Industry

Volume 1, Issue 1, Summer 2013, Pages 33-40

Alireza Choobineh, Hadi Daneshmandi, Shahed Asadi, Shahram Ahmadi

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: 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.

Knowledge and Practice of Medical Students on Healthy Lifestyle: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shiraz

Volume 1, Issue 2, Autumn 2013, Pages 77-82

Mehrdad Askarian, Zahra Dehghani, Mina Danaei, Veda Vakili

Abstract Background: Physicians are one of the most important groups directly associated with public health and their health related lifestyle has a significant impact on their patient’s behaviors. Several studies showed that the majority of medical students did not have appropriate and healthy behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risky lifestyle knowledge and behaviors among Shiraz medical students.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2011. Using a stratified random sampling method, 400 medical students were selected to fill in the questionnaires. The questionnaire contained 33 questions including demographic data, healthy lifestyle knowledge and behavior (including physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, water drinking, etc), perception of stress and student’s health information resource. The association between demographic factors and participants’ knowledge, practice and stress score was determined. The correlation between the participants’ knowledge and behavior scores was calculated.Results: The mean knowledge and attitude scores were 2.8 and 3.6, respectively. In 40% of knowledge and 80% of practice questions, the percentage of the correct answer was below 50%. There was a significant correlation between the participants’ knowledge and behavior scores (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study raises the voice of concern with medical students’ knowledge and behavior on healthy lifestyle measures. There is a need for re-thinking, planning and reviewing these concepts of pure reason which is essential in their future professional career. Health considerations, health surveillance and care systems which are based on evidence, reasonability and rationality still have to be paramount.

A Comparative Assessment of Manual Load Lifting Using NIOSH Equation and WISHA Index Methods in Industrial Workers of Shiraz City

Volume 3, Issue 1, Winter 2015, Pages 8-12

Naeimeh Asadi, Alireza Choobineh, Sareh Keshavarzi, Hadi Daneshmandi

Abstract Background: Manual load lifting is the most common and stressful activity that imposes high biomechanical pressures on the body, particularly on the back. Diverse studies have shown that load lifting can cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers. This study was conducted to assess manual lifting activity using NIOSH equation and WISHA index and compare the results of the two methods in workers with manual lifting activities.Methods: This cross- sectional study was carried out among 120 workers with manual lifting activity in 7 industrial settings of Shiraz city. Nordic Musculoskeletal disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) and demographic questionnaire, as well as NIOSH lifting equation and WISHA index were used to gather the required data. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, 19.Results: The results showed that back problems were the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders among the workers studied (68.3%). The results of lifting evaluation indicated that 79.2% of the individuals in the NIOSH method and 39.2% in WISHA index were at risk of back injuries. The kappa value was equal to 0.29, indicating a fair agreement between the results of assessment by the two methods.Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed a fair correlation between these two assessment methods, so they might be used interchangeably.

Internet addiction is likely to increase in home quarantine caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19)

Volume 8, Issue 3, July 2020, Pages 142-143

https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2020.87015.1104

Ahmadreza Eidi, Hamed Delam

Abstract In December 2019, in Wuhan, China, a group of acute respiratory illnesses was diagnosed with unknown etiology, which today is known as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) [1]. Coronavirus is a single-stranded RNA virus that affects both humans and animals. The disease spread rapidly throughout China and other countries [2, 3]. In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the outbreak of the new coronavirus as the sixth public health emergency of international concern [4].
In general, the first step in preventing the spread of infectious diseases is quarantine and isolation; in public health, quarantine means separating and keeping people at risk of contracting an infectious disease, including travel bans, daily commutes, and public gatherings. Isolation also means isolating the infected people [5]. For the first time, China's National Health Commission has implemented quarantine and isolation of people at risk and patients with COVID 19, and other countries have taken action following the outbreak [6]. Usually, people who experience quarantine have unpleasant feeling about it. Cases such as separation from loved ones, loss of freedom, insecurity about illness, and boredom can have many negative psychological burdens, for example disorders such as anxiety, depression, dysfunction, or unwillingness to work [7].
In addition to the fear and anxiety caused by the virus, other factors can negatively affect a person's mental health. One of these factors is Internet addiction [8]. The Internet is an essential and integral part of the new lifestyle. The term Internet addiction refers to the psychological dependence on the use of the Internet, which is a problematic behavior in human interaction with technology that can have significant effects on increasing stress, depression and social communication disorders [9]. In general, it can be said that three personal, social and internet factors play a role in Internet addiction. Personal factors are related to individual characteristics such as introversion, inability to communicate sufficiently, and low self-efficacy. Internet factors also include more time to use the Internet, easier access to the Internet, and superior Internet skills. Social factors also include low family support and sociological problems of the individuals. The important point is that the combination of social and personal factors can have a significant impact on Internet addiction [10].
Due to the prevalence of COVID 19 and home quarantine and lifestyle changes, Internet addiction is one of the disorders that can increase dramatically. On the other hand, Internet addiction can increase the chances of developing other mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Internet addiction can also endanger a person's physical health and reduce social, occupational, and recreational activities. Applying educational and counseling programs (virtually via the Internet and the media) to help reduce the psychological problems of Internet addiction and provide solutions in this course can be helpful.

Prediction of Self-actualization Based on Personality Traits and Self-Awareness among Gifted Students

Volume 4, Issue 4, Autumn 2016, Pages 174-180

Madineh Rafatpanah, Diba Seif, Mousa Khosravani, shahla alborzi

Abstract AbstractBackground: Gifted individuals have exclusive personalitytraits and need various experiences to achieve more informationabout themselves and their ability into developmental process fromgiftedness to talent. Also, they can increase mental experiencesand obtain greater self- actualization with recognition of thelevel of challenges, values and their personality traits. The aimof this study was to assess the relationship between personalitytraits, self-awareness and self-actualization dimensions.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Shiraz cityamong 239 gifted students from high schools during 2013. TheBig Five Personality Questionnaire (BFPQ), Self-ConsciousnessScale (SCS) and Measure of Actualization of Potential (MAP)were used to gather the data. Validity and reliability of thesetools were acceptable. Data were analyzed by regression testusing SPSS v19 statistic software.Results: The finding showed that agreeableness (r=0.34)and conscientiousness (r=0.41) factors (from five factors ofpersonality) had a positive relationship and neuroticism (r=-0.21)had a correlation with self-actualization negatively. Moreover,the privative self-awareness (r=0.41) and public self-awareness(r=0.15) showed a positive correlation and social anxiety revealeda significant negative relationship (r=-0.27) with general selfactualization.On the other hand, privative self-awarenessand agreeableness predicted that 23% of the scores belong toopenness to experience dimension (self–actualization) positively.In addition, conscientiousness and privative self-awarenesspredicted self-reference dimension positively, and neuroticismpredicted it negatively. These variables determine 40% of thescores of self reference dimension. Also, conscientiousness,agreeableness and privative self-awareness predicted that 36%of the scores belong to general self-actualization.Conclusion: Based on our study results, conscientiousnessand agreeableness factors (personality traits) had a significantrelationship with self-actualization and predicted the scores ofself-actualization. It was noted that privative self-awareness (selfawarenessdimension) had a significantly positive correlationwith self-actualization and predicted its scores.

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