Review Articles
Ashkan Jafari Malekabad; Somayeh Bolghanabadi1, Bolghanabadi; Raziyeh Janizadeh; Sareh Kowsar; Zahra Zamanian
Abstract
Background: Vision is one of the most important human senses, and appropriate lighting is one of the most crucial physical factors in various settings, especially in work environments. Poor lighting in the workplace has negative effects on workers’ health, productivity, and job performance. Lighting ...
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Background: Vision is one of the most important human senses, and appropriate lighting is one of the most crucial physical factors in various settings, especially in work environments. Poor lighting in the workplace has negative effects on workers’ health, productivity, and job performance. Lighting significantly influences many non-visual functions, including physiological and psychological mechanisms and biological-cognitive processes such as circadian rhythm, alertness, core body temperature, hormone secretion, and sleep. Non-visual effects of light on the human body include changes in heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, and the secretion of hormones such as melatonin and cortisol. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between lighting and physiological parameters of individuals in work environments.Methods: In this systematic review, articles published up to December 2023 in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopusdatabases were searched.Results: The key findings of these studies indicate that the most significant effect of light and illumination is on melatonin secretion. Light with a lower color temperature suppressed melatonin secretion to a lesser extent, whereas light containing blue spectrum components suppressed melatonin secretion more intensely. Heart rate, pulse, and blood pressure also increased in low light intensity and yellow-colored light.Conclusion: Light and illumination, as a physical factor in the workplace, can affect employees’ physiological performance in various ways, impacting health, safety, and work-related accidents. Utilizing these studies, appropriate strategies and achievements can be proposed to improve lighting and maintain workers’ health in work environments.
Original Article
Kusuma Estu Werdani; Syifa Kurnia; Anggia Rahma; Purwo Setiyo Nugroho; Bintang Agustina Pratiwi; Anggi Putri Aria Gita; Anisa Catur Wijayanti
Abstract
Background: Stunting remains a significant public health concern in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas. Although the national stunting prevalence declined to 19.8%, disparities persist. Despite interventions, there is limited evidence on the combined effects of maternal, environmental, and health ...
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Background: Stunting remains a significant public health concern in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas. Although the national stunting prevalence declined to 19.8%, disparities persist. Despite interventions, there is limited evidence on the combined effects of maternal, environmental, and health servicerelated factors that contribute to stunting in this region. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for stunting.Methods: A case-control design was used, involving 85 stunted and 85 non-stunted toddlers in Jumapolo, Karanganyar, Central Java. Data were analyzed through univariate and bivariate analyses using the Chi-square test, followed by multivariate analysis with logistic regression.Results: Six variables met criteria for inclusion in the final model: mother education (OR=2.042, 95% CI [1.059, 3.937], P=0.048), family income (OR=4.358, 95% CI [0.894, 21.256], P=0.102), birth weight (OR=5.203, 95% CI [1.659, 16.318], P=0.005), birth height (OR=3.128, 95% CI [1.441, 6.786], P=0.006), integratedservices- post (Posyandu) visit (OR=3.257, 95% CI [1.338, 7.929], P=0.013), and hand hygiene behavior by toddler (OR=3.087, 95% CI [1.391, 6.851], P=0.008). The most dominant factor was irregular Posyandu visits. Toddlers were 3.286 times more likely to be stunted (CI 95% 1.271-8.493, value 0.014). Additionally, toddlers with poor hand hygiene had 2.964 times higher odds of stunting (CI 95% 1.251-7.023, P=0.014). The findings suggest that limited access to routine health services and inadequate hygiene practices significantly contribute to stunting.Conclusion: Intervention should prioritize promoting regular attendance of health services and improving hand hygiene practices among toddlers.
Original Article
Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Mohammad Hossein Sharifi; Maryam Saeed Firoozabadi; Roya Sahebi
Abstract
Background: This study compared male and female leaders’ management of the COVID-19 pandemic using key indices.Methods: We conducted an ecological study. Data on COVID-19 for 213 countries were collected from the Worldometer website. The cumulative incidence of cases and deaths, case fatality rate, ...
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Background: This study compared male and female leaders’ management of the COVID-19 pandemic using key indices.Methods: We conducted an ecological study. Data on COVID-19 for 213 countries were collected from the Worldometer website. The cumulative incidence of cases and deaths, case fatality rate, recovery rate, and rate of screening tests were computed. When present, the gender of the head of the state, head of government, and health minister was determined using Wikipedia. The study used an ANOVA test to compare COVID-19 indices by the gender of the state leaders and health ministers, along with non-parametric tests like Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U because of using aggregated variables.Results: In the parametric analysis, we found no significant difference in most key indices related to the COVID-19 pandemic between the male- and female-led countries, except for the COVID-19 screening rate in countries with populations of ≥5 million (head of state: P=0.045; head of government: P=0.025). In the non-parametric analysis, male- and female-led countries with populations of ≥5 million differed significantly in the case fatality (head of state: P=0.014; health minister: P=0.023) and recovery rates (head of state: P=0.045; head of government: P=0.011).Conclusion: Generally, there appears to be no significant difference between male and female political authorities in terms of most COVID-19 pandemic management indices. Nonetheless, male-led countries possessed better patient recovery rates, while female-led countries had more COVID-19 screening tests.
Original Article
Parnia Bagheri; Sanaz Zangeneh; Parisa Janjani; Nader Rajabi-Gilan; Mostafa Dianati-Nasab; Yahya Salimi
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a threat to global public health. The sexual function and satisfaction of couples during the COVID-19 pandemic have received comparatively less attention. This study aimed to assess sexual satisfaction and sexual function and their related factors among married ...
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a threat to global public health. The sexual function and satisfaction of couples during the COVID-19 pandemic have received comparatively less attention. This study aimed to assess sexual satisfaction and sexual function and their related factors among married women in the west of Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 married women in Kermanshah province in 2021. For data collection, a checklist consisting of demographic variables along with Larson’s sexual satisfaction questionnaire and the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index were utilized. To investigate the relationship between function and sexual satisfaction, we used a hierarchical linear regression.Results: The means (SD) of sexual satisfaction and sexual function scores were 83.25 (40.59) and 19.33 (9.82), respectively. A significant relationship was observed between sexual satisfaction and the women’s occupation status, traditional marriage status, tubal ligation, a history of chronic diseases, alcohol use, the history of sexual violence, changes in sexual behavior during COVID-19, and total sexual function score. Also, the women’s age, male condom use, oral contraceptive pill use, changes in sexual behavior during COVID-19, and total sexual satisfaction score associated with the sexual function of women.Conclusion: These findings showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, married women reported moderate sexual satisfaction and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, the results of this study could help to develop a plan to improve the sexual lives and health of women in sudden events.
Original Article
Seyyed Jamal Emami; Mojtaba Sepandi; Yousef Alimohamadi; Ruhollah Zaboli; Sayyed-Morteza Hosseini-Shokouh; Nematollah Jonaidi Jafari
Abstract
Background: Syndromic surveillance is considered an effective tool used to detect early manifestations of biothreats and bioterrorismrelated diseases. Nowadays, a wide range of data sources has been used in biothreat syndromic surveillance systems. The current study was conducted to identify potential ...
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Background: Syndromic surveillance is considered an effective tool used to detect early manifestations of biothreats and bioterrorismrelated diseases. Nowadays, a wide range of data sources has been used in biothreat syndromic surveillance systems. The current study was conducted to identify potential data sources and prioritize the most feasible ones for use in a syndromic surveillance system; we aimed to detect biothreats in Iran.Methods: Mixed-method research was conducted. Potential data sources and health indicators were investigated and selected through an extensive literature review and interviews with experts. A TOPSIS model was used to prioritize the data sources based on timeliness, usefulness, representativeness and simplicity attributes.Results: Healthcare providers for humans and animals, schools, pharmacies, laboratories, workplaces, and social media were found as data contributors for syndromic surveillance systems globally. Among identified data sources, a total of 13 health indicators were selected for prioritization. Emergency department (ED) visit chief complaints had priority over other health indicators and were found to be the most useful source for early detection of biothreats. It is followed by over-the-counter (OTC) drug sales and frequency of emergency visit records.Conclusion: Syndromic surveillance based on different data sources is widely used across the world. The same approach is recommended for the Iranian healthcare system. Hospital-based clinical data platforms, such as EDs, have existed in the country for many years, and these data can be quickly incorporated into the biothreat syndromic surveillance system. For other data sources, such as OTC drug sales and school and work absenteeism, designing a platform for data registration is required.
Original Article
Maryam Amirmahani; Sanaz Sharif; Zahra Zangiabadi; Hassan Marzban; Anahita Hejazi; Faeze Makki
Abstract
Background: As one of the important occupational groups in the field of agriculture, citrus harvest workers face various ergonomic risk factors, such as the risk of MSDs. In the present study, the 3D static strength prediction program (3DSSPP) was used to investigate MSD discomfort and evaluate biomechanical ...
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Background: As one of the important occupational groups in the field of agriculture, citrus harvest workers face various ergonomic risk factors, such as the risk of MSDs. In the present study, the 3D static strength prediction program (3DSSPP) was used to investigate MSD discomfort and evaluate biomechanical stresses.Moreover, the correlations between the biomechanical stresses and the prevalence of MSDs among citrus harvest workers were investigated.Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 105 citrus harvest workers with at least one year of work experience participated. All job tasks were analyzed using the hierarchical task analysis (HTA) method. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ), body map, and 3DSSPP were used to collect data. The correlations of MSDs with individual characteristics and forces acting on the body were investigated.Results: The findings showed that the highest reports of pain and discomfort were in the back region and the highest biomechanical force was applied to the L5/S1 disc during sorting, while the force distribution and balance status were appropriate in all activities. Analysis of the correlation showed that biomechanical forces, age, and work experience were among the effective risk factorsof MSDs.Conclusion: According to the results, the prevalence of MSDs was high, especially in the back and neck. The biomechanical forces on the spine and other joints in each task can be affected by the weight of the citrus boxes, the height of lifting and putting down the boxes, and the static sitting and standing postures during picking and sorting tasks.
Original Article
Hassan Hashemi; Masoud Karimi; Atefeh Mohammadi
Abstract
Background: The pneumonia associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared in Wuhan, China, and it quickly spread to other countries worldwide. In addition to physical damage, the virus adversely affects the mental health of the community. The aim of this research was to identify the factors influencing ...
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Background: The pneumonia associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared in Wuhan, China, and it quickly spread to other countries worldwide. In addition to physical damage, the virus adversely affects the mental health of the community. The aim of this research was to identify the factors influencing adherence to Covid-19 preventive measures, utilizing the Extended Parallel Process Model as a basis.Methods: The cross-sectional investigation comprised all men and women from the community as its study population, and the participants were randomly selected. Data were collected using an online questionnaire developed by the researcher, grounded in the Extended Parallel Process Model. The questionnaire’s external consistency (R=0.78, P=0.01) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha>0.7 for each concept) were both acceptable. SPSS27 was used to analyze the data.Results: Participants in the study included 1193 individuals (58.4% female), with an age range of 15 to 80 years old and a mean age of 36.79±10.43 years. Women had higher mean scores for perceived response efficiency, self-efficacy, and preventive behaviors compared to men (P<0.001). The average scores of the EPPM model components demonstrated a strong correlation with the average scores of behaviors which aimed at preventing COVID-19. The most influential factor in determining the performance of health behaviors was perceived self-efficacy.Conclusion: Health education interventions should prioritize enhancing perceived self-efficacy and response efficacy over concentrating solely on disease incidence and mortality.
Original Article
Fatemeh Abbasi; Naser Hasheminejad; Faezeh Makki; Saeideh Hajimaghsoudi
Abstract
Background: Bus drivers are vulnerable due to prolonged sitting. A sedentary lifestyle can cause many health problems for them. This study was performed with the aim of investigating sedentary behaviour and its relationship with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and depression among bus drivers.Methods: ...
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Background: Bus drivers are vulnerable due to prolonged sitting. A sedentary lifestyle can cause many health problems for them. This study was performed with the aim of investigating sedentary behaviour and its relationship with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and depression among bus drivers.Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study on 300 professional drivers selected via available sampling method. Data were collected through Demographic Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 software, and path analysis was conducted using AMOS version 18.Results: The findings showed that 86.7% of the participants had very little physical activity. Most reported musculoskeletal discomfort in lower back (77.3%), neck (77%), and back (60.7%). 70.3% of drivers did not show depression or had mild depression. Path analysis showed that age (P=0.477), education (P=0.416), and marital status (P=0.271) did not affect sedentary behaviours. A two-way relationship existed between pain and physical activity (P=0.001). In the group with depression, low mobility existed, but no significant relationship was found between depression and inactivity (P=0.948).Conclusion: The results indicated that inactivity among bus drivers was almost high and significantly related to the prevalence of MSDs. While inactivity was not significantly related to depression, the rate of depression was higher in the inactive group. It is recommended that implement intervention programs, such as educational initiatives, should be held to increase physical activity and alter the lifestyle of these individuals. Increasing physical activity may reduce the prevalence of MSDs in this occupational group.
Original Article
Laleh Mahmoudi; Mohammad Javad Fallahi; Navid Esmaeilzadeh Shahri; Ramin Niknam; Mohammad Abbasinazari; Dena Firouzabadi
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus has impacted people and healthcare systems globally. Despite the positive impact of vaccinations in curbing transmission, the emergence of new variants remains a concern. Thus, it is crucial to explore therapeutic interventions that can mitigate the severity of Coronavirus disease ...
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Background: Coronavirus has impacted people and healthcare systems globally. Despite the positive impact of vaccinations in curbing transmission, the emergence of new variants remains a concern. Thus, it is crucial to explore therapeutic interventions that can mitigate the severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Considering the probable anti-inflammatory properties of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), recent findings suggested that the acute administration of SSRIs in COVID-positive individuals may have alleviated symptom severity. This retrospective observational study aimed to assess the impact of SSRI use on the outcome of hospitalized COVIDpositive patients.Methods: In this retrospective observational study, a comprehensive analysis of electronic health records of 9815 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Shahid Faghihi hospital, Shiraz, Iran, from July 2020 to March 2021 was conducted, capturing demographic and clinical data. Employing R software, we used a logistic regression model, with mortality as the primary outcome and SSRI usage as the variable of interest.Results: A total of 167 patients received medications of the SSRI family during the course of hospital admission. Following adjustment for age, gender, and race, the analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in mortality odds between COVID-19-positive patients on SSRIs and those not receiving SSRI treatment.Conclusion: This s tudy confirms t he v alue of leveraging extensive clinical databases to identify potentially beneficial drugs for managing COVID-19. Given the burden of pandemics caused by novel pathogens, rigorous evaluation of the safety and efficacy of repurposed medications is paramount.
Original Article
Khadijeh Ghasemi; Ehsan Mosafarkhani
Abstract
Background: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of premature death worldwide. In Iran, screening programs for these conditions have been integrated into the health system, but a comprehensive evaluation is lacking. This study aimed ...
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Background: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of premature death worldwide. In Iran, screening programs for these conditions have been integrated into the health system, but a comprehensive evaluation is lacking. This study aimed to analyze the results of the national diabetes and hypertension screening survey in Iran, with a focus on the Mashhad metropolis.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptiveanalytical study using data from the 2023 National Diabetes and Hypertension Screening Program in Iran. The study population included 2,445,151 individuals aged 18 and above. Demographic information, medical history, and screening results were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with hypertension and diabetes.Results: Of the participants, 8.15% had previously known hypertension, and 1.35% were newly identified as suspected hypertensive people. For diabetes, 3.36% had a previous diagnosis, and 0.72% were newly identified as suspected diabetics. Age was the strongest predictor for both conditions (AOR for 61+ age group: 79.34, 95% CI: 73.06-86.16 for both conditions). BMI over 25 was also a significant risk factor (AOR: 2.31, 95% CI: 2.23- 2.40 for suspected hypertension and diabetes). Higher education levels showed a protective effect against both conditions.Conclusion: This large-scale screening program revealed substantial rates of undiagnosed hypertension and diabetes in Iran. The study highlights the complex interplay of demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors in the development of these conditions. These findings underscore the importance of targeted screening and prevention strategies, particularly focusing on older adults, those with higher BMI, and populations with lower educational attainment.
Letter to Editor
Zahra Saboohi
Abstract
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