Health Scope

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In Collaboration with Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences

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Health Scope Journal serves as a multidisciplinary forum for all research areas of public, environmental and occupational health. Original papers, rapid communications, reviews, case reports, technical notes, and editorials are invited and will be accepted for publication following peer review. High priority will be given to articles on public health (i.e. lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity), health promotion, environmental health (environmental pollution, water and wastewater treatment, air and waste management, environmental epidemiology, environmental microbiology), occupational health (risk assessment, environmental toxicology, human factors, occupational accidents, safety) and clinical aspects related to environmental and occupational medicine in an integrated fashion to address critical issues related to environmental quality and public health, health care services administration, health policy, hospital hygiene and other topics relevant to public health.

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Epidemiology of Chronic Pulpitis, Dental Caries, and Periapical Disease and Their Possible Risk Factors in an Adult Chinese Population in the Northern Regions of China
(Brieflands, 2025-02-28) Dandan Wang; Mengci Li; Zhe Wang
Background: Dental diseases and disorders are reported to affect specific ages, genders, and races of patients. Therefore, epidemiological investigations are necessary for understanding dental diseases and disorders. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and periapical disease in adults seeking treatment at the Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin, a major referral center in the Northern region of China. Methods: A total of 3,245 males and females visited the Department of Adult Dentistry and the Department of Endodontics of the Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin, China, for oral health concerns from January 17, 2020, to November 18, 2023. Among these patients, 615 (19%) were receiving treatment for chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and/or periapical diseases at the institute. Demographic parameters and clinical examination results of 496 patients (119 patients were excluded due to missing information) who were being treated for chronic pulpitis (long-term inflammation of the dental pulp), dental caries (a biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial, dynamic disease), and/or periapical disease (inflammation around the tooth root) with varying severity (moderate or severe) were included in the study. Results: Of the 496 patients, 300 (60%) were females, 328 (66%) were aged 60 years or older, and 295 (59%) had issues with mandibular teeth. Among the patients, 250 (50%), 301 (61%), and 151 (30%) were diagnosed with dental caries, chronic pulpitis, and periapical disease(s), respectively. Female gender (P = 0.041), age ≥ 60 years (P = 0.045), and issues with mandibular teeth (P = 0.046) were found to be associated with chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and periapical diseases in the patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental diseases and disorders in Han Chinese adults is 19% in the Northern regions of China. Chronic pulpitis and dental caries are the most prevalent dental diseases, while periapical diseases occur less frequently among Han Chinese adults in the Northern regions of China. Females, individuals aged ≥ 60 years, and issues with mandibular teeth are independent risk factors for the development of chronic pulpitis, dental caries, and periapical disease in adult patients in Northern regions of China. Policymakers in China should consider the findings of this study to reduce dental diseases and disorders in Chinese adults, especially in the Northern regions of China.
Exploring the Efficacy of Occupational Therapy (OT) in Addressing Post-COVID Symptoms: A Scoping Review
(Brieflands, 2025-02-28) Sahar Ghanbari; Sara Zamiran; Amin Rezaei
Context: Some researchers proved new and persistent symptoms lasting for weeks and even months after COVID that is named “long-COVID” or “post-COVID syndrome.” It appears that occupational therapists (OTs) have a significant role in managing the symptoms of long COVID, with the aim of enhancing patients' ability to perform daily activities and improving their overall well-being. The objective of this study was to conduct a scoping review study of reputable databases to identify the various ways in which OTs can manage long COVID from the onset of symptoms. Evidence Acquisition: To identify relevant documents, the following databases and search engine were searched from 2019 to 2023 in the English language: PubMed, Scopus, ISI, and Google Scholar. Keywords used for search include (("occupational therapy") AND (("post-COVID") OR ("long-COVID"))) AND ((intervention) OR (exercise)), of which 45 articles were found, and a total of 22 were chosen according to the predetermined criteria. Results: A diverse array of interventions in OT can be useful for the management of post-COVID symptoms, as mentioned in the 22 studies found as the search result, including energy management education, pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep hygiene, stress and fatigue management, and work simplification. Conclusions: Occupational Therapist offers a distinctive viewpoint on health conditions that arise in human life, and its interventions can be utilized to enhance health, self-management, and quality of life (QOL).
Prediction of Pralidoxime Dose in Patients with Organophosphate Poisoning Using Machine Learning Techniques
(Brieflands, 2024-04-24) Babak Mostafazadeh; Shahin Shadnia; Sayed Masoud Hosseini; Mitra Rahimi; Haleh Talaie; Seyed Ali Mohtarami; Peyman Erfan Talab Evini; Joshua King
Background: Early and appropriate antidotal therapy is crucial for patients with organophosphate poisoning. Objectives: Given the lack of a comprehensive consensus on the optimal dose of pralidoxime for patients with organophosphate poisoning, this study aims to develop a machine learning-based prediction model to determine the individualized pralidoxime dose for these patients. Methods: The dataset was divided into training and test sets with a 70:30 ratio. Feature selection was conducted using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (filter approach) method. Both classification and regression were employed to develop the prediction model using the selected features. The performance of the developed models was evaluated using ten-fold cross-validation and various metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, F1-score, and AUC. The models were implemented and assessed using the scikit-learn library in Python. Results: After applying exclusion criteria, data from 325 patients were utilized to train and test the machine-learning models. In the classification approach, the random forest method achieved superior performance with an AUC of 98.6. In the regression approach, the gradient boosting regressor, with an R2 value of 65.4, outperformed other algorithms. Feature selection revealed that muscular weakness, plasma cholinesterase activity, and blood urea nitrogen were the most significant predictors of pralidoxime dose in the classification model. In the regression model, the top predictors were age, HCO3-VBG, and atropine bolus. Many of the selected features coincide with those identified in previous studies, with muscular weakness being particularly significant in both models. Conclusions: The most effective algorithms could be employed to develop a clinical decision support system for personalized pralidoxime dosage prediction in patients with organophosphorus poisoning. However, the study is constrained by its small sample size, retrospective design, and the absence of an external validation cohort. Conducting a prospective multicenter study with a larger sample size is crucial to validate the findings of this study.
Design and Development of an Ergonomic Chair for Students in Educational Settings
(Brieflands, 2018-11-30) Samira Ansari; Ahmad Nikpay; Sakineh Varmazyar
Background: Proper designing of chairs based on ergonomics increases efficiency, promotes quality of education, leads to correct posture in students, and reduces risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Objectives: The aim of this study was to design and develop an ergonomic chair, based on anthropometric data of students in educational settings. Methods: Anthropometric parameters were obtained from a stratified-random sample of 207 students. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 20 software, and the results were extracted as mean, standard deviation, and percentiles. The chair was planned in the CATIA software and developed by a three-dimensional print. Results: In this study, an ergonomic chair was designed based on anthropometric data from students. The seat height, depth, and width of the chair were determined as 44 cm, 42 cm, and 42.15 cm, respectively. The height of the desk was adjustable in 19 to 29 cm, and the depth and length of the desk were considered as 51 cm and 65 cm. The width and height of the backrest were also 54 cm and 44 cm, and the backrest angle was adjustable in 95° to 105°. Conclusions: An ergonomic chair with adjustable parts was designed to achieve a well-match between anthropometric characteristics of students and the furniture. Such chair can reduce musculoskeletal disorders in students. Some ergonomic characteristics of this chair include adjustability of footrest, backrest, armrests, and desk. A chair with such characteristic can be used by many students with different body sizes.
The Effect of Family Empowerment Model on Self-care in Hemodialysis Patients of Zahedan, Iran
(Brieflands, 2021-02-28) Bent Al Hoda Taheri; Alireza Salar
Background: Self-care is one of the important aspects of treatment in hemodialysis patients. This study was done to determine the effect of the family-centered empowerment model on the self-care of hemodialysis patients. Methods: This study was performed on 100 hemodialysis patients referring to the Zahedan hemodialysis department in 2018. For the intervention group, the family-centered empowerment model was executed in four stages, including understanding the threat, problem-solving, educational participation, and evaluation according to the steps of the model, and the control group received the usual care of the department. The data collection tools were the demographic information questionnaire and self-care questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.22 by analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent t-test, repeated measures t-test, and Chi-square test. Results: Based on the independent t-test, the mean self-care score of patients in the intervention and control group was significantly different (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the "main caregiver relation" variable (P = 0.006). The results of the "time" and "intervention" effects of this test also showed that these two variables had a significant effect on mean self-care scores (P < 0.001). The results of ANOVA showed that self-care score changed in the two groups there was an increase in the self-care score in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Implementing the family-centered empowerment model in hemodialysis patients by strengthening the ability of the patient and their families to care provides a platform for their promotion and maintenance of their self-care.
Identification and Prioritization of Clinical Decision Support Functionalities Built Within A Computerized Provider Order Entry System
(Brieflands, 2021-02-28) Mehrdad Karajizadeh; Farid Zand; Afsaneh Vazin; Mahdi Nasiri; Roxana Sharifian
Background: Clinical decision support (CDS) functionalities in Computerized Provider Order Entry system (CPOE) need to be identified by the institutional healthcare providers in developing countries. In this regard, CDS functionalities should be a priority for the execution in CPOE. Objectives: Thus, our study was done to identify and prioritize the CDS functionalities in CPOE. Methods: A Two-round Modified Delphi process was used. Firstly, a systematic search was conducted in electronic databases from the date of database inception to February 2019 for identifying CDS functionalities integrated into CPOE. Studies were retrieved from databases, including PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Science Direct, ACM digital library, and IEEE Xplore Digital Library. Secondly, the Modified Delphi method was carried out in 2019 to provide contextual priorities regarding CDS functionalities in CPOE in two iterative rounds. A total of 12 experts working in the three Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with more than three years of experience with homegrown CPOE in Shiraz Nemazee Teaching Hospital, including two clinical pharmacists, two health information management faculty member, four cases with critical care fellowship, and four critical care experts participated in the study. The ≥ 66.6% agreement was considered as the consensus level. SPSS software version 24 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Totally, 327 studies, which met eligibility criteria were found. A number of 60 potential CDS functionalities in CPOE were identified from eligible studies. Also, 13 out of 60 CDS functionalities reached high priority consensus after 2 iterative Delphi rounds, including drug-allergy checking (83.3%), basic dosing guidance (75%), single dosing checking (66.7%), duplicate therapy checking (66.7%), drug-pregnancy alerts (75%), time-based alerts (66.7%), alert for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis (66.7%), alerts for duplicate medication order checking (66.7%), drug-drug interaction checking (75%), intelligent dosing guidance based on the patients’ characteristics (66.7%), renal-drug problems checking (83.3%), drug-disease interaction checking (66.7%), and displaying medication/test cost (75%). Conclusions: Our study identified high-priority CDS functionalities to be considered in the CPOE system from the viewpoint of multidisciplinary experts, especially in Iran. Results of this study may be beneficial to plan, design, and implement CDS functionalities in CPOE in the ICU.
Comparing Anticonvulsive Effect of Melissa Officinalis` Hydro-Alcoholic Extract and Phenytoin in Rat
(Brieflands, 2012-05-31) Elaheh Gorgich; Zahra Zakeri; Soheila Ebrahimi; Gholamreza Komeili
: Background: Epilepsy originates from brain function disorders that might appear in the forms of overt disorders or fainting (losing consciousness), abnormal motional activities, behavioral abnormalities and sensational impairment and/or disorders in autonomic performance; all these symptoms are observable in early sleeping stages.Objectives: Epilepsy is one of the most common neural disorders in human beings and with regard to the conducted studies , the Melissa officinalis plant has been used to treat epilepsy disease. Therefore, in this empirical work the effect of pretreatment with hydro-alcoholic extract of this plant compared to Phenytoin in the prevention of the epileptic convulsions caused by Pentylenetetrazole was studied.Material and Methods: In this research the following groups receive the following drug doses intraperitoneal : four groups received different concentrations of extract (25, 50 , 100 , 200 mg/kg body weight), the positive control group was tested by Phenytoin (5 mg/kg) and the negative control group was tested by normal saline. Data were analyzed by kruskal – Wallis test and Tukey test.Results: Injection of 50 and 100mg of the extract per kilogram of the body weight during the30 minutes interval before the systemic injection of Pentylenetetrazole, resulted in delay in the average onset time of the clonic convulsion Seizures with respect to the control group (P = 0.001) and also delay in the average onset time of the tonic – clonic Seizures with respect to the control group (P = 0.02) and besides the rates of mortality in that group of animals which were pretreated with 50 and 100 mg concentrations of the extract per kg of body weight indicated a significant difference with respect to the control group (P = 0.004) . Mortality rate was 100 % in the negative control group,37.5 % in the50 mg/kg weight group and 12.5 % in the 100 mg/kg weight group and 12.5 % in the group treated by Phenytoin.Conclusions: This study indicated that the hydro-alcoholic extract of the Melissa officinalis plant can cause helpful effects on Seizures induced by Pentylenetetrazole in rats. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the extent and mechanism of these effects. Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:The results of this article may be used by other investigators for future study about precise mechanism of anticonvulsive effects of this plant. If these results approved by other research, can be used with clinicians for prevention of seizure in human trails. These results can be used with other investigators for analysis of this extract for effective components. Please cite this paper as:Gorgich E, Komeili Gh, Zakeri Z, Ebrahimi S. Comparing Anticonvulsive Effect of Melissa officinalis` Hydro-Alcoholic Extract and Phenytoin in Rat. Health Scope. 2012; 1(1):44-8. DOI: 10.5812/JHS.4816 Copyright© 2012 Kowsar Corp. All rights reserved.
Burden of Esophageal Cancer According to World Health Organization Regions: Review of Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015
(Brieflands, 2019-08-25) Azin Nahvijou; Mohamad Arab; Ahmad Faramarzi; Seyed Yaser Hashemi; Javad Javan-Noughabi
Background: Esophageal carcinoma is regarded as a malignant disease with fatal consequences. In cancers, it was the sixth cause of death in the world, with an estimated 439025 deaths in 2015. Objectives: We conducted a research to evaluate the esophageal carcinoma burden based on the World Health Organization regions, during 2000 to 2015. Methods: Global Burden of Disease (GBD) was used to retrospectively collect the data from 2000 to 2015. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation publishes the data. We utilized disability adjusted life years (DALY), incidence rate and prevalence rate to describe the esophageal cancer burden in the world. Results: In 2015, there were a total of 9854406 DALYs attributed to esophageal cancer where the majority were related the years of life lost (YLL) (9725791), and 128613 of the total were concerned with years lost due to disability (YLD). The highest of DALYs was in the Western Pacific region with 4773660 of the total. The Eastern Mediterranean region, with 516412 DALYs, shows the lowest number. Conclusions: The esophageal carcinoma is still a public health problem in high incidence countries. In all countries, the majority of the DALYs is related to YLL, indicating that prevention and early detection should be taken seriously. The burden of esophageal cancer is different in geographical regions. Therefore, a suitable and specific program in every region and country should be developed.
Cancer and Non-Cancer Risk of Arsenic in Drinking Water: A Case Study
(Brieflands, 2017-11-30) Yadollah Ghafuri; Hossein Kamani; Edris Bazrafshan; Zahra Atafar; Mohammad Khazaie; Amir Hossein Mahvi
Arsenic is a toxic element, which is found naturally in water sources. Due to its high toxicity it has become a serious problem in drinking water sources and also affects the health of communities. Therefore, in the present study, risk estimation and the probability of adverse health effects of exposure to arsenic from drinking water was evaluated in the rural areas of Qom province. Water samples were taken from 44 rural areas with regard to the number of rural areas and also the type of water distribution systems. The intensity, duration and frequency of exposure to arsenic in drinking water were determined. Then the hazard quotient and cancer risks ware calculated. Results showed that more than 16% of the rural population was exposed to arsenic with level above 10 μg/L in the rural regions of Kahak County (10 ± 6.29 μg/L). Results of risk assessment showed that hazard quotient (HQ) were 1.7 and 2, while the cancer risk (CR) were 76 × 10-5 and 42 × 10-4 for 2 groups of age 1 and 2, respectively. The results indicated that the hazard quotient is higher than 1 (HQ > 1) for group 1 and group 2. For carcinogenic effects, the study indicated that the population in the Kahak region are exposed to arsenic in drinking water with the concentration of > 10 µg/L and they are at a very high risk for cancer, due to the fact that the cancer risk for the 2 groups are more than 7.6 and 42 times the environmental protection agency (EPA) criteria, respectively. Therefore it is recommended that at first, the source and water supply system in Kahak region is to be substituted with safe drinking water and to provide health facilities and screening tests for exposed populations.
The Role of Ketone Bodies in Improving Neurological Function and Efficiency
(Brieflands, 2020-05-31) Deepanshu Naithani; Santosh Kumar Karn
Neurological coordination is essential for performing biological and mechanical activities achieved by the cooperation of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. It plays an important role in energy production, which can be fascinatingly improved by ketone bodies. Ketone bodies are small, water-soluble lipid molecules by shifting the glycolytic phase KBs directly enters into the tricarboxylic acid cycle for ATP synthesis. It leads to the production of much more energy levels than a single molecule of glucose. Therefore, it could have a profound effect on neuro-metabolism as well as bioenergetics of ATP production. These neuro-enhancement properties are useful for epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and several neurocognitive disorders treatment. Interestingly, the cancer cells cannot use it for efficiently energy production results in decreasing cancer cells viability. This review summarized ketone bodies generation, related imperative effects on normal cells, and more importantly its application in various neurological disorders treatment by rising neuronal functions.
Effect of Education Based on Extended Theory of Planned Behavior on Exclusive Breastfeeding in Pregnant Women in Darmian in 2017
(Brieflands, 2020-07-19) Hajar Rasoli; Gholamreza Masoudy; Hossein Ansari; Hossein Bagheri
Background: Appropriate breastfeeding reduces health disorders and death among infants. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of educational intervention based on the extended theory of planned behavior. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 168 pregnant women from 20 health centers were allocated into intervention and control groups by a multi-stage sampling method. The data collecting tool included demographic and constructs of an extended theory of planned behavior. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by an expert panel and Cronbach's alpha test, respectively. The educational methods encompassed face to face training, pamphlet and flashcards distribution, and clip presentation. Two 45-minute educational sessions were conducted; the data were recollected 6 months after the delivery. Results: The mean ages of the intervention and control group were 29 ± 6 and 28.7 ± 5.9. The pregnancy rate and age of the pregnancy in the intervention group were 2.7 ± 1.4 and 29 weeks, respectively. After the intervention, the mean score of the behavior in the intervention group increased compared to the control group. The intention (B = 0.4, P = 0.01) and perceived behavior control (B = 0.42, P = 0.03) were the predictors of the behavior. Conclusions: The structures of the extended theory of planned behavior are suitable framework to promote exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women.
The Effect of Hydrogen Inhalation on Temporary Threshold Shift Following Simultaneous Exposure to Noise and Carbon Monoxide in Guinea Pigs
(Brieflands, 2018-11-30) Fereshte Bagheri; Akram Pourbakht; Ahmadreza Raisi; Mohammad Kamali; Mohammad Faridan
Background: People might simultaneously be exposed to noise and carbon monoxide in occupational settings. The previous studies revealed that the inhalation of molecular hydrogen (H2) exerts some healing effects on multiple diseases including hearing loss. Objectives: The levels of free radicals have been shown to increase due to the exposure to noise plus carbon monoxide. This study examined the possible protective effects of hydrogen inhalation following simultaneous exposure to noise and carbon monoxide in Guinea pigs. Methods: Twelve Guinea pigs were randomly divided into two different groups: (1) Exposed to noise plus carbon monoxide and (2) exposed to noise plus carbon monoxide along with the inhalation of hydrogen. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) at different frequencies of 2, 4, 8, and 16 kHz were measured before and immediately after the exposure. Results: The ABR thresholds measured immediately after the simultaneous exposure to noise and carbon monoxide significantly increased at all frequencies in group 1 while in group 2, the ABR thresholds measured immediately after the inhalation of hydrogen significantly reduced at 4, 8, and 16 kHz (P values < 0.05). Conclusions: This finding indicates that there is a protective effect associated with the inhalation of 2% hydrogen on the development of hearing loss after the simultaneous exposure to noise and carbon monoxide and this effect was fairly significant at higher frequencies.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Street Dusts of Tehran Using Enrichment Factor and Geo-Accumulation Index
(Brieflands, 2019-02-12) Seyed Nosratolah Taghavi; Hossein Kamani; Mohammad Hadi Dehghani; Ramin Nabizadeh; Nasim Afshari; Amir Hossein Mahvi
Street dust contains small matters coming from motor combustion and other anthropogenic sources. These elements are known as indicators of heavy metals, which have an important role in environmental pollution. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degrees of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc pollution in street dust by using of the geo-accumulation index and enrichment factor.
Are Food Supplements and Phytotherapeutics Potential Pharmacological Alternatives to Conventional Medications?
(Brieflands, 2012-08-01) Maurizio Coppola
This article does not have an abstract.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 Inpatients and Potential Risk Factors for Mortality in Zahedan, Iran: A Multicenter Study
(Brieflands, 2023-08-31) Hassan Okati-Aliabad; Gholamreza Masoudy; Hamidreza Kouhpayeh; Alireza Ansari-Moghaddam; Mahdi Mohammadi; Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei; Hossein Ansari; Sharareh Sanei-Sistani; Jalil Nejati; Roya Alavi-Naini; Mohammad Khammarnia; Fatemeh Setoodehzadeh; Fatemeh Ansari-Moghadam; Neda Sadat Torab Jahromi; Seideh Zeinab Almasi; Seyed Mohammad Nasiraldin Tabatabaei
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an emerging global threat to public health. Objectives: This study examined the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and death-related factors of COVID-19 in inpatients in Zahedan, Iran. Methods: This multicenter study included all COVID-19 patients admitted to Zahedan hospitals within February to April 2020. Demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics were extracted from medical records. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the risk factors associated with inpatient mortality. Results: Of 425 patients in this study, 237 and 188 were male and female, respectively. Moreover, 31 (7.29%) patients died. The patients with a severe stage of pneumonia and those with a severe/critical condition of COVID-19 were 35.8% and 35.1%, respectively. The most prevalent symptoms were cough (70.8%), shortness of breath (62.1%), fever (34.1%), bruising (28.7%), and shivering (28.5%). The most prevalent underlying diseases were hypertension (23.3%), diabetes (16.7%), cardiovascular disease (13.2%), chronic pulmonary disease (9.6%), and asthma (5.4%). Adjusted odds ratio (OR) of in-hospital mortality increased for patients with older age (OR = 3.74, 95% CI: 1.39 - 10.32), at least one underlying disease (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.32), severe disease (OR = 30.9, 95% CI: 4.01 - 239.09), and critically severe disease (OR = 736.5, 95% CI: 74.75 - 7256.1) compared to mild/moderate disease. Conclusions: This study showed that older age, disease severity, and underlying diseases were mortality risk factors due to COVID‐19 infection. This finding indicates that priorities for hospital admission must be given to patients with a higher risk of mortality due to limited facilities, especially in less privileged areas.
Work-Related Muscluskeletal Disorders and Work Ability Among Hospital Employees in Southeast of Iran
(Brieflands, 2024-11-30) Hassan Okati-Aliabad; Raheleh Hashemi Habybabady
Background: The Work Ability Index (WAI) evaluates how well workers cope with the physical and mental demands of their jobs. Objectives: This study aims to explore how demographic factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) influence work ability among employees at the largest specialized hospital in southeast Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the largest specialized hospital in Zahedan. A sample of 194 clinical staff and support personnel, including nurses, nursing assistants, patient transporters, and cleaning staff, were randomly selected through a stratified random sampling method. Work ability and musculoskeletal discomfort were assessed using the Persian versions of the WAI and Cornell Questionnaires. Quantitative data were presented as mean ± SD, while qualitative data were expressed as numbers and percentages. Pearson correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and one- and multi-factor General Linear Models were used for data analysis in SPSS version 19. Results: Work ability decreased with age (P < 0.001). Significant associations were found between work ability and age, job category, education, and Body Mass Index (BMI) (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, job, education, and BMI, lower back pain (P = 0.002), thigh pain (P = 0.004), and knee pain (P = 0.026) were significantly linked to work ability. There was a notable negative correlation between work ability and discomfort score (r = -0.337, P < 0.001), with nursing assistants reporting higher discomfort scores compared to nurses, cleaning staff, and patient transporters (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential link between musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work ability. Therefore, it is recommended to implement a program focused on identifying and addressing the risk factors associated with MSDs.
Effect of a Nurse-Led Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
(Brieflands, 2024-02-29) Seyede Fatemeh Gheiasi; Elham Hosseini; Farshad Sharifi; Maryam Esmaeili; Farnaz Etesam; Elham Navab
Background: Sleep disorders are one of the most common complications in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-I) is used as a way to improve sleep quality. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of a nurse-led CBT-I on sleep quality among patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients undergoing open-heart surgery in both intervention and control groups (N = 45). The control group received routine care. The intervention group received 10-12 sessions of nurse-led CBT-I. The demographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to collect data. The data was analyzed in SPSS v. 22 software using X2, independent sample t -test, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and paired t-test. Results: The majority of samples were in the age range of 31 - 40 years (33.33%) and male (53.33%). The results of the independent t-test showed that the mean total PSQI score in the 2 groups before the intervention was not significantly different (P = 0.245). Also, the results of ANCOVA showed that the mean total PSQI score after the intervention has a significant difference in the 2 groups (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: Nurse-led CBT-I intervention helps to improve the sleep quality of patients after open-heart surgery by reducing their automatic thoughts that affect behavior. Thus, it is recommended that training in nurse-led CBT-I be included in the nurses' academic training program, as well as in continuing education programs for nurses working in heart surgery wards.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Women About Adverse Effects of Cosmetics in Yazd City, Iran
(Brieflands, 2018-02-28) Mahboobeh Dehvari; Mohammad Taghi Ghaneian; Mohammad Ali Morowatisharifabad; Masoud Karimi; Tahereh Jasemizad
Background: Cosmetics use is universal and Iran is the 3rd biggest user of cosmetic products among the Middle East countries. Using cosmetics can be associated with multiple adverse reactions from less severe local reactions to systemic reactions and serious complications. Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women in the city of Yazd about adverse effects of cosmetics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 women in the city of Yazd in 2011. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire for assessing participant’s knowledge, attitude, and practice. Data were tabulated and analyzed by SPSS, using descriptive analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results with a P value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean score of participants’ knowledge about using cosmetics was 5.95 ± 2.47 (ranging 0 to 14). The mean score of attitude and practice about using cosmetics were 31.80 ± 3.96 (ranging 21 to 40) and 12.92 ± 2.83 (ranging 4 to 18), respectively. There wasn’t a significant correlation between participants’ knowledge and practice, however, there was a positive significant correlation (P = 0.01, r = 0.248) between their knowledge and attitude. Results showed a positive statistically significant correlation between attitude and practice with age (r = 0.168 and 0.139, respectively). Conclusions: Women had low level of knowledge about adverse effects of cosmetics. Practice of women was also unfavorable. Therefore, there is a need to educate women about the possible risks of cosmetics through formal channels.
Preparation of Sound Absorption Material Based on Interpenetrating Polymer Network (PU/PMMA IPN)
(Brieflands, 2019-02-28) Gholamreza Moradi; Parvin Nassiri; Amir Ershad-Langroudi; Mohammad Reza Monazzam
Background: Polymer composites with interpenetrated polymer network (IPN) structure are widely used as sound and vibration damping materials due to their high viscoelastic properties within the glass transition temperature range. In this study, polyurethane (PU)/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based interpenetrating polymer network with different ratios of PU to PMMA (i.e. 85:15, 75:25, and 65:35) were prepared by in situ polymerization. Methods: The properties of as-prepared IPN and its components were evaluated by different scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and sound absorption. Tensile properties were also determined. As indicators of effective damping capability, viscoelastic parameters including loss factor (tan δ), glass transition temperature (Tg), and effective damping interval (tan δ > 0.3) were also determined. In order to determine the sound absorption coefficient in the prepared IPNs, a two-microphone impedance tube at the frequency of one octave was used. Results: The comparison of pure polymers (i.e. polyurethane and polymethyl methacrylate) and prepared IPNs indicated that the semi interpenetrated polymer network morphology was created through a broader range of tan δ in different IPNs. Incorporation of PMMA into polyurethane in the form of interpenetrating polymer networks enhanced the damping acoustic properties of the semi-IPNs due to the permeability of the two polymers. In the temperature range of -50 to 11 ˚C, both IPNs components showed high damping characteristics (tan δ ≥ 0.3). Conclusions: Evaluation of the results indicated that the blends are capable of exerting viscoelastic effects for damping and sound attenuation.
Health Belief Model in Hospitals: Determining the Effective Factors on Influenza Vaccination
(Brieflands, 2021-05-31) Vahid Kohpeima Jahromi; Rahim Raoofi; Razieh Zahedi; Fatemeh Mosleh; Forogh Ebrahimizadeh; Narjes Keshayee; Mahsa Mehraban; Maryam Raghibnejad; Nader Sharifi
The need for extensive vaccination of health care workers (HCWs) is felt more than ever. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of influenza vaccination using HBM in HCWs of Jahrom hospitals. This cross-sectional study was performed by multicenter method on 614 HCWs in Jahrom, southern Iran, in 2020. Data collection tools included Demographic and researcher-made Influenza Vaccination in HCWs Based on HBM Questionnaires whose validity and reliability were measured and evaluated. Analyzes have been performed using SPSS 21. Increasing age (P < 0.001) and perceived barriers (P < 0.001) have increased influenza vaccination, but perceived benefits (P = 0.002), cues to action (P = 0.001), and self-efficacy (P < 0.001) have had a negative impact on influenza vaccination among HCWs. Perceived severity (P = 0.7) was higher in people with a history of influenza vaccination, while such a difference was not observed in perceived susceptibility. Higher mean age, previous vaccination history, and perceived barriers are predictors of influenza vaccine participation behavior.

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