Showing 77 results for Iron
Mohammad Mosaferi, Farhad Ghayurdoost, Reza Dehghanzadeh, Hassan Aslani, Sepideh Nemati Mansour, Neda Gilani,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The trend of developments in the health system and medical education and other related sciences, including environmental health, is a global challenge. In this research educational content of environmental health and its revision were studied from the point of view of students and graduates.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. In this research, through two checklists, the opinions of environmental health students and graduates regarding the necessity of revising the educational content of the field according to the requirements of the time and considering the future situation were investigated with the participation of 441 people. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-22 software.
Results: According to the results, 73.7 percent of participants believed that the educational content of environmental health in Iran has fundamental differences from developed countries. 81.7 percent believed that the educational content provided to environmental health students is not proportional to their duties. Meantime, 91.4 percent of the graduates of environmental health believe that the expected capabilities included in the educational curricula of different degrees of environmental health should be revised. 88.4 percent believed that it is necessary to revise the educational content of this field considering the "change in executive and practical functions of environmental health during the past years".
Conclusion: The overwhelming majority of graduates of the field emphasized the need to revise the educational content of the environmental health field, taking into account the requirements of the time. It is necessary to redefine the field of environmental health in the country according to the changing situation and the emergence of new indicators.
Atiyeh Sharifi, Moslem Daliri, Mohammad Niroumand, S. Ali Reza Sobhani, Moslem Sharifinia,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Occurrence of the pharmaceutical active residues (particularly antibiotics) threatens the health of the environment and human society. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the impacts of the Amoxicillin (AMX) residues on resistance to environmental stress and biochemical compositions of the body in Penaeus vannamei.
Materials and Methods: Six-hundred specimens with a mean (±SD) weight and total length of 9.23±1.77 g and 9.28±0.73 cm were randomly experimented in four triplicate treatments, namely T1(control): without AMX residues in a rearing environment, T2: 100 μg/L AMX residues concentration in water, T3: 300 μg/L and T4: 500 μg/L for 60 days. At the end of the experimental trial, five specimens for biochemical body composition analyses were separately sampled. Ten shrimps from each treatment were also randomly selected and exposed to 50 ppt salinity stress for 48 hours, and then survival rates were computed.
Results: Body composition analyses showed that moisture and protein not differed among the treatments (p>0.05), while fat in T2 (28.29±5.50) was significantly more than in others (p<0.05). The lowest values of ash were obtained in T1 and T4, and they differed with T2 and T3 (p<0.05). The highest survival rate of shrimps exposed to salinity stress (50 ppt in 48 h) was observed in T2 and T3, in contrast, the lowest value was recorded for T4 (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Findings of the present research indicate that the occurrence of high doses of AMX residues pollution in the rearing water affects the stress resistance of P. vannamei which can be due to disruption of protein and fat metabolisms in the shrimp body.
Parvane Dowlati, Hatam Godini, Abbas Moghimbeigi, Yahya Khosravi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: In this research, considering the importance of the adverse effects of the Covid-19 disease and identifying the environmental factors involved in its outbreak, the effects of environmental factors and compliance with health guidelines on outbreak and mortality of Covid-19 have been evaluated.
Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive-analytical study on confirmed patients with Covid-19 in Alborz province in 2019. In this study, outbreak rate and death due to Covid-19, compliance with health guidelines, air pollutants concentrations, air pollution indicators, and the meteorological conditions of Alborz province were daily collected for 2019. All data were analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics v26 software with Pearson, Spearman, Kruskal-Wallis, one-way variance ANOVA analysis tests, and negative binomial regression statistical models.
Results: The results of the regression model showed that in the mortality rate due to Covid-19, the variables of average temperature(p=0.042), humidity(p=0.048), rate of Covid-19 infection(p=0.001), and compliance with health guidelines(p=0.007) are significant. However, in the model of the rate of infection with Covid-19, only compliance with health guidelines(p=0.001) was significant. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients for infection rate, compliance with health guidelines, wind speed, and concentrations of carbon monoxide, PM2.5, and SO2 with the death rate due to corona, were 0.575, -0.411, -0.206, 0.211, 0.114 and -0.158.
Conclusion: The results showed that in addition to compliance with health guidelines, some atmospheric factors and air pollutants also impact the rate of infection and mortality caused by Covid-19.
Zabihollah Yousefi, Adel Naderi, Seyed Noureddin Mousavi Nasab, Samaneh Dehghan,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The high risk of Sars-CoV-2 infection in dental centers is a serious problem for doctors and patients. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the environmental health measures related to corona disease in the dental offices of Sari city during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2021.
Materials and Methods: The present study is descriptive and cross-sectional, and the tool used in it is a researcher-made questionnaire collected with the cooperation of the personnel working in 100 active dental service centers in Sari. to determine content validity, two qualitative and quantitative -qualitative methods were used. The qualitative content validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by 8 environmental health experts. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS software V. 25.
Results: Based on the results of this study, personal protective equipment was used continuously in 100% of the centers. In 93% of the centers, sodium hypochlorite and formaldehyde were used to disinfect the equipment, and in 94% of the cases, the frequency of disinfection of the equipment was after each patient. Disinfection of toilets was done daily in 62% of the centers and every two days in the rest. In 72% of the examined dental centers, had no local hood installed or turned on above the units, but in 92% of the offices, there was proper ventilation of public spaces. In addition, according to the results, in 99% of clinics, waste management was carried out in accordance with national laws and regulations and based on the rules and methods of the executive management of medical waste and related waste and related instructions, and also in 100% of clinics, water consumption was healthy and desirable.
Conclusion: Overall, environmental health measures in dental offices were at an optimal level in most cases and in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Health. Not installing a hood or not turning it on above the units and improper ventilation of the dentist's office were the most critical problems of the centers, which need to be given more attention and corrective measures should be taken according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health.
Ahmad Jonidi Jafari, Davarkhah Rabbani, Samaneh Bagheri Arani, Ehsan Zarei, Mohsen Hosami Arani,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Compliance with the principles of environmental health is of particular importance in any gathering ceremony. This issue needs more attention in the Muharram and Safar mourning ceremonies due to the position of health in Islam and the presence of different populations in this ceremony. Based on this, the present study was conducted with the aim of environmental health management during Muharram and Safar days using the Analytic Hierarchy Process.
Materials and Methods: According to the main purpose of the study, a literature review was done. Then, a team of experts was formed and criteria, sub-criteria and programs related to the purpose of the study were determined by brainstorming, and the relevant questionnaire was prepared and after completion by 25 experts, the relevant criteria were prioritized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process.
Results: Based on the weighting with the Analytic Hierarchy Process method, the highest score (0.441) was awarded to the health inspection criteria, and then the administrative coordination criteria(0.186), education (0.182), reporting (0.169) and finally the support and services criterion (0.022) were prioritized.
Conclusion: The results of the study indicate the emphasis on environmental health management during the Muharram and Safar mourning ceremonies from the point of view of experts, that compliance with the three principles of health inspection, administrative coordination and continuous training has the particular importance.
Hooshmand Bagheri Garbollagh, Fatemh Mohammadi,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The challenge of fostering healthier societies begins with considering the environment and promoting collective acceptance of environmentally friendly behaviors. Consumer choices regarding the environment impact the health and quality of life for current and future generations. Therefore, it is essential for academics and marketers to understand the concept and characteristics of green consumers. Consequently, the aim of the current research is to identify factors influencing consumers' attitudes toward environmentally friendly products, while also considering the moderating role of green innovation.
Materials and Methods: This study is applied in terms of purpose, descriptive and survey method. The statistical population comprises all consumers of green products in Shahin Dezh city. A sample size of 208 individuals was determined using Cochran's formula selected through simple random sampling. A standard questionnaire was used to collect information. To analyze the research data, structural equation modeling software Lisrel and Smart-Pls3 were used.
Results: The research findings indicated that environmental attitude (significance coefficient of 5.20), health consciousness (significance coefficient of 4.07), and environmental knowledge (significance coefficient of 3.30) positively influence consumers' attitude toward green products. Additionally, the study recognized and confirmed the significance of the green innovation variable as an important moderating factor in this relationship.
These relationships are statistically significant. Additionally, the study recognizes and confirms the green innovation variable as an important moderating variable in this relationship.
Conclusion: Our findings offer valuable insights for tailoring educational strategies targeted at diverse consumer groups to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly products. By fostering such consumer behavior, we aim to contribute to the creation of a healthier environment for both present and future generations.
Mohammad Mosaferi, Jafar Yahyazadeh, Yusef Mohammadian, Farzaneh Moshtaghi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The use of pesticides poses serious risks to the health of living organisms. Knowing the type and amount of pesticide use can provide a good information base for managing potential risks from pesticide consumption. This study was carried out with the main objective of determining the types and amounts of pesticides used on agricultural land in East Azarbaijan Province in 2021.
Materials and Methods: Information about the pesticides have been gathered and analyzed by referring to the Agricultural Jihad Organization and other relevant authorities. Calculations related to the amount of pesticides used per unit area were made using the total area of agricultural lands in the province.
Results: Considering the frequency, 403 kinds of pesticides are used in the following order: Herbicides > Insecticides > Fungicides > Acaricides > Others > Disinfectants. Consdidering total consumption of 2873730 kg pesticides, the order based on the amount is: Insecticides > Herbicide > Fungicides > Miscellaneous > Acaricides and Disinfectants based on the amount. The total ratio of pesticides used to pesticides distributed through the official (government) channel is 2.51. The minimum, maximum, and mean consumption values in counties are 0.4, 21.4, and 4.21 ± 5.33 kg/ha, respectively, and for province is 2.38 kg/ha. There is a correlation between the amount of pesticide applied and the number of farmers and traders.
Conclusion: The consumption of pesticides in the province is higher than the world average. Appropriate management of pesticides is required from the viewpoints of environment and health protection.
Ali Hamidi, Maryam Ravanipour, Masoumeh Ravanipour,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Scientometrics is used to identify existing study gaps, discover the future research directions, investigate fundamental trends and implement the necessary policies in a specific field of knowledge. Considering the key role of environmental factors in the health trends and the varyingburden of diseases in the country, this study was conducted with the aim of performing scientometric analysis of the role of environmental health in the prevention and control of diseases related to environmental factors in Iran.
Materials and Methods: Bibliographic information related to scientific documents indexed in the Web of Science database until September 12, 2022, was analyzed and visualized using Citespace and Biblioshiny software.
Results: A total of 1,212 documents were retrieved. These documents were published in 629 sources with the participation of 8,461 authors. The average publication year of the documents was 2010. The top three ranks of organizational affiliations were as follows: Tehran University of Medical Sciences (747 documents), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (436 documents), and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (393 documents). Iran's cooperation network with other countries indicates substantial joint researchbetween Iran and the main countries in this network. Over time, the co-occurrence network of keywords has evolved from outcomes (such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, etc.) to environmental exposure factors, especially air pollutants, heavy metals, and food-borne pathogens factors. Risk assessment has also been a category of interest in recent years.
Conclusion: Scientometric analysis showed that environmental health studies in prevention and control of diseases related to environmental factors in Iran are young and still progressing. In the early years, studies were mainly focused on diseases as an outcome, while in recent years, they have focused more on exposure factors or environmental pathogens. It is suggested that the future studies based on the retrieved keywords should be more mission-oriented and the priority of solving the problems of environmental pollutants affecting people's health in the country based on the extent and scope of the problems of each province should be considered by policy makers and researchers.
Faezeh Sadeghi, Sakine Shekoohiyan, Mohsen Heidari,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The Goharzamin iron mine in Sirjan has the largest iron ore reserves in the Gol Gohar area. This study aimed to assess the life cycle of iron ore extraction from this mine using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method due to the extensive activities in the area and the lack of comprehensive studies.
Materials and Methods: The LCA evaluated the impacts of iron ore extraction from the Goharzamin mine on human health, ecosystem quality, and resource depletion. The boundary system included the drilling and blasting processes. Following the cradle-to-gate model and an attributional approach, the production of 1 ton of iron ore was considered a functional unit. Impact and damage assessment were conducted using SimaPro software and the ReCiPE method at mid and end-point levels.
Results: The findings revealed that transportation by trucks with a capacity exceeding 20 tons accounted for the highest environmental burden in all categories (51.1%), particularly in overburden removal. The detrimental impacts of transportation on ionizing radiation (human health), land use, and freshwater eutrophication potentials (ecosystem quality) exceeded 95%. Carbon-14 emissions, agricultural land occupation, and BOD5 and COD releases resulting from iron ore extraction were identified as the key pollutants in these impact categories. The average damage to human health, ecosystem quality, and resource depletion was found to be 89.8%, 5.5%, and 4.6%, respectively.
Conclusion: To mitigate the negative impacts of transportation, it is advisable to enhance environmental sustainability by utilizing trucks that adhere to Euro 5 standards or higher, as well as exploring the use of renewable energies.
Seyedeh Sholeh Hosseini, Bahareh Lorestani, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Mehrdad Cheraghi, Sahar Rezaian,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Street dust, as both a source and sink of pollutants, is considered a reliable indicator for assessing atmospheric pollution. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the pollution levels and environmental toxicity of arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) in street dust in the city of Hamedan in 2023.
Materials and Methods: A total of 108 street dust samples were collected from 12 sampling sites, including residential, commercial, and industrial regions, during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The concentrations of the analyzed elements were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Additionally, pollution indices (PI), integrated pollution index (IPI), and mean effects range median quotient (mERM-Q) were calculated.
Results: The highest average concentrations of the analyzed elements in street dust were observed in the industrial regions and the fall season for As (5.79 mg/kg), Zn (405 mg/kg), Cd (0.758 mg/kg), and Cu (84.8 mg/kg). For Pb, the highest average concentration (110 mg/kg) was found in commercial regions during the fall season. PI values indicated pollution levels for As, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu ranging from "moderate" to "very high." The average IPI values varied between 2.52 and 3.90, reflecting "high" pollution conditions across all sampling sites and seasons. Furthermore, the average mERM-Q values suggested a 21% probability of elemental toxicity in the analyzed street dust samples.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the influence of human activities, seasonal variations, and emission source fluctuations on street dust pollution. To mitigate pollution, it is recommended to identify and control the release sources of these elements, particularly in regions with higher pollution levels.
Mohamad Parsi Mehr, Eisa Solgi,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The Qazvin Plain, one of the key agricultural regions in Iran, faces significant challenges affecting the quality of its water resources. These challenges include changes in land use (LU) and the expansion of activities such as agriculture and industry. Assessing, modeling, and predicting total dissolved solids (TDS) and the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) in groundwater—two critical parameters influencing water resource usability—can play a pivotal role in managing water quality in the region.
Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate and model the relationship between LU and water quality parameters. TDS and SAR values were first mapped using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation method. Land use in the Qazvin Plain was then classified using Landsat 8 satellite imagery and the supervised maximum likelihood classification method. Finally, geographic weighted regression (GWR) was employed to model and examine the spatial relationship between the LU distribution patterns in the Qazvin Plain and the groundwater quality parameters.
Results: The coefficient of determination (R²) for the relationship between SAR and LU was 0.74, while for TDS and LU, it was 0.81. These findings highlight a significant influence of LU changes on groundwater quality parameters in the study area.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate a strong correlation between LU and groundwater quality parameters. Moreover, the application of GWR proved effective in capturing spatial variations and providing accurate tools for analyzing these relationships. This approach can be instrumental in the sustainable management of water resources in the Qazvin Plain.
Akbar Eskandari, Mohammad Mosaferi, Alieh Tabasi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Microplastics are emerging and persistent environmental pollutants. The most common types include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyformaldehyde, polystyrene, and polyamide. Due to their chemical and toxic properties, ability to absorb and release persistent organic pollutants, and association with heavy metals, microplastics pose a serious threat to both the environment and human health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of microplastics on human health and the environment.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive review was conducted in 2024 to document the process of searching, screening, and reporting based on the PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews. Articles published between 2019 and April 2024 were searched using keywords such as "Microplastics," "Health Risk," "Emerging Contaminants," and their Persian equivalents in electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Magiran, and SID.
Results: The effects of microplastics on human health include the absorption of aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, and other pollutants, leading to neurological and respiratory disorders such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, and genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, microplastics have detrimental effects on plants, microbial populations, soil structure, and the health of animals and humans.
Conclusion: Microplastics represent a significant environmental challenge, threatening human health and biodiversity. These particles enter the food chain and can cause hormonal imbalances and chronic diseases. Raising public awareness and reforming policies on plastic production and consumption are essential steps to mitigate this pollution.
Farzane Shahbazi, Tayebeh Rasolevandi, Hossein Azarpira,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Regular assessment of confectionery workshops and comparison of their conditions with health standards can enhance the sanitary quality of products. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental health status of confectionery workshops in Saveh in 2022.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, the environmental hygiene status of all confectionery workshops in Saveh was evaluated using a researcher-designed, validated, and reliable checklist comprising 51 questions tailored for COVID-19 conditions, based on Step 2 guidelines for combating the virus. A total of 36 confectionery workshops were assessed, and responses to the questions were recorded as "Yes," "No," or "Not Applicable." Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA in SPSS software.
Results: The average health compliance in Saveh’s confectionery workshops was 61% for personal hygiene, 68% for food hygiene, 60% for tool and equipment hygiene, 55% for building hygiene, and 74% for hygiene education. Significant relationships were found between areas such as building hygiene, food hygiene, and hygiene education, and workshop characteristics such as building size, sales volume, production scale, and worker age and experience (p < 0.05). However, no significant relationship was observed between the number of refrigerators and the hygiene of tools and equipment (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the overall health status of confectionery workshops in Saveh was relatively favorable. However, the building hygiene variable (55%) had the lowest level of compliance among the investigated factors, highlighting an area that requires attention.
Parviz Yarahmadzahi, Fatemeh Momeniha, Abdolreza Mirolyaei, Abbas Balouchi, Mehrdad Zarabi, Danial Raisi, Abdolrasoul Khedmati, Faramarz Mobaraki,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Aedes aegypti is a significant vector for the transmission of several dangerous arboviral diseases, including dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of environmental management and integrated methods on the control and reduction of Aedes aegypti mosquito abundance in Chabahar City in 2024.
Materials and Methods: To conduct this field study, a comprehensive environmental improvement program—based on Ministry of Health guidelines—was developed for Chabahar City to enhance integrated management measures for combating Aedes aegypti. This was accomplished by having environmental health, community health, and entomology experts complete relevant checklists during urban block surveys.To conduct this field study, a comprehensive environmental improvement program-based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Health- was developed for Chabahar City to enhance integrated environmental management measures for combating Aedes aegypti. This was accomplished by having environmental health, community health, and entomology experts complete relevant checklists during urban block surveys.
Results: The results of this study demonstrated that, following environmental improvement operations and chemical control measures in Chabahar City—and coinciding with the beginning of the cold season at the end of 1403 (2024)—the number of probable dengue fever cases declined sharply. Cases fell from a peak of 389 in November 2024 to only 8 by March 2025. This decline indicates the effectiveness of the implemented Aedes aegypti control strategies, potentially in conjunction with seasonal temperature changes.
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of certain arboviral diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti in neighboring countries and the continuous movement of residents in these regions, it is critical to plan and implement an immediate vector surveillance and control program to prevent the permanent establishment of this invasive mosquito species.
Mohadeseh Bodaghi, Tayebeh Rasolevandi, Hossein Azarpira,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Parasitic infections are major public health challenges in children, particularly in group settings such as kindergartens, where conditions for transmission are more favorable. Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is one of the most common causes of intestinal infections in this age group. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Enterobius infection and associated factors in kindergartens across Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, articles published up to the end of January 2025 were retrieved from the following databases: Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus using the keywords: “Enterobiasis,” “Enterobius vermicularis,” “Oxyuriasis,” “Oxyur,” “Intestinal infection,” “Intestinal parasite,” “Prevalence,” “Children,” “Elementary schools,” “Preschool centers,” “Kindergarten,” and “Iran.” Out of a total of 1116 identified articles, 707 were excluded after reviewing the title and abstract, and 333 were removed due to duplication. Ultimately, 76 articles were selected for full-text evaluation, from which 24 studies related to the prevalence of Enterobius in Iranian kindergartens were included in the final analysis.
Results: Of the 24 studies reviewed, 23 were conducted using questionnaires, and one study utilized interviews. The total sample size across these studies was 13.567 children, and the average prevalence of Enterobius infection was estimated at 14.90 percentage.
Conclusion: Despite relative improvements in hygiene conditions, the prevalence of Enterobius infection in some kindergartens remains concerning. The role of active transmission pathways and their association with children's demographic factors highlights the importance of timely identification and intervention. Implementing targeted educational programs for parents and kindergarten staff, along with coordinated preventive measures, is essential to control the spread of this parasite.
Anis Aghaei, Niloufar Gholami, Fariba Saeedi, Sajad Mazloomi,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Since the hospital is one of the important centers for treating and caring for patients, the presence of air pollutants in concentrations exceeding the standard in such places can threaten the health of patients and hospital personnel. This study aimed to investigate the concentration of particulate pollutants in the psychiatric care center of Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam in 2019.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the concentration of particulate matter in the hospital's psychiatric care center was measured. Sampling was carried out using a portable device. In each of the four studied sections (male ward, female ward, male staff, and female staff), one hour of sampling was conducted over three consecutive months (April, May, and June), resulting in a total of twelve samples. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16).
Results: The results showed that during the sampling period, the highest average concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 were 50.09, 21.88, and 32.9 μg/m3, respectively, and related to the female inpatient wards, male personnel, and female inpatient wards, respectively. The highest PM₁₀ concentration was observed in the female inpatient ward, PM₂.₅ in the male staff ward, and PM₁ in the female inpatient ward.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the average concentrations of particulate pollutants in all sections was lower than the EPA standards. According to WHO guidelines, the PM10 concentration of male and female inpatients in May, and also female staff and male and female inpatients in June, and the PM2.5 concentration in the female inpatient wards in June were higher than the recommended limit
Sadegh Kazemi, Fatemeh Rezaei, Kimia Nazarzadeh, Moradali Zareipour,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Microplastic pollution is recognized as a major environmental threat, and individuals’ Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors play a crucial role in its prevention. This study aimed to assess the levels of Knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors of students at Khoy University of Medical Sciences toward microplastic pollution.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Khoy University of Medical Sciences. All enrolled students (n = 550) were invited to participate using a voluntary census-based approach, of whom 400 completed the questionnaire. After excluding incomplete responses, data from 372 participants were included in the final analysis. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics and a researcher-developed instrument assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding the prevention of microplastic pollution. Content validity was confirmed using the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI), and reliability was established through test–retest analysis (ICC = 0.78) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83–0.95). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and ordinal logistic regression in STATA version 15.
Results: The findings indicated that students’ levels of knowledge and preventive behaviors were predominantly moderate, while their attitudes toward preventing microplastic pollution were mostly positive. Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that higher levels of knowledge (OR = 3.98, 95% CI = 1.91–8.28)and positive attitudes (OR = 14.96, 95% CI = 7.26–30.83) significantly increased the likelihood of engaging in preventive behaviors. In addition, younger age (OR = 9.41, 95% CI = 1.26–7.29), being married (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 3.33–26.52), higher maternal educational level (OR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.24–7.17), and father's employment status (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.02–2.73) were identified as demographic factors effective in promoting preventive behaviors.
Conclusion: The results suggest that enhancing Knowledge and fostering positive attitudes considerably improve preventive behaviors against microplastic pollution among students. Therefore, implementing targeted educational programs focusing on increasing knowledge and strengthening positive attitudes is essential for promoting preventive practices and mitigating the environmental impacts of microplastics.
