Showing 10 results for Performance
M Naghavi, F Abolhassani, F Pourmalek, N Jafari, M Moradi Lakeh, B Eshrati, N Mahdavi Hezaveh, H Kazemeini, A Tehrani Banihashemi, Sh Shoaee,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (4-2008)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) summarizes the fatal and nonfatal outcomes of diseases and injuries in one number and gives a quantitative assessment of the health of a population. Estimating the burden of diseases and injuries in Iran in terms of DALY both nationwide and in 6 provinces.
Methods: We used slightly modified versions of the methods developed by the World Health Organization for estimating the burden of premature mortality, disability, and the DALY.
Results: The DALY rate per 100,000 was 21572 and 62% of this was life lost due to premature mortality the remaining 38% was due to disability from diseases and injuries. Fifty-eight percent of the total DALYs had been lost due to non-communicable diseases, 28% due to external causes (injuries), and 14% due to communicable, maternal/ perinatal and nutritional illnesses. The group of diseases and injuries with the highest burden in males waz intentional and unintentional injuries (2.789 million DALYs), while in the female population this position was held by mental disorders with 1.191 million DALYs. The single most important cause of burden was traffic accidents in males and ischemic heart disease in females. Disease burden showed considerable variability between different provinces.
Conclusion: The profile of health and disease in Iran has generally shifted from the predominance of communicable, maternal/perinatal, and nutritional illnesses towards predominance of non-communicable diseases and injuries at the national level. These figures on disease burden at population level are the most objective evidence that can be used in policy making and management of health programs, health research, and resource development within the health sector.
R Hokmabadi, H Soori, Mj Jafari,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the leading cause of burden of disease in Iran. Determination of road safety situation as a complex issue can reduce injury and death rates on roads. This study aimed to determine the effective indicators of road safety and introduce approaches to combine different indicators for implementation index to assess the road safety situation of Iran.
Methods: In this analytical and comparative study eleven indicators which have been categorized in nine dimensions were employed. Indicators normalized with maximum and minimum measures and three approaches were used to calculate the index. In order to put index into practice, data collected from eleven Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Comparison was performed by al-Haji index which has been development for ASEAN countries in 2007.
Results: The findings indicated that weighted index results based on previous experience are similar to al-Haji index and correlations between them are statistically significant (r=0.997). This study showed a remarkable difference between some selected countries. Singapore and Brunei have the best index records, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines have the medium index records, Iran (with score 36.81), Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos have the least index records.
Conclusions: Findings of study indicate that Iran needs implementation composed index of risk factors to prevent RTIs and to assess better performance on road safety. The road safety in our country is still far from the desired condition therefore, more attention is necessary to be done to reduce injury and mortality rates in Iran.
E Ghasemi, M Barooni, R Dehnavieh, M Jafari Sirizi , Mh Mehrolhassani,
Volume 12, Issue 0 (3-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Health insurance would guarantee people security against disease and health problems. Given the key role of health insurance in achieving the goals of justice and reducing the out-of-pocket payment, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of Iran health insurance using the DEA model in 2014.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study. The study population included all Iran health insurance organizations. DEA input and output criteria were selected by targeted library and documentary review and the data were collected accordingly. The determinants of efficiency were evaluated using liner regression.
Results: The mean technical, management, and scale efficiency of Iran health insurance head offices was 0.593, 0.761, and 0.721, respectively. Considering the findings, the capacity of efficiency promotion at these head offices was approximately 41%. Regarding technical efficiency, 5 head offices had the maximum efficiency (1), 7 head offices had efficiency between 0.5 and 1, and 19 head offices had efficiency less than 0.5. In addition, the variables of population and total number of institutions had a significant impact on efficiency.
Conclusion: Based on defined variables, input oriented AP-DEA model was appropriate. The results showed a great capacity for increasing technical efficiency in the Iranian health insurance organizations which could be increased by benchmarking efficient and reference organizations and also adjusting their input. For this purpose, downsizing and agility of the Iranian health insurance organizations based on the e-government clause are proposed for administrative system reform.
Mh Mehrolhassani, M Emami, Aa Haghdoost, R Dehnavieh, S Amanpour, F Sabbah, M Bazrafshan,
Volume 12, Issue 0 (3-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Universities of medical sciences play a vital role in promoting population health and without a doubt, their performance should be measured and evaluated.
Methods: The study was a mixed method study (consecutive combination) and the universities were examined by census. In the qualitative phase of the study, by examining the documents and focused group discussions, the basic framework of the performance evaluation model and its associated challenges were elicited. Then, the policies, objectives, and strategies related to each dimension were extracted and finally, key indicators were selected. Finally, by running Analytic Hierarchy Process method, the weight of dimensions and their key aspects were calculated and the model was implemented.
Results: BSC was designed in accordance with the universities. In this model, four main aspects including population health, services, finance, and development were identified. Then, by reviewing the documents, key policies and strategies, key policies and criteria, primary and secondary strategies were extracted. 13 key indicators were chosen as the final indexes. Moreover, 3 main challenges and 11 secondary challenges were identified. The results of the AHP-BSC model indicated that categorizing (ranking) universities had an impact on their functional status.
Conclusion: The main challenge for evaluating the performance of universities was the presence of a logical connection between policies, strategies, and criteria to have comprehensive and concise indexes for evaluation and ranking.
Aa Haghdoost, M Emami, M Hossienpour, F Rakhshani, Mh Mehrolhasani,
Volume 13, Issue 0 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Promoting health indicators is a key issue in most societies. In this regard, health deputies, through stewardship, monitoring, and coordination, take meassures to promote these indicators. The aim of the present study was to design a model for ranking the performance of the deputies.
Methods: This applied qualitative study was conducted in 2012. The research team included 12 health experts who were selected according to management records and long experience in the health deputy. In this study, a review of the literature and documents was done and then, with the focus group discussions and expert opinions, key indicators were defined.
Results: a model consisting of 9 process criteria (13 general indicators and 15 specific indicators) was identified for ranking of health deputies. The general processes included leadership and management, programs and strategies, resources and partnerships, manpower, and comprehensive information and statistics system And specific processes included primary health care (PHC), family physician (FP), social determinants of health (SDH) and pilot national plans. The range of indicators scores was between 1-8, which were compared with the zero indicator.
Conclusion: The findings showed that the process components and indicators were more effective in determining the status of the health deputies’ performance, and the proposed model is based on the matter. So, it is recommended that the Ministry of Health ranks health deputies every two years to improve process components and criteria of the model based on practical results.
V Yazdi Feyzabadi, Mh Mehrolhassani, F Monajemi, Ss Pourhosseini,
Volume 14, Issue 0 (1-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Access to equal educational opportunities is one of the fundamental rights in each country, and elimination of inequalities, especially in the higher education system, is one of the most important priorities. This study aimed to measure educational inequality in the medical sciences sector in Iranian provinces.
Methods: In this study, educational inequality in medical sciences was measured using the Gini coefficient. The study indexes included the number of students, faculty members, staff, majors and educational budget. Data were analyzed using Stata 14 software.
Results: During the study years, the Gini coefficient of the number of female students, male students, and faculty members showed a more or less decreasing trend from 0.51 to 0.46, from 0.53 to 0.46, and from 0.59 to 0.53, respectively. However, the values of inequality in the number of personnel working in educational sector and educational budget showed a slight increasing trend from 0.49 to 0.50 and from 0.53 to 0.54, respectively. According to the academic majors, the lowest Gini coefficient was related to non-continuous bachelor’s degree that varied from 0.13 to 0.17, and the highest value was related to fellowship degree ranging from 0.66 to 0.69 in the study years.
Conclusion: Despite reduced inequality in some educational indicators, there is a high inequality in the number of academic majors of some postgraduate degrees, number of students by gender, and educational budget, which requires policy makers to focus more on balanced distribution of educational infrastructures among provinces to provide equal educational opportunities.
H Taherichadorneshin, Mr Esmaeili, M Farahi , M Tavakoli,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nowadays, despite several global initiatives, the use of doping agents has become a problem in athletic societies. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence, attitude and tendency toward the use of performance-enhancing supplements among athletes in North Khorasan Province.
Methods: The statistical population of this cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was all athletes of North Khorasan Province. Demographic characteristics and data related to doping agents were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was approved by doping experts and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha. The questionnaires were then distributed using stratified random sampling and 436 questionnaires were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS software at P<0.05.
Results: The findings showed that 39.2% of the subjects used at least one of the agents for doping. The most common agents were vitamin and protein supplements (36%), minerals (28.7%) and drugs (21.3%). Also, there was a significant negative correlation between the prevalence of using doping agents and age, sport background, and educational level. In addition, attitude and tendency toward the use of doping agents were higher in weightlifters, body builders, and footballers compared to other athletes. Furthermore, knowledge of athletes, awareness about side effects, and the overall awareness of athletes toward performance-enhancing supplements was low.
Conclusion: It is necessary to develop comprehensive educational programs to raise the knowledge and awareness of athletes and coaches toward the use of performance-enhancing supplements in North Khorasan Province.
Hamid Choobineh, Zeinab Parisay, Fatemeh Shahbazi, Gazaleh Danesh, Mahdi Nasri, Sayed-Saeed Hashemi-Nazari,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Human resources are the center of sustainable development in advanced management. Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) is a system that consistently and by means of human resources, facilities and equipment and tries to create a healthy, pleasant, fresh environment away from accident, damage and waste. This study was conducted to assess the health performance, Safety and Environmental Indicators (HSE) in the field of human resources development of Tehran Municipality.
Methods: This study was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional and, the study base was all 22 districts of Tehran municipality. After designing and validating of HSE performance evaluation protocol, HSE status was evaluated in 22 districts of Tehran. The aforementioned protocol contained seven sections: leadership and commitment, policy and strategic goals, organization and documentation, risk management, planning, implementation and monitoring, audit and review). Its validity and reliability were determined by obtaining corrective opinions from specialists and experts inside and outside the municipal organization.
Results: In most areas of Tehran municipality, the inter-organizational communication index was the highest score. The highest score (68%) is related to this index. The mean overall score for performance evaluation was 46.6.
Conclusion: The HSE situation was undesirable (less than 70%) in more than half of Tehran's municipalities. Regions 4 and 7 were in desirable status (above 70%). Thus, for current situation improvement, we should use long-term strategy planning in the field of HSE.
Mohammad Heidari, Mohammad Saadati, Moradali Zareipour, Arezoo Qasemkhanloo, Mehrdad Karimi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Earthquakes are among the most dangerous natural disasters and can significantly harm human life. Accordingly, public awareness and preparedness for earthquakes are essential. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate earthquake safety behaviors, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and protective behaviors in Khoy, Iran.
Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 412 people in Khoy city using cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-designed questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics and assessments of awareness, attitudes, and protective behaviors against earthquakes. The data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, and backward logistic regression method with Stata 15 software.
Results: The results of the present study indicated that over 66% of individuals had poor knowledge, 42% had an average attitude, and 46% exhibited moderate protective behaviors against earthquakes. The regression model demonstrated that high knowledge increased the likelihood of exhibiting protective behaviors by 1.92 times (OR = 1.92, p = 0.006), while a positive attitude increased this likelihood by 6.12 times (OR = 6.12, p < 0.0001). Also, university education level 2.92 times (p=2.92, OR=0.055) and having previous experience of earthquake 1.89 times (p=0.057, OR=1.89) increase the likelihood of these behaviors.
Conclusion: Considering the low levels of awareness and protective behaviors against earthquakes among the residents of Khoy, educational workshops, and simulation exercises should be organized. Additionally, developing educational content could enhance individuals' preparedness for earthquakes.
Zainab Al-Sadat Alavizadeh, Maryam Farjamfar, Shahrabano Goli, Omid Garkaz, Sahar Paryab, Mahbobeh Pourheidari, Mehdi Fathi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Healthy sexual relations, as one of the basic components of human life, are one of the signs of physical and mental health that have a significant impact on the quality of individual and marital life.
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral sleep therapy on the sexual function of married women of reproductive age in Sabzevar city in 2021-2022.
Methods: This study was conducted as a simple randomized clinical trial before and after intervention and one-month follow-up with intervention and control groups. The sample included 70 eligible women. The intervention group (N = 35) received four individual counseling sessions of cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy, while the control group (N = 35) received no intervention. The research tool included a demographic questionnaire, Hypnotic Induced Profile (HIP), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software.
Results: Based on the results of sexual function, there was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups after cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy intervention (p<0.001) and one month after the intervention (p<0.001). The analysis of the components of sexual function (sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) indicated that all components except for pain and satisfaction had significant differences between the intervention and control groups after the intervention and follow-up. The satisfaction component had a significant difference just one month after the intervention (p=0.010).
Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral sleep therapy counseling is efficacious in improving women's sexual function and most of its components. This approach is recommended to be used to enhance women's sexual function. Additionally, conducting more comprehensive studies can be beneficial.
