Showing 34 results for Hosseini
E.m Razzaghi , A Rahimi Movaghar , K Mohammad , M Hosseini ,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (4 2004)
Abstract
There are about 200,000 injecting drug users (IDUs) in Iran. HIV/AIDS is closely associated with IDU in Iran. The objective of this study was to explore unhealthy sex behavior and the interventions for its control in IDUs.
A qualitative method was employed. Six districts in Tehran with a population of 400,000 were selected. These districts differed in socioeconomic characteristics, urban structure, IDU prevalence and crime rates. A total of 81 key informants from different sectors and 154 IDUs were selected by purposeful, opportunistic and snowball sampling, and interviewed individually or in groups. Ethnographic observations were done to study life situation in the subjects.
In one district no cases of IDU were found. In others, sexual promiscuity in IDUs was reported to be common. IDUs report sexual relationship to be more common with sex wrkers. In most of these areas, access to commercial sex is believed to be easy. Sex workers, themselves are commonly drug users, half of them are actually IDUs. Safe sex (e.g., use of condoms) is not a common habit. Homosexual relationship seems to be uncommon in IDUs and there were no reports of condom use in this type of contact. According to IDUs, dealing with this problem would require financial support and drug distribution for preventing sex work, and settlement and organization of sex workers as a prelude to effective sex education and promotion of condoms.
Expansion of injecting drug use and its relationship with blood-borne infections in recent years necessitates rapid interventions for controlling injection drug use and the associated risks. As unhealthy sex behavior seems to be common in IDUs, sex education, free condom distribution in drug abuse treatment centers and other health facilities (with the use of outreach methods) is highly recommended.
A Choobineh , M Lahmi , M Hosseini , R Khani Jazani , H Shahnavaz ,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (5 2004)
Abstract
Carpet weaving is a high risk occupation for developing MSDs, as awkward working postures, repetitive movements, contact stress and long working time are common. The objectives of the present study, which was carried out at the Iranian hand-woven carpet industry, were determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence, workstation and working posture assessment, identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in different body regions and developing guidelines for workstation design. In this study, 1439 randomly selected weavers from 9 Iranian provinces have participated. Data on personal details, workshop characteristics and MSDs symptoms was collected by questionnaire. Posture and workstation assessment were performed by observational technique. The results revealed that musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence rates in shoulders (47.8%), lower back (45.2%), wrists (38.2%), upper back (37.7%), neck (35.2%) and knees (34.6%) were high as compared to general Iranian population (for neck, back and large joints p<0.0001). Working postures were found to be deviated form neutral. Lack of proper seat, leg clearance, adjustment mechanisms, together with incorrect weaving height made weavers worked in constrained, harmful postures. The results were subjected to multivariate analyses in order to find the major factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. Several such factors were identified for symptoms of each body regions. Identified ergonomic factors were loom type, working posture, daily working time, seat type and type of knots. Based on the results, some general guidelines for weaving workstation design were developed. The prototype test showed that the new workstation was acceptable to subject tests and improved working posture.
M.r Shidfar , D Shojaizadeh , M Hosseini , N Assasi , F Majlesi ,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (5 2004)
Abstract
To determine the level of knowledge and to assess attitudes and lifestyles in patients with unstable angina. A descriptive study was conducted among CCU patients in Mashad hospitals. 180 subjects were chosen by sequential admission. They filled an 82-item questionnaire covering demographic variables (4 items) - knowledge (5 items) –attitude (56 items) – lifestyle (17 items). Findings indicate that the global level of knowledge is sufficient on issues such as cardiac risk factors, current treatments, and treatment compliance. The same patients showed very low knowledge of pain-inducing behaviors. Meanwhile, attitude scores turned out to be relatively low in some areas including perceived threat of disease (severity and susceptibility) and internal health Locus of Control. Health care professionals (physicians, nurses,..) tended to ignore the need for proper education of cardiac patients. There is a strong need to promote patient education in order to enhance knowledge and bring about a change in attitudes.
F Akbary , M Hosseini , M Arab , N Chozokly ,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (3 2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: With growing emphasis on cost containment, optimal use of resources and increased productivity, the health sector is now adopting an increasingly customer-oriented approach within its administrative and managerial structure. One way to assess hospital performance and service quality would be to measure the level of satisfaction in hospital inpatients, as this group comprises the principal users of medical services within any health care system.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study we explored the factors affecting patient satisfaction. Our sample consisted of 400 randomly-selected inpatients who answered the research questionnaire at the time of discharge. We used univariate statistical analysis to examine the effects of various factors on patient satisfaction.
Results: Of a total of 13 variables that were analyzed, 9 showed a statistically significant relationship with the outcome variable. These were age, education, marital status, occupation, hospital where interview is performed, hospital type (specialized versus general), type of ward, costs borne by the patient, and system of payment.
Conclusion: The strongest effects were observed for marital status, education, hospital type, type of ward, and cost borne by the patient. Results from this study could help to recognize the current flaws within the hospital management system and thus can aid decisions aimed at optimizing hospital services and maximizing patient satisfaction.
A Choobineh , M Hosseini ,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (3 2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: There is a close relationship between working posture and workstation design so that the postural problems appear to be largely caused by improperly designed workstation. There can be no more fundamental aspect of occupational ergonomics than the concern with the design of the workstation. There is general agreement that health, well-being and productivity of workers are strongly dependent on the success of workstation design. In ergonomic design of workstation, different factors should be taken into consideration, above all posture determinant factors. Regarding this, factorial design is a very useful methodology for identifying posture determinant factors. By this methodology, workstation variables which affect working posture can be identified. Then, optimum values of these variables are determined for working posture improvement. By this means, workstation design guidelines can be developed.
In this paper, which has been prepared with the aim of introducing factorial design in ergonomic studies, an example of factorial design application in developing workstation design guidelines for weaving operation is presented.
Materials and Methods: In a factorial design of 3×3, nine sets of experimental conditions were tested. The nine sets of experimental conditions consisted of different combinations of seats and weaving heights. Thirty professional weavers participated in the experiments and performed their normal weaving task in 9 experimental sessions. The effects of weaving height and seat type on postural variables were tested by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for Repeated Measures.
Results: The results obtained in the nine settings were compared and the setting in which optimum working posture adapted was determined. Based on the results, weaving workstation guidelines were developed.
Conclusion: It is believed that the recommended workstation improves working posture and results in reduced postural stress on weavers’ bodies and, consequently, reduced prevalence of MSDs symptoms.
M Hajaghazadeh, J Nasl Saraji, M Hosseini, J Adl,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4 2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are the most prevalent occupational diseases and injuries. The aim of this investigation was WMSDs risk factors study in building construction industry by PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling) method.
Materials and Methods: This analytical-descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in four construction sites. A total of 3100 observations of 89 workers in 14 jobs were obtained. The percent of time determined for trunk, legs and hands postures, and manual material handling activities, used tools and handling in job tasks.
Results: Trunk, legs and hands postures, tools and objects weight differed significantly between stages (P<0.0001). Neutral trunk posture was observed frequently. Neutral legs and hands postures were observed greater than %50 and %80 of the time respectively in studied workers. Tools are used with different frequency in studied jobs. Loads with less than 5 Kg were handled repeatedly.
Conclusion: The result of this study can be used to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in construction workers. This study revealed construction workers spent more time with neutral postures. But ergonomic interventions should be accomplished in specified jobs.
O Faraji , A Pourreza , M Hosseini , M Arab , F Akbari ,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (27 2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Job enrichment is a method that has been used to increase employee satisfaction and work motivation. The Hackman and Oldham job characteristics model (1976) has served as the foundation for many job enrichment efforts. In particular, a considerable amount of research has been devoted to the study of the job characteristics-job satisfaction relations. Te purpose of this study was to statistically determine the relation between job characteristics and job satisfaction among employees of hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in 2007.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional one, including 6 TUMS-affiliated hospitals-Emam, Shariati, Baharlo, Ziaeian, Madaen and Azadi. The sample size was 400, consisting of 200 administrative employees (50%), 151 nurses (38%) and 49 physicians (12%). The random sampling and stratified proportional sampling methods were used to select the hospitals and interviewees, respectively. Two questionnaires were developed and used to identify job characteristics and job satisfaction: 1) job diagnostics surveys (JDS) and 2) Hertzberg's job satisfaction questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaires was ascertained by test-retest using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.88). Linear-by-linear association and ordinal logistics regression analysis were used for analyzing the data gathered.
Results:The relations between the Motivational Potential Score (MPS) and job characteristics (except for feedback) with job satisfaction were statistically significant (p<0.05). Task identity was the most effective determinant of job satisfaction.
Conclusion: It appears that all the job characteristics (except feedback) are important determinants of job satisfaction of the hospital employees. Although the work environment is in need of restructuring, it is important to note, from a positive perspective, that the job characteristics discussed in this study are readily amenable to change job satisfaction at the organizational level.
Sm Hosseini Shokouh, M Arab, A Rahimi, A Rashidian, N Sadr Momtaz,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (13 2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hospital disaster-management planning and preparedness are essential, considering earthquake threats in Iran. The objective of this study was to assess preparedness of hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Science (IUMS) in Tehran against earthquakes in 2007 (1386 Iranian year).
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study, involving 21 governmental and private hospitals affiliated to IUMS selected by random sampling. Data were gathered using checklists, questionnaires, interviews, and observation. The SPSS software was used for analysis of the data, and the Fisher exact test was employed for statistical analysis.
Results: The data showed that, on the whole, 28.6 %, 61.9 %, and 9.5 % of the hospitals were at a weak, moderate, and good preparedness level, respectively. The hospitals preparedness level with regard to equipment safety and hazardous materials planning increases with their degree of specialization, the association being statistically significant (p = 0.038). The findings also show that there is a significant relationship between the hospital preparedness level (as regards planning for building dangers reduction) and crisis management training courses (p = 0.034).
Conclusion: Training courses are very effective for creating hospital preparedness against earthquakes.
Mm Soltan Dallal, P Fazelifard, Sm Hosseini, F Saberpoor, F Fakharian, A Tabatabaei, S Vahedi, A Najjarian,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (13 2009)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The ready-to-eat foods, before and after preparation, usually kept in a refrigerator before consumption for a relatively long time, increase the risk of food poisoning. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of refrigeration in the fast-food shops on the microbial contamination of fast foods.
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 samples, including 46 cooked beef livers and 54 cooked sausages were collected from fast-food shops in the south of Tehran and analyzed according to the procedures of the Office of Food Control Laboratories (OFCL). The samples were tested randomly for the microbial contamination on the first, third, fifth and seventh days of storage in the refrigerator.
Results: Results of microbial analysis showed that 35 cooked sausage samples (64.8%) and 34 cooked liver samples (73.9%) on the first day, 44 cooked sausage samples (81.5%) and 42 cooked liver samples (91.3%) after the third day, 47 cooked sausage samples (87.1%) and 44 cooked liver samples (95.6%) after the fifth day, and 50 cooked sausage samples (92.3%) after the seventh day were unfit for consumption Frying of the food items before consumption would decrease, though to a small extent, microbial contamination (P<0.05). Increased total micrbial counts of the food items, exceeding the respective standards, is the most important inhibitory factor for their consumption.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that keeping cooked foods for a long time in the refrigerator causes increased microbial contamination over time.
M Kamalinia, G Nasl Saraji, A Choobineh, M Hosseini,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (13 2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Application of modern technologies and changes in industries and work practices, particularly in assembly lines, have resulted in increased work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This has led to reduced occupational competence in both industrialized and developed countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of MSDs in the upper limbs, postural loading on the upper limbs (using the LUBA technoque), and ergonomic risk factors among assembly workers of an Iranian Telecommunications Manufacturing Company (ITMC) in Shiraz, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional survey data were collected, using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ) and LUBA Checklist, on 193 randomly selected registered assembly workers from 8 units of the assembly line of ITMC, Shiraz, Iran. The statistical tests used were as follws: 1.The qui-square test, to determine factors causing MSDs 2. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis to determine postural loading index 3. Logistic multiple regression analysis, to determine risk factors.
Results: Lower-back symptoms were found to be the most prevalent problem (67.9%.) among the workers. The findings also showed that the upper limb disorders were significantly associated with age, sex, job, daily working time, work evironment conditions, and twisting (P<0.01). Based on LUBA, a large majority of the workers (89.64%) had experienced high postural loading (PLI = 5). In addition, significant associations were found between postural loading and symptoms of upper limbs and units of work (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Based on these findings, MSDs are prevelent among Telecommunication Manufacturing Company in Shiraz, Iran. The most important factors likely to cause MSDs are postural loading on the limbs and unfavourable working conditions. Interventional programs aimig at preventing musculoskeletal problems among assembly line workers should focus on reducing postural loading.
M. Hosseini, B Ghavami, H Salimzadeh, H Eftekhar Ardabili,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (23 2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Unwanted pregnancy is a widespread problem globally and in Iran, which can lead to low birth weight (LBW)-one of the most important causes of mortality in newborns. This study was conducted to assess the risk factors among women with unwanted pregnancies leading to delivery of LBW infants. Other LBW risk factors were also studied.
Methods and Materials: This was a prospective cohort study performed during March 2004 to April 2005 in the health centers of Shemiran, north of Tehran, Iran. A sample of 180 mothers, 15-49 years old, with an unwanted pregnancy (case group) and 430 mothers, in the same age group, with a wanted pregnancy (control group) were compared. To determine the effect of unwanted pregnancy three major type of variables (background, maternal, and neonatal variables) were selected, and the mothers were followed up for 11-12 months (from the first referral for prenatal care to about 2 months after delivery). Statistical univariate analyses were performed using the t- and χ2 tests. Also, multiple logistic regression was employed to identify the risk factors associated with LBW. SPSS 11.5 for windows was used for data analysis.
Results: The unwanted pregnancy prevalence was 11.7%. The mean of Apgar score was 8.6 in the case group and 8.9 in the control group, the difference being statistically significant (p<0.001).Mean birth `1234t5weight of neonate in the case group was about 2.984kg vs. 3.14kg in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001) . Univariate analysis showed that LBW was related to unwanted pregnancy (p<0.001), gestational age (p<0.001), mother's age (p<0.001), mother's marriage age (p<0.001), birth order (p<0.001), number of past pregnancies (p<0.001), family size (p<0.001), number of abortions (p<0.001), attempt to abort (p<0.001), high blood pressure (p<0.001), and diabetes (p<0.001). Finally, multivariable analysis revealed that LBW was only associated with unwanted pregnancy, high blood pressure, and diabetes in mothers, with adjusted odd ratios of 2.22, 2.81 and 3.55, respectively (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Prevention of unwanted pregnancies, increased gestational age, and appropriate management of mothers' chronic diseases can reduce the risk of LBW.
F Ramezanzadeh, F Haghollahi, M Shariat, M Mahmood Arabi, H Hosseini, M Jaafar Abadi, M.a Motlagh, G Ardalan, A Vasigh, F Sohani,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (27 2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite the fact that the proportion of youth population is very high in Iran, there is no well designed, comprehensive reproductive health program for the youth. This prompted the health planners to evaluate all the existing centers that deliver reproductive health services to the youth in the country in order to identify the weaknesses and strengths of the services and the centers.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive analytic study was conducted from March 2006 to March 2007, in coordination with the Vice-chancellor for Health of Universities of Medical Sciences, through Offices for Health of the Youth and Schools (OHYS). Five health centers, namely, Tehran, Semnan, Bam, Chabahar, and Fassa Health Centers (the only centers delivering reproductive health services to the youth) were included in the study. They were assessed for structure and physical facilities, job satisfaction of the personnel, satisfaction of the youth consulting them, and the services (including consultative services) delivered. The data were gathered through questionnaires using a checklist and analyzed by the SPSS-13 software.
Results: The health center personnel thought that the quality of services delivered at the centers was low. They also believed that the physical facilities, including equipment in the clinical examination room, furniture, cleanliness of the premises, and entertainment facilities, were not of an acceptable standard. About 64% of the personnel of the health centers personnel expressed job satisfaction. On the other hand, 39% of the young people consulting the centers expressed full, and 54% relative, satisfaction with the services they were receiving the remaining 7% were not content at all. The highest rate of satisfaction was with the psychologist, physician, and midwife, so that 95% of the clients recommended the centers to other young people seeking reproductive health services. Finally, the clients said that in most of the centers paramedical personnel, including nutrition officers (50%) and midwives with a Master's degree (17.5%), were insufficient.
Conclusion: It is suggested that a comprehensive service package be developed to be used in all the health centers, rather than each center deliver services based on the existing facilities and individual preferences. Such a package should be based on the national reproductive health programs (according to the medical education curricula). Intersectoral collaboration (particularly from the Ministry of Education and cultural organizations) is also very essential.
A Pourreza, A Barat, M Hosseini, A Akbari Sari, H Oghbaie,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (27 2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Previous studies show that disability and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases are closely related to socioeconomic status in a community. The objective of this study was to determine the relationships between socioeconomic factors and coronary artery disease (CAD) among people under 45 years old at Shahid Rajaei Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Shahid Rajaei Hospital, Tehran, Iran in summer 2008. The participants were 100 CAD cases (<45 years old, mean age = 41.2 years 85% men) and 100 controls from among accompanying persons matched for age and gender. In order to assess the risk of factors related to such variables as educational level, occupation, income, social exclusion, social support, stress, exercise, nutritional status, smoking, etc, odds ratio (95% CI) was used. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the synchronic effect of the risk factors, and the t-test was used to find differences between means.
Results: The odds ratio (95% CI) for smoking vs nonsmoking was 3.9 (1.9-7.9) for CAD. Individuals with a low educational level showed an odds ratio of 2.7 (1.9-7-9), compared to those with a high educational level. Eating fruits and vegetables at least seven servings a week has an odds ratio of 2.7 (1.01-7.4) vs eating fewer servings. Occupation, job grade and physical activity had statistically significant relationships with CAD. Mean BMI was different between cases and controls. The disease had no significant association with stress, social support, social exclusion or income.
Conclusion: Smoking, a low educational level and eating small amounts of fruits and vegetables were the most important socioeconomic factors contributing to coronary artery disease. Policymaking and planning aiming at improving the socioeconomic situation of the people, particularly those under 45 years old, seem essential.
M.r Ghadimi, M Mahmoodi, K Mohammad, H Zeraati, M Hosseini, M Sheikh Fathollahi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (21 2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The most common cancer in Iran is digestive system cancer, the highest incidence of which is reported from the Caspian Sea littoral. This study aimed to determine factors affecting the survival of patients with gastrointestinal cancer using the Cox and parametric models the 2 models were compared.
Materials and Methods: This survey was a prospective study conducted between 1990 and 1991. Data were collected through the Cancer Registry Center in Babol, which functions under supervision of the School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. We tried to identify cases of gastrointestinal cancers. The individual characteristics of 484 patients, namely, age, sex, family history, marital status, smoking status, occupation, ethnicity, medication status, education, residence (urban, rural), and type of cancer were recorded. The patients were followed up for a period of 15 years, i.e., until 2006 year. To determine the effective factors on survival of patients, the Cox model and parametric models such as exponential, weibull, log-normal, log-logistic, and the AIC criteria and residuals were used to compare the effectiveness of the models. The SAS and STATA software were used for data analysis, with a significant level of 0.05.
Results: Sixty-six percent of the patients (total n=484) were males and 34% females, with a mean age of 59 and 55 years, respectively. Their distribution according to type of cancer was as follows: esophageal cancer, 359 (74.2%) stomach cancer, 110 (22.7%) colorectal cancer, 15(3.1%). Estimated one-, three-, and five-year survival rates were 24%, 16% and 15%, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that gender and family history can be strong risk factors for GI cancer. Log-normal and log-logistic models in multivariate and univariate analyses gave almost similar results. However, based on AIC criteria and residuals analysis, the log-logistic model gives the best fit as compared to other parametric models and can be used instead of the Cox model for determining factors affecting survival of patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer.
M Arab, A Zarei, M Hosseini,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (21 2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Patients who consult hospital due to physical or mental damages have legal rights. Observation of patients' rights will result in patient satisfaction, which will help to improve hospital services. The aim of this study was to determine awareness and observation of patient's right in hospitals affiliated with medical universities in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2009 in hospitals affiliated with medical universities in Tehran. A total of 601 patients were randomly selected from 11 hospitals affiliated with three medical universities in Tehran. Data were collected using a 50-item questionnaire the validity and reliability of which had been confirmed. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. The software used was SPSS.17.
Results: The mean age of the patients (59% females and 41% males) was 43.3 (SD=18.5) years and the average length of hospitalization 7.1 (SD=7.4) days. Data analysis showed that the proportions of the patients with a poor, intermediate and desirable patients' rights awareness were 71.5%, 22.0% and 5.8%, respectively. Observation of patients' rights was good in 13.8% of the cases, medium in 82.9% of the cases and poor in 3.3% of the cases. There was a significant statistical relationship between observation of patients' rights on the one hand and the hospital ward and length of stay on the other hand (p=0/007). Further analysis of the data showed that the strongest and the weakest observed rights were patient awareness right and the right of making objections and lodging complaints, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that patients are not well aware of patients' rights and that observation of patient's rights is not at a desirable level. We recommend organizing public educational programs including components on patients' rights and follow-up of patient' rights violations, as well as passing a comprehensive act to ensure observation of patients' rights and specific programs designed for monitoring and supervising it.
Z Shahhosseini, M Simbar, A Ramezankhani, H Alavi Majd,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (14 2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the social and cultural characteristics of Iranian adolescents, none of the quantitative instruments designed so far to assess their health needs is quite appropriate. The purpose of this study was to design a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess the health needs of Iranian adolescent females.
Materials and Methods: Both qualitative and quantitative approaches to instrument development were adopted in this study conducted in the District of Sari in the north of Iran. Sampling was objective-based, with an attempt to have female adolescent sample as varied as possible. In the qualitative phase, a content analysis approach was used to explore the concept of health needs as seen by female adolescents. Data were collected using 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) with the presence 6-10 adolescents 12-18 years old in each FGD, as well as 11 semi-structured interviews, each one involving 11 well-informed individuals. In the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties, including content validity, face validity, construct validity, concurrent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability, were determined.
Results: Five themes were identified in the qualitative phase of study, including psycho-emotional health, social health, physical health, and educational needs, as well as spiritual beliefs. The mean scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) was found to be 0.92. The factor structure of the instrument was identified by doing a Principal Component Analysis. Five factors were extracted with a total variance account of 45.37%. The reliability and consistency of the instrument were established with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.90) for the entire scale and test-retest reliability with a 2 week-interval Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC=0.984, p<0.001).There was a concurrent correlation between the instrument and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL TM 4.0) (r=0.66, p<0.001).
Conclusion: The instrument developed in this study is a valid, reliable and culturally appropriate instrument for assessment of health needs of Iranian adolescent females.
Azar Hadadi, Mehrnaz Rasoulinezhad, Saeed Jamali, Seyed Ahmad Seyed Ali Naghi, Kousha Paydari, Mohammad Ali Boyer, Esfandiar Shojaie, Alireza Soleymani, Sirous Faraji, Saeed Kalantari, Samaneh Bayrami, Mostafa Hosseini,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (6 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the adherence to anti-retroviral prophylaxis after occupational and non-occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients consulting the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center (VCT) of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran during the period 2008 to 2009.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, patients were selected, the required information about them was recorded, and adherence to anti-retroviral drugs (including Ziduvudin, Lamivudin and Efavirens) was determined based on self-report by the patients. Eighty-nine exposed patients were followed monthly for 4 months, and in the case of low-adherence (less than 95%) they were asked for the reason(s) for noncompliance.
Results: Of the 89 patients, 55 were men (61.8%) and 34 (38/2%) were women with a mean age of 30.16± 8.39 years 47 participants (52.8%) were single and 42 (47.1%) married 27 subjects (30.3%) were physicians, 35 (39.3%) nurses and 27 (30.3%) had occupations outside the healthcare system. From among the 36 subjects (40.5%) who stopped the treatment, 24 (27.0%) stopped it correctly (that is, when the serological test proved to be negative), while 12 (13.4%) did not stop it on a sound basis. Fifty-three subjects (59.6%) completed the prophylaxis. Adherence was found to be significantly associated with age and marital status (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The main reason for stopping the prophylaxis (a negative serological test result of the resource patient) was more pronounced than previous studies, which indicates the higher availability of the resource patient.
Shohreh Shahmahmoodi, Seyed Mohsen Zahraei, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Taha Mousavi, Masoud Hosseini, Marjan Ostovar Esfandabadi, Mahmood Mahmoodi, Hamideh Tabatabaie, Maryam Yousefi, Yaghoob Mollaie Kandalousi, Sahar Abbasi, Rakhshandeh Nategh,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Iran National Polio Laboratory (NPL) is a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Polio Laboratories Network. NPL receives stool specimens from acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases from all the provinces throughout Iran for poliovirus detection and identification. Furthermore, the NPL also detects non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) in these specimens. Recently, NPEVs have come to be believed to be one of the most important causes of AFP following wild poliovirus. This paper reports the prevalence of different types of NPEVs isolated from the specimens of AFP cases between 1995 and 2000.
Materials and Methods: Stool collection, virus detection and serotype identification were performed according to the WHO standard procedures.
Results: A total of 2180 stool specimens from AFP cases were received at the National Polio Laboratory. Coxsackie B viruse and echoviruses 6, 11, 7 and 13 had the highest frequency, identified in 23.7%, 14.4%, 12.7%, 11% and 10.2% of the NPEVs isolated from AFP cases, respectively. Four cases of echovirus 20 were identified, in 2 cases the patiets having died and in one the patient having been afflicted with residual paralysis. There have been no reports of death or residual paralysis (paralysis continuing after 60 days) due to echoviruse 20.
Conclusion: Considering the upward trend of AFP cases in Iran, even after wild poliovirus eradication, studies are needed to determine the frequency and type identification of NPEVs and the relationship between NPEVs and residual paralysis in the post-eradication era (2000 onwards).
Shayesteh Shirzadi, Davoud Shojaeezadeh, Mohammad Hossein Taghdisi, Agha Fatemeh Hosseini,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (24 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Puberty as a stage of life is an important developmental process. Teen girls have numerous health care needs and their specific issues should be considered. This study mainly aimed to determine the impact of education based on health belief model on promotion of physical puberty health among female teenagers who were residents in welfare boarding centers in Tehran city.
Materials and Methods: It was a quasi-experimental intervention study, conducted in welfare boarding centers of Tehran city among inhabitant girls with 12 to 19 years old. All eligible persons were selected (n=61). Data collection tool was a questionnaire including demographic information, health belief components, physical function during menstruation, completed before and one month after training by interview. Educational intervention was implemented in 3 months. Data was analyzed by Wilcoxon statistical test using SPSS16 software.
Results: After educational intervention, perceived severity (p<0.001), perceived susceptibility (p<0/001), perceived barriers (p<0.001), perceived benefits (p<0.001), and physical function during menstruation were significantly different.
Conclusion: Educational intervention improved girls' perceptions and performance. Thus, health belief model should be used for puberty health education planning in female adolescents.
Behrooz Yazdan Panah, Mitra Safari, Farah Bahreini, Farzad Vafaee, Mohsen Salari, Mehran Yousefi, Masoud Rezaei, Ali Hosseini, Mohammad Habibian, Farid Moradian,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (8-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Current traditional research methods for solving social problems were challenged due to limited participation of community . The health companion project was carried out with the aim of determining effective model of community participation for solving health problems in Boyerahmad and Dena township. .
Materials and Methods : This study is a community based participatory research performed in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad province 2005-2009.The study population was the entire rural and urban households of Boyerahmad and Dena county.The strategic committee of project including academic researchers, managers of health and health related sectors was formed and this committee selected six regions for research activities. In each region local directing group "health companion " was established with participation of stakeholders: academic researchers, local leaders, health providers and public representatives to guide all aspects of project. The members of the group empowered and enabled by attending training workshops for need assessment, priority setting, research methodology that through these activities the health problem priorities of the regions were recognized, the research area determined and intervention programs were designed and implemented according to these research area.
Results: The most important achievement of this project is the methods of activities to reaching goals. Implementation of six participatory interventional proposal for solving health problems and needs are the other achievement. The frequency and means of health problems and their risk factors significantly reduced after the completion of intervention program in each region.
Conclusion: Establishing and activities of health companion groups followed model of Planned Approach to Community Health (PATCH) that help community to form health promotion team, collecting and organizing of data, choosing health priorities, developing a comprehensive intervention plan and evaluation .
