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K Kamali, K Mohammad, H.r Khorram Khorshid, A Mirabzadeh A, A Fotouhi,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (13 2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Case-Control studies provide evidence in the area of health. Validity and accuracy of such studies depend to a large extent on the similarity (similar distributions) of the case and control groups according to confounding variables. Matching is a method for controlling or eliminating the effects of important confounders. Matching using propensity score has recently been introduced to control the effect of confounders, especially when there are many of them in a study.
Materials and Methods: Matching according to propensity score was used in a genetic association study-a case-control study involving 300 subjects-to assess the effect of candidate genes on Alzheimer's disease in the Iranian population. Propensity score was calculated using STATA.8 software age, sex, education level, job and genetic background were included in the model to calculate the score.
Results: A total of 385 blood samples were taken from the participants. We managed to extract DNA in 155 of the 173 case subjects and in 161 of the 212 control subjects. The model for propensity score was statistically significant. Of the total of 316 DNA samples, 302 were matched based on their calculated propensity scores, while the individual matching method could only deliver 28 pairs.
Conclusion: The propensity-score matching method results in selection of a larger number of pairs, as compared with the conventional individual matching method. We propose to use this method, which also ensures a similar distribution of confounders between the case and control groups, particularly when there are limitations in the number of subjects available for matching.
A Mazlomi, M Hamzeiyan Ziarane, A Dadkhah, M Jahangiri, M Maghsodipour, P Mohadesy, M Ghasemi ,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (20 2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Today in most of the work environments, such as nuclear, military and chemical industries, human error may result in catastrophic events. A common characteristic of large technological systems is that massive amounts of potentially dangerous materials are kept in one single unit controlled by control room operators. A control room is indeed the heart of a system of this type and any error in task performance by the operators may have undesirable consequences which could never be compensated. In this study we aimed to identify and assess human errors in the control room of the Aromatic Unit of Bouali-Sina Petrochemical Company, Iran using the CREAM method.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and analytical-descriptive study carried out in the control room of the Aromatic Unit of Bouali-Sina Petrochemical Company, Iran with 39 operators. After a job analysis by the hierarchical task analysis (HTA), probable control modes and cognitive failure probability were determined for occupational tasks using the basic and the extended CREAM methodologies.
Results: Based on the results of the basic CREAM method, control modes for the tasks of action, Boardman and shift control supervisor were determined as Opportunistic Control mode, while for the task of control room head it was obtained as Tactical control mode. With regard to the error types, the following results were obtained on the basis of the extended method of CREAM: execution failure (51.70%), interpretation failure (19.55%), planning failure (14.94%), and observation failure (13.81%).
Conclusion: The basic CREAM method showed the common performance factors (CPCs) leading to reduced performance reliability to be the number of simultaneous tasks, time of day (circadian rhythm), and adequacy and quality of training and experience. These factors caused the operators to choose an opportunistic control mode. In addition, based on the extended CREAM method results, the most noticeable cognitive failure was execution failure. In addition, the most important cognitive activities related to the control process in the control room were communication, execution, diagnosis, monitoring, and planning. Based on these findings, providing instructions and guidelines for work procedures, holding training courses, shift work scheduling, optimization of the communication systems and modifications in the control software are essential to minimize human errors in the Bouali Sina Petrochemical Company control room.
Aziz Kassani, Mahmoud Reza Gohari, Mir Taher Mousavi, Mohsen Asadilari,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (24 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Social capital composed of networks, norms and values, which facilitates cooperation within and between groups to achieve mutual benefits and common goals. Social capital increases the benefits of investing in physical and human capital. In a society that favors more social capital, collaboration is easier. This study investigates the validity and reliability of a social capital tool, which had been administered through a large population-based survey using factor analysis.
Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART-1) survey in Tehran. Factor analysis is a method of discovering structural position of variables to reduce them into a limited number of components which are more fundamental. The reliability of the questionnaire and main components of the tool were investigated through factor analysis.
Results: According to factor analysis, three main components of social capital including, individual trust, cohesion/ social support and social trust/associative relations, were recognized. These three components explained 66.14% of total variance of the social capital tool. Also, overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.88 which indicates high reliability of the questionnaire.
Conclusion: Social capital tool, which was administered in Urban HEART project, covers the main components of social capital framework with high reliability and validity, which is suitable to be used in other population-based surveys.
Masoumeh Dejman, Maroe Vameghi, Fatemeh Dejman, Payam Roshanfekr, Hasan Rafiey, Ameneh Setareh Forouzan, Majid Rezazadeh, Parisa Fazeli,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Children who work or live in the streets are one of the high-risk groups for HIV. The high population of street children and lack of comprehensive intervention programs for them increase their risk for HIV in Iran. This study intended to explore the situation of drug abuse in street children in Tehran, the capital city.
Materials and Methods: This paper reports part of a comprehensive rapid assessment and response (RAR) research project on street children in Tehran during 2012-13. Data were collected by interviewing subjects using questionnaires. The sample size was 289 street children selected by time-location sampling in Tehran.
Results : Data showed that about 25.6% of the street children had had some history of cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, and/or drug abuse. Most of them were boys aged 15-18 years. The prevalence rate of cigarette and/or hubble-bubble smoking, alcohol consumption and drug abuse during the preceding 6 months 12.1%, 11% and 6.9%, respectively. Significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and drug abuse on the one hand and the children’s age, type of occupation and home-leaving experience on the other. Further analysis of the data showed that the main reason for drug abuse was curiosity (56.6%), followed by mere enjoyment (39.6%) and leisure (35.8%) .
Conclusion : It can be concluded that drug abuse among street children is highly associated with gender, age, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and leaving home experience. Therefore, it is recommended to start drug abuse prevention programs at lower ages, with particular emphasis on boys. In addition, family intervention and improvement of children’s lifestyle aiming at preventing home-leaving could be a main strategic plan for reducing drug abuse among street children.
Mohsen Roshanpajouh, Roksana Mirkazemi, Mehrdad Ehterami, Houman Narenjiha, Hossein Malek Afzali, Hamidreza Sarrami, Majid Rezazadeh, Fatemeh Abbasi, Saeid Noroozi,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Drug abuse is a long-standing social and public health problem in Iran. Access to accurate, reliable and up-to-date data related to drug use is essential for planning and policy-making for prevention of, treatment of, and harm reduction related to, drug abuse. The purpose of this study was to access accurate data regarding drug abuse prevalence and substance use in Tehran Province population.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional household survey with a sample of 6024 individuals aged 15-64 years residing in Tehran Province. Data on demographic characteristics and drug use during the previous week, month and year and the whole lifetime were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire.
Results: A total of 5646 individuals participated in the study. The lifelong prevalence of cigarette-smoking, hookah-smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use were 21.9%, 26.8%, 12.1% and 7.3%, respectively. The corresponding proportions during the previous week were 12.9%, 10.5%, 1.8% and 2.2%.
Conclusion: The prevalence of cigarette-smoking, hookah-smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use is high in Tehran Province. The prevalence of lifelong cigarette and hookah smoking and alcohol consumption is higher, while that of drug use is lower, than the respective national averages.
Homeira Soleimannejad, Hamid Poursharifi, Jahansha Mohammadzadeh, Kourosh Sayemiri,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Adolescents' attitude to suicide is one of the major problems in mental health. Thus, research in this area is of utmost importance. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an integrated protocol in reducing the negative attitude toward problem solving as a determinant of suicidal tendency in adolescents and young people 15-24 years old in Ilam, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental pretest-posttest study with a control group, a sample of 40 adolescents 15-24 years old were selected by random cluster sampling in Ilam city, Iran. All of the participants completed a suicidal attitude questionnaire, as well a negative- attitude-toward-problem solving questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the SPSS-V19 software, the statistical test being the multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA).
Results: Multivariate analysis of variance analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the attested scores of the two groups (P <0.01, F = 0.408, Wilk's Lambda = 0.506). The differences between the experimental and control groups were significant as regards all of the components of the negative attitude. The training based on the integrated approach to negative attitude in problem solving was found to have been effective. The post-test scores of two variables, namely, problem tendency-avoidance and personal control, decreased in the experimental group; however, one other variable, namely, trust in problem-solving, increased.
Conclusion: Based on the findings it can be concluded that education based on an eclectic (integrated) approach towards the negative attitude to problem solving can be effective in adolescents and the youth 15-24 years old with suicidal tendencies ─ suicidality. Hence, it is recommended to administer training programs such as problem-solving, emotional regulation and mindfulness to help psychologists, parents, adolescents, health professionals and social pathologists to reduce and prevent suicide in adolescents.
Farahnaz Mohammadi-Shahboulaghi, Tahereh Ramezani, Dariush Panahizadeh, Sholeh Hazarian, Reza Fadayevatan,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Delivering health services to the elderly is one of the most important responsibilities of the health care system of any country. In order to improve the provision of health services to the elderly population under its coverage, the National Social Security Organization conducted this study with the aim of designing, implementing and evaluating a model for providing outpatient health care services to the elderly population under the coverage of its Tehran Province Office.
Materials and Methods: This was a sequential-exploratory mixed-method study. The initial model was developed and validated using the integrated review method and the final model using the Delphi technique and group discussions with experts. Then the educational program was developed and implemented for the health team. Assessment of the effectiveness of the program was done using a researcher-made knowledge and attitude questionnaire (pre- and post-test). The model was then implemented in the Khandan-e-Hakim Clinic. The effectiveness of the model implementation was determined based on the qualitative content analysis of the interviews with the elderly and qualitative content analysis of the health team comments.
Results: The outpatient care model of the elderly included an organized clinical process consisting of 6 phases. The mean age of the health team members was 45.7±15.11 years. The difference between the health team satisfaction total scores before and after participating in the educational program was statistically significant (P≤0.05). Further analysis of the data showed, based on the interviews with the elderly, the main categories to be "assessment of cognitive function, mood and behavior", "physical assessment", "appreciation of the health and dignity of the elderly" and "satisfaction of the elderly and their companions". Analysis of the comments of the health team revealed their satisfaction with the implementation of the model.
Conclusion: The introduced model can make possible rapid identification of health problems and timely intervention in the elderly population. This implementation model will help disease prevention and complications at different levels. The findings of this study can help service providers to provide better care and health services for the elderly.
Seyedeh Maryam Pourmousavi, Zoha Hajiha, Mohammad Marfat, Iman Zaghian, Hamed Moslehi,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and purpose: The purpose of this research was to write a critical review of the available service packages in the Mental and Social Health and Addiction Office (MSHAO) of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in the areas of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, which are currently used in the primary health care system. The content analysis method was used to extract the specialists’ critiques.
Materials and Methods: Initially the MSHAO sent 1362 pages of information in the form of 47 files to researchers to be reviewed. The files were classified, eliminating/removing additional, unrelated and duplicated items; finally 840 pages in 29 files were studied and carefully examined. Then, seven experts in the field of addiction were asked to criticize the packages, using the content analysis method to extract the experts' critiques.
Results: The findings showed that comprehensive information about drugs, alcohol and tobacco addiction is provided to the clients. However, based on a critical review of the existing packages four main critiques were extracted, namely, sources/references, epidemiology, incompatibility of Iranian-Islamic culture, and technical-specialist issues. In addition, criticisms were also extracted in the following areas/services: the number of files and the variety of interventions, editing and writing problems, interventions and discussions with inappropriate in-text sources/citations, some old sources/references (published in 2013 and 2014), old interventions, lack of appropriate compatibility with the culture of the Islamic society of Iran, and direct translation of some parts of the original texts and documents of international meetings/gatherings.
Conclusion: Despite the efforts of the Mental and Social Health and Addiction Office to cover the needs of the majority of people referring to the primary care system, it seems that the high number of interventions and additional information can cause confusion of/for the physician, mental health care provider, family health care provider, general health care provider and other relevant individuals. It is, therefore, suggested that some packages be merged with each other, duplicate items be removed and specific sections be added, some packages be fundamentally revised based on the suggested items, and updated packages be developed with due consideration of to the culture of the Iranian society.
Seyedeh Mahboobeh Hosseini Zare, Jafar Babapour, Maryam Zare, Ahmad Siar Sadr, Seyed Mahdi Mohsenzadeh, Bijan Khorasani ,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The prevalence of COVID-19 and its impact on mental health posed a significant challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Healthcare systems were required, in addition to their responsibilities such as rapid diagnosis, controlling and slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, to adopt strategies to mitigate the psychological effects of this disease in the society. The objective of this study was to examine and review mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies adopted to cope with it in various countries.
Materials and Methods: All published articles on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and coping strategies between February and October 2020 were reviewed in four databases and one search engine. A total of 394 articles that met inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected using a 15-point tool developed by Miton and colleagues. Ultimately 25 articles were selected and analyzed.
Results: The most prevalent mental health issues identified in the reviewed articles were depression, anxiety and stress. In addition, vulnerable and high-risk groups were recognized as being women, individuals with pre-existing health issues, youth aged 18 to 29 years, frontline healthcare workers and individuals without an income.
Conclusion: Despite various strategies chosen and adopted in different countries, the majority of people suffered from mental health challenges arising from COVID-19. During an outbreak collaboration between health system authorities and media in providing accurate and effective information, as well as offering preventive measures, can facilitate the prevention of mental health within a population. Therefore, it is essential for the health systems to pay attention to mental health infrastructure and design comprehensive strategies to address future crises.
