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Zahra Hossein Khani, Maryam Sabaghian, Arsalan Fouladvand, Narges Shams Gilani, Zahra Fatahi, Morteza Motahharifard,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (6-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The quality of life of community health workers (Behvarzes) is of special importance since they are in direct contact with the community offering health services to individuals and families. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of life of Behvarzes in Qazvin Province, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 406 male- and female-Behvarzes working in the health houses in Qazvin Province, Iran. Data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The questionnaire was distributed in the Behvarzes’ monthly refresher training sessions and completed by them (self-administrated). Data were analyzed using SPSS version17.
Result: The average age of the participants was 35.4± 6.3 years. Analysis of the data showed the means of quality of life scores for physical, psychological, social and environment domains to be 50.81%, 53.00%, %53.96 and %35.7, respectively. In all domains, the score of quality of life for the Behvarzes with a high education level was significantly higher than those of others (p<0.001). In addition, marital status was significantly associated with the quality of life
in all the domains (p<0.001) except in the environment domain (p=0.16).
Conclusion: The result of this study show that the quality of life of health workers (Behvarzes) is medium. Considering the importance of their work and the services they offer to the community, attempts should be made to improve their quality of life.
Rezvan Kakavand-Ghalehnoei, Zabihallah Shoja, Alireza Najafi, Mostafa Haji Mollahoseini, Somayeh Jalilvand,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the lack of information on the occurrence of the epidemic form of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and the high prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients (46%), it was decided to estimate the incidence of KS in this group. Based on the fact that active HHV-8 infection leads to KS development, it is essential to first assess the prevalence of active HHV-8 infection in these patients. Most of the Iranian HIV-infected patients are not aware that they are HIV-positive. If the prevalence of HHV-8 infection is high in these patients, they may spread HHV-8 in the community by high-risk sexual behaviors, which would lead to an increase in the incidence of classic Kaposi’s sarcoma. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HHV-8 among HIV-infected subjects.
Materials and Methods: One-hundred plasma samples from HIV-infected patients were collected. Genome was extracted and assessed by the nested PCR assay with specific primers for ORF26. Positive samples were amplified for the ORF K1 region by nested-PCR. Subsequently their products were sequenced and their phylogenic trees constructed.
Results: HHV-8 was detected in 8 of the patients (8%). No statistically significant associations were found between age and gender on the one hand and HHV-8 infection on the other (p > 0.05). Two genotypes, namely, A and C, were identified, the former in two patients and the latter in one.
Conclusion: Although the prevalence of HHV-8 infection is high among Iranian HIV-infected patients, active HHV-8 infection rate is low among them. Therefore, it seems that the incidence of epidemic KS is likely to be very low in this group. Certainly more research is needed in this area. As regards genotypes, genotypes A and C are found in the samples.
Ali Safari Morad Abadi, Teymour Agha Molaei, Ali Ramezankhani, Sakineh Dadipoor,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Health literacy implies the achievement, processing and perception of fundamental information and services required for making appropriate health-related decisions. Due to the high significance of health literacy during pregnancy and its direct effect on fetus, the present research was conducted to investigate the health literacy of pregnant women visiting medical centers in Bandar Abbas, Iran in 2015.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study conducted on 250 pregnant women visiting the healthcare centers in Bandar Abbas, Iran selected by mixed sampling (both clustering and simple random). The data were collected using an adult health literacy questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16, the statistical tests being independent-sample t-test, ANOVA, Tukey test and linear regression.
Results: The average age of the pregnant women was 31.61±7.45 years. The proportions of the women with an adequate, borderline and inadequate level of literacy were 52%, 20.8% and 27.2%, respectively. A statistically significant association was found between health literacy and education (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001) and the quality of healthcare provision during pregnancy (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The results reveal that the mothers’ health literacy is inadequate or at borderline. Based on these results the following are recommended in an attempt to promote health literacy of pregnant women: 1. revising/simplifying teaching materials, including both oral and pictorial, in addition to written materials in the form of posters, pamphlets and brochures; 2. promoting communication skills of health workers/mothers.
Alireza Heidari, Mohammad Arab, Kourosh Etemad, Behzad Damari, Mansoureh Lotfi,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The purpose of phenylketonuria (PKU) screening is to assess the risk of, and prevent, the disease in the newborns likely inflicted with it. The aim of this study was to investigate why and how PKU screening was decided to be included in the national health agenda, initiated and implemented in Iran.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted based on the Kingdon’s framework model in 2015. The participants were thirty-eight policy-makers, managers and researchers selected by purposeful sampling.Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using framework analysis.
Results: The physical and mental disabilities, medical and maintenance costs and the need for rehabilitation services were examples of the problem stream. In addition, sampling based on the National Congenital Hypothyroidism Program and implementation feasibility at the national level were examples of the policy stream. Finally, pressure by the patients' families, the Scientific Children Association and executive managers were examples of the political will stream. When the three streams occurred simultaneously, health policy-makers agreed to implement the program and then was opened the window of opportunity.
Conclusion: Successful implementation of the National Phenylketonuria Screening Program in Iran has been the result of interactions among three streams, namely, nature of the problem, political will and optimal use of policy-makers of the window of opportunity opened.
Saeed Motesadi Zarandi, Rasul Nasiri, Mohammad Esmaeil Motlagh,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: High concentrations of particulate matter-25 (PM2.5) have been the cause of the unhealthiest days in Tehran, Iran in recent years. This study was conducted with the aim of the spatio-temporal analysis of traffic volume and its relationship with PM2.5 pollutant concentrations in Tehran metropolis, Tehran during 2015-2018, using the Geographic Information System (GIS).
Materials and Methods: In this study in different regions of Tehran, the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) model was used for prediction and zoning of the PM2.5 concentrations and traffic volume during the period 2015-2018. In addition, the association between the PM2.5 concentrations and traffic volume was determined based on the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model.
Results: The findings showed that the southern and southwestern regions of Tehran had the highest PM2.5 pollutant concentration (annual average more than 40 μg/m3), while the eastern and northern regions had the highest traffic volume. In addition, based on the GWR model, the eastern regions were found to have the highest local R2 values (between 0.36 and 0.70).
Conclusion: In most regions of Tehran, no strong association can be found between high concentrations of PM2.5 and traffic volume. However, based on the findings of this study we cannot reject the relationship between traffic volume and PM2.5 pollutant but postulate other sources to be the main reason for the high concentrations of PM2.5. Thus, in the first step, these sources should be identified, followed by adopting strategies for traffic volume control and reduction aiming at having a cleaner air in Tehran.
Behzad Damari, Seyed Hasan Emami Razavi, Ahmad Hajebi, Elham Elahi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: According to the definition proposed by WHO, social health is a health dimension that impacts, or is affected by, the two physical and mental dimensions. Based on the definition given by the Academy of Medical Sciences of Islamic Republic of Iran, social health includes reciprocal qualitative and quantitative behaviors by individuals towards welfare of the society. Pro-social behaviors and an encouraging environment are considered as the two main components of social health promotion. The purpose of this study was to identify pro-social behaviors in the Iranian society.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study. Data were collected using 1). Literature review based on sources related to Iranian culture and religious advice, as well as published international experiences, and 2). Expert opinions based on focus group discussions on eight specialized disciplines. The data obtained were content analyzed.
Results: Analysis of the data of this study showed twenty pro-social behaviors (possible to be categorized into three domains/areas of social thinking, speech and expression, and behavior):
acceptance of diversity and altruism, understanding human rights, not telling lies, cooperation, humbleness, donation/free contribution, being critical, patience and forgiveness, lack of distrust/suspicion, speaking competence, proper balance/equilibrium, sense of responsibility, brotherhood, personal discipline/order, fidelity, trustworthiness, consultation, cultural exchange, self-identity and, finally, respecting the environment.
Conclusion: Behavior change requires applying evidence-based models, e.g., social marketing. It is, thus, suggested that after investigating and surveying pro-social behaviors in the Iranian society, barriers to pro-social behaviors should be investigated and social marketing programs be developed and implemented aiming to help improve these behaviors.
Maryam Kazemi, Nastaran Safavi, Majid Rostami Mpghaddam, Romina Behboodi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study aimed to assess the effects of zinc supplementation on the clinical signs of patients with plaque-type psoriasis with skin congestion under 20%.
Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blinded clinical trial included 44 patients with plaque-type psoriasis with skin congestion under 20% referring to the Imam Reza Hospital in Ardabil, Iran. The patients with low levels of serum zinc and no history of joint congestion were randomly divided into a treatment and a control group. Those in the treatment group received, daily for a month, a 220mg zinc supplement along with Eucerin, a topical ointment, while those in the control group received a placebo and Eucerin for the same period. All the participants were followed up for a period of three months. The severity of itching, erythema, scaling, dispersion, and extent of lesions induration were determined using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 26.0, the statistical method being generalized estimation equations (GEE).
Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups as regards demographic and general characteristics (p>0.05); there was no significant difference as regards their initial serum zinc levels either (p>0.05). Based on the GEE analysis, no significant differences were observed as regards itching severity, erythema, scaling, dispersion, the thickness of lesions’ induration between the two groups over the study period (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Zinc supplementation has no considerable effect on reducing the clinical signs of patients with plaque-type psoriasis and skin congestion under 20%.
Ahmad Mehri, Ali Akbar Hasanpour, Akram Robatjazi, Mehrsadat Mahdizadeh,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Social capital is a social component affecting health outcomes considered to be one of the important factors influencing health inequity in the communities; it is one of the main concerns of health system in the suburbs. This study aimed to determine social capital and its relationships with demographic factors and perceived health status in the suburbs of Mashhad, Iran in 2020.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study including 300 residents in the suburbs of Mashhad, Iran selected using the cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire containing demographic and perceived health status questions, as well as the Onyx and Bullen social capital questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the t-test, Pearson correlation test, one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression, using SPSS-version 24.
Results: The mean age of the individuals was 34.6± 11 years and their social capital score 53.63± 10.52. Among the eight social capital components, the value of life (57.91± 17.7) and participation in the local community (44.28± 15.28) were found to have the highest and lowest mean scores, respectively. Further analysis of the data showed that sex, education level and perceived health could predict 23% of the changes in the total social capital (p <0.001).
Conclusion: In this study, the level of social capital of the participants was low, but the demographic factors and health status were related to social capital. Therefore, policymakers and social and health planners should design and implement community-based interventions to improve the level of social capital.
Kourosh Holakouie-Naieni, Mohammad Ali Mansournia, Shahrzad Nematollahi, Mahin Nomali, Mehdi Haresabadi, Mohammad Isaq Mohammadi, Tanaz Valadbeigi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of growth failure of one-year old children in the suburban regions of Bandar-e-Abbas City based on a population-based cohort study conducted by Bandar Abbas Health Research Station, affiliated to School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in the south of Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study in 2021, data on the growth of 540 one-year old infants obtained in a cohort study aiming to identify contributors to mother and child health in the suburbs of Bandar-e-Abbas City, Iran were used. The outcomes included weight, height, and head circumference growth failures among one-year infants. Data analysis was performed using the STATA software version 14, the statistical tests being descriptive statistics and univariate and multiple logistic regressions.
Results: Low birth weight was found to increase the odds of one-year-old children’s weight growth failure 3.05 times (the adjusted odds ratio, OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 8.91-1.04). A low socioeconomic status reduced the odds of head circumference growth failure 59% (the adjusted OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19-0.89), and a low birth weight increased the odds of head circumference growth failure 2.46 times (adjusted OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.01-5.97). None of the maternal and childhood factors were related to the one-year-old child height growth failure.
Conclusion: The findings of this study show that low birth weight increases the odds of normal body growth and head circumference growth failures at the age on one year, while a low socioeconomic status reduces the odds of head circumference growth failure. There are no relations between any of the maternal and childhood factors and height growth failure at the age of one year.
Zeynab Zarei, Azar Tol, Roya Sadeghi, Kamal Azam, Maryam Sabouri,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The practice of breastfeeding among mothers is affected by their knowledge of, and attitude to, it. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of intervention, using the transtheoretical model (TTM), on the knowledge, attitude and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women in the third trimester referred to Golestan University of Medical Sciences in hospitals in 2021.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention was conducted on 120 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 60) or a control (n = 60) group using the permuted block randomization. The data collection tools were a two-part questionnaire to collect data on demographic and obstetric characteristics and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the TTM. Due to the coronavirus Epidemic the education was conducted partly face-to face in five 30-minute sessions three times a week observing the health protocols and partly virtually via WhatsApp and Telegram messenger (audio file, video tutorial, electronic pamphlets and posters). The data collected one and six months after the intervention were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16, the tests being descriptive and inferential tests.
Results: The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, practice and the TTM constructs were not statistically significant between the intervention and control groups before the education intervention. One and six months after the intervention the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and practice and the TTM constructs, as well as perceived barriers and benefits in decision-making and self-efficacy were found to be significantly different between the intervention and control groups (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the findings it seems that breastfeeding education of pregnant women based on the transtheoretical model can improve their knowledge, attitude and practice as regards exclusive breastfeeding.
Rasul Nasiri, Saeed Motesaddi Zarandi, Mohammad Esmaeil Motlagh ,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Climate change on the earth is changing faster than ever before in the history. Cities are highly vulnerable to this climate change. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate climate change in the metropolis of Tehran during the period 1991-2020 and help understand the limitations that cities may have in confronting climate change.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed based on the information obtained from the synoptic stations in the Tehran metropolis. First the relevant indicators were determined based on the opinions of experts and the existing literature, followed by analyzing the descriptive and analytical data on climate using the EXCEL-2016 software. Finally, based on reviewing the studies in the literature and analysis of climate data in the metropolis of Tehran, a single protocol was arrived at to study climate change in the city (microclimate) and how to reduce, and adapt with, the impacts of climate change in cities.
Results: Analysis of the data showed that the metropolis of Tehran had been facing an increase in temperature and a decrease in humidity over the preceding 30 years. The average monthly temperature increase and humidity decrease had been about 1.5° C and nearly 15%, respectively.
Conclusion: Tehran metropolis is faced with an increase in temperature and a decrease in humidity levels, the intensity of both of which will further increase in the future. Dense urban population areas will experience more intense climate change due to the formation of heat islands. To deal with this problem urban planners must consider urban socio-economic development in the context of adapting to climate change and reducing its impacts in various urban areas.
Arezu Amirali, Ameneh Elikaei, Roxana Mansour Ghanaie, Idesbald Boone, Abdollah Karimi, Tim Eckmanns, Andreas Lutz Jansen, Fatemeh Fallah, Noushin Marhamati, Niloofar Pashaei, Shahriar Janbazi, Ahmad Reza Shamshiri, Hamid Reza Baradaran, Mohammad Hossein Rostami, Masoud Alebouyeh,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the seroepidemiological history of SARS-CoV-2 infection among asymptomatic children in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: Blood samples of children younger than 14 years old were collected during the period autumn-winter 2020 and spring 2021 and tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody using the EUROIMMUN ELISA kit. In addition, questionnaires were used to collect demographic and infection status information in the participants. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software.
Results: Out of the 1142 children collected from the children with no COVID-19 symptoms, 33.3% (381/1142) were found to have had a history of SARS-CoV-2. The positive samples in girls and boys were 34.1% and 33.03%, respectively. Analysis of the data showed no statistically significant differences between the infection rate on the one hand and age, family size, underlying diseases, gender or occupations of the family members on the other hand. In addition, the infection rate was significantly lower in autumn 2020 than in winter 2020 and spring 2021.
Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection can occur in children with no clinical symptoms. In addition, the infection rate is in direct correlation with an increase in age of the children.
Fariba Golestani, Zahra Abedi, Zahra Azizi, Reza Gholamnia,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Due to the design features, facilities and the presence of crude oil materials or refined products from crude oil, the refining industry is prone to major accidents such as fire and explosions, which cause a lot of damages and losses. On the other hand, due to the development of intelligent technologies and drones (remote-controlled birds) and the widespread use of these technologies in various industries, the use of these new technologies in the oil and gas industry is inevitable. This case study was conducted with the aim of utilizing drone technology in fire crisis management in oil refineries in the Lavan Oil Refinery, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Data were collected using qualitative methods and literature review by combining keywords such as refinery, fire and explosion and drone, as well as holding semi-structured interviews with 15 informed and experienced persons from among refinery personnel. In order to identify internal strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) and external opportunities (O) and threats (T) the gathered data were analyzed using the basic SWOT model.
Results: Analysis of the data show the following strategies to be the results of the external threats and opportunities and internal strengths and weaknesses: Strength/Opportunity (SO), Strength/Threat (ST), Weakness / Opportunity (WO) and Weakness/Threat (WT).
Conclusion: The use of drones for monitoring (finding the location and source of fire), identifying (determining the exact location and extent of the fire), confronting and controlling (relief and rescuing, saving the lives of firefighters, firefighting) in the Iranian oil industry requires making changes in the capacity and levels of technology and the equipment and manpower. Making these changes requires the support of managers and personnel of the oil industry in order to use this new technology and make it operational. In this way, fire crisis management in refineries can be implemented by using drone technology.
Nader Jahanmehr, Ali Siamiaghdam, Abbas Daneshkohan,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: With the rapid spread of Covid-19 around the world, the exposure of health care workers to the disease has increased. The study aimed to investigate the personal and professional experiences of health care workers during the outbreak of coronavirus in hospitals in Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study included health care workers in the main Covid-19 units in Shahid-Beheshti University of Medical Sciences hospitals in Tehran, Iran conducted using the content analysis method in 2021. The sample was selected by purposeful sampling, using the snowball method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and, after extracting the items, analyzed using the MAXQDA 10 software.
Results: After coding a total of 236 main codes were extracted and divided into 10 main categories and 30 subcategories. Four main themes were identified: "Personal experience of health care workers", "Professional experience of health care workers", "Challenges of working in the field of Covid-19" and "Strategies to deal with Covid-19".
Conclusion: Due to the increasing psychological pressure on health care workers, it seems that planning psychological counseling and providing welfare facilities for them can be useful in reducing their mental stress. In addition, it is recommended to hold training and maneuvering courses at times of crisis and provide the necessary equipment, as well as take action for continuous supervision and monitoring to improve the working conditions of health workers.
Mohammad Moradi-Joo, Ali Akbari-Sari, Maryam Seyed-Nezhad, Seyed Mansoor Rayegani, Alireza Olyaeemanesh,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), are "recommendations intended to optimize patient care based on systematic reviews of available evidence and assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options". CPGs play an important role in improving the quality of care, reducing the diversity of treatment methods, reducing medical errors, managing health costs and increasing patient safety. This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the decisions, consequences and policy trends of using CPGs in Iran during the period 2001-2021.
Materials and Methods: This study was a type of health policy analysis, carried out using analysis of the policy process approach. Data were collected through reviewing policy documents (n=79) and qualitative interviews (n=27). Analysis of policy documents was done using the content analysis method, the software used being Excel software, while for analysis of the interviews the framework analysis method was used, the software being the MAXQDA10 software.
Results: The policy of using CPGs in Iran started in 2001 and has improved over the past two decades. During the period 2016-2021 a total of 836 CPGs (knowledge products) were published, but according to the participants, many of these CPGs or knowledge products did not have the necessary quality and were not used by physicians. The findings of this study also showed that in Iran there is a suitable atmosphere for implementing CPGs and the policies of using them are sound policies; however, there is a huge gap between the development and implementation of CPGs.
Conclusion: Although the process of applying CPGs has improved in Iran, their implementation faces challenges and, thus, they have not been fully implemented. Therefore, there is a need to adopt new standard methods and approaches to improve the quality and reliability of CPGs. Certainly, the support of the government, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the medical community, insurance organizations and other stakeholders, along with proper collaboration and appropriate policy formulations, are essential to achieve success.
Somayeh Mokhtari Molaei, Roya Sadeghi, Azar Tol, Maryam Sabouri, Shahrzad Saadat Gharin, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Food preferences and health literacy ─ key determinants of food choices in childhood and adolescence ─ are determinants of chronic diseases in adulthood. This study aimed to determine associations between food preferences, health literacy and body mass index (BMI) among elementary school students in Malekan city, east Azarbayejan Province, Iran in 2021-2022.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study included 582 male and female primary-schoolers in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades in both the public and private schools in Malekan County (Malekan, Lilan, and Mubarakshahr) selected by the two-stage randomized cluster method. A questionnaire including background questions and questions about health literacy and a researcher-made checklist of food preferences was used to collect data online using the Pros-Online Platform. The content validity ratio and index were used to determine validity and Cronbach's alpha index to check for the reliability of the questionnaire (CVI=0.98, CVR=0.91, Cronbach's alpha > 0.7). Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS 26.
Results: The average health literacy score of all the students was rather low (52.9±00.33), that of the female students (55.7±36.49) being slightly higher than that of the boys (49. 9±29.79). Further analysis of the data showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between the students' food preferences and health literacy variables (p<0.001). Furthermore, statistically significant relationships were observed between the students' BMI and their food preferences (p˂0.001) and health literacy (p˂0.001).
Conclusion: Considering the low level of health literacy of the adolescents and a positive relationship between health literacy, food preferences and BMI in adolescents, it can be concluded that increasing their health literacy will improve their healthy food choices. Therefore, it seems that interventions based on a theoretical framework aiming at increasing the students’ health literacy and improving their food preferences can be beneficial to them as a potential strategy for improving their healthy eating patterns resulting in preventing overweight and obesity.
Gholamreza Jahed Khaniki, Nabi Shariatifar, Hedayat Hosseini , Abbas Rahim Foroushani,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the needs of the society food safety and hygiene graduates can be employed in positions related to their field of study and provide services to solve the food safety and hygiene problems at the community level. The aim of this research was to explain the current situation and future prospects of the food safety and hygiene field in terms of occupational positions and the needs of the society.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive and applied study was conducted with the time series analysis method regarding the current situation and the future perspective of the food safety and hygiene field in terms of occupational positions and the society's need. A valid and reliable questionnaire was developed and used for data collection. In order to predict the future of the field, the time series statistical analysis method (Autoregressive integrated moving average =ARIMA) was used. In addition, its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were identified and analysed using the SWOT qualitative content analysis.
Results: Analysis of the data obtained showed that the number of food safety and hygiene graduates has an increasing trend. The proportions of the graduates in relevant occupations, in non-relevant occupations and out of job were 48.00%, 24.75% and 27.25%, respectively. The data also revealed that this field of study had good strengths, so attempts should be made to increases them, reducing the weaknesses and threats, using the available and potential opportunities.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study the numbers of individuals accepted and graduated in the field of food safety and hygiene have an increasing trend, which are expected to continue in the next ten years. On the whole, the current moderate situation and the future perspective of the food safety and hygiene field in terms of the occupational positions and the society's need can be relatively favourable. In any case it is essential to make serious attempts continuously to maintain and promote this field of study.
Seyedeh Sahar Ghaemmaghami Hezaveh, Rasul Nasiri, Mohamad Reza Masoudinezhad, Saeed Motassadi Zarandi, Morteza Tahamipour,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cement production is the source of 7% of global CO2 emissions. In order to reduce emissions by 0.7% annually until 2030, the cement industries can adopt the circular economy model. The present study aimed to assess the environmental sustainability of the Sufian cement industry based on the circular economy model.
Materials and Methods: Based on the circular economy model of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, this research was conducted in three steps in the Sufian Cement Factory in 2021-22: Step1. Data were collected on fuel consumption, electricity, water, production waste, released gases and costs; Step 2. Based on literature review and experts opinions strategies and solutions to move towards a circular economy were determined; Step 3. The index of linearity and rotation in the current and future state was calculated for the Sufian cement industry.
Results: The data obtained showed that the Sufian cement industry is currently heavily dependent on primary raw materials and operates in a linear economy. Implementing the recommended strategies would be expected to reduce the linearity index to below 1 and increase the rotation index to above 0.1. These findings indicate a positive shift towards a circular economy.
Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that the Sufian cement industry is currently totally based on linear economy, but it can, through implementing the relevant strategies, potentially transit to a circular economy, which will increase the factory’s net profit, protect resources and reduce CO2 emissions.
Aram Halimi, Goljamal Jorjani, Leyla Sharifi Aliabadi, Mohammad Reza Taherian, Haniyeh Yeganeh, Matin Shokrgozar, Gholamreza Ebrahimi, Mohammad Hossein Panahi,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study aimed to assess and prioritize the health needs of a community served by the Imamzadeh Ghasem Health Center in Tehran city, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted based on the North Carolina model for comprehensive community health assessment. General information and available facilities were extracted from secondary sources, while insights into specific community needs were gathered through interviews with 76 individuals representing diverse demographics. The assessment was made by secondary data analysis and direct interviews.
Finally, the prioritization of health needs of the community was based on a scoring system based on severity, extent, and ease of being solved.
Results: The findings revealed that sewage problems, construction issues and waste management were considered to be the primary health concerns in the region. Comparative analysis with the situation in other regions in Iran emphasizes the unique challenges faced by the community in the present study.
Conclusion: The prioritized health issues highlight the community's urgent needs, requiring targeted interventions. Proposed solutions include legal measures, public education and municipal interventions to address the sewage, construction and waste management problems.
Mohammad Bidkhori, Mahdi Akbarzadeh, Noushin Fahimfar, Bagher Larijani, Iraj Nabipour, Afshin Ostovar, Kourosh Holakouie-Naieni,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) is a novel tool for assessing bone microarchitecture and identifying individuals at risk for osteoporotic fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of the SOST gene and TBS in Iranian postmenopausal women.
Materials and Methods: This study included 1/071 postmenopausal women from the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) Cohort study. Relationship between Seven independent SNPs in the SOST gene located on chromosome 17q21.31 were investigated with TBS L1–L4. Associations were tested using generalized linear models under additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. A genetic score was also calculated by summing the weighted number of risk alleles based on the regression coefficients of the SNPs.
Results: After adjustment for age and Body Mass Index (BMI), SNP rs2023794-C showed a statistically significant association with TBS in the additive model (β = 0/ 03, P = 4/7×10⁻⁵, PFDR = 0/0003) and the dominant model (β = 0/033, P = 2/5×10⁻⁵, PFDR = 0/0003). Furthermore, higher genetic scores were positively associated with increased TBS values.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the potential role of SOST gene variants and derived genetic score in predicting bone quality in postmenopausal women. These genes could aid in identifying individuals at higher risk of poor bone quality and in developing personalized osteoporosis prevention strategies.
