Afshin Hamdipour, Rasoul Zavareqi, Zahra Mehmannavaz,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Traditional medicine (TM) or complementary medicine is an old method based on culture, which has been developed in various forms of indigenous therapeutic methods in different societies. This research was conducted with the aim of analyzing the publication trend and visualizing the scientific structure of TM.
Materials and Methods: This study was carried out with a scientometric approach. The statistical population included 29,852 documents indexed in the TM field at the WoS database during the period of 2012 to 2020. The Excel and VOSviewer software were used for data analysis.
Results: The findings showed that the scientific outputs of TM during the period studied had had an upward trend with 343,700 citations. Two universities in South Korea, namely Kyung Hee University and Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), had had the largest number of publications in this field. Further analysis of the data revealed that the highest levels of cooperation occurred between China and the US (565 cooperations), followed by China and Australia (253 cooperations) and China and the UK (134 cooperations). Finally Iran was found globally to have ranked fourth as regards TM publications and to be the most highly specialized country (in terms of RSI) in this field. This would necessitate more attention to appropriate scientific policy-making on the part of the responsible officials.
Conclusion: The cumulative frequency of publications in the field of traditional medicine in 2030 will be twice that in 2020. This trend would require special attention in scientific policy-making.
Razieh Khalili Nezhad, Parastoo Golshiri,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Primary levels of health services are designed to provide, maintain and promote the health of healthy young people, while the goal of higher levels is to screen and restore the health of the patients. One of the challenges is the personal culture of some of the health service providers and the recipients of these services. One of the recent reforms in the healthcare system has been the implementation the Health System Reform Plan based on the family physician and the referral system. This study investigated the status of the referral system in the family physician program in Isfahan metropolitan area in 2018.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study with a contractual content analysis conducted on a sample of 28 individuals selected by purposeful snowball sampling continued until saturation. Interviews were held with male and female healthcare workers (n = 14), midwives (n = 10), and managers (n = 4). Data analysis was done using the SPSS.25 statistical software.
Results: This study succeeded to explain strategies to improve the quality of the referral system and the views of health service personnel and, finally, find the strengths, weaknesses and solutions for improving the referral system.
Conclusion: The findings show that the performance of the referral system in the city of Isfahan is in line with the goals. However, visiting referred patients, providing feedback and referral to the laboratory are not as effective as they should be. Therefore, planning is needed to remove obstacles and solve problems such as shortage of human resources, non-human resources and infrastructure, insufficient provision of medicines and job insecurity so that goals can be reached.
Zahra Anbarani, Shokoufeh Mottaghi, Mohammad Hadi Safi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: As a crisis, the Covid-19 disease affected all aspects of people's lives, especially the occupational aspect. Bank employees were more under pressure due to the type of service they provided to the public. The aim of this study was to analyze the challenges affecting the job efficiency of some of the Bank Melli Iran personnel during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative research project with a phenomenological approach. The research population was the employees of Melli Bank branches in the 10th district of Mashhad City, Iran in 2021, from among whom a sample of 10 people was selected by purposeful sampling, the sampling process continuing until saturation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the inductive thematic analysis method.
Results: Data analysis showed 12 sub-themes, 3 main themes including challenges at the individual, interpersonal and organizational levels, and a core theme.
Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the Bank employees’ concept of the Corona pandemic can affect their work efficiency. These findings can be used for planning to solve the problems and challenges of this group of people after the Corona pandemic.
Marzieh Sadeghi Hardangi, Ahmad Kalateh Sadati, Seyed Reza Javadian,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hospital social workers as a group of discharge planners perform effective interventions for the safe discharge of patients. The purpose of this research was to investigate the interventions of medical social workers in safe discharge of patients.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in 2023 in Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a sample of 16 social workers working in public hospitals selected by purposeful, accessible and snowball sampling and analyzed using the thematic analysis method.
Results: The findings of this research show that hospital social workers implement specialized interventions within a framework of six planning stages with the aim of safe patient discharge. The three main themes are: professional intelligence, supportive framework and sustainability of interventions; the main theme of the current research is safe discharge.
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that the interventions of social workers for the safe discharge of the patients include measures before, during and after the discharge of a patient, based on the principles, values, intelligence, professional skills and the social work process. Social workers in this field need the support of responsible officials in the health system.
Mohammad Amin Mirzaei, Majid Sartipi, Mehdi Mohammadi,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice in most patients with kidney disease. It is a surgical operation in which a person’s kidney with chronic failure is replaced with a healthy kidney. The present study was conducted with the aim of estimating the survival probability of a transplanted kidney in patients with chronic kidney failure in Zahedan city, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical retrospective cohort study using the survival analysis method carried out in 2020. The sample size was estimated to be 211 patients.
Data were analyzed with SPSS.VER22 software using descriptive tests, the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model of survival.
Results: The data obtained showed that in general 45 (21.3%) clients had been rejected. In the multiple logistic regression model of kidney transplantation several variables, including survival time, patient survival variables, marital status, donor status, blood pressure and diabetes remained in the model (P<0.05). Further analysis of the data revealed that in the kidney disease patients with transplant survival in Zahedan city, only donor status variables, high blood pressure and diabetes remained in the final multiple Cox regression model.
Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be said that the probability of survival of kidney disease patients is independent of the type of donor and the characteristics of the recipient, which indicates the evolution of kidney transplant management over the past few years; dialysis before kidney transplantation also has an effect on the probability of survival. These factors can help to increase the probability of kidney transplant survival.
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.
Hosein Izadi Rad, Fereshteh Narouei, Parisa Mohammadi,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Women referring to health centers are one of the most important groups at risk of disease. Thus, in order to enjoy a high level of health, it is necessary for them to have health literacy. The purpose of this research was to find the demographic predictors of health literacy in women referring to comprehensive health service centers in Zahedan, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study including 400 women selected by random cluster sampling from health centers under coverage of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences in 2022. The short form of the HELIA standard questionnaire was used to measure health literacy of the women. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software, the statistical tests being ANOVA, Kendall's correlation, and multiple regression.
Results: The subjects were between 18 and 60 years old. They were found to have obtained most of the information related to health and disease by asking doctors and healthcare workers (about 52.25%). The scores of the components of the subjects’ health literacy were as follows: average health literacy 69.91±23.34, reading 72.17±29.80, access 34.73±27.91, understanding 71.41±29.43, assessment 62.10±25.51, and the scope of decision-making and behavior 71.49±20.27. The strongest predictor of health literacy was found to be education, such that with an increase in the level of education, the health literacy of a woman would increase by 0.53 units. In addition, education variables, income level, age and ethnicity would predict 55% of the health literacy of the women.
Conclusion: This study shows that the health literacy score is related to age, education level, marital status, occupation, economic status and ethnicity, the strongest predictor of health literacy being the a high level of education. Therefore, considering the available evidence on the importance of health literacy and factors related to it and the low level of health literacy of women in this study, it is clear that women need to acquire, process and understand the basic information on health and therapeutic services in order to be able to make appropriate decisions. Briefly, women need to receive simple and understandable information and have more time to communicate with the health service personnel to understand health information.
Mohammad Bagher Moghadasi, Tayebe Rahimi Pordanjani, Zahra Ameri,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Vaccination, as one of the most cost-effective medical interventions, has significantly reduced the incidence of many infectious diseases. This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of mandatory vaccination policies on the relationship between corona anxiety and vaccine hesitancy among the employees of medical universities.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive-correlational study was conducted using convenience sampling on a sample of 152 employees selected from a medical university in North Khorasan Province, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire on mandatory vaccination policies and vaccine hesitancy and Corona anxiety questionnaires. Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression were employed to test the research hypotheses, and data analysis was performed using the SPSS and AMOS software.
Results: The findings showed that 77% of the employees supported mandatory vaccination policies in the workplace. In addition, the correlation coefficients between Corona anxiety and mandatory vaccination policies with vaccine hesitancy were significant (p<0.001). Furthermore, the interaction of Corona anxiety and mandatory vaccination policies accounted for an additional 2% unique variance in the model (R2Δ=0.02, FΔ=4.02, p=0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study it can be said that mandatory vaccination policies can moderate the relationship between Corona anxiety and vaccine hesitancy among employees of medical universities. It is, thus, recommended to use appropriate and cost-effective policies and executive guarantees to improve vaccination attitudes in employees with anxiety.
Soodeh Shadkam, Mehran Farhadi, Mohammad Reza Zoghi Paydar, Hossein Mohagheghi,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the high prevalence of anxiety disorders, the high comorbidity of social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, and the negative and lasting effects of social anxiety disorder on various aspects of a person's life, the present study investigated the effect of emotion regulation group therapy on the symptoms of social anxiety disorder comorbid with generalized anxiety disorder.
Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design with control and follow-up groups. The statistical population included all the patients with social anxiety disorder comorbid with generalized anxiety disorder referring to psychotherapy clinics in Shiraz, Iran, from among whom a sample of 30 people were selected by the available sampling method. Data were collected using Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-5 (SCID-5), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 and the Social Interaction Anxiety Questionnaire (SIAS) and analyzed with SPSS version 27 software using the analysis of variance method with repeated measurements
Results: The data obtained showed that emotion regulation group therapy could significantly reduce the symptoms of social anxiety disorder (p<0.001) and generalized anxiety disorder (p<0.001), the results remaining stable in a three-month follow-up (p<0.05)
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study it can be concluded that group therapy of emotion regulation is effective in, and can, thus, be used as a therapeutic intervention for, social anxiety disorder comorbid with generalized anxiety disorder.
Abdolmajid Fadaei, Hajar Ahmadi, Esmaeil Fatahpoor, Yasser Jalilpour, Morteza Ariyanfar, Davood Jalili Naghan,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Air pollution has been widely established as an important risk factor for heart and respiratory diseases and mortality. The aim of this study was to compare the relationships between short-term exposure to air pollutants and hospital admissions, cardiovascular and respiratory deaths and total deaths in Ahvaz and Shahrekord, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this ecological and time-series study data were collected on hospital admissions, cardiovascular and respiratory deaths and total deaths between 2012 and 2018. For data analysis Quasi-Poisson regression combined with linear distributed lag models were used and adjusted for trend, seasonality, temperature, relative humidity, weekdays and holidays.
Results: Data analysis showed that in Ahvaz there were statistically significant direct correlations between PM10 exposure and respiratory admissions, PM2.5 exposure and total deaths and cardiovascular admissions, O3 exposure and total deaths, and CO exposure and cardiovascular admissions. As regards Shahrekord, there were statistically significant direct correlations between PM10 exposure and respiratory deaths, PM10 exposure and cardiovascular deaths, PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular and respiratory admissions and respiratory deaths, O3 exposure and total deaths, and CO exposure and respiratory deaths.
Conclusion: It seems there are statistically significant relationships between air pollution and hospital admissions and deaths in Ahvaz and, to a lesser extent, in Shahrekord.
Jalal Big Mohammadi, Mehdi Zanganeh,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The Health Transformation Plan (HTP) has been developed to be implemented in the rural areas with the goal of easy access of the villagers to the physician, their equitable benefit of the public facilities and improving the outpatient services. The present study was conducted to find and explain the experiences of family physicians of the rural centers and managers after the execution of HTP of the public health sector in Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (ZAUMS), Zahedan, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study using the content analysis method conducted in 1402 in the public health section in ZAUMS. The research population was the physicians and managers working in the rural areas of ZAUMS between 2015 and 2022; a sample was selected using the purposeful sampling method. Data were collected using the semi-structured interview based on the interview guide; content analysis was done using contract analytics.
Results: A group of 31 individuals including 20 men and 11 women and 19 physicians and 12 managers entered the study. Data were collected, analyzed and grouped in 6 main classes, namely, service delivery, integrated health system, resources, people and service recipients, monitoring and supervision, and suggestions; 12 sub-classes were extracted.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that appropriate training, service quality, financial support, and sustainable skilled manpower are the factors that will help solve the challenges in the Health Transformation Plan. On the other hand, considering that one of the components of the health system for successful implementation of the Health Transformation Plan is human resources, the ability and flexibility of the personnel play an important role in the speed of service delivery and service quality.
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.
Maryam Tajvar, Omolbanin Atashbahar, Parisa Pourfarokh, Ebrahim Jaafaripooyan, Haniye Sadat Sajadi,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the growing trend of cosmetic surgery it is essential to adapt a different approach to provide the relevant services in response to the community needs. In this study we aimed to assess the current state of cosmetic surgery services in Iran in terms of frequency distribution according to the type of surgery and other features.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study using the information in the Statistics and Information Technology Management Center (SITMC) of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The data in the SITMC medical records of the information system of the reference hospitals for cosmetic surgery, including admission type, status at the time of discharge, average cost, average length of stay, type of center (ownership) and demographic characteristics of the patients undergoing cosmetic surgery were extracted between January 2017 and June 2021. Data analysis was done using Excel software and descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage and mean).
Results: During the study period a total of 62,387 surgeries had been performed for 56 cosmetic surgery codes. The majority of cosmetic surgery centers (79.7%) were governmental. The demands for cosmetic surgery by different groups were as follows: women 73.9%, Iranian nationals 97.7%, married individuals 40.6%, and the aged individuals 16-45 years 82.7%. Rhinoplasty accounted for approximately 60% of the cosmetic surgeries, while septorhinoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty had the highest and lowest average costs and lengths of stay, respectively.
Conclusion: Considering the average cost of surgical operations, financing arrangements and the framework of providing the relevant services should be specified with more precision and transparency. In addition, prior to making decisions in this area policies should be checked in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and cultural compatibility.
Zahra Taheri-Kharameh, Tahereh Ramezani,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The Integrated and Comprehensive Geriatric Care Program (ICGCP) of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME), Iran was designed about a decade ago and is being implemented to maintain and improve the health of the elderly. The program has not been evaluated so far. A comprehensive evaluation of this program is deemed necessary to determine whether this program requires revision or process improvement. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the ICGCP of MOHME using the Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model in Qom province.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included the entire personnel of the health centers in Qom province as the statistical population. The data collection tool was a two-section questionnaire containing items on demographic information and a researcher-made evaluation questionnaire of the current elderly care program based on the four areas of the CIPP evaluation model. Participants meeting the study's inclusion criteria were enrolled through census sampling. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 24.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.92 ± 6.98 years, 140 (84.3%) being females. Data analysis showed the following results as Mean ± SD: (1). A regards the context, for the items "Target group's need for the program" and "Identification of the potential of other influential organizations in program implementation": 3.71 ± 1.01 and 2.21 ± 0.99, respectively. (2). As regards input, for the items "Identification of program audiences" and "Necessary budget and funding for the program": 3.70 ± 0.95 and 2.23 ± 0.95, respectively. (3). As regards process, for the items "Program evaluation by officials and executing personnel," and "Recording and tracking issues during the program”: 3.16 ± 0.90 and 2.69 ± 0.85, respectively. (4). As regards product, for the items "Satisfaction with work, commitment and work ethic" and "Conducting case studies in this area": 3.65 ± 0.81 and 2.64 ± 1.01, respectively. In the overall program evaluation, the mean scores for "Program necessity" and "Program delivery quality" were 2.88 ± 0.89 and 2.12 ± 0.80, respectively.
Conclusion: The evaluation of the ICGCP of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education using the CIPP model identified the strengths and weaknesses of this program based on the opinions of health center personnel in Qom province. Policymakers and other relevant authorities can use these findings to enhance the program further.
Hamed Parvaz, Seyed Samad Beheshti, Ramin Moradi,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether cultural intelligence, a construct measure of individuals' capacity to adjust to new surroundings and different cultures, has an effect on their social functioning and effective communication with others, ultimately influencing their overall social health.
Materials and Methods: This research was a quantitative survey conducted on a sample of 380 individuals aged 15 years and above selected by multi-stage sampling in Yasouj city, Iran using a questionnaire.
Results: Data analysis showed that the research population possessed higher levels of cultural intelligence and social health compared to the average levels, there being no difference between men and women. Married individuals were found to have higher averages of cultural intelligence and social health compared to single individuals. While there was no correlation between age and social health, there was a positive correlation between age and cultural intelligence.
Testing the hypotheses revealed that various dimensions of cultural intelligence had direct and positive associations with social health. Cultural intelligence with a standard regression coefficient of 0.372 accounted for approximately 14% of the changes in social health; age did not have an intervening effect on the relationship between these two variables.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this study indicate that individuals with higher levels of cultural intelligence possess a greater ability to understand and accept other individuals’ perspectives, this leading ultimately to enhanced societal engagement and interpersonal interactions. Consequently, this heightened cultural intelligence positively impacts their overall social health.
Mehrnoosh Ahangarani, Mohammad Jafar Tarokh,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In recent years, machine learning and evolutionary algorithms have drawn the attention of researchers and specialists in various fields, especially in healthcare, due to their practical applications in processing large datasets to provide valuable insights. Considering the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its rapid and accurate diagnosis being one of the most critical issues in medicine, significant concerns are faced by global communities worldwide. The present study was conducted with the aim of creating a diagnostic model based on evolutionary algorithms and machine learning to diagnose diabetes.
Materials and Methods: This research based on the Indian Pima diabetes dataset presents a framework based on intelligent diabetes diagnosis. The proposed method consists of two main stages. The first stage involves a classification approach using K-nearest neighbors and random forest algorithms. The second stage includes a combined feature selection and classification approach to enhance the results of the first stage, utilizing grey wolf optimization, whale optimization, and particle swarm optimization algorithms for feature selection. Comparative analysis among different approaches is conducted through evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score.
Results: After comparative comparisons among the proposed models, the random forest model based on the grey wolf optimization was selected and introduced as the final model with a prediction accuracy of 81.38%.
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that the use of evolutionary algorithms alongside machine learning models can often enhance the efficiency and accuracy of diabetes diagnosis and its associated complications.
Elham Fatholahi, Mohammad Jafari,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In recent years the interrelationships among environment, energy and health have attracted increasing attention due to their significant impact on human health. This study aimed to investigate the complex interactions among environment, economy, development, energy and the health outcomes in Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this research the annual national data in Iran between 1981 and 2021 were used, using the fully modified least squares cointegration. The following variables affecting life expectancy at birth were included in the analysis: renewable energy consumption, health costs, air pollution, female literacy rate, inflation rate, Gini coefficient, GDP per capita, financial development and fossil fuel consumption.
Results: Data analysis showed the following: 1. financial development positively affects life expectancy with a coefficient of 0.037 ; 2. CO2 emissions and fossil fuel consumption decrease life expectancy by 0.015 and 1.02, respectively; 3. Renewable energy consumption and health expenses have improved life expectancy in Iran with positive coefficients of 0.025 and 0.035, respectively.
Conclusion: To improve health care outcomes action should be taken in the following areas: increasing health expenditures, increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing the use of fossil fuels, strengthening long-term financial development for easier access to medical treatments, decreasing disease risk, healthier lifestyles, and environmental quality improvement. In addition, as regards policy-making, planning to improve economic indicators can provide the basis for demand for healthy and educational goods and improve the health status of the society.
Serajeddin Mahmoudiani, Majid Movahed Majd, Hadiseh Mohammadiha,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Healthy eating habits are undeniably one of the most crucial determinants of people's health in today's world. Undoubtedly food literacy and its components are key variables influencing food habits. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food knowledge, food skills, resilience and healthy eating habits in the adult population of Shiraz City, Iran.
Materials and Method: A sample of 384 adults in Shiraz City was selected by cluster sampling and completed a questionnaire in 2023. Food literacy included 3 components, namely, knowledge, skill and resilience, determined using a standard 14-item questionnaire. The scale used to measure healthy eating habits included 6 items. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 software.
Results: The majority of the sample demonstrated average levels of food knowledge, food skills, resilience and healthy eating habits. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between age and healthy eating habits, while individuals with university education exhibited significantly healthier eating habits compared to illiterate individuals. Furthermore, it was found that food knowledge and resilience had the most significant effect on healthy eating habits, respectively.
Conclusion: The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between the components of food literacy and healthy eating habits in the adult population of Shiraz City, Iran. Food knowledge and resilience had significant effects on healthy eating habits. In general, it can be concluded that the implementation of targeted training courses with a special emphasis on improving food knowledge and skills should be prioritized by relevant authorities. Promoting food literacy has the potential to promote healthy eating habits and ultimately elevate the overall level of community health.
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.
Musa Laighi Ghale Sokhteh, Ahmad Kalateh Sadati, Hossein Afrasiabi, Sara Sadeghieh,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The development of the rural areas relies heavily on addressing health issues and ensuring access to healthcare for the villagers. The primary objective of this research is to explore the perceptions and experiences related to access to health services among the residents of the Falard county in Lordegan, Iran.
Material and Methods: This study employed a qualitative research method utilizing grounded theory. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, achieving saturation with a sample of 20 participants. The manuscript data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding methods, ultimately leading to the development of a grounded theory.
Results: The findings showed that the understanding and experience of the villagers is based on the change in the pattern of diseases and the need for specialized and super-specialized services, and in this context, a kind of comparison is made with the urban dwellers. The participants face obstacles to receive the mentioned services, while the actions of the rural health house centers are not up to their expectations. The three main categories which explored are: incomplete access and coverage, feelings of inequality, and marginalization. The central theme of this research is encapsulated in the concept of an intensified perception of inequality in access to health services.
Conclusion: The development of rural villages relies heavily on addressing health issues and ensuring access to related services. Despite the significant efforts made by governments over the past four decades to improve rural health, access to these services remains a critical concern. The changing patterns of diseases, the aging population of villagers, and the growing sense of relative deprivation and inequality in accessing health services are the most pressing challenges that health policymakers must prioritize.
