Showing 159 results for Health
Tahereh Razi, Mohsen Shamsi, Mahboubeh Khorsandi, Nasrin Rouzbehani, Mehdi Ranjbaran,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Currently there is no standardized and validated questionnaire for assessing the care of danger signs in children less than 5 years by the mothers based on behavioral patterns. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate psychometrically an instrument for assessment of the care of danger signs in children less than 5 years old by the mothers based on the Health Belief Model.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 350 mothers in the City of Arak, Iran. After reviewing the related literature, an instrument was designed and its content validity ratio (CVR), content validity index (CVI) and face validity were measured. To measure the reliability of the scales, the internal consistency method was used. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software.
Results: The scores of the CVI and CVR of the 81 items were found to be 0.79 and 0.62, respectively, the items being classified into seven categories. Based on the Cronbach's alpha, the overall reliability was 0.86. The reliability of the questionnaire for checklists of performance was 0.99, followed by those of perceived benefits (0.90), severity (0.83), perceived barriers (0.68), knowledge (0.66), perceived susceptibility (0.65), self-efficacy (0.63), and cues to action (0.56). Conclusion: The output of this psychometric process study is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring symptoms of risk behaviors in the care of vulnerable children based on the health belief model constructs, which can be used in health sciences research aiming at helping to protect the health of children.
Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosough Moghaddam, Ahmad Hajebi, Mohammad Hossein Salarian Zadeh, Habib Emami,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The Pars Energy-Economic Special Zone, as the energy capital of Iran, needs a healthy productive workforce. In order to be able to promote equitable health indicators of the Zone, it is essential to first obtain information about the situation of the health system in the region.
Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study. Data were collected using an essential public health services (EPHS) performance assessment questionnaire and a researcher-developed questionnaire for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of the Zone health system. In the next phase, stakeholder analysis was done: the major stakeholders were invited and asked, after explaining the methodology to them, to complete, individually, the EPHS performance assessment and the SWOT analysis questionnaires, followed by grouping and summarizing the results. Finally, content analysis of results of the group discussions was done and the main domainsا extracted.
Results: The EPHS overall average score was 37.8 (out of 100, the standard score). The greatest weakness was allocated to information functioning. Delivering public health services by the district health networks was the most important strength. Further analysis of the data showed that the far external environment in all the subdomains was the major threat to the public health in the zone.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be said that the organizational status of the Zone is in a weak and threat position. One of the root causes is poor functioning of the public health system. It is essential that the Ministry of Petroleum and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education find effective ways for integrated leadership of the public health services in the Zone.
Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosough Moghaddam, Kamel Shadpoor, Mohammad Hossein Salarian Zadeh, Davood Moghimi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: One of the main functions of municipalities, as a social institution, is providing, maintaining and improving health of citizens. Scattered attempts have been made with the objective of expanding equitable health service networks in cities, particularly suburban areas. The present study aimed at designing an integrated system for urban health managent center.
Material and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study. Based on the viewpoints of experts and relevant stakeholders, global evidence, national experience, and existing legislations, a conceptual framework for designing an urban health management center was developed and requirements for its implementation were determined. On the basis of the conceptual framework, regulations for designing model for a regional urban health management center (RUHMC) was prepared.
Results: The proposed model has 5 important characteristics which would provide an excellent opportunity as a response to the existing challenges of the health network in cities through active participation of the municipality, as a social institution, and other organizations:
1. Facilitating intersectoral collaboration, as against individual movements of the
governmental health sector;
2. Defining and providing social health services and influencing the social determinants of health components;
3. Providing active, rather than passive, services;
4. Decentralization by forming a board of trustees and/or coordination council;
5. Direct community participation in all phases, from decision-making (membership in the coordination council) to service provision.
Conclusion: Pilot implementation and evaluation of the proposed RUHMC model is recommended before expanding it to other parts of the city. In addition, it is essential that, before expanding the model to the other cities, the final regulations be examined and ratified by the High Council of Health and Food Security.
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.
Amirmansour Tehranchian, Saedeh Azizi Sales, Malihe Moradi,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the interrelationships between health capital and education in Iran during the period 1980-2013.
Materials and Methods: The econometric vector error correction model was used to obtain patterns, using the Eviews 9 software for data analysis.
Results: The data showed that the coefficient related to the effect of education index on the health index and that related to the effect of health index on the education index were both negative. In other words, improvements in education had led to improvements in health capital and vice-versa.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that improvements in education can reduce child mortality and, consequently, improve health capital. Also, improvements in health capital can lead to improvements in education index. Therefore, it is empirically proven that these two indices are interrelated in Iran. This means that investment in both sectors can accelerate simultaneously improvements in both health capital and education indices. In Article 24 in chapter three of the Fifth National Economic, Social and Cultural Development Plan achieving a human development index (HDI) close to that in countries with high HDIs and coordination with regard to growth of education, occupation and health indices have received particular emphasis. So, considering the emphasis put on the health system in the Fifth Plan, the policy recommendation is that economic policy-makers should pay special attention to allocating financial resources to the health and education sectors in Iran.
Shirin Rezaei, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Mohammad Arab, Ebrahim Jaafaripooyan,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: A New Health Reform Plan consisting of seven programs was initiated in Iran in mid-May 2015 aiming to reduce the out-of-pocket payments, improve the public’s health, and promote the public health indicators. This study was conducted to determine the effect of the Plan on the performance indicators of Hamedan university hospitals.
Materials and Methods: In this longitudinal descriptive-analytical study, based on the interrupted time series design, data related to hospital performance indicators were collected from all (15) Hamedan University hospitals for a period of 15 months (7 months before, and 7 months after, the implementation of the Plan, with a one-month interval in between). The SPSS software was used for data analysis.
Results: The data indicated changes in all the performance indicators after the implementation of the Plan. The largest changes were in the number of emergency and selective surgeries and the smallest in the ratio of active to total beds. Further analysis of the data showed that, as compared to the same months in the previous year, only a small number of these changes (number of emergency surgical operations and the ratio of active to total beds) were statistically significant.
Conclusion: Based on the findings it can be concluded that changes have occurred in all the selected indicators as a result of implementation of the New Reform Plan, indicating that the Plan has affected favorably performance of the hospitals. However, the effects observed should be judged cautiously, considering the possible negative consequences such as induced demand and hospital workload increase in the long run.
Mehdi Memarpour, Ashkan Hafezalkotob, Seyed Khalil Allah Sajjadi, Mahnaz Mayel Afshar,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nowadays selecting an appropriate technology for storing and disposal of health care wastes is a difficult task. For example, selecting an optimum technology for storing and disposal of hospital wastes is a complex multi-criteria decision-making process, which requires consideration of qualitative and quantitative factors and criteria. This paper presents a new decision-making model for selecting a better method in the management of health care wastes in the City of Tehran.
Materials and Methods: So far selection of technologies for health care wastes storing has been based on inaccurate information or uncertain data, and linguistic variables have been used by decision-makers (experts) to assess the ranks, criteria and options described.In this study a combinational multi-criteria decision-making model has been used which includes the fuzzy analytic network process technique and the fuzzy MULTIMOORA method. This model uses the fuzzy analytic network process to get the related with criteria and sub-criteria of better health care wastes storage technology and uses MULTI MOORA method for evaluation of five available technologies based on the above-mentioned criteria.
Results: Analysis of the data showed that the "environmental" and "technical" criteria were the most important criteria for selection of the best technology, while for storing health care wastes "hydroclave" is the most appropriate technology in the City of Tehran.
Conclusion: The proposed framework for assessing health care wastes technologies for storing hospital wastes is effective, and the hydroclave technology is to be considered as the best solution and the most suitable option from the environmental, public health and technical perspectives in the City of Tehran.
Dad Khaoda Sadeghi Tejdano, Arezo Fallahi, Babak Nemat Shahrbabaki,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Physical activity is a low-cost and uncomplicated way for the prevention of osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the interactive effects of constructs of perceived benefit, barriers, susceptibility and severity on perceived exercise behavior self-efficacy for prevention of osteoporosis based on the Health Belief Model in female-employees of Kermanshah City.
Materials and Methods: This analytic-descriptive study was conducted on 595 female-employees in the governmental and private organizations in 2014. Inclusion criteria included women between the age of 30 years and start of menopause and having no history of osteoporosis. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire including questions on demographic variables and questions related to the Health Belief Model and analyzed using the SPSS and Lisrel software.
Results: Analysis of the data showed that perceived severity and perceived barriers had direct and indirect effects on self-efficacy for exercise behavior. Self-efficacy had the highest correlation with perceived benefits (r=0.319). Further analysis of the data revealed a significant inverse correlation between perceived barriers and perceived severity and a significant positive correlation between perceived benefits and perceived severity.
Conclusion: The results of this study show female-employees do not have a high perceived susceptibility or severity to osteoporosis. A high perception of barriers and a low self-efficacy perception indicate the need for implementing appropriate intervention programs and increasing preventive behaviors.
Narges Rostamigooran, Abbas Vosoogh-Moghaddam, Mohammadhossein Salarianzadeh, Hamid Esmailzadeh, Behzad Damari,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the key role of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in the implementation and follow-up of the health system reform, its organizational culture can play an important role in the success of this transformation. The aim of this study was to determine the dimensions and orientations of the current organizational culture of the MOHME headquarters.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and explorative study. The study population was the central staff of MOHME. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 11.5. Descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and interval) were used to describe quantitatively the cultural dimensions, followed by a qualitative analysis as well.
Results: Analysis of the data showed the following: 1. Organizational cultural dimensions existing at a high level include self-supervision and identity; 2. Organizational cultural dimensions existing at a moderate level include authority and freedom in operations, clear goals and expectations, communication, coordination and coherence; and 3. Organizational cultural dimensions existing at a low level include innovation, learning, fair reward system, acceptance of change, management support and criticism.
Conclusion: Considering the key role of the MOHME headquarters staff in designing and implementing health promotion programs, bringing about changes in the organizational culture should be a top priority of the ministerial high authorities.
Ensieh Gheirati, Arezoo Shabanifar, Mahboobeh Akhlaghi, Noushin Peyman,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Communication is one of the oldest and greatest human achievements underlying our social life. Available literature show factors such as self-esteem, interpersonal skills, establishing desirable communication, goal setting and determining individual values have effective roles in the prevention and reduction of susceptibility to behavioral abnormalities and mental disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.), as well as in the promotion of mental health. The objective of this study was to determine associations between communication skills and mental health in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Mashhad, Iran.
Methods and Materials: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in 2011. The statistical population was all the MUMS students. A sample of 210 students was selected by stratified sampling and signed an informed consent. Data were collected using Communication Skills and General Health Questionnaires and analyzed using the SPSS 16 software, the statistical tests being Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square. In all tests the significance level was 5%. To determine correlations between the variables the Spearman coefficient was used.
Results: The findings showed that 130 of the 210 students (61.9%) were suspected of having a mental disorder. Based on the Spearman correlation coefficient there were no statistically significant relationships between mental health and age (p=0.727) or skills such as listening (p=0.653), understanding verbal and nonverbal messages (p=0.857), awareness of the communication process (p=0.626) and assertiveness (p=0.477). However, a significant correlation was observed between mental health and emotion control skill (p=0.010). Furthermore, the Spearman correlation coefficient indicated no relationships between communication skills and age (p=0.228) or social dysfunction (p=0.074), while significant inverse correlations were found between communication skills and anxiety (p=0.043), physical symptoms (p=0.049) and depression (p=0.049). According to Mann-Whitney test no significant relationships were observed between communication skills and field of study (p=0.806), level of education (p=0.406), sex (p=0.404), place of residence (p=0.277), marital status (p=0.875) or employment status (p=0.274), but significant relationships did exist between mental health and sex (p=0.006), field of study (p=0.036)r and marital status (p<0.001). Finally, no significant correlations were found between mental health and level of education (p=0.080), place of residence (p=0.951) or employment status (p=0.978).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, in an attempt to promote the mental health of the students it is recommended to make psychological assessments of the students, provide consultative services to them, and organize communication skills educational workshops for them.
Afsaneh Behroozpour, Mohsen Shams, Masoumeh Mousavi, Rahim Ostovar, Mostafa Maleki,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Self-medication, as a common risky health behavior, has financial and non-financial costs for Iranians. This study aimed at determining the situation of self-medication and factors influencing it among women in Yasuj, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 192 women referred to urban health care centers in Yasuj, selected randomly from the existing health files at the centers. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model and analyzed by SPSS 16 statistical software.
Results: The most widely used medicines for self-medication were those for common cold and antibiotics from among over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription-only-medicines (POM), respectively. Perceived susceptibility (17.63± 3.46) was the main construct associated with self-medication among women.
Conclusion: Once the causes of self-medication and its relationship with the Health Belief Model constructs are known, designing and implementing educational programs aiming at promoting awareness and perception of population groups, especially women, seems necessary.
Farzaneh Soltanipour, Behzad Damari,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Sustainable development to address the global economic, environmental and social issues has been introducedby prominent scientists and is widely used by governments, international organizationsand NGOs. This study aimed to assess the current sustainable development situation influencing health and the future of health in Iran.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study. The sample size was determined using the targeted intentional method and data were collected through targeted search, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions.
Results: Sustainable development situation in the country has improved in terms of quantitative indicators of child and maternal mortality and Human Development Index.Have However, badair quality, unemployment, inflation and other social harms have had undesirable trends.The most important causes of slow sustainable development have been reliance on oil revenues, unemployment, increased inflation, inequity in incomes, poverty, and insufficient intersectoral coordination due to lack of a multi-ministerial secretariat. The health sector should have a comprehensive approach to promoting health of the population.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is recommended to include training courses for managers based on sustainable development principles, as well as management techniques in academic training and in-service training of managers. It is essential to create a multi-ministerial infrastructure and, even, a infrastructural power, for cohesion and coordination in order to ensure sustainable development.
Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad, Ebrahim Jaafaripooyan, Mahmood Zamandi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Economic evaluation of health interventions is critical for efficient allocation of resources. The aim of this study was to critically review empirical studies on the cost-benefit of health interventions published over the last 40 years.
Materials and Methods: This study was carried out by searching seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of science, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer Link, and SID) using appropriate keywords to find articles on the cost-benefit of health interventions published during 1975-2015. All the relatedretrieved articles were analyzed after quality assessment using a valid check list.
Results: A total of 33studies on the cost-benefit of health interventions during the last 40 years were included in the review; 39%, 37%, 21% and 3%of the studies had been conducted in Asia, America, Europe and Africa, respectively. The subjects dealt with in most ofthe studies (79%) were related to immunization, education, healthy nutrition and use of health technologies. Further analysis of the data showed mental health education, healthy nutrition, use of safety equipment while driving, vaccination, diagnostic and screening tests, and oral and dental healthto have considerable clinical and economic benefits.
Conclusion: The number of studies on the cost-benefit analysis of health interventions is increasing. Preventive and promotive interventions can help planners and policy-makers to better utilize the limited resources in the health sector aiming at promoting health of the people.
Seyed Rahmat Allah Mousavomoghadam, Tayebeh Nouri, Tahereh Khodadadi, Asad Ahmadi, Gholamreza Ghiasi,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association of Internet addiction and self-control with mental health among students of the University of Applied Sciences and Technology (UAST) in Ilam city, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Data collection tools included the Mental Health Goldenberg scale, Tanji Self-control Inventory and Young Internet Addiction questionnaires. The sample consisted of 101 UAST students in Ilam City, Iran.
Results: Analysis of the data showed a statistically significant negative relationship between internet addiction and mental health and a positive association between self-control and mental health in male- and female-students.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that he more a student uses the Internet, the more likely he/she is to be less healthy mentally, while if a student has more self-control, he/she is more likely to be healthier mentally.The use of the Internet among the new generation in the society is spreading, becoming an important part of life. It has been said that teenagers are at a high risk. Hence the responsible authorities should consider mental health as a factor preventing extreme behavior of young people.
Elham Rashidian, Gholamreza Garmaroudi, Arash Rashidian, Mehdi Yaseri,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
: Materials and MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial including 396 patients, conducted in 10 randomly health centers allocated as intervention or control groups. The data were collected using questionnaires. The educational intervention included holding educational classes, distribution of pamphlets, hanging posters/flyers, ResultsAnalysis of the data showed statistically significant differences between mean scores of the health belief model components (knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers) and practice in both the intervention and control groups before and after the educational intervention (p < 0.01).
: <span lang="EN" times="" new="" roman";="" "times="" "b="" lotus";="" en;="" major-bidi;="" major-bidi;"="">Considering the self-reported increased awareness and decreased practice in the intervention group, it seems that the health belief model is an appropriate model for reducing arbitrary use of antibiotics.
Mohammad Azimi, Yousef Adib, Hossein Matlabi,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The content of the hygiene education and health promotion course in schools is crucial for raising the awareness of, and development of hygiene culture in, pupils. In this study we aimed to develop a hygiene education course with a fully suitable content.
Materials and Methods: In this research the content analysis technic using the "Shannon Entropy" method was used, in which data processing in discussing the content analysis is done with a new approach both quantitatively and qualitatively. In the information theory entropy is an index to measure the uncertainty which is expressed by a likelihood distribution. The content was investigated considering the respondents’ perspectives (all textbooks of elementary school sixth grade) and 12 main elements and 58 sub-elements related to hygiene education and health promotion.
Results: The results of content analysis based on the Shannon Entropy showed that the element of mental health with 732 items and physical activity with 735 items had the maximum frequencies, while the control and prevention of diseases with 6 items had the minimum frequency.
Conclusion: In the official textbooks some elements of health education are treated insufficiently or not at all, despite the fact that health is the most important factor in the progress of the society and a guarantee for survival. Thus, designing, implementation and management of the health component of national development plans are extremely vital.
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.
Zahra Farahmand, Davoud Shojaeizadeh, Azar Tol, Kamal Azam,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common public health problems worldwide. Diabetic foot as a late complication of DM imposes high physical and emotional costs to the patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an educational program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on diabetic foot care in type-2 DM patients.
Materials and Methods: Ninety seven (female=57, male=40) type-2 diabetes patients, randomly divided into two groups ̶ and intervention (n = 47) and a control group (n = 50) ̶ participated in this study. Using questionnaires data were collected, initially and 3 months after the educational intervention, on demographic characteristics, awareness and the HBM constructs. The intervention group participated in 3 educational sessions during the3-month period. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20, the statistical test being Shapiro-Wilk, Chi-Square, Wilcoxon, McNemar tests and paired T-Test.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences before the intervention between the experimental and control groups with respect to the mean scores of knowledge and HBM’s components (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers, as well as self-efficacy and self-care). The intervention improved the scores significantly in the experimental groups (p<0.05), while there were no significant changes in the control group scores (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study shows that type-2 diabetic patients need to learn how to take care of their feet and that implementing educational programs based on the Health Belief Model can be effective in this regard.
Lida Varmazyar, Soheil Sobhan,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Spices are likely to contain toxic heavy metals. The objective of this study was to assess the non-carcinogenic risk of consuming curry powder, turmeric and cardamom, marketed both in bulk and in packaged form, in Hamedan, Iran, as regards lead and cadmium in 2015.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study, conducted in Hamedan, Iran, included nine samples of packaged and nine samples of bulked spices, the heavy metal contents of which were measured in triplicates, after acid digestion, by atomic absorption. The data were analyzed by SPSS, the statistical tests being one-way ANOVA, Shapiro-Wilks test, oOne-Sample T-Test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and the independent T-test.
Results: The maximum mean concentrations of lead and cadmium (mg/kg) were 5.48±0.95 and 0.13±0.20, respectively. The mean concentration of lead in turmeric samples was higher than the respective WHO standard. On the other hand, the health index (HI) of lead in the turmeric sample (mean =3/25×10-2, 1/5×10-1) and that of cadmium (222×10-3, 1/04×10-2) were less than one, that is, below the risk threshold for children and adults, respectively.
Conclusion: The findings based on health index show that consumption of spices does not pose any risk for the consumers. However, considering that the mean concentration of lead in the turmeric samples exceed the respective standard, as well as the non-biodegradability and bioaccumulation of heavy metals, if consumption of spices is not controlled, health problems in the long term are not unlikely to occur in the consumers. Therefore, regular periodic monitoring of chemical pollutants content of spices, especially heavy metals, is recommended for protection of consumers’ health.
Esmaeil Kazemi, Gholam Reza Garmaroudi, Elham Shakibazadeh, Saeid Yekaninejad,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Mental health plays a vital role in psycho-social development of an individual in various periods of life, particularly during adolescence. Addressing the mental health problems of adolescents is considered as a global health promotion and disease prevention priority. The aim of this study was to assess the mental health status of adolescent boys and determine the role of contextual factors and life skills in predicting mental health of the students in 2016 and present n appropriate model.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 550 secondary male school tudents, selected by cluster random sampling, in Ray County, Iran. Data were collected using a standard valid General Health Questionnaires (GHQ-28) and a life skills questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS software 22.0, the statistical tests being Chi-square and logistic regression.
Results: Analysis of the data showed that 46.9% of the students were suspected of having mental health problems, the rest (53.1%) having no disorder. The most common disorder (56%) was in the social functioning. As regards life skills, the proportions of the students with a low, moderate and high life skills were 35.3%, 32.5% and 32.2%, respectively. Statistically significant correlations were found between mental health and its four dimensions on the one hand and the independent variables, namely, self-awareness, decision-making and age on the other.
Conclusion: The findings indicate a fairly moderate prevalence of mental disorders among the students and demonstrate the role of life skills training in promotimg mental health in adolescents and the youth.
