Showing 29 results for Assessment
H Kakooei , M Sameti ,
Volume 1, Issue 4 (7-2003)
Abstract
This study has been done in a raajor brake-shoe factor.'. Air samples were taken and dustlevels determined according to OSHA code, revealing a dust load in weighting and shootingsaloons ranging from 2 to 16.88 mg/nr Measurement and counting of asbestos fibers weredone using OSHA ID 160/ code and permissible exposure levels.
Asbestos fiber counts in sampled areas were higher than the time weighted average level(TWA) and even higher than action level.Particle size distribution was also determined. It turned out that of the 3000 counted particles,%90 of non-fibers and %10 are fiber-shaped. Also size of %60.4 of counted fibers is lowerthan 10 x that %80 of them are fibers.The results of this study showed significantly thai the maximum pollution loads occur in theweighting section, especially in the mixers. Heavy pollutant load. low air flow (face velocity)and use of canopies with the lowest enclosure may be regarded as potential mechanisms.
J Adl, A Ghahramani , J Nasel Saraji ,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (7-2005)
Abstract
stundy (HAZOP) and the component’s failures of major equipments were assessed by
Failure mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA).
Totally 68 hazards were identified and their risks were calculated. The highest risk
(60) was belonged to the reduction of gas temperature before entering to the refinery
and failure of DEA cooling system at the final node (DE). The failures of P-6 pump,
F.C.V.4 valve, L.C.V.2 and F.C.V.12 (all in the same node) and reduction of gas
temperature in nodes AB, BC and CD had the lowest calculated risk (12). Comparing
with the acceptable level of risk in the refinery which was 200, all of the identified
hazards risk were very low therefore did not need any appropriate measure of risk
reduction to be proposed.
For overcoming the fact that both HAZOP and FMEA techniques, instead of being
performed by a team was accomplished by both of us, we used the consultations given
us by the experienced exploitation engineers of under study unit. This consultation
was also very useful in fulfilling deficiencies of existing record keeping system.
Performing the protective maintenance and preparing a precise timing program for
P.M was given as a main proposal for risk reduction by decreasing the probability of
occurrence.
M Hajaghazadeh, J Nasl Saraji, M Hosseini, J Adl,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are the most prevalent occupational diseases and injuries. The aim of this investigation was WMSDs risk factors study in building construction industry by PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools and Handling) method.
Materials and Methods: This analytical-descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in four construction sites. A total of 3100 observations of 89 workers in 14 jobs were obtained. The percent of time determined for trunk, legs and hands postures, and manual material handling activities, used tools and handling in job tasks.
Results: Trunk, legs and hands postures, tools and objects weight differed significantly between stages (P<0.0001). Neutral trunk posture was observed frequently. Neutral legs and hands postures were observed greater than %50 and %80 of the time respectively in studied workers. Tools are used with different frequency in studied jobs. Loads with less than 5 Kg were handled repeatedly.
Conclusion: The result of this study can be used to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in construction workers. This study revealed construction workers spent more time with neutral postures. But ergonomic interventions should be accomplished in specified jobs.
M Noori Sistani, E Marghati Kooi, M Taghdisi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Puberty is a critical period in a woman's life. An important step in strategies designed to promote family and community health is determination of girls' health priorities and needs assessment at puberty. This study aims to illustrate the efficiency of need assessment approach in exploring and comparing the viewpoints of mothers, teachers and adolescent girls on girls' pubertal health in the context of the school. The findings would help plan better programs aiming at changing the heatlh behaviour of girls.
Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study 12 guidance school girls, 12 mothers and 7 teachers from District 6, Tehran were selected to participate in focus group discussions to prepare a semi-structured questionnaire. The content analysis method was used to analyze the results of discussions with the participants and complete the final questionnaire.
Results: The findings reveal the efficiency of the need assessment approach as follows: a wide discrepancy in viewpoints of the three study groups was identified in terms of pubertal health priorities, health needs of the girls, and pubertal health educational priorities. In addition, the results show a lack of a notion of comprehensive sex health education in the school.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the need assessment approach is a useful way to plan and implement appropriate health education programs for adolescent girls.
M Yunesian , M.j Dastoorani , J Nouri , A.h Mahvi , A.a Neshat , S.s Mahmoodian ,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (8-2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Environmental health impact assessment of industrial estates will help greatly in better planning for sustainable development and reducing disease risk in a community. The objective of this study was to assess the positive and negative effects of establishing an industrial estate in Jovein, Sabzevar, Iran in 2006-7 and suggest managerial strategies to reduce undesirable environmental health impacts.
Methods and Materials: A modified Leopold Matrix and Scaling checklist method was used. The existing environmental situation was investigated and then environmental impact assessment alternatives were determined, bearing in mind the amounts and kinds of predicted pollutants in the construction and operational phases . The assessment was made considering the immediate, direct, and indirect impacts in the short and long terms. It was attempted to use a wide range of values of different factors (-5, +5) in order to estimate the impact of all activities on the environmental status.
Results: The results of the study are presented with two alternatives, i.e., "No" (conducting the project with no concern for environmental issues), and "Yes" (performance of the project with application of methods to reduce the environmental harmful impacts), when establishing the industrial estate, in the construction and operation phases. The impact assessment with the "No" alternative scored -791, meaning that execution of the project had to be rejected. However, after reducing the harmful impacts the score rose to +252, indicating that the project would be accepted.
Conclusion: The method of reducing harmful environmental impacts along with environmental management programs introduced are accepted in this study. It is recommended that the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and The Iranian Environmental Protection Agency collaborate closely in the area of environmental health impact assessment of industries and industrial estates.
Y Mohammadi, M Javaheri, L Mounesan, Kh Rahmani, K Holakouie Naeini, A Madani, F Ghasemi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Community involvement is the most important strategy in development. In health program planning, community assessment is a process in which society members get a thorough understanding of all matters, problems, resources, weaknesses, strengths, needs, and surveillance related to health by collecting, analyzing, and publishing relevant data and information. This study was conducted to identify and prioritize problems of the Chahestani region, a poor region in Bandar-Abbas city, Iran, with active participation of the people.
Materials and Methods: The study was based on a model designed in North Carolina, US. In this model, the assessment process is performed in eight steps. In the first seven steps problems are identified and prioritized, and in step 8 a plan of action is developed to deal with the problem selected.
Results: A total of 60 problems were identified, of which the following were considered to be top priorities: lack of responsibility of the authorities, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, sewerage disposal, insufficient water, insufficient electricity, unpaved roads, lack of green space, and dirty streets and passages.
Conclusion: Most of the problems identified were non-health problems, including social, cultural, and economic issues.
Sm Razavi, S Dabiran, M Panah Khahi, S Asefi, G Zaker Shahrak,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nowadays Clinical Skills Centers are important structural components of medical education systems globally. In these centers medical students are trained using a variety of methods and techniques, one method being teaching in structured stations. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of this method by comparing the students' self-assessment of their own basic surgical skills before and after structured stations teaching.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2004-08 in Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The participants included 268 medical students at the clerkship stage there were 3 trainer groups. The pre- and post-self assessment techniques were used to assess the learning progress. ANOVA & Paired-t and non-parametric tests were used for data analysis.
Results: Irrespective of which year the students were in, self- scoring on 17 cognitive subjects and 10 procedural skills showed a significant improvement after the instruction (p<0.001). There were significant differences among the 3 trainer groups (p<0.001).
Conclusion: This study suggests that teaching basic surgical skills using structured stations is effective in improving practical skills.
M Javadi, H Asgari, M Yaghoobbi, H Tavazohi,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (9-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Non-communicable diseases (NCD), also referred to as chronic or lifestyle-related diseases, are a serious health problem in most countries today. The World Health Organization (WHO) has discussed this issue and presented solutions for it in its annual meetings. This paper reviews and reports on the action taken by the Medical University of Isfahan (MUI) through its Non-communicable Disease Control Program based on the WHO "Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases: implementation of the global strategy", which is a comprehensive program for controlling non-communicable diseases.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the activities of 21 Non-communicable Disease Units in Isfahan Province affiliated to MUI in its Non-communicable Disease Surveillance System aiming at combating non-communicable diseases were assessed using a self-assessment technique and the relevant documents reviewed. All the NCD officers (n=30) were enrolled in the study. A validated researcher-designed questionnaire containing items related to six areas based on the WHO "Prevention and control of non communicable diseases: implementation of the global strategy", the reliability of which had been confirmed, was used. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software, the statistical tests being the t-test.
Results: The general self-assessment score of MUI in the activities related to non-communicable disease surveillance and control program was 1.44 0.59 (out of 4). From among the six strategies studied, the "increasing public awareness about non-communicable diseases" strategy and the "improving collaboration and participation in prevention and control of non-communicable diseases" strategy achieved the highest and the lowest score, respectively. Documentation was weak (less than 50%), and there was no significant difference between the scores of actions documented and those not documented (P = 0.1).
Conclusion: Isfahan Medical University is one of the leading universities in Iran. It has taken important valuable measures in the area of non-communicable disease control and surveillance programs. However, our findings show that there are several weaknesses in these programs. Not paying sufficient attention to documentation, for example, is a serious weakness, since documentation plays an important role in the performance and excellence of an organization, guaranteeing its success.
J Adl, M Jahangiri, M Rismanchian, H Mary Oriad, A Karimi, Mr Ghaderi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (8-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Safety climate is a psychological phenomenon and a sub-component of safety culture, which is usually reflected in the shared workforce's perceptions about the state of safety at any particular time. It can provide an indication of the priority of safety in an organization with regard to other priorities such as production or quality. The objective of this study was to assess the safety climate profile in a steel manufacturing plant in Iran and using the results to improve the level of safety.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the UK Loughborough University Safety Climate Assessment Toolkit was used to assess the safety climate in a steel-manufacturing industry in Iran. Information was collected through interviews and questionnaires, focus group discussions, and direct observations in the filed. Safety climate scores were calculated in 17 themes.
Results: A graphic representation of the safety climate scores obtained showed that safety climate in the company is at the medium level (4.80 ± 2). The highest and lowest scores were for dimensions of personal priority and need for safety (8.6± 0.8) and accidents and incidents (1±0.00). A non-significant correlation was found between worker's education and work experience on the one hand and their attitude towards safety on the other hand (p>0.05). Both management commitment and personal priority were associated with the workers' age (p= 0.03 and 0.02, respectively), while work environment was associated only with employment status (p = 0.04).
Conclusion: Safety climate assessment can be a proactive safety performance indicator used to improve the level of safety in an organisation.
Parviz Owlia, Farah Sadat Bahreini, Monir Baradaran Eftekhar, Mostafa Ghanei, Amene Setareh Forouzan, Mehdi Farahani,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (11-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Priority setting is one of the most important issues in health research systems. No national health system can afford to finance all research projects proposed by researchers, especially in developing countries. Therefore, we decided to set the main national health research priorities in Iran using the Essential National Health Research (ENHR) method.
Materials and Methods: All of the Iranian universities of medical sciences and other stakeholders collaborated in this study. The methodology for research priority setting was based on needs assessment and ENHR.
Results: The total number of research priorities gathered from universities of medical sciences was 6723. The proportions of topics related to basic science, applied and development subjects were 17%, 78% and 5%, respectively. Further analysis of the data showed that almost half (46.3%) of the research priorities were descriptive, 36.0% analytical, and 17.6% interventional. The research priorities were divided into 9 main areas, namely, communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, health system research, pharmaceutical sciences and industrial pharmacy, basic science, traditional and herbal medicine, nutrition, environmental health, and dentistry.
Conclusion: Up to now the common procedure for research priority setting has been, with a top-to-bottom approach, managed by a limited number of researchers and experts, while in the method presented in this paper a bottom-to-top approach is used, which is more effective.
Sima Zaeri, Saba Asgharzadeh, Shiva Khoshnevis, Mehrnoush Mohammadi, Kourosh Holakouie Naeini,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (11-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Community assessment is a process by which a clear picture of the community assets, strengths, resources, and needs is obtained with active participation of the community itself, followed by prioritization of the community needs and formulating strategies and programs to solve the problems. This study was conducted to identify and prioritize problems and needs of the Azerbaijan Borough in Tehran city, Iran, with active participation of the people.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to determine the attitudes and beliefs of the community members about their community needs and problems. The study was based on a model designed in North Carolina, US. In this model, the assessment process is performed in eight steps. In the first seven steps problems are identified and prioritized, and in step 8 a plan of action is developed to deal with the problem selected.
Results: A total of 40 problems were identified and divided into several groups. The most important problems were as follows: social problems environmental health problems educational and cultural problems, civil rights and urban services distribution and use of drugs lack of family counseling centers shortage of parks and playgrounds for neighborhood children lack of supervision by municipal contractors on urban cleaning and lack of mental health services specially for the elderly.
Conclusion: Several types of problems, including health, as well as non-health - social, cultural and economic - problems were identified. Community assessment provides an appropriate opportunity for active participation of community members and makes available sufficient information for sound decision-making. Thus, community assessment can be regarded as a suitable technique for identifying and prioritizing community needs.
Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosoogh Moghaddam, Hossein Salarianzadeh,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (10-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Improvement of national and provincial health indices requires intersectoral collaboration and community participation So, National High Health and Food Security Council and Provincial Health and Food Security Councils (PHFSC) have been implemented since 2006. The main responsibilities of PHFSCs are, assessment of province health situation and effects of executive organizations on it's improvement, to define and approve the province health strategic plan, developing of AIDS and HIV prevention and control plan and resolving intersectoral issues of health. The goal of this study is first 3 years performance assessment of the PHFSCs.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive evaluation study which included all the PHFSCs. The outcome assessment indicators were determined by content analysis of "the approved tasks" and also "the essential aspects for promoting of PHFSCs" by focus group discussions. Situational analysis was provided by two researcher made questionnaires one for co Assessment of the contents of content analysis of PHFSCs all meetings minutes (from establishment year to the end of 2008) and another for gathering viewpoints of Secretaries of PHFSCs.
Results: Data analysis shows that the meeting's agendas of the PHFSCs have less followed the prioritized major health issues of provinces and national burden of diseases most issues were in the domain of communicable disease control and non-communicable diseases risk factors control included scarcely. Only in two Universities of Medical Sciences (UMSc) province comprehensive health plan were proposed. None of the UMSc approved a secretariat for PHFSC in its organizational top chart. PHFSCs secretaries believed that, the main obstacles of the PHFSCs' successes, are weak financial resources, and lack of decisions executive enforcements.
Conclusion: PHFSCs performances are moderate and moderate to low due to lack of comprehensive strategic plan and no implementation model for intersectoral decisions, other organizations believe on the effectiveness of the PHFSCs less and the main burden of disease of the provinces not mostly included in the agenda of PHFSCs. Following proposals are highly recommended for PHFSCs promotion: training and empowerment of UMSc and organizations for developing comprehensive health plan in the province and defining the responsibilities of each organizations for, determining policy priorities of common health issues of the provinces by High Health and Food Security Council and publicizing them by the Ministry of Health and the other relevant ministries and approving the structure and working system of the PHFSC secretariat in UMS by the Board of Trustees of UMS.
Behrooz Yazdan Panah, Mitra Safari, Farah Bahreini, Farzad Vafaee, Mohsen Salari, Mehran Yousefi, Masoud Rezaei, Ali Hosseini, Mohammad Habibian, Farid Moradian,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (8-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Current traditional research methods for solving social problems were challenged due to limited participation of community . The health companion project was carried out with the aim of determining effective model of community participation for solving health problems in Boyerahmad and Dena township. .
Materials and Methods : This study is a community based participatory research performed in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad province 2005-2009.The study population was the entire rural and urban households of Boyerahmad and Dena county.The strategic committee of project including academic researchers, managers of health and health related sectors was formed and this committee selected six regions for research activities. In each region local directing group "health companion " was established with participation of stakeholders: academic researchers, local leaders, health providers and public representatives to guide all aspects of project. The members of the group empowered and enabled by attending training workshops for need assessment, priority setting, research methodology that through these activities the health problem priorities of the regions were recognized, the research area determined and intervention programs were designed and implemented according to these research area.
Results: The most important achievement of this project is the methods of activities to reaching goals. Implementation of six participatory interventional proposal for solving health problems and needs are the other achievement. The frequency and means of health problems and their risk factors significantly reduced after the completion of intervention program in each region.
Conclusion: Establishing and activities of health companion groups followed model of Planned Approach to Community Health (PATCH) that help community to form health promotion team, collecting and organizing of data, choosing health priorities, developing a comprehensive intervention plan and evaluation .
Hassan Eftekhar Ardebili, Farhad Lashkar Boloki, Abolghasem Jazayeri, Mohammad Ariaei, Mansoureh Minaei,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background an Aim: Aging trend especially in developing country is increasing. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of the elderly and its associated factors in Gorgan .
Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study that two-stage cluster sampling method was used for considering participant. The data were collected using Mini Nutritional Assessment and anthropometric questionnaire which was referred to the elderly inhabitant in urban area. 541 elder were interviewed and data were analyzed by chi square, independent T test and one way ANOVA tests.
Results : The prevalence of malnutrition was %4/8 and nearly %44/7 of the elderly were at the risk of malnutrition. %51/9 of the elderly were on a special diet due to a disease or specific condition. Malnutrition frequency and the risk of it were higher in woman than men and the difference between sexes was statistically significant. BMI, mid arm circumference and calf circumference measures in elderly with malnutrition were less than elderly with good nutrition, and the difference was statistically significant
Conclusion: The risk of malnutrition in elderly who exposed to socio-economic, mental and also dental difficulties, living alone and female old age was higher than others groups. The implementation of supportive and nutritional programs is more important in this group.
Masoumeh Dejman, Maroe Vameghi, Fatemeh Dejman, Payam Roshanfekr, Hasan Rafiey, Ameneh Setareh Forouzan, Majid Rezazadeh, Parisa Fazeli,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Children who work or live in the streets are one of the high-risk groups for HIV. The high population of street children and lack of comprehensive intervention programs for them increase their risk for HIV in Iran. This study intended to explore the situation of drug abuse in street children in Tehran, the capital city.
Materials and Methods: This paper reports part of a comprehensive rapid assessment and response (RAR) research project on street children in Tehran during 2012-13. Data were collected by interviewing subjects using questionnaires. The sample size was 289 street children selected by time-location sampling in Tehran.
Results : Data showed that about 25.6% of the street children had had some history of cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, and/or drug abuse. Most of them were boys aged 15-18 years. The prevalence rate of cigarette and/or hubble-bubble smoking, alcohol consumption and drug abuse during the preceding 6 months 12.1%, 11% and 6.9%, respectively. Significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and drug abuse on the one hand and the children’s age, type of occupation and home-leaving experience on the other. Further analysis of the data showed that the main reason for drug abuse was curiosity (56.6%), followed by mere enjoyment (39.6%) and leisure (35.8%) .
Conclusion : It can be concluded that drug abuse among street children is highly associated with gender, age, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and leaving home experience. Therefore, it is recommended to start drug abuse prevention programs at lower ages, with particular emphasis on boys. In addition, family intervention and improvement of children’s lifestyle aiming at preventing home-leaving could be a main strategic plan for reducing drug abuse among street children.
Farzad Maleki, Marjan Hossein Pour, Hossein Rafiemanesh, Fatemeh Salehi, Zahra Lotfi, Mohammad Reza Naserizadeh, Noorallah Yari, Fatemeh Koohi, Koroush Holakoie Naieni,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The community assessment is the basis of strategic policies for health professionals and managers. The aim of community assessment is collection of the data that relating to public health problems, data analysis and concludes about necessary capacities for providing the necessary resources to resolve problems.
Materials and Methods: In this study the databases of Scientific Information Database, MagIran, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and IranMedex were searched up to April 2014 (farvardin1393). All papers of community assessment in the country according to our standard community assessment model were included in this study.
Results: Overall 11 studies were evaluated and the common feature of all research is to identify problems of society and local problems. The drug addiction was classified in 3 of the studies as a main problem and in 7 of studies was classified in the ten major problems. Poverty and unemployment are allocated to the next priority, the second priority in 2 studies, the third priority in 3 studies and the fourth priority in 3 studies. Environmental health problems and socio-cultural problems were the next priorities.
Conclusion: The proposed model can be used to suggest new health services with due consideration of community problems, as well as develop suitable, effective intervention strategies. This type of community study should not be conducted only once. Rather, it should be repeated periodically in any community, results compared and used for policy-making.
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.
Marjan Hossein Pour, Shahrzad Nematollahi, Mohammad Shekari, Abdolhossein Madani, Ali Akbarisari, Ali Ardalan, Elham Torabi, Hossein Shabkhiz, Kourosh Holakoie Naieni,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nowadays, in health promotion and disease prevention great emphasis is put on participatory community-based approaches. These approaches are considered as the main strategy of health promotion by using multiple interventions. Community assessment is a participatory research approach in which problems prioritization and resource distribution are done using information collected in a region aiming at promoting health of the community.
Materials and Methods: In this applied research community assessment was made in the Chahestaniha region in the City of BandarAbbas with the objective of identifying and prioritizing the main problems. The assessment consisted of eight phases, namely, the formation of a community assessment team, Primary and secondary data collection, data analysis and interpretation, combining district-level health statistics with community assessment data, reporting to the community, prioritizing health problems, and prepared a community assessment document. In the eighth phase, after considering all risk factors that cause high prevalence of Children head lice, the action plan was designed and implemented to solve the problems.
Results: The Chahestaniha community assessment led to identifying 52 problems. The priority problems were classified. High prevalence of lice on children’s head was chosen as the top major problem to be solved, an action plan for solving it was developed and implemented.
Conclusion: The full cycle of community assessment methodology can be applied, with only some small changes, in most communities with different sizes, cultures, traditions and social habits. The method can obtain participation of the people in conducting the study and implementing interventions.
Behzad Damari, Abbas Vosough Moghaddam, Narges Rostami Gooran, Mohammad Javad Kabir,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The most important healthcare reform in Iran during the last decade has been implementation of the family physician and referral system in rural areas and small towns with a population of less than 20000. The program was expanded (as a pilot project), with small modifications, to rural areas of 2 provinces, namely, Fars and Mazandaran. This study was initiated to assess the achievements, challenges and weak points of the pilot project before deciding to expand it to other provinces.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in winter 2013. Data were collected using document desk reviews, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and focus-group discussions. Relevant family health policy makers, managers and service providers in the two provinces were invited to the meetings. The data were analyzed and categorized based on the content analysis method.
Results: The data showed that the family physician program is faced with several challenges regarding objectives; stewardship; service providing; and human, financial and information resources. It is to be noted, however, that the program has had achievements such as increased access to services, increased coordination among insurance organizations and medical universities, and organizing and managing health files.
Conclusion: The program should not be expanded to other provinces before redesigning in order to assure that it is more complete and comprehensive and create commitment and adequate guarantee among stakeholders. It is essential that all the stakeholders agree on general and specific objectives of a 5-year program and prepare an operational plan for each specific objective.
Zahra Lotfi, Ensieh Gheirati, Fatemeh Tajik, Zohreh Tavakoli, Mahmood Mahmoodi, Kourosh Holakouie Naieni,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nowadays, prioritizing problems and distribution of resources is determined according to the basic needs of the individuals in the population. Based on the study done by researchers in Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Public Health in Golhesar Village, Tehran, taking action about "drug abuse" was ranked by the community as the first priority. Therefore, the present study aimed to estimate the size of the population of drug abusers using the network expansion method.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a purposive sample of 320 persons 15-65 years old. The study included two parts: 1. estimation of the social network based on 32 population subgroups using the frequency of network expansion approach; 2. estimation of the size of the hidden population. The relevant correction coefficients were used for adjusting errors usually observed in this method. Results: The mean of the social network was 160.79±16.68) 95% CIs: 128.78-194.30.(The frequencies of cigarette smoking, hookah smoking, alcohol consumption, opium use, meth use, crack use, heroin use, injecting drugs and ecstasy were 103.43, 88.25, 96.9, 76.46, 69.37, 30.03, 20.48, 7.36, and 4.23 per 1000; respectively. The percentage of drug abusers was higher among men.
Conclusion: As compared to results of previous reports, the size of drug abuser population in Golhesar Village is currently higher. In order to solve this problem an appropriate action plan should be implemented by the planners and policy-makers in partnership with community members.
