Showing 21 results for Ms
Gh Asgari , M Nateghpour , M Rezaian ,
Volume 1, Issue 3 (6-2003)
Abstract
To determine the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infections, we examined 966randomly collected stool specimens from urban areas and 569 such samples from the ruralregions. These were examined using formalin-ether sedimentation and direct smearmethods. From the total of 1535 specimens, 143 that belonged to 1-6 years old childrenwere examined by scatch tape method.The results indicated that 53.2% of the subjects were infected with intestinal protozoa andhelminths with the following prevalence rates:Entamoeba histolytica 9.6%, E. coli 16%, E.hartmanni 7%, Endolimax nana 2.6%,Iodomoeba biitschlii 1.8%, Dientamoeba fragilis 1.5%, Chi/omastix mesnili 0.4%), Giardialamblia 18.8%, Blastocysts hominis 16.5%, Dicrocoelium dendriticum 0.1%, Taeniasaginata 0.2%, Hymenolopis nana 1.4%, Ascaris lambricodies 0.3%, Enterobiusvermincularis (using scatch tape method) 0.7%, E.vermicularis (using formalin - ethermethod) 28.7%,Trichostrongylusspp.0.1%,Strongyhidessiercorials 0.3% and Trichuristrichiura 0.1%.Rural people were significantly more likely to bear helminthic infections than urbanresidents (4.9% versus 2.1%).E.histofytica wasmore prevalent among men (11% versus 7.1%) and, interestingly,age-specific infection rates for giardiasis and amebiasis showed contrasting patterns in thisstudy
A Choobineh , M Lahmi , M Hosseini , R Khani Jazani , H Shahnavaz ,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (6-2004)
Abstract
Carpet weaving is a high risk occupation for developing MSDs, as awkward working postures, repetitive movements, contact stress and long working time are common. The objectives of the present study, which was carried out at the Iranian hand-woven carpet industry, were determination of MSDs symptoms prevalence, workstation and working posture assessment, identification of major factors associated with MSDs symptoms in different body regions and developing guidelines for workstation design. In this study, 1439 randomly selected weavers from 9 Iranian provinces have participated. Data on personal details, workshop characteristics and MSDs symptoms was collected by questionnaire. Posture and workstation assessment were performed by observational technique. The results revealed that musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence rates in shoulders (47.8%), lower back (45.2%), wrists (38.2%), upper back (37.7%), neck (35.2%) and knees (34.6%) were high as compared to general Iranian population (for neck, back and large joints p<0.0001). Working postures were found to be deviated form neutral. Lack of proper seat, leg clearance, adjustment mechanisms, together with incorrect weaving height made weavers worked in constrained, harmful postures. The results were subjected to multivariate analyses in order to find the major factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. Several such factors were identified for symptoms of each body regions. Identified ergonomic factors were loom type, working posture, daily working time, seat type and type of knots. Based on the results, some general guidelines for weaving workstation design were developed. The prototype test showed that the new workstation was acceptable to subject tests and improved working posture.
R Rad Goodarzi , A Rahimi Movaghar , E Sahimi Izadian , M.r Mohammadi , M Vazirian ,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (6-2005)
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to assess preparedness and function of health system in the management of withdrawal symptoms in opioid dependents after Bam earthquake, the methods that medical staff used for identification of dependents, the viewpoints of the medical staff as well as opioid dependents about the roles of health system, and the appropriate methods for managing opioid dependence after disaster.
This qualitative study was carried out in the city of Bam, one of its nearby villages and eight hospitals in Tehran and Kerman, admitting earthquake victims. Our analysis was based on 163 semi-structured interviews, with drug abusers, their family members, people living in Bam, service providers, and the authorities.
No specific training for drug abuse was reported by medical staff. No guideline or program was available for prevention and management of drug dependence in disasters. Most of the medical staff had negative attitudes toward involvement in treatment of opioid dependence. During the first two weeks after the earthquake, medical management of the withdrawal symptoms was inadequate. Most of the interviewees suggested managing the withdrawal symptoms with prescribing opioid agonists and then treating the opioid dependence following improvement of physical injuries and stability of social situation.
In disaster situations, the consequences of inadequate management of opioid dependence can be ominous. Such consequences consist of a change in incidence of substance use, intensity of use and dependence, type of substance and route of use to more dangerous ways. Therefore, a practical protocol (disaster planning) is needed for prevention and management of substance dependence in the times of crises.
H Tousy , K Holakouie Naieni , M Mahomoudi ,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (5-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Designing, presenting and implementing a model for assessing work-related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and subjective pain, using a combination of Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and the Body Mapping Questionnaire in Babol city in 1382.
Nowadays, Work-Related (WMSDs) are considered to be the most common occupational disorders in Iran. Because of their debilitating potential, it is necessary to find a quick, user-friendly and valid technique to assess risk factors for WMSDs in this country.
The city of Babol has a larger number of industrial centers in comparison with other cities in Mazandaran province. Therefore, it is surprising that there are virtually no reports of WMSD cases in the city. There is a need for a tool capable of showing the real number of cases and evaluate WMSDs in the city.
Material and Methods: It is hoped that the Quick Exposure Check and the Body Mapping Questionnaire, when used in combination, will constitute a highly effective tool for the detection and prevention of a wide range of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
In this survey we try to show the utility and usability of a designed job assessing combination model in a factory in Babol city with at least three results.
Results:
1) We show that not only the number of WMSD cases in the city is not zero, but that there is indeed a substantial amount of disease among industrial workers.
2) According to these findings and other subjective findings of pain, it is urgent to determine the severity of the problem and to recommend appropriate ergonomic interventions (according to QEC’s action level score) accompanied by Body mapping Questionnaire as soon as possible.
3) Considering the significant correlation between QEC action level and subjective findings of pain in the Body Mapping Questionnaire, (Spearman’s rho > 0.5), the model is very useful in periodic examination of workers in factories.
Conclusion: We hope that this highly valid model (QEC/Body mapping) will prove useful in improving the health and thus the quality of the current workforce in the country.
H.r Gilasi , K Holakouie Naieni , M.r Zafarghandi , M Mahmoudi , M Ghanei , M.r Soroush , A Dowlatyari , A Ardalan ,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (6-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In breach of all international conventions, Iraq frequently used chemical weapons against both military and civilian targets in its 8-year war with Iran. The most frequently used agent was sulfur mustard. The effects of mustard gas may be divided into early and late categories. Late lesions, due to the agent's mutagenic and carcinogenic potential, are mainly the results of its action on intracellular particles, probably nucleic acids. Although the occurrence of cancer has been proved following long-term exposure, the presence of a carcinogenic effect in acute, short-term contact is still in doubt.
Materials and Methods: To determine the relationship between cancer and acute exposure to mustard gas, a historical cohort study was carried out in Isfahan province, involving 500 chemically-injured soldiers with at least one episode of exposure to mustard gas. The incidence of cancer and the death rates in these subjects were compared with similar rates from i) 500 unexposed soldiers in the same area and ii) nationwide figures.
Results: All the subjects were male. The mean age in the exposed and unexposed groups were 41(±10.8), and 40(±7.6) years respectively. Within the exposed group, the mean age at first exposure was 24.1(±13) years the mean age at first injury in the unexposed group was 23(±11) years. Eighty-one percent of the cases lived in cities and 19% in rural areas. For 395 persons (84.5%) in the exposed group, education was at high school level or below. Within the same group, 481 subjects (96.2%) were married. Sixty-three people (12.6%) were servicemen and 366 (73.2%) had civilian jobs. Three cases of cancer were observed in those exposed to mustard gas. No cases occurred in the unexposed group. Ten people in exposed group and 7 in the unexposed group were dead at the time of the study. Relative risks for cancer and death were estimated at 4.02 (CI 95% = 0.45-36.1) and 1.44 (CI 95% = 0.54-3.81) respectively.
Conclusion: The results failed to show a statistically significant relationship between cancer incidence and acute exposure to sulfur mustard.
F Ghamari, A Mohammad Beygi , R Tajik,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (8-2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The lack of balance between job needs and workers' physical capacity may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (Wises). WMSDs are one of the most important occupational health problems in developing countries. These problems are due to risk factors such as poor work postures, excessive force applied, repetitive movements, vibration, prolonged work duration, and psychological factors, leading, ultimately, to disorders ranging from mild low back pain to severe disabilities. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of WMSDs in different body regions, assessing posturing, and detecting ergonomic and individual risk factors causing musculoskeletal disorders, in Araki bakery workers in Arak, Iran.
Methods and Materials: In this cross - sectional study 233 randomly selected bakery workers in Arak were included, and the prevalence of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors, with particular emphasis on work posture, was determined in them. The method used was OWAS and the NMQ Questionnaire.
Results: The highest prevalences of musculoskeletal disorders were in the knees (62.2%), low back (58.8%), legs (53.9%) and shoulders (44.6%) of the workers. Low back and shoulder injuries in Shaaters (workers in charge of baking the bread) and elbow, thigh and low back disorders in Choongeers (workers in charge of dividing and rounding the dough) were more prevalent than in other occupations. There is a positive association between type of occupation and these disorders (p<0/05). According to the OWAS's classification, the distribution of bakery workers' working postures was as follows: 58.5% in the action category 1 (natural posture), 34.7% in the action category 2 (stress posture), 4% in the action category 3 (harmful posture), and 2.5% in the action category 4 (very harmful posture). There was a significant relation between work service record and neck, elbow, shoulder, and knee disorders (p<0/05).
Conclusion: This study revealed that the working postures of 42.2% of Aaraki bakery workers were slightly to very harmful postures in addition, there was a high prevalence of WMSDS in different body regions of the workers. Ergonomic interventions are essential to improve the situation and protect better the health of the workers.
Mohammad Ali Zazouli, Simin Nasseri, Amir Hossein Mahvi, Ali Reza Mesdaghinia,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (10-2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Natural organic matter (NOMs), measured on the basis of organic carbon, produces disinfection by-products precursors (DBPs) during the chlorination process. Some DBPs are carcinogenic. NOMs are not completely removed by conventional water treatment. As a result, in addition to forming DBPs, they support bacterial regrowth in the water distribution systems and cause unpleasant odor and taste and other problems. The objective of this study was to determine organic carbon concentration and DBPs formation potential in drinking water of the water distribution system in Tehran, Iran.
Methods and Materials: Water sampling was done by standard methods, monthly between August 2006 and Feb 2007, at four points of the drinking water distribution system in Tehran. Quantitative parameters, including pH, EC, UV254 (UV absorbance at a wavelength of 254nm), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and specific UV absorbance (SUVA) were determined. DOC and UV-254 of the samples were determined using a Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzer and a Lambda 25 UV/Vis spectrophotometer, respectively. SUVA (L/mg.m) was calculated as thea ratio of the UV absorbance at 254 nm (1/m) to DOC (mg/ L).
Results: The water content of DOC at the four points of the distribution system was less than 0.7 mg /L. The mean DOC concentration was 0.3±0.14mg/L, ranging between 0.12 and 0.687mg/L, with no monthly variation. The mean SUVA was 1.3±0.7.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the Tehran water treatment systems cannot eliminate completely natural organic matter. SUVA values show, however, that the system can eliminate the majority of hydrophobic compounds. Therefore, formation of haloacetic acids is more probable than that of trihalomathanes.
G Sotoudeh, S Khosravi, F Khajehnasiri, F Koohdani,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Weight status perception is an important factor in nutritional behavior. The aim of this study was to determine Islamshahr women's self-perception of their obesity status and perception of their husbands' opinions regarding women's obesity status, as compared with the actual central obesity status of the women.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study carried out in 2003 on a cluster sample of Islamshahr women aged 20-65 years (n = 704). Data were collected by interviews and weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. A waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) greater than 0.849 was considered as central obesity. Based on the body mass index [BMI=weight/height2(kg/m2)], underweight, normal, overweight, and obese were defined as a BMI <18.5, 18.5-24.9 , 25-29.9, and ≥30, respectively.
Results: About 35% of the women with central obesity considered themselves underweight or normal. Married women's perception of husbands' opinions regarding their obesity status showed about 45% misclassification. Women with central obesity who thought their husbands would assess them as underweight or normal were more likely [OR=18.6, 95% CI: 9.1 to 38.2] to underestimate their obesity status as well.
Conclusion: Misperception of obesity status is common among Islamshahr women. Considering the role of central obesity in metabolic diseases, menstrual disorders and increasing serum androgens, conducting nutrition education programs is essential for prevention and control of central obesity in the region studied.
Z Zarei Ghane, A Mirshafiey, A.r Razavi, A Sarafnejad, N Aalizadeh, M.r Khorramizadeh,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered as a common inflammatory disease of the human central nervous system (CNS). 4 amino pyridine (4-AP), a potassium channel blocker, is used widely in MS treatment to reduce fatigue and cachexia often experienced by the patients. The objective of this study was to get a better understanding of the mechanism of action of this drug, using the cell culture model. More specifically, we attempted to determine the effects of the drug on 1. The profileration of, and its cytotoxicity on, the neurons, and 2. The activity of MMP-9 in the neurons.
Materials and Methods: Considering the available reports on the wide range of 4-AP effects, we designed this study to investigate its possible role in proliferation or cytotoxicity of the MS cellular model, i.e. astrocytoma U373-MG, using the MTT assay technique. We also analyzed the effect of 4-AP on cell functionality as assessed by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) zymography.
Results: The results showed that while 4-AP at a concentration of 0.1 and 1 mM has no significant cytotoxic effects on the treated cells, it has remarkable MMP-9 inhibitory effects (p<0.01). The proliferation analyses confirmed the stability of 4-AP effects on cell functionality.
Conclusion: On the whole, the results of the present study show the desirable effect of 4-AP on MMP-9 activity at non-cytotoxic doses, promising its further therapeutic applications.
Alireza Choobineh, Ahmad Soltanzadeh, Seyed Hamidreza Tabatabaie, Mehdi Jahangiri,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Shift work may induce adverse effects such as health problems on human life. The purpose of this study was to investigate shift work-related health problems and their associated risk factors among workers of petrochemical industries.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 21 petrochemical companies affiliated to the National Petrochemical Industries Company, Iran. The study population consisted of 3580 workers (44.2% shift- and 55.8% day-workers). Data were collected on demographic characteristics, shift schedules, and health problems using anonymous questionnaires. Statistical analyses and modeling were performed using SPSS version 11.5.
Results: The mean age of the day-workers with a job tenure of 8.87±7.22 years and of the shift-workers with a job tenure of 8.22±7.02 years was 34.56±8.19 and 33.15±7.73 years, respectively. Analysis of the data showed that prevalence of health problems among shift-workers was higher than that of day-workers. Furthermore, based on multiple linear regression analysis, it was revealed that, in addition to shift-working itself, other variables such as long working-hours, type of employment, age, job tenure, education, and job title also had a role in creating problems.
Conclusion: Although in the shift-working system the main risk factor associated with health problems among the workers is the work itself, there are also other risk factors, such as demographic and occupational variables.
Alireza Choobineh, Mandana Aghabeygi, Hamidreza Tabatabaei, Afshin Fallahpour, Fouzieh Javadpour, Ahmad Soltanzadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: After conducting a comprehensive study on shift work systems in petrochemical companies and recommending appropriate shift schedules, some companies changed shift patterns. After a year, the present study was carried out at a petrochemical company which changed its shift pattern from 4-4-4 to 3-3-3. The objective of the study was evaluation of effectiveness of shift schedule change on shift workers’ health problems.
Materials and Methods: In this study, samples consisted of 195 shift workers of the present study and 44 shift workers from the previous study. Data were collected by an anonymous questionnaire, in which questions on demographic characteristics, health problems and workers’ opinions about shift pattern change were included. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 11.5.
Results: The results showed that prevalence of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal problems were not statistically different between the two groups (p>0.05), but prevalence of some psychological disorders were lower in the present study subjects as compared to the individuals of the previous study (p<0.01). The results revealed that from the viewpoint of shift workers new shift pattern improved quality and quantity of sleep. The findings showed that 76.8% of the subjects evaluated the new shift schedule to be better than the previous one.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, changing the shift pattern from 4-4-4 to 3-3-3 resulted in reduction of prevalence of psychological problems. Therefore, the change implemented in the shift pattern was useful.
Maryam Behrouz, Zohreh Hosseini, Fatemeh Sedaghat, Mahsa Soufi, Bahram Rashidkhani,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: There is some evidence that nutrition probably plays a role in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). The present case-control study was conducted in the City of Tehran, Iran with the purpose of finding any possible relations between food groups and MS.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control hospital-based study conducted in 2011 in the City of Tehran, data were collected on several variables including socio-economic status, life style, and food intakes of 70 MS patients and 140 controls matched for age and gender, through interviews and questionnaires. All the statistical tests were done using the SPSS software version 16. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR).
Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, it was seen that subjects in the upper tertile of intakes of the fruit group, tomatoes, other vegetables, and liquid oils, were significantly less likely to be suffering from MS disease, the odds ratio being 68% (OR: 0.32 95% CI: 0.13-0.79), 82% (OR: 0.18 95% CI: 0.05-0.65), 61% (OR: 0.39 95% CI: 0.93-0.16), and 94% (OR: 0.06 95% CI: 0.08-0.58), respectively. On the other hand, subjects shown to be significantly less at risk of the disease were those in the upper tertile of the intakes of non-liquid oil [ 1.58 times (OR: 2.58 95% CI: 1.05-6.33) ] and soft drinks [1.87 times (OR: 2.87 95% CI: 1.17-7.02)] (p for trend < 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study support the probable role of nutrition in preventing multiple sclerosis.
Najmolmolook Amini, Davood Shojaeezadeh, Mohsen Saffari,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Physical inactivity is one of the 10 leading causes of mortality and disability. This study aimed to investigate the effect of e-learning on physical activity and body mass index (BMI) of female-employees.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental interventional study, 120 female-employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected randomly and assigned to a case or control group. Data were collected using a demographic and an international physical activity questionnaire. Pre-test and post-test questionnaires were completed by the case and control subjects prior to, and 2 months after the final phase of, the intervention. The intervention included virtual education through short message service (SMS), email messages or messages via intanet, and educational films for a period of 16 weeks. SPSS-17 was used to analyze the data, the statistical tests being Chi-square, independent and paired-t, and
Fisher's exact tests. Results: The mean age of the participants was 41 and 39 years in the case and control group, respectively. Most of them held a bachelor's degree and were married with 1 or 2 children. After the intervention, the mean score of physical activity in the intervention group increased significantly as compared with the control value (p<0.001). However, the intervention did not produce any change in the mean BMI of the case in comparison with the control group (p=0.119), although it brought about a statistically significant reduction in the initial BMI (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Web-based education, SMS and multi-media messages can increase physical activity in female-employees and might prevent illnesses caused by physical inativity.
Fariba Kiani, Mohammad Reza Khodabakhsh,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Occupational injuries are of the most important factors of fatal and disabling of thousand individuals in workplace. Therefore, cognizing the influencing factors on occupational injuries is very important. The purpose of this study was to determine the predicted power of health outcomes in workers by perceived support from organization, supervisor and coworkers.
Materials and Methods: The current research is the kind of correlation studies. Sample consisting of 189 employees in Isfahan Steel Company in 2012 was selected according to the stratified random sampling method and responded questionnaires about demography characteristics perceived support from organization, supervisor and coworkers incident reporting rate and its dimensions (physical symptoms, psychological symptoms and accident). Data was analyzed using of Pearson correlation coefficient and MANOVA.
Results: The results showed that perceived organizational support significantly predicted almost 9%, 8% and 14% of variables variances of incident reporting rate and its two dimensions that is physical symptoms and psychological symptoms (p<0.01).Also, perceived supervisor support significantly predicted almost 11% of psychological symptoms variance and perceived supervisor support significantly predicted almost 5% of physical symptoms variance (p<0.05). It wasn’t significantly observed relationship between the dimension of accident and perceived support from organization, supervisor and coworker (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The research results maintained the importance of psycho-social variables in predicting health outcomes in workers.
Mohsen Haddadi, Abolfazl Zakerian, Mahmood Mahmoodi, Jebraeil Nasl Seraji, Zohreh Parsa Yekta, Abolfazl Ali Yari,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim : Diagnostic tools for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome questionnaire, created for research and clinical investigations in order to use it as a management tool for monitoring patients with this syndrome. The questionnaire is very comprehensive using a self-reporting system and all internal and external definitions according to the America's Center for Disease Control has been covered. It also assesses current and past activity levels and symptoms of fatigue and malaise after routine daily activities to ensure that these items are evaluated as well. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of diagnostic questionnaire for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Materials and Methods : In the discussion of content validity and reliability of survey studies, chronic fatigue syndrome questionnaire, prepared by the Department of Psychology, DePaul University, and was elected a full copy of the correspondence received from the questionnaire ratings. The questionnaire that was translated content validity was assessed by the 20 members of the faculty. However, re-translated from Persian into English for reference, was prepared with modifications, the validity of its validity was confirmed by the authors. Then, 30 nurses were selected to determine the reliability of the questionnaire chronic fatigue syndrome who was working in a Hospital. Inventory management under center and full justification of the researcher and the participants in the study by researchers at the distribution has been completed. The survey was carried out again after 15 days.
Results: The instrument showed good reliability and validity. In discussing the content validity of the Persian translation tool by 20 people associated professor of internal review, and its content validity was determined with respect to two of CVI and the results of CVR , and (CVR=0.7 and CVI=0.85) represents CREDIT the content is good . According to the results, the reliability of the questionnaire CFS, Cronbach's alpha to assess the results of the questionnaire showed very good reliability. Two step test reliability coefficients (ICC = Mixed & and Confidence Interval = 95%) also showed a significant relationship among questions as well. However, the internal correlation coefficient obtained for the 8 criteria CFS, showed high internal cohesion.
Conclusion: This study suggests the CFS questionnaire as a reliable instrument for all levels in research and clinical applications. Using this tool can help with background checks and even in advanced levels to be effective, it has enough power and accuracy in the diagnosis of CFS sufferers.
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.
Baharak Bayati, Gholam Ali Afrooz, Anita Baghdasarians, Sogand Ghasemzadeh, Asadollah Rajab,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Families with diabetic children face various problems and challenges such as child psychological problems, behavioral problems and a low quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of promoting the quality of life of parents of diabetic children on clinical symptoms in their children.
Materials and Methods: This was a pre-test and post-test semi-experimental research with a control group. The statistical sample included 32 diabetic children and their parents, selected in 2 stages using the convenience random sampling method from among Tehran Diabetes Association members, randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group received education about quality of life promotion in ten 2-hour sessions. Data were collected using the child clinical symptoms questionnaire (CSI-4-Child Symptom Inventory) and analyzed by multi-variate analysis of covariance using SPSS 20.
Results: The average post-test scores of emotional-behavioral symptoms in the experimental and control groups were significantly different (F=19.20, F=24.53, F=21.01, P<0.01). Furthermore, the experimental group mean scores were significantly lower than the control values, indicating a positive effect of the comprehensive quality of life promotion program on the children's emotional-behavioral symptoms.
Conclusion: Education about promoting the quality of life imparted to parents of diabetic children can significantly affect clinical symptoms in the diabetic children, decreasing the symptoms. Therefore, such education is recommended in order to promote the quality of life and reduce psychological distress in families of children with diabetes.
Sajedeh Vadoudi, Sogand Ghasemzadeh, Seyedeh Monavvar Yazdi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to design and examine the effectiveness of a parent-child relationship improvement program in reducing the externalized problems in children with Down's syndrome. A parent-child relationship improvement program was designed, followed by assessing its effectiveness in a random sample of pupils using a quasi-experimental research design with a pre-test, post-test and follow-up.
Materials and Methods: The study population was all the pupils with Down’s syndrome in the schools for exceptional student in Tehran and their parents in the academic year 2016-2017. The parents and their children were divided into two experimental and control groups.
Thirty-six out of 56 mothers were screened based on a diagnostic interview and inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed the CBCL and parent-child relationship questionnaires in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. Data analysis was performed using the multivariate covariance analysis with repeated measurements.
Results: The results showed that the mean post-test scores were statistically significantly different between the control and experimental groups, the mean scores of the experimental group being lower than those of the control group, which indicates a positive effect of the family-centered intervention.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is concluded that the parent-child relationship improvement program can reduce the subscales of conflict and dependence and increase the subscale of intimacy in the parent-child relationships. Moreover, it can also reduce behavioral problems in children with Down’s syndrome.
Mahdieh Keykavoos Iranag, Hadi Pashapour, Azam Jafari, Khadijeh Keshavarzian, Mahmoud Khodamoradi, Abass Ali Dorosti, Asghar Mohammadpoorasl,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Developing appropriate programs for community problem solving and community development and prosperity will be possible only after realistic identification of the community’s problems. Community health assessment is a process by which researchers and community members understand the health care system and community concerns through data collection and analysis, determining strengths and weaknesses and defining the community’s resources and demands. Basmenj is a town located 10 kilometer from the metropolitan City of Tabriz, Iran and on the verge of adjoining this metropolis. This paper reports results of the community assessment of this town.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in autumn 2017. The methodology used for community assessment was based on the eight-stage model of North Carolina. In the first seven stages the Basmenj community problems were identified and prioritized, followed, in the eighth stage, by developing an action plan for solving the problems in order of priority.
Results: Approximately 100 different problems were identified at the end of the first stage. Based on the Hanlon classification model, the top prioritized problems of the region were found to be, in that order, youth addiction, urban trashes, stray dogs, environmental pollution caused by Pars Color Company, narrowness of the main street, inner-city livestock farming, early marriage among girls, wastewater problems, youth unemployment, and high consumption and self-administration of anti-biotics.
From among these problems, the urban trashes problem was studied briefly. Factors playing a role in its causation were found to be as follows: lack of waste reduction and waste sorting programs, low citizens’ knowledge about trash gathering, absence of an appropriate urbane wastewater system, and, finally, lack of participation of citizens and the private sector in trash gathering and burying
Conclusion: A wide range of social, cultural and economic problems was identified. The top priority was found to be focusing on problems related to urban trashes. However, it should be noted that solving all the community problems identified requires the co-operation and support of all the governmental organizations, as well as involvement of the community at large.
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.
