Showing 28 results for Tehran
H Shahandeh , R Wameghi , N Hatamizadeh , A Kazemnejad ,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (6-2005)
Abstract
Nowadays the Quality of Life (QOL) among different groups of people, especially in disabled
people, is recognized as a very important topic.
In order to assess quality of life in people with spinal cord injuries, 86 members of Tehran
spinal cord injury(SCI) society were selected randomly. Data were gathered through a
questionnaire that consisted of two parts. The first part contained questions about sex, age,
plus the cause, type and duration of injury. The second part contained questions that measured
quality of life in an objective manner. The test was adapted from Lancashire and Wisconsin
tests and modified to suit the cultural background of Iranian people.
Results showed that %73.3 of people with SCI perceived their QOL as good or fair.
In assessing different areas of quality of life, the highest scores were given to social relations
(3.67 out of 5). In the married group the mean score for satisfaction in family relations was
3.95 out of 5 score.
Sub-scores for work/education, finances, physical health and psychological health status were
lower than the other ones.
Results of study indicated that there was a significant difference in the mean QOL score
between the two sexes: the score for women was higher (mean score was 3.3 for women and
2.9 for men). But Quality of Life was not significantly related to age, cause of SCI, type of
SCI, or duration of SCI.
R Nabizadeh, K Naddafi, M Mohebbi, M Yonesian, A.m Mirsepasi, S Oktaie, M Faghihi ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The scattered state of the rural populations- in terms of both the distance between villages and the distance between residential units within a single village- has made the task of supply, distribution and monitoring the quality of water a difficult one. In this study we looked at the bacteriological quality as well as access to safe potable water in selected villages of Tehran Province. This research started in February 2006 and ended in July the same year.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional field study, sampling points were specified on the basis of the populations of the villages served by the Tehran Rural Water and Wastewater Company. After systematic sampling, the specimens were transferred to the laboratory for testing. Data were analyzed using the SPSS and Microsoft Excel software packages.
Results: Drinking water contamination with E. coli was observed in 5.99% of the villages. The degree of contamination was highest in the districts of Pakdasht, Savojblagh and Damavand, with rates of 33.34, 13.69 and 13.32 percent respectively. For 99.36% of the Tehran rural population the turbidity was lower than the standard value of 1053 set by the Iranian Institute of Standards and Industrial Research. Values in Savojblagh and Varamin were relatively higher, with rates of 96.51% and 99.30% respectively. Given the standard value of 1053, the residual chlorine levels were unacceptably low for 92.39% of the rural residents, with figures in the districts of Pakdasht, Damavand and Robatkarim reaching 75.67, 85.45 and 83.98 percent respectively.
Conclusion: Based on WHO guidelines concerning the microbial quality of water published in 2006, the average indicator for lack of E.coli in rural water of Tehran was 94.01%, i.e. at an excellent level. Levels were good for Damavand and Savojblagh, low in Pakdasht and excellent in all other districts.
F Hosseyni Esfahani, A Jazayeri, P Mirmiran, Y Mehrabi, F Azizi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (6-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study aimed to determine dietary patterns in district 13 of Tehrani adults and evaluate its association with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 343 male and 453 female aged 18-65 years who participated in Tehran Lipid and Glucose study. Usual dietary intakes were assessed with food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were determined by factor analysis based on 24 food groups identified by similarity of nutrients. Three major dietary patterns were identified: healthy (HDP), western (WDP) and traditional (TDP). Lifestyle and socio-demographic characteristics gathered with pre-tested questionnaires. Multiple regression models separately for men and women were fitted to assess the relationships.
Results:The mean age(SD) of men and women were 40(13) and 36(12) respectively. WDP characterized by a higher consumption of salty snacks, sauces, sweetened beverages, processed meats and refined grains, and the HDP characterized by greater intakes of vegetables, low fat meats, tea and coffee, legumes and nuts.WDP had the most variance among 3 dietary patterns. The mean factor score of HDP was higher in women than in men(P<0.05) after adjusting for age and total energy intake. Adherence to a WDP was higher among younger participants (men: β=-0.46, women:-0.34, P<0.001). The percent of married individuals were the most in fourth quartiles of HDP score among the other quartiles (P<0.01) and married men were less likely to follow WDP (β=-0.25, P<0.01).
Conclusion:Three major dietary patterns were found with factor analysis: western, healthy and traditional. Younger and single individuals had more adherence to WDP and women had higher score in HDP.
B Ahmadi , S Nasseri , M Alimohamadian , M Shams , Z Ranjbar , M Shariat , A Ebrahimpour , A Pourreza , M Mahmoodi , M Younesian ,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Domestic violence against women is a major health problem, as well as a violation of human rights. It adversely affects the physical, mental, and social well being of women, families and communities. This phenomenon exists in all countries around the world. Although its prevalence, strength, types, effects, and risk factors are different, it is not limited to any geographical zone or distinct social class. This article presents the views of Tehrani couples and experts on underlying factors causing domestic violence against women in Iran and action to be taken for prevention.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was carried out through eight FGD meetings, in 2 days, with the participation of 50 couples. The couples were divided into 8 groups based on sex, education, and history of violence. Results of the FDGs were categorized and analyzed. Data were discussed in group meetings of 50 experts in different fields, such as health, medicine, law, education, and Islamic studies, from academic, policy making, governmental executive, and women's affairs organizations, divided into three groups of community general education and information dissemination, health system, and judiciary system. Results were discussed and finalized in a general meeting.
Results: The couples and experts identified underlying factors in 4 categories socio-cultural, economic, legal, and medical. Actions to be taken for prevention and control were believed to be educational, legal, and supporting services.
Conclusion: On the basis of the findings of this study, it was suggested that strategies/actions/services to solve the problem and reduce harm should include providing appropriate information and education for couples and the community emphasizing the health system responsibility empowering physicians and other health personnel to help women who are victims or susceptible to domestic violence legal transparency and reforms meeting legal needs law reinforcement and implementation providing safe shelters for victims and establishment of a national center for research and planning on violence.
A Pourreza, R Khabiri, M Arab, A Akbari Sari, A Rahimi, A Toll,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Factors determining the health care-seeking behaviors of an individual are social, cultural, and economic (treatment costs). Utilization of a health care system by a person will, on the whole, depend mainly on the socio-economic and demographic factors, cultural beliefs and practices, gender discrimination and women's status, the economic and political systems, environment, patterns of illness, and the health care system itself. The main objective of the present study was to examine current patterns of health care-seeking behavior in residents of Tehran, Iran in 2007.
Methods and Materials: In a cross-sectional study a two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select neighborhoods at the first stage and households at the second. The sample included a total of 1882 individuals over 18 years old in the households. The data were collected using a questionnaire. For analysis of the data the exact fisher test, X2, and multivariate logistic regression were used the software used was SPAA.3
Results: About 22/9% (431 persons) of the participants reported 1-2 illnesses during the previous month. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that age, sex, perceived severity of the illness, educational level, and marital status were all statistically associated with an attempt to seeking care, whether self-treatment or consulting a health center. The effects of different variables on decisions related to seeking care from a health care center versus self-care were also examined. The data showed that age, sex, perceived severity of the illness, income, educational level, household size, and method of payment were statistically the most significant variables affecting seeking care from a health center.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, it may be concluded that increasing social awareness about side effects of medicines, potential dangers of self-treatment, continuous education and training of physicians and pharmacists, improving health insurance systems and universal insurance coverage will be appropriate strategies for better utilization of health care services by the people.
M Khoobdel, M Shayeghi, S.m.a Seyedi Rashti, S Tirgari,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (10-2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Some medically important species of Muscidae and Fanniidae families are among synanthropic flies and can be seen in human habitats therefore they can be mechanical vectors of different pathogenic microorganisms. Identification and determination of species of these flies is essential for any control program planning. This study was conducted to determine the faunal diversity of Muscidae and Fanniidae flies in Tehran, Iran.
Methods and Materials: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and taxonomic study, conducted in 2 phases, during 1996-97 (pilot study) and 2000-2002 (complementary study) in Tehran and suburbs. Medically important flies were captured and identified. A net-hashing was used to capture adult flies by the direct observing method. To determine the fauna of flies in different habitats, 4 biotopes, including corpse (human, birds, livestock), garbage and decaying organic matter, animal carcasses, and human indoor habitat, were selected. Big hashing nets (95 cm in diameter) were used for capturing adult flies.
Results: A total of 2418 adult flies belonging to 8 families of Muscidae, Fanniidae, Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Tachinidae, Syrphidae, Conopidae, and Anthomyiidae were captured. Among these, 1279 belonged to the Muscidae and Fanniidae families. Four genera and 5 medically important species were identified from two families.
Conclusion: Based on the existing scientific documentation, 2 species of M. stabulans and F. scalaris are reported for the first time from Iran. However, M. stabulans is a common species, the presence of which in Iran seemed probable.
M Arab, A Zarei, M Hosseini,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (9-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Patients who consult hospital due to physical or mental damages have legal rights. Observation of patients' rights will result in patient satisfaction, which will help to improve hospital services. The aim of this study was to determine awareness and observation of patient's right in hospitals affiliated with medical universities in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2009 in hospitals affiliated with medical universities in Tehran. A total of 601 patients were randomly selected from 11 hospitals affiliated with three medical universities in Tehran. Data were collected using a 50-item questionnaire the validity and reliability of which had been confirmed. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. The software used was SPSS.17.
Results: The mean age of the patients (59% females and 41% males) was 43.3 (SD=18.5) years and the average length of hospitalization 7.1 (SD=7.4) days. Data analysis showed that the proportions of the patients with a poor, intermediate and desirable patients' rights awareness were 71.5%, 22.0% and 5.8%, respectively. Observation of patients' rights was good in 13.8% of the cases, medium in 82.9% of the cases and poor in 3.3% of the cases. There was a significant statistical relationship between observation of patients' rights on the one hand and the hospital ward and length of stay on the other hand (p=0/007). Further analysis of the data showed that the strongest and the weakest observed rights were patient awareness right and the right of making objections and lodging complaints, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that patients are not well aware of patients' rights and that observation of patient's rights is not at a desirable level. We recommend organizing public educational programs including components on patients' rights and follow-up of patient' rights violations, as well as passing a comprehensive act to ensure observation of patients' rights and specific programs designed for monitoring and supervising it.
Akbari Sari A, Z Beheshti Zavare, M Arab, A Rashidian, B Golestan,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (9-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pressure ulcer is a common problem and a large drain on hospital resources, especially in wards such as ICU where patients stay for a long time. The aim of this study was to explore the likely factors contributing to pressure ulcers in the ICU units of Tehran University of Medical Sciences teaching hospitals, Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This project was conducted in all the seven ICUs of four teaching hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. In the first phase the researcher performed a direct observation of all the 90 patients who were admitted to the ICU units to check the presence of any pressure ulcer. In the second phase, 310 patients discharged from the same ICU units between March 2007 and February 2008 was randomly selected and their medical records reviewed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data.
Results: Pressure ulcer occurred more frequently in the elderly women patients who were less active and had less mobility, hospitalized for a long time, or those with fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, paralysis, or respiratory diseases. In addition, pressure ulcer was seen more frequently in the patients hospitalized in the general ICUs, as well as in those with infections and different types of tumors.
Conclusion: Using a standard risk assessment tool and paying attention to the main risk factors of pressure ulcer can be a useful method for identifying the high-risk patients before admission in order to prevent them from developing such ulcers.
Reza Majdzadeh, Arash Rashidian, Mohsen Shams, Davood Shojaeizadeh, Ali Montazeri,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (11-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In social marketing, the common techniques of commercial marketing are used to increase the chances of acceptability of an idea or action by the target group. In this study, we determined the impact of an intervention based on social marketing to reduce risky driving behaviors among taxi drivers in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study, consisting of a quantitative and a qualitative part, on taxi-drivers in 2 regions (an intervention and a control groups) in the City of Tehran. Based on a formative research approach, the components of social marketing, namely, the product (reminder message for concentrating on avoidance of two target behaviors, tailgating and not driving between lines), price, place and promotion were determined. An 8-week educational program was implemented, the components being installation of stickers before the driver's eyes, distributing a pamphlet, and transferring messages through taxi route supervisors as opinion leaders. After six weeks, risky driving behaviors were assessed by checklists and compared.
Results: The intervention resulted in statistically significant reductions in the two target behaviors in the intervention group as compared with the control group. Furthermore, logistic regression showed that the odds ratio for avoiding both behaviors increased significantly in the intervention group.
Conclusion: Determining specific target groups, designing interventions based on actual needs and wants of the target group, and focusing on the factors influencing the behavior market are the basic elements of social marketing. Due consideration of these elements when designing behavioral interventions would lead to reductions in risky driving behaviors.
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.
Davood Pourmarzi, Shahnaz Rimaz, Effat Sadat Merghati Khoii, Masoud Solaymani-Dodaran, Ali Asghar Mosavi Mehraban, Sara Safari,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Access to reproductive health information and services is a basic right for the youth. Lack of suitable educational/counselling materials about reproductive health can decrease effectiveness of educational programs. This study aimed to determine the premarrital reproductive health educational needs of the youth.
Materials and Methods: In a descriptive-analytical study a total of 450 young males and females were selected by stratified random sampling to participate in pre-marital counseling in Tehran. Data about pre-marrital reproductive health educational needs were collected using a questionnaire developed by the investigator, with a 5 degree-Likert scale. SPSS-15 was used for data analysis, the statistical tests being t-test, one-tailed ANOVA and chi-square.
Results: Based on the Likert scale (1-5), felt need for reproductive health education was 3, it being higher among females (p<0.05). Both the males and females thought that what they needed most was education/counseling on healthy sexual relationship. The educational needs did not seem to be influenced statistically significantly by socio-demographic variables in either gender.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it seems that the current educational materials are not sufficient for pre-marrital counseling. Comprehensive information on reproductive health, with particular emphasis on sexual relationship, should be included in the existing programs, so that the youth can begin a better, healthier married life.
Behnam Lashgarara, Mahmood Taghavi Shahri, Agh Babak Maheri, Roya Sadeghi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (7-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Internet has become an effective medium to transfer new scientific and research findings, knowledge and information in educational processes across the world. It also facilitates essential communication among millions of people globally and offers users plenty of entertainment for their leisure time. However, excessive computer use interferes with daily life and carries a risk of addiction. Therefore, the concept of internet addiction is now considered a social problem. This study was conducted to determine the association between internet addiction and general health among dormitory students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2010, included 125 female- and 110 male-students from dormitories of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, selected by stratified random sampling. The instruments for data collection were two standard questionnaires - YANG Internet Addiction and Goldberg's General Health (GHQ). Data were analyzed by SPSS-19, the statistical tests being Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, correlation coefficient, and multivariate regression.
Results: The results showed that, based on the YANG classification, 34% of the students were addicted to the internet. In comparison with ordinary users, the general health of the internet-addicted users was at a higher risk (p<0.001). The two groups were also different with regard to anxiety and depression (p<0.001), but not with regard to physical function or social function.
Conclusion: Internet addiction among dormitory students is a cause for concern. Well-designed programs focusing on education, counseling and behavioral intervention are needed to reduce internet addiction amongst vulnerable students.
Davoud Pourmarzi, Shahnaz Rimaz, Effat Sadat Merghati Khoii,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (1-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Educational programs for couples' mental health promotion in marital life are a necessity. The first step in planning an educational program understands the needs of the target group. This paper reports the mental health educational needs in youth planning to marry.
Materials and Methods: In a descriptive-analytical cross sectional study, 450 individuals taking part in pre-marriage education courses in Tehran were selected by randomized stratified sampling. The data was collected using a questionnaire that measured the educational needs in the area of mental health by the 5-point Likert-type scale. Data analysis was done using the SPSS-15 software, the statistical tests being the independent T-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the chi-square test.
Results: On the whole, the subjects' felt need for mental health education was more than moderate (3 on the Likert scale) women expressed a higher need than men (p=0.001). The main concern of the participants - both men and women - was How to keep romance alive in married life. The extent of need expressed for mental education was not statistically different in different socio-demographic groups of women, while worker men expressed a higher need than self-employed men (P=0.018).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, young people planning to marry have a felt need for education in the area of mental health. It is recommended to design and implement educational programs to promote their knowledge in this area with due consideration of priorities stated by them.
Zohreh Sadat Mirsaeedi, Hassan Eftekhar Ardebili, Keramat Allah Nouri Jalyani,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The most important single determinant of the quality of life of the elderly is health. Studies have shown that health declines with age. Because of high vulnerablity of the elderly due to many problems, they need particular attention and self-care programs for their health promotion. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of life of elderly clients under coverage of the Southern Tehran Health Center and determine the effects of a self-care program on it.
Materials and Methods: This was a controlled interventional study conducted in 2010-2011. A total of 132 elderly clients (52 in the intervention, and 80 in the control, group) were selected by randomised cluster sampling from 5 Health Care Centers in Southern Tehran. A 3-month educational program was prepared with contents based on books published by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and implemented. The quality of life was assessed in both groups at the beginning and 2 months after the intervention using a short questionnaire (sf36). Data were collected through a structured interview (demographic characterstics) and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests.
Results: The mean quality-of-life score of the experimental group increased after education the mean score of physical domain of the quality of life increased from 52.75 in 66.11 and that of the emotional domain from 53.61 to 70.85. The scores of different domains of quality of life of the control subjects did not change significantly.
Conclusion: The findings show that a self-care educational program can have a positive affect on quality of life of the elderly.
Mohammad Javad Golhosseini, Hossein Kakooei, Jamaleddin Shahtaheri, Kamal Azam,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (6-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Motor vehicles are an absolute necessity used extensively in all countries of the world. They are a major cause of air pollution with highly undesirable consequences. Thus, exposure to traffic pollution is a growing public health concern. Several studies indicate that people in the cabin of a vehicle inhale air with high concentrations of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides(NOx), particulate matter (PM), volatile compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO).
Materials and Methods: Eexposure of drivers inside motor vehicles to CO was assessed during one year in Tehran, Iran. For this purpose, the concentration of CO was measured in the breathing zone of 72 male taxi drivers using a portable real-time instrument equipped with electrochemical sensors. In addition, records of fixed air pollution monitoring stations in Tehran were examined and the CO concentration in those records were compared with those measured in the taxis.
Results: The mean in-vehicle CO concentration was 19.91 ± 4.37ppm, while records of fixed air pollution monitoring stations showed the concentration of this pollutant in the air to be 3.69 ± 1.03ppm.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that factors such as traffic density, weather conditions and vehicles lifespan affect the extent of exposure of taxi drivers to carbon monoxide.
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.
Mahnaz Mayelafshar, Mehdi Memarpour, Leyla Riahi,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Medication is a very important part of care and therapeutic services in health service delivery units. Therefore, medication errors in hospitals may cause serious problems in patient care and, even, death. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the type of medication errors reported and patient safety standards in a public hospital in Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the establishment of safety standards in 30 departments of Rajaee Hospital in Tehran, Iran and its relation to quality reporting medication errors by the hospital medical staff during the period 1391-1395 were investigated. Data were collected using two separate checklists, namely, "The establishment of medication safety” using the model 6R" and "The quality of reporting medication errors" and analyzed using the SPSS software, the statistical tests being inferential statistical tests including chi-square, phi coefficient and Cramer’s V.
Results: The data showed that the drug safety standards were established as regards five of the six components in this hospital (the sixth was safe patient positioning). The patient safety establishment was statistically significantly associated with the type of medication errors reported in the hospitals.
Conclusion: Since the process of drug therapy is a common practice in nursing services in the cardiac intensive care units, increased knowledge of nurses about the causes of medication errors, in order to prevent and reduce the occurrence of these errors, is considered quite necessary. Recommendations were made to reduce medication errors in hospitals.
Hossein Dargahi, Alireza Darrudi, Mehrzad Rezaei Abgoli,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: All hospitals need to be monitored and continuously evaluated. Pabon Lasso graphical model assesses the efficiency of hospitals using a combination of their input data and performance indicators. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Iran Health System Evolution Plan on Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) hospitals’ performance indicators using the Pabon Lasso model in 2016.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study including 8 general and specialized hospitals. The hospital input data and performance indicators were collected by permission of TUMS Vice-chancellor’s Office for Therapeutic Services. Chi-square and the two-sample T2 tests were used for data analysis, and hospital performance was assessed using the Pabon Lasso Model.
Results: The results showed that the number of TUMS hospitals located in zones 3 and 4 had increased after implementation of the Iran Health System Evolution Plan, which indicates improved efficiency of these hospitals, as confirmed by the chi-square test.
Conclusion: Based on the Pabon Lasso graphical model, it can be concluded that the performance indicators of the hospitals show improvements in performance after implementation of the Iran Health System Evolution Plan. The successful experience in the management of the hospitals in this study can act as a practical guide for managers of other hospitals throughout the country for better management.
Mohsen Roshanpajouh, Roksana Mirkazemi, Mehrdad Ehterami, Houman Narenjiha, Hossein Malek Afzali, Hamidreza Sarrami, Majid Rezazadeh, Fatemeh Abbasi, Saeid Noroozi,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Drug abuse is a long-standing social and public health problem in Iran. Access to accurate, reliable and up-to-date data related to drug use is essential for planning and policy-making for prevention of, treatment of, and harm reduction related to, drug abuse. The purpose of this study was to access accurate data regarding drug abuse prevalence and substance use in Tehran Province population.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional household survey with a sample of 6024 individuals aged 15-64 years residing in Tehran Province. Data on demographic characteristics and drug use during the previous week, month and year and the whole lifetime were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire.
Results: A total of 5646 individuals participated in the study. The lifelong prevalence of cigarette-smoking, hookah-smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use were 21.9%, 26.8%, 12.1% and 7.3%, respectively. The corresponding proportions during the previous week were 12.9%, 10.5%, 1.8% and 2.2%.
Conclusion: The prevalence of cigarette-smoking, hookah-smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use is high in Tehran Province. The prevalence of lifelong cigarette and hookah smoking and alcohol consumption is higher, while that of drug use is lower, than the respective national averages.
Samaneh Asadi, Faezeh Fazeli,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Healthy food and nutrition have always been a serious concern of human beings. In this regard, food safety is extremely important. As an example, nitrates in foods may affect their safety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nitrate contents of highly consumed food products (potatoes, tomatoes and onions) on sale in wholesale fruit and vegetable markets (Heravi, Mellat and Lavizan) in District 4 of Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Samples of the foods were collected in winter and spring, and their nitrate content was measured spectrophotometrically. The SPSS-20 software was used for data analysis.
Results: The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the vegetables nitrate contents in winter and spring. The nitrate content of onions in the spring in the Heravi market and that of potatoes in the winter in the Lavizan market were higher than the respective standard, while that of tomatoes was less than the standard in both seasons.
Conclusion: The nitrate content in the samples was in most cases below the respective standard, indicating that the vegetables on sale in the wholesale markets in Tehran were acceptable as regards nitrate content (at least in spring and winter).
