jafar hasanzadeh

 Drug data has been used to estimate the prevalence of chronic diseases. Disease registries and annual surveys are lacking, especially in less-developed regions. At the same time, insurance drug data and self-reports of medications are easily accessible and inexpensive. We aim to investigate the similarity of prevalence estimation between self-report data of some chronic diseases and drug data in a less developed setting in southwestern Iran.

 Baseline data from the Pars Cohort Study (PCS) was re-analyzed. The use of disease-related drugs were compared against self-report of each disease (hypertension [HTN], diabetes mellitus [DM], heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], sleep disorder, anxiety, depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], and functional constipation [FC]). We used sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the Jaccard similarity index.

 The top five similarities were observed in DM (54%), HTN (53%), heart disease (32%), COPD (30%), and GERD (15%). The similarity between drug use and self-report was found to be low in IBS (2%), stroke (5%), depression (9%), sleep disorders (10%), and anxiety disorders (11%).

 Self-reports of diseases and the drug data show a different picture of most diseases’ prevalence in our setting. It seems that drug data alone cannot estimate the prevalence of diseases in settings similar to ours. We recommend using drug data in combination with self-report data for epidemiological investigation in the less-developed setting.

Several health, environmental, and lifestyle-related factors have been separately linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) by different studies. However, these studies did not adequately account for the temporal association of these factors with MS while considering the influence of other variables in the analysis. A comprehensive investigation of these factors remains scarce.

A hospital-based case-control study was carried out between Jun 2020 to Mar 2021 on 525 cases and 1050 controls frequently matched by age and sex. Cases and controls were selected at the same time and from the same centers (Motahari and Imam Reza referral centers) in Shiraz (the capital of Fars Province). Health, socio-demographic, and lifestyle status during adolescence were studied in this case-control study.

The likelihood of having a history of autoimmune disease(s) (ORyes/no=15.67, P<0.001) and family history of MS (ORyes/no=11.57, P<0.001) were higher in cases. In addition, the likelihoods of reporting a history of head/neck traumas (ORhaving a history/no history=9.16, P<0.001), smoking (ORregular/other =2.24, P=0.008), and stressful events (ORyes/no=1.47, P=0.007) were higher among the case group. On the other hand, the odds of sun exposure (ORmost the time/seldom =0.14, P<0.001), physical activity (ORactive/inactive=0.45, P<0.001), and good quality sleep (OR=0.93, P<0.001) were significantly lower in the case group.

This study provided a broad picture of the factors associated with MS, most of which were modifiable. Positive alterations to these factors through social and health educational programs are likely to reduce the burden of MS in Iran.

An effective strategy for primary prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is accurate diagnosis and the subsequent evidence-based treatment for high-risk people. This study aimed to estimate the 10-year risk of CVD and its related factors.

The baseline data of 8138 participants of the Pars cohort study (PCS) in southern Iran were used. Risk scores were calculated using the updated 2019 WHO CVD risk prediction charts. The scores were determined based on age, gender, current smoking status, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diabetes status, and total serum cholesterol. Demographic and socioeconomic variables, physical activity, and anthropometric indices were measured and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

The mean (SD) age of the participants was 51.65 (9.06) years, and 53.44% were female. The 10-year CVD risk for 23.89% of participants was ≥10%. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking was 12.79%, 8.38%, 12.80%, and 14.41%, respectively. Having abdominal obesity, having low or moderate physical activity, being illiterate or having diplomas or lower degrees, and being in the third quartile of the wealth score group were associated with a higher 10-year risk of CVD.

About one-fourth of the participants had moderate risk and higher. Due to the relatively high prevalence of CVD risk factors in the middle-aged population, the modifiable risk factors are recommended to be adjusted. Additionally, individual- and community-based educational policies are essential to create a healthy lifestyle.

Effective measures to control COVID-19 should be based on an understanding of its epidemiological pattern and the evaluation of its prevalence in the community. This study aimed to examine the reproductive number (R) of COVID-19 and its trend in Fars Province in southern Iran.  In this ecological study, the R trend was examined from July to November 2020. Data were collected from the daily reports of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. R is the product of three components, namely the number of infection-producing contacts per unit time, the probability of transmission per contact, and the contagiousness period. Incidence and prevalence rates were used to calculate R. The R value was calculated in Microsoft Excel 2016. The first and second peaks of COVID-19 were observed on July 6th and November 22nd, respectively. The median and mean of R were 1.42 and 1.41, respectively. The highest and lowest values of R were observed on October 20th (2.60) and September 1st (0.46), respectively. The values of R had a slightly decreasing trend in the second half of July and November than the first half. In the second half of August and September, an increasing trend was observed than the first half. There was not much change in the second half of October. The highest value of R was related to the dates when there was a higher probability of exposure to the virus, including public holidays and different occasions on which the probability of people’s participation in ceremonies, communities, and gatherings was higher.

Health family physician program is a complete system which eliminates the bewilderment of people and increases the satisfaction with health services as its most important results in medical care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of family physicians and their strengths and weaknesses.
Material & In this study, 52 family physicians were chosen via Random Stratified Sampling to participate in the study. A questionnaire titled “Performance of Family Physicians” with 5 domains of management, performance, contract guidelines, community involvement and results was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS-19 via t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and non-parametric tests.
Among the 52 studied family physicians, 56.9% were female and 43.1% were male. The lowest and the highest scores were obtained for the community involvement and results, respectively. Based on the results of this study, there were significant relationships among most of the domains. However, there was no significant correlation between the gender and different domains.
In order to solve the problems of family physician program and improve the quality of services, more researches should be carried out soon to determine the types and causes of referring to the family physicians. Accordingly, appropriate interventions should be implemented to reduce the burden of visits and improve the quality of health services by guiding the society towards the prevention measures.

combined exposure to several threatening physical factors may impact on the performance negatively. With regard to the importance of the worker’s health and their optimum performance in addition to shortage of studies having dealt with the impacts of combined exposure on performance, this work was done with the purpose of studying the impacts of combined exposure to harmful and harmless levels of noise, heat and lighting. This study was interventional with Factorial design. Where 128 subjects with ages 24-18 years were Participated Among the students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences In 8 groups of 16 men and women No history of any mental illness and physical and drug consumption and narcotics.Tools to evaluate cognitive function in this study was PASAT test. The test results attention and concentration indicated that with worsening combined conditions Mean score of attention and working memory are reduced that these differences were statistically significant(pvalue<0.05). Mean scores working memory and attention in different condition Compared with the group exposed to non-harmful levels, was lower, in all conditions except Exposure to weak lighting statistically significant difference was shown(pvalue<0.007). combined exposure to harmful levels of noise, heat and lighting have adverse effects on cognitive performance parameters (attention and working memory) and Adverse effects increases with worsening conditions and exposure to three factors sound, heat and light their harmful levels.

Recognizing the determinants of behavior plays a major role in identification and application of effective strategies for encouraging individuals to follow the intended pattern of behavior. The present study aimed to analyze the university students’ behaviors regarding the amenability to dress code, using the theory of reasoned action (TRA). In this cross sectional study, 472 students were selected through multi-stage random sampling. The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by specialists. Besides, its reliability was confirmed by conducting a pilot study revealing Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.93 for attitude, 0.83 for subjective norms, 0.94 for behavioral intention and 0.77 for behavior. The data were entered into the SPSS statistical software and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Mann-Whitney, correlation and regression analysis). Based on the students’ self-reports, conformity of clothes to the university’s dress code was below the expected level in 28.87% of the female students and 28.55% of the male ones. The mean scores of attitude, subjective norms, and behavioral intention to comply with dress code policy were 28.78±10.08, 28.51±8.25 and 11.12±3.84, respectively. The students of different colleges were different from each other concerning TRA constructs. Yet, subjective norms played a more critical role in explaining the variance of dress code behavior among the students. Theory of reasoned action explained the students’ dress code behaviors relatively well. The study results suggest paying attention to appropriate approaches in educational, cultural activities, including promotion of student-teacher communication.

Intensified strategy includes special attention to the symptoms such as cough (more than two weeks), fever (more than three weeks), night sweats (more than three weeks), and weight loss (more than 3 kg per month). If any of the above symptoms was positive, in suspected individuals for TB, more assessment should be done. The aim of this study was to compare between intensified and routine case finding for a better case selection method for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV-Infected Persons. The sample size was calculated 237 patients (474 for the two groups). In the current study, the patients were divided randomly into two groups: A) intensified case finding group and B) routine case finding group. Considering the sputum culture as the gold standard, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity, Positive predictive value (PPV), Negative predictive value (NPV) for fever, weight loss, coughing more than two week, night sweats, and PPD test. A total of eight positive cases of tuberculosis were detected in the intensified while four were found in the routine case finding group. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for cough in diagnosis of TB were 25%, 87%, 6%, and 97%, respectively. For weight loss, they were 62.5%, 83%, 10.8%, and 98.5% respectively while these amounts were, 7%, 85%, 97.6, 37.5 for night sweats. For fever, they were, 25%, 92.9%, 10.5%, and 97% respectively, and for PPD they were 87.5%, 40%, 4.6%, and 98.9%, respectively. Key symptom screening, such as cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats, has an important role in detecting TB among HIV-infected patients.

Noise pollution has a particular importance in quiet environments such as hospitals. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of noise exposure on the auditory system, blood pressure and precision, concentration and other psycho-neural components. This cross-sectional study was carried out in three large hospitals of Shiraz, during the period of 2012 to 2013. The study population consisted of 81 health care personnel (the exposed group) and 79 non-exposed individuals (the referent group). Day and night time sound levels were measured at different wards of the hospitals by a sound level meter (B&K 7110). Hearing status was assessed by pure tone audiometry of subjects by an Interacoustic AD27 audiometer. Blood pressure was measured with a mercury sphygmomanometer at resting time and psycho-neural components including sleep disturbances, headache, irritability and … were evaluated by a questionnaire devised and validated for this purpose. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software. Average sound pressure level for the exposed group (65.32±5.23 dB) was significantly higher than that of the referent group (53.26±2.46 dB) (P<0.05). Similarly, the mean values of permanent threshold shift (dB) as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the exposed group than in their counterpart individuals (P<0.05). Likewise, symptoms such as headache and irritability were significantly more common among the exposed subjects. The findings suggest that exposure to sub-TLV levels of noise (recommended by ACGIH) in hospital environments is also associated with decreased hearing threshold, increased blood pressure, and prevalence of psycho-neural disorders.

The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in mortality from road traffic accidents (RTA) in Fars Province, southern Iran. The Age and sex-standardized mortality rate attributed to RTA from 2004 to 2010 in Fars Province was calculated using world standard population. We also used linear regression and chi-squared tests. Over the period of study (7 years), 12954 people died in RTA. The age- and sex-standardized mortality rate was 27 per 100,000. While the rate of death due to RTA had an incremental rate in age group 18-30 years and among women, it had a decreasing trend in age groups 35-45, under18 and among men. An increase in mortality rate of RTA among people aged 18-30 yr and women need to be addressed by health policy makers and other involved sections.

The present clinical trial study aims at investigating the effect of daily energy intake in 6 isocaloric meals in comparison with the current meal pattern (3 meals and 2 small snacks per day) on type 2 diabetes risk markers in diabetes during 3-month period. Eighty four type 2 diabetes patients were randomly divided into 6 isocaloric meal diet or a balanced diet (3 meals and 2 snacks previous meal pattern). The planned reduced calorie diets for both groups were identical except for the meal pattern. Blood samples were analyzed before and after the investigation for fasting blood sugar (FBS), two-hour post-prandial glucose (2hPP), insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C, and molondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. HbA1c (P=0.00) and body mass index (BMI) (P=0.04) values decreased significantly in the 6 isocaloric meal pattern compared with the controls. There were no significant differences in fasting serum glucose (P=0.09), insulin (P=0.65), total cholesterol (P=0.32), LDL-C (P=0.43), HDL-C (P=0.40) cholesterol, triglyceride (P=0.40), MDA (P=0.13) and 2hPP serum glucose (P=0.30) concentrations between the 6 isocaloric meal and tradition meal pattern. Six isocaloric meal pattern in comparison with the current meal pattern led to weight loss and improved glycemic control. Serum lipid profile and MDA did not change significantly.

Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern even in sunny areas, so we decided to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its related factors among university students in Shiraz. This cross‑sectional study was carried out on 254 (128 male and 126 female) university students. Demographic questionnaires and a questionnaire on exposure to sun light and sun protection were completed by the participants. Serum 25OH‑vitamin D was measured using a radioimmunoassay kit. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software # 16. A P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of serum 25OH‑vitamin D was 49.29 ± 12.87 (nmol/l) and 27.46 ± 10.37 (nmol/l) among male and female students, respectively. 51.2% of female students were vitamin D insufficient and 44% of them had vitamin D deficiency. Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and marginal status among male students were 49.5 and 48%, respectively. Serum vitamin D of female students was significantly less than the males (P < 0.001). Serum vitamin D was negatively correlated to sun protection score (P < 0.001, r = 0.50), but there was no correlation between serum vitamin D and sun exposure. Vitamin D deficiency especially among female students is alarmingly prevalent. Increasing use of sunscreen lotion and clothing style could be the main factors inhibiting endogenous vitamin D synthesis which results in its deficiency.

This study aimed to design a new mouse and evaluate some of its functional parameters. The prototype of an ergonomic mouse was made according to design principles. The study was conducted from 2011 to 2013 in the Department of Ergonomics in Shiraz University of Medical Science. Functional parameters including Movement Time (MT) and error rate of the new mouse were evaluated by 10 participants based on ISO 9241-9 standard. The application of design principles in the new mouse resulted in improving MT and error rate so that they could be comparable to those of a standard mouse. MT, in both the standard and the new mouse was 0.846 and 0.864 s, respectively. Error rate of the standard and the new mouse was reported as 13% and 19%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two mice from these perspectives. Apparently, the studied functional parameters of the new mouse were similar to those of the standard one. The new mouse could be an appropriate substitution for the standard mouse without losing its positive characteristics.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most serious cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Epidemiological studies indicated that dyslipidemia is the major risk factor of CVD. Dyslipidemia can be modified either by proper lifestyle or medical intervention or by the combination of both. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and ω3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CLA and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 fatty acids) supplementation on lipid profile in atherosclerosis patient.

This study was a 2-month clinical randomized trial. Ninety atherosclerotic patients with angiographically diagnosed coronary atherosclerosis who were referred to Emam Reza Heart Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from February to march 2011 were selected if they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The participants were randomly classified into 3 groups receiving 3 g/d CLA or 1 920 mg/d ω3 or placebo for 2 months. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol were measured before and after the intervention. This study was a two-month clinical randomized trial.

Data were analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, version19). Although CLA did not appear to have a significant effect on TG, ω3 supplementation significantly reduced TG level. Consumption of CLA and ω3 supplementation did not significantly affect HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol.

ω3 supplementation significantly reduced TG level but CLA and ω3 did not show significant changes in other indices of lipid profile in atherosclerotic patients.

Overall, 60-70% of the hepatitis c virus (HCV) transmission routes is parenteral, and in 30-40% of the cases is unknown (e.g. sexual route). Knowing these routes in HIV infected dyads is very important due to clinical and methodological reasons.. The present study aimed to identify and quantitatively investigate HIV-infected individuals and their main heterosexual partners regarding the risk factors of HCV transmission..Patients and One hundred sixty eight of 984 couples were chosen through random generated numbers using a computer program from behavioral consultation center in Shiraz, Iran. We used actor partner independent model (APIM) and multilevel analysis to assess multiple risk factors for HCV, while partitioning the source of risk at the individual and couple levels.. Age of the index samples was 38.71 ± 7 years, and 33.2 ± 6.3 for their main heterosexual partners; the mean duration of sexual relationship for couples was 11.9 (median = 8.5) years. Multivariate analysis showed that actor risk factor of intravenous drug using (IDU) (AOR= 13.03; 95% CI: 3.9- 43.82) and actor cofactors of HIV positivity (AOR = 7.1; 95% CI: 1.37- 36.97), razor sharing (AOR = 4.81; 95% CI: 1.84- 12.55), sex (AOR = 8.83; 95% CI: 3.16- 24.87), and condom use in sexual activity with main partner (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.02- 0.44) were associated with actor HCV positivity.. Health care providers need to pay special attention to sexual transmission of HCV among HIV-infected individuals, and should recommend control/preventive measures for HCV sexual transmission..

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity, mortality, and disability in Iranian people. Inflammation and oxidative processes are key components of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and omega-3 fatty acid (ω-3 fatty acids) supplementation on inflammation markers and oxidative stress in atherosclerotic patients. This study was a two-month clinical, randomized trial. 90 volunteers who referred to Emam Reza Heart Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) from February to March 2011 and had the inclusion criteria of this study were selected. Participants were classified into 3 groups receiving 3 g/d CLA, 1920 mg/d ω-3, or placebo for 2 months. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured before and after supplementation. The hs-CRP level decreased significantly in both the omega-3 and CLA group (P < 0.05). IL-6 reduced significantly in the ω-3 group, but the reduction of IL-6 levels in the CLA group was not significant. GPx increased in the CLA and omega-3 groups (P < 0.05). MDA level decreased significantly in both omega-3 and CLA groups (P < 0.05). Comparison between the groups indicates a significant change in CRP levels in the ω-3 group relative to the control group. However, other indices did not cause any significant change in the ω-3 and CLA groups in comparison to the control group. Diet supplementation with CLA and ω-3 can have a beneficial effect on some indices of inflammatory and oxidative stress.

Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation presented in Type 2 diabetes mellitus plays a major role in disease progression as well as development of micro- and macro-vascular complications of diabetes. Therefore, reducing inflammation can be beneficial in prevention of diabetes complications. To investigate the association between insulin resistance and inflammatory markers, and assessing the effects of oral Calcitriol on inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic patients. In this doubleblind randomized placebo-controlled trial, 70 participants with type-2 diabetes were randomly divided to two groups. One group received two capsules of Calcitriol (0.25 μg 1,25-dihydroxy cholecalciferol per each capsule) per day. The second group received placebo tablets. At the beginning of the study, we assessed insulin resistance and its relation to inflammatory profile. Serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 and interleukin-18 were also measured at the beginning and the end of the 12-week supplementation trial. Mean calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D concentrations in the study participants were 8.98 ± 0.79 mg/dL, 3.86 ± 0.50 mg/dL and 40.91 ± 30.9 ng/mL, respectively. IL-18 and hsCRP had significant positive associations with insulin resistance markers and negative associations with insulin sensitivity markers. At the end of the 12-week supplementation trial, no significant difference was seen in serum levels of hsCRP, IL-6 and IL-18 between the two groups, while these values were adjusted for baseline values. Although there was an association between insulin resistance and inflammation, Calcitriol had no effect in decreasing hsCRP, IL-6 and IL-18 in diabetic patients.

Nursing job requires significant physical and psychological activities، thus، it is considered as a high risk occupation for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aims of this study were to Evaluation and effectiveness of MAPO and PTAI methods to estimation the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among hospital nursing staff of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS).

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 randomly selected nurses from 75 wards of 11 hospitals of SUMS. Data were collected by demographic، Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaires and MAPO and PTAI indices checklist. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS، version 16.

Prevalence rate of MSDs among the subjects was found to be 88. 2% during the last 12 months. The results of MAPO and PTAI index assessment revealed that more than 80% of subjects were at MSDs risk. The results indicated that MAPO and PTAI indices score was significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders occurrence (p>0. 001).

Based on the results of this study، both MAPO and PTAI methods are appropriate tools for musculoskeletal disorders risk identification and assessment due to patient transfer in nursing staff.

Manual patient handling is known to be the major source ofmusculoskeletal load among hospital nurses. The objectives of the present study were determination of frequency ofmusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and its associatedfactors together with assessment of musculoskeletal loaddue to patient transfer by PTAI method in hospitalnursing staff of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 400 randomlyselected nurses of SUMS hospital participated. Data were collected by anonymousdemographic and Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaires together with PTAI index checklist. Statistical analyses wereundertaken using SPSS, version 16. Age and job tenure means of participantswere 30.76±6.44 and 6.92±5.75 years, respectively. 88.2% of the nursing staffreported some forms of musculoskeletal symptoms during the 12 months prior tothe study. The results of PTAI index assessment demonstrated that in 4%, 8.5% and87.5% of the subjects, musculoskeletal load were at levels 1, 2 and 3,respectively. The results revealed that PTAI index score was significantlyassociated with musculoskeletal disorders occurrence (p<0.001).Musculoskeletal load was high among nurses with patient transfer activity. Age, nurse to bed ratio, marital status, shiftwork and PTAI score were associated risk factors for MSDs in the studiednursing staff.

Improvements in knowledge as well as technology andindustrial workers’ exposure to adverse factors have caused more attention tobe paid to the workers’ occupational health. According to the report by W.H.O.,noise, as one of the most important physical factors of workplace, causes 4million dollars health damage every day. Noise can also reduce the workers’morale as well as motivation and, consequently, have negative effects on theirperformance. Considering the importance of occupational health, the presentstudy aimed to determine the effect of noise exposure on the steel industryworkers’ general health. The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 50steel industry workers as the exposed group and 50 general practitioners as thereference group. Both study groups completed the demographic informationquestionnaire as well as GHQ-28. Then, the similarity of the demographiccharacteristics in both groups was determined using t-test and Chi-square.After scoring the questionnaires, the subjects’ final scores were computed andtheir general health statuses were determined. Besides, Mann-Whitney U test wasused in order to compare the two groups’ mean scores. The demographiccharacteristics were similar in both study groups. In addition, the two groups’mean scores were significantly lower than 23, as the cut-off point. The resultsalso revealed a significant difference between the two groups regarding abnormalsocial performance and depression; in a way that the workers’ mean score wassignificantly higher than that of the physicians (p<0.001 and p=0.018,respectively). This implies that in comparison to the physicians, the workershad a significantly lower health status. In addition, 36% of the workerssuffered from at least one psychological disorder. Overall, the steel industryworkers had a lower level of psychological health; in a way that they weresignificantly different from the reference group regarding the abnormal socialperformance and depression. Therefore, noise can be considered as a risk factorin the incidence of psychological disorders.

Gasoline is a complex mixture of more than 500 hydrocarbons. The elimination of lead from petrol has been associated with the addition of significant amounts of hematotoxic monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX). The main purpose of this study was to ascertain whether exposure to unleaded petrol, under normal working conditions, is associated with any hematotoxic response.

This was a historical cohort study in which 200 subjects with current exposure to unleaded petrol from Shiraz petrol stations as well as 200 unexposed employees were investigated. Using standard methods, atmospheric concentrations of BTX were measured. Additionally, blood samples were taken from subjects for routine biochemical tests such as RBC, WBC and platelet count, Hemoglobin, hematocrit and RDW.

The geometric means of airborne concentrations of BTX were found to be 0/24,0/37 and0/64 ppm, respectively. The results of blood chemistry tests showed that no significant differences exist between both groups as far as biochemical tests, but RDW and hematocrit, were concerned.

The average exposure of petrol station workers to BTX did not exceed the current TLVs for these chemicals. Additionally, overt hematotoxicity is unlikely to be the outcome of exposure to unleaded petrol under the conditions described in our study.

Sound is one of the most important physical factors، which is considered hazardous in industrial environments. Noise had auditory and non-auditory effects such as damaging hearing system، effect on the organ of vision، balance system، electrolytes، neurological and psychological effects، physiological and mental effects. Thus، this study carried out to determine the effects of noise exposure on serum cortisol levels and some blood parameters in steel industry workers.

The number of 50 employees of steel industry as the subject group participated in this cross-sectional study. Demographic information was collected using a questionnaire. In order to review the blood parameters changes such as serum cortisol level، lipid profile and sugar، blood sample was taken from participants before and after the work shifts. Energy averaging (LAeq) was measured by CEL 440 sound level meter and noise equipment analyzed in octave-band frequencies. This study was carried out in field and experimental conditions. In the experimental condition، workers exposed to noise at 85، 95 and 105 dBA for 5 minute in three consecutive days. Finally the results from blood tests were analyzed.

Laboratory findings showed that serum cortisol levels at all of the three sound levels (85، 95 and 105 dB) increased after the noise exposure; however، this change was not statistically significant (P > 0. 05). Lipid TG levels also decreased after noise exposure، but this finding was not significant either (P > 0. 05). HDL and LDL at noise level 85 dBA had descending trend، but compared with pre-exposure time، there was no significant change (P > 0. 05). The fasting blood sugar (FBS) was increased in all the three noise levels، which this change in 95 dBA was statistically significant (P < 0. 001).

The present study showed that exposure to high sound levels led to changes in physiological parameters such as serum cortisol، lipid profile and blood sugar; however، except FBS parameter difference in noise level 95 dBA، other changes in parameters was not statistically significant. Therefore، the noise cannot be considered as a factor affecting the clinical parameters.

The nursing profession, due to the nature of its tasks, is a high risk occupation for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The objective of this study was the determination of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and their associated risk factors among nursing personnel with patient transfer tasks.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 nurses from 75 wards of 11 hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) during summer 2011. Data were collected by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire (NMQ). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. Prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. To determine MSDs associated factors, the level of significance was set at < 5%.

The mean of age and job experience in subjects were 30.76 ± 6.44 and 6.92 ± 5.75, respectively. Some form of musculoskeletal symptoms had been experienced during the last 12 months by 88.2% (CI95%: 85.2-91.2) of the nursing personnel. Lower back (71.5%), feet (68.2%), hand and wrist (64.5%), neck (42.2%) and shoulder (42%) symptoms were the most prevalent problems among the nurses. Logistic regression analyses indicated that factors including job experience, nurse to bed ratio, gender and shift work had a significant correlation with musculoskeletal disorders (P < 0.05).

It can be concluded that the prevalence rates of WMSDs related to patient transfer in hospital nursing personnel were high. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate or correct factors associated with WMSDs occurrence, improve patient transfer techniques and use patient transfer aids.

Pandemic flu had at least two waves in Iran. Knowing how many of the general population were already exposed to this infection has a major impact on national preventive measures. As of December 30, 2009, a total of 3672 confirmed casesof human infection with a novel Influenza A (2009 H1N1) virus had been reported inIran with 140 deaths. In this study we aim to measure, as a pilot study, theseroprevalence of positive antibody titer (humoral immunity) against 2009 H1N1 virusin Iranian population in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Through cluster random samplingof families residing in Shiraz, 2553 subjects were selected and after a medical interviewblood samples were taken and checked for polyclonal antibody against 2009H1N1 antigen using hemagglutination inhibition assay. An antibody titer of more than1:40 dilution was considered positive. Data were analyzed considering the demographiccharacteristics of the population and were compared among different age groups. 1504 (58.91%) samples were tested positive for the presence of polyclonal antibody against 2009 H1N1 virus. The prevalence of positive titers were significantly higher in 60 to 64 years old group and significantly lower in 20 to 24 years old group (p<0.05). Data did not differ based on other demographic characteristics or the history of flu like illnesses in the past 6 months. High seroprevalence of antibody against 2009 H1N1 in the sera of our subjects describes either a high level of preexisting immunity against H1N1 in Iranian population or a high rate of asymptomaticinfection in our area compared to other countries.

Overweight and obesity are the most important factors in the development of chronic diseases and have a great impact on the health and quality of life of individuals. World Health Organization (WHO) encourages the countries continually for calculation burden of diseases at national level as the best guideline for take policy in health system. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the attributable burden of risk factors in non-contagious diseases in Markazi providence of Iran. Death registered data in Markazi providence were applied for calculation years of life lost (YLL) based on comparison risk assessment (CRA) method of WHO. Attributable burden of obesity and overweight was calculated by multiply the impact fraction of any risk factors by YLL of any diseases in counterfactual analysis method. From 7176 registered death, 252214 years lost from preterm death. The total of YLL in female and male were 102245 years and 149969 years, respectively. In this study, the most important causes of YLL were attributable obesities to brain stroke, and cardiovascular diseases and attributable overweight to cardiovascular diseases in females, respectively. This study showed the importance and necessity of diagnosis for obesity and over weight as one of the most important risk factors in non-contagious diseases, especially in women. Therefore, it seems there is a necessity for developing and conducting comprehensive intervention programs about these risk factors and then assessing the programs.