مجله تحقیقات سلامت در جامعه
سال هشتم شماره 1 (بهار 1401)

Today, chlorine and its compounds are the most popular elements employed for disinfecting water and wastewater due to their flexibility, cost-efficiency, and ease of use. This research aimed to optimally produce active chlorine by the electrochlorination method using titanium and platinum/titanium electrodes.

This experimental study was conducted in a batch flow of an electro-chlorination cell. The experimental design was performed using the Box Behnken method with a sample size of 34 experiments. The production of active chlorine was evaluated and compared on various operating factors, including current density (10-60 A/dm2), sodium chloride concentration (50-250 g/L), reaction time (5-120 min), and two types of anode electrodes of titanium and platinum/titanium and 316 cathode steel.

The results showed all four operating parameters had a significant effect on the active chlorine production and the highest effectiveness was related to electrolysis time, followed by current density, sodium chloride concentration, and anode electrode in descending order. The optimal operating conditions provided by the model for chlorine production included the electrolysis time of 120 min, current density of 60 A/dm2, concentration of sodium chloride of 187 g/L, and type of platinum/titanium anode electrode and 316 cathode steel electrode, which resulted in active chlorine of 65.95 g/L.

This method can be used as an effective method to produce chlorine to disinfect water and wastewater in treatment plants, and if replaced with gas chlorination systems, the safety problems of chlorine gas capsules will be solved.

Reduced quality of life is one of the daunting challenges posed to thalassemia patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) on quality of life and its components in thalassemia patients.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted based on a pre-test-post-test control group design. The statistical population of the study consisted of patients with thalassemia in Behshahr who were members of the Thalassemia Association (approximately 90 people). A total of 40 thalassemia patients were selected by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n=20 in each group). Firstly, both groups answered Montazeri et al.'s Quality of Life Questionnaire (2006) (pre-test). Thereafter, the experimental group underwent the MBSR program by Kabat Zayn (2009) for eight sessions, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using inferential statistics of multivariate analysis of covariance.

As a result of the MBSR program, in the post-test stage, the score of quality of life components showed a significant increase in the experimental group, as compared to that in the control group (P<0.05).

As evidenced by the results of this study, the MBSR program was effective in the quality of life and its components in thalassemia patients. Therefore, this treatment can be used to increase the quality of life in thalassemia patients.

Nitrate is one of the most important pollutants in surface and groundwater. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different parameters on the performance of the electrical coagulation process in the removal of nitrate from contaminated water.

This study was conducted based on an experimental design and the statistical community was urban water. A cylindrical batch reactor with aluminum and zinc electrodes (monopolar arrangement) was used to remove 100 mg/L nitrates. The experiments were performed three times in direct and alternating currents using standard methods. Factors of pH, contact time, and weight of electrodes were evaluated, and the results were reported in tables and graphs.

Nitrate removal efficiency (87.4%) was higher in direct current, as compared to that in alternating current (39.1%). The highest nitrate removal efficiency of 87.4% was obtained in direct current, in comparison with 61% for alternating current. As the contact time increased, the pH of the solution increased in two currents, from 7 to 11.21 and 8.47, respectively. Total dissolved solids (TDS) at optimal conditions in alternating and direct current were 79 and 126 mg/L, respectively. After 30 min of settling, the produced sludge was measured as 17.66 and 280 mL/L in direct and alternating current, respectively. The weight of the anode electrode had the greatest decrease in direct current.

The results of this study pointed out that the process of electrical coagulation could reduce the concentration of nitrate to less than the standard. Nitrate removal with the direct current was performed with less energy consumption and cost than alternating current. As a result, the use of optimal conditions increases the process efficiency in the electrochemical removal of nitrate.

Manpower is the most important element of organizational productivity. The improvement of the level of creativity as a component affecting the performance of individuals has always been an undeniable necessity in organizational productivity. This study investigated the correlation between creativity and productivity among the staff of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted based on a correlational and cross-sectional research approach at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran, in 2022. The sample size was estimated at 327 people based on Cochran's formula. The data were collected using Employee Productivity Questionnaire  (ACHIEVE Model Hersey & Goldsmith) and Rendsip's Creativity Questionnaire. The data were analyzed in SPSS software  (version 22) through descriptive statistics  (frequency, percentage, and mean±SD) and inferential statistics  (correlation coefficient).

There is a relationship between creativity and productivity of university staff. Moreover, creativity had a significant effect on productivity components. Regarding the productivity levels, ability and understanding, motivation and credibility, as well as organizational support, feedback, and adaptation, ranked the first, last, and average, respectively. The correlation coefficient of creativity and employee productivity was obtained at 0.148  (P=0.008). No significant difference was observed between the creativity and productivity scores of the staff regarding demographic characteristics.

By focusing on staff creativity, the university can achieve a more desirable level of productivity. The results showed that it is possible to nurture the creative thinking of employees due to the high level of ability and understanding of employees; however, motivation and creditability in the employees need to be improved by the university.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic complication during pregnancy that affects 10-15% of all pregnancies depending on the diagnostic criteria. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy on the quality of life of mothers with gestational diabetes.

This semi-experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest design with a control group and follow-up. The statistical population of the study included all pregnant women referring to Milad Hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2019, diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The samples (n=30) were selected using a purposeful sampling method (considering inclusion and exclusion criteria) and then randomly assigned to two groups of compassion-focused therapy and control (n=15 each). The experimental group received self-compassion training, while no intervention was administered to the control group. Both groups were followed up for 3 months. The research tool was the quality of life of the World Health Organization. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS.22 software using a repeated measure test.

The results showed that compassion-focused therapy had a significant effect on improving the quality of life (P<0.01) of women with gestational diabetes. Moreover, the effect of compassion-focused therapy remained constant until the follow-up phase.

It can be concluded that compassion-focused therapy had an effect on improving the quality of life of mothers with gestational diabetes, and this method can be used to reduce the problems of such mothers.

According to statistics, the share of the global medical tourism market in 2017 was USD 53 billion and is predicted to reach USD 143 billion by 2025 and record an annual growth of 12.9% from 2018 to 2025. Attracting international patients is the core of the medical tourism market, and major representatives will be distinguished by their ability to attract foreign medical travelers as the industry becomes more competitive. Marketing is the key to success in the health tourism industry, and leading hospitals and countries with large numbers of medical travelers have strong marketing strategies that fulfill the needs of patients.

The present applied descriptive study was performed in public and private hospitals in Yazd. A valid checklist with 8 dimensions and 79 items was used to collect data. Mean, standard deviation, and percentage were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26).

Public and private hospitals were acceptable in terms of location, people, process, and physicians; however, elements of promotion, prices, and physical attractiveness were moderate. In addition, the product element was acceptable in public hospitals and moderate in private hospitals. Overall, the condition of the public and private hospitals was acceptable.

Now that the needs of the patients have changed in the new health environment, hospitals need to use more effective and efficient methods to meet these needs. The marketing system in the new concept can be effective in attracting customers by fulfilling customer needs and paying attention to elements of the marketing mix. Therefore, hospitals need to focus on elements of the marketing mix to satisfy patients and maintain their values. It seems that the studied hospitals are relatively ready to attract medical tourists. Hospitals can cover their weaknesses by investing in their existing strengths and upgrading them, and bringing the factors to an acceptable level.

With the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent changes, such as the closure of high-risk jobs, creation of emergency levels of public health, and home quarantine, the mental health of people, was severely affected. In this regard, the present study aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 in Kerman. The study sample consisted of 500 cases who were selected via the available sampling method. Due to the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, data was collected through online questionnaires shared on WhatsApp and Telegram (including the general population living in different parts of Kerman. To assess mental health, the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)  was used, the validity and reliability of which have been confirmed in various studies (Cronbach's alpha of 0.8). Factors affecting mental health status included demographic information (including age, gender, education, occupation, marital status, and income) and questions about media use status. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (Version 23) using independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression.

The mean age of the subjects was reported as 34.94 years, and 58.6% of the subjects did not have good mental health status. Moreover, 88.8 % of participants followed COVID-19 news through social media. The results of one-way ANOVA indicated that mental health scores were different in different groups of age, education, occupation, and income (P<0.05). Furthermore, in logistic regression analysis, the factors affecting mental health, education, and life satisfaction were significant, indicating a better mental health chance in people with higher-level education and higher life satisfaction (P<0.05).

As evidenced by the obtained results, the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems. Therefore, it is suggested to develop mental health support programs and psychological interventions.

Infertility as a stressful event is associated with several psychological problems which require psychological interventions. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment-based treatment on distress tolerance and psychological cohesion in infertile women in Mashhad.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest control group design with a follow-up period. The statistical population included all infertile women referring to Montesseri infertility clinic in Mashhad during winter 2018. A total of 30 subjects were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups of experimental and control. The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was administered to the experimental group during eight 60-min sessions over eight weeks, while the control group received no training. Antonovski Psychological Cohesion Scale and Distress Tolerance Scale by Simons & Gaher were used before and after the intervention to collect information. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using repeated measures analysis of variance test at the significance level of α=0.05.

The results demonstrated that the acceptance and commitment-based therapy was effective in the improvement of distress tolerance and sense of coherence in infertile women (P<0.05), and the results persisted in the follow-up period (P<0.05).

As evidenced by the obtained results, acceptance and commitment therapy can be used to reduce psychological problems and promote psychological cohesion and distress tolerance among infertile women.

The identification of barriers and concerns regarding the acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine is of paramount importance. Accordingly, this systematic review was conducted to determine the factors affecting the acceptance and non-acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine.

This systematic review was performed in accordance with the principles of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The data were retrieved from PubMed, WOS, and Scopus in May  2021. The inclusion criteria entailed: 1- All original articles published on the reasons for acceptance or non-acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine and 2- English language articles. On the other hand, the exclusion criteria were as follows: 1- Overlap of some articles in several databases, 2- The non-original articles, such as review articles or letters to editors, 3- unrelatedness to the objectives of the study, and 4- Lack of access to the full text of the articles.

The query yielded a total of 442 articles. After removing duplicates, as well as screening and qualitative evaluation of articles, 75 articles were finally selected for review in this study. Based on the obtained results, gender in individual factors, trust in governments, hospitals in social factors, and concerns about vaccine side effects among vaccine-related factors played the most important roles in accepting and rejecting the vaccination.

Removing barriers to vaccination based on individual, social, and vaccine factors, as well as informing people about its benefits should be a priority for health organizations and institutions. Consequently,  education and information campaigns on vaccination outcomes should be established at the community level to address individual and social concerns, as well as vaccine-related concerns.

The ability to work is one of the important factors in predicting the working conditions, well-being, and health status of employees. The Work Ability Index (WAI) is one of the most reliable tools used widely to assess the work ability in employees. This study aimed to review the WAI score among Iranian employees.

In this study, Persian and English articles published within 2005-2020 were extracted by searching Magiran, SID, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases. The WAI and its relationship with individual and demographic factors, including age, work experience, gender, and education level, were examined.

A total of 42 articles that reported the mean and standard deviation of the WAI were selected. The review of the articles showed that a total of 11,231 subjects were investigated and the mean WAI was 38.35±5.88. Moreover, among job and demographic factors, WAI showed the most significant relationship with age and work experience.

Based on the WAI classification, the score of employees was at a good level. However, in some occupations, it was observed that the work ability was at a moderate level, highlighting the adoption of control measures to improve the working environment.