فهرست مطالب

Journal of Research in Health Sciences
Volume:14 Issue: 1, Winter 2014

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1392/10/30
  • تعداد عناوین: 16
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  • Mohammad El Zoghbi, Christa Boulos, Sanaa Awada, Samar Rachidi, Amal All Hajje, Wafaa Bawab, Nadine Saleh, Pascale Salameh Pages 11-17
    Background
    Malnutrition represents an important issue in older adults; unfortunately, there is lack of data concerning this topic in Lebanon. This paper aims to provide a description of nutritional status and its correlates in older adults living in long stay institutions situated in Beirut.
    Methods
    This cross-sectional study was conducted in three long stay institutions in Beirut in 2012. The study population was composed of people aged 65 years and above, having a score of Folstein Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) greater than 14 and without renal failure requiring dialysis. Subjects meeting inclusion criteria filled out a questionnaire consisting of nutritional status scale (Mini Nutritional Assessment: MNA) and several other parts (demographic, self-assessment of the state health, smoking and alcohol, physical dependence, quality of life, frailty, depression, social isolation and loneliness). Data were entered and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), version 17.0 (Chicago, IL, USA).
    Results
    Among 111 older adults (55 men and 56 women), 14 (12.6%) were malnourished, 54 (48.7%) were at risk of malnutrition and 43 (38.7%) had an adequate nutritional status. Multivariate analysis showed that physical exercise, depression, frailty and cognitive function were independent correlates of nutritional status of older adults. This model explained 42.2% (adjusted R2 = 0.422) of the older adults nutritional status variability.
    Conclusion
    We found a moderate percentage of malnutrition in older adults living in long stay institutions situated in Beirut, and the correlates of malnutrition in older adults were low physical exercise, depression, frailty and low cognitive function.
    Keywords: Elderly, Malnutrition, Nutritional status, Lebanon
  • Salwa Waeto, Nattakit Pipatjaturon, Phattrawan Tongkumchum, Chamnein Choonpradub, Rattikan Saelim, Nifatamah Makaje Pages 18-22
    Background
    Liver cancer mortality is high in Thailand but utility of related vital statistics is limited due to national vital registration (VR) data being under reported for specific causes of deaths. Accurate methodologies and reliable supplementary data are needed to provide worthy national vital statistics. This study aimed to model liver cancer deaths based on verbal autopsy (VA) study in 2005 to provide more accurate estimates of liver cancer deaths than those reported. The results were used to estimate number of liver cancer deaths during 2000-2009.
    Methods
    A verbal autopsy (VA) was carried out in 2005 based on a sample of 9,644 deaths from nine provinces and it provided reliable information on causes of deaths by gender, age group, location of deaths in or outside hospital, and causes of deaths of the VR database. Logistic regression was used to model liver cancer deaths and other variables. The estimated probabilities from the model were applied to liver cancer deaths in the VR database, 2000-2009. Thus, the more accurately VA-estimated numbers of liver cancer deaths were obtained.
    Results
    The model fits the data quite well with sensitivity 0.64. The confidence intervals from statistical model provide the estimates and their precisions. The VA-estimated numbers of liver cancer deaths were higher than the corresponding VR database with inflation factors 1.56 for males and 1.64 for females.
    Conclusion
    The statistical methods used in this study can be applied to available mortality data in developing countries where their national vital registration data are of low quality and supplementary reliable data are available.
    Keywords: Mortality, Logistic regression, Confidence intervals, Sum contrasts
  • Mojtaba Mirakhorlo, Mahmood Reza Azghani, Sedighe Kahrizi Pages 23-28
    Background
    Lifting methods, including standing stance and techniques have wide effects on spine loading and stability. Previous studies explored lifting techniques in many biomechanical terms and documented changes in muscular and postural response of body as a function of techniques. However, the impact of standing stance and lifting technique on human musculoskeletal had not been investigated concurrently.
    Methods
    A whole body musculoskeletal model of lifting had been built in order to evaluate standing stance impact on muscle activation patterns and spine loading during each distinctive lifting technique. Verified model had been used in different stances width during squat, stoop and semi-squat lifting for examining the effect of standing stance on each lifting technique.
    Results
    The model muscle''s activity was validated by experimental muscle EMGs resulting in Pearson''s coefficients of greater than 0.8. Results from analytical analyses show that the effect of stance width on biomechanical parameters consists in the lifting technique, depending on what kind of standing stance was used.
    Conclusion
    Standing stance in each distinctive lifting technique exhibit positive and negative aspects and it can’t be recommended either one as being better in terms of biomechanical parameters.
    Keywords: Lifting, Biomechanical, Musculoskeletal model, Lifting Techniques, Standing stance
  • Yahya Khosravi, Hassan Asilian-Mahabadi, Ebrahim Hajizadeh, Narmin Hassanzadeh-Rangi, Hamid Bastani, Ali Khavanin, Seyed Bagher Mortazavi Pages 29-35
    Background
    There can be little doubt that the construction is the most hazardous industry in the worldwide. This study was designed to modeling the factors affecting unsafe behavior from the perspective of safety supervisors.
    Methods
    The qualitative research was conducted to extract a conceptual model. A structural model was then developed based on a questionnaire survey (n=266) by two stage Structural Equation Model (SEM) approach.
    Results
    An excellent confirmed 12-factors structure explained about 62% of variances unsafe behavior in the construction industry. A good fit structural model indicated that safety climate factors were positively correlated with safety individual factors (P<0.001) and workplace safety condition (P<0.001). The workplace safety condition was found to play a strong mediating role in linking the safety climate and construction workers’ engagement in safe or unsafe behavior.
    Conclusions
    In order to improve construction safety performance, more focus on the workplace condition is required.
    Keywords: Unsafe behavior, Structural Equation Modeling, construction industry
  • Ghorban Asgari, Abdolmotaleb Seidmohammadi, Afsane Chavoshani, Ali Reza Rahmani Pages 36-39
    Background
    Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is one of the most fungicides and pesticides. Acute and chronic poisoning from PCP may be occurred by dermal absorption, and respiration or ingestion. With respect to health and environmental effects of PCP, many methods were considered regarding its removal. Microwave assisted other methods are environmental friendly, safety, and economical method, consequently, in this study; microwave assisted with hydrogen peroxide­­­ (MW/H2O2) was used for PCP removal from aquatic solutions.
    Methods
    The possible of PCP removal was considered by application of a modified domestic microwave. PCP removal rate was considered under different factors such as H2O2 dose (0.01, 0.02, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mol/L), PCP concentration (100,200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 1000 mg/L), pH­ (3, 7, 11), energy intensity (180,450, 600W), COD (344mg/L), and scavenger testes (0.02 mol/L from each of Tert- butyl alcohol (TBA), NaCl, NaHCO3, and Na2CO3). The concentration changes of PCP were determined­ using spectrophotometer and HPLC spectra, respectively.
    Results
    The best PCP removal was obtained in condition of pH­ 11, 0.2 mol/L H2O2, and 600­ W energy intensity. Moreover, COD removal in this condition was 83%. Results obtained from radical scavengers indicated that OH0 had only an initiator role, and had not a dominant role, and order reaction was in first order.
    Conclusion
    The results of microwave/H2O2 application showed that this process is suitable for removal of PCP and other chlorinated organic compounds in alkaline pH.
    Keywords: Microwave, H2O2, PCP, Alkaline pH
  • Abdollah Vahedi, Iman Dianat Pages 40-45
    Background
    The aims of this study were to evaluate the employees'' subjective assessments of different aspects of lighting condition as well as task area illuminance in manufacturing plants.
    Methods
    This field study was conducted between March and May 2013, in three packing plants (Saveh, central Iran). Data were collected by questionnaire and measurement of the task area illuminance levels. Data were analysed using contingency coefficient test, Spearman''s correlation analysis and non-parametric Friedman tests.
    Results
    The recommended illuminance levels were not met in 46.9% of the work areas. This finding was in agreement with the employees'' perception of light level, and with low satisfaction with lighting in the work environment. Adverse effects of lighting condition on job performance, changing posture for better viewing of the work area and eye tiredness were reported as 64%, 33% and 31% of the employees, respectively. Satisfaction with lighting was negatively correlated with the age of respondents (r=-0.229; P<0.010). The employees'' satisfaction with lighting was also highly correlated with the employees'' subjective assessments of the light level (r=0.779; P<0.001), type of artificial light sources (r=0.591; P<0.001), light colour (r=0.50; P<0.001) and use of daylight (r=0.254; P<0.004). The type of artificial light sources was correlated with job performance (r=0.311, p<0.001) and eye tiredness (r=0.273; P<0.002).
    Conclusions
    The findings highlight the potential usefulness of subjective assessments to supplement objective measures and provide a more holistic approach to lighting design and planning.
    Keywords: Workplaces, Illumination, Light, Performance, Satisfaction
  • Mohammad Reza Monazzam-Esmaeelpour, Zahra Hashemi, Rostam Golmohammadi, Narges Zaredar Pages 46-51
    Background
    Noise pollution is currently a major risk factor in industries in both developed and developing countries.The present study assessed noise pollution in the knitting industry in Iran in 2009 and presented a control method to reduce the rate of noise generation.
    Methods
    The overall noise level was estimated using the network environmental noise assessment method in Sina Poud textile mill in Hamadan. Then, frequency analysis was performed at indicator target stations in the linear network. Finally, a suitable absorbent was recommended for the ceilings, walls, and aerial panels at three phases according to the results found for the sound source and destination environment.
    Results
    The results showed that the highest sound pressure level was 98.5 dB and the lowest was 95.1 dB. The dominant frequency for the industry was 500 Hz. The highest and lowest sound suppression was achieved by intervention at 4000 Hz equivalent to 14.6 dB and 250 Hz in the textile industry.
    Conclusions
    When noise control at the source is not available or insufficient because of the wide distribution of the acoustic field in the workplace, the best option is to increase the absorptive surface of the workplace using adsorbents such as polystyrene.
    Keywords: Noise control, Textile industry, Absorbent, Technical control methods
  • Ghodratollah Roshanaei, Anoshirvan Kazemnejad, Sanambar Sadighi Pages 52-56
    Background
    In survival studies when the event times are dependent, performing of the analysis by using of methods based on independent assumption, leads to biased. In this paper, using copula function and considering the dependence structure between the event times, a parametric joint distribution has made fitting to the events, and the effective factors on each of these events would be determined.
    Methods
    This retrospective cohort study was conducted from March 2003 to March 2007. The data collected from 256 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery and that the event time of the two outcomes of death and recurrence for them was recorded. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to determine of suitable parametric models. Moreover, applying copula function with regard to the relationships between the events, the effect of the risk factors of each of the two outcomes was determined. The data analysis was done using R2.12.1 software.
    Results
    According to the AIC criterion, the Weibull distribution had the best fitting in both of the event times. The median times for recurrence and survival of the patients were estimated 20.2 and 28.1 months respectively. Furthermore, with a fitting of Weibull distribution to the two event times using Clayton copula function, the variables of gender, tumor size and tumor pathological stage on survival, and tumor size and tumor pathological stage on recurrence were significant (P<0.001).
    Conclusions
    Applying copula function for determining specific risk factors of the semi-competing events produces suitable results opposite the common methods which are based on independent assumption of the events.
    Keywords: Parametric survival model, Recurrence time, Gastric cancer, Semi, competing risk, Dependent event, Copula function
  • Afsaneh Keramat, Seyyedeh Zahra Masoomi, Seyed Abbas Mousavi, Jalal Poorolajal, Fatemeh Shobeiri, Seyyed Mohammad Mehdi Hazavhei Pages 57-63
    Background
    Health related quality of life (QoL) has now been considered as a main tool for outcome measurement in infertility. The present study aimed to determine the association between general and specified QoL with different psychological aspects of self-esteem, social support, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction in a sample of Iranian infertile couples.
    Method
    This cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 infertile couples referred to the Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan City, western Iran in 2012.To measure the self-esteem, the Iseng test was used. The social support scaling developed by Cassidy and Long was used for assessment of social support. The sexual satisfaction was also assessed by the Lindaberg questionnaire. For assessing the general QoL state, the WHO-QoL-BREF and FertiQoL tools were employed.
    Results
    Self-esteem scores were lower in the couples with longer infertility duration. The social support mean score was lower in low income couples. Those with higher educational level, shorter infertility duration, and higher income were more satisfied from their marital relationships. Besides, we revealed that the previous failed efforts for treatment of infertility were adversely associated with the lower social support and sexual satisfaction. The higher educational level, higher monthly income, living in urban area, shorter duration of marriage and infertility, and male gender were associated with better QoL status in the most components.Associations between QoL and self-esteem, social support, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction were significant (P<0.05).
    Conclusion
    The QoL status in infertile couples is directly associated with their self-esteem, social support, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction.
    Keywords: Infertility, Quality of life, Self, esteem, Satisfaction
  • Keywan Weysi, Heshmatollah Nourmoradi, Mohammad Reza Samarghandi, Mohammad Taghi Samadi Pages 64-68
    Background
    Eutrophication is one of the detrimental environmental problems in water reservoirs dye to the irregular introducing nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen). This study aimed to explore the eutrophication state of Ekbatan Reservoir, Hamadan, western Iran.
    Methods
    Monthly sampling was conducted during April 2010 to March 2011. Seven sampling stations were selected in the various locations of the reservoir and the samples were collected in the depth of 50 cm. The grab sampling of water for nitrogen, phosphorous and chlorophyll-a was carried out at all localities by Hatch sampler. The trophic state of the dam was determined by Carlson''s Trophic State Index (TSI) and Chapra''s classification.
    Results
    The highest concentrations of phosphorus and chlorophyll-a were measured in August and the lowest concentration for both of the parameters was determined in February. The TSI index according phosphorus concentration showed that the reservoir was in eutrophic status during May to November and was in mesotrophic status over November to May.
    Conclusions
    It seems that the eutrophication process in the lake was resulted from the rural wastewaters and agricultural fertilizers. Therefore, using long term management methods including prevent of uncontrolled discharge of agricultural wastewaters is recommended in order to reduce the eutrophication in the reservoir. Decrease of phosphorus concentration in the dam by 50% can convert the eutrophic state to mesotrophic state.
    Keywords: Iran, Eutrophication, Nutrients, Chlorophyll, a
  • Abdolmotaleb Seid-Mohammadi, Ghodratollah Roshanaei, Ghorban Asgari Pages 69-74
    Background
    This study was conducted to estimate the level of heavy metals accumulate in vegetables irrigated with contaminated water compared with those irrigated with fresh water in Hamadan, west of Iran in 2012.
    Methods
    Sixty samples of different vegetables i.e., parsley, tarragon, sweat basil and leek irrigated with contaminated water and thirty six samples from three different adjacent areas irrigated with fresh water as control were analyzed to determine heavy metals. The concentration of heavy metals i.e., lead, cadmium and chromium were achieved using atomic adsorption spectrophotometer.
    Results
    The mean concentration of lead, chromium and cadmium regardless of the kind of vegetables irrigated with contaminated water was 6.24, 1.57 and 0.15 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, metals uptake differences by the vegetables were recognized to vegetable differences in tolerance to heavy metals. Based on the above concentrations the dietary intakes of metals through vegetables consumption were 0.004, 0.0008 and 6E-05 mg/day in infants for lead, chromium and cadmium, respectively.
    Conclusions
    The high concentration of these heavy metals in some vegetables might be attributed due to the use of untreated sanitary and industrial wastewater by farmers for the irrigation of vegetable lands. Therefore, treating of these wastewater and bioremediation of excess metals from polluted vegetation land could be considered.
    Keywords: Vegetable, eavy metals, Wastewater irrigation, Iran
  • Maryam Mataji Amirrood, Mohammad Hosein Taghdisi, Farzad Shidfar, Mahmood Reza Gohari Pages 75-80
    Background
    Dietary behaviors affect obesity; therefore, it seems necessary to conduct interventions to modify behavioral patterns leading to weight-gain in the family. Our goal was to determine the impact of training on women’s capabilities in modifying their obesity-related dietary behaviors in Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran: applying family-centered empowerment model.
    Methods
    A quasi-experimental study with Pretest-Posttest design was conducted on 90 over-weight/obese women in 2012 in two Health Centers of Urmia. Convenience sampling was done and the participants were randomly assigned to two ‘test’ and ‘control’ groups. Data collection was done by completing the demographic data questionnaire, the empowerment tool and dietary behavior checklist. The intervention was conducted in the form of 6 educational classes held for the ‘test’ group. After two months, posttest was performed by completing the forms once again. Data were analyzed with descriptive tests, t-tests, Chi2 and Fischer’s test.
    Results
    The dietary behavior scores of the intervention group had risen from 7.4±2.11 to 9.95±2.41 (P<0.001), and the good dietary behaviors had risen from 21.4% to 61.9% (P=0.002). The ‘good’ capability level of this group had risen from 23.8% to 97.61% (P<0.001), and their mean capability score had risen from 54.61±7.34 to 70.26±6.04 (P<0.001). However, the changes were not significant in the control group.
    Conclusions
    The educational intervention performed whit applying family-centered empowerment model in this study was proven effective in women. Hence it is advised to consider it in behavior changing interventions to promote the health of the family and community.
    Keywords: Family, Centered Empowerment, Dietary Behaviors, Obesity, Women, Iran
  • Lily Tapak, Ali Reza Rahmani, Abbas Moghimbeigi Pages 81-86
    Background
    Water is considered as the main source of life but water resources are limited and nonrenewable. Different factors have caused groundwater to decrease. Therefore, modeling and predicting groundwater level is of great importance.
    Methods
    Monthly groundwater level data of about 20 years (October 1991 to February 2012) from the Hamadan-Bahar Plain, west of Iran were used based on peizometric height related to hydrologic years. The support vector machine (SVM), a new nonlinear regression technique, was used to predict groundwater level. The performance of the SVM model was assessed by using criteria of R2, root mean square error (RMSE), means absolute error (MAE), means absolute percentage error (MAPE), correlation coefficient and efficiency coefficient (E) and was then compared with the classic time series model.
    Results
    The SVM model had greater R2 (=0.933), E (=0.950) and Correlation (=0.965). Moreover, SVM had lower RMSE (=0.120), MAPE (=0.140) and MAE (=0.124). There was no significant difference between the estimated values using two models and the observed value.
    Conclusions
    The SVM outperforms classic time series model in predicting groundwater level. Therefore using the SVM model is reasonable for modeling and predicting fluctuations of groundwater level in Hamadan-Bahar Plain.
    Keywords: Groundwater Level, Support Vector Machine, Time Series, Iran
  • Mohammad Hassan Lotfi, Hassan Saadati, Majid Afzali Pages 87-91
    Background
    Among the non-communicable diseases, diabetes mellitus has an important ranking and with annually increasing rate where it is expected the number of people suffering from the disease will reach to 300 million up to 2025 in all of world. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Iran is 4-4.5% and in population aged above 30 years is greater than 14%. The present study is attempting to find out the prevalence rate of the disease and its risk factors in Yazd Province, central Iran.
    Methods
    This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2012. A total of 14993 subjects were randomly selected and enquired by a pretested questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests such as chi-square, and multiple logistic regressions.
    Results
    The prevalence rate of known diabetes and impaired fasting glucose was 16.3% & 11.9% respectively. Age, sex, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, BMI, and history of gestational diabetes were significantly associated with diabetes disease (P=0.001).
    Conclusions
    The prevalence rate of diabetes is higher than other parts of the world and living in the city. Female gender, increasing age, high blood pressure, increased BMI and positive family history, are independent risk factor for diabetes, therefore performing prevention programs and controlling these high risk groups should be considered as a priority.
    Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Screening, Prevalence, Iran
  • Javad Kiani, Hamid Goharifar, Abbas Moghimbeigi, Homeyra Azizkhani Pages 92-95
    Background
    In addition to macrovascular and along with other microvascular complications, diabetic patients suffer from some common musculoskeletal complications. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of five musculoskeletal disorders of upper extremity including shoulder capsulitis (SC), limited joint mobility (LJM), Dupuytren’s contracture (DC), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and trigger finger (TF) as well as identify their related risk factors in diabetic patients.
    Methods
    We recruited 432 types 1 or 2 diabetic patients and evaluated them for the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and their-related risk factors in 2012-13. The patients were examined by an endocrinologist and then suspected subjects evaluated by a rheumatologist for defining final diagnosis.
    Results
    The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder of upper extremity was SC (8.79%), followed by CTS (8.56%), LJM (6.94%), DC (7.4%), and TF (6.71%). Advanced age, female sex, smoking, and duration of diabetes were associated with the appearance of SC; female sex and duration of diabetes with CTS; advanced age and smoking with LJM; advanced age, duration of diabetes and history of foot ulcer with DC; and history of laser photocoagulation was associated with TF.
    Conclusions
    The results show lower prevalence of upper musculoskeletal disorders and different associated risk factors in our diabetic population in comparison with previous studies on other populations.
    Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Musculoskeletal disorder, Upper extremity, Prevalence
  • Amal Saki Malehi, Ebrahim Hajizadeh, Kambiz Ahmadi, Nahid Kholdi Pages 96-99
    Background
    This study aimes to evaluate the failure to thrive (FTT) recurrent event over time.
    Methods
    This longitudinal study was conducted during February 2007 to July 2009. The primary outcome was growth failure. The analysis was done using 1283 children who had experienced FTT several times, based on recurrent events analysis.
    Results
    Fifty-nine percent of the children had experienced the FTT at least one time and 5.3% of them had experienced it up to four times. The Prentice–Williams–Peterson (PWP) model revealed significant relationship between diarrhea (HR=1.26), respiratory infections (HR=1.25), urinary tract infections (HR=1.51), discontinuation of breast-feeding (HR=1.96), teething (HR=1.18), initiation age of complementary feeding (HR=1.11) and hazard rate of the first FTT event.
    Conclusions
    Recurrence nature of the FTT is a main problem, which taking it into account increases the accuracy in analysis of FTT event process and can lead to identify different risk factors for each FTT recurrences.
    Keywords: Failure to thrive, Recurrent event, Prentice–Williams–Peterson model, Children