DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Oct 1, 2020
Introduction: In recent decades, there have been profound changes in the nature of jobs that have... more Introduction: In recent decades, there have been profound changes in the nature of jobs that have had an impact on employees’ health. It is important to measure people’s perceptions and feelings about their health. This study aimed to evaluate the general health level of the accountant staff of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and some related factors. Methods: This study is cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical). The statistical population consists of all accountants of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. 50 accountants and 50 non-accountants were chosen with census method as the sample size. Data collection method was performed using demographic characteristics questionnaire and GHQ-28 standard general health questionnaire. Finally, the results were analyzed using descriptive-analytical statistics and SPSS ver. 19 software. Results: The results of the mental health assessment showed that entirely 53% of the total study participants had a disorder in at least one area of public health. Also, among different areas of public health, the most common disorder was depression, and the lowest prevalence was related to physical health. Conclusion: Due to the relatively high prevalence of mental disorders (anxiety and depression) in accountants compared to non-accountants studied, it is suggested that the necessary planning provided in the field of individual skills and macro-ergonomics to increase their capabilities and psychological capacity.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Apr 1, 2017
Introduction: One of the pollutants that is developing in human life day by day, is Magnetic fiel... more Introduction: One of the pollutants that is developing in human life day by day, is Magnetic field. In modern urban transport systems, diesel motors have been replaced with electric motors, working with alternating and direct currents, and leading to occupational exposure of drivers with magnetic fields. This study aimed to determine the urban train's driver exposure with static magnetic fields and compare it with national occupational exposure limits. Methods: In order to measure driver's exposure with static magnetic field, several samples were selected from urban AC and DC and AC intercity trains, in the 1,2,4, and 5 lines of Tehran, Iran. After determination of the sampling location, static magnetic field was measured by three axes magnetic field meter (HI-3550), according to the standard IEEE std C95.3.1 and previous studies. In order to data analyzing, the SPSS software (ver. 20) was used. Results: The maximum exposure of drivers was in DC trains-line 2-(0.52 mT), meanwhile, average exposure of AC trains driver (0.095 mT) was higher than DC trains driver (0.081 mT). The average magnetic flux density between different lines has not significant differences. The highest levels of time-weighted average exposure were related to line 1 AC train drivers (0.06 mT). Conclusion: Exposure of train's drivers was 10 time higher than background level, indicating a significant exposure in this job. However, in none of assessment situation, whole body exposure of train's driver was not exceeded from national occupational exposure level (TWA= 0.2 and ceiling= 2 T). Of course, it does not imply that this level of exposure is completely safe, because different studies, have reported health problems even at lower values of the magnetic field.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Dec 1, 2014
Background & aim: An increase in weight of school bags may lead to changes in body position. To c... more Background & aim: An increase in weight of school bags may lead to changes in body position. To compensate this stress, the musculoskeletal system must react appropriately. The purpose of the present study was to compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among children and identify the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 secondary school children, aged 12 to 15 years, selected by cluster random sampling in four areas of Shiraz, Iran. The researcher instrument consisted of a questionnaire and body map for evaluating musculoskeletal pains. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The results revealed that 80.6% of the students had pain correlation with carrying the school bags. 40.8% experienced pain while carrying their school bags, 27.2% expressed continuous pain and 32% of them felt pain whenever they put off their bags. Conclusion: According to the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, the prevalence of pain in the shoulders had the highest rate which was similar to the results of several studies.
Occupational Medicine Quarterly Journal, Jan 10, 2017
Introduction: One of the main causes of urban noise pollution is traffic noise, which causes a va... more Introduction: One of the main causes of urban noise pollution is traffic noise, which causes a variety of physical and mental effects, sleep disorders, hearing loss, and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the noise pollution caused by traffic and its effects on sleep disorders and the people's quality of life in Shiraz city. Methods: This descriptive and analytic study conducted on 280 residents in heavy traffic and low-traffic areas of the city that selected according to the sampling method. Data collection included: quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL: BREF), Herzberg sleep disorders questionnaire (PSQI) and by the CEL-440 sound level meter. Data analysis was performed using T-test, Chi-square and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: There was a statistical significant difference between traffic noise levels and sleep disorders in people nearby the low traffic boulevards (P<0.05). Also, there was a statistical significant difference was seen between traffic noise levels and the quality of life of people nearby the high traffic boulevards (P<0.05). Conclusion: The traffic noise level in low and high traffic areas in Shiraz city was higher than the standard levels that lead to increasing the sleep disorders and decreasing the quality of life of people.
Introduction: As a healthcare providing establishment, hospitals can be affected by sources of no... more Introduction: As a healthcare providing establishment, hospitals can be affected by sources of noise pollution which then impose negative effects on the health and comfort of patients and personnel. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between sound annoyance and general health in the personnel of university affiliated and non-university affiliated hospitals in Shiraz. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive analytical study was conducted in four university affiliated and nonuniversity affiliated hospitals in Shiraz with a sample size of 300 using a predetermined equation and according to the results of previous studies. The instruments used in the study included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Noise Annoyance Scale (NAS) and an audiometer (CEL-440 model). Findings: The present study found a small inverse relationship between the total general health score in the hospital personnel and the sound pressure level at university-affiliated hospitals (r=-0.103) and a direct positive relationship at non-university affiliated hospitals (r=0.274), which were not statistically significant (P≤0.05). The relationship of somatic symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction and depression to sound pressure was inverse and small (r=-0.195 and P≥0.05). However, there was a direct positive relationship between general health and sound annoyance (r=0.266 and ≤≥ .0.0 .) Conclusion: According to the results obtained, noise levels are higher than the acceptable exposure limit in university-affiliated hospitals, which affect both the patients' and the personnel's general health, necessitating the adoption of control measures.
Background: Non-technical skills are cognitive and social skills that are necessary for safe and ... more Background: Non-technical skills are cognitive and social skills that are necessary for safe and efficient practices in operating theatre. These skills are inseparable parts of circulating nurses’ duties and help them have a good performance during surgical processes. Circulating nurses’ non-technical skills have not been closely measured, and much uncertainty still exists about the quality of their skills. This study aimed to assess circulating nurses’ non-technical skills. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 circulating nurses who worked in four public hospitals in Iran, during 2020. The data of demographics of the studied population were collected using a demographic questionnaire. Kalantari et al’s Circulating Practitioner’s List of Non-Technical Skills was used to assess the circulating nurses’ non-technical skills. Results: The situational awareness domain had the highest score, while leadership was the domain with the lowest mean score. There was a moderate ...
BACKGROUND: The intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex, dynamic, high stress and time-sensitive p... more BACKGROUND: The intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex, dynamic, high stress and time-sensitive place. While a variety of rules and regulations provided to reduce medication errors in recent years, many studies have emphasized that medication errors still happen. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation is to predict, reveal and assess medication errors among surgical intensive care unit (SICU) nurses. METHODS: This study was performed in one of the public hospitals in Shiraz, namely Shahid Faghihi hospital. The human error assessment and reduction technique (HEART) method was adopted to measure and assess medication errors in the ICU. RESULTS: Findings indicate that ICU nurses perform 27 main tasks and 125 sub-tasks. The results also showed that setting and using DC shock task has the highest human error probability value, and assessment of patients by a nutritionist has the lowest human error probability value. CONCLUSION: Medical errors are key challenges in the ICU. Therefor...
Background: Depression is one of the mental disorders which have become a public health problem t... more Background: Depression is one of the mental disorders which have become a public health problem throughout of the world. The objective of this study was to investigate depression and to determine its correlated factors among students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). Methods: 358 students of SUMS participated in this crosssectional study in 2012. The participants were selected by Proportion Partition sampling method. A two-part questionnaire was used as the data collecting tool. In the first part, demographic characteristics and in the second part the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were included. Results: Mean score of depression in the studied population was 10.98. More than half of all the participants (54.7%) were symptomless; 41% of them were in the weak to moderate depression categories, and 4.2% in the strong and very strong categories. The data showed a significant relationship between scores of depression and marital status, academic grade, field content of s...
Journal of health sciences and surveillance system, 2016
Background: Anthropometry is a branch of Ergonomics that considers the measurement and descriptio... more Background: Anthropometry is a branch of Ergonomics that considers the measurement and description of the human body dimensions. Accordingly, equipment, environments, and workstations should be designed using user-centered design processes. Anthropometric dimensions differ considerably across gender, race, ethnicity and age, taking into account ergonomic and anthropometric principles. The aim of this study was to determine anthropometric characteristics of microscope users and provide a regression model for anthropometric dimensions. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric dimensions (18 dimensions) of the microscope users (N=174; 78 males and 96 females) in Shiraz were measured. Instruments included a Studio meter, 2 type calipers, adjustable seats, a 40-cm ruler, a tape measure, and scales. The study data were analyzed using SPSS, version 20. Results: The means of male and female microscope users’ age were 31.64±8.86 and 35±10.9 years, respectively and their height ...
Background and Objective: The importance of examining shift work, especially in the health sector... more Background and Objective: The importance of examining shift work, especially in the health sector, is due to the harmful and irreparable consequences that are attributed to it. Work shifts, especially night shifts, lead to fatigue and consequent adverse effects on health, alertness, and performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of shift work and mental workload on fatigue of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. Materials and Methods: This analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 144 ICU nurses in three hospitals of Shiraz. The subjects were selected using the census sampling method. The Samn-Perelli Mental Fatigue Scale and NASA Mental Workload Scale were completed for 2 weeks at the beginning and end of each shift. Results: The results showed that the amount of mental fatigue and mental workload were significantly associated with the type of work shifts (P<0.05). Moreover, mental fatigue had a significant association with the average hours of sleep during the last two weeks (r=-0.24, P<0.01), the average mental fatigue and mental workload (P<0.01, r=0.25), lack of leisure time (P<0.01, r=-0.22), and a regular exercise program (P <0.01, r =-0.3). Conclusion: The mental workload and shift schedule affect the fatigue of ICU nurses. However, there seem to be other factors that affect their fatigue. Hence, further studies are needed to investigate the effect of lifestyle and personal factors on fatigue.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Oct 1, 2020
Introduction: In recent decades, there have been profound changes in the nature of jobs that have... more Introduction: In recent decades, there have been profound changes in the nature of jobs that have had an impact on employees’ health. It is important to measure people’s perceptions and feelings about their health. This study aimed to evaluate the general health level of the accountant staff of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and some related factors. Methods: This study is cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical). The statistical population consists of all accountants of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. 50 accountants and 50 non-accountants were chosen with census method as the sample size. Data collection method was performed using demographic characteristics questionnaire and GHQ-28 standard general health questionnaire. Finally, the results were analyzed using descriptive-analytical statistics and SPSS ver. 19 software. Results: The results of the mental health assessment showed that entirely 53% of the total study participants had a disorder in at least one area of public health. Also, among different areas of public health, the most common disorder was depression, and the lowest prevalence was related to physical health. Conclusion: Due to the relatively high prevalence of mental disorders (anxiety and depression) in accountants compared to non-accountants studied, it is suggested that the necessary planning provided in the field of individual skills and macro-ergonomics to increase their capabilities and psychological capacity.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Apr 1, 2017
Introduction: One of the pollutants that is developing in human life day by day, is Magnetic fiel... more Introduction: One of the pollutants that is developing in human life day by day, is Magnetic field. In modern urban transport systems, diesel motors have been replaced with electric motors, working with alternating and direct currents, and leading to occupational exposure of drivers with magnetic fields. This study aimed to determine the urban train's driver exposure with static magnetic fields and compare it with national occupational exposure limits. Methods: In order to measure driver's exposure with static magnetic field, several samples were selected from urban AC and DC and AC intercity trains, in the 1,2,4, and 5 lines of Tehran, Iran. After determination of the sampling location, static magnetic field was measured by three axes magnetic field meter (HI-3550), according to the standard IEEE std C95.3.1 and previous studies. In order to data analyzing, the SPSS software (ver. 20) was used. Results: The maximum exposure of drivers was in DC trains-line 2-(0.52 mT), meanwhile, average exposure of AC trains driver (0.095 mT) was higher than DC trains driver (0.081 mT). The average magnetic flux density between different lines has not significant differences. The highest levels of time-weighted average exposure were related to line 1 AC train drivers (0.06 mT). Conclusion: Exposure of train's drivers was 10 time higher than background level, indicating a significant exposure in this job. However, in none of assessment situation, whole body exposure of train's driver was not exceeded from national occupational exposure level (TWA= 0.2 and ceiling= 2 T). Of course, it does not imply that this level of exposure is completely safe, because different studies, have reported health problems even at lower values of the magnetic field.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Dec 1, 2014
Background & aim: An increase in weight of school bags may lead to changes in body position. To c... more Background & aim: An increase in weight of school bags may lead to changes in body position. To compensate this stress, the musculoskeletal system must react appropriately. The purpose of the present study was to compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among children and identify the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 secondary school children, aged 12 to 15 years, selected by cluster random sampling in four areas of Shiraz, Iran. The researcher instrument consisted of a questionnaire and body map for evaluating musculoskeletal pains. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The results revealed that 80.6% of the students had pain correlation with carrying the school bags. 40.8% experienced pain while carrying their school bags, 27.2% expressed continuous pain and 32% of them felt pain whenever they put off their bags. Conclusion: According to the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, the prevalence of pain in the shoulders had the highest rate which was similar to the results of several studies.
Occupational Medicine Quarterly Journal, Jan 10, 2017
Introduction: One of the main causes of urban noise pollution is traffic noise, which causes a va... more Introduction: One of the main causes of urban noise pollution is traffic noise, which causes a variety of physical and mental effects, sleep disorders, hearing loss, and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the noise pollution caused by traffic and its effects on sleep disorders and the people's quality of life in Shiraz city. Methods: This descriptive and analytic study conducted on 280 residents in heavy traffic and low-traffic areas of the city that selected according to the sampling method. Data collection included: quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL: BREF), Herzberg sleep disorders questionnaire (PSQI) and by the CEL-440 sound level meter. Data analysis was performed using T-test, Chi-square and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: There was a statistical significant difference between traffic noise levels and sleep disorders in people nearby the low traffic boulevards (P<0.05). Also, there was a statistical significant difference was seen between traffic noise levels and the quality of life of people nearby the high traffic boulevards (P<0.05). Conclusion: The traffic noise level in low and high traffic areas in Shiraz city was higher than the standard levels that lead to increasing the sleep disorders and decreasing the quality of life of people.
Introduction: As a healthcare providing establishment, hospitals can be affected by sources of no... more Introduction: As a healthcare providing establishment, hospitals can be affected by sources of noise pollution which then impose negative effects on the health and comfort of patients and personnel. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between sound annoyance and general health in the personnel of university affiliated and non-university affiliated hospitals in Shiraz. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive analytical study was conducted in four university affiliated and nonuniversity affiliated hospitals in Shiraz with a sample size of 300 using a predetermined equation and according to the results of previous studies. The instruments used in the study included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the Noise Annoyance Scale (NAS) and an audiometer (CEL-440 model). Findings: The present study found a small inverse relationship between the total general health score in the hospital personnel and the sound pressure level at university-affiliated hospitals (r=-0.103) and a direct positive relationship at non-university affiliated hospitals (r=0.274), which were not statistically significant (P≤0.05). The relationship of somatic symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction and depression to sound pressure was inverse and small (r=-0.195 and P≥0.05). However, there was a direct positive relationship between general health and sound annoyance (r=0.266 and ≤≥ .0.0 .) Conclusion: According to the results obtained, noise levels are higher than the acceptable exposure limit in university-affiliated hospitals, which affect both the patients' and the personnel's general health, necessitating the adoption of control measures.
Background: Non-technical skills are cognitive and social skills that are necessary for safe and ... more Background: Non-technical skills are cognitive and social skills that are necessary for safe and efficient practices in operating theatre. These skills are inseparable parts of circulating nurses’ duties and help them have a good performance during surgical processes. Circulating nurses’ non-technical skills have not been closely measured, and much uncertainty still exists about the quality of their skills. This study aimed to assess circulating nurses’ non-technical skills. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 circulating nurses who worked in four public hospitals in Iran, during 2020. The data of demographics of the studied population were collected using a demographic questionnaire. Kalantari et al’s Circulating Practitioner’s List of Non-Technical Skills was used to assess the circulating nurses’ non-technical skills. Results: The situational awareness domain had the highest score, while leadership was the domain with the lowest mean score. There was a moderate ...
BACKGROUND: The intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex, dynamic, high stress and time-sensitive p... more BACKGROUND: The intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex, dynamic, high stress and time-sensitive place. While a variety of rules and regulations provided to reduce medication errors in recent years, many studies have emphasized that medication errors still happen. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation is to predict, reveal and assess medication errors among surgical intensive care unit (SICU) nurses. METHODS: This study was performed in one of the public hospitals in Shiraz, namely Shahid Faghihi hospital. The human error assessment and reduction technique (HEART) method was adopted to measure and assess medication errors in the ICU. RESULTS: Findings indicate that ICU nurses perform 27 main tasks and 125 sub-tasks. The results also showed that setting and using DC shock task has the highest human error probability value, and assessment of patients by a nutritionist has the lowest human error probability value. CONCLUSION: Medical errors are key challenges in the ICU. Therefor...
Background: Depression is one of the mental disorders which have become a public health problem t... more Background: Depression is one of the mental disorders which have become a public health problem throughout of the world. The objective of this study was to investigate depression and to determine its correlated factors among students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS). Methods: 358 students of SUMS participated in this crosssectional study in 2012. The participants were selected by Proportion Partition sampling method. A two-part questionnaire was used as the data collecting tool. In the first part, demographic characteristics and in the second part the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were included. Results: Mean score of depression in the studied population was 10.98. More than half of all the participants (54.7%) were symptomless; 41% of them were in the weak to moderate depression categories, and 4.2% in the strong and very strong categories. The data showed a significant relationship between scores of depression and marital status, academic grade, field content of s...
Journal of health sciences and surveillance system, 2016
Background: Anthropometry is a branch of Ergonomics that considers the measurement and descriptio... more Background: Anthropometry is a branch of Ergonomics that considers the measurement and description of the human body dimensions. Accordingly, equipment, environments, and workstations should be designed using user-centered design processes. Anthropometric dimensions differ considerably across gender, race, ethnicity and age, taking into account ergonomic and anthropometric principles. The aim of this study was to determine anthropometric characteristics of microscope users and provide a regression model for anthropometric dimensions. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric dimensions (18 dimensions) of the microscope users (N=174; 78 males and 96 females) in Shiraz were measured. Instruments included a Studio meter, 2 type calipers, adjustable seats, a 40-cm ruler, a tape measure, and scales. The study data were analyzed using SPSS, version 20. Results: The means of male and female microscope users’ age were 31.64±8.86 and 35±10.9 years, respectively and their height ...
Background and Objective: The importance of examining shift work, especially in the health sector... more Background and Objective: The importance of examining shift work, especially in the health sector, is due to the harmful and irreparable consequences that are attributed to it. Work shifts, especially night shifts, lead to fatigue and consequent adverse effects on health, alertness, and performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of shift work and mental workload on fatigue of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. Materials and Methods: This analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 144 ICU nurses in three hospitals of Shiraz. The subjects were selected using the census sampling method. The Samn-Perelli Mental Fatigue Scale and NASA Mental Workload Scale were completed for 2 weeks at the beginning and end of each shift. Results: The results showed that the amount of mental fatigue and mental workload were significantly associated with the type of work shifts (P<0.05). Moreover, mental fatigue had a significant association with the average hours of sleep during the last two weeks (r=-0.24, P<0.01), the average mental fatigue and mental workload (P<0.01, r=0.25), lack of leisure time (P<0.01, r=-0.22), and a regular exercise program (P <0.01, r =-0.3). Conclusion: The mental workload and shift schedule affect the fatigue of ICU nurses. However, there seem to be other factors that affect their fatigue. Hence, further studies are needed to investigate the effect of lifestyle and personal factors on fatigue.
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