Journal of Health Research in Community

1-11

Authors: Mohammad Baaghideh , Fahimeh Shakeri , Fatemeh Mayvaneh

Introduction and purpose: Thermal comfort conditions are a set of thermal conditions that can be appropriate for at least 80% of people. The absence of thermal comfort conditions is considered as a bipolar phenomenon of cold to warm or hot discomfort, which creates different levels of thermal stress. In this comparative study, we analyzed the temporal and spatial distributions of thermal stresses on the north and south coasts of Iran with a focus on health and tourism. Methods: In the present study, we used the daily data of temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and cloud cover from 2000 to 2014. First, the mean radiant temperature (TMRT) parameter was calculated in the RayMan software program, and then the universal thermal climate index (UTCI) values were extracted from 16 selected stations on the north and south coasts using the Bioclima software. Results: During the warm period, the most severe thermal stresses occurred on the south coast, especially on islands, but on the north coast, only cold stresses were recorded that were not of high severity. The most severe hot and cold stresses were calculated for Abu Musa Island and Siah Bishe, respectively. Conclusion: There are several levels of thermal stress on the north and south coasts of Iran. This issue is more intense for the southern coast due to severe thermal stresses over a long period of time. The importance of thermal stresses in the concepts of health and tourism requires researchers to pay attention to the related climatic parameters and tensions.

25-33

Authors: Musculoskeletal disorders, NASA-TLX, Nordic questionnaire, Workload

Introduction and purpose: Workload can be defined as the worker’s required capacity to fulfill a special level of performance while doing a task. Workload depends on the type of occupation and its task repetition, intensity, duration, and psychological factors. The increase in workload can result in the enhancement of musculoskeletal disorders. Regarding this, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of musculoskeletal disorders with workload among the worker of a Ceramic and Tile Factory. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 65 workers of a Ceramic and Tile Factory in Neyshabur, Khorasan Province, Iran. The data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Data analysis was performed in SPSS, version 20, using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman’s rank order correlation, and independent samples t-test. Results: The results of NASA-TLX demonstrated that the mean scores of performance and efficiency, frustration, and physical demands were 87±18.02, 76±26.67, and 75±23.43, respectively, representing desirable levels. In this index, the lowest mean score was related to effort (51±30.6) was the lowest score. The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (63%) was observed in the lower back region in the past 12 months. Furthermore, workload showed a significant correlation with musculoskeletal discomfort in the lower back region (P<0.001) and shoulder, upper back, wrist, knee, and hip (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings were indicative of high levels of workload and musculoskeletal disorders among the participants. The results of this study showed that workload is one of the important risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, which requires further investigation.

46-57

Authors: Somayeh Parvin , Nima Daneshi , Mehdi Jamshidi , Mohammad Alizadeh Barzian , Kazem Alizadeh Barzian

Introduction and purpose: Progress and technology have improved the management of infectious diseases and life expectancy on the one hand, and increased the prevalence of non-communicable diseases on the other. Today, the most serious challenges people face are accidents and toxicities, particularly traffic accidents that account for 12% of the global burden of disease and are the third leading cause of premature death in Iran. Accordingly, we performed an epidemiologic study on traffic accidents in Behbahan city, Iran, during 2006-2014. Methods: This retrospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was performed among the victims of traffic accidents that were referred to the emergency department of Behbahan hospital in Behbahan city. Patient information including age and gender were collected and analyzed using SPSS 17. Results: During 2006-2014, a total of 55,108 casualties were recorded in Behbahan city, 26,798 (48.5%) of which were caused by traffic accidents. Car accidents, motorist accidents, and pedestrian accidents accounted for 30.9%, 58.8%, and 10.3% of the accidents. The prevalence rate of traffic accidents was 14 in 1000 cases, and the mortality rate was 29 in 100,000 cases. During this period, 7,814 cases of mortality were recorded, 826 (10.6%) of which were associated with accidents with traffic accidents accounting for 520 cases (62.9%). Further, 40% of the mortalities due to traffic accidents occurred on the scene of accident, while transferring to hospital, or in the casualty department. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that traffic accidents, casualties and mortalities, especially motorist accidents, are a major health and social problem in Behbahan city. Thus, taking the necessary measures to control and manage this major health threat is andatory.

70-81

Authors: Niloofar Karimi , Valiollah Dabidi Roshan , Afshin Fayaz movaghar

Introduction and purpose: Lifestyle is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of life, including cardiovascular diseases. Regarding this, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of abdominal obesity with demographic factors and cardiovascular fitness in Babolsar, Iran. Methods: This study was conducted on 150 women and men residing in Babolsar. The study population was selected using simple random sampling technique through a recall. The data were collected using demographic form, pedometer (to evaluate the physical activity level), body mass index (BMI; to assess abdominal obesity), waste hip ratio (WHR), and body adiposity index (BAI). The data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: According to the results, peak oxygen uptake was indirectly associated with BMI, WHR, and BAI in both genders (P<0.001). On the other hand, there was a direct relationship between these variables and age (P<0.001). Furthermore, a direct correlation was observed between WHR and the marital status of the women (P=0.008). Additionally, BMI levels had a nonsignificant increase with the enhancement of age and decline of education level. Conclusion: The promotion of peoples’ awareness about abdominal obesity and its associated factors and their encouragement to perform physical activity can be effective in reducing the prevalence of abdominal obesity and its comorbidities.