Journal of Human, Environment, and Health Promotion

55-63

Authors: Seyedeh Monireh Mirgerami *, Mohammad Reza Yaftian, Abdol Hossein Parizangane, Abbas Ali Zamani

Background: The present study aimed to estimate the flow of electronic waste (e-waste) in Iran in order to establish a baseline for these toxic, potentially valuable wastes. Methods: Questionnaires were prepared to determine the amount of waste produced by households, institutions, repair centers, and importers and sellers of electronic products. In total, 22 electronic products (e-products) were tracked and classified into several categories, including computers, televisions, batteries, CD/DVDs, computer peripherals, telephones, multimedia players, and recorders. The questionnaires were completed in Tehran, Mashhad, Sanandaj, and Zanjan cities, Iran. In total, 860 questionnaires were completed via face-to-face interviews. The results were generalized to the entire country so as to estimate the level of e-waste. Results: In 2012, the amount of e-waste in Iran was 288,000 tons, which was estimated to reach 444 million tons by 2032. This translates to an estimated annual e-waste per capita of 5.37 kilograms, which is lower than the current global value (7.2 kilograms). In addition, the findings indicated that technological innovation and market expansion accelerate the replacement of equipment, thereby significantly increasing e-waste. Conclusion: According to the results, the management of e-waste requires proper infrastructures to avert a crisis in e-waste management in Iran.

71-74

Authors: Ali Pezeshki, Ali Haniloo, Abbas Mahmoodzadeh, Parvin Farahmandian *

Background: Genus Acanthamoeba belongs to free-living amoebae, which could pose risk to the central nervous system and cornea and is considered to be a significant health concern. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in malignant patients in Zanjan, located in the northwest of Iran, using morphological methods. Methods: Nasal specimens were collected from 100 malignant patients using swabs in the hospitals in Zanjan, Iran during July 2017-August 2018. The samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar, and the Acanthamoeba genus was identified based on the morphological characteristics. Results: Based on the morphological features, six samples (6%) were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. Conclusion: This was the first report on the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in malignant they patients in Zanjan city, which provides further evidence on the existence of Acanthamoeba spp. The findings emphasize that special attention should be paid to immunocompromised patients in order to prevent the infections associated with Acanthamoeba spp.

81-86

Authors: Hamidreza Samadi, Matin Rostami, Ehsan Bakhshi, Ehsan Garosi, Reza Kalantari *

Background: Poor postures are an important risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The present study aimed to assess the impact of educational interventions on the correction of body posture and reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in assembly line workers. Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 63 assembly line workers. Data collection tools were demographic questionnaire, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Data were collected before the two-day educational intervention and two months after the training. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon test. Results: The prevalence of WMSDs was 85.7% before the intervention, which reduced to 46.7% after the intervention. Discomfort symptoms were higher in the neck, lower back, upper back, and wrists compared to the other body parts. RULA action level decreased significantly after the intervention (P < 0.001). Moreover, the frequency, severity, and impact of pain in the neck, lower back, upper back, and wrists on the tasks of the subjects reduced significantly after the intervention. Conclusion: Educational intervention is an effective solution to reduce the prevalence, frequency, severity, and impact of pain on the ability and body posture of workers, but multi-component, ergonomic interventions should be implemented to achieve better outcomes.

94-98

Authors: Ramak Zavvarkabeh *, Ramin Mohammadzadeh, Hossein Jabbari Bayrami

Background: Obesity could lead to different diseases. Regarding the lack of statistical information about obesity, Body Mass Index (BMI), diabetes and high blood pressure in rural women over 30 years old in Saeidabad, located in East Azarbayjan province of Iran, as well as the relationship between these two categories, the present study was designed to determine the prevalence of obesity and the amount of BMI, the association of these index with diabetes and high blood pressure. Methods: The study population was rural women over 30 years old in Saeidabad. The sample size was selected 106 women using SPSS software. Results: There was a significant relationship between prevalence of obesity and BMI in women over 30 years of age in Saeidabad, with a high incidence of diabetes, and hypertension. Conclusion: Obesity is an important risk factor for diabetes and hypertension in women aged more than 30 years and they should be informed about the risky consequences.