Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology

131-138

Authors: MH Beheshti , A Firoozi Chahak * , AA Alinaghi Langari , M Poursadeghiyan

Background: The agricultural sector is one of the most important sectors in production. The safety and health of farmers are important factors that can cause a significant increase in efficiency and productivity. The aim of this study was the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) using the OVAKO Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and evaluation of the effect of ergonomic training on posture of farmers. Materials and Methods: In this study, 400 farms were evaluated in 5 major activities including gathering of pistachios by men, gathering of pistachios by women, spading, gathering of pistachio waste, picking of wheat, and fertilizing regarding MSDs using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and OWAS. Then, the required ergonomic training was presented as face-to-face to farmers and again evaluation was performed after the intervention. Results: Low back pain and knee problems had the highest frequency and can be caused by standing or sitting for long periods of time, displacement and manual material handling, and undesirable workstations. A significant relationship was found between age and work experience, and MSDs (P ˂ 0.001). Risk level in pistachio and wheat gathering tasks was lowered significantly after the ergonomic interventions and required training compared to before the intervention (P ˂ 0.050). However, no significant change was observed in the spading and fertilizing tasks. Conclusions: The results showed that the prevalence of MSDs was relatively high in the studied farmers. Moreover, the level of risk that was obtained according to the OWAS indicated that the working conditions and environment in this industry are harmful. Therefore, taking corrective actions in order to improve the working conditions is necessary.

146-153

Authors: A Ahmadi , R Mirzayee * , H Ansari

Background: Today, the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is considered as a vital issue and one of the highest national priorities. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating occupational postures and the prevalence of MSDs among porcelain industry workers of the city of Rasht, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in 2015 on 66 workers, active in different factory units and chosen through stratified random sampling. To determine the frequency of MSDs symptoms in different body parts of the workers, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) were used. To evaluate the risk of MSDs, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method was utilized. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent t-test, and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: Based on the data obtained through the questionnaires, 36% of the studied population had experienced pain at least in one body part in the last 12 months. The frequency of pain in the waist, hand and wrists, and neck was the most. According to the data collected through JCQ, the total score of job content had a statistically significant relationship with subjects’ age and their occupational background (P < 0.001, r = -0.549, and r = -0.704, respectively). Mean REBA scores of workers suggested that printing, carpentry, engineering, and material supplement units (scores: 6-6.5) were the most dangerous units, and the enameling unit (score: 4) had the least amount of risk in the porcelain industry. Conclusions: The present study indicated that, in the studied industry, work posture correction with the help of correction stations and appropriate training is absolutely necessary.

163-175

Authors: A Zaranejad , O Ahmadi *

Background: Fire and explosion hazards are extremely important in processing units. This study was performed to identify the risk centers, the potential damage caused by fire and explosion, and the days of production cessation in the processing company. Materials and Methods: The present qualitative case study was conducted using Dow’s index in 2015. The fire and explosion hazard index and level were calculated for the processing units after collecting the required data. In addition, hazard radius and level, damage factor (DF), actual maximum probable property damage (MPPD), and the maximum probable days’ outage (MPDO) were determined by analysis of the collected data. Results: The results indicated that the fire and explosion hazard level was high in 82% of the studied processing units. Moreover, the potential fire or explosion could cause financial damage of 51 million dollars and production cessation of 296 days. Conclusions: The results of this study showed a variety of possible fire and explosion hazards in the studied processing units. By determining several weakness points in these units, serious engineering controls were suggested to decrease the determined hazard levels. Furthermore, Dow’s fire and explosion index (F&EI) was approved as an efficient technique for assessing the risk of fire or explosion in addition to their damage levels.

182-189

Authors: A Shokufamanesh , R Vazirinejad , M Mirzaei , H Ahmadinia , M Rezaeian *

Background: Every year, eating, exercise, work, and travel patterns change during the holidays and these behavioral changes at a larger scale may cause death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Considering the importance of CVD, the present study was conducted for the first time in Iran to determine the differences in the ratio of deaths due to CVD on holidays and working days. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study. The study population consisted of all hospitalized cases of CVD in the city of Rafsanjan, Iran, during the years 2010-2014. Data on individuals were collected through electronic systems available at Ali-ibn Abi Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan. Holidays were specified using the official Iranian calendar and the number of deaths caused by CVD on holidays and working days were extracted. Finally, the collected data were entered into SPSS software and were analyzed using independent t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression model. Results: Within 5 years, about 11124 cases of hospitalizations due to CVD were studied. Among the total hospitalized cases, 993 deaths were reported. Of these cases of death 3.5% occurred on Iranian New Year holidays, 4.5% on Islamic and National holidays, 11.5% on Fridays and 80.5% on the ordinary days of the year (P< 0.001). The results of logistic regression model have revealed that after considering the effects of other variables the odds ratio of death due to CVD was 1.913, 1.477 and 1.572 respectively in Iranian New Year holidays, Islamic and National holidays and Fridays compared with the ordinary days of the year. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the holidays in Iran may have an additive effect inض relation to deaths from cardiovascular disease.

70-75

Authors: MH Beheshti , A Firoozi chahak * , AA Alinaghi Langari

Background: Taxi drivers have the most important role in the public transport services. They are exposed to various harmful agents and occupational hazards. Noise is a harmful occupational factors and hearing loss is its most important effect. Protection of drivers against hearing loss is essential. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of hearing loss among taxi and agency drivers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 95 drivers (43 taxi drivers and 52 agency drivers) who were selected via simple random sampling. The threshold of drivers' hearing was measured by an audiometer. After data extraction, data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the average level of hearing between the left and right ears and drivers. Results: The average age of taxi drivers and agency drivers was 43.5 ± 10.8 and 40.7 ± 8.3 years, respectively. In addition, the average work experience of taxi drivers and agency drivers was 9.5 and 6.5 years, respectively. The average of hearing threshold level in right and left ears of agency drivers was 12.96 ± 4.2 and 12.74 ± 4.64 dB and of taxi drivers was 12.53 ± 5.16 and 15.61 ± 12.7 dB, respectively. A hearing threshold of less than 25 dB in each ear illustrates the lack of hearing loss; thus, the studied drivers did not have hearing loss. Conclusions: The results showed that the drivers hearing status was satisfactory. Furthermore, the prevalence of hearing loss in taxi drivers was higher than agency drivers.

84-91

Authors: F Amani , F Daroghe , K Akharbeen , A Ahmadi Asour *

Background: Studies show that most students do not have sufficient scientific spirit and motivation and usually do not have the right attitude toward their chosen field of study. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of students in occupational and environmental health at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran, toward their disciplines. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the attitudes of 150 students of environmental and occupational health in relation to their field of study. The participants consisted of students who were studying at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences between 2010 and 2013. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and P values of less than 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: The mean and standard deviation score of attitudes of occupational and environmental health students toward their field of study and their future career were 39.6 ± 8.7 and 44.5 ± 8.5 (Total: 42), respectively. The mean score of environmental health students was close to the acceptable limit; however, the mean score of occupational health students was less than the acceptable limit. Mean score of attitude among male students was 43.2 ± 9.9, while it was 41.3 ± 8.3 among female students, indicating that the mean score of female students was below the acceptable limit and was not significant (P = 0.213). Mean score of attitude among single students was 42.6 ± 8.7, while it was 39.9 ± 9.2 among married students. The mean for married students was below the acceptable limit and this relationship was not significant (P = 0.015). Conclusions: Although the attitudes of environmental health students toward their major were positive, occupational health students’ attitudes were negative. Thus, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education can accommodate students’ admission to these majors considering the needs of the labor market. Moreover, these majors’ curricula should be based on the real needs of society and creating new job markets should be a high priority.

101-106

Authors: N Zia Sheikholeslami , M Rezaeian , A Heidarpoor , M Hadavi , M Tashakori *

Background: Nosocomial infections are an important cause of hospital mortalities. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) carriers among medical staff are an important source of nosocomial infections. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the nasal carriers of S. aureus and antibiotic resistance in staff of Nikuee Hospital, Qom, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 152 health care workers (HCWs) were assessed to determine the frequency of nasal carriage of S. aureus, the rates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and their antibiotic resistance profiles in Nikuee Hospital in 2012. Clinical samples were cultured and S. aureus was detected using conventional bacteriologic methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns against penicillin, vancomycin, erythromycin, clindamycin, cefazolin, co-trimoxazole, and doxycycline were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Methicillin resistance was confirmed by oxacillin disk diffusion test. Data were analyzed in SPSS software using chi-square test and independent two-sample t-test. Results: Among the processed samples, 34.2% illustrated nasal carriage of S. aureus, and among them, 23.5% were carriers of MRSA. None of the isolates were resistant to vancomycin. However, 96.1%, 33.3%, 27.5%, 19.6%, 9.8%, and 15.7% resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, cefazolin, co-trimoxazole, and doxycycline were observed. There was no significant relationship between sex, age, and number of years of healthcare service and positive nasal carriage. Conclusions: Data obtained in this study revealed high prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus (34.2%) in HCWs at Nikuee Hospital. Therefore, it can be concluded that the role of the hospital staff in Nikuee Hospital as a source of staphylococcal infections is prominent. Thus, to prevent nosocomial infections, we recommend the identification and treatment of the carriers among the staff of other hospitals.

116-124

Authors: MH Beheshti , E Boroumand Nejad , B Bahalgerdy , F Mehrafshan * , A Zamani Arimy

Background: Heat stress is one of the harmful factors present in many workplaces. It can lead to performance loss and low functionality of the labor force. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate exposure to heat stress and its consequent performance loss among workers functioning in indoor high-temperature workplaces. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, analytical study was conducted on indoor high-temperature occupations in spring 2014. This study was conducted on 15 bakeries, 11 restaurants and kitchens, and 2 industries with heating processes in Gonabad city, Iran. In total, 1450 individuals worked on the investigated sites and were exposed to thermal stress. The inclusion criterion for this study was working in an environment that included a heating process and the exclusion criterion was unwillingness to participate in the study. Heat stress was measured based on wet-bulb globe temperature(WBGT) and the ISO 7243standard. The graph of performance loss versus thermal stress proposed by Kjellstrom et al. was used to determine the performance loss caused by thermal stress.All individuals and managers were informed of the aims of the project and were assured of the confidentiality of the data. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: The mean exposure to heat stress in Barbari, Sangak, and Lavash (three types of bread) bakeries were 29.73, 27.89, and 29.43 °C, with a mean performance loss of 65%, 23%, and 64%, respectively. In some cases, the performance loss in Lavash bakeries was as high as 98%. The mean exposure to heat stress in refractory brick and porcelain manufacturing industries were 32.04 ºC and 32.35 °C, leading to a concomitant performance loss of 89% and 92%, respectively. The mean WBGT in the kitchens was 31.88, which could lead to a performance loss of 80%. Conclusions: In addition to a host of diseases and complications caused by heat stress, extreme heat in the workplace can significantly reduce the performance of the labor force, and consequently,their production. Through appropriate planning and control of heat stress in the workplace, not only are many diseases prevented, but also the performance and efficiency of workers are greatly improved.

1-8

Authors: MH Beheshti , A Firoozi Chahak * , AA Alinaghi Langari , S Rostami

Background: Chemical contaminants present in the work environments include gases, vapors, and solid and liquid suspended particles. The number of factories producing chemicals has increased significantly. Each year, new products are introduced into the market. Consequently, the number of employees at risk of exposure to these materials is increased. Hazardous chemicals are used in the petrochemical industry that is one of the major industries in the country's economic development. Therefore, the aim of this study was a semi-quantitative risk assessment of health exposure to hazardous chemical agents in a petrochemical plant. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive analytical study for assessing the sanitary risks of hazardous chemical factors in the work environment through a risk assessment method provided by the Occupational Health Department of Singapore. Thus, initially, occupational tasks and processes were determined. Subsequently, all hazardous chemical factors were detected, and then, the degree of risk, the degree of exposure, and risk rating were determined. Results: In total, 24 tasks were examined and risk assessment was performed for 19 hazardous chemical substances in this study. Among these materials, benzene and xylene had the highest risks and were used in various occupations. In this study, mean and standard deviation of age and experience of participants were 30.28 ± 7.87 and 5.98 ± 5.66, respectively. Moreover, 25.3% of participants in this study were single and 74.7% were married. Conclusions: It can be concluded that 81% of chemicals used in this industry are rated at moderate and high risk. In order to control the identified risks, this study recommended programs and control measures based on the hierarchy of elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and use of personal protective equipment.

19-25

Authors: A Esmaeilli , Z Salem * , M Shikh Fatholahi , M Rezaeian , S Ebrahiminejad

Background: Health-promoting lifestyle is one of the determination criteria for health factors and the prevention of health-threatening factors. According to the available statistics, 53% of deaths are related to lifestyle. The aim of this study was to evaluate health-promoting lifestyles in medical students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS), Rafsanjan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted in 2014 on 262 volunteer medical students. To collect data, a demographic information questionnaire and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) were used. Minimum and maximum scores of HPLP-II were 48 and 192, respectively. Data analysis was conducted using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey's multiple comparison test, and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: In this study, 58.8% of the participants were women. The mean age of the participants was 22.50 ± 2.16 years. The mean and standard deviation of the HPLP-II score of the medical students was 109.74 ± 18.65. There was a significant relationship between health-promoting lifestyle and variables of age (P = 0.007), university entrance year (P < 0.001), mother’s education level (P = 0.003), and father’s education level (P = 0.011). However, no relationship was observed between health-promoting lifestyle and parental occupation and place of residence (P > 0.050). Conclusions: This study showed that the status of health-promoting lifestyles in medical students of RUMS was at a moderate level, but it is still at a great distance to the optimal level. Therefore, it is necessary to implement programs to promote a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain health in the youth until graduation.

34-42

Authors: AR Koohpaei , M Khandan *

Background: The physical and psychological health of bus drivers is a critical factor in public driving performance. Any impairment can have dire consequences for passengers and the company. Thus, research on the mental health status of public bus drivers is a critical issue in reducing road accidents, decreasing passengers’ injuries, and ensuring the safety of the operation. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014 and the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used for the psychological health measurement of 214 consenting bus drivers in Qom Province of Iran. In addition, a demographic questionnaire was applied. Data were analyzed in SPSS software. Results: All drivers (except one) were men with a mean age of 34.25 ± 7.49 years. The majority of the participants (207; 96.7%) were married. Based on the average scores obtained from GHQ-28 (21.45 ± 12.88), general psychological morbidity was 35.98%. Moreover, the components of somatic symptoms, sleep disorders and anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression were experienced by 33.64%, 40.65%, 50.93%, and 13.08% of bus drivers, respectively. The questionnaire data indicated that age (P < 0.05) and marital status (differences were not significant) played an important role in influencing mental health among the bus drivers. Conclusions: It can be concluded that drivers' physical and mental health are areas of concern that need to be addressed alongside the development of specific methodologies for permanent monitoring of these factors at specific times as permanent training and evaluation are necessary. The data obtained in the present study showed that prevention strategies such as routine evaluations, recording, and analysis of mental health status among drivers must be effective and applicable.

50-56

Authors: A Firoozi chahak , MH Beheshti * , AA Alinaghi Langari Mr, F Laal

Background: The workers of mines, during a working day, are exposed to stress and psychological pressure that certainly affect the efficiency of their work. This study aimed to determine the level of stress, anxiety, and depression in workers of one copper mine in Kerman Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 250 workers of the operation unit of one copper mine in Kerman Province were examined in 2014. Sampling was done using census method and data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), the validity and reliability of which has been approved. This questionnaire consists of 21 questions that are divided into 3 subscales on depression, anxiety, and stress each containing 7 questions. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software using the Pearson correlation, Spearman’s correlation, and regression tests. Results: The mean age and work experience of subjects were 31.82 ± 8.61 and 6.67± 5.79 years, respectively. Moreover, the education level of 45 individuals (18%) was below diploma, 85 (34%) diploma, 46 (18.4%) associate degree, and 74 (29.6%) bachelor's degree or higher. Furthermore, 194 subjects (65%) were married. In addition, 135 subjects (54%) worked only on day shifts and 115 (46%) of them had shift work. In this study, 98 (39.2%), 88 (34.8%), and 88 (35.2%) employees suffered from depression, anxiety, and moderate and severe stress, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between subjects who worked on day shifts and those who had shift works in terms of stress, depression, and anxiety. In addition, significant relationships were observed between stress, depression, and anxiety in the 4 study groups (P ˂ 0.005). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the rate of stress, anxiety, and depression was high among the examined mine workers.

180-187

Authors: E Salari , M Baloochi , A Shamsizadeh * , F Ayoobi , M Allahtavakoli , Y Taghavi , A Ravari

Background: Pistachio is a plant that has long been cultivated in different parts of Iran. Pistachios are very nutritious and contain vitamins E and B, flavonoids, antioxidants, and carotenoids. Since the pistachio is effective in the treatment of some neurological disorders and is indigenous to Iran and considering the substantial use of this nut, it is necessary to investigate its effects on cognitive functions of the brain. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the pistachio on avoidance learning in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (200-250 g body weight and 2-3 months of age) were divided into 4 groups. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 2.5% (vehicle) and hydroalcoholic extract of the pistachio (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) were administered by gavage for 14 days. Avoidance learning test was performed using the shuttle box. Results: The results of this study indicated a significant increase in the latency to enter the dark room in the groups receiving different doses of pistachio extract compared to vehicle treated group. Moreover, in the treated groups, time spent in the dark room was decreased compared to the vehicle group. The comparison of different doses of pistachio extract demonstrated that 100 mg/kg was more effective than 10 and 50 mg/kg of the extract. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that treatment of rats with pistachio extract, which is rich in vitamins, flavonoids, and antioxidant compounds, can improve learning and memory.

197-205

Authors: H Taboli , Gh Ayagh , R Bastami * , I Hakimi

Background: The quality of clinical services is one of the main concerns around the world. Clinical governance as a new approach to improving the quality of care provided by the health care system plays a major role in the provision of higher quality health care services. The success of this approach depends on the existence of a strong and suitable organizational culture. The aim of this study was modeling the relationship between organizational culture, clinical governance, and organizational performance. Materials and Methods: The purpose of this study is practical and its data collection is descriptive, but as a result it is an empirical study. This study was a correlative study based on structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population of this study consisted of all managers, supervisors, educational and clinical supervisors, and nurses of Tamin Ejtemaee (social security) hospitals in Mazandaran Province, Iran. Due to the limitation of the study, all individuals in the target population were selected as the study subjects. Thus, 124 questionnaires were distributed among them, and, 113 questionnaires were received. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and LISREL software. For data analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient test and confirmatory factor analysis were used for precise measurement of the model. Results: The results show that there is a significant and positive relationship between the components (P < 0.01). The role of organizational culture in establishing clinical governance estimation is desirable and the results have identified its relationship with organizational performance. Conclusions: With the improvement of organizational culture, the establishment of clinical governance will increase and it will achieve optimal performance by continuation and localization.

216-223

Authors: MR Rezaei , MH Sayadi * , M Khaksarnejad

Background: Soil pollution and accumulation of heavy metals in crops in industrial areas is one of the most important environmental issues threatening the life of plants, animals, and humans. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of Cr and Cd in the soil and barberry plants in farms surrounding the Qayen Cement Company, South Khorasan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, 8 soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm and 4 samples of barberry plant containing fruits and leaves in summer 2014. The concentrations of Cr and Cd in the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The maximum concentration of Cr and Cd was observed in the soil sample collected from a depth of 0-30 cm (95.10 and 1.32 mg/kg of soil, respectively). The concentration of Cr and Cd was higher in the fruits of barberry than the leaves; 18.58 mg/kg and 59.45 µg/kg, respectively, which are higher than the standard values. Transfer factor was calculated as less than 1 for all stations. Conclusions: According to obtained results, Qayen Cement Company has the greatest impact on plants in this region. The barberry fruit is the strategic product in Qayen; therefore, attention to and management of the impact of the cement factory on agricultural products is necessary.

233-241

Authors: A Ahmadi Asour * , F Gobabaei , P Nasiri

Background: Ototoxic chemicals can impair the sense of hearing and balance. In the past decades, the ototoxicity of solvents and their interaction with noise have become evident. This study has been carried out in the shoe manufacturing factory in Tehran (Iran) with the aim of evaluating the combined effects of noise and toluene on the workers' hearing. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted on 64 workers selected through census. The participants were assigned to 3 groups according to their exposure to noise and toluene. Group 1 consisted of 33 workers who were exposed to noise, group 2 of 5 exposed to toluene, and group 3 of 26 exposed to noise and toluene. Toluene concentrations were measured in the workers' breathing zone as well as A-weighted sound pressure level (SPL), overall noise level (LpA) and equivalent continuous A-weighted SPL over 30 minutes, and the equivalent noise level A (LeqA) in the head position of workers. Then, the noise level was calculated and hearing thresholds were measured in 500-4000 Hz frequency range. The amounts of air and bone hearing loss were also calculated. Results: The results indicated that the relationship between hearing loss caused by noise (group 1) and noise and toluene (group 3) were statistically significant (P < 0.50). Hearing loss due to toluene in midrange frequencies was more pronounced than in high frequencies. Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that authorities should pay greater attention to agents such as noise which affect the hearing loss and health of employees, especially with respect to sensitivity of hearing system disorders. Moreover, individual characteristics should also be considered in employing future personnel.

126-131

Authors: R Vazirinejad , M Karimi , F Fatehi , N Gomnami *

Background: Accidents, such as domestic accidents, and the resulting injuries are presently a matter of concern in communities. Some factors such as urbanization cause an increase in the incidence of accidents for recognized and unrecognized reasons. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of domestic accidents among a group of families who had migrated to the determined urban aria (Rafsanjan County, Kerman Province, Iran) and compare the results with that of urban families in the last year. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, we compared the 1-year incidence rate of domestic accidents among 115 families who had migrated to Rafsanjan County from rural areas and 100 families who had lived in Rafsanjan throughout their life. Data were collected during 3 years (2009-2012) using the study checklist during interview sessions. Families were recruited via urban health centers. All indoor accidents and injuries which were serious enough to require medical intervention were considered as domestic accidents. Data were analyzed in SPSS software using parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: The mean age of injured individuals in migrated and urban families were 35.9 ± 18.7 and 30.7 ± 20.6, respectively. In addition, 22 cases of injuries were reported among urban families (1-year incidence rate = 220 cases per 1000 families) and 37 cases were reported among migrated families (1-year incidence rate = 322 cases per 1000 families). There was a significant difference between these incidence rates (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our finding showed that individuals who migrate to an urban area are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic accidents compared to those who are familiar with the urban lifestyle. This might be due to the novelty of the city lifestyle for those who have immigrated to the urban area from rural regions. More investigations are needed to shed more light on this phenomenon.

140-144

Authors: Z Mohamadi , A Ghanbary Sartang * , J Attar-abdolabadi

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper limbs are the most common occupational diseases and injuries and one of the causes of disability in workers. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of MSDs and the risk of these disorders using the loading postural upper body assessment (LUBA) method. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 100 male workers of appliance manufacturing industry. The study population included 15 workers of the foam injection workshop, 17 of the molding workshop, 17 operators of Press, 17 of the packaging, 17 of the cutting unit, and 17 of rivets. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was completed by the participants for the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, and back and their working postures were recorded through photography and observation. Then, The analysis and evaluation of the desired posture was performed using the LUBA method. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: NMQ results revealed that the highest rate of disorders was observed in the wrist (37%), neck (35%), and shoulder (30%), respectively. Moreover, ANOVA showed that age and work experience had significant correlation with prevalence of MSDs (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). The results of the LUBA method showed that the highest level of risk was associated with the rivet unit (risk level 4) and the lowest level of risk with the foam injection unit (risk level 2). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that household appliances production workers, due to the nature of their occupations, are at risk of MSDs. Therefore, ergonomic interventions such as work station design based on ergonomic principles, the use of ergonomically designed tools, and training of workers about the work are necessary.

152-159

Authors: Sh Rashidi , N Askari * , M Abbasnejad

Background: Testosterone level in men decreases with aging (andropause) and androgen deficiency is responsible for a variety of behavioral symptoms such as anxiety. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pistacia atlantica (bane) fruit extract on anxiety-like behavior in intact and gonadectomized rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, adult male rats were divided into two groups of intact and gonadectomized rats. The rats were submitted to a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) paradigm, and subdivided into treated or nontreated groups (100 mg/kg of bane extract orally daily for 20 days). Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Results: Bane treatment increased the percentage of both time spent and entries in the open arms of EPM in intact and gonadectomized rats. Additionally, the effects of chronic stress were reversed by bane treatment; the percentages of entries and time spent in the open arms decreased in intact and gonadectomized chronically stressed rats. Conclusions: These results suggest that P. atlantica may have some anxiolytic-like properties in castrated and intact rats.

166-170

Authors: S Ghaneh *

Background: Ergonomics is a science that provides methods of creating reasonable adaption between occupation and worker by improving usability through consideration of job demands and human ability to satisfy them. A deep understanding of user’s thoughts on and attitudes toward utilizing a tool could improve its design. In the present study, two cushions designed particularly for one of car industries, assembly line were tested considering usability. Materials and Methods: From among the 50 employees of the assembly line, 44 employees were selected randomly to participate in the study. The research tool consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire containing 29 questions in 5 subscales (usefulness, efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, and safety). The validity of the questionnaire was estimated by a specialist (CVI = 0.85) and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.87). Results: The mean scores of the 5 subscales of usefulness, efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, and safety were 6.5 ± 0.534, 6.5 ± 0.488, 5.3 ± 0.278, 6.4 ± 0.310, and 6.5 ± 0.534, respectively. Conclusions: Scores in all dimensions were above moderate and acceptable levels. Workers utilized them satisfactorily, and thus, producers can produce these cushions in large numbers without any problems. The performance of similar studies is recommended in designing other tools and instruments and the application of ergonomic principles in their design.