Journal of Occupational Health and Epidemiology

1-8

Authors: M Haghighat , A Khavanin * , A Allameh

Background: Simultaneous exposure to noise and organic solvents such as styrene is an indispensable part of today’s industries. Numerous studies were done related to ototoxic effects of co-exposure to noise and styrene while some evidences showed the adverse effects of such exposure on other organs. In this study, we aimed to assess the subacute effects of combined exposure to noise and styrene on rats’ lung tissue. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar male rats were divided in four groups including: A) control, B) rats exposed to 100 dB octave band of noise, C) rats exposed to 750 ppm styrene alone, and D) rats exposed to combination of 100 dB noise and 750 ppm styrene. Following the last day of exposure, the rats were euthanized and their lung tissues were excised, homogenized and assayed for biological analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The results were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: MDA increased significantly (P < 0.001) at the end of experiment in the group exposed to styrene and noise-styrene. GSH concentrations decreased significantly in styrene and noise-styrene group (P < 0.001). SOD (P < 0.001) and CAT (P < 0.05) activities were determined to be significantly lower for the styrene and noise-styrene groups compared to the control group. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results indicated that exposure to combination of noise and styrene caused oxidative stress, increased lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant depletion. These results appear to support the fact that co-exposure to noise and styrene might cause oxidative stress-induced damage to the lung tissue. Since simultaneous exposure to noise and styrene has an additive effect in this regard, further studies are necessary to be carried out on the effects of noise and organic solvents co-exposure.

17-24

Authors: A Manshoori , R Bidaki * , H Esmaily

Background: Pregnancy and labor is a natural process in human life which may be accompanied with challenges. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common type of depression. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the frequency of PPD and its possible risk factors in mothers referred to health centers in Rafsanjan, Iran, in 2015. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive study was performed on 250 women who had given birth in the previous 2-6 months and had referred to health centers in Rafsanjan for various care services in 2015. The subjects were randomly selected and entered into the study. The data collection tools consisted of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and a demographic characteristics checklist. The collected data were analyzed using chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression. Results: Among the participants, 129 (68.5%) mothers had PPD. Of the studied factors, unplanned pregnancy could predicted the incidence of PPD (P = 0.004). No difference was observed between mothers with and without PPD in terms of pregnancy order, delivery method, education level, occupation, history of substance abuse, and previous history of depression. Conclusions: The prevalence of PPD in Rafsanjan is high. Unplanned pregnancy had a significant relationship with PPD; thus, the related specialists and authorities must plan and take measures in this regard.

32-39

Authors: Z Gorgi , A Abbasi , A Mohsenzadeh , A Damankeshan , M Sheikh Fathollahi *

Background: One of the most important epidemiologic indices for the assessment and measurement of dental caries is the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index which is used as an important criterion for the evaluation of the oral and dental health status of individuals. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine DMFT6 (DMFT of the first permanent molar) index and the related factors with the caries free status in students of 12 years of age in Larestan, Iran, in 2014. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional survey was conducted on 2436 students. Data were collected using the National Oral Health Promotion Plan Checklist. If the features of decayed, missing, and filled were observed in any of the first permanent molars, they received a score of 1. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, chi-squared test for trend, independent two-sample t-test, and multiple logistic regression model. Results: The mean and standard deviation of DMFT6 in all students was 1.00 ± 1.36. It was 1.07 ± 1.39 and 0.93 ± 1.33 in girls and boys, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0080). In addition, more than half of the students (51.5%) were caries free. The variables of gender (P = 0.0007), mothers’ education (P < 0.0001), and fathers’ occupation (P = 0.0045) were determined as the related factors of the caries free variable in the logistic regression model. Conclusions: It seems that the amount of the DMFT6 index in students of 12 years of age in Larestan was high compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards in 2010. Therefore, it is recommended that efficient plans be made to promote the oral and ‎dental health of students.

47-55

Authors: T Negahban , A Ansari Jaberi , H Manssouri *

Background: Nurses’ job satisfaction is a determining factor in providing high quality and safe care services and obtaining patient satisfaction. It seems that with the implementation of the Transformation Plan for the Iranian Health System and due to changes in various factors such as professional, individual, and organizational circumstances, nurses’ perceived organizational justice, and as a result, their job satisfaction has changed. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim to determine nurses’ perception of organizational justice and job satisfaction in the context of the Transformation Plan for the Iranian Health System. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, the job satisfaction and perception of organizational justice of 345 nurses in hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were assessed in the first half of 2016. The subjects were selected through stratified random sampling. The data collection tools consisted of the Perceived Organizational Justice Scale (Niehoff and Moorman) and Mueller/McCloskey Nurse Job Satisfaction Scale (MMSS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression in SPSS software and with the consideration of the significance level of 0.05. Results: Mean score of nurses’ perceived organization justice and job satisfaction were 50.580 ± 12.93 and 76.000 ± 20.34, respectively. A positive and significant correlation was observed between perceived organizational justice and job satisfaction of nurses (r = 0.635; P = 0.001). Based on the results of this study, nurses’ perceived organizational justice can significantly predict their job satisfaction up to 39.3%. Conclusion: The rate of perception of organizational justice is a predictive factor of nurses’ job satisfaction. Therefore, in the context of the Transformation Plan for the Iranian Health System, the policymakers’ consideration of factors effective on the establishment of organizational justice, and as result, improvement of nurses’ job satisfaction seems necessary.