Journal of Human, Environment, and Health Promotion

159-166

Authors: Naier Davoodi Zanjani, Peymaneh Ghasemi Afshar *, Morteza Adeli Milani

Background: Supply centers of cold-pressed sesame oil have recently appeared in the market, while no data are available on the composition and oxidative stability of these oils. The present study aimed to investigate the properties of cold-pressed and refined sesame oil samples in the market of Zanjan province, Iran in 2019. Methods: In total, 10 sesame oil samples were collected, including eight cold-pressed and two refined samples. Fatty acid and sterol compositions were determined by gas chromatography, and tocopherols were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, oxidative stability, iodine, and peroxide values were determined. Results: Sesame oil was composed of 82-85% unsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic and oleic acids as the major fatty acids and β-sitosterol as the main sterol. Moreover, γ-tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol. Fatty acid composition significantly differed in various samples (P ˂ 0.05), and the total sterol and iodine values were within the standard ranges. Significant differences were observed between the cold-pressed and refined samples in terms of β- sitosterol, campesterol, ∆7-stigmastenol, γ-tocopherol, and oxidative stability (P ˂ 0.05). The mean oxidative stability of the pressed samples (8.61 hours) did not meet the standards of edible oils. Conclusion: Due to low oxidative stability, the long-term preservation and use of the cold-pressed sesame oils extracted in shops are not recommended.

173-176

Authors: Faranak Saghatchi *; Hamed Rezaeejam; Oldooz Sadralashrafi

Background: Fermented food products are an inherent element of the human diet throughout the world owing to their health benefits. Kefir grains are a starter culture containing yeast and bacteria, which are classified as fermented dairy products. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of low-dose X-ray irradiation on kefir grains and the fermentation constituents. Methods: Five grams of kefir grains was added to nine dishes. Three dishes were irradiated to 40cGy, three dishes were irradiated to 80cGy X-ray, and three dishes remained non-irradiated as the control group. The chemical properties of the kefir samples (lactic acid, protein, fat, and lactose concentrations) were investigated after X-ray irradiation using standard methods. Results: The contents of lactic acid, protein, and lactose increased in the samples irradiated to 80cGy X-ray (P < 0.05), while their fat content decreased (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the 40cGy X-ray samples and controls. Conclusion: According to the results, 80cGy X-ray irradiation affected the kefir grains and increased their protein, lactose, and lactic acid, while decreasing the fat content, which makes milk consumption more convenient for those with high blood lipid levels.

183-187

Authors: Behnam Moradi, Samira Barakat *

Background: Manual material handling is a high-risk task, which could lead to musculoskeletal injuries. The present study aimed to determine the association of manual load lifting tasks with the ergonomic risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders using the WISHA index and QEC method. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 52 employees of the metal industry, who were surveyed by the simple census method. The WISHA index was used to assess the manual load lifting, and Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, the QEC method was applied to evaluate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 21. Results: In total, 53.8% of the workers lifted heavier loads than the allowable weight obtained by the WISHA index. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 79.9%, and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders was 36.5% at an extremely high level and 44.2% at a high level. The WISHA index was significantly correlated with the QEC scores (P < 0.001) and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (P = 0.022). Conclusion: According to the results, manual material handling tasks increased the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and work absenteeism. Therefore, taking corrective actions is essential in the workplace.

194-200

Authors: Omid Saed, Ahmad Amiri, Mina Shabani *

Background: The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the workplace is increasing due to occupational and psychological stress and exhaustion. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the influential factors at Zanjan Lead and Zinc Company (ZLZC) in 2019. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 347 employees of ZLZC who were selected via stratified random sampling. For the subjects with higher scores of the symptom checklist-90-revised scales than the diagnostic cutoffs, a structured clinical interview was performed in terms of DSM-IV axis I disorders (SCID-I). Data were collected using SCL-90-R and SCID-I. Data analysis was performed using linear and logistic regression analysis. Results: In total, 49.5% of the subjects were suspected of psychiatric disorders. Job satisfaction, income, and marital status could predict 21.2% of the global severity index, and no significant correlation was observed between the exposure level to lead and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, it is recommended that proper training be provided on stress management, stress coping strategies, and self-efficacy training to increase the abilities of the staff of ZLZC.