International Journal of Health Studies (IJHS - Shahroud University of Medical Sciences)
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Investigating the Sleep Quality and its Relationship with the Job Stress and Mental Load in Firefighters: A Case Study in Isfahan City
Get PDFBackground: This study aimed to investigate the quality of sleep and its relationship with the amount of occupational stress and mental workload in firefighters in Isfahan City.
Methods: The research was a cross-sectional study with a descriptive-analytical approach. The statistical population includes all the firefighters of Isfahan city equal to 715 people, of which 124 personnel were selected as a sample by simple random sampling. Standard questionnaires including the NASA Workload Index (NASA-TLX), the Job Stress Questionnaire of the Health and Safety Institute of England (HSE), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire) were the tools used in this research.
Results: The results showed that there is a moderate negative correlation between sleep quality and job stress (r=-0.59, P-value=0.001). The results of the mental load survey also showed that the average time pressure was 52.09±19.26, which is higher than the other dimensions of mental load, and the lowest dimension of mental load was related to failure and frustration (35.16±18.89).
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study moderate and reverse relations were obtained between sleep quality and job stress as well as sleep quality and mental workload. In addition, the number of the missions of the firefighters determined as an influencing factor on increasing the mental workload. While doing regular exercise led to better sleep quality for firefighters. These findings can be used by policymakers in this field to improve the sleep quality of firefighters and reduce associated health problems
Identifying the Role of Genetic (Hereditary) and Neurological Factors (Brain Waves) in Predicting Anger Reactions and Angry Temperament in Adults
Get PDFBackground: Aggression is undoubtedly influenced by genetics. In this study, the primary goal was to explore how brain waves can predict aggressive behavior in adults.
Methods: The research is a correlation study that investigates aggression by analyzing biological, neurological, and behavioral markers. The study involved a sample of 100 individuals in Tehran, ranging in age from 18 to 22, who were purposefully chosen between 2022 and 2023. The method used to collect data in this study involved using A genome-wide association study (GWA study, or GWAS), quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), and the Spielberger State-Trait Anger Inventory (SWAS) Form 2. The data was examined through descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and regression analysis utilizing the SPSS 26 software.
Results: The study found a strong link between genetic predisposition for anger reactions and moods. Genetic predisposition for anger reactions also showed a connection to environmental factors influencing angry moods. Angry reactions predicted 12% of changes in angry moods. However, no significant correlation was found between alpha waves in the brain and angry responses or moods. Similarly, there was no significant correlation between biomarkers, delta waves, and alpha waves in different brain regions. Lastly, a positive relationship was observed between genetic predisposition for angry reactions and beta waves in specific brain regions.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that biological and neurological markers can be valuable for predicting adult aggressive behaviors. Utilizing comprehensive prediction models that take these markers into account can help identify and support individuals at risk of aggression. This research can also guide the development of educational and therapeutic programs to reduce aggression and support mental well-being
Effect of Acupressure on Severity and Outcome of Uremic Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
No full textIntroduction: One of the troublesome problems of patients in the end stages of renal disease (ESRD) is uremic pruritus (UP), which can adversely affect the quality of life, treatment process, and longevity of patients. The present study investigated the effect of acupressure on the severity and outcome of UP in hemodialysis patients.
Methods: In this study\u27s three-group randomized controlled clinical trial, 105 patients undergoing hemodialysis were selected by convenience sampling. Patients were randomly assigned to acupressure (n=35), sham (n=35), and control (n=35) groups. The acupressure group received acupressure in SP 6, SP 10, ST 36, and L I11 points, while the sham group received acupressure in non-real points. The severity and outcome of UP were evaluated before, 4, and 12 weeks after the intervention using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and a 5-D itch scale, respectively. Finally, data collected from 105 participants were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. Kruskal Wallis and Friedman tests were used to compare the severity and outcome of UP between and within groups, respectively.
Result: UP\u27s severity and outcome after the intervention significantly improved in the acupressure group compared to the other two groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of acupressure can improve the severity and outcome of UP in hemodialysis patients and training this method to nurses and patients is recommended as a safe and accessible way to heal their pruritus
Case Report: Child with Amelogenesis Imperfecta
No full textAmelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a rare genetic disorder that affects children and adults. These patients have very untidy and discolored teeth and experience many physical and psychological problems. The present patient is a 10-year-old girl who was diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta with great difficulty and existing limitations, underwent temporary composite treatment in a short period, and returned to the arms of her family and society with a beautiful appearance and great self-confidence
The Role of Hepcidin on Iron and Ferritin Levels in Hemodialysis Patients
No full textBackground: Anemia is a common complication in dialysis patients, the most important of which are decreased erythropoietin, iron deficiency, blood loss, dialysis, and chronic inflammation. Hepcidin plays a key role in iron homeostasis in dialysis patients and acts as a natural regulator of hemostasis. Given the importance of the subject and the high frequency of iron homeostasis disorders in hemodialysis patients, as well as the lack of sufficient documentation in this regard, the present study aimed to the role of hepcidin on iron and ferritin levels in hemodialysis patients in Shahroud city in 2024.
Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted cross-sectionally on hemodialysis patients in Shahroud city at Imam Hossein Hospital during 2024. In this plan, after initial measures and obtaining written and informed consent, eligible patients were asked to stop taking iron compounds two weeks before the study and not to use any iron supplements without coordination with the administrators. For all patients, iron factors and ferritin were measured using standard laboratory methods, and then hepcidin was measured using ELISA.
Results: In the present study, out of 85 patients studied, 45 (52.9%) were male and 40 (47.1%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 54.31±12.59 years (28-79 years). The mean hepcidin level was 60.39±4.22 mg/dL. It was also found that the level of hepcidin was significantly associated with the duration of dialysis (P-value=0.001) and the number of dialysis sessions per week (P-value=0.006) and had no significant relationship with other variables.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between hepcidin levels, dialysis duration, and the number of dialysis sessions per week. It is necessary to control iron levels before starting hemodialysis, and to adjust the dialysis program for each patient specifically
Electronic Cigarettes in Workplaces: An Emerging Public Health Challenge
No full textThe proliferation of electronic cigarette use in workplace settings presents an emerging public health challenge that demands immediate attention. Although often perceived as a less harmful alternative to conventional tobacco products, growing evidence demonstrates that e-cigarette use in shared work environments poses significant health risks, warranting comprehensive policy intervention.
Scientific literature clearly indicates that e-cigarette emissions consist of more than just harmless water vapor. These aerosols contain numerous potentially toxic substances, including nicotine, fine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and toxic metals (1). Secondhand exposure to these emissions is particularly concerning in indoor workplaces, where ventilation systems may recirculate contaminants throughout shared air spaces.
Recent research has shown that non-users exposed to e-cigarette aerosols exhibit detectable levels of nicotine metabolites and report increased respiratory irritation (2). For vulnerable populations, including employees with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, this exposure can precipitate adverse health effects and exacerbate underlying conditions (3).
Furthermore, the common sight of vaping in the workplace normalizes nicotine use, potentially undermining tobacco control efforts and leading to nicotine initiation among never-users. The presence of vaping devices in work environments also challenges smoking cessation attempts among those trying to quit tobacco products.
We advocate for extending existing smoke-free policies to explicitly include electronic cigarettes in all indoor workplaces. This evidence-based approach aligns with recommendations from leading health organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, which states that e-cigarettes should not be permitted indoors due to their emissions of harmful contaminants (4).
Protecting worker health requires proactive measures to ensure indoor air quality remains uncompromised by e-cigarette emissions. Implementing comprehensive vape-free workplace policies represents a necessary step toward safeguarding public health in occupational settings
Sexual and reproductive rights of disabled women: A review study
Get PDFBackground: WHO estimated that approximately 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. There are important gaps in knowledge about the Sexual and reproductive rights of this population. This study aimed to review the sexual and reproductive rights of disabled women. Methods: Electronic searching of Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, SID, and Google Scholar was performed up to Nov 2024, using Sexual rights, reproductive rights, reproductive health, Sexual health, disability, Handicap, and disabled persons as keywords. Inclusion criteria consist of both English and Persian-published reports in the field of disabled women’s reproductive and Sexual rights. In the long run, 38 documents met the inclusion criteria. Results: The CRPD Committee mandates state parties to protect persons with disabilities from violence, exploitation, and abuse and, ensure the right of people with disabilities to the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health. Conclusions: Findings from the study speak to the need to protect and realize the SRH rights of persons with disabilities.
Predicting Body Image Concern and Anxiety of Children based on Family Functioning and Communication Patterns of Parents of Students with Onychophagia
Get PDFBackground: Nail-biting can result in both physical and psychological consequences including emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. The study aimed to forecast the extent of concern regarding body image and anxiety in children by examining the family dynamics and communication styles of parents whose students have nail-biting habits in elementary schools in Tehran.
Methods: The present study utilized descriptive and causal-correlational methodologies through regression analysis. The research participants are girls in the sixth grade who are enrolled in a primary school in the 6th district of Tehran in 2022, as well as their parents. 160 individuals were chosen through a combination of convenience and purposive sampling methods. The sample consisted of around 80 students and 80 parents. Data collection involved four standardized questionnaires related to The Body Image Concern Inventory, The Spence Children\u27s Anxiety Scale-Parent Version (SCAS-P), The Communication Patterns Questionnaire (CPQ), and The McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD). After collecting data, the study utilized descriptive statistics (age, gender, education level) and regression analysis. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS 23 software.
Results: The findings showed a significant connection between family dynamics and body image concerns (Pvalue<0.01). The correlation coefficient of r=-0.736 indicates a strong negative relationship between students\u27 body image concerns and family dynamics. Likewise, the study revealed a notable link between parents\u27 communication styles and body image concerns (r=0.860). A greater emphasis on communication by parents is associated with a reduction in students\u27 body image concerns, demonstrating a strong negative relationship between these factors (Pvalue<0.01).
Conclusions: It is suggested that primary schools improve communication with parents of students who are dealing with anxiety, body image issues, and nail-biting habits to effectively help them overcome these challenges.
Comparison of the accuracy of plain radiography and CT scan in diagnosing cervical spineinjuries in trauma patients referred to the emergency department of Imam Hussein (AS)Hospital, Shahroud
No full textIntroduction: Trauma is the leading cause of death in developing countries. Head and neck trauma is one of the most common causes of referral to the emergency department following injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, sports, fights, and falls from heights. Cervical spine injuries account for 2-3% of trauma patients. This study was conducted to compare the accuracy of plain radiography and CT scan in diagnosing cervical spine injuries in trauma patients in Shahroud city.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using a cross-sectional method and convenient sampling on 115 cervical spine trauma victims referred to the emergency department of Imam Hossein (AS) Hospital in Shahroud in 2018-2019. Data were collected using a demographic information checklist. After collection, the data were entered into SPSS version 23, WinPepi version 11.65, and MEDCALC statistical software and analyzed using descriptive-analytical statistics.
Results: In this study, the results showed that out of 115 patients with cervical spine injury, 59.1% were male and 40.9% were female. The mean age of the patients was 39.8 ± 15.3 years. Car accident, rollover and motorcycle accident were the most frequent mechanisms of injury to the patients with 39.1, 24.3 and 20.9% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, positive and negative likelihood ratio and area under the Ruck curve for simple radiographs read by an emergency medicine specialist were 55.56, 97.17, 26.5, 96.62, 19.63, 0.46 and 76% respectively. Also, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and area under the Rock curve for plain radiographs read by a radiologist were 0, 0.33, 66.67, 100, 100, 97.25, and 83 percent, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it can be stated that plain radiography cannot be considered an appropriate tool to rule out cervical vertebrae injuries caused by trauma. Also, taking radiography may be a waste of time for faster and better diagnosis, as well as a waste of money without achieving appropriate results, given the higher accuracy of CT scanning. Therefore, it is recommended to use CT scanning in case of clinical suspicion or if the radiography images do not meet the standards
The Effect of Cryopreservation on Human Sperm Growth Factors Expression: An Experimental Study
No full textBackground: Cryopreservation is a widely employed assisted reproductive technology (ART) for the treatment of infertility. However, numerous sperm functions are compromised during the cryopreservation process. Considering the pivotal roles of nerve growth factor (NGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in sperm physiology and function, this study aimed to investigate the impact of cryopreservation on the expression and quality of these growth factors and their respective receptors.
Methods: Semen samples were collected from 30 normozoospermic donors, with each sample divided into fresh and frozen-thawed groups. Sperm parameters were evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting techniques were employed to quantify the gene and protein expression levels of growth factor receptors. Apoptosis was assessed using Annexin V staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure levels of NGF and FGF2 in seminal plasma.
Results: The findings demonstrated that the frozen-thawed group exhibited significantly reduced levels of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and a trend towards decreased expression of tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) compared to the fresh group, although the latter was not statistically significant. Notably, the percentage of cells undergoing late apoptosis was markedly higher in the cryopreservation group relative to the fresh group. Furthermore, cryopreservation resulted in substantial reductions in NGF and FGF2 concentrations within the seminal plasma.
Conclusions: The detrimental effects of freezing and thawing on the expression of growth factors and their receptors in sperm cells suggest that the integration of these factors during the cryopreservation process may enhance sperm quality post-thaw. Further research is warranted to explore the potential clinical applications of these findings