International Journal of Health Studies (IJHS - Shahroud University of Medical Sciences)
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Injury and Death: Preventable Consequences of Neglecting Occupational Health in the Construction Industry
No full text Introduction
The construction industry, as one of the main pillars of economic and infrastructural development of any society, has allocated a significant workforce. However, the dynamic and often unsafe nature of this industry has placed it at the top of the occupations with the highest rate of occupational accidents. Accidents such as falls from heights, falling objects, electrocution, and inhalation of harmful substances not only lead to the loss of life and valuable human capital, but also impose huge economic costs on the health and treatment sector and the insurance system(1).
Epidemiological Analysis of Accidents in the Construction Industry
A review of the available statistics on occupational accidents in the construction industry reveals a worrying picture of the current situation. The relative frequency of accidents resulting from falls from heights accounts for a significant part of these statistics(2). This indicates a lack of compliance or ineffectiveness of safety measures related to work at height. Also, accidents caused by the lack of strength of temporary structures, electrocution, and collision with machinery are other major factors leading to injury and death. Analysis of the root causes of these accidents shows that factors such as inadequate training of workers, lack of effective supervision, use of substandard equipment, and time pressure to complete projects play a key role in their occurrence.
The vital role of occupational health experts
Due to the constant changes and unpredictable nature of the environment, construction workshops require continuous specialized supervision by occupational health experts. These experts play a pivotal role in preventing accidents with their scientific knowledge in the fields of identifying harmful factors in the workplace (chemical, physical, ergonomic, and biological), assessing risks, and providing control solutions.
Legal or supervisory-executive gaps
The lack of proper implementation of safety laws and the lack of presence of occupational health experts (as inspectors or labor) can have various reasons. In Chapter 4 of the Labor Code of the Islamic Republic of Iran, laws related to technical protection and occupational health have been formulated, the legal provisions of which are written to protect and safeguard the workforce. At present, it seems that these laws are mostly applicable in manufacturing, service, and mining industries. Article 93 of the Labor Code is one of the main legal provisions, according to which, as well as the regulations of the Technical Protection and Occupational Health Committee, the employer is obliged to form a committee called the Technical Protection and Occupational Health Committee in the workshop for workshops with 25 workers. It is in accordance with this law that industries and mines with a high labor dimension usually have occupational health experts(3); However, in most construction sites operating in cities, the number of active and continuous workers may be less than the number mentioned, so this could be one of the reasons for the lack of recruitment of occupational health workers by construction site employers. Other factors may also be involved in this weakness. Such as: the high number of uninsured workers in construction sites, the use of workers under the legal age, the lack of occupational health inspectors, the high dispersion of construction sites, and the lack of support from judicial bodies.
Conclusion
It seems that the high number of accidents in construction sites and the construction industry is due to the lack of active presence of occupational health experts and their failure to play their specialized role. Reviewing and updating laws and regulations, correct and precise implementation of the established laws, increasing the capacity and effectiveness of supervisory institutions (such as: increasing the number of occupational health inspectors, increasing the number of inspections), and also emphasizing the recruitment of occupational health experts in the covered sites, can be effective in reducing this number
Confronting the Environmental Fallout due to Polyurethane Waste and Microplastic Pollution: Mini-review
No full textBackground: Polyurethane plays a crucial role in waste management due to its wide range of applications and unique properties. Polyurethane waste is produced in large quantities, creating challenges for proper disposal. Inadequate disposal practices contribute to the release of polyurethane-derived microplastics through production, degradation, and wear processes, posing risks to soil, water, and air quality, as well as to ecological and human health. Despite increasing research, the environmental consequences of polyurethane waste and microplastic formation remain insufficiently synthesized, and existing management strategies are fragmented.
Methods: This mini-review systematically examines the environmental impacts of polyurethane waste and microplastic pollution by analyzing studies published up to January 2024 in international and Iranian databases. Emphasis is placed on identifying current management approaches, their effectiveness, and gaps in knowledge.
Results: Findings indicate that polyurethane wastes are highly persistent, amplifying their ecological footprint over time, and that recycling and recovery technologies remain limited in scope and efficiency. Few studies provide comprehensive evaluations of polyurethane-derived microplastic concentrations or their long-term hazards. The synthesis highlights the importance of innovative recycling methods, preventive measures, and public awareness initiatives as key strategies to mitigate impacts.
Conclusion: The recognition of the importance of polyurethane in waste management shows the need for concerted efforts to effectively address its environmental consequences. By clarifying existing knowledge gaps and future research priorities, this study provides a focused perspective for advancing sustainable alternatives and reducing the environmental burden of polyurethane
Relationship Between Family Functioning and Spiritual Health in Women Breast Cancer Survivors: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground: Breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality rates are on the rise, with a higher mortality rate reported in underdeveloped nations. The family practice and spiritual health have an impact on the mental well-being of BC patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family practices and spiritual health among women breast cancer survivors.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 96 female breast cancer (BC) survivors. In this study, a non-random convenience sampling method was employed. Data were collected using demographic and fertility checklist, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), and the Family Assessment Device (FAD).
Results: The results of the study indicated that in the components of FAD, the general functioning subscale had the highest mean score, while the problem-solving subscale had the lowest mean score (31.26±2.14 and 12.64±1.66, respectively). The total spiritual health score was 66.27±9.62, and most women had a moderate spiritual health level (90.53%). A significant positive correlation was found between total spiritual health and age (r=0.227, P-value=0.027), along with a significant negative correlation with the roles dimension of family functioning (r=-0.233, P-value=0.023).
Conclusions: This study showed that the optimal level of family functioning leads to better spiritual health in women with BC. The impact of spirituality on human beings is significant, and spiritual crises can negatively affect their physical and mental health
Comparative Analysis of WBC-Derived Inflammatory Markers in Cavitary and Non-Cavitary Sputum-Positive Tuberculosis
No full textBackground: Tuberculosis (TB), as an infectious disease, has consistently topped the list in any discussions owing to its spectrum of manifestations, morbidity, and mortality. The current diagnostic procedures are time consuming and cumbersome. Hence, there has been a constant search for highly sensitive and specific biomarkers with less turn-around-time as well as maintaining sensitivity and specificity. The current study aimed to examine the role of WBC and their derived inflammatory markers in sputum-positive active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients with and without cavity.
Methods: The study was conducted among sputum-positive PTB patients (n=27) who were further grouped into cavitatory (n=15) and non-cavitatory (n=12). The presence of cavities in the lungs were identified by chest X-ray. The study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine at a tertiary hospital in South India. Ethics approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee (IEC), and written informed consent was obtained before the patients were inducted into the study. The various WBC-derived ratios were calculated from the data collected and compared between the two subgroup populations as indicative of their inflammation and prognosis. Statistics were performed using SPSS software version 16. P-value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The tuberculous patients with cavity were younger, and the absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were significantly higher among the cavitatory group compared to noncavitatory group. Comparing inflammation between the groups showed statistically significant differences between the cavitatory and the non-cavitatory groups in most of the WBC-derived ratios.
Conclusions: Most of the inflammatory indices serve as easy and inexpensive biomarkers. Their prognostic value allows risk stratification among PTB patients. These markers can be used to predict the outcomes as well as assess the response to treatment
Prediction of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Severity Based on Perceived Social Support, Coping Styles, and Spiritual Well-Being in Survivors of a Fire Incident
No full textBackground: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most debilitating psychiatric conditions, exerting long-lasting effects on mental health following severe traumatic events. This study aimed to examine the extent to which perceived social support, coping styles, and spiritual well-being predict PTSD symptom severity among university students who experienced psychological trauma during a fire incident in the course of the 2024 Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Methods: Employing a descriptive-correlational design, a convenience sample of 102 students from universities in Qom, Iran, was recruited. Participants completed the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, the Billings and Moos Coping Styles Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the PTSD Checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis.
Results: Results showed that existential well-being, problem-focused coping, and perceived social support from friends were negatively and significantly associated with PTSD symptom severity, whereas somatization-focused coping was positively and significantly related to higher PTSD severity. The regression model incorporating these variables accounted for 67% of the variance in PTSD symptoms.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the crucial role of spiritual well-being and social support—particularly from friends—in preventing and reducing PTSD symptoms, and suggest that promoting adaptive coping strategies and strengthening supportive social networks may improve psychological outcomes among survivors of traumatic events
The Association between Sociodemographic Factors, Lifestyle Score, and Body Mass Index with COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis; therefore, the prevention and treatment of this disease is a top priority for health worldwide. COVID-19 infection has been associated with various factors. This study aimed to examine the correlations between COVID-19 infection and various sociodemographic factors, lifestyle score, and obesity.
Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from students of the Shahroud University of Medical Sciences in 2021. The outcome measures were body mass index (BMI), sociodemographic factors, and lifestyle score, which was evaluated with a validated Walker questionnaire. Logistic regression was employed to investigate the associations between exposure variables and COVID-19 infection.
Results: Data from 382 students (43.71% infected with COVID-19) were analyzed. After adjusting for covariates, obese participants were 73% more likely to have COVID-19 infection than participants with normal body weights (OR=1.73; 95% CI: 0.25, 3.22; P-value=0.022). A strong lifestyle score was associated with 8% reduced likelihood of COVID-19 infection compared with a moderate lifestyle score (OR=0.92; 95% CI: 0.86, 0.98; P-value=0.04).
Conclusions: Our study revealed that increasing lifestyle score and reducing obesity may be helpful in the prevention of COVID-19 infection. Further research must validate this possible association
A smarter path to safety: how AI can prevent the next workplace tragedy
No full text
The Bandar Abbas explosion: a stark reminder of safety and health gaps
On April 25, 2025, a devastating explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, resulting in multiple fatalities and over 100 injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident may have stemmed from non-compliance with hazardous materials storage protocols and inadequate segregation of dangerous substances (1). This tragedy echoes historical industrial disasters such as the Tabas coal mine collapse and the Damghan mining accident—each serving as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proactive hazard identification, comprehensive risk assessment, and the implementation of robust control measures in occupational environments. When hazards remain unidentified or mitigation strategies are absent, the outcomes are often catastrophic and irreversible.
The Relationship Between eHealth Literacy and Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among University Students
No full textBackground: The growing use of the internet and low eHealth literacy may contribute to increased mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression among university students, who are a key group in society. This study explored the relationship between eHealth literacy and stress, anxiety, and depression among undergraduate students at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted with the participation of 300 undergraduate students from the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, in 2024, using convenience sampling. The research instrument was an electronic questionnaire consisting of a demographic checklist, the Norman eHealth Literacy Scale, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). The results were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and statistical tests including Levene’s test, independent t-test, ANOVA, Welch’s ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of eHealth literacy were 31.15±3.60, indicating a favorable level. The mean and standard deviation of stress, anxiety, and depression among undergraduate students were 13.43±9.01, 13.58±8.83, and 15.15±9.01, respectively, indicating normal, moderate, and moderate levels, respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test revealed a significant inverse correlation between eHealth literacy and stress (r=-0.402), anxiety (r=-0.351), and depression (r=-0.353) (P-value<0.001).
Conclusions: E-Health literacy is associated with and can predict levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, it is necessary and essential to develop educational programs, including media literacy and eHealth literacy training, which can have a positive impact on mental health
Comparison of the Impact of Structural Family Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on the Marital Satisfaction of Couples Seeking Divorce in Minoodasht in 1401-1402
No full textBackground: Marital conflict is a major predictor of divorce, often resulting in emotional distress and reduced relationship satisfaction. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Structural Family Therapy (SFT) are widely used interventions to improve marital relationships. This study aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of CBT and SFT in enhancing marital satisfaction among conflicted couples seeking divorce.
Methods: Thirty couples referred to a judiciary counseling center in Minoodasht who met the inclusion criteria participated in this quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design and two intervention groups. The ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale was administered before and after the interventions. Each group received eight sessions of either CBT or Minuchin’s SFT. Changes in marital satisfaction scores were analyzed to evaluate the effects of both therapies.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in marital satisfaction after the interventions. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two approaches, indicating that CBT and SFT were comparably effective in improving marital satisfaction.
Conclusions: CBT and SFT both significantly and similarly enhance marital satisfaction among conflicted couples seeking divorce. These findings support the application of either approach in counseling settings for couples experiencing marital distress
Comparison of Quality of Life, Dysfunctional Attitudes and Defense Mechanisms in Patients with Chronic Back Pain with Healthy Individuals
Get PDFBackground: Chronic pain is the leading cause of human suffering and disability worldwide, significantly impacting the quality of life for individuals. This study aimed to compare the quality of life, dysfunctional attitudes, and defense mechanisms between patients suffering from chronic back pain and individuals who are in good health.
Methods: The type of study conducted is descriptive causal-comparative research. Fifty male and female patients seeking treatment at the Rasht Pain Clinic were included in the study, chosen through purposive sampling. The control group, consisting of fifty individuals with no history of chronic back pain, was selected using convenience sampling in May 2021. The Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS), and Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) were given to both healthy individuals and patients. An analysis of the data was conducted through multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) using SPSS 23 software.
Results: A multivariate analysis of variance in the current study revealed a significant difference between the two groups of patients and healthy individuals in terms of quality of life (physical, mental, relationships, environment), Dysfunctional Attitudes (perfectionism, need for approval, need to please others), and defense mechanisms (mature, neurotic, immature) (P-value<0.01, F11,88=16.63). However, there was no significant difference in the vulnerability component of dysfunctional attitude between the two groups of patients and healthy subjects.
Conclusions: Identifying factors such as poor quality of life, maladaptive attitudes, and improper use of defense mechanisms can worsen chronic pain in individuals. Understanding the influences of these variables is crucial for enhancing the overall physical and mental well-being of patients experiencing chronic pain.