[Comparison of impact of face to face and educational booklet methods on respiratory self efficacy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attending to selected hospitals of Shahid Beheshti university of medical sciences in Tehran]

Introduction: patient education is an essential strategy in disease control that reduces complications in patient with chronic diseases. Today, most of the education and information presented in health care systems are at a higher level and are not an appropriate method for people to understand. This study aimed to examine the impact of two of the above methods on respiratory self-efficacy among people with COPD

Method: this study is a quasi-experimental clinical trial that performed in 2012 on 75 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attending Masihe - Daneshvary and Emam Hosien hospitals in Tehran, Iran. We used purposive sampling method and the participants in the study were divided into three random categories [face to face, educational booklet, and control groups]. The two groups of subjects were presented with identical content but different training methods. The control group received the routine instruction in the ward. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics

Results: the results showed homogeneity at demographic data in three groups of study. Comparison of demographic and mean respiratory self-efficacy in the baseline between three study groups showed no significant difference. But the mean of respiratory self-efficacy in the past revealed a significant difference between face to face educational group and control groups [P<0.001]. The test showed no significant difference between educational booklet group and control group [P>0.05]

Conclusion: among people with COPD, face to face educational strategies increased respiratory self-efficacy more than booklet educational method. Consequently, nurses as care providers in patients with COPD can have a valuable role in patient education using face to face education method

Assessment of welders exposure to carcinogen metals from manual metal arc welding in gas transmission pipelines, Iran

Welding can produce dangerous fumes containing various metals especially carcinogenic ones. Occupational exposure to welding fumes is associated with lung cancer. Therefore, welders in Gas Transmission Pipelines are known as a high-risk group. This study was designed to determinate the amounts of metals Cr, Ni, and Cd in breathing 2one and urine of welders and to assess the possibility of introducing urinary metals as a biomarker due to occupational exposure. In this cross sectional study, 94 individuals from Gas Transmission Pipelines welders, Iran, Borujen in 2011 were selected and classified into 3 groups including Welders, Back Welders and Assistances. The sampling procedures were performed according to NIOSH 7300 for total chromium, nickel, and cadmium and NIOSH

[Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and work-related risk factors among the employees of an automobile factory in Tehran during 2009-10]

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are considered as one of the most common occupational diseases and injuries. The high prevalence of the disorders has been reported in automobile industries due to numerous risk factors. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the work-related risk factors in an automobile factory in Tehran. This cross-sectional study was performed on 145 workers in an automobile factory in Tehran during 2009-10. The prevalence of disorders was evaluated with standard Nordic questionnaire and work-related risk factors with KIM index. Data analyzed using chi-square test. Musculoskeletal disorders were most commonly seen in tire installing [92.8%] and exhaust storage installing [88.4%] units. It was least common in door installing [43.7%] unit. Awkward posture, load lifting, back bending and torsional movements were the most important work-related risk factors for the disorders. A significant relationship was observed between prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk level [P<0.05]. Ergonomics programs and specific ergonomic interventions are necessary to correct work-related problems in the work stations of this industry

[Risk assessment of welders' exposure to total fume in an automobile industry]

Risk assessment of Toxic or hazardous chemicals enables the Industrial Hygienists to make the appropriate decision in providing healthy work place. This project was conducted in an assembling plant, [4workshop] of an Automobile Industry in IRAN with 2 types of welding operations, including GMAW [CO[2] welding] and Spot resistance welding operations. Welders exposures were assessed via collecting 143 breathing zone air samples based on NIOSH 0500 method. Risk assessment was carried out using Singapore recommended method. Finding showed that the mean of welders exposure in GMAW and Spot resistance welding operations 5.61 +/- 5.78 and 2.38 +/- 2.15 mg/m[3], respectively [p<0.05]. The results showed that in GMAW welders had the high exposure in comparison with Spot resistance welders [p<0.05]. The findings also demonstrated that the risk rate of GMAW welders were high, while this rate for Spot resistance was low. More hygienic attention is needed for GTAW welders. Control approaches are required including effective engineering control, conduct air monitoring, biological monitoring training, adopt respiratory protection program, develop and implement safe and correct work procedures and finally reassess the risk after all the controls have been done