ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#Study of antioxidant vitamin consumption behavior, especially in high-risk groups with high exposure to toxic metals to reduce metal toxicity, is emphasized. This study aims to examine the structural relationships between knowledge, protection motivation theory constructs, and vitamin E and C consumption behavior among cement factory workers.@*METHODS@#Protection motivation theory and food frequency questionnaires were completed by 420 factory workers. Data were subjected to structural equation modeling to examine associations between knowledge, protection motivation theory constructs, and vitamin E and C consumption behavior. Efficacy of current recommended models was also explored.@*RESULTS@#Structural equation modeling showed high explained variance within the constructs of protection motivation theory for vitamin E and C consumption behavior and intention (56-76%). The overall fit of the structural models was acceptable for both vitamin E and C behavior. Knowledge, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and perceived vulnerability predicted intention, which in turn predicted vitamin consumption behavior. Significant relationships between knowledge and self-efficacy, response efficacy, perceived vulnerability, and perceived severity were also found, while self-efficacy and response efficacy showed significant relationships with vitamin E and C consumption behavior.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Considering that response efficacy, self-efficacy, and intention showed as strong predictors of vitamin E and C consumption behavior, specific attention should be paid to coping appraisals and intention when designing intervention plans. Additionally, establishing the predicting role of knowledge for protection motivation theory constructs and protective behaviors should be integrated into intervention programs.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Ascorbic Acid , Construction Industry , Eating , Health Behavior , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Intention , Motivation , Self Efficacy , Vitamin EABSTRACT
Background: Iran is located within the dry and semi dry regions, thus almost 90% of the required water is secured via the use of groundwater. Owing to the increasing pollution of water resources, this study was performed to evaluate water quality pollution indices for heavy metals [As, Zn, Pb and Cu] contamination monitoring in Toyserkan Plain during spring and summer in 2012
Methods: a total of 20 ground water wells were chosen randomly. The samples were filtered [0.45 microm] and kept cool in polyethylene bottles. Samples were taken for the analysis of metals, the former was acidified with HNO[3] to pH lower than 2. Metal concentrations were determined using ICP-OES
Results: the results revealed that the mean values of contamination index [C[4]], heavy metal pollution index [HPI] and heavy metal evaluation index [HEI] in samples for spring season were -2.81, 9.74 and 1.20, respectively and were -2.67, 9.51 and 1.32, respectively in samples for summer season and this indicates low contamination levels. Comparing the mean concentrations of the evaluated metals with WHO permissible limits demonstrated a significant difference [P < 0.05]. Thus, the mean concentrations of the metals were significantly lower than the permissible limits
Conclusion: although the heavy metal pollution of the ground water in Toyserkan Plain is not higher than permissible limits, the irregular and long-term utilization of agricultural inputs, use of wastewater and sewage sludge in agriculture, over utilization of organic fertilizers and establishment of pollutant industries can threaten the ground water, and cause irreversible damages in this area
ABSTRACT
Background: The present study investigated the effect of the Middle East dust storm episodes on the concentration and composition of PM[10] during April to September 2013 in Sanandaj City, western Iran
Methods: Sampling was once every six days, and on dusty days using an Omni air sampler. The PM[10] sample was collected on polytetrafluoroethylene filters. Average of 24 h values of PM[10] mass concentrations was determined. Half of each sample filter and blank filter was analyzed for water -soluble ions and the other half was digested for metal analysis
Results: The average PM[10] concentration was 160.63 micro g/m[3]. The lowest and highest concentrations of PM[10] were in May and June respectively. The average PM[10] concentration during the non-dusty days was 96.88 [micro g /m[3]]. Nevertheless, it increased by 4.8 times during the dusty days. Ca[2+], Cl[-], NO3[-], and Na[+] accounted for 71% of total water-soluble ions on the dusty days. During the dusty days, the dominant elements in PM[10] were Na, Ca, Mg, Al, and Fe contributing to 95.72% of total measured metals. The correlation coefficient and enrichment factor analysis have shown that on dusty days, Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Sr, and V were the elements with the crustal sources
Conclusions: Concentrations of PM[10] during dusty days were considerably higher than that during non-dusty days. In addition, concentrations of water-soluble ions and metals were also higher during dusty days