ABSTRACT
Community assessment process is the foundation for developing the basis for effective community health strategies. The aim of this study was providing a framework for comprehensive and participatory community assessment in Shahin-Shar, Isfahan, Iran. This assessment performed in Shahin Shar city based on some experiences of Community Medicine and Epidemiology and Biostatistics departments of Tehran University of medical sciences since 1989 and North Carolina Community Assessment Guide Book [2002]. The community assessment team included wide ranges of key stakeholders and local people. Our community assessment team has three levels of participants: An advisory group, a work group and a project facilitator. Observation, interview, focus group discussion and summary list of health resources used for data collection. The map of asset was also provided. We reported data to community and Hanlon method -based on magnitude of the problem, seriousness of the consequences and feasibility of correcting- was used for selecting health priorities. Drug abuse, smoking among adults and depression were the important health priorities. After creating community assessment document, Based on the risk factors that contribute to each problem, the health action plans were developed. The results of this study showed that community assessment could be the foundation for improving and promoting the health of community members. It could be the basis for effective community health strategies in Iran
ABSTRACT
Earthquakes cause thousands of deaths and injuries worldwide every year. Islamic Republic of Iran has a deadly history of earthquakes. The aim of this study is to describe injuries rate, causes of injuries, structural characteristics of buildings and occupant actions immediately after earthquake in Damghan in 2010. This case-study was conducted one week after occurring the earthquake in five villages of Damghan city in Iran. We used the Physical Injuries Assessment Questionnaire which was particularly designed for injuries after earthquakes. Also for acquiring information about region and amount of losses, some interviews was conduct with local authorities. Four death and fifty six injuries occurred in five villages of Damghan city. There were three types of injuries including superficial injuries [50%], contusions [35%] and fractures [10%]. The findings of this study indicating building structural failure [87.4%], nonstructural factors [7.1%] and trapping [5.3%] seems the most possible cause of injuries in this region. This study showed that the building structural failure is the main cause of injuries [87.4%]. Increasing structural resistance of building especially in village regions and education about earthquake preparedness should encourage in order decreasing the total number of people affected by earthquake
ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis [TB] is an important issue which its control is still unsatisfactory at global level. Traditional diagnostic techniques for active TB diagnosis are inadequate: the diagnostic gold standard is the culturel exam which suffers from lengthy processing and requires highly specialized laboratories. Nowadays more specifie tests hâve been recommended. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of Quanti FERON-TB [QFT] Gold In Tube-Test as a substitute for specifie test tuberculin skin test for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in high risk groups. One hundred thirty four [134] individuels who worked in Bo-Ali hospital [Zahedan] enrolled in this study. They had no active tuberculosis. TST and QFT tests were performed. The cut-off point of TST was considered based on 15 [mm] or more indurations as positive. The resuit of QFT was evaluated by manufactured guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the putative risk factors of positive tests. Proportion of employees with latent TB were 1 1 1 [82.8%] were positive by either TST or QFT, and 76[56.7%] were positive by both tests. Agreement between the tests was high [73.8%, k=0.39; 95% E.21-0.44]. Positive family history of Tuberculosis was significant risk factor for both positive tests. This study showed high latent tuberculosis infection prevalence in hospital workers and high agreement between TST and QFT. Decision to select one of the tests will be depended on the population, purpose of study and availability of resources. The results revealed that the QFT can be appropriate alternative test for high risk group