Air pollution: the knowledge and ideas of students in Tehran-Iran, and a comparison with other countries

Study of students' knowledge about air pollution can help authorities to have better imagination of this critical environmental problem. This research examines guidance school and high school students' ideas about air pollution and the results may be useful for the respective authorities to improve cultural and educational aspects of next generation. In this cross-sectional study, a closed questionnaire was used to examine knowledge and ideas of 2140 randomly selected school students of Tehran-Iran about composition of unpolluted air, air pollution and its causes and consequences. Cognitive scores were also calculated. Outcomes were compared with results of similar researches in Australia, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. While a student's 'cognitive score' could range from -16 to +16, Iranian students' mean cognitive score was equal to +2.97. There was not significant statistical difference between girls and boys [P=0.32]. In response to question "most common gas in unpolluted air" nitrogen was mentioned by only 23.7%, While 45.1% of students mentioned oxygen. In general, student's knowledge was not acceptable and there were some misconceptions such as "supposing oxygen as the most prevalent gas in unpolluted air". The findings of this survey indicate that, this important stratum of society of Iran have been received no sufficient and efficient education and sensitization on this matter

People's perspectives and expectations on preparedness against earthquake: Tehran case study

The present study aimed at identifying the methods and appropriate strategies for public awareness and education on preparedness in earthquakes in Tehran metropolis. This was a cross-sectional study. The study was a door-to-door survey of the 22 municipal districts in Tehran and involved a total of 1211 subjects aged 15 and above. People were asked about different methods of public information and education, as well as the types of information needed for earthquake preparedness. The important issues indicated by respondents were supervision on building construction and strengthening of buildings as well as public education. The educational tools and media that were proposed by the respondents included television, radio, posters, educational classes, newspapers and instructional pamphlets regarding earthquakes, video films and internet, respectively. The study has also shown that with the assumption of earthquake occurrence in Tehran, the most important sources for getting immediate information were the general public and TV. 70% of the respondents believed that in case of earthquake prediction, people should be informed by the media. The study findings revealed that information dissemination alone can not result in changing people's perspectives and behaviors. Appropriate methods are needed along with increasing people's understanding and raising their awareness on the earthquake damage in order to encourage them to learn and implement preventive measures. The paper also indicated that mass media have important role in public education and providing people with adequate information about disasters

[Stress in medical students: a cross-sectional study]

There is little doubt that medical students are subject to considerable amounts of physical and mental stress, resulting in high rates of depression and anxiety as well as other health problems. The present study- conducted from June to August 2006- looks at the problem of stress among Iranian medical students. A total of 742 students in different stages of their general medical training filled in a questionnaire dealing with personal and demographic characteristics, physical and mental stress, social relations and perceived job perspectives as well as problems faced at home and the campus. For each participant, a total stress score computed and its association with putative risk factors examined using Mann-Whitney test, non-parametric correlations and logistic regression analysis. In logistic regression analysis, the following factors were found to have significant, independent associations with a high degree of stress: female gender [P=0.001], living in a large family [P=0.01], low income [P=0.05], training in clinical rotations [P<0.001] and internship [P<0.001] and separation from the family [P=0.01]. From a student's perspective, the most important problems [stressors] faced by the students included crowded campus and dormitories, poor learning facilities, work overload, humiliation and abuse from staff and faculty members. Addressing the financial needs of the students [e.g. easier access to student loans], developing better communication skills, education in various relaxation and stress reduction techniques, and measures to reduce workload are recommended to mitigate the effects of physical and mental stress in medical students. Key words: Stress, Medical students, Cause, Cross-sectional

[Problems encountered in the management and disposal of dead bodies after the Bam earthquake: a qualitative study]

In the wake of a natural disaster, dealing with dead bodies is one of the most difficult issues in the early response phase, requiring careful planning in advance. It follows that the risk analysis phase for any natural disaster should include a study of the history of similar events and a thorough review of the measures taken as well as the difficulties faced by those involved in the disposal of dead bodies. This was a qualitative study comprising the following stages: 1] data collection through in-depth interviews with over 30 people- including those in managerial positions- who were involved in the response phase after the Bam earthquake, 2]data analysis based on the grounded theory, 3] data extraction and identification of key variables, and 4] development of a theoretical model based on these variables. In the response phase after the Bam event, key issues regarding the management of human corpses were identification, confirmation of death, and burying the bodies. The most prominent issues fell into the following categories: 1] problems with the procedures and structures employed in corpse management, 2] problems with identification, 3] acceptability to the community of the procedures used in corpse management, 4] inadequate attention of specific technical details as regards confirmation of death and burial. In the event of another disaster, the present structures and procedures cannot mount an adequate response with regard to corpse management. Experience from other countries has shown that the disruption caused by major disasters can provoke hasty, injudicious decisions with irremediable adverse consequences. Problems do exist, but they must no serve as an excuse to compromise standards and ignore basic requirements for death confirmation, corpse identification, and proper burial