ABSTRACT
Background: inhalation of radon and its short-lived decay products is one of the most significant sources of exposure to natural radiation. Radon is the second cause of lung cancer in the populations. The present study was carried out under the projects of national radon, with the aim of determining the concentration of indoor in the city of Qom located in the central semi-arid region of Iran
Materials and Methods: radon measurements were carried out in 123 dwellings using passive sampling with CR-39 detectors for 90 days. The map of radon concentration distribution was prepared using Arc GIS software and the statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 20
Results: indoor radon concentrations in Qom dwellings ranged from 15-259 Bq m[-3]. The arithmetic mean of indoor radon concentrations on basement, ground floors, first floors and second and upper floors were 123.43, 87.94, 63.72 and 40.69 Bq m[-3], respectively
Conclusion: a correlation was found between the distances from fault zones and measured indoor radon concentration. In most of cases, radon values were lower in well- ventilated dwellings in comparison with poorly-ventilated ones. Moreover, high radon concentration levels were observed in basements. The results indicated that in 30 places [24.3% of cases], the radon concentrations were higher than the reference levels recommended by the World Health Organization [100 Bq m[-3]]
ABSTRACT
Occupational accident is an unplanned and harmful event which occurs in workplace environments. Among various occupations and activities, large metal industries are the most hazardous industries in the world. This study was designed in one of the Arak metal industries in order to determine the incidence rate of occupational accidents as well as its risk factors. Initially in an incidence study, 873 workers were followed historically to determine the number of accidents since 2005 to 2007. Then the cases were compared with a random sample of workers with no accident [251 workers] in a case control study. After data collection by a structured questionnaire, statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression in SPSS software [V.16]. During these three years, 359 accidents had been occurred and the annual incidence rate of accident was equal to 137 per 1000 workers. There was a significant relationship between occurrence of accident and age, work experience, education level, height, and systolic blood pressure as well as shift work [p<0.05].The marital status and number of children were not significant risk factors. Moreover, unsafe practices was the first case of accident, age and educational level were remained in regression model as the most important predictors of incident of occupational accidents. Considering the high frequency rate of accidents and based on our findings, planning and implementation of safety training, modifying non-safe conditions, supplying workers with appropriate standard protective equipment and appropriate facilities are recommended.
Subject(s)
Humans , Risk Factors , Incidence , Metallurgy , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is a systemic disease caused by loss of Bone Mass Density [BMD] and consequent fractures of disease increase the pain and decrease the individual's quality of life. The present study was conducted to compare the quality of life in osteoporotic postmenopausal women with their normal counterparts. A cross sectional study was conducted on 275 postmenopausal females referred to the Namazi hospital in Shiraz. BMD was measured based on WHO standards and subjects with BMD < - 2.5 Standard Deviation [SD] of the average value, were defined as having osteoporosis [cases], while those with BMD >1 SD, were considered normal [controls]. The Qualeffo-41 questionnaire was used to estimate the quality of life and was reported on a scale of 100. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using the t-test and descriptive statistics. The mean of the quality of life score was 25.5 +/- 11.7 and based on the WHO definition, 70.2% of participants were affected by osteoporosis. Estimates for good quality of life in osteoporosis subjects and normal postmenopausal females were 22.3% and 30.5%, respectively. Comparing the different aspects of quality of life in the cases and normal postmenopausal females, showed a statistical difference between the two groups in the "social activities" aspect. Regarding the gradual and asymptomatic trend of osteoporosis, it is essential to pay more attention to the preventive aspect of the disease to curtail effects of its outcomes on the quality of life.
ABSTRACT
Providing health not only is responsibility of governmental organizations but also is responsibility of community health volunteers help to health centers and try to promote people's knowledge and practice about their health. This study is conducted to determine knowledge and practice of the volunteers before and immediately after education and evaluated long-term education effects. This interventional [semi-experimental] study was carried out on 78 health communicators Arak with census method. In Arak axis education were included; check of vital signs and rescue method during disasters. Methods of education were lecture, smallgroup, problem solving, and practical training in Skin lab. Data were gathered with questionnaire and check list and were analyzed with Paired T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Data was analyzed using paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. There was a significant difference between mean of knowledge and practice scores before and immediately after training [p<0.001]. But the relationship between scores immediately after training and one year later, was not significant. It seems updated knowledge and practice of health volunteers change health behavior, promote knowledge and practice and decrease health care expenses