Viewpoints of fertile women on gestational surrogacy in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran.

The aim of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to investigate the viewpoint of fertile Iranian women on gestational surrogacy. A convenience sample of 230 fertile women was invited to participate in the study and 185 consented. Data were collected via a 22-item scale that assessed the viewpoints of the participants in five domains related to gestational surrogacy. The viewpoints reported by the women were positive. However, a significant percentage of them believed that commissioning couples are not the biological owners of the baby, religious barriers need to be overcome prior to legal barriers, children born through surrogacy may face emotional issues, and the adoption of children may be a better option than surrogacy. The negative views of the women on some key aspects make it clear that public education is needed to increase the acceptability of gestational surrogacy.

Comparative survey of work related musculoskeletal disorders [WRMDs] prevalence and related factors in Iranian welders

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for work related musculoskeletal disorders among welders. All 160 welders who work at a petrochemical complex in south of Iran were included in this study. The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire [NMQ] was used to study prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders [WMSDs]. Most welders [88.3%] suffered from some kind of MSDs symptoms. Arc welders had significantly more musculoskeletal problems in the neck and wrists/hands regions than gas welders. Analysis showed that duration of employment as a welder was significantly associated with a work related musculoskeletal disorder of the shoulder [OR 3.2, 95% CM .1 to 8.9], lower back, neck [OR 3.1, 95% Cl 1.1 to 8.4], and knee [OR 3.5, 95% Cl 1.3 to 9.2]. WMSDs had occurred with a high rate among Iranian welders. This study supports the need for vigilant ergonomic intervention at welding