Content analysis

Content analysis was used first in communication sciences. Today, it is frequently used in media analysis. In other sciences such as nursing, researchers apply this method in their studies. In spite of the importance of this method in nursing research, there was not enough Persian material on the subject. Therefore, this review study wasconducted to clarify and describe definitions, classifications, principles and conceptual bases of content analysis. Persian and Enghlish foreign articles and books were used in this review study. Most scholars believe that content analysis is a research tool used to determine the presence of certain words or concepts within texts or sets of texts. Some categorize it as a data analysis technique. Texts can be defined broadly as books, book chapters, essays, interviews, discussions, newspaper headlines and articles, and historical documents. Using content analysis, researchers analyze the presence of meanings and relationships of such words and concepts, then make inferences about the messages within the texts, the writer[s], the audience, and even the culture and time of which these are a part. Content analysis can be used in both quantitative and qualitative researches

[Seroprevalence of hepatitis C infection and associated factors in addicts imprisoned at Khezrabad prison, Sari]

Though incarcerated populations are at a high risk of developing hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection, prisoners are not routinely screened for HCV infection. Approximately, 1 in 4 of the nearly 2 million prisoners in the U.S. is infected with HCV. Injection drug abusers are currently the main risk group. Among intravenous drug abusers over the world, the prevalence of HCV varies from 50-90% with an annual incidence of 10-30%. Prisons are a high risk environment for hepatitis C infection because of high incidence of drug abuse and high risk sexual activities. Serologic evidences show that HCV infection is present in one out of every three prisoners. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C infection and its associated factors among addicted prisoners in Khezrabad prison of Sari. This was a cross - sectional study done in September 2001 at the Khezrabad prison for addicts in Sari. 312 addicts participated in the study and were selected by simple random sampling method. Their blood samples were tested by third generation enzyme immunoassay [EIA-3: sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%] at Sari's blood transfusion center. The data was collected via a questionnaire and interview. 230 prisoners [74%] completed the questionnaires. Associated factors of Hepatitis C infection were compared in 82 anti-HCV positive addicts [the affected group] and 148 anti-HCV negative addicts [the unaffected group]. There were no significant differences about confounding variables between the two groups. Statistical analysis was done by chi[2], t test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of the 312 addicted prisoners, 96 [30.8%] were anti-HCV positive. Major associated factors with Hepatitis C infection in the affected group included; duration of addiction [mean 174 months], duration of imprisonment [mean 48 months], methods of drug usage [injection 82% and intranasal 44%], length of alcohol consumption for more than five years [60%], tattooing [66%], shared usage of needles [31%] and razors [53%], multiple sexual partners [>74%] and the type of drugs [especially heroin 90% and hashish. 64%] [p<0.05] On multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant independent risk factors for HCV infection included tattooing [OR 100, 95% CI], multiple sexual partners[OR4.97,95%CI]and history of surgery[OR 6.23,95% CI ] . Hepatitis C infection is highly prevalent in addicted prisoners and high risk and unsafe behaviors are the main factors of contamination

[Epidemiological aspects of low back pain in nurses]

Among all occupation, the highest rate of musculoskeletal injuries especially back pain is seen in nurses. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of back injuries in nursing personnel and to study how individual and occupational characteristics affect it. Following ethical approval, 1226 nurses were randomly selected from 13 hospitals in Mazandaran province in the north of Iran. Data were gathered by questionnaires included individual and occupational characteristics, prevalence of back pain, probable causes and its effects on nursing activities. Point, one month, 6 month, one year and lifetime prevalence of LBP [Low back pain] in nurses reported 51.5%, 56.3%, 58.9%, 59.6% and 62%, respectively. Lifting heavy things was the most common cause of back injury [30.4%]. Prolonged standing and rest were found to be the significant aggravating and relieving factors, respectively [57.6% and 59.2%]. Absence from work because of LBP during the last month was reported 33.7% of the sample. There was a significant correlation between the type of ward and LBP [P<0.001], the highest prevalence of LBP was in emergency ward and the lowest one was in NICU and urology ward. There was also a reverse correlation between job satisfaction and prevalence of LBP in nurses [P<0.001]. The results demonstrate that the magnitude of LBP amongst nursing personnel appears to be high and associated with some occupational and individual characteristics. Therefore, more resources should be allocated to prevent such an injury in nursing profession