Spatial accessibility of the population to urban health centres in Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran: a geographic information systems analysis

Geographic information systems [GIS] analysis has not been widely used in underdeveloped countries to ensure that vulnerable populations have accessibility to primary health-care services. This study applied GIS methods to analyse the spatial accessibility to urban primary-care centres of the population in Kermanshah city, Islamic Republic of Iran, by age and sex groups. In a descriptive-analytical study over 3 time periods, network analysis, mean centre and standard distance methods were applied using ArcGIS 9.3. The analysis was based on a standard radius of 750 m distance from health centres, walking speed of 1 m/s and desired access time to health centres of 12.5 mins. The proportion of the population with inadequate geographical access to health centres rose from 47.3% in 1997 to 58.4% in 2012. The mean centre and standard distance mapping showed that the spatial distribution of health centres in Kermanshah needed to be adjusted to changes in population distribution

relationship between alexithymia, irrational beliefs, positive and negative emotions with mental disorders

University students, as the future manpower resources, are of high importance for communities. One of the aspects to focus on is their mental health. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between alexithymia, irrational beliefs, positive and negative emotions with mental disorders in students. There were 400 students, selected randomly through stratified sampling from different disciplines at Razi University [Kermanshah, Iran]. The design of the study was descriptive-correlational. The questionnaires used for collecting data were: Mental Disorders Symptoms [SCL_90], Alexithymia [FTAS-20], Jones Irrational Beliefs tests, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANAS-X]. Collected data were analyzed using statistical indices including correlation, regression and fundamental correlation. Data analysis indicated that there was a significant relationship between alexithymia, irrational beliefs and negative emotions with mental disorders. There was a negative significant relationship between positive emotions and mental disorders. Alexithymia, irrational beliefs and negative emotions were capable of predicting mental disorders while positive emotions did not have this capacity. Although about 73% of mental disorders were predicted by irrational beliefs, alexithymia, negative and positive emotions, but negative emotions and alexithymia contributed more than other variables. Alexithymia and irrational beliefs play major roles in mental disorders. These variables explain a high variability rate of mental disorders. They are the predisposing factors for mental disorders. They need more attention in clinical studies