Responding to physical and psychological health impacts of disasters: case study of the Iranian disaster rehabilitation plan

This paper describes the process of developing a national pre-disaster plan for physical health and psychological rehabilitation of disaster-stricken communities. Data gathered from a literature review and expert panel discussions informed the process of drawing up unified definitions of physical and psychological health rehabilitation, carrying out stakeholder and STEEP-V analyses, and assigning the responsible organization and the collaborative organizations for each task. The Ministry of Health and the Welfare Organization were selected as the two responsible organizations. Integrated management at all levels, and sharing information, education and funding, were identified as ways to improve stakeholders' participation and collaboration. A system is needed for evaluating the implementation of the disaster rehabilitation plan, using valid and reliable indicators

[Comparison of the effect of two types of short message service [interactive and non-interactive] on anticoagulant adherence of patients with prosthetic heart valves]

Introduction: One of the major complications of valve replacement, is valve dysfunction which occurs in thrombolytic complication and systemic embolism. Therefore, these patients should take anticoagulant with warfarin. Incorrect use of anticoagulant is the cause of thrombotic complications and bleeding in patients with mechanical valves due to very low levels of adherence to the medication. This research was done with the purpose of comparison of the effect of two types of short message service [interactive and non-interactive] on patient compliance with anticoagulant regimens in patients with prosthetic heart valves

Method: This study is a clinical trial performed on 90 eligible patients referred to Imam Khomeini hospital in Tehran, Iran for a period of three months. The patients were divided into three groups of 30 patients, control, interactive and noninteractive. Self-report questionnaires were completed and International Normalized Ratio [INR] levels were recorded. Educational leaflets were given to all of the patients, their phone numbers were taken and they were instructed about using short message service. The control group did not receive SMS. Four educational messages were sent to the non-interactive group every week for a period of three months. In the interactive group, in addition to sending educational messages, patients were able to communicate with the researcher and ask their questions. After three months, all three groups completed the self-report questionnaires again. Then anticoagulant adherence was evaluated using questionnaire and INR levels. Data were analysed using fisher exact test, Chi-Square, paired T test, and analysis of variance

Results: Before the intervention all three groups did not have a significant difference in the mean of drug [P=0.43] and diet [P=0.84] adherence. But three months after intervention, three groups had significant difference in the mean of the anticoagulant adherence [P

Perception and use of complementary and alternative medicine among children and adults with epilepsy: the importance of the decision makers

The aim of the current study was to assess the extent to which complementary and alternative medicine [CAM] has been used in children and adults to treat seizures and to compare the perceptions and usage of CAM between adult patients who decides for themselves and adults who decide for their sick children.In this cross-sectional study, patients who have been treated for epilepsy for at least one year at the outpatient epilepsy clinic at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were interviewed from January 2012 through March 2012. The questionnaire collected specific information of CAM perceptions and usage among patients. Pearson Chi-Square and Student's t- test were used to compare variables among children group with adults group. Ninety-eight children [their caregivers] and 158 adults [themselves] participated. Adult patients [53%] more frequently believed that CAM might be useful in treating seizures than adults with sick kids [35%] [P = 0.0004]. Herbal drugs, traditional medicine and exercise were more often considered as being helpful in treating seizures among adult patients compared to adults with sick children. CAM usage was not different among adult patients compared to adults with sick kids [P = 0.3]. CAM is an option considered by many people with epilepsy to treat seizures. The individual who makes the decision as to use any of these unconventional treatment options is probably not different when it comes to self [the patient himself] vs. non-self [the parents / care-givers], despite the observed difference that adult patients more frequently believed that CAM might be useful in treating seizures than adults with sick kids

Old remedies for epilepsy: Avicenna's medicine

The history of epilepsy and its treatments dates back to at least 4 millennia. Avicenna, c. 980 AD in Bukhara, Khorasan - 1037 in Hamedan was a Persian-speaking Iranian physician, who has many recommendations and suggested various therapies for epilepsy in his book, The Canon of Medicine. We first reviewed the most important ancient treatments for epilepsy mentioned by Avicenna and considered those as the key words for our next step. Then, we made a literature search [medline and scopus] with those key words to find out new scientific findings in modern medicine about the Avicenna's suggestions. Among the Avicenna's recommended therapies for epilepsy, only Rue has been tested for anticonvulsant activities in modern medicine. Interestingly, it had a dose dependent anticonvulsant effect. It is worthwhile to consider the Avicenna's recommended therapies for epilepsy and to design future scientific studies based on his suggestions

[ concept of health in elderly people: a literature review]

The elderly population is increasing day by day. So it is essential to attend to the health status of this age group for their health promotion and disease prevention. Accordingly having a clear definition of health concept in aged people is necessary. In this study, a comprehensive and in-depth narrative review was carried out by searching the data bases of SCOPUS, PUBMED, PROQUEST, SCIENCE DIRECT, ISC, IRANDOC, MAGIRAN with the key words of "health, the elderly wellbeing, health measurement, health assessment and health status" alongside with the words. "elderly, aging, old people" without limitation of years. the main approaches toward the concept of health according to available literature were medical and functional models. The medical models holds that physical examination is required for determining the health and wellbeing of elderly people and their health-related needs and the functional model proposes that the things expressed by an elderly can be the best index for their health status and their required supportive systems. It has been indicated that the perceived health by elderly people is a global and useful index which shows their health level and also interacts with social and biological components. The exploration of health and wellbeing among elderly people has a more mental nature than other age groups. Consequently, the investigation of wellbeing among the elderly must not only be restricted to its medical aspects

[ study on the variations of temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen ratio in producing compost by stack method]

Background: Considering the importance of chemical and physical parameters such as temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen [C:N] ratio in producing compost, the purpose of this study was to evaluate these parameters in producing compost by stack method

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on municipal solid waste generated in Kashan during a 63-day period from Oct 3 to Dec 4, 2010. Compost samples were taken from the top one-third, the center and also the bottom of the compost pile and mixed; the compost pile was aerated [if necessary]. Thereafter, samples were analyzed for carbon and nitrogen content using Fourti method

Results: The initial temperature of the compost pile was 38[degree]C and then increased to 65[degree]C at the 9[th] day, and reached to 26[degree]C at the last day of composting. The moisture at the beginning of the process was 67.5%, increased to 73% at the 5[th] day and decreased to 38% at the last day. The initial pH of the compost was 5.5, increased during the compost process, and reached an optimal value of 7.7 at the end of the process. The C:N ratio at the beginning of the process was 35:1 and in mature compost decreased to 12.5:1

Conclusion: Presence of actinomycetes and the dark-brown color of the prepared compost on the 63rd day of composting indicate that the compost meets the required standards. Consequently, the implementation of this method is suitable for tropical cities like Kashan

[Evaluation of parasitic and fungal contamination and physicochemical parameters of indoor public swimming pools in Kashan during 2008-9]

Swimming in indoor public pools may lead to transmission of contagious diseases such as ear problems, foot tinea, conjunctivitis and amoebic meningoencephalitis in swimmers. The aim of this study was to determine the types of fungal and parasitic contamination and physicochemical parameters of indoor public swimming pools in Kashan. In this cross-sectional study, 200 water samples were collected from surface and depth of four swimming pools of Kashan during 2008-9. Physicochemical parameters such as, temperature, pH, residual chlorine and turbidity of the pools were studied. Samples were tested for the presence of parasitic and fungal contamination by specific mediums. The residual chlorine in 71% of samples was standard. The average pH level was 7.7 and 88% of samples were standard. No parasite and free living amoebae were observed. The prevalence of saprophytic and opportunistic fungi was 42% in surface and 12% in depth, which was not significant in different swimming pools [P=0.95]. Twelve species of saprophytic and opportunistic fungi were isolated; the highest and the lowest number of species were aspergillus [50%] and fusarium [3.7%], respectively. The residual chlorine in fungal contamination between swimming pools was less than standard [P=0.014]. Although no parasites and free living amoebae were observed in Kashan's swimming pools, the prevalence of saprophytic and opportunistic fungi was relatively high. Such condition may be attributed to low concentration of residual chlorine, inadequate water treatment and water high temperature

[ comparison of life style with body mass index [BMI] of loss and more then 25 in individuals between 20-65 years in Shahrekord city]

The present study aimed to compare the habits and features of obese [BMI>25] and normal [BM<25] individuals and express a method to ameliorate the life styles using a cross-sectional experiment. Two groups of case [n=110] and control [n=100] subjects were randomly selected. The samples were then divided into two groups [obese and normal], respectively. For each group, BMI was calculated. It the obtained BMI was >25 kg/m[2] then it was designated in the case group [obese]. Samples with BMI between 2-25 kg/m[2] were assigned into the control [normal] group. The miller-Smith life style questionnaires were used for both groups. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and t-tests. No significant differences were found between the two groups tested in terms of the mean age, gender, level of education, marital status insurance, the length of sleep during 24h, cigarette smoking and losing job or spouse. However, a significant relation was found in using vegetables, sausage, fried potatoes, enriched breads, low fat milk, low salt, candies and chocolates [P<0.05]. The present study suggests that on way to control obesity and prevent diseases is to ameliorate the life styles with education to people

[Assessing the quality of work life, productivity of nurses and their relationship]

High quality of work life is known as basic prerequisite of empowering human resources in healthcare system. Nurses' productivity plays an important role in organizations' success. Knowing the correlation between quality of work life and productivity, managers can improve staffs' productivity by promoting nurses' quality of work life. This study aimed at assessing relationships between quality of work life and productivity of nurses. This cross-sectional correlation study was conducted with a random sample of 360 nurses drawn from hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires containing work quality of life questionnaire [45 questions on a likert rating scale] and productivity questionnaire [25 questions on a likert rating scale]. Both questionnaires were developed by the researchers. All statistics were computed using the SPSS software [version 13] with pearson and K square tests. Findings revealed that 31.9% of the nurses considered their productivity level, moderate. 41.9% of them reported their work quality of life at moderate level. Only 10% of them believed that their work quality of life is good. The results demonstrated statistically significant correlation between work quality of life and productivity level of nurses [r=0.357, P<0.001]. Since just 0.1 of nurses reported their productivity and quality of work life good, managers should apply the appropriate strategies to promote nurses' quality of work life and provide the ground for improving the quality of care and productivity of nurses

[Effect of cardiac rehabilitation program's first phase on anxiety in patients with coronary arteries bypass surgery]

It is important to measure the anxiety level in patients who undergo heart surgery and find out ways to relief it. This study aimed to determine the effect of cardiac rehabilitation program's first phase on the level of anxiety among patients hospitalized for coronary arteries bypass surgery. In this randomized clinical trial, sixty patients were selected using block sampling and randomly allocated into experimental and control groups. Data were gathered using a questionnaire including the spiel burger's standardized questionnaire. The level of anxiety was measured in both groups. Then, the first phase of cardiac rehabilitation program [including physical exercise, and daily living activities] was carried out in the experimental group. Finally, patients in the experimental group discussed their experiences of surgery. Control group Patients received usual care. The level of anxiety was measured in both groups the day before surgery and at the time of discharge. Data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square, and Friedman tests in SPSS. Findings showed that the level of anxiety had no significant differences between two groups at the time of admission. After implementing the rehabilitation program, the level of anxiety decreased significantly [P < 0.001] in the experimental group. Significant differences were observed in the level of anxiety between two groups after intervention [P=0.015] and at the time of discharge [P=0.038]. This procedure should be used in surgery patients

[Biosorption of lead by active biomass of fungi isolated from lead polluted effluent and soil]

Lead is one of the heavy metals which releases into water and soil resources through industrial wastes and poses serious harmful effects on human health. This study was conducted to determine the biosorption capacity of lead by active biomass of lead resistant fungi. In this study the lead -resistant fungi were isolated from effluent of Zanjan Lead and Zinc factory and lead biosorption capacities of isolated fungi were studied by biosorption experiments. A collection of fungi colony was isolated in SDA media and then every colony was cultured in separate media. The fungi colonies were identified via morphological characteristics and Lacto phenol Caten Blue. The MIC of fungi was determined and their lead biosorption capacities were measured by culturing the fungi in SDB media that were polluted with 50-200 mg/L of lead. The isolated fungi were one Spp. of Rhizopus, two Spp. of Penicillium and one Spp. of Aspergillus. The MIC of Rhizopus was 2500 and for others was 3000 mg/L. The maximum lead biosorption capacities were 51,5, 19.2, 25.6 and 12.5 [mg per g of dry weight of fungi biomass] for Rhizopus, two Spp. Of Penicillium and Aspergillus respectively. The maximum lead biosorption capacity of Penicillium and one Spp. of Aspergillus was higher than 70%, thus biosorption of lead is an efficient method for treatment of lead polluted effluents

[Measuring and investigation of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in species of linum ssp.]

Linolenic acid [omega 3] and linoleic acid [omega 6] are essential fatty acids that our body cannot synthesis them, so these fatty acids should be taken via foods. The aim of this study was measuring of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in species of linum ssp. Seed samples of linum ssp. including: L.usitatissimum L., L. strictum L., L. mucronatum Bertol, L. nodiflorum L., L. bienne Mill and L. austriacum L. were selected from Agricultural source researches center of West Azarbaijan and grown in its research farm. Oil content was measured using Leiboritz method in three replications. The amounts of fatty acids were detected and measured by gas chromatography. This study indicated; all of investigated Linum species except one species, had more amounts of omega 3 fatty acids content than other oilseeds and all of the wild Linum species had more amounts of omega 6 fatty acids content in comparison with crop species. Oil of the crop Linum had better quality and quantity than oil of the other oil seeds, also these wild species were suitable cases for biotechnological projects and elevate amounts of omega 6 essential fatty acids of crop species

[ survey on quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction, referred to Shahrekord Hagar hospital in 2005]

Myocardial infarction [MI] is a common and dangerous disorder that threat people life and affects their quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess quality of life in patients with MI were referring to Shahrekord Hagar hospital. In this descriptive and analytical study, 150 patients who suffered from MI, were selected as sample from CCU patients in Shahrekord Hagar hospital. Via interview and referring to patients files data were collected using two sectional questionnaire that included demographic characteristic and standard questionnaire [SF36]. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Mean age of the patients was 55.7 +/- 10.5 and quality of life in majority of subjects under investigation was fairly favorite [53%]. Quality of life in majority of samples in general status [62%], social and occupational [65%] or sleep [61%] status was favorite. However, physical activity in 62% of samples was unfavorite. There was a meaningful correlation between period of diseases and quality of life [P<0.05]. But there was no relation between other demographic variations such as: age, gender and marital status, occupational or economical status and the quality of life. Also there is a meaningful relation between general status, social status, sleep status or physical activity with quality of life [P<0.05]. Medical staffs, especially nurses should pay attention to all dimensions of quality of life in planning care in MI patients. Because unacceptable attention to all these dimensions may cause disturbance in patients' quality of life

[Prevalence of haemophilus influenzae biotypes and their clinical significance]

Haemophilus influenza can lead to several infections in humans. For example it can lead to meningitis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, cellulitis, bacteremia, septic arthritis and conjunctivitis. H. influenza can be classified into seven biotypes independent of their serotypes. Biotypes are determined by three tests including indol production, urease and ornithine decarboxylase. As specific biotypes are associated with different types of infections, sources and antimicrobial resistance patterns, this study was designed to evaluate biotyping in H.influenza and its relationship with the type of infection. In an 18 month period from April 2005 to September 2006, all clinical specimens that were candidate for Haemophilus isolation, were cultured on standard chocolate agar and blood agar with staphylococcal streak technique. Those isolates that showed the phenomenon of satellitism were biotyped by indol production, urease and ornithine decarboxylation tests. From 24 samples positive for Haemophilus influenza, 11 were isolated from eyes, 11 from paranasal sinuses, one from cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] and one from blood. The isolates from sinuses belonged to the biotype III, the biotype of 6 of the eye isolates was II and that of the other 5 biotypes were III, and the isolates from blood were type I. Another biotype was not isolated from these samples. In other studies, biotype I was the most frequently isolated biotype from CSF and blood. Biotypes II and III have been isolated from the eyes and sputum. The relationship between biotypes II and III in conjunctivitis is well documented. In this study, the most frequently isolated biotypes from conjunctivitis samples were II and III, type III was also common in sinusitis. Biotype IV has been isolated from genital tracts. Due to correlation of biotype and antimicrobial resistance, biotyping is recommended in Haemophilus isolates

Evaluation of technical, protective and technological operation of radiologists in hospitals of Mazandaran medical science universities

Radiology unit has an important role in the diagnosis of many disorders, along with providing suitable and high quality pictures. A good picture is provided using a correct technical criteria and suitable circumstance of patient. Finally, operation and knowledge of radiology personnels directly has a primary role in the determination of radiography quality. This study was done in order to determine personnel operation in the units of hospitals radiologist, related to Universities of Mazandaran Medical Science. Data collection tools, made a researcher check list that was used after getting suitable letter and validity indices. All of the 73 personnels of the radiology unit related to Mazandaran Medical Science were studied. 35 operations [in technical, protective and technological fields], in any of personnel in three distinct shifts were observed and recorded. All of them were tested about these three fields with 40 questions. The total obtained scores from personnels in technical pad in the morning, evening and night shift were 66.4, 53.9 and 60.2 percents. Received scores from personnels in protective fields were 68.1, 59.5 and 60.2 percents, while received scores from personnels in Technological operation fields were 47.8, 39.95 and 43.65 percents. Comparison of these three scores in technical, protective and Technological operation fields showed a meaningful difference [p<0.05]. The total quality of personnels operations were nearly desirable and in need of continuous education, supervision and evaluation. Emphasizing protection to beams, accessibility of necessary tools and continuous supervision regarding usage of these equipments and respecting other security points have important role in reducing patients absorbed doses

[Effect of training regarding puberty on knowledge, attitude and practice of 12-14 year old girls]

Introduction: This study was conducted in attention to the low level of knowledge and information of adolescent girls regarding physical and psychological changes and also the importance of reproductive health to adolescent girls as one of the health priorities

Objectives: The objective of this study were to assess the effect of training and also to determine the appropriate strategies of adolescent health education to 12-14 year old girls of Semnan

Material and Methods: This study was done as a field trial through educational intervention among two groups, composed of 370 girls from Semnan as a group with training and 372 girls from Damghan without training in two phases before/ after education and then the knowledge, attitude and practice of the two groups were compared

Results: Comparison of the results before and after educational intervention between two groups showed that the girls' knowledge about puberty before intervention was insufficient and had false beliefs, but training corrected their information. Also it has been shown that the proper and effective method of adolescent education is the strategy of training via their family especially through their mothers. This strategy was accepted by families and 85% of girls emphasized on this method. According to the need assessment, educational modules were prepared for early adolescence age group girls [10-14 years old]

Conclusion: The results show that the cultural obstacles and difficulties concerning reproduction education can be diminished to its minimum and successfully transferred. In attention to obtained results, it is suggested to start training from younger ages [9-10 year olds] in girls and extending that to older girls and with proper strategy educate adolescent boys

effect of continuous-educational program in interferon therapy on quality of life in patients suffering from Hepatitis B and C

The most effective therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C and B is combined therapy with interferon. These treatments, however, cause varying degrees of adverse effects; which may negatively affect the patients' vitality, social activity, and ability to work. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of an educational program about using interferon, properly, self-management of side effects and follow up on the quality of life of the patients with hepatitis B and C. This semi-experimental study was performed on patients with chronic hepatitis B and C subjected to interferon therapy, in Tehran hepatitis center. Sixty patients selected by available sampling method were divided randomly into two equal groups of control and case. Data was gathered using demographic information questionnaire [DIQ] and the specific chronic liver disease questionnaire [CLDQ]. The educational program consisted of four 45-minute sessions. Then the patients were followed up for 28 weeks. Quality of life of the patients was assessed before and 28 weeks after the educational program and interferon therapy. Quality of life of the two groups was compared using Chi- Square. Manwitny and Wilkakson tests. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic characteristics between the two groups. The quality of life of the case group was increased [p<0.001] but did not change in the control group. After 28 weeks, all the checked aspects of the life, except activity, were significantly different between the two groups. Also, the rate of treatment stopping in the control group was 4 times more than that in the control one. The results showed that educational programs improve the quality of life of the interferon-therapy patients

Application of social desirability scale in association with NEO test for personnel selection

This study aimed to make and validate the Social Desirability scale [lie detecting scale] for NEO PI-R test. Twenty-two statements of Social desirability were selected and combined with the marginal NEO PI-R test. The test was administered on 285 job applicants. After factor analysis, 15 statements were selected. The subjects were categorized into three groups based on the means and SD of the NEO PI-R scores and were compared with 79 incumbents as controls. The lowest intergroups difference was seen on Openness, and the most difference was seen on Conscientiousness. The incumbents' scores on the Neuroticism and Agreeableness domains did not differ from the low scorers in Social Desirability. The high scorers on Social Desirability tended to show more stable and conscientious than the low scorers. There was no significant correlation between Social Desirability scores and Extroversion and Openness. However, other domains were significantly correlated with Social Desirability scores. Social Desirability scale could differentiate between those who want to fake good and Those who are honest in responding to NEOPI-R. The findings also revealed that in the profile of those who tend to fake good, Extroversion and Openness domain scores can be safely accepted while the other domain scores of these subjects must be interpreted with caution

Evaluation of availability, accessibility and prescribing pattern of medicines in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Prescribing, dispensing, availability and affordability of drugs were evaluated in 100 primary health care centres in 5 provinces of the Islamic Republic of Iran using WHO indicators. On average, 92% of the 12 essential drugs monitored were available in the health centre pharmacies and 95% of the drugs prescribed by the physician were dispensed by the health centre pharmacy. The stock-out duration was less than 1 month on average. A complete treatment for pneumonia cost only 2% of the lowest weekly government salary. The national average number of drugs per prescription was 3.4. Prescription of antibiotics and injectable drugs was very high [58% and 41% respectively]. Although availability and affordability of essential drugs is good in this country, rational use of drugs needs to be emphasized

Circadian biological rhythm of normal deliveries

Uterine contractions are considerably more frequent in night in compare with day. Base on a research out of 39628 recorded contractions, 67% of them happened between 8:00 pm to 8:00 am. Base on this circadian special rhythm of uterine contractions, delivery frequency should more during night. Probably special rhythm of uterine contractions and deliveries are due to oxytocin secretion. Since knowing the exact and precise frequency of deliveries and circadian and yearly delivery rhythm is important in many aspects [proper assigning of personnel and facilities for duty hours, precise determination of circadian delivery rhythm and correlation of various factors such as age of mother, parity, sex and weight of neonate, ...] this research has been designed. For this purpose, for doing the research, we choose Zeinabiyeh Hospital which is the main Obs. and Gyn. Hospital in Shiraz and all present information were gathered and collected regarding normal delivery in 1998 which included 3868 cases of normal delivery. In total of deliveries 51.4% of cases were boy and 48.6% of cases were girl [ratio of boy to girl was 106:100]. Mean weight of babies in this research was 3117 +/- 599 gram and mean age of mothers was 23.9 +/- 6.1 years. In 45% of cases, mother was primiparous. In 1% of total deliveries, twin and in 0.1% of cases were triple reports. Birth percentage in different seasons of year did not show any special differences but frequent deliveries were reported between 1:00 am to 8:00 am which was significantly more than 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 24:00 [p < 0.00001]. The peak of deliveries was at 3:00 am. Variants such as age of mother, parity, sex and weight of mother did not have any correlation with circadian rhythm. In this research it has been shown that circadian rhythm of normal deliveries has high frequency between1:00 am to 8:00am [39%]. Base on results of this research and similar researches done over frequency of delivery contractions, it is necessary to design precise researches to determine correlation of circadian rhythm of delivery contractions and body hormones [especially oxytocin]