[Evaluation of exposure to carcinogenic agents in Tehran citizens]

Cancer is a major health problem worldwide. Several factors are involved in cancer. However the role of environmental factors is more prominent. Modification of these factors into proper behavior would help to prevent cancer. Accordingly this study was done with the aim of evaluating the exposure to carcinogenic agents in Tehran citizens. It was a descriptive, cross- sectional survey. The sample consisted of 2500 Tehran citizens who were recruited by systematic cluster random sampling. Data was collected by a researcher- made instrument with five parts including demographic information, and questions regarding alcohol and tobacco use, radiation exposure, exposure to chemical agents, and reaction to stress. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS-PC [v. 11.5]. The result showed that10% of the sample had consumed alcohol, 16% were Smokers. 22% were encountered U.V, 88/4% had not contact with chemical agents at work place. 94/4% were not taking oral contraceptives. The majority of Tehran citizens [45/8%] got angry sometimes. Most of Tehran Citizens exposed to carcinogenic agents, especially radiation, cigarette smoke, chemicals and with less intensity with stressors. Due to alcohol being forbidden in Islam, no clear information is available about its consumption. To educate people about the carcinogenic agents can be helpful

Pain management: patients' perspective

Pain relief is an integral part of nursing care and an appreciated outcome of nursing actions. Pain is one of the most common problems in postoperative period. This article is part of a larger study which aimed to explore patients' perspective of pain and pain management. Annually, more than hundreds of million people undergo surgical operations experiencing postoperative pain. Although a number of researches and discussion papers have explored the issue, the current study has explored patients' perspective about postoperative pain management, a subject that have rarely been studied. A qualitative approach was adopted. Data was collected via semi- structured interviews and participations' observations. A purposive sample of ten surgical patients and four companions [relatives] were selected from two educational health centers. Data analysis uncovered a number of themes. The themes related to patients' perspective about pain management is subject of this paper. The other five themes of pain management were: watching over by personnel and availability, humanistic approach, presenting information and patient education, communication and patient's participation, considering patient integrity, and ambivalence between expression of pain and reluctance. The findings of this study help personnel to know the patients and their needs better and to find what pain management means to them. Consequently, nurses can plan, imply and evaluate nursing interventions most appropriately