Incidence and maternal-fetal risk factors of stillbirth. A population-based historical cohort and a nested casecontrol study.

Background: For parents, stillbirth is a tragic experience; thus, identifying the associated risk factors can be beneficial in order to prevent this event. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with stillbirth. Methods: In this historical cohort study, a total of 18,129 birth records were investigated. The outcome variable was having or not having stillbirth. For each case of stillbirth, three live birth infants on the same day and same hospital were selected as controls, which were matched for gestational age. The data were collected using a researcher-made checklist. Finally, data were analyzed using STATA, 13.0 with Cox proportional hazards regression model at the significance level of 0.05. Results: The cumulative incidence of stillbirth was 9.48 per 1,000 live births. Based on multivariate Cox regression model, five risk factors for stillbirth were identified, including male gender, fetal diseases, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and maternal hypothyroidism, (all hazard ratios > 1 and p<0.05), and - for the first time in Iran - maternal hypothyroidism, oligohydramnios, and polyhydramnios were shown as risk factors for stillbirth, which were not evaluated in any previous study. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that some maternal and fetal risk factors can be recognized as predictors of stillbirth, which might help to detect and prevent high-risk parents at early stages in order to avoid adverse health consequences in the mother and her neonate.

The effect of musculoskeletal problems on fatigue and productivity of office personnel: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) can impact on fatigue and productivity of office workers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of musculoskeletal problems on fatigue and productivity among office personnel. METHODS: This study was performed on 101 Iranian office workers. Data were gathered through a demographic questionnaire, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Numeric Rating Scale, Persian version of Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale, and Persian version of Health and Work Questionnaire. RESULTS: The results revealed that the highest prevalence rates of musculoskeletal symptoms in the past week were related to neck (41.6%), lower back (41.6%), and shoulders (40.6%). The mean score of discomfort/pain was 1.67, 1.55, and 1.31 in the neck, lower back, and shoulders, respectively. Additionally, the severity of discomfort/pain in neck, shoulders, lower back, and thighs was correlated to total fatigue. The severity of discomfort/pain in neck, lower back, buttock, and thighs was also correlated to the concentration/focus subscale of productivity. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of working conditions is suggested to reduce musculoskeletal problems and fatigue and enhance productivity.

Musculoskeletal Problems in Iranian Hand-Woven Shoe-Sole Making Operation and Developing Guidelines for Workstation Design.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among important health problems in working population. Because of performing difficult physical activities, hand-woven shoe-sole makers are at risk of developing various types of MSDs. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in different body areas of hand-woven shoe-sole makers, assess workers' postures and workstations, evaluate ergonomic and individual factors associated with MSDs, and develop guidelines for designing hand-woven shoe-sole making workstation. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of MSDs symptoms and their risk factors were studied among 240 hand-woven shoe-sole makers. Working posture and workstations were ergonomically assessed as well. The data were collected through interviewing and using Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and by direct observation of posture using RULA method. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors associated with MSDs symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence and severity of MSDs symptoms were high among the study population. Ergonomic factors including daily working time, working posture, and force exertion, as well as individual factors, such as age, job tenure, and education were significantly associated with MSDs symptoms. CONCLUSION: It seems that the majority of ergonomics shortcomings originate from poorly designed workstation. Some general guidelines for designing shoe-sole making workstation are presented.

Validity and reliability of the Persian (Farsi) version of the Job Content Questionnaire: a study among hospital nurses.

Stress is an increasingly important occupational health problem, even in developing countries suc as the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) is a widely used self-administered to measure dimensions of job stress in the workplace. This study describes the preparation of a Persian (Farsi) language version of the questionnaire (P-JCQ). In the first stage, linguistic validation was done by forward and backward translation. In the psychometric evaluation stage, the reliability and validity of the P-JCQ were explored among 107 hospital nurses in Shiraz city. Cronbach alpha coefficients for decision latitude and psychological job demands scales were 0.54 and 0.58 respectively and ranged from 0.64 to 0.85 for other scales. Exploratory factor analysis showed 3 meaningful factors that could explain support, psychological job demands and physical loads and hazard exposure. The P-JCQ has satisfactory linguistic validity and psychometric properties, provided the recommended factor pattern is used.

Validity and reliability of the Persian [Farsi] version of the Job Content Questionnaire: a study among hospital nurses

Stress is an increasingly important occupational health problem, even in developing countries such as the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Job Content Questionnaire [JCQ] is a widely used self-administered instrument to measure dimensions of job stress in the workplace. This study describes the preparation of a Persian [Farsi] language version of the questionnaire [P-JCQ]. In the first stage, linguistic validation was done by forward and backward translation. In the psychometric evaluation stage, the reliability and validity of the P-JCQ were explored among 107 hospital nurses in Shiraz city. Cronbach alpha coefficients for decision latitude and psychological job demands scales were 0.54 and 0.58 respectively and ranged from 0.64 to 0.85 for other scales. Exploratory factor analysis showed 3 meaningful factors that could explain support, psychological job demands and physical loads and hazard exposure. The P-JCQ has satisfactory linguistic validity and psychometric properties, provided the recommended factor pattern is used

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of the multiple sclerosis quality of life questionnaire.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To translate and test the reliability and validity of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQoL-54) in Iranian MS patients. SETTING AND DESIGN: Using a standard "forward-backward" translation, cognitive debriefing and cultural adaptation procedure, the English version of the MSQoL-54 was translated to Persian which is the Iranian official language. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were multiple sclerosis (MS) patients referred to Motaharri clinic, Shiraz, South of Iran. Demographic data were recorded. Epidemiological data concerning MS type, duration of the disease, Functional System Score (FSS) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of patients were also provided by a qualified neurologist. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Construct validity was assessed through factor analysis. Factor analysis was performed to determine that the Persian version is a two-dimensional measure including physical and mental parameters. RESULTS: Multiple sclerosis patients (female:106 (75.2%), male:35 (24.8%)), with a mean+/-SD age of 32.2+/-9.8 years were enrolled in the study. Cronbach's alpha was 0.962. There were no significant differences between each item and the mean of physical and mental scores of MSQoL-54, regarding sex, marital status and education. There was a negative significant correlation between EDSS and physical health, role limitation due to physical problems, pain, energy, health perception, social function, cognitive function, health distress, overall Quality of Life. The scaling success rates were 100%, demonstrating convergent validity of each scale. Factor analysis confirmed the construct validity of the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire has a good structural characteristic, it is a reliable and valid instrument and can be used for measuring the effect of MS on the Quality of Life.

Sociodemographic factors and age at natural menopause in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran.

With increasing life expectancy, menopause is an increasingly important aspect of women's health. We recorded the age at natural menopause among women in a population-based cross-sectional study in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran, in summer 2000. Interviews with 948 randomly selected menopausal women showed the mean (standard deviation) age at menopause was 48.3 (5.3) years (95% CI: 48.0-48.6), median 49 years. The sociodemographic and health behaviour factors that were significantly related to early mean age of menopause were: never married (44.7 years), low income level (47.4 years), low social class (45.8 years), tobacco use (47.9 years) and non-consanguineous husband (48.1 years).

Sociodemographic factors and age at natural menopause in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran

With increasing life expectancy, menopause is an increasingly important aspect of women's health. We recorded the age at natural menopause among women in a population-based cross-sectional study in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran, in summer 2000. Interviews with 948 randomly selected menopausal women showed the mean [st and ard deviation] age at menopause was 48.3 [5.3] years [95% CI: 48.0-48.6], median 49 years. The sociodemographic and health behaviour factors that were significantly related to early mean age of menopause were: never married [44.7 years], low income level [47.4 years], low social class [45.8 years], tobacco use [47.9 years] and non-consanguineous husb and [48.1 years]