Predictors of colorectal cancer screening intention among Iranian adults: an application of the preventive health model

Objective: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among adults in Iran. Colorectal cancer screening is the effective way in reducing deaths from this cancer. However, the screening rate of colorectal cancer is very low among Iranian adults. This study investigated predictors of Iranian average-risk adults ' intention to take up colorectal cancer screening with fecal occult blood test using a mediator model.Methods: Participants of this cross-sectional study were comprised of 478 average-risk adults who were selected using a national sampling frame in Hamadan city, west of Iran. The data gathering instrument was a questionnaire based on the preventive health model constructs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the relationship using Smart PLS 2.0 softwareResults: All measures were robust in terms of its reliability and validity. Benefit (b= 0.12, p<0.01), self efficacy (b= 0.36, p<0.01), social support (b= 0.12, p<.05) and barriers (b= -0.14, p<.01) predicted the intention to be screened for CRC. Self efficacy partly mediated effects of social support and perceived barriers on intention. The study model explained approximately 24% of the variance in CRC screening intention with fecal occult blood testConclusion: Our findings indicated that the preventive health model constructs such as self efficacy, social support and barriers are useful in understanding CRC screening intentions and can help health planners in developing effective interventions for encouraging Iranian adults to undergo CRC screening

A comparative analysis of road safety across the provinces of Iran from 2005 to 2015

During the most recent decade, Iran has invested in road safety improvement programs and has experienced a reduction in road fatalities, with rates of improvement differing across provinces. Knowing which road safety investments are performing well across provinces is essential for wisely investing in future road safety improvements. This firstly requires identification of successful provinces. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to evaluate the relative performance of Iranian provinces in improving their safety, while accounting for a variety of factors that influence road safety outcomes. To achieve this aim, traffic fatality rates recorded in each province during 2005-2015 were analyzed. The analysis framework involved first estimating a panel data model to control for random variations as well as exogenous factors-in effect providing a safety performance function for provinces. Then, the "expected provincial safety performance" was compared to actual provincial safety performance, to identify "outlying" provinces with respect to safety performance. The results reveal that the fatality rates are positively associated with exposure as captured by per capita fuel consumption, and percentage of undivided two-lane, two-way rural roads, and negatively related to urban to rural population ratio, population density, and hospital beds per 100,000 residents. Moreover, the number of speed cameras per 100 km rural roads is associated with reduced fatality rates. A comparative assessment of provinces over the 11 year period revealed significant differences among the provinces in terms of safety performance in each year as well as safety improvement rates over time

Modeling the effect of operator and passenger characteristics on the fatality risk of motorcycle crashes

BACKGROUND:In Iran more than 25% of crash fatalities belong to motorcycle operators and passengers in the recent years, from which about 20% are related to passenger fatalities. METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate the motorcycle operator and passenger characteristics as well as other contributory factors that may affect the fatality risk of motorcyclists involved in traffic crashes. To this end, motorcycle crash data between 2009 and 2012 was extracted from Iran traffic crash database and a logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain odds ratio estimates for each of the study variables. RESULTS: The fatality risk of motorcyclists has a direct relationship with the number of pillion passengers carried. Results also indicate that the amount of increase in the likelihood of having a fatality in a motorcycles crash is considerably higher when the operator is accompanied by a male passenger of the same age. Furthermore, results showed that if the crash is occurred in the darkness, on curves, in rural areas and on highways, then the crash would be more likely to be fatal. Moreover, the head-on collisions, older operators, unlicensed operators and not using a safety helmet were found to increase the likelihood of a fatality in a motorcycle crash. CONCLUSIONS: Preventative measures such as, imposing stricter rules regarding safety helmet usage and confining the number of pillion passengers to one, might be implemented to reduce the fatality risk in motorcycle crashes. In addition, more appropriate infrastructures for penalizing offending motorcyclists could also reduce the frequency of law violations such as not wearing helmet or riding without motorcycle license, which in turn, would result into a reduction in the fatality risk of motorcycle crashe

Microstructural and mechanical properties of dissimilar aluminum alloys/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite joint via friction stir welding

152-158In this study, AA5083-H116 and AA7075-T6 aluminum alloys are joined by friction stir welding (FSW) and incorporating alumina nanoparticles into the joint to produce an aluminum alloys/Al2O3 nanocomposite. The joining process is carried out by using a square pin profile tool at rotational and traverse speeds of 800 rpm and 50 mm/min, respectively. Microstructural investigation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) are revealed a clustered structure that consists of Al2O3-rich and Al2O3-free areas in the stir zone (SZ). Besides, it is observed that the grain size of the joint is reduced after addition of nanoparticles. Moreover, owing to the presence of Al2O3 nanoparticles, the resultant hardness profile shows the superior hardness of the reinforcement-included specimen, while the ultimate tensile strength and percentage of elongation are reduced

A bivariate random effects spatial model of traffic fatalities and injuries across Provinces of Iran

From 2005–2015, Iran has experienced a 41.3 % decrease in road fatalities and an 11.1 % increase in non-fatal injuries. However, the trend differs across Iran provinces, and hence identifying factors that relate to road fatality and injury counts is an essential tool for improving road safety management programs and policies in the provinces. In this study, a statistical model was developed within a Bayesian framework with the aim of examining the annual fatal and non-fatal injury counts in the provinces of Iran during the period 2005–2015. Specifically, a bivariate spatial negative binomial Bayesian model with random effects was specified and estimated to account for unobserved heterogeneity due to the simultaneity effect between fatal and non-fatal injuries, the presence of province-specific factors, and the spatial correlation between neighboring provinces. All the three effects were found to significantly relate to the frequency of both injury types. Results also indicated that overall fuel consumption and share of diesel fuel consumed were positively related to fatal and non-fatal injuries. Higher population proportions of under 15, and 15−30 years of age were found to be positively associated with fatalities and negatively with non-fatal injuries. Furthermore, the annual number of hot-spots modified per 100 km of rural roads is associated with a decrease in fatalities. Results also suggest that the number of speed cameras operating on rural roads (within a province) might significantly decrease both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Accordingly, the implementation of active and targeted hot spot programs as well as speed camera programs are likely to improve safety performance of the provinces, and help to prioritize area-wide safety initiatives and programs

Comparison between the Impact of Video Instructions and Traditional Training on FBS Control in Type 2 Diabetics, Hamadan: A model based intervention

Background: Diabetes is a chronic progressive disorder that imposes negative effects on various aspects of an individual's life. This study was conducted to compare the effect of video instructions in comparison with traditional training on glucose control in type 2 diabetic patients of Hamadan. Methods: In this experimental study, 120 patients with type 2 diabetes who referred to diabetes center of Hamadan were divided into two groups: intervention and control. Data collection tool was a questionnaire based on health belief model completed by interviewing before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention. In addition, the serum levels of HbA1c were measured before and three months after the study. Intervention was conducted on three groups of 20 participants using video playback as well as question and answer sessions. Data were analyzed by SPSS21 using Friedman, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: This study revealed a significant difference in the median of knowledge, perceived threat, perceived benefits, and barriers in the intervention group immediately and three months after the intervention. HbA1c levels decreased after the intervention but this change was not significant. Three months after the intervention, in the intervention group both physicians and video were the most effective cues to action. Conclusion: Instructional videos for diabetes education can have a positive impact on healthy lifestyle in Patients with type 2 diabetes. It was concluded that decrease in HbA1c level needs longer intervention period; more than three months