INTRODUCING A NEW HSE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR IRAN AIRPORTS (CASE STUDY: MEHRABAD AIRPORT)

Abstract. Nowadays, demands for air travel and transportation have become one of the undeniable human needs. On the other hand, negative effects of this technology on the human health and his environment have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this research is to introduce a novel framework for HSE management of the airports of Iran. So, Mehrabad airport as the most important airport of the capital Tehran, was selected as the case study. In this research, by integrating William Fine’s procedure with other methods, the activities and operations in the airport were evaluated and the most important risks were carefully identified and weighted. Then, by preparing a atrix and integrating the elements of environment, Health and safety management risks, four tools of “prevention, reduction, transfer, and acceptance” were introduced to manage the risks of the airport. The results of the study showed that in Mehrabad airport, noise and air pollutions are above the limits allowed by the standards. Furthermore, some other factors such as ergonomic, thermal, mechanical and physical factors of the work environment as well as personnel activities showed some standard deviations. Therefore, corrective measures were proposed based onmedical reports and experts' viewpoints for each of them. By implementing the proposed framework in the airports of Iran, a major part of damaging factors will be recognized, entirely omitted or reached to the expected standard ranges.Keywords: Mehrabad, Airport, HSE management, William Fine method

Development and validation of the tool for the evaluation of the behavioral factors affecting the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in Iranian students

Background: This study was conducted with the aim of developing a standard and valid questionnaire to evaluate the behavioral factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders among adolescent students based on the educational and ecological diagnosis phase of the PRECEDE model. Methods: Based on the PRECEDE model and by using available resources and a panel of experts, a reservoir of items was proposed. The content validity of the questions was measured using content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). 400 Iranian first-year female high school students completed the questionnaire. The construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results: The age range of study students was 13.69 ± 0.86 years. The final developed questionnaire included 25 items in three dimensions: knowledge (9 items), attitude (10 items) and enabling factors (6 items). The mean scores of CVI and CVR were 0.97 and 0.92, respectively. The results of CFA confirmed the three-factor structure of the questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the dimensions of knowledge, attitude and enabling factors were 0.65, 0.80 and 0.71, respectively. Conclusion: The present questionnaire had appropriate psychometric properties and could be used as a valid tool in evaluating the factors affecting the development of musculoskeletal disorders among adolescent students

Alleviating work-family conflict for female employees in Iran: the effect of a multimedia training intervention

Work-family conflict can lead to irreparable losses to individuals, families and organizations. This matter is especially important for married working women who cannot eschew home responsibilities. To consider an appropriate intervention for this issue, we investigated the effect of a one-month intervention on support from the workplace and the family, individual characteristics and work-family conflict. This quasi-experimental longitudinal study includes an intervention group and a control group, and uses a pre-test, post-test and 6-months follow up design. Participants were 120 married women working in healthcare services, recruited from two cities in South Iran. The web-based multimedia educational program comprised four modules: one for each of the women participants, their spouses, their co-workers, and their workplace supervisors. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, and co-worker support, supervisor social support, spouse support, core self-evaluation and work-family conflict questionnaires. The effect of the intervention was examined at two post-intervention time points. A comparison of changes in mean scores between the intervention and control groups indicated that scores of supervisor support, spouse support, core self-evaluation and work-family conflict in the intervention group one month and six months after the intervention were all significantly improved compared to before the intervention. There was no benefit of the intervention in terms of a change in co-worker support. There was no significant difference across the three time points in the control group. These results confirm that online educational methods can enable health promotion professionals to reduce work-family conflict to the benefit of both employees and organizations

Gender Differences in the Effect of Resilience Training on Emotional Intelligence in At-Risk Students in Shiraz, Iran

Background: The current study examined the effectivenessof resilience trainingon emotionalintelligence(EI) and assessedgender differences in this regard among adolescents living in the outskirts of Shiraz, Iran. Methods: This pre-post study included 191 students and used an intervention consisting of nine resilience-training sessions. The evaluated outcomes were EI and its 15 components. The paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 191 students, 88 (46.1%) were boys. Before and after the intervention, the mean EI score for boys was 312.52 ± 37.79 and 327.31 ± 37.75, while for girls, it was 310.74 ± 30.05 and 312.20 ± 29.51, respectively. Following the intervention, the scores of boys in problem-solving (P = 0.007), happiness (P = 0.001), emotional self-awareness (P = 0.044), optimism (P = 0.029), self-regard (P = 0.046), impulse control (P = 0.013), and social responsibility (P = 0.042), as well as the total score of EI (P = 0.005), increased significantly. However, only the optimism score (P = 0.004) rose significantly in girls post-intervention. In addition, there were significant differences in the mean of problem-solving (P = 0.006), happiness (P = 0.001), impulse control (P = 0.042), and the total score (P = 0.035) between boys and girls, before and after the intervention. Conclusions: Resilience training may help moderate high-risk behaviors among adolescents living on the outskirts of Iran’s major cities, particularly boys. Based on the gender differences in EI components, it was suggested that female adolescents required significantly more attention. Nonetheless, gender differences in EI components were contentious, and it was concluded that a variety of factors, including the socio-cultural context, may be involved. Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Gender Differences, Iran, Resilience, Student

Dietary patterns, nutrition, and risk of breast cancer: a case-control study in the west of Iran

OBJECTIVES Unhealthy dietary patterns are the most important changeable risk factors for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of breast cancer among under-50 year women in the west of Iran. METHODS All women under 50 years old with pathologically confirmed breast cancer between 2013 and 2015 who were referred to oncology clinics in the west of Iran, and 408 under-50 women referred to other outpatient clinics who were without breast or other cancers at the time of the study and 2 years later were selected as the control group. The data were collected using the middle-aged periodical care form of the Iranian Ministry of Health and analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression in Stata. RESULTS The most powerful risk factor for breast cancer was fried foods; the odds ratio of consuming fried foods more than once a month for breast cancer was 4.5 (95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 9.4). A dose-response model indicated that increasing vegetable and fruit consumption up to 90 servings per month decreased the odds of breast cancer, but consuming more than 90 servings per month increased the risk. CONCLUSIONS Inadequate consumption of vegetables and consumption of soft drinks, industrially produced juices, fried foods, and sweets were identified as risk factors for breast cancer. In response to these findings, it is necessary to raise awareness and to provide education about healthy diets and the need to change unhealthy dietary patterns

Prevalence and Correlates of Psychiatric Disorders in a National Survey of Iranian Children and Adolescents

Objective: Considering the impact of rapid sociocultural, political, and economical changes on societies and families, population-based surveys of mental disorders in different communities are needed to describe the magnitude of mental health problems and their disabling effects at the individual, familial, and societal levels. Method: A population-based cross sectional survey (IRCAP project) of 30 532 children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years was conducted in all provinces of Iran using a multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected by 250 clinical psychologists trained to use the validated Persian version of the semi-structured diagnostic interview Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-PL (K-SADS-PL). Results: In this national epidemiological survey, 6209 out of 30 532 (22.31%) were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder. The anxiety disorders (14.13%) and behavioral disorders (8.3%) had the highest prevalence, while eating disorders (0.13%) and psychotic symptoms (0.26%) had the lowest. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was significantly lower in girls (OR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80-0.90), in those living in the rural area (OR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.73-0.87), in those aged 15-18 years (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86-0.99), as well as that was significantly higher in those who had a parent suffering from mental disorders (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.63-2.36 for mother and OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.07-1.66 for father) or physical illness (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.17-1.35 for mother and OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.10-1.28 for father). Conclusion: About one fifth of Iranian children and adolescents suffer from at least one psychiatric disorder. Therefore, we should give a greater priority to promoting mental health and public health, provide more accessible services and trainings, and reduce barriers to accessing existing services

Knowledge, Attitude, and Intention of Rural Elderly About Influenza Preventive Behaviors, Fasa, Iran, 2019

Background & Aims: Influenza is one of the leading causes of death in the world, especially in the elderly. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and intention of rural elderly about influenza prevention behaviors. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study was performed on 140 rural older people who were selected by multi-stage random sampling in Fasa, Iran. A questionnaire was developed to inform about individuals’ knowledge, attitude, and practice on influenza prevention measures. Data were analyzed using frequency descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test by SPSS-21. Results: A total of 61 men (mean age of 69.32 ± 6.81) and 71 women (mean age of 69.04 ± 7.52) responded to the questionnaire. The mean score of knowledge in women (6.8 ± 2.1) was significantly higher than in men (5.8 ± 2.7). The mean score of knowledge in illiterate people (6.45 ± 2.43) compared to literate people (6.08 ± 2.58) showed no significant differences. In addition, the differences between the mean score of attitudes in both men (5.67 ± 5.67) and women (6.05 ± 29.59) were not significant. Likewise, there were no significant differences between the mean scores of attitudes in the literate (28.74 ± 5.74) and illiterate (29.87 ± 5.89) elderly. The mean scores of intention in men and women were 6.18 ± 1.76 and 6.13 ± 1.53, respectively, which was not significantly different. Finally, the mean scores of intention in literate (5.85 ± 2.14) and illiterate (6.25 ± 1.42) participants were not significantly different. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude, and intention of rural elderly about influenza prevention behaviors are not satisfactory, and large-scale educational interventions are required in this regard, especially in rural areas

Explaining the degree of influence of Iran on the new role of China in the Persian Gulf region

Introduction In the post-Cold War era, the international system continues to undergo a state of transition. In the emerging geopolitical landscape, the West Asia, and specifically the Persian Gulf region, occupies a unique role in the policy of major powers (e.g., the USA and China), thanks to its special geopolitical, geostrategic, and geo-economic significance, alongside its stable oil and gas reserves. China, as a growing East Asian country, has increasingly directed its focus towards strategic regions, such as the Persian Gulf, in recent decades. This shift is driven by China’s growing need to maximize its increasing power. China’s critical need for fossil resources has been a primary driver compelling the Chinese political elite to consider the Persian Gulf as a pivotal region in their foreign policy. To be more specific, since the late 1980s, China has been reliant on oil imports to sustain its economic growth and move up the global power hierarchy. This fundamental issue has, in turn, prompted Beijing to adopt a pragmatic and non-ideological perspective to consider closer collaboration with major energy actors such as the Islamic Republic of Iran (in opposition to Washington) and Saudi Arabia (in alignment with Washington). Relying on a descriptive–analytical approach, the present study endeavored to address the questions of what role China assumes in the economic and political future of the Persian Gulf region, and how it can impact Iran’s national interests.Literature Review In “China–Iran Relations Through the Prism of Sanctions,” Scita (2022) explains how China has dealt with the sanctions imposed on Iran. Scita not only delves into Beijing’s response and approach to the imposed sanctions, but also assesses the extent to which China complies with the these sanctions. The author notably argues that China–Iran relations are influenced by their relations with the US as well as their status in the international arena. In their article titled “Iran, China and the Persian Gulf: An Unfolding Engagement,” Shariatinia and Kermani (2022) address the question of how Iran views China’s growing involvement in the Persian Gulf region, particularly in light of China’s strong ties with Iran’s primary regional competitors.Materials and MethodsNeoclassical realists posit that a country’s ambitions are primarily shaped by the capabilities of its government in the realm of foreign policy, as well as by its position in the international system. They contend that a government’s relative capability in mobilizing domestic resources forms the basis for formulating a balanced strategy in the international scene. In this light, it can be observed that conditions are indeed conducive to China’s economic growth and realization of its potential, owing to the recent significant changes in China’s foreign and domestic policies and the ensuing normalization of relations between this growing Asian country and the capitalist West. China’s vast geographic expanse, a population numbering in billions, the young and large workforce, and efficient management, have enabled China to achieve rapid and substantial economic growth. For over four decades, China has consistently maintained remarkable economic growth, averaging around 8%. However, to sustain the economic growth, China needs access to foreign markets, cheap and abundant raw materials, and notably, energy resources. Focusing on a country’s domestic capacitates and the structure of the international system (i.e., possibilities and limitations), the theory of neoclassical realism can explain the overt and covert competition between Washington and Beijing in the Persian Gulf.Results and Discussion The analysis revealed two scenarios about China’s presence in the Persian Gulf and its impact on Iran. The first scenario pertains to the maintenance of the status quo. In this case, the USA would continue its presence in the Persian Gulf region. If the Arab nations in the Persian Gulf trust the American presence and the alliance commitments, and the US exerts more pressure on its regional partners, it is conceivable that strategic industrial cooperation with China may be halted somehow without further progress. The second scenario revolves around the decline of the US presence in West Asia, including the Persian Gulf region. This essentially signifies the dominance of the Great Power Competition doctrine and the strategic prioritization of the Indo–Pacific region, specifically China, in American foreign policy.ConclusionWhat is particularly noteworthy here is the fact that the nature of the strategic relations between China and the countries in the Persian Gulf has not only placed the US in a strategic quandary in the region but has also significantly influenced Tehran–Beijing relations. Not solely relying on Iran to achieve all its regional objectives, China has tried to diversify and deepen its relations with the Arab countries in the region in order to diversify its energy supply sources. However, this approach does not imply ignoring Iran. China, given its strategic stance, has consistently aimed to maintain the most positive relations possible with Tehran, albeit at a more limited level. The findings point to the conclusion that China’s approach to the Persian Gulf region should not be viewed solely in terms of the energy economy and cooperation in the energy sector. It is also essential to analyze its implications within the context of regional security and solidarity. In fact, the Persian Gulf is recognized both as a focal point for global energy production and distribution, and one of the most unstable parts of the world

Effectiveness of Educational Intervention Based on Transtheoretical Model on Physical Activity and Menopausal Symptoms

Introduction. Menopause is an inevitable part of women’s lives. Physical activity as nonhormonal therapy can decrease the symptoms of menopause. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of educational intervention based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) on physical activity and menopausal symptoms of female clients of the health center in Pasargad City, Iran. Methods. This quasi-experimental study was performed on 140 females admitted to health center of Pasargad City, Fars Province, Iran (intervention=70 and control=70). The data collection tool consisted of demographic data, menopause rating scale, international physical activities questionnaire, and TTM questionnaire (stages of change, processes of change, decision-making balance, and self-efficacy) that were completed before and two months after intervention. For intervention group, the educational program was implemented during 5 sessions of 50–55 min. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25 and by using Chi-square test, independent t-test, and paired t-test. Results. After intervention, the mean scores of physical symptoms are sleep problems, muscle problems and discomfort, psychological symptoms, depression, irritability, and anxiety of intervention group decreased significantly post intervention (p<0.001). Analysis showed that psychological symptoms, mental fatigue, somatic, and urogenital symptoms, and vaginal dryness increased 2 months after the intervention. Also, the mean score of cons, pros, decision balance, self-efficacy, consciousness raising, dramatic relief, environmental reevaluation, and self-reevaluation have significant changed in intervention group (p<0.05). In addition, the top percent of progress can be seen in contemplation (31. 5%). Conclusion. This study showed the effectiveness of educational intervention based on TTM to reduce menopausal symptoms and promote physical activity in postmenopausal women

Prediction of positive social behaviors based on norm-activation model in female students

Keeping order in the classroom, modifying students’ behavioral problems, and implementing regulations codified at schools are among the issues in education involving the minds of headmasters and teachers. Following adolescence appropriate behavioral patterns plays a key role in bringing about the adolescents’ positive social behavior. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of adolescents’ positive social behavior using the Norm Activation Model (NAM). This study was conducted on 200 female students between 12 and 13 years old studying in the third educational district of Shiraz, Iran, that were selected through cluster random sampling method. The study data were collected as self-report using a questionnaire composed of demographic items and items measuring positive social behavior based on NAM. The findings showed that among the NAM constructs, personal norm was the strongest predictor of positive social behavior followed by awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility. The relation of awareness of consequences to birth order, ascription of responsibility to father’s occupation and birth order, personal norm to father’s occupation, number of brothers, and birth order, and positive social behavior to number of brothers, birth order, non-classmate friends, and number of intimate non-classmate friends was statistically significant. It was concluded that NAM could be utilized to predict the factors affecting positive social behavior. Moreover, the results can be used by authorities and policymakers to develop appropriate plans and behavioral interventions