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Background There is no standard and comprehensive questionnaire for reproductive health assessment among women shift workers. This study aimed at the development and psychometric evaluation of the Women Shift Workers’ Reproductive Health Questionnaire. Methods This sequential exploratory mixed-method study was conducted in a qualitative (item generation) and a quantitative (psychometric evaluation) phase. In the qualitative phase, the primary item pool of the questionnaire was generated based on the findings of the qualitative content analysis of 21 interviews held with 21 women shift workers as well as the findings of a literature review. In the quantitative phase, the face, content, construct, convergent, and discriminant validity and the reliability of the questionnaire were assessed. For construct validity assessment through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, 620 women shift workers were conveniently selected to fill out the questionnaire. Reliability assessment was done through assessing internal consistency, stability, and composite reliability. Results The primary item pool contained 88 items. During face and content validity, item number was reduced to 55. Construct validity assessment through factor analysis revealed that 56.50% of the total variance was explained by five factors with 34 items. The factors were named motherhood, general health, sexual relationships, menstruation, and delivery. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the fit of the five-factor model. The Cronbach’s alpha and the composite reliability value of the questionnaire were more than 0.7. Conclusion The Women Shift Workers’ Reproductive Health Questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument and can be used for reproductive health assessment among women shift workers.

BackgroundFertility, in addition to the biomedical aspect, is phenomena of social, economic and demographic changes. Social network were considered for understanding fertility behaviors and changes in the levels of fertility. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between social capital and childbirth behaviors in Iranian women employees.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on 536 women health care workers who randomly selected from health care setting Babol/Iran. Data were collected using demographic, childbearing behavior and social capital questionnaires. The SPSS-21 software was employed to analysis the data at a significant level of 0.05.ResultsThe results of the study showed that, there was significant relationship between number of pregnancy and social capital (P = 0.039). Furthermore, social capital has a significant relationship with the time of pregnancy (P = 0.043), the time of pregnancy in women with high social capital was observed to be relatively 30% shorter compare the women with low social capital.ConclusionSocial capital, as one of the important factors influencing childbirth behaviors, should be considered in population planning and policy making.

Background: Accurate and timely information plays an important role in disaster preparedness and this information is partly obtained through research and scientific articles. This study aimed to evaluate the publication status of scientific articles about disasters and accidents in Iranian Medical Journals from 2010 to 2015. Materials and Methods: All Persian articles on the subject of natural disasters; safety; occupational, road, or home accidents, burns, medical errors, related disasters, and emergencies were extracted. The relevant data were collected using a researcher-made checklist through the survey of selected articles. Results: The results obtained from 36341 articles out of 156 journals published by 47 medical universities showed that 599(1.6%) articles were related to emergencies, disasters, and accidents, in which 30(0.08%) articles were about natural disasters and 569(1.5%) papers were about man-made accidents. Conclusion: Although, there were scientific articles dedicated to emergencies, disasters and accidents, such topics were limited. Therefore, it seems necessary to take appropriate measures aimed at greater attention to the needs of national and regional medical scientists.

Introduction: Dentists are exposed to mercury vapor due to the occupational exposure to amalgam, which can endanger their health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mercury vapor on urinary mercury concentration of dental students and the restorative specialists in one of the dental schools of Iran. Methods: The study population consisted40 dental students and 10 restoration specialists. Sample urine at the end of work time was collected, and the concentration of mercury in urine was measured by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A questionnaire was completed to determine the effects of some personal and environmental factors on the amount of urinary mercury. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software. Results: The mean concentration of urinary mercury in dental students was 15.18±4.34μg/L and the restoration specialists were 4.11±1.05μg/l. In addition, there was a significant difference between the concentrations of urinary mercury in the two groups (P

Background Shift work (i.e. working between 18:00 and 07:00) is associated with sleeplessness and fatigue and hence, can cause female shift workers different health problems. This study aimed to explore reproductive health problems among female shift workers. Materials and Methods This qualitative study was conducted in Amol and Babol cities, Iran, on 19 female shift workers with previous history of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Participants were selected purposively and with maximum variation respecting their age, work experience, educational level, and financial and employment status. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were held for data collection and conventional qualitative content analysis was employed for data analysis. Results Female shift workers’ reproductive health problems were categorized into fourteen subcategories and the five main categories of conflict between pregnancy and shift work, breastfeeding-related challenges, impaired sexual relationships, childbearing limitations, and gynecological problems. Conclusion Impaired sexual problems are the most significant reproductive health problem among female shift workers. Their reproductive health can be promoted through periodical reproductive health assessments by midwives, reproductive health specialists, psychologists, and gynecologists.

Shift work during reproductive age can be a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. The present study evaluated the association between shift work and metabolic syndrome during reproductive age. This multi-center cross-sectional correlational study was performed between September 2017 and May 2018. A total of 419 female shift and day workers were purposively recruited to the study from three central cities in Mazandaran, Iran. To diagnose metabolic syndrome based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, the anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and levels of serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein and fasting blood sugar were taken. Data were analyzed using the independent-sample t, Chi-square and the Fisher's exact tests as well as the logistic regression analysis. Among the 419 participants, 28 were excluded during the study. The total prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 16.3%, and its prevalence among shift workers and day workers was 17.3 and 14.9%, respectively. The most prevalent components of metabolic syndrome were low serum level of high-density lipoprotein and abdominal obesity. Following adjustments for the effects of potential cofounders, the logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of metabolic syndrome among shift workers was ~2 times greater than day workers (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.088-3.79), although this association was statistically insignificant (P=0.10). The results of the current study suggest that shift work is associated with a greater risk of metabolic syndrome for women. The most important components of metabolic syndrome are low serum level of high-density lipoprotein and abdominal obesity, which are attributable to limited physical activity and high occupational stress. The risk of metabolic syndrome among female shift workers of reproductive age may be reduced through strategies, including awareness raising, dietary educations and provision of physical activity facilities in the workplace.

Introduction: In view of the increasing attention to the health of the workforce and the other hand the increase in scientific outputs in format of scientific and research papers, the aim of this study was to monitor the status of technical articles of Iranian journals in the field of health workforce. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of ten years (2005-2015) in the specialized field occupational health journals. The data based on content analysis method with researcher-made checklist and using by census articles were collected. Results: the extracted data, from 927 article from 5 specialized journals in period of ten years, was represent the growing trend in publication of Persian and English articles. Most research had been done respectively in physical and mental health scope. According to the type of harmful factors, Ergonomic factors with 24.27 percent, has been allocated to itself the largest portion of articles and research. Only 11.54 percent of reviewed articles was interventional studies. Also, cohort studies was not found among articles. Conclusion: The findings of this study which is the Scientometrics type, represent the imbalance in health workforce researches. So that hazardous agents such as ergonomic factors is strong emphasis and some health aspects such as public health is neglected. According to current situation, setting national priorities in order to balance the distribution of health force researches is necessary.

Background Dentists have to remain in a fixed position during dental practices for the accuracy required, therefore they are susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Objectives Considering the infrequency of ergonomics studies in general dental practitioners (GDPs), especially in cervical region, this study aimed to reviews MSDs in the neck region among GDPs. Methods An analytic cross-sectional study was carried out among the GDPs in 2011. A total of 60 dentists (40 males and 20 females) were examined through a combination of questionnaires (concerning their demographic information) such as the Nordic standardized musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire (NMQ) and Body Discomfort Assessment questionnaire (BDA). Each dentist's working posture was assessed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and deep cervical flexor muscle endurance through a Craniocervical Flexion test (CCFT). Descriptive statistical indexes and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis, while considering p Results The mean dental practice experience was 16.9 ± 5.6 years with average 41.2 ± 13.4 working hours per week. About 45% of dentists took regular exercises weekly. Some 83.3% of these dentists expressed to be suffering from the cervical pain, whereas, 56.7% complained about back pains and 41% shoulder problems. Female dentists were found more at risk of neckache, discomfort and pain in shoulder and hand than males. Greater pain frequency in knee was found in more experienced and older age dentists (P= 0.07). Results from the CCF test showed that the deep cervical flexor muscles endurance increased with regular exercise and decreased with aging. Conclusion Many dentists experience the MSDs, especially in cervical region, as a consequence of occupational stresses. Therefore, detecting occupational risk factors, standards of work position, regular exercise and following ergonomic policy are intensely recommended.

Background The psychosocial environment of the workplace has received less attention in terms of occupational health. Trust, social network and social cohesion at the workplace (that is, factors related to social capital) may have effects on employee health. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the association between workplace social capital and mental health among Iranian workers. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data were obtained from 5 factories in Babol, Northern Iran, in 2016, where 280 workers responded to a survey on social capital at work and psychosocial distress. Results Approximately 23.6% of the workers had psychological distress, and 23.4% had low social capital in the workplace. There was a significant relationship between mental health and individual workplace social capital (p = 0.025) and aggregated workplace social capital (p = 0.027). After controlling for each individual’s characteristics, the prevalence ratio of psychological distress was 2.11 (95% CI: 1.43-3.17) times higher among workers with low individual social capital, and low aggregated workplace social capital was associated with 2.64 (95% CI: 1.28–5.45) times higher odds of psychological distress. Conclusion Higher social capital is associated with a reduced risk of psychological distress. The promotion of social capital can be considered as a means to increase workplace mental health among workers.

Background Fertility rate in Iran has decreased by more than 70% in the last three decades. Continuous decrease in fertility rate will create socioeconomic crises for the country in a near future. A significant factor behind fertility behaviors is women’s attitudes towards maternal and spousal roles. Such attitudes are mainly determined by social capital. This study aims to determine and explore of relationship between social capital and fertility behavior among female healthcare workers. Methods This sequential explanatory mixed methods study will be conducted using the follow-up explanations model in two phases. In the first phase, a population-based cross-sectional survey will be conducted on 500 female workers recruited through multistage cluster sampling from healthcare settings located in Babol, Iran, and the relationship of social capital with fertility behaviors will be assessed. In the second phase, a qualitative study will be done to explain the findings of the first phase. Finally, the findings of the first phase will be explained using the findings of the second phase. Discussion Understanding the relationship of social capital with fertility behaviors is essential to effective planning for the management of population decline. The findings of the present study will provide population policy-makers with helpful information.

Background Although shift works is a certain treat for female reproductive health, but currently, there is no standardized instrument for measuring reproductive health among female shift workers. This study aims to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a Women Shift Workers’ Reproductive Health Questionnaire (WSW-RHQ). Methods This is a sequential exploratory mixed-method study with a qualitative and a quantitative phase. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews will be held with female shift workers who live in Mazandaran Province, Iran, additionally, the literature review will be performed by searching electronic databases. Sampling will be done in different workplaces and with maximum variation respecting female shift workers’ age and job and educational and different economic situation. Interview data will be analyzed using conventional content analysis and then, the primary item pool for the questionnaire will be developed. In the quantitative phase, we will evaluate the psychometric properties of the questionnaire, i.e. its face, content, construct as well as reliability via the internal consistency, stability. Finally, a scoring system will be developed for the questionnaire. Discussion The development of WSW-RHQ will facilitate the promotion and implementation of reproductive health interventions and assessment of their effectiveness. Other scholars can cross-culturally adapt and use the questionnaire according to their immediate contexts.

Background & purpose: There are occupational hazards related to Nitrous Oxide (N2O) in hospitals operating and recovery rooms. These hazards include the decrease of mental performance and audio-visual ability, and reduced fertility, spontaneous abortion and neurological, renal and liver diseases. In this survey, the concentration of Nitrous Oxide in indoor air of hospitals operating and recovery rooms in Babol University of medical sciences was determined. Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was performed in 23 operating rooms and 3 recovery rooms in 3 educational hospitals of Babol medical sciences university. The rooms with continuous usage of N2O with 2-3 lit/min of flow of general anesthesia were studied. For sampling and detecting N2O concentration as part per million (ppm), a portable IR spectrophotometer (3015 model of Bacharach Inc.) was used. The sampling was performed in 5 different zones of the operating rooms and 1zone of recovery room in 3 different hours of work time (8:30-9AM, 10:30-11AM and 12:30-1:00PM). One-way ANOVA ,SPSS 18 was used to analyze data and comparing the means. Results: N2O concentration mean in 5 different zones of the operating rooms was 318± 22.6, 325.5± 24.1, 299± 21.8, and 301± 22, 314± 23.7 ppm and in recovery room, it was 51± 15 ppm. There was no significant difference between the means of N2O concentration in different zones of the operating rooms, but the means of N2O concentration in different zones of the operating rooms and recovery room were significant (p

Background and purpose: Surgery is a high risk profession owing to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Fine and precise operations cause surgeons to adopt prolonged fixed posture. As there is limited information in this region, the purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of MSDs and personal and occupational risk factors among surgeons in Babol (a northern city in Iran). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 surgeons during 2011 using a questionnaire in three parts including: Demographic and occupational data, Nordic standardized musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire (NMQ), and Body Discomfort Assessment technique. The working posture during operation was assessed by Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical indexes and chi- square test, and a p

Background Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are among the most common occupational disorders in many countries and have an increasing trend. Objective The present study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence rate of MSDs in different body regions and the effect of personal factors on the prevalence rate of MSDs among rubber industry workers. Methods This analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 206 workers of an Iranian rubber factory in 2014. The samples were randomly selected. Data were gathered by means of personal information form, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The results were analyzed using SPSS16; by descriptive and analytical statistics. Results The mean age and work history of subjects were 34.54±6.36 and 12.34±6.28 years, respectively. The highest prevalence rate of MSDs in the last twelve-months was related to the lower back region with a prevalence rate of 62.1%. Based on logistic regression, a significant correlation was found between MSDs and the final REBA score so that for a one-unit increase in score, the risk or complaint of neck and low back pain increased by 48.5% and 37.1%, respectively. Conclusion Many rubber factory workers experience MSDs especially in the lower back region as a consequence of occupational risk factors. Therefore, detecting the occupational risk factors, work position standards and following ergonomic interventions are highly recommended.