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Abstract Background This study aims to investigate international measures for pandemic control in the workplace based on guidelines from international organizations to learn from their experiences. Methods We conducted a qualitative study using content analysis. The search method involved reviewing published guidelines on preventing and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in workplaces. After the screening process, ten guidelines were included in the content analysis. During the analysis, 200 meaning codes, 49 subcategories, and eleven categories were identified. Trustworthiness criteria were utilized to ensure the accuracy and strength of the findings. Results Eleven categories of international content during the COVID-19 pandemic were legal requirements and duties of employees and employers, structural and program changes, risk assessment, risk communication, information and training, internal and external consultation and cooperation, provision of facilities and tools for workplace hygiene, special conditions, special groups, closing and reopening workplaces, reducing contact and exposure and mental health. Conclusions Protecting employees during a pandemic requires a multifaceted approach and strong advocacy. The operational plan for pandemic control should be developed based on the level of risk, with support tailored to employees’ conditions and needs. Cooperation among international organizations is essential to develop a standardized plan and issue comprehensive guidelines in response to health emergencies with a global perspective and local implementation, drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Background and purpose The workplace plays a key role in impacting the health and well-being of employees at various levels, including physical, psychological, and social aspects of health. This study aims to identify the drivers of a healthy environment that promotes the well-being of women employed in hospitals. Materials & methods This qualitative study used purposive sampling to recruit a total of 48 working women across a diverse range of participants with different job categories and socio-demographic statuses. These include clinical health (e.g., nurse, head nurse, practical nurse, supervisor, physicians); allied health (e.g., diagnostic services); public health (e.g., health promotion specialists); and administrative (e.g., hospital managers). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using content analysis by creating codes, sub-themes, and themes. Results Content analysis resulted in 31 key codes, that generated 12 sub-themes and 4 key themes. These include Advancing women’s health through collaborative leadership; a Psychologically safe environment for women; Thriving for positive social connections; and Advancing holistic health for women. Discussion and Conclusion Hospital managers and leaders play a pivotal role in creating supportive workplaces for women. They can significantly assist in prioritizing their psychological and social health through personalized approaches tailored to women’s needs, positioning them as co-designers of their health and well-being.

Introduction and purpose: Despite the availability of vaccines, the use of face masks remains a recognized and effective measure in preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, it is crucial to comprehend the underlying factors influencing people's adherence to preventive behaviors, particularly mask usage within communities, as negligence and disregard for this matter persist. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the reasons for not using masks by people during the COVID-19 pandemic from the point of view of health experts. Methods: This research employed a qualitative approach and content analysis in 2019. A targeted sampling method was employed, and 15 healthcare experts from Kashan and Aran and Bidgol, Iran, participated in this study. Participants were selected to represent maximum diversity in terms of age, gender, and education level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as the primary method of data collection. The duration of the interviews varied between 20-30 min. The interview transcripts were carefully documented, extracted, and segmented into meaningful units. To enhance the research's reliability and confirm the accuracy of the findings, credibility criteria were employed to validate the collected data. Results: Out of the interview participants, 66.6% held a bachelor's degree, 13.4% possessed a master's degree, and 20% had a doctorate degree. Around 80% of the participants were male, with 53.5% falling within the 40-50 age range, and all were married. During the data analysis process, 40 core concepts sharing common characteristics were categorized into six subclasses, which were further condensed into three main classes based on abstract commonalities. The research findings were classified into three main categories: individual factors, interpersonal factors, and environmental factors. The subcategories included lack of awareness, behavioral and belief patterns, physical barriers, subjective norms, economic barriers, environmental barriers, inappropriate mask structure, and health policies and guidelines. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, in addition to individual factors (e.g., awareness and beliefs regarding preventive behaviors), interpersonal factors, abstract norms, and economic and environmental factors can significantly influence mask usage within a society. This finding highlights the necessity of government organizations' support to address these challenges effectively.

Introduction: Workplaces are high-risk environments for epidemic transmission, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significant impacts that health emergencies can have on both the healthcare system and the economy. This study presents executive and hierarchical models for participatory response to health emergencies in the workplace, with a focus on COVID-19. Methods: The study was conducted in three phases. Content analysis of interviews with 101 stakeholders and national documents was used to identify key themes and dimensions for an executive model. A focus group discussion and review of international documents were then used to refine and expand the executive and hierarchical models. The alignment and trustworthiness of the final models, as well as feedback, were gathered from 117 informants working in various workplaces. Results: The executive model highlighted that context understanding, management commitment, and participation play critical roles in developing tailored prevention and response plans, and adequate support is necessary for successful plan implementation. Monitoring and review processes should be established to ensure proper functioning. The hierarchical model emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to effectively implement pandemic prevention and participatory response plans. Conclusion: Overall, the executive and hierarchical participatory models presented in this study provide a framework for effectively controlling pandemics and other health emergencies in the workplace, enhancing both health resilience and the sustainability of economic activities.

Abstract Background In recent years, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have greatly affected the safety of life and the economy. Taking rapid measures to reduce these problems requires effective and efficient decisions by various departments and headquarters in a country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and responsibilities of the National Anti-Corona Headquarters (NACH) in the workplace during the pandemic. Methods This study was a qualitative study conducted using a triangulation approach. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 18 participants with a purposive sampling technique as well as the review of related documents and records in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The inductive and deductive approach was used for the content analysis of data in the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model of the ISO45001 management system. Results Based on the results, four themes (plan, do, check, and act) were considered as the main domains. Subthemes include understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties; specific policy-making for organizations/workplaces; leadership and organizational commitment; addressing risks and opportunities; providing resources; competence of individuals and organizations; awareness; communication; information documentation; emergency response; monitoring, analyze, and evaluate performance; management review; non-compliance and corrective action; and improvement in pandemic control. Conclusion To ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of organizations to deal with pandemics, the NACH must implement these responsibilities and play a pivotal role in responding to pandemics and using the participation of other government agencies and society. The findings of this study can be useful from national to local levels.

Abstract Background Based on the World Health Organization (WHO), workplace violence can affect events where employees are abused, attacked or threatened in their workplace, and it also has some consequences such as safety, welfare, and health. Like other types of violence, workplace violence and aggression are an increasing phenomenon. Moreover, workplace violence not only disrupts interpersonal and organizational relationships, but it also impairs the persons self-esteem and affects their physical and mental health and well-being. Thus, this study aimed to explain the components of workplace violence against nurses from the perspective of women working in a hospital in Tehran, which was conducted through the qualitative method and content analysis. Methods In this study Purposive sampling included 21 female nurses who were working in different wards of the hospital. Also, female nurses were selected with maximum diversity in terms of work experience, age, and the wards they were working in. in this study the semi-structured interview was the main method of data collection. The interview transcriptions were extracted and then divided into meaningful units. For strengthening and confirming the results and accuracy of the research, the author used the data acceptability, credibility, accuracy, validity, believability, verifiability, reliability, and transferability. Results During the data analysis process of this study, the first 15 classes with the same characteristics were put together and then divided into 6 classes. Afterwards, based on the common features at a more abstract level, they were converted into 2 themes. Based on the findings, violence against women in the workplace occurs at two levels, that namely interpersonal violence and organizational coercion. Conclusion Therefore, it is necessary for managers to commit to lay the groundwork for reducing violence in the hospital, as well as barriers to report these cases especially the hospital managers and officials should create awareness on workplace among the staff, patient and visitors and must ensure stringent actions to prevent it.

BACKGROUND: Health-care workers are exposed to complex types of health and safety hazards. A high percentage of hospital staff in Iran are women, who in addition to heavy and stressful hospital work, also carry the burden of the family roles. It is in these circumstances that creating a supportive environment for women is of particular importance. Accordingly, this study is designed to determine the characteristics of a mental supporting work environment in the workplace from the perspective of female hospital staff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed by a qualitative method and content analysis approach. Sampling was purposive and 26 women working in different wards of this hospital were included in the study. In this study, women with maximum diversity in terms of age, work experience, and employment ward were selected. The main method of data collection in this study was a semi-structured interview. Interview texts were extracted and divided into meaningful units. To validate and confirm the results plus accuracy of the research, the criterion of data validity or data credibility, admissibility, data accuracy, verifiability, reliability, and transferability were used. RESULTS: Through the data analysis, 58 primary concepts with the same features were classified into 10 subcategories. Then, based on common features at a more abstract level, they were converted into four main categories including job stressors, women's stress management, providing women's psychological-job satisfaction, and women's work-life balance. CONCLUSION: Creating supportive work environments for women, especially those operating in workplaces such as hospitals, which brings a lot of work pressure and workload for them, can be an important policy for organizations and hospital work environments.

BACKGROUND: Happiness is one of the main components of mental health that plays an important role in promoting people's health. This study aimed to investigate the status of happiness in students of Iran University of Medical Sciences and its relationship with students' attitudes toward the field of education and the future of career in 2017. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 500 students of Iran University of Medical Sciences The data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting of three parts: demographic information, Oxford Happiness Inventory; A questionnaire was used to measure students' attitudes about their career future, which was completed by students of Iran University of Medical Sciences. In order to analyze the data, SPSS software version 24 and descriptive and analytical statistics were used. RESULTS: Findings showed that 72% of students had a good level of happiness. There is also a significant relationship between happiness and attitude toward the field of study. According to the results, there is a significant relationship between the career future and the amount of happiness. There was a significant relationship between gender and happiness CONCLUSION: The study findings show that, by planning correctly in determining the fields of education and ensuring the future of the job, happiness can be improved among students. Therefore, it is recommended that the authorities take the students with the correct needs assessment in the field of business education in the field of study.