Journal of Behdasht dar Arseh (i.e., Health in the Field)

Background and Aims: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH_s) with high carcinogenic properties are widely present in the environment. Today, these compounds have attracted more attention due to their adverse effects on human health, concurrent with the increasing air pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration and inhalation health risk associated with PAH_s bound to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) in ambient air of Tehran city.

Materials and Methods: Data were collected from four monitoring stations across the city during the period of October to December 2021. After extraction and analysis of the samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the carcinogenic risk of the compounds was evaluated using the method proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Monte Carlo model. Ethical considerations were taken into account throughout all stages of the study implementation.

Results: The mean total concentration of PAH_s at selected stations varied between 65.92 ng/m³ and 142.76  ng/m³. The results also showed that some PAH compounds, such as dibenzo [a,h]anthracene, had significant carcinogenic risks (CR=5×10⁻⁶), while their non-carcinogenic risks were within acceptable levels (HQ=0.0016).

Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize that reducing the emission of PAHs from various sources, especially vehicle exhaust and industrial activities, is essential to prevent the harmful effects of these pollutants on public health.

Background and Aims: Clinical judgment in critical situations, supported by clinical reasoning skills as well as the use of critical thinking and general self-efficacy, can all contribute to the professional success of physicians in providing better diagnostic and therapeutic services. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between clinical reasoning, critical thinking skills, and general self-efficacy among medical interns at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, the statistical population included medical interns studying during the academic year 2023-24 at hospitals affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. Census sampling was performed, and 130 interns participated in the study. Data were collected using the diagnostic thinking inventory (to assess clinical reasoning skills), Ricketts’ critical thinking questionnaire, and Schwarzer and Jerusalem’s general self-efficacy questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Ethical principles were strictly adhered to at every phase of the study.

Results: There was a significant correlation between critical thinking and self-efficacy with clinical reasoning. Critical thinking was identified as a stronger predictor of clinical reasoning.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the importance of critical thinking and general self-efficacy in clinical reasoning and decision-making, as well as in enhancing clinical skills, highlights the need for greater attention to these two factors in the health domain. Incorporating activities and educational content to improve them in medical internship training programs is essential.

Background and Aims: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Iranian women. Despite the high effectiveness of vaccination, its acceptance is influenced by various factors, including parental attitudes. This study aimed to examine the attitudes of female healthcare workers in Mashhad toward HPV vaccination for their adolescent daughters.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 198 female employees in health centers of Mashhad. Sampling was performed using the convenience method, with inclusion criteria of having at least one daughter aged 9 to 26 years and holding an associate degree or higher. Data were collected using the standardized MCQ (2020) questionnaire, which assesses four dimensions of attitude (perceived harms, barriers, effectiveness, and trust). The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.85. Data analysis was carried out using one-sample t-test and SPSS version 26. Ethical considerations were observed throughout all stages of the study.

Results: The mean overall attitude score (44.9 out of 40) was significantly favorable (P<0.001). Attitudes toward vaccine effectiveness (7.01 out of 5) and trust in the vaccine (7.8 out of 7.5) were assessed as positive; however, the perception of barriers (12.37) indicated challenges in access. Only 32% of mothers had full awareness of the link between HPV and cancer.

Conclusion: Although the overall attitude is positive, lack of awareness and structural barriers may limit vaccination coverage. It is recommended that educational programs for mothers and improved access to the vaccine be prioritized in health policy planning. This study emphasizes the important role of mothers in cervical cancer prevention.

Background and Aims: Tourism is one of the attractive options for environmental protection. The Bandar Torkaman pier, located in the eastern Caspian Sea, is a target tourism area in Golestan Province (Iran). This study aimed to investigate the impacts of tourism activities on the environmental, socio-cultural, and economic conditions of the Bandar Torkaman pier.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to November 2024 using a researcher-made questionnaire with 71 questions. The study population were selected among of 500 participants from three groups indigenous residential (n=250), tourists (n=150), and shop owners (n=100). Data were collected through observation and interviews. SPSS version 20 was used for data description and analysis. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered. Ethical considerations were observed throughout all stages of the study.

Results: The results showed that 84% and 69% of the participants believed tourism activities had a significant relationship with economic and socio-cultural components, respectively (P<0.05). Regarding environmental indicators, 49% and 38% of participants stated that tourism had negative and positive effects, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The development of tourism in the Bandar Torkaman pier has significant economic and socio-cultural benefits. However, balancing these achievements with environmental protection is essential. To reduce negative impacts, tourism activities should prioritize sustainability by supporting eco-friendly businesses and promoting environmental awareness among tourists and locals. Continuous monitoring of environmental indicators is important to ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism in this area.

Background and Aims: Because not all pregnant mothers visit health centers, this study aimed to assess the impact of training private sector healthcare personnel on identifying pregnant women and referring them to health centers.

Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 58 healthcare personnel from Torghabeh and Shandiz County (Mashhad) were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The training program was implemented for private sector specialists in Torghabeh. The number of identified pregnant women in both groups was compared before and after the intervention. Ethical principles were strictly adhered to at every phase of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Results: According to the results, the number of registered pregnant women in the Sina system in the intervention group increased from 111 to 148 over the six-month intervention period—a 33% growth. In contrast, the number in the control group decreased from 170 to 166, indicating a reduction of four individuals compared to the same previous period. However, these differences were not statistically significant (P<0.05). In total, 63 individuals were registered in the “My Health” system, of whom 24 had never previously been registered in the Sina system.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that collaboration and training of private sector healthcare providers in identifying pregnant women and similar cases can enhance public utilization rate of health center services.

Background and Aims: Knowledge about adverse reactions and diseases caused by antibiotic use is essential for promoting lifestyle improvements. Students also constitute an important part of the healthy population in the country. This study aimed to assess the general knowledge about antibiotic use, improvement, and enhancement of self-efficacy in lifestyle among students of educational centers in Kermanshah province, as part of Iran's target population.

Materials and Methods: Using a descriptive-analytical Likert questionnaire measuring awareness and attitudes in two genders, different fields of study, and academic levels (N=580), the study was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests, regression analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient with a 95% confidence interval (P<0.05). Ethical considerations were observed throughout all stages of the study.

Results: The level of knowledge and attitudes differed significantly by gender, education level, and type (P<0.05). Also, the internet and social networks were the most effective sources of information for individuals.

Conclusion: Data analysis showed that gender, education level, and field of study influence students’ awareness and attitudes towards antibiotic use; specifically, men, students in biological sciences, and higher academic levels had greater awareness, and the internet was the main source of information. Combating antibiotic resistance requires public education interventions and reforming policies on antibiotic prescription and sales. These measures not only help reduce antibiotic resistance but also prevent more serious public health issues.

Background and Aims: The optimal performance of sludge thickening and dewatering processes is of great importance. Due to the poor dewaterability of sludge, synthetic coagulants are commonly used to enhance the efficiency of these processes. However, because of financial and quality-related limitations of these chemicals, extensive efforts are underway to replace them with natural materials. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using modified Nano-Montmorillonite as a sludge conditioner.

Materials and Methods: Sludge samples were collected from the South Tehran Wastewater Treatment Plant and conditioned using varying doses of the modified Nano-Montmorillonite (50–400 mg/g dry). The optimal dose was determined based on the specific resistance to filtration (SRF). Further tests were conducted to assess the effects on the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of the conditioned sludge. All phases of the study were conducted in full compliance with ethical standards.

Results: At the optimal dose of modified Nano-Montmorillonite (200 mg/g dry solids), the highest reduction in SRF was observed: 62.82% for waste activated sludge and 66.47% for anaerobically digested sludge. At this dose, zeta potential and bound water content were reduced by 93.75% and 80.38% for waste activated sludge, and by 89.74% and 77.93% for anaerobically digested sludge, respectively.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that modified Nano-Montmorillonite, by altering the total organic carbon, protein, and polysaccharide content of extracellular polymeric substances, can significantly enhance the performance of thickening and dewatering processes in municipal wastewater sludge.

Background and Aims: Nurses experience a wide range of emotions in emergency situations that can affect their professional performance and the quality of care. Exploring these emotions can help improve nurses' emotional well-being and enhance the quality of healthcare services. Accordingly, this study aimed to explain the emotional experiences of nurses in emergency situations in the hospitals of Nahavand County.

Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach on 17 emergency department nurses in hospitals of Nahavand County. Data were collected through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Ethical considerations were observed throughout all stages of the study.

Results: The results showed that nurses, in emergency situations, experienced a wide range of positive and negative emotions, as well as job-related stress stemming from workplace conditions, lack of support, and their personality traits. Three main themes were identified: positive emotions, negative emotions, and job-related stress.

Conclusion: The study concluded that to improve the condition of emergency nurses and enhance the quality of care, it is necessary to provide emotional management training, psychological support, stress assessment, and a supportive work environment. Reducing nurses’ workload was also suggested as a key measure to improve their mental health and efficiency. These actions can lead to significant improvements in care quality and job satisfaction among nurses.