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

Human health cannot be considered separately from animal and environmental health; rather, these three components are closely interconnected and interdependent. Contemporary health challenges, including emerging and re-emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, ecosystem degradation, environmental pollution, and food security threats, demonstrate that health issues are complex, multifactorial, and cross-sectoral in nature. Consequently, traditional single-discipline approaches are no longer sufficient to address these challenges. In response, the One Health concept has emerged as a scientific and collaborative framework that emphasizes cooperation among human health, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, and other related disciplines.

The primary goal of One Health is to achieve sustainable balance and optimize the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. International organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) have recognized this approach as a key global strategy for preventing, detecting, and controlling health threats. Experiences such as the COVID-19 pandemic, avian influenza outbreaks, Ebola, and MERS have further highlighted its importance.

Scientific evidence indicates that a substantial proportion of infectious human diseases originate from animals, while habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and increasing human–wildlife interactions elevate the risk of pathogen transmission. Therefore, environmental protection and animal health are integral components of public health. One Health emphasizes the importance of air and water quality, food security, biodiversity conservation, and responsible human interaction with the environment. As a result, it represents an essential pathway toward sustainable development and a healthier future for current and future generations. In this regard, the Journal of Health in the Field, with the slogan of one health, has adopted an approach based on the belief in the necessity of convergence between medical sciences, veterinary medicine, public health, environmental sciences, epidemiology, food hygiene, and other related fields.

Background and Aims: Biohydrogen production from sewage sludge serves as a dual solution for sustainable energy supply and effective waste management. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of a combined Dark Fermentation (DF) and Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) system to enhance hydrogen yield while simultaneously improving the dewaterability of municipal sewage sludge.

Materials and Methods: Primary and waste activated sludge (WAS) samples were collected from units 1 to 4 of the South Tehran Wastewater Treatment Plant and underwent thermal pretreatment. The samples waz then introduced into single-stage systems of Dark Fermentation (DF) and a combined Dark Fermentation-Microbial Electrolysis Cell (DF-MEC). Biohydrogen yield and sludge dewaterability were evaluated based on parameters including pH, Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs), hydrogen production yield, Specific Resistance to Filtration (SRF), Capillary Suction Time (CST), and the structural characteristics of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS). This research was conducted in full compliance with all ethical principles and considerations throughout all stages.

Results: The integrated system significantly increased the biohydrogen yield at pH 6 compared to the Dark Fermentation (DF) process. The hydrogen yields for primary sludge and waste activated sludge (WAS) reached 38.13 and 19.66 mLH₂/gVS, respectively. Furthermore, this system facilitated sludge disintegration and the release of bound water, leading to a substantial enhancement in the dewaterability of the effluent sludge.

Conclusion: The application of the integrated system combined with thermal pretreatment increases biohydrogen production yield while improving the performance of the municipal sewage sludge dewatering process, and can be proposed as an efficient solution for optimal sludge management and clean energy supply.

Background and Aims: Substance abuse is a major health, medical, and social issue in today’s world, and it can be confidently stated that all societies are affected by it to varying degrees. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and personality factors and tobacco use among students of Golestan University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 115 students of Golestan University of Medical Sciences using a proportionate stratified sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic checklist, the standardized questionnaires including: (1) the NEO Five‑Factor Personality Inventory, (2) the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and a tobacco use checklist. Data analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate regression models, Pearson correlation, independent t‑test, and chi‑square test. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical considerations were observed throughout all stages of the study.

Results: Only the agreeableness trait (P= 0.027) and family support (P= 0.007) showed a significant relationship with tobacco use. A history of tobacco use in the family (β= 0.37) was identified as a predictor of tobacco use among students. Among personality traits and social support variables, agreeableness (β= 0.027) and family support (β= 0.021) were determined as significant predictors.

Conclusion: Given that students are classified as a high‑risk group due to separation from their family and social environments, addressing their needs both through family support and through providing appropriate educational and cultural environments in dormitories is essential.

Background and Aims: Turbidity and natural organic matter (NOM) are among the most significant contaminants affecting water quality and can reduce the efficiency of water treatment processes. The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of an enhanced coagulation process using ferric chloride in combination with activated silica for water treatment and humic acid removal.

Materials and Methods: In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD) and jar test experiments were applied to evaluate the effects of initial turbidity, initial TOC, alkalinity, and the concentrations of ferric chloride and activated silica on the coagulation process. Synthetic water samples with an initial turbidity of 5–45 NTU and an initial TOC of 2–12 mg/L were used. Ferric chloride was applied at concentrations of 5–25 mg/L and activated silica at concentrations of 2–10 mg/L as SiO₂. Ethical principles were observed throughout the study and in the use of all resources.

Results: The findings indicated that the proposed quadratic model adequately predicted the process performance, with a coefficient of determination of R²=0.9909 for turbidity removal efficiency and R²=0.9800 for TOC removal efficiency. Under the optimal conditions of initial turbidity of 10 NTU, TOC of 8 mg/L, alkalinity of 140 mg/L as CaCO₃, ferric chloride concentration of 25 mg/L, and activated silica concentration of 10 mg/L as SiO₂, the removal efficiencies of turbidity and TOC were 81% and 83.75%, respectively.

Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the simultaneous application of ferric chloride and activated silica leads to a significant increase in the removal efficiency of turbidity and TOC and demonstrates higher performance compared with the conventional coagulation process using ferric chloride alone.

Background and aims: The mental health of military personnel is of particular importance due to their exposure to multiple stressors. This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting stress, anxiety, and depression among personnel of a military center in Iran using multivariable regression analysis.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 420 personnel of a military center using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using the standard questionnaires including DASS‑21, the Short Form Health Survey (SF‑12) for quality of life, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) for job satisfaction, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data were analyzed using multivariable regression in Stata software version 14, with a significance level set at (P< 0.05). Ethical considerations were observed throughout all stages of the research.

Results: A significant inverse association (P< 0.05) was observed between sleep quality, quality of life, and social support with depression, anxiety, and stress. Marital status and work experience were significantly associated with stress and depression, while educational level showed a significant association with stress (P< 0.05). It should be noted that age, income, and job satisfaction did not show any significant relationship with stress, anxiety, or depression in any of the models.

Conclusion: Psychosocial factors, including quality of life, sleep quality, and social support, play a determining role in the mental health of military personnel. Designing multidimensional interventions with a focus on these factors can be effective in promoting their mental well-being.

Background and Aims: Hepatitis B is one of the most important transmissible viral diseases, which continues to be a serious threat to public health in Iran. Existing gaps in the level of knowledge and attitudes among young groups, especially students, can play a role in the persistence of the disease transmission cycle. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of students in Kermanshah Province regarding Hepatitis B and to investigate the related demographic and educational factors within the framework of a biosafety approach.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 505 university students from various academic disciplines and educational levels at universities in Kermanshah Province. Ethical principles, including informed consent, data confidentiality, and compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki, were strictly observed. Data were collected using a standardized Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 18, applying independent t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 505 students from various fields and academic levels at Kermanshah universities, ensuring informed consent, data confidentiality, and compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Data were collected using a standardized Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 18) and included independent t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multivariate logistic regression. The significance level was set at P<0.05.

Results: The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were significantly higher among students in biological science fields compared to those in non-biological fields (P<0.001). Gender, field of study, and academic level were identified as independent predictors (P<0.014). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between knowledge scores and attitude–practice scores (r=0.65).

Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant heterogeneity in the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Hepatitis B among students. Designing targeted educational interventions based on biosafety principles and tailored to students’ demographic characteristics and fields of study can play an effective role in promoting health literacy and preventing Hepatitis B.

Background and Aims: Blowouts of oil and gas wells are considered one of the most critical risks in drilling operations. The present study was conducted with the aim of root cause analysis and risk assessment of oil and gas well blowouts using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method, as well as prioritizing effective control factors through a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach in the South Pars Gas Field in 2023.

Materials and Methods: The present descriptive–applied study was conducted on an onshore drilling rig. Root causes of well blowouts were identified using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method based on the opinions of 10 experts. Quantitative fault tree analysis and estimation of blowout probability were performed using Cara FaultTree software. The identified control factors were prioritized through a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method. Ethical principles were observed throughout the conduct of the study and in the use of research resources.

Results: A total of 24 basic and intermediate events were identified. Human error, with a failure probability of 0.01, had the highest likelihood among the evaluated events. The probability of a hydrocarbon blowout was estimated to be 8.2×10⁻⁴. The components of drilling rig collapse, natural hazards, and failure of the blowout preventer system were identified as the main contributors to well blowout occurrence, with probabilities of 1.224×10⁻¹⁴, 5.508×10⁻⁷, and 7.65×10⁻⁸, respectively.

Conclusion: Improving the performance and reliability of protective layers is recommended as a fundamental strategy to mitigate this threat in oil and gas wells.

Background and Aim: Outsourcing of health services is considered a strategy for increasing efficiency and improving service recipients’ satisfaction. This study was conducted to determine the status of the outsourcing process of paraclinical units in hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences based on the World Bank model.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 with the participation of 301 staff members and 15 contractors from outsourced paraclinical units. Data were collected using two valid questionnaires derived from the World Bank framework checklist. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics as well as the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS software version 26. This study was conducted in full compliance with ethical principles.

Results: Among the staff, the main reported problems included insufficient attention to their concerns in contract design (43.8%), limited awareness of the monitoring and performance evaluation process (42%), irregular work meetings (43.3%), and delays in salary and benefits payments (34.8%). Among the contractors, issues such as inadequate awareness of the contractor selection criteria (53.3%) and limited employer support for enhancing workforce capacity (33.3%) were reported. Furthermore, pharmacy staff also evaluated the outsourcing process as significantly more aligned with the World Bank framework compared to other departments.

Conclusions: Paying attention to stakeholders’ concerns and involving them in the design of outsourcing processes, providing continuous training, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, and developing fair incentive mechanisms can contribute to improving service quality and increasing service recipients’ satisfaction.

Background and Aims: Environmental education is considered the most fundamental approach to environmental protection, which is one of the key determinants of health and sustainable development. Teachers play a vital role as attitudinal and behavioral role models for students, who are the future builders of every country. This study aimed to determine the effect of teaching the textbook “Human and Environment” on the environmental attitudes of eleventh-grade teachers in Kerman during the 2023–2024 academic year.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive–analytical study. The study population consisted of all eleventh-grade teachers in Kerman. The sample included 73 teachers with experience teaching the Human and Environment textbook and 67 teachers without such teaching experience. Data were collected using a researcher-made environmental attitude questionnaire whose validity and reliability (above 0.7) had been confirmed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the independent t-test in SPSS software version 25. Ethical considerations were observed throughout all stages of the research.

Results: The mean environmental attitude score of teachers with experience teaching the Human and Environment textbook was significantly higher than that of teachers without such (94.52±6.56 vs. 89.96±6.05; P<0.001). The lowest impact of teaching the textbook on improving teachers’ environmental attitudes was observed in the topics of waste management and biodiversity.

Conclusion: Teaching the Human and Environment textbook has a positive effect on improving teachers’ environmental attitudes. It is recommended that strengthening in-service training programs and revising the textbook content to enhance its effectiveness be considered by educational policymakers.