Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention)

In many high-income economies, there is a great emphasis on the importance of collecting and analyzing information of traffic crash victims in the field of traffic incident injury and mortality control. In low- and middle-income economies, control and prevention of injuries have been deal with many challenges. It seems that one of the crucial factors and determinants of inability of the low- and middle-income countries to design effective strategies to control and prevent mortality and injuries is failure in collection of valuable, valid, timely, and relevant information (1). In addition, one of the important barriers to control and prevention of road traffic injuries in such countries is inaccurate and inadequate information for recognition of risk factors in a region (2).

There are many challenges in monitoring and collecting information about road traffic injuries. According to the experts, establishment of a surveillance system is regarded as one of the important solutions for solving these problems. In this regard, one of the most important challenges is lack of proper definition for words or terms used in this area. World health organization (WHO) has defined surveillance as systematic and continuous collection, analysis and interpretation of health data required for planning, and implementation and evaluation of public health performance, which significantly depends on timely distribution of the data to stakeholders those who need it (3). In Iran, the word “surveillance” mainly is interpreted as “care”, and has been more used in following up and monitoring of information related to communicable and non-communicable diseases. However, whether this word accurately conforms to the definition provided by WHO or not is a matter of debates. It seems that there have been some challenges in the use of the word

“care” instead of “surveillance” since the importance of interpretation and distribution of information and obtaining feedbacks are not covered by this word. In Persian language, the word “care” mainly used in nursing and medicine fields that includes services, which help healthcare experts to provide the best treatment for patients (4).

The definition for “care” provided by the Persian language and literature academy conforms to the definition presented in the Oxford Dictionary (5). Other definitions provided in the Persian language and literature academy include guarding, watching, keeping watch on, keeping under surveillance, attention, treatment, protection, precision, observance and maintenance. Moreover, in English, some of the synonyms for “care” are attention, watch, vigilance, lookout, jealousy, and guard.

Another definition for surveillance provided by the Oxford Dictionary is accurate and continuous observation of cases or places where crime or casualty is possible. However, the Persian language and literature academy has used the word “care” for “surveillance”, and has provided this definition for the concept of care: “organized and continuous collection and analysis of the data related to a disease or public health status”. As observed, the definition of WHO is not completely covered by this definition as well. Since the term “care” is a matter of maintenance and attention, it cannot fully cover all activities hidden in the word “surveillance”. It is recommended that using the word “care” should be applied instead of “surveillance” with more caution.

It seems that if there is an accurate definition for terms related to monitoring of road traffic mortality and injury, more precise descriptions can be provided for strategies related to the prevention and decrease of road traffic injuries. Moreover, monitoring of information related to road traffic crashes would not be limited to the collection and analysis of the data, and information would be properly distributed among beneficiaries to make appropriate decisions. In fact, the final goal of surveillance, which is use of this information in control and prevention, would be achieved at the same time (3). It should be noted that prevention of road traffic injuries is the mutual responsibility of all beneficiaries. Therefore, providing these data for all beneficiaries and receiving their feedbacks are the major pillars of this process, which requires the inter-sectoral collaboration of all involved organizations. In fact, the related organizations must cooperate in sharing information, designing strategies and supporting and developing the capacities (6).

Nevertheless, lack of proper use of surveillance has been one of the challenges of many countries mainly due to forgetting about or neglecting the interpretation and distributing of the data. Given the importance of establishment of a road traffic injuries system in Iran to take preventive measures on one hand, and necessity of adherence to the policies of Persian language and literature academy in proper use of the desired terms on the other hand, it is recommended that “road traffic surveillance system” be used instead of “care” in cases where surveillance of traffic crashes is considered. In addition, it is suggested that organized and continuous collecting of the data related to traffic crashes be always regarded along with the analysis, interpretation and distribution of the data and their feedbacks for beneficiaries.

How to cite this article: Khorasani-Zavareh ِD, Sharifian S. Challenges of Establishing a Traffic Surveillance System in Iran: The Requirement of Providing a Unified Definition for “Traffic Surveillance System”. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2017; 5(2):59-60.

Mental health affects all aspects of life, and its improvement is considered to be an effective strategy to achieve the human development indicators. This issue is of particular importance in women since they constitute half the population and play a pivotal role as family members and in survival in the periods of austerity. Enhancing mental health should be prioritized during crises and disasters when regular norms and order are replaced with chaos and disorder. With respect to public health, no individual is unaffected by such situations, while the changes are not similar in everyone. In this regard, studies suggest that women account for the majority of victims in disasters (1, 2), while other findings emphasize on the constructive role of women in families during crises (3). However, women have been less considered in health-related studies (4). Preventing mental problems in women would be possible by prioritizing them in preventive planning and educational and support programs (5). Given the importance of preventive policies in improving the mental health of the society (6), empowerment training should be implemented considering its direct association with mental health (7). One of the most effectual strategies for empowerment training involves changing the perceptions of the community toward women, which results in the enhancement of their mental health status. 

How to cite this article:bShooshtari Sh, Abedi MR, Bahrami M, Samouei R. Women’s Mental Health as the Basis of Preventive Planning for Disasters.Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention). 2017; 5(2):61 -62.

Background & Objective: Release of chemicals material due to road transportation crashes is associated with adverse consequences, including death, injuries, loss of property, and environmental damage. The present study aimed to investigate the fatal hazards caused by the road transportation crashes of chemical material tankers.

Materials and Methods: In an applied study, chemical tankers in Iran’s road transportation fleet were evaluated, and the most frequently transported chemicals including ammonia, chlorine, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and toluene, were selected for modeling the release of toxic substances. To cover the other possible scenarios, the full rupture of the investigated tankers was determined as the selected scenario, and lethal concentrations of the toxic substances (LC1, LC10, LC50, and LC90) were calculated using the Probit model. Finally, modeling of the toxic substance release was performed in order to verify the associated fatal hazards using the ALOHA and PHAST software.

Results: Based on the lethal concentrations of LC1, LC10, LC50, and LC90 using the ALOHA software, fatal hazard distances of ammonia were determined to be 980, 866, 741, and 629 meters, respectively. In addition, using the PHAST software, fatal hazard distances of chlorine were calculated to be 620, 318, 204, and 157 meters, respectively. Therefore, these chemicals were confirmed as the most dangerous toxic substances in road transportation.

Conclusion: Due to the impossibility of emergency response planning based on the results of the mentioned software at all concentrations, it is recommended that in order to prevent the occurrence of probable hazards, the highest fatal hazard distance based on the LC1 be considered in the emergency response planning regardless of the type of the material and software. Furthermore, it is suggested that in the event of an crash, individuals passing through the area within a distance of 980 meters be provided with air suppliers and breathing equipment.

 How to cite this article: Ghorbani R, Atabi F, Jabbari M. Fatal Hazards in Road Transportation Crashes of Chemical Material Career Tankers. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention). 2017; 5(2):63 -72 .

Background & Objective:Previous studies have shown that FIFA 11+ comprehensive warm-up program is effective in the prevention of injuries in soccer players. Although dynamic postural stability is one of the main risk factors for soccer injuries, data is scarce on the effects of this program on dynamic postural stability. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of FIFA  11+ on the dynamic postural stability of male soccer players aged 14-16 years.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 soccer players were randomly divided into two groups of experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). Participants had no history of lower-extremity injuries. Control subjects continued routine exercises, while the experimental group received the FIFA 11+ injury prevention exercises as warm-up, followed by common soccer practices. Exercises were performed three times per week for eight weeks. Dynamic stability was measured based on single-leg jump-landing on a force-plate. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, and paired and independent t-test were used for the comparison of inter-group and intra-group differences (P>0.05).

Results: Compared to the control group, significant differences were observed in the experimental group in terms of the time of reaching stabilization in the anterior-posterior (P=0.004) and mediolateral directions (P=0.001). 

Conclusion: FIFA 11+ injury prevention program could increase dynamic postural stability probably through improving proprioception and neuromuscular coordination.

How to cite this article: Ebarahimi Atri A, Baharifard R, Khoshraftar N. Effect of FIFA 11+ Injury Prevention Program for Eight Weeks on the Dynamic Postural Stability of Teenage Male Soccer Players in Single-Leg Jump-Landing Exercises . Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention). 2017; 5(2):79 -88 .

 Background & Objective: Failure is inevitable in the daily activities and machinery in industrial operations, the causes of which should be properly evaluated and analyzed. Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a potent and effective method for identifying and eliminating potential failure, as well as the difficulties and failures in systems, design, processes, and services. The present study aimed to assess the potential risk in an air conditioning equipment manufacturing company using the FMEA.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all activities and machinery in different units of the air conditioning equipment manufacturing company were analyzed by census evaluation and FMEA risk assessment. Cutoff point was determined at 70%, and the risks were categorized into three levels of acceptable (L), medium (M), and unacceptable (H); based on the classification of the organization and control ability. Data analysis was performed in Microsoft Excel 2010.

Results: Among 1,453 identified risks, 237 risks (16.3%) were in the H category with the ratio of  1/6, 473 risks (32.6%) were in the L category with the ratio of 1/3  , and 743 risks (51.1%) were in the M category with the ratio of  1/2 . Moreover, 44 unacceptable risks (H) (3%) were in the Likert classification developed by the researcher in accordance with the organization, which were considered acceptable in the FMEA classification. These risks could be considered the margins of control measures.

Conclusion: According to the FMEA classification, the ratio of H risks to the total risks is 1/10 , while it was obtained at 1/6  in the present study. On the other hand, high number of the identified risks does not necessarily indicate the manufacturing units to be of high risk.

 How to cite this article: Yari S.Assessment of Potential Risk by the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis in an Air Conditioning Equipment Manufacturing Company.Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention). 2017; 5(2):89-96.

Background and Objective: The present study aimed to assess the educational needs of the medical emergency technicians in Tehran emergency center, Iran.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive and applied survey that was conducted on three groups emergency medical services groups including medical emergency technicians, senior technicians, and supervisors and senior managers. Stratified random sampling and convenience sampling was performed for sample size. Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, of which the formal and content validity was confirmed by experts. In addition, reliability coefficient of all the items in the questionnaire was estimated at the Cronbach’s alpha of 97.4%. Data were collected by qualified researchers, and data analysis was performed in SPSS version 23.

Results: Theoretical educational needs of the participants were related to professional legal issues, technician tasks in crises, and principles of report writing. On the other hand, practical educational needs were related to out-of-hospital births, exposure to environmental emergencies, psychological and communicable diseases, care of burn patients, report writing, and completing operational forms. The lowest score belonged to the domain of ‘efficacy of educational courses’, which highlights the necessity of providing relevant courses to address the employees’ needs.

Conclusion: Findings of the present study emphasized on the importance of assessing the educational needs of emergency center employees based on their requirements for developing and planning the necessary educational courses in this regard.

How to cite this article: Ezati P, Vaziri M, Adli F. Educational Needs Assessment in the Medical Emergency Technicians of Tehran Emergency Center. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention). 2017; 5(2):109-119.

Background and Objective: The present study aimed to assess the educational needs of the medical emergency technicians in Tehran emergency center, Iran.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive and applied survey that was conducted on three groups emergency medical services groups including medical emergency technicians, senior technicians, and supervisors and senior managers. Stratified random sampling and convenience sampling was performed for sample size. Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, of which the formal and content validity was confirmed by experts. In addition, reliability coefficient of all the items in the questionnaire was estimated at the Cronbach’s alpha of 97.4%. Data were collected by qualified researchers, and data analysis was performed in SPSS version 23.

Results: Theoretical educational needs of the participants were related to professional legal issues, technician tasks in crises, and principles of report writing. On the other hand, practical educational needs were related to out-of-hospital births, exposure to environmental emergencies, psychological and communicable diseases, care of burn patients, report writing, and completing operational forms. The lowest score belonged to the domain of ‘efficacy of educational courses’, which highlights the necessity of providing relevant courses to address the employees’ needs.

Conclusion: Findings of the present study emphasized on the importance of assessing the educational needs of emergency center employees based on their requirements for developing and planning the necessary educational courses in this regard. 

How to cite this article: Ezati P, Vaziri M, Adli F. Educational Needs Assessment in the Medical Emergency Technicians of Tehran Emergency Center.Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention). 2017; 5(2):109-119.

 Background and Aim: Elderly pedestrians are one of the vulnerable road users in road traffic injureis. Elderly pedestrians are different from other road users because of special problems such as weakness of physical ability and specific, social and mental psychosocial conditions. Therefore, special attention should be taken in to account. There are need to pay more attention to this group of road users. The present study aimed to explore the obstacles relating to the elderly pedestrians using a qualitative study approach.

Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative study that was conducted on male and female elderly pedestrians age equal or more than 60 years old participated to obtain depth understanding about obstacles of road safety among elderly pedestrians. Considering the cultural background and convenience of the participants in order to have comfort interviews, interviews were conducted by male and female interviewee based on  participant gender. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and then analyzed employing content analysis as an interpretation method after data collection.

Results: Analysis of the interview data yielded three main themes, emerged in interpreting the interviews including the problems related to associated with the environment (e.g., such as; traffic lights, pedestrians bridges, and streets), social respect to elderly people, and physical health.

Conclusion: According to findings of our study, special physical and social conditions of the elderly citizens as vulnerable road users should be considered and there is need to pay more attention to urban designs and distribution of safer traffic facilities considering elderly people as a vulnerable road users. Construction of traffic safety equipment in cities (such as using escalators instead of bridges and correction of defects in streets and roads tailored to the needs of the elderly) old people can could positively affect the safety of elderly pedestrians. Furthermore, promoting the culture of respecting the elderly and helping them in streets could largely improve their safety as vulnerable pedestrians can improve pedestrian safety of elderly road users.

How to cite this article: Razzaghi A, Pourrajabi A, Daneshi S. Obstacles and Problems Related to Elderly Pedestrians: A Qualitative Study. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention). 2017; 5(2):73-8.