Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related risk factors among bakers: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and ergonomic risk factors are very common in bakery workers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to (1) assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among bakers because they use automated machines or traditional baking, and (2) to determine the strategies to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in bakers. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from the beginning to February 4, 2022, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Mesh keywords and phrases were used to execute the search strategy. Information on MSDs and ergonomic risk factors in bakery workers was collected. Two reviewers worked independently on study selection, data extraction, and paper quality ranking. RESULTS: This study identified 14 papers from seven countries. Although the prevalence of MSDs in bakery workers has been studied, only a handful of them have been studied ergonomic risk factors, and the findings have been very limited. The association between different risk factors and MSDs seemed significant compared to many other occupational diseases. The traditional bread-baking system and lack of mechanization may increase the risk of MSDs in bakery workers. CONCLUSION: WRMSDs for bakery workers have been less studied than other occupational diseases. Our systematic review found several significant relations between the factors influencing the prevalence of MSDs. This study also showed the comparison of traditional and modern cooking systems with diseases of the upper limbs, shoulders, and back pain as possible fields for future research.

Epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injury in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of leading cause of death and disability in Iran that has serious consequences on people's health. Understanding of epidemiology of TBI can be helpful for policy making in health care management. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the epidemiology of TBI in Iran. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google scholar, and internal databases including, SID, Magiran, and IranMedex were searched to identify the relevant published studies up to Feb 2022. Moreover, the references list of key studies was scanned to find more records. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. The Excel and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software were to analyze the data. Results: Overall, 23,446 patients from 15 studies were included in the study. The overall mean age of the patients was 31.36 ± 0.13 yr (95%CI: 31.10 to 31.61). The majority of the patients were male (74.37%), with a male to female ratio of 3:1. The incidence rate of TBI was 15.3 to 144 per 100,000 population. The mortality rate of TBI was estimated to be 10.4% (95%CI: 5% to 19%). The most common causes of injury were road traffic accidents (RTAs) (60%; 95%CI: 49% to 70%), and falling (20%; 95%CI: 16% to 26%), respectively. The most frequent type of head injury was subdural hematoma. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that appropriate control and prevention strategies should be focused on male, road traffic accidents, and the group under 40 yr.

Epidemiology of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries in Iran; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Understanding the epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs) can be helpful for policymakers and planners to consider appropriate strategies to control and prevent these injuries. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological characteristics of TSCI in Iran in order to increase knowledge and awareness of these injuries. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted up to January 2022 in the electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, Iranmedex, and Magiran. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the STORBE checklist. Comprehensive meta-analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Nineteen studies involving 9416 cases were included in the study. Participants' pooled mean age was 35.80 ± 1.07 years (95% CI: 33.69 to 37.91), of whom 69% (95% CI: 68% to 70%; P<0.05) were male. The most frequent TSCI occurred in the age group of less than 30 years. Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) was the most common cause of TSCI (57%; 95% CI: 25% to 63%), followed by falls (32%; 95% CI: 26% to 38%). Most participants had thoracolumbar (27%; 95% CI: 10% to 55%) and cervical injuries (23%; 95% CI: 16% to 31%), respectively. The incidence of TSCI was estimated at 10.5 per million people. The prevalence of TSCI was 3 per 10000 people. The mortality rate due to TSCI was 3.9% (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.06; P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this meta-analysis, the pooled incidence and prevalence of TSCI in the Iranian population were 10.5/1000.000 people and 4.4/10.000 people, respectively. TSCIs had occurred more frequently in males following MVCs, and in the age group under 30 years. The pooled mortality rate due to TSCI was 3.9% (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.06; P<0.05).

The relationship between dietary patterns and sleep disorders in shift workers.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have been done on the association of dietary intakes with sleep disorders among shift workers, in particular those exposed to air pollution. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the association of major dietary patterns with risk of sleep disorders in shift workers of a cement factory. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 257 male shift workers in a cement factory in Iran. Usual dietary intake of participants was assessed using a validated self-administrated 147-item dish-based food frequency questionnaire. To examine sleep disturbances of participants, we used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS: Three major dietary patterns including Classic Iranian, Modern Iranian, and High Protein Low Fruit and vegetables were identified. The Classic Iranian pattern was mainly consisted of high-protein animal foods, fruit, and vegetables, while the Modern Iranian pattern had high amounts of refined grains, solid oils, and caffeine drinks. No significant association was found between adherence to the Classic Iranian pattern and risk of sleep disorders (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 0.69, 7.81) and also for the Modern Iranian dietary pattern (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.20, 1.93). However, we found a significant direct association between the High Protein Low Fruit and vegetables dietary pattern and risk of sleep disorders (OR: 3.92; 95% CI: 1.03, 14.86). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a significant direct association between a dietary pattern high in animal proteins and solid oils and low in fruit and vegetables with risk of sleep disorders among shift workers in the cement factory. However, no such association was found for the two other dietary patterns.

Risk Perception in the COVID-19 pandemic; a health promotion approach.

BACKGROUND: Many measures have been taken so far to minimize the outbreak of COVID-19, but it is still unclear to what extent people have understood the risk. Public participation plays a vital role in better and effective control of the coronavirus, and the importance of risk perception is effective in their preventive behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the pandemic risk perception of coronavirus disease after began of pandemic in Iranian society. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran in spring 2020. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The questions were extracted through interviews with experts and summarizing the opinions of public interviews, etc., The questionnaire was made available to the public through social media. The information was collected within 3 months. Quantitative data were reported as mean ± standard deviation and the qualitative data were reported as number and percent. Multiple linear regression and cross were also used to examine the demographic factors associated with risk perception. Data Analysis was performed using the SPSS version 21 statistical software. RESULTS: In this study, 402 individuals from 28 provinces (Azarbaijan Gharbi, Azarbaijan Sharghi, Alborz, Ardabil, Bushehr, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars, Ghazvin, Gilan, Golestan, Hamedan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshah, Khorasan Razavi, Khorasan Shomali, Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Mazandaran, Semnan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, and Zanjan) of Iran participated. The risk perception score obtained from the sum of the scores of the questions was classified into quartiles. Accordingly, the risk perception score of (22.9) 92 people was very low, (26.6) 107 people low, (26.9) 108 people moderate, and (23.6) 95 people high. The results of multiple linear regression showed that the variables of gender (P = 0.008) and occupation (P = 0.013) had a significant relationship with risk perception. There was no significant relationship between risk perception and variables of age, marital status, and level of education (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study showed that the risk perception of the people is more in categories of moderate to high. Assessing the risk perception of a pandemic can be helpful for preventive measurements and planning, and also, according to the results of the research, can be done appropriate educational interventions. Given that 47.5% of respondents were employees, of course, it should be noted that in sending a questionnaire virtually, there is usually a lot of loss and this is a limitation of the research. The results of this study can be useful in making prevention decisions and maintaining safety and health in the workplace.

Investigation of occupational fatigue and safety climate among nurses using the structural equation model.

BACKGROUND: Nursing is associated with many stressful situations that can lead to fatigue, reduced efficiency, and physical and mental illness. Safety climate is one of the most important indicators of safety management performance assessment that assesses employees' attitudes towards safety issues. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between safety climate and occupational fatigue in nurses. METHOD: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on nurses working in hospitals affiliated to Zabol University of Medical Sciences in 2019. 143 nurses were selected by the proportional sampling method and entered the study. Demographic questionnaires, Occupational Fatigue Inventory (SOFI), and Nurses' Safety Assessment Questionnaire were used for data collection. Statistical tests, including Independent T-Test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to analyze the results using SPSS software version 21, and the multivariate structural equation was used for modeling. RESULTS: The mean scores of safety climate and occupational fatigue were 67.15±12.73 and 85.09±41.49, respectively. Job and demographic variables except for the second job (P-value = 0.065) had a significant effect on the variables of safety climate and occupational fatigue. There were also higher scores for occupational fatigue and all of its subscales in the group of women compared to the group of men. CONCLUSION: The results showed that occupational and demographic variables have significant effects on safety climate and occupational fatigue. There was a significant relationship between demographic variables of age, work experience, and education level with safety climate. There was also a significant relationship between education level, job satisfaction, satisfaction with colleagues and work experience with occupational fatigue. Therefore, paying attention to fatigue and safety climate of nurses in workplaces is recommended.

Burnout level in Iranian teachers and its related factors: A health promotion approach.

BACKGROUND: Promoting the well-being of students and teachers should be the goal of school mental health programs. A large body of evidence has highlighted that there is an emerging concern regarding the increasing stresses that teachers are dealing with. Burnout is a psychophysical state that is characterized by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and low sense of personal accomplishment (PA). We aimed to assess burnout level in teachers' population and its correlation with demographic characteristics because it not only can be affected teachers' health promotion but also student well-being promotion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, 322 high-schoolteachers from the second district of Tehran were randomly selected and were asked to complete the standard Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire to evaluate the three areas of burnout. In addition, participants were interviewed for their demographic status (IR.TUMS.MEDICINE.REC.1397.473). RESULTS: The results of this study showed that male teachers exhibit significantly lower score compared with female ones in all three indicators of burnout including EE, DP, and PA (P < 0.05). The number of children teachers and income level in men also influenced all three indices (P < 0.05). Regarding the impact of spouse's job status on burnout in men and women, PA was the only unaffected area (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, none of the demographic characteristics effected burnout domains in female teacher population. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of this study that shows the higher burnout level in male teachers and its association with several demographic characteristics such as income level and number of children, special attention should be paid to this gender to reduce possible stress and mental illness.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and biochemical biomarkers, and psychological parameters in cement plant workers.

The cement industry is one of the main world industries with exposure to a wide range of hazardous chemical and physical occupational agents that may increase free radicals and lead to disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress, biochemical markers, and psychological parameters among cement plant workers. In this cross-sectional study, 40 workers exposed to cement and 40 office employees were selected as the exposed and non-exposed groups, respectively. Exposure to cement dust, silica, and noise were, respectively, assessed using the NIOSH 0600, NIOSH 7601, and noise dosimetry methods. Oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and biochemical parameters were measured in the serum of all participants. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) questionnaire. The results demonstrated that the level of MDA as a marker of oxidative stress was significantly higher in the exposed group. The level of antioxidant enzymes including SOD and CAT were also significantly higher in the exposed group. The level of TAC was lower in the exposed group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), and the scores of depression and stress were also significantly higher in the exposed group. According to our results, noise, cement dust, and silica exposure were associated with oxidative stress, and this may be one of the mechanisms in which they adversely affect liver function and mental health.

The effect of traffic noise on cognitive performance with regard to personality traits: A laboratory experiment study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to traffic noise could play an important part in inducing psychological disorders which in turn can affect individuals' cognitive and mental performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of traffic noise exposure on the cognitive performance with regard to subjects' personality traits. METHODS: Sixty students with normal hearing and vision took part in this experimental study. In order to simulate the traffic noise condition of Tehran, the noise from several busy streets was first carefully recorded. Later on, the subjects were exposed to this recorded noise in an anechoic chamber. Also, the NEO-five factor inventory questionnaire and the continuous performance test were used to assess personality traits and cognitive performance of participants respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that the cognitive features of the study, such as reaction time and the number of commission/omission errors in continuous performance testing increased significantly after exposure to the traffic noise (p < 0.05), and among the personality traits, only the neuroticism has a significant correlation with response time in the continuous performance tests (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Apart from the effect of traffic noise on cognitive function, the findings of this study confirmed that Neuroticism (one of the personality traits) also significantly affect the cognitive performance of individuals when they are exposed to traffic noise in laboratory conditions.

Evaluation of the quality of working life and its effective factors in employed nurses of Tehran University of Medical Sciences Hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Quality of working life (QWL) refers to aspects of life quality, which are related to work settings. This study was designed to evaluate the QWL and its effective factors among nurses of Tehran University of Medical Sciences Hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, the demographic questionnaire and work-related quality of life questionnaire were used to collect data among 435 nurses working in hospitals, affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. This article has been adapted from the approved project of Medical Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (with the identification code 8911215132). RESULTS: The average QWL of nurses in the study was 50.56. There was a significant statistical relationship between gender, frequency of overtime, and working ward with QWL (P < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, working ward had the only meaningful relationship. CONCLUSION: Due to low QWL of nurses in the emergency department, the need of interventions to improve conditions and ultimately to increase QWL of nurses working in the emergency room is being reminded.

Relationships Between Job Satisfaction and Job Demand, Job Control, Social Support, and Depression in Iranian Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Nurses often experience a wide variety of stressful situations. Excessive work stress influences the physical and mental health of nurses and decreases their life quality and professional efficacy. In addition, high levels of psychological stress may cause job dissatisfaction and job strain. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between several work-related risk factors and job satisfaction in Iranian nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 730 nurses from four public hospitals in, respectively, northern, southern, eastern, and western Iran. Variables in the job demand-control-support (JDCS) model were measured using the Job Content Questionnaire, and job satisfaction was measured using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean score for job satisfaction was 62.94 ± 14.24, which is considered moderate. Nurses with a low level of job satisfaction had significantly higher psychological and physical job demands (p < .05). Significant relationships were found between job satisfaction and several dimensions of the JDCS model, including psychological job demands (ß = -0.11, p < .001), physical job demands (ß = -0.86, p = .004), skill discretion (ß = 0.48, p = .033), decision authority (ß = 0.43, p = .028), and supervisor support (ß = 1.85, p = .004). The sociodemographic and JDCS model variables used in this study explained 42% of the variation in job satisfaction (R2 = .42). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Enhancing the job satisfaction of nurses is possible by creating a balance between job demands, job control, and social support.

Higher intakes of fruits and vegetables are related to fewer menopausal symptoms: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, and its subgroups and menopausal symptoms along with its subtypes in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 393 postmenopausal women in municipality health centers in the south of Tehran, Iran. Sociodemographic data, dietary intakes, and anthropometric measures were obtained from individuals. Menopause rating scale (MRS) questionnaire was employed to measure menopausal symptoms. The total MRS score (TMRSS) was the sum of the somatic score (SS), psychological score (PS), and urogenital score (US). Participants were divided into low and high total MRS and its domain scores. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounding variables, an inverse relationship was found between total FV with TMRSS (odds ratio [OR] 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.81) and SS (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11-0.82). In addition, the consumption of total fruits was significantly related to lower SS (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.10-0.71). Only intake of citrus fruits was inversely associated with TMRSS (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.71) and SS (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11-0.70). Likewise, intakes of total FV (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.37-4.41), total vegetables (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.10-5.88), green leafy vegetables (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.47-8.75), dark yellow vegetables (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.00-5.18), other vegetables (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.17-15.39), and citrus fruits were linked to higher US (OR 4.35, 95% CI 1.77-10.71). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that some FV subgroups had inverse associations with climacteric symptoms, whereas higher intake of some subgroups of FV appeared to be associated with more urogenital symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Long Term Exposure to Microwave Radiation in Children Due to COVID-19 Pandemic; a Carcinogen Challenge.

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Fruit and vegetable intake and pre-diabetes: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: Few studies have evaluated the association of fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and pre-diabetes. However, these studies are very limited and incomplete. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare FV consumption and their subgroups between pre-diabetic and control subjects. METHODS: This case-control study included 300 individuals, 150 subjects with normal fasting blood glucose (FBG), and 150 pre-diabetic subjects who were matched for sex and age. We collected the participants' anthropometric and physical activity data and measured their blood glucose level. A 168 items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for estimating the FV intake. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounding variables, participants in the lower quartiles of FV and total fruit intake were more likely to experience pre-diabetes compared with those in the higher quartiles (p trend < 0.007). In addition, cruciferous vegetables, other vegetables, and berries were inversely associated with pre-diabetes (p < 0.05), although a distinct dose-response relationship was not found. Unexpectedly, higher intake of dark yellow vegetables was significantly associated with a higher chance of pre-diabetes (p trend = 0.006). Other vegetable and fruit subgroups did not show any significant relationship with this disorder. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that higher intake of total FV and total fruits might be associated with lower odds ratio of pre-diabetes.

Evaluation of environmental heat stress on physiological parameters.

BACKGROUND: Thermal component of the atmospheric environment is an important issue which is related to human's health. Thermal environment includes both heat exchange conditions (stress) and the physiological response (strain). The aim of this study was to measure the association of heat indices (PSI, HSI, Humidex) especially subjective one (STI) with some physiological parameters (Blood pressure, pulse rate and skin temperature). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 387 male farmers on Boukan, West Azerbaijan, Iran in 2016. Sampling was conducted on the hottest days in summer on July based on the meteorological report. Heat parameters was measured 3 times in each session. RESULTS: Direct associations were found between heat indices and physiological parameters except systolic BP. However, invers associations were found between blood pressure, skin and core body temperature, pulse rate with all heat indices. Based on the results of linear regression analysis, significant association was found between WBGT and skin temperature (B = 0.31, CI: 0.02, 0.61, P = 0.03). Results also showed significant association between Humidex and skin temperature (B = 0.21, CI: -0.03, 0.40, P = 0.02). However, no significant associations were found between other heat stress indices including UTCI, PHS, HIS, STI and Humidex with all study physiological parameters (core body temperature, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and also pulse rate). CONCLUSION: As expected, farmer's health is affected by physiological parameters. Moreover, among assessed types of heat stress indices WBGT and Humidex were more powerful to show better the association with mentioned physiological parameters.

Dietary patterns and benign breast diseases: a case-control study.

Several studies have investigated the relation between benign breast diseases (BBD) and food intake. However, dietary patterns of these patients have not been taken into consideration up to now. The aim of this study is to determine the association between dietary patterns and BBD. In this case-control study, ninety-six patients with BBD and seventy controls were selected from women attending the Iranian Center for Breast Cancer affiliated with Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research. Demographic, physical activity and semi-quantitative FFQ were completed. The main dietary patterns were extracted by factor analysis. Two major dietary patterns emerged: Healthy dietary pattern including fish, poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy products, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, oil and mayonnaise, olives, fruits; and Unhealthy dietary pattern including red meats, organ and processed meats, high-fat dairy products, refined grains, sweets and desserts, animal and solid fats. After adjustment for age, BMI and energy intake, the participants in the highest tertile of Healthy dietary pattern (OR 0·44; 95 % CI 0·20, 0·99) were less likely to have BBD compared with those in the first tertile. After adjustment for other confounding variables, this relationship still remained close to significant level. However, higher consumption of Unhealthy dietary pattern was not associated with the risk of BBD. In conclusion, Healthy dietary pattern might be inversely associated with the risk of BBD; however, this result should be interpreted with caution. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Influence of Sleep on Quality of Life Among Hospital Nurses.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep disorders are the cause of morbidity and mortality and can decrease functional capacity and quality of life. Nurses, especially those working irregular or night shifts, are at risk for developing sleep disorders. The present study aims to determine the relationship between sleep quality and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as well as quantitative and subjective aspects of sleep quality in nurses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1456 nurses working in 11 hospitals in Shiraz and Tehran (Iran) in 2014. Structured questionnaires (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Survey [SF-36]) were used to collect data on participants' demographic characteristics, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life. Chi-square and independent samples t-test were employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 30.81 ± 7.8, and most of them were female (89.04%) and poor sleepers. Long-duration sleepers slept for more than 9.8 h/night, and they obtained higher scores than short-duration sleepers (<4.5 h/night) in all SF-36 domains. The study results showed that increased quality of life was significantly related to health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed strong evidence that sleep disorders, such as poor quality and short duration of sleep, are negatively associated with HRQOL. Therefore, developing systemic strategies to cope with the problem seems to be necessary.

Predictors of dietary supplement usage among medical interns of Tehran university of medical sciences.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dietary supplement-use and its relationship with demographics and lifestyle of medical interns. The study sample comprised 356 interns aged 23 to 25 years. Participants completed a questionnaire on dietary supplement-use during the month preceding the study, information on demographic characteristics and lifestyle was also obtained. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed to assess the correlates of dietary supplement-use. The prevalence of dietary supplement-use was about 33% (males 20.4% and females 43.2%, p<0.001). The most commonly-used dietary supplement was multivitamin/multivitamin-mineral (90.6% in males and 52.3% in females). Approximately 30% of supplements were used regularly (≥ 5 days/week) by all subjects. The most-frequently reported reasons for supplement-use in males were: enhancing daily energy/stamina (51.1%), poor food intake (13.3%) and, in females, were: improving health and nutritional status (39.3%) and reducing hair loss (23.4%). The decision to use dietary supplement was mostly driven by the interns themselves (56% in males, 61% in females). In the univariable analysis, men who exercised once or twice a week were less likely to use supplements compared to those who reported doing exercise more than twice weekly (OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.12-0.98). Females who reported their health status to be 'excellent' were more likely to use supplements compared to those who described their health status as 'moderate/poor/very poor' (OR=2.53, 95% CI 1.15-5.56) as were women who mentioned their breakfast consumption status as 'always' (OR=2.69, 95% CI 1.47-4.92). In the multivariable analysis, only breakfast consumption was significantly related with dietary supplement-use in females (OR=2.20, 95% CI 1.11-4.38). In conclusion, dietary supplement-use among medical interns, especially among females, was relatively very common. Dietary supplement-use was related to a healthier lifestyle.

Are Supplementation of Omega-3 and Ascorbic Acid Effective in Reducing Oxidative Stress and Depression among Depressed Shift Workers?

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the effect of supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and ascorbic acid alone and in combination on the level of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA concentration), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and depression scores in depressed rotational shift workers in the Tehran Shahid Tondgoyan Oil refinery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 136 men who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and had a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score ≥ 10 were selected. Among the participants, 33 received omega-3 fatty acid soft gel (1000 mg twice daily) with vitamin C (250 mg twice daily) (group 1), 31 took omega-3 fatty acid supplements and vitamin C placebo (group 2), 30 took omega-3 fatty acid supplement placebo and vitamin C (group 3), and 32 received omega-3 fatty acid supplement placebo and vitamin C placebo (group 4) for 2 months. Measured were serum MDA, TAC concentrations, and BDI scores at baseline and after 2 months. RESULTS: This study showed that the BDI score was reduced significantly in all 4 groups, however, the level of decrease was more in the omega-3 fatty acid (alone) supplementation group (mean 6.29 score decrease) (p < 0.001). MDA level decreased significantly in groups with omega-3 fatty acids (mean 0.78 µmol/L ± 1.64 µmol/L decrease) (p = 0.014) or vitamin C supplementation alone (mean 0.74 µmol/L ± 1.55 µmol/L decrease) (p = 0.014), but not in combination. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids alone and not in combination with vitamin C had a better impact on depression and MDA level pronounced in depressed male shift workers.