The effect of theory-based educational intervention on correct principles of manual material handling among men.

BACKGROUND: Changing human behavior for the purposes of improving the way people work is an integral part of most educational interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on correct principles of manual material handling (MMH) among male soldiers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest research with a control group. Furthermore, 140 soldiers, from an area located in the city of Bandar Abbas, Iran, were selected through a simple random sampling and they were divided into two groups: intervention and control (70 subjects in each group). The data were collected using a three-part questionnaire including demographic information, the theory constructs, and MMH behavior. The intervention group was given the relevant education, and after 2 months, the both groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Based on regression analysis, attitude toward behavior and perceived behavioral control were predictors for correct principles of MMH. There were significant differences between the mean scores of the theory constructs before and after the education in intervention group (P < 0.001); however, no significant differences were observed in the theory constructs in the control group after the intervention. Before the education, the mean score of MMH of the intervention group was 38.30 ± 6.45; but after, the education, this changed into 44.20 ± 6.01, and significantly increased (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Educational intervention based on the TPB was effective in improving behavior for correct MMH in soldiers. Thus, the use of such educational programs according to the constructs of the planned behavior theory is recommended.

Prevalence of Risky Behaviors and Related Factors among Students of Dezful.

Objective: There is a likelihood of risky behaviors such as drug abuse, risky sexual behavior, and adaptability issues in young ages. The present study aimed at investigating the prevalence of risky behaviors among students of Dezful University of Medical Sciences in 2014. Method: This was a descriptive-analytical cross sectional study, with a random sampling approach. Scale of measuring risky behaviors was used to measure the risky behaviors (high speed driving, maim, drug use, and sexual behaviors) and related factors. The mean, standard deviation, Chi-square tests, t tests, and ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results: The study was conducted on 150 (50%) female and 150 (50%) male students. Most of the participants aged 20 to 24 years. A statistically significant difference was obtained between the average scores of risky behaviors among female and male students (p˂0.05). The results of the present study revealed that the prevalence of risky behaviors, high speed driving, and drug consumption was different among the students of various study fields (p˂0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of risky behaviors among students of Dezful University was relatively low, and the prevalence of these behaviors in female students was far less than in male students. Risky behaviors were associated with background variables, except for mother's occupation.

Study of the pattern of mortality caused by Traffic Accidents (TAs) in The South of Iran.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pattern of mortality caused by road traffic accidents and its associated factors. METHODS: The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Fars province of Iran and comprised data of all people having died in road traffic accidents from March 21, 2011, to March 19, 2012. Using census method, all files related to deaths in road accidents were reviewed at the Legal Medicine Centre. Data was analysed using SPSS20. RESULTS: Of the 1668 people dead, 1291(77.4%) were male and 377(22.6 %) were female. The highest rate related to the age group 21-30 with 454(27%) killed. As for education level, the highest rate of mortality was 410(24.5%) for illiterate people and the least was 9(0.5%) for those having Masters degree or higher. In terms of time of year, the highest rate of mortality was 167(10%) between August 23and September 22, while the least was 82(5%) between July 23and August22. Head trauma was reported as the most important cause of death in 1191(71.4%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some minor differences, all provinces in Iran have the same patterns of death related to road traffic accidents.

Sources, Outcomes, and Resolution of Conflicts in Marriage among Iranian women: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Family's conflict is the important determinant of the quality and quantity of relationships among family members. No study of which we are aware has assessed conflicts, especially among normal or apparently satisfied couples in the Iranian context. This study explored that how women deal with different points, ideas and behaviors in marital life. METHODS: For the study, we recruited 30 to 45-year-old housewives who visited health centers in Tehran, Iran. The participants (n = 45) were selected using purposefully convenient sampling. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used. The data were analyzed qualitatively using MAXQDA 10. RESULTS: Themes, including conflicting situations, causes of conflict, consequences of conflict, and conflict resolution styles were extracted. CONCLUSION: Although Iranian women were dissatisfied with their lives, they tried to protect their marriages.

Intimate partner violence in the eastern part of Iran: a path analysis of risk factors.

Intimate partner violence against women is a widespread phenomenon that is the cause of many deleterious health and social consequences. This study examines the impact of some risk factors on partner violence in the eastern region of Iran, using path analysis. The study used a population-based cross sectional study design. In this study, 251 married women who were referred to the health centers were selected through a proportionally stratified and randomized sampling method. Domestic violence was measured using Conflict Tactics Scale and the socio-demographic variable was assessed by a self-report questionnaire. Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling was used for evaluating the overall path analysis and the direct and indirect p-value was estimated by Bootstrap method. AMOS and SPSS software were used to analyze data. The prevalence of overall violence was 78.1%, with 37.8% and 0.8% of women reporting minor and severe violence, respectively, and 39.8% reporting both severe and minor forms of violence. Psychological violence was the most common type of violence reported (66.5%). The model showed that husbands' drug abuse and women's higher level of education compared to their husbands were the first and second most important factors that significantly and directly influenced the violence. The women's attitude, however, had the least effect on the violence. The findings indicated that higher educated women and women with addicted husbands were more likely to experience violence. Treating the drug abuse disorders, especially mental disorders, using behavioral couple's therapy, as well as modifying certain traditional and cultural biases against women's empowerment are suggested.