The organizational culture of Iran University of Medical Sciences from the viewpoint of faculty members.

Background: It has been widely acknowledged that change and constant modification is the key to survive for any organization among their rivals. Since success in implementing changes in the organization strongly depends on the organizational culture, this study aims to assess the organizational culture in Iran University of Medical Sciences. The results of this study can be beneficial in initiating a movement towards the third - and fourth generation of universities. Methods: This study is descriptive-correlational. The Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) was employed to collect data. A questionnaire was sent to the faculty members via email, and the responses were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of the 982 faculty members, 189 participated (20.7%) in this study. Analysis showed that the organizational culture of the university is congruent and harmonious and in the current state, it is primarily hierarchical (31%) and market-oriented (28%) with emphasis on stability and control in the organization. Whereas, faculty members tend to move the organizational culture of the university towards adhocracy (30%) and clan culture (29%). Conclusion: University administrators must strengthen the culture of innovation and creativity based on the needs of the market. This only can be achieved by supporting teamwork in their move towards desired change.

A prospective population-based study of suicidal behavior by burns in the province of Ilam, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine epidemiologic characteristics of suicidal behavior by burns requiring hospitalization in the province of Ilam, Iran. METHODS: A prospective population-based study of all suicidal behaviors by burns requiring hospitalization was conducted in the province of Ilam, Iran, from March 21, 2005 to March 20, 2006. Data were obtained from patients, family members, and/or significant others through interviews during the course of hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients with suicidal behavior by burns requiring hospitalization were identified during the study period, representing an overall incidence rate of 12.5 per 100,000 person-years (P-Y) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.1-16.0 per 100,000 P-Y). Women had a higher rate of suicidal behavior by burns than men (18.0 vs. 7.2 per 100,000 P-Y) (P < 0.001). The age-specific rate of suicidal behavior by burns peaked at age group 20-29 years (19.3 per 100,000 P-Y). The rate of suicidal behavior by burns was slightly higher among married persons than single persons, although not statistically significant (13.5 vs. 9.8 per 100,000 P-Y) (P = 0.25). The rate of suicidal behavior by burns among the rural population was significantly higher than the urban population (17.9 vs. 9.3 per 100,000 P-Y) (P = 0.02). The most frequent precipitating factor for suicidal behavior was marital conflicts. CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of suicidal behavior by burns among young, married women in Ilam is an alarming social tragedy. Despite substantial efforts toward improving health and human rights, persistent conditions allow violence against women in Iran and these women continue to turn to the desperate remedy of self-burning. Findings of this study highlight the need for the implementation of a well-organized approach to reduce the incidence of suicide by burns.

The role of marital status, literacy, and urbanity in suicidal behavior by burns in the province of Khorasan, Iran.

A prospective study of all suicidal behaviors by burns requiring hospitalization was conducted in the province of Khorasan, Iran, from March 21, 2005 to March 20, 2006, to examine marital status, urbanity and literacy among these patients. Data were obtained through interviews during the course of hospitalization. A total of 130 patients with suicidal behavior by burns were identified (incidence rate of 2.9 per 100,000). Females had a higher rate of suicidal behavior by burns than males (4.2 vs. 1.6 per 100,000, P < 0.001). The rate of suicidal behavior by burns was higher among single persons than married persons (4.3 vs. 3.5 per 100,000). The rate of suicidal behavior by burns among the rural population was slightly higher than the urban population (3.2 vs. 2.7 per 100,000). The high rate of suicidal behavior by burns among young, married women in Khorasan is a social tragedy.