Showing 2 results for Public Health
Jamal Biganeh, Vanoushe Kalantari, Soqrat Omari Shekaftik, Mohammad Javad Sheikhmozafari, Seyedeh Solmaz Talebi, Mohammad Hossein Ebrahimi,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Driving has various harmful factors due to its nature, which affect drivers’ health directly and indirectly. Therefore, it is necessary to know the situation and prevalence of these factors in drivers to implement preventive measures.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study is a part of a cohort study conducted (2016 to 2018) among the professional drivers of Shahroud, Iran. Data related to background information, blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, blood factors, hearing loss (dB), respiratory performance indicators, sleep disorders, and accidents were collected from the participants with standard tools and methods.
Results: This study examined 1461 male professional drivers with an average age of 37.30±6.96 years. A total of 426 participants had metabolic syndrome. 797 and 942 people had different degrees of hearing loss, respectively, in the right and left ear. About 129 people had obstructive sleep apnea, and 1330 people had insomnia. Investigations showed that 351 drivers had at least one accident.
Conclusion: This study showed the prevalence of health risk factors in professional drivers at the examined time point. Considering the vital role of drivers in transportation and the country’s economy, it seems necessary to pay more attention to the health of this occupational group. Regular health screening, healthy lifestyle training, improvement of working conditions, and stress management are some interventions that can effectively improve drivers’ health.
Narmin Hassanzadeh-Rangi, Bayan Hosseini, Yeganeh Akhtari, Ehsan Farvaresh, Yahya Khosravi,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to profile Iran’s occupational health services and identify the challenges and implementation strategies, focusing on the coverage of these services and interventions.
Material and Methods: This mixed-method research utilized a triangulation approach to generate qualitative data through document reviews from international organizations such as the WHO and ILO, examinations of national occupational health systems, laws and regulations, previous studies, and interviews. Quantitative data were collected from a national portal using a standard inspection checklist and secondary data from the National Statistics Center. Qualitative data were analyzed using both inductive and deductive content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The occupational health services profile for Iran comprised 45 indicators across 9 areas and 6 types. The coverage of inspection services for identified workplaces and workers was 93% and 92%, respectively. However, the estimated coverage of inspection services for all existing workplaces and workers was only 39% and 15%. Among the included workplaces, access to full health facilities was at 48%, while occupational exposure control was at 18%. For the covered workers, the coverage rates for occupational medical examinations, occupational health training, and utilization of personal protective equipment were 58%, 63%, and 66%, respectively.
Conclusion: The key intervention for improving service coverage and stability—aside from inspections, which are governed—lies in outsourcing services to various providers. This approach involves removing existing barriers and enhancing service provision for small workshops. Additionally, redesigning occupational health services should focus on modifying educational curricula, research, and implementation programs, emphasizing the economic aspects of controls, and prioritizing low-cost and effective measures, especially in small workplaces.
