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Background: Nowadays, many Iranian families, depending on the family members’ level of interest, tend to keep pet animals. Psychological studies have rarely dealt with the impact of pets on family performance and individuals’ mental health. The purpose of this study was to compare family performance and mental health in individuals who own pets and those who do not. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 152 participants (80 pet keeping and 72 non-pet keeping) living in Isfahan were selected through stratified random sampling and completed Family Assessment Device (FAD), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis was done through multivariate regression and covariance analysis. Results: The results indicated significant differences between the pet keeping and non-pet keeping groups in terms of anxiety, sleep disorders, relationships, and emotional involvement therefore, it can be concluded that non-pet keeping individuals have more anxiety and sleep disorder symptoms, whereas pet keeping individuals present more problems in terms of emotional involvement and their relationships(p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, it is suggested that in keeping pets, greater attention should be to cultural factors. Also, in some circumstances keeping pets should be recommended for reduction of anxiety and elevation of sense of security and relaxation.

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Background: High blood pressure (HBP) is one of the effective risk factors for many diseases. Hence, a variety of studies have been done for identifying its risk factors which have led to the diagnosis of different factors, among which working on shift work (WSW) can be mentioned. In this longitudinal study, we deal with the effect of WSW on BP by controlling the confounding factors through GEE regression which is a powerful tool for correlational and longitudinal data analysis. Materials and Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, data collection was done through annual observations of health and safety executive (HSE) center of Mobarakeh Steel Company (MSCO) of Isfahan on the workers in 2007-2009. For data analysis, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were regarded as dependent variables, whereas body mass index (BMI), age, education level (EL), and shift work were considered independent variables. SPSS version 15 was used to apply GEE regression to the assessment of parameters corresponding to the factors causing change in SBP and DBP. Results: Of the independent variables, BMI and age had a significant relationship with SBP and DBP however, the results did not indicate any significant relationships between BP and WSW and EL. Conclusion: In this study, there was not a significant relationship between shift work and BP. This can be attributed to the likelihood of SWS being healthier, as well as the flexibility of work hours, income, and more intervals for shift workers in comparison to day workers.

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Background: Aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin B1, have lethal effects on human and animal health. This study is intended to present a specific, sensitive, and relatively fast method for measurement, detection, and isolation of aflatoxin-albumin (Af-Alb) adducts in serum. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-trial, three groups of rats were selected and used as positive control (treated with aflatoxin B1), negative control (without treatment) and standard (treated with radioactive aflatoxin B1). After drawing blood samples from the rats, blood serum and then, serum albumin were isolated. Albumin was hydrolyzed by pronase and eventually, was injected into HPLC system. The sample was then identified and measured by fluorescence detector. Results: Electrophoresis on PAGE revealed albumin isolated from serum to be perfectly pure. In HPLC method, detection limit for the measurement of Af-Alb adduct was determined to be 60 pg/ml. The mean of aflatoxin positive control rats serum was 19.2 ng/mg albumin. In inter- and intra-group experiments, a remarkable level of reproducibility was seen for this method. Conclusion: The amount of Af-Alb adduct is proportionate to the amount of aflatoxin received. This project was conducted with rat serum sample, but since albumin is hydrolyzed and can be isolated from aflatoxin, this method is applicable to the measurement of Af-Alb adducts in human serum samples.

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Background:Today, in spite of quick and amazing human advancements in prevention treatment, and control of diseases and their positive effects on the community, lack of reliance on the instructions of prophets on spirituality and ethics of human relationships has led to health, social, ethical, and environmental crises that have resulted in spread of emerging diseases such as AIDS. Therefore, the way out of this crisis is the return to the instructions of prophets and religions, especially Islam. This article explains the role of Islam instructions in achieving millennium development goals in the fight against malaria and AIDS. Materials and Methods: In this review article, through access to reliable sources in the form of a descriptive article, practical strategies of Islam for achieving millennium development goals for fighting diseases, AIDS, and malaria are investigated. In so doing, by applying appropriate keywords to electronic and manual search in reliable Islamic and medical resources, data were collected and the central research question was addressed. Results: Based on the results of the reviewed studies, instructions and ideas of Islam on reconstructing the environment, preservation of natural resources, observing personal health, priority of health to treatment, abstinence from risky sexual behaviors, and so forth have practical implications for malaria and AIDS control and prevention so that if there had been commitment to Islam, AIDS as an emerging disease might never have developed. Conclusion: Noticing the availability of resources and instructions in Islam on health and medicine for prevention and fight against diseases, such ideas can be utilized for preventing the emergence and development of other new diseases. Hence, Islamic instructions can be presented to the world as practical strategies for achieving millennium development goals.

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In the Holy Quran, it is stated that “eating honey has healing for people” “Fihe shefaho lenas”. The word “healing” in Quran has not been used about any other food but honey and one Sura in Quran is dedicated to Nahl (bee). This study investigates the importance of honey from the perspective of Quran and medicine. This review article investigated the therapeutic properties of honey from the perspective of Quran and medicine through text analysis and manual and online search. Medicine has proven that honey due to its low moisture, high osmosis, and high acidity inhibits the growth of infectious agents and creates a sterile coat on the wound. Prophet Mohammad said, “Lam yastashfeo almariz bemasale sharbato olasal”, meaning that nothing cures the sick person the way honey does. Studies have shown that honey is effective in strengthening child development and treatment, prevention, and improvement of skin, respiratory, liver, gallbladder, eyes, ears, and nose diseases and cancer. The application of natural honey to healing diabetic and cutaneous ulcers and the topical application of honey to open wounds can accelerate the healing process. Oral administration of dates honey syrup can enhance the natural progression of delivery and womb contractions which decrease the need for cesarean. It can be concluded from the review of the literature that emphasis of Quran on the use of honey in diet and its reference to the healing property of honey for people has not been without a cause. Modern medicine also verifies the curative properties of honey for many diseases.

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Background: Trauma noise is one of the major physical pollutants in modern societies. Sound conditioning, on the other hand, is known as one of the mechanisms for protecting the hearing system. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 15 three month-old male white New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups. The equipments used in this study included a sound generator, a loudspeaker, an exposure box, a sound level meter, and a distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) device. The rabbits were assigned to trauma noise exposure, conditioning noise exposure, and control groups. The conditioning and traumatic sound levels were respectively 80 and 105dB within the 500-3000 Hz frequency. Results: Conditioning noise at the level of 80 in combination with trauma noise enhanced the rabbits hearing system tolerance up to 13-17 dB so that in all frequencies there were significant differences between the trauma noise exposure group and the sound conditioning and trauma noise conditioning group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sound conditioning can act as an effective factor in protecting the hearing system against trauma noise.

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Background: There is inconsistent evidence indicating that serum Zn deficiency in pregnant women may adversely affect fetal growth. In order to survey this matter in Iran, a study was conducted with the aim of determining the association between serum Zn in pregnant women of Kashan and anthropometric factors of their neonates in 2008-2009. Materials and Methods: In this eross-secrional study, of all the pregnant women referring to Naghavi Polyclinic of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, 128 women and their neonates were selected. Serum Zn concentration in 6-9 month pregnant women and anthropometric factors of their neonates (weight, height, and head circumference) were measured. Then the relationship between the prevalence of Zn deficiency and the neonates’ anthropometric factors was reported. T-test and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results: Mean weight and height of the infants whose mothers had low serum Zn concentration (below normal) were 130.1g and 0.6 cm less than the infants whose mothers had high Zn concentrations. A significant positive correlation was found between birth size height of the neonates and serum Zn concentration of the mothers (P=0.02). Conclusion: The results suggest that maternal serum zinc level affects neonates’ height.

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Background: Some plant extracts, including species of Santolina have antibacterial effects and they can be used as antimicrobial agents in treatment of infections. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the compounds of essential oil and the anti-microbial properties of its essential oil and extract. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, yarrow plant in late spring was collected from Sistan region in 2008. The compounds of the essential oil were analyzed by GC/MS. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and diameter of inhibition zone of growth for the standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, P.aeruginosa, and Candida.albicans were determined through disk diffusion and agar-well diffusion methods and dilution in the liquid medium, respectively. Results: Camphor was the major compound of the essential oil. The standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus presented the greatest sensitivity to the stem extract and leaf extract in MIC> 0.573 and MBC> 1.146, respectively and to the flower extract in MBC> 1.663 and MIC> 0.831, respectively. In addition, it presented an intermediate sensitivity to standard strains E.coli with MBC> 2.293 and MIC> 1.146, respectively to the stem and leaf extract and MBC> 6.650 and MIC> 3.325 respectively to the flower extract. However, the standard strains of Candida albicans and P.aeruginosa did not show a significant sensitivity to the extracts. Also, the essential oil of this plant in comparison with the extracts did not have any significant antimicrobial effects. Conclusion: The plant extracts, especially stem and leaf possess anti-bacterial effects. But further investigations are needed for determining its exact mechanism

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Background: The UN report on the 41% increase of cesarean labor and its risks in Iran in recent years on the one hand and its association with cognitive and psychological factors on the other motivated us to identify the involving variables so as to control unnecessary cesarean sections. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of fear of pain and related psychological variables (pain catastrophizing, catastrophic cognition, childbirth attitude, depression-anxiety-stress, and experience of pre-menstruation (PMS) in prediction of cesarean labor. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 pregnant women from Atieh private and Shahid Akbar Abadi public Hospitals (150 participants from each) were selected and matched by variables, such as age, level of education, month of pregnancy, previous experience of deliveries, tendency to cesarean, type of hospital, and having PMS. To collect data, a battery of questionnaires, including fear of pain, pain catastrophising, catastrophic cognition, childbirth attitude, and depression-anxiety-stress (DASS) were used. The results were analyzed through correlation coefficient and logistic regression. Results: Education, previous experience of deliveries, month of pregnancy were not significant but such variables as the tendency to cesarean, type of hospital, and age were significant (P<0.05). Such variables as pain catastrophizing, catastrophic cognition, and childbirth attitude were significant but other variables, including fear of pain , depression-anxiety-stress, experience of PMS were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Such variables as the experience of cesarean, type of hospital, and age as well as pain catastrophizing, childbirth attitude, and catastrophic cognition are significant variable in prediction of cesarean labor in pregnant women.

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Background: Aquatic ecosystems pollution with heavy metals, especially mercury, has always been a major concern for aquatic organisms health. Hence this study not only described an innovative method for analyzing organic mercury compound, but also evaluated total and organic mercury concentrations in great cormorant and compared them with world health standards. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 18 great cormorants were randomly captured in March, 2009. Total and organic mercury of muscle, kidney, and liver tissues were analyzed by an advanced mercury analyzer made in the United States (Model Leco, AMA 254), and statistical analysis was done by Mann-Whitney U, and Kolmogrove-Smirnov tests. Results: Mean accumulated total mercury in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues were 5.67, 3.59, and 2.26 mg kg -1 w.w., respectively and organic mercury formed 82, 79, and 58 % of the total mercury. Conclusion: The levels of accumulated mercury in all tissues of great cormorant were more than the established limits by WHO, FAO, and EPA. These results can be a serious warning for consumers of these birds, especially vulnerable people.

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Background: Prevention, control, or eradication of brucellosis in a country or region needs policy-making, decision-making, and possessing accurate epidemiological data and information. Therefore, this study was done to review the epidemiology and some factors affecting the interval between the onset and diagnosis of brucellosis in Markazi Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data on patients diagnosed with brucellosis during 2010-2011 in Markazi Province were studied. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics as well as chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test using SPSS software. Results: Out of all cases (907), the interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was more than a month in 363 cases (41.7%). The interval between the onset and diagnosis was significantly associated with location (urban or rural) (P=0.001), city of residence (P=0.001), career (P=0.002), and type of disease (new or failure case) (P=0.008). Conclusion: Since the interval time between the onset and diagnosis of brucellosis among rural residents, ranchers, housewives, and farmers is more, greater attention should be paid to this new class.

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Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the leading causes of poor quality of life and iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age. This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effect of tranexamic acid (TA) on menorrhagia. Materials and Methods: In this before and after clinical trial, 46 women with menorrhagia were selected and, after a control cycle for evaluation of the volume and duration of primary bleeding, were subjected to tranexamic acid treatment (500mg every 6 hours from day 1 to 5 of bleeding) for 3 consecutive cycles. Data on the duration of bleeding, amount of bleeding (PBAC chart), quality of life (SF-36 and MQ questionnaires), and hemoglobin and ferritin values were checked and compared before and after treatment using SPSS software. Results: Tranexamic acid reduced mean PBAC score from 242.86 (160.47) in control cycle to 101.50 (72.67) after the third cycle (p<0.001). Hemoglobin increased from 11.85 (0.84) to 13.08 (0.97) g/dl and ferritin increased from 15.9 (20.39) to 22.13 (2.03) ng/dl (p<0.001). Duration of menstrual bleeding decreased from 7.6 (1.23) days to 6.86 (0.84) days (p=0.001). Tranexamic acid reduced mean MQ score from 70.26 (17.64) to 11.64 (6.49) (p<0.0001). Quality of life scores increased in all aspects (except for bodily pain scale) (p<0.001). Conclusion: TA due to its short course of prescription, fewer side effects, especially on the pattern of bleeding and menstrual cycle, and not having hormonal effects, seems to be an effective drug for menorrhagia in women of reproductive age.

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Background: Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in Iran. In most cases, the diagnosis of brucellosis is difficult not only because of its clinical similarity to many infectious and noninfectious diseases, but also because diagnostic methods often fail to detect organisms. PCR is a rapid and safe diagnostic method applied to the diagnosis of brucellosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of PCR for diagnosis of human brucellosis by using serum samples. Materials and Methods: This study which was done to evaluate diagnostic tests included30 serum samples from patients with clinical presentation of brucellosis with positive Wright test and serum samples of30 healthy people with negative Wright test. These samples were examined by PCR. Results: PCR results were positive for 15 samples of the patients group in comparison with 4 samples from the 30 healthy subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR were 50% and 86.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Although in some studies, the preferred sample for diagnosis of brucellosis was serum, in this study, PCR on serum samples did not indicate high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of brucellosis. Hence, using a combination of methods for diagnosis of human brucellosisis suggested.

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Background: Considering the lack of a standardized and validated questionnaire on oral health care for pregnant women based on a specific behavioral pattern, the aim ofthis study was development and psychometric assessment of an oral health instrument based on Health Belief Model in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 340 pregnant women in Arak city. After reviewing the related literature, the instrument was designed and its content validity ratio, content validity index, face validity, and exploratory factor analysis were measured. For measuring the reliability of the scales, three methods, including test-retest, internal consistency, and agreement, were used. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: The reliability of the 61 items was evaluated with impact score of 1.5 and the content validity index of 0.79 and based on exploratory factor analysis were classified into seven categories. The overall reliability measured through Cronbach alpha was 0.84. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.88, perceived susceptibility was 0.73, severity was 0.70, perceived benefits was 0.75, perceived barriers was 0.71, the cues to action was 0.72, and self-efficacy was 0.76. Kappa coefficients were determined with a high performance for checklists. Conclusion: This study provided good evidence of the strength factor structure and reliability of Health Belief Model structures about oral health behaviors in the vulnerable group of pregnant women, according to the study of psychometrics process.

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Background: Protein-energy malnutrition is regarded as one of the public health problems in developing countries as a result of poor feeding due to poverty. This study was conducted to compare protein quality of two samples of commercial weaning food, Cerelac (based on dry milk, wheat and banana containing probiotic Bifidobactriumlactis) and Ghoncheh (based on dry milk, wheat, and honey), in rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 64 male rats aged 23 days in 8 groups under 8 diets, including 2 test diets (Cerelaccontaining probiotic Bifidobactriumlactis and Ghoncheh), 1 standard diet (casein), 1 basal diet (protein free) for true protein digestibility and apparent digestibility study, 2 test diets, 1 standard diet, and 1 basal diet for net protein ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and food efficiency ratio study. Results: The contents of true protein digestibility for casein, Cerelac, and Ghoncheh were 93.77, 84.23 and 89.82, respectively and the results were significant in all of the groups (p<0.001). The content of net protein ratio for casein, Cerelac, and Ghoncheh was 4.38, 4.1 and 3.17, respectively and the results were significantin all of the groups (p=0.009). The contents of protein efficiency ratio for casein, Cerelac, and Ghoncheh were 3.05, 2.59, and 2.01, respectively and the results were significant in all of the groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the protein value of Cerelaccontaining Bifidobactriumlactis was higher than Ghoncheh.

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Background: Inmedical practice, learning the correct method of CPR and its practice and continuous training are of great importance. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mental practice on learning basic CPR operations in undergraduate anesthesiology students studying at Arak University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This educational trial was carried out on 46 anesthesiology students at Arak University of Medical Sciences that were divided into intervention (mental and practical training) and control (practice alone)groups. Then they were assessed through accuracy and speed checklist designed by two instructors blind to the presence of training. Data were analyzed by t-test and Chi-square using SPSS software. Results: The mean scores of speed in intervention and control groups were 2.50.26 and 3.160.33, respectively, which showed a significant difference (p=0.001). The mean scores of the accuracy of students’ performance in case and control groups were 4.330.7 and 3.40.62, respectively, which indicated asignificant difference between them (p=0.001). Theopinions of the students in the mental practice group (90%) suggested the positive effects of mental practice on their performance. Conclusion: This study showed that mental practice increases students’ performance. Hence, for achieving better results in clinical practice, the application of both physical and mental exercisesby the teachers is suggested.

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Background: There are various factors effective in the appearance of metastasis that have been surveyed and recognized in different studies. However, the appearance of metastasis by determination of these factors cannot be predicted. One of the models used for the analysis of recurrent data and consideration of heterogeneity between patients is frailty model. Materials and Methods: In this survival study, 133 women with breast cancer were treated in Fayazbakhsh Hospital, Tehran, during 2005-2007. All patients were followed until April 2011. Frailty model was employed for the analysis of data and gamma frailty distribution was assumed with the average one and Ө variance. All statistical methods were run in R software. Results: Disease-free survival rates for 3 and 5 years were 0.78 and 0.72, respectively. During the follow-up period, the risk of metastasis was estimated to be 43%. Two factors were identified as the prognostic factors in the appearance of metastasis: tumor malignancy grade and the number of positive lymph nodes. Frailty variance was 4.27 (P=0.001). Conclusion: The significant variance of frailty component in the model indicates that patients who have identical explanatory variables face different levels of risk experiencing metastasis. Also, specific characteristics of the patients are important in the incidence of metastasis.

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Background: Considering the importance of the presence of volunteer health care communicators and the reduction in their cooperation with health centers or their breaking off their communication in recent years, this study was done to explore the educational needs of health care communicators and their instructors. Materials and Methods: In a qualitative study, data were obtained through focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual depth interviews (IDIs) for need assessment from three groups of active volunteer health care workers, inactive volunteer health care workers and health instructors. In total, 14 FGD and 5 DII were held to cover the aims of research chosen by aimed sampling. The analysis was carried out by qualitative content analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged from data analysis, including the concepts of soft and hard tools (time, space, educational tools, and educational content), educator (teaching methods, awareness, and skills), and learner (application, literacy, experience learning level, and motivation). Conclusion: Many of the educational needs of the health care communicators and their educators had not been met which, in many cases, had led to the discontinuation of their cooperation with health centers. Hence, presenting the obtained feedback to officials for meeting their needs can be an effective measure in improving the activities of the communicators and their continuous presence in the health care system.

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Background: Staphylococcus aureus is considered a common pathogenic factor in infections. Increase in infections caused by this bacterium in developing countries has led to many problems. The aim of this study is to identify the antibiotic patterns of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from patients in the central hospital of Arak.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 100 samples were isolated from hospital patients during one year. The isolates sensitivity to cefoxitin and oxacilin disks were evaluated through disk diffusion. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the isolates were tested for the presence of mecA gene. Finally, antibacterial resistance patterns of the isolates to 13 antibiotics were determined.

Results: In this study, 80 samples in a total of 100 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant. Evaluation and assessment of antibiotic resistance showed the greatest resistance to penicillin (100%), tetracycline (88.50%), levofloxacin (85.70%), and ciprofloxacin (85.70%), respectively, while the lowest levels of resistance were observed to antibiotics chloramphenicol (5.70%), netilmicin (5.70%), and mupirocin (0%), respectively.

Conclusion: This study showed increased resistance to different antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus that is a serious warning to the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium in the region. Therefore, in order to prevent increased resistance to other antibiotics, it is essential to withhold prescriptions and unessential use of available antibiotics.

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Background: Risky behaviours are defined as behaviours that cause bad and unpleasant outcomes. Risky behaviours result in the incidence of accident in the workplace. The aim of this study was to determine workers’ risky behaviours associated with safety and health in SAIPA Car Manufacturing Company, Iran.

Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study using randomized quota sampling, 302 workers exposed to the incidence of accidents were selected. Data were collected concurrently by trained safety experts using self-fulfilment researcher-made questionnaire and direct observation. Validity and reliability of the data collection tool was determined prior to the study.

Results: The findings revealed that low back pain, hand pain, leg pain, and respiratory diseases as the most common diseases with 86.4, 58.9, 40, and 33% prevalence rates, respectively. The maximum prevalence rates of unsafe and unhealthy behaviours were 66 and 57% , respectively. In general, unsafe behaviours were higher among shift workers, especially night shift workers (p<0.001). Unhealthy behaviours were higher among assembling line staff, welders, retouching staff, technicians, wet painters, and production line workers (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of unsafe and unhealthy behaviours necessitates intervention for controlling and preventing work injuries and, as a result, reduction of musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases, especially with regards to more prevalent behaviours and related sectors and high risk subgroups.