RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) directly or indirectly involved in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment process may experience severe mental consequences of the pandemic. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the mental health status of HCWs in hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 503 HCWs from five hospitals in Shiraz, including one COVID-19 front-line hospital, two COVID-19 second-line hospitals, and two without COVID-19 wards. Then, to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among HCWs, the Persian versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS) questionnaires were placed, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 33.94±8.26 years, and 252 (50.1%) were females. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and moderate to high levels of PTSD were observed in 40.4%, 37.8%, 24.5%, and 71% of participants, respectively. A history of mental disorders was associated with all four outcomes (P0.05). Females gender and living with elderly and/or children were correlated with anxiety and PTSD (P0.05). Working at COVID-19 front- and second-line hospitals were similarly linked to higher insomnia and PTSD levels (P0.05). Also, working in COVID-19 wards or non-clinical settings was associated with anxiety and depression (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Most of the HCWs in this study may experience mental difficulties. Some factors may increase their risk of experiencing these difficulties. Hence, in the crisis era, mental health monitoring and identification of groups with predisposing factors are required to provide appropriate care as quickly as feasible.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Crash helmet plays an important role in protecting the deriver's head during crashes and reduces the rate of severe injuries and fatalities. Although it has been proved that wearing the crash helmet can save the deriver's life by around 42%; previous studies showed that the rate of wearing crash helmet has not been acceptable in Iran. Due to the huge number of motorcyclists on the roads in Iran, the use of crash helmet is an important area of research. The aim of this study was to assess the factors that could possibly relate to or affect the use of crash helmet by the motorcyclists. METHODS: This is an observational study on 414 motorcyclists in Shiraz, Southern Iran. All participants completed a questioner containing demographic features, crash helmet use, motorcycle license, and the reasons for using motorcycles. RESULTS: All the participants were males and aged from 16 to 64 years with mean age 27±9.28. The results of logistic regression model revealed that only the drivers who had motorcycle license (OR=2.73, C.I: 1.40-7.24), employed the motorcycle for reasons other than pleasure (OR=3.18, C.I: 1.42-7.37) and been driving for 10 or more years (OR=1.92 95% C.I: 1.12-3.30) had greater rate of wearing crash helmet. Interestingly, educational levels, age, and other demographical variables had no relationship with crash helmet usage. CONCLUSIONS: It is believed that in order to increase the rate of crash helmet use, it is necessary to enact obligatory requirement for driving license by motorcyclists and increase the legal age for motorcycle driving.