Chabahar City Research Articles

Determinants of preventive behavior against Covid-19 in secondary school students based on Health Belief Model (HBM): a structural equations modeling (SEM)

Measures such as education, improving knowledge, attitude and taking preventive action to protect against COVID-19 are vital strategies for prevention. The aim of this study was to determine the predictability of Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs in performing preventive behaviors against COVID-19 among secondary school students in Chabahar, Iran. In this cross-sectional-analytical study, 400 secondary school students of Chabahar city were investigated by simple random sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, knowledge, behavior, and Health Belief Model constructs’ questions. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to evaluate the validity of HBM constructs, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the relationship between knowledge, HBM constructs, and preventive behavior against COVID-19 based on the conceptual model. Based on the results of the structural modeling, the direct effect of knowledge on the constructs of the health belief model was positive and significant (β = 0.34, P-value < 0.001), and on the preventive behavior of students was insignificant (β = 0.12, P-value = 0.07) while the indirect effect of knowledge through increasing the constructs of the HBM on student behavior was positive and significant (β = 0.30, P < 0.001). The relationship between the constructs of the HBM constructs and student behavior was also positive and significant (β = 0.89, P-value < 0.001).Due to the fact that knowledge and HBM structures played a role in predicting the adoption of preventive behavior from COVID-19, it is possible to design appropriate interventions to increase knowledge, sensitivity, perceived severity, and self-efficacy, in order to recover from COVID-19 by adopting preventive behaviors.

A model to explain smokeless tobacco consumption in adults: A grounded theory study

IntroductionSmokeless tobacco use remains a significant public health concern, necessitating the acquisition of comprehensive and extensive data to effectively address and control its consumption. Understanding the underlying patterns of consumption is crucial for this purpose. ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a model that explains smokeless tobacco consumption among adults in the southeastern province of Iran, specifically in the city of Chabahar. MethodsA qualitative study was conducted using a grounded theory approach with inductive processes. The participants consisted of 30 adults aged 18–64 years from Chabahar City in southeastern Iran. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis followed Strauss and Corbin's perspective, involving four stages: Analyzing Data for Concepts, Analyzing Data for Context, Bringing Process into the Analysis, and Integrating Categories. ResultsThe analysis of data yielded three main categories: “starting to use,” “continued use,” and “cessation attempts,” each with their respective subcategories. Additionally, two main categories related to the consequences of smokeless tobacco consumption were identified: “addiction and efforts to overcome addiction,” also with their respective subcategories. ConclusionThe Dependency Cycle Model in Consumption provides a comprehensive understanding of the contextual factors, processes, and consequences associated with smokeless tobacco consumption. This model serves as a valuable tool for researchers aiming to develop effective interventions in the field of smokeless tobacco consumption.

Planning of Transportation Infrastructure Networks for Sustainable Development with Case Studies in Chabahar

This article addresses the problem of increasing transport services that intercontinental corridors demand from the urban infrastructure networks along their routes. Yet, attention has not been paid to the coordination between the transportation potentials of a city infrastructure network located on the path of an intercontinental corridor and the sustainable application of the corridor itself. This article discusses solving this problem by increasing the transportation capacities of the cities on the path of the corridor. With field studies in Chabahar, we observe the situation of its transportation infrastructure network to discover shortcomings and suggest required changes. This paper recommends the necessary changes and improvements in the urban transportation system of Chabahar to have a sustainable intercontinental corridor and an effective urban infrastructure network simultaneously. The research methods used include observation of traffic flow and behavior in travel origins, destinations, and paths in Chabahar. Then, this study builds a mathematical model with a graph technique to calculate the traffic capacities on the nodes and streets and determine places that require changes. Analyses show that 13,420 cars enter just the center of Chabahar city due to the increasing pressure of the Chabahar–Milak corridor. This paper recommends a multi-modal transportation system with an urban public transport network. It also suggests physical and geometric corrections in sight distances and longitudinal curves of streets, sidewalks, and squares. We find urban transportation failures in the city and present a comprehensive transportation plan for its improvement. This model is applicable in all cities on the route of corridors and assists their sustainable function and urban transport system simultaneously.

Investigating the Reasons for Using Smokeless Tobacco Among Adults: A Qualitative Study Based on the Grounded Theory Approach

Background: The use of smokeless tobacco is a public health problem worldwide. The use of these substances can cause various diseases and increase mortality. Objectives: The aim of this qualitative study was to explain the reasons for using smokeless tobacco based on the grounded theory approach. Patients and Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using the grounded theory approach in 2020 - 2021. Participants were adult users of smokeless tobacco in Chabahar city, southeast Iran. The strategy for choosing participants was based on purposeful sampling and continued till theoretical saturation was achieved. Thirty adults who were smokeless tobacco users participated in the interviews voluntarily. We used techniques such as asking questions, constant comparisons, and writing memos to collect data, which were analyzed based on the grounded theory presented by Corbin and Strauss in 2008. Results: Two themes emerged from data analysis (the context of consumption and the need for effective supervision), each of which had several subcategories. The opportunity for consumption was the first main category of the contextual factors frequently mentioned by the participants, whose subcategories included consumption culture, individual and general beliefs, and consumption by family members. Insufficient supervision was the second main category, which included three subcategories, profitable market, insufficient supervision, and easy access. Conclusions: In general, two main themes explain the tendency of adults to consume smokeless tobacco: The context of consumption and the need for effective supervision. Concepts such as the consumer’s culture, individual and public beliefs, family members and friends being users, profitable market, the need for effective supervision, and easy access were the key factors pushing people of different ages toward using smokeless tobacco in Chabahar city.

Molecular investigation of prevalence, phenotypic and genotypic diversity, antibiotic resistance, frequency of virulence genes and genome sequencing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from lobster

AimAquatic organisms are too susceptible to the increased growth of bacterial contamination. It seems that preventive measures should be prioritized to reduce bacterial load, and improve the health situation of marine-based product consumers. Hence, this study is aimed at molecular investigation of the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as one of the most food-borne pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factor encoding gens in lobster samples. MethodologyAfter the collection of aquatic samples from Isfahan and Chabahar city during the summer and autumn seasons, they were cultured, and confirmed by biochemistry tests. Then, they were investigated for antibiotic resistance by the Kirby Bauer method. Then, antibiotic resistance, virulence factor encoding genes, and Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) patterns were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS through chi-square tests. ResultsBacterial contamination in samples taken from Isfahan city was higher than in Chabahar city despite having a cooler climate on summer days. Antibiotic resistance to piperacillin in fresh shrimp samples taken in summer In Isfahan city was contrary to its usage as a front-line antibiotic agent for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Lowered MDR pattern in frozen samples, was related to the varied expression of antibiotic resistance, highlighting the importance of regulations for cold chain in storage, transportation, and distribution of marine samples, especially when compared to fresh shrimps. ConclusionFood-borne pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and their virulence factors are of clinical and environmental importance. Results of our study indicated a high rate of frequency for Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from marine samples, antibiotic resistance, antibiotic resistance encoding genes, virulence factors encoding genes, and MDR. Maintenance of the cold chain, and proper food processing, have indispensable roles in the preservation, and reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa frequency in aquatic organisms.

Molecular Characterizationand Phylogeny of Taenia hydatigena and Echinococcus granulosus from Iranian Sheep and Cattle Based on COX1 Gene.

Hydatid cyst, the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, and Cysticercus tenuicollis, the larval stage of Taenia hydatigena, are prevalent in domestic, livestock, and wild ruminants. The main goal of this research was to identify the isolates of E. granulosus and C. tenuicollis by partial sequencing with PCR amplification of the cytochrome C oxidase 1 (COX1) gene. During a routine veterinary inspection at a Chabahar city slaughterhouse, two samples of hydatid cysts from sheep's liver and cattle's lung and two samples of C. tenuicollis from sheep's liver were collected. After DNA extraction, the fragment of the COX1 gene was amplified by the PCR method. Sample sequences were modified and synchronized by Chromas and CLC genomic workbench 11 software. Sequence analysis was carried out by BLAST algorithms and GenBank databases. Phylogenetic trees were performed using MEGA 7 software and the neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood method for T. hydatigena and E. granulousus. The result indicated that the main genotype of parasites and the amplified fragment size were G1 and approximately 455bp, respectively. The analysis of phylogenetic trees based on nucleic acid for four samples showed that there was a common ancestor. However, the shift in nucleotides in the two isolates in E. granulosus and the two isolates of T. hydatigena were non-synonymous type and synonymous type, respectively. The present study showed that the dominant genotype in all isolates was G1 and this report was similar to other studies in Iran and the world. Also, the partial COX1 gene sequence was matched with T. hydatigena.

Observation of infragravity wave processes near the coastal cliffs of Chabahar (Gulf of Oman)

This study analyzed the characteristics of infragravity waves (hereafter IGWs) based on field observations collected near the plunging cliffs of Chabahar bay, Iran. Observations were made near Chabahar city during the summer monsoon season of 2018. The wave climate included two different durations of sea and swell predominance, with a maximum wave height reaching 2.5 m. Concurrent with the duration of the sea predominance, the ratio of IGW to swell wave height had an insensitive fluctuation against tidal variations, while this ratio had a strong negative correlation with tidal level during the high swell condition. The investigation of directional wave energy distribution revealed two correlated trends of shoreward and seaward IGWs with the wave regime.Larger values of the IGW reflection coefficients were observed during high sea wave conditions compared with high swell conditions. The IGW reflection coefficients decreased against swell energy growth with a logarithmic trend. The bound IGW energy fraction was studied using bispectral analysis. It is demonstrated that the maximum values of this parameter corresponded to high swell waves observed within low ebbs of the spring tide. The insignificant values of bound IGW energy fraction and the non-extended surf-zone revealed that most of the released IGWs originated from offshore and intermediate water depths. In addition, it was revealed that the inverse tidal trend of normalized IGW by swell height was due to bound IGW enhancement during ebb periods as a result of the nonlinear coupling of swell waves.

Students' beliefs about smokeless tobacco use in Chabahar city: A qualitative study using focus groups.

BACKGROUND:Smokeless tobacco use is a public health problem. This study explored students' beliefs about smokeless tobacco use in Chabahar, Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The qualitative study was conducted using three Focused Group Discussions among 24 students aged 12–14 years in Chabahar City. Focus Group Guide Morgan was used. Qualitative Content Analysis was used to explore and extract codes and themes. The data analysis process was carried out in accordance with the stages of proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Guba and Lincoln criteria were used for evaluating research transferability.RESULTS:Two main themes emerged from the analysis including; beliefs of being useful and harmful. Each of these themes is divided into subthemes with useful or harmful physical and psychological beliefs. Four subthemes included: beliefs of being useful physically, beliefs of being useful psychologically, harmful beliefs physically, and harmful beliefs psychologically.CONCLUSIONS:One of the more significant findings to emerge from this study is that many students mentioned the benefits of using smokeless tobacco to reduce toothache, relieve headaches, and bad breath. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing smokeless tobacco consumption. However, more research on this topic needs to be undertaken before the association between kinds of beliefs and smokeless tobacco consumption is more clearly understood.

The effect of theory - Based educational intervention on consumption of smokeless tobacco products by merchants' guilds.

BACKGROUND:Smokeless tobacco (SLT) products are highly addictive and contain at least 28 carcinogenic chemicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of theory-based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change on consumption of SLT products by Merchants’ Guilds in 2018.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The present quasi-experimental research was conducted over one intervention group. The research population consisted of all consumers of the SLT products among the merchants’ guilds in Chabahar City, Iran in 2018. Data were gathered from 320 individuals by simple random sampling using a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire. The intervention program was designed based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change cognitive processes and lasted 6 months. After the intervention, the same questionnaires were administered among the participants. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 using the descriptive and analytical tests.RESULTS:In the preintervention phase, the participants’ mean scores of the cognitive processes at the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages were 29.16 ± 4.63, 25.07 ± 3.84, and 12.12 ± 1.63, respectively. At the postintervention phase, mean scores of the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages reached to 40.5 ± 5.96, 38.8 ± 5.03, and 35.5 ± 4.23, respectively. Furthermore, the participants’ mean sores at the action and maintenance stages were 36.4 ± 4.57 and 43.3 ± 3.29, respectively. According to the ANOVA, a significant relationship was found between cognitive processes at the preintervention phase and stages of change (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS:Individuals can improve from the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation phases to the action and maintenance stages by attending based on Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change educational interventions. It is suggested that the structure of this model be used to reduce high-risk behaviors in other occupations.

Integration of Geographic Information System and system dynamics for assessment of the impacts of storm damage on coastal communities - Case study: Chabahar, Iran

In this study Geographic Information System (GIS) and System Dynamics (SD) were used for assessment of the impacts of storm surges on coastal communities. Storm Surges and coastal flooding were simulated using Advanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC) and Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) numerical models, and spatial features of water depths, wave heights and velocities were imported into the ESRI ArcMap using Arc-StormSurge toolbox. SD and GIS were integrated to develop a Spatial System Dynamics (SSD), and applied as a single modeling framework to simulate feedback-based storm surge impacts in time and space. Total damages (direct + indirect) of storm surge events on the community elements were simulated in the SD model. In the SD model, the direct impacts were imported from GIS model through data dynamic exchange procedure, and indirect damages were considered as an estimation of related direct damage of elements in the first day of storm event, which decreases exponentially in the subsequent days. The developed model was applied to the case of Chabahar city, south-east of Iran. Seven storm scenarios were defined based on historical data and hydrodynamic modeling, and the SSD model was run for them. The best estimation of total damages was obtained after 8 days of SSD model simulation, in comparison with reference data. The assessments showed exponential trends of maximum water level rise (MWLR) in relation to the total damage estimation. The functional form of MWLR and estimated total damages was suggested to be used as a fast prediction tool for rapid assessment of storm damages.

Field observation of wave reflection from plunging cliff coasts of Chabahar

In this study, a linear formulation is found to estimate the wave reflection coefficient (Kr) from plunging cliff coasts of Chabahar city according to field data measurements. The field measurement included directional wave data via three bursts for each hour and in total 1345 bursts during summer Southern-West monsoon using an ADCP gague. The significant wave heights reached 2.5 m and the corresponding peak periods were greater than 11 s.It was observed that the wave reflection coefficients are fully tidally modulated. The maximum values of Kr reached 0.7 in a flood period of spring tide, while the minimum values were greater than 0.3 and corresponded to ebb periods in spring tide. The corresponding dimensionless parameters of wave height to depth, wave steepness and Ursell number to the highest values of Kr were obtained as 0.17, 0.014, and 22, respectively. The variation ranges of reflection coefficient pertaining to the effect of four main tidal constituents as M2, S2, K1, and O1 were achieved as ∼ 9.6, 4.1, 7.1, and 3.6%, respectively. Finally, a linear formulation as a function of the tidal level was resulted to estimate the most accurate values of Kr in the studied area. The averaged inaccuracy of resulted formulation was approximately 6.5%.The frequency reflection coefficients Kr(f) was also investigated in this study. The results indicated the values close to 1 for long infragravity waves, because of occurrence of no significant dissipation. However, the similar values for short waves (fr > 0.25 Hz) were greater than 1 due to wind wave breaking as a result of the cliff toe collision. The temporal histogram of Kr(f) revealed the tidally controlled variations of this parameter.

Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Drug Abuse-Related Behaviors among Adolescents

Introduction: Drug abuse is one of the important challenges in the field of mental health and adolescence health promotion. Due to the social and medical costs of drug abuse and its consequences among the youth, it is necessary to deal with this issue effectively. Therefore, in this theoretical study, the predictability of the Theory of Planned Behavior on drug abuse related behaviors was explained among adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chabahar City in 2015 among 300 male adolescents, recruited randomly. All data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire with confirmed reliability and validity. The data were analyzed by independent t- test and pearson correlation. Results: we found that 77% of the participants had no history of parental drug abuse. Furthermore, 72% of participants reported a history of using industrial drugs in their friends. The Chi-square test showed that adolescent's smoking had a significant relationship with father's education, family size, history of using industrial drugs in parents , history of using industrial drugs in friends, and the participants' business o (P˃0.000). However, the level of maternal education (P = 682) and living with parents (P = 729) had no significant relationship with the adolescents' smoking rate. Conclusions: since knowledge and attitude had the highest correlation and predictability with industrial drug abuse among the adolescents, theory of planned behavior can be used properly and effectively to plan and implement prevention programs among the adolescents.

Use of Smokeless Tobacco Among Students in the City of Chabahar: A Cross-Sectional Study

: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of types of smokeless tobacco use between students in the city of Chabahar. A total of 105 students were selected from the schools of Chabahar city. The sample size was calculated using the G*Power software. For a questionnaire by the test-retest exam for knowledge and attitude structures, the reliability of the test (Pearson correlation coefficient’s) was 98% and 94%. The Cronbach alpha of these structures was about 74%. The CVR for these structures was 93% for knowledge and 88% for the structure of the attitude. Data was analyzed using the SPSS16 software. In this study, 14 students (13%) had a history of previous use and 48 students (45.7%) reported having had tobacco use at least once, 30 days before studying. The Pearson Correlation Test indicated a significant relationship between smokeless tobacco use with the family number (-0.224), mother's literacy (0.219), and father’s literacy (0.224). The number of smokeless tobacco users who had consumed at least once in the last month of the study were Pan 26 (24.8%), Gutkah 9 (8.6%), and Biti 5 (4.8%). The results of the study show that the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use in students around the city of Chabahar is high.

Energy sustainability analysis based on SDGs for developing countries

ABSTRACTElectrical production for residential areas is one of the most important goals of SDGs (17 UN goal) and UN-Habitat III (14 goals) that can be achieved by renewable energy. Now, renewable energy is a significant issue that must be considered seriously as a policy and in order to achieve energy sustainability on a global scale especially in whole developing countries. Also, since the role of renewable energy in sustainable development is remarkable, thus this article presents a comprehensive discussion of energy sustainability for urban areas with related energy indicators and technical analysis of a Hybrid Power System to show the importance of renewable energy to gain energy sustainability. This paper presents the feasibility of using PV-DG hybrid systems as the reliable energy by an economic and technical analysis in one of the southern cities of Iran use of HOMER software. Regarding the high average of solar radiation that is about 5.4 kWh/m2/d in Chabahar city, technical analysis of this system demonstrates that this city has a high capacity to producing the electrical energy via PV-diesel hybrid system with total electrical production amount of 10,575 kWh/yr from PV (8,447 kWh/yr) and Diesel system (2,128 kWh/yr). For do this work at the first, the required data is gathered from the meteorological organization of Iran and then technical and economic analysis is conducted with the Homer software. This study regarding the high potential of solar energy of Chabahar city shows that to achieve development especially in the energy sustainability field needs to implementing proper actions such as enough investment on clean energy and using renewable energy for electrical production.

Visual Media Education for Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia among High School Girls in Chabahar City

Visual Media Education for Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia among High School Girls in Chabahar City

Length-weight and length-length relationships of three Blenny species from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman

The present study provides the length–weight and length–length relationships information (LWR & LLR) for three Blenny species; Antennablennius adenensis from the coast of Larak Island in the Persian Gulf and Istiblennius pox and Omobranchus mekranensis, which were captured in the coasts of Chabahar city in the Gulf of Oman, Iran. Total length (TL) and standard length (SL) were determined as well as weight. Specimens were collected occasionally in summer 2017 and winter 2018 by Hand net. The length–weight parameter b for these species was 2.84, 3.29 and 3.06 respectively with a high coefficient of determination (r2 ≥ 0.95). All LLRs were highly correlated (r2 > 0.99). All three species had no previous report for LWR and LLR estimates in FishBase.

Using Integrated Spatial Planning Framework “ISPF” to Connect Informal Settlement to the Main City. Case Study: Komb, Chabahar City, Iran

Using Integrated Spatial Planning Framework “ISPF” to Connect Informal Settlement to the Main City. Case Study: Komb, Chabahar City, Iran

Tsunami Assessment for Inundation Risk Management at Chabahar Bay Facilities in Iran

In this study two numerical models, one a regional generation and propagation model and the other an inundation model, have been applied to the problem of examining the impact that a large, locally generated tsunami could have on Chabahar Bay facilities in Iran. To achieve a realistic outlook of tsunami hazards in the area, the generation, propagation and interaction of tsunami waves with Chabahar Bay coasts is being numerically modeled for specific events. The modeling is performed using the numerical code which solves the nonlinear Boussinesq wave equations. Results of numerical simulations performed in this study considering past tsunami occurrence records indicate that the multipurpose Chabahar Port is expected to experience the tsunami events with heights ranging between 8 to 10 meters. The model gives approximately the observed maximum area of flooding of Chabahar City. The large amount of flooding of Chabahar city coasts, Iran from the 9.1 magnitude earthquake and small amount of flooding from the 8.3 magnitude earthquake achieved and extensively flooding Chabahar City was reproduced by the numerical model. The effect of the tide was modeled and found to be small. The results of this study are intended for emergency planning purposes. Appropriate use would include the identification of evacuation zones. The results are used also to find a best configuration advice for the urban facilities in order to mitigate tsunami related risks, with positioning such facilities at the Western Cape of the bay.

Introducing Troglodyte Architecture at Chabahar City in South-east of Iran

The present article is an attempt to investigate Tis caves in Chabahar city for the first time. Chabahar is located in the on the southern edge of Sistan-Baluchestan province near the Gulf of Oman. Historically, this region is one of the most important centers of human settlement and serves as a bridge connecting South East Iran to other civilizations, including the southern Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. The rich culture of this region served as an incentive for addressing various aspects of the history of this region. In this study, the authors study 3 caves carved into the hillside of Shahnaz. These caves are located about 25 meters above the road on the north side of the Tis village and are investigated from two perspectives. A) The structure of triple caves b) the application of these caves according to cultural materials and other cultural works available around them. Two out of the three caves in this region (the central and eastern caves) are accessible and the western cave is blocked due to landslide and can’t currently be investigated. The Central cave has plastered walls and the graves inside this gave show that it was used for burials. The Western Cave that has plastered walls as well, includes no grave, and was probably more of a pilgrimage. However, according to the anthropological studies and considering that the western cave overlooks the sea and includes some graves, this cave has been more of a holy place that is carved into the hillside by the people and belongs to the late Islamic period. For the final decision about the areas we need to do more archaeological excavation in these caves.

Environmental Impact of Shrimp Culture at Gwatr Culture Site in Chabahar, Sistan-Baluchestan Province

Present study carried out in Gwuatr shrimp culture Site and Gwatr Bay in east of Chabahar city, Sistan and Baluchestan province. In this project five stations including supply channel, drainage channel, valve outlet, estuary of Gwatr and the Gwatr Gulf were selected to determine physical and chemical factors such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus and total nitrogen and pH. Sampling conducted once during the shrimp culturing period and monthly at other times. The main objective of this study is surveying change in environmental condition because of biological and non-biological effluents of Gwatr shrimp culture site on coastal waters of Chabahar. We observed that there is a significant difference among chemical and physical factors between different stations (ANOVA, P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion although there was no thermal pollution in this site, but extending aquaculture activities increased the average of salinity and pH and pollutant in the drainage channels, so environmental health conditions needs to be controlled and monitored by the environmental experts, otherwise, present status may go to undesirable condition or state of emergency.