Rasht City Research Articles

Psychometric Properties of 20-Item and 10-Item Persian Versions of Drug Abuse Screening Test

Introduction: Substance use disorder is one of the most critical social problems in Iran. For this disorder, weneed a proper assessment tool based on our indigenous culture. Objective: This study assesses the factor structure and psychometric properties of 10-item and 20-item Persian versions of Drug Abuse Screening Tests (DAST-10 and DAST-20). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we randomly selected 200 participants referred to addiction treatment centers in Rasht City, Iran. After translation to Persian and back-translation to English, the face and content validity of DAST-10 and DAST-20 Persian versions were evaluated using the opinions of a panel of expertsand calculatingthe content validity ratio and content validity index. Then, the construct validity was evaluated by Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA), the Cronbach α coefficient was used for assessing internal consistency, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used for assessing test-retest reliability. Results: The Mean±SD age of participants was 39.02±11.67 years. The majority (50%) were in the age range of 30-50 years. Based on the CFA fit indices, the two instruments had a good fit to the data, confirming the theoretical model Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) (RMSEA for DAST-20=0.080; RMSEA for DAST-10=0.055). The Cronbach α values ​​of DAST-20 and DAST-10 were 0.772 and 0.749, respectively, indicating their good and acceptable internal consistency. Their test-retest reliability was reported at 0.997 and 0.995 based on the results of ICC, respectively. There was a strong and significant positive correlation between the scores of Persian DAST-20 and DAST-10 (r=0.851, P=0.001). Conclusion: The DAST-20 and DAST-10 Persian versions which after correcting the model using confirmatory factor analysis, they were studies in DAST-8 and DAST-16 have good validity and reliability and can be used for screening the possible involvement of drugs in Iranian samples.

Investigating the Mediating Role of Identity Crisis and Family Cohesion in Determining the Relationship between Social Networks Participation with Body Image Issues Among Students

Aim: The aim of present study was to investigate the mediating role of identity crisis and family cohesion in determining the relationship between participation in social media and body image concerns among students. Methods: The present study was a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population consisted of all public middle school students studying in the city of Rasht in the academic year of 2019-20. Participants were selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling method. To collect data from four questionnaires, Social Network Sites Engagement Scale (Boland1399), Identity Crisis (Ahmadi, 1997), Family Cohesion (Samani, 2002) and Body Image Concern Questionnaire (Littleton et al., 2005) were used. These questionnaires were provided to students online and 674 people responded to them. Finally, 497 questionnaires were examined and analyzed statistically, using path analysis method. Findings: The results showed that social network engagement has a direct effect on body image concern (β=-0.41, P<0.001), family cohesion (β=-0.25, P <0.001), and identity crisis (Β=-0.16, P<0.001). Identity crisis directly and significantly predicts body image concerns (β=-0.13, P<0.001). Family cohesion directly and significantly predicts body image concerns (β=-0.17, P<0.001). In addition,that engagement in social networks mediated by identity crisis has an indirect impact on body image anxiety (β=0.06, P<0.001). However, the indirect effect of the mediating variable of family cohesion on social network engagement and body image concerns is not statistically significant. Conclusion: Therefore, improving the amount and manner of adolescents' use of social networks, teaching media literacy to adolescents and holding training sessions to facilitate the transition from puberty and prevent identity crisis is important to reduce dissatisfaction with body image and promote adolescent mental health.

Pedestrians Crossing and Walking Speeds Analysis in Urban Areas under the Influence of Rain and Personality Characteristics

Pedestrians’ behavior plays an important role in designing pedestrian facilities, especially in urban areas. One of these behavioral characteristics is their moving speed on sidewalks, pedestrian streets, crosswalks at signalized intersections, and midblock crosswalks. The moving speed is strongly affected by personality traits such as age, weight, gender as well as environmental and geometric conditions. In this regard, the moving speed of 14,490 pedestrians was measured in urban area pedestrian-related facilities, including signalized intersections, midblock crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian street in Rasht city, Iran. Then, using the t-test, the effect of gender characteristics, rainfall, and umbrella carrying on pedestrian moving speed was investigated. The results showed that with a 95% confidence level, the moving speed difference between male and female pedestrians was statistically significant for all the age and weight groups, except for the age group of adolescents. Also, hijab cover affects the moving speed of pedestrians, so that females with the hijab cover meet the lowest moving speed values compared with those with ordinary dress type (i.e., without hijab). However, for elderly females, weight and age are more effective parameters than the dress type. In other words, as the age and weight increase, the moving speed of females would reduce.

The Effects of Photobiomodulation on Shoulder Pain, Muscle Thickness, and Function in Subjects With Adhesive Capsulitis

Background: Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is among the most prevalent causes of pain and disability in individuals. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) on pain, range of motion, and thickness and function of supraspinatus muscle in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Materials & Methods: Overall, 52 subjects (n=26/group) with adhesive capsulitis referring to Poorsina Hospital, physiotherapy ward, Rasht City, Iran, in 2019 participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups of control or routine physical therapy and PBM group. The variables were pain (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), range of motion (goniometer), the supraspinatus muscle thickness in rest and contraction, and muscle function (ultrasonography). The outcomes were examined before, after 5 and 10 sessions, and at a 1-month follow-up. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the demographic characteristics and studied variables. The interaction of group and time (2×4) was significant for pain (P=0.02). Finally, the Bonferroni post hoc test data indicated the pain reduction in the PBM group was higher than the control group at the follow-up (P=0.03). The mixed two-factor analysis of variance indicated that the interaction of the group and time of shoulder abduction (P=0.6), shoulder external rotation (P=0.46), supraspinatus muscle thickness, rest (P=0.31), supraspinatus muscle thickness, contraction (P=0.11), and rest-contraction (P=0.66) were not significant. Conclusion: The PBM revealed greater analgesic effects than routine physical therapy in the short term and one-month follow-up. However, the effects on a range of motion and muscle thickness and function were insignificant.

Investigation of Bus Special Lane Performance Using Statistical Analysis and Optimization of the Signalized Intersection Delay by Machine Learning Methods

Nowadays, the performance analysis and evaluation of public transportation systems have great importance in traffic engineering science. So far, the bus system has not been very effective in some cities in Iran, and many management approaches such as the allocation of special lanes and regular bus scheduling, which are needed to increase the efficiency of this system, have not been sufficiently considered. The purpose of the present study is to optimize the delay of the signalized intersection of bus lane and investigate the factors affecting the urban bus usage by citizens in public transportation of Rasht city and especially their satisfaction. Therefore, the intersection delay was optimized by gathering the traffic volume data in peak hour time of a signalized intersection along the bus lane and using machine learning methods. In addition, by collecting two different questionnaires, taking 84 samples (first questionnaire) and 374 samples (second questionnaire), the satisfaction of citizens and business people on the boundary of the bus lane was considered. The results indicated that about 95% of the businesses around this route believe that the construction of the bus lane led to a decrease in the income of more than 110 dollars per month. Further to this, despite the lack of facilities, poorly designed routes, and lack of the bus system fleet, the bus lane of Imam Khomeini had a high degree of satisfaction among the citizens. The result of various models showed that the adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) had the highest R2 and the lowest amount of root mean square error (RMSE). In fact, this model had a better performance to predict and optimize the delay of signalized intersection than the fuzzy model. The optimum amount of intersection delay was determined as 56 seconds. With this value, the delay of bus movements in the bus lane had a higher possibility of being reduced.

Nurses' Compliance with Standard Precautions Based on Health Belief Model in Emergency Departments

Introduction: Nurses' compliance with standard precautions is a viable tool for decreasing health hazards in health centers. Objective: This study aimed to identify factors affecting compliance with standard precautions (SPs) of infection control based on the health belief model (HBM) among emergency department nurses employed in the educational-therapeutic centers affiliated with Guilan University Medical Sciences in Rasht City, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 252 nurses working in the emergency departments of hospitals in Rasht City. The study samples were recruited using the convenience sampling method from September to October 2020. Nurses completed questionnaires, including demographics data, HBM constructs, knowledge, and compliance with standard precautions. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors related to compliance with SPs. Results: The mean ±SD age of the nurses was 32.77±7.05 years, and the majority of them were females (88.9%). Their mean ±SD score for compliance with SPs was 63.2 ±16.0 (out of 100). The multivariable analysis results showed that the knowledge (β=0.47, 95%CI; 0.30-0.64, P=0.001), perceived benefits (β =0.19, 95%CI; 0.03-0.36, P=0.022) and perceived susceptibility (β =0.25, 95%CI; 0.13-0.36, P=0.001) constructs of HBM were positively correlated with the compliance with SPs. Furthermore, the level of education was significantly related to the compliance with SPs (β =9.51, 95%CI; 0.02-18.99, P=0.049). The final model accounted for 39.8% of the variance in compliance with SPs. Conclusion: Results indicated improvement in activity and safety level of the healthcare workers and also an increase in the overall level of compliance among nurses through education, regular training, and use of encouragement and punishment policies. It is suggested to follow the World Health Organization protocols. Also, the support management could have a better effect on perceived benefits and cues to action.

Risk of Falling after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery And its Related Factors

Introduction: A fall is a sudden descent on the ground or other lower levels. It is a serious safety threat for hospitalized patients. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery as an open heart surgery has complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and delirium that can increase the risk of fall. Objective: This study aims to determine the risk of falls in patients after CABG surgery and investigate its associated factors. Matetials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 302 patients undergoing CABG surgery in a specialized hospital in Rasht City, Iran, from November 2019 to July 2020. They were selected by a sequential sampling method. The data collection instrument included demographic information, disease-related factors, surgery-related factors (before, during, after), and the Morse fall scale (MFS) checklist. The study data were collected after the patient's surgery and transfer from the intensive care unit to the surgical ward. Descriptive statistics, as well as the Kolmogorov Smirnov, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation, were used to analyze the collected data. A rank regression model was used to determine the factors related to the risk of falls in patients. Results: The mean ±SD age of participants was 59.35 ±8.37 years. About 70.53% of the patients were male, and 46.03% were overweight (Body Mass Index ranged 25-29.9 kg/m2). The majority of patients at the time of admission to the surgical ward and before surgery (92.72%) had no risk of falls. After surgery and transfer to the surgical ward, 82.12% had a low risk of falls. The mean risk of falling was higher in patients over 60 years (P <0.05). With decreasing hemoglobin values on the morning of surgery, the risk of postoperative fall increased (P = 0.046, r = -0.115). The sodium level on the morning of surgery had a significant negative correlation (P = 0.040, r = -0.118) with the risk of falling, but urea level on the morning of surgery had a significant positive correlation (P = 0.001, r = 0.212) with the risk of falling. Using regression model, the results showed that with increasing age (B = 0.23, 95%CI; 0.07-0.39, P = 0.003), history of high blood pressure (B= 3.5, 95%CI: -0.69-0.39, P = 0.003), decrease in hemoglobin (B = -5.47, 95%CI; -10.2- -0.6, P = 0.02), an increase in creatinine (B = 17.73, 95%CI; 8.17-27.29, P = 0.001) and urea (B = 6.09, 95%CI; 2.57-9.61, P = 0.001) before the surgery, the risk of fall after CABG surgery increases. Conclusion: Several factors can increase the risk of falls after CABG surgery. Considering that the risk of falls in patients undergoing CABG surgery in most medical centers is examined only at the beginning of admission, it is recommended to consider the possibility of postoperative falls based on the predicting variables.

The Effects of Photobiomodulation on Shoulder Pain, Muscle Thickness, and Function in Subjects With Adhesive Capsulitis

Background: Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is among the most prevalent causes of pain and disability in individuals. We aimed to evaluate the effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) on pain, range of motion, and thickness and function of supraspinatus muscle in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Materials & Methods: Overall, 52 subjects (n=26/group) with adhesive capsulitis referring to Poorsina Hospital, physiotherapy ward, Rasht City, Iran, in 2019 participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups of control or routine physical therapy and PBM group. The variables were pain (VAS), range of motion (goniometer), the supraspinatus muscle thickness in rest and contraction, and muscle function (ultrasonography). The outcomes were examined before, after 5 and 10 sessions, and at a 1-month follow-up. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the demographic characteristics and studied variables. The interaction of group and time (2×4) was significant for pain (P=0.02). Finally, the Bonferroni post hoc test data indicated the pain reduction in the PBM group was higher than the control group at the follow-up (P=0.03). The mixed two-factor analysis of variance indicated that the interaction of the group and time of shoulder abduction (P=0.6), shoulder external rotation (0.46), supraspinatus muscle thickness, rest (0.31), supraspinatus muscle thickness, contraction (0.11), and rest-contraction (0.66) were not significant. Conclusions: The PBM revealed greater analgesic effects than routine physical therapy in the short term and one-month follow-up. However, the effects on a range of motion and muscle thickness and function were insignificant.

Evaluation of the aesthetic traits of ornamental shrubs in urban green space (Case study: region one of Rasht city)

Evaluation of the aesthetic traits of ornamental shrubs in urban green space (Case study: region one of Rasht city)

Paddy lands detection using Landsat-8 satellite images and object-based classification in Rasht city, Iran

Rice is one of the most important food staples in many countries, particularly Iran. Because irrigated rice production differs from other agricultural fields, this study developed a paddy field mapping model based on phenological aspects, various satellite sensor data, and an object-based approach. This study uses the phonological features of rice plants as well as annual data on land surface temperature (LST) to produce the paddy map. The core remote sensing data consists of the yearly LST from MODIS and multi-temporal Landsat-8 satellite imagery. The detection of phenological characteristics and the selection of relevant Landsat images were made possible by analyzing the LST time series with Google Earth Engine. After that, object-based image classification and fuzzy functions are used to create flexible and comprehensible rules for discovering paddy fields in Rasht, Iran. Data such as the digital elevation model (DEM) and spectral indices including NDVI, EVI, and LSWI were employed to improve the object-based classification. Due to the unique properties of paddy lands, a DEM of 12.5 m obtained from the ALOS PALSAR sensor could help distinguish paddy lands from other vegetation. A comparison finally made between the object-based and pixel-based classification methods showed that the former is more accurate. Overall accuracy and kappa coefficient for the pixel-based classification approach were 92% and 0.89, respectively, whereas overall accuracy and kappa coefficient for the object-based classification method were 94% and 0.92, respectively. Eventually, the producer's accuracy of the paddy class has increased from 88% to 94%.

Optimal Solar Greenhouses Design Using Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm

In greenhouse horticulture, solar energy is the key to extending the greenhouse using seasonal or daily thermal storage technology and decreasing the energy consumption rate, especially in subtropical climate areas. Therefore, the present research aims to reach the optimal physical parameters of common greenhouses in northern areas of Iran to harness the best possible amount of solar energy in a year. Three common types of greenhouses, including even-span, modified arch and Quonset types, are considered. Three-floor area sizes are investigated for each shape to find the optimal physical parameters based on each greenhouse size. A mathematical model is proposed that uses the total solar fraction to compute the radiation loss and the available hourly transmitted solar radiation inside the greenhouse. The best design parameters for each type and size of greenhouses are obtained through a multi-objective optimization technique to give maximum and minimum available solar energy in winter and summer. The results show that optimized greenhouses can capture sufficient solar radiation in cold months of a year for growing offseason vegetables in Rasht city. The optimal wall height and roof angle for an even-span greenhouse are found to be 3.8 m and 16°, respectively. The results also revealed that in a modified arch greenhouse, the ellipse aspect ratio for small and large sizes is 0.8 and for medium size is 0.25. For Quonset type, ellipse aspect ratio to width ratio for medium and large sizes is 0.6 and for small size is 0.8. The findings of the study showed that the Quonset greenhouse offers the highest performance compared to other greenhouses for the efficient use of solar energy throughout the year.

Investigating the Effect of Personal Characteristics of Passenger Car On-street Parking Violations (Case Study: Rasht City)

Investigating the Effect of Personal Characteristics of Passenger Car On-street Parking Violations (Case Study: Rasht City)

Analysis of Soluble Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Factor and Hepatocyte Growth Factor Serum Levels in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and its receptor, Mesothelial-Epithelial Transition (cMet) factor signaling, play an essential role in controlling synaptogenesis. Objectives: Because of the vital role of HGF and Met signaling in synaptogenesis and spatial learning function of the brain’s hippocampal region, we aimed to study the HGF and soluble cMet (s-cMet) serum levels in children with different stages of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Materials & Methods: A total of 189 ASD patients (mild; n=69, moderate; n=63 and severe; n=57) and 82 control were enrolled in this project. Blood samples were collected from ASD patients referred to Pediatric Neurology Clinic, 17 Shahrivar Hospital, Rasht City, Iran, and serum concentrations of s-cMet and HGF were measured by ELISA. The control children with no clinical characteristics of ASD attended routine blood tests. Results: HGF Mean±SD serum concentration in ASD patients was 239±52.02 pg/mL compared to controls which was 360.04±71.15 pg/mL (P=0.004). Also, the Mean±SD serum concentrations of HGF in mild, moderate, and severe ASD patients were 297.54±69.82, 232.81±56.41, and 189±33.25 ng/mL, respectively, compared to control, which was 360.18±57.40. Besides, the s-cMet Mean±SD serum concentrations in ASD and controls were 143.54±32.50 and 200.25±31.16 pg/mL, respectively (P=0.005). The Mean±SD serum concentrations of s-cMet in the mild, moderate, and severe ASD patients were 172.81±37.69, 129.81±45.55, and 85.18±22.95 ng/mL, respectively, as compared to the control, which was 214.54±34.17 ng/mL. Conclusion: Serum HGF and s-cMet concentration decreased in ASD patients corresponding to disease severity. Also, detecting serum HGF and s-cMet may help classify ASD.

Modeling of Pedestrian Flow Density in Signalized Intersections Using Fuzzy Method (Case Study: Rasht City)

Modeling of Pedestrian Flow Density in Signalized Intersections Using Fuzzy Method (Case Study: Rasht City)

The epidemiological aspects of fungal keratitis in a population sample from Northern Iran: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Fungal keratitis can be influenced by different genetic, environmental, and even iatrogenic factors that the impact of such factors can be very different in various populations. Thus, it should be attempted to provide a clear picture of the epidemiological situation of this disease in different areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological aspects of fungal keratitis in a population sample from northern Iran.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on all consecutive patients clinically suspected to fungal keratitis that were ultimately diagnosed by positive fungal culture that admitted to Amiralmomenin hospital in Rasht city, Iran, between 2011 and 2019. The sampling method was census. The required information was collected by reviewing the hospital’s recorded files.Results:Forty seven patients were examined in the study that 53.2% of the patients were men. Among the population of women, housewives-farmers with the prevalence rate of 45% and among the population of men, those with farm occupation with the prevalence rate of 52% formed the most common occupational subgroups. Most patients (89.3%) had no history of any ocular surgery or manipulation. Aspergillus was the most frequent pathogen (23.4%) followed by Penicillium (19.1%) and Fusarium (17.0%). History of chronic disorders was also revealed in 44.6%. The results of smear and culture obtained from the study were as follows: in 8.5% of patients as positive smear and positive culture, and in 91.5% as negative smear and positive culture. Only 2.1% used the lens.Conclusion:Fungal keratitis affects our male population slightly higher than females with the highest overall prevalence rate in the sixth and seventh decades of life. The most frequent fungal strains responsible for fungal keratitis include Aspergillus followed by Penicillium and Fusarium.

The Effectiveness of a School-based Self-injury Prevention Program on Reducing Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion and Fear of Negative Evaluation in Adolescent Girls

Background: Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a prevalent, harmful, and transdiagnostic behavior that can comprehensively be assessed in daily life studies. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the student self-injury prevention program in mitigating the Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion (ICD) and the fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE). Materials & Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design, a one-month follow-up, and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all female adolescents studying at the middle schools of Rasht City, Iran, in the 2019–2020 academic years. They must have experienced self-injury at least once. The purposive non-random sampling technique was employed to select 34 self-injuring adolescents, who were then randomly assigned to case and control groups. The interpersonal cognitive distortion scale and the brief fear of negative evaluation scale were adopted to collect data. The case group received 16 sessions of self-injury prevention training for students (twice a week), whereas the control group had no training programs. Analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance were then used for data analysis in SPSS v. 25. Results: The results demonstrated the significant effectiveness of the training program in mitigating the ICD (interpersonal rejection: P<0.01; F=21.780, unrealistic relationship expectations: P<0.01; F=51.096, interpersonal misperception: P<0.01; F=20.557), reducing negative meta-emotion, and increasing positive meta-emotion (P<0.05; F=43.591). Conclusion: The student self-injury prevention program effectively reduced the ICD and FNE of female adolescents. Additionally, these two variables have high levels in adolescents struggling with self-injury.

Data quality and data use in primary health care: A case study from Iran

Informed decision-making in Primary Health Care (PHC) is a foundation of universal health coverage, and depends on high-quality data. This study explores the perception of primary healthcare workers on data quality and data use in a northern Iranian city. A cross-sectional study was conducted with participation of 348 healthcare workers in urban and rural PHC centers of Rasht city. The data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Then SPSS statistics software was employed for the analysis process. The mean score of data quality and data use were 6.43 ± 1.68 and 5.89 ± 2.18 out of 10, respectively. Data accessibility (7.10 ± 1.88) and data accuracy (5.88 ± 2.18) had the highest and lowest mean scores from the workers' perspective. The volume of the data collected, frequency of training program on HIS, supervision and providing feedback, and the existence of incentive mechanism were associated with data quality and data use. In these settings, the overall perceived data quality and data use were at a relatively desirable level. Reducing the amount of the data collected training health workers on data management, supportive supervision, constructive feedback, and developing incentive mechanisms will improve the data quality and data use in the PHC centers.

Evaluation of handwashing technique held by medical interns in the educational and medical centers of Guilan university of medical sciences in Rasht

Introduction: Hand hygiene is a significant strategy in preventing and controlling infections with a great impact on nosocomial infections and preventing microbial resistance. Objectives: The main goal of this study was to investigate the performance of medical interns in handwashing in the educational and medical centers of Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 2020 in Rasht city. The study population consisted of all medical interns. The handwashing was observed in medical interns after obtaining their permission and separately at a suitable time and place. They were given a grade based on a poster approved by the Ministry of Health of Iran. Results: A total number of 147 medical interns were enrolled in this study. We also found out that the mean score of study population in handwashing steps was 7.11± 1.97. The lowest rate of correct performance was for 5th (tying the fingertips and washing them) (32%), 8th (washing around the wrist) (49.7%) and 7th (washing the palm lines with the fingertips) (53.1%) steps. The performance score of female interns had a higher average than male interns (7.4 versus 6.8) (P=0.028). Conclusion: Considering the importance of handwashing in preventing the transmission of diseases, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic and the repeated recommendations to wash hands properly as a simple and accessible way to prevent further transmission of the virus, the review of the awareness and practice of medical interns about the handwashing seems to be critical.

MEDIATING ROLE OF MENTORING BETWEEN JOB STRESS AND JOB SATISFACTION IN EMPLOYEES OF AN IRANIAN STATE BANK

A large number of research studies have been conducted on mentoring; however, a few of them have been done in developing countries (e.g., Iran). In addition, few researchers have investigated the mediating effect of mentoring functions on job stress and job satisfaction in bank staff. This study is aimed at exploring the mediating role of mentoring in the relationship between job stress and job satisfaction in employees. The study population consisted of all employees of state bank branches in Rasht city (north Iran). The participants of this study were 214 bank employees. The results revealed the mediating role of mentoring in the relationship of job satisfaction and job stress, showing that mentoring mediates the destructive effects of job stress and improves job satisfaction. The present study showed that mentoring is a general form of organizational support that can be effective in reducing job stress. Therefore, having a good mentor may act as a buffer against the destructive effect of job stress toward job satisfaction for employees within an organization. These results supported the proposed structural model.

A Comparative Study of Hearing Threshold in Women With and Without Iron Deficiency Anemia

Background: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is the most common form of anemia. Understanding the relationship between IDA and hearing loss may provide new insights into managing hearing loss. Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IDA and hearing loss in women aged 12-45 years referred to Amir Al-Momenin and Al-Zahra hospitals in Rasht City, Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, 315 women aged 12-45 years with IDA and without IDA were included. Study groups were matched by age. The amount of hemoglobin (based on the last blood test in the past month) of the subjects was measured and recorded. IDA was considered when the hemoglobin level was less than 12 mg/dL. Audiometry was performed for all participants. Results: In total, 169 individuals in the case group and 146 individuals in the control group participated in the study. The mean±SD hemoglobin level in the case and control groups were 10.9±1.36 and 12.67±1.47 mg/dL, respectively. There were higher hearing thresholds in low and high frequencies among the case group than the controls (P=0.002 and P=0.032, respectively). Logistic regression analysis after age adjusting showed odds of abnormal Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) in the frequencies of 750 Hz and 1000 Hz more than 2 times in women with IDA compared to controls (OR= 2.21, P= 0.006 and OR= 2.40, P= 0.020, respectively). Conclusion: The study results showed a significant negative relationship between IDA and mean hearing threshold. Because of the high prevalence of IDA in women, this group may be at greater risk of hearing loss.