Occupational Medicine

Development of a professional ethics guideline for occupational health service provision in Iran

2026-05-19T12:11:32+00:00

Introduction: Providers of occupational health services face a broader and more complex range of ethical challenges than other healthcare providers due to the distinctive nature of their professional responsibilities. For this reason, international organizations have developed and published specialized ethical guideline. In Iran, the presence of specific regulations and contextual conditions has intensified these challenges, particularly with respect to confidentiality and the protection of workers’ autonomy. Accordingly, there is a clear need for an ethical guideline capable of addressing ethical dilemmas in the field. In response to this need, the Professional Ethics Guideline for Occupational Health Service Provision in Iran was developed.

Materials and Methods: Following the establishment of a guideline development team, a comprehensive review of the relevant literature was conducted. Ethical codes were extracted from existing documents and aligned with the ethical guidelines of the Iranian Medical Council Organization and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The ethical codes were subsequently drafted by the development team and finalized after receiving written feedback and holding a consultative meeting with key stakeholders.

Results: After completion of the development process, the guideline was finalized in 11 chapters comprising 61 clauses, along with an accompanying glossary. Owing to the specific conditions governing occupational health service provision in Iran, ethical codes related to confidentiality, autonomy, integrity, professional independence, and conflicts of interest were elaborated in greater detail.

Conclusion: As the first professional ethics guideline for occupational health service provision developed in Iran, this document may serve as a practical and ethical reference for professionals who strive to adhere to ethical principles despite significant ethical challenges in this field. Effective engagement by responsible authorities in addressing issues related to non-adherence to ethical principles in occupational health services may enable more rapid and comprehensive resolution of existing challenges.

The effect of 12 weeks of concurrent training on some physical fitness factors and body composition of firefighter in the Bandar Imam Khomeini Special Economic Zone

2026-05-19T12:11:31+00:00

Introduction: Firefighting is one of the most dangerous civilian jobs that require cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance, agility, and flexibility to successfully perform the task. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of twelve weeks of simultaneous training on some physical fitness factors and body composition of firefighters' personnel in Bandar Imam Khomeini Special Economic Zone.

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 20 volunteer employees were randomly divided into two experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The subjects in the experimental group underwent a 12-week protocol of simultaneous training, five sessions per week. Some indicators of physical fitness and body composition factors were evaluated before and after the 12-week protocol. For intra-group comparisons, the paired t-test and inter-group comparisons, the independent t-test was used and all statistical operations were performed at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS version 23 software.

Results: The results showed that 12 weeks of concurrent training resulted in significant changes in agility test (P=0.045) and upper body strength (P=0.014) in the experimental group compared to the control group. However, the changes observed in weight (P=0.330), body mass index (P=0.588), waist-to-hip ratio (P=0.258), and aerobic power (P=0.068) in the experimental group compared to the control group were not statistically significant (P≥0.05).

Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it seems that continuing simultaneous exercises in the long term can have more positive effects on the body composition and physical fitness of firefighters compared to performing only aerobic exercises.

A comparison of the effectiveness of positive psychology–based intervention and cognitive–behavioral therapy on job performance

2026-05-19T12:11:29+00:00

Introduction: Nurses, as a vital component of the healthcare system, play a crucial role in the quality of care, and their job performance is a key indicator of the efficiency of the healthcare system. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of positive psychology–based therapy and cognitive–behavioral therapy in improving nurses' job performance.

Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest–follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included 2,991 nurses, from which 60 nurses were randomly selected from public and private hospitals in Yazd in 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: positive psychology–based therapy, cognitive–behavioral therapy, and control. Data were collected using the Patterson Job Performance Questionnaire (1970) and analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests using SPSS version 26.

Results: Time, group, and the time × group interaction had significant effects on job performance and its subscales (discipline, sense of responsibility, cooperation, and work improvement) (p < 0.01). The positive psychology–based therapy group demonstrated higher performance in the posttest and follow-up compared to the other two groups.

Conclusion: Positive psychology–based interventions improved nurses’ job performance by enhancing positive emotions, meaning at work, and self-efficacy. These findings can provide a foundation for designing programs to promote occupational mental health in hospitals, which is a priority in occupational medicine.

Effects of Watermelon Juice Consumption on Cardiac Electrophysiological Indices and Blood Pressure in Male Firefighters

2026-05-19T12:11:33+00:00

Introduction: The demanding conditions of firefighting impose significant stress on the cardiovascular system of firefighters, making them susceptible to severe injuries and sudden cardiac events. This study aimed to investigate the effects of watermelon juice consumption on Electrophysiological indices and mean blood pressure in male firefighters.

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental pretest–posttest study, 30 male firefighters aged 25–30 from Pakdasht, Tehran, were randomly assigned to two groups: watermelon juice and placebo. The supplement group consumed 500 mL of watermelon juice daily، while the placebo group received a sugar-free watermelon-flavored drink for four weeks. Both groups performed routine firefighter-specific CrossFit training three sessions per week throughout the study, utilizing firefighter-specific workouts designed based on WODs. Each session lasted 45-60 minutes, and the weight lifted was selected at 50-70% of each individual's maximum capacity. Blood pressure and electrocardiograms of the participants were recorded before and after the intervention. Analysis of covariance was used P≤0.05.

Results: Watermelon juice consumption led to a significant reduction in heart rate and mean blood pressure )P=0.001), whereas PR interval, ST segment, and T-wave voltage showed no significant changes P>0.05.

Conclusion: Daily watermelon juice consumption may improve some cardiac function indices and mean blood pressure in male firefighters

Effectiveness of corrective exercises using a physioball on the postural status of employees with occupational upper crossed syndrome

2026-05-19T12:11:28+00:00

Introduction: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) leads to widespread alterations in the upper quarter of the body and represents the most common pattern of postural dysfunction. It describes muscular imbalance and dysfunction of the shoulder girdle and the cervicothoracic region. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of an eight-week corrective exercise program using a physioball on thoracic kyphosis angle and forward head posture in individuals with occupational Upper Crossed Syndrome.

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design was conducted on 30 male participants diagnosed with UCS. Participants were randomly assigned (simple randomization by drawing lots) into an experimental group and a control group. The participants’ mean age, height, and weight were respectively: control group and experimental group—age (38.48 ± 5.14; 44.31 ± 5.39 years), height (161.85 ± 8.48; 159.15 ± 4.84 cm), and weight (63.31 ± 8.43; 64.54 ± 10.70 kg). Physical parameters included assessment of thoracic kyphosis angle (using a flexible ruler) and forward head angle (photogrammetric method). Measurements were recorded at baseline and after eight weeks. The experimental group performed the exercise protocol for eight weeks, three sessions per week. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25 (p ≤ 0.05). Paired t-tests and one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to compare within-group and between-group changes, respectively.

Results: ANCOVA results showed that the mean forward head angle in the control group was 59.49±1.56 at pre-test and 57.67±2.35 at post-test, while in the physioball corrective-exercise group it was 62.16±3.38 at pre-test and 52.22±2.89 at post-test (P=0.001). The mean thoracic kyphosis angle in the control group was 59.49±1.44 at pre-test and 57.67±2.22 at post-test, whereas in the physioball corrective-exercise group it was 62.16±3.65 at pre-test and 52.22±2.45 at post-test (P=0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the findings, a combined corrective exercise program using a physioball significantly improves forward head posture (P=0.001) and thoracic kyphosis (P=0.001). Given that this exercise protocol can be performed at home, individuals are recommended to incorporate it alongside other exercise programs.

The impact of meaning in work and job satisfaction on teachers' work success with the mediating role of psychological capital

2026-05-19T12:11:27+00:00

Introduction: This study was conducted to determine the impact of meaning in work and job satisfaction on the work success of teachers in the city of Baghdad, considering the mediating role of psychological capital.

Materials and Methods: The research method was correlational, using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all kindergarten teachers in the city of Baghdad during the spring of 2025. From this population, 202 individuals were selected as the sample through convenience sampling and responded to the Meaning in Work Questionnaire (Ivizan et al., 2013), the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (Smith et al., 1969), the Work Success Questionnaire (Carmeli & Spreitzer, 2009), and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (Luthans & Youssef, 2007). The research data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with SPSS26 and AMOS25 software.

Results: The results showed that meaning in work and job satisfaction have a significant direct effect on psychological capital and work success (p<0.01). Furthermore, meaning in work and job satisfaction has an indirect relationship with work success through psychological capital. Consequently, the proposed model had a good fit, and psychological capital acted as a complete mediator in the relationship between meaning in work and job satisfaction with work success (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, to improve teachers' work success, it is necessary to provide the groundwork for enhancing and increasing meaning in work, job satisfaction, and psychological capital. This matter should be considered by the educational policymakers of Iraq

Evaluation of the Applications of the Persian Version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ): A Scoping Review Study

2026-05-19T12:11:26+00:00

Introduction: Psychosocial factors in the workplace are considered significant occupational hazards in the field of ergonomics and occupational health. Planning to reduce these factors and promote employees' occupational health has been widely recommended. Several tools exist for assessing these factors, among which the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) is one of the most reliable instruments. This study aimed to review the applications of the Persian version of the COPSOQ.

Materials and Methods: This scoping review was conducted through a systematic search in international databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, as well as reputable Persian databases such as SID and ISC, within the timeframe of 2005 to 2024. Studies were selected based on inclusion criteria and relevance to the research question.

Results: The initial search identified 126 documents, of which 16 studies were analyzed after the final screening. Four studies examined the psychometric properties of the first, second, and third versions of COPSOQ, all confirming the validity and reliability of the tool for use in Iranian workplaces. One study highlighted the comprehensiveness of this tool for assessing psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Eleven studies explored various psychosocial dimensions of the workplace using different versions of COPSOQ, emphasizing the importance of improving these factors to enhance employee health and efficiency.

Conclusion: Over the past 19 years, different versions of COPSOQ have evolved, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of psychosocial dimensions in the workplace. Localizing this tool and adding new subscales in line with recent occupational changes, such as emerging technologies and virtual interactions, could improve its applicability.

Epidemiology of Low Back Pain and Its Association with Occupational and Psychosocial Factors in the Iranian Population: A Systematic Review

2026-05-19T12:11:25+00:00

Introduction: Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition and a significant global public health concern. It results from a combination of psychological, social, and ergonomic factors. However, accurate estimates of its prevalence are still lacking. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of low back pain and its relationship with occupational and psychosocial factors in Iran.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic review. Relevant studies were identified through searches of twelve Persian and English electronic databases using keywords such as low back pain, epidemiology, occupational factors, and psychosocial factors. These studies include the investigation of the prevalence of low back pain and its relationship with occupational and psychosocial factors, which were published in Persian or English between the years 2005 and 2025 AD and 1384 to 1405 in the Iranian calendar.

Results: Seventeen studies involving a total of 6,454 participants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the present review. Participants were categorized into three groups: administrative and industrial workers (n=1502), school pupils and university students (n=2089), and healthcare workers (n=2863). The analysis of mean prevalence rates showed that the overall prevalence of low back pain was 44.52% among administrative and industrial workers, 53.5% among pupils and students, and 62.31% among healthcare workers. In other words, healthcare workers—particularly nurses and emergency staff experienced low back pain more frequently than the other studied groups. Furthermore, the findings indicated significant associations between low back pain and physical–psychological workload, social functioning, daily working hours, job tenure, quality of life, anxiety and stress, as well as social support.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a high prevalence of low back pain among healthcare workers, students, and industrial workers. Considering the factors associated with low back pain in these three groups, it is essential that preventive strategies and intervention programs be designed and implemented according to the specific characteristics and needs of each group.