BACKGROUND: There is little data available on job stress dimensions and their relationship to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Iranian nurses. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate job stress dimensions and examine their relationship to MSDs among nurses of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) hospitals. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 385 randomly selected nurses of SUMS participated. The Persian version of Job Content Questionnaire (P-JCQ) and Nordic MSDs questionnaire were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Decision latitude and social support dimensions had low levels, but psychological and physical job demands as well as job insecurity dimensions had high levels among the nurses. 89.9% of the subjects experienced some form of MSDs during the last 12 months. Lower back symptoms were the most prevalent problem reported (61.8%). Physical isometric loads was the only sub-scale that had significant relationship with MSDs. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of cases, subjects were exposed to high levels of job stress. MSDs prevalence was high. Based on the results, any interventional program for MSDs prevention should focus on reducing physical and psychological job demands as well as increasing decision latitudes.

BackgroundLymphedema treatment is difficult and there is no consensus on the best treatment. This study evaluated the effect of combined decongestive therapy (CDT) and pneumatic compression pump on lymphedema indicators in patients with breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL).MethodsTwenty one women with BCRL were enrolled. The volume difference of upper limbs, the circumference at 9 areas and shoulder joint range of motion were measured in all patients. CDT was done by an educated nurse in two phases. In first phase, CDT was accompanied by use of a compression pump for 4 weeks, 3 days per week. In second phase, CDT was performed daily without compression pump for 4 weeks by patients at home. At the end of each phase, the same primary measurements were done for patients.ResultsThe mean volume difference of the upper limbs and mean difference in circumference in all areas at different phases decreased significantly. Mean flexion, extension, abduction and external rotation (in degrees) at different phases increased significantly.ConclusionCDT significantly reduced mean volume and mean circumference of the affected limb, and significantly increased shoulder joint range of motion. The findings support the optimal effects of CDT in the treatment of secondary lymphedema of upper extremity.Clinical trial registration number138902212621N8

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The incidence rate of breast cancer in developed countries is almost three-fold higher than in developing countries. Iran has had one of the lowest incidence rates for breast cancer in the world, but during the recent decades a marked increase has been seen. The purpose of this study was to investigate some

Introduction. The main purposes of this study were to investigate shift-work-related health problems inshift work 12-hour shift schedule extended work shift health problems petrochemical industry