Hanieh Abdi, Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian, Kamal Azam, Payam Khanlari Baniyarani,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Road accidents and related damages and casualties are among the most important concerns of today's societies. Mental workload is one of the main human factors that can cause other factors, such as stress and anger. The present study was conducted to investigate the mental workload and its effect on changing the components of drivers' moods.
Methods: A total of 88 tour taxi drivers from Qazvin City participated in this study to examine the desired components. The driving Activity Load Index was used to evaluate mental load and the Profile of Mood States questionnaire to measure drivers' mood components. Based on the designed scenario of driving on high-traffic roads, the desired variables were evaluated. To check the relationship between these variables, paired t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis were used in SPSS version 24 software.
Results: The mean scores of the drivers' work history and age were obtained at 46.60±10.12 and 13.47±9.39 years, respectively. The obtained findings showed that driving on high-traffic roads significantly increased the average mental workload of drivers (P<0.001). Growth in the drivers' mental workload led to a decrease in some mood components that had a positive effect, such as happiness (r=-0.143, P=0.157) and vitality (r=-0.646, P=0.050), while it resulted in a rise in the mood component of depression (r=0.020, P= 0.248).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that as driving continues, drivers experience a rise in mental workload. However, there was no correlation regarding the effect of this component on the mood components.
Abbas Mohammadi, Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi, Fatemeh Assadian, Saeed Ghanbari,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Cargo workers at Ahvaz Airport in Ahvaz, Iran are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate their carrying out tasks and postures.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the census method was used to select 21 cargo workers in Ahvaz Airport. Task analysis was carried out by Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) and Quick Exposure Check (QEC). Moreover, the Manual Handling Assessment Charts were used to evaluate the manual load. The tools employed in this study included observation, photography, and a Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire (CMQD) questionnaire. Statistical calculations were performed in SPSS (version 16) and Spearman's correlation coefficient for the variables.
Results: Each of the cargo workers of Ahvaz airport moves an average of 400 bags per shift. Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and the variables of age, height, and Body Mass Index with values of 0.002, 0.005, and 0.003, respectively. The QEC method was used to observe the worst postures with a numerical score between 50 and 70, which were related to the standing posture at the flat roller and the sitting posture in the aircraft cargo. The examination of the CMQD questionnaire revealed that 61.6%, 65%, and 62% of diseases were related to shoulder, arm, and back, respectively.
Conclusion: After job analysis by the HTA method and evaluation of the results through the QEC method, it was determined that loading and arranging luggage in the cart and cargo were the most risky tasks. Both the MAC and QEC methods also indicated the necessity of an immediate change in the process of moving luggage.
Teimour Allahyari, Ali Mahboubi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Nowadays, due to the increase in the volume of accidents, pre-hospital emergency personnel, as the frontline of treatment by providing relief and assistance to patients and victims of various incidents, have encountered various work-related challenges and problems, including cardiovascular diseases, digestive diseases, excessive fatigue, and reduced sleep quality. In this regard, the present research aimed to study the relationship among shift work, sleep quality, and work ability index in pre-hospital emergency personnel.
Methods: This research was performed on 102 operational personnel of a pre-hospital emergency department in Urmia, Iran. After the collection of demographic information, the number of work shifts per week, the number of working hours per month, the quality of sleep, and the work ability of the personnel were measured by the Petersburg sleep quality questionnaire and work ability index questionnaire. The relationship between research variables was investigated using correlation coefficient, Fisher's exact test, and one-way analysis of variance tests.
Results: Mean total sleep quality score of the personnel was 6.01 ± 2.38, which indicated poor and unfavorable sleep quality. Moreover, work ability index scores of 34.3%, 52%, and 13.7% of participants were at poor, moderate, good, and excellent levels, respectively. Regarding the comparison between the two variables of shift work and sleep quality, there was a significant difference, and a strong and significant relationship was observed between sleep quality and work ability index.
Conclusion: Through the increase in the number of work shifts and working hours, the sleep quality of the personnel became unfavorable and weak which led to a decrease in the work ability index score and a reduction in the job performance of the personnel. Reduction of working hours, usage of young people with high work ability, management and control of the number of work shifts of the personnel by considering resting and closure time, consideration of morning-evening and night shifts in a balanced and equal manner, and prevention of people from working in monotonous shifts (activity only in the form of night work or only day work), and avoidance of working in consecutive work shifts without rest and vacation in order to improve the quality of sleep and work performance is recommended.
Reza Ziyari, Parvin Afshar, Mahsan Afshar,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: It was expected the healthcare system would help to provide better services by taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the expansion of information and communication technology. In some cases, the efforts of service providers or users to increase their interests have resulted in the commercialization of health at the cost of effectiveness and personal well-being. The present study aimed to identify and analyze the impact of digital components of social media on the commercialization of health with the aim of improving ergonomics at macro and cognitive levels.
Methods: This applied research was conducted based on a descriptive cross-sectional design. The statistical population included 300 professors of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, out of whom 169 cases were selected by simple random method. The components were determined by the descriptive method. The questions were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis in SPSS software. The ranking of the components was performed using Friedman's method, and the final model was then presented.
Results: The digital components of social media in the commercialization of health include five parts(the health system, medicine, patient, insurance, and healthcare personnel) and 30 sub-components.
Conclusion: The digital components related to the health system have the most marked impact on the commercialization of health, highlighting the need to pay attention to the development of social media regulations in the health sector. Common strategies include controlling data availability, building coalitions among health stakeholders with compliance monitoring, using social responsibility laws for digital companies, and promoting self-regulation among stakeholders.
Madineh Mahmoodi, Behnaz Mohajeran, Hassan Ghalavandi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (7-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: In contemporary times, educational institutions are instrumental in the development of societies, and universities in every country, along with their leaders, play a significant role in this domain. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of spiritual leadership characteristics and social identity on cultural intelligence with an emphasis on the mediating role of social responsibility among the managers of Urmia University.
Methods: The research method was descriptive. The entire population of Urmia University managers (151 individuals) was included as the sample, given the limited population size. The data collection tools included the Cultural Intelligence Questionnaire (Early & Ang, 2004), Carroll's Social Responsibility Questionnaire (1991), Fry's spiritual leadership characteristics (2005), and Jenkins' social identity (1996). The validity of the instruments was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis and their reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The data were analyzed in SPSS (version 28) and LISREL (version 8.1) software packages using descriptive and inferential statistics (structural equation modeling).
Results: The research findings pointed to the significant positive impact of spiritual leadership characteristics on the cultural intelligence of Urmia University administrators. In addition, social identity had a meaningful positive effect on the cultural intelligence of these managers. Spiritual leadership characteristics also exerted a significant positive effect on the social responsibility of Urmia University administrators, as does social identity. Furthermore, social responsibility has a significant positive impact on the cultural intelligence of university managers. Notably, spiritual leadership characteristics, mediated by social responsibility, affected the cultural intelligence of Urmia University administrators. In a similar vein, social identity, through the mediation of social responsibility, affected the cultural intelligence of these managers.
Conclusion: The enhancement of spiritual leadership traits and social identity of Urmia University administrators, which in turn influence their cultural intelligence, can make it possible to improve the performance of the university. Furthermore, this enhancement is expected to increase employees' accountability.
Narges Eshaghi, Narmin Hassanzadeh-Rangi, Yahya Khosravi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (7-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Scientometrics is a research field that examines and analyzes scientific trends and patterns in various scientific journals. This study aims to analyze the content of articles published in the Journal of Applied Ergonomics in the last ten years and determine the distribution pattern of the articles according to the themes extracted.
Methods: Using the method of directed content analysis, the number of 2,148 articles published in the last 10 years were extracted from the "Journal of Applied Ergonomics" website and categorized according to the topic, the nationality of the authors, and the year of publication. For the topic categories of articles, the existing categories of published articles and the topic tree schema of the article submission website of selected international journals were used. EXCEL 2021 software was used for data preparation and analysis.
Results: Among the twenty-two extracted topics, three main topics, including "Physio-psychological Status and Occupational Factors," "Human-machine interaction, Human-computer interaction", and "Ergonomic product and service design" elucidated approximately 50% of the variance in published articles in this reputable journal under study. Among these, there was a particular emphasis on the topic of "Physio-psychological status and occupational factors." The subjects of "Physio-psychological status and occupational factors," "Human-machine interaction," and "Human-computer interaction" have had an upward trend in recent years. Moreover, authors from the United States of America, with 25.84% frequency, have contributed the most to the publication of articles in this Journal.
Conclusion: The thematic framework and distribution patterns extracted in this study can contribute to the educational and research planning in the field of professional health for universities, research centers, and relevant organizations. These findings can guide strategic decisions and support targeted efforts to advance ergonomic practices and the dissemination of knowledge within the field.
Roghayeh Esmaili, Ali Askari, Mohsen Poursadeghian,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Various factors, including a lack of attention to the adaptation of educational spaces, can significantly impact the quality of education. Consequently, this study aims to comprehensively review and analyze all research conducted on school ergonomics in Iran.
Methods: A bilingual search was conducted in this study utilizing Persian keywords such as "Student," "Elementary, middle or high school," and "Physical, environmental, and general ergonomics," along with their Latin equivalents. This search was performed across databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, covering the period from the inception of research in Iran until 2024. Subsequently, articles relevant to the topic were collected and examined according to the established criteria.
Results: Among the identified articles, only 30 were recognized as relevant to the study's objectives, focusing on physical, environmental, and general ergonomics. A comparison of these studies revealed an upward trend in musculoskeletal disorders, with many of these issues linked to ergonomic problems in schools, including the mismatch between students' body dimensions and the desks and chairs used, as well as improper carrying of school bags.
Conclusion: The poor ergonomic conditions in Iranian schools have led to an increase in musculoskeletal disorders among students. It is vital to evaluate these schools based on ergonomic standards and implement necessary enhancements. Furthermore, it is important to raise students' awareness about proper task performance and appropriate backpack usage.
Karen Fatahi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to examine the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the air on thermal comfort, cognitive performance, and heart rate among healthcare workers while they engage in their duties within therapeutic environments. These settings are often characterized by high occupancy, inadequate ventilation, underground locations, limited natural light, and exposure to pollutants.
Methods: In this laboratory-based research, 20 employees from a specialized clinic were randomly assigned into two groups of ten. They were exposed to varying levels of CO2 at a controlled temperature of 25°C: one group experienced 1100 ppm with adequate ventilation, while the other was subjected to 1800 ppm without ventilation. Key parameters, such as heart rate, thermal comfort (assessed using the ASHRAE standard questionnaire), and cognitive performance (measured through the MOCA test) were recorded. The collected data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Results: The statistical analysis revealed significant effects of cognitive performance and CO2 levels (1800 ppm vs. 1100 ppm) on thermal comfort (F(1,15)=13.257, P<0.05 and F(1,15)=16.694, P<0.05). Furthermore, both the CO2 levels and the gender of participants significantly influenced the heart rate of healthcare workers in their work environments (F(1,15)=53.381, P<0.05 and F(1,15)=9.642, P<0.05). Specifically, individuals exposed to 1800 ppm of carbon dioxide reported a thermal dissatisfaction score that was 0.878 units higher and exhibited a heart rate that was 9.25 beats per minute greater compared to those exposed to 1100 ppm.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of continuous air quality monitoring in workplace settings. Such measures can enhance thermal comfort levels, improve cognitive performance, and mitigate health risks for healthcare workers engaged in their professional activities.
Davood Afshari, Shakiba Babakhani Farshkar, Maryam Nourollahi-Darabad, Maryam Seyedtabib,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Adverse events, defined as errors occurring during nursing care, have become one of the most serious threats to patient safety and quality of care in hospitals. The present study aimed to investigate the role of various factors influencing adverse events among nurses.
Methods: An analytical epidemiological study was conducted on 360 nurses working in public hospitals in Ahvaz. Data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, an environmental factors checklist, the standardized Patient Safety Culture questionnaire, the NEO Personality Inventory, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire assessing psychosocial work factors, and a standardized adverse events checklist. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS and SMART PLS software.
Results: The most frequently reported adverse events were complaints from patients or their families, while surgical wound infections were reported less frequently. Additionally, 31 nurses (8.6%) reported more than 20 adverse incidents in the past 12 months. The developed model indicated that environmental noise significantly affects both patient safety culture and adverse events, and psychosocial factors influence patient safety culture; however, patient safety culture alone did not significantly affect the occurrence of adverse events.
Conclusion: Overall, the prevalence of adverse events among the studied nurses was high. Exposure to environmental noise and psychosocial factors substantially impacts patient safety culture. These findings can inform strategies to improve adverse event management and enhance patient safety culture.
Zahra Jahani, Mahshid Namdari, Nastaran Keshavarz Mohammadi, Mahnaz Saremi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, are increasingly prevalent among school-aged children. Poor postural habits and improper backpack carriage are significant contributing factors. However, there is currently no comprehensive, standardized tool available to assess children’s knowledge of ergonomics related to spinal health.
Methods: This methodological study involved the development of a questionnaire through a seven-step process. Following the creation of the preliminary version and assessment of face validity, content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) by ten experts. The reliability of the instrument was assessed using a test-retest procedure with 15 students and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient with a sample of 180 students.
Results: The final version of the questionnaire, entitled Kids’ Spine Ergonomics Awareness (KidSEA), comprised 13 items across three domains: "Spinal Anatomy," "Correct Posture," and "Ergonomics of Carrying School Supplies." The CVI and CVR for each item exceeded 0.79 and 0.62, respectively, indicating that all items were validated. Cohen’s kappa coefficient for individual items was above 0.41, and the overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.74, demonstrating acceptable levels of reliability and internal consistency.
Conclusion: The KidSEA questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge of ergonomic principles related to spinal health in children. It can be utilized to evaluate health literacy concerning spinal care, design targeted interventions, and inform educational programs for children in the studied age group. Further studies are recommended to establish the validity of the instrument across different age groups.
Zahra Sadat Sharifi, Abolfazl Ghahramani, Rasoul Hemmatjoo,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Nowadays, electronic devices, such as computers, mobile phones, and tablets, have played a crucial role in people's work and lives. The main complaint of users of video terminals is eye symptoms caused by prolonged use. This study aimed to evaluate the intensity of luminance and illuminance and their possible relationship with visual fatigue in users of video terminals at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 171 users of video terminals at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. In this study, the local illuminance intensity at the work surface and the luminance intensity from the screen at the user's eye level were measured. A 15-question visual fatigue questionnaire was used to assess visual fatigue. The results were analyzed using paired t-tests and chi-square tests using SPSS software (version.16).
Results: In this study, the average local illumination intensity on the desk was 306.6 lux, and the average luminance intensity was 73.9 cd/m2. The local illumination intensity was lower than the recommended level in 41.6% of the cases. No statistically significant relationship was observed between illumination intensity and users' visual fatigue during the study, nor between users' luminance and visual fatigue. The results of this study showed that visual fatigue at the end of the work significantly correlates with an individual's visual fatigue at the beginning of the work. The results of this study also showed a significant relationship between visual fatigue and the type of work.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed no relationship between luminance and illuminance intensity and visual fatigue. According to the findings of this study, it is recommended that, if possible, the time to start working with visual terminals should be when there is no feeling of visual fatigue. Also, since one of the factors affecting visual fatigue is the type of work, it is recommended that users manage their job in such a way that they are mostly inactive (reading the page).
Ali Reza Nikray, Mohammad Reza Vesali Naseh, Abbas Mohammadi,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: As industrial systems become increasingly complex and technologically advanced, the human role in ensuring safety and efficiency remains indispensable. This study aimed to present a comprehensive review of Human Reliability Assessment research published between 2010 and 2023. It compares human reliability assessment (HRA) methodologies with emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and lights-out manufacturing, identifies existing research gaps, and analyzes the analytical techniques employed and the industrial sectors addressed.
Methods: A systematic search of major scientific databases using domain-specific keywords yielded over 230 publications. After removing duplicate studies, 180 articles were selected for detailed analysis. Each article was evaluated based on methodology, industrial application, country, institutional affiliation, and publishing outlet.
Results: The results indicated that the most frequently applied approaches in HRA research were the systematic human error reduction and prediction approach (SHERPA), cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM), and fuzzy mathematics. The United States, China, and South Korea emerged as leading contributors to this field. The findings revealed that neither qualitative nor quantitative methods alone are sufficient to fulfill the three core objectives of HRA: error identification, probability estimation, and control design. Therefore, a hybrid approach was recommended by integrating SHERPA and Tecnica Empirica Stima Errori Operatori (TESEO). SHERPA provides comprehensive coverage of error identification and the design of effective control measures, while TESEO facilitates rapid, conservative probability estimation. These methods provided a practical and efficient framework for achieving HRA objectives within operational constraints. Additionally, ten key research gaps were identified.
Conclusion: The SHERPA–TESEO hybrid framework presents a viable strategy for achieving the core goals of HRA. Nonetheless, a shift from static to dynamic and data-driven models is necessary in the context of intelligent environments and operator-free production. Recommended developments include revising SHERPA’s cognitive task classifications, recalibrating TESEO's adjustment factors, and integrating real-time data with human–artificial intelligence (AI) interaction. These advancements are expected to significantly enhance real-time prediction of human error risks and support timely intervention strategies.
Elaheh Amouzadeh, Siavash Etemadinezhad, Jamshid Yazdani Charati,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Office automation systems are essential for optimizing administrative processes, reducing human errors, and improving organizational efficiency. However, their effectiveness depends on usability and the quality of user interaction. This study assesses the usability of the Chargoon office automation system at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences using a mixed-methods approach, addressing gaps in prior evaluations of similar systems in Iranian academic settings.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, with the quantitative component using the standardized System Usability Scale (SUS) and the qualitative component involving heuristic evaluation based on Nielsen's 10 principles, conducted by 5 UX experts. A total of 240 employees and faculty members were selected through simple random sampling. Performance data, including task completion time and error rates for six frequent tasks, were collected and analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation in SPSS software (version 26).
Results: The mean SUS score was 64.83 (±12.84), indicating acceptable usability with room for improvement. The task “sending a letter to multiple recipients” had the highest error rate (15.2%) and the longest completion time (57.3 seconds). Heuristic evaluation identified 99 issues, primarily in system feedback (25%) and error prevention (20%).
Conclusion: The Chargoon system demonstrates moderate usability but requires targeted improvements in interface design, feedback mechanisms, and error prevention to reduce cognitive load and operational costs in academic settings.
Mehdi Beyramijam, Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi, Mohammad Babamiri, Arezo Farhadi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Abstract
In today's world, research management systems in universities and research centers are recognized as essential tools for facilitating research processes. One of the key aspects of the success of these systems is their usability, which, if weak, can lead to reduced productivity, increased time spent by users, and decreased user satisfaction. Users of research management systems at universities often encounter issues, such as complex menus, a lack of clarity in search and reporting processes, and insufficient training. In this context, proposed policies for improving process design, feedback and reporting systems, structured training, continuous support, and ongoing user experience evaluation are presented to enhance system efficiency and user satisfaction. These recommendations can also be applied to other research and education management systems in universities and research centers. Therefore, focusing on usability and continuous system improvement can lead to increased efficiency and user satisfaction in these environments.
Ayoub Ghanbary Sartang, Negar Safarpour Khotbesara, Zahra Rahimi, Mahbobeh Abedi, Hojatollah Hossainian, Mohsen Poursadeghiyan,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objectives: Improper waste management, as one of the main factors in environmental degradation, requires new approaches such as zero waste, green ergonomics, and Ergoecology, as well as substitution chemists' attempts and investigations related to their chemical waste and pollutant products. This study, based on the DIN 91436 standard framework, examines the role of new approaches in realizing sustainable waste management systems and reducing negative environmental impacts.
Methods: This review study was conducted through a systematic search of international (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) and Persian databases (SID, Magiran, IranMedex, and IranDoc) for articles published from 1990 to 2025. The search strategy included a combination of keywords, and articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria; the extracted data were then categorized and clarified through thematic analysis.
Results: According to studies, green ergonomics is effective through sustainable product and process design, reducing waste at source, and increasing recycling, and aligns with the prevention stage within the framework of the DIN 91436 standard. Moreover, by analyzing human-environment interactions, Ergoecology provides a systematic framework for achieving zero waste with an emphasis on the technical, social, and environmental dimensions. By combining these two approaches within the framework of the aforementioned standard, an effective path towards a circular economy and sustainable waste management is mapped out, while chemists' investigations often focus on materials or methods that can be degraded and damage the environment overall, which is in contrast with zero waste.
Conclusion: A variety of experimental sciences, research, and technologies ultimately cause various environmental damages, as some of them are discussed in this study. Achieving zero waste requires the integration of the three main pillars of green ergonomics, ergo-ecology, and the implementation framework of the DIN 91436 standard. This integration not only reduces waste and conserves resources but also promotes human health and environmental sustainability. To institutionalize this approach, it is necessary to expand interdisciplinary research, incorporate its principles into policymaking, and invest in education and culture among all stakeholders.
Saeid Bashirian, Ali Reza Soltanian,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging diseases pose numerous challenges to health systems due to their unknown nature and rapid spread, and the lack of structured research planning exacerbates this situation. This study aimed to elucidate team-building methodologies and provide a model for policy-making in academic research in response to pandemics. The formation of rapid response teams for conducting research, along with establishing research groups and leaders, and focal points in the counties of a province according to a coherent timeline, is essential for research endeavors during pandemics of emerging diseases. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration and the synergy of expertise, combined with facilitating decision-making mechanisms, play a key role in enhancing research governance during health crises and can strengthen the preparedness of academic institutions for future pandemics.
Maryam Afshari, Vajihe Ramazani-Doroh, Elham Najafi, Roghayyeh Hasanzadeh,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2026)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common occupational health problems among teachers. Ergonomic interventions can play an important role in preventing and reducing these disorders; however, successful implementation of such interventions requires understanding employees’ acceptance and willingness to contribute financially. This study aimed to assess teachers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for ergonomic interventions and identify factors associated with it.
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 361 teachers. Data on demographic, socioeconomic, occupational, psychosocial, and musculoskeletal health characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Willingness to pay for ergonomic interventions was assessed using the contingent valuation method (CVM). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with WTP.
Results: Overall, 186 participants (51.5%) reported willingness to pay for ergonomic interventions. The mean WTP was 193,490 Iranian Tomans, while the median WTP was 50,000 Tomans. Bivariate analyses showed significant associations between WTP and adequate rest, sleep disorders, workplace violence, overall support, and supervisor support (P < 0.05). In the multivariable logistic regression model, managerial support was associated with more than a twofold increase in the likelihood of WTP (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.41–3.82). Poor working posture (OR = 1.81, P = 0.021) and employment status (OR = 2.17, P = 0.039) were also positively associated with WTP, whereas workplace violence was negatively associated with WTP (OR = 0.57, P = 0.028). Musculoskeletal pain and activity limitation during the previous 12 months were not significantly associated with WTP.
Conclusion: Teachers’ willingness to pay for ergonomic interventions was influenced more by organizational and workplace-related factors than by individual characteristics or musculoskeletal health conditions. Strengthening managerial support and improving workplace conditions may enhance employees’ acceptance of and participation in ergonomic intervention programs.
Shiva Adib, Azade Tahernejad, Fateme Shahrebabaky, Somaye Tahernejad,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Firefighting gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE); however, protection alone does not ensure their effectiveness. Ergonomic characteristics, including hand fit, preservation of manual dexterity and tactile sensitivity, comfort, and ease of use, can influence firefighters’ performance and safety. This study aimed to identify the ergonomic components of firefighting gloves from the users’ perspective.
Methods: This qualitative study employed conventional content analysis with an inductive approach and was conducted from February to May 2026. Twenty active-duty firefighters were purposively recruited, five of whom had additional expertise and experience in occupational safety and personal protective equipment. Sampling continued until data saturation was reached. Data were collected through 20 semi-structured interviews and 2 focus group discussions and were subsequently transcribed, coded, and analyzed. The Lincoln and Guba criteria were applied to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings.
Results: Of 839 initial codes, 394 final codes were derived and organized into five main categories and 10 subcategories: biomechanical and musculoskeletal strain, anthropometric and dimensional fit factors, physiological factors, manual and perceptual performance, and usability and compatibility. Key components included increased grip force and localized pressure, poor dimensional fit, restricted joint mobility, heat retention and sweating, skin irritation, reduced tactile sensitivity and dexterity, difficulty in donning and doffing, and incompatibility with other protective equipment.
Conclusion: The ergonomics of firefighting gloves is a multidimensional concept encompassing biomechanical, anthropometric, physiological, manual-performance, and usability dimensions. These findings may provide a basis for developing and validating objective ergonomic indicators and for considering their incorporation into future standards. Further studies using objective measurements and including female firefighters are recommended to validate the identified components.
Helia Sareminia, Mahdi Zandieh,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Rapid urbanization in Iran has increasingly alienated residents from nature, raising concerns about declining mental health. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that exposure to natural elements can restore psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the impact of biophilic components on happiness in residential complex residents and identify the most effective natural elements.
Methods: This descriptive-survey study employed a quantitative approach with 120 residents of the Binalood residential complex in Mashhad, selected through cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire (33 items) with good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and content validity (CVI = 0.87). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed construct validity (KMO = 0.85). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, regression, and path analysis.
Results: Natural light was identified as the most effective component (40%). The exterior space generated greater satisfaction (46.7% vs. 23.3%) and happiness (50.8% vs. 20.0%) than the interior courtyard. Biophilic components explained 56% of satisfaction variance (R² = 0.56), with plants (β = 0.42), natural light (β = 0.35), and natural views (β = 0.28) as significant predictors. A strong positive correlation was found between green space use and happiness (r = 0.58). Path analysis revealed that stress reduction mediated 52% of the biophilic effect on happiness.
Conclusion: Biophilic components, particularly natural light, plants, and natural views, significantly enhance happiness and vitality through stress reduction. Revising Iranian housing design with emphasis on optimal natural lighting and developing public green spaces is essential. These findings highlight the need to integrate biophilic design principles in contemporary Iranian residential complexes.
Reza Naghdbishi, Mehrnaz Vafaeipour,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study examined how interior architectural elements affect employee productivity in architectural design studios. As offices adapt their physical environments to support creativity and performance, understanding users' actual needs has become essential. The research assumed that interior environment quality can influence multiple productivity dimensions.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used within a pragmatic paradigm. In the qualitative phase, variables were identified through content analysis using MAXQDA software, leading to a researcher-developed questionnaire. Quantitative data were collected from 97 participants in architectural offices.
Results: Spearman’s correlation test revealed a positive but weak relationship between interior architecture and productivity (r = 0.208, p < 0.05). Among the variables, materials showed the strongest link with the workplace’s physical dimension (r = 0.275), while ventilation correlated most with employee motivation (r = 0.248). Overall, correlations between environmental components and productivity dimensions were weak, suggesting that individual and organizational factors may also contribute to employee productivity.
Conclusion: Overall, productivity in architectural workplaces results from interactions among interior environmental quality, individual characteristics, and organizational structures. A balanced attention to these dimensions can enhance work experience and support sustainable employee performance
