| Abstrakt: |
Background and Objective: Heat stress is one of the major occupational problems in Iranshahr, Iran, which has led to adverse effects on the health and productivity of individuals. This study aimed to examine this problem and its effects in different departments of Iran Hospitals in Iranshahr. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed from 9 am. to 12 pm on 118 employees working at different departments of a hospital. Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and discomfort index (DI) were used to measure heat stress and thermal discomfort. Moreover, to assess human resource productivity, a 26-item scale of human productivity developed by Hersey and Goldsmith was utilized in this study. In addition, the relationship between WBGT and DI indices with human productivity and its micro-scale components was investigated using Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The results showed that at 9 am. the highest mean values regarding WBGT and DI indices were allocated to installation powerhouse 1 and generator 2 units, respectively. Additionally, pharmacy and administrative units obtained the lowest values in terms of the mentioned indices. At 12 pm, the highest mean values regarding WBGT and DI indices were allocated to powerhouse 2 and generator 2 units, respectively. At the same time, neonatal intensive care unit and the pharmacy obtained the lowest values of these indices, respectively. Furthermore, the results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed a reverse and significant relationship between WBGT and DI indices with human productivity (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the higher rate of heat stress in this hospital reduced the levels of human productivity and efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to design and repair the ventilation systems in this hospital to provide suitable thermal conditions in accordance with international standards which lead to the heat stress reduction and human productivity and efficiency increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
