Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract New epidemiological studies acknowledge the detrimental effects of dust storms on health.
The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of dust storms on the morbidity
and mortality rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The results of this study were
obtained based on articles published in English-language journals. For the purpose of this
study, all articles published until the end of 2020 based on the search in the “Scopus,” “Web
of Science,” and “PubMed” databases were selected. Articles were searched independently
by two trained researchers. Dust storms are the cause of many diseases and health-related
complications, of which cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are common. It is necessary
to recognize and investigate the harmful effects of dust storms to prevent serious harms
to human societies. In the reviewed articles, the impact of dust storms on several diseases,
including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases,has been analyzed. Most of these articles
acknowledge the effect of dust storms on increasing the incidence and mortality rate of these
diseases, although in some articles this effect is not statistically significant. Many studies
conducted around the world confirm the harmful effects of dust storms on cardiovascular
and respiratory diseases, including increase in the number and duration of hospitalizations, as
well as increase in mortality and exacerbation of these diseases. However, some studies do not
consider the harmful effects of dust storms on the above diseases to be statistically significant.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Risk perception is an important predictor to mitigate climate change effects which
can produce mental health consequences such as anxiety and depression. For developing policies
of climate risk adaptation, awareness of public attitudes, beliefs, and perception is essential. At this
study, researchers tried to focus on the often “unseen” psychological aspects of climate change.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative approach was done with a consistent content analysis
method. The study consisted of 33 participants including ordinary people and experts in disasters
and climate change. Purposeful sampling was adopted until data saturation. The data collection was
performed through in‑depth and semi‑structured interviews. All interviews were transcribed after
listening again and again and reading several times to catch an overall understanding of the interviews.
RESULTS: The main theme of the study was “Complexity nature of climate change risk perception”
and related categories including “the Mental health dimension,” “the Cognitive dimension” and
“Interaction of imposed components.” The structure of the research community strongly reflected
effects of cultural and religious factors in all aspects of community life. Participants’ life experiences
of extreme events were associated to their perception of climate change.
CONCLUSIONS: Risk perception is multifactorial and complicate and should clearly be understood to
improve community participation to manage climate change‑related risks. We propose that authorities
and related managers should pay attention to it as a priority. This may assist in developing research
on public mental health practices.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The empirical assessment of the health outcomes associated with migration caused
by climate change is still unclear. However, health outcomes in the early stages are expected to be
similar to the health outcomes associated with refugees. The objective of the present study was a
systematic review of the health effects of migration caused by climate change.
METHODOLOGY: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items
for Systematic Reviews and Meta‑Analyses guidelines. Online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web
of Science, and Google Scholar) were used to identify papers published that evaluated the health
effects of migration caused by climate change. The search, article selection, and data extraction were
carried out by two researchers independently. All English‑language articles on the health effects of
migration caused by climate change were included in this study.
RESULTS: An analysis of the complex ways in which climate change influences populations can
be facilitated using a three‑class classification: compulsory displacement, resettlement planning,
and migration. Subsequent to climate changes, other changes, and environmental deficiencies,
compulsory displacement may occur in case of inadequacy of compatibility responses. A part of
migration‑related health outcomes caused by climate change is from displacement from rural to urban
areas, especially in developing countries. There is significant documentation on health and livelihood
inequalities between migrant groups and host populations in developed countries.
CONCLUSION: If climate change continues in its current direction, it is likely that the number of
refugees and crises will increase in the coming decades. Although the domain and the extent of health
hazards caused by the displacement of the population associated with climate change cannot be
clearly predicted, by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, along with social and environmental
adaptation strategies, migration caused by climate change, health risks and its relevant crises can
be greatly reduced.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The dust and sand storms (DSS) in Iran increased in recent years, which have
caused adverse health effects. Regarding the effects of DSS on the health indicators, the health
system plays a key role based on the mission and the services which it provides. The present study
was conducted, in Iran, to fill the existing knowledge gap and to understand the preparedness
challenges of the health system in response to the DSS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty‑one semi‑structured interviews, in 2016–2017, were
undertaken. This study carried out using purposeful sampling with key informants in the Khuzestan
Province, national policymakers in Tehran, as well as people affected by this phenomenon.
A qualitative approach, using the conventional content analysis, was employed to analyze the
collected data.
RESULTS: Four main categories that appear to explain the preparedness challenges of the health
system for DSS include the risk assessment, knowledge management, organizational elements, as
well as monitoring and evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative that policymakers of the country pay special attention to the hazard
risk understanding and managing the various aspects of the beliefs and attitudes associated with
DSS. The development of early warning system, regular drills and exercises, as well as public and
specialized health promotion training related to this phenomenon are suggested.