https://ijehe.mui.ac.ir/ International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering (IJEHE) en daily 1 Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://ijehe.mui.ac.ir/article_33058.html Aim:  The use of hearing protection equipment is the last solution to decrease noise exposure in industries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational intervention on improving the use of hearing protection devices based on the health belief model (HBM). Methods:  The 100 male workers exposed to noise in an oil refinery participated in this study. The intervention was conducted in 12 sessions (40–60 min for each session and three times per week). Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire made by the researcher before and after the intervention. Results:  The results showed that the dimensions of the HBM had no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention (P > 0.05). The results revealed that the mean values of all dimensions of the HBM, except the dimension of perceived barriers, significantly increased in the intervention group after educational sessions (P < 0.001). However, there was not a significant difference in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion:  Based on the results, the HBM could affect the use duration of hearing protection devices among refinery workers. Therefore, it is suggested that this model be applied to train employees exposed to high noise levels in various industries. https://ijehe.mui.ac.ir/article_33059.html Aim:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a moisture-absorbent vest on reducing heat strain caused by the wearing of gowns by healthcare personnel. Methods:  This experimental research was conducted on 20 healthy participants (10 men and 10 women) with a mean (SD) age of 24 ± 2 years and a body mass index of 23.65 ± 1.5 kg/m2. Each participant underwent a 30-min workout on a treadmill in a climatic chamber at 20°C and 30°C and relative humidity of 20%–30%. Various physiological and perceptual strain indices were measured at each step. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results:  The data analysis revealed that the sweat sensation scores for participants wearing normal clothes, gowns, and gowns with a moisture-absorbent vest at 30°C were 0.65, 2, and 1.49, respectively. At 20°C, the corresponding values were − 1.18, 0.62, and 0.27 (P = 0.036). In addition, there was a significant difference in skin temperature at both 30°C (P = 0.042) and 20°C (P = 0.036). Furthermore, the perceived effort showed a significant difference at 30°C (P = 0.044) and at 20°C (P = 0.002). Conclusion:  The findings from this research suggest that the utilization of a moisture-absorbent vest did not have a significant effect on heart rate and oral temperature. However, it revealed a noteworthy impact in terms of reducing perceptual heat strain, skin temperature, perceived effort, and humidity inside inside the clothes.