Journal of Education and Health Promotion

The effect of educational intervention on self‑care behavior in hypertensive older people: Applying the health belief model

. Leila Naeemi; . Seyedeh Shahrbanoo Daniali; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Majid Rahimi

Volume 12, Issue 11 , December 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a worldwide health issue. Increasing aging has given rise to theprevalence of this problem. Disease management using educational intervention based on theoreticalframeworks ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a worldwide health issue. Increasing aging has given rise to theprevalence of this problem. Disease management using educational intervention based on theoreticalframeworks is effective for influencing self‑care behavior. The goal of this study is to investigate theeffects of educational intervention on self‑care behaviors that influence hypertension control amongthe elderly population during 2020 based on the health belief model.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on rural older people inArdestan, Iran. Assessments were done before and after three educational intervention sessionswith a control group. The random sampling has done on 99 hypertensive elderly people in two ruralcenters of Ardestan from 2019 to 2020. Awareness variables, components of the health belief model,and blood pressure were assessed before and three months after the intervention. Data analysiswas done using descriptive and analytical statistics.RESULTS: The study groups did not differ significantly in terms of the variables studied at thebeginning of the study. After three months, the variables of awareness, self‑care, and perceivedsensitivity constructs, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and guide to action showed a significantrise in the experimental group compared to the control group. In addition, the effectiveness ofeducational intervention significantly increased self‑care behavior in the experimental group.CONCLUSIONS: Educational intervention based on the health belief model can be effective toreduce the barriers of self‑care behaviors. In order to have a lasting change in behavior, the useof behavioral change patterns that ecologically take into account interpersonal, organizational, andsocial factors is suggested too.

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Evaluation of medication adherence and its relevant factors among hypertensive patients: A cross‑sectional study in Shahrekord health‑care system

. Zabihallah Ahmadi; . Hossein Shahnazi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 12, Issue 6 , July 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Medication adherence means compliance with patient adherence to medication orders, including timely and correct consumption of medication prescribed by a physician. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Medication adherence means compliance with patient adherence to medication orders, including timely and correct consumption of medication prescribed by a physician. The present study aimed to determine the extent of adherence to hypertension drug medication in patients covered by comprehensive health service centers of Shahrekord, Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study examined 401 hypertensive patients registered in the Integrated Health Record System (SIB). SIB is a Persian term related to Health Record System. To collect data, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used. The questionnaire was completed by the patients and analyzed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA, version 26), Chi‑square test, independent t‑test, and analysis of variance.RESULTS: The results indicated that adherence to antihypertensive medication was low in 5.7% of patients, while 63.3% of patients had sufficient compliance. Forgetting to take medications (52.9%) was the most common reason for nonadherence to medication in hypertensive patients.CONCLUSION: Given that forgetting to take medications was the main reason for nonadherence to medication in hypertensive patients, designing and implementing necessary trainings by comprehensive health centers to realize the importance of daily use of medication by hypertensive patients and their families are recommended.

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Health literacy and its dimensions in elderly people in Farsan city, Iran

. Reza Mahmoodi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Majid Rahimi

Volume 11, Issue 8 , September 2021, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health literacy is an important variable in the promotion and improvement of thehealth of all social groups, especially the elderly people. It indicates cognitive and social ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health literacy is an important variable in the promotion and improvement of thehealth of all social groups, especially the elderly people. It indicates cognitive and social skills thatspecify the individuals’ motivation and ability to access and perceive information using methodsfor health retention and improvement. The present research aimed to study health literacy and itsrelevant dimensions in a population over 60 years of age in Farsan city.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study on 384 older people in Farsan city wasconducted, using a standard health literacy questionnaire including 33 items and 5 dimensions ona 5‑point Likert scale for collecting data. Data analysis was done using descriptive and analyticalstatistics, using the multiple linear regression analysis.RESULTS: Among the dimensions, the highest and lowest scores belonged to decision‑making andreading skill dimensions, respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that amongthe demographical variables, education level, age, sex, and job were the best predictors of totalscores of health literacy (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: The health‑related institutions should make effort to improve the elderly people’shealth literacy based on general literacy, using suitable methods with less need to read and payingattention to personal characteristics.

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Predictability of constructs of theory of planned behavior in adopting urinary tract infection prevention behaviors among pregnant women

. Sheida Moradpour; . Hossein Shahnazi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection is a common infection in women during pregnancy, leading tomany complications for both mother and fetus if untreated. The present study aimed to ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection is a common infection in women during pregnancy, leading tomany complications for both mother and fetus if untreated. The present study aimed to investigate thepredictability of constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in adopting urinary tract infectionprevention behaviors in pregnant women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present cross‑sectional study, we selected 100 pregnantwomen who visited the comprehensive health service centers of Zarrinshahr using conveniencesampling from July to September 2019. We collected data by a questionnaire designed based onthe constructs of the TPB and analyzed data using SPSS 20 and linear regression test and Pearsoncorrelation coefficient. A significant level was considered as α < 0.05.RESULTS: In the study, the Pearson correlation coefficient showed direct relationships between thescore of behavior and the scores of knowledge (P = 0.005), attitude (P = 0.02), perceived behavioralcontrol (P < 0.001), and behavioral intention (P = 0.001). Linear regression analysis indicated thatamong the above variables, the perceived behavioral control, knowledge, and behavioral intentionwere significant predictors of scores of urinary tract infection prevention behaviors, respectively, interms of their importance.CONCLUSION: In this study, perceived behavioral control is detected as the main predictor ofdoing urinary tract infection prevention behaviors in pregnant women and should be considered indesigning educational interventions.

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Stress as a challenge in promoting mental health among dementia caregivers

. Shakiba Zahed; . Maryam Emami; . Ahmad Ali Eslami; . Majid Barekatain; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Fereshteh Zamani‑Alavijeh

Volume 10, Issue 3 , March 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Caregiver stress is harmful to the health of both caregivers and people living withAlzheimer’s disease or other dementias. The present study was conducted to assess ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Caregiver stress is harmful to the health of both caregivers and people living withAlzheimer’s disease or other dementias. The present study was conducted to assess stress and itspredictors of people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias’ caregivers.METHODS: The present descriptive, analytical, cross‑sectional study was conducted in December2017–June 2018 in Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected by interviewing 99 caregivers had atleast 6  months of experience caring for a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, throughquestionnaires developed by the researcher. A convenience sample (easy access) of caregivers wasrecruited from calling the home of formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s patient, that have registered ineducational hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and psychiatrists’ office bothpaid caregivers (formal) and unpaid caregivers (family). All caregivers provided informed consent.The type and severity of the relationship between the dependent (stress) and independent variablewere assessed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients, the independent t‑test, andthe multivariate regression analysis.RESULTS: The caregivers’ mean stress score was 25.4 ± 10.9 (range: 4–54). About 80% of thecaregivers were female. Age and stress score was correlated (P = 0.004), the mean stress score wassignificantly higher in female caregivers (P = 0.04), informal caregivers (P < 0.001), and significantlylower in the caregivers with previous experience of caring for Alzheimer’s patients (P = 0.02) or thoseintroduced by service companies (P = 0.005). Variables including the family relationship with thepatient (P = 0.01), kind of caregiving (P = 0.03), and previous experience of caring for Alzheimer’spatients (P = 0.04) were stronger predictors of the stress score.CONCLUSION: Stress is a challenge in promoting mental health among dementia caregivers.Providing social support with an emphasis on physical, mental, and social health is mandatory,especially for female and family caregivers, to promote stress management, mental health in thisgroup, and enable optimal and purposeful care.

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A survey on scientific authenticity of health information in Iranian popular magazines: A case study

. Ourfa Hovsepyan; . Firoozeh Zare_Farashbandi; . Gholamreza Askari; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 8, Issue 2 , February 2018, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The content of the mass media is a suitable tool for making changes to the society.One of the most read news in the mass media is nutritional information. The goal of this ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The content of the mass media is a suitable tool for making changes to the society.One of the most read news in the mass media is nutritional information. The goal of this study is toassess the scientific authenticity of such information published in Iranian popular magazines.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a qualitative study (content analysis) and usesbibliographic approach. A researcher‑designed checklist is used as data gathering tool, and thestatistical population included the messages obtained from the printed material in 173 volumesof 8 Iranian popular magazines. 10 most frequent messages were identified, and their scientificauthenticity was investigated using Pubmed and IranMedex databases. The SPSS Softwareversion 24 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, USA) was applied in the analysis of this work.RESULTS: The findings indicated that preventive trends had the highest (86.8%) and the treatmentshad the lowest (4.2%) frequency. Concerning the type of cancer, more than half (51.2%) of theconclusions were about cancer. Regarding authorship, 68% of articles were author signed, but theprofession of 66.4% of the authors was not clear. Regarding references, only 25.4% of the articleshad validated references.CONCLUSION: It is revealed that 70% of the “nutrition information” related to cancer which waspublished in the popular magazines during 2012, considered to be acceptable according to scientificmedical information sources. Although in some cases, the amount of evidence is not sufficient.Finally, it could be deduced that the nutrition information published in the Iranian popular magazinesare still credible.

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Evaluation of 1‑year‑old children development in Isfahan City and its effective factors using ages and stages questionnaire, in 2014

. Mehri Rejali; . Soheila Pahlavni; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 7, Issue 3 , May and June 2017, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Attention to the development of children as the future generation thatleads to the upbringing of productive human resources is an important subject. Development ...  Read More BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Attention to the development of children as the future generation thatleads to the upbringing of productive human resources is an important subject. Development hasdimensions that a child should acquire the skills related to them in proper age. Otherwise, he may beaffected by developmental delays. There are different factors influencing children’s developmentaldelays and this study is carried out to evaluate the developmental conditions of 1‑year‑old childrenin the Isfahan and its effective factors.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a historical cohort, 725 children born in 2013 were selected usingmulti‑stage random sampling from health centers licensed by Isfahan Medical University and followedup to 1‑year and their related specifications were extracted from ages and stages questionnaireand their families’ files. SPSS 20 software and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients,independent t‑tests, ANOVA, multiple linear regression and analysis of covariance were used foranalyzing the data.RESULTS: The minimum and maximum scores of development were observed in the personal‑socialdomain (52.38 ± 9.1) and fine motor (56.06 ± 5.9), respectively. The results showed that the childspacing has direct relation with development in fine motor domain (r = 0.2, P < 0.001), personal‑socialdevelopment (r = 0.197, P = 0.001), and problem solving domain (r = 0.18, P = 0.002). The scorefor the development in gross motor skills had a direct correlation with the weight at birth (r = 0.129,P < 0.001). Breastfeeding also improved personal‑social development (P = 0.024). Sex (P = 0.024)and living place with communication skills also showed significant relations (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: The factors such as the child’s sex, feeding in the first 6 months of age, living inurban or rural areas are effective in delayed development. Considering these factors to preventadverse effects of the elements and rapid identification of children with delayed development as wellas timely therapeutic interventions are essential in the health care system.

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Hospital managers’ attitude and commitment toward electronic medical records system in Isfahan hospitals 2014

. Maryam Jahanbakhsh; . Saeed Karimi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Maliheh Beigi

Volume 7, Issue 2 , May and June 2017, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Electronic medical record system (EMRS) is a valuable system for safe accessto the patient’s data and increases health care quality. Manpower is one of the requirements ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Electronic medical record system (EMRS) is a valuable system for safe accessto the patient’s data and increases health care quality. Manpower is one of the requirements forEMRS, among which manager is the most important person in any hospital. Taking into accountmanager’s positive attitude and good commitments, EMRS will be implemented successfully. Assuch, we decided to assess manager’s attitude and commitment toward EMRS in Isfahan hospitalsin the year of 2014.AIM: This article aimed to determine the hospital managers’ attitude and commitment toward theimplementation of EMRS.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present article is an applied analytic study. Research societyconsisted of the managers of all the hospitals in Isfahan that include hospitals affiliated to IsfahanUniversity of Medical Sciences, private, and social security hospitals. This study was done in 2014.Data collection tools included a questionnaire for which reliability and validity were determined. Datawere analyzed by means of SPSS 20.RESULTS: Average score for the managers’ attitude toward EMRS in the city of Isfahan was 77.5out of 100 and their average score for commitment was 74.7. Manager’s attitude in social securityhospitals was more positive than the private and governmental ones (83.3%). In addition, the amountof commitment by the managers in social security hospitals was higher than the same in private andgovernmental hospitals (86.6%).CONCLUSION: At present, managers’ attitude and commitment in Isfahan hospitals toward EMRSare very high and social security hospitals show more readiness in this respect.

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The effect of bibliotherapy on the psychological capital of the staff of the School of Management and Medical Informatics of Isfahan University of Medical Science

. Ahmad Papi; . Zahra Mosharraf; . Firoozeh Zare Farashbandi; . Rahele Samouei; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 7, Issue 2 , May and June 2017, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Bibliotherapy is defined as using dynamic interaction along with reading a book inorder to help the people to increase their cognitive understanding. This study aims to ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Bibliotherapy is defined as using dynamic interaction along with reading a book inorder to help the people to increase their cognitive understanding. This study aims to investigate theeffect of bibliotherapy on the psychological capital of the employees of the Department of Managementand Medical Informatics of Isfahan University of Medical Science.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an applied study using a semi‑empirical method. Thestatistical population consists of all nonfaculty employees of the target department (70 people).Twenty eight people were randomly selected and divided into experiment and control groups andanswered the psychological capital questionnaire. The data gathering tool was the psychologicalcapital questionnaire of Luthans. The experiment group underwent six 2‑h sessions of bibliotherapywhere the control group underwent no interference. Both groups answered the questionnaire again1‑month after the final bibliotherapy session. The information was analyzed using descriptive(average and frequency distribution) and analytical (independent t‑test, paired t‑test, Chi‑squaretest, and Mann–Whitney U‑test) with the help of SPSS 20 software.RESULTS: The findings showed no meaningful distinction average scores of the physiological capitalof both groups before interference. However, the average physiological capital score and an averagescore of each factor in the experiment group was meaningfully higher than that of the control groupafter the bibliotherapy sections.CONCLUSION: The results showed that bibliotherapy is a suitable method for increasing thepsychological capital of the employees of different organizations which will in turn provide both theemployees themselves and the organization with material and spiritual gains.

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Determinants of complementary feeding practices among mothers of 6–24 months failure to thrive children based on behavioral analysis phase of PRECEDE model, Tehran

. Nasibeh Shams; . Firoozeh Mostafavi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 6, Issue 1 , 2016, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: This study intended to clarify the determining factors of complementary feedingpractices among Tehran 6–24 months failure to thrive children in order to use the results ...  Read More Background: This study intended to clarify the determining factors of complementary feedingpractices among Tehran 6–24 months failure to thrive children in order to use the results forplanning the interventions to reduce the possible adverse effects. Materials and Methods: Inthis study, 132 mothers of three medical and health centers were chosen by random samplingamong those centers operating under the supervision of south of Tehran District Health Centerand study data were collected from them. A valid and reliable questionnaire as a data collectioninstrument developed based on behavioral analysis phase of PRECEDE model. Spearman andPearson’s correlation coefficient test were used to determine the statistical relationship betweenfactors associated with complementary feeding practices among mothers. Results: Themothers’ knowledge was as follows: 0.8%, 20.4%, and 78.8% of them were good, medium,and poor, respectively. Mean scores for the mothers’ performance in terms of supplementaryfeeding was 66.8. Pearson correlation indicated a positive and significant correlation betweenthe mothers’ performance with enabling and reinforcing factors, but there wasn’t any significantrelationship between the mothers’ performance and knowledge about complementary feeding.Conclusions: According to the obtained results, reinforcing factors, and enabling factors areassociated with the mothers’ performance in terms of complementary feeding. Hence, attentionto these issues is essential for better health interventions planning.

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Factors affecting tea consumption pattern in an urban society in Isfahan, Iran

. Elahe Rezaee; . Maryam Mirlohi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Azizolah Fallah

Volume 6, Issue 1 , 2016, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Objective: To determine the tea consumption pattern in an urban society in Isfahan. Methods: A descriptive, cross‑sectional survey was carried out using questioner among 664 households ...  Read More Objective: To determine the tea consumption pattern in an urban society in Isfahan. Methods: A descriptive, cross‑sectional survey was carried out using questioner among 664 households who were selected by two steps cluster sampling. A questionnaire was developed including demographic questions, information on the quantity of tea intake by every member of the family, tea type, and tea brand preference. Results: The individuals who prioritized black tea as their 1st choice were 90.1% of the total surveyed community. The average amount of tea consumed was calculated as 1243 ± 530 ml/day. The individuals who were between 36 and 45 and <15 years old were shown as the highest and the lowest tea consumers, respectively. Men significantly consumed more amount of tea than women did and married participants significantly used more amount of tea than singles (P < 0.05). The number of the family members, though, had no impact on tea consumption (P > 0.05). Brand preference of tea showed that the individuals who prioritized Ahmed brand as their 1st choice constituted 44% of the total participants. Conclusion: Tea consumption pattern in an Iranian sample is specific. Despite of the huge evidence on the green tea benefits, this type of tea has very low popularity and among the available black tea brands, the imported ones are the most preferred. 

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Effect of educational intervention on knowledge, perceived benefits, barriers and self‑efficacy regarding AIDS preventive behaviors among drug addicts

. Fatemeh Bastami; . Firoozeh Mostafavi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 5, Issue 5 , December 2015, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Background and Objectives: Addicts account for approximately 68.15% of AIDS cases inIran and injection drug users are considered as a major factor in the spread of AIDS in Iran.The ...  Read More Background and Objectives: Addicts account for approximately 68.15% of AIDS cases inIran and injection drug users are considered as a major factor in the spread of AIDS in Iran.The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an educational intervention on theperceived self‑efficacy, benefits, and barriers concerning AIDS preventive behaviors among drugaddicts in Khorramabad, Iran. Methods: This is a quasi‑experimental study carried out in 2013on 88 addicts kept in rehabilitations center in Khorramabad. The data collection instrumentsincluded a questionnaire on self‑efficacy, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, knowledge andpreventive behaviors regarding HIV. Data were analyzed by paired t‑test, independent t‑test,Chi‑square and analysis of covariance. Results: Paired t‑test showed that the mean scores forperceived benefits and barriers, knowledge and preventive behaviors significantly increasedin the intervention group after the intervention than before the intervention. But the increasein self‑efficacy score was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The results of this studyshowed that training and education based on the health belief model led to an increase inknowledge, self‑efficacy, perceived benefits, performance and reduction in perceived barriersin addicts. It is recommended that future studies should include strategies for enhancingself‑efficacy and perceived benefits as well as strategies for reducing barriers to the adoptionof preventive behaviors.

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The relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and urinary tract infections in pregnant women of Shahrekord, by using the “Nested case‑control study”, in 2013

. Mehri Rejali; . Seyede Soghra Ahmadi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Rezvan Yazdani; . Seyede Nafiseh Ahmadi

Volume 5, Issue 5 , December 2015, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background and Objectives: Pregnancy is one of the most important and risky periods inmothers and the fetus life, which plays a key role in health and social activity of the person,family ...  Read More Background and Objectives: Pregnancy is one of the most important and risky periods inmothers and the fetus life, which plays a key role in health and social activity of the person,family and community. This study is trying to see if there is a relation between increasingweight and urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy by using the open nested case‑controlstudy in the city of Shahrekord. Materials and Methods: In a nested case‑control study,one cohort including 832 patients was examined until week 26 to 30 of pregnancy and theirUTIs were studied. The required information was collected by examining the health recordsof pregnant women and completion of the data registration forms. Data collection wascontrolled by using SPSS and analyzed by using an independent t‑test, Chi‑square test,Pearson correlation and logistic regression. Results: According to the results of the cohortstudy with 832 individuals, average weight gain of the group with a UTI was 11.13 ± 3.9 kgand it was 10.63 ± 3.9 kg in the group without UTI, showing no statistically significantdifference (P = 0.245). According to the results, genitourinary problems had the highestpredictive value for UTIs and the numbers of infertility and the childbirth variables were inthe second and third positions, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results studywe can conclude that screening and treatment of UTIs have been on time and appropriatein health systems of the city of Shahrekord which have lead to the reduction of infant andmaternal diseases even with the condition in having no UTI, and continuing this process forscreening and treatment is recommended.

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Effect of information literacy training course on information literacy skills of undergraduate students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences based on ACRL standards

. Zohreh Karimi; . Hasan Ashrafi‑rizi; . Ahmad Papi; . Leila Shahrzadi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 5, Issue 5 , December 2015, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Background: Information literacy is the basis for lifelong learning. Information literacy skills,especially for student in an environment that is full of information from multiple technologiesare ...  Read More Background: Information literacy is the basis for lifelong learning. Information literacy skills,especially for student in an environment that is full of information from multiple technologiesare being developed is equally important. Information literacy is a set of cognitive andpractical skills and like any other science, proper training is needed, and standard‑basededucation is definitely better and evaluation would be easier. This study aimed to determinethe impact of information literacy training course on information literacy skills of IsfahanUniversity of Medical Sciences students based on ACRL standard in 2012. Materials andMethods: The study method is semi‑experience with two group design (with pre‑test andpost‑test) and applied. The data collection toll was a questionnaire assessing student’sinformation literacy that developed by Davarpanah and Siamak and validity was confirmedby professional librarians and reliability as measured by Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.83. Thesample consisted of 50 undergraduate students from Isfahan University of Medical Sciencesthat by random sampling method was perch in both case and control groups. Before andafter the training (once a week), a questionnaire was distributed between the two groups.This training was held in a classroom equipped with computers with internet access and inaddition to training using brochures and librarian presentation, interactive methods such asdiscussion and exercises were used. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 softwareand two level of descriptive (mean and SD) and inferential statistics (t‑test and t‑paired).Results: The results showed that the students’ information literacy scores before the trainingwas lower than average, so that in the control group was 32.96 and in the case group was33.24; while information literacy scores in the case group significantly increased after thetraining (46.68). Also, the effect of education, respectively had a greater impact on the abilityto access information (the second standard), ethics and legal use of information (the thirdstandard), effective use of information (the fourth standard), critically evaluate information andits sources (the fifth standard). Conclusion: This study showed that the training was effectiveon enhancing students’ information literacy skills as the greatest impact was on increasing the ability to access information. Due to low mean score information literacy in the context ofobject recognition, there is a need for more training in this area.

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The effect of educational intervention on health promoting lifestyle: Focusing on middle‑aged women

. Nosaybeh Mahdipour; . Hossein Shahnazi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Gholamreza Sharifirad

Volume 5, Issue 4 , August 2015, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: Lifestyle affects people’s health and life length, however, no sufficient studieshave been done on the effect of lifestyle on middle‑ageing, as the transitional ...  Read More Background: Lifestyle affects people’s health and life length, however, no sufficient studieshave been done on the effect of lifestyle on middle‑ageing, as the transitional period fromadulthood to old‑ageing, this study has been conducted to study the effect of educationalintervention on health promoting lifestyle of middle‑aged women in Lenjan city of IsfahanProvince, Iran. Methods: This quasi‑experimental study was conducted on 88 middle‑agedwomen were selected through randomized sampling from two health centers in Lenjan, andthen were categorized into experimental and control groups. To collect data, a researcher‑madedemographic and life style questionnaire was used. The educational intervention was performedin five sessions. Data were collected from both groups in two stages: Before the interventionand 3 months after the education. Data were analyzed with using SPSS‑20 and P < 0.05 wereconsidered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that educational program had apositive significant effect on increasing the mean scores in the intervention group, consideringthe physical activity, mental health, and interpersonal relationship, P < 0.001. However, regardingthe nutrition, the mean increase was not significant (P = 0.113). Conclusion: According to thefindings, it is evident that educational intervention is beneficial for various aspects of middle‑agedwomen’s lifestyle. Therefore, applying a healthy lifestyle seems essential for having a healthyaging period, and educational intervention can be effective.

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The impact of education intervention on the Health Belief Model constructs regarding anxiety of nulliparous pregnant women

. Hossein Shahnazi; . Sahar Sabooteh; . Gholamreza Sharifirad; . Kamal Mirkarimi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 5, Issue 2 , March 2015, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Background: According to investigations, pregnant women hypothesized that anxiety is acommon factor that will improve spontaneously; they are not aware of its side effects on the fetus,baby, ...  Read More Background: According to investigations, pregnant women hypothesized that anxiety is acommon factor that will improve spontaneously; they are not aware of its side effects on the fetus,baby, and pregnancy outcome, as a whole. Other studies have also not tried to design a theoreticalframework based on Health Education Models (HBMs) to overcome this problem. The currentstudy aimed at exploring the effectiveness of education on the anxiety of nulliparous women basedon a HBM. Materials and Methods: An experimental study on 88 eligible nulliparous women(n = 44 per group), from Doroud city, was performed in 2012. The data was collected using aresearcher made questionnaire. Education was conducted in three sessions tailored with HBMconstructs with the help of lectures, group discussions, inquiries, Power Point presentations,and booklets. Evaluation performed using a posttest four and eight weeks after last session. Thecollected data were analyzed using statistical tests, including Chi-square, independent t-test, andrepeated measure Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) by the significance level of 0.05. Results: Themean score of knowledge, perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived benefits andbarriers, cues to action, self efficacy, and behavior, four weeks after intervention (P < 0.001) andeight weeks after intervention (P < 0.001) were significantly more in the case group Than thecontrol group. ANOVA with repeated measures showed a significant increase in the case groupin knowledge (from 32.1 to 89.1), perceived sensitivity (from 34.8 to 91.5), perceived severity(from 31.82 to 88.48), perceived benefits (from 39.28 to 92.41), perceived barriers (from 26.93 to88.61), cues to action (from24.65 to 92.03), self efficacy (from 29.71 to 88.75), and behavior (from28.83 to 94.63). Changes were not significant in the control group. Conclusion: The effect of HBMand education on increasing knowledge and changing people’s beliefs and behavior, in termsof anxiety based pregnancy, should make health planners and authorities pay more attention tothese issues. Moreover, it will help in the betterment of the health of mothers and babies.

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Evaluation of the quality of the college library websites in Iranian medical Universities based on the Stover model

. Mohammad Reza Nasajpour; . Hasan Ashrafi‑rizi; . Mohammad Reza Soleymani; . Leila Shahrzadi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 5 , November 2014, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Introduction: Today, the websites of college and university libraries play an important rolein providing the necessary services for clients. These websites not only allow the users ...  Read More Introduction: Today, the websites of college and university libraries play an important rolein providing the necessary services for clients. These websites not only allow the users toaccess different collections of library resources, but also provide them with the necessaryguidance in order to use the information. The goal of this study is the quality evaluation of thecollege library websites in Iranian Medical Universities based on the Stover model. Materialand Methods: This study uses an analytical survey method and is an applied study. Thedata gathering tool is the standard checklist provided by Stover, which was modified by theresearchers for this study. The statistical population is the college library websites of theIranian Medical Universities (146 websites) and census method was used for investigation.The data gathering method was a direct access to each website and filling of the checklistwas based on the researchers’ observations. Descriptive and analytical statistics (Analysis ofVariance (ANOVA)) were used for data analysis with the help of the SPSS software. Findings:The findings showed that in the dimension of the quality of contents, the highest averagebelonged to type one universities (46.2%) and the lowest average belonged to type threeuniversities (24.8%). In the search and research capabilities, the highest average belonged totype one universities (48.2%) and the lowest average belonged to type three universities. Inthe dimension of facilities provided for the users, type one universities again had the highestaverage (37.2%), while type three universities had the lowest average (15%). In general the librarywebsites of type one universities had the highest quality (44.2%), while type three universitieshad the lowest quality (21.1%). Also the library websites of the College of Rehabilitation andthe College of Paramedics, of the Shiraz University of Medical Science, had the highest qualityscores. Discussion: The results showed that there was a meaningful difference between thequality of the college library websites and the university types, resulting in college libraries oftype one universities having the highest average score and the college libraries of type threeuniversities having the lowest score.

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The effects of non‑attendance information therapy on the control of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in type 2 diabetic patients

. Azam Yarahmadi; . Firoozeh Zare-Farashbandi; . Ali Kachuei; . Rasoul Nouri; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 4 , August 2014, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Introduction: Patient education plays an important role in the control of diabetes. Nonattendanceeducation, enabling elimination of limitations caused by time and space and facilitating ...  Read More Introduction: Patient education plays an important role in the control of diabetes. Nonattendanceeducation, enabling elimination of limitations caused by time and space and facilitating the relationshipbetween patient and care liaison is an effective, simple, and cheap method. The aim of this studyis determination of the effects of nonattendance information therapy on the control of glycosylatedhemoglobin (HbA1C) in type2 diabetic patients in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: The present studywas an interventional semi experimental study with pretest and post‑test and control groups. Statisticalpopulation were type 2 diabetics patients of the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center,of whom 64 people were randomly selected and divided into intervention and control groups. First, thepreliminary data were collected using the HbA1c test in patients. Then, the intervention group receivedtraining package and Short Message Service (SMS) for eight weeks. After one‑month incubationperiod, HbA1c was again determined in both groups. Data were analyzed using t‑test, paired t‑testand Mann–Whitney U and Chi‑square tests. Results: Results showed that diabetes patients’ HbA1cin the intervention group was significantly lower after the intervention through training packagesand SMS service compared to before the intervention (P < 0.001). Comparison of the two groupsshowed that there was a significant difference in the HbA1C between the intervention and controlgroups (P = 0.048). Conclusion: Follow‑up of education of patients with type 2 diabetes throughtraining packages and SMS services had significant effects on the control of the patients’ HbA1C.Also due to the low cost and high effectiveness of this method, it is recommended to health‑careproviders and treatment groups. This study also showed that having medical librarians along withtreatment group can have a positive effect on the type 2 diabetic patients’ health.

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The effect of group bibliotherapy on the self-esteem of female students living in dormitory

. Sepideh Salimi; . Firoozeh Zare-Farashbandi; . Ahmad Papi; . Rahele Samouei; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 4 , August 2014, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Bibliotherapy is a supplement, simple, inexpensive and readily availablemethod to treat the diseases that is performed with cooperation of librarians andpsychologists ...  Read More Introduction: Bibliotherapy is a supplement, simple, inexpensive and readily availablemethod to treat the diseases that is performed with cooperation of librarians andpsychologists or doctors. The aim of this study is the investigation of group bibliotherapy’seffect on the self‑esteem of the female students of Isfahan University of Medical SciencesLiving in Dormitory in 2012. Materials and Methods: The present study is an interventionalsemi‑experimental study with pre test and post test and control group. The statisticalpopulation of study consisted of 32 female students who reside in Isfahan Universityof Medical Sciences dormitories which control and case groups and the students weredivided randomly between these two groups. Data was collected by Cooper SmithSelf‑esteem questionnaire scale (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.85). Two groups were examinedby the questionnaire in pre test. Case group received group bibliotherapy for 2 month(8 sessions of 2 hours), while the control group received no training at all. Then, 2 groupswere assessed in post test after 1 month. Descriptive statistics (means and frequenciesdistribution) and inferential statistics (independent t‑ test, paired t‑ test and mann whitney)were used and data was analyzed by SPSS20 software. Results: The findings showed thatgroup bibliotherapy had positive and significant effect on general, family, professional andtotal self esteem of female students living in dormitories, but it had no effect on their socialself esteem. Conclusion: Group bibliotherapy can increase female students’ self‑esteemlevels. On the other hand, conducting these studies not only can improve mental health ofpeople, but can also improve their reading habits.

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Comparison on information‑seeking behavior of postgraduated students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and University of Isfahan in writing dissertation based on Kuhlthau model of information search process

. Mahnaz Abedi; . Hasan Ashrafi-rizi; . Firoozeh Zare-Farashbandi; . Rasoul Nouri; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 4 , August 2014, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Introduction: Information‑seeking behaviors have been one of the main focuses of researchersin order to identify and solve the problems users face in information recovery. The aim ...  Read More Introduction: Information‑seeking behaviors have been one of the main focuses of researchersin order to identify and solve the problems users face in information recovery. The aim of thisresearch is Comparative on Information‑Seeking Behavior of the Postgraduate Students inIsfahan University of Medical Sciences and Isfahan University in Writing Dissertation based onKuhlthau Model of Information Search Process in 2012. Materials and Methods: The researchmethod followed is survey and the data collection tool is Narmenji questionnaire. Statisticalpopulation was all postgraduate students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and IsfahanUniversity. The sample size was 196 people and sampling was stratified randomly. The type ofstatistical analyses were descriptive (mean and frequency) and inferential (independent t testand Pearson’s correlation) and the software used was SPSS20. Results: The findings showedthat Isfahan Medical Sciences University followed 20% of the order steps of this model andIsfahan University did not follow this model. In the first stage (Initiation) and sixth (Presentation)of feelings aspects and in actions (total stages) significant difference was found betweenstudents from the two universities. Between gender and fourth stage (Formulation) and thetotal score of feelings the Kuhlthau model there has a significant relationship. Also therewas a significant and inverse relationship between the third stage (Exploration) of feelingsand age of the students. Conclusion: The results showed that in writing dissertation therewere some major differences in following up the Kuhlthau model between students of thetwo Universities. There are significant differences between some of the stages of feelingsand actions of students’ information‑seeking behavior from the two universities. Thereis a significant relationship between thefourth stage (Formulation) of feelings in theKuhlthau Model with gender and third stageof the Feelings (Exploration) with age.

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Influencing factors on health promoting behavior among the elderly living in the community

. Javad Harooni; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Firoozeh Mostafavi

Volume 4, Issue 2 , May 2014, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Health promotion behavior is one of the main criteria for determining health thatis recognized as the basic factor in catching numerous diseases. Observing such behaviors ...  Read More Introduction: Health promotion behavior is one of the main criteria for determining health thatis recognized as the basic factor in catching numerous diseases. Observing such behaviors bythe elderly prevents affliction to various diseases and has potential effect in promoting healthand increasing the elderly quality of life. This research was done for the aim of determiningeffective factors on health promotion behaviors and health status in the elderly of the Denaprovince. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty elderly of over 65 years of agewere selected randomly to do this descriptive‑analytical study (cross‑sectional type). Thequestionnaire regarding health promoting lifestyle profile 2 (HPLP2) was used for measuringthe rate of health promotion behaviors. The data was collected by personal interviews andface to face method for completing the relevant questionnaire and was analyzed by SPSSsoftware version 20 and also proper tests. Results: The average score of the elderly healthpromotion behaviors in the Dena province (143.8) indicated the acceptable level of performinghealth promoting behaviors in this group, such that 85% of the elderly had intermediatehealth promoting behaviors and 15% had proper behaviors. Also, the results showed that theaverage score of the physical activity and nutrition sub‑measuring conditions was lower thanthe average score of other sub measures of prevention had the highest average. Moreover,comparison of the correlation of health promotion behaviors with the sub‑measures showedthat apart from the healthy nutrition sub‑measure, all the other sub‑measures have significantcorrelation with health promotion behaviors. Conclusion: From the findings of this study,the authors recommend health providers to promote elderly health promotion behaviors inall communities by identifying health promotion behaviors in other parts of the country, andalso designing suitable intervention programs based on effective factors on health promotionbehaviors of the elderly people.

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The rate commitment to ISO 214 standard among the persian abstracts of approved research projects at school of health management and medical informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

. Ahmad Papi; . Davoud Khalaji; . Hasan Ashrafi Rizi; . Ahmad Shabani; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 2 , May 2014, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Commitment to abstracting standards has a very significant role in informationretrieval. The present research aimed to evaluate the rate of Commitment to ISO 214Standard ...  Read More Introduction: Commitment to abstracting standards has a very significant role in informationretrieval. The present research aimed to evaluate the rate of Commitment to ISO 214Standard among the Persian abstracts of approved research projects at School of HealthManagement and Medical Informatics, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Materials and Methods: This descriptive study used a researcher‑made checklist to collect data,which was then analyzed through content analysis. The studied population consisted of 227approved research projects in the School of Health Management and Medical Informatics, IsfahanUniversity of Medical Sciences during 2001‑2010. The validity of the checklist was measured byface and content validity. Data was collected through direct observations. Statistical analyzesincluding descriptive (frequency distribution and percent) and inferential statistics (Chi‑squaretest) were performed in SPSS‑16. Results: The highest and lowest commitment rates to ISO 214standard were in using third person pronouns (100%) and using active verbs (34/4%), respectively.In addition, the highest commitment rates to ISO 214 standard (100%) related to mentioning thirdperson pronouns, starting the abstract with a sentence to explain the subject of the research,abstract placement, and including keyword in 2009. On the other hand, during 2001‑2003, thelowest commitment rate was observed in reporting research findings (16/7%). Moreover, variouseducational groups differed significantly only in commitment to study goals, providing researchfindings, and abstaining from using abbreviations, signs, and acronyms. Furthermore, educationallevel of the corresponding author was significantly related with extracting the keywords from thetext. Other factors of ISO 214 standard did not have significant relations with the educational levelof the corresponding author. Conclusions: Ingeneral, a desirable rate of commitment to ISO214 standard was observed among the Persianabstracts of approved research projects at theSchool of Health Management and MedicalInformatics of Isfahan University of MedicalSciences. However, commitment rates differedbetween years. In addition, commitment to ISO214 standard was not significantly related witheducational group and level.

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Physical activity patterns and its influencing factors among high school students of Izeh city: Application of some constructs of health belief model

. Arash Salahshuri; . Gholamreza Sharifirad; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Firoozeh Mostafavi

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Purpose: This study has been conducted to identify the roles of self-efficacy, benefits of andbarriers to physical activity, and its relationship with physical activity in male and ...  Read More Purpose: This study has been conducted to identify the roles of self-efficacy, benefits of andbarriers to physical activity, and its relationship with physical activity in male and female highschool students in the city of Izeh, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptiveanalytical study, 500 students (200 boys and 300 girls) from high schools of Izeh city during theperiod 2011-2012 were chosen using the multistage random sampling method. The data for thisstudy was acquired through a multisectional questionnaire that included sections as follows:Demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, and perceived benefits and barriers. The gathereddata was then studied and analyzed. Statistical tests such as independent t-tests, Spearman’scorrelation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression were used to interpret andanalyze the data. Results: Data analysis showed that the mean age of male participants was15.67 ± 0.95 years and females 15.86 ± 1.16 years. The average weekly time of physical activityin male students was 424.74 ± 158.48 min and in females 186.63 ± 90.59 min. The mean scoresfor self-efficacy and perceived benefits of physical activity were significantly higher in boys ascompared to girls. There was a positive and significant correlation between the mean scores forperceived self-efficacy and the weekly time in male students spent on physical activity as well as themean scores for perceived benefits and the weekly time spent on physical activity in both genders.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that many factors influence students’ physicalactivity; however, the role of these factors is not identical in the two genders. An understandingof these factors helps educationalists and other health experts design appropriate interventions.

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Effects of work-related stress on work ability index among refinery workers

. Ehsanollah Habibi; . Habibollah Dehghan; . Shahram Safari; . Behzad Mahaki; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Introduction: Work-related stress is one of the basic problems in industrial also top10 work-related health problems and it is increasingly implicated in the development a numberof ...  Read More Introduction: Work-related stress is one of the basic problems in industrial also top10 work-related health problems and it is increasingly implicated in the development a numberof problems such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal diseases, early retirement toemployees. On the other hand, early retirement to employees from the workplace has increasedon the problems of today’s industries. Hereof, improving work ability is one of the most effectiveways to enhance the ability and preventing disability and early retirement. The aim of Thisstudy is determine the relationship between job stress score and work ability index (WAI)at the refinery workers. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which171 workers from a refinery in isfahan in 2012 who were working in different occupational groupsparticipated. Based on appropriate assignment sampling, 33 office workers, 69 operationalworkers, and 69 maintenance workers, respectively, were invited to participate in this study. Twoquestionnaires including work related-stress and WAI were filled in. Finally, the information wasanalyzed using the SPSS-20 and statistic tests namely, analysis of covariance Kruskal-Wallistest. Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA and t-test. Results: Data analysis revealed that 86%and 14% of participants had moderate and severe stress respectively. Average score of stressand standard deviation was 158.7 ± 17.3 that was in extreme stress range. Average scoreand standard deviation of WAI questionnaire were 37.18 and 3.86 respectively. That placed ina good range. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that WAI score had significant reversedrelationship with a score of stress. Conclusion: According to the results, mean stress scoreamong refinery worker was high and one fator that affect work abiity was high stress, hencetraining on communication skills and safe working environment in order to decreses stress,enhance the work ability of workers.

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Association between dietary iron, iron stores, and serum lipid profile in reproductive age women

. Fatemeh Zaribaf; . Mohammad Hassan Entezari; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Soheila Mirzaian

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Background: Some studies have shown that increased rate of iron stores even in a normalrange may increase cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in some individuals. Lipid disorders arealso ...  Read More Background: Some studies have shown that increased rate of iron stores even in a normalrange may increase cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in some individuals. Lipid disorders arealso the risk factors for CVDs. Therefore, the question is whether or not iron store is correlatedwith lipid profile, this study evaluates the association between dietary iron, iron stores and serumlipid profiles. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 82 healthyuniversity students and university staff females in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences whowere in reproductive age and announced their readiness to participate in the study. Serumferritin concentration, components of lipid profile, blood glucose, and insulin were measured inall the subjects. Dietary intake was assessed by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.Data analysis was done through SPSS software, version 18. Results: Pearson correlationtest showed a positive and significant correlation between serum ferritin concentration levelswith triglyceride (r = 0.278; P = 0.006), total cholesterol (r = 0.267; P = 0.008), and bloodglucose (r = 0.275; P = 0.006); however, the correlation between serum ferritin, high-densitylipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and insulin was not significant.After adjustment of confounding factors, only the significant correlation occurred for bloodglucose (P = 0.016). Before and after adjustment of confounding factors, there was nosignificant correlation between hemoglobin and hematocrit with concentration of lipid profilecomponents, glucose and insulin. Before and after adjustment of confounding factors, therewas no significant correlation between total amount of iron, heme iron, and non-heme dietaryiron with concentration of lipid profile components, glucose and insulin. Conclusion: Accordingto the current study, serum ferritin is directly and significantly correlated with concentration offasting blood glucose, which emphasized on the amount of iron store with blood glucose evenin healthy people. The results of the present study indicate no significant correlation betweeniron store and dietary iron intake with lipidparameters and insulin. Conducting moreextensive epidemiologic studies in men andother age groups is recommended.

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