Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract Introduction: Major thalassemia is a hereditary, chronic blood disease caused by the synthesis
deficiency of one or more polypeptide chains of globin during childhood. This leads to the rise of
blood pressure and family tensions. Therefore, the coping strategies of the family could seriously
affect and facilitate the thalassemic child’s healthy growth. The present research sought to investigate
the mental health and coping strategies of families with major thalassemic children in Bandar Abbas
in 2013. Materials and Methods: This study is of a descriptive‑analytical and cross‑sectional
type. Research population consisted of 140 parents of major thalassemic children who visited
Shahid Mohammadi Hospital of Bandar Abbas. The instruments used were the 12‑item General
Health Questionnaire of Goldberg and Williams along with the coping strategies questionnaire.
Nonprobabilistic, convenient sampling method was used. To analyze the data, Spearman’s
correlation coefficient, Chi‑square and descriptive statistical tests were used. The significance
level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Data analysis showed that parents’ mental health (32 ± 4.25)
along with their coping strategy scores (45 ± 7.50) was about the average. The most prevalent
coping strategies among the parents were represented as: “I trust in God in order to get my problems
solved” (87%), “to get mentally and spiritually relieved, I would visit mosques and holy shrines” (53%),
and “to overcome problems, I make harder attempts” (50.7%). A significant correlation was found
between the parents’ coping strategies and general health (P < 0.001). A significant correlation
was also observed between mother’s educational level (P = 0.044), age (P = 0.022) and general
health. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results of this research, it is categorical for
the ministry of health and medical education and those in charge to pay special and adequate
attention to the social, spiritual, and mental health of these children and their families.

Abstract Background and Purpose of Study: Statistical indices show a growing increase in the elderly
population around the world and our country. On the one hand, senior citizens are more exposed to
tragic events than other age groups due to natural physiological changes. Falling down, accidents
and scalds are among the most prevalent deadly events in this age group. Environmental security
is vital in maintaining the elderly’s health. Therefore, the present research was conducted seeking
to determine the prevalence and causes of falls among the elderly hospitalized in Bandar Abbas
hospitals. Methods and Materials: The present research is of a descriptive, cross‑sectional
type. Research population is comprised of all the elderly patients in Bandar Abbas hospitals.
The sample included 300 individuals who were selected according to convenience sampling
method till the sample was saturated. The instrument used was a questionnaire and the data were
also gathered through interviews. The collected data were later analyzed by SPSS version 16.
To analyze the data, descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) were used along with
the Chi‑squared test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: From among the 300
subjects, 47.3% had experienced falls since the age of 60. In 22 of cases, it had led to injury and
they were obliged to visit a doctor. The results of this research revealed that the causes of falls
among the elderly were respectively: 43.33% of unbalance, 12.3% of poor eyesight, 11.66% of
non‑existing handles or fences, 12% of slippery ground, 2.66% of insufficient lightning, 8.66% of
unbalance and poor eyesight and 9.33% of other reasons. As the results revealed, a correlation
existed between falls and educational level (P < 0.025). Moreover, a significant correlation was
found between sex and falls (P < 0.011). A similar significant correlation was also observed
between the place of residence and falling down (P < 0.045). Conclusion: According to the
research results, planning to prevent events and traumas among the elderly and securing their
residential environment is of an essential significance.