Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: With so much content on social media platforms about COVID‑19, determining
which information is reliable can be a daunting task. Hence, this study is aimed to analyze various
posts with regard to COVID‑19 on various social media platforms for their reliability and also examined
various factors that influence information reliability.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted, with 934 samples related
to coronavirus pandemic published on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using systematic random
sampling. We adopted the criteria given by Paul Bradshaw and modified to assess the characteristics
of the samples. Training and calibration of the investigators were carried out for 3 consecutive days
before beginning the study. The data were analyzed using the Chi‑square test and multinomial logistic
regression to estimate the odds ratios.
RESULTS: Out of 934 samples studied, only 570 (61%) were found to be reliable of which
243 (42.6%) were from Twitter, 117 (20.6%) from Instagram, and 210 (36.8%) from Facebook.
We found that the reliability of the information on social media platforms is significantly influenced
by network (odds: 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.52; P = 0.036), content (odds: 1.83;
95% CI: 1.69–1.92; P = 0.009), contextual update (odds: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.24–1.53) and age of the
account (odds: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.64–2.09; P = 0.002).
CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the reliability of the social media posts significantly depends
on the network, contextual update, and age of the account. Hence, cross verifying the information
from a reliable source is the need of the hour to prevent panic and mental distress.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Heart attack and stroke account for >80% of deaths due to cardio‑vascular
diseases (CVDs) in India. Adolescents are the most susceptible group to adopt risky behaviors
causing CVDs such as use of tobacco and alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy diet. This
study was conducted to assess the health literacy of CVDs such as heart attack and stroke among
school‑going adolescents and change in health literacy after different information, education, and
communication (IEC) activities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a school‑based interventional study conducted in two schools
among students of classes 6, 7, and 8. The educational interventions were done in the form of
pamphlets, posters, and lectures on heart attack and stroke. The postintervention data were collected
2 weeks after the first intervention and 3 months after the last intervention.
RESULTS: There were a higher proportion of students with satisfactory level of knowledge of heart
attack and stroke both at 2 weeks and 3 months after the interventions in both the schools, and the
results were statistically significant (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The health literacy regarding CVDs has improved when compared to baseline after
IEC activities among school‑going adolescents.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a kind of behavioral disease in that
adopting behavioral changes is the only way to control and stop the epidemic. The aim of this study
is to investigate the effect of education base on the health belief model (HBM) on health‑seeking
behavior among HIV‑positive women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a paralleled, randomized controlled clinical trial done
with control group among HIV‑positive women who were registered at the voluntary and counseling
testing center of Imam Khomeini hospital in Tehran. Data were gathered by using information obtained
from the Motivation‑Skill‑Behavior questionnaire and demographic data. The women were divided by
permuted block and were randomized into two groups. Interventional group participated in six HBM
educational classes and used routine counseling guidelines, but the control group used only routine
counseling protocol. Data were collected before, immediately after, and 3 weeks after interference
among all participants. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 16.
RESULTS: According to the results and statistical test, before intervention, the mean score of
knowledge was not significantly different in the two groups, but after intervention in the interventional
group, test result and follow‑up increased statistically significantly (P = 0.000). Both groups had
increased mean score of knowledge, and there is significant trend in level of knowledge(interventional
group 20.79 ± 1.88, control group: 17.36 ±2.44) and there was a significant increase in mean attitude
follow‑up score (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: According to the result of the present study, counseling base on HBM by trained
educator can increase information‑motivation‑skill‑behavior among women living with HIV.

Abstract BACKGROUND: HIV‑infected patients with poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence are prone
to depression, and depression can exacerbate the disease condition. This study was conducted to
determine ART Adherence based on Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model and
its association with depression among HIV‑positive patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive–correlational study was carried out on people over
the age of 18 years with HIV/AIDS, who referred to the Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center in
Kerman City, Iran, in 2017. In this regard, 119 patients were selected using the table of random
numbers. To collect the data, we used the Beck’s depressioninventory‑II and the IMB researcher
made questionnaire to evaluate the ART adherence.
RESULTS: The results of the study reveal that a significant association was observed between the
total adherence and all constructs of the IMB model (P < 0.001). Risk perception and self‑efficacy had
the highest mean scores regarding the ART adherence. The prevalence of depression was 71.5%
among patients. Information, personal motivation, and total adherence had a significant association
with depression.
CONCLUSIONS: IMB model was an appropriate and practical strategy with regard to the ART
adherence among people living with HIV who are prone to depression and drug consumption is crucial
for them to achieve the 90‑90‑90 target. This article created a questionnaire to assist policy‑makers
and health professionals designing interventions to improve adherence and health outcomes of ART.

Abstract Background: The main objective of creating a portal is to make information service available
for users who need them for performance of duties and responsibilities regardless of the
sources. This article is attempted to consider the parameters that can evaluate these sites
since these criteria can be effective in designing and implementing such portals. On the
other hand, portal sites in health systems of every country make it possible for leaders, policy
makers, and directors to system education as a tool for new learning technologies. One of
the main decisions each manager has to make is precise selection of appropriate portal sites.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive and qualitative study. The research sample was
53 computer professional working in the area of computer programming and design. In the
first part of the study a questionnaire was send to the participants and in the second part of the
study based on their response to the questionnaire the participant was interviewed and the main
themes of the studies were formulated. The validity and the reliability of the questionnaire were
confirmed. Results: The study results were summarized in 10 themes and 50 sub‑categories.
The main themes included were portal requirements, security, management, and efficiency,
user friendliness, built‑in applications, portal flexibility, interoperability, and support systems.
Conclusion: Portal sites in any education systems make it possible for health system leaders
and policy makers to manage their organization information system efficiently and effectively.
One of the major decisions each manager has to make is precise selection of an appropriate
portal sites design and development. The themes and sub‑categories of this study could help
health system managers and policy makers and information technology professionals to make
appropriate decisions regarding portal design and development.