Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Elements of the educational policy model in schools (a systematic review)

. Azar Sarghini; . Behnam Talebi; . Omidali Hoseinzade

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2023, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Educational policymaking is a kind of public policy that is done in order to achieve the goals of theeducational system in fields areas such as education and students’ health. ...  Read More Educational policymaking is a kind of public policy that is done in order to achieve the goals of theeducational system in fields areas such as education and students’ health. The purpose of this studywas to determine the components of educational policymaking model in education. The method ofthe present study is systematic review. This is done using the SPIDER framework. The statisticalpopulation of the study included all related Persian and English articles published in the years2010–2021 consisting of 98 articles that are indexed in ScienceDirect, Sage, Springer, Wiley, Eric,and PMC English language databases and SID, Irandoc, and Magiran Persian language databases.The research sample included 52 articles selected in the article screening stage. The number ofPersian language references was 12 and English language references was 40. Sterberg thematicanalysis was used for coding the selected texts of articles. Results of coding the selected texts ofthe articles showed that the components of the educational policymaking model are included in 11themes: quiddity of policy and public policy, educational policy’s necessity, quiddity of educationalpolicy, process of educational policy, consequences, factors, obstacles, stakeholders, evaluationcriteria, and change in educational policies. Paying attention to all the dimensions and factorsinteracting in educational policy can lead to better education and improve the quality of education inall dimensions, especially in the field of health education.

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Sub‑optimal knowledge with positive attitude and belief of frontline health workers toward the use of information technologies: A mixed‑method study from rural Haryana, India

. Ramadass Sathiyamoorthy; . Ankit Chandra; . Sagar Poudel; . Rakesh Kumar; Harshal R. Salve .; . Kapil Yadav; . Shashi Kant; . Ballabgarh Teaching and Research Group

Volume 12, Issue 11 , December 2022, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Information technology (IT) can be used by frontline health workers (FLWs) toconnect and deliver care to the community. Various studies in India have assessed the beneficialimpact ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Information technology (IT) can be used by frontline health workers (FLWs) toconnect and deliver care to the community. Various studies in India have assessed the beneficialimpact of IT usage by FLWs, but for the long‑term sustainability, the attitude and belief toward ITusage have not been adequately studied. We conducted this study to assess the knowledge andattitude and to explore the beliefs of FLWs toward the use of IT in a rural area of Haryana.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a mixed‑method study (qualitative and quantitativeapproach) in a rural setting of Haryana, India. We included FLWs of two primary health centers (PHCs).Data were collected from October 19, 2020 to December 31, 2020. We collected data from 75 accreditedsocial health activists (ASHAs), 37 Anganwadi workers (AWWs), 28 multi‑purpose workers (MPWs),two information assistants, and two medical officers using a semi‑structured interview schedule. Theirknowledge about the benefits of IT use, past use of IT applications and devices, and self‑rating ofknowledge regarding computers or laptops were collected. We used 14 attitude statements, each witha five‑point Likert scale to assess the attitude; a total score ≥35 was considered a positive attitude.We conducted eight focus group discussions (FGDs) to explore the beliefs regarding IT usage (fourFGDs with ASHAs, two FGDs with AWWs, and two FGDs with MPWs). A descriptive analysis wasperformed for the quantitative data, and a thematic analysis was performed for qualitative data.RESULTS: Knowledge about the benefits of IT use was present among 77.8% of FLWs. Amongthe FLWs, 79.2% self‑rated their knowledge of computers/laptops as ‘do not have knowledge’, 16%self‑rated as ‘low knowledge’, and 4.8% self‑rated as ‘good knowledge’. The median total score forattitude statements among all the FLWs (n = 144) was 54 [inter‑quartile range – 48–59]. Four themesemerged for beliefs toward IT usage, namely, positive beliefs, negative beliefs, challenges anticipatedin adopting IT use, and facilitation factors. The positive beliefs were related to improvement in workefficiency and social status, less paperwork, timely report generation, and better learning. The negativebeliefs were related to an increase in working hours, close monitoring, and feeling over‑burdened.CONCLUSION: We found that FLWs had knowledge regarding the benefits of IT use, but theylacked knowledge regarding laptop/computer use. They had a satisfactory level of confidence inusing smartphones, and most of them were using mobile applications. The majority of the FLWs hada positive attitude and beliefs toward IT use and wanted to use it in the future.

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Social networks: A quality tool for health dissemination?

. Carmen García‑Méndez; . Francisca María García‑Padilla; . Macarena Romero‑Martín; . Elena Sosa‑Cordobés; . María del Mar Domínguez-Pérez; . José Miguel Robles‑Romero

Volume 12, Issue 10 , November 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Social networks are integrated in our lives and, amongst other functions, theyare a means of dissemination. There are numerous social network accounts dedicated to healththat ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Social networks are integrated in our lives and, amongst other functions, theyare a means of dissemination. There are numerous social network accounts dedicated to healththat could be used as an educational resource. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality ofaccounts dedicated to health in different social networks, assessing their content and didactic andtechnological effectiveness and accessibility.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational cross‑sectional descriptive study in which ananalysis of social networks related to health was carried out from April to June 2021 in Spain.Twenty‑eight accounts were analysed using a mixed qualitative‑quantitative methodology.Content analysis of the speeches disseminated through the selected accounts was performed.In addition, the quality of the accounts was assessed with the Instrumento de Evaluaciónde Recursos Educativos Digitales (#IE_RED) (Digital Educational Resources EvaluationInstrument [#IE_RED]).RESULTS: Four categories were identified according to the content: student‑focused profiles, specificprofessionals’ profiles, current health issues and profiles promoting a healthy lifestyle. In addition, thequality of the accounts obtained a score that indicates they meet the requirements to be validatedas a good educational digital resource but could be improved. Instagram social network accountsand those managed by nurses scored significantly higher.CONCLUSIONS: The analysed accounts were revealed as a quality tool for health dissemination,with varied content and applicable to teaching. Their use could be applied both to the training ofhealth professionals and to the promotion of the population’s health.

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The roles and functions of future hospitals in health promotion: A systematic review in Iran

. Mona Rouhifard; . Abbas Vosoogh‑Moghaddam; . Esmaeil Moshiri

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  As a main pillar of the health and social welfare system, hospitals affect the public health status in twoways: (1) Prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services and (2) external ...  Read More As a main pillar of the health and social welfare system, hospitals affect the public health status in twoways: (1) Prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services and (2) external effects on society andthe environment. The present study aimed to identify the roles and functions of future hospitals in theworld. The present study was a systematic review in which all studies about the roles and functionsof future hospitals in different countries with a time limit of 2000 to August 2021 were extracted fromforeign databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science, and search engine,Google Scholar, as well as Persian databases, including Magiran, SID, and Iran Medex. We utilizedthe STROBE checklists for quantitative studies and SRQR checklists for qualitative studies tocritique and evaluate the quality of qualitative studies. We then extracted their results and classifiedthe content according to the main and subtopics. A total of 16 articles met the inclusion criteria ofthe present study. Hospitals can play four roles: stand‑alone, dominant, collaborative, and partner.Findings were classified into six general groups: the role and mission of future hospitals, the wayof providing care, funding, staff and patients, technology and information of future hospitals, andthe challenges and barriers of current hospitals. Health service policy‑makers need to pay specialattention to technological innovations and advances as well as changes in the roles and functionsof hospitals and seek to turn the threats arising from external changes into opportunities for betterhospital performances.

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Preventive practice, vaccine acceptance, and knowledge toward coronavirus disease‑19: An online cross‑sectional questionnaire‑based report in Iranian dentists

. Morteza Oshagh; . Hooman Zarif Najafi; . Hamid Jafarzadeh; . Faegheh Gholinia; . Kazem Dalaie; . Habib Jahanbazi

Volume 12, Issue 4 , April 2022, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID) is predicted to cause serious mental health problems among healthcare providers (HCPs) especially dentists. Also understanding the influencing factors ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID) is predicted to cause serious mental health problems among healthcare providers (HCPs) especially dentists. Also understanding the influencing factors of the acceptance of COVID‑19 vaccination among HCPs are important aspects in the design of effective strategies to improve the vaccine coverage rate. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, vaccination acceptance, fear, and obsession, as well as the preventive practice behaviors of Iranian dentists and dental students in late 2020 toward COVID‑19.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, web‑based cross‑sectional survey was conducted among Iranian dental students and dentists (general practitioners and specialists). All Iranian dentists and dental students living in the Islamic Republic of Iran regardless of their city and workplace were invited to participate in the study. The total number of dentists in Iran was estimated to be 54,927. The sample size was calculated 380. The questionnaires used in this study were adapted from previously published studies based on the authors’ permission. The questionnaire consisted of four sections that sought to collect information on the respondents’ vaccination acceptance, knowledge, preventive practice, fear, and obsession toward COVID‑19. The relationship between the study variables was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and also multiple linear regression tests.RESULTS: Overall, 394 dentists were filled the questionnaire (65 dental students, 151 general dentists and 178 specialists). There were no differences in terms of vaccination acceptance, knowledge and also fear score in different designation groups. Dentists had significantly higher obsession and also preventive practice scores than other designation groups (P < 0.05). The majority of respondents had good knowledge (more than 9), acceptable preventive practice (more than 19), low fear‑obsession (<2.7), and high acceptance of COVID‑19 vaccination (more than 8.8).CONCLUSIONS: Although obsession and fear scores were low in all designation groups, dentists had higher obsession and also preventive practice scores than other designation groups. More than half of respondents preferred imported COVID‑19 vaccines. Finally, organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health in Iran should increase vaccine convenience and accessibility in terms of vaccine importing, distribution, supply, and immunization service.

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Understanding the rationales behind childbearing: A qualitative study based on extended theory of planned behavior

. Babak Moeini; . Amir Erfani; . Majid Barati; . Amin Doosti‑Irani; . Hatam Hosseini; . Mokhtar Soheylizad

Volume 12, Issue 4 , April 2022, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Childbearing is the most important determinant of population fluctuations and its studies are more important than other population phenomena. Many factors are associated ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Childbearing is the most important determinant of population fluctuations and its studies are more important than other population phenomena. Many factors are associated with childbearing, but individual factors associated with it have been less studied in a specific framework. The present study aimed to explore and identify the factors related to childbearing based on extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB).MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted among married women <35 years of age and married men whose spouses were under 35 years of age and lived in the City of Hamadan, Iran, in 2019. The data were collected by semistructured and face‑to‑face in‑depth interviews and continued until the data saturation was reached. Overall, 15 interviews were conducted with 17 people. The data were analyzed, using a directed content analysis approach.RESULTS: The data analysis resulted in the extraction of 28 main codes, 9 subcategories, and 4 themes, which were correspond to constructs of the theory, consisting of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and social support in the field of childbearing. The main predictors were attitude toward childbearing and perceived control.CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that ETPB has a potential to explain the intention and behavior of childbearing. The ETPB makes it possible to understand many of the factors associated with childbearing. The results of this study could be the basis for designing appropriate data collection instrument in quantitative studies and vast surveys.

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Risk Perception in the COVID‑19 pandemic; a health promotion approach

. Maryam Feiz Arefi; . Amin Pouya Babaei; . Somaye Barzanouni; . Sahar Ebrahimi; . Amir Reza Salehi; . Farahnaz Khajehnasiri; . Mohsen Poursadeghian

Volume 12, Issue 4 , April 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Many measures have been taken so far to minimize the outbreak of COVID‑19, but it is still unclear to what extent people have understood the risk. Public participation ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Many measures have been taken so far to minimize the outbreak of COVID‑19, but it is still unclear to what extent people have understood the risk. Public participation plays a vital role in better and effective control of the coronavirus, and the importance of risk perception is effective in their preventive behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the pandemic risk perception of coronavirus disease after began of pandemic in Iranian society.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in Iran in spring 2020. The data collection tool was a researcher‑made questionnaire. The questions were extracted through interviews with experts and summarizing the opinions of public interviews, etc., The questionnaire was made available to the public through social media. The information was collected within 3 months. Quantitative data were reported as mean ± standard deviation and the qualitative data were reported as number and percent. Multiple linear regression and cross were also used to examine the demographic factors associated with risk perception. Data Analysis was performed using the SPSS version 21 statistical software.RESULTS: In this study, 402 individuals from 28 provinces (Azarbaijan Gharbi, Azarbaijan Sharghi, Alborz, Ardabil, Bushehr, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars, Ghazvin, Gilan, Golestan, Hamedan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshah, Khorasan Razavi, Khorasan Shomali, Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Mazandaran, Semnan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, and Zanjan) of Iran participated. The risk perception score obtained from the sum of the scores of the questions was classified into quartiles. Accordingly, the risk perception score of (22.9) 92 people was very low, (26.6) 107 people low, (26.9) 108 people moderate, and (23.6) 95 people high. The results of multiple linear regression showed that the variables of gender (P = 0.008) and occupation (P = 0.013) had a significant relationship with risk perception. There was no significant relationship between risk perception and variables of age, marital status, and level of education (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: The study showed that the risk perception of the people is more in categories of moderate to high. Assessing the risk perception of a pandemic can be helpful for preventive measurements and planning, and also, according to the results of the research, can be done appropriate educational interventions. Given that 47.5% of respondents were employees, of course, it should be noted that in sending a questionnaire virtually, there is usually a lot of loss and this is a limitation of the research. The results of this study can be useful in making prevention decisions and maintaining safety and health in the workplace.

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The relationship between health‑related quality of life of students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID‑19 in 2020

. Reza Heidari‑Soureshjani; . Tayeb Mohammadi; . Ali Hashemi‑Shahraki; . Roya Khorrami Estakhri; . Arezoo Rasti

Volume 12, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Present study attempts to investigate health‑related quality of life (HRQoL) and its relation with knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of students of Tehran ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Present study attempts to investigate health‑related quality of life (HRQoL) and its relation with knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) during this pandemic.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional study which was conducted between 23 may to 21 June 2020, 470 students in different levels of TUMS were included to the study randomly. participants completed validate, designed online questionnaire which assessed KAP towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) and HRQoL. All statistical tests were applied, including Chi‑square and Fisher’s exact test, Partial correlation, analysis of variance, multiple linear regression, multiple binary and multinomial logistic regression models (P < 0.05) and were performed in SPSS 16, R 4.0.2, and GraphPad Prism 6.0 softwares.RESULTS: A total of 470 students were included in the study. The overall correct answer rate of the COVID‑19 knowledge questionnaire was 74.43% and total score of the HRQoL was 72.50 (14.85). 61.7% of the students were agreed that COVID‑19 will finally be successfully controlled, 44.3% had confidence that Iran can win the battle against the COVID‑19, and 92.6% agreed that Quarantine will reduce the prevalence of COVID‑19. Most of them adhered to health protocols and about a relation between HRQoL and knowledge we have a weak positive and unsignificant correlation between them (r = 0.05, P = 0.27).CONCLUSIONS: TUMS students showed expected levels of knowledge, proper attitudes, and preemptive practices regarding COVID‑19, whereas COVID‑19 outbreak substantially affected the physical and mental health but, the students were in a way better physical health rather than mental. Therefore, motivational planning and other related intervention to improve mental health can be noticeable.

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Bio‑psycho‑social health assessment in prehospital emergency technicians: A systematic review

. Vahid Delshad; . Marcus Stueck; . Abbas Ebadi; . Mariola Bidzan; . Hamidreza Khankeh

Volume 12, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health is a complex structure and has physical, psychological, and social approaches. The importance and impact of health assessment have caused considerable attention ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health is a complex structure and has physical, psychological, and social approaches. The importance and impact of health assessment have caused considerable attention to be paid to the employees of the health system and the determining factors of this relationship. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to find out the bio‑psycho‑social health situation in prehospital emergency technicians as the research question staff.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a systematic review and data have retrieved through extensive search in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed (including Medline), Cochrane Library, Irandoc, Magiran, MedLib, and SID databases with a combination of keywords of “Health, ” “Assessment, ” “Social,” “Psychological,” “Biological,” “Emergency,” and “prehospital,” according to the search strategy, between 2000 and 202111 studies were reviewed; then, they were entered based on the objectives of the study and narrative analysis was performed by the researcher.RESULTS: After analyzing the articles, a total of 4 factors affecting bio‑psycho‑social health in prehospital emergency technicians have been extracted and identified, which included health management, bio‑psycho‑social factors, occupational factors, and behavioral factors.CONCLUSION: This research showed four factors, namely health management, bio‑psycho‑social factors, occupational factors, and behavioral factors which could be effective in Bio‑Psycho‑Social health. Since prehospital emergency services have an important role in maintaining the health of the community, which requires attention to the bio‑psycho‑social health of emergency personnel, more studies have focused on health management among the four mentioned factors, but the need to examine the other three factors for a more accurate assessment of the health of emergency personnel seems necessary. Therefore, prevention and response strategies based on bio‑psycho‑social health assessment models are proposed to promote the health of prehospital emergency technician staff.

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Perspectives on healthy aging in middle age: Evidence for health promotion interventions

. Mahnaz Solhi; . Razieh Pirouzeh; . Nasibeh Zanjari

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  CONTEXT: Understanding how middle‑aged people perceive healthy aging and what they need to doto stay healthy as they age can help public policy planning to enhance the lifestyles ...  Read More CONTEXT: Understanding how middle‑aged people perceive healthy aging and what they need to doto stay healthy as they age can help public policy planning to enhance the lifestyles of middle‑agedand elderly people.AIMS: The purpose of this study was to clarify the concept of healthy aging and strategies to achieveit from the perspective of middle‑aged people in Tehran, Iran.SETTING AND DESIGN: This qualitative study was performed on 21 middle‑aged people aged45–59 years of Tehran in 2019.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The data collection was carried out through semi‑structured andin‑depth interviews; the interviews were audiotaped, transcribed. Sampling was carried out graduallyuntil data saturation through purposive sampling was achieved.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data collection and analysis were performed simultaneously.Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. To establish the reliability and validity offindings, Graneheim and Landman criteria were considered.RESULTS: The middle‑aged perspective on healthy aging was included in four main themes:having good physical and mental health, having financial well‑being, having social support.Strategies for achieving healthy aging were included in five themes: future financial planning,promoting physical health, promoting psychological health, maintaining and improvingcommunication.CONCLUSION: From the middle‑aged perspective, healthy aging and strategies to achieve it aremultidimensional. Planning for promotional interventions to have a healthy old age should be includingall dimensions and done from the years before old age.

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Effect of spiritual care education on the spiritual health of preeclamptic women with postpartum stress disorder

. Mahboobe Gholami; . Mahin Tafazoli; . Zahra Mohebbi‑Dehnavi; . Zahra Kamali

Volume 11, Issue 10 , November 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Spiritual health in the field of health has a great importance in mental disorders andposttraumatic stress disorders, in treatment process. The present study was done aiming ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Spiritual health in the field of health has a great importance in mental disorders andposttraumatic stress disorders, in treatment process. The present study was done aiming “determinethe effect of spiritual care education on the spiritual health of preeclamptic women with postpartumstress disorder.”MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was done in 2017 on 260 women withpreeclampsia in Mashhad. Data collection was done with questionnaires Perinatal PosttraumaticStress Questionnaire (PPQ), the posttraumatic disorder checklist, Duke University Religion Index,and the Spiritual Well‑Being Scale (SWBS). In the intervention group, first, women were educatedon spiritual care each day based on Richards and Bergin’s pattern, in three sessions, which lasted45–60 min. The control group also received routine cares. All units completed the questionnaireSWBS at the 8th postpartum period. P < 0.05 was meaningful.RESULTS: After the intervention, this score of spiritual health in the intervention and control groupshad a significant difference with independent test (P = 0.004). Spiritual health significantly increasedin the interventional group.CONCLUSIONS: Providing spiritual care to pregnant mothers with preeclampsia, increase theirspiritual health.

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The association between body mass index and health literacy in high school Students: A cross‑sectional study

. Mohammad Reza Zare‑Zardiny; . Faroukh Abazari; . Mohammad Ali Zakeri; . Majid Dastras; . Jamileh Farokhzadian

Volume 11, Issue 10 , November 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight in children and adolescents have become a global problemin recent years. Adolescence increases the likelihood of obesity in adulthood and associated ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight in children and adolescents have become a global problemin recent years. Adolescence increases the likelihood of obesity in adulthood and associated illnesses.Nowadays, health literacy is one of the greatest determinants of the health. This study was conductedto evaluate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and health literacy in high school students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive‑analytical study, 430 high school students wereenrolled in a multi‑stage random method in Yazd city in the center of Iran. The data were collectedthrough The Health Literacy Measure for Adolescents and calculate BMI with measurement ofheight and weight of adolescents. The data were then analyzed using SPSS 25 and descriptive andinferential statistics (Chi‑square and multivariate regression).RESULTS: The results showed that the mean score of BMI (21.76 ± 3.76) was in a normal range.The score of health literacy was at the borderline level (58.44 ± 13.79). BMI was not significantlycorrelated with health literacy (P = 0.09). BMI was significantly different in terms of age, high schoolgrade, school type, and health status. School type and health status predict 37% of the variance ofBMI (R2 = 37%) and the best predictor was health status (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that BMI was not correlated with healthliteracy and student health literacy was at the borderline level. It is necessary to carry out furtherstudies on the causes and facilitators and the barriers to increasing health literacy. Furthermore,educational interventions are needed to prevent the increase of BMI in adolescents and identifydetermining factors.

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Competence in providing spiritual care and its relationship with spiritual well‑being among Iranian nurses

. Mojtaba Jafari; . Masoud Fallahi-Khoshknab

Volume 11, Issue 9 , October 2021, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Competence in providing spiritual care to patients has become an increasinglyimportant aspect of nursing care delivery. However, studies on nurses’ competence in spiritual ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Competence in providing spiritual care to patients has become an increasinglyimportant aspect of nursing care delivery. However, studies on nurses’ competence in spiritual caredelivery and the factors affecting it are very limited. The present study was conducted to evaluateIranian nurses’ competence in providing spiritual care and its relationship with their SpiritualWell‑Being.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is descriptive‑analytical research conducted in Bamin the south of Iran between 2016 and 2017. All nurses working in the teaching hospitals affiliatedwith Bam University of Medical Sciences were invited to participate in the study. For data collection,the Spiritual Care Competence Scale (SCCS) and the Spiritual Well‑Being Scale (SWBS) were used.Collected data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), Pearsoncorrelation coefficient, independent t‑test, and one‑way ANOVA with SPSS software.RESULTS: In this study, 158 nurses were participated. The result showed that the mean scoreSCCS and SWBS were 101 ± 12.6, 76.92 ± 13.4, respectively. Pearson correlation test showed asignificant and direct relationship between the mean score of SCCS and SWBS (P = 0.001, r = 0.264).The results of this test also showed a significant relationship between all the dimensions of SCCSand SWBS (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the nurses had a relatively appropriate competence in providingspiritual care to patients. There was also a significant relationship between the nurses’ spiritualcare competency and their spiritual well‑being. Given the lack of adequate studies in spiritual caredelivery competencies, it is recommended that similar studies are conducted among nurses in otherparts of the country and worldwide.

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Health in disasters in Iranian schools: A systematic review

. Seyednouredin Hosseinighousheh; . Maryam Feiz Arefi; . Amin Babai Pouya; . Mohsen Poursadeqiyan

Volume 11, Issue 9 , October 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Iran is disaster‑prone country in the world. Lack of awareness and failure to have a properresponse to natural disasters cause heavy damages to nations and national assets. Riskmanagement ...  Read More Iran is disaster‑prone country in the world. Lack of awareness and failure to have a properresponse to natural disasters cause heavy damages to nations and national assets. Riskmanagement is essential to prevent, intervene, and fight disasters as it can attenuate thedestructive effects. The present study reviews studies on health in disasters in Iranian schoolswith an emphasis on readiness to deal with crises. The study was carried out through asystematic search using keywords in Persian and English in Iranian and international databasessuch as Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, Web of Sciences, PubMed, and Scopus. The timerange of the search included all articles published before September 2020. The referencelists were also checked to find more articles. Totally, 575 articles were found and full‑text of32 articles were examined. After omitting repetitious items, the articles were checked by twoindependent researchers in terms of inclusion and exclusion criteria so that 15 articles enteredthe final analysis phases. The target population consisted of students, teachers, managers,and experts of disaster resilience. The articles were mostly focused on earthquake, fire, andstructural safety. Implementation of health school models through improving awareness andcrisis management knowledge in school officials plays a key role in improving and preservinghealth in school environment and safety of students. Measures like paying more attention tosafety of building and physical space of schools, adding crisis management skills to curriculumas practical educations, informing parents about such risk, and educating students about safetyand prevention of risks are recommended.

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Investigating the interaction between fertility, pregnancy, and multiple sclerosis

. Freshteh Ashtari; . Fatemeh Mokhtari; . Mahboubeh Valiani; . Mohammad Soudavi; . Homa Saadat; . Hamidreza Tolouei; . Marjan Mansourian

Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Mostwomen with MS are diagnosed during their reproductive ages. The aim of this study was to ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Mostwomen with MS are diagnosed during their reproductive ages. The aim of this study was to evaluatethe interaction between fertility, pregnancy, and MS.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive–analytic study was conducted on 110women suffering from MS with a history of pregnancy (between 2007 and 2017 years) in Isfahan,Iran. Samples were selected in a census model. Women completed a researcher-constructedquestionnaire by telephone. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: demographic information, MSand its symptoms and treatment, and reproductive system and the history of pregnancy associatedwith MS. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using Chi-square, ANOVA, and t-test.RESULTS: The mean age of women was 32.4 years. In this population, the average number ofpregnancies was 1.61, the number of deliveries was 1.35, the number of abortions was 0.24, thehistory of ectopic pregnancy was 0.01, the number of alive children was 1.36, and the number of deadchildren was 0.01. The average time of the last MS attack before the pregnancy was 21.36 months.Fatigue (24.5%) was the most common symptom exacerbated during pregnancy. MS symptomsimproved in 55.0% of women in the second trimester.CONCLUSIONS: MS had no effect on the pregnancy status, such as the number of abortions,ectopic pregnancy, alive and dead children, and the duration of pregnancy. Symptoms of the diseaseimproved during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnancy has a protective role against MS.

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Contributions of the health‑promoting universities’ movement: An integrative literature review

. Magda Guimarães de Araujo Faria,; . Renan Carvalho Fernandes; . Cristiane Helena Gallasch; . Luciana Valadão Vasconcelos Alves

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  The objective was to identify the existing links between the conceptual proposal of the movement ofhealth-promoting universities (HPU) and the activities carried out to increase the ...  Read More The objective was to identify the existing links between the conceptual proposal of the movement ofhealth-promoting universities (HPU) and the activities carried out to increase the health of workersin higher education institutions. An integrative literature review was conducted in October 2020 inthe following databases: LILACS, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science, and CINAHLand with the Boolean phrase citing, University AND “health promotion.” In the initial review, 5351studies were found, and after removing the repetitions, applying the inclusion criteria, and making thequalitative analysis, a sample of 9 articles was obtained. For the construction of the flowchart with therepresentation of the eligibility and inclusion of the articles, the PRISMA model was use .The findingswere analyzed with the theoretical and conceptual support of the movement of HPU, which made itpossible to establish the construction of three categories, to quote: full provision of social, medical,and health services; creating a favorable health environment on campus; and development of healtheducation actions. The movement of HPU is relevant to the contemporary world; however, initiativesto incorporate these practices are still scarce, creating a gap between expectations and reality.

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Prevalence and predictors of iron‑deficiency anemia: Women’s health perspective at reproductive age in the suburb of dried Urmia Lake, Northwest of Iran

. Somayyeh Asghari; . Rasoul Mohammadzadegan-Tabrizi; . Maryam Rafraf; . Parvin Sarbakhsh; . Javad Babaie

Volume 10, Issue 12 , December 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Dried Urmia Lake in the northwest of Iran is a major regional source of sodiumand toxic metal aerosols which may cause numerous health problems. The aim of this study was ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Dried Urmia Lake in the northwest of Iran is a major regional source of sodiumand toxic metal aerosols which may cause numerous health problems. The aim of this study was toevaluate iron‑deficiency anemia (IDA) and some related risk factors among women of reproductiveage in the suburb of dried Urmia Lake to provide the information about the problem to the health‑careproviders.METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted on 278 healthy nonpregnant, nonlactatingwomen aged 18–45 years, living in the rural area of the Salmas city, closest to the Urmia Lake betweenFebruary and June 2017. The study participants were selected using a stratified random samplingmethod with proportional allocation from seven villages. A general questionnaire was completed foreach participant to collect sociodemographic information and a 3‑day dietary recall questionnaireto obtain daily dietary intakes. IDA was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) level of <12 g/dl and ferritinconcentration of <15 μg/l. Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Fisher’s exact test were applied todetermine sociodemographic factors associated with the serum Hb and ferritin levels.RESULTS: The prevalence of overall anemia (Hb <12 g/dl) was 7.9%. IDA was determined in 4.3%and iron deficiency (ID) in 19.1% (serum ferritin <15 μg/l) of the participants. There was a significantpositive correlation between serum Hb concentrations and the mean daily intakes of protein andiron (P < 0.001). Similarly, a significant positive correlation was observed between serum ferritinlevels and body mass index (P < 0.001). Significant inverse associations were found between Hbconcentrations and the number of pregnancies and children (P < 0.001), as well as the number offamily members (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated a mild prevalence of IDA and a relatively high rate of ID amongstudied participants. Educational programs are needed to improve nutritional habits as well as theuse of contraceptives to promote women’s health.

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Health, safety, and environmental status of Iranian school: A systematic review

. Mohsen Poursadeqiyan; . Maryam Feiz Arefi

Volume 10, Issue 11 , November 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Schools are considered as a first community, which plays an essential role in developing the child’slife skills; thus, it is important to provide safety and health in these places. ...  Read More Schools are considered as a first community, which plays an essential role in developing the child’slife skills; thus, it is important to provide safety and health in these places. Accordingly, health, safety,and environmental (HSE) issues in schools are among the important issues that should be considered.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the studies conducted on the HSE status of Iranianschools. A systematic search of databases, including Google Scholar, SID, PubMed, IRANDOC,MEDLIB, and Science Direct, was performed using keywords by March 2020. The reference listsof key studies were also scanned to find additional articles that are suitable to include in this study.Twenty‑five studies met the inclusion criteria. The results of the studies showed that the surveyedschools had favorable status in terms of HSE indicators, and only 12% of the studies reported poorstatus. About 88% of schools had favorable or average condition. Some cases, such as lack of safeemergency exit and inadequate ergonomic seats, have been reported, and some differences havebeen observed in schools in rural and urban areas. The results showed that the health and safetysituation in most of the urban schools in Iran is good and relatively favorable. However, there havealso been some problems; hence, the implementation of integrated HSE management is imperative toimprove the status of schools. Personal health education and safety education are also recommended.

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Prevalence of body image concern among schoolgirls aged 12–17 years in Iran

. Parastoo Baharvand; . Farideh Malekshahi; . Pariya Mahdiyan

Volume 10, Issue 8 , August 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND/AIM: Adolescent girls’ concerns about their body images can negatively affect theirsocial and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ...  Read More BACKGROUND/AIM: Adolescent girls’ concerns about their body images can negatively affect theirsocial and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of body imageconcern (BIC) in adolescent schoolgirls in Iran and its risk factors.PATIENTS AND METHODS: This epidemiological study with cross‑sectional design was conductedin 2018 on 396 middle schoolgirls aged 12–17 years (mean age = 14 years) living in Khorramabad,Iran. For screening BIC, the Persian version of BIC inventory (BICI) was used. Their birth order,school grade, school type, father’s education, and household income were also recorded. Collecteddata were analyzed in SPSS v. 18 software using descriptive statistics and Chi‑square test.RESULTS: Of 396 girls, 106 (26.8%) had BIC, 89 (84%) reported moderate BIC, and 17 (16%)severe BIC. Their mean BICI score was 40.84 ± 12.93 (out of 42). Most of them reported to spenda significant amount of time checking their appearance in the mirror (n = 81, 20.5%) and examiningflaws in their appearance (n = 74, 18.7%). A few of them were embarrassed to leave the housebecause of the appearance and avoided from looking at the appearance in the mirror (n = 6, 1.5%).There was no significant difference in BIC severity in terms of birth order, school grade, school type,father’s education, and household income factors (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BIC among schoolgirls in Iran is high. Appropriate therapeuticinterventions should be carried out to improve their quality of life, mental health, and self‑esteem toreduce the BIC prevalence.

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The effect of educational intervention on health-promoting lifestyle: Intervention mapping approach

. Mahnaz Solhi; . Farbod Ebadi Fard Azar; . Jamileh Abolghasemi; . Mina Maheri; . Seyed Fahim Irandoost; . Saeede Khalili

Volume 10, Issue 8 , August 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The health-promoting lifestyle by empowering individuals will increase control overtheir health, improve quality of life, and prevent diseases. The purpose of the present ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The health-promoting lifestyle by empowering individuals will increase control overtheir health, improve quality of life, and prevent diseases. The purpose of the present study was todetermine the effect of the educational intervention based on the intervention mapping approach onhealth-promoting lifestyle in Iranian college students.METHODS: This study is a quasi-experimental control study that was conducted in two groups of65 students of Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2018–2019. The data were collected using theHealth-Promoting Lifestyle Standard Profile II questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnairebased on the mapping approach, whose validity and reliability were confirmed. The educationalintervention was designed according to the pretest results, including five training sessions andperformed for the intervention group. The two groups were evaluated with the same questionnaires1 month and 3 months later, and the data were analyzed using independent t-test, Spearman,ANCOVA, ANOVA test, and covariance.Results: Before the intervention, no significant difference was observed between the mean scores ofhealth-promoting behaviors in the two groups, but after the intervention, the mean scores of attitude,subjective norms, enabling factors, and perceived self-efficacy and mean scores of health-promotinglifestyle and its dimensions increased significantly in the intervention group (P < 0.001) comparedto the control group.Conclusion: The educational intervention is effective in improving behaviors related to healthpromoting lifestyle and its dimensions. Therefore, performing educational interventions are suggestedto adopt and adhere to behaviors related to health-promoting lifestyle by utilizing and reinforcingperceived self-efficacy, subjective norms, enabling factors, and attitudinal change.

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Comparison of the effect of electronic education and workshop on the satisfaction of nurses about Emergency Severity Index triage

. Ahmadreza Yazdannik; . Shahla Mohamadirizi; . Mohammad Nasr-Esfahani

Volume 10, Issue 6 , June 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Nurse educators need to develop the level of scientific and practical of the studentswith the goal of becoming expert nurses. However, the use of modern educational methods ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Nurse educators need to develop the level of scientific and practical of the studentswith the goal of becoming expert nurses. However, the use of modern educational methods to raisethe motivation and satisfaction of learners can help individuals achieve this goal. Therefore, the aimof this study was to investigate the effect of health education in emergency nurses about triage.METHODS: A two‑group pool‑blind experimental study was performed on seventy emergency nurses.Samples were randomly assigned into two groups: e‑learning group (35 individuals = electroniceducation) and traditional group (35 = workshop education). The demographic questionnaire and thesatisfaction questionnaire before and 2 weeks after the intervention in both groups were completed.RESULTS: Independent t‑test showed that the satisfaction scores before intervention in bothe‑learning and traditional groups were not statistically significant, whereas there was a significantdifference between two groups after 2 weeks after the intervention (P = 0/015).CONCLUSION: Using nursing professors’ electronic education programs can increase the level ofsatisfaction and motivation in the nursing mothers. Therefore, the use of this new educational methodis recommended by managers and educational planners as an effective teaching.

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Health, safety, and education measures for fire in schools: A review article

. Hesam Seyedin; . Mohsen Dowlati; . Shandiz Moslehi; . Fazeleh Sadat Sakhaei

Volume 10, Issue 5 , May 2020, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Fire buildings is considered as one of the most common and the most devastating disasters andemergencies. Saving school buildings against incidents such as fire is very important since ...  Read More Fire buildings is considered as one of the most common and the most devastating disasters andemergencies. Saving school buildings against incidents such as fire is very important since studentsare so vulnerable to incidents especially fire. The most school classes were devoid of safetyconditions and oil‑burning heaters were used. Such a condition has increased the risk of disasterand is considered as a serious menace for students’ lives. The present study conducted with aim ofreview the Health, Safety and Education Measures for Fire in Schools. To this purpose, we selectedsuitable keywords some articles published in Scientific Information Database of PubMed, Web ofScience, Scopus, and ProQuest were searched. The search was limited to reviewed articles in Englishand Persian language published between 1970 and 2019, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Furthermore, the selected articles were reviewed for relevant citations. The reviewing of articles wasconducted by two member of research team independently. The primary search found 194 relevantstudies. After eliminating the duplicates and articles which were not related to the review of the abstract,51 references were identified for inclusion. Finally, 13 articles were selected after screening andevaluated by two authors to final review main factors and dimensions of schools’ health, safety andeducation include the rules and laws, allocating sufficient budgets, education the teachers, studentsand their families, exercise, risk analysis, intersectional relations, fire extinguishing equipment, earlywarning system, and also optimization and reformation of heating system. Applying these newapproaches prevents disasters and increases the level of preparedness in case of fire occurrence.

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Migration health crisis associated with climate change: A systematic review

. Sadegh Ahmadi Mazhin; . Hamidreza Khankeh; . Mehrdad Farrokhi; . Mohsen Aminizadeh; . Mohsen Poursadeqiyan

Volume 10, Issue 4 , April 2020, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The empirical assessment of the health outcomes associated with migration causedby climate change is still unclear. However, health outcomes in the early stages are expected ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The empirical assessment of the health outcomes associated with migration causedby climate change is still unclear. However, health outcomes in the early stages are expected to besimilar to the health outcomes associated with refugees. The objective of the present study was asystematic review of the health effects of migration caused by climate change.METHODOLOGY: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Itemsfor Systematic Reviews and Meta‑Analyses guidelines. Online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Webof Science, and Google Scholar) were used to identify papers published that evaluated the healtheffects of migration caused by climate change. The search, article selection, and data extraction werecarried out by two researchers independently. All English‑language articles on the health effects ofmigration caused by climate change were included in this study.RESULTS: An analysis of the complex ways in which climate change influences populations canbe 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 ofmigration‑related health outcomes caused by climate change is from displacement from rural to urbanareas, especially in developing countries. There is significant documentation on health and livelihoodinequalities between migrant groups and host populations in developed countries.CONCLUSION: If climate change continues in its current direction, it is likely that the number ofrefugees and crises will increase in the coming decades. Although the domain and the extent of healthhazards caused by the displacement of the population associated with climate change cannot beclearly predicted, by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, along with social and environmentaladaptation strategies, migration caused by climate change, health risks and its relevant crises canbe greatly reduced.

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Spiritual health in women with multiple sclerosis and its association with self‑esteem

. Vahid Shaygannejad; . Shahla Mohamadirizi

Volume 10, Issue 3 , March 2020, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Spiritual health is one of the four dimensions of health in humans, and the othersare physical, psychological, and social dimensions. This dimension is essential to increase ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Spiritual health is one of the four dimensions of health in humans, and the othersare physical, psychological, and social dimensions. This dimension is essential to increase theadaptation to the disease. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine spiritual health in womenwith multiple sclerosis (MS) and its association with self‑esteem.METHODS: This is a descriptive cross‑sectional study, and 210 women with MS referring to AyatollahKashani Hospital affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were selected using conveniencesampling method. The data were collected by questionnaires of demographic characteristicquestionnaire (6 items), Rosenberg Self‑esteem Scale (10 items), and Ellison and Paloutzian SpiritualWell‑being Questionnaire (20 items). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’scorrelation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis at a significance level of 0.05.RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of spiritual health  (including religious health andexistential health) and self‑esteem in MS patients were 48.8 ± 6.80, 44.7 ± 6.70, and 3.21 ± 2.5,respectively. The results showed that 95.2% of the research units had moderate‑to‑highspiritual (religious and existential) health and 57.7% had high self‑esteem. Pearson’s correlationcoefficient also showed a significant positive correlation between religious health and existentialwith self‑esteem (r = 0.22, P = 0.03 and r = 0.24, P = 0.01, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: In this study, most of the women with MS had high levels of spiritual health andself‑esteem. This can be used as a coping strategy and has a protective effect against stress‑inducedillness and even against complications of the treatment. In addition, in some cases, it is effective inalleviating frustration in these patients.

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Impact of residential yoga training on occupational stress and health promotion in principals

. Anita Verma; . Sanjay Uddhav Shete; . Gururaj Doddoli

Volume 10, Issue 2 , February 2020, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Occupational stress is known as harmful physical and emotional responses thatoccur when the requirements of the job do not match the resources, needs, or capabilities of ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Occupational stress is known as harmful physical and emotional responses thatoccur when the requirements of the job do not match the resources, needs, or capabilities of anemployee, leading to poor mental and physical health.OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of 1‑week residential yogatraining program on occupational stress and its subscales among principals.METHODS: Thirty‑three principals with ages 40–59 years completed the assessment. They receivedyoga training at Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute. All the participants were recruited by Kendriya VidyalayaSangathan as part of their on‑duty yoga training. At the baseline and after 1 week of yoga trainingparticipants were assessed for occupational stress. The yoga intervention was given in the morningand evening for 105 min. Apart from yoga training, all the participants were engaged in lectures basedon stress management, yoga for total health, meditation, yoga in school education, and scientificbasis of yoga, daily for 3 h.RESULTS: The principals showed a significant decrease in role overload (P < 0.001), roleambiguity (P < 0.01), role conflict (P < 0.05), under participation (P < 0.001), powerlessness (P < 0.001),intrinsic impoverishment (P < 0.01), law status (P < 0.001), and overall occupational stress (P < 0.001)after 7 days of yoga training intervention. However, there was no significant change in unreasonablegroup and political pressure (P > 0.05), responsibility for persons (P > 0.05), poor peerrelations (P > 0.05), strenuous working conditions (P > 0.05), and unprofitability (P > 0.05) afteryoga training intervention.CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that 1 week of residential yoga training program canimprove occupational stress in principals.

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