Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Ottawa prenatal educator e‑survey: Experiences and perceptions of public health nurses and allied childbirth educators

. Rowan M. Terrell; . Nura L. Soucy; . Rebecca A. Chedid; . Karen P. Phillips

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Prenatal education provides opportunities for health promotion of healthy behaviorsand risk reduction. Quality and coherence with prenatal health promotion best practices ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Prenatal education provides opportunities for health promotion of healthy behaviorsand risk reduction. Quality and coherence with prenatal health promotion best practices depend onan individual class instructor. The objective of our study was to document the experiences, practices,and perceptions of our diverse Ottawa, Canada community of prenatal educators.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quantitative, mixed methods e‑survey conducted in Ottawa,Canada, prenatal educators were asked to describe their prenatal class settings, delivery formats,content, perceptions of pregnant women, and recommendations. Data were analyzed by descriptivestatistics and thematic content analysis.RESULTS: Respondents included public health nurses and a diverse group of “allied childbirtheducators” (ACE). Topics related to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum issues were well addressed;however, established and emerging risks to pregnancy were omitted. Nurses were more likely todiscuss lifestyle risks to pregnancy and general prenatal health promotion, whereas ACE respondentsemphasized informed consent and individualized counseling. Women marginalized by social exclusionincluding Indigenous women, immigrants, and women with disabilities were perceived as missingfrom prenatal educational settings.CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneity of prenatal education provides opportunities for collaboration;however, established and emerging risk factors to pregnancy are neglected topics. Addressing theneeds of diverse communities of pregnant women requires timely, evidence‑based, inclusive, andculturally safe delivery of prenatal health promotion.

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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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The components of diabetes educator’s competence in diabetes self‑management education in Iran: A qualitative study

. Fahimeh Kashani; . Parvaneh Abazari; . Fariba Haghani

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Limited research has been conducted in the field of diabetes educator’s competency.However, no comprehensive and integrated explanations of educator’s competence ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Limited research has been conducted in the field of diabetes educator’s competency.However, no comprehensive and integrated explanations of educator’s competence requirementsin treatment centers exist in Iran. The aim of this study is to explain the components of diabeteseducator’s competence in diabetes self‑management education in Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a qualitative descriptive‑exploratory study. The data werecollected through semi‑structured and in‑depth interviews and using purposeful sampling methodin Isfahan University of medical science from April to October 2018. Sampling continued until datasaturation. Participants included 20 people who were selected by purposive and snowball samplingmethod. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis method of Graneheim, Lundman.RESULTS: Data analysis resulted in the emergence of three main categories including (1) Patient andfamily centered education, (2) process‑based education, and (3) continuous progress in professionand also seven subcategories (patient and family activation, empower), facilitating educationalprocess, comprehensive education assessment, development, implementation and evaluation ofeducational plans, developing educators’ educational knowledge and skills, development of creativityand innovation, promote inter‑professional cooperation in education.CONCLUSION: The evaluation of facilitation factors for participation and empowerment patient andfamily along with creativity and interprofessional collaboration for comprehensive evaluation of patientsin designing, implementation of educational programs were mentioned as important competenciesof diabetes educators, which can have a significant impact on patients’ recovery, treatment, and thepromotion of society’s health.

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The effectiveness of two evaluation techniques in the clinical education field: A step for promotion of bachelor nursing student’s satisfaction

. Shahla Mohamadirizi; . Ahmadreza Yazdannik; . Marjan Mohamadi; . Athar Omid

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-4

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Paying attention to students’ opinions and suggestions on existing evaluationmethods and new methods of evaluation is an essential and important part of clinical education, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Paying attention to students’ opinions and suggestions on existing evaluationmethods and new methods of evaluation is an essential and important part of clinical education, sothis study aimed at determining the effectiveness of two evaluation techniques satisfaction amongundergraduate nursing students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a quasi‑experimental study conducted on 60 undergraduatenursing students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2019. There were 30 samples in eachgroup (logbook and e‑logbook) that were selected by convenience sampling method. the Androidapplication (e‑logbook) was used in the intervention group to evaluate the clinical skills of students.The User Satisfaction Questionnaire was conducted by undergraduate nursing students. Data wereanalyzed using SPSS software version 14 and descriptive statistical tests.RESULTS: The results showed that the mean (standard deviation) overall score of satisfactionfrom both evaluation methods including logbook and e‑logbook was 39.7 (9.4) and 47.7 (12.2),respectively. Also satisfaction score of the evaluation method was significantly different betweenthe two groups (P = 0.03).CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, the use of new and active methods ofevaluation, including the application of e‑logbook, can be useful in evaluating nursing students andcause student satisfaction, so using the application is useful.

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Developing health promotional skills among medical undergraduates for tuberculosis patients: An innovative way to benefit students as well as patients

. Manju Bala; . Vikramjeet Arora; . Bharti Chawla; . Neha Gautam

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Involving medical undergraduate students in patients’ health education will not onlyhelp in improving students’ learning as well as professional and communication ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Involving medical undergraduate students in patients’ health education will not onlyhelp in improving students’ learning as well as professional and communication skills but also playsan important role in achieving better health outcome of patients. The aim of the study was to assessthe impact of students led educational intervention regarding tuberculosis (TB) on their learning andon the patients’ knowledge and attitude towards the disease.MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred medical undergraduates were included in the study. Anintegrated lecture on TB was given to all participants followed by preintervention test on TB. One groupwas then subjected to interactive traditional lecture. Whereas the videos reflecting the experiencesof TB patients were shown to the other group and was given an assignment to prepare educationalleaflets for TB patients followed by postintervention test for both groups. The patients’ satisfactionlevel with the information given via educational leaflet and the overall perceived benefits of thisactivity by the students were assessed. Data analysis done using SPSS version 23.0. Independentand paired t‑test were used to calculate difference of means for quantitative variables.RESULTS: Two groups were comparable preintervention however postintervention there wassignificant improvement in knowledge in the study group (P0.000). Overall 74.2% of the patientswere satisfied with the information provided through leaflets. Students’ feedback highlighted thatmajority of the them felt benefitted from this activity.CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that such type of educational interventions have dual benefits,i.e., learning for the students as well as providing health education to patients which in turn willimprove their clinical outcome.

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Effectiveness of interdisciplinary health education programs for individuals with fibromyalgia: A systematic review

. Mateus Dias Antunes; . Letícia Assis Couto; . Letícia Assis Couto1 , Sonia Maria Marques Gomes Bertolini; . Felipe Cayres Nogueira da Rocha Loures3; . Ana Carolina Basso Schmitt; . Amélia Pasqual Marques

Volume 11, Issue 2 , February 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Fibromyalgia has been increasing worldwide and is considered a public health problem.Nonpharmacological treatment through exercise and education is recommended forfibromyalgia management. ...  Read More Fibromyalgia has been increasing worldwide and is considered a public health problem.Nonpharmacological treatment through exercise and education is recommended forfibromyalgia management. In this sense, there is a need for interdisciplinary programs topromote health and improve symptoms in fibromyalgia. The purpose of this study wasto verify the effectiveness of interdisciplinary health education programs for individualswith fibromyalgia. This is a systematic review that followed the Preferred ReportingItems for Systematic Reviews and Meta‑Analyses recommendations and was registeredat Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD4201913228). A search was conductedin the following databases: Scientific Electronic Library Online, Lilacs, Medical LiteratureAnalysis and Retrieval System Online, Scopus, Web of Knowledge ISI, PhysiotherapyEvidence Database, Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and AlliedHealth Literature, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus. The descriptors used were“Fibromyalgia” and “Health Education.” Clinical trials published between 1990 and 2019were selected. The Jadad Quality Scale and the Cochrane Risk‑of‑Bias Tool were used toevaluate the risk of bias and the methodological quality of the clinical trials. The searchfound 2887 articles, and only two studies were included in the analysis. Both studiesconducted the interventions through lectures and group activities. In particular, thetopics most frequently approached at the interdisciplinary health education programswere general information about fibromyalgia, body practices, physical activities, andpharmacological approaches. An interdisciplinary health education program can improvepain and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia; however, evidence shows lowmethodological quality. This systematic review indicates that studies are of low quality,interfering with the effectiveness of interdisciplinary health education programs.

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Colour coded client segmentation (CCCS) public health approach to educate the community to deal with problem of hypertension: A pilot study

. Sudip Bhattacharya; . Sheikh Mohd Saleem; . Dhananjay Kumar Singh; . Roy Rillera Marzo; . Amarjeet Singh

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

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: We know that risk communication is equally important as risk identification, whichis usually not communicated properly to the patients and resulting in poor outcomes, ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: We know that risk communication is equally important as risk identification, whichis usually not communicated properly to the patients and resulting in poor outcomes, especially inhypertensive patients.OBJECTIVE: Our study objective was to evolve and test a colour coded client segmentation basedpublic health approach to educate the community to deal with problem of hypertension.METHODOLOGY: This cross‑sectional pilot study was done in March 2020 among purposively approachedin a primary health centre to 100 people aged above 18 years, among them 41 gave written consent for thestudy and their demographic information was noted. They were given colour coded cards as per the currentblood pressure level and previous history of hypertension. On each colour coded card, specific advicewas written for that category. For all the participants, blood pressure and treatment seeking behaviour wasnoted. For hypertensive patients, adherence to medication and non‑pharmacological measures was noted.RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 46.5 ± 13.06 years. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP)and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the participants were 135 ± 16.85 mm Hg and 86 ± 11.42mm Hg, respectively. Among the participants, 10 (24.39%) had a known history of hypertension.Among them, as per the blood pressure levels measured on the day of the study 50% (5) had theirblood pressure levels under control. Interestingly 16 (39%) participants were found hypertensiveincidentally.DISCUSSION: It is evident from the studies that colour coded approach is used in multiple ways, inmultiple settings, for multiple diseases. To our knowledge, little focus has been given for hypertensivedisorders in the community level. We merely bother about making their risk profiling, even in thedigital age. Sometimes physicians in emergency become puzzled whenever patients collapsed in frontof them and we missed the “Golden Hour” for the treatment by searching patients’ medical details.CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The above problem can be solved by risk profiling ofchronic patients by colour coded OPD/Health cards.

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Oral health practitioners’ knowledge, attitude, and awareness about coronavirus: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

. Abdosaleh Jafari; . Mohammadtaghi Mohammadpour; . Arash Ghanbarzadegan; . Giampiero Rossi‑Fedele; . Peivand Bastani

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Oral health practitioners are at the frontline of infection, particularly with respiratoryviruses such as the novel coronavirus. Knowledge, awareness, and attitude of these ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Oral health practitioners are at the frontline of infection, particularly with respiratoryviruses such as the novel coronavirus. Knowledge, awareness, and attitude of these workers areconsidered important in preventing and controlling the outbreak. This study aims to review theliterature to provide a better understanding of the status of dentists and other oral health practitioners’knowledge, attitude, and awareness about COVID‑19.METHODS: A systematic review was conducted through Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, andProQuest up to May 6, 2020. All the knowledge, attitude, and practice studies on oral health workersabout respiratory contagious outbreak the same as severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle Eastrespiratory syndrome, and COVID‑19 were included in the meta‑analysis.RESULTS: A total of eleven studies were included in the meta‑analysis. 85.5% of the dentists and oralhealth practitioners had a high level of awareness about virus transmission modes (95% confidenceinterval [CI]: 78.6%–92.4%; P < 0.001). 80.7% of the oral health practitioners gave right answers to thequestions related to virus transmission modes (95% CI: 69.9%–91.4%; P < 0.001), and 79.9% of thedentists had a positive attitude about virus transmission modes (95% CI: 66.4%–93.4%; P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: This meta‑analysis shows that the level of dentists and oral health practitioners’knowledge, awareness, and attitude was relatively high about the respiratory contagious diseasesas well as COVID‑19. The present results can shed further light for policymakers to support thebest evidence medical education for all health‑care workers the same as oral health practitioners.Preventing the dissemination of misinformation along with preparing comprehensive guidelines canbe considered by the oral health policymakers, particularly in the more infected regions.

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The association between social support and psychological factors with health‑promoting behaviours in pregnant women: A cross‑sectional study

. Nasrin Rashan; . Nasibeh Sharifi; . Azita Fathnezhad‑Kazemi; . Khadijeh Golnazari; . Safoura Taheri

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Health promotion is one of the most important aspects in pregnancy, andhealth‑promoting behaviors are one of the major determinants of health under the influence of ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Health promotion is one of the most important aspects in pregnancy, andhealth‑promoting behaviors are one of the major determinants of health under the influence of variousfactors. This study aimed to determine the association between social support and psychologicalfactors with health‑promoting behaviors in pregnant women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional was performed on 375 pregnant women whenthey had 24–28 weeks in Ilam, October 2018 to May 2019. Two‑stage cluster sampling was performedafter checking the inclusion criteria. Data collection tools consisted of four questionnaires that werecompleted in self‑report form. The collected data were analyzed by the descriptive and inferentialtests with the SPSS software version 19.RESULTS: The mean score of health‑promoting behaviors was 139.87 (21.26) and self‑healing andphysical activity had the highest and the lowest mean 27.67 (4.84) and 16.29 (4.84), respectively.Linear regression analysis showed a significant difference between different level of stress, anxiety,depression, and social support with health‑promoting behaviors (P < 0.001). The results showedthat one‑point increase in the score of stress, anxiety, and depression led to the 2.2%, 6.1%, and24.1% reduction of health‑promoting behaviors, respectively, and one‑point score increase in socialsupport resulted in 40% increase in health‑promoting behaviors (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: A negative association was found between psychological factors and a positiverelationship with health‑promoting behaviors. Although perceived moderate health promotionbehaviors and perceived social support were moderate, they did not have a good status in terms ofpsychological factors. Given awareness of the issues under study in each region is essential andplanning to improve stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as promoting and correcting inappropriatebehaviors through planned interventions are required.

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Development of health literacy among postgraduate students: From information literacy perspective

. Abolfazl Taheri; . Mostafa Langarizadeh; . Jalil Ghani Dehkordi; . Omid Yousefianzadeh

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

Abstract

  OBJECTIVES: Involving the patients in health‑related decisions requires high health literacy. Healthliteracy is related to the concept of information literacy through its emphasis ...  Read More OBJECTIVES: Involving the patients in health‑related decisions requires high health literacy. Healthliteracy is related to the concept of information literacy through its emphasis on information skills.Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between information literacy andhealth literacy.STUDY DESIGN: We carried out an original research.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an applied research that is carried out in a survey method.The statistical population of this study is MSc and PhD students at School of Health Managementand Information Science in Iran University of Medical Sciences who were selected by stratifiedrandom sampling. A standard health literacy questionnaire including access dimensions, readingskills, comprehension, evaluation, decision‑making, and application of health information was used toassess the health literacy status of the students. To measure information literacy, the questionnaireincludes identifying information needs, locating information, organizing information, and evaluatinginformation were used. The data were analyzed by tests of one‑sample t‑test, Pearson correlation,and simple linear regression with spss software version 18 produced by IBM located at New York.RESULTS: The results showed that the level of information literacy among students was higherthan the average level. The average of information literacy rate in the sample is 49.09. In thisregard, the most frequent information is gained from the internet, interacting with friends, and askingpractitioners and health workers. In addition, there is a positive and significant relationship betweenall dimensions of information literacy with health literacy and information literacy affects 35.4% ofhealth literacy changes.CONCLUSIONS: It can be said that information literacy is a predictor of health literacy. Furthermore,the pattern of people’s health information has moved to new information environments and to improvehealth having sufficient information seeking and information literacy skills are essential.

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Qualitative study of social determinants of child marriage in Kurdish regions of Iran: Evidence for health promotion interventions

. Javad Yoosefi Lebni; . Mahnaz Solhi; . Farbod Ebadi Fard Azar; . Farideh Khalajabadi Farahani

Volume 10, Issue 9 , September 2020, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: One of the most thought‑provoking problems in the world is child marriage that isaffected by various factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: One of the most thought‑provoking problems in the world is child marriage that isaffected by various factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the social determinantsof child marriage in Kurdish regions of Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using conventional contentanalysis approach. The participants of the study were 30 Iranian‑Kurdish women married under theage of 18 who were selected through purposeful and snowballing sampling. Data collection wasconducted through semi‑structured interviews and face‑to‑face interviews and continued until thesaturation of concepts was achieved. Graneheim and Lundman method was used to analyze thedata, and Guba and Lincoln criteria were used to strengthen the research.RESULTS: In general, findings include 5 categories and 17 subcategories: 1 – economicfactors  (financial problems and economic benefits); 2  –  sociocultural factors  (social customs,cultural beliefs, community encouragement, social learning, gaining prestige, and social support);3 – individual factors (physical characteristics, personality traits, lack of awareness of the damagingconsequences of early marriage, and fear of the future); 4 – family factors  (dysfunctional family,weak awareness of parents, and harm prevention); and 5 – structural factors (high demand, limitedaccess to educational services, and the lack of supportive social and legal structures).CONCLUSION: By raising the level of awareness and attitude of girls and their families aboutthe consequences of early marriage, creating the culture of correcting cultural beliefs and socialmisconceptions, passing appropriate laws, and the use of local and national media to prevent childmarriage, this social harm can be reduced.

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Improvement of osteoporosis‑related behaviors in female students based on trans theoretical model

. Vahid Kohpeima Jahromi; . Sepide Bahlouli Ghashghaei; . Nader Sharifi

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is one of the major problems associated with aging and is morecommon among women than men. This study was designed to modify osteoporosis‑related behaviorsin ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is one of the major problems associated with aging and is morecommon among women than men. This study was designed to modify osteoporosis‑related behaviorsin female students based on the transtheoretical model (TTM).MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi‑experimental study was conducted on femalesecondary school students. The sample size was determined 100 by using Altman’s nomogram,including 50 cases and 50 controls. Participants were completed the Demographic Information andOsteoporosis‑Related Behavior Questionnaire based on TTM. Evaluation of the data showed thateach participant was at what stage of change in physical activity and preventive dietary behaviorof osteoporosis. The content of the training package was designed, and for the intervention group,2‑h training sessions were held weekly by the instructor in accordance with the stage of changefor 2 months, and the booklet was provided with the appropriate contents of the stage of change.Three months after the completion of training, the questionnaires were completed by interventionand control groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software.RESULTS: Concerning the stages of change in physical activity and nutrition, a significant differencewas before and after the intervention in the intervention group (P < 0.001), while no significantdifference was observed in the control group. After the intervention, there was a significant differencein the self‑efficacy and some subconstruct of processes of change, but there wasnot a significantdifference in the decisional balance.CONCLUSION: Educational intervention based on TTM has been successful in achieving the goal ofmodifying osteoporosis‑related behaviors in female students. The results of this study can be usedby health planners to plan and implement health promotion interventions that will undoubtedly helpreduce the burden of disease.

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Steps toward community health promotion: Application of transtheoretical model to predict stage transition regarding smoking

. Maryam Emadzadeh; . Veda Vakili

Volume 10, Issue 7 , July 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Recently, the Iranian Ministry of Health estimated about 750,000 deaths areattributed smoking complications. The aim of this study was to apply the transtheoretical model(TTM) ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Recently, the Iranian Ministry of Health estimated about 750,000 deaths areattributed smoking complications. The aim of this study was to apply the transtheoretical model(TTM) on general population of Mashhad city to evaluate the stages of change and possible culturalfactors regarding smoking cessation.METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran.A total number of 562 participants selected by multistage sampling. They were asked about stages ofchange for smoking cessation for both hookah and cigarette smoking. Stages of change refer to anorderly sequence of changes in smoking behavior that people progress through according to the TTM.Its six stages are as follows: precontemplation (PC) (no intention to quit smoking within 6 months),contemplation (planning to quit smoking in the following 6 months), preparation (planning to stopsmoking within 1 month), action (quit smoking for <6 months), maintenance (stopped smoking for6 months or more), and termination (will never smoke again). Data were analyzed using tests suchas Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis, and logistic regression by SPSS 11.5.RESULTS: About 18% and 19% of people in this study were regular hookah and cigarette smokers,respectively. There was significant difference between cigarette smoking and sex (P < 0.001) andmarital status (P = 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference between stages of changein men and women from the point of cigarette smoking (P < 0.001). Male sex, hookah smoking,and alcohol abuse were predictors of PC, and age was the only predictor of termination stage forcigarette smoking. Sex did not have any role in hookah smoking.CONCLUSION: Targeted education based on gender and marital status warrant attention.Community-wide education and interventions such as increasing the price of cigarettes are desired.

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Methods of health promotion and disease prevention in Unani medicine

. Malik Itrat

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Better preventive care is a prerequisite to foster community health and in reducingthe unnecessary burden on the health‑care system. The Unani System of Medicine has given ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Better preventive care is a prerequisite to foster community health and in reducingthe unnecessary burden on the health‑care system. The Unani System of Medicine has given dueemphasis on preventive care. This article aims to discuss the health promotion and disease preventionapproaches in Unani Medicine.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A manual literature survey of classical Unani texts such asFirdaus‑al‑hikmat, Al Qanoon‑fit‑tib, Kitab‑al‑mansoori, Kitab‑al‑kulliyat, and Kitab‑al‑taisir wasconducted to collect the information available on the strategic approaches of health promotion anddisease prevention in Unani Medicine. To obtain the appropriate English equivalent words for Unaniterms and the scientific name of the drugs, “Standard Unani Medical Terminology” and “Classificationof Unani Drugs” were consulted, respectively.RESULTS: The findings of the literature survey revealed that Unani physicians have advocated thepersonalized and predictive approaches for maintaining health and preventing diseases. Personalizedapproach mainly centers on the temperament of an individual. By determining an individual’stemperament, Unani physician can tell what is adequate or not adequate for the individual. While inthe predictive approach, correct knowledge of prodromal symptoms is a prerequisite to predict thefuture developments in the human body and recommending the appropriate preventive measuresaccordingly.CONCLUSION: These approaches present interesting perspectives in the field of promotive andpreventive care and are of much relevance in the present scenario. Unfortunately, the lack of efficacystudies is a limiting factor in their application. Hence, effective protocol must be developed to provideevidence‑based data and to give grounds for their widespread usage.

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Opportunities and challenges of social media for health knowledge management: A narrative review

. Hossein Ghalavand; . Sirous Panahi; . Shahram Sedghi

Volume 10, Issue 6 , June 2020, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Social media is becoming a new tool for developing health knowledge management.However, despite the rapid growth of research in this area, few attempts have been made ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Social media is becoming a new tool for developing health knowledge management.However, despite the rapid growth of research in this area, few attempts have been made to reviewprevious research. This study tried to summarize the opportunities and challenges of using socialmedia to managing health knowledge.METHODOLOGY: This article used a narrative approach to collect and review studies. In thisreview, published documents during 2010–2019 were retrieved by search in the following threeelectronic scientific databases: Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and Google Scholar search engineusing keywords including social media, public health, health knowledge, knowledge management,and health promotion.RESULTS: Social media by overcoming geographical barriers, developing health promotion,facilitating decision‑making, and providing public health education has been able to enhancing healthawareness and improving health behavior. Doctors’ unwillingness to interact with the public, lack ofcompliance with the principles of medical ethics, users’ privacy concerns, and difficulty of managingnegative comments are the four challenges to health knowledge management in social media.CONCLUSION: Social media can be a suitable tool for developing health knowledge managementprocesses if medical professional ethics and users’ privacy managed properly.

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A new method of “student‑centered formative assessment” and improving students’ performance: An effort in the health promotion of community

. Fateme Shahedi; . Javad Ahmadi; . Tahereh Sharifi; . Seyedeh Nahid Seyedhasani; . Mahbubeh Abdollahi; . Negar Shaabani; . Mohammad Sarmadi

Volume 10, Issue 6 , June 2020, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Improving the learning process in education will empower medical students, andalso formative assessment helps improve the teaching–learning process by providing ongoingreflective ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Improving the learning process in education will empower medical students, andalso formative assessment helps improve the teaching–learning process by providing ongoingreflective information about learning gaps.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of student‑centered formative assessmentby weekly reflective self‑correction quizzes on medical laboratory students’ performance on the finalexamination of hematology course in 2018.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A semi‑experimental study was conducted on fifty students dividedrandomly into intervention (n = 25) and control groups (n = 25) using convenience sampling in 2018from Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data analysis was performed usingSPSS software version 16, two‑sample t‑test, Chi‑square test, and analysis of covariance.RESULTS: The intervention had positive effects on students’ mean test scores in hematologyII so that the intervention and control groups managed to obtain 18.45 ± 1.46 and 14.57 ± 2.64,respectively (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that weekly formative assessments along with reflectiveself‑correction activity and active participation of students in the learning process by designingquestions could improve student learning.

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Impact of counseling and reinforcement by school teachers on behavior change in children: A one ‑year follow‑up study

. Upendra Singh Bhadauria; . Rouble Verma Mathur; . Aanchal Agarwal; . Rishabh Shukla; . Shaijal Godha; . Rohit Maheshwari

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

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: School teachers play an important role in instilling positive behavior changesamong school children. School children at an early age group of 2–7 years face challenges ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: School teachers play an important role in instilling positive behavior changesamong school children. School children at an early age group of 2–7 years face challenges and needextra support. Utilization of psychological interventions via school teachers for oral health promotionis minimal. The present study was done to determine the impact of counseling and reinforcement byschool teachers on children for a follow‑up period of 1 year.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative research on 58 randomly selected children for afollow‑up of one year was conducted to determine the prevalence of preoperational characteristicsin school children. The tools to determine characters in preoperational children consisted of classicalcognitive experiments followed by behavior counseling intervention. The interventional group receivedreinforcement with school teachers for a follow‑up of one year.RESULTS: The assessment of the three characteristics revealed a prevalence of ego centralism,centration, and lack of conservation and reversibility in 84.4%, 89.6%, and 89.6% children,respectively. A significant difference in behavior change was seen in children who received behaviorcounseling and reinforcement.CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that Piaget’s characteristics were consistent for afollow‑up period of one year.

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Effective use of social media platforms for promotion of mental health awareness

. K. Latha; . K. S. Meena; . M. R. Pravitha; . Madhuporna Dasgupta; . S. K. Chaturvedi

Volume 10, Issue 5 , May 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Social media platforms are progressively developing as a rich source of masscommunication. Increasing mental health awareness with the help of social media can be a goodinitiative ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Social media platforms are progressively developing as a rich source of masscommunication. Increasing mental health awareness with the help of social media can be a goodinitiative to reach out to a large number of people in a short time frame. This study was conductedto understand the usefulness of social media platforms for health promotion.MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a qualitative study to evaluate the effectiveness of socialmedia platforms in hosting health promotion campaigns in the field of mental health, which wasobserved over 5 months from May to September 2019 to reach more people for effective informationdissemination. The campaigns were as follows (1) The Buddies for Suicide Prevention: an onlinecampaign to create awareness about suicide prevention. The campaign included script writing,slogan writing, poster making, and short films making, organized for the general public who wereinterested to take part; (2) The #Iquitobacco was a 21‑day campaign with an idea of tobacco cessationin the community, conducted among social media viewers who were willing to participate; and (3)#Migrainethepainfultruth was yet another campaign conducted among the social media viewers whowere interested to participate. All the campaigns were conducted using two famous social mediaplatforms commonly used by young adults. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and proportionswere computed for the number of likes and shares.RESULTS: The Facebook and Instagram posts concerning all the campaigns brought about aconsiderable amount of reach to the targeted population. After the campaigns, the page reached toaround 10.3 k people (both fans and nonfans).CONCLUSIONS: Use of social media to conduct mental health campaigns is an effective initiativeas one can reach out to several people over a short time period. There is an increasing trend in theawareness of mental health with the effective use of digital media as a platform for disseminatinginformation.

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The effectivity of pictorial health warning to motivate smoking cessation in rural area: A study from Losari village, Indonesia

. Firas Farisi Alkaff; . William Putera Sukmajaya; . Amelya Armadani; . Reynaldy Cliftianto Moksidy; . Rina Syarifah Salma; . Kafin Rifqi; . Gesti Wira Nugrayekti

Volume 10, Issue 3 , March 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Smoking is a significant health problem among Indonesian adolescents and adults.The Indonesian government had issued several policies to alleviate this problem, including ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Smoking is a significant health problem among Indonesian adolescents and adults.The Indonesian government had issued several policies to alleviate this problem, including placementof pictorial health warning (PHW) on cigarette package. There had been several evaluation studiesregarding the effectivity of PHW in urban areas but none in rural areas. This study aims to evaluatethe effectivity of PHW in motivating smoking cessation in a rural area in Indonesia.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross‑sectional study conducted in August2017 in Losari village, Indonesia. Respondents of this study were villagers aged 18–60 years whowere active smokers and purchased cigarette with PHW on the package. The research instrumentsfor this study were questionnaire and printout pictures of each PHW approved by the Indonesiangovernment.RESULTS: There were 94 respondents recruited in this study. Among them, only 26 (27.7%) statedthat PHW motivated them to stop smoking. From the five figures of PHW, a picture of lung cancerwas the most effective PHW to motivate smoking cessation. Eighty‑one of 94 respondents affirmthat there are other factors besides PHW that might motivate them to stop smoking. Most of themagreed that an increase in cigarette price will force them to stop smoking.CONCLUSIONS: Current PHW used on cigarette package might be ineffective in motivating smokingcessation at Losari village. Further study with larger samples needs to be done to confirm this finding.

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Peer education for medical students on health promotion and clinical risk management

. Laura Brunelli; . Annarita Tullio; . Giuseppe Perri; . Lucia Lesa; . Lucrezia Grillone; . Giulio Menegazzi; . Corrado Pipan; . Francesca Valent; . Silvio Brusaferro; . Maria Parpinel

Volume 10, Issue 3 , March 2020, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  CONTEXT: Health promotion (HP) and clinical risk management (CRM) topics are seldom discussedduring medical school lessons. Peer‑assisted learning (PAL) has long occurred informally ...  Read More CONTEXT: Health promotion (HP) and clinical risk management (CRM) topics are seldom discussedduring medical school lessons. Peer‑assisted learning (PAL) has long occurred informally in medicaleducation, and interest in this method has recently grown, as it is considered a valuable techniquefor both tutors and tutees.AIMS: The aim was to evaluate the impact of HP and CRM PAL intervention on medicalstudents’ (tutees) knowledge level.SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A PAL intervention has been implemented at Udine University medicalschool during 2017. It was composed of lectures and practical activities conducted by ten near‑peertutors.METHODS: The effectiveness has been evaluated by giving tutees: (1) a knowledge multiple‑choicequestionnaire, before and after the intervention; (2) a satisfaction questionnaire; and evaluating (3)tutees’ group assignments.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: We performed descriptive analysis; then McNemar, Wilcoxonsigned rank, Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney, and t‑tests were applied.RESULTS: The number of students addressed by PAL intervention was 62. Difference in totalcorrect answers among pre‑ and post‑intervention questionnaires showed a statistically significantimprovement  (P  <  0.0001), both when analyzing it globally and by area  (HP/CRM). Students’satisfaction for CRM was greater than for HP area (P = 0.0041).CONCLUSIONS: This educational intervention based on PAL showed its effectiveness producinga statistically significant improvement in students’ knowledge. Our findings confirm that PAL couldbe a feasible method for HP and CRM topics.

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Implementation of home‑based health promotion program to improve flow‑mediated dilation among patients with subacute stroke

. Fariborz Khorvash; . Hossein Shahnazi; . Mohammad Saadatnia; . Fatemeh Esteki‑Ghashghaei

Volume 10, Issue 2 , February 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Stroke causes physiologic functional changes such as vascular resistance andarterial remodeling. This study aimed to explore the effects of 3‑month regular home‑based ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Stroke causes physiologic functional changes such as vascular resistance andarterial remodeling. This study aimed to explore the effects of 3‑month regular home‑based exerciserehabilitation on brachial flow‑mediated dilation (FMD), daily physical activity, and upper and lowerextremity sensorimotor of the acute ischemic stroke patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized control trial was done from August 2017 to September2018. Patients with unilateral ischemic stroke were recruited from inpatient wards at an educationalhospital. Patients were randomly assigned to the home‑based rehabilitation program (interventiongroup) or usual care (control group). Fugl‑Meyer upper and lower extremity sensorimotor score andBarthel score were evaluated in both the groups before and 3 months after baseline assessment.Furthermore, brachial artery vasomotor reactivity (FMD) hemiparetic arm assessed vascular health.The intervention group received home‑based rehabilitation exercise program for 3 months. Thecontrol group did not receive home‑based rehabilitation program and incentive telephone call. Alldata were collected and analyzed by SPSS software (version 20) and appropriate statistical tests.RESULTS: Forty ischemic stroke patients (twenty in the intervention group and twenty in the controlgroup) were examined. Results showed that Barthel score and Fugl‑Meyer upper and lower extremityscore and FMD in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group after 3‑monthhome‑based exercise rehabilitation (P < 0/001).CONCLUSION: Twelve‑week regular home‑based exercise training was well tolerated by theintervention group. After this period, improvements were reported in brachial FMD as well as dailyphysical activity and upper and lower extremity functional capacity.

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The effect of self‑care education regarding high‑risk behaviors of acquired immune deficiency syndrome and smoking on knowledge and attitude of adolescent girls: An experimental study to health promotion

. Forogh Borandegi; . Fatemeh Rahmanian; . Zahra Yazdanpanahi; . Azar Nematollahi

Volume 10, Issue 1 , January 2020, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The vulnerability of the youth to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) andsmoking is one of the most important public health issues around the world. Adequate knowledgeabout ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The vulnerability of the youth to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) andsmoking is one of the most important public health issues around the world. Adequate knowledgeabout AIDS and smoking is a powerful tool for promoting positive attitudes and safe behaviors.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of self‑care education on AIDS and smokingon the level of adolescents’ knowledge and health attitude.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was conducted in the academic year of2017–2018, and the participants were selected using randomized cluster sampling. These participantsincluded 220 female students of the third grade of middle school in Isfahan (105 in the interventiongroup and 115 in the control group). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire; aresearcher‑made questionnaire on knowledge about AIDS, knowledge about smoking, and attitudestoward smoking; and a standard questionnaire on students’ attitude toward AIDS. After completing thepretest, the intervention group performed two training sessions and completed the posttest 1 monthlater. One month after completing the pretest, the control group completed the posttest and did notreceive an intervention. Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, statistical tests,and statistical software SPSS version 22.RESULTS: The results showed that despite the similarity between the two groups at the beginningof the study, after self‑care education, the knowledge level of AIDS (P < 0.001) and attitudetoward AIDS (P < 0.001) and the knowledge level of smoking (P < 0.001) and attitude towardsmoking (P < 0.001) in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group. Inintragroup analysis, it was also observed that the difference between the scores before and afterwas only significant in the intervention group.CONCLUSION: It seems that education can promote the level of knowledge and attitude ofadolescents toward AIDS.

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Educating school students and gauging their perception about the harmful effects of smoking using a “FacialAgeing App (mobile application):” An experience from Malaysia

. Roy Rillera Marzo; . Sudip Bhattacharya; . Shalini Ravichandran; . Pavithra Lakshmanan; . Valerie Rukshana Jeffery; . Praveena Moralitheran; . Amaluddin Ahmad; . Jegathambigai Ramashwar Naidu

Volume 9, Issue 12 , December 2019, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Smoking is one of the leading factors of mortality in Malaysia. Most youngsters startat adolescence, fascinated by the concept of smoking. Interventions that harness the ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Smoking is one of the leading factors of mortality in Malaysia. Most youngsters startat adolescence, fascinated by the concept of smoking. Interventions that harness the broad availabilityof mobile phones, as well as adolescents’ interest in their appearance, may be an innovative wayto advance school‑based prevention. This study aims to determine the perceptions of facial‑agingapps among secondary school students.METHODOLOGY: For this research, descriptive cross‑sectional study using simple random samplingmethod was used. Population sampling was targeted toward three government schools. The totalnumber of respondents is 383, with all of them aged between 13 and‑ 16 years of age. Legalconsiderations were taken to maintain the confidentiality of respondents. The specific objectivesare: 1. To determine the level of change of intention on smoking, 2. To know the perceived reactionsof the peer groups on the appearances of students as nonsmokers, 3. To determine whether thestudents learned new benefits of nonsmokingand, 4. To measure the impact of a facial‑aging appamong students.RESULTS: The number of respondents who smoke was 40 (10.4%), while the number of respondentswho do not smoke was 343 (89.6%). About 89% of the respondents agree that their three‑dimensionalselfie image motivates them not to smoke. In addition, 87.8% of respondents admit that the perceivedreactions of their classmates make them think that they look better as nonsmokers. After learningthe effects of smoking, about 86.4% of the respondents acknowledged that they would educatetheir peer groups. Furthermore, 85.9% of the respondents found this “Smokerface” app enjoyable.CONCLUSION: The facial‑aging intervention was effective in motivating Malaysian pupils to stayaway from tobacco use. Thus, the analysis on the study of facial app usage in smoking preventionamong youngsters concludes that most of the adolescents concur that the “Smokerface” app helpsin the prevention of smoking among youths.

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Evaluation of students’ mental and social health promotion educational programs: A systematic review

. Najmeh Baghian; . Ali Akbari Sari; . Mohsen Shati; . Hossein Fallahzadeh; . Batoul Ahmadi

Volume 9, Issue 12 , December 2019, , Pages 8-11

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Various programs are implemented internationally to promote the mental and socialhealth of the students in schools. This study systematically reviewed and categorized ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Various programs are implemented internationally to promote the mental and socialhealth of the students in schools. This study systematically reviewed and categorized all resources,indicators, and criteria for evaluating mental and social programs of schools.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was conducted by collecting datafrom the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science databasesusing the keywords of “evaluation, mental health program, social health program, behavioraland emotional program.” In the initial review, 4295 studies were found, which reduced to 75 afterremoving the repetitions and evaluating the studies’ quality. The articles were selected using thePRISMA chart.RESULTS: The findings resulted in three main categories of structure, process, andoutcome; 16 subcategories; and 166 codes. The category of structure included the subcategories ofhuman resources, physical space, facilities, training, needed committees and teams, financing, andimplementing mental and social programs. The subcategories of process category were functionalindicators, guidelines and protocols, communication, documentation, planning/coordination, timemanagement, and monitoring. The subcategories of behavioral‑therapeutic, satisfaction, andeducational outcomes were associated with the outcome category.CONCLUSION: Application of the structure, process, and outcome indicators, derived from thefindings of this study, will greatly improve evaluation of the international mental health programs inschools.

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The effect of educational program based on theory of planned behavior on health promotion and childbearing of minor thalassemia couples

. Khadijeh Sarayloo; . Zahra Behboodi Moghadam; . Mohsen Saffari; . Habibollah Esmaily; . Khadijeh Mirzaii Najmabadi

Volume 9, Issue 10 , October 2019, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: It is essential to provide key information and support to every woman regardingpregnancy and childbirth to enable all women to make a fully informed decision regarding ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: It is essential to provide key information and support to every woman regardingpregnancy and childbirth to enable all women to make a fully informed decision regarding their choiceof reproduction. The study aimed to find the impact of an educational program based on the Theoryof Planned Behavior (TPB) on health promotion and childbearing of minor thalassemia couples.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was quasi‑experimental. A total of 70 women with minorthalassemia held in Minudasht health center were classified into two groups: study and control. Thestudy group received the educational program based on TPB, and the control group only receivedthe routine program. The data were collected using the TPB‑based questionnaire at baseline and3 months after the intervention. They were analyzed by Chi‑square, Student’s t‑test, Wilcoxon test,and regression analysis through SPSS version 16.RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) ages of the participants in the control and study groupwere 30.69 (6.20) and 31.08 (6.66), respectively. There were significant differences betweenthe two groups (study vs. control) in terms of perceived behavioral control, intention, attitude, orchildbearing behavior (P < 0.001). The change in fertility behaviors had a significant increase in thestudy group (62.8%) compared to the control group (2.9%) (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the TPB is an effective model to explain fertility intentionsand behaviors in Iranian women with minor thalassemia; however, further researches are neededto generalize our findings to other people including healthy women.

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