Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Metamemory functioning and memory strategies used among medical students

. Kinjari Kancharla; . Sagayaraj Kanagaraj; . Ram Gopal C. N.

Volume 13, Issue 1 , January 2023, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Metamemory can be described as an intentional endeavor to guide or controlone’s memory processes. In other words, awareness and knowledge of one’s own memory ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Metamemory can be described as an intentional endeavor to guide or controlone’s memory processes. In other words, awareness and knowledge of one’s own memory processand strategies for using the memories effectively. Planning, allocating cognitive resources, selectingstrategies, assessing understanding, and evaluating performance all rely heavily on metamemorialinformation. For efficient learning, good memory abilities are necessary. This study aimed tounderstand metamemory functioning and to see if there were any gender differences in metamemoryfunctioning among medical students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted by collecting data from350 medical students using the Memory Functioning Questionnaire in 2021. The sample group wasselected from medical colleges in South India such as Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana,and Andhra Pradesh using a purposive sampling technique. This questionnaire focused on theseriousness of forgetting, the rate at which people recalled things over time, and frequency of useof mnemonics and techniques that assist memory. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t‑test,correlation, and regression were used for analysis.RESULTS: There was a significant difference based on gender among medical students in generalmemory functioning and frequency of forgetting (P < 0.001). Similarly, it was also found that genderwas a major predictor of general memory functioning and frequency of forgetting among medicalstudents (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Most medical students believe they have a minor memory issue. Even if the majorityof medical students forget information, the vast majority of them believe they have an exceptionalmemory. Gender acts as a significant predictor of general memory performance and forgetfulness.

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‘Eat Right, Future Bright: Nutrition Education Program’ (ERFB-NEP) module for aboriginal primary school children in Malaysia

. Nur A. Nordin; . Syasya N. Haris; . Syahrul B. A. Hamid

Volume 13, Issue 1 , January 2023, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Nutrition is essential for schoolchildren to reach their full potential psychologicallyand cognitively. Malnutrition, which is prevalent among aboriginal schoolchildren ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Nutrition is essential for schoolchildren to reach their full potential psychologicallyand cognitively. Malnutrition, which is prevalent among aboriginal schoolchildren in Malaysia,can interfere their learning and academic performance. Developing a module to be used during aschool‑based nutritional intervention program is essential to ensuring that students develop healthyeating habits and lifestyles. Thus, this study aims to develop and validate nutrition education modulefocusing on aboriginal schoolchildren for the eat right future bright (ERFB) nutrition education program.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in three steps: Step 1:development of module based on literature reviews, Step 2: content and face validation of the moduleby the expert panels, and Step 3: face validation of the module by target users. This study has usedthe validation form proposed by de Castro. This form consists of seven aspects, two aspects relatedto content validity and another four aspects related to face validity. A content validity index (CVI) wasused to analyze the content validity. Two formulas were used to calculate CVI, which were I‑CVI andS‑CVI. Meanwhile, the data for module’s face used the level of agreement.RESULTS: Both I‑CVI and S‑CVI obtained more than 0.78 and 0.80, respectively, which indicatethat the module has good content validity. Moreover, for face validity, the total of agreement fromexpert panels and target users was more than 75%, which is considered face validated.CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the module that has been developed has good content validity and canbe used by teachers in teaching appropriate nutrition knowledge to aboriginal primary schoolchildren.

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Using theory of reasoned action to reduce high‑risk sexual behaviors among patients with HPV: A randomized controlled trial

. Nima Pourgholamamiji; . Hooman Shahsavari; . Arpi Manookian; . Tahereh Soori; . Maryam Zandkarimkhani; . Zahra Zare

Volume 13, Issue 1 , January 2023, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted diseases are a major health problem in all countries. Humanpapillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common viral sexually transmitted disease in both ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted diseases are a major health problem in all countries. Humanpapillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common viral sexually transmitted disease in both genders.High‑risk sexual behaviors (HRSBs) are among the major risk factors for HPV infection. Lack ofknowledge can contribute to HRSBs and hence, education can potentially reduce HRSB risk. Thisis a study using theory of reasoned action to reduce the high‑risk sexual behaviors among patientswith HPV.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a two‑grouped, randomized, controlled trial. Theeducational program was developed based on the results of a survey into the most importantcomponents of the theory of reasoned action contributing to HRSBs among 100 patients recruitedfrom Razi hospital, Tehran, Iran. Then, 110 patients from the same hospital were consecutivelyrecruited and randomly allocated to a control (n = 55) and an intervention (n = 55) group. Then,each participant in the intervention group was provided with the developed educational program.Their counterparts in the control group solely received routine care services. Three months afterthe first educational session, HRSBs were reassessed in both groups. Data were analyzed via theSPSS software (v. 21.0).RESULTS: After the intervention, the mean score of HRSBs significantly decreased in the interventiongroup (P < 0.001) but did not significantly change in the control group (P = 0.70). The post‑test meanscore of HRSBs in the intervention group was significantly less than the control group (P = 0.015).CONCLUSION: Education based on the theory of reasoned action is effective in significantly reducingHRSBs. Nurses can develop and use educational interventions based on this theory to reduceHRSBs and HPV infection.

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Relationship between the status of occupational health management and job satisfaction among farmers: A health promotion approach

. Hesamedin Askari Majdabadi; . Behzad Khadri; . Elham Akhlaghi Pirposhteh; . Zahra Abbasi Dolatabadi; . Negin Kassiri; . Milad Abbassi; . Zahra Ghalichi-Zave; . Mohsen Poursadeqiyan; . Nasir Amanat; . Ali Salehi Sahlabadi; . Javad Vatani; . Alireza Khammar

Volume 12, Issue 10 , November 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction is one of the most important issues related to human resources inthe organization which can reduce organizational productivity. In this regard, occupational ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction is one of the most important issues related to human resources inthe organization which can reduce organizational productivity. In this regard, occupational health is animportant science related to the health of the workforce in any organization, paying attention to it will helphealth promotion. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between the status ofoccupational health management and job satisfaction among farmers with a health promotion approach.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in 2020. The number of209 farmers from all villages of Zabol was included by census method. Data were collected usinga researcher‑made questionnaire that consisting of three sections of demographic information,occupational safety and health status, and standard job satisfaction questionnaire. At first, the validityand reliability of the questionnaire were evaluated. In addition, 5–10 staff working in Agricultural JihadOrganization were asked about the content, clarity, and simplicity of the questionnaire terms. Contentvalidity index and content validity ratio indexes were calculated as 0.68 and 0.83 for occupationalhealth management and 0.69 and 0.83 for job satisfaction questionnaires, respectively. Instrumentreliability was also assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, which was 0.872. Finally, afterverifying the validity and reliability of the instrument, a questionnaire was used to collect the researchdata. Shapiro–Wilk, Wilcoxon, and Spearman correlation tests were used to analyze the findings.The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. Armonk; NY, USA: IBM Corp.RESULTS: The results of the study indicate that occupational health management was at a moderateto a high level (3.701) and job satisfaction (3.381) was at a moderate to a high level. The standardregression coefficient between occupational health management and job satisfaction was obtainedas 0.571. With a confidence of 95%, it can be stated that occupational health management in Zabolcity under the supervision of jihad‑e‑agriculture organization has a significant impact on farmers’job satisfaction. In addition, the research findings confirmed a positive and significant relationshipbetween occupational health management and job satisfaction of employed farmers and showed thatthe implementation of occupational safety and health programs in the jihad‑e‑agriculture organizationcan affect the job satisfaction of farmers.CONCLUSION: According to the evaluation of research findings, job satisfaction and occupationalhealth management in the Agricultural Jihad Organization are relatively favorable among farmersin Zabol city. It was argued that there is a relationship between occupational health managementand job satisfaction, that the implementation of programs related to occupational safety and healthmanagement system such as Health and Safety Executive will promote health.

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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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A model for implementing oral health‑promoting school: Integration with dental students’ educational curriculum: A protocol study

. Bahareh Tahani; . Imaneh Asgari

Volume 12, Issue 7 , August 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Schools are ideal setting for children’s oral health‑promoting programs. It is anintegrated model for oral health‑promoting schools (OHPS) with the capacities ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Schools are ideal setting for children’s oral health‑promoting programs. It is anintegrated model for oral health‑promoting schools (OHPS) with the capacities of dental school’scurriculum and dental students as workforces. In this protocol, the principle of planning andimplementation of the oral health program is described.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the PRECEDE‑Policy, Regulatory, and OrganizationalConstructs in Educational and Environmental Development (PROCEED) planning model, a frameworkfor determining the potential predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors that could be interveningwas diagnosed. To adapt the phases of the planning model for integration of the “OHPS” principlesand the dental students’ curriculum, the following steps are supposed to be considered: Phases1–5 which are to assess the baseline data will include the assessment of children oral health statusand parents and teachers’ knowledge, attitude, and performance. Phase 6 or implementation phasewill be allocated to oral health education interventions for students, parents, and teachers, professionalscreening, prevention, and referral. Phase 7 or the process assessment phase will be to record thenumber of screened students, the amount of fissure sealant and fluoride provision, and percentageof trained parents and teachers. Phase 8 or the impact assessment phase will assess the students’improvement in knowledge and practice, decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores, teachers andmothers’ oral health attitudes and behaviors, and brushing and flossing behaviors. At the last, costanalysis of the program and long‑term monitoring of the interventions is suggested.CONCLUSION: In case that the effectiveness of this model is proven, it can be implemented by otherdental schools for the primary schools in their regions. Considering the number and distribution ofdental schools in the country, this model is executable as targeted population oral health promotionapproach in 6–12‑year‑old schoolchildren.

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Effectiveness of educational intervention on reducing oxidative stress caused by occupational stress in nurses: A health promotion approach

. Davoud Panahi; . Elham Akhlaghi Pirposhteh; . Bayan Moradi; . Mohsen Poursadeqiyan; . Ali Salehi Sahlabadi; . Amir Kavousi

Volume 12, Issue 7 , August 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Nursing is one of the most stressful occupations. Educational intervention regardingstress management can play an important role in reducing occupational stress among nurses ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Nursing is one of the most stressful occupations. Educational intervention regardingstress management can play an important role in reducing occupational stress among nurses Thepresent study aimed to determine the effectiveness of educational intervention on reducing oxidativestress caused by occupational stress in nurses: A health promotion approach in a hospital in westernIran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present interventional study was performed in 2019 among92 nurses working at the Kosar Hospital located in the city of Sanandaj in the country of Iran.Occupational stress was evaluated using the Osipow Occupational Stress Questionnaire. Oxidativestress was measured by taking blood samples and measuring the enzymatic activity of superoxidedismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde, and catalase (CAT) using SOD, malondialdehyde (MDA), andCAT kits. Educational intervention was carried out in the second stage. Three months after theintervention, data were taken again.RESULTS: The results of the present study indicated that there was a significant difference inoccupational stress between before and after the educational intervention (P < 0.05). A significantreduction in MDA (P = 0.038) and SOD (P = 0.048) was observed after educational intervention, butthis was not the case for CAT (P = 0.592). There was no significant correlation between occupationalstress with oxidative stress parameters before and after the educational intervention (P < 0.05). Nosignificant difference in occupational stress was observed between men and women. Among theoxidative stress parameters under evaluation, MDA was higher among men compared to womenand this was statistically significant.CONCLUSIONS: Educational intervention regarding occupational stress is effective in reducingoxidative stress among nurses. The group meetings teach stress management to the participantsand enable them to better manage their stress by utilizing their own capabilities. Thus, attention tothis issue is vital in maintaining the mental and physical health of nurses and, in turn, improves thequality of care rendered.

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Health education and global health: Practices, applications, and future research

. Daliya S. Rizvi

Volume 12, Issue 7 , August 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Health education is a crucial consideration in the healthcare system and has the potential to improveglobal health. Recently, researchers have expressed interest in streamlining health ...  Read More Health education is a crucial consideration in the healthcare system and has the potential to improveglobal health. Recently, researchers have expressed interest in streamlining health education, utilizingdigital tools and flexible curriculums to make it more accessible, and expanding beyond disease andsubstance abuse prevention. They have also expressed interest in promoting global health throughhealth and safety promotion programs. Amidst the COVID‑19 pandemic, climate change, the refugeecrisis, and overpopulation, healthcare crises are erupting all over the world. A lack of health educationhas and will continue to have a profound impact on community healthcare indicators, particularly inlow‑income nations. Current priorities within the health education sector include digitization, equity,and infectious disease prevention. Studies and data from university journals and other academicdatabases were analyzed in a literature review. Health education programs have a significant positiveimpact on attitudes and behaviors regarding global health. Improving upon these programs by digitizingthem and expanding upon the scope of health education will help ensure that such interventions andprograms make a significant difference.

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Perceived behavioral control regarding regular physical activity and healthy diet: An observational study among school‑going adolescents in an urban area of West Bengal, India

. Sweety Suman Jha; . Madhumita Dobe; . Chandrashekhar Taklikar; . Arista Lahiri

Volume 12, Issue 7 , August 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Healthy children are the foundation for a healthy and developing nation. Perceivedbehavioral control (PBC), comprising control belief and perceived power, is a person’s ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Healthy children are the foundation for a healthy and developing nation. Perceivedbehavioral control (PBC), comprising control belief and perceived power, is a person’s perception ofthe ease or difficulty of performing the behavior of interest. For facilitating regular physical activity andregular healthy dietary practices among the adolescents, PBC is an important construct to developand implement appropriate interventions. The aim is to assess PBC to perform regular physicalactivity and regular healthy dietary practices and measure their statistical relationship among theschool‑going adolescents in an urban area in West Bengal.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A school‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted among 251adolescents aged 12–16 years after taking consent and assent for participation in the study. Datawere collected with self‑administered questionnaire on sociodemographic variables and the twodomains of PBC, i.e., control beliefs and perceived power, related to regular physical activity andregular healthy dietary practices. Each PBC total score was calculated by multiplying control beliefscore and perceived power score for each respondent. Partial correlation coefficient was calculatedbetween regular healthy dietary practices and regular physical activity.RESULTS: Among the total 251 responses analyzed, 34.7% and 27.5% students belonged to agegroup 14 and 15, respectively. It was observed that the mean (± standard deviation) score of PBCregarding regular healthy dietary practices was 100.7 (±27.7) and for regular physical activity was106.0 (±21.4). The correlation between PBC of regular healthy dietary practices and regular physicalactivity was 0.421 and was statistically significant.CONCLUSION: In case PBC score over any behavior is higher, behavioral intention and ultimatelychances of performing that particular behavior increases. Designing appropriate school‑based healthpromotion strategies can lead to healthier children fostering regular healthy dietary practices andregular physical activity in their homes and communities.

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Presenting a conceptual model for designing hospital architecture with a patient‑centered approach based on the patient’s lived experience of sense of place in the therapeutic space

. Mansour Pagiri Ghalehnoei; . Mohammad Massoud; . Mohammad H. Yarmohammadian

Volume 12, Issue 5 , June 2022, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: In recent years, among managers and designers of health‑care spaces, therehas been a growing tendency to move toward hospital design by combining patient perceptionsand ...  Read More BACKGROUND: In recent years, among managers and designers of health‑care spaces, therehas been a growing tendency to move toward hospital design by combining patient perceptionsand expectations of the physical environment of the care area. The main idea of this study wasto present a conceptual model of hospital architecture in our country with a patient‑centeredapproach based on some factors that were affecting the sense of place. This model determinedthe architectural features of treatment spaces from a patient’s lived experience that could have apositive mental effect on patients as well. The main question of the research was how to adapt theobjective perception to the patient’s mental perception to create a sense of place in the hospitalspace?MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was qualitative with a phenomenological approach,conducted between July and December 2020. Purposeful sampling consisted of 23 patients, 13 malesin the male surgery unit and 10 females in the gynecology unit, who were interviewed in‑depth. Theywere hospitalized for at least 3 days in two hospitals (Dr. Pirooz in Lahijan and Ghaem in Rasht).The data were analyzed by the Colaizzi method.RESULTS: The results consisted of 530 primary codes, 57 subthemes, and 7 main themes. The mainthemes were hospital location, access to hospital, hospital identity, hospital dependency, hospitalattachment, human interactions in the hospital, and hospital evaluation.CONCLUSION: The hospital form guided the patient, and the hospital function directed and obviatedthe patient’s needs. The healing environment and human interactions with it caused the patient tobe satisfied with the hospital environment.

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Design and implementation of a follow‑up and training program of health‑promoting lifestyle after the coronary artery bypass graft

. Zahra Mansouri; . Ali Tayebi; . Robabe Khalili; . Fakhrudin Faizi

Volume 12, Issue 4 , April 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) plays an important role in reducing coronary heart disease mortality, but patients are still at risk after surgery. Consequences ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) plays an important role in reducing coronary heart disease mortality, but patients are still at risk after surgery. Consequences can be avoided if threatening behaviors are soon detected and lifestyles are promoted. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate, follow‑up, and promote a healthy lifestyle in the patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present research was a quasi‑experimental pre‑ and postintervention single‑group study on 35 patients under the CABG at two hospitals affiliated to the Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences in Tehran from August 2020 to April 2021. The samples were selected using the purposive sampling method and the educational content was determined by creating an expert panel. We utilized the Health‑promoting Lifestyle Profile II to collect data, and SPSS 22 to analyze them.RESULTS: There was a significant difference between mean total scores of health‑promoting lifestyle before and after the intervention and they reached from 138.7 ± 20 to 157.2 ± 18 (P < 0.0001). There was also a statistically significant difference between mean scores of nutrition (P < 0.003), physical activity (P < 0.0001), health responsibility (P < 0.0001), and stress management (P < 0.0001) before and after the intervention, but there was no statistically significant difference between mean scores of interpersonal relationships, and spiritual growth before and after the intervention.CONCLUSIONS: The program had a positive effect on the health‑promoting lifestyle scores of patients after CABG. It is possible to increase scores of healthy lifestyles in the patients by combining face‑to‑face and virtual training methods as well as involving family members and relatives of patients in training and follow‑up programs.

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Determining the characteristics of a mental supportive workplace according to female hospital staff in one of Tehran hospitals: A qualitative study

. Mitra Faghihi; . Aliasghar Farshad; . Maryam Biglari Abhari; . Nammamali Azadi; . Morteza Mansourian

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health‑care workers are exposed to complex types of health and safety hazards. A high percentage of hospital staff in Iran are women, who in addition to heavy and ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health‑care workers are exposed to complex types of health and safety hazards. A high percentage of hospital staff in Iran are women, who in addition to heavy and stressful hospital work, also carry the burden of the family roles. It is in these circumstances that creating a supportive environment for women is of particular importance. Accordingly, this study is designed to determine the characteristics of a mental supporting work environment in the workplace from the perspective of female hospital staff.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed by a qualitative method and content analysis approach. Sampling was purposive and 26 women working in different wards of this hospital were included in the study. In this study, women with maximum diversity in terms of age, work experience, and employment ward were selected. The main method of data collection in this study was a semi‑structured interview. Interview texts were extracted and divided into meaningful units. To validate and confirm the results plus accuracy of the research, the criterion of data validity or data credibility, admissibility, data accuracy, verifiability, reliability, and transferability were used.RESULTS: Through the data analysis, 58 primary concepts with the same features were classified into 10 subcategories. Then, based on common features at a more abstract level, they were converted into four main categories including job stressors, women’s stress management, providing women’s psychological‑job satisfaction, and women’s work‑life balance.CONCLUSION: Creating supportive work environments for women, especially those operating in workplaces such as hospitals, which brings a lot of work pressure and workload for them, can be an important policy for organizations and hospital work environments.

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Role of nongovernmental organizations in Iran’s health system: What do they do and what can they do?

. Mohanna Rajabi; . Parvin Ebrahimi; . Aidin Aryankhesal

Volume 12, Issue 3 , March 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as entities out of the health sector can play various roles and functions at different levels of the health systems. The present ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as entities out of the health sector can play various roles and functions at different levels of the health systems. The present study was conducted to investigate NGOs’ potential and actual functions in Iran’s health system.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This exploratory study was carried out in two parts from April 2020 to December 2020 in Tehran, Iran. For the first part, the statute of 65 NGOs was used for document review, and in the second part, the required data were collected using semi‑structured interviews with 26 key informants from the governmental sector and NGOs. Data were analyzed using the framework analysis method and MAXQDA software.RESULTS: According to data analysis, the results of this study were classified into two sections of NGOs’ current functions and expected functions in Iran’s health system. The current functions of NGOs in Iran’s health system include service delivery, educational, research, and information activities, financing, supportive and facilitation activities, and advocacy. Other functions in which NGOs could play a role include health system management, education, and service providing and support activities.CONCLUSION: In this study, the various roles of NGOs in Iran’s health system were explained. NGOs can act actively as the consulting and executive hand alongside the public sector in the lowest to the highest levels of Iran’s health system. Hence, health sector managers and policymakers must facilitate NGOs’ involvement in the health sector and use their capacities and capabilities to improve health and increase public access to health‑care services.

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Awareness, practices, and myths related to coronavirus disease‑19 among rural people in Kolar District, South India: A community‑based mixed‑methods study

. Surahalli J Naresh; . Mahendra M Reddy; . Ravishankar Suryanarayana; . Ananta Bhattacharyya; . Prasanna B T Kamath

Volume 12, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Capturing the baseline information on awareness, practices, and prevailing myths related to the ongoing coronavirus disease‑19 (COVID‑19) pandemic in rural India ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Capturing the baseline information on awareness, practices, and prevailing myths related to the ongoing coronavirus disease‑19 (COVID‑19) pandemic in rural India will help in planning interventions to improve the health literacy on COVID‑19. The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness, practices, and myths regarding COVID‑19 among rural population of Kolar district in South India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A concurrent mixed‑methods study with a quantitative community‑based cross‑sectional analytical design and a qualitative phenomenological design was conducted in five randomly selected villages during June 2020. A prevalidated and pretested semi‑structured questionnaire was administered to one adult in the households selected using systematic random sampling to capture the sociodemographic details and their awareness, practices, and myths related to COVID‑19. The supervisors additionally and concurrently used a nonparticipant observation technique to record the real‑time behaviors and preventive practices adopted by the villagers. Quantitative analysis was done using STATA and included multivariable regression analysis, and the association was reported using prevalence rates along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Qualitative analysis was done manually as per discussion and concordance among supervisors and reported as categories along with supporting statements.RESULTS: Among the 298 respondents, “poor awareness” was seen in 128 (43.0%, 95% CI: 37.5%–48.6%). Among the responders, 89 (29.9%) believed in the myth that “Corona disease is due to God’s wrath or curse.” The field observations were categorized under three categories – “avoidance of masks,” “nonexistent social distancing,” and “rampant spitting.”CONCLUSION: About two in five villagers were found to have “poor awareness” to COVID, and practices related to COVID were found to be largely unsatisfactory. Lower level of education and belonging to nuclear family were associated with “poor awareness.” Various myths were identified that has to be debunked on priority basis by the government, especially targeting the people having low level of education in rural India.

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Investigating the causes and type of violence against spouses in married men in Kerman

. Ali Mehri; . Maryam Saber; . Mehran Nakhaeizade; . Hadise Safinejad

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Domestic violence against women is a global problem that can lead to manynegative consequences on physical, mental, and social health that various sociocultural causes playa ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Domestic violence against women is a global problem that can lead to manynegative consequences on physical, mental, and social health that various sociocultural causes playa role in its occurrence in different societies. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine thecauses and type of violence against spouses in married men in Kerman.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was performed in 2018. The study wasconducted on 400 married men who experienced violence against their wives. Sampling was amultistage cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire on violence againstwomen. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA),and two‑variate analysis.RESULTS: The results of the data showed that the highest rate of violence in the group of housewiveswas related to physical violence and in the group of women living in dormitories and pregnant womenwas related to verbal violence. The results of data analysis with a one‑way ANOVA test showedthat between the three groups, all dimensions of violence and the overall score of violence hadsignificant changes (P < 0.05). The results of the two‑variate analysis test showed that there was asignificant relationship between the variables of age, duration of marriage, male education, spouseeducation, type of marriage, male job, and spouse job with the overall score of violence in all threegroups (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, it seems that the empowerment ofwomen in all dimensions to improve and promote health to deal with domestic violence is essential.As a result, the relevant measures should be taken by the support systems taking into account thecircumstances of the individuals.

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Determining the frequency of Candida species in women with candidal vaginal infection frequency of Candida species in women with candida vaginal infection

. Mahin Tafazoli; . Mahboobe Gholami; . Zahra Mohebbi-Dehnavi; . Fatemeh Shaghaghi; . Zahra Kamali

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Candidiasis vaginitis is an opportunistic and common mucosal infection. AlthoughCandida albicans is the most common isolated species, other species of Candida such as Candidaglabrata, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Candidiasis vaginitis is an opportunistic and common mucosal infection. AlthoughCandida albicans is the most common isolated species, other species of Candida such as Candidaglabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis have also increasedsignificantly in recent years. The aim of this study was to identify Candida species in women withcandidal vaginal infection in order to promote health in women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional descriptive study was performed on nonpregnantwomen of childbearing age who referred to health centers in Neyshabur in 2018. At the beginning ofthe study, 163 people entered the study and the culture results were positive in 68 of them. In vitro,culture was performed in subduxtrose agar medium containing chloramphenicol and gentamicin.Species identification was performed using Candida specific culture medium (Saburo dextrose agarand chloramphenicol). After culture, 15% of the residual wet slide with potash (KOH) was preparedand observed with a lens. Finally, the data were analyzed with SPSS software version 24.RESULTS: The participants in the study were women with a mean age of 35.55 ± 5.47 and theaverage number of deliveries was 1.38 ± 1.15. In this study, the prevalence of C. albicans was59.7%, C. tropicalis was 14.8%, C. krusei was 15%, and C. glabrata was 7.61% and also krusei andtropicalis were 3% simultaneously. Therefore, C. albicans was the most common species isolatedfrom clinical specimens.CONCLUSION: In this study, the most common species after albicans were C. tropicalis andcruciferous. Considering the role of C. glabrata in the development of resistance to antifungal drugs,the lower prevalence of this species in the present study can be associated with improved treatmentoutcomes in patients.

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Investigating the effect of educational intervention based on the Pender’s health promotion model on lifestyle and self‑efficacy of the patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A clinical trial

. Parya Vakilian; . Mokhtar Mahmoudi; . Fatemeh Oskouie; . Ali Asghar Firouzian; . Alice Khachian

Volume 11, Issue 11 , December 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on thePender’s health promotion model (HPM) on lifestyle and self‑efficacy of the patients ...  Read More BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on thePender’s health promotion model (HPM) on lifestyle and self‑efficacy of the patients with diabeticfoot ulcer.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial conducted in 2019, 74 patients based oninclusion criteria were selected through convenience sampling and allocated to two groups ofintervention (n = 37) and control (n = 37) using the randomized permuted block method. In thisstudy, Demographic characteristics and localized Diabetes Foot Care Self‑Efficacy Scale andHealth‑Promoting Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire for diabetic foot care were completed by two groups.The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 16 and through descriptive and comparative statistics,independent t‑test, paired t‑test, and ANCOVA.RESULTS: After the intervention, the mean score of the intervention group significantly increasedin all lifestyle dimensions (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean score of self‑effcacy increased in theintervention group after the intervention (P < 0.001). Comparing the change in the mean scores oflifestyle and self‑efficacy in both the groups 50 days after the intervention, an increase was observedin the mean scores of self‑efficacy (P < 0.001) as well as those of lifestyle and its dimensions in theintervention group compared to those in the control group (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Educational intervention based on the Pender’s HPM can promote the self‑efficacy,lifestyle, and its dimensions in the patients with diabetic foot ulcers. The results of this study can beused in educational interventions aiming at patients with diabetic foot ulcers to change their lifestyleand improve their self‑efficacy.

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

. Reza Mahmoodi; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Majid Rahimi

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

Abstract

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

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Establishing clinical governance model in primary health care: A systematic review

. Leila Hosseini Ghavamabad; . Abbas Vosoogh‑Moghaddam; . Rouhollah Zaboli; . Mohsen Aarabi

Volume 11, Issue 8 , September 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Clinical governance is a systematic approach to enhancing the quality of primary health care andensuring high clinical standards, responsiveness to performance, and continuous improvementin ...  Read More Clinical governance is a systematic approach to enhancing the quality of primary health care andensuring high clinical standards, responsiveness to performance, and continuous improvementin service quality. The objective of the current study was to investigate the global experiencesof clinical governance in primary health care. In the present systematic review, relevant articlesfrom different countries were searched in various databases such as MD PubMed from Medlineportal, Emerald Springer link, ProQuest, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and Consult untilApril 2019. The searched articles were checked through CASP and PRISMA checklists, and theirresults were extracted. Of the 17 selected studies, 16 belonged to developed countries, includingEngland (13), Australia, Italy, and New Zealand, and one was from Turkey. The findings were dividedinto three general categories: (1) principles of effectiveness and risk management, (2) deploymentrequirements such as structural and organizational needs, resource and communication, andinformation management, and (3) barriers of clinical governance toward providing primary healthcare. it is recommended that a suitable framework or model be developed and designed adaptedto the local culture and taking into account all effective dimensions for a proper establishment andimplementation of clinical governance in primary health care.

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Developing a health‑promoting school using Knowledge to Action framework

. Yogesh Kumar Jain; . Nitin Kumar Joshi; . Pankaj Bhardwaj; . Kuldeep Singh; . Praveen Suthar; . Vibha Joshi

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: There is a lack of organized effort in the arena of school health promotion, whichhas been recognized as an effective approach to combat the growing incidence of communicableand ...  Read More BACKGROUND: There is a lack of organized effort in the arena of school health promotion, whichhas been recognized as an effective approach to combat the growing incidence of communicableand noncommunicable diseases. With this view, a study was conducted to develop comprehensiveand replicable model for health promotion in schools.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Knowledge to Action (KTA) framework recognized by the WorldHealth Organization as an implementational framework was used in an implementation study ina school of urban Jodhpur to assess the challenges and gaps associated with health promotioninterventions in the school. Baseline regarding knowledge application and practices was gatheredusing interviews with school staff, parents, and group interaction with students. Knowledge synthesiswas done by a thorough search of available literature and the gathered baseline. Resource mappingwas carried out using checklists developed from knowledge synthesis. Tailor‑made tools wereconstructed for knowledge implementation for each component of the action cycle. Knowledge offacts related to health behaviors among students was evaluated using pre‑ and postquestionnairesand practical application of knowledge was assessed using a checklist of 28 indicators on a 5‑pointLikert scale. Values of tests were gathered and compared with test values 3 and 6 months after theimplementation of tailored interventions using descriptive and inferential statistics.RESULTS: Increase in correct answers by students (42% to 96%) and average response forindicators on the Likert scale (3.23–4.86) was seen on repeated interventions over 6 months. Tobaccoconsumption by school staff reduced by 20% and an increase in willingness among teachers wasobserved on follow‑up interviews.CONCLUSION: The study thus developed a model for health promotion in a school with the help ofthe KTA framework using tailored interventions that could further be evolved in other setups basedon local needs and available resources.

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Assessing the status and recognizing the performance of various nongovernmental organizations in providing health‑oriented services as opportunities in promoting community health

. Maryam Saber; . Ali Akbar Haghdoost; . Hassan Eftekhar; . Hadise Safinejad

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: nongovernmental organizations (NGOs( are the hidden system of promoting publichealth and the symbol and mediator of people’s participation. The aim of the present ...  Read More BACKGROUND: nongovernmental organizations (NGOs( are the hidden system of promoting publichealth and the symbol and mediator of people’s participation. The aim of the present research wasto assess the status and recognize the performance of various NGOs in providing health‑orientedservices as opportunities in promoting community health.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a descriptive–analytical (cross‑sectional)study, which was conducted on the position and function of all NGOs in Kerman from February 2014to the end of January 2015. A researcher‑made checklist was used to collect the data, which wasdesigned based on the statutes of NGOs. The information was collected from a total of 150 NGOs.To analyze the data, in addition to descriptive statistical tests (frequency, percentage, mean, andstandard deviation), other tests were also used (Chi‑square test and Fisher’s exact test). Moreover,all data analysis was done using SPSS (ver. 16).RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between the levels of prevention and field of activityand the objectives and methods of implementation of these objectives (P < 0.001). There was asignificant relationship between health prevention levels in the target community of the NGO andinitial assets (P = 0.02), licensing organization (P < 0.001), management type in terms of the boardof trustees or membership availability (P < 0.001), relevance of members’ major with organizationalgoals (P = 0.02), and activeness or inactiveness of the organization (P = 0.007).CONCLUSION: The results showed that there was a relationship between NGO’s target populationin terms of levels of prevention and the studied factors. The relationship between the services ofthese organizations and the levels of prevention is a very important and effective role in communityhealth promotion.

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Community empowerment for health promotion in slums areas: A narrative review with emphasis on challenges and interventions

. Mohammad Hosein Mehrolhasani; . ahid Yazdi‑Feyzabadi; . Sara Ghasemi

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-12

Abstract

  Community empowerment has been proposed since the 1980s as a way to increase people’s powerto influence social determinants of health. However, community empowerment for health ...  Read More Community empowerment has been proposed since the 1980s as a way to increase people’s powerto influence social determinants of health. However, community empowerment for health promotionin urban slums still faces challenges. The present study examined interventions, challenges, actors,scopes, and the consequences mentioned in various studies and with emphasizing interventionsand executive challenges tried to create a clear understanding of empowerment programs in slumsand improving their health. Narrative review method was used to conduct the study. Databasesincluding PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched. The selectionof studies was done according to the “community empowerment” defined by the World HealthOrganization, the concept of bottom–up approach for health promotion of Laverack and Labonte’sstudy and definition of slums by UN-HABITAT. Finally, Hare and Noblit’s meta-synthesis was usedto analyze the studies. From 15 selected studies, the most intervention proposed for empowermentwas identified to be “residents’ participation in expressing problems and solutions.” The challenge of“creating a sense of trust and changing some attitudes among residents” was the greatest challengein the studies. Moreover, “improving living conditions and health services” were the most importantoutcomes, “slum residents” and “governments” were the most important actors, and “sanitation”was the most important scope among the studies. Having a comprehensive view to the health andits determinants and attention to the factors beyond neighborhood and health sector would lead tofewer implementation challenges and better intervention choices to health promotion of slum dwellers.

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Application of health education and promotion theory‑based interventions on patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review

. Bahram Mohebbi; . Maryam Sabouri; . Azar Tol

Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-14

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Adopting healthy behaviors can lead to better outcomes which can deeply impactcardiovascular diseases (CVDs) development; consequently, tailoring appropriate theory‑basedinterventions ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Adopting healthy behaviors can lead to better outcomes which can deeply impactcardiovascular diseases (CVDs) development; consequently, tailoring appropriate theory‑basedinterventions may improve various outcomes among patients at CV risks. This study aimed to assesspublished researches on the application of health education and promotion of intrapersonal andinterpersonal theories/models’ interventions on patients with CVD.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this systematic review, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar,Scopus, Science Direct, and SID, Magiran databases for English and Persian studies were searchedusing relevant keywords, respectively. We searched for interventional studies published with no timelimits until the end of 2020 assessing the application of health education and promotion theories/modelsinterventions on adult patients with CVDs. Two reviewers individually reviewed abstracts/full‑textarticles to assess inclusion according to predefined criteria. In case of discrepancy between the tworesearchers, a third expert was requested to assess papers, and final selection decision was madebased on the agreement among the three evaluators. This systematic review was conducted usingthe following data extraction steps and assessing the quality of the studies and results.RESULTS: From 60 articles, 35 studies met inclusion criteria. Most interventions improved at leastsome educational including models constructs (20%), clinical (14.2%), and practical (88.5%) outcomerelated to CVDs. It is noted that attention to educational, practical, and clinical outcomes was focusedin published papers, respectively. Furthermore, based on the study categorization using models,some CVDs and theories/models were more concerned compared to others.CONCLUSIONS: Health education and promotion theory‑based interventions on patients with CVDappeared beneficial in the most published paper.

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Health‑promoting services provided in pharmacies: A systematic review

. Arash Shirdel; . Abolghasem Pourreza; . Amin Daemi; . Batoul Ahmadi

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

Abstract

  Pharmacies are a major component of health systems and a major part of health serviceprovision. This study aimed at identifying and introducing the potentials of pharmaciesin health ...  Read More Pharmacies are a major component of health systems and a major part of health serviceprovision. This study aimed at identifying and introducing the potentials of pharmaciesin health promotion. This was a systematic review that searched PubMed, Web of Science,Science Direct, SID, Magiran, and IranMedex from February 1990 to September 2018 forrelated materials. The main search keywords were (pharmacy services), (communitypharmacy services), (retail pharmacy services), (pharmacy practice intervention). Inclusionwas limited to those papers that discussed the health‑promoting services provided inthe pharmacies. The quality of included papers was assessed by the Critical AppraisalSkills Program checklists. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews andMeta‑Analyses chart was followed in all stages of the study. Of the 4156 papers retrieved,18 met the inclusion criteria and included in the analysis. Study findings were categorizedinto three main categories: Health and prevention services, services related to treatments,and the awareness about the pharmacies’ functions. The health and prevention categoryconsisted of education, vaccination, screening and prevention of diseases, family planning,blood pressure monitoring, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and weight management. Thetreatment‑related services consisted of adherence to medication, medication consultation,minor pains, and emergency medical services. Pharmacies can provide a wide variety ofservices besides the medications. Purposeful development of the services provided in thepharmacies and involving them in an extended array of services may accelerate the healthpromotion activities of the health system and result in improved quality of life and decreasedcosts. To do so, the legal, educational‑skill, and pricing challenges should be resolved.

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Providing and promoting health‑oriented services by nongovernmental organizations: A qualitative study

. Maryam Saber; . AliAkbar Haghdoost; . Mohammad-Hossein Taghdisi; . Hassan Eftekhar; . Hadise Safinejad; . Ali Mehri

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Benefactors of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are the hidden public healthpromotion systems. These benefactors are the symbol and intermediary of people participation, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Benefactors of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are the hidden public healthpromotion systems. These benefactors are the symbol and intermediary of people participation, whichis one of the main arms of health promotion and reduction of poverty and injustice in the societies.The present study is aimed to identify the benefactors’ experiences in NGOs in terms of providingand promoting health‑oriented services.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach. The totalnumber of participants was 32, which consisted of 25 chief executive officers from active and inactiveorganizations. Active organizations refer to organizations that submitted their 6‑month report at thetime of the investigation and whose operating license was renewed and in operation and sevenofficials of the social deputy of governmental organizations related to NGOs. Data collection wasperformed by using semi‑structured interviews and with purposive sampling and then continued untildata saturation. Furthermore, the content analysis method was used for data analysis. MAXQDAsoftware version 2007 was used to manage quality data.RESULTS: During the data analysis, the following four subcategories were obtained: “high effortin empathy with fellow human beings,” “role of merit in the success of donors,” “creating a platformfor social attention for the client’s spontaneity,” and “respect of the client,” which were the results ofexperience and dimensions. The performance of non‑governmental organizations is in line with theconfrontation and responsibility of non‑governmental organizations with a focus on health‑orientedservices.CONCLUSION: Having benevolent motives, benefactors attempt to provide conditions, in which helpseekers have more chance for living through establishing new, sustainable, and future‑reassuringconditions.

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