Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic on nurses mental health status in Iraq

. Burhan Hadi; . Saja H. Mohammed

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The COVID‑19 pandemic is a major health crisis that has changed the life ofmillions globally. Coronaviruses are viruses’ group that can contract animals and humans ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The COVID‑19 pandemic is a major health crisis that has changed the life ofmillions globally. Coronaviruses are viruses’ group that can contract animals and humans and thecause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS),and COVID‑19. Nurses are the primary service providers in the health care; nurses who are in closecontact with infectious patients need to get their mental health checked and supervised on a regularbasis, particularly with regard to stress, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, so that they can provide optimalquality of life and healthy mental health to have good care for patients to assess the impact of thepandemic on mental health status for nurses in Iraq.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of sample study (1000) nurses in Iraq completed an onlinequestionnaire between March and May 2021. Psychological impact was assessed using thedepression anxiety stress scale (DASS21).RESULTS: The study revealed impact COVID‑19 on mental health status (anxiety stress) andno impact COVID‑19 on mental health status (depression) for nurses was (P value = 0.040 andP value = 0.045, respectively).CONCLUSION: The impact COVID‑19 on mental health status for nurses. Protecting the nursingstaff from chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, which constitutes a psychological burden on healthduring the outbreak of the COVID‑19 pandemic, by clarifying the disease and how to prevent it, aswell as providing the personal protective equipment to decrease stress, anxiety, and depressionduring the pandemic.

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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Challenges faced by health professions educationists en route to educational reforms in Pakistan

. Laila S. Abbasi; . Rahila Yasmeen; . Taliya Sajjad

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Since the field of health professions education (HPE) is an emerging trend in thecountry, educationists face considerable challenges in their workplaces while proposing ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Since the field of health professions education (HPE) is an emerging trend in thecountry, educationists face considerable challenges in their workplaces while proposing any changesin the existing systems of academic institutions. The challenges affect the quality of work, hinderinnovation, and create a dysfunctional work environment, non‑conducive for both personal andprofessional progress. The study was conducted to explore the various kinds of challenges facedby educationists while bringing changes to the existing systems of academic institutions in Pakistan.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative exploratory research design was used to explore thechallenges faced by health professions educationists in Pakistan during their efforts to bring aboutchanges in the existing systems and structures. Thirteen health professions educationists workingin various academic institutions of Pakistan were interviewed through one‑to‑one semi‑structuredinterviews from March to May 2022. The data obtained were analyzed through manual thematicanalysis, and themes and subthemes were identified.RESULTS: Four themes emerged after qualitative data analysis explaining the predominantchallenges faced by educationists. These included challenges related to faculty and staff, institutionalconstraints, challenges from leadership, and stakeholders’ apprehension.CONCLUSION: Challenges are inevitable at every workplace but the field of health professionseducation in Pakistan faces significant challenges in institutions, leading to hindrance in positivedevelopments and innovations in the field. Educationists should be skilled at recognizing thepredominant challenges in the workplace and be equipped with strategies to manage conflicts toachieve productive results and to promote the long‑overdue reforms in the field.

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Impact of COVID‑19 pandemic on learning status of student in Nepal

. Gautam Prasad Chaudhary; . Ram Bahadur Khadka; . Anjana Lamichhane; . Bhawana Dhakal; . Nikita Das; . Niraj Sing Tharu; . Khimdhoj Karki; . Jitendra Pandey

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic onthe learning status of students from different educational boards and universities of Nepal. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic onthe learning status of students from different educational boards and universities of Nepal. An onlinesurvey was conducted from tenth to twentieth of September 2020 to record the data.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A self‑designed questionnaire link, using “Google form” was sent tothe students via social networks. A total of 589 participants shared their complete information. Thesimple percentage distribution was employed to evaluate the learning status of the students.RESULTS: During the lockdown period, >70% of the students were engaged in online classes, mostcommonly by using the Zoom app. The majority of the students were using WIFI as an internet sourceto attend online classes. Students have been suffering from various problems related to anxiety,stress, economic crises, poor internet connectivity, deprivation of study materials, required e‑learningaccessories, and an unsuitable study environment. Mainly, students from remote areas and middleincome families suffered enormously. Among those participants, who were able to attend the onlineclasses, the majority of students (70%) were dissatisfied with the ongoing online classes. Only 23.3%of the participants suggested the feasibility of online classes in the near future.CONCLUSION: Our study recommended that training teachers and students about online classesmight create effectiveness toward e‑learning. The government needs to provide free internetservices to the remote areas and the poor students since in the current scenario, huge numbers ofthe population are struggling with the economic burden.

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Perceptions and barriers of health‑care professionals to develop and implement interprofessional education in UAE: A qualitative study

. Syed Wasif Gillani; . Anam Azhar; . Arshiya Shadab; . Shabaz Mohiuddin Gulam

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the perception, perspectives, and behaviors ofhealth‑care providers, as well as cues to action toward interprofessional education (IPE).MATERIALS ...  Read More BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the perception, perspectives, and behaviors ofhealth‑care providers, as well as cues to action toward interprofessional education (IPE).MATERIALS AND METHODS: The interview sessions were conducted from August 2020 toNovember 2020 at the College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman. The invitedparticipants belonged to all the colleges which are a part of GMU, providing academic and practicesupport to the university. All were residents of UAE, and both genders were considered for qualitativeassessment. The sample size based on data saturation plus two as standard guidelines in qualitativeres earch. All the interviews were audiotaped for verbatim transcriptions. All the recorded interviewswere transcribed to avoid bias. The prepared transcripts were then verified for accuracy by therelevant participant and after approval, data were analyzed. In case of an emergent theme, all theinvestigators were focused on refining the analysis.RESULTS: A total of 17 health‑care professionals (HCPs) were interviewed. The participants werechosen from five different colleges at GMU. All the participants had similar perceptions about IPE,as it is a collaboration between different HCPs to achieve better patient outcomes. A diversity inperspectives toward IPE was found among the participants. Several barriers were identified duringthe interview session and also highlighted the importance of choosing the right topic for IPE, as itaffects planning of the activities greatly. The participants also stressed that the lack of communicationalso contributes to decreased involvement of HCPs.CONCLUSION: This study identified inefficient implementation of IPE. The barriers were lack of teameffort, lack of communication within the institute, and administrative support, despite the availabilityof resources and infrastructure in the university.

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Effect of cognitive–behavioral training on fear of childbirth and sleep quality of pregnant adolescent slum dwellers

. Farnoosh Khojasteh; . Mahdie Afrashte; . Samira Khayat; . Ali Navidian

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Fear of childbirth is a common problem during pregnancy, which can give rise tosleep disorders and diminish sleep quality. This study aimed to determine the effect of cognitive–behavioral ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Fear of childbirth is a common problem during pregnancy, which can give rise tosleep disorders and diminish sleep quality. This study aimed to determine the effect of cognitive–behavioral training on fear of childbirth and sleep quality of pregnant adolescent slum dwellers whovisited the slum health centers of Zahedan city, Iran, in 2020.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi‑experimental study was conducted in 2020 on 100 pregnantadolescent slum dwellers between 11 and 19 years old at 24–28 weeks pregnant. Multi‑stage samplingwas used and the participants were randomly divided into an intervention and a control group. Theintervention group received four sessions of cognitive–behavioral training at weekly intervals. Thecontrol group only received routine care. The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaireand the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were filled before and 4 weeks after the training course.The data were analyzed in SPSS 21 using independent t‑test, paired t‑test, Fisher’s exact test, andChi‑squared test. and covariance. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: After the intervention, the fear of childbirth significantly decreased (P = 0.004), and sleepquality significantly improved (P = 0.001) in the intervention group compared with the control group.The results of analysis of covariance to control the significant effect of pre‑test scores showed thatthe mean score of fear of childbirth (P = 0.03) and mean score of sleep quality (P = 0.001) in thetwo groups after the intervention was statistically significant.CONCLUSION: The results showed that in addition to reducing fear of childbirth, cognitive–behavioraltraining improved the sleep quality of women in the intervention group. Therefore, this training couldbe used as an easy and accessible method without complications to improve women’s health.

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Interlinking alcohol intake, mental stress, psychotic experiences and job performance of higher institutions’ graduates: A structural equation modelling

. Valentine Joseph Owan; . Jennifer Uzoamaka Duruamaku‑Dim; . Abigail Edem Okon; . Levi Udochukwu Akah; . Daniel Clement Agurokpon; . Isaac Ofem Ubi; . Victor Atah Abanyam

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Graduates’ job performance has become a matter that needs urgent attention.This is because many stakeholders are increasingly becoming interested in understanding ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Graduates’ job performance has become a matter that needs urgent attention.This is because many stakeholders are increasingly becoming interested in understanding theextent schools are able to produce output that meets the yearnings of society. Along these lines, weexamined the contributions of alcohol intake to the job performance of higher education graduateswhile treating mental stress and psychotic experiences as mediators in the nexus.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study's population comprised all the graduates of higher educationinstitutions in Nigeria between 2015 and 2020. Data were collected from a virtual cross‑section of3,862 graduates who self‑reported to have taken alcohol in the past. These participants respondedto an electronic questionnaire that was mailed to them. The scale content validity for clarity andrelevance were 0.90 and 0.88, respectively, while the Cronbach alpha reliability estimate of theinstrument is 0.86.RESULTS: Amongst many others, key findings indicate that alcohol intake, mental stress andpsychotic experiences jointly made a significant negative contribution to the overall job performance ofgraduates (R2 = 0.256, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.23, 0.28], P = 0.00). Mental stress (B = −0.09, β= −0.14, z = −4.45, 95%CI [−0.24, −0.05], P = 0.00) and psychotic experiences (B = −0.26, β = −0.43,z = −8.07, 95%CI [−0.68, −0.16], P = 0.01) have significant negative contributions to graduates’ jobperformance, respectively. Alcohol intake and mental stress jointly predict the psychotic experiencesof graduates (B = −0.26, β = −0.43, z = −8.07, 95%CI [−0.68, −0.16], P = 0.01). Alcohol intake has apositive contribution to the mental stress of graduates (R2 = 0.797, 95%CI [0.77, 0.825], P = 0.01).Mental stress and psychotic experiences jointly mediated the relationship between alcohol intakeand graduates’ job performance.CONCLUSION: It was concluded that high intake of alcohol and high levels of mental stress andpsychotic experiences significantly reduce graduates’ job performance generally and in specificaspects. Alcohol intake can increase graduates’ job performance to a small extent depending onthe amount consumed.

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Facilitators and barriers to return to work in patients after heart surgery

. Ali Pourhabib; . Zahra Sabzi; . Khadijeh Yazdi; . Zahra Fotokian; . Gholam ali Riahi nokande

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Recognition of the factors influencing returning to work by people after heartsurgery is very significant in performing supportive interventions. Factors affecting return ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Recognition of the factors influencing returning to work by people after heartsurgery is very significant in performing supportive interventions. Factors affecting return to work ofIranian patients after surgery are unknown. Therefore, a qualitative study is in demand in order toclose this knowledge gap. This study was aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers of return towork after heart surgery.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted during 2020–2021. People afterheart surgery were studied in this research. Nineteen interviews were performed with 17 participants.The main participants were selected from the cardiac surgery ward of Golestan Province Hospital.The sampling method was purposeful. Data were collected through semi‑structured interviews.Questions were asked in an unguided and open‑ended manner. Data analysis was performed byqualitative content analysis.RESULTS: According to the results, “perceived psychosocial support,” “individual characteristics,”and “occupational factors” were considered as facilitators and “effects of heart surgery” and “limitedsupport of public and private institutions” were introduced as barriers to return to work in patientsafter heart surgery.CONCLUSIONS: The effects caused by heart surgery and limited support of public and privateinstitutions were identified as barriers to return to work. Cardiac rehabilitation after surgery canreduce the impact of heart surgery and can help people to return to work. It is recommended thatthe planners of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and Health, with the support of insuranceorganizations, help solve the work problems of people after heart surgery.

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Disaster planning approaches in Iran’s health system: A mixed‑methods study

. Ali Mohajervatan; . Golrokh Atighechian; . Hamid Reza Khankeh; . Ahmad Reza Raeisi; . Nahid Tavakoli

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Disaster planning and management pose a serious challenge to most countries.These challenges point to insufficient planning to deal with these events. Therefore, it is necessaryto ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Disaster planning and management pose a serious challenge to most countries.These challenges point to insufficient planning to deal with these events. Therefore, it is necessaryto pay attention to the methods and characteristics of the decision‑making approaches in theseevents. In this study, we tried to identify most appropriate approaches for the Iranian health systemby studying disaster planning approaches.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted using mixed methods in 2020–2021in two phases: qualitative and quantitative. First, we reviewed at the research literature. Our goalwas to identify studies that suggested approaches to disaster planning. The next step in this studywas a qualitative study using semi‑structured interviews. Participants in qualitative phase includedmanagers and employees from different parts of the Iranian health system from the provinces ofGolestan, Fars, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Kerman, Sistan, and Baluchestan.RESULTS: By combining approaches taken from literature reviews and qualitative study, four mainapproaches were identified. The results of our study have shown that disaster response planningapproaches include function, risk assessment, capability, and futuristic base.CONCLUSION: This study provides complete overview of disaster planning approaches that enablehealth professionals to use them to develop response plans. Our findings indicate that in complexand large‑scale events such as floods and pandemics, it is necessary to combine the introducedmethods for operational planning.

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The causal relationship between social support and psychological well‑being among undergraduate students in North China

. Haihu Guo; . Patreeya Kitcharoen; . Darunee Phukao; . Siwaporn Poopan

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Psychological well‑being is an important part that undergraduate students anduniversities cannot neglect as it helps students lead a better study life at the university. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Psychological well‑being is an important part that undergraduate students anduniversities cannot neglect as it helps students lead a better study life at the university. Variousstudies revealed that social support can affect students’ psychological well‑being. However, the causalrelationship between social support and psychological well‑being has received little attention in NorthChina. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to analyze the causal relationship between socialsupport and psychological well‑being among undergraduate students in North China.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey approach was adopted and conducted with a total of 689undergraduate students in North China. Data were collected using a reliable questionnaire. Dataanalysis was performed with descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and structural equationmodeling at P < 0.01 significance level using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) andLinear Structural Relations (LISREL).RESULTS: The overall levels of social support and psychological well‑being among undergraduatestudents in North China were high. All observed variables in this study were significantly correlated.The findings also confirmed that the causal relationship between social support and undergraduatestudents’ psychological well‑being in North China fitted to the empirical data well (χ2 [22, N = 689]= 27.69, χ2/degree of freedom [df] = 1.26, P = 0.19, goodness of fit index [GFI] = 0.99, adjustedgoodness of fit index [AGFI] = 0.98, comparative fit index [CFI] = 1.00, standardized root mean squareresidual [SRMR] = 0.02, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.02).CONCLUSIONS: Undergraduate students’ psychological well‑being had been significantly affectedby social support in North China. The findings from the current study will be useful for universityadministrators to develop strategies for the enhancement of undergraduate students’ psychologicalwell‑being.

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Online assessment in two consequent semesters during COVID‑19 pandemic: K‑means clustering using data mining approach

. Farshid Abedi; . Batool Eghbali; . Narjes Akbari; . Ehsan Sadr; . Fatemeh Salmani

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Education and assessment have changed during the COVID‑19 pandemic so thatonline courses replaced face‑to‑face classes to observe the social distance. The quality ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Education and assessment have changed during the COVID‑19 pandemic so thatonline courses replaced face‑to‑face classes to observe the social distance. The quality of onlineassessments conducted during the pandemic is an important subject to be addressed. In this study,the quality of online assessments held in two consecutive semesters was investigated.MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand two hundred and sixty‑nine multiple‑choice onlineexaminations held in the first (n = 535) and second (n = 734) semesters in Birjand University ofMedical Sciences during 2020–2021 were examined. Mean, standard deviation, number of questions,skewness, kurtosis, difficulty, and discrimination index of tests were calculated. Data mining wasapplied using the k‑means clustering approach to classify the tests.RESULTS: The mean percentage of answers to all tests was 69.97 ± 19.16, and the number ofquestions was 34.48 ± 18.75. In two semesters, there was no significant difference between thedifficulty of examinations (P = 0.84). However, there was a significant difference in the discriminationindex, skewness, and kurtosis of tests (P < 0.001). Moreover, according to the results of the clusteringanalysis in the first semester, 43% of the tests were very hard, 16% hard, and 7% moderate. In thesecond semester, 43% were hard, 16% moderate, and 41% easy.CONCLUSION: To evaluate the tests’ quality, calculating difficulty and discrimination indices isnot sufficient; many factors can affect the quality of tests. Furthermore, the experience of the firstsemester had changed characteristics of the second‑semester examinations. To enhance the qualityof online tests, establishing appropriate rules to hold the examinations and using questions withhigher taxonomy are recommended.

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Factors affecting the health literacy status of patients with type 2 diabetes through demographic variables: A cross‑sectional study

. Arash Ziapour; . Farbod Ebadi Fard Azar; . Behzad Mahaki; . Morteza Mansourian

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) is the ability of a person to acquire the process, understand thenecessary health information, and make the health services needed for conscious health ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) is the ability of a person to acquire the process, understand thenecessary health information, and make the health services needed for conscious health decisions.Besides, diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder that affects patients’ quantity and qualityof life. This study focused on determining the factors that affect the HL status of patients with type 2diabetes (T2D) through the role of the demographic variables.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive‑analytical research survey recruited a samplebased on 280 patients with T2D at the Diabetes Research Center of Ayatollah Taleghani Hospitalin Kermanshah in 2020. This study selected patients with T2D using a simple random samplingtechnique. The study applied the demographic information questionnaire and the Functional,Communicative, and Critical HL Scale to collect data from patients with T2D. This study used theSPSS version 23 on the received data sets to perform statistical analysis, including t‑test, analysisof the variance, and multiple regression, to predict the factors affecting HL among diabetes patients.RESULTS: The study results showed that the mean age of the participating patients with T2D was55.80 ± 13.04. The results indicated the mean score and standard deviation of total HL score in patientswith T2D 2.70 ± 0.44. The findings specified a statistically significant relationship between HL, gender,education, occupation, income, and place of residence. Results indicated that β‑coefficients of themultiple regression analysis and the income variable (β = 0.170), age (β = 0.176), and employmentvariable (β = 0.157). These are the most predictive of the HL of patients with T2D.CONCLUSION: The results of this study specified that the HL rate of individuals with diabetes type 2is average. The potential communicative and critical HL influence is essential for communication andeducation for diabetes patients in the primary health‑care system settings. The findings indicate thatcommunicative and critical HL related to patients’ management and functional HL looks passablein this study.

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A cross‑sectional study of epidemiological determinants for Covid‑19 infection among nurses of a tertiary care hospital

. Anuradha K. Shah; . Dattaprasad A. Sawant; . Deepika M. Sadawarte; . Kosturi Dakshit

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: All health care workers including nurses are working in the frontline againstcoronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‑19), which keeps them at high risk of getting infected. This ...  Read More BACKGROUND: All health care workers including nurses are working in the frontline againstcoronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‑19), which keeps them at high risk of getting infected. This studywas conducted to identify risk factors for Covid‑19 infection and compliance to Covid appropriatebehavior among nurses.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted on 150 nurses in a tertiarycare hospital attached to a medical college in Mumbai, from April 2020 to December 2020. Datawere collected telephonically using an interviewer‑administered pre‑validated, semi‑structuredquestionnaire. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS version 21.0.RESULTS: The mean age of the nurses was 38.19 ± 12.14 years. The majority (80.7%) were exposedto Covid‑19 while taking active care of Covid patients; a total of 108 (72%) were symptomatic atthe time of testing; dietary modifications because of fear of Covid were performed by 121 (80.2%);92.77% used the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) category according to theworkplace; 121 (80.77%) followed all steps of donning and doffing at all times, and 19 (12.77%)reported a breach in PPE. A greater proportion of nurses working in Covid duties opted for hospitalisolation than home isolation (p = 0.003). Risk factors such as sleep, shift duty, shift pattern, foodtiming, mode of travel, and type of PPE during travel were also found to be significantly associatedwith work type – Covid versus non‑Covid (p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Use of workplace appropriate PPE, proper donning and doffing facilities, duty shiftswith a fixed duration, adequate hand hygiene practices, and regular food intake with adequate sleepcan prevent Covid‑19 infection at the workplace among nurses.

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Comparison of associated factors of domestic violence against women by their husbands based on demographic characteristics and life skills in Iran

. Azimeh Karimyan; . Abolghasem Pourreza; . Roya Sadeghi; . Shirin Shahbazi Sighaldeh; . Mehdi Yaseri

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the prevention of domestic violence against women (DVAW)has been considered a priority for women’s health in many countries. Identifying factors ...  Read More BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the prevention of domestic violence against women (DVAW)has been considered a priority for women’s health in many countries. Identifying factors related toDVAW by their husbands or intimate partner can promise prevention and decrease in prevalence.The objective of this study was to examine and compare associated factors of domestic violencebased on demographic characteristics and some life skills.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in Abadan, Iran. 640couples completed questionnaires including demographic characteristics, communication skills,anger management, and problem‑solving skill. In addition, women completed the questionnaire ondomestic violence. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (t‑test and one‑way analysis ofvariance) and multiple linear regression.RESULTS: Approximately 57% of the women in this study have been subjected to psychologicalviolence in their lifetime by their husbands. The result of multiple regression indicated that demographiccharacteristics had a very small contribution to explaining domestic violence (R2 = 0.03) and onlythe education level of women was identified as a key predictor of domestic violence. The result ofmultiple regression based on life skills among couples demonstrated that communication skills andanger management of couples were inversely and significantly associated with domestic violenceand these variables explained 51% of the variance in domestic violence.CONCLUSIONS: Empowering couples with anger management and communication skills can playan important role in decreasing domestic violence. Therefore, developing and planning educationalinterventions by policymakers and health care providers seems necessary for couples.

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Perception of educational environment with an assessment of motivational learning strategies and emotional intelligence as factors affecting medical students’ academic achievement

. Zeinab Abdelaziz Kasemy; . Ibrahim Kabbash; . Dalia Desouky; . Shaimaa Abd El‑Raouf; . Samar Aloshari; . Ghadeer El Sheikh

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate how medical students perceive their educationalenvironment, as well as the implications of motivation, learning strategies, and the factor ...  Read More BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate how medical students perceive their educationalenvironment, as well as the implications of motivation, learning strategies, and the factor of emotionalintelligence on academic achievement.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross‑sectional study, 3384 undergraduate students wererecruited from randomly selected Egyptian medical colleges. Students from second to final year, takingfundamental and clinical courses and, at a minimum, three professional exams, were enrolled andsubjected to the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure scale, the Motivated Strategiesfor Learning Questionnaire, and Emotional intelligence questionnaire.RESULTS: The overall mean age of the studied students was 21.42 ± 1.61 years. Femalesrepresented 63.5%, rural residents were 52.2% and students with enough income represented 88.0%.The traditional system adopted 28.4% of the students versus 71.6% in the integrated system. Linearregression using path analysis was conducted to study the predictors of academic achievement, andit revealed that motivation was the highly significant predictor of academic achievement (β = 2.68,CI95%:2.35–3.05, P < 0.001), followed by learning (β = 1.09, CI95%:0.80–1.41, P < 0.001), emotionalintelligence (β = 0.92, CI95%:0.87–0.97, P < 0.001), and the educational environment (β = 0.14,CI95%:0.13–0.15, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: The study’s findings have implications for medical educators trying to understand thepersonal factors that influence learning and performance in medical school. Students’ motivation wasthe highly significant predictor of academic achievement followed by learning, emotional intelligence,and educational environment. Perception of the learning environment had improved because ofthe integrated student‑centered system, which fosters motivation and emotional intelligence. Toimprove learners’ EI, optimal learning, and educational outcomes, the EI components can be taughtand fostered.

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The effect of case‑based e‑learning on academic performance and problem‑solving ability in nursing students: A pre‑ and post‑test study

. Rita Rezaee; . Fateme Haveshki; . Reza Barati‑Boldaji; . Manoosh Mehrabi

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Case‑based learning is a modern learning approach, aims to prepare studentsfor practical skills. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of case‑basede‑learning ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Case‑based learning is a modern learning approach, aims to prepare studentsfor practical skills. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of case‑basede‑learning (CBEL) on the academic performance and problem‑solving ability of nursing students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this pre‑ and post‑test study, census sampling method was usedto select 128 nursing students who had nutrition courses during 2015–2017 at (blinded). Before andafter the educational intervention, the students completed the problem‑solving inventory includingproblem‑solving confidence (PSC), approach‑avoidance style (AA), and personal control (PC) and ascientific test for evaluating academic function. Continuous variables before and after the interventionand categorical variables were analyzed using paired t‑test and Chi‑square test, respectively.RESULTS: The mean scores of PSC, AA, and PC decreased after the intervention (P < 0.001). Themean scientific score of the students improved after the intervention (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: This study showed that the CBEL method had a positive effect on the ability to solvethe learning problems and the academic performance of the students and can be used to train nursesto improve their ability to confront clinical problems in the future.

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Depression and quality of life among elderly: Comparative cross‑sectional study between elderly in community and old age homes in Eastern India

. Soumya S. Sahoo; . Vazinder Kaur; . Udit K. Panda; . Bhola Nath; . Pragyan P. Parija; . Dinesh P. Sahu

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Depression among elderly is an emerging public health concern. Along with othercomorbidities, depression affects the quality of life and functional ability of the geriatric ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Depression among elderly is an emerging public health concern. Along with othercomorbidities, depression affects the quality of life and functional ability of the geriatric population.This study aimed to assess the depression and quality of life among elderly and compare theseparameters among the inhabitants of old age home and in the community.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among the elderly of thecommunity and old‑age homes in the urban areas of Raipur, Chhattisgarh between March andJuly 2016. Hundred elderly (50 in each group) participated in the study. Geriatric Depression Scale15 (GDS‑15) and Older People Quality of Life (OPQoL)‑35 scale were used to assess the geriatricdepression and quality of life, respectively. Association between depression and demographicvariables were analyzed by Chi‑square/Fisher’s exact test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient wascalculated between GDS‑15 and OPQoL‑35 scale.RESULTS: The prevalence of geriatric depression was 59%. Quality of life was better among theold‑age home elderly participants than that of community elderly when compared for score of lifeover all (11.78 vs. 13.56), health (12.8 vs. 14.0), social relationship (10.48 vs. 13.9), control overlife (11.92 vs. 14.08), home and neighborhoods (9.38 vs. 12.36), psychological and emotionalwellbeing (10.96 vs. 13.7), financial circumstances (14.5 vs. 16.7), and leisure and activities (13.86 vs.15.28). Moderate positive correlation was observed between depression and quality of life.CONCLUSION: The higher prevalence in our study emphasizes the need to delineate the actualburden in the elderly population and provide necessary supportive measures. It needs to be addressedadequately through a coordinated primary care approach and community and social support. Timelyand adequate management of depression can improve the quality‑of‑life outcomes.

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Strategies to increase social capital and interaction of faculty members of medical universities

. Rahele Samouei; . Mina Nazari‑Kamal; . Parastoo Golshiri; . Shekoufeh Samouei

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Social participation and group interaction are the basic and expected indicators ofserving in the job of the faculty. Some improvements are needed for universities and professors ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Social participation and group interaction are the basic and expected indicators ofserving in the job of the faculty. Some improvements are needed for universities and professors inthis area, which they can be better identified by studying the main beneficiaries. In this regard, thisstudy was aimed to identify strategies to increase social capital and interaction of medical universities’faculty members.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study which was a qualitative content analysis typewas performed on 22 faculty members of Isfahan, Mashhad, Tabriz, Iran, Army, Shahrekord, Sabzevar,Arak, and Khomein universities through semi‑structured interviews and purposive sampling. Datawere analyzed using qualitative content analysis.RESULTS: According to finding, in order to improve the social interactions of medical universities’ facultymembers, there were 2 factors and 8 main categories including organizational factors (“organizationaldynamics,” “organizational security,” “standardization of selection and evaluation,” “value creation,”and “establishing a compensation system”) and individual social factors (“education and socialprograms,” “personal skills and beliefs promotion,” and “personality and learning”).CONCLUSIONS: The obtained strategies in this study to improve social capital and group interactionsand group participation of medical universities’ faculty members can be planned and implementedby managers and can be used for faculty members themselves.

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The impact of mobile phone fitness applications on the level of physical fitness and psychological well‑being during covid‑19: The case of university students

. Mona Soliman; . Abeer Rasheed; . Hager Abdel Hady; . Malek Jdaitawi; . Amany Khamees; . Reda Abdelsalam

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The impact of Coronavirus Disease‑19 on peoples’ life has become evident.Recently, sport activities are important in improving individual health and their well‑being. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The impact of Coronavirus Disease‑19 on peoples’ life has become evident.Recently, sport activities are important in improving individual health and their well‑being. The aim ofthis study is to investigate the effect of using mobile phone fitness applications on some characteristicsof physical fitness and psychological well‑being of female university students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study design was implemented using a survey whichwas adapted to collect data from a sample of 50 female participants within the age of 18 to 19 years.As for the results, the participants indicated that they used physical fitness application by smartphone regularly during COVID‑19.RESULTS: The results also illustrate that there was a significant difference on the study variablesbased on the study groups and test time. The study results extend literature concerning sport activitiesparticipation and promoting positive well‑being during COVID‑19 pandemic.CONCLUSION: The study indicated a significant difference of the application on physical fitnessand psychological well‑being among the participants. Based on the results, the study recommendedto organize several sport activities among students and encourage them to use smart phones forpositive purposes. Finally, practical implications are outlined.

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Knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographic factors related to COVID‑19 among older people living in the community in Malaysia

. Sharifah Munirah Syed Elias; . Nur Rasyidah Rohinmi

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Although older people are at a higher risk of COVID‑19 infection, there is a lack ofresearch that focuses on COVID‑19 in older people in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Although older people are at a higher risk of COVID‑19 infection, there is a lack ofresearch that focuses on COVID‑19 in older people in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim of this study wasto assess the level of knowledge and attitudes related to COVID‑19, and to identify the association ofsociodemographic background with knowledge and attitudes towards COVID‑19 among older people.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross‑sectional study involving 382 older people livingin the community in Malaysia. Data was collected using convenience sampling through an onlinequestionnaire that consisted of three parts: sociodemographic details, knowledge, and attituderelated to COVID‑19.RESULTS: The overall correct rate of knowledge was 77.3%, indicating that participants had slightlygood knowledge related to COVID‑19. The participants showed a positive attitude with a meanscore of 26.0 (SD = 5.0). There were significant associations between knowledge and educationlevel (P = 0.00) and marital status (P = 0.02). Marital status was significantly associated withattitude towards COVID‑19 (P = 0.03). A weak positive correlation was found between knowledgeand attitude (r = 0.17, P = 0.00) suggesting that an increase in knowledge will increase the positiveattitude among older people.CONCLUSION: Older people reported good knowledge and positive attitudes towards COVID‑19.The Malaysian government should provide relevant health education for those with lower educationlevels and divorced or widowed to improve knowledge and attitudes towards COVID‑19.

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Utilization of elderly health promotion services during COVID 19 in Iran: A cross‑sectional study

. Telma Zahirian Moghadam; . Hamed Zandian; . Hadi Shirin Bonyad

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The outbreak of COVID‑19 pandemic has made it difficult for older adults to utilizeordinary elder services. This cross‑sectional study investigated the status of feeling ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The outbreak of COVID‑19 pandemic has made it difficult for older adults to utilizeordinary elder services. This cross‑sectional study investigated the status of feeling the need, seek,and utilization of health promotion services among older adults in Ardabil, Iran, covered by thecountry’s comprehensive health system during the pandemic.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive‑analytical and cross‑sectional study was conductedon 739 elderly people in Ardabil province. Cluster random sampling method was used for sampling.Data were gathered by referring trained individuals to the place of residence of the selected olderadults Questionnaires were consisted of three parts: demographic information, household’s economicstatus, and feeling the need, seek, and utilization from health promotion services. Multivariate logisticregression was used to separately model the need, seeking for, and utilization of health promotionservices in STATA ver. 14.RESULTS: The mean age of the older adults in this study was 68.88 ± 4.72 years. The resultsindicate that men showed significantly greater need, seek for, and utilization of health promotionservices during COVID‑ 19 than women. According to the results, people over the age of 80 had4.08 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99–12.60) more need and utilization of health servicesthan the older adults under 65 years. The results also indicate that use of health promotion serviceswas significantly associated with being married (3.74, 95% CI: 1.22–2.62), having primary insuranceand supplementary insurance (1.92, 95% CI: 1.21–3.12), and obesity (2.05, 95% CI: 1.13–3.76) inP < 0.05 level. Based on the results, people with chronic disease and obesity were more likely toutilize health promotion services.CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that the access and utilization of inpatient and outpatient healthservices by the elderly in the COVID‑19 pandemic has somewhat decreased, which could be dueto the fear of the disease being referred to health centers by the elderly. Hence, enabling conditionssuch as parental health care were major factors affecting health‑seeking habits among the Iranianelder population.

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Relationship between burnout, effort‑reward imbalance, and insomnia among Informational Technology professionals

. Aruna Raju; . Devi R. Nithiya; . Arun Tipandjan

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Work in informational technology (IT) professionals is highly competitive and stressful,leading to job stress. This can lead to burnout, effort‑reward imbalance (ERI), ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Work in informational technology (IT) professionals is highly competitive and stressful,leading to job stress. This can lead to burnout, effort‑reward imbalance (ERI), and poor sleep quality.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study examined associations of ERI, burnout, andpoor sleep quality among IT professionals using data from 200 software engineers (mean age of29.3 ± 4 years, 32% women). ERI and overcommitment were assessed using Siegrist’s “effort‑reward”questionnaire. The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) was used to assess burnout and PittsburghSleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality.RESULTS: ERI, burnout and poor sleep quality were present in 72%, 60%, and 70%, respectively.Females had higher ERI, burnout, and poor sleep quality compared to males. ERI is significantlyassociated with burnout (r = 0.45, P < 0.01) and poor sleep quality (r = 0.31, P < 0.01).Linear regression to assess the ability of ERI to predict levels of burnout yielded a statisticallysignificant (R2 = 0.206, P < 0.01) indicating ERI to be a unique incremental predictor of burnout(b = 0.454, t = 7.16, P < 0.01). ERI tends to be a predictive factor of poor sleep quality with Odd’sratio = 3.5, 95%CI (1.81–6.73), P < 0.01.CONCLUSION: In summary, Intervention programs both at the individual and at the organizationlevel have to be designed to combat ERI, burnout, and poor sleep quality among IT professionals.

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Comparison of the effect of two educational methods based on mindfulness and cognitive emotion strategies on psychological well‑being and anxiety of eighth‑semester midwifery students before the final clinical trial

. Mahnaz Noroozi; . Zahra Mohebbi‑Dehnavi

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Midwifery services help maintain and improve the health of the community. However,a comprehensive examination reduces students’ psychological well‑being by creating ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Midwifery services help maintain and improve the health of the community. However,a comprehensive examination reduces students’ psychological well‑being by creating anxiety. For thispurpose, the present study was conducted to determine and compare the effect of two educationalmethods based on mindfulness and cognitive emotion strategies on psychological well‑being andanxiety of eighth‑semester midwifery students before the final clinical trial.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a quasi‑experimental three‑group study with availablesampling method that was performed on 30 eighth‑semester midwifery students of the School ofNursing and Midwifery of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2020–2021. Data collection toolswere psychological well‑being and Test Anxiety Questionnaire. Two intervention groups were trainedfor eight sessions. The control group did not receive any training program. The data collected bySPSS version 22 software were analyzed by analytical statistical tests of ANOVA and least significantdifference post hoc test.RESULTS: The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the threegroups in terms of components of test anxiety and psychological well‑being. Furthermore, emotionregulation training and mindfulness‑based training reduced test anxiety and increased students’psychological well‑being before the comprehensive test (P = 0.001).CONCLUSION: It is recommended that educational programs be considered before the comprehensiveexamination to promote the mental health and success of these students.

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Impact of COVID‑19 on postgraduate medical education: Cross sectional survey from an Indian Medical College

. Manali Arora; . Premila Waikhom; . Sheenam Azad; . Vishal Thakker; . Rajiv Kumar Azad; . Rajendra Kumar Srivastava

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The corona virus disease (COVID‑19) pandemic has caused widespread effect onthe lives of health care professionals. The postgraduate medical students, who are the major ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The corona virus disease (COVID‑19) pandemic has caused widespread effect onthe lives of health care professionals. The postgraduate medical students, who are the major pillarsof medical institutions had to bear multitude of setbacks due to the pandemic involving academic,research and well‑being issues.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional feedback based online survey done in themonth of October 2021 to study the effect of COVID‑19 pandemic induced changes in the postgraduatemedical education; amongst 78 students pursuing MD/MS degree in all departments of a tertiary medicalinstitute in Himalayan foothills of North India. The questionnaire consisted of ten questions; each of whichneeded to be answered on a five point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Resultswere assessed for the most common answers of each question (represented by mode) and associationbetween various components of the questionnaire analyzed by Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient.RESULTS: The internal consistency of the questionnaire as tested by Cronbach’s Alpha (0.82) wasgood. Most number or respondents were from surgical branches (n = 31, 39.74%). There was ageneralized agreement towards preference of resumption of onsite education (75.64%), the lack ofvariety of cases causing hampering of thesis work (88.46%) and increased mental stress during thepandemic (58.9%). While more time for self‑study was seen as the only consensual positive aspectof online teaching (64%), most students opined that technical glitches are a major roadblock inonline education (80.76%). Significant positive correlation was seen between disciplinary ease andpunctuality in online teaching (R = 0.543, P < 0.001), lack of interaction and its effect on learning andmental health (R = 0.471; P < 0.001) and the lack of diversity in cases and difficulties in dissertationwork (R = 0.351; P < 0.05). Negative correlation was observed between the satisfaction from overalllearning through online teaching and the desire of resumption of offline classes (R = −0.491; P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: COVID‑19 pandemic and its effects on medical education are long lasting.A comprehensive approach is required to rebuild the medical education curriculum, inculcating bothtraditional and newer virtual methods of education. A consistent support in academics and overallgrowth needs to be provided to medical postgraduate residents who have been the first line fightersin face of the massive disaster compromising their basic needs and education.

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Design, development, and evaluation of a self‑care program for women with osteoporosis: The protocol of a mixed‑method study

. Sima Babaei; . Maryam Kianpour; . Sharifeh Monemian; . Mansour Siavash; . Maryam Sadat Hashemi

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, the fourth most common disease in the world, affects the elderlyand postmenopausal women and imposes a great financial and social burden on individuals andsociety. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, the fourth most common disease in the world, affects the elderlyand postmenopausal women and imposes a great financial and social burden on individuals andsociety. Furthermore, it has a significant impact on the quality of patients’ life. This study tries totake an effective step toward improving the quality of patients’ life by developing and evaluating theself‑care program of women with osteoporosis.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this research, a hybrid sequential design of quantitative andqualitative type consisting of three phases is used. This mixed‑method study aimed to develop andevaluate a self‑care program for women with osteoporosis.CONCLUSION: Familiarity with the needs of these patients and the use of self‑care programs andconsidering social, cultural, and psychological factors could be effective steps to improve the healthof women with osteoporosis. These steps can improve the quality of life and reduce the costs oftreatment for this group of women.

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Factors influencing professionalism among nurse educators: A qualitative study

. Bharat Pareek; . Kiran Batra

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Nurse educators require to exhibit specialized behaviors that demonstrate the beliefsof the nursing profession. The aim of the study is to explore the factors influencing ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Nurse educators require to exhibit specialized behaviors that demonstrate the beliefsof the nursing profession. The aim of the study is to explore the factors influencing professionalismamong nurse educators in the selected nursing educational institutes of Indian States.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative approach was adopted where multiple focus groupdiscussions were planned and conducted. The study was carried out among nurse educators fromthe Northern Indian states. Thematic analysis, using the argumentative interactions approach wasused. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guide were followed.RESULTS: Three types of factors, that is, individual (micro‑level), organizational (meso‑level), andexternal professional occupational (macro‑level) were explored, where individual factors emerged ashaving a strong positive impact on nurse educators’ professionalism as compared to other factors.Poor organizational infrastructure, privatization of educational institutions, and other related factorswere reported as having a negative influence on nurse educators’ professionalism.CONCLUSION: Most of the educational institutions included in the present study, lacked basicinfrastructure/facilities for the professional development of nurse educators and professionalism.

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Developing patient safety standards for health‑care quality promotion in neonatal intensive care units: A mixed‑methods Protocol

. Zahra Shahkolahi; . Alireza Irajpour; . Soheila Jafari‑Mianaei; . Mohammad Heidarzadeh

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is one of the accident‑prone settings inthe health‑care system. There is a series of structural and process threats to the safety ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is one of the accident‑prone settings inthe health‑care system. There is a series of structural and process threats to the safety of infantshospitalized in this unit, which can be prevented by taking the right actions. For this purpose,developing standards based on current knowledge, available resources, and the context that providescare can determine patient injury prevention requirements. Likewise, it can be a source for nationaldevelopment and application of related guidelines and protocols. This study aims to develop patientsafety standards in the NICUs of Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This mixed‑methods study will apply the exploration, preparation,implementation, and sustainment framework to develop patient safety standards. In each phase ofthis framework, a set of activities take place. Exploration is based on the world health organizationmodel to develop standards. Determining the validity and applicability of standards will be done inPhase 2 (Preparation) and Phase 3 (Implementation), respectively. Since the long‑term effects arenot desired, the fourth phase (Sustainment) will not be considered.DISCUSSION: Patient safety standards from this study will contribute to efficient and effective,equitable, and high‑quality health‑care delivery. The application of them will further promote patientsafety and the quality of medical care in Iranian NICUs.

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The role of psychological resilience in reducing psychological stress among teachers

. Nahed El‑Sayed

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Workplace causes tress which negatively affects the physical as well as theemotional well‑being of individuals. However, it is widely reported in the literature that a ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Workplace causes tress which negatively affects the physical as well as theemotional well‑being of individuals. However, it is widely reported in the literature that a number offactors have received significant attention in the professional life, stressing their significance to theindividual’s psychological, social, and professional life.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research is a descriptive that study adopted a quantitativemethod, involving 40 female teachers. A survey method was randomly distributed to teachers whoare identified to have worked with students with disability using randomly sampling, and data werethen exposed to the descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation.RESULTS: The results showed that respondents had good psychological resilience level withmoderate occupational stress level. Furthermore, a significant correlation between psychologicalresilience and occupation stress is supported.CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that the participants have acceptance level ofpsychological resilience which helps them to reduce their stress when performing their work. Thestudy, therefore, encouraged decision academicians to regularly organize several positive counselingand psychological training to the teachers.

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Psychopathology in virtual education for primary school students in the COVID‑19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis

. Monavar Fattahiyan; . Hassan Okati‑Aliabad; . Maryam Seraji

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 virus continues to be an international concern, challenging psychologicalresilience in all areas, especially virtual education, making the psychopathology and ...  Read More BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 virus continues to be an international concern, challenging psychologicalresilience in all areas, especially virtual education, making the psychopathology and problems moreevident.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a qualitative study of conventional contentanalysis, in which 24 participants (14 parents, 5 teachers, and 5 principals) were selected by purposivesampling from primary schools in Zahedan. Data collection tools included semi‑structured interviewswith open‑ended questions. Interviews continued until reaching data saturation. The transcripts ofthe interviews were coded according to Graneheim and Lundman’s 5‑step approach, and then, thecodes were classified according to the specified axes. For accuracy and exactness of information,the researchers used the criteria of validity, verifiability, reliability, and transferability.RESULTS: The results of this study include two categories, “e‑learning infrastructure” and“psychopathology,” indicating the importance of creating, using, and strengthening cyberspaceinfrastructure for the use of education in primary schools during COVID‑19 pandemic.CONCLUSION: The results indicated that identifying these cases and attempting to eliminate themcan reduce psychopathology and improve the quality of virtual education for students. Moreover, thiscan help principals and educational planners have new insights so that they can focus on solvingpsychological problems in e‑learning and provide their supportive planning.

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Prevention of osteoporosis in menopausal women: A systematic review of nonpharmacological clinical trials

. Azam Mohammadi; . Zahra Behboodi Moghadam; . Fatemeh Ghelichkhani; . Farzane Alidost; . Somayyeh Naghizadeh; . Zeinab Haghparast; . Marzieh Azizi

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, Pages 1-18

Abstract

  Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease that is associated with negative physical and psychosocialconsequences, so understanding the effective strategies that can be used in the ...  Read More Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease that is associated with negative physical and psychosocialconsequences, so understanding the effective strategies that can be used in the prevention ofosteoporosis is especially important. The aim of this study was to integrative review the publishedinterventional of nonpharmacological studies regarding the prevention and treatment of osteoporosisamong menopausal women. In this systematic review, databases such as PubMed, PsycInfo, Webof Science (ISI), Scopus, ScienceDirect, EmBase, Cochrane library, Google scholar, and Iraniandatabases, such as Scientific Information Database and Magiran, were searched. The latest searchwas performed between “November 2020 and December 2020” separately by two researchers andthen double‑checked by them. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Jadadscore calculation tool. Twenty eight randomized controlled trials and quasi‑experimental studies wereincluded in this current study. The quality assessment indicated that 19 studies had acceptable (good)methodological quality and also 9 studies had weak methodological quality. The main results of thisstudy were classified in three main categories such as exercise or physical activity training (n = 15),educational sessions (n = 11), and other interventions (n = 2). The results of most included studiesshowed that nonpharmacological strategies such as physical activity and educational interventionsare considered as the appropriate actions to prevention of osteoporosis among menopausal womenso implementing these strategies can be a good alternative for women with contraindication ofhormone therapy or therapeutic treatment.

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Perception of online learning among health sciences’ students– A mixed methods study

. Komal Maheshwari; . Nidhi Ladha; . Meenakshi Khapre; . Rupinder Deol

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The outbreak of COVID‑19 pandemic has led to a paradigm shift from thetraditional classroom setting to online education and webinars. We could not identify any publishedmultidisciplinary ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The outbreak of COVID‑19 pandemic has led to a paradigm shift from thetraditional classroom setting to online education and webinars. We could not identify any publishedmultidisciplinary studies from Indian institutions that have explored the perception of online learningamong health sciences students from different faculties.The study aimed to explore the perceptionof health sciences students regarding their experience, satisfaction, and challenges with onlinelearning compared to offline learning.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An explanatory sequential (QUAN–qual) mixed‑methods study wasconducted between November 2020 and June 2021 among 474 medical, nursing, physiotherapy, anddental students attending online classes. All the students were invited to participate in the study usingGoogle Form questionnaire. Quantitative data was analyzed using MS Excel. For qualitative data,focused group interviews were conducted with a group of six to eight students from each disciplineon an online platform for 45 min to 1 h and transcripts were thematically analyzed.RESULTS: Totally 474 students responded to the survey questionnaire. Nearly 56.3% (267) of thestudents were not satisfied with the online learning program. Around 62.2% (294) of the studentsfelt that online learning could not retain their interest. Students reported that learning the assignedsyllabus was difficult during online lectures. They agreed that online learning could be distracting,time‑consuming, and did not provide an adequate pace of learning.CONCLUSION: Though online learning is an effective learning strategy, it needs to be furtherimproved considering the valuable inputs given by students.

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Systematic review of health policy and behavioral economics: A neglected point in health promotion

. Zahra Zamani; . Zahra Ghalichi-Zave; . Sadegh Ahmadi Mazhin; . Maliheh Eshaghzadeh; . Mahsa Hami; . Telma Zahirian Moghadam

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health policymakers use a variety of policy tools. These policies are either basedon external factors or are based on paternal considerations; people may need to have help ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health policymakers use a variety of policy tools. These policies are either basedon external factors or are based on paternal considerations; people may need to have help in theselection of items that may be regretted about them in the future. However, recent research onbehavioral economics shows that major decision‑making mistakes are not only limited to vulnerablegroups but also are ubiquitous and systematic. The purpose of this study was on health policy makingwith a behavioral economics approach in health promotion.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The eligible studies were obtained from Medline (PubMed), Web ofScience, and Scopus databases. The search strategy uses a combination of keywords in the titles. Thekeywords of behavioral economics along with the keyword of health have been used to find related articles.RESULTS: After deleting duplicate articles, a total of 38 articles were identified. After reviewingthe title and abstract, 13 studies were omitted because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Tenarticles were removed from the found articles due to the unavailability of the full text and four articleswere excluded because their method was quantitative. Finally, a total of 11 articles were eligible forincluding this review study.CONCLUSION: Recent research on behavioral economics shows that decision‑making errors are notlimited to vulnerable groups but are ubiquitous and systematic. Forgotten income or negligible incomeis very high and is reasonably explained by transaction costs. Educational interventions often havelittle effect and do not benefit from basic cost‑benefit tests. In addition, the seemingly insignificantaspects of choice‑frameworks and assumptions‑often have a profound effect on behavior.

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Attitude and perceptions regarding online teaching in dental undergraduate program during COVID‑19 pandemic: A mixed method study

. Venkitachalam Ramanarayanan; . Vineetha Karuveettil; . Aneesa Ayoob; . Rakesh Suresh; . Balagopal Varma; . Chandrashekar Janakiram

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, Pages 1-11

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Transformation of education to virtual mode during COVID‑19 pandemic was amajor challenge for a clinical specialty like dentistry.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sequential explanatory ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Transformation of education to virtual mode during COVID‑19 pandemic was amajor challenge for a clinical specialty like dentistry.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sequential explanatory mixed method was adopted with quantitativedominant design. A self‑reported questionnaire on attitude and perceptions toward online learningwere distributed among dental undergraduate students. The qualitative arm explored perceptions ofonline teaching among various stakeholders and thematic content analysis was performed.RESULTS: A total of 141 responses were obtained, about 21% of them felt online classes to behighly useful and 78% felt it was moderately useful. About 80% of the students were satisfied withthe online education. About 40% of participants felt internet connectivity was a frequent issue. Thequalitative data analysis revealed five emergent themes of lecture content and delivery, instructionalcontrol, resource management, interaction, and evaluation exploring the perceptions of variousstakeholders toward online learning and provided several insights.CONCLUSION: Though online education cannot be compared to traditional education in a clinicalspecialty like dentistry, it does have its advantages and a portion of student learning can be conductedthrough this mode.

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Health‑promoting behaviors in staff and students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences

. Abdollah Dargahi; . Helia Gholizadeh; . Mohsen Poursadeghiyan; . Yousef Hamidzadeh Arbabi; . Mohammad Hossein Hamidzadeh Arbabi; . Javad Hosseini

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The staff of health and dentistry schools can play an important role in encouragingstudents and their clients to adopt health and preventive behaviors. The aim of this study ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The staff of health and dentistry schools can play an important role in encouragingstudents and their clients to adopt health and preventive behaviors. The aim of this study was tocompare health‑promoting behaviors in staff and students of health and dental schools in ArdabilUniversity of Medical Sciences (ARUMS).MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional descriptive‑analytical study was conducted in2021. The research population was staff and students of health and dental schools. Staff samplingwas by census and students were sampled by simple random sampling. The data collection tool wasa questionnaire whose validity and reliability had been confirmed in previous studies. Data analysiswas performed using descriptive and analytical statistics tests using SPSS version 20 software.Linear regression was performed using stepwise method.RESULTS: The results showed that the mean score of the individuals was 99.2 ± 20.24. In the leveling,the behaviors of 33 people (17.55%) were appropriate, desirable and good, and the health‑promotingbehaviors, 154 people (82.45%), were moderate and low. The correlation between age, gender,marital status, and workplace of the individuals with health‑promoting behaviors was not statisticallysignificant (P > 0.05). The output of stepwise regression analysis showed that the variables weresignificant and could predict the scores of health‑promoting behaviors.CONCLUSIONS: Health‑promoting behaviors in <20% of students and staff are desirable, and inmore than 80% of them are moderate and poor. Therefore, educational administrators should usethese results in curriculum planning to increase health‑promoting behaviors of students and staff. Thescore of health‑promoting behaviors is related to the above‑mentioned areas, but the relationshipmay not be linear.

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The effect of modern technology app on the self‑regulation skills of students with disabilities

. Malek Jdaitawi; . Saja Alturki; . Samah Ramzy; . Walaa Saleh; . Sherin Mabrouk; . Rania Abdulgawad; . Heba Hasan

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Augmented reality (AR) is capable of facilitating constructive learning through theprovision of a learner‑centered environment, making for more flexible learning and providing ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Augmented reality (AR) is capable of facilitating constructive learning through theprovision of a learner‑centered environment, making for more flexible learning and providing a moredistinct experience of learning. AR technology has a significant influence on the teaching approachprovided to students with learning disabilities, particularly on their level of self‑regulation, and thispremise is what motivated the present study.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research is a quasi‑experimental study that adopted a pre‑ andpost‑test control group design, involving 24 students who have disabilities. The students were dividedinto AR group and control group, and data were then exposed to the descriptive statistics and pairedsample t test.RESULTS: The results showed that AR technology has a significant effect on the enhancement ofthe self‑regulation of students with learning disabilities.CONCLUSION: The study indicated a significant effect of AR app on the self-regulation skillsof students. The study, therefore, encouraged decision academicians to implement technologyapproaches in the disability setting.

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