Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Benefits of simulation‑based education in hospital emergency departments: A systematic review

. Shandiz Moslehi; . Gholamreza Masoumi; . Fahimeh Barghi-Shirazi

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-10

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The emergency department is one of the most important parts of all hospitals. Forthis reason, many simulation programs are performed in this department to increase the knowledge,skills, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The emergency department is one of the most important parts of all hospitals. Forthis reason, many simulation programs are performed in this department to increase the knowledge,skills, and productivity of health‑care workers. The purpose of this study was to identify the benefitsof simulation in hospital emergency departments.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present systematic study, using “AND” and “OR” operators, wesearched for the keywords “benefits,” “simulation,” and “hospital emergency department” in PubMed,Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar as well as Persian language databases such SID, Magiran,Irandoc, and Iran Medex. Then, a three‑step screening process was used to select studies relevantto simulation and hospital emergency from 2005 to 2021 using the PRISMA checklist, and finally,the obtained data were analyzed.RESULTS: A total of three main groups, each with several subgroups, were extracted and identifiedas the benefits of using simulation in hospital emergency departments. They included improvingthe diagnosis of the disease (rapid prediction of the disease, rapid diagnosis, and patient triage),improving the treatment process (improvement of treatment results, anticipation of admission anddischarge of patients, acceleration of interventions, and reduction of medical errors), and improvingknowledge and skills (improvement of the speed of decision‑making, staff’s acquisition of knowledgeand skills, simple, convenient, and low‑cost training, improvement of staff’s preparedness in crisis).CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it is suggested to develop some trainingprograms in order to help staff upgrade their knowledge and performance as well as acquire practicalskills and also to improve the diagnosis and treatment process in hospital emergency departments.Virtual methods are also proposed to be applied as potential and cost‑effective platforms for learning,teaching, and evaluating the staff of hospital emergency departments.

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The effect of educational program (based on BASNEF model) on quality of life and adherence to treatment in patients with myocardial infarction in Shahrekord, Iran

. Hadi Hatami; . Ali Hassanpour Dehkordi; . Shahriyar Salehi Tali; . Masoud Lotfizadeh; . Haifeh Ganji

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-11

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseasesaffecting quality of life and adherence to treatment. This study aimed at assessing the impacts ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseasesaffecting quality of life and adherence to treatment. This study aimed at assessing the impacts of aneducational program based on the Belief, Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Enabling Factors (BASNEF)Model on quality of life and adherence to treatment in patients with MI.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present quasi‑experimental study was conducted on eightypatients with MI admitted to hospitals affiliated to Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2019,which were selected by the convenience sampling and then randomly divided into intervention andcontrol groups. The intervention group received a BASNEF model‑based educational‑supportiveintervention including three 45‑min training sessions and three months’ follow‑up individually foreach participant. Data were collected by Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index (QLI)‑CardiacVersion, Modanloo Adherence to Treatment Questionnaire (MATQ) and questionnaire modified basedon BASNEF model constructs. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version. 22 softwareusing the descriptive and analytical statistical test.RESULTS: The total score of the MATQ and its subscales had significantly improved in the interventiongroup after the intervention (P < 0.001). The total score of the QLI and its subscales had significantlyimproved in the intervention group after the intervention (P < 0.001) In addition, the mean scores of themodel constructs had significantly improved after the intervention in the intervention group (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that applying BASNEF model‑based educationalinterventions can lead to improved quality of life and adherence to treatment in the patients with MI.Therefore, this model can be used to reduce the complications of MI.

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Burnout level in Iranian teachers and its related factors: A health promotion approach

. Farahnaz Khajehnasiri; . Lila khazarloo; . Mohsen Poursadeghiyan; . Sohila Dabiran

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Promoting the well‑being of students and teachers should be the goal of schoolmental health programs. A large body of evidence has highlighted that there is an emerging ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Promoting the well‑being of students and teachers should be the goal of schoolmental health programs. A large body of evidence has highlighted that there is an emerging concernregarding the increasing stresses that teachers are dealing with. Burnout is a psychophysical statethat is characterized by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and low sense of personalaccomplishment (PA). We aimed to assess burnout level in teachers’ population and its correlationwith demographic characteristics because it not only can be affected teachers’ health promotion butalso student well‑being promotion.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present cross‑sectional study, 322 high‑schoolteachers from thesecond district of Tehran were randomly selected and were asked to complete the standard MaslachBurnout Inventory questionnaire to evaluate the three areas of burnout. In addition, participants wereinterviewed for their demographic status (IR.TUMS.MEDICINE.REC.1397.473).RESULTS: The results of this study showed that male teachers exhibit significantly lower scorecompared with female ones in all three indicators of burnout including EE, DP, and PA (P < 0.05).The number of children teachers and income level in men also influenced all three indices (P < 0.05).Regarding the impact of spouse’s job status on burnout in men and women, PA was the only unaffectedarea (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, none of the demographic characteristics effected burnout domainsin female teacher population.CONCLUSION: Considering the results of this study that shows the higher burnout level in maleteachers and its association with several demographic characteristics such as income level andnumber of children, special attention should be paid to this gender to reduce possible stress andmental illness.

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The psychosocial challenges of mothers of children with thalassemia: A qualitative study

. Majedeh Nabavian; . Fatemeh Cheraghi; . Farshid Shamsaei; . Lily Tapak; . Ahmad Tamaddoni

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Caring for the children suffering from thalassemia is a stressful experience withvarious aspects making the mothers face various challenges. Thus, the present study aimed ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Caring for the children suffering from thalassemia is a stressful experience withvarious aspects making the mothers face various challenges. Thus, the present study aimed to explainthe psychosocial challenges of mothers with thalassemia children based on their lived experience.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, which was conducted using thephenomenological method, 14 mothers with thalassemia children were selected from two thalassemiatreatment centers in Hamadan and Babol (Iran) in 2020 using the purposive sampling method. Datawere collected using in‑depth and semi‑structured interviews and were analyzed by van Manen’sphenomenological methodology.RESULTS: In the first stage of data analysis, 534 initial codes were extracted, which were reducedto 290 by comparison and integration. The primary themes turned into 24 secondary themesafter clustering. By comparing the secondary themes, three main themes (i.e., “psychologicaldistress,” “bodily burnout,” and “mothers’ need to empathy and support”) with 7 secondarythemes (i.e., “emotional exhaustion,” “mental strain,” “social stigma,” “acute psychosomatic reactions,”“long‑term psychosomatic consequences,” “expectation of family support,” and support needs outsidethe family) were extracted.CONCLUSION: The results indicated that mothers with thalassemia children experience severalchallenges in various aspects. Therefore, they require care interventions and psychosocial support.

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The relationship between sexual function and emotional intelligence and its components based on fertility status in women referring to health centers in Yazd

. Mahshid Bokaie; . Zohre Ahmadi; . Marzie Reisi; . Leila Asadi

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sexual function is affected by many psychological factors and emotions. Theimpact of emotion management varies in different fertility situationsThis can affect women’s ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Sexual function is affected by many psychological factors and emotions. Theimpact of emotion management varies in different fertility situationsThis can affect women’s sexualfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual functionand emotional intelligence and its components based on fertility status in women referring to healthcenters in Yazd.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a correlational study that was performed on165 women with inclusion criteria and referred to 4 selected health centers in Yazd in 2017. Thestudy tools include demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index sexual function, andBar‑On emotional intelligence. The fertility status of women in the present study included a history ofinfertility, number of children, and history of abortion. The analysis was performed using descriptivestatistical methods and analytical tests with SPSS software version 18.RESULTS: The mean score of all components of emotional intelligence except the components ofself‑expression, independence, and emotional self‑awareness and also the total score of emotionalintelligence infertile people was significantly higher than infertile people (P < 0.05). Regardingthe relationship between emotional intelligence and sexual function in terms of fertility variables,a significant correlation was observed between the mean scores of all components of emotionalintelligence except interpersonal relationships, flexibility, responsibility, empathy, and self‑expressionwith sexual performance score in fertile individuals.(P = 0.000).CONCLUSION: As a result, it is suggested that the institutions in charge of women’s affairs try toincrease emotional intelligence and improve women’s sexual function by holding workshops andclasses for women, especially in women with infertility, childlessness, and history of abortion.

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Exploring the experiences of nurses and physicians infected with COVID‑19

. Maryam Moghimian; . Kolsoum Farzi; . Sedigheh Farzi; . Azam Moladoost; . Simin Safiri

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health‑care providers, including physicians and nurses, are vital resources of thehealth‑care system, and their health is essential to ensure safe care and to control ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health‑care providers, including physicians and nurses, are vital resources of thehealth‑care system, and their health is essential to ensure safe care and to control outbreaks in thecommunity. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of physicians and nurses infectedwith COVID‑19.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive exploratory qualitative study was conducted in 2020.To conduct this study, 19 participants (5 physicians and 14 nurses) were selected using purposivesampling. Data were collected using semi‑structured interviews. Data analysis was performed usingconventional content analysis.RESULTS: Eight main categories of “Fear and anxiety,” “Fighting against COVID‑19,” “Feelingabandoned during home quarantine period,” “Denial of disease despite testing positive,” “Recovery:the second opportunity,” “Imposition of psychological burden after returning to work,” “Promotion of thehealth professional perception,” and “Promising supportive resources,” as well as 21 subcategories,were extracted from the participants’ experiences.CONCLUSION: The experiences of physicians and nurses with COVID‑19 revealed that theirperception of the profession and providing care had changed. This experience has highlighted thefocus and effort to promote patient‑centered care and interprofessional collaboration among them.

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Health‑care workers’ experience of stressors and adaptation strategies for COVID‑19: A qualitative research

. Vajihe Atashi; . Shahla Abolhasani; . Atefeh Afshari

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The mental health of health‑care workers with their unique role in respondingto the COVID‑19 pandemic is strictly essential. Hence, to react effectively to the pandemic, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The mental health of health‑care workers with their unique role in respondingto the COVID‑19 pandemic is strictly essential. Hence, to react effectively to the pandemic, it isessential to collect further data on the stressors and adaptation strategies. The aim of this study isto explain the health‑care workers’ experiences of stressors and adaptation strategies used duringthe COVID‑19 pandemic outbreak.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative content analysis approach was employed in thisstudy, with semi‑structured in‑depth interviews. Nineteen health‑care workers participated in thestudy by purposeful sampling method. The study setting included selective educational hospitalsthat admitting patients infected with COVID‑19. The data were analyzed using content analysismethod.RESULTS: Stressors were classified under four major categories: idiopathic, i.e., arising fromunknown causes, individual and familial, stressful work environment, and socially imposed stressors.The adaptation strategies were classified under inactive and active adaptation strategies.CONCLUSIONS: The stressors include the stresses arising from the unknown nature of the disease,stressful work environment, individual and familial stresses, and the socially imposed stresses. Theadaptation strategies include inactive and active adaptation strategies. Identification of these factorscan help workers and management to effectively react to the pandemic.

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Knowledge and performance of the Iranian general population in the use of masks during the 2019 coronavirus

. Seyedeh Tahereh Mirmolaei; . Mehrnaz Geranmayeh; . Hamid Salehiniya; . Azam Mohammadi; . Marzieh Ebrahimi

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The use of personal protective equipment (especially face masks) has increased indifferent communities amid the COVID‑19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study aimed to ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The use of personal protective equipment (especially face masks) has increased indifferent communities amid the COVID‑19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study aimed to assessknowledge and performance of Iranian general population in wearing face masks.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a cross‑sectional study conducted using a validand reliable questionnaire on 1843 eligible individuals. The questionnaires were shared by Link (www.porsall.com) in groups and social networks. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 24.0, SPSSInc., Chicago, IL).RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 42.84 years (standard deviation: 16.84). Themajority had inadequate and low knowledge of masks (69.2%), nearly 30% had moderate (30.1%),and few had adequate and high knowledge of masks. The individuals’ knowledge on when to weara mask was also assessed and the results showed poor and low in 42.2%, 46.9% moderate andhigh performance in 10.7%. The participants’ performance on how to properly wear a mask was alsoassessed and 12% showed poor, 69.3% showed moderate, and 18.7% showed high performance.Safe removal of masks was also assessed, and the results showed 52% low and poor, 27.6%moderate, and 20.3% high performance. A significant and direct correlation was found between theoverall score knowledge and performance regarding use of masks (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: The results showed poor to moderate knowledge and performance of majority ofIranian general population regarding the masks. Therefore, further effective training courses andaction plans are needed in Iran given the importance of masks for the prevention of COVID‑19,especially in public places. Educational package about how to use the mask and its benefits, throughthe media and health centers is recommended.

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Differences and their contexts between teaching and nonteaching hospitals in Iran with other countries: A concurrent mixed‑methods study

. Niusha Shahidi Sadeghi; . Mohammadreza Maleki; . Hassan Abolghasem Gorji; . Soudabeh Vatankhah; . Bahram Mohaghegh

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-17

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: In terms of missions, hospitals are divided into teaching and nonteaching. In addition,differences in health‑care systems in countries will lead to differences in hospitals’ ...  Read More BACKGROUND: In terms of missions, hospitals are divided into teaching and nonteaching. In addition,differences in health‑care systems in countries will lead to differences in hospitals’ operation. Iran, asa specific health‑care system, is different from other countries. Hence, the present study investigateddifferences between teaching and nonteaching hospitals and their differences in Iran and the world.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A concurrent mixed‑methods study was conducted in two stages.The first stage was a narrative review of studies (2000–2020). Using narrative inquiry and reflectiveanalysis, the content was analyzed and the categories were extracted. The second stage was aqualitative study conducted using semi‑structured interviews with forty Iranian hospital managers andpolicymakers through a purposive sampling in 2020. Content analysis was made using deductiveapproach, and MAXQDA 12 was used for data analysis.RESULTS: According to the first stage, categories were extracted as follows: service quality, typeof cases, patient satisfaction, efficiency, performance indicators, patient safety, personnel, use ofdrugs, access to services, technologies, justice in the type of services received, using guidelines,processes, and number of services. In the second stage, 8 main categories, 17 categories, and 45subcategories were extracted. The extracted main categories were as follows: mission and target,management and behavioral organizations, supply chain and chain of results, human resources,costs and budget, policy demands, clients’ satisfaction and patients’ right, and integration of medicaleducation.CONCLUSION: Unlike other countries, in Iran, the combination of missions and the completedependence of teaching hospitals on the government has caused differences. Reducing the treatmentmission of teaching hospitals; differences in the budget and development of its indicators; lower tariffsfor teaching hospitals; developing a cost–income management model and supply chain; preventinguncertainty other than medical students except medicine; considering the clients’ right to choosehospital; and organizing research missions in hospitals were the solutions for decrease differences.

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Development of sexual health promotion package in pregnancy: The Delphi method

. Shiva Alizadeh; . Giti Ozgoli; . Hedyeh Riazi; . Hamid Alavi Majd

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommendation requires the development and useof effective, brief, clear, and evidence‑based education packages to improve health‑care ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommendation requires the development and useof effective, brief, clear, and evidence‑based education packages to improve health‑care outcomes.No comprehensive sexual health improvement package exists for the pregnancy period in the Iranianhealth system. This study aimed to develop a package to promote sexual health in pregnancy.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a qualitative study, which was conductedin 2019 in Tehran, Iran. Sexual health package during pregnancy was developed based on theNational Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) steps. The first step included reviewing ofinternational guidelines, strategies, handbooks, education packages, and articles in this regard. Thepackage was developed in the second step. In the third step, quality assessment was performed usingexpert opinion with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Instrument II (AGREEII) tool, and validation was performed using Delphi method.RESULTS: Package content was designed in two sections: for midwives and health‑care providersand for pregnant mothers in three sessions (in each trimester of pregnancy). The quality assessmentusing the AGREE II guidelines revealed excellent quality (>89%). The package was validated basedon expert opinion (>95%).CONCLUSION: The sexual health promotion package during pregnancy was designed with highquality and validity based on NICE steps. It is recommended, midwives be performed this designedand validated package in routine pregnancy care to promote the couple’s sexual health.

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The relationship between maternal perception of social support and breastfeeding patterns

. Elham Alidadi‑Shamsabadi; . Mitra Savabi‑Esfahani

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is beneficial for the health of infants and mothers. It is a complexsocial behavior that may be influenced by social support. The study aimed to determine ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is beneficial for the health of infants and mothers. It is a complexsocial behavior that may be influenced by social support. The study aimed to determine the relationshipbetween perceived social support of breastfeeding women and their breastfeeding patterns.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was a cross‑sectional study on 300 mothers with6‑month infants or younger who were selected randomly. The data collection tool consisted standardsocial support and breastfeeding patterns questionnaires. We analyzed data using descriptive andanalytical tests and SPSS 18 at a significance level of < 0.05.RESULTS: The results indicated that 85%, 82.2%, and 38% of the infants were exclusivelybreastfed at 1 week, 4, and 6 months after delivery, respectively. The result of post hoc LSD testindicated that the mean number of supporters for mothers, who were in the 6th month of delivery,was significantly lower than other times (P = 0.001). The one‑way analysis of variance indicatedno significant difference between perceived satisfaction of social support at different periods afterdelivery (P = 0.92). Despite the present results, which indicated that the number of supporters andscores of satisfaction with support in exclusive breastfeeding were higher than other groups, thedifferences were not statistically significant.CONCLUSIONS: The mean number of supporters was less in women, who had 6‑month‑old infants,than mothers who had just given birth. It seems mothers with supplements and formula feedingpatterns, such as breastfeeding mothers, may be supported to use these methods. Therefore, morestudies are suggested on this field.

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Trend of tendency to critical thinking among medical students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2010–2015: A longitudinal study

. Minoo Najafi; . Maryam Karbasi Motlagh; . Maryam Najafi; . Ahmad Sabouri Kashani; . Naser Faal ostadzar; . Nazila Zarghi; . Mandana Shirazi

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Critical thinking is one of the goals of education. It is a criterion for academicaccreditation in medical education by concentration on students’ soft skills. Due ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Critical thinking is one of the goals of education. It is a criterion for academicaccreditation in medical education by concentration on students’ soft skills. Due to lack of basicinformation on critical thinking tendency in undergraduate medical program, this study aimed todetermine the trend of tendency toward critical thinking of medical students in two phases: basicscience (year 1) and preinternship (year 5) at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal descriptive–analytic study has been conductedin two phases (2010 and 2015); all 105 medical students were selected by accessible samplingmethod. Years of entrance to college was the inclusion criterion. The psychometric properties of TheCalifornia Critical Thinking Dispositions Inventory (CCTDI) were confirmed, and then, the instrumentwas completed twice by participants. Data were analyzed by SPSS: 16 using student t-test, andpaired t-tests.RESULTS: There was a significant difference between genders of students (P < 0.05). Males weremore disposed toward critical thinking than females. The significant increase was found between meanof truth‑seeking in the second test compared to the first test; instead, the mean of inquisitiveness,analyticity and self‑confidence and inquisitiveness was significantly decreased (P < 0.05).However, in other subscales, there were no significant differences between the 1st and the 5th yearstudents (P > 0.05). The total score of the test in the second phase was lower than the first phase,which was not significant.CONCLUSION: According to the findings, there is necessary to consider the critical thinkingdispositions in medical students training programs and break down the barriers. Tendency towardcritical thinking seems to be as prerequisite of critical thinking skills in undergraduate medical program.

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Effects of intrathecal and intravenous dexamethasone on complications associated with intrathecal morphine after cesarean section: A comparative study

. Alieh Zamani Kiasari; . Nahid Aghaei; . Goli Aezzi; . Abbas Alipour; . Khadijeh Ghavibonyeh

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Pain and nausea and vomiting are of serious complications following the use ofopiates after surgery, especially cesarean section. Control of postoperative complications ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Pain and nausea and vomiting are of serious complications following the use ofopiates after surgery, especially cesarean section. Control of postoperative complications is one ofthe necessities of quality promotion of health‑care system. Medications with few side effects suchas corticosteroids including dexamethasone can be an appropriate option. In addition, the route ofadministration can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of the drug. The aim of the presentstudy was to compare the effects of intrathecal with intravenous dexamethasone in reducing thecomplications associated with intrathecal morphine after cesarean section.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a double‑blind randomized controlled clinical trial anddetermined the effect of intrathecal and intravenous dexamethasone on the incidence and severityof complications of intrathecal morphine after cesarean section on 120 patients and its relationshipwith serious complications after surgery. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to examinethe characteristics of the case and control groups, and STATA SPSS software was used to comparethe two groups.RESULTS: There was no significant association between the two groups in terms of baselinecharacteristics. Pain score in the intrathecal injection group was lower than the intravenous injectiongroup, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.02). In addition, there was a significantassociation regarding to the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and itching between intrathecal andintravenous injection groups (P = 0.008).CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone was effective to reduce opiate complications after cesarean section.Establishing a suitable association between dexamethasone half‑life, efficacy, type of use, and timeof use can result the best outcomes and promote patients’ satisfaction in cesarean section.

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A comparative study into the effects of topical hot salt and hot sand on patients’ perception of low back pain

. Shahram Etemadifar; . Morteza Dehghan; . Tahereh Jazayeri; . Raheleh Javanbakhtian; . Leili Rabiei; . Reza Masoudi

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

Abstract

  BACGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) has been regarded as one of the musculoskeletal problemswhich is affecting more than three‑quarters of individuals in their lifetime. Nowadays, variouspharmacological ...  Read More BACGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) has been regarded as one of the musculoskeletal problemswhich is affecting more than three‑quarters of individuals in their lifetime. Nowadays, variouspharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies are employed for relieving and treating LBP. Thisstudy was conducted to compare the effects of topical hot salt and hot sand on patients’ perceptionof LBP.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this, quasi‑experimental study patients with LBP referring to theorthopedic clinic of Shahrekord educational hospital were divided randomly into two interventions andone control group in 2020. All three groups were received naproxen cream and daily physiotherapyin the same manner, the interventional groups in addition either topical hot salt or topical hot sand.Data gathering tool for measuring patients’ perception of LBP was the McGill Pain Short FormQuestionnaire to be completed at the beginning, immediately at the end, and 2 months after theintervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 21.0).RESULTS: Totally, 90 patients were randomized based on the table of random numbers (mean age51.1 + 11.1), and finally, 87 patients completed the study. Patients’ perception of LBP before theintervention was homogenous in hot salt, hot sand, and the control group The mean score of totalpain experience before the intervention was 14.1 ± 11.3 for hot sand, 13.9 ± 10.7 for hot salt and13.7 ± 10.1 for control group The mean scores of these three groups were not significant before theintervention (P > 0.05). The mean score of total pain experience immediately after the interventionwas 6.7 ± 4.2 for hot sand, 5.2 ± 3.1 for hot salt and 13.9 ± 9.8 for control group. The mean scoresof the hot sand group and the hot salt group were significantly decreased compared with controlgroup (P > 0.05). The mean score of total pain experience two months after the intervention was5.6 ± 3.27 for hot sand, 4.21 ± 2.14 for hot salt and 13.8 ± 10.4 for control group. Mean score of totalpain experience in both intervention groups had significantly reduced two months after the interventioncompared to control group (P ≤ 0.001); so that the effect of hot salt treatment on reducing totalpain experience was larger than hot sand (P ≤ 0.001). The same trend was observed for VAS andPresent pain intensity variables.CONCLUSIONS: The findings have revealed that the topical treatments with hot salt and hot sandcould have a significant effect on the perception of LBP compared to those in the control group;whereas hot salt might be stronger effects than hot sand on reducing LBP.

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Pulmonary function test: A critical domain in oral submucous fibrosis patients

. Vishal Mehrotra; . Sheenam Sambyal; . Gauri Mishra; . Kriti Garg; . Rahul Srivastava; . Saman Ishrat

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: The study aims to measure and compare pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in oralsubmucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients (smokers/nonsmokers) and normal individuals.MATERIALS AND ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: The study aims to measure and compare pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in oralsubmucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients (smokers/nonsmokers) and normal individuals.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 150 participants that comprised 50nonsmoker OSMF patients, 50 OSMF patients who smoke as well, and 50 patients with no deleterioushabits. Spirometer was used to assess PFT.RESULTS: Results showed that a significant P value was obtained for forced vital capacity (FVC),forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and maximumvoluntary ventilation (MVV) and also for the predicted values of FEV, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, andMVV in OSMF (smokers/nonsmokers) study groups.CONCLUSION: Thus, the decrease in pulmonary function can be an alarming sign for restrictivetype of pulmonary disease.

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Association between family behaviors and self‑care activities among type‑II diabetes mellitus patients at a teaching hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

. Shashi Kandel; . Sawitri Assanangkornchai; . Wit Wichaidit

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Self‑care activities are associated with prognosis of type‑II diabetes mellituspatients and include medication adherence, dietary adherence, physical activity, self‑monitoring ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Self‑care activities are associated with prognosis of type‑II diabetes mellituspatients and include medication adherence, dietary adherence, physical activity, self‑monitoring ofblood glucose (SMBG), and appropriate foot care. The behaviors of a patient’s family members caninfluence the patient’s self‑care activities, but little data exist on this association. The objective of thisstudy was to assess the extent of the association between behaviors of family members of Type‑IIdiabetes patients and the patients’ self‑care activities.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross‑sectional study at a teaching hospitalin Kathmandu, Nepal, and interviewed 411 outpatients with Type‑2 diabetes mellitus. We usedexploratory factor analysis to group family members’ behaviors into 3 domains (“authoritarian,”“supportive,” and “planning” behaviors) and graded the level of the behavior into 3 categories (“high”vs. “medium” vs. “low”) according to its ranking distribution in each domain. We assessed theassociation between domains of family behavior and self‑care activities using multivariate logisticregression with Bonferroni correction.RESULTS: High (vs. low) level of supportive behavior was associated with compliance to SMBG (58%vs. 11%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] =7.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] =2.41, 23.01). High (vs. low)level of planning behavior was associated with high level of foot care adherence (64% vs. 21%;adjusted OR = 6.03; 95% CI = 3.01, 12.11).CONCLUSIONS: We found associations between behaviors of diabetes patients’ family membersand the patients’ own self‑care behaviors. However, the incongruence between the family behaviormeasurement questions and the self‑care of interest limited the implications of the findings.

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The influence of speed and strength training at school on the indicators of attention switching in children aged 13–14 years with different typologies

. G. G. Polevoy

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The background is to determine the influence of speed and strength training ofschoolchildren aged 13–14 on the indicators of the ability of children with different ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The background is to determine the influence of speed and strength training ofschoolchildren aged 13–14 on the indicators of the ability of children with different nervous systemstrength to switch attention.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross‑sectional study conducted on sixty schoolchildrenin a class 7, located in the city of Kirov, in Russia. The data were collected using an independentpedagogical experiment. Physical education at the school was held two times a week for 40 mineach lesson. Children from class 7a (20 people) were engaged in the usual program and formed acontrol group. Children from class 7b (20 people) formed an experimental group, they performed anadditional set of physical exercises at each lesson, aimed at developing speed and strength abilities.The strength of the nervous system was determined by tapping test, and the indicators of switching theattention of schoolchildren were determined by the test «Method of Numbers». T‑student was used.RESULTS: After the pedagogical experiment, the indicators of attention switching in the controlgroup improved. In children with a strong nervous system, the indicator was higher by 7%, and inchildren with a weak nervous system, the indicators increased from 33.7 ± 3.1 s to 32.0 ± 2.9 s. Atthe same time, in the experimental group, in both subgroups, the indicators increased significantly.Children with a strong nervous system improved performance by 14%, and children with a weaknervous system improved performance from 34.4 ± 3.9 s to 29.2 ± 3.3 s.CONCLUSION: The indicators of switching the attention of children aged 13–14 years will improveif they perform physical exercises at each physical culture lesson at school, which are aimed atdeveloping speed and strength abilities. The components of the load for the development of abilitiesshould be differentiated taking into account the strength of the schoolchildren nervous system.

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Inventory development to assess perceptions and metacognition of dental students toward learning in colleges in Pune, India

. Shruti P. Nair; . Sahana Hegde Shetiya; . Deepti Agarwal; . Ladusingh Rajpurohit

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Dental education is considered a challenging and taxing program as on successfulcompletion one is required to attain unique and diverse competencies. There is an establishedperception ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Dental education is considered a challenging and taxing program as on successfulcompletion one is required to attain unique and diverse competencies. There is an establishedperception that students do not enjoy their experiences in the dental institution and they alwaysdemand for certain amendments. Therefore, a dental education perceptions and metacognitionassessment tool (DEPMAT) was developed for Indian undergraduate and postgraduate dentalstudents for assessing their learning in Deemed University versus Maharashtra University of HealthSciences in Pune, Maharashtra.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted among students of fourdental colleges of two types of universities in Pune, India, using a 31‑item DEPMAT based onDundee Ready Education Environment Measure and metacognition awareness inventory using fivesubscales. Psychometric properties were also tested for this new tool. Data were analyzed usingthe SPSS software.RESULTS: Of 512 participants, 498 (96.88%) students had duly returned the questionnaire.Cronbach’s alpha coefficient value for reliability was found to be 0.87 which indicated good internalconsistency and test‑retest reliability was found to be kw = 0.76, which indicated substantial agreement.Significant difference was found among undergraduates in domains regarding their perception towardacademics, infrastructure and learning environment, and health and stress.CONCLUSION: This study suggested that the general perception toward learning among final yearpostgraduate students was positive in both the universities. However, the perception of final yearundergraduates toward learning was negative and students have suggested certain amendments inboth the universities. This study also suggested the new tool was effective in assessing the attitudeof practice of both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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Lifestyle factors influencing medical and nursing student’s health status at the rural health‑care institute

. Ravi Shekhar; . Nidhi Prasad; . Tulika Singh

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) may be influenced by lifestyle behavior,acquired during transition in student life at university. Health is a major concern globally. Thedeveloping ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) may be influenced by lifestyle behavior,acquired during transition in student life at university. Health is a major concern globally. Thedeveloping counties are facing a double burden of disease, both communicable and NCD. Thisstudy is aimed to assess the lifestyle and its associated factors that can affect the health status ofmedical and nursing students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted amongmedical and nursing students of Sasaram, Bihar, by universal sampling. The study populationconsisted of 303 medical and 233 nursing students. The 536 students in the study, included 195from rural areas and 341 from urban areas. Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire was used andChi‑square statistics was computed to determine the association of demographic variables withlifestyle behavior using Epi InfoTM 7 analysis software.RESULTS: Mean age and body mass index were 21 ± 2.59 years and 22.12 ± 3.77, respectively.After statistical analysis utilizing the Chi‑square test, it was shown that the difference was found tobe nonsignificant (P > 0.05) in all the following variables, such as gender, age, marital status exceptin designation, and alcohol and tobacco intake which showed the difference to be highly significant.CONCLUSIONS: The maximum number of students in the study population showed intermediatehealthy lifestyle (57.1%), despite being the upcoming health‑care providers of future. Fruits wererarely present in diet in 82%, no physical activity in 21.2%, and tobacco and alcohol were consumedby 11.7% and 13%, respectively. Targeted intervention for healthy diet, physical activity, stress,tobacco, and alcohol reduction can lead to healthy lifestyle. Independence and autonomy gained inthe transition phase in student life needs guided supervision to raise responsible adults. It may helpto assist or to plan accordingly in future to improve lifestyle of the students.

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The COVID‑19 pandemic impact on clinical load of plastic and reconstructive surgery in a tertiary care hospital of north India: A retrospective comparative analysis

. Mohd Altaf Mir; . Debarati Chattopadhyay; . Nishank Manohar; . Madhubari Vathulya; . Vishal Mago; . Akshay Kapoor; . Neeraj Rao

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to analyze and determine statistically significantimpact of the COVID‑19 on clinical load of plastic and reconstructive surgery practices.MATERIALS ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to analyze and determine statistically significantimpact of the COVID‑19 on clinical load of plastic and reconstructive surgery practices.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective analysis and comparison of the number of patientsvisiting to outpatient clinic, number of patients admitted, number of patients operated in the plasticand reconstructive surgery department during the COVID‑19 pandemic months of January 2020–June 2020 with the same months of preceding non‑COVID‑19 year was done. The data obtainedwere tabulated in Microsoft Excel spread sheet and the statistical analysis done using MedCalcstatistical software.RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation of patients attended in outpatient department (OPD),admitted in inpatient department (IPD), emergency surgeries performed, and elective surgeriesperformed during ‑COVID‑19 versus COVID‑19 pandemic period is (651.167 ± 310.42 vs.212.5 ± 307.591), (83.5 ± 16.263 vs. 34.333 ± 53.74), (5.167 ± 4.243 vs. 3.333 ± 4.95),and (74.333 ± 28.284 vs. 40.833 ± 60.811), respectively. The difference in means is highly significantstatistically in the number of patients attended in OPD, admitted in IPD, and elective surgeriesperformed during pre‑COVID versus COVID period; however, the difference in the means is notstatistically significant in the number of emergency surgeries performed during pre‑COVID versusCOVID period.CONCLUSION: The COVID‑19 pandemic has significantly reduced the number of patients attended inOPD, admitted in IPD, and elective surgeries performed in the department of plastic surgery. However,there is a reduction in number of emergency surgeries but statistically insignificant. The strategy isto use telemedicine portal e‑Sanjeevani services for OPD, encourage admission of patients withreverse transcription polymerase chain reaction negative for COVID‑19, and perform reconstructiveand esthetic plastic surgery operative procedures using COVID‑19 appropriate precautions.

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The knowledge assessment and reducing the errors of medical certificate of cause of death with sensitization training of physicians: A quality improvement intervention study

. Swapnil Prabhakar Akhade; . Shreemanta Kumar Dash; . Kiran Swapnil Akhade

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is a vital document issued by adoctor and has a prescribed format published by the World Health Organization. It is an essentialtool ...  Read More BACKGROUND: A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is a vital document issued by adoctor and has a prescribed format published by the World Health Organization. It is an essentialtool to obtain scientific and reliable information in terms of the cause of mortality. The aim of thisstudy is to assess the knowledge about MCCD and to evaluate the impact of sensitization trainingon the MCCD among the physicians working in the trauma and emergency department in a TertiaryCare Centre.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi‑experimental quality improvement hospital‑based studyexecuted in Trauma and Emergency Department of Tertiary Care Hospital in Chhattisgarh State,India. The physicians posted in the Trauma and Emergency Department were participated in thestudy and attended the sensitization training session on MCCD. Statistical analysis used; the datawere entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed with SPSS version 20 statistical software. Mean scoresand standard deviation (SD) were used for pre and posttest data while statistical significance wastested using the paired t‑test. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. The technical and medicalerrors in MCCD forms were depicted in percentages.RESULTS: A total of 54 physicians completed the study, including 42 junior resident doctors, 6 seniorresident doctors, and 6 faculties. There was a significant difference in the scores before (M = 4.39,SD = 1.571) and after (M = 7.5, SD = 0.885) the training (t = 17.6, P < 0.0001). The participantsshowed substantial improvement by reduction in technical errors from 28% to 14% while the medicalerror also slashed down from 42% to 16%.CONCLUSIONS: Sensitization and educational training should be carried out consistently on regularintervals to improve the knowledge of physicians regarding the appropriate filling of MCCD andminimize the errors in MCCD, ultimately this will enhance usability and comparability of mortalitystatistics generated from International Classification of Diseases data.Keywords:Death certificate, effectiveness of training, errors, medical certification of cause of deathBACKGROUND: A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is a vital document issued by adoctor and has a prescribed format published by the World Health Organization. It is an essentialtool to obtain scientific and reliable information in terms of the cause of mortality. The aim of thisstudy is to assess the knowledge about MCCD and to evaluate the impact of sensitization trainingon the MCCD among the physicians working in the trauma and emergency department in a TertiaryCare Centre.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi‑experimental quality improvement hospital‑based studyexecuted in Trauma and Emergency Department of Tertiary Care Hospital in Chhattisgarh State,India. The physicians posted in the Trauma and Emergency Department were participated in thestudy and attended the sensitization training session on MCCD. Statistical analysis used; the datawere entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed with SPSS version 20 statistical software. Mean scoresand standard deviation (SD) were used for pre and posttest data while statistical significance wastested using the paired t‑test. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. The technical and medicalerrors in MCCD forms were depicted in percentages.RESULTS: A total of 54 physicians completed the study, including 42 junior resident doctors, 6 seniorresident doctors, and 6 faculties. There was a significant difference in the scores before (M = 4.39,SD = 1.571) and after (M = 7.5, SD = 0.885) the training (t = 17.6, P < 0.0001). The participantsshowed substantial improvement by reduction in technical errors from 28% to 14% while the medicalerror also slashed down from 42% to 16%.CONCLUSIONS: Sensitization and educational training should be carried out consistently on regularintervals to improve the knowledge of physicians regarding the appropriate filling of MCCD andminimize the errors in MCCD, ultimately this will enhance usability and comparability of mortalitystatistics generated from International Classification of Diseases data.

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A proposal to activate the role of early intervention programs for the rehabilitation of mothers of children with Down syndrome, in light of the Saudi vision 2030

. Nawal Abdulaziz Mohamed Al Rubaie

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Early intervention programs are supremacy in health, psychological, social,and sports care policies in many developed countries, considering the necessity to identify thecircumstances ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Early intervention programs are supremacy in health, psychological, social,and sports care policies in many developed countries, considering the necessity to identify thecircumstances and any support required as soon as possible. Consequently, understanding the criticalrole of mothers of children with Down syndrome in meeting the needs of their children is crucial, aswell as developing their capacity to make positive contributions to the psychosocial harmony of theirchildren. Hence, this study aims at determining the real role of early intervention programs in therehabilitation of mothers of children with Down syndrome and identifying the obstacles that preventearly intervention services and programs from achieving their objective and how to treat it.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The descriptive‑analytical approach was used. In order to achievethese objectives, an online questionnaire consisting of (88) phrases, divided into three areas, wasapplied to (20) mothers of children with Down syndrome.RESULTS: The assessment study concluded several results from the mothers’ perspective,indicating that cognitive qualifications were highest at an average of 52.66%, followed by educationalqualifications at an average of 50.73%, social qualification at an average of 48.78%, and religiousqualification at an average of 48.33%. Finally, psychological qualifications were lowest at an averageof 45.22%. The approval rate of all these proposals exceeded 90%.CONCLUSION: Based on these results, a proposal for activating early intervention programs for therehabilitation of mothers of children with Down syndrome, in light of the Saudi Vision 2030, was set.It was also recommended to give continuous and intensive courses to mothers, in order to improvetheir children’s skills and self‑sufficiency.

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Psychosocial perception of health‑care workers in a COVID‑19‑designated hospital in eastern India

. Subrata Das; . Avik Chakraborty; . Samatirtha Chandra

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 pandemic has changed the life of people in many facets, economic,social, and psychological. Frontline health‑care workers (HCWs) fighting against this pandemic ...  Read More BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 pandemic has changed the life of people in many facets, economic,social, and psychological. Frontline health‑care workers (HCWs) fighting against this pandemic facedsome psychological as well as social issues which are of major concern. The objective of the study isto evaluate the magnitude of mental health problems, namely depression, anxiety, and stress amongfrontline HCWs as well as their perception on ongoing events and surroundings.MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective, observational study on n = 85 HCWs overa 4‑month period. Study participants were sampled purposively in accordance with inclusion andexclusion criteria; data were collected by online survey method. A semi‑structured scale was used:Part A of which assessed the demography and perception of HCWs on surrounding along with ongoingsocial events and Part B consisted of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‑21 that was usedto assess mental health issues. All the associations were tested in percentages and proportions.Statistics was calculated by using SPSS 24th version.RESULTS: Majority of the participants were female doctors and belonged to 21–30 years’ agegroup. Most of them were marginally worried of contacting infection (73%) but were substantiallyapprehensive of transmitting infection to their family (56.5%) and hoped positive outcome ultimatelyin the form of recovery from infection. Majority (96.4%) gathered information from authentic sourcesand were confident of adequacy of their knowledge. Majority (88.3%) were satisfied about theiroccupational safety and responded on scientific solution of pandemic. However, we got a mixedresult about their professional appreciation. Depression symptom score was higher than anxiety andstress symptom score in our participants.CONCLUSIONS: Doctors and nurses both were suffering from mental health issues, and provisionof adequate information and occupational safety may lessen these burdens.

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Relationship between psychological factors and perceived stigma of addiction among women with substance use disorders, Thailand

. Suneerat Yangyuen; . Manop Kanato; . Thidarat Somdee

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are one of the most stigmatized health conditionsthat impact drug user’s treatment engagement. However, to date, little is known about ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are one of the most stigmatized health conditionsthat impact drug user’s treatment engagement. However, to date, little is known about perceivedstigma and its correlates with psychological factors among high‑risk groups such as people withSUDs in the criminal justice system. This study aimed to determine the association of psychologicalfactors and perceived stigma of addiction among women with SUDs.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional design was conducted on 652 women with SUDswho were treated in all 7 compulsory drug detention centers in Thailand with consecutive samplingtechnique. The data were collected by standardized interviewers with interviewing questionnaire.Multiple logistic regression was applied to examine the effect of psychological factors and perceivedstigma.RESULTS: More than half of SUD patients (57.2%) were methamphetamine abuse or dependence,approximately 69.9% reported high level of perceived stigma, 56.7% had mild depression, 34.8% hadlow level of perceived social support, and the average perceived stress score was 19.2 (standarddeviation, 7.5). The perceived stigma was positively related to depressive symptom and perceivedstress while was inversely related to perceived social support.CONCLUSION: The psychological factors were strongly associated with perceived stigma of addiction.Thus, the detection of psychological problems among SUD patients may be benefit clinicians foridentifying which patients are most at risk of perceived stigma and are the potential targets ofintervention to reduce stigma in clinical practice.

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The effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior aimed at mothers on osteoporosis prevention behaviors in lower secondary school female students

. Suneerat Yangyuen; . Manop Kanato; . Thidarat Somdee; . Fatemeh Shahmohamadi; . Meimanat Hoseini; . Mahsa Matbouei; . Malihe Nasiri

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is mainly characterized by a low bone mineral density and a sharparchitectural and biomechanical deterioration in bone tissue required to maintain bone homeostasis.The ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is mainly characterized by a low bone mineral density and a sharparchitectural and biomechanical deterioration in bone tissue required to maintain bone homeostasis.The theory of planned behavior (TPB) can be considered as one of the leading theories when designingan evidence‑based intervention. This study was carried out based on the TPB to determine the effectof an educational intervention aimed at mothers on the prevention of osteoporosis in female students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of seventy mothers of lower secondary school studentsin Tehran, Iran, participated in this experimental study which was conducted in 2019–2020. Theparticipants were randomly assigned to two groups, namely experimental and control groups. Basedon the TPB, a demographic and a researcher‑made questionnaire consisting of five sections wereused in order to collect data. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed beforedata collection. Four 45–60 min training programs were delivered to the subjects using the TPB.Data were collected before, immediately after, and 1 month following the training program. Finally,IBM SPSS Statistics 21 was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in terms of attitude, subjective norms, perceivedbehavioral control, behavioral intention, and osteoporosis prevention‑related behavior between theexperimental and control groups before proceeding with the intervention (P > 0.05). However, themean scores of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, andbehavior were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to those of the control groupfollowing the educational intervention (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that such interventions based on the TPB can, in fact, produce asignificant effect on osteoporosis prevention‑related behaviors. Thus, it can serve as a useful modelfor planning educational interventions.

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The effect of educational intervention based on self‑efficacy theory on pregnancy anxiety and childbirth outcomes among Iranian primiparous women

. Narges Gandomi; . Gholamreza Sharifzadeh; . Marzieh Torshizi; . Ensiyeh Norozi

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Pregnancy anxiety is associated with a diverse birth outcomes. Mothers’ educationcould have a critical role in increasing their self‑efficacy to defeat their anxiety ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Pregnancy anxiety is associated with a diverse birth outcomes. Mothers’ educationcould have a critical role in increasing their self‑efficacy to defeat their anxiety and improve pregnancyand child birth outcomes. The study was conducted to examine the effect of intervention based onself‑efficacy theory on pregnancy anxiety and child birth outcomes.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted as a quasi‑experimental design on60primiparous women (26–28 weeks) in Birjand (East Iranian province) from May to September 2017,who were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received8 sessions of 90‑min educational intervention based on self‑efficacy theory strategies besides theroutine prenatal care. Vanden Bergh’s pregnancy anxiety questionnaire and checklist of pregnancyand delivery outcomes were used for data collection.RESULTS: The level of pregnancy anxiety was similar in both groups before the intervention, butimmediately and 1 month after the intervention, the mean score of pregnancy anxiety significantlyreduced in the intervention group and significantly increased in the control group (P < 0.001). Therewas a significant difference in mean neonatal weight (P < 0.001) between the two groups. Emergencyand elective cesarean section were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to thecontrol group (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in the frequency of pretermdelivery between two groups (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The results provide support for the effectiveness of intervention based on self‑efficacytheory in reducing pregnancy anxiety and enhancing positive pregnancy outcomes. Hence,theory‑based educational interventions may serve as a cost‑effective and noninvasive approach toreduce pregnancy anxiety in Iran.

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Effective factors on nutrition behaviors of pregnant women based on the beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors model: A cross‑sectional study

. Azam Mohammadi; . Fatemeh Effati‑Daryani; . Fatemeh Ghelichkhani; . Somayeh Zarei; . Mojgan Mirghafourvand

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: One of the useful models in health education is the Beliefs, Attitudes, SubjectiveNorms, and Enabling Factors (BASNEF) model. The model is used to study behavior and to ...  Read More BACKGROUND: One of the useful models in health education is the Beliefs, Attitudes, SubjectiveNorms, and Enabling Factors (BASNEF) model. The model is used to study behavior and to planfor change it and to determine the factors that influence people’s decision‑making. The aim of thisstudy was to investigate the factors affecting the nutritional behavior of pregnant women based onBASNEF model.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was performed on 360 pregnant womenreferring to health centers of Tabriz‑Iran by two‑stage cluster sampling method from April to December2016. Data were collected using sociodemographic, nutrition subdomain of Health PromotingLifestyle‑II (HPLP‑II), and researcher‑made questionnaire based on constructs of BASNEF model.Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 21 and Pearson correlation test and GeneralLinear Model (GLM).RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of nutrition subdomain of HPLP‑II was 24.65 ± 4.75within the range 9–36. Mean ± SD of BASNEF model constructs (score range) was also obtainedas 45.30 ± 10.80 (0–100), 17.98 ± 2.40 (8–24), 9.30 ± 2.82 (0–20) and 2.47 ± 1.74 (0–6) for belief,attitude, subjective norms, and enabling factors, respectively. Based on the GLM, there was significantrelationships between nutritional behavior and BASNEF model constructs (belief [P < 0.001],attitude [P = 0.043], enabling factors [P < 0.001], and subjective norms [P = 0.038]) as well as thevariables of job, husband’s education, and job and sufficiency of income for expenses.CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed the impact of BASNEF model constructsand some sociodemographic variables on nutrition behaviors in pregnant women. Therefore, in orderto improve nutrition behaviors of pregnant women, designing and implementation of interventionsbased on the BASNEF model are recommended.

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The association between sexual health literacy and sexual function of women in Iran

. Leila Dehghankar; . Rahman Panahi; . Marzieh Khatooni; . Somayeh Fallah; . Farnoosh Moafi; . Mohammad Anbari; . Fatemeh Samiei Siboni

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of sexual health literacy in promoting individual sexualhealth and ultimately improving family and social health as well as the effect of health ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of sexual health literacy in promoting individual sexualhealth and ultimately improving family and social health as well as the effect of health literacy onsexual function, this study was designed and conducted to determine the association between sexualhealth literacy and sexual function among women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross‑sectional study. A total of 420 women referringto health centers were entered into the study using one‑stage cluster sampling method. Datacollection tools included a demographic questionnaire, Iranian Adult Sexual Health LiteracyAssessment Questionnaire, and the Persian version of the Female Sexual Function AssessmentQuestionnaire (FSFI). Data were collected and entered into SPSS 22 and logistic regression.RESULTS: The results of the logistic regression test showed that the variable of sexual health literacywas effective on women’s sexual function (P = 0.021) so that the chances of having a desirable sexualfunction in women with excellent were 4.222 times more than women with inadequate health literacy;the variables of employment status, level of education, duration of marital life, and the number ofsexual intercourses per recent week were the factors affecting women’s sexual function (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The results of this study pointed out the existence of an undesirable level of sexualfunction and a desirable level of sexual health literacy among participating women. Hence, designingand implementing the training plans to promote sexual function among these women is necessary.

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Comparison of reproductive health and its related factors in vulnerable and nonvulnerable women

. Elham Zolfaghari; . Zahra Boroumandfar; . Nafisehsadat Nekuei

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Women’s health is supposed to be one of the indicators of development.Reproductive health is an important part of women’s health. Vulnerable women are a group ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Women’s health is supposed to be one of the indicators of development.Reproductive health is an important part of women’s health. Vulnerable women are a group of womenwhose reproductive health needs to be given special attention. The purpose of this study was tocompare the reproductive health of vulnerable and nonvulnerable women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted on vulnerablewomen (n = 250) and nonvulnerable women (n = 250). The samples were selected from vulnerablewomen’s centers and comprehensive health centers in Isfahan by quota and using simple randomsampling method in 2017. The research tool was a researcher‑made questionnaire completed by theresearcher using interview method. Internal reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed to be 0.89using Cronbach’s alpha. A P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Data analysis wasperformed using SPSS 18 software and independent t‑test, Mann–Whitney, Pearson, Spearman,and Chi‑square tests.RESULTS: The results showed that the mean total score of reproductive health in the nonvulnerablegroup (81.41) was significantly higher than that of the vulnerable group (68.6). The mean total scoreand the score of reproductive health components, except some of them, were significantly differentbetween the two groups (P < 0.05). Having an addicted spouse and unsafe sex were the mostprevalent features associated with high‑risk behaviors.CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, reproductive health status of vulnerable womenis inappropriate in all dimensions. Given the importance of this issue, the development andimplementation of special health programs for this group seem to be necessary.

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The level of satisfaction and quality of E‑learning in medical universities of Iran during the epidemic of COVID‑19

. Mina Iravani; . Maryam Beheshti Nasab; . Hadis Bahmaei; . Saeed Ghanbari; . Zaynab Mohaghegh; . Shahla Faal Siahkal

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: E‑learning is web‑based learning for education and training. The current globalpandemic crisis created due to COVID‑19 has made worldwide online learning. This study ...  Read More BACKGROUND: E‑learning is web‑based learning for education and training. The current globalpandemic crisis created due to COVID‑19 has made worldwide online learning. This study aimed toinvestigate the level of satisfaction and quality of E‑learning in medical universities from the students’point of view during the epidemic of COVID‑19 and assessing the obstacles and solutions proposedto improve the quality of E‑learning.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional, web‑based study was conducted among 400medical university students of Iran during the epidemic of COVID‑19. After getting written consent,three parts questionnaire contains demographic, user satisfaction, quality questionnaire, and threeopen‑ended questions were distributed randomly using social media. Descriptive analysis, t‑test,Chi‑square, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to achieve the objective of this study, withsignificance set to P < 0.05. Furthermore, three open‑ended questions were reviewed qualitativelyand the problems and solutions suggested by the students were reported.RESULTS: Based on the findings of the descriptive section, 277 of the respondents were girls (69%)with a mean age of 21 ± 2 years. Sixty‑nine percent of students were studying in medical sciencesuniversities and 31% were studying in Islamic Azad University. The level of satisfaction was in theupper range of low (34.0 ± 10.0); P < 0.001, and intention to reuse was moderate (23.06 ± 6.0);P = 0.064. Student’s perception of quality in most domains was in the upper range of low to medium.User satisfaction, intention to reuse, the quality of knowledge, and participatory quality for evaluatingonline courses were significantly higher in the Azad University group than in medical universities.CONCLUSION: Given that this is the first experience in the use of E‑learning in Iran, both universitieshave not yet fully succeeded in satisfying students and it is necessary to increase the quality ofE‑learning based on student suggestions.

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Effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on self‑esteem and self‑efficacy in multiple sclerosis patients: A clinical trial study

. Ali Akbari; . Farshid Shamsaei; . Efat Sadeghian; .. Mehrdokht Mazdeh; . Leili Tapak

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-10

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Low self‑esteem and inefficiency are major problems in multiple sclerosis (MS)patients. A progressive muscle relaxation technique is one of the complementary therapies. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Low self‑esteem and inefficiency are major problems in multiple sclerosis (MS)patients. A progressive muscle relaxation technique is one of the complementary therapies. Theobjective of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation techniques onself‑esteem and self‑efficacy in MS patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 100 MS patients were randomlydivided into two groups of experimental (n = 50) and control (n = 50). The experimental group receivedprogressive muscle relaxation techniques in eight 60‑min sessions twice a week for 4weeks. Rosenberg’sSelf‑Esteem Scale and Self‑Efficacy Scales of MS patients were completed before, immediately, and4 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16.RESULTS: The mean score of self‑esteem was not significantly different between thecontrol (26.02 ± 5.83) and experimental (26.40 ± 6.06) groups before intervention (P = 0.247).The mean score of self‑esteem in the control group (27.16 ± 7.45) and the experimentalgroup (29.06 ± 6.61) immediately after the intervention (P = 0.083) was not significantly different.4 weeks after the intervention, the mean scores of self‑esteem in the control (26.96 ± 8.33)and the experimental (29.98 ± 7.02) groups were significantly different (P = 0.012). Themean score of self‑efficacy was significantly different between the control (41.62 ± 4.46) andexperimental (39.32 ± 4.31) groups before intervention (P = 0.010). The mean scores of self‑efficacyin the control group (38.38 ± 5.07) and the experimental group (44 ± 4.46) immediately after theintervention (P < 0.001) and 4 weeks after intervention showed a significant difference between thecontrol group (38.04 ± 5.46) and the experimental (46.40 ± 5.04) groups (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Due to the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on self‑esteem and self‑efficacyof MS patients, its safety and simplicity, this technique can be used as a complementary therapy toenhance the level of self‑esteem and self‑efficacy of MS patients.

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Knowledge and attitude toward professional ethics: A study among Iranian medical and nursing students’

. Poria Hoseinialiabadi; . Ali Omidi; . Mansour Arab; . Zohreh Makarem; . Mojtaba Jafari

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Professional ethics is a set of principles and standards of human behavior thataffect individual behavior and leads to improve care that provided by medical staff. The presentstudy ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Professional ethics is a set of principles and standards of human behavior thataffect individual behavior and leads to improve care that provided by medical staff. The presentstudy examined the knowledge and attitude of medical and nursing students toward professionalethics in Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive‑analytic study was carried out on 176 medical andnursing students in Bam University of Medical Science, Iran in 2019. In this study, students wereselected by census sampling. Data collected using two researcher‑made questionnaires related toknowledge and attitude toward professional ethics. Data were analyzed in SPSS software.RESULTS: The mean scores of knowledge among nursing and medical students were 86.56 (8.76)and 85.10 (12.19), respectively. The mean score of attitude among nursing and medical studentswas 127.06 (12.45) and 129.9 (11.88), respectively. Results of the Pearson correlation test showed apositive and significant associated between the score of knowledge and attitude nursing and medicalstudents’ (P < 0.001), (r = 0.76) (r = 0.66). Among the demographics characteristics, student agewas associated to their attitude and knowledge significantly (P = 0.03).CONCLUSION: Iranian nursing and medical students have a positive attitude and a high level ofknowledge about professional ethics. A high level of knowledge was related to the most positiveattitude.

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Testing adaptation and psychometric properties of survey instrument for students’ perspectives on e‑professionalism and social media in Iranian students: Corona crisis and medical education

. Leili Mosalanejad; . Saeed Abdollahifard

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

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The use of social networks in the field of education has also accelerated andhas become a powerful source of learning for transformation and empowerment in various fields.This ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The use of social networks in the field of education has also accelerated andhas become a powerful source of learning for transformation and empowerment in various fields.This study aimed to test the adaptation and psychometric properties of an instrument for students’prospective on e‑professionalism in the use of social media in Iranian medical science students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this questionnaire, with the aim of psychometric properties of theperception toward social media in Iranian students, this survey instrument developed by (Ness et al.)in five fields in 2nd‑year pharmacology students in Purdue University The fields include accountability,hiring decisions, profile editing, professionalism, and privacy settings. In this study, first, a culturaladaptation was done by an expert panel. Then, psychometric properties of an instrument by contentvalidity and construct validity using explanatory factor analysis were performed. Reliability wasassessed by test–retest and internal consistency of items. The reliability of the survey instrumentwith three factors was 0.82 using the test–retest, and the internal consistency was good (r = 0.94).RESULTS: The result of psychometric properties using the principal component method extractedthree factors (accountability, hiring decision, and professionalism) to assessment of students’ attitudeto professionalism using social media in Iranian students.CONCLUSION: The adapted and psychometric properties of the instrument developed by Nesset al., 2013, with three dimensions and ten items proved to be a valid, reliable instrument for usefor assessing perspectives on e‑professionalism and social media in Iranian medical students. Thisquestioner may be suitable for Iranian researches in medical education.

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

. Mahnaz Solhi; . Razieh Pirouzeh; . Nasibeh Zanjari

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

Abstract

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

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The effects of simulation training on learning of health information systems: A scoping review

. Ehsan Nabovati; . Fatemeh Rangraz Jeddi; . Faeze Ghaffari; . Fakhrosadat Mirhoseini

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-14

Abstract

  One of the most commonly used methods for training is simulation. It is important to examine theeffects of simulation training of health information systems on the knowledge, attitude, ...  Read More One of the most commonly used methods for training is simulation. It is important to examine theeffects of simulation training of health information systems on the knowledge, attitude, and skill intrainees. This review provided a summary of relevant literature on how simulation training affectsthe learning of health information systems and determine the features and functional capabilitiesof existing simulators. Studies and websites using simulation training to teach health informationsystems were included. Studies were searched through Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, and ISI Webof Science and websites through Google search by the end of 2019. The characteristics of studies,features, and functional capabilities of simulators and effects on learning outcomes were extracted.The included studies and websites were categorized according to different characteristics includingsimulation types, learning outcome categories, and the effects of simulation training on learningoutcomes. The learning outcomes were categorized into four groups: knowledge, attitude, skill, andsatisfaction. The effects of interventions on outcomes were categorized into statistically significantpositive, positive without statistical argument, no effect (not statistically significant), negative withoutstatistical argument, or statistically significant negative. Ten studies and eight websites that usedsimulation training to teach health information systems (mainly electronic health record [EHR])were included. EHR simulation was performed in 80% of the included studies and trainees in 70%of studies were physicians and nurses. All studies were conducted in three developed countries. Inthe included studies, four learning outcomes (i.e. skill, attitude, knowledge, and satisfaction) wereassessed. Ninety percent of the included studies assessed skill‑related outcomes, with more than halfmentioning significant improvement. Thirty percent of the included studies assessed outcomes‑relatedknowledge and attitude, all of which reported the positive effects of simulation training. The simulatorsoffered a variety of functional capabilities, while all of which simulated the clinical data entry process.In teaching health information systems, especially EHRs, simulation training enhances skill, attitude,knowledge, and satisfaction of health‑care providers and students.

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Investigation of the psychometric properties of children’s somatization inventory in Iranian adolescents

. Sepideh Hoseini; . Mahdi Jafari; . Kaveh Qaderi Bagajan; . Zahra Asl Soleimani; . Meysam Sadeghi; . Shadi Zolfaghari; . Aria Momeni

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of children’ssomatization inventory (CSI‑24) in a sample of Iranian school adolescents.MATERIALS AND ...  Read More BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of children’ssomatization inventory (CSI‑24) in a sample of Iranian school adolescents.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, after translating and back‑translating CSI‑24,comparisons were made with the original version. The study population consisted of 394 schooladolescents. Cronbach’s alpha method was used to examine the reliability of the scale. Furthermore,the correlation of the scale with the Symptom Checklist‑90‑Revised was evaluated to determine itscriterion validity, using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysismethods were applied for construct validity.RESULTS: Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of CSI‑24 showed itshigh reliability and confirmatory factor analysis results show the model’s satisfactory fitting.CONCLUSION: The Persian version of CSI‑24 is a useful self‑report tool for evaluating the physicalcomplaints of Iranian school adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years.

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Developing an artificial neural network for detecting COVID‑19 disease

. Mostafa Shanbehzadeh; . Raoof Nopour; . Hadi Kazemi-Arpanahi

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-10

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: From December 2019, atypical pneumonia termed COVID‑19 has been increasingexponentially across the world. It poses a great threat and challenge to world health and the ...  Read More BACKGROUND: From December 2019, atypical pneumonia termed COVID‑19 has been increasingexponentially across the world. It poses a great threat and challenge to world health and the economy.Medical specialists face uncertainty in making decisions based on their judgment for COVID‑19.Thus, this study aimed to establish an intelligent model based on artificial neural networks (ANNs)for diagnosing COVID‑19.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a single‑center registry, we studied the records of 250 confirmedCOVID‑19 and 150 negative cases from February 9, 2020, to October 20, 2020. The correlationcoefficient technique was used to determine the most significant variables of the ANN model. Thevariables at P < 0.05 were used for model construction. We applied the back‑propagation techniquefor training a neural network on the dataset. After comparing different neural network configurations,the best configuration of ANN was acquired, then its strength has been evaluated.RESULTS: After the feature selection process, a total of 18 variables were determined as the mostrelevant predictors for developing the ANN models. The results indicated that two nested loops’architecture of 9‑10‑15‑2 (10 and 15 neurons used in layer 1 and layer 2, respectively) with the areaunder the curve of 0.982, the sensitivity of 96.4%, specificity of 90.6%, and accuracy of 94% wasintroduced as the best configuration model for COVID‑19 diagnosis.CONCLUSION: The proposed ANN‑based clinical decision support system could be considered as asuitable computational technique for the frontline practitioner in early detection, effective intervention,and possibly a reduction of mortality in patients with COVID‑19.

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The effect of “Elder Care by Elderly People Program” on life satisfaction and quality of life among institutionalized senior citizens

. Mohsen Salmannezhad; . Yadollah Abolfathi Momtaz; . Robab Sahhaf; . Mehdi Rassafiani; . Shiva Hosseini Foladi

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Improving participation in life meaningful roles is one of the most importantpredictors of quality of life (QOL) and life satisfaction (LS) in later life. The purpose ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Improving participation in life meaningful roles is one of the most importantpredictors of quality of life (QOL) and life satisfaction (LS) in later life. The purpose of this study wasto investigate the effect of Elder Care by Elderly People (ECP) on LS and QOL among institutionalizedsenior citizens.MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was an interventional study involving a targeted sample of 36older adults in Ghods nursing home in Tehran in 2018. WHOQOL‑OLD 24‑item and LS 40‑itemquestionnaires were used to measure LS and Olathe repeated‑measures ANOVA and descriptivewas employed to obtain the objectives.RESULTS: The participants were 36 older adults in Ghods nursing home. The mean age of olderadults was 67.27 (standard deviation [SD] = 7.6), of whom about 77.8% were male. The mean scoreof QOL increased from 74.38 (SD = 13.09) pre intervention to 83.72 (SD = 11.43) 2 months postintervention, with most significant change of 9.3 QOL points between pre intervention and 2 monthspost intervention alone (P < 0.01). Similarly, LS increased from 114.19 (SD = 26.93) pre interventionto 133.94 (SD = 20.49) 2 months post intervention, with most significant change of 19.7 LS pointsbetween pre intervention and 2 months post intervention alone (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showing the evidence of the positive impact of the ECPProgrammed for the elderly, therefore, it is suggested that the programmer is evaluated in futurestudies.

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Emotional difficulties in pregnant females who tested positive for COVID‑19: A cross‑sectional study from South Kashmir, India

. Tanzeela Nazir; . Rehana Amin; . Masood Maqbool

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: It is evident that the novel coronavirus disease pandemic inevitably resulted inincreased stress and anxiety in the general population. Pregnancy is a challenging period, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: It is evident that the novel coronavirus disease pandemic inevitably resulted inincreased stress and anxiety in the general population. Pregnancy is a challenging period, andCOVID‑19 has added risk to women pregnant during the pandemic.AIM: The present study was aimed to assess the emotional difficulties in pregnant females whotested positive for COVID‑19. The current study estimated the prevalence of depression, anxiety,and stress among 63 pregnant ladies who tested positive for COVID‑19.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Child and Maternity Hospital of GMCAnantnag, Kashmir, India, from April to December 2020. A total of 63 pregnant females who testedpositive for COVID‑19 participated in the study. The COVID‑positive pregnant ladies were interviewedin the outpatient department of the child and maternity clinic 2 weeks after the infection. The interviewscale used was Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‑21. The data were analyzed using Chi‑squaretest and Fisher’s exact test.RESULTS: We found that the mean age of participants was 33.5 ± 7.4. We found that 38.1% of thefemales had positive bad obstetric history. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was33.32%, 50.83%, and 60.3%, respectively. In correlation analysis, notably bad obstetric history andworking females were significant independent factors for higher levels of depression, anxiety, andstress. The depression was also found more in literate females and the third trimester.CONCLUSION: The study indicates high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant femaleswho tested positive for COVID‑19. The emotional difficulties were found to be higher in educated andworking females. The bad obstetric history was found to be an independent factor for higher levels ofemotional difficulties in COVID‑positive pregnant females. This calls for extra measures to promotethe mental health and resilience of pregnant females, especially during a crisis.

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A cross sectional study to assess the expressed COVID‑19 preventive practices among the health care workers and public visiting tertiary care hospital, AIIMS, Jodhpur

. Mukesh C. Sharma; . V. A. Raghu; . Manish K. Balai

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The corona virus disease‑2019 (COVID‑19) infection is a current public healthcrisis, and it is challenging to the world health‑care system. As there is no treatment, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The corona virus disease‑2019 (COVID‑19) infection is a current public healthcrisis, and it is challenging to the world health‑care system. As there is no treatment, preventionis the crucial importance to break the chain of transmission of infection and prevent fatality amongthe high‑risk populations. The aim of the study was to assess the Expressed COVID‑19 preventivepractices among health‑care workers (HCWs) and the public visiting tertiary care hospital, AIIMS,Jodhpur.METHODOLOGY: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 406 HCWs and 238 public, recruitedby convenient sampling technique. A validated and pretested self‑structured practice questionnaireused to collect the data regarding COVID‑19 preventive practice. The data were collected throughonline Google Forms and interview techniques and analyzed by software SPSS 26 version.RESULTS: Majority of 87.7% HCWs and 76.5% public always followed practice of hand wash withsoap and water and sanitize for 20 s. Majority of 79.6% HCWs and 49.2% public maintain socialdistance in public place. Gender (χ2 = 18.806 P ≤ 0.001) and education (χ2 = 43.270 P ≤ 0.001)among HCWs and in public demographic variable income (χ2 = 21.102 P = 0.002), religion (χ2 = 13.302P = 0.006) and source of information (χ2 = 17.030 P = 0.026) was significantly associated with levelof COVID‑19 preventive practice.CONCLUSION: The study showed moderate level of COVID‑19 preventive practice among HCWsand public. Based on this result, an effective IEC intervention programs can be designed to educatepublic and HCWs and follow a safe COVID‑19 preventive practice.

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