Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Physical activity patterns and its influencing factors among high school students of Izeh city: Application of some constructs of health belief model

. Arash Salahshuri; . Gholamreza Sharifirad; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Firoozeh Mostafavi

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Purpose: This study has been conducted to identify the roles of self-efficacy, benefits of andbarriers to physical activity, and its relationship with physical activity in male and ...  Read More Purpose: This study has been conducted to identify the roles of self-efficacy, benefits of andbarriers to physical activity, and its relationship with physical activity in male and female highschool students in the city of Izeh, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptiveanalytical study, 500 students (200 boys and 300 girls) from high schools of Izeh city during theperiod 2011-2012 were chosen using the multistage random sampling method. The data for thisstudy was acquired through a multisectional questionnaire that included sections as follows:Demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, and perceived benefits and barriers. The gathereddata was then studied and analyzed. Statistical tests such as independent t-tests, Spearman’scorrelation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression were used to interpret andanalyze the data. Results: Data analysis showed that the mean age of male participants was15.67 ± 0.95 years and females 15.86 ± 1.16 years. The average weekly time of physical activityin male students was 424.74 ± 158.48 min and in females 186.63 ± 90.59 min. The mean scoresfor self-efficacy and perceived benefits of physical activity were significantly higher in boys ascompared to girls. There was a positive and significant correlation between the mean scores forperceived self-efficacy and the weekly time in male students spent on physical activity as well as themean scores for perceived benefits and the weekly time spent on physical activity in both genders.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that many factors influence students’ physicalactivity; however, the role of these factors is not identical in the two genders. An understandingof these factors helps educationalists and other health experts design appropriate interventions.

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The relationship between emotional intelligence health and marital satisfaction: A comparative study

. Ahmad Ali Eslami; . Akbar Hasanzadeh; . Farid Jamshidi

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Marriage is known as the most important incident in everyone’s life after birth. Themost important purpose of marriage is achieving a life followed with love and ...  Read More Introduction: Marriage is known as the most important incident in everyone’s life after birth. Themost important purpose of marriage is achieving a life followed with love and affection besidethe spouse and providing mental comfort and general health. The aim of the present study isto investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence health and marital satisfactionamong married people. Materials and Methods: The research method is descriptive- analyticand its design is comparative, done on 226 people including 114 persons (50 women and64 men) having marital conflicts, and 112 people (58 women and 54 men) having maritalsatisfaction, by cluster random sampling from 13 districts of the city of Isfahan. Bar-on (with90 questions) and Enrich marital satisfaction (115 questions) questionnaires were usedfor collecting the required information. The data was analyzed using descriptive statisticsincluding independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analysis, usingSPSS software version 19. Results: The results from the research showed that the scores ofemotional intelligence in married people group having marriage conflicts who had referred tothe administration of justice was 57.3 ± 13.2, and the random sample from the married peoplein the city of Isfahan as the comparing group had the score of 67.2 ± 9.5, and the difference ofthe average scores for the emotional intelligence for the two groups was significant (P < 0.001).The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant and positive relation betweenemotional intelligence and marital satisfaction (P < 0.001, r = 0.529). The results of linearregression also showed that the general emotional intelligence predicts the quality of maritalsatisfaction. The emotion of the predicting line of the marital satisfaction score (y) is in the formof: y = 14.8 + 0.656x, by using the emotional intelligence score (x). Conclusion: Regardingthe close relations between emotional intelligence and marital satisfaction, education centerssuch as universities, organizations and family clinics could use this variable in micro- andmacro-social plans for improving the quality of the married people relations and promotinghealth of the families and the society.

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Factors affecting cigarette smoking based on health-belief model structures in pre-university students in Isfahan, Iran

. Mahnoush Reisi; . Seyed Homamodin Javadzade; . Hossein Shahnazi; . Gholamreza Sharifirad; . Abdolrahman Charkazi; . Mitra Moodi

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Introduction: The goal of this study was to determine the association between constructs ofthe Health Belief Model (HBM) (i.e., perceived susceptibility to health-related problems due ...  Read More Introduction: The goal of this study was to determine the association between constructs ofthe Health Belief Model (HBM) (i.e., perceived susceptibility to health-related problems due tosmoking, perceived barriers to non-smoking, perceived benefits of non-smoking, perceivedself-efficacy to non-smoking, and cues to action of non-smoking) and cigarette smokingamong male pre-college students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 382pre-college students was conducted in Isfahan, in 2010. The method of sampling was systematicrandomized and students were selected from eight schools. The instrument was developed bythe researchers based on the Health Belief Model. Statistical analyses were carried out usingSPSS.V.18, Chi-square, and independent t-tests. Results: The mean age of the students was17.72 ± 0.62 years. Overall 7.2% of the subjects reported having smoked in the past 30 daysand 32.7% % of the samples reported ever having smoked in their life time. Results of the t-testshowed that there were significant differences in knowledge, perceived susceptibility (P =0.03),benefits (t (246) = −2.51, P =0.01), self-efficacy (P < 0.001), and cues to action (P = 0.007),between smokers and non-smokers Conclusion: These results suggested that the constructs ofHBM can be incorporated when examining the predictors of cigarette smoking and developingsmoking prevention programs among pre-college students. Furthermore, with a betterunderstanding of the factors affecting this complex behavior (cigarette smoking), it can be auseful step to reduce the rate of death, costs, and also improve the community health outcomes.

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Comparison of satisfactions from mastectomy and Lump Ectome in breast cancer patients

. Mehdi Tazhibi; . heida Sarrafzadeh; . Fariborz Mokarian; . Shady Babazade; . Maryam Tabatabaeian; . Parisa Rezaei; . Mehri Faghihi; . Fariba Taleghani

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-4

Abstract

  Introduction: The prevalence of breast cancer among women in compare to other types ofcancers in all over the world and in Iran is high. Mastectomy surgery is one of the commontreatments ...  Read More Introduction: The prevalence of breast cancer among women in compare to other types ofcancers in all over the world and in Iran is high. Mastectomy surgery is one of the commontreatments for these patients. Another method, which is less invasive, is Lumpectomy. Thisstudy comprised the satisfaction of patients under two types of surgery; Mastectomy andLumpectomy. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, two types of patients whichhad either, Mastectomy or Lumpectomy, were studied. Results: From 119 patients which studiedhere, 80 patients (66.7%) were treated by mastectomy and 39 patients (32.5%) were treatedunder lumpectomy. Two groups had not significant differences in duration between diagnosticand surgery, the number of lymph nodes involved and the number of lymph nodes removed.Lumpectomy patients had higher pain and numbness in 24 h, 1 week after surgery and at the timeof study than the other group. The observed difference was significant (P = 0.043). Discussion:It is implied in previous studies that patients under lumpectomy had more satisfaction thanpatients under mastectomy. However, no differences were observed in quality-of-life betweenthe two groups in some other studies. The differences between various studies might be for thesake of cultural variety and time interval between surgery and filling questionnaire.

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Predicting of perceived self efficacy in the amount of macronutrients intake in women with metabolic syndrome - 2012

. Siamak Mohebi; . Leila Azadbakht; . Avat Feizi; . Gholamreza Sharifirad; . Mohammad Hozori

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-9

Abstract

  Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a collection of metabolic disorders, which can increase themortality rates from 20% to 80%. One of strategies to control the disease is the attention ...  Read More Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a collection of metabolic disorders, which can increase themortality rates from 20% to 80%. One of strategies to control the disease is the attention to thedietary habits. Compliance with proper diet is one of the major challenges in the managementof this syndrome. Due to this fact, that the patient is responsible for the adjustment of thedaily diet, it is important to identify the factors affecting the adoption of nutritional self-care.Besides, self-efficacy is considered as an important pre-requisite for this behavior because itacts as an independent part of the basic skills. This study was carried out with the purpose ofdetermining the predictive role of perceived self-efficacy on macronutrients intake in womenwith metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study with correlationalnature in 2012, there were 329 patients with the metabolic syndrome. The patients were coveredby Isfahan oil industry medical centers and selected by a systematic method. In order to gatherinformation on perceived self-efficacy, the questionnaires constructed by the researchers wereused and the validity and reliability had been confirmed by the calculation of content validityindexand content validity ratio values and the indices of internal consistency and stability of thetool. The 24-h dietary recall questionnaire was also used for 3 days in order to investigate thenutritional behavior. The obtained data from the dietary recall questionnaire were analyzed bythe N4 nutritional software. In this study, AMOS software version 16 was used for the structuralmodel fitting by using the generalized least squares method besides the SPSS statisticalsoftware version 16. Results: These averages obtained from the results: 2512.37 kcal energyintake, 70.95 g protein, 420 g carbohydrates and 61.61 g of fat per day. The mean of perceivedself-efficacy score was 47.89. The Pearson correlation coefficient was indicated a significantinverse relationship between the perceived self-efficacy and intake of macronutrients in themetabolic syndrome. The most direct effect of the coefficient of perceived self-efficacy wasobserved on fat and carbohydrate intake (P < 0.05 and β = −0.592) and (P < 0.05 and β =−0.395). Conclusions: The amount of energy,carbohydrate, fat and protein were more thanthe recommended dietary allowances levelsand the amount of self-efficacy was moderate.The present study showed that perceivedself-efficacy provided a useful framework tounderstand and predict adherence to dietaryself-care behaviors in patients with metabolicsyndrome.

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The relationship between dimensions of religiosity/ spirituality with mental health and hope for future between staff of public hospitals in Shiraz

. Mohammad Ali Nadi; . Nasrin Ghahremani

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Due to the impacts of spirituality and its dimensions on psychological structures in theworkplace and their ability to influence organizational performances have received ...  Read More Introduction: Due to the impacts of spirituality and its dimensions on psychological structures in theworkplace and their ability to influence organizational performances have received a great attentionin recent years. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between dimensions of spiritualitywith mental health and hope for future. Materials and Methods: This is a correlational study witha statistical population, including public Hospital’s personnel of Shiraz done in autumn 1389. Tocollect the research data, three different types of questionnaires were used: (1) Hope for the future(4 items), (2) mental health (12 items), and (3) components of religiosity/spirituality at (31 items andbased on 5 components). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and Hierarchical regressionanalysis. Findings: Research findings show that there are significant correlations between existentialwell-being and hope for the future, motivation, devotion and coping and hope for the future, andmental health and hope for the future. Furthermore, all components of religiosity/spirituality havehad significant correlations with mental health. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that in thefirst step motivation, devotion and coping with a variance of 5%, in the second step motivation,devotion and coping with mental health with a variance of 6.4%, in the third step motivation, devotionand coping with mental health and existential well-being with a variance of 9.1% and in the fourthstep, the combining of motivation, devotion and coping and existential well-being with a varianceof 8.9% with hope for the future have meaningful multiple relationships. Conclusion: Findingsindicated that motivation, devotion and coping with existential well-being, respectively, were themost important dimensions of religiosity-spirituality that together with mental health affect hope forfuture. It is necessary that the dimension of motivation, devotion and coping, existential well-beingand personnel mental health should be strengthened to increase the staff’s hope for future.

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Investigating the predictive of risk-taking attitudes and behaviors among Iranian drivers

. Ehsanollah Habibi; . Azam Haghi; . Mohammad Reza Maracy

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Background: World Health Organization findings shows that up to year 2020 the numberof fatality due to driving accidents will increases up to 65%, which is 80% is in developingcountries. ...  Read More Background: World Health Organization findings shows that up to year 2020 the numberof fatality due to driving accidents will increases up to 65%, which is 80% is in developingcountries. Iran has one of the highest rates of road traffic accident mortality rate in the world.Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out in the center and west ofIran upon 540 ordinary and taxi drivers who were driving regularly from bus terminals and thetravel agencies to other cities. Data collection tool is a questionnaire that measuring drivingrisk taking by two items of risky driving behaviors and risk taking attitudes. Findings: Theresults of this study showed that the averages of risk driving behaviors scores were higherthan the average of risk taking attitudes scores. The results of logistic regression test showedthat the risky driving behaviors can be a predictor of driving accidents due to individuals’ risktaking (P = 0.014). Among all these variables, attitude toward rule violations and speeding,aggressive driving and violation of the road laws respectively are important predictive of drivers’risk taking (P < 0.0010). Discussion and Conclusion: Although attitude toward risk takinghas been located at a low level by different ways, a desired result was not obtained from thereduction of those high risky behaviors; in fact, high-rate of accidents and traffic incidence inIran indicates this matter well.

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Effects of work-related stress on work ability index among refinery workers

. Ehsanollah Habibi; . Habibollah Dehghan; . Shahram Safari; . Behzad Mahaki; . Akbar Hassanzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Introduction: Work-related stress is one of the basic problems in industrial also top10 work-related health problems and it is increasingly implicated in the development a numberof ...  Read More Introduction: Work-related stress is one of the basic problems in industrial also top10 work-related health problems and it is increasingly implicated in the development a numberof problems such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal diseases, early retirement toemployees. On the other hand, early retirement to employees from the workplace has increasedon the problems of today’s industries. Hereof, improving work ability is one of the most effectiveways to enhance the ability and preventing disability and early retirement. The aim of Thisstudy is determine the relationship between job stress score and work ability index (WAI)at the refinery workers. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which171 workers from a refinery in isfahan in 2012 who were working in different occupational groupsparticipated. Based on appropriate assignment sampling, 33 office workers, 69 operationalworkers, and 69 maintenance workers, respectively, were invited to participate in this study. Twoquestionnaires including work related-stress and WAI were filled in. Finally, the information wasanalyzed using the SPSS-20 and statistic tests namely, analysis of covariance Kruskal-Wallistest. Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA and t-test. Results: Data analysis revealed that 86%and 14% of participants had moderate and severe stress respectively. Average score of stressand standard deviation was 158.7 ± 17.3 that was in extreme stress range. Average scoreand standard deviation of WAI questionnaire were 37.18 and 3.86 respectively. That placed ina good range. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that WAI score had significant reversedrelationship with a score of stress. Conclusion: According to the results, mean stress scoreamong refinery worker was high and one fator that affect work abiity was high stress, hencetraining on communication skills and safe working environment in order to decreses stress,enhance the work ability of workers.

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A comparison of substance dependence treatment information system in America, England, and Iran

. Sima Ajami; . Zahra Mellat-Karkevandi; . Sakineh Saghaeiannejad-Isfahani; . Mehrdad Salehi; . Maryam Jahanbakhsh

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Context: Addiction, as a social problem, is a phenomenon that causes structural changes incultural, social, political, and economic system in society. Prevention of this problem meansdecrease ...  Read More Context: Addiction, as a social problem, is a phenomenon that causes structural changes incultural, social, political, and economic system in society. Prevention of this problem meansdecrease of risk factors and increase of protective factors; and recognition of these factors ispossible with the help of update, accurate, and complete information in information systems.Aims: The aim of this study was to compare substance dependence treatment informationsystem (SDTIS) in America, England, and Iran. Materials and Methods: This research was anapplied and comparison-descriptive study, in which SDTIS was compared in America, England,and Iran. These countries were chosen based on available information on the Internet and alsoon the development of these countries in the health information management field. Informationresources included library resources, electronic resources, and expert people (Health InformationManagement, Medical Records Education, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Medical Informatics).The data collection tool was the data raw form, whose reliability was proved by expert people.Statistical Analysis Used: Findings were analyzed by theory and descriptive method. Results:America and England had the SDTIS. Their systems had special characteristics such as goals,scope, special method for collecting, processing, reporting, quality and validity control, andconfidentiality principles. However, there was no such system in Iran and the present situation inIran has many differences with similar situations in the studied countries. Conclusion: Presenceof an information system in the substance dependence treatment field helps to prevent, control,and treat addicted people. Hence, we try to submit a suitable model for implementing this system.

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Comparison of the effects of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine solutions on skin bacterial flora among hospitalized infants

. Zahra Abdeyazdan; . Narges Majidipour; . Ali Zargham-Boroujeni

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Background: Infection control is an essential part of caring for hospitalized infants. Withregard to the change of bacterial resistance over time and places, as well as the need forperiodic ...  Read More Background: Infection control is an essential part of caring for hospitalized infants. Withregard to the change of bacterial resistance over time and places, as well as the need forperiodic studies on the effectiveness of antiseptics, this study aims to compare the effects ofboth solutions of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine on skin bacterial flora among hospitalizedinfants. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial recruited 98 hospitalized infants and each ofthe above-mentioned solutions has been applied to a small area in the left or right side of theinfants’ bodies. Skin cultures were taken before, immediately after and 2 h after the randomlychosen infants’ skin areas that were disinfected by each solution (588 skin cultures in total).Colony count and determination of microorganism types were done by only one person in asingle laboratory. The study has been conducted in two teaching hospitals in Isfahan, Iran.Results: Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common microorganism prior to skindisinfection by either solution. Two hours after disinfection, “Staphylococcus epidermidis” and“Staphylococcus epidermidis and kelebsila” had the highest frequencies of 3.1% and 3.1%,respectively. Before and 2 h after disinfection, distribution of different types of microorganismshad no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.84 and 0.13, respectively); however,the difference was significant immediately after disinfection, P < 0.01. Conclusion: The presentstudy demonstrated that 10% povidone-iodine solution has more significant effect on reductionof skin pathogens promptly after application compared to 2% chlorhexidine. Therefore, priorto any catheterization procedures, it is imperative to use 10% povidone-iodine solutions forskin disinfection.

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Association between dietary iron, iron stores, and serum lipid profile in reproductive age women

. Fatemeh Zaribaf; . Mohammad Hassan Entezari; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Soheila Mirzaian

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Background: Some studies have shown that increased rate of iron stores even in a normalrange may increase cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in some individuals. Lipid disorders arealso ...  Read More Background: Some studies have shown that increased rate of iron stores even in a normalrange may increase cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in some individuals. Lipid disorders arealso the risk factors for CVDs. Therefore, the question is whether or not iron store is correlatedwith lipid profile, this study evaluates the association between dietary iron, iron stores and serumlipid profiles. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 82 healthyuniversity students and university staff females in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences whowere in reproductive age and announced their readiness to participate in the study. Serumferritin concentration, components of lipid profile, blood glucose, and insulin were measured inall the subjects. Dietary intake was assessed by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.Data analysis was done through SPSS software, version 18. Results: Pearson correlationtest showed a positive and significant correlation between serum ferritin concentration levelswith triglyceride (r = 0.278; P = 0.006), total cholesterol (r = 0.267; P = 0.008), and bloodglucose (r = 0.275; P = 0.006); however, the correlation between serum ferritin, high-densitylipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and insulin was not significant.After adjustment of confounding factors, only the significant correlation occurred for bloodglucose (P = 0.016). Before and after adjustment of confounding factors, there was nosignificant correlation between hemoglobin and hematocrit with concentration of lipid profilecomponents, glucose and insulin. Before and after adjustment of confounding factors, therewas no significant correlation between total amount of iron, heme iron, and non-heme dietaryiron with concentration of lipid profile components, glucose and insulin. Conclusion: Accordingto the current study, serum ferritin is directly and significantly correlated with concentration offasting blood glucose, which emphasized on the amount of iron store with blood glucose evenin healthy people. The results of the present study indicate no significant correlation betweeniron store and dietary iron intake with lipidparameters and insulin. Conducting moreextensive epidemiologic studies in men andother age groups is recommended.

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Effectiveness of self-management promotion educational program among diabetic patients based on health belief model

. Farzad Jalilian; . Fazel Zinat Motlagh; . Mahnaz Solhi; . Hasan Gharibnavaz

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease; it can cause serious complications. Diabetesself-management is essential for prevention of disease complications. This study wasconducted ...  Read More Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease; it can cause serious complications. Diabetesself-management is essential for prevention of disease complications. This study wasconducted to evaluate self-management promotion educational program interventionefficiency among diabetic patients in Iran and health belief model (HBM) was applied as atheoretical framework. Materials and Methods: Overall, 120 Type 2 diabetic patients referredto rural health centers in Gachsaran, Iran participated in this study as randomly divided intointervention and control group. This was a longitudinal randomized pre- and post-test seriescontrol group design panel study to implement a behavior modification based intervention topromotion self-management among diabetic patients. Cross-tabulation and t-test by usingSPSS statistical package, version 16 was used for the statistical analysis. Results: Mean agewas 55.07 years (SD = 9.94, range: 30-70). Our result shows significant improvements inaverage response for susceptibility, severity, benefit and self-management among interventiongroup. Additionally, after intervention, average response of the barrier to self-management wasdecreased among intervention group. Conclusion: Our result showed education programbased on HBM was improve of self-management and seems implementing these programscan be effective in the and prevention of diabetes complications.

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Effect of E-learning on primigravida women’s satisfaction and awareness concerning prenatal care

. Soheila Mohamadirizi; . Parvin Bahadoran; . Fariba Fahami

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: E-learning, in addition to promotion of patients’ level of awareness, causes a moreefficient way to increase patient-personnel interaction and provision of patients’ ...  Read More Background: E-learning, in addition to promotion of patients’ level of awareness, causes a moreefficient way to increase patient-personnel interaction and provision of patients’ educationalcontent. Materials and Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 100 primigravida women,referring to Navab Safavi health care center affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences,were selected through convenient sampling. The subjects received education via E-learning orbooklet education methods for four weeks. Questionnaire of satisfaction with the awarenessof prenatal care was completed by both groups before and 4-6 weeks after education. Datawere analyzed by student t-test and paired t-test through SPSS with a significance level ofP < 0.05. Results: No significant difference was noted between scores of satisfaction andawareness in both groups before education, while a significant difference was observed fourweeks after intervention (P = 0.004). There was a significant difference between scores ofsatisfaction and awareness after intervention in both groups (P = 0.001, P = 0.034). Satisfactionand awareness scores increased by 169% and 123%, and 61% and 37% in the E-learning andcontrol groups, respectively (P = 0.034). Conclusions: E-learning can cause an increase inthe level of primigravida women’s satisfaction and awareness. Therefore, conducting sucheducation, as an efficient learning method, is recommended as it needs less time, has lowercosts, and does not need any special equipment.

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Investigating the faculty evaluation system in Iranian Medical Universities

. Farahnaz Kamali; . Nikoo Yamani; . Tahereh Changiz

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Introduction: To achieve a valid evaluation of faculty members, it is necessary to develop aninclusive and dynamic system of evaluation addressing all the activities and responsibilities ...  Read More Introduction: To achieve a valid evaluation of faculty members, it is necessary to develop aninclusive and dynamic system of evaluation addressing all the activities and responsibilities offaculty members. Among these responsibilities, educational activities comprise an important partwhich needs to be investigated. This study aimed to investigate the current system of evaluatingthe faculty members’ educational duties. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study,a checklist for investigating the current evaluation system and was developed confirmed by afocus group. The data for checklist were collected through a researcher-made questionnaireand interview with eight experts of faculty evaluation that worked in different Iranian MedicalUniversities. For completion of information, the available documents and records were studied.Finally, the current evaluation system of different universities was depicted. Results: Thedeveloped checklist had six themes and 123 subthemes. The extracted themes included:Tools, evaluators, processes, appropriateness of faculty field of work with evaluation, feedbackstatus, and university status regarding decisions made based on faculty evaluation results.As for comprehensiveness, all evaluation items except for evaluation and assessment skillsand religiosity from personality traits subtheme were fully investigated. The evaluation toolswere not enough for different types of education such as clinical education. In six universities,the feedbacks provided were only for making inter/intra department comparison, and noscientific suggestions were included. The results of evaluations were used only for the faculties’promotions. Discussion: Suitability between evaluation and performance components is anecessity in every evaluation system. The study showed this does not exist in Iranian Universities.For instance, there was no appropriate tool for the evaluation of clinical education. Also, the resultsof the faculty evaluation were not used for the improvement of their educational performance.

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An audit of blood bank services

. Alok Kumar; . Satish Sharma; . Narayan Ingole; . Nitin Gangane

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-3

Abstract

  Background: An audit is a written series of simple, direct questions, which when answered andreviewed, tell whether the laboratory is performing its procedures, activities, and policies ...  Read More Background: An audit is a written series of simple, direct questions, which when answered andreviewed, tell whether the laboratory is performing its procedures, activities, and policies correctlyand on time. Aim: The aim of this study is to briefly highlight the importance of audit in blood bankservices. Materials and Methods: An Audit of Blood Bank Services was carried out in a Bloodbank of the tertiary care hospital, Central India by using the tool kit, (comprised of checklists)developed by Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka WHO, July 2008. Results: After goingthrough these checklists, we observed that there is no system for assessing the training needsof staff in the blood bank. There was no provision for duty doctor’s room, expert room, medicaltechnologist room and duty care service. There was no checklist for routine check for observationof hemolysis and deterioration of blood and plasma. There was no facility for separate privateinterview to exclude sexual disease in the donor. Requisition forms were not properly filled forblood transfusion indications. There was no facility for notification of donors who are permanentlydeferred. There were no records documented for donors who are either temporarily or permanentlydeferred on the basis of either clinical examination, history, or serological examination. It wasfound that wearing of apron, cap, and mask was not done properly except in serology laboratory.When the requisition forms for blood transfusions were audited, it was found that many requisitionforms were without indications. Conclusion: Regular audit of blood bank services needs to beinitiated in all blood banks and the results needs to be discussed among the managements,colleagues, and staffs of blood bank. These results will provide a good opportunity for findingstrategies in improving the blood bank services with appropriate and safe use of blood.

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Sexual behavioral abstine HIV/AIDS questionnaire: Validation study of an Iranian questionnaire

. Fatemeh Rahmati Najarkolaei; . Shamsaddin Niknami; . Farkhondeh Amin Shokravi; . Sedigheh Sadat Tavafian; . Mohammad Gholami Fesharaki; . Mohammad Reza Jafari

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Background: This study was designed to assess the validity and reliability of the designed sexual,behavioral abstinence, and avoidance of high‑risk situation questionnaire (SBAHAQ), ...  Read More Background: This study was designed to assess the validity and reliability of the designed sexual,behavioral abstinence, and avoidance of high‑risk situation questionnaire (SBAHAQ), with an aimto construct an appropriate development tool in the Iranian population. Materials and Methods:A descriptive–analytic study was conducted among female undergraduate students of TehranUniversity, who were selected through cluster random sampling. After reviewing the questionnairesand investigating face and content validity, internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessedby Cronbach’s alpha. Explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using SPSSand AMOS 16 Software, respectively. Results: The sample consisted of 348 female universitystudents with a mean age of 20.69 ± 1.63 years. The content validity ratio (CVR) coefficient was0.85 and the reliability of each section of the questionnaire was as follows: Perceived benefit (PB;0.87), behavioral intention (BI; 0.77), and self‑efficacy (SE; 0.85) (Cronbach’s alpha totally was0.83). Explanatory factor analysis showed three factors, including SE, PB, and BI, with the totalvariance of 61% and Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) index of 88%. These factors were also confirmedby confirmatory factor analysis [adjusted goodness of fitness index (AGFI) = 0.939, root meansquare error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.039]. Conclusion: This study showed the designedquestionnaire provided adequate construct validity and reliability, and could be adequately usedto measure sexual abstinence and avoidance of high‑risk situations among female students.

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Exercise and academic performance among nursing and kinesiology students at US colleges

. David Bellar; . Lawrence W. Judge; . Jeffrey Petersen; . Ann Bellar; . Charity L. Bryan

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Context: Lack of physical activity is a contributor to the obesity epidemic and is speculatedto relate to reduced academic performance; however, this link has yet to be examinedwithin ...  Read More Context: Lack of physical activity is a contributor to the obesity epidemic and is speculatedto relate to reduced academic performance; however, this link has yet to be examinedwithin the college population. Aims: The purpose of this study in a group of undergraduatestudents, was to determine if aerobic exercise activity was related to academic performance.Materials and Methods: The participants for this study included 740 students at multipleuniversities enrolled in nursing and kinesiology studies. The participants completed the Leisureand Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: Pearson’s χ2 analysis revealed differencesin grade point average with aerobic activity (χ2 = 44.29, P ≤ 0.001) as well as a trendtoward differences in grade point average with weightlifting activity (χ2 = 22.69, P = 0.61).Conclusions: Based on these findings it can be suggested that college students engage ingreater aerobic exercise.

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An assessment of the role of perceived benefits, barriers and self-efficacy in predicting dietary behavior in male and female high school students in the city of Izeh, Iran

. Arash Salahshoori; . Gholamreza Sharifirad; . Akbar Hassanzadeh; . Firoozeh Mostafavi

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Paying attention to improving the nutritional status of adolescents can be one of themost effective fundamental measures for preventing chronic diseases, particularly ...  Read More Introduction: Paying attention to improving the nutritional status of adolescents can be one of themost effective fundamental measures for preventing chronic diseases, particularly cardiovasculardiseases in later life. Identifying the predicting elements in different behaviors is one of the mosteffective ways that can be considered in prevention programs in different communities, particularlyin developing countries. The purpose of was to determine the perceived efficacy, benefits andbarriers related to a healthy nutrition pattern and the relation of these variables with a healthy diet inmale and female high school students in Izeh city. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectionaldescriptive and analytic study conducted throughout high schools in Izeh City, the subjects were500 students (300 girls and 200 boys) from the 1390-91 school years who were selected throughthe multistage random sampling method; the acquired data was then studied and analyzed. Thedata for this study was gathered through a multi-sectional questionnaire (that included demographiccharacteristics, self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers). The Independent t-test, Spearman’sCorrelation, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Linear Regression were used to interpret andanalyze the data. Results: Data analysis showed that the mean age of male participants was15.67 ± 0.95 years and females 15.86 ± 1.16 years. The mean score for healthy eating patternsin male students was 46.83 ± 14.86 and in female students 44.20 ± 14.16 respectively. The meanscore for perceived benefits of healthy eating in girls was significantly higher than that in boys. Therewas a direct meaningful relationship between the mean score of benefits and perceived self-efficacywith the healthy eating behaviors in the two sexes, (P < 0.001). The results of the multiple linearregression analysis revealed that the most important predictive factors in the students’ healthyeating behavior are self-efficacy and perceived benefits respectively and that perceived barriersis not an influencing predictor in healthy eating patterns. Conclusion: The results of this studyshowed that many factors influence students’ diet pattern and undeniably the role of these factorsare not alike in the two sexes. The results also showed that perceived self-efficacy and benefitsof healthy nutrition strengthens healthy eatingbehavior in students and thus these factorsshould be considered by health authorities inthe country in any future programming.

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Determination of preventive behaviors for pandemic influenza A/H1N1 based on protection motivation theory among female high school students in Isfahan, Iran

. Gholamreza Sharifirad; . Parastoo Yarmohammadi; . Mohammad Ali Morowati Sharifabad2; . Zohreh Rahaei

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Influenza A/H1N1 pandemic has recently threatened the health of world’s populationmore than ever. Non-pharmaceutical measures are important to prevent the spread ...  Read More Introduction: Influenza A/H1N1 pandemic has recently threatened the health of world’s populationmore than ever. Non-pharmaceutical measures are important to prevent the spread of influenza A/H1N1 and to prevent a pandemic. Effective influenza pandemic management requires understandingof the factors influencing preventive behavioral. This study reports on predictors of students’preventive behaviors for pandemic influenza A/H1N1 using variables based on the protectionmotivation theory (PMT). Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, multiple-stagerandomized sampling was used to select 300 female students in Isfahan who completed aquestionnaire in December 2009. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire based onPMT. The statistical analysis of the data included bivariate correlations, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis,and linear regression. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.62 (SE = 1.1) years old. Majorityof participants were aware regarding pandemic influenza A/H1N1 (87.3%, 262 out of 300). Resultsshowed that, protection motivation was highly significant relationship with preventive behaviorand predicted 34% of its variance. We found all of the variables with the exception of perceivedsusceptibility, perceived severity, and response cost were related with protection motivation andexplained 22% of its variance. Conclusion: Promotion of students’ self-efficacy, and intention toprotect themselves from a health threat should be priorities of any programs aimed at promotingpreventive behaviors among students. It is also concluded that the protection motivation theory maybe used in developing countries, like Iran, as a framework for prevention interventions in an attemptto improve the preventive behaviors of students.

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Hyper Text Mark-up Language and Dublin Core metadata element set usage in websites of Iranian State Universities’ libraries

. Firoozeh Zare-Farashbandi; . Mahtab Ramezan-Shirazi; . Hasan Ashrafi-Rizi; . Rasool Nouri

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Recent progress in providing innovative solutions in the organization of electronicresources and research in this area shows a global trend in the use of new strategies ...  Read More Introduction: Recent progress in providing innovative solutions in the organization of electronicresources and research in this area shows a global trend in the use of new strategies suchas metadata to facilitate description, place for, organization and retrieval of resources in theweb environment. In this context, library metadata standards have a special place; therefore,the purpose of the present study has been a comparative study on the Central Libraries’Websites of Iran State Universities for Hyper Text Mark-up Language (HTML) and DublinCore metadata elements usage in 2011. Materials and Methods: The method of this studyis applied-descriptive and data collection tool is the check lists created by the researchers.Statistical community includes 98 websites of the Iranian State Universities of the Ministry ofHealth and Medical Education and Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and methodof sampling is the census. Information was collected through observation and direct visits towebsites and data analysis was prepared by Microsoft Excel software, 2011. Results: Theresults of this study indicate that none of the websites use Dublin Core (DC) metadata andthat only a few of them have used overlaps elements between HTML meta tags and DublinCore (DC) elements. The percentage of overlaps of DC elements centralization in the Ministry ofHealth were 56% for both description and keywords and, in the Ministry of Science, were 45%for the keywords and 39% for the description. But, HTML meta tags have moderate presencein both Ministries, as the most-used elements were keywords and description (56%) and theleast-used elements were date and formatter (0%). Conclusion: It was observed that theMinistry of Health and Ministry of Science follows the same path for using Dublin Core standardon their websites in the future. Because Central Library Websites are an example of scientificweb pages, special attention in designing them can help the researchers to achieve fasterand more accurate information resources. Therefore, the influence of librarians’ ideas on theawareness of web designers and developerswill be important for using metadata elementsas general, and specifically for applying suchstandards.

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A school-based education concerning poisoning prevention in Isfahan, Iran

. Javad Kebriaee-zadeh; . Leila Safaeian; . Solmaz Salami; . Farnaz Mashhadian; . Gholam-hossein Sadeghian

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: A school-based poisoning prevention program for young school children wasimplemented and evaluated in Isfahan city by Poison Control Center (PCC) of Food andDrug Deputy ...  Read More Background: A school-based poisoning prevention program for young school children wasimplemented and evaluated in Isfahan city by Poison Control Center (PCC) of Food andDrug Deputy in 2010. Objectives: The aim of the program was to evaluate the effectivenessof education on children’s knowledge on poisoning and its consequence and also on theirattitude in case of exposure to poisonous or hazardous substances and poisoned patient.Materials and Methods: In a pretest-posttest design, samples of 520 students from the fifthgrade (10-11 years old), from twenty randomly selected girls’ and boys’ primary schoolswere involved in the study. These children were from two different geographical locationswith different socio-economical levels (high-income and middle-income). After collectionof pretest questionnaires, 6 poisoning education sessions were implemented in selectedschools by trained teachers in a week. Results: Following the education program, knowledgeon various issues of poisoning significantly improved as did attitude to the poisonousagents and poisoned patients. In girl students, strong increase was found in knowledgeon poisoning with carbon monoxide and heating devices from pretest to posttest. While inboy students, the strongest increase was in item of knowledge on poisoning prevention.Children living in the regions with middle-income conditions had more base-line knowledgeand attitudinal aspect when compared with children with high-income condition. Comparisonof all students showed significant differences (P < 0.001) on knowledge scores on variousissues of poisoning before and after education. Conclusion: The school-based educationalprograms provide a good opportunity to poison information centers in preventing poisoning.

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Evaluation of dietary habits and related factors among type 2 diabetic patients: An innovative study in Iran

. Azar Tol; . Bahram Mohebbi; . Roya Sadeghi

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess dietary habits and related factorsamong type 2 diabetic mellitus patients for designing an effective nutrition intervention.Materials ...  Read More Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess dietary habits and related factorsamong type 2 diabetic mellitus patients for designing an effective nutrition intervention.Materials and Methods: A descriptive–analytical study was performed on 480 diabeticpatients referred to four selected teaching hospitals affiliated to the Tehran University of MedicalSciences (TUMS) in Tehran for a period of nine months in 2012. Patients’ dietary habits weremeasured by a 51-item self-report instrument with four general questions about dietary habitsand four subscales reflecting domains including general diabetes information (12 items),planning, shopping for, and preparing meals (6 items), eating meals (17 items), and familyinfluence on dietary habits (12 items). The collected data was analyzed by using SPSSsoftware version 11.5. Results were considered significant at a conventional P < 0.05 level.Results: Mean age of the participants was 59.96 ± 11.53 years. Mean scores in the domainswere (53.72 ± 19.83), (57.31 ± 23.82), (52.27 ± 12.13), and (64.72 ± 14.3), respectively.Family influence on dietary habits was highlighted as the most important domain in the dietaryhabits instrument. Study results revealed that there was a significant association betweenthe four domains and socioeconomic and some variables related to dietary habits suchas dietary self-management, planned healthy lifestyle and attending diabetes educationalprograms. Discussion: The important role of family on dietary habits among type 2 diabeticpatients highlighted the role of perceived social support from the family. The results of thesociodemographic variables stressed the necessity of tailoring specific intervention programsaccordingly.

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Compiling of curriculum for the Master of Science in genetic counseling

. Mansoor Salehi; . Fariba Haghani

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Introduction: The demand for genetic counseling has been greatly increased in the recentyears in Iran and the entire world. However, there are no systematic training courses forgenetic ...  Read More Introduction: The demand for genetic counseling has been greatly increased in the recentyears in Iran and the entire world. However, there are no systematic training courses forgenetic counseling in the country. The purpose of this research was compiling the curriculumfor the Master of Science (MSc) in genetic counseling. Materials and Methods: Thisdescriptive study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 in Isfahan University of MedicalSciences. A questionnaire with 25 questions was prepared based on the literature review.The assessment was conducted by using the questionnaire as well as outcome of groupdiscussions with three geneticist groups including, members of the board of medical genetics,genetics graduate students, and practitioners in genetic counseling. The curriculum wasdesigned after determining the educational needs and priorities by the genetic board.Results: The results of this research led to set the educational goals for the MSc in geneticcounseling. Finally, the course curriculum was compiled. Discussion: The designed MSc ingenetic counseling in this study was generally similar with the courses in other universities.Although, the assessment results were different in some cases with the same academiccourses such as to give more importance to basic medical needs in comparison with theneeds of clinical sciences. Therefore, more attention should be paid on prerequisite coursesrather than the rotational periods in the hospital. Among the reasons for this difference, itcould be noted to the differences in undergraduate educations and differences in the statusof provided genetics services in Iran. The final conclusion of this research was to design afundamental course to overcome one of the severely tangible requirements in the countryfield of health, namely genetic counseling.

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Pharmacists’ opinions and self-reporting performance regarding the professional tasks and responsibilities in Isfahan, Iran

. Leila Safaeian; . Seyed Abolfazl Mostafavi; . Tahereh Changiz; . Mostafa Mirzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Background: The pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities toward the pharmaceutical care practicehave developed considerably during the recent years. Objectives: The aim of this ...  Read More Background: The pharmacists’ roles and responsibilities toward the pharmaceutical care practicehave developed considerably during the recent years. Objectives: The aim of this program is toexplore the opinions and performances of community pharmacists with regard to their professionaltasks and responsibilities in Isfahan city. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectionalquestionnaire survey of community pharmacists was conducted on a sample of 150 pharmacistsusing the Delphi process. Data were collected on the opinions and performances of thepharmacists’ task, professional responsibility and expertise, organizational and managing skills,and sociodemographic information. Results: The response rate was 93.3%. High expressionsof agreement were found with most of the task and professional responsibilities and managerialskills and the mean rates of the self-reporting performance of most key tasks were ‘always’. Theimportant differences were found in two opinions about the pharmacists’ responsibilities, (a)declining to dispense the prescribed drug that was not appropriate for the patient’s illness and (b)keeping the patient’s medical records for future needs. The pharmacists’ opinions on various formsof professional expertise were diverse, especially on recognizing that the required medicationswere not prescribed for the patient, being informed on the pharmacotherapy subsequenceand predicting the therapeutic outcomes, interpreting the laboratory tests results, and assistingpersons in need of emergency first aid. Conclusion: Pharmacists largely agreed with mostof the professional tasks and responsibilities, however, new educational programs should bedeveloped to promote the pharmacists’ knowledge and skills concerning pharmacotherapy. Alsoan extended role for pharmacists needs to be addressed in the pharmacy regulations and laws.

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The prevention and control the type-2 diabetes by changing lifestyle and dietary pattern

. Mohammad Asif

Volume 4, Issue 1 , February 2014, Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Type-2 diabetes is a major, non-communicable disease with increasing prevalence at a globallevel. Type-2 diabetes results when the body does not make enough insulin or the body cannotuse ...  Read More Type-2 diabetes is a major, non-communicable disease with increasing prevalence at a globallevel. Type-2 diabetes results when the body does not make enough insulin or the body cannotuse the insulin it produces. Type-2 diabetes is the leading cause of premature deaths. Improperlymanaged, it can lead to a number of health issues, including heart diseases, stroke, kidneydisease, blindness, nerve damage, leg and foot amputations, and death. Type-2 diabetes oradult-onset diabetes is most common type of diabetes, usually begins when a person is inhis or her mid-50s, but diabetes is not inevitable. Minor changes in your lifestyle can greatlyreduce your chances of getting this disease. Therefore, in order to prevent this condition, actionshould be taken regarding the modifiable factors that influence its development-lifestyle anddietary habits. However, with proper testing, treatment and lifestyle changes, healthy eating asa strategy, promote walking, exercise, and other physical activities have beneficial effects onhuman health and prevention or treatment of diabetes, promoting adherence to this pattern isof considerable public health importance.

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