Journal of Education and Health Promotion

The relationship between health literacy with health status and healthcare utilization in 18-64 years old people in Isfahan

. Saeed Karimi; . Mahmoud Keyvanara; . Mohsen Hosseini; . Marzie Jafarian Jazi; . Elahe Khorasani

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Background: Today, much attention has been paid to the patient role as the central factor in themanagement of their own health. It is focused on the issue that the patient has a more ...  Read More Background: Today, much attention has been paid to the patient role as the central factor in themanagement of their own health. It is focused on the issue that the patient has a more critical rolecompared with the health-care provider in controlling the patient own health. defines health literacyas the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic healthinformation and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Objective: The objective ofthis study was to determine health literacy, health status, healthcare utilization and the relationshipbetween them in 18 - 64 years old people in Isfahan. Structure and Design: This study was adescriptive analytical survey, which was conducted on 300 subjects of 18-64 years old in Isfahanwith Multi-stage sampling method proportional to selected sample size. Materials and Methods:For collecting the data, questionnaire adapted from CHAP (Consumer Assessment of HealthcareProviders and Systems) health literacy questionnaire was used. Health status was measured basedon an assessment of the physical and mental health over the past 6 months by 5° Likert scale. Dataanalysis was performed by using SPSS 18, descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and multivariateanalysis of variance. Results: There was no significant correlation between health literacy, healthstatus and healthcare utilization. Utilization was less in the urban area No. 6 of the city. In thebachelor’s degree group, the health status was lower than the other groups in these cases: Olderages, married, women, large family size, undergraduates, and urban area No. 14. Conclusions:Due to the average prevalence of health literacy in 18-64 years old individuals in Isfahan and lowhealthcare utilization, the followings are recommended: Necessity of more attention to the issueof health literacy, improving the physician-patient relationship and community awareness, whetherthrough health promotion programs or media for the optimum use of available resources.

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Are obese adolescents more depressed?

. Hamidreza Roohafza; . Roya Kelishadi; . Masoumeh Sadeghi; . Mahin Hashemipour; . Ali Pourmoghaddas; . Azam Khani

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

Abstract

  Introduction: Obesity is a growing problem in all countries which leads to various physical,psychological, and social problems. The present study aimed to assess depressionin children ...  Read More Introduction: Obesity is a growing problem in all countries which leads to various physical,psychological, and social problems. The present study aimed to assess depressionin children and adolescents aged 10-18-year old compared with the control group.Materials and Methods: In a case-control study, from among the 10- to 18-year-old studentsof the five education districts of Isfahan, 100 people (50 girls and 50 boys) were selected asobese children with the Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 95th percentile for their ageand gender and 100 others (50 girls and 50 boys) as the control group with the BMI of 5th to85th percentile. The case and control groups were matched for age, gender, and socio-economicstatus. After calculating BMI based on weight (kg)/height2 (meter), subjects were interviewedbased on DSM IV criteria to diagnose clinical depression. The severity of children’s depressionwas measured using standardized questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the case groupwas 12.2 ± 1.86-years old and that of the control group 13.06 ± 2.25. They were, respectively,diagnosed with depression of 7% and 6%. The mean depression score of the case groupwas 11.7 ± 5.3 and that of the control group was 10.6 ± 6.03 with no statistical significance.Discussion: Given our findings, the Jolly fat hypothesis applies to the case group. It seemsthat health policy-makers need to make intervention plans to change behavior; attitude, skill,and knowledge (BASK) of the public toward obesity and its long-term side-effects.

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Student perception about efficacy of preclinical fixed prosthodontic training to facilitate smooth transition to clinical context

. Satheesh B. Haralur; . Abdullah Edrees Al-Malki

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: Studies indicate that the initial transition period between preclinical and clinicalphases are the most stressful. The students have experienced the difficulty in performing ...  Read More Background: Studies indicate that the initial transition period between preclinical and clinicalphases are the most stressful. The students have experienced the difficulty in performing clinicalprocedures due to the vast difference in the clinical and preclinical setup. It is better to identify theparticular skill found poorly correlated, enabling educators to address the concerns. We soughtthe opinion and suggestion from the beneficiary student on fixed prosthodontics steps difficult topractice in clinical setup at the initial stage, their suggestion to overcome these shortcomings wasalso sought. Aims: To determine the fixed prosthodontics skills difficult to perform in a transitionperiod due to poor correlation between preclinical and clinical training from our focus group studyon the student’s perception, and their suggestion regarding alternative methods to improve thepreclinical training. Materials and Methods: Focus groups in the study were the students involvedin clinical practice of fixed partial denture procedure. A well-constructed Questionnaire, designedto evaluate the difficult clinical steps in a transitional period and suggestion to improve the existingpreclinical training was distributed to all focus group students. The response to the questionnairewas based on the five-point Likert scale. Statistical Analysis Used: Medians, frequencies wereused to assess their perception on preclinical training and suggestion. Results: A total of 97students participated in the study, 88% response received during the survey. The clinical stepsstudent felt difficult during a transition period from preclinical to clinical phase were positionalvariations of teeth (52.6%-63.9%), fluid control (48.5-67.1%), shade selection procedure (29.9%-50.5%), subgingival cervical finish line preparation (38.1-51.5%), and gingival retraction procedure.The students felt that the inclusion of problem-based learning, preclinical patient exposure, andbetter simulation will alleviate the stress during the transition period. Conclusions: This studyhighlighted the tooth preparation steps found difficult to practice in a transition period betweenpreclinical and clinical phases. This study alsoobtained suggestions from the students forinnovative upgradation of the course curricula.

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The effects of state anxiety and thermal comfort on sleep quality and eye fatigue in shift work nurses

. Habibollah Dehghan; . Hiva Azmoon; . Shiva Souri; . Jafar Akbari

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

Abstract

  Psychological problems as state anxiety (SA) in the work environment has negative effect onthe employees life especially shift work nurses, i.e. negative effect on mental and physicalhealth ...  Read More Psychological problems as state anxiety (SA) in the work environment has negative effect onthe employees life especially shift work nurses, i.e. negative effect on mental and physicalhealth (sleep quality, eye fatigue and comfort thermal).The purpose of this study wasdetermination of effects of state anxiety and thermal comfort on sleep quality and eye fatiguein shift work nurses. Methods: This cross-sectional research conducted on 82 shift-workpersonnel of 18 nursing workstations of Isfahan hospitals in 2012. To measure the SA, sleepquality, visual fatigue and thermal comfort, Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory, Pittsburgsleep quality index, eye fatigue questionnaire and thermal comfort questionnaire were usedrespectively. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, student test and correlationanalysis. Results: Correlation between SA and sleep quality was −0.664(P < 0001), Pearsoncorrelation between SA and thermal comfort was −0.276(P = 0.016) and between SA and eyefatigue was 0.57 (P < 0001). Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be concluded thatimprovement of thermal conditions and reduce state anxiety level can be reduce eye fatigueand increase the sleep quality in shift work nurses.

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The psychometric properties of cellular phone dependency questionnaire in students of Isfahan: A pilot study

. Seyyed Salman Alavi; . Mohammad Reza Maracy; . Fereshte Jannatifard; . Rezvan Ojaghi; . Hossein Rezapour

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: A number of diagnostic scales or questionnaires have been developed in recentyears, to assess mobile phone dependency. A valid and reliable assessment instrument forcorrespondence ...  Read More Background: A number of diagnostic scales or questionnaires have been developed in recentyears, to assess mobile phone dependency. A valid and reliable assessment instrument forcorrespondence of Iranian culture is essential. The aim of our study is to validate the Iranianversion of the Cell Phone Dependency Questionnaire (CPDQ). Materials and Methods: In thiscross-sectional study, data were collected from 784 students, who were studying in four mainIsfahan Universities. The participants completed the demographic questionnaire, CPDQ,anonymously. To analyze the data we used concurrent validity, factor analysis, internalconsistency, split-half, and test–retest. Results: We extracted three factors including Salience,Overusing of the cell phone, compulsive use of SMS. Cronbach’s alpha of the CPDQ was.88 (Cronbach’s alpha of the factors were 0.85, 0.70, and 0.76,, respectively). Conclusion: TheCPDQ proved to be a reliable questionnaire to assess the extent of problems caused by the‘misuse’ of the cell phone in Iranian society.

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The effect of stress management training on stress and depression in women with depression disorders: Using cognitive-behavioral techniques

. Farahzad Abbasian; . Arash Najimi; . Sayyed Davood Meftagh; . Gholamreza Ghasemi; . Hamid Afshar

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of stress managementtraining through cognitive-behavioral techniques on stress, social adaptability and depressionin women ...  Read More Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of stress managementtraining through cognitive-behavioral techniques on stress, social adaptability and depressionin women with depression disorders. Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 patientsdiagnosed with depression who had referred to psychiatry and consultation clinics of Isfahanwere randomly selected and assigned to intervention and control groups (20 patients in eachgroup). The intervention group received eight 90-min sessions of stress training throughcognitive–behavioral techniques. Data collection tools included Cooper’s stress questionnaire,Bell’s social adaptability questionnaire and Hamilton’s depression scale questionnaire.The participants completed the questionnaires before the intervention and 1 month afterthe same. Data analysis was performed using covariance analysis. Results: Based on theresults, considering variables of stress, social adaptability and depression, the equal variancehypothesis was confirmed. The relationship between pre- and post-test scores on stress,social adaptability and depression was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The modified meandifference was F = 12.45, P < 0.001 on stress; F = 6.88, P < 0.01 on social adaptability;and F = 5.36, P < 0.02 on depression, all of which were significant. Conclusion: Stressmanagement training through cognitive behavioral techniques can play a main role indepression reduction and development of social adaptability through modifying inappropriatesocial information-processing patterns.

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Hormonal and reproductive risk factors associated with breast cancer in Isfahan patients

. Mehdi Tazhibi; . Mohsen Dehghani; . Shadi Babazadeh; . Fariborz Makkarian; . Maryam Tabatabaeian; . Masoumeh Sadeghi; . Parisa Rezaei; . Mehri Faghihi

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among Iranian females;it is noteworthy that the condition of this type of cancer among Iranian women does notsignificantly ...  Read More Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among Iranian females;it is noteworthy that the condition of this type of cancer among Iranian women does notsignificantly differ from what has been reported from other countries. Considering theimportance of this issue, identification of the backgrounds factors and risk factors of thebreast cancer risk are highly needed. Therefore, the present study is aimed to comparethe risk factors of resident patients of Isfahan province, Iran, with accredited risk factors byother countries and also identify the importance of each factor in the incidence of cancer.Materials and Methods: The present work is a case-control study, which was conductedin 2011. In order to conduct the study, 216 women who had been clinically identified withbreast cancer were selected from Seiedo-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, as the case group.Moreover, 41 healthy women who were the relatives of the selected patients (i.e., sisters andaunts) were selected as the control group. The data and information of the patients from1999 to 2010 were collected from either assessing the database system of the center for breastcancer research or interviewing the patients through phone. To analyze the data, multiplelogistic regression method was applied. Results: The range of age among selected individualsin this study was from 20-75 years old. The determinant factors for odds of breast cancerincluded in the applied multiple logistic regression model were the use of oral contraceptivepills (OCPs) (odds ratio [OR] =0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.04-0.75) as the protectivefactor, hormone replacement therapy (OR = 10.2, 95% CI = 1.18-88.89) and menopause atold age (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.11-2.12) as the risk factors. Furthermore, there was not seenany significant relationship between age, vocation, and marital status with odds of breastcancer in multiple model. Conclusion: Basedon the results, use of OCPs as protectivefactor, hormone replacement therapy, andmenopause at old age are identified as therisk factors in developing breast canceramong women. Influencing and modifiablefactors should be considered very importantin society based interventions and preventiveinterventions planning.

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The relationship of Alexithymia with anxiety-depressionstress, quality of life, and social support in Coronary Heart Disease (A psychological model)

. Zohreh Khayyam Nekouei; . Hamid Taher Neshat Doost; . Alireza Yousefy; . Gholamreza Manshaee; . Masoumeh Sadeghei

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Background: Although psychological factors are now recognized as playing a significantand independent role in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) and itscomplications, many ...  Read More Background: Although psychological factors are now recognized as playing a significantand independent role in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) and itscomplications, many of these factors are correlated with each other. The present study isaimed at examining the association between alexithymia and anxiety depression, stress,quality of life, and social support in CHD patients. Materials and Methods: In this research398 patients with coronary heart disease (166 females and 232 males) from the city ofIsfahan were selected using random sampling. The tools used included depression, anxiety,and stress scale (DASS-21), Health-related to Quality Of Life (HRQOL-26), Multiple ScalePerceived Social Support (MSPSS-12), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). The datawere analyzed using structural equation modeling by using the Statistical Package for SocialScience (SPSS21) (IBM Corp: Armonk, New York.U.S.) and Asset Management OperatingSystem (AMOS21) SPSS, an IBM Company: Chicago, U.S. Software. Results: Results ofthe structural equation model showed an acceptable goodness of fit, for the explanationalexithymia that was significantly associated with lower HRQOL and social support andincreasing anxiety, depression, and stress. Conclusions: Alexithymia may increase anxiety,depression, and stress and can be a predisposing factor to poorer HRQOL and socialsupport.

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A comparative study of the attitudes of managers, employees and clients in the field of social barriers of family planning counseling in health care centers of Isfahan in 2012

. Safoura Taheri; . Soheila Ehsanpour; . Shahnaz Kohan

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: Appropriate family planning counseling for informed choice, the right andresponsible use of contraceptive methods is very important. Various barriers such as socialbarriers ...  Read More Background: Appropriate family planning counseling for informed choice, the right andresponsible use of contraceptive methods is very important. Various barriers such as socialbarriers can have the effect on family planning counseling. In addition, investigation of thosebarriers from the perspective of managers, staff and clients, who are major members inhealth care system, has great importance. The present study was conducted with the goalof comparing managers’, employees’, and clients’ viewpoints about social barriers in familyplanning counseling in health care centers in Isfahan in 2012. Materials and Methods: This is across-sectional one-step three-group comparative descriptive study conducted on 295 subjectsincluding 59 managers, 110 employees, and 126 clients in medical health care centersin Isfahan in 2012. Managers and employees were selected by census sampling and theclients were recruited through convenient random sampling. The data collection tool was aresearcher made questionnaire, which was designed in two sections of fertility and personalcharacteristics and viewpoint measurement. Descriptive and inferential statistical test wereused to analyze the data. Results: The obtained results showed significant difference betweenmean scores of viewpoints in three groups of managers, employees, and clients concerningsocial barriers in family planning counseling (P = 0.001). In addition, most of the managersand employees reported social barriers as the barriers in process of family planning in a largelevel and clients reported it in moderate level. Conclusion: The results express the necessityof health services managers’ planning to modify or delete social barriers, especially the agreedbarriers from the viewpoint of managers and employees that effect on family planning counselingand quality of service provided by them.

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A survey on health literacy of inpatient’s educational hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2012

. Hamideh Mollakhalili; . Ahmad Papi; . Firoozeh Zare- Farashbandi; . Gholamreza Sharifirad; . Akbar HasanZadeh

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Background: Health literacy is an individual’s need in each Society. Health literacy is aset of skills in reading, listening, analysis, decision making and the ability to apply ...  Read More Background: Health literacy is an individual’s need in each Society. Health literacy is aset of skills in reading, listening, analysis, decision making and the ability to apply theseskills to health situations. The purpose of this study was to assess health literacy levelin Inpatients of educational Hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2012.Materials and Methods: A navigational and analytical- applied survey of 384 Inpatients wasconducted in educational hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Health literacywas measured by the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA). Reliability ofQuestionnaire was obtained through Cronbach’s alpha and it was 0/89 and its validity wasconfirmed by experts. The data were collected in clinical inquiry and were analyzed usingSPSS (as Descriptive was Frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation and as analyticalwas Independent T-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation test and Spearman correlation test).Findings: Results showed that the average of Health literacy scores in Inpatients was 35/31in Numeracy test and 31/94 in Reading Comprehension test. The mean total score of healthliteracy was 29/63. Thus, the Most of these Inpatients were found to have inadequate healthliteracy. No significant association was found between health literacy level and gender, income,Occupation and residence. Health literacy was associated with age, marriage status andeducation. Conclusion: The results showed that most of Inpatients in of educational Hospitals ofIsfahan University of Medical Sciences were marginal and inadequate health literacy. Therefore,they need to more help and details to understand and use health information.

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Understanding the factors affecting the postpartum depression in the mothers of Isfahan city

. Maryam Amidi Mazaheri; . Leili Rabiei; . Reza Masoudi; . Saeid Hamidizadeh; . Mohammad Reza Rashidi Nooshabad; . Arash Najimi

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Background and Objective: Depression is one of the most common and specific problemsduring pregnancy and after it. Maternal postpartum depression compromises mother’s healthand ...  Read More Background and Objective: Depression is one of the most common and specific problemsduring pregnancy and after it. Maternal postpartum depression compromises mother’s healthand affects social relationship, and has negative effect on infant development. The aim ofthis study was to investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression and its related factorsin Isfahanian mothers. Materials and Methods: This is a cross - sectional study. The studypopulations were 133 women who at the last 8-4 weeks of labor referred to Isfahan healthcenters. Demographic information and obstetric and Beck Depression Inventory were applied.Three categories emerged according to the degree of scale: Mild, moderate, and severedepression. Statistical analysis was used with the Pearson correlation and linear regressionin SPSS version 18. Results: A total of 73 mothers had mild depression (10-19) and 56 hadmoderate depressions (20-29). Among the factors related to depression such as maternaleducation, financial status, unwanted pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, and maternaloccupational history, there was a significant correlation with postpartum depression (P > 0.05).Variables in the regression analysis include maternal education, financial status, unwantedpregnancy, history of premenstrual syndrome, maternal occupation, type of delivery, historyof miscarriage, and having a satisfaction with baby gender. And, a total of 27.7% varianceexplains the postpartum depression. Among these factors, the predictive variables of maternaleducation, type of delivery, financial condition, unwanted pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome,and maternal occupational history were significant in the meantime; the prediction of unplannedpregnancy was more than other variables (ß = 0.24). Conclusions: With attention to factorsassociated with postpartum depression, the healthcare planner will help to better manage theproblem. The results of this study will help to better understand the factors influencing mothersin the labor process, and mothers in the laborprocess, experiences minimum mental healthdisorders.

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Factors affecting quality of life and fatigue in patients with leukemia under chemotherapy

. Amir Musarezaie; . Firuz Khaledi; . Homayoon Naji Esfahani; . Tahere Momeni Ghaleghasemi

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Background: The goal of treating chronic diseases, including hematologic malignancies, isto increase patients’ life span and to improve their capabilities as much as possible; ...  Read More Background: The goal of treating chronic diseases, including hematologic malignancies, isto increase patients’ life span and to improve their capabilities as much as possible; so thatpatients could maintain an appropriate level of quality of life (QoL) and continue their lives. Moststudies performed to evaluate the treatment of various diseases were mostly focused on theincrease of life expectancy regardless of the QoL and treatment issues. Furthermore, fatigueis one of the most common and distressing side effects of cancer and treatments related to it,which can affect a patient’s QoL, and be followed by many problems. This study was designedand implemented with the aim to determine the factors affecting the QoL and fatigue in patientswith leukemia undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectionalcorrelation descriptive-analytical study. One hundred and fifteen patients with leukemia referredto Sayyed-Al-Shohada Hospital were enrolled in the study through convenient sampling method.To collect data, a three-part questionnaire was used: The first part was related to demographiccharacteristics and disease-related data and the second part was the fatigue check list andthe third part was the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) related to QoL. The data wereanalyzed after collection and coding through Software SPSS version 18 and descriptive andanalytical statistics (analysis of variance test, independent t test, Pearson’s and Spearman’scorrelation coefficient) with 95% confidence interval. Results: The results showed that there wasa significant correlation between QoL in Physical Component Summary with gender (P = 0.03),educational level (P = 0.09), and marital status (P = 0.004), Also there was a significant correlationbetween QoL in Mental Component Summary with educational level (P = 0.01) and economicstatus (P = 0.02). Findings showed that there was a significant correlation between fatigueand marital status (P = 0.005). But statistically there was no significant correlation betweendemographic variables such as age, educational level, and employment status with patients’fatigue. Spearman correlation coefficient showed that there was a significant correlation betweenfatigues with pain (P = 0.005). Also findings revealed the statistically significant correlationbetween fatigues with economic status (P = 0.003). Conclusion: According to the presentresults, it seems that some demographicfactors affect QoL and significant relationshipexists between them. Fatigue in patientswith leukemia dramatically affects their QoL.Therefore, it is important for medical staff topay attention to demographics and fatiguein leukemic patients in order to improve theirQoL and help them to organize their activitiesto promote health and QoL.

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Evaluation of preventive effects of colostrum against neonatal conjunctivitis: A randomized clinical trial

. Sadigheh Ghaemi; . Parsa Navaei; . Shima Rahimirad; . Mohaddeseh Behjati; . Roya Kelishadi

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

Abstract

  Background: Neonatal conjunctivitis leads to several ocular consequences in the affectedneonates such as blindness. Currently available therapeutic options include NaNO3,Gentamicin, ...  Read More Background: Neonatal conjunctivitis leads to several ocular consequences in the affectedneonates such as blindness. Currently available therapeutic options include NaNO3,Gentamicin, Neomycin and so on, in which each of them has their own limitations. Regardingthe immunologic content of colostrum and its safety and easy accessibility, we aimed toevaluate its preventive effects against neonatal conjunctivitis. Materials and Methods: Inthis clinical trial, conducted from November 2011 to July 2012, 300 preterm neonates, withculture negative eye swab, were enrolled and randomly assigned into three groups. Theintervention group received two drops of colostrum. Control group received no treatment andother neonates were treated with topical Erythromycin ointment (0.5%). All neonates werefollowed for occurrence of clinical conjunctivitis for 28 days. Data analysis were performed byChi-square test. Results: Our data demonstrate the beneficial preventive effects of Colostrumagainst neonatal conjunctivitis (P = 0.036). Conclusion: Colostrum is suggested as analternative prophylactic option for antibiotics against neonatal conjunctivitis. As colostrum iseasily accessible without cost, potential hazards and side effects, public education about itstopical favorable effects is worthwhile.

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Utility of the health belief model to assess predictors of rabies preventive measures

. Mohammad Ali Morowatisharifabad; . Masoud Karimi; . Mohsen Jannati

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Introduction: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease that is spread to people through animal bites.Around 35,000-50,000 individuals worldwide die of rabies each year, of which more ...  Read More Introduction: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease that is spread to people through animal bites.Around 35,000-50,000 individuals worldwide die of rabies each year, of which more than 99%of deaths occur in the developing countries. Since legislative actions does not appear to havebeen effective in reducing the incidence and severity of the bites in some developed countries, itseems public education is key to reducing animal bites. For effective education, understandingfactors affecting the preventive and protective behaviors based on appropriate health behaviorchange models is important. So, the study tried to examine the relationship between HealthBelief Model (HBM) constructs and rabies preventive measures. Materials and Methods: In thecross-sectional study, a HBM-based researcher-designed questionnaire was completed by204 participants who were selected via cluster sampling design from urban families of theAbadeh, Iran. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were established. Descriptivestatistics, independent sample t-test, bivariate correlations, and stepwise multiple regressionanalysis were applied to analyze data using SPSS 19. The level of significance was set a prioriat 0.05. Results: The scale mean for the total knowledge of the participants about rabies was14.12 ± 6.04 out of 29. Participants’ preventive behaviors were significantly correlated with theirtotal knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and cues toaction, which 19% of the variation in these behaviors were explained by perceived benefits andcues to action. Protective activities of participants who kept animals in their house had statisticallysignificant correlation with their total knowledge score and cues to action. 32.1% of the variationin these activities was explained by cues to action. Discussion: Findings indicate that participantshad not enough knowledge about routes of infecting by rabies and how to prevent it. The mostpowerful predictors for preventive behaviors and protective activities were perceived benefitsand cues to action, respectively, which indicate the importance of the availability of accurateinformation about efficacy of these behaviors, from sources that are easily accessible, suchas healthcare providers and veterinary professionals. Conclusion: Educational programs areneeded for increasing public knowledge inthis area. And more studies should be doneto determine predictive factors of rabiespreventive measures based on other healthbehavior change models.

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The evaluation of hospital laboratory information management systems based on the standards of the American National Standard Institute

. Sakineh Saghaeiannejad Isfahani; . Reza Khajouei; . Maryan Jahanbakhsh; . Mahboubeh Mirmohamadi

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Introduction: Nowadays, modern laboratories are faced with a huge volume of information.One of the goals of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is to assistin the management ...  Read More Introduction: Nowadays, modern laboratories are faced with a huge volume of information.One of the goals of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is to assistin the management of the information generated in the laboratory. This study intends toevaluate the LIMS based on the standards of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).Materials and Methods: This research is a descriptive–analytical study, which had beenconducted in 2011, on the LIMSs in use, in the teaching and private hospitals in Isfahan. Thedata collecting instrument was a checklist, which was made by evaluating three groups ofinformation components namely: ‘System capabilities’, ‘work list functions,’ and ‘reporting’based on LIS8-A. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 20. Data were analyzed using (relative)frequency, percentage. To compare the data the following statistical tests were used: Leven test,t-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The results of the study indicated that theLIMS had a low conformity (30%) with LIS8-A (P = 0.001), with no difference between teachingand private hospitals (P = 0.806). The ANOVA revealed that in terms of conformity with theLIS8-A standard, there was a significant difference between the systems produced by differentvendors (P = 0.023). According to the results, a Kowsar system with more than %57 conformity inthe three groups of information components had a better conformity to the standard, comparedto the other systems. Conclusions: This study indicated that none of the LIMSs had a goodconformity to the standard. It seems that system providers did not pay sufficient attention tomany of the information components required by the standards when designing and developingtheir systems. It was suggested that standards from certified organizations and institutions befollowed in the design and development process of health information systems.

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Temporomandibular joint health status in war veterans with post‑traumatic stress disorder

. Ahmad Mottaghi; . Elham Zamani

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of signsand symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) in the Iran/Iraq war veteranssuffering ...  Read More Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of signsand symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) in the Iran/Iraq war veteranssuffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 subjectsin the age range of 27 to 55 years were included; it included case group (30 war veteranswith PTSD) and three control groups (30 patients with PTSD who had not participated in theWar, 30 healthy war veterans, and 30 healthy subjects who had not participated in the War).All subjects underwent a clinical TMJ examination that involved the clinical assessment of theTMJ signs and symptoms. Results: The groups of veterans had high prevalence of TMJDsigns and symptoms vs. other groups; history of Trauma to joint was significantly higher insubjects who had participated in the war compare with subjects who had not participated inthe war (P = 0.0006). Furthermore, pain in palpation of masseter, temporal, pterygoideus,digastric, and sternocleidomastoid muscles in the groups of veterans was significantly greaterthan other groups (P < 0.0001). Clicking noise during mouth chewing was significantly differentbetween groups (P = 0.01). And, there was significant difference in the frequencies of maximumopening of the mouth between groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this studyshowed that subjects’ war veterans with PTSD have significantly poorer TMJ functional statusthan the control subjects.

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Health volunteers’ knowledge of cardiovascular disease prevention and healthy lifestyle following a community trial: Isfahan healthy heart program

. Hamidreza Roohafza; . Azam Khani; . Masoumeh Sadeghi; . Ahmad Bahonar; . Nizal Sarrafzadegan

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: Health volunteers can have a great effect by training the population about preventionof cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lifestyle modification. This study evaluated the ...  Read More Background: Health volunteers can have a great effect by training the population about preventionof cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lifestyle modification. This study evaluated the health volunteers’knowledge following the “Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP)” that was performed between 2000and 2006. Materials and Methods: In this study, 491 females were selected among health volunteersin the Isfahan and Najafabad districts as intervention areas and Arak as a reference area through2000-2001 until 2006. They participated in training courses on CVD, its complications, methodsof prevention of risk factors control as well healthy lifestyle promotion. The health volunteers’ levelof knowledge was assessed before and after training. Results: Before intervention, there was nosignificant difference between the scores of health volunteers in the intervention and the controlregions in terms of knowledge about recognizing the symptoms, complications and preventionof CVD and relevant risk factors and healthy lifestyle. However, their knowledge scores increasedsignificantly in the fields of CVD (β = 0.13, P = 0.04), hypertension (β = 0.18, P = 0.009), healthynutrition (β = 0.19, P = 0.007), appropriate physical activity (β = 0.17, P = 0.01) and dealing withstress (β = 0.16, P = 0.02) after trainings. Conclusion: The 6 year interventional program of IHHPshowed that training health volunteers on prevention of CVD, their risk factors and modification oflifestyle continued to be effective even in a long time.

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Perceived organizational support and job involvement in the Iranian health care system: A case study of emergency room nurses in general hospitals

. Hassan Abolghasem Gorji; . Manal Etemadi; . Fatemeh Hoseini

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Background and Objectives: Researchers believe that there are social exchangesbetween the employers and employees, because the employees would be interested intheir organization and ...  Read More Background and Objectives: Researchers believe that there are social exchangesbetween the employers and employees, because the employees would be interested intheir organization and trust it based on how the organization values them and their welfare,comfort, and security. This belief is known as perceived organizational support that makesemployees consider themselves as a part of their organization and have a commitment to it.The literature review is very limited in both variables in Iran and thus few studies also reportthe perceived organizational support and job involvement at the lower levels in our country.This research aimed at studying the levels of perceived organizational support and jobinvolvement, relationship between this two, and the demographic factors relationship with bothof them. Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive analytical study conducted in2012. The population included 123 emergency nurses in General Hospitals of Qom. Data werecollected through Perceived Organizational Support and Job Involvement Questionnaires andanalyzed using SPSS software, descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation and Chi-squaretest. Results: Both mean scores for perceived organizational support and job involvementwere in average level, 146/12 and 35/38, respectively. There was a significant relationshipbetween perceived organizational support and age, education, tenure, organizational position,and job shift. There was also a significant relationship between job involvement and ageand education and finally between perceived organizational support and job involvement(P = 0/029). Discussion: The high correlation between perceived organizational supportand job involvement indicates that the improvement of perceived organizational support arenecessary through motivating the employees, showing interest in them, paying attention tothem, respecting them, and providing development opportunity in the organization. Theseshould be always considered by managersto improve job involvement

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Prediction of war veteran’s mental health based on spiritual well‑being, social support and self‑efficacy variables: The mediating role of life satisfaction

. Mohsen Ahmadi Tahour Soltani; . Reza Karaminia; . Sayedeh Asefeh Hashemian

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: The present study aims to provide a model for explaining the mental health ofwar veterans based on the variables of spiritual well-being, social support, and self-efficacy,with ...  Read More Introduction: The present study aims to provide a model for explaining the mental health ofwar veterans based on the variables of spiritual well-being, social support, and self-efficacy,with the mediating role of life satisfaction. Materials and Methods: The research method wasdescriptive a correlational. The study samples included 210 veterans, who had records in theVeterans Foundation in Tehran’s number one district, Sarallah and Imam Khomeini sheltersand Essaar Sports Center in Tehran. They were selected randomly and were asked to respondto questionnaires on mental health, spiritual well-being, life satisfaction, social support, andself-efficacy. The data was analyzed by LISREL software version 8.5, using the path analysis.Results: The results showed that the designed model fitted the data (AGFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.00and NFI = 1.00). In the fitted model, life satisfaction and spiritual well-being directly, and socialsupport indirectly, had a significant relationship with the mediator variable of life satisfactionof the war veterans’ mental health. Conclusions: Veterans with better social support, lifesatisfaction, and spiritual well-being have better mental health.

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Comparative study on the National Renal Disease Registry in America, England and Iran

. Sima Ajami; . Mahdi Askarianzadeh; . Sakineh Saghaeiannejad-Isfahani; . Mojgan Mortazavi; . Asghar Ehteshami

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

Abstract

  Context: A disease registry is a database that includes information about people diagnosedwith specific types of diseases. The registry collects information that can be used for capturing,managing, ...  Read More Context: A disease registry is a database that includes information about people diagnosedwith specific types of diseases. The registry collects information that can be used for capturing,managing, and organizing specific information for patients. Aims: The aim of this study wasto identify and compare the National Renal Disease Registry (NRDR) in selected countriesincluding the United States, United Kingdom, and Iran. Settings and Design: Retrieval ofdata of the NRDR performed through scholars responsible in related agencies, includingthe Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and Renal Disease charity, and data registriesin the United States, United Kingdom, and Iran. Materials and Methods: This researchwas an applied and descriptive, comparative study. The study population consisted ofthe National Renal Disease Registry of the selected countries including the United States,United Kingdom, and Iran, from which data were collected using forms that were designedaccording to the study objectives. Sources of data were researchers, scholars responsiblein related agencies, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and RenalDisease charity, data registries, articles, books, journals, databases, websites, and relateddocuments. Data were gathered through phone, e-mail, study, observation, and interview.Statistical Analysis Used: The researchers collected data for each country based onthe study objectives and then put them in comparative tables. Data were analyzed bydescriptive, comparative, and theoretical methods. Results: There is no NRDR in Iran toreport the short- and long-term results of renal disease. Most of the renal transplant teamsreport their own results as single-centerexperiences. America and Britain havepre-eminent national registry of renaldisease, compared to other countries.Conclusions: The Iranian Society ofNephrology should be actively involved tocreate a National Renal Registry in Iran. Theregistry should have representatives fromthe universities, government, armed forces,and private sectors. Researchers proposedto design the Iran National Renal Registryaccording to the UK Renal Disease Registrymodel because of its prominent healthcaresystem.

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Study of the relationship between the aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and the rating of perceived exertion based on the measurement of heart beat in the metal industries Esfahan

. Ehsanollah Habibi; . Habibollah Dehghan; . Mohammad Moghiseh; . Akbar Hasanzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Background and Objective: To establish a balance between work (physical exercise) and humanbeings, the aerobic capacity (VO2 max) could be used as a measure. Additionally, the subjectiveand ...  Read More Background and Objective: To establish a balance between work (physical exercise) and humanbeings, the aerobic capacity (VO2 max) could be used as a measure. Additionally, the subjectiveand physiological assessment could be applied as one of the methods for assessing physicalexercise. The most commonly used tools for the assessment of fatigue during physical exerciseinclude the Borg scale Rating of perceived Exertion (RPE) in relation to subjective symptomsand heart rate (HR) in relation to physiological symptoms. The study is aimed to investigatethe relationship between the aerobic capacity and the RPE based on the measurement ofheat rate (HR) of workers from the Metal Industries of Isfahan. Materials and Methods: Thesubjects were 200 male workers from metal components manufacturers in Isfahan selectedby using random sampling based on statistic method. The subjects were examined by usingergometer in accordance with A strand 6 minutes cycle test protocol. Furthermore, the subjectswere asked to rate their status based on the Borg rating scale at the end of each minute.Additionally, their heat rates were monitored and recorded automatically at the end of eachminutes. Results: Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship betweenthe RPE and the aerobic capacity (VO2 max) (r = –0.904, P < 0.05). The results illustratedthat there was a stronger correlation between HR and VO2 max (r = 0.991, P < 0.001). Theregression analysis of the quadratic equation also indicated that there was also a significantrelationship between the VO2 max and HR. Conclusions: The results indicated that there was astrong relationship between the RPE and VO2 max, as well as a greater correlation between HRand VO2 max. Therefore, the HR could be used as a Prediction measure to estimate VO2 max.

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Evaluation of organizational maturity based on people capacity maturity model in medical record wards of Iranian hospitals

. Mohammad H. Yarmohammadian; . Nahid Tavakoli; . Assadollah Shams; . Farzaneh Hatampour

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Context: People capacity maturity model (PCMM) is one of the models which focus onimproving organizational human capabilities. Aims: The aim of this model’s application is toincrease ...  Read More Context: People capacity maturity model (PCMM) is one of the models which focus onimproving organizational human capabilities. Aims: The aim of this model’s application is toincrease people ability to attract, develop, motivate, organize and retain the talents neededto organizational continuous improvement. Settings and Design: In this study, we used thePCMM for investigation of organizational maturity level in medical record departments ofgovernmental hospitals and determination strengths and weaknesses of their staff capabilities.Materials and Methods: This is an applied research and cross sectional study in whichdata were collected by questionnaires to investigation of PCMM model needs in medicalrecord staff of governmental hospitals at Isfahan, Iran. We used the questionnaire which hasbeen extracted from PCMM model and approved its reliability with Cronbach’s Alpha 0.96.Statistical Analysis Used: Data collected by the questionnaire was analyzed based on theresearch objectives using SPSS software and in accordance with research questions descriptivestatistics were used. Results: Our findings showed that the mean score of medical recordpractitioners, skill and capability in governmental hospitals was 35 (62.5%) from maximum56 (100%). There is no significant relevance between organizational maturity and medicalrecord practitioners, attributes. Conclusions: Applying PCMM model is caused increasing staffand manager attention in identifying the weaknesses in the current activities and practices, soit will result in improvement and developing processes.

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The efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in Iranian population: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

. Mehdi Tazhibi; . Abdollah Hajivandi; . Arefeh Dehghani Tafti; . Hossein Fallahzadeh

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-8

Abstract

  Introduction: Hepatitis B infection is an important health problem all over the world, andaccording to the studies, Iran is a country with intermediate prevalence, so vaccination is ...  Read More Introduction: Hepatitis B infection is an important health problem all over the world, andaccording to the studies, Iran is a country with intermediate prevalence, so vaccination is acost-benefit approach. In this study, evidence about the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine wascollected by systematic review methods and its amount was estimated by a meta-analysis.Materials and Methods: In this study, documents and literature search were performedusing valid key words in Information Sciences Institute, PubMed, Scientific InformationData base, and Iranmedex databases from 1997 to 2010 in different regions of Iran. Allcross-sectional studies about the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in Iran which fulfilledthe inclusion criteria entered the study. Antibody titer (Anti-hemoglobins > 10 IU/L) wasconsidered as the desired efficacy. In order to present the results, prevalence and Forestplot were used and for evaluation of the inconsistency meta-regression model and I2 indexwere used. We used R.15.3.2 software for analysis. Results: Totally 64 studies (52 studiesin general population and 12 studies among specific populations) including 12,575 subjectswith age range from 8 months to 55 years entered the meta-analysis. The efficacy was86.3% (confidence interval [CI]: 83.9-88.7%) in the general population and 59.62% (CI:47.9-71.29%) in specific patient populations. Also the efficacy was significantly related to theyear of publication, age and gender (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Prevention is an important issuein general health. Hepatitis B vaccination is one of the methods used to prevent hepatitisB infection. According to this study, the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination was more than80% in general population, so injection of full course of hepatitis B vaccinationis enoughand booster dose is not required.

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Analysis of databases appropriation in the academic staffs of Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences according to the social appropriation approach

. Mahmoud Keyvanara; . Mozaffar Cheshmeh Sohrabi; . Firoozeh Zare; . Akbar Hassnazadeh; . Parisa Malekahmadi

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

Abstract

  Background: Numerous researches conducted on about the quality of perception of mediamessages shows that the people are not passive receivers but they have the ability ofunderstanding, ...  Read More Background: Numerous researches conducted on about the quality of perception of mediamessages shows that the people are not passive receivers but they have the ability ofunderstanding, interpreting and accepting or rejecting messages. In order to make clear therelationship of information and communication technologies with social changes and to gaina broader vision from this scope, sociological theories about information and communicationtechnologies’ usage, especially appropriation approach can be very useful. So, keeping inmind the important role of Databases in the qualitative expansion of education, research,diagnosis, remedy and medical services presentation, this research was carried out withthe aim of status determination of databases appropriation in the academic staffs of IranianUniversities of Medical Sciences according to the social appropriation approach in 2012.Materials and Methods: This is an applicative research of an analytical‑descriptive type,which was carried out by measurement approach. The statistical society of this researchwas composed of the academic staffs of the Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences in2012 and finally 390 academic staffs were selected according to the Cochran’s formulawere selected. The research tool are searcher’s made questionnaire, which was composedof nine separate parts. Its validity was accepted by the specialists and its reliability wascalculated and found to be 0.961 by Cronbakh’s alpha. Results: Database appropriationscore in the academic staffs of Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences with 65.020% wasin a good status and data bases dis appropriation score with 71.484 was in a high status.Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, Librarians and politicians in thisscope‑with determination of the academic staff’s positive and negative points in usageand appropriation would be capable ofaccurately diagnozing and analyzing thechances and challenges of the academicstaffs members in using databases andwould also be capable of achieving solutionsand appropriate catalyzers of prolific usageand appropriation of databases.

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Medical training for communication of bad news: A literature review

. Somia M. Alelwani; . Yasar A. Ahmed

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, Pages 1-5

Abstract

  In recent years, medical guidelines for communicating bad news to patients have beenpublished. Training for this task was included in the curricula of undergraduate medicalcourses, ...  Read More In recent years, medical guidelines for communicating bad news to patients have beenpublished. Training for this task was included in the curricula of undergraduate medicalcourses, specialization, and continuing medical education. The objective of this review isto evaluate the existing evidence in the literature on the effectiveness of such training. Onlyseven controlled trials were found, four of which were randomized, and these four indicatean improvement in the trainees. These findings suggest that training undergraduate andpostgraduate doctors in skills for communicating bad news may be beneficial but there areimportant limitations to reach a definitive conclusion. These limitations are discussed in thisarticle.

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