Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract Introduction: The quality of communication skills of health care providers has a significant
impact on patient treatment consequences. Aims: The present research has been conducted to
check the relationship of communication skills on the rate of patients’ satisfaction in the clinics
of one of the hospitals in Isfahan. Settings and Design: The checking list was completed by
the researcher in the clinics by using the comments of patients or their relatives. Sampling was
performed by using the regular random sampling method. Materials and Methods: This research
was a descriptive‑analytical study. The used tool was a standard checking list for evaluating
the patients’ satisfaction and also the researcher‑made checking list for the measurement of
effective communication skills. Statistical Analysis: The researcher‑made checking list for the
measurement of effective communication skills was confirmed by the experts with the face
validity, structure, content, and reliability (α =87%). After visiting the patient by the physician, the
mentioned list was filled by using the patients’ comments, and the collected data was analyzed
by SPSS software version 16 with calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient and α2.
Results: The study showed that there was a significant relationship between the application
of communication skills in the five areas of verbal, body language, effective communicating,
establishment, patient privacy and patient participation, except for eye communication of the
physician with patients’ satisfaction (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Using the communication skills
by physicians is associated with patients’ satisfaction, and it is the cause of increasing the
acceptance of the physician by the patient. Therefore, it is suggested that the opportunity to
improve the communication skills should be provided in addition to clinical skills in continuing
education programs for the medical community.

Abstract Introduction: When productivity is in the same way with culture and organized socialization, it is
the gem of organization that can ensure stableness and survival of the organizations and be the
mechanism for taking the competitive advantage. In contrast, the attention to socialization and
the effect of that on productivity is less than its effect on public culture and organization culture.
Hence this article evaluates the relationship between these variables in two groups of employees in
selected hospitals in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: This study is descriptive – correlation. The
subject society who was studied was employees (nurses and staffs) of Kashany educational public
hospital, Isabn Maryam public hospital, charitable Hojatie hospital and private Sadi hospitals in
Isfahan province. For determination of socialization, the Biligard questionnaire and for productivity of
employees the productivity questionnaire based on Goldesmit model were used that the justifiability
and stability of them are confirmed by experts. The number of subject under study is calculated based
on 250 persons‑formula sampling. Results: There is a direct and significant correlation between
socialization and productivity. On the other hand, the factors such age, sex, organizational position,
history and the kind of employment, had no role excluding Sadi hospital. Conclusion: Although
the productivity of the employees affects the accessibility of the hospital to its effective goals, the
effective factors that play a role in increasing or decreasing the accessibility cannot be ignored.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most common cause of mortality and
morbidity in women. Intervention programs aimed at improving the lifestyle can reduce the
incidence of these diseases and their factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
the difference of the interventions impact on CVD risk factors and the women’s physical
and biochemical indicators based on education levels. Materials and Methods: As part of
Isfahan Healthy Heart Program after identifying the status of women over the age of 18 and
over five years, a large educational or environmental intervention was performed in different
methodologies and in order to improve the lifestyle. Some organizations such as health care
centers and the Literacy Campaign Organization have cooperated for low educated women.
Demographic data and risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes and serum lipids
were investigated and compared during the first and last phase. Data were entered in SPSS‑15
software and were analyzed by using T‑test in two independent samples, Chi‑square test
and Fisher exact test. Results: Findings of this study showed that performing the five years
interventions could reduce physical and biochemical indexes such as nutrition, lipid profile,
waist circumference and waist‑to‑hip ratio in both groups (P < 0.005). In the pre‑intervention
phase, 6391 subjects and after the intervention 4786 women participated. After Interventions,
women with higher educational levels were showed significant decrease in Body Mass
Index (BMI) (P = 0.01) and dyslipidemia (P = 0.02). Conclusion: The present study showed
that the community-based interventions even in low‑literate women could cause effective
changes on improving lifestyle and CVD risk factors. Due to the greater impact of interventions
in literate women, effective interventions should be considered in the society to decrease the
prevalence of Non‑Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Abstract Introduction: Growth and development monitoring could lead to general judgment about
children’s health. With advances in NICUs establishment, the survival rate of very low birth
weight (VLBW) neonates has increased in many countries including Iran. Because of the lack of
studies about growth and development pattern of low birth weight (LBW) and VLBW neonates
in Iran, the present study aimed to compare growth and development of normal, low and very
low birth weight neonates at 18 months of age. Materials and Methods: In a cross‑ sectional
descriptive study, 214 children with age 18 months were enrolled (90 LBW, 90 LBW and
34 VLBW) and their growth and development were assessed. Data gathering tool was a
researcher made questionnaire including anthropometrics measures and developmental key
points. Data analyzed by descriptive (mean and SD) and inferential (ANOVA) tests using SPSS
version 15. Results: There were significant differences in the mean of anthropometric indexes
between three groups. Majority of subjects in three groups had normal weight growth trend.
Mean scores of gross motor and fine motor development indexes had significant association with
birth weight. Meanwhile, there was no significant association between mean scores of social/
cognitive and also language developmental aspects and birth weight. Conclusion: Findings
revealed that in LBW and VLBW children, growth indexes at the age of 18 months are so far
from those of NBW neonates. Further nationwide prospective studies, with a longer period of
time is needed to estimate when Iranian LBW children reach at the levels of NBW ones.

Abstract Background:Preconception interventions in infertile couples can increase the chance of
pregnancy and lower its complications. The success in infertility treatment and achieving a
successful pregnancy is of great importance among infertile couples compared to others.
This study has tried to investigate necessary preconception interventions before beginning
of infertility treatment cycle among infertile couples. Materials and Methods: This is a
cross‑sectional study of 268 individuals presenting to fertility clinics (Moshtagh and Shahid
beheshty) across the city of Isfahan, Iran. Simple sampling method was used. Questionnaire
and patients’ medical records were used to collect data. Descriptive and analytic statistical
methods and SPSS software were used for analysis. Results: The results showed that the
interventions related to diseases treatment and prescription of folic acid before the beginning
of infertility treatment were complete for most of the subject (47.06% and 79.9% respectively),
but referral for genetics counseling had not been conducted in most of the cases (98.9%).
Specific interventions in relation with the infertility treatment before beginning the treatment
cycle had been conducted in 50% of the subjects. Conclusion: The results of this study showed
a weakness concerning necessary preconception interventions before beginning of infertility
treatment cycle in most of the studied subjects. With regard to the effect of preconception
interventions on outcome of infertility treatment, and with consideration of high importance
of pregnancy success in infertile couples, paying more attention to conduct this manner is
necessary.

Abstract Introduction: Cultural intelligence and social compatibility are two acquired processes that their
education and reinforcement between dormitory’s students who have inter cultural interactions
with each other can conclude with results that tension diminution, inter cultural contrast and
conflict, social divisions and consequently healthy and peaceful relationships and governance
and finally mental peace, and health are of its most important. Hence, the research has been
occurring in order to the determination of cultural intelligence relationship with the social
compatibility of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences dormitories resident students in 2012.
Materials and Methods: The research method is descriptive‑correlation, and its population
is composed of all Isfahan University of Medical Sciences dormitories resident students in
2012 that were totally 2500 persons. The two steps sampling method have been used, group
sampling and random sampling has been occurring at first and second steps and totally 447
persons were selected. Research data were collected via Earley and Ang cultural intelligence
questionnaire with 0.76 Cronbach’s alpha Coefficient and California social compatibility standard
questionnaire with higher than 0.70 Cronbach’s alpha factor. Questionnaire data have been
analyzed with the SPSS software and results have been presented in the shape of descriptions
and statistics. Findings: Results showed that there is a direct significant relationship (P < 0.001)
between cultural intelligence and the social adjustment in students living in Isfahan University
of Medical Sciences dormitories and also there is a direct significant relationship in the level
of (P < 0.05) between cognitive and motivational dimensions of cultural intelligence; however,
there is no significant relationship between cognitive and behavioral dimensions of cultural
intelligence and social adjustment (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Cultural intelligence and cognitive
and motivational addition in dimensions of students living in Isfahan University of Medical
Sciences dormitories increase their social integration, therefore, cultural intelligence and social
adjustment of students can be increased through planning and we can try for their mental
health by this way.

Abstract Background: Scientific collaboration is among the most important subjects in scientometrics, and
many studies have investigated this concept to this day. The goal of the current study is investigation
of scientific collaboration and co‑authorship patterns of researchers in the field of library and
information science in Iran between years 2005 and 2009. Materials and Methods: The current
study uses scientometrics method. The statistical population consists of 942 documents
published in Iranian library and information science journals between years 2005 and 2009.
Collaboration coefficient, collaboration index (CI), and degree of collaboration (DC) were used
for data analysis. Findings: The findings showed that among 942 investigated documents, 506
documents (53.70%) was created by one individual researcher and 436 documents (46.30%)
were the result of collaboration between two or more researchers. Also, the highest rank of
different authorship patterns belonged to National Journal of Librarianship and Information
Organization (code H). Conclusion: The average collaboration coefficient for the library and
information science researchers in the investigated time frame was 0.23. The closer this coefficient
is to 1, the higher is the level of collaboration between authors, and a coefficient near zero shows
a tendency to prefer individual articles. The highest collaboration index with an average of 1.92
authors per paper was seen in year 1388. The five year collaboration index in library and information
science in Iran was 1.58, and the average degree of collaboration between researchers in the
investigated papers was 0.46, which shows that library and information science researchers
have a tendency for co‑authorship. However, the co‑authorship had increased in recent years
reaching its highest number in year 1388. The researchers’ collaboration coefficient also shows
relative increase between years 1384 and 1388. National Journal of Librarianship and Information
Organization has the highest rank among all the investigated journals based on collaboration
coefficient, collaboration index (CI), and degree of collaboration (DC).

Abstract Background: Military hospitals are responsible for preserving, restoring and improving the health of
not only armed forces, but also other people. According to the military organizations strategy, which
is being a leader and pioneer in all areas, providing quality health services is one of the main goals of
the military health care organizations. This study was aimed to evaluate the service quality of selected
military hospitals in Iran based on the Joint Commission International(JCI) standards and comparing
these hospitals with each other and ranking them using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
technique in 2013. Materials and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional and descriptive study
conducted on five military hospitals, selected using the purposive sampling method, in 2013.
Required data collected using checklists of accreditation standards and nominal group technique.
AHP technique was used for prioritizing. Furthermore, Expert Choice 11.0 was used to analyze the
collected data. Results: Among JCI standards, the standards of access to care and continuity of
care (weight = 0.122), quality improvement and patient safety (weight = 0.121) and leadership
and management (weight = 0.117) had the greatest importance, respectively. Furthermore, in
the overall ranking, BGT (weight = 0.369), IHM (0.238), SAU (0.202), IHK (weight = 0.125) and
SAB(weight = 0.066) ranked first to fifth, respectively. Conclusion: AHP is an appropriate technique
for measuring the overall performance of hospitals and their quality of services. It is a holistic
approach that takes all hospital processes into consideration. The results of the present study can
be used to improve hospitals performance through identifying areas, which are in need of focus
for quality improvement and selecting strategies to improve service quality.

Abstract Background: Fever is one of the most common symptoms for children. Most fevers are not
dangerous; parents, especially mothers, nevertheless experience severe anxiety confronting
children’s fevers. This study aimed to explore the mothers’ perceptions of fever in their
children. Materials and Methods: Mothers of hospitalized febrile children were selected
by purposeful sampling method from two hospitals in Bushehr in 2012. Data saturation was
reached after in‑depth semi structured interviews with 12 participants. Data analysis was
done by conventional content analysis method. Findings: Sense of concern, the necessity
for quick action and the need for protection emerged from mothers’ views. Sense of concern
came from concerns over cause of fever, child’s hospitalization and possible side‑effects of
fever. The necessity for quick action resulted from gathering information, self‑medication and
referring to healthcare centres; the need for spiritual and emotional protection created the
need to protect in mothers. Conclusion: Findings showed that mothers need educational,
emotional and spiritual protection in order to overcome their concerns and managing their
children’s fever. It is recommended that an empowering model based on these findings be
developed in order to strengthen mothers in dealing with fevers in order to prevent excessive
concern and anxiety.

Abstract Background: Although 25‑33% of patients with non‑hematological malignancies suffer from
depression disorder, some studies have reported the rate among patients with leukemia as
high as 50%. Furthermore, based on studies chronic disease such as leukemia increases the
patients’ spiritual needs and may accelerate the patient problems. Therefore, spirituality has
a significant role in adapting to leukemia and coping with its consequent mental disorders
such as depression. Owing to the spirituality aspect importance and contradictory results of
previous research, this study was hence performed to determine the effects of a spiritual care
program on depression of patients with leukemia. Materials and Methods: This randomized
clinical trial was conducted in specialized cancer treatment center affiliated to Isfahan
University of Medical Sciences (Isfahan, Iran). A total of 64 adult patients with leukemia were
randomly divided into experiment and control groups. The spiritual care program including
supportive presence and support for religious rituals was implemented for 3 days. Depression
sub‑scale of 42‑item depression, anxiety and stress scale‑42 was completed before and after
the intervention for both groups. Data was analyzed using ANCOVA, Mann‑Whitney U‑test,
Chi‑square, in SPSS statistical software (version 18, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Results: After
the intervention, mean score of depression was significantly lower in the experiment group
than in the control group (P < 0.01). Comparison the mean score of depression in two groups,
revealed the decrees in mean score of depression 11.09 (8.47) after spiritual care program
that it was significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our spiritual care program could successfully
decrease depression level in patients with leukemia and nurses have to apply a holistic care
approach with emphasis on spiritual care to decrease depression, so paid attention to spiritual
aspect of patients accompanying with physical aspects in therapy process is recommended.

Abstract Background: Nowadays, no student can ever pursue the ends of his studies unless he makes
use of his information literacy skills. To become lifelong learners, they do need these skills.
Information literacy is a set of information needed for searching, retrieval, evaluating, and
making best use of information. This study uncovers the relationship between information
literacy and academic performance among students at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: This is a practical study using a survey method. All MA students
in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences make the statistical population for this study,
according to the sample size determined by using Cochran formula 265 samples that were
selected by stratified random sampling. Data collection was through information literacy
questionnaires designed by Davarpanah and Siamak, verified by Library and Information
Sciences experts; and finally, gave a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. To determine academic
performance, the average scores of the students in previous semesters were considered.
Results: The information literacy of all other students was significantly higher than medium
except for students at Nursing and Nutrition faculties. The students of Management and
Information Sciences faculty had the highest level of information literacy and students of
nutrition faculty were attributed with the least level. There was no significant difference
between male and female students’ information literacy. We also found out that there was
a significant positive relationship between information literacy and students’ academic
performance in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Conclusion: Information literacy is
one of the most important factors that leads to educational success. As there is a significant
positive relationship between information literacy and students’ academic performance,
we should necessarily provide them with relative skills dealing with information literacy to
improve their academic performance.

Abstract Background: Sedentary life has been recognized as a serious problem in today’s
Iranian society. Promoting the lifestyle with increased physical activity and prevention of
cardiovascular disease (CVD) is imperative. The purpose of this study was identifying the
determinants of physical activity in the housewives of Nain city in 2012 based on the theory
of planned behavior. Materials and Methods: In this cross‑sectional study, 120 housewives
were selected by simple random sampling method. Data collection tool was a questionnaire
designed based on a standardized and fabricated questionnaire and consisted of four parts.
The questionnaire included awareness variables, theory of structures, planned behavior,
and physical activity. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 18
and associated statistical tests. Findings: The 120 housewives under study had a mean
age of 34.58 ± 6.86 years. The mean scores of awareness, attitude, motivation to perform,
subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control variables were 74.1 ± 18.5, 82.6 ± 12.1,
59.4 ± 21.7, 63.2 ± 21.2, and 48.1 ± 12.9 respectively. There was a significant relationship
between the motivation for physical activity among women and knowledge (P = 0.02)
attitude (P = 0.04) subjective norms (P = 0.002) perceived behavioral control (P = 0.001),
and physical activity (P = 0.04). Conclusions: It seems that the housewives, despite being
aware of and having a positive attitude on the benefits of physical activity, had a poor
lifestyle. Perhaps further studies can help in finding the causes of this issue and the barriers
to physical activity such as the conditions and plan for greater measures for improving
physical activity, in order to promote women’s health which has a significant role in family
and community health.

Abstract Introduction: One of the methods of identifying core and popular resources is by citation
evaluation. Using citation evaluation, the librarians of the Acquisition Department can use
quantitative methods to indentify core and popular resources among numerous information
resources and make serious savings in the library’s budget, by acquiring these core resources
and eliminating useless ones. The aim of this study is assessing literature obsolescence
and core journals’ cost‑benefit in citations of the ‘Scientific Medical Journal of Ahwaz’.
Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive and cross‑sectional survey that uses
citation analysis. Sampling is objective sampling from all documents from years 1364 (1985)
to 1385 (2006), and the population comprises of 6342 citations of the articles published in
‘Scientific Medical Journal of Ahwaz’. Data collection is done through referring to the original
documents and the data is analyzed using the Excel software, and for descriptive and analytical
statistics the cost‑benefit formula and Bradford law formula are used. Results: Findings showed
that the average citation for each document in the ‘Scientific Medical Journal of Ahwaz’ was
15.81. The average citation to international sources was 14.37, and the average citation to
national sources was 1.44. The literature obsolescence of Farsi documents in this study was
15 years, while it was equal to 20 years for English documents. The highly cited Farsi journals
were (sorted based on citation in descending order): ‘Scientific Medical Journal of Ahwaz’,
‘Daroudarman’, ‘Nabz,’ and ‘Journal of Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical
Sciences’. The highly cited English journals were (sorted based on citation in descending order):
‘Pediatrics’, ‘The New England Journal of Medicine’, ‘Gastroenterology’ and ‘Medicine’. All of
these four journals are part of the ISI database and have good impact factors in the Journal
Citation Reports (JCR). Also their cost‑benefit was reasonable based on the frequency of their
use. Conclusion: The authors of the investigated journal were more inclined to use international
references. The resources used by the
authors of this journal are relatively obsolete
and the authors ought to use more up‑to‑date
resources. The subscription for high citation
English and Farsi journals is still available in
this university. Also the authors of this journal
have used accredited ISI journals as their
resource, which is a sign of the credibility
for the ‘Scientific Medical Journal of Ahwaz’.

Abstract Introduction: The efficient use of libraries can be an important factor in determining the
educational quality of Universities. Therefore, investigation and identification of factors affecting
library anxiety becomes increasingly necessary. The purpose of this research is to determine the
factors effecting library anxiety of students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz
University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This was an applied survey research
using Bostick’s Library Anxiety questionnaire as data gathering tool. The statistical population
consisted of all students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University of
Medical Sciences (15011 students) with the sample size of 375 using stratified random sampling.
The validity of data gathering tool was confirmed by experts in the library and information
science and its reliability was determined by Cronbach’s alpha (r = 0.92). Descriptive
statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t‑test
and ANOVA) were used for data analysis using SPSS 18 software. Results: Findings showed
that the mean of library anxiety score was 2.68 and 2.66 for students of Isfahan University
of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences respectively which is above
average (2.5). Furthermore, age and gender had no meaningful effect on the library anxiety
of students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, but gender had a meaningful effect on
library anxiety of students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences while age had no such
effect. Conclusion: The results showed that the mean of factors effecting library anxiety in
students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and students of Shiraz University of Medical
Sciences is higher than average and therefore not satisfactory and only factors relating to feeling
comfortable in the library is lower than average and somewhat satisfactory.

Abstract Introduction: Measurement tools designed to ensure the achievements of studies’ objectives
must be evaluated. Based on the health promotion model (HPM), the present study was
conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the designed questionnaire of hypertensive
patients’ nutritional perceptions. Methodology: In a cross‑sectional study, the mentioned
questionnaire was assessed based on opinions of 11 experienced faculty members and
671 hypertensive patients in rural areas in the year 2013. To evaluate the reliability, internal
consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was calculated. Concerning the validity of the questionnaire,
its content and construct validity were examined. Data analysis was performed using
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).
Results: Spearman‑Brown and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients results were acceptable in all
constructs indicating a satisfactory reliability of the questionnaire. Questionnaire’s questions
were highly correlated with the total score signifying the internal consistency of the questions;
therefore, all questions had a similar effect on the total score and the removal of each did no
increase the alpha significantly (all questions had acceptable reliability). Factor analyses showed
that all questions had acceptable factor loading and suitable validity. Moreover, the entire
constructs of the questionnaire were approved by experts with high validity coefficient of 0.9.
Conclusion: The designed questionnaire for assessment of the HPM constructs regarding
hypertensive patients’ nutritional issues had appropriate psychometric characteristics. Reliability
and validity of the questionnaire were also satisfactory and its overall structure was approved.

Abstract Introduction: Patient education plays an important role in the control of diabetes. Nonattendance
education, enabling elimination of limitations caused by time and space and facilitating the relationship
between patient and care liaison is an effective, simple, and cheap method. The aim of this study
is determination of the effects of nonattendance information therapy on the control of glycosylated
hemoglobin (HbA1
C) in type2 diabetic patients in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: The present study
was an interventional semi experimental study with pretest and post‑test and control groups. Statistical
population were type 2 diabetics patients of the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center,
of whom 64 people were randomly selected and divided into intervention and control groups. First, the
preliminary data were collected using the HbA1
c test in patients. Then, the intervention group received
training package and Short Message Service (SMS) for eight weeks. After one‑month incubation
period, HbA1
c was again determined in both groups. Data were analyzed using t‑test, paired t‑test
and Mann–Whitney U and Chi‑square tests. Results: Results showed that diabetes patients’ HbA1
c
in the intervention group was significantly lower after the intervention through training packages
and SMS service compared to before the intervention (P < 0.001). Comparison of the two groups
showed that there was a significant difference in the HbA1
C between the intervention and control
groups (P = 0.048). Conclusion: Follow‑up of education of patients with type 2 diabetes through
training packages and SMS services had significant effects on the control of the patients’ HbA1
C.
Also due to the low cost and high effectiveness of this method, it is recommended to health‑care
providers and treatment groups. This study also showed that having medical librarians along with
treatment group can have a positive effect on the type 2 diabetic patients’ health.

Abstract Introduction: Bibliotherapy is a supplement, simple, inexpensive and readily available
method to treat the diseases that is performed with cooperation of librarians and
psychologists or doctors. The aim of this study is the investigation of group bibliotherapy’s
effect on the self‑esteem of the female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Living in Dormitory in 2012. Materials and Methods: The present study is an interventional
semi‑experimental study with pre test and post test and control group. The statistical
population of study consisted of 32 female students who reside in Isfahan University
of Medical Sciences dormitories which control and case groups and the students were
divided randomly between these two groups. Data was collected by Cooper Smith
Self‑esteem questionnaire scale (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.85). Two groups were examined
by the questionnaire in pre test. Case group received group bibliotherapy for 2 month
(8 sessions of 2 hours), while the control group received no training at all. Then, 2 groups
were assessed in post test after 1 month. Descriptive statistics (means and frequencies
distribution) and inferential statistics (independent t‑ test, paired t‑ test and mann whitney)
were used and data was analyzed by SPSS20 software. Results: The findings showed that
group bibliotherapy had positive and significant effect on general, family, professional and
total self esteem of female students living in dormitories, but it had no effect on their social
self esteem. Conclusion: Group bibliotherapy can increase female students’ self‑esteem
levels. On the other hand, conducting these studies not only can improve mental health of
people, but can also improve their reading habits.

Abstract Introduction: Information‑seeking behaviors have been one of the main focuses of researchers
in order to identify and solve the problems users face in information recovery. The aim of this
research is Comparative on Information‑Seeking Behavior of the Postgraduate Students in
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Isfahan University in Writing Dissertation based on
Kuhlthau Model of Information Search Process in 2012. Materials and Methods: The research
method followed is survey and the data collection tool is Narmenji questionnaire. Statistical
population was all postgraduate students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Isfahan
University. The sample size was 196 people and sampling was stratified randomly. The type of
statistical analyses were descriptive (mean and frequency) and inferential (independent t test
and Pearson’s correlation) and the software used was SPSS20. Results: The findings showed
that Isfahan Medical Sciences University followed 20% of the order steps of this model and
Isfahan University did not follow this model. In the first stage (Initiation) and sixth (Presentation)
of feelings aspects and in actions (total stages) significant difference was found between
students from the two universities. Between gender and fourth stage (Formulation) and the
total score of feelings the Kuhlthau model there has a significant relationship. Also there
was a significant and inverse relationship between the third stage (Exploration) of feelings
and age of the students. Conclusion: The results showed that in writing dissertation there
were some major differences in following up the Kuhlthau model between students of the
two Universities. There are significant differences between some of the stages of feelings
and actions of students’ information‑seeking behavior from the two universities. There
is a significant relationship between the
fourth stage (Formulation) of feelings in the
Kuhlthau Model with gender and third stage
of the Feelings (Exploration) with age.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
complex. It is one of the most common infectious diseases largely resulting from the patient’s lifestyle.
The purpose of the present study is to investigate factors related with adopting health behaviors by
patients with tuberculosis based on the health belief model. Materials and Methods: The present
cross‑sectional study was performed on 196 patients with tuberculosis. Data was collected using
a 47‑item, self‑designed, questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated as 73.9. The Pearson
test was used to study the correlation between independent variables and adopting a healthy
behavior. Results: The mean score for adopting healthy behaviors by patients was 87.52 ± 13.8.
The Pearson correlation test indicated a statistically significant relation between adopting healthy
behaviors and scores of knowledge (P < 0.001, r = 0.536), perceived susceptibility (P < 0.001,
r = 0.36), perceived benefits (P < 0.001, r = 0.347), and perceived barriers (P = 0.046, r = 0.143).
Conclusion: Direct relationship was found between adoptinga healthy behavior and scores of
knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and perceived benefit. Although the results of this study can
be the basis of educational interventions, any generalizations should be performed cautiously.

Abstract Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Incidence and
prevalence of diabetes are increasing in developing countries as well as in Iran. Retinopathy is
the most common chronic disorder in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: In this study,
we used the information of diabetic patients’ reports that refer to endocrine and metabolism
research center of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences to determine diabetic retinopathy
risk factors. We used factor analysis to extract retinopathy’s factors. Factor analysis is using
to analyze multivariate data, in which a large number of dependent variables summarize into
the fewer independent factors. Factor analysis is applied, in both diabetic and nondiabetic
patients, separately. To investigate the efficacy of factor analysis, we used discriminant analysis.
Results: We investigated 3535 diabetic patients whose prevalence of retinopathy was 53.4%.
Six factors were extracted in each group (i.e. diabetic and nondiabetic groups). These six
factors were explained 69.5% and 69.6% of total variance in diabetic and nondiabetic groups,
respectively. Using original variables such as sex, weight, blood sugar control method, and
some laboratory variables, the correct classification rate of discriminant analysis was identified
as 67.4%. However, it decreased to 49.5% by using extracted factors. Discussion: Retinopathy
is one of the important disorders in diabetic patients that involves a large number of variables
and can affect its incidence. By the method of factor analysis, we summarize diabetic retinopathy
risk factors. Factor analysis is applied separately, in two diabetic and nondiabetic group. In
this way, 10 variables were summarized into the six factors. Discriminant analysis was used to
investigate the efficacy of factor analysis. Conclusion: Although factor analysis is a powerful
way to reduce the number of variables, in this study did not worked very well.

Abstract Information Technology (IT) is known as a valuable tool for information dissemination. Today,
information communication technology can be used as a powerful tool to improve employees’
quality and efficiency. The increasing development of technology-based tools and their
adaptation speed with human requirements has led to a new form of the learning environment
and creative, active and inclusive interaction. These days, information is one of the most
important power resources in every organization and accordingly, acquiring information,
especially central or strategic one can help organizations to build a power base and influence
others. The aim of this study was to identify the most important criteria in job empowerment
using IT and also the advantages of assessing empowerment. This study was a narrative review.
The literature was searched on databases and journals of Springer, Proquest, PubMed, science
direct and scientific information database) with keywords including IT, empowerment and
employees in the searching areas of titles, keywords, abstracts and full texts. The preliminary
search resulted in 85 articles, books and conference proceedings in which published between
1983 and 2013 during July 2013. After a careful analysis of the content of each paper, a total
of 40 papers and books were selected based on their relevancy. According to Ardalan Model
IT plays a significant role in the fast data collection, global and fast access to a broad range
of health information, a quick evaluation of information, better communication among health
experts and more awareness through access to various information sources. IT leads to a
better performance accompanied by higher efficiency in service providing all of which will
cause more satisfaction from fast and high-quality services.

Abstract Background: Patients, as one of the most prominent groups requiring health‑based information,
encounter numerous problems in order to obtain these pieces of information and apply them. The
aim of this study was to determine the information‑seeking behavior of cardiovascular patients who
were hospitalized in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences hospitals. Materials and Methods: This
is a survey research. The population consisted of all patients with cardiovascular disease who
were hospitalized in the hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during 2012.
According to the statistics, the number of patients was 6000. The sample size was determined
based on the formula of Cochran; 400 patients were randomly selected. Data were collected
by researcher‑made questionnaire. Two‑level descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were
used for analysis. Results: The data showed that the awareness of the probability to recover
and finding appropriate medical care centers were the most significant informational needs.
The practitioners, television, and radio were used more than the other informational resources.
Lack of familiarity to medical terminologies and unaccountability of medical staff were the major
obstacles faced by the patients to obtain information. The results also showed that there was no
significant relationship between the patients’ gender and information‑seeking behavior, whereas
there was a significant relationship between the demographic features (age, education, place of
residence) and information‑seeking behavior. Conclusion: Giving information about health to the
patients can help them to control their disease. Appropriate methods and ways should be used
based on patients’ willingness. Despite the variety of information resources, patients expressed
medical staff as the best source for getting health information. Information‑seeking behavior of
the patients was found to be influenced by different demographic and environmental factors.

Abstract Background: This study aimed to define the efficacy of a nursing care educational workshop
on nurses’ knowledge and attitude until 3 months after holding the workshop in psychiatric
wards of educational hospitals in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: This is a quasi‑experimental
study. The study population comprised all nurses working in psychiatric wards of Nour and
Farabi hospitals in Isfahan in 2012. An educational workshop was held through educational
sessions in the form of lectures and group discussion in the two above‑mentioned hospitals.
Nurses’ level of knowledge and attitude were investigated by a researcher‑made questionnaire
before, immediately after, and 3 months after intervention. Data were analyzed by descriptive
statistical tests of repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni. Results: A significant increase
was observed in mean scores of nurses’ knowledge immediately after and 3 months after
education compared to before education. Nurses’ knowledge mean scores increased from
59.2 ± 14.8 before education to 88.6 ± 8.4 immediately after and to 71 ± 9.8 3 months
after (P ≤ 0.016). There was no significant difference in mean scores of nurses’ attitude in
the three above‑mentioned time points. Conclusion: Educational sessions notably affected
the promotion of nurses’ knowledge. With regard to nurses’ satisfaction with the workshop
that was held, designing and organizing educational workshops based on constant needs
assessment is suggested for promotion of nursing cares.

Abstract Background: Today disasters, natural and man‑made, are a part of many people’s lives. Iran
has a long history of disaster events. Nurses are one of the most significant groups within
Iranian disaster relief operations, providing immediate and longer term care for those affected
by the disaster. However, the competence of Iranian nurses and their training for this work
has received little attention. This paper presented the results of a study aimed to explore the
context. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was performed in 2012 in Iran. Interviews
were conducted with 35 nurses. The sampling of participants was purposeful and continued
until data saturation was achieved. Themes were identified using inductive qualitative content
analysis. Trustworthiness of the study was supported considering auditability, neutrality,
consistency, and transferability. Findings: Data analysis undertaken for the qualitative study
resulted in the identification of five main themes included 1‑management competences,
2‑ ethical and legal competences, 3‑team working, 4‑personal competences, and specific
technical competences that presented in this report. Conclusions: This report presents an
overview of nursing competences required for Iranian nurses in disaster relief. It is argued that
additional competencies are required for nurses who care in high‑risk situations, including
disaster. Nurses need to prepare themselves more effectively to be responsible and effective
in the nursing care.

Abstract The cultural compatibility of sexually related instruments is problematic because the contexts
from which the concepts and meanings were extracted may be significantly different from
related contexts in a different society. This paper describes the instruments that have been used
to assess sexual behaviors, primarily in Western contexts. Then, based on the instruments’
working definition of ‘sexual behavior’ and their theoretical frameworks, we will (1) discuss
the applicability or cultural compatibility of existing instruments targeting women’s sexual
behaviors within an Iranian context, and (2) suggest criteria for sexually related tools applicable
in Iranian settings. Iranian women’s sexual scripts may compromise the existing instruments’
compatibility. Suggested criteria are as follows: understanding, language of sexuality, ethics
and morality. Therefore, developing a culturally comprehensive measure that can adequately
examine Iranian women’s sexual behaviors is needed.

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an educational
program based on the Belief, Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Enabling Factors (BASNEF) Model
on the nutritional behavior among second‑grade, middle school, female students in Isfahan
city. Materials and Methods: This quasi‑experimental study was performed on 72 students.
The samples were randomly divided in two groups (36 in the intervention group and 36 in
the control group). The data collection tools were validated and had reliable questionnaires.
For the intervention group, a 75‑minute educational session was held thrice. The control
group had no education. The BASNEF model constructs guided the development of the
questionnaires and content of the educational sessions. The independent t‑test and paired
t‑test were used to analyze the data. A two-tailed P value lower than 0.05 was considered to
be statistically significant. Result: According to the results, the mean scores of knowledge and
model variables (Belief, Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Enabling Factors) had a significant
difference in the two groups after intervention (P < 0.001). On the basis of the findings, after
educational intervention, 36.1% of the students had unfavorable nutritional behavior. In the
control group, 88.9% of the students had unfavorable nutritional behavior, before and one month
after intervention. Conclusion: The present study showed that nutrition education intervention
based on the BASNEF model could promote the nutritional behavior in girl students.

Abstract Introduction: Works evaluation and critique is one of the most important phases in scientific
production cycle. Reviewers need some aptitude about rules and principles of writing good review.
Considering the important role of books for storage and transferring the scientific findings, book
reviewing is vital to scientific progress. Despite this fact, investigation of Isfahan University of Medical
Science’s journal, demonstrated the number of published book reviews to be very small. This study
aims to investigate the influence of reviewing training courses on participants’ book reviewing
awareness, attitude, and aptitude. Materials and Methods: The study method is experimental with
two group design (with pre‑test and post‑test) and applied. Statistical population is of all faculty
members of the faculty of management and medical information of Isfahan University of Medical
Science, including both hired and contracted employees, which, according to faculty’s department
of Education, consists of 86 people. The sampling method used in this study is random. Number
of samples in case and control groups was calculated using the following equation of n= (z1 + z2)
2 (2s2)/d2 and is 15 people. One checklist and two questionnaires were the means of data collection.
Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software and two level of descriptive (mean and SD) and
inferential statistics (t‑test and t‑paired). Results: Findings showed that the mean score of awareness
of book reviews in case group increased meaningfully after the training course (55.7) compared to the
score prior to the intervention (33.1), P < 0.001. On the other hand, the mean score of awareness of
book reviews in control group remained mostly the same before (31.6) and after intervention (35.1),
P = 0.35. The mean score of attitude toward book reviews showed no significant difference before
and after intervention in both case group (71.4 before intervention and 74.4 after intervention,
P = 0.11) and control group (70.9 before intervention and 74.4 after intervention, P = 0.91).
The mean score of book reviewing aptitude in case group showed a significant increase from
10.2 ± 6.7 before intervention to 53.6 ± 26.3, showing a 43.4 increase (P < 0.001), while the control
group’s mean score showed no significant
difference (8.5 before intervention and 8.6 after
intervention, P = 0.996). Conclusion: This study
showed a significant influence of training course
on participants’ book reviewing aptitude and
awareness. But attitude toward book reviews
was in good level from the beginning to the end
and remained mostly unchanged.

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in females. Methods of
screening are the best among early detection methods. The goal of this study is effect of
education on preventive behaviors of breast cancer in female teachers of guidance schools
of Zahedan city based on health belief model Materials and Methods: This study was a
semi‑experimental, a kind of case‑control research. This study was carried on 240 female
teachers in guidance schools, Zahedan city, in 2011‑2012 academic years with multi‑stage
sampling. Data collection tool was a questionnaire that was used after confirmation of validity
and reliability. Data were collected with questionnaire after analysis, educational intervention
with lecture, view video, group discussion, question and answer performed. Two month after
intervention, secondary evaluation was performed. Collected data with SPSS software and
appropriate statistical tests like: Paired t‑test, independent t‑test, regression analysis, Chi‑square
were analyzed. Results: Persons mean age in this study was 39.40(±7.4) years. In awareness
item and health belief model constructs (awareness, perceived susceptibility, perceived
seriousness, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self‑efficiency, behavior) and also practice,
paired t‑test showed significant difference among before and after education (P > 0.0001).In two
groups based on Chi‑square in level of education and married status, there were no significant
differences. Also, regression analysis outcomes showed that perceived barriers had the most
effect on behavior, and this construct could be predictor of preventive behaviors from breast
cancer. Conclusions: The findings of this study could conclude that educational programs
designed based on the health belief model have significant impact on improving preventive
treatment of breast cancer. Given the fact that Iran has a very high incidence of breast cancer,
since Iranian women’s awareness level and performance specially research samples according
to educational level (associate degree and
higher) and employment conditions as
model for today girls and future mothers in
breast cancer screening before educational
intervention was very low. So, due to need,
increasing women’s awareness in health
belief model framework to promote preventive
behaviors is recommended.

Abstract Introduction and Objective: Nowadays medical errors are one of the serious issues in the
health‑care system and carry to account of the patient’s safety threat. The most important
step for achieving safety promotion is identifying errors and their causes in order to recognize,
correct and omit them. Concerning about repeating medical errors and harms, which were
received via theses errors concluded to designing and establishing medical error reporting
systems for hospitals and centers that are presenting therapeutic services. The aim of this study
is the recognition of medical errors’ reporting system dimensions in educational hospitals.
Materials and Methods: This research is a descriptive‑analytical and qualities’ study, which
has been carried out in Shahid Beheshti educational therapeutic center in Isfahan during 2012.
In this study, relevant information was collected through 15 face to face interviews. That each
of interviews take place in about 1hr and creation of five focused discussion groups through
45 min for each section, they were composed of Metron, educational supervisor, health officer,
health education, and all of the head nurses. Concluded data interviews and discussion sessions
were coded, then achieved results were extracted in the presence of clear‑sighted persons and
after their feedback perception, they were categorized. In order to make sure of information
correctness, tables were presented to the research’s interviewers and final the corrections
were confirmed based on their view. Finding: The extracted information from interviews and
discussion groups have been divided into nine main categories after content analyzing and
subject coding and their subsets have been completely expressed. Achieved dimensions
are composed of nine domains of medical error concept, error cases according to nurses’
prospection, medical error reporting barriers, employees’ motivational factors for error reporting,
purposes of medical error reporting system, error reporting’s challenges and opportunities,
a desired system characteristics, and the quality of error experiences’ transmission in the
health‑care system. Conclusion: Although, appropriate achievements have been assured
in Shahid Beheshti Hospital, but it seems
necessary that in order to immune promotion
not only in this hospital, but in the other
organizations, necessary infrastructures have
been provided for an error reporting system
performance. An appropriate medical error
reporting system could be educated and
prevent the occurrence of repeated errors.