bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of training program of health promotion behaviors on geriatric general health components
Authors: Kheirabadi Gholamreza , Shirani Mehrnoosh , Keshvari Mahrokh , Sharifirad Gholamreza , Bahrami Mahboobe
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Increasing in elderly's population and their individual and social problems especially mental health problem in this group need special attention. The aim of this study was evaluation of health promotion behaviors training program efficacy on general health components in elderlies referring to health centers in Isfahan city.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was a tri phasic field trial in 2014 in which 72 elderlies allocated randomly in two case and control groups. Case group participated in 9 training sessions on stress management and interpersonal relationships and the control group participated in 2 sessions with a neutral discussion content. Data collection tools were demographic information questionnaire and general health questionnaire 28. Pretest, posttest, and 2-month follow-up were performed in two groups. Data were analyzed by t-test, analysis of variance with repeated measurement, least significant difference post hoc test, and SPSS 20 software.

RESULTS:

Findings of this study showed that the average of general health score in case and control groups had not significant difference before the intervention (P > 0.05). However, the mean difference of general health score after intervention and 2-month follow-up was statistically significant in two groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study showed that interpersonal relationship and stress management training program are effective on promotion of mental health in elderlies. Hence, the findings of this study can be used in the field of treatment and care of the elderly by other health-care categories.
Healthy ageing
Authors: Zainab Saima , Khoso Aneeta , Siddiqui Maryam , Ashraf Kiran , Mumtaz Muhammad Anees , Awan Manahil
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The growth in the elderly population is predicted to expand exponentially and developing countries like Pakistan have about two-third of the global elderly population. It is vital to maintain the health of the elderly aged population to reduce disabilities and health-care cost.

AIM:

This study aimed to determine the health promotion practices among the older aged population in Pakistan and to explore the factors associate with adopting healthy lifestyle practices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional study spanning from 2019 to 2020 conducted on 317 participants of age more than 60 years in Pakistan. The participants included healthy attendants of patients visiting the outpatient clinics of different disciplines in the Liaquat National Hospital Karachi through purposive sampling technique. The health-promoting practices were assessed using Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Questionnaire. The factors that determined the healthy practices among the elderly population were identified using independent t-test and analysis of variance and Tukey test, with a significance level of P < 0.05. IBM SPSS Statistics 22 was used for data entry and analysis.

RESULTS:

The highest subscale was detected from interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth. The lowest score was detected from physical activity. The scores differed significantly by occupation, education, and the marital status of the participants. Females, unmarried people, those who were less educated, and participants relying on others for financial support had lower health-promoting lifestyle scores.

CONCLUSION:

The overall health-promoting practices were good among the old-aged population of Pakistan. These practices differed particularly for physical activity, spiritual growth, and interpersonal relationships.
Strategic purchasing and the performance of health-care systems in upper middle income countries
Authors: Hadian Marziye , Mazaheri Elaheh , Jabbari Alireza
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Providing financial resources for health services is one of the most important issues in the study of health systems, of which purchasing health services is very essential. The World Health Organization considers strategic purchasing as a key option for improving the performance of health systems. The aim of this study was to identify payment methods for service providers and strategic purchasing strategies in upper middle income countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was conducted in the form of a comparative analysis involving comprehensive surveys from 2000 to 2019, by searching keywords for the objective of the study by the search engines through databases including ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar, Irandoc, SID, Magiran, Science Direct, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane.

RESULTS:

A total of five upper middle income countries that used strategic purchases entered the study. Overall, all of them implemented rather similar strategies in terms of strategic purchasing and paying to the providers of the services.

CONCLUSION:

According to the results of this study, per capita payment for primary health-care and outpatient services seems to be the best option for controlling the costs of the health sector, while the appropriate option for the inpatient department is the most common use of diagnosis-related group. The payment method is to control the costs of the inpatient department.
An application of Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale – Short Form among Vietnamese medical students
Authors: Phan Luyen Thi , Leksansern Arisara
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Choosing the right career can be one of the most crucial decisions in one's life. Nevertheless, career decisions are filled with uncertainty and daunting challenges. Therefore, finding ways to assist students to better understand and cope with these difficult career decisions is a worthy topic of research. This research was aimed to examine the career decision-making self-efficacy of medical students’ using a version of the Career Decision Self–Efficacy Scale–Short Form (CDSES-SF) that was translated and adapted with permission to the Vietnamese context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A descriptive study was carried out at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy with a total number of 326 questionnaires distributed to freshmen students and 314 questionnaires collected back. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to finalize the structure of the Vietnamese Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale– Short Form (VCDSES-SF).

RESULTS:

EFA resulted in the five named factors or subscales of the VCDSES-SF with 23 items: Occupational Information and Planning (7 items), Self-Assessment and Career Readiness (6 items), Confidence to Change Careers (3 items), Fit My Lifestyle and Interests (4 items), and Goal Selection (3 items).

CONCLUSIONS:

A number of empirical studies undertaken in various cultural contexts have found different models of career decision-making self-efficacy measurement. The present study found that although the VCDSES-SF is somewhat different than the original CDSES-SF, the resultant measure is a reliable and effective tool that can be used within the Vietnamese context.
A descriptive cross-sectional study on COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practices of South Indian population
Authors: Patan Shakeer Kahn , Chittem Sravana Deepthi , Madithati Pallavi , Narapureddy Bayapa Reddy , Chittooru Chandra Sekhar , Reddy Lingala Kalyan Viswanath , Gular Kumar
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) started as an epidemic later transformed into a pandemic causing a threat to public health globally. Any community to fight the COVID-19 pandemic requires adequate knowledge, attitude of the people, and practice of the government-imposed laws and regulations. Based on these factors, we framed the objectives to find the sociodemographic profile of the study group and to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward COVID-19. These results will help the health planners and administrators in each state to find out the gap in health education efforts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on South Indian population to know KAP toward COVID-19. A convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data using Google forms, and analysis was done using the SPSS software version 21. The questionnaire includes sociodemographic information, KAP questions toward COVID-19, and perception toward national and community responses.

RESULTS:

A total of 1644 were participated; the average knowledge score was 17.5 (+1.9). Most of them (92.9%) respondent's perceived that early detection will have a better outcome from COVID-19, whereas the knowledge compared with practice, there is a significant difference Pearson correlation (0.404) P is < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although a high level of knowledge on COVID-19 in the public gradually decreasing the practice of preventive measures, the government should continue the consistent efforts to change the behavioral communication and motivate the public social responsibility to adhere to the health protocols, masking, hand hygiene, social distancing, and vaccination to prevent expected COVID-19 subsequent episodes.
Effectiveness of flipped classroom model in teaching histology for first-year MBBS students based on competency-based blended learning
Authors: Aristotle Sharmila , Subramanian Sundarapandian , Jayakumar Saikarthik
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

With recent changes in the curriculum of bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery (MBBS) course to meet the global trends and to fulfill the standards expected from an Indian medical graduate, introduction of newer teaching methodologies becomes mandatory. The usage of flipped classroom (FCR) in medical education has always been rewarding. This study was to evaluate the effectiveness of FCR as a teaching method in comparison with traditional lectures in histology sessions in Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This interventional study was conducted among the 1st year MBBS students in SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre for a period of 1 year (2018–2019 academic year). The histology sessions were taught using both traditional lectures and FCR methodology. Pre- and posttests were conducted for each traditional and FCR session with ten multiple-choice questions pertaining to that topic. Students' performance was assessed by paired t-test (for pre- and posttest comparisons) and independent t-test (for traditional and FCR posttest mark comparison) using SPSS software version 26. A feedback survey based on Likert scale was also conducted on the students and was analyzed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

Posttest marks had statistically significantly improved when compared to pretest marks (P < 0.0001) in both traditional and FCR teaching methods. Comparison of posttest marks showed statistically significantly higher marks in FCR when compared to traditional teaching (P < 0.0001). Similarly, students’ feedback survey showed that FCR benefitted the students in achieving the competency required.

CONCLUSION:

FCR methodology of teaching histology had a very impressive outcome and the students' perception was very positive.
Simulation-based structured training for developing laparoscopy skills in general surgery and obstetrics & gynecology postgraduates
Authors: Charokar Kailash , Modi Jyoti Nath
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Simulation-based training is an important strategy for skill development in a competency-based curriculum, especially so for laparoscopic surgery given its unique learning curve, need for practice, and patient safety concerns. The study was conducted for postgraduates in two surgical disciplines in a medical college tertiary care center. The study evaluates the acceptability and utility of structured simulation-based training for laparoscopic skills. Simulations provide deliberate practice in the leaner supportive environment.

MATERIALSAND METHODS:

The educational intervention was carried out among the 16 postgraduates from year 2 and year 3 of general surgery and obstetrics and gynecology. A structured training and assessment module was designed and validated, and a 12-week structured training on laparoscopic box trainers was given to postgraduates under faculty guidance. Feedback from postgraduates and faculty was obtained using separate validated questionnaires. The pre- and post-training assessment scores were compared applying the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank (2-tailed) test using the SPSS Windows Version 20.0 (IBM Corporation).

RESULTS:

Sixteen postgraduates participated in the study. The median satisfaction score of the postgraduates was 4 (range 3–5), a scale of a maximum of 5. The group identified faculty feedback, stepwise skills learning, supportive learning environment, and trainers’ motivation as enabling factors in the training. The faculty observed that the trainees were effectively engaged. The group mean improvement scores in percentage were 40.08 for task 1, 42.08 for task 2, 43.13 for task 3, and 45.63 for task 4.

CONCLUSIONS:

It is feasible to incorporate faculty-guided sessions of simulation training in basic laparoscopy skills for postgraduates in our setup. It is well accepted by the key stakeholders, and we recommend it to be incorporated in the formal training program.
Adaptive coping strategies used by people during coronavirus
Authors: Javed Sarah , Parveen Heena
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) a worldwide pandemic has significantly affected life of people around the globe. It has also caused various psychological issues among public such as uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and of course stress. Globalization has facilitated it and has added greater complexity to the containment of infection leading to urgent call for public health challenge. Consequently, a multilevel stress coping adjustment process is going on. Hence, it is imperative to explore how people are affected psychologically and how they are coping with it. People are adopting different strategies for coping up from this challenging situation. In this sense, the present study intended to: explore which coping strategies were of relevance for people for adjusting in COVID-19 crises and were sociodemographic factors influencing the coping strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The research is descriptive study. For the present study, a sample of 475 participants was asked for coping strategies used by them using valid and reliable scales.

RESULTS:

Results revealed that positive attitude and trust in God were the most used adaptive coping strategies and sociodemographic variables were playing a significant role in adaptive coping strategies.

CONCLUSION:

Hence, understanding and identification of coping strategies and their relationship with demographic variables can help health professionals to direct interventions to control stressors related to the pandemics.
Antibiotics at the crossroads – Do we have any therapeutic alternatives to control the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance?
Authors: Sannathimmappa Mohan Bilikallahalli , Nambiar Vinod , Aravindakshan Rajeev
Published: April 2024

Antibiotics once regarded as magic bullets are no more considered so. Overuse of antibiotics in humans, agriculture, and animal husbandry has resulted in the emergence of a wide range of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens which are difficult to treat. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global health problem associated with high mortality in the era of modern medicine. Moreover, in the absence of an effective antibiotic, medical and surgical interventions can highly become a risk. In recent times, the decreased incline of pharmaceutical industries toward research and development of newer effective antibiotics to fight this MDR pathogens have further fuelled the scarcity of antibiotics, thus the number of antibiotics in the pipeline is extremely limited. Hence it is high time for the development of new strategies to fight against dangerous MDR pathogens. Currently, several novel approaches explored by scientists have shown promising results pertaining to their antimicrobial activity against pathogens. In this article, the authors have summarized various novel therapeutic options explored to contain AMR with special attention to the mechanism of action, advantages, and disadvantages of different approaches.
The trend of critical thinking disposition in medical students and its relationship with their academic performance
Authors: Shakurnia Abdolhussein , Fazelinia Tayebe , Khajeali Nasrin
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Critical thinking is one of the important skills required for medical students. It is considered as a main component in medical education and training competent physicians. The current study aimed to investigate the trend of critical thinking disposition of medical students and its association with their academic performance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 315 medical students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical sciences. A two-section questionnaire was used for data collection. The first section dealt with demographic characteristics and the second section included Ricketts critical thinking disposition inventory using t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS:

Mean and standard deviation of critical thinking disposition of medical students was 121.85 ± 11.32. No significant difference was observed between the mean score of critical thinking disposition and years of study (P = 0.74, F = 0.590). Pearson correlation test also showed no significant association between critical thinking disposition and the students’ grade point average (P = 0.89, r = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study showed that medical students’ level of critical thinking disposition is above average, and there is no significant correlation between critical thinking disposition and years of study and academic performance of the students. It seems that the educational process in medical school has not been effective in improving the level of students’ critical thinking disposition.
The chunampet community health information management system
Authors: Newtonraj Ariarathinam , Purty Anil Jacob , Vincent Antony , Manikandan Mani , Bazroy Joy , Konduru Rajesh Kumar , Natesan Murugan
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Developed countries have strong health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS), whereas there is a dearth of such system in developing countries like India. India depends on national surveys and individual studies for public health information. At present All India Institute of Medical Sciences – New Delhi HDSS and Vadu HDSS are well established HDSS in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We developed a HDSS in a remote rural area of South India and named as Community Health Information Management System (CHIMS) This covered 20 villages around Rural Health Training Centre – Chunampet. We collected the family and demographic information from March 2018 to October 2018. Pregnancy, birth, under-five and mortality data were collected once in every 3 months with the help of interns, Medical Social Workers. Data collection done using CHIMS Guide and entered in EpiData software. EpiAnalysis, Quantum Geographic Information System, Dropbox were the other freely available software used in this program.

RESULTS:

CHIMS HDSS covered 14924 individuals belonging to 4486 households in the surrounding twenty villages. Population density was 213/km2. CHIMS consumed very limited resources in terms of workforce, materials, and transport. CHIMS database was used as a baseline database for many other studies. This CHIMS HDSS helped in many publications, postgraduate thesis dissertations and mainly attracted many extramural research funds from leading government Research Institutes from India.

CONCLUSION:

CHIMS proved to be a robust surveillance system in providing vital public health information about the community and attracted more extramural funds to the institute.
Designing, implementation, and evaluation of internship comprehensive system for assessment and monitoring
Authors: Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Ayati Sayed Hamid Reza , Iraj Bijan , Mortazavi Mojgan , Vafamehr Vajiheh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

During the past decade, the benefits of using portfolios, especially electronic portfolios, were recognized. Due to the lack of using portfolios and especially electronic portfolio in the clinical evaluations of internship training in medical schools of Iran, this study has designed, implemented, and evaluated a comprehensive system for monitoring and evaluating the activities of interns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was a software development study in the three phases of design, implementation, and evaluation. All stages of the project were carried out in the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during 2019–2020. The software design phase was performed using the Rapid Application Development Methodology (RAD model). In the implementation phase, it was used as a pilot study in the internal department of the medical school. System evaluation was performed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were analyzed using the content analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistical analysis using the SPSS software for quantitative data.

RESULTS:

In the educational standards survey, in 10 items, the percentage of choosing “perfectly fit” and “fit” was above 90% (high quality). In the technical standards questionnaire, out of 35 items related to software technical quality, eight items were of acceptable quality and 27 of them were partially acceptable. In the Student Satisfaction Questionnaire, in 9 items, interns’ satisfaction with the system was high or very high, and in either case, there was little or no dissatisfaction or satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Positive educational effects can be used in all clinical settings if modification and improvement of the software continues, with slight modifications.
The role of virtual social networks in shaping people's attitudes toward COVID-19 in Iran
Authors: Jahanbakhsh Maryam , Bagherian Hossein , Tavakoli Nahid , Ehteshami Asghar , Sattari Mohammad , Isfahani Sakineh Saghaeian Nejad , Jangi Majid
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The widespread occurrence of COVID-19 has caused people to seek information from various sources such as virtual social networks, which can positively or negatively affect one's mental status. In this article, we present the role of virtual social networks in shaping people's attitudes toward COVID-19 in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is an applied descriptive study, in which 1010 users of virtual social networks were surveyed through an electronic questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS, Excel, and Rapid Miner software. The FP-growth technique was used to investigate the concurrence of choices in multiple-choice questions, and the Mann–Whitney and the Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to determine the correlation of the mean of each dimension with demographic data. Moreover, the Wilcoxon signed-rank, the Shapiro–Wilk, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests were used.

RESULTS:

Virtual social networks use increased significantly (40%) after the COVID-19 outbreak. According to users, the greatest psychological impact of virtual social networks was the induction of anxiety (46.43%) and the most common use was to learn about COVID-19 prevention and treatment (69.3%). Based on the findings, there were no significant differences between the “awareness,” “behavior intention,” and “attitude and trust” and the users’ marital status, age group, educational degree, and gender.

CONCLUSION:

Although social networks have enriched the public knowledge, they increased the individuals’ anxiety mostly because of controversial news and disperse of misinformation which in turn misled the users. The social networks play an important role in directing the behavioral inclinations. Accordingly, it is recommended that the authorities in healthcare system establish authentic and formal webpage in these social networks to manage controversial and voluminous information.
Maternal predictive factors for preterm birth
Authors: Alavi Azin , Razmjoue Parisa , Safari-Moradabadi Ali , Dadipoor Sakineh , Shahsavari Saeideh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the most important factors that increase the risk of chronic diseases and postpartum death in infants. The aim of this study was to determine the maternal factors that affect the birth of preterm infants in the city of Bandar Abbas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a case–control study that was performed on 400 preterm infants. Sampling was done by a simple method, and information was gathered by interviewing the mothers and their medical records. Data were collected by SPSS software version 16. To compare risk factors in the two groups, conditional logistic regression was used, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

Results showed that factors such as type of delivery (odds ratio [OR] = 3.584, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.981–6.485), preeclampsia (OR = 2.688, 95% CI: 1.164–6.207), history of PTB (OR = 4.171, 95% CI: 1.483–11.728), premature rupture of membranes (OR = 3.273, 95% CI: 1.745–6.137), care during prenatal (OR = 0.334, 95% CI: 0.159–0.701), placental abruption (OR = 3.209, 95% CI: 1.209–8.519), placenta previa (OR = 9.333, 95% CI: 2.086–41.770), and cervical insufficiency (OR = 11, 95% CI: 1.381–87.641) were independent risk factors of preterm infant birth.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PTB risk is higher for women with cervical insufficiency, history of placenta previa, and history of preterm. Early recognition and management of these high-risk conditions among pregnant women may lead to a reduction in PTB rates.
Development, validation, and feasibility of a school-based short duration integrated classroom yoga module
Authors: Sinha Atul , Kumari Sony , Ganguly Mollika
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The practice of yoga is proven to have physical, cognitive and emotional benefits for school children. Despite this many schools do not include yoga in their daily schedule. The reasons cited are lack of time and resources. To overcome these problems the present study aimed to develop and validate a short duration Integrated classroom yoga module. The design guidelines were that it should be possible to practice in the classroom environment and that it could be led by the class teacher. In this way the module would overcome the problem of both time and resource.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study had two main phases. In the first phase, selected ICYM practices based on the literature review were validated by 21 subject matter experts using Lawhse's content validity ratio (CVR) formula. In the second phase, a pilot study using a paired sample prepost measurement design was carried out on 49 high school children. The study was conducted in June 2019. The intervention period was 1 month, and the test variables were physical fitness, cognitive performance, self-esteem, emotional well-being, and personality characteristic. Paired sample t-test was the analysis tool and the software used was the Statistical Package for the Social Science version 26.

RESULTS:

In the Lawshe's CVR analysis, 17 out of the 24 practices tested were rated by experts as essential as was the overall module (CVR score ≥0.429). In the pilot study, there were significant differences in the postmean scores compared to premean scores, for all the 4 EUROFIT physical fitness testing battery tests (P < 0.02), all the three scores of the Stroop color-word naming task (P < 0.001) and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (P < 0.008).

CONCLUSION:

ICYM was validated and found feasible by the present study. It was found to have a statistically significant impact on physical fitness, cognitive performance, and self-esteem variables. However, a randomized control trial with a longer intervention period is needed to strengthen the present study.
The effectiveness of sexual health group counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy on sexual satisfaction of newly married women
Authors: Bokaie Mahshid , Behzadpour Fariba , Farajkhoda Tahmineh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The beginning of a marital relationship is very important as a part of a family relationship, and it satisfies many mental and physical necessities in a safe environment and has a great impact on people's health. The aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of sexual health counseling based on cognitive behavioral approach on satisfaction and excitability of newly married women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A randomized clinical trial study was conducted in 50 newly married women who referred to the health center of Jiroft City. They randomly divided into the intervention and the control groups. All of the participants completed Linda Berg's Sexual Satisfaction Scale before intervention, 8 weeks after intervention and 4 weeks later (follow-up). The interventional group participated in CBT (8 sessions, 90 min), but the control group received routine counseling. In all tests, a significance level of 0.05 was considered. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Descriptive test, t-test, and repeated measure test used to analyze data.

RESULTS:

In intervention group, sexual satisfaction was obtained 51.88 ± 12.27, 57.2 ± 12.88 and 62.76 ± 11.35 (P < 0.05) and in the control group was gotten 47.12 ± 9.6, 45.8 ± 8.07 and 43.48 ± 7.39 (P > 0.05) before intervention, 8 weeks after intervention and 4 weeks later (follow-up), respectively. In intervention group, sexual excitability was obtained 82.80 ± 17.24, 91.72 ± 13.07, and 99.28 ± 11.2 (P < 0.05) and in the control group was gotten 87.04 ± 12.99, 87.48 ± 11.64, and 81.96 ± 12.83 (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

It can be concluded that cognitive-behavioral counseling can help to improve the sexual satisfaction and excitability of the newly married and can be used to improve and promote women's sexual health.
The eleventh scientific Olympiad of Iranian medical students
Authors: Hajinezhad Mohammad Esmaiel , Yousefi Alireza , Jowkar Fariba
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The scientific Olympiad is an event that creates a competitive environment for student groups of medical universities across the country to solve problems that can help improve the health system. This study aims to explain the issues of the scientific Olympiad program of Iranian medical students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was conducted using content analysis method, and the data were collected through 21 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with experts from December 2018 to April 2020. Participants were selected using purposive sampling methods. Twenty-one students, domain leaders, question designers, Olympiad executive experts, and teachers (11 males and 10 females) participated in the interviews. Data analysis was performed based on the steps of Graneheim and Lundman's method. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to a qualitative analysis by MAXQDA 2018 software.

RESULTS:

From the analysis of data, four themes, including inattention to context, inattention to input, inattention to process, and inattention to output, emerged.

CONCLUSIONS:

The scientific Olympiad can lead to interuniversity scientific exchanges and paves the way for the promotion of education and evaluation of learners in medical universities, but if not correctly implemented and the problems of previous periods are not solved, it will not help the health system and can impose considerable costs on the system.
Effectiveness of self-care program on the quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Rad Mohammad Goudarzi , Ghanbari-Afra Leila , Hoseini Mahsa Haji Mohammad , Afra Monireh Ghanbari , Asayesh Hamid
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a life-threatening condition that causes physical and psychological disorders and decreases patients’ quality of life (QoL). Performing proper educational self-care program may lead to higher QoL in these patients. This study was performed to investigate the effectiveness of a self-care educational program on QoL in patients with CAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This semi-experimental study was performed on 60 patients with CAD referred to the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) center of Vali Asr hospital in Qom, Iran, in 2018–2019. Patients were divided into control and intervention groups by randomized sampling. The self-care educational program was provided through lectures and booklet. Data collection was done using the “demographic and clinical data questionnaire,” and “Seattle Angina questionnaire.” Questionnaires were completed in both groups, before and at least 1 month after education. Analysis of the obtained data was performed using SPSS software (version 25), central indexes, Mann–Whitney test, and Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS:

No significant differences were observed between the two groups for demographics characteristics and quality of life before the intervention. Before the self-care program, the mean score of the QoL in the intervention and control group were 56.14 ± 9.75 and 58.46 ± 11.71, respectively. After that, the mean score of the QoL in the intervention and control group were 59.25 ± 10.56 and 59.7 ± 13.33, respectively. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the mean scores of QoL in the intervention group before and after the intervention (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were seen in the control group before and after the study (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The self-care educational program improved the QoL in patients with CAD. Therefore, lectures and educational booklets should be considered by CR nurses.
Challenges for dental professionals during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Sonone Truppti P. , Shukla Alok Kumar , Singh Kumar Tathagat , Kishore Jay , Harsha M.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

With the emerging knowledge and understanding of novel coronavirus infection, dentists must be capable of resuming their practice with necessary precautions in near future; hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices along with felt challenges by the dentists concerning practicing dentistry during pandemic in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

An online cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on the dental practitioners of Uttarakhand, India. The dentists were approached by obtaining their E-mail address from the heads of dental institutions or dental association branches in the state. The knowledge, attitude, and practices along with apparent challenges of practicing during pandemic were assessed using closed-ended questionnaire. The relationship between the mean scores and demographic variables was determined using Student's unpaired t-test by keeping the significance level below 0.05.

RESULTS:

Out of 759 respondents, a total of 458 respondents were male (60%), whereas 301 (40%) were female. The mean knowledge scores were higher in females (11.06 ± 2.12) compared to males (9.72 ± 4.53), which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean practice score was lower in males (17.49 ± 6.47) compared to females (19.26 ± 6.69) and likewise lower scores were seen in graduates compared to specialists and these differences were again statistically significant (P < 0.05). Majority of the study participants felt that following various safety guidelines were not feasible (96.97%) and too expensive (96.44%) and considered them as a challenge.

CONCLUSION:

It is imperative that dentists should be fully prepared before resuming their services and reach the right kind of awareness to limit the spread of the disease.
Economic evaluation of E-health interventions compared with alternative treatments in older persons’ care
Authors: Rezapour Aziz , Hosseinijebeli Seyede Sedighe , Faradonbeh Saeed Bagheri
Published: April 2024

Population aging has increased the need for long-term care of older persons who suffer from multi-morbidity and chronic conditions. Today, the majority of older people are living alone in their home in which they try to cope with highly risky conditions such as sensory impairment, diminished mobility, and medication management. Recent developments in information technologies could improve the access to care for older people as well as reducing the need for full-time caregivers both in homes and institutions such as nursery homes and hospitals. This study aimed to review the economic evaluation of such technological advancements in the care of older people. Through a systematic approach, electronic databases were searched and of 2732 records retrieved, three papers were included in the final review. Three different models of economic evaluation including cost analysis, cost–benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis were applied in these studies in the context of telemedicine and older persons' care. Since the methodological approaches were quite different and the outcomes reported were not consistent between studies, no meta-analysis was applicable and we qualitatively reviewed the papers. All studies have reported cost savings associated with the use of telemedicine technologies such as video visits and smart homes in the care of older persons.
Error analysis of nonnative authors’ publications in health-care journals
Authors: Amiri Mostafa , Alami Ali , Matlabi Mohammad , Shomoossi Nematullah
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

As nonnative speakers of English, Iranian health researchers/authors often need to publish in English; however, published manuscripts may reflect a need for language editing. The study is aimed to investigate the language accuracy of Persian authors’ articles published in Iranian health journals, and to explore whether these journals take steps towards an acceptable level of Standard written English.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this descriptive study, fifty original articles were selected from five health journals (from April 2017 to April 2018) with nonnative editors/proofreaders based on convenience sampling in 2019. The articles were carefully read several times; errors were identified according to Gass and Selinker's model and classified into four categories and further expanded into 22 subcategories.

RESULTS:

The results showed 4322 errors in the 50 articles, where the “grammatical errors” obtained the highest frequency, with punctuation errors (n= 989) ranking first, and errors in using auxiliary verbs (n= 19) the last in frequency. The descending order of the errors emerged as follows: the grammatical, mechanical, lexical, and discoursal errors.

CONCLUSION:

All categories of errors contributed to textual unintelligibility, attributable to either the authors’ inadequate English proficiency or their native language interference. Most errors could have been corrected by the journal editors. Professional development courses and hands-on workshops are advised for both nonnative authors and journal editors/proofreaders in Iran to help authors keep to the conventions of scientific writing.
Barriers in the performance-based payment in Iran health system
Authors: Hadian Marziye , Rezapour Aziz , Mazaheri Elaheh , Asiabar Ali Sarabi
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

One of the main goals of hospital management is to attract, maintain, and increase the number of qualified and efficient human resources, and one of the key and most important factors in achieving this goal is to design and implement a fair and efficient payment system. The purpose of this project is to determine the challenges of the performance-based payment system and provide solutions to overcome its obstacles in the city of Tehran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This qualitative research sought to perform content analysis so as to explore the experiences and perceptions of a purposeful group of specialists and managers of Tehran's educational and medical centers (n = 10). Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and were ongoing until the point of saturation.

RESULTS:

On analysis of data by Specialists and managers of Tehran's educational and medical centers, three main themes including behavior, organization, rules and regulation were defined alongside seven subthemes includes scheduling, platform, education, quantity-oriented, motivation, implementation, and payment system.

CONCLUSION:

In general, it can be concluded that for the successful implementation of any project, the necessary infrastructure must be provided for implementation. In this plan, despite the challenges in the field of behavior, organization, and rules and regulations, the need for necessary training before implementing the plan, special attention to quality instead of quantity, motivating employees to cooperate in implementing the plan as successfully as possible, creating a platform Appropriate before the implementation of the plan and most importantly, the pilot implementation of the plan before its widespread implementation seems necessary.
Medical faculty perception toward digital teaching methods during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vishwanathan Karthik , Patel Geetika Madan , Patel Devanshu Jayeshbhai
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Videoconferencing has been used as a modality of online medical teaching by various institutes. There is a paucity of studies reporting the perception of medical teachers toward teaching using teleconferencing platforms. The objective of this survey was to evaluate the perception of medical teachers toward teaching using videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom meet, Google meet, and Google classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our hypothesis was teaching faculty would have a positive perception and experience toward web-based teaching modalities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Medical teachers of a medical college were invited to participate in a prospective observational cross-sectional online survey. The faculty demographic information, perception, experience, and satisfaction were noted. Perception data were presented as proportion and percentage.

RESULTS:

104 out of 160 faculty members participated in the study (response rate = 65%). 61 male (58.7%) and 43 female (41.3%) faculty members participated in the study. The mean age of the faculty members was 39.3 years ± 13 (range: 27–69 years). Laptop (n = 73 [70.2%]) was the most commonly used electronic device by the faculty members for conducting e-teaching sessions followed by smartphone (n = 25 [24%]). Google meet was the most preferred videoconference tool for online teaching. Ninety-six faculties (92.2%) were satisfied with the e-teaching method adopted by the institute. Eighty-three faculty (79.8%) perceived the e-teaching method to be very useful and quite useful as a modality for teaching during the lockdown period.

CONCLUSIONS:

The teaching faculties had a positive perception toward digital education methods adopted for teaching of undergraduate medical students at our institute.
The effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on medical sciences education in Iran
Authors: Rezaei Habibolah , Haghdoost Aliakbar , Javar Hamid Akbari , Dehnavieh Reza , Aramesh Shahintaj , Dehgani Nasrin , Sisakht Mohamad Tahmasbi
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 has a great impact on medical sciences education. Some researches have been conducted on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical sciences education in the world. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of this disease on medical sciences education in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This futures study research was carried out using the future wheel method in Iran's University of Medical Sciences in the spring of 2020. A semi-structured interview was also conducted on the vice chancellors of medical sciences universities, faculty presidents, faculty vice chancellors, faculty members, medical education specialists, and university students, who were purposefully identified. The interview continued until achieving data saturation. Analysis of the interviews was performed by MAXQDA version 10 software.

RESULTS:

The effects were presented at three levels including primary effects, secondary effects, and third effects. In addition, 16 primary effects, 51 secondary effects, and 24 tertiary effects were recognized. One primary effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on medical sciences education in Iran was fear, stress, and anxiety among students and faculty members as well as staffs to get the disease. In addition, rumor was circulated concerning the infection of some people, thus, there was a need for holding courses regarding stress management and rumor management. One secondary effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on medical sciences education in Iran was allocation of a number of educational hospitals to the referral hospitals of COVID-19. One tertiary effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on medical sciences education in Iran was increasing the number of virtual courses.

CONCLUSIONS:

The most important effect of this disease on medical sciences education is the postponement of practical and apprenticeship classes, and consequently the increased length of the academic term that leads to delay in the students' graduation, which can reduce the workforce. On the one hand, this disease causes death of a number of students, educational and medical staffs, and faculty members, as well as reduces the workforce. Also, lengthening the recruitment of faculty members will add to this challenge. In this regard, there is a need to plan to compensate for the shortage of required human resources.
The effect of home care on readmission and mortality rate in patients with diabetes who underwent general surgeries
Authors: Faridani Lila , Abazari Parvaneh , Heidarpour Maryam , Melali Hamid , Akbari Mojtaba
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

More than one-half of people with diabetes need at least one surgery in their lifespan. Few studies have addressed how to manage the needs of these patients after discharge from the hospital. The present study is designed to determine the effect of home care on readmission of Type 2 diabetic patients who underwent surgical procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a randomized clinical trial. Sixty-nine patients with Type 2 diabetes undergoing surgery were assigned to the intervention and control groups via blocking order in the selected educational hospitals of Isfahan 2019. Home care was performed for 3 months with interprofessional team approach. Data collection tools were re-admission checklist. Data were entered in SPSS software version 23 and were analyzed by nonparametric tests.

RESULTS:

The background characteristics in the intervention and control groups were not different. The frequency of readmission in the control and intervention groups from the time of discharge until 3 months later was 25.7% and 18.9%, respectively. Frequency of readmission in the intervention and control groups was not significant in 3 months from discharge, P > 0.05. The mortality rate was 11.4% and 0% in control and intervention groups, respectively, P < 0.05.

CONCLUSION:

It can be argued that continued home care can decrease the rate of readmission and mortality rate in patients with Type 2 diabetes who will discharge from surgical wards.