bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content analysis of the official curriculum of undergraduate degree in Iran's medical sciences universities from the perspective of social health
Authors: Amini-Rarani Mostafa , Nosratabadi Mehdi
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Social health is considered as an important part of good health both individually and socially. The purpose of this study was to examine the content of the official medical sciences curriculum in undergraduate degrees from a social health perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This qualitative content analysis study was conducted in 2019 at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences using a deductive approach based on Hsieh and Shannon's directed content analysis. For this purpose, official curricula in the fields of Public Health, Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Nursing, Midwifery, Nutrition Sciences, and Health Services Management were analyzed using MAXQDA 12.

RESULTS:

The results showed that a total of 136 codes related to the components of social health were identified in the topics of undergraduate medical sciences majors. Most to least relevant topics belonged to the fields of Public Health (61 codes), Midwifery (22 codes), Nursing (16 codes), Occupational Health (12 codes), Environmental Health and Nutrition Sciences (each 10 codes), and Health Services Management (5 codes), respectively. Among the components of social health, only the component related to access to insurance and health services was mentioned in all seven disciplines. However, the components of poverty and inequality were only included in three disciplines (Public Health, Nursing, Midwifery).

CONCLUSION:

Regarding insufficient focus on social health in curricula, revision of educational curricula is suggested from the perspective of social health, particularly in areas such as poverty and inequality, unemployment, population, violence, and gender discrimination.
Online learning in nursing students
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Kalal Nipin , Rana Nimarta , Vyas Himanshu , Choudhary Vikas , Rani Raj
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The nationwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and ensuing lockdown has enforced institutions crosswise India to provisionally close to inhibit the spread of the virus and started online learning for students. To measure the level of satisfaction of nursing students with online learning and to identify the barriers which restrict to online learning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The current study adopted quantitative research approach with an online survey research design and carried out during May–June 2020. Participants were selected through a web-based survey (Google form), in which 219 students enrolled. Self-structured questionnaire with the Likert scale was used to measure the level of satisfaction of nursing students with online learning and identify the barriers which restrict online learning. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis in which 219 participants were enrolled in the study of data with IBM SPSS version 20.

RESULTS:

Majority of student's participants 148 (67.57%) were extremely satisfied with online learning. The findings suggest that the highest barriers which restrict to online learning among nursing students is low voice and language clarity (2.16 ± 0.593), physical health barriers such as eye strain (2.43 ± 0.613), reliability and connectivity problem (2.26 ± 0.534). Among all demographic data, age is significantly associated with the level of satisfaction of online learning.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study data indicated that maximum students were extremely satisfied the with online learning and among barriers which effect online learning is low voice and language clarity, reliability and connectivity problem, physical health barriers such as eye strain.
Health in disasters in Iranian schools
Authors: Hosseinighousheh Seyednouredin , Arefi Maryam Feiz , Pouya Amin Babai , Poursadeqiyan Mohsen
Published: April 2024

Iran is disaster-prone country in the world. Lack of awareness and failure to have a proper response to natural disasters cause heavy damages to nations and national assets. Risk management is essential to prevent, intervene, and fight disasters as it can attenuate the destructive effects. The present study reviews studies on health in disasters in Iranian schools with an emphasis on readiness to deal with crises. The study was carried out through a systematic search using keywords in Persian and English in Iranian and international databases such as Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, Web of Sciences, PubMed, and Scopus. The time range of the search included all articles published before September 2020. The reference lists were also checked to find more articles. Totally, 575 articles were found and full-text of 32 articles were examined. After omitting repetitious items, the articles were checked by two independent researchers in terms of inclusion and exclusion criteria so that 15 articles entered the final analysis phases. The target population consisted of students, teachers, managers, and experts of disaster resilience. The articles were mostly focused on earthquake, fire, and structural safety. Implementation of health school models through improving awareness and crisis management knowledge in school officials plays a key role in improving and preserving health in school environment and safety of students. Measures like paying more attention to safety of building and physical space of schools, adding crisis management skills to curriculum as practical educations, informing parents about such risk, and educating students about safety and prevention of risks are recommended.
Effective factors on establishment of knowledge translation in the health system policy-making
Authors: Mojiri Shahin , Sahebzadeh Mandana , Ahmadzadeh Khadijeh , Daei Azra , Ashrafi-Rizi Hasan , Demneh Mohsen Taheri , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Soleymani Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2024

Despite the importance and position of evidence-based policymaking in the proper management of the health system, studies show that the lack or improper and untimely use of evidence are still one of the main challenges of health systems. Knowledge translation as a solution to this challenge is a process that includes a period of time that starts of decision to choose the research topic and continue to publish of research results, in which the interaction of the researchers and stakeholders is the key factor and the main axis of the process. Since the recognition and promotion of knowledge translation processes resulting from research in health system policy-making will lead to the improvement of the health system, this review protocol was designed to identify factors affecting knowledge translation implementation, including barriers and facilitators of this process. Identifying these factors can be used as a guide for health system decision-makers and research managers in planning to select appropriate policies for deployment of the knowledge translation process to increase the use of research results in the health system.
The relationship between lifestyle and metabolic evaluation in women with a history of gestational diabetes
Authors: Bahador Esmat , Saber Maryam , FadakarDavarani Mohammad Mehdi , Khanjani Narges , Gohari Batol Hosseini , Safinejad Hadise
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases during pregnancy. The risk of a lifestyle role in the prevention of metabolic syndrome in women with a history of gestational diabetes has now been identified. The present study was performed to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and metabolic syndrome in women with a history of gestational diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a retrospective case–control study that was performed on 90 women (45 women with a history of gestational diabetes and 45 women without a history of gestational diabetes) in Kerman health centers 5 years after delivery in 2020. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a standardized Walker lifestyle Health promoting Lifestyle profile II questionnaire. The reference laboratory was also used to perform the experiments. SPSS21 software and Spearman's and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS:

The mean age was 35.67 in the case group and 34.27 in the control group (P = 0.230). Lifestyle did not show any difference between the two groups (P = 0.058). However, metabolic evaluation was different in the two groups (P = 0.030). Furthermore, the results of Spearman's test to examine the relationship between lifestyle and other variables studied showed that in the case group (P = 0.075) and in the control group (P = 0.819) there was no relationship between lifestyle and metabolic assessments 5 years after delivery.

CONCLUSIONS:

In case group women, it is possible to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes and disturb the metabolic assessment by teaching a healthy lifestyle and timely follow-up after delivery. A history of gestational diabetes can be one of the causes of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Getting training to change your lifestyle during pregnancy and postpartum can reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Screening pregnant women during childbirth is a good opportunity to diagnose diabetes early and predict it in the coming years.
Collaboration between the government and nongovernmental organizations in providing health-care services
Authors: Rajabi Mohanna , Ebrahimi Parvin , Aryankhesal Aidin
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Given the expanding range of health influencing factors, increasing expectations from the health systems, and general challenges such as insufficient resources, the health services needed by people cannot be provided completely by the governments alone. Therefore, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)-government collaboration is considered a common approach in health-care provision for different communities. Since the NGO-government collaboration is complicated and usually influenced by many challenges and issues, the present study was conducted to identify collaboration challenges between the government and NGOs in providing health-care services.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Using a systematic review method and searching in ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases, using related keyword/terms, between March 2020 and June 2020, studies on NGO-government collaboration in the health area were collected without time limitation. After completing the article selection process, those articles that consistent with the research purpose were chosen for the final analysis.

RESULTS:

From 4236 initially collected studies, 16 studies were chosen for the final analysis. Based on the content analysis of the selected articles, 70 challenges were identified in the NGO-government collaboration to provide health-care services. These challenges were divided into five main themes: structural issues, process issues, issues related to roles and responsibilities, trust and communications issues, and control and power relation issues and 11 subthemes.

CONCLUSION:

The present study provides significant challenges by NGO-government collaboration in providing health-care services. Awareness of these challenges plays an important role in promoting such collaborations and enables these organizations to highly exploit the strengths of each other, resulting in a collaboration with win–win situation.
Depression, fitness, and student willingness to pursue university counseling and alternative antidepressant options
Authors: Jalene Sharon , Pharr Jennifer , Sharma Manoj , Poston Brach
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Depression prevalence in college students is three to six times higher than US adults. Counseling utilization increased by 30%–40% despite reports of student unwillingness to pursue therapy. Pursuance of alternative options, like exercise or meditation, is rarely reported. This study examined students’ willingness to seek depression treatment through university mental health services (UMHS) and alternative options (AO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional study. Students (n = 780) completed a survey including validated depression and estimated cardiorespiratory fitness instruments. Yes/Maybe/No responses regarding willingness to seek UMHS and AO were analyzed for associations with demographics, depression status, and fitness level. Descriptive and inferential analyses were employed.

RESULTS:

Students were more likely to select “Yes” for AO than UMHS (χ
2 = 104.145, P < 0.001). Low-fit students (χ
2 = 8.35, P = 0.02) and those in depression treatment (χ
2 = 15.182, P < 0.001) selected “Yes” to UMHS more often than expected. Younger (χ
2 = 7.893, P = 0.02), nondepressed (χ
2 = 7.355, P = 0.03), and fit students (χ
2 = 10.617, P = 0.005) chose “Yes” while males selected “No” (χ
2 = 8.99, P = 0.01) more often than expected for AO. Approximately 31% of students reported having moderate-to-severe depression, 7.8% were in treatment, and 55% were classified as having low fitness levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings of this study should be considered when developing antidepressant programming on university campuses.
Understanding COVID-19 preventive behavior
Authors: Arceo Engracia , Jurado John Edlor , Cortez Leslee Anne , Sibug Nestor , Sarmiento Gestrelle Lides , Lawingco Amica Coleen , Carbungco Carisse , Tiongco Raphael Enrique
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

With the Philippines emerging as the hotspot in the Western Pacific Region for the COVID-19 cases, the study aimed to understand the COVID-19 preventive behavior of Filipinos using the health belief model (HBM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The cross-sectional study included 304 respondents recruited for the whole month of July 2020 through various social media platforms. Participants were requested to answer an online questionnaire, and results were analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS:

The majority of respondents were female (71.1%), with an average age of 29, college graduate (57.6%), and living in an area where modified general community quarantine is implemented (63.2%). Good preventive behavior was noted among the participants, and not shaking of hands with others and refraining from touching of surfaces were reported as the most practiced behavior. Spearman's correlation and Pearson's Chi-square showed that age and sex are significant predictors for the HBM constructs and preventive behavior. Furthermore, results showed that cues to action, self-efficacy, and perceived barrier have a significant association with COVID-19 preventive behavior.

CONCLUSION:

Findings prove that HBM is useful in understanding preventive behaviors in times of coronavirus pandemic. Strategies that promote a supportive environment and help overcome the perceived barriers can guide Filipinos to adopt the desired health behavior. Interventions to promote preventive behaviors should be focused on males and younger individuals.
Health needs assessment of the residents of the informal settlements in South-Eastern Iran
Authors: Poortaheri Naeimeh , Alimohammadzadeh Khalil , Hosseini Seyed Mojtaba , Maher Ali , Bahadori Mohammadkarim
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Informal settlements are considered as one of the social problems in societies. As the residents do not have adequate access to basic services, including health services, their health is at risk. This study was conducted to evaluate the access to health services and determine the health needs of informal settlements in Bam city.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was carried out in the spring of 2020 in Bam. The sample size was 400 residents of informal settlements in Bam, and the multi-stage random cluster sampling was used. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the required data. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed using the content validity, and its reliability was 85% by Cronbach's alpha. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 23 software and descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation, and percentage) as well as analytical statistics (Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests).

RESULTS:

More than 50% of the individuals had good access to general practitioners and health centers. However, over 50% had poor access to dental, para-clinical, specialist, and hospital services. Furthermore, 49.3% of the people assessed their health status as poor in the previous year. A total of 46 items in the areas of communicable and non-communicable diseases, women's health, mental and social health and addiction, environmental health, etc., were identified as the most important health needs of the informal settlement residents.

CONCLUSION:

Informal settlements are facing various health problems including environmental health, mental and social health, and addiction, meeting which requires collaboration of all stakeholders as well as provision of a comprehensive program and appropriate service packages.
Evaluation of cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of kombucha and doxorubicin combination therapy on colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116
Authors: Rasouli Latifeh , Aryaeian Naheed , Gorjian Mehran , Nourbakhsh Mitra , Amiri Fatemehsadat
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Colorectal cancer is the third leading to death type of cancer in the world. The therapeutic guideline varied between different methods. As the main therapeutic guideline is chemotherapy, recent studies had shown utilization of natural products in combination with conventional medication, elevate the efficiency of chemotherapeutic methods. Kombucha is a traditional beverage obtained from the fermentation of green tea as a rich source of flavonoid medicinal plant. This study aimed to evaluate the natural potential of combination therapy of this natural product with doxorubicin as a chemotherapeutic agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was performed as in vitro evaluation of biological activity of kombucha on HCT-116 cell line (human colon cancer cell line). The cytotoxic effect of different kombucha beverages (fermented green tea) in comparison with green tea extract was evaluated by dimethylthiazolyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In the next step, anticancer activity of doxorubicin as a general guideline chemotherapeutic agent in combination with kombucha was evaluated by cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assay flow cytometry. Apoptotic genes expression pattern was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The experiments were designed in three independent replications and statistically analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS:

The results show that kombucha compared with the green tea extract caused more (1.2 fold) early apoptosis induction and G0/G1 phase arrest. Moreover, kombucha increased the expression levels of p21, p53, and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein genes (2, 2.5, and 1.5 fold, respectively) while it decreased Bcl-2 gene expression level (5–8 fold) compared with doxorubicin alone. Combination of kombucha with doxorubicin shows 2-fold increased G0/G1 phase compared with the doxorubicin treatment.

CONCLUSION:

This result indicated that kombucha caused boosted anticancer activity of doxorubicin agent. These findings suggest that kombucha may be has an assistor and useful role in colorectal cancer treatment align with chemotherapy.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the perceived care tension questionnaire for caregivers of hemodialysis patients
Authors: Rabiei Leili , Kheiri Soleiman , Masoudi Reza
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The complex, multifaceted care environment and the threatening situation of caring for hemodialysis patients cause tension in their family caregivers. Due to the severe tension, family caregivers are likely to ignore their basic needs and only pay attention to the patient's needs and related issues. This study was conducted with the aim of designing and evaluating the Perceived Care tension Questionnaire for Caregivers of Hemodialysis Patients (PCTQHFC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a sequential exploratory mixed methods study of scale development variant conducted in two phases: qualitative and quantitative. This study was conducted in 2019 in Shahrekord. The qualitative phase included item development and scale development. In the quantitative phase (Item Analysis), the validation characteristics of the tool were examined using face, content and construct validity, and its reliability by internal consistency and stability. Findings were performed using software SPSS 18.

RESULTS:

Principal components analysis with orthogonal rotation to generate factors, showed that five factors, namely emotional exhaustion, inadequate social support, care burden, confusion and ambiguity and lack of adaptability skills had an eigenvalue of higher than 1, so that they explained, respectively, 75.98%, 61.36%, 72.49%, 76.33%, and 70.31% of the total variance. The internal consistency was obtained 0.811 and the inter-class correlation coefficient for the whole instrument 0.832.

CONCLUSION:

PCTQHFC is a culturally appropriate measure with strong psychometric properties. The instrument designed in this study measures the care tension of hemodialysis patients. Therefore, researchers, health-care providers, and community health policymakers can plan and implement interventions to reduce the tension of caregivers of hemodialysis patients by analyzing and identifying the tensions of caregivers.
Diabetic foot infections
Authors: Sannathimmappa Mohan Bilikallahalli , Nambiar Vinod , Aravindakshan Rajeev , Al Khabori Mohammad Saleem Jawad , Al-Flaiti Asma Hamed Sulaiman , Al-Azri Kadhiya Nasser Mohamed , Al-Reesi Ali Khamis Saif , Al Kiyumi Alya Rashid Mohammad
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

In diabetic foot infections (DFIs), the diversity of microbial profile and ever-changing antibiotic-resistance patterns emphasize accurate characterization of microbial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern. The aim of the study was to investigate the pathogens associated with DFI and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary-care hospital, Oman. The socio-demographic and microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of pathogens isolated from patients with DFIs from January 2013 to December 2018 were reviewed. Quantitative and qualitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and percentages, respectively. A Chi-square test was used for testing the association between multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms and variables.

RESULTS:

In total, 233 isolates recovered from 133 clinical specimens with an average of 1.8 organisms per specimen were included in the study. Fifty-six and forty-four percent of specimens showed monomicrobial and polymicrobial growth of two or more organisms, respectively. The frequency of isolation was predominant among males (65%). Aerobic Gram-negative rods were predominantly (75%) isolated compared to Gram-positive organisms (25%). Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most frequently isolated Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Thirty-eight percent of them were MDR strains. Gram-negative organisms showed fairly good susceptibility ranging from 75% to 100% to carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and piperacillin-tazobactam. While doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole showed good susceptibility toward Gram-positive organisms.

CONCLUSION:

DFIs are often polymicrobial with a predominance of Gram-negative pathogens. This study recommends the use of carbapenems and doxycycline for empirical therapy of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial DFIs, respectively.
Coronavirus disease-2019 risk management using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats analysis approach in the health system
Authors: Bazyar Jafar , Alimoradi Siednour , Seydi Mohammadreza , Pourvakhshoori Negar , Sadeghifar Jamil
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Utilizing the successful experiences of countries and local regions can be useful in the management and control of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), so the research team aims to determine and extract the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the health system in the risk management of COVID-19 using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analytical approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was performed by a qualitative multimethod approach. In addition to reviewing the minutes of meetings and approvals of the Provincial Anti-Corona Headquarters, focused group meetings and in-depth semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. The results were extracted based on the SWOT analytical approach in the form of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the health system and then based on the SWOT matrix, the necessary strategies were identified.

RESULTS:

In the necessary strategies, based on SWOT matrix in SO strategies: SO1, formation of regional health assessment teams; SO2, promotion of preparedness, resilience, and effective response; SO3, activation of research and training centers; SO4, integrated management, supervision, and coordination; in WO strategies: WO1, analysis and COVID-19 risk monitoring; WO2, communication and risk information management; WO3, people-based management; and WO4, activation of local economic institutions and manufacturing centers; in ST: ST1, comprehensive care system strategies; and ST2, enhancing social trust with a transparency approach; and finally in WT strategies; WT1, stress management; and WT2, specific financial system design for disaster management were identified.

CONCLUSION:

Now, for the prevention and control of this disease, the need of empathy and participation of all human societies is felt more than anything else. These experience and analysis are based on the SWOT approach for the health system to be able to provide solutions and practical points that can be used by stakeholders.
Development and validation of English version of COVID-19 Depression Scale for health-care workers
Authors: Divvi Anusha , Kengadaran Shivashankar , Katuri Lakshmi Subhashini , Jampani Ravindranath , Prabakar Jayashri , Muthukrishnan Kavitha , Kengadaran Sivabalakumaran
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Health-care workers (HCWs) are highly vulnerable to depression during an epidemic outbreak. Protecting the mental well-being of HCWs is a priority while battling with COVID-19. However, documentation on COVID-19-related depression among HCWs is scarce due to the limited availability of measuring scales. Hence, this study was purposed to develop a scale to measure depression relating to COVID-19 and evaluate its psychometric properties among HCWs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A validation study was carried out among 320 HCWs including physicians of various medical specialties, dental specialists, and nurses in the year 2020. Exploratory factor analysis using Promax rotation with Kaiser normalization for the determination of factor structure was employed in data analysis using SPSS version 16 software.

RESULTS:

COVID-19 Depression Scale for HCWs (CDS-HW) demonstrated a two-component structure identified as “work-related anxiety” and “psychological distress.” The mean CDS-HW score of the study participants was observed to be 23.67 ± 2.82, and the scale demonstrated good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.741).

CONCLUSION:

CDS-HW is a rapidly administrable, valid, and reliable tool that can be used to measure COVID-19-related depression among HCWs.
Epidemiology and factors associated with COVID-19 outbreak-related deaths in patients admitted to medical centers of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Khankeh Hamidreza , Farrokhi Mehrdad , Ghadicolaei Hassan Talebi , Mazhin Sadegh Ahmadi , Roudini Juliet , Mohsenzadeh Yazdan , Hadinejad Zoya
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The first case of COVID-19 was reported in Iran on February 19, 2020, in Qom. Since Mazandaran is one of the high-risk provinces with many patients and deaths, this study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19-related deaths in Mazandaran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this descriptive study, demographic information and clinical findings in patients who died following COVID-19 in the medical centers of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences from February 8, 2020, to October 10, 2020, were extracted. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 21. Logistic regression was used to compare the data. P < 0.05 was considered as the significance level.

RESULTS:

Out of a total of 34,039 patients admitted during the 8 months, 2907 patients died. Of these, 1529 (52%) were male, and the rest were female. In terms of age, 10 cases in the age group of fewer than 15 years, 229 cases in the age group of 15–44 years, 864 patients in the age group of 45–64 years, and 1793 people in the age group of 65 years and over died. 2206 people (more than 75%) by personal visit referred to medical centers. The mortality rate was more than 8 cases per 100 hospitalized patients. Men were 16% more likely to die from COVID-19 than women.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

Older adults over 65 have the highest incidence and death rate due to this disease. The incidence rate was higher in women, and the death rate was higher in men, which differs from the national pattern.
Investigating the relationship of computerized examination anxiety with other variables at the university level
Authors: Rasheed Abeer
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

In the daily lives of people, the level of anxiety plays a significant role. This applies to students, who experience anxiety when taking examinations referred to as examination anxiety. Majority of the current educational institutions have shifted from a traditional evaluation system to one that is computerized. The present study aim is to identify the computerized examination anxiety (CEA) among college students in the Faculty of Health and to compare the differences among them based on study system and gender.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The research is a descriptive quantitative design. The research population consists of 138 health college students. CEA scale was used to identify the level of examination anxiety among students. Data were then exposed to analysis, namely the descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and Chi-square tests, to obtain the answers to the research questions at the level of <0.05.

RESULTS:

Based on the findings, the CEA experienced by the health students was of moderate level. The findings also showed insignificant differences between students’ levels of anxiety based on gender and study system at <0.05 value.

CONCLUSION:

The study contributed to literature by adding a study related to CEA during COVID-19. The study enumerated implications and recommendations based on the findings.
Potential vaccine hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccines in Kashmiri population
Authors: Ain Syed Najmul , Ahmad Rabia , Qulsum Reyana , Gilani Mohamad Azhar
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

India is all set to begin vaccination against COVID-19. A good number of people are falling prey to anti-vaccination campaigns, and therefore, some amount of vaccine hesitancy must have developed. The primary objective of the study was to find the level of potential COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Kashmiri population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the valley of Kashmir. A predesigned questionnaire was shared online. The participation of respondents was voluntary. Exclusions were made on account of residence outside Kashmir valley, duplicate forms, and wrong information. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed using SPSS version 23.

RESULTS:

A total of 487 respondents were included. About 67% of the participants were in the age group of ≤30 years, 55% female, 54% rural, and 16% had ever been COVID-19 positive. About 14% of the participants were completely hesitant about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, whereas 40% were unsure if they will accept the vaccination. The main reason for the total nonacceptance of the vaccine was the doubts about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines (67%). Urban people were more likely to be hesitant to the vaccine than rural people (odds ratio [OR] 1.845, confidence interval CI 1.022 to 3.333). Those who were ever COVID-19 positive were 3.3 times more likely to say “no” to COVID-19 vaccination than those who were never positive.

CONCLUSION:

Strategic steps must be taken to minimize the vaccine hesitancy associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Authorities should direct efforts toward vaccine education, creating awareness among people about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination.
The effect of sexual health education program on sexual function and attitude in women at reproductive age in Iran
Authors: Rezaei Nazanin , Taheri Safoura , Tavalaee Zahra , Rezaie Sedighe , Azadi Arman
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Female sexual dysfunction is a common and often distressing public health problem. This study aimed to determine the effect of the sexual health program on female sexual function and attitude in reproductive age in the west of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a field trial study. A total of 103 women attending health centers were assigned into two groups; an experiment and a control group. Data collection tool involved sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, sexual female attitude questionnaire, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which was completed by participants before and after the implementation of a sexual health education program. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.

RESULTS:

The results revealed that after the intervention, female sexual function in the experiment group based on the FSFI tool was significantly improved (P< 0.01) in the domains of desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and the total score compared with the control group. Besides, there was no significant difference between posttest mean score of sexual attitude in the experiment group and control group (P> 0.05). However, a significant difference was found in the mean score of sexual attitudes in the experimental group before and after the intervention (P= 0.004).

CONCLUSION:

The findings showed that sexual health program was effective in improving women's sexual function and attitude in the experiment group. It is recommended that the effect of other training methods remain to be addressed on women's sexual function and attitude.
Assessment of determinants predicting success on the Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination by employing artificial neural network
Authors: Butcon Vincent Edward , Pasay-An Eddieson , Indonto Maria Charito Laarni , Villacorte Liza , Cajigal Jupiter
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

This study aims to use the artificial neural network as a novel approach to explore factors that determine and predict successful performance of nursing interns in Saudi Arabia on the Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination (SNLE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study employed a cross-sectional, analytic approach. A total of 62 nursing interns were recruited by convenience sampling from the University of Hail to participate. Data collection was conducted from September to December 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the nursing interns and their responses regarding examination determinants. Neural network analysis was used to identify factors that are highly predictive of the success of the nursing interns on the SNLE.

RESULTS:

Overall, the nursing interns were undecided (3.94 ± 0.14) about the influential factors determining their success. Their study hours (100%) and grade point average (GPA) (96.9%) were identified as strong determinants reflective of the tenacity and vigor of the nursing interns, based on the predictive power of the model. Meanwhile, age (45.7%), marital status (21.3%), gender (15.2%), and the type of academic program (5.9%) were considered the least important of the sociodemographic variables.

CONCLUSION:

Exam preparation activities such as preparation programs, review classes, and exam simulations must be promoted and enhanced to increase the passing tendencies of the nursing interns in the SNLE. The GPA and increased study hours make the most significant contributions to success on the SNLE as compared to other variables such as age, gender, marital status, and the academic program. This study serves as a springboard for nursing educators and administrators in laying tailored strategies to strengthen the nurse interns’ GPA and time management.
Improving psychological security and empowerment
Authors: Yazdimoghaddam Hamideh , Manzari Zahra Sadat , Heydari Abbas , Mohammadi Eesa
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Caring for brain dead patients is the heaviest of duties for nurses, and despite tremendous stress, there are no theories/models to support nurses in this situation. This study designed a supportive model for nurses to provide care for potential organ donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This qualitative study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, semi-structured interviews with 31 nurses and other stakeholders, observation and field notes continued until data saturation, (on 2018), were analyzed using continuous and comparative analysis through Corbin–Strauss method. In the second stage, theory synthesis of Walker and Avant's strategies for theory construction (2011) was used to design a supportive model/theory. The theory synthesis includes three stages: (i) selection of focal concept (the concept of “moral obligation to provide holistic care until the last minute” was selected); (ii) review of studies to identify the factors related to focal concept relevant studies (42 articles were reviewed, statements and concepts related to focal concept were then extracted and classified, and their relations were specified); and (iii) organization of concepts and statements within a relevant general and effective manifestation of the phenomenon under study which led to developing of a model.

RESULTS:

In this supportive model/theory, “improving psychological security and empowerment” was conceptualized within the conceptual framework. This supportive model entails three main components, including (i) informational and educational support, (ii) systematically support, and (iii) management support.

CONCLUSIONS:

According to the results, nurses with moral obligation to provide holistic care were faced with several challenges. Therefore, it is recommended that the healthcare system take supportive proceedings for nurses in various fields of the care for brain dead patients to resolve educational, moral, and legal challenges. This supportive model is essential for maintaining the nurses’ health, increasing the quality of nursing care and the health of potential transplant organs.
Prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression among health care and nonhealth-care professionals in India
Authors: Singh Kishore Kumar , Jyotirmay  , Kumar Avanindra , Goel Aashana , Gulati Saakshi , Nayak Bikash Bishwadarshee
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The psychological impact of anxiety, stress, and depression among health care and nonhealth-care professionals in India contribute significantly to the global burden of mental illness in the world. Impaired mental health and stress influence the efficiency and productivity of work. Long-term professional stress among individuals can lead to chronic illness, increased blood pressure, and many systemic disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression among the health care and nonhealth-care professionals in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This prospective survey-based study included 200 study participants (80 nonhealth care and 120 health-care workers) who were asked to submit their feedback and opinion on a questionnaire survey. Depression, stress, and anxiety were scored as per patient health questionnaire-4 and UCLA scale. The reliability of questionnaires was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha (r = 0.90). The statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test.

RESULTS:

Higher prevalence ratio of anxiety, depression, and stress was observed among nonhealth care compared to health-care professionals.

CONCLUSION:

Psychological disturbances were found to be higher among nonmedical when compared to health-care workers or professionals. Thus, psychological counseling is required to manage the stress levels in both health care and nonhealth-care professionals.
Satisfaction with nursing care and its related factors in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Parizad Naser , Goli Rasoul , Mirzaee Roshanak , Baghaie Rahim , Habibzadeh Hossein
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Patients’ satisfaction is a fundamental factor in the quality of nursing care. The emergence of the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the highly contagious virus can affect nursing care by increasing the number of care-seekers. This study aimed to determine the patients’ satisfaction and related factors in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Taleghani Hospital, Urmia-Iran, in 2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This descriptive, correlational study was conducted on 196 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Taleghani Hospital, Urmia. Purposive convenient sampling was used to recruit participants. Study participants completed Patient Satisfaction Instrument and demographics questionnaires. Data were analyzed with the SPSS software version 25.0.

RESULTS:

The majority of patients (68.9%) were moderately satisfied with nursing care. Based on Pearson Correlation Analysis, only residential status had a significant inverse relationship with satisfaction level in patients with COVID-19 (r = −0.0238, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The patients’ satisfaction with nursing care was mostly at a moderate level. Thus, there is a need to educate health personnel and nurses in particular and motivate them to have active participation in achieving patients’ satisfaction with COVID-19. Notably, only the institutes that take patients’ satisfaction as a top priority can succeed in a competitive market of health services.
Evaluation of nutritional adjustment program on quality of life in children with chronic liver disease
Authors: Jafari Seyed Ali , Rezaeian Aramesh , Namjou Zahra , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , ghaneifar Zahra
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Chronic liver disease is associated with decreased quality of life. The quality of life of children with chronic liver disease is related to their quality of life. Malnutrition is associated with death from cirrhosis, development of complications, and health-related quality of life in people with liver disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of nutritional adjustment program on quality of life in children with chronic liver disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This clinical trial study was performed on children with chronic liver disease referred to the nutrition clinic of Ghaem Educational-Research Center in Mashhad in 2015. In this study, 77 children with chronic liver disease were randomly divided into two groups. Before and after the intervention, patients' quality of life was assessed with the PedsQL™ 4.0 generic core scale questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS16 software.

RESULTS:

In the postintervention stage, the mean total score of quality of life in the experimental group was 1965.0 ± 270.9 and in the control group was 1522.5 ± 321.3 (P < 0.001). The difference in quality of life score of physical, social, and school performance in the two groups was significant.

CONCLUSION:

According to the results of this study, it seems that interventions that can improve the quality of life of children with chronic liver disease can be an important step in advancing these people toward a healthy and quality life. As a result, it is possible to take steps to improve the quality of life of patients by encouraging children with liver disease and providing information about diet.
Exploring the learners’ perspectives on competency-based medical education
Authors: Ramanathan Rashmi , Shanmugam Jeevithan , Gopalakrishna Sridhar Magadi , Palanisami Kalaniti , Narayanan Seetharaman
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

A novel innovation in medical education was initiated by the Medical Council of India after 21 years. Competency-based medical education (CBME) is an effective outcome-based strategy, which requires integration of knowledge, attitude, skills, values, and responsiveness. The aim was to assess the students’ perspectives on competency-based medical curriculum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 1st year MBBS students (2019–2020 batch). A validated questionnaire was administered through Google link among phase I medical students of various medical colleges across India by multistage sampling.

RESULTS:

A total of 987 students from 74 medical colleges in India responded. Nearly three-fourths opined that foundation course (FC), attitude ethics communication module, and early clinical exposure were necessary. Horizontal integration was more appreciated to vertical integration. Maintaining log books was perceived as time-consuming and cumbersome.

CONCLUSION:

The CBME when meticulously adopted will inspire student enthusiasm for learning. Few reforms such as curtailing the duration of FC, diffuse sessions on stress and time management, better synchronized vertical integration, and an exemplary implementation of adult learning techniques can be undertaken.
Study of clinical features of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in an educational hospital in Iran
Authors: Homauni Abbas , Ghadami Ladan , Abdollahi Hamed , Shabestari Alireza Namazi , Asanjarani Behzad
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The outbreak of new pathogens or the resurgence of pathogens that have already spread is a serious challenge to public health. Coronavirus is a pathogen that seems to invade the human respiratory system in the first place. Coronaviruses form a large family and are so called because of the presence of crown like cristae on their surface.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted to assess the status of patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in an educational hospital. For this purpose, 142 patients hospitalized in this hospital were followed up 2 weeks after discharge and were inquired about the symptoms they had upon admission to the hospital, the number of hospitalization days, the history of underlying disease, and so on. Descriptive data analysis was done with the SPSS software version 22.

RESULTS:

The findings of this research showed that overweight or obese people (about 66%) is more likely to contract the disease. It also seems that older people (37.3% older than 60 years old) and those with a history of diseases (69.6%) such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease are more prone to COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 patients included fever (64.5%), shortness of breath (67.4%), and dry cough (50.4%).

CONCLUSION:

it seems that high risk group (obese people, old people, and people with a history of disease) is more likely to be infect with coronavirus so they should more careful than others. Another important issue is that policy-makers must play an active role in public awareness of dangers of COVID-19 and ways to prevent it.