bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of teaching methods on academic motivation in nursing students
Authors: Saeedi Maryam , Ghafouri Raziyeh , Tehrani Fereshteh Javaheri , Abedini Zahra
Published: April 2024

Motivation is one of the key factors in educational achievement. Like any other field of study, motivation in nursing is highly critical. The instructor's knowledge about the teaching methods that are effective in academic motivation of students enables them to adopt proper measures to improve the teaching efficiency. The present paper is a systemic review of the efficiency of instructional interventions in improvement of academic motivation in nursing students. The published papers related to the study from 2000 to February 2020 were searched at different databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and ERIC. To examine the quality of the articles, critical appraisal instrument for reports of educational interventions was used. Totally, 18 articles entered the study for structured review. The majority of the articles reported that educational interventions improved academic motivation in nursing students. The effective teaching methods described in the reviewed articles that led to an improvement in academic motivation were simulation, case-based learning, cooperative learning, learning contract, peer assessment, and self-assessment using video typing. As the findings showed, implementation of applied and participatory methods in teaching process improved the academic motivation of nursing students. Therefore, using such methods, nursing instructors can improve the academic motivation of their students.
The effect of multi-stage mobile training based on Gagne instructional design on learning, retention, and satisfaction of health volunteers
Authors: Mofrad Samane , Zarifsanaiey Nahid , Bazrafkan Leila , Shahraki Hadi Raeisi
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

One of the most important ways to acquire knowledge in the present age is education based on new technologies, including mobile learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a multi-stage mobile training based on Gagne instructional design on learning, retention, and satisfaction of health volunteers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this interventional study, 112 health volunteers a Health Centre in Mashhad during 2019–2020 were enrolled. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: mobile education based on Gagne model (n = 56) and conventional lecture (n = 56). A researcher-made questionnaire was completed by the eligible subjects before, after, and 2 months after the intervention to assess their learning, retention and satisfaction in educational methods. Face validity, content validity, and reliability of the data collection tool and model fitness indices were confirmed. Content validity of data collection tools verified by experts and its reliability was calculated to be 0.78. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS-25, using descriptive (mean and standard deviation [SD]) and analytical statistical tests (independent t-test).

RESULTS:

The results showed that 2 days and 2 months after the intervention, learning, and retention rate was significantly higher in the mobile learning based on Gagne model group in comparison to conventional lecture group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the intervention group was generally satisfied with the mobile training method.

CONCLUSION:

Mobile learning based on Gagne model is recommended for improving learning, retention among health-care workers
Time to reach health-care facility and hospital exit outcome among road traffic accident victims attending a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry
Authors: Antony Jency , Jayaseelan Venkatachalam , Olickal Jeby Jose , Alexis Joseph , Sakthivel Manikandanesan
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

In India, most of the deaths due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) occur within 24 h of the accident. Hence, this study aimed to assess the proportion of RTA victims reaching the health-care facilities within the golden hour.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center in South India between August and September 2017. All RTA victims who were admitted for treatment in the emergency department during the study period were included. Data were collected using structured, pretested, and validated pro forma. Hospital exit outcomes between those who reached within 1 h and those who did not were expressed as proportion with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The factors associated with hospital exit outcomes were analyzed using a Chi-square test.

RESULTS:

Among 626 RTA victims, the mean (standard deviation) age was 37.4 (2.6) years, and about 83% (n = 521) were male. More than one-third (37%) of the RTAs occurred on urban roads (n = 235, 37.5%). A total of 424 (67.7%) were referred from other hospitals. The mean time taken for RTA victims to reach any health-care facility was 3 h. More than half (n = 346, 55% [95% CI: 51.3–59.2]) of the RTA victims had reached a health-care facility within the golden hour. Among those who reached beyond the golden hour, one-fourth (n = 77, 27.5%) were delayed due to the unavailability of transporting vehicles. Delay in communication (n = 59, 21.1%), prolonged travel (n = 41, 14.6%), lack of knowledge about nearby facilities (n = 39, 13.9%), nonavailability of attenders (n = 35, 12.5%) and financial issues (n = 29, 10.4%) were the other reasons for the delay.

CONCLUSION:

Almost half of the RTA victims reached the health-care facilities after the golden hour. Unavailability of ambulances or vehicles for transport and delay in communication were the important factors that played a role in the delay.
Investigating the causes and type of violence against spouses in married men in Kerman
Authors: Mehri Ali , Saber Maryam , Nakhaeizade Mehran , Safinejad Hadise
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Domestic violence against women is a global problem that can lead to many negative consequences on physical, mental, and social health that various sociocultural causes play a role in its occurrence in different societies. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the causes and type of violence against spouses in married men in Kerman.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was performed in 2018. The study was conducted on 400 married men who experienced violence against their wives. Sampling was a multistage cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire on violence against women. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and two-variate analysis.

RESULTS:

The results of the data showed that the highest rate of violence in the group of housewives was related to physical violence and in the group of women living in dormitories and pregnant women was related to verbal violence. The results of data analysis with a one-way ANOVA test showed that between the three groups, all dimensions of violence and the overall score of violence had significant changes (P < 0.05). The results of the two-variate analysis test showed that there was a significant relationship between the variables of age, duration of marriage, male education, spouse education, type of marriage, male job, and spouse job with the overall score of violence in all three groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

According to the results of the present study, it seems that the empowerment of women in all dimensions to improve and promote health to deal with domestic violence is essential. As a result, the relevant measures should be taken by the support systems taking into account the circumstances of the individuals.
Investigating the interaction between fertility, pregnancy, and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ashtari Freshteh , Mokhtari Fatemeh , Valiani Mahboubeh , Soudavi Mohammad , Saadat Homa , Tolouei Hamidreza , Mansourian Marjan
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Most women with MS are diagnosed during their reproductive ages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between fertility, pregnancy, and MS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A retrospective descriptive–analytic study was conducted on 110 women suffering from MS with a history of pregnancy (between 2007 and 2017 years) in Isfahan, Iran. Samples were selected in a census model. Women completed a researcher-constructed questionnaire by telephone. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: demographic information, MS and its symptoms and treatment, and reproductive system and the history of pregnancy associated with MS. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using Chi-square, ANOVA, and t-test.

RESULTS:

The mean age of women was 32.4 years. In this population, the average number of pregnancies was 1.61, the number of deliveries was 1.35, the number of abortions was 0.24, the history of ectopic pregnancy was 0.01, the number of alive children was 1.36, and the number of dead children was 0.01. The average time of the last MS attack before the pregnancy was 21.36 months. Fatigue (24.5%) was the most common symptom exacerbated during pregnancy. MS symptoms improved in 55.0% of women in the second trimester.

CONCLUSIONS:

MS had no effect on the pregnancy status, such as the number of abortions, ectopic pregnancy, alive and dead children, and the duration of pregnancy. Symptoms of the disease improved during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnancy has a protective role against MS.
Investigating the reasons for students’ attendance in and absenteeism from lecture classes and educational planning to improve the situation
Authors: Mokhtari Sepideh , Nikzad Sakineh , Mokhtari Saeedeh , Sabour Siamak , Hosseini Sepideh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

This study investigated the reasons for the students’ attendance in and absenteeism from lecture classes from the perspective of professors, students, and educational planning to change the unsatisfactory status quo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a narrow needs assessment survey which was performed on students (n = 70) of the Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, in four stages. In the first stage, the opinions of professors and students about the reasons for absenteeism from the lecture classes were collected. In the second stage, the results of the first stage were discussed by an expert panel to find solutions for the problem. The results of the survey were tabulated, summarized, and discussed. In the third stage, online classes were held as one of the solutions and evaluated in the fourth stage.

RESULTS:

The results showed that various factors, such as professor empowerment, evaluation system, audiovisual equipment of the classes, educational curriculum, and class schedules, are associated with the students’ attendance in the classes. Along with these factors, one of the most important reasons for students’ absenteeism from classes in recent years might be the generational differences of students. The evaluation of online classes showed that the ratio of the number of students who actively participated in the online classes to the number of students participating in the online classes varied from 30% to 64% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

In addition to improving the factors associating students’ attendance in classes, online education is a proper solution for reducing absenteeism in lecture classes and increasing students’ active participation from the perspective of professors and students.
Context, Input, Process, and Product Evaluation Model in medical education
Authors: Toosi Monireh , Modarres Maryam , Amini Mitra , Geranmayeh Mehrnaz
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Evaluation is one of the most important tools for determining the quality of any educational program, which can lead to reformation, revision, or termination of programs. Quality in higher education requires assessment and judgment of goals and strategies, executive policies, operational processes, products, and outcomes. The Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) model is a comprehensive perspective that attempts to provide information in order to make the best decisions related to CIPP. Due to the importance of this topic, the present study examined the application of the CIPP model in the evaluation of medical education programs through a systematic review.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this systematic review, Persian databases including ISC, SID, Mag Iran, CivilicaL, and Noormags and English databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, and Google Scholar were searched using relevant keywords, such as evaluation, program evaluations, outcome and process assessment, educational assessment, and educational measurements. The search was done with no time limits and 41 papers were obtained until May 22, 2020. This systematic review was performed by following the data extraction steps and assessing the quality of the studies and findings. Critical Appraisal Skills Programs and Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool checklists were used to check the quality of the papers.

RESULTS:

This systematic review was conducted on 41 studies, 40 of which were research papers and one was a review paper. From the perspective of the CIPP model of evaluation, most papers showed quite a good level of evaluation of educational programs although some studies reported poor levels of evaluation. Moreover, factors such as modern teaching methods, faculty members, financial credits, educational content, facilities and equipment, managerial and supervisory process, graduates’ skills, produced knowledge, and teaching and learning activities were reported as the factors that could influence the evaluation of educational programs.

CONCLUSION:

Due to the important role of evaluation in improvement of the quality of educational programs, policymakers in education should pay special attention to the evaluation of educational programs and removal of their barriers and problems. To promote the quality of educational programs, policymakers and officials are recommended to make use of the CIPP model of evaluation as a systemic approach that can be used to evaluate all stages of an educational program from development to implementation.
Force field analysis of driving and restraining factors affecting the evidence-based decision-making in health systems; comparing two approaches
Authors: Shafaghat Tahereh , Zarchi Mohammad Kazem Rahimi , Nasab Mohammad Hasan Imani , Kavosi Zahra , Bahrami Mahammad Amin , Bastani Peivand
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

All policies and decisions need evidence examined by scientific methods. Moving toward evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) as a change in organizations, especially health systems (HSs), is inevitable. This study was conducted to identify the factors affecting EBDM in HSs from two approaches and to score them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A mixed-method study was carried out using the force field analysis regarding the change toward EBDM in HS in 2020. This study included six steps to identify and score the key driving forces (DFs) and restraining forces (RFs) to change toward the EBDM in HS: first, finding forces from literature; second, selecting key DFs and RFs through focus group discussion; third, scoring the first group of DFs and RFs by the experts through electronic forms; fourth, determining key DFs and RFs from the managers’ perspective using qualitative interviews; fifth, scoring the second group of DFs and RFs by the experts; and sixth, comparison between forces resulted from two approaches.

RESULTS:

According to the literature and experts’ opinions, “relevant, reliable, interpretable, and understandable evidence” and “interaction between researchers and decision-makers” were the strongest forces to change, and “lack of organizational commitment and support” and “lack of relevant/high-quality evidence” were the strongest forces against the change toward EBDM in HS. Further, based on managers’ perspective and scores by the experts, “suitable supervision and control” and “reforming the planning and decision-making system” were the strongest forces to change, and “inadequate knowledge of the managers and staff about the principles and contents of EBDM” and “issues beyond the authorities of managers” were the strongest forces against the change toward EBDM in HS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on the findings, HSs’ managers can focus to reduce RFs and promote DFs for implementing EBDM strategies, so they can provide better services by making more efficient decisions.
Comparison of the effect of training academic honesty using two workshop and virtual training methods on the knowledge and attitude of M. S. students
Authors: Nikjo Pyam , Vizeshfar Fatemeh , Zarifsanayee Nahid
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Nowadays, one of the most important challenges of the universities and higher education centers is academic dishonesty among students. Academic dishonesty is done through cheating, deception, and plagiarism, which creates serious educational, studious, and social problems for the students and society. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of virtual and workshop training on the knowledge and attitude of M. S. students in terms of plagiarism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This research was an applied interventional study of quasi-experimental type having pretest and posttest and the participants of this study included 90 M. S. nursing students of Medical Science University of Shiraz in the southwestern part of Iran.

RESULTS:

The comparison of the three groups indicated that virtual and workshop training, both, developed the knowledge and attitude of students regarding plagiarism; however, the comparison between two methods did not indicate a statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSION:

Both virtual and workshop training methods had an effect on increasing students’ knowledge and attitude. Regarding the positive effect of training academic dishonesty using two workshop and virtual training methods, both can be used as efficient and effective methods in training dimensions depending on the condition and facilities to prevent and reduce plagiarism in students.
The short- and long-term effects of a course on rational drug use
Authors: Bebitoglu Berna Terzioglu , Oguz Elif , Acet Nazife Gökçe , Akdeniz Esra , Sarikaya Özlem
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Rational pharmacology use and appropriate prescribing are among the key learning outcomes in medical education. Some medical faculties include rational pharmacotherapy course in their education programs at different years of education in Turkey. The aims of this study were to investigate the differences in effect of rational pharmacotherapy course on short- and long-terms by comparing two cohorts who attended the course in different clinical years of medical education by identifying which parameters of prescription items are different among groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This quasi-experimental study was conducted in School of Medicine. Participants consisted of 157 students who attended the course in Grade 4 (n = 110, Group A) and Grade 5 (n = 47, Group B). Students were asked to complete a prescribing task both upon completion of the course and 1 year after. The performance in prescribing was determined by prescription scoring form. Repeated measures ANOVA was employed to test the intervention effect between two periods. McNemar test was employed to measure the change in each item on the prescription. Point-biserial correlations between each item on the prescription and their scores on the test as a whole were calculated.

RESULTS:

The mean score of Group A dropped to 59.41 (standard deviation [SD] = 14.06) from 90.43 (SD = 8.90), and the mean score of Group B dropped to 73.37 (SD = 12.56) from 83.91 (SD = 10.03). All the prescription components in the scripts of the Group A students worsened significantly, except the “name of drug,” whereas Group B students maintained most of them after 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study shows that the long-term retention effect of rational pharmacotherapy course conducted in later years of education is better than the course conducted in earlier years of education, which may be related to the fact that students in later years are more likely to take on responsibility for patient therapy process in clinical education.
Investigating the effects of dust storms on morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
Authors: Sadeghimoghaddam Ali , Khankeh Hamidreza , Norozi Mehdi , Fateh Shahrokh , Farrokhi Mehrdad
Published: April 2024

New epidemiological studies acknowledge the detrimental effects of dust storms on health. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of dust storms on the morbidity and mortality rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The results of this study were obtained based on articles published in English-language journals. For the purpose of this study, all articles published until the end of 2020 based on the search in the “Scopus,” “Web of Science,” and “PubMed” databases were selected. Articles were searched independently by two trained researchers. Dust storms are the cause of many diseases and health-related complications, of which cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are common. It is necessary to recognize and investigate the harmful effects of dust storms to prevent serious harms to human societies. In the reviewed articles, the impact of dust storms on several diseases, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, has been analyzed. Most of these articles acknowledge the effect of dust storms on increasing the incidence and mortality rate of these diseases, although in some articles this effect is not statistically significant. Many studies conducted around the world confirm the harmful effects of dust storms on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including increase in the number and duration of hospitalizations, as well as increase in mortality and exacerbation of these diseases. However, some studies do not consider the harmful effects of dust storms on the above diseases to be statistically significant.
Investigating the effect of educational intervention based on the Pender's health promotion model on lifestyle and self-efficacy of the patients with diabetic foot ulcer
Authors: Vakilian Parya , Mahmoudi Mokhtar , Oskouie Fatemeh , Firouzian Ali Asghar , Khachian Alice
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the Pender's health promotion model (HPM) on lifestyle and self-efficacy of the patients with diabetic foot ulcer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this clinical trial conducted in 2019, 74 patients based on inclusion criteria were selected through convenience sampling and allocated to two groups of intervention (n = 37) and control (n = 37) using the randomized permuted block method. In this study, Demographic characteristics and localized Diabetes Foot Care Self-Efficacy Scale and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire for diabetic foot care were completed by two groups. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 16 and through descriptive and comparative statistics, independent t-test, paired t-test, and ANCOVA.

RESULTS:

After the intervention, the mean score of the intervention group significantly increased in all lifestyle dimensions (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean score of self-effcacy increased in the intervention group after the intervention (P < 0.001). Comparing the change in the mean scores of lifestyle and self-efficacy in both the groups 50 days after the intervention, an increase was observed in the mean scores of self-efficacy (P < 0.001) as well as those of lifestyle and its dimensions in the intervention group compared to those in the control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Educational intervention based on the Pender's HPM can promote the self-efficacy, lifestyle, and its dimensions in the patients with diabetic foot ulcers. The results of this study can be used in educational interventions aiming at patients with diabetic foot ulcers to change their lifestyle and improve their self-efficacy.
A comparative study of the status of supportive-palliative care provision in Iran and selected countries
Authors: Amroud Mohammad Salimi , Raeissi Pouran , Hashemi Seyed-Masoud , Reisi Nahid , Ahmadi Seyed-Ahmad
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Terminally, illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, dementia, and advanced heart disease will require special supportive and palliative care, although a few numbers of these patients are provided with these services. The aim of the present study was to perform a comparative study of supportive-palliative care provision in selected countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This research was a descriptive comparative study that its research population was the frameworks of palliative and supportive care provision in Egypt, Turkey, America, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and China. These frameworks were compared across six dimensions of service receivers, financing, providers, service provider centers, type of services provided, and training. Data collection tool has included the checklist and information sources, documents, evidence, articles, books, and journals collected through the Internet and organizations related to the health information of selected countries and by the library search. Data were investigated and analyzed using the data collection tool and checklists.

FINDINGS:

The findings showed that the developed countries having decentralized trusteeship structure had a more favorable status in palliative and supportive care provision. The type of services provided was a combination of mental, psychological, social, spiritual, financial, and physical and communication services. Provider centers included hospital, the elderly, and cancer and charity centers.

CONCLUSION:

Regarding the investigation and recognition of the status of supportive-palliative care provision, it was observed that the provision of these services was a concern of the selected countries, but they did not have a defined model or pattern to provide these services. Therefore, it is suggested that each country takes a step to redesign and define frameworks and structures in the evolution of supportive-palliative cares in accordance with the particular conditions, indigenous culture, religion, and other effective cases of that country and pays special attention to the role and position of supportive-palliative cares.
Assessing the compliance of educational curricula of selected disciplines with the content standards of cancer-related palliative care
Authors: Ebadinejad Zahra , Rassouli Maryam , Fakhr-Movahedi Ali
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Management of cancer complications requires the provision of palliative care as a comprehensive care by the main and trained members of this method of care. The aim of the present study was to assess the compliance of educational curricula of selected disciplines with the content standards of cancer-related palliative care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this descriptive–comparative study, the content standards of palliative care for nurses, physicians, and social workers were identified based on the World Health Organization guideline and Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing. For this purpose, a separate checklist was prepared for the disciplines with different dimensions. Then the face and content validity of the checklists were checked. Finally, we examined the coordination between selected curricula available on the website of Education Deputy of the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education with the dimensions of the checklists.

RESULTS:

All three curricula in most domains were relevant with the content standards, but there was the biggest education need in the areas related to the dimensions of “planning and educational,” “educating physician in palliative care,” and “considering patient preferences” in these disciplines.

CONCLUSIONS:

To meet the educational needs, it is suggested to change some course topics, hold training courses, or joint workshops.
Investigating the current status of the student evaluation system in Iran University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Maroufi Shahnam Sedigh , Moradimajd Parisa , Jalali Maryam , Ramezani Ghobad , Alizadeh Somayeh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Medical education has special features due to the need various areas of learning. The present study was conducted to provide a complete picture of the evaluation system in Iran University of Medical Sciences for improving the evaluation system and medical sciences examinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The research was cross-sectional study that conducted through self-reporting of educational departments, a comprehensive review of the student evaluation system in the affiliated faculties of Iran University of Medical Sciences from 2017 to 2018. Educational members and heads of nine faculties and 80 departments participated in this study. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, include two parts: (1) 10 general questions about the activities of the educational groups regarding the student evaluation system and (2) 20 questions about the types and quality of examinations.

RESULTS:

From 80 questionnaires, 71 were completed by the managers of the departments. The results showed that 62% of the faculty members in the educational departments in the last 2 years did not participate in the workshop on the methods of evaluation and making tests. 56% of the faculties have a reference for continuous monitoring of students’ assessment and evaluation, and in 87% of the cases, the content is given in accordance with the objectives. The use of logbooks was more common (28%) than other methods to assess practical skills.

CONCLUSION:

Empower faculty members on the use of various tools, strengthening the supervision of formative evaluation and use of medical education graduates to promote evaluation methods seems necessary.
Psycho-social and behavioral impact of COVID-19 on middle-aged and elderly individuals
Authors: Chakrawarty Avinash , Ranjan Piyush , Klanidhi Kamal Bandhu , Kaur Divjyot , Sarkar Siddharth , Sahu Anamika , Bhavesh M. , Baitha Upendra , Kumar Arvind , Wig Naveet
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 may seem to have an impact on middle-aged and elderly people. However, not much is known about the lived experiences of middle-aged and elderly people during this pandemic. The study aims to explore psychosocial and behavioral impact of COVID-19 on the lives of these individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Three focus group discussions and seven in-depth interviews were conducted. A format to guide discussions and interviews was made to bring uniformity across groups and participants. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis method was used to extract key conceptual themes.

RESULTS:

There were 12 male and 10 female participants included, with a mean age of 62.2 years. Five subcategories identified were: Fear and anxiety, household confinement, lifestyle modification, preventive practices, and coping strategies. These sub-categories formed three major categories-psychological, social, and behavioral which ultimately led to the emergence of the main theme that is, COVID-19 effects on the life of middle-aged and older individuals.

CONCLUSION:

Middle-aged and elderly people are affected in many ways due to COVID-19. Addressing the psycho-social and behavioral problems can help in the better adjustment to tide over the pandemic.
Comparing the effects of teach-back method, multimedia and blended training on self-care and social support in patients with heart failure
Authors: Karami Salaheddin Kola Maryam , Jafari Hedayat , Charati Jamshid Yazdani , Shafipour Vida
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The knowledge level of caregivers and their support for patients can affect the self-care of patients with heart failure (HF). The present study was conducted to compare the effects of teach-back, multimedia, and blended training methods on self-care and social support in patients with HF and on knowledge in their caregivers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In a randomized clinical trial, a total of 150 HF patient-caregiver dyads were randomly allocated into three equally sized training groups, using a simple number table (n = 50). The study was conducted between May to October 2018 in Sari, northern Iran. In the teach-back, multimedia and blended training groups, patient-caregiver dyads participated in 20–30-min training sessions held face-to-face, using digital video disc (DVD) and combination of teach-back and DVD on 4 consecutive days at the bedside of hospitalized patients in coronary care unit, respectively. Data were collected using the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support for patients. Caregivers' level of knowledge was measured using the HF Knowledge Scale. Data were measured on the first day of hospitalization, 1 day before discharge and 4 and 8 weeks after patients' discharge. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

RESULTS:

All three educational methods improved self-care behaviors in patients. The comparison of self-care behavior scores in patients with HF among the three groups at different time points showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), except 1 day before discharge (P = 0.04). There were no statistically-significant differences between the teach-back, multimedia and the blended training group in terms of perceived social support at any of the four-time points (P > 0.05). All three training methods improved the level of knowledge of caregivers. However, the score in the blended training groups was higher than the other groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

According to the results of the present study, it seems that all three educational interventions can improve self-care behaviors in HF patients and increase knowledge in their caregivers. However, using the blended training method was associated with better outcomes.
Students’ beliefs about smokeless tobacco use in Chabahar city
Authors: Fattahi Esmaeil , Solhi Mahnaz , Manzari Zahra Sadat , Afkar Abolhasan , Lebni Javad Yoosefi , Rastegar Ayoob
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Smokeless tobacco use is a public health problem. This study explored students' beliefs about smokeless tobacco use in Chabahar, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The qualitative study was conducted using three Focused Group Discussions among 24 students aged 12–14 years in Chabahar City. Focus Group Guide Morgan was used. Qualitative Content Analysis was used to explore and extract codes and themes. The data analysis process was carried out in accordance with the stages of proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Guba and Lincoln criteria were used for evaluating research transferability.

RESULTS:

Two main themes emerged from the analysis including; beliefs of being useful and harmful. Each of these themes is divided into subthemes with useful or harmful physical and psychological beliefs. Four subthemes included: beliefs of being useful physically, beliefs of being useful psychologically, harmful beliefs physically, and harmful beliefs psychologically.

CONCLUSIONS:

One of the more significant findings to emerge from this study is that many students mentioned the benefits of using smokeless tobacco to reduce toothache, relieve headaches, and bad breath. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing smokeless tobacco consumption. However, more research on this topic needs to be undertaken before the association between kinds of beliefs and smokeless tobacco consumption is more clearly understood.
Promotion of osteoporosis-preventive behaviors in adolescents
Authors: Khazaeian Somayyeh , Sanavi Fariba Shahraki , Ansari Hossein , Mirshekari Fatemeh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Osteoporosis is considered a health problem that can be simply prevented by lifestyle modifications in adolescence. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of protection motivation theory (PMT)-based training on osteoporosis-preventive behaviors in female high school students in Zahedan, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present quasi-experimental study was performed on 240 female high school students who were selected by a multistage sampling technique in Zahedan in 2019–2020. To collect the data, a multipart questionnaire was distributed among the participants in three stages, namely at the baseline, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention. This instrument consisted of demographic information, socioeconomic status, knowledge, PMT constructs, and preventive behaviors. The intervention group was subjected to educational content. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) by descriptive and analytical tests (i.e., Chi-square, independent t-test, and ANOVA).

RESULTS:

Based on the results, the intervention and control groups showed no significant difference in terms of the mean score of knowledge, theoretical constructs, and preventive behaviors at the baseline (P > 0.05). However, the two groups were significantly different in terms of the mentioned variables immediately and 2 months after the intervention (P = 0.001). Mean score of preventive behaviors, the two groups also demonstrated a significant difference (i.e., calcium intake, physical activity, and sunlight exposure) 2 months after the intervention, compared to before the intervention. (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

The findings of the present study were indicative of the PMT effectiveness, which can, therefore, be used as a framework for designing educational programs regarding osteoporosis prevention.
Operationalization of the concepts of interdisciplinarity
Authors: Yazdani Shahram , Hajiahmadi Maryam
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Over the last few centuries, the overspecialization of various sciences under the pretext of benefiting from pure disciplinary knowledge led to alienation among and competition between different fields of science. Such competition has deviated knowledge from its main objective which is to understand and explain the phenomena. The remedy to this dilemma is to address a new approach, introduced to higher education in the late 1950s as “interdisciplinarity.” Accordingly, the main purpose of this article is to propose the strategic instances of operationalizing interdisciplinarity as the key requirements to provide a guideline for designing interdisciplinarity activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present survey was carried out through the framework synthesis method. To codify the instances of operationalizing interdisciplinarity, the main elements and structures of the model were set as the basis of the query for each element and structure; an independent query was carried out in the literature of the study. The correspondence of the discovered instances was once more compared with the conceptual boxes of the primary theoretical model. Ultimately, the taxonomy was concluded through the operational instances based on the primary framework.

RESULTS:

A total of 152 strategies were identified as implications of operationalization of 13 layers and 38 sublayers of the multilayer interdisciplinary model.

CONCLUSION:

The development of interdisciplinarity in the national higher education system requires several measures to be taken at different levels of a discipline or scientific field of study. Relying on this, which is the main basis of entering into interdisciplinarity activities, the present study suggests and presents strategic instances of interdisciplinarity operationalization.
Postpartum care promotion based on maternal education needs
Authors: Nazari Sakineh , Hajian Sepideh , Abbasi Zohreh , Majd Hamid Alavi
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The postpartum period can be considered as one of the most sensitive stages of life in different countries; however, it is inadequate in many developed and developing countries. We aimed to determine the educational needs of mothers in the postpartum period in Bojnourd.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was conducted in Bojnourd 2019 with two parts: a qualitative part using the content analysis method and a quantitative part using the descriptive cross-sectional method. Data were collected 45 interviews with women, spouses, and key informants. All content was recorded and fully transcribed on paper. MaxQda10software was used for the data management. A simultaneous descriptive cross-sectional study was done including 250 pregnant in the third trimester (25.6%), in the first 48 h after delivery (24.4%), in the first 6 months after delivery (24.4%), and in the second 6 months after childbirth (25.6%) who referred to five health centers in Bojnourd to receive midwifery care. Quota sampling was performed for each center according to the population covered, and convenient sampling was done in each center.

RESULTS:

In the qualitative study, educational needs were classified into four main categories, including “maintaining and restoring physical health,” “sexual health needs,” “mental health needs,” and “educational barriers.” In the quantitative study, according to the findings, the most educational needs among mothers were self-care and breastfeeding and the best time for teaching was during the pregnancy, and the best method was face-to-face training and the best source of information was midwives and gynecologists.

CONCLUSION:

Attention to the educational needs of each region can be done through various training courses and continuous retraining to promote health provider and should be considered in the planning officials.
Essential dimensions of professional competency examination in Iran from academic and clinical nurses’ perspective
Authors: Atashzadeh-Shoorideh Foroozan , Maddah Sadat Seyed Bagher , Azimi Leila , Toulabi Tahereh , Valizadeh Leila , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Ghafouri Raziyeh
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Planning for the issuance of professional competency examination has been put on the agenda of professional policymakers, but the ways of evaluating and conducting examinations and its dimensions are the main challenges. The present study aimed to explain the essential dimensions of professional competency examination in Iran from academic and clinical nurses’ perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present mixed-method study was performed at three stages, systematic review, qualitative, and quantitative stages. At the first stage, 56 articles and texts were collected from PubMed, CINHAL, Ovid, and ProQuest databases, by using the keywords, namely professional competency examination and assessment. Base on the inclusion criteria and eligibility assessment of article, six articles and one text on regulation were selected. At the second stage, the results of the literature review were approved by 20 nursing experts. Direct content analysis was used for data analysis. The results were prepared in the form of a questionnaire. At the last stage, the questionnaire was given to 2209 clinical, academic, nurse managers, and nurses.

RESULTS:

Based on findings of the review literature, essential dimensions of the professional competency examination included a central theme of the client's needs with four categories. At the second stage, the Professional Competency Examination dimensions were approved by experts. At the third stage, a comparison of findings indicated that clinical nurses emphasized more on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, client safety, and implementation of procedures, while academic nurses emphasized on the client's needs, client education, and clients’ physiological integrity.

CONCLUSION:

The client's need is the most important dimension in the professional competency examination. The nurses will be successful in providing care if they can identify the clients’ needs and provide care plans based on client needs and priorities.
Impact of comorbidities on mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Authors: Toofan Firooz , Hosseini Seyed Mojtaba , Alimohammadzadeh Khalil , Jafari Mehrnoosh , Bahadori Mohammadkarim
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 pandemic has spread all over the world. However, information regarding clinical characteristics and prognostic factors is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of preexistent chronic comorbid conditions and multimorbidity on risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We designed a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, single-center study. Data were analyzed from all consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who admitted in a pandemic hospital affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, from February 20, 2020, to September 25, 2020. The independent effects of preexistent conditions were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS:

A total of 2597 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were included. At least one preexistent condition was observed in 36.5% of study population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age, male sex, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, chronic kidney diseases, liver diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were associated with increased risk of mortality. In addition, the number of comorbidities was significantly associated with increased odds of mortality compared to no-comorbidity.

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study suggest that patients with comorbidities have an increased risk of in-hospital mortality following COVID-19 infection.
Challenges in the clinical education environment during the outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Yekefallah Leili , Namdar Peyman , Shafaei Mahya , Panahi Rahman , Dehghankar Leila
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 pandemic poses unique physical and emotional challenges in providing clinical education. Failure to identify the challenges and problems that students face in the clinical learning environment hinders their effective learning and growth. Consequently, the progress of their skills is affected. The aim of this study was to develop a challenge in the clinical education environment of medical students during the outbreak of COVID-19 questionnaire and to test its psychometric properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study is part of a larger study that was conducted using a combined consecutive method in Qazvin. In the first stage, a phenomenological study was performed with van Manen's method by interviewing 12 students at Qazvin University. To extract the items of the tool in the second stage, the concept was defined. Ultimately, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated with face validity, content validity (quantitative and qualitative), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient).

RESULTS:

The initial tool had 70 questions. After validation, 53 items remained in the final questionnaire. Four extracted dimensions were as follows: “Inadequate professional competency,” “Inefficient clinical planning” and “outcomes of learning-teaching activities,” and “the challenges related to the stigma of medical staff.” Cronbach's alpha for the whole questionnaire was 0.98 (range: 0.87–0.98). The test–retest (intraclass correlation coefficient) reliability was 0.98 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

According to the obtained results, if the items of “Inadequate professional competency,” “Inefficient clinical planning” and “outcomes of learning-teaching activities,” and “the challenges related to the stigma of medical staff,” the challenges of students’ clinical education can be reduced during the COVID-19 outbreak.