Iranian Journal Of Nursing and Midwifery Research
Volume:20 Issue: 1, Jan-Feb 2015

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a serious problem among the nursing staff. Mental workload is the major cause of MSDs among nursing staff. The aim of this study was to investigate the mental workload dimensions and their association with MSDs among nurses of Alzahra Hospital, affi liated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 247 randomly selected nurses who worked in the Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran in the summer of 2013. The Persian version of National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) (measuring mental load) specialized questionnaire and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was used for data collection. Data were collected and analyzed by Pearson correlation coeffi cient and Spearman correlation coeffi cient tests in SPSS 20. Pearson and Spearman correlation tests showed a signifi cant association between the nurses’ MSDs and the dimensions of workload frustration, total workload, temporal demand, effort, and physical demand (r = 0.304, 0.277, 0.277, 0.216, and 0.211, respectively). However, there was no signifi cant association between the nurses’ MSDs and the dimensions of workload performance and mental demand (P > 0.05). The nurses’ frustration had a direct correlation with MSDs. This shows that stress is an inseparable component in hospital workplace. Thus, reduction of stress in nursing workplace should be one of the main priorities of hospital managers.

Breast milk is the main food source for infants’ growth and development. Insuffi cient milk is one of the obstacles to the adequate use of this substance. One of the treatments to help this issue is acupressure. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the effect of acupressure on maternal milk volume. This study is a randomized clinical trial in which 60 breastfeeding mothers complaining of hypogalactia and meeting the inclusion criteria were studied. In addition to providing routine education, bilateral acupressure was performed for 12 consequentia l days on the acupoints of SI1, LI4, and GB21 in the intervention group, as three sessions per week with each session conducted 2-5 times. The control group received only routine education. In both groups, breast milk volume before intervention and 2 and 4 weeks after intervention was evaluated by an electric pump. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical analysis through SPSS. The t-test showed no signifi cant difference in the mean volume of milk in the two groups (P = 0.543). Mean volumes of milk before and 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention were 10.5 (8.3), 33 (13.44), and 36.2 (12.8), respectively, in the acupressure group and 9.5 (7.7), 17.7 (9.4), 18 (9.5), respectively, in the control group. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed a signifi cant difference in the mean volume of milk at 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention (P < 0.001). Both acupressure and general education methods were effective on the milk volume of breastfeeding mothers. Acupressure method was more effective than the other method. Therefore, application of acupressure as a method of alternative medicine to increase breastfeeding is suggested.

Hypertension is very common in patients with end-stage renal disease and accelerates cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The most important factor in achieving normal blood pressure in these patients is reaching dry weight. Sodium and extracellular fl uid balance play a vital role in this regard. Considering the lack of consensus about the effi cacy of stepwise sodium profi le and individualized dialysate sodium, this study aimed to determine the superior method for blood pressure control in hemodialysis patients. In a quasi-experimental study, patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were enrolled through convenience sampling. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups of stepwise sodium profi le and individualized dialysate sodium. Information record form was used for data collection. Data were analyzed with paired and independent t-test and descriptive statistics using SPSS for Windows 20.0. Patients in the two groups were similar in qualitative and quantitative background variables. While systolic blood pressure signifi cantly decreased following hemodialysis with individualized dialysate sodium (P < 0.001), there was no signifi cant difference between pre- and post-dialysis systolic blood pressure values using stepwise sodium profi le (P = 0.060). Individualized dialysate sodium caused greater change in the mean systolic blood pressure than stepwise sodium profi le did (P = 0.040). Pre- and post-dialysis diastolic blood pressure values showed signifi cant differences in both groups (P < 0.001 using individualized dialysate sodium and P = 0.009 using stepwise sodium profi le). However, the mean changes in diastolic blood pressure of the two groups were not signifi cantly different (P = 0.295). We found no signifi cant difference in interdialytic weight gain and blood pressure control by the two methods. The change in systolic blood pressure was lower in the stepwise profi le method than in the individualized dialysate sodium method, and this method did not cause interdialytic hypertension. So, by adjusting the dialysis solution with regard to plasma sodium levels, lead to more blood pressure control. Meanwhile, the two groups were not signifi cantly different in the mean changes of diastolic blood pressure.

Well-being is a subjective concept and means different things to various people. Most of the research investigating the experience has concentrated on its problematic and pathological aspects. The aim of this research was to enhance the understanding of the contextual meaning of well-being based on personal life experiences of the participants. This will be of help to experts in the fi eld of health for monitoring, diagnosis, nursing, treatment, and rehabilitation. This research was conducted by utilizing the Husserlian approach which involves direct exploration analysis and the description of a particular phenomenon. Data were collected by conducting unstructured, in-depth interviews of 20 Iranian young and middle-aged women. Analysis was conducted using the Colaizzi’s methodology. The general meaning of the phenomenon, well-being, is understood as having the feeling of peace in life by the participants in this study. Well-being was identifi ed by six major themes, including enjoying and being satisfi ed with life, the feeling of belonging together (or relating to others), the feeling of being healthy, the feeling of a relationship with God, to be able to afford what one needs to buy, and life as a whole (interconnection between different aspects of a person’s life). Well-being as a feeling of peace in life can originate from both hedonic and eudemonic perspectives. A person’s state of satisfaction in different aspects of her life can lead to the experience of well being. All these aspects should be taken into account when health practitioners plan to promote the state of well-being among people.

Although nurses acknowledge that spiritual care is part of their role, in reality, it is performed to a lesser extent. The purpose of the present study was to explore nurses’ and patients’ experiences about the conditions of spiritual care and spiritual interventions in the oncology units of Tabriz. This study was conducted with a qualitative conventional content analysis approach in the oncology units of hospitals in Tabriz. Data were collected through purposive sampling by conducting unstructured interviews with 10 patients and 7 nurses and analyzed simultaneously. Robustness of data analysis was evaluated by the participants and external control. Three categories emerged from the study: (1) “perceived barriers for providing spiritual care” including “lack of preparation for spiritual care,” “time and space constraints,” “unprofessional view,” and “lack of support”; (2) “communication: A way for Strengthening spirituality despite the limitations” including “manifestation of spirituality in the appearances and communicative behaviors of nurses” and “communication: Transmission of spiritual energy”; and 3) “religion-related spiritual experiences” including “life events as divine will and divine exam,” “death as reincarnation,” “trust in God,” “prayer/recourse to Holy Imams,” and “acceptance of divine providence.” Although nurses had little skills in assessing and responding to the patients’ spiritual needs and did not have the organizational and clergymen’s support in dealing with the spiritual distress of patients, they were the source of energy, joy, hope, and power for patients by showing empathy and compassion. The patients and nurses were using religious beliefs mentioned in Islam to strengthen the patients’ spiritual dimension. According to the results, integration of spiritual care in the curriculum of nursing is recommended. Patients and nurses can benefi t from organizational and clergymen’s support to cope with spiritual distress. Researchers should provide a framework for the development of effective spiritual interventions that are sensitive to cultural differences.

Infertility is a serious problem in a couple’s life that affects their marriage relationships. So, dissatisfaction with sexual function resulting from interpersonal problems is common among these couples. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of infertile women in their sexual life. This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. The participants were 20 infertile women referring to the health care centers and infertility clinics of Isfahan and were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected by tape recording of deep interviews and analyzed by Colaizzi’s method. Analysis of the participants’ experiences led to fi ve main concepts: “Disturbed in femininity-body image,” “discouragement of sexual relations,” “sacrifi ce of sexual pleasure for the sake of getting pregnant,” “confusion in sexual relation during infertility treatment,” and “striving to protect their marriage.” Findings revealed that infertility affects women’s different aspects of sexual life, especially disturbance in femininity-body image and sexual reluctance. With regard to women’s willingness to protect their matrimonial life and prevent sexual trauma as a destroying factor for their family’s mental health, it seems sexual counseling is necessary for infertile couples.

The number of women who select cesarean section due to fear of childbirth has increased. Role play education seems to be a helpful method to remove or reduce the fear of childbirth. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of role play education on primiparous women’s fear of natural delivery and their decision on the mode of delivery. In this blind clinical trial, 67 primiparous women with natural pregnancy at 34–36 weeks of gestational age and with no indication of cesarean section were selected from the health care centers in Mashhad. They were randomly assigned to two groups who underwent pre-test and post-test with the help of delivery attitude questionnaire to investigate their fear of childbirth and a researcher-made pregnant women’s decision investigation questionnaire. Education through role play was conducted in the form of three scenarios during seven stages. The fi ndings were analyzed by Fisher’s exact test and independent t-test through SPSS. The two groups were signifi cantly different concerning the fear of childbirth after the intervention (P = 0.007), and the fear score showed a higher reduction in the role play group compared to the lecture group. There was a signifi cant difference between the two groups concerning the reduction of elective cesarean section and the decision on the mode of delivery at the time of admission in the labor room (P = 0.000). About 75% in the lecture group and 100% in the role play group selected natural delivery. In the present study, the effect of role play was more in making a decision on natural delivery, reducing the fear of childbirth, and reducing the rate of elective cesarean section. It is suggested to use role play method to educate pregnant women to reduce the rate of cesarean sections.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the second- and third generation oral contraceptives on women’s reproductive sexual function. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 82 married women of reproductive age in Tehran. Samples were randomized into the groups receiving second- and third-generation oral contraceptive pills. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) tool was used before the intervention and 2 and 4 months after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA) within repeated measures and P < 0.05 were considered signifi cant. There was a statistically signifi cant difference in the positive and negative moods between the experimental and control groups before the intervention in the second and fourth months. The second-generation pills caused a decrease in sexual function in the second month and an increase in sexual function in the fourth month, but the third-generation pills led to an increase in sexual function in the second and fourth months. The increase in sexual function that resulted from using the third-generation pills was signifi cantly higher than that resulted on using the second-generation pills. According to the results of this study, sexual functioning decreased in the second month of using the second-generation pills and sexual performance was signifi cantly more on using the third-generation pills compared to second-generation pills. The most common type of oral contraceptive used in Iran is the second-generation oral contraceptive LD™ (low-dose estrogen), which is freely distributed in health centers. Therefore, it is necessary for women who wish to use these contraceptive methods to be educated and consulted before they start using them. The third-generation contraceptive pills can be recommended to women who wish to use oral contraceptives.

Nurses as the major group of health service providers need to have a satisfactory quality of work life in order to give desirable care to the patients. Workplace violence is one of the most important factors that cause decline in the quality of work life. This study aimed to determine the quality of work life of nurses in selected hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and its relationship with workplace violence. This was a descriptive-correlational study. A sample of 186 registered nurses was enrolled in the study using quota sampling method. The research instrument used was a questionnaire consisting of three parts: Demographic information, quality of work life, and workplace violence. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS version 16. The subjects consisted of 26.9% men and 73.1% women, whose mean age was 33.76 (7.13) years. 29.6% were single and 70.4% were married. About 76.9% of the subjects were exposed to verbal violence and 26.9% were exposed to physical violence during past year. Mean score of QNWL was 115.88 (30.98). About 45.7% of the subjects had a low level of quality of work life. There was an inverse correlation between the quality of work and the frequency of exposures to workplace violence. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that the managers and decision makers in health care should plan strategies to reduce violence in the workplace and also develop a program to improve the quality of work life of nurses exposed to workplace violence.

Stressors in the intensive care unit (ICU) impair patients’ comfort, excite the stress response, and increase oxygen consumption in their body. Non‑medical interventions are recommended by several studies as a treatment to improve comfort in the ICU patients. Sensory stimulation is one of the most important interventions. Since arterial blood oxygen saturation is an important index of patients’ clinical and respiratory condition, this study aimed to investigate the effect of sensory stimulation provided by family on arterial blood oxygen saturation in critical care patients. This study is a clinical trial conducted on 64 patients hospitalized in the ICU wards of Al‑Zahra and Kashani hospitals in Isfahan, Iran in 2012 and 2013. The patients were selected by simple sampling method and were randomly assigned to two groups (study and control). Patients’ arterial blood oxygen saturations were measured 10 min before, immediately after, 10 min and 30 min after sensory stimulation in the study group, and simultaneously in the control group without any intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant difference in the mean of arterial blood oxygen saturation levels 10 min before, immediately after, 10 min and 30 min after sensory stimulation in the study group (P < 0.001), but in the control group, the difference was not significant (P = 0.8). Pair wise comparison of the mean arterial blood oxygen saturation levels at different time points by Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) showed that there was a significant difference in the intervention group (P < 0.022). But in the control group, there was no significant difference between pairs of time points (P > 0.18). Application of sensory stimulations as a nursing and non‑medical intervention by the family members improves comfort and increases the level of blood oxygen saturation in critical care patients.

Nowadays, depression is one of the most prevalent mental diseases to which some individuals like mothers of mentally retarded children are more vulnerable due to their (children’s) special condition. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the level of depression and its related factors in these mothers. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 qualifi ed mothers with mentally retarded children who were from exceptional children girls’ schools in Isfahan. The subjects fi lled personal characteristics and Beck depression inventory assessment, and their level of depression and its association with some baseline factors were analyzed through descriptive statistics in SPSS. Results showed that 75% of the mothers experienced various levels of depression, of whom 25.8% suffered from minor depression, 24.2% from moderate depression, and 25% suffered from major depression. The results obtained showed that there was a signifi cant direct association between the intensity of depression and students’ age, mothers’ age, fathers’ age, the number of children, and the length of parents’ marriage and a reverse association between the intensity of depression and subjects’, fathers’, and mothers’ education (P = 0.004). No association was observed between mothers’ occupation and the intensity of depression. Meanwhile, there was a negative signifi cant association between fathers’ occupation and mothers’ depression (P = 0.02). About 33.3% of the mothers did not believe that their spouses’ and families’ psychological and mental support was adequate. The present study showed that mothers of mentally retarded children are predisposed to depression. With regard to the important role of mothers in the family and, consequently, the risk of impaired health of the family members, especially these children’s health, prevention and diagnosis of depression and treatment of these mothers seem to be essential. Adequate support to these mothers plays a key role in reduction of the risk of their depression.

Hope is the most important factor in diabetic patients’ life. The level of hope may be changing among these individuals as a result of chronic nature of diabetes and its complications. When the level of hope increases among these patients, they can resist against physical and psychological complications of diabetes more, accept the treatment better, enjoy life more, and adapt with their situations more effi ciently. This study aimed to defi ne the effi cacy of hope therapy on hope among diabetic patients. This was a quasi-experimental study conducted on 38 diabetic patients referring to Sedigheh Tahereh Research and Treatment Center affi liated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2012. The subjects were selected based on the goals and inclusion criteria of the study and then were randomly assigned to study and control groups. Herth Hope Index (HHI) was completed by both groups before, after, and 1 month afterintervention. In the study group, 120-min sessions of hope therapy were held twice a week for 4 weeks. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were adopted to analyze the data through SPSS version 12. Comparison of the results showed that hope therapy signifi cantly increased hope in diabetic patients after intervention in the study group compared to control (P < 0.001). The results showed that hope therapy increased hope among diabetic patients. This method is suggested to be conducted for diabetic patients.

Gestational diabetes is the second common disorder in pregnancy period, which is detected in 24-28 weeks of gestational age through screening tests in low-risk women. The women with gestational diabetes are prone to prenatal mortality and development of future diabetes. Therefore, detection of these individuals in the fi rst trimester and conducting preventive interventions is of great importance. This study aimed to defi ne the predictive value of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) test in fi rst trimester concerning the positive result of oral glucose challenge test(OGCT). This is a prospective and observational study conducted on 88 pregnant women in Tehran. After FPG and FPI measurements in these women in the fi rst trimester, a screening test of GCT with 50 g oral glucose was conducted in 24-28 weeks of gestational age. Diagnostic value of FPG and in these two groups of positive and normal GCT results was evaluated through receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. P < 0.05 was considered signifi cant. In this study, 15 subjects (17%) were detected with a positive GCT result. The sub-curve area of ROC diagram for FPG and FPI was calculated to be 0.573and 0.592, respectively, which reveals that FPG and FPI cannot have a proper predictive value for the positive result of GCT. Based on the results, the best cutoff points for FPG and FPI are 79.5 mg/dl and 7.55 μIU/ml, with accuracy of 60-67% and specifi city of 45.2-47%. Only higher fasting glucose levels in early pregnancy, within the normoglycemic range, would predict the development of glucose intolerance with limited sensitivity and specifi city.

Hypotension and muscular cramp are the common complications of hemodialysis. Effective control of hemodialysis complications increases the survival time and the quality of life of patients on hemodialysis. Considering that failure to follow a therapeutic plan is one of the most prevalent causes of hemodialysis complications, the present research was conducted to study the effect of two educational methods (family-centered and patient-centered) on some complications that occur during hemodialysis. This clinical trial was performed from June to November 2012 in the hemodialysis ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital and Tehran Amir Aalam Hospital. Research samples included 60 patients in the age range of 18-65 years who were randomly included in patient-centered education (30 people in even days) and family centered education (30 people in odd days). Blood pressure and muscle cramp were checked using researcher-made checklist in three stages (before and at the second and fourth week after intervention). Hypotension (before the start of dialysis, at the fi rst, second, and third hour, and at the end hours) and muscle cramp (in the middle of hemodialysis and the end half an hour) were also checked. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16, with Chi-square test, Fisher test, and independent t-test. Before intervention, the two groups did not show signifi cant difference in terms of hypotension [with P = 0.91 and variations mean of 1.60 (1.30)] and muscle cramp [with P = 0.50 and variations mean of 1.06 (1.01)]. In the second and fourth week after intervention, there was signifi cant difference between the two groups in terms of hypotension [with P = 0.016 and variations mean of 0.70 (0.70) and P = 0.02 and variations mean of 0.86 (0.62)] and muscle cramp [with P = 0.01 and variations mean of 0.46 (0.86) and P = 0.02 and variations mean of 1 (1.05)]. Considering that the study results showed that family-centered education was more effective on reduction of hemodialysis complications than patient-centered education, it is recommended that educational interventions relating to therapeutic program should be done in patients under hemodialysis, with participation of families.

Most of the studies about parenting stress among parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) have been conducted in western societies. The objective of this research, conducted in Iran, is to evaluate the parenting stress among fathers and mothers of children with ASD and fi nd the correlation between severity of the disorder in children and the level of parental stress. Participants included 42 couples having children aged between 2 and 12 diagnosed with ASD based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. The diagnosis was made by two child and adolescent psychiatrists. Demographic information of the participants was collected using a questionnaire. The severity of pervasive developmental disorder in children was determined based on Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS); stress of parents was measured using Parenting Stress Index (PSI). Collected information was analyzed by the SPSS (version 16) software. Evaluation of subscales in participants’ data showed a positive correlation coeffi cient between the PSI-parent domain and Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Parent form CARS-P rating (r = 0.339, P = 0.028) and also between the total stress index and CARS-P rating (r = 0.333, P = 0.031) for fathers. It is thus suggested that fathers of children with more severe developmental disorders experience more stress. The results showed signifi cant differences between fathers and mothers in the three PSI subscales including PSI-child domain score (P < 0.005), PSI-parent domain score (P < 0.005), and the total stress index (P < 0.005). Mothers had signifi cantly more stress than fathers. These fi ndings show that parents with ASD children have many emotional needs which should be considered in planning the effective treatment strategies for their children.

Literature shows that interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is a challenging phenomenon both in theory and practice, and it is affected by socio-cultural contexts in which the health professionals (HPs) play their roles. Considering some evidences on the similarities and differences between eastern and western socio-cultural contexts, this study aims to explore and describe the socio-cultural factors infl uencing IPC in these two contexts. This was a pilot qualitative descriptive study that was conducted in 2012–2013. Data were collected through conducting one-to-one and group interviews as face-to-face and written in terviews (narratives) with purposeful samples of HPs from various disciplines including nurses, medical doctors (MDs) from variety of specialities, social workers, and psychologists from health system in Iran and Germany. Other methods of data collection were taking fi eld notes and reviewing related literature. The qualitative content analyses method was employed to derive the common categories and themes. Totally 22 participants took part in the study. Moreover, researchers had a 10 day period of fi eld observation in Germany (health systems affi liated with Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg). Qualitative data analysis revealed three themes and related subthemes. The themes were: (1) Interaction beyond boundaries, (2) motivation to engage in IPC, and (3) readiness to approaching toward IPC. The results of the study emphasized that in both eastern and western contexts, organizational, professional, and community socio-cultural textures, mainly in terms of attitudes toward other people, other professions, and IPC, play their role as important factors. We suggest future researches about each of the emerged themes.

Self-esteem is a determinant factor of mental health. Individuals with low self-esteem have depression, and low self-esteem is one of main symptoms of depression. Aim of this study is to compare the effects of problem-solving skills and relaxation on the score of self-esteem in women with postpartum depression. This clinical trial was performed on 80 women. Sampling was done in Mashhad healthy centers from December 2009 to June 2010. Women were randomly divided and assigned to problem solving skills (n = 26), relaxation (n = 26), and control groups (n = 28). Interventions were implemented for 6 weeks and the subjects again completed Eysenck self-esteem scale 9 weeks after delivery. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics, Kruskal Wallis test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test by SPSS software. The fi ndings showed that the mean of self-esteem scale scores was 117.9 ± 9. after intervention in the problem-solving group, 117.0 ± 11.8 in the relaxation group, and 113.5 ± 10.4 in the control group and there was signifi cant difference between the groups of relaxation and problem solving, and also between intervention groups and control group. According to the results, problem-solving skills and relaxation can be used to prevent and recover from postpartum depression.

Midwifery cares take place in diverse communities with different ethnics groups. Therefore, midwifery cares could be planned wisely and principally based on women’s and their families’ changeable demands which focus on social and cultural issues. This qualitative study explored the midwives’ experiences of care in the community. This qualitative study was conducted by descriptive phenomenological approach. The subjects, selected by purposive sampling, comprised 13 midwives employed in Isfahan, Iran. Semi-structured interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and simultaneously analyzed through Colaizzi’s method. With descriptive analysis of participants’ experiences, three main themes were explored (personal characteristics of the community midwife, social determinants of women’s health, and achieving community based midwifery skills). Knowledge of women’s social status, gender inequality in health, and existence of social health risk factors for women in their community helps midwives to provide reproductive health care based on clients’ needs and demands. Therefore, midwives should enhance the quality of their care through integrating professional skills with a full understanding of the social context.

Few attempts were made for alleviating the physical/psychological problems among the cardiac valve–replaced patients and no comprehensive study was done based on the experiences of such patients. This study was undertaken to describe the stressful experiences of the heart valve-replaced patients. In this qualitative study performed during 2012-2013 with a content analysis approach, 13 patients from Tehran and Kashan therapeutic centers participated. The study sampling was accomplished with purposeful sampling using a semi-structured interview that continued until data saturat ion. All interviews were recorded, and were immediately handwritten word by word and fi nally typewritten. Description and analysis of the data were done by Graneheim and Lundman content analysis. One hundred and seventy-fi ve primary codes were derived among the 680 codes taken from the participants interviewed. Using abstract and deep perception of the categories, 14 subcategories and 5 themeswere derived. The themes are as follows: worry of care conditions, worry of life with the ongoing condition of having prosthetic cardiac valve, worry regarding the instability in life, fear of hospital, and fear of unknown factors. Each theme consisted of special subsidiary themes with specifi c functions. The main themes of fear and worry about on losing the valve were identifi ed and introduced in the cardiac valve-replaced patients. As the nature and function of these themes are different in different societies, recognition and discrete defi nition of them are necessary for care planning and promotion.

The uterus continues to contract after childbirth. The pain caused by the contractions of the uterus can be as severe as labor pain. The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of ice massage applied to the large intestine 4 (LI4) on postpartum pain during the active phase of labor. The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with three groups and carried out in two stages. The study sample comprised of 150 pregnant women, who were referred to a maternity hospital. In the experimental group, ice massage was applied to LI4 during four contractions within the active phase of labor. In the placebo group, pressure was applied to LI4 using silicone balloons and the third group was the control group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and The McGill (Melzack) Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) were compared among the experimental, placebo, and control groups. The mothers in the ice application group had the lowest mean VAS score. It was determined that ice massage applied to LI4 during the active phase of labor did not lead to any statistical differences in mothers in the first 24 hours postpartum in terms of the characteristics of the pain with MPQ and VAS. In the study, the perception of pain was tried to be minimized by applying pressure with ice balloons to LI4. However, although the application was determined to have made no difference in the pain intensity, the mothers’ statements in the ice application group suggested that they felt more comfortable than did the mothers in the other groups.

The World Health Organization emphasizes on integration of sexual health into primary health care services, educating people and health care workers about sexuality, and promoting optimal sexual health. Despite the high prevalence of sexual problems, these problems are poorly managed in primary health care services. This study was conducted to evaluate the effi cacy and feasibility of the fi rst two steps of PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specifi c Suggestions, Intensive Treatment) model for handling of women sexual problems in a primary health care setting. This was a quasi-experimental study that was carried out in Zanjan, northwest of Iran. Eighty women who had got married in the past 5 years and had sexual problem were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. The intervention group received consultation based on PLISSIT model by a trained midwife and the control group received routine services. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used for assessing and tracking any changes in sexual function. Data were collected at three points: Before consultation and 2 and 4 weeks after consultation. Paired t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were used for comparison of scores within groups. Signifi cant improvement was found in FSFI sub-domain scores, including sexual desire (P < 0.0001), arousal (P < 0.0001), lubrication (P < 0.0001), orgasm (P = 0.005), satisfaction (P = 0.005), pain (P < 0.0001), and FSFI total score (P < 0.0001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. This study showed that PLISSIT model can meet the sexual health needs of clients in a primary health care setting and it can be used easily by health workers in this setting for addressing sexual complaints and dysfunctions.

Ethical caring is an essential in nursing practice. Nurses are confronted with complex situations in which they are expected to autonomously make decisions in delivering good care to patients. Although a wide range of studies have examined ethical behavior of nurses, there are still many issues requiring further investigation. The aim of this article is to describe the ethical behavior of nurses in decision-making in patients’ care in Iran. This study was conducted through grounded theory method. Participants were 17 Iranian nurses, employed in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences hospitals. Unstructured, semi-structured, and in depth interviews were used for data gathering. Interviews were transcribed and coded according to Strauss and Corbin method in open, axial, and selective coding. Nurses showed three major approaches in ethical behavior: Beyond the legal duty and protection of the patients, which includes dedication and full availability to nurses’ job and the client, spending time for the patients and delayed exit from the workplace, and arbitrary practice; legal duty and the protection of patients and nurses, which includes caretaking for the patient, responding to the client, and implementing the physician’s prescription; and below the legal duty and the protection of one’s self, that is, fi nding evidence and having witness in case of false documentation, and shortcoming, negligence, and mistake. Because of the importance of the ethical behavior of nurses in decision making, it is necessary to fi nd ways to promote moral reasoning and moral development of nurses. Empowerment of nurses, nurse educators, and nursing students to acquire knowledge and develop ethical behavior skills is important.

Presently, using complementary therapy such as lavender oil has specific application in medicine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea in nursing and midwifery students of Islamic Azad University of Arsanjan, Iran. This study was performed using clinical trial method on 80 eligible students whose level of pain was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) before the intervention. Each participant, in the fi rst days of menstruation, randomly received two types of massage with lavender and placebo oil in two consecutive cycles of menstruation. Their level of pain was measured before and 30 min after the intervention. In this study, each group was considered as their self-control group in the next cycle. The data were analyzed by SPSS software. A signifi cant decrease in VAS score after lavender massage was detected in comparison with placebo massage. There was a statistically signifi cant difference between VAS scores after and before placebo massage. In addition‚ statistically the effect of lavender massage on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea was higher than that of placebo massage (P < 0.001). Findings of this study showed that lavender oil massage decreases primary dysmenorrhea and it can be used as an effective herbal drug.