Journal of Research and Health
Volume:9 Issue: 2, Mar-Apr 2019

The Health Literacy (HL) is an individual and social capacity for access, understanding, evaluation of information and health services, and optimal utilization of it for health promotion [1]. Today, HL has been recognized as an important and vital indicator of the results and costs of health care the need for the effective health care system, has a good level of health literacy [2]. According to studies by the United States Health Care Strategies, people with low levels of HL are less likely to understand the written and spoken information provided by health professionals and act according to instructions, and therefore the have a poorer health status, hospitalization rates and referrals to the doctor are higher, they act poorly in self-care skills, have less preventive care, and thus incur more medical expenses [1]. There is a relationship between HL and knowledge [2]. HL, as well as knowledge, is a cognitive variable and low HL is a specific conceptual interpretation of poor knowledge [2]. Also, HL plays a role in completing the knowledge of individuals [3].

The quality of life is mainly measured by multiple conceptual frameworks which neglect the cultural-religious context of the societies. Hence, there is not a unique instrument to assess life quality. The present study strives to develop and validate a quality of life questionnaire in light of Javadi Amoli’s view. In this study, the researcher-made questionnaire has been answered by 400 bachelor students. Javadi Amoli’s books have been consulted for developing the questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire has been confirmed by content validity, face validity and, construct validity (using factor analysis and measuring correlation of identified components with total questionnaire). After ensuring content validity and consulting Bartlett's test and Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin index, factor analysis has been performed using principal component analysis and varimax rotation. The results oriented toward four dimensions as God, others, self, and nature which explained 36.5% of the variance. The reliability of the questionnaire has been measured using split-half method and Cronbach's alpha, and reported as 0.63 and 0.89, respectively. The reliability of the extracted dimensions has been 0.87, 0.88, 0.80, and 0.81, respectively. Accordingly, findings of the present research acknowledges the questionnaire to be purposeful and efficient.

Many researches are seeking evidence and ways in which spirituality can improve the feeling of suffering and quality of life in drug abuse addicts. This study was aimed to investigate the role of spirituality in feelings of suffering and quality of life in self-introduced addicts referring to addiction treatment centers. The statistical population consisted all of self-introduced addicts referring to addiction treatment centers in Yasuj city. 120 participants were selected by convenience sampling. Following instruments were used for data collection; spirituality questionnaire, scale of experience and perception of suffering and the world health organization quality of life questionnaire. The results showed that there was a significant negative correlation between spirituality and feelings of suffering. There was a significant positive correlation between spirituality and quality of life. Stepwise regression results showed that the best predictors of spiritual/existential suffering were self- awareness and spiritual activities. Also, the component of self-awareness was the best predictor of physical health, psychological health, environmental health and quality of life and social relations. Therefore, reinforcement of spirituality in addicts and encouraging them to perform the related activities can reduce the feeling of pain among them and improve their quality of lives.

Addiction is one of the biggest predicaments in today’s world which inflicts negative consequences upon individuals and communities. The aim of the present study was to examine the consequences of substance abuse on the life of women and men during recovery. The study was conducted with a qualitative approach using phenomenological method. Forty Participants recovering from addiction (20 women and 20 men) were selected through criterion sampling out of drug addiction treatment centers across the city of Kerman, Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Data collection was continued to achieve data saturation. Following data analysis, 149 codes and 16 subthemes were identified. We also finalized two major themes, individual consequences and individual-familial consequences. The findings further highlighted the negative consequences of addiction in men and women populations. Highlighting these consequences can help inform individuals and the society about the hazards of drugs. Furthermore, officials in charge of education and prevention of addiction across the nation can obtain knowledge out of these findings.

article is an experimental analysis of the relationship between social capital and quality of life based on the Health Belief Model. The research followed an experimental method. 100 male teachers were selected randomly and assigned to two groups of experimental and control (n=50 each). The instruction was conducted in nine two-hour sessions in the form of pamphlets, lectures, and group discussions and the posttest was performed after 3 months. Data were collected using three questionnaires. The comparison of the pretest and posttest mean scores in terms of the components of the health belief model, social capital, and life quality in both experimental and control groups showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in the pretest; however, the comparison of the results in posttest showed a significant difference. Leven test calculation, T, and covariance confirmed these differences and reflected the impact of intervention and implementation of the training program on the experimental group. The results of the analysis indicate that the models applied are significant, which confirms the examined propositions. Higher levels of social capital imply greater levels of quality of life at school.

Nowadays, it could be reasonably argued that addressing health issue and contributory factors behind it is vitally important. The prevalence of risky behavior among different groups, especially in teenagers, is one of the most serious health threats. This study aims to determine the effect of group psychotherapy in light of glasser approach on risky behavior. The research is semi-experimental design. The research population contains all the patients correctional and rehabilitation center, among which 24 clients were selected and were assigned randomly in two experiment and control groups. The experiment group received group psychotherapy in light of glasser approach, in ten 90-minute sessions per week. The control group did not receive any interventions. Risky behavior self-administered questionnaire was used in order to gather the data. The results indicate a significant difference between control and experiment group after the implementation of the independent variable in risky behaviors. Given this, it could be concluded that if this approach is used on a group or individual level among clients in correctional and rehabilitation center, the frequency of risky behavior among them will be substantially reduced.

Smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the world and its disadvantages impose heavy financial burden on the health system. Among the behavioral models of health education, the most applicable one in smoking cessation is Transtheoretical Model (TTM). This study aimed to detect the predictors of smoking cessation among hospital male personnel. The participants were 200 current and former smokers Personnel working at four hospitals. The instruments included decisional balance scale, self-efficacy scale, processes of change scale (behavioral and experiential), and stages of change which were completed by self-report. Descriptive statistics analysis showed that 66.5% of participants were located in the earlier stages of change. Bivariate spearman correlations showed that self-efficacy, processes of change and decisional balance were significantly correlated with the stage of change. Besides, ordinal regression revealed that experiential processes of change, self-efficacy and behavioral processes were the strongest predictors for the change stages of smoke cessation. The current study revealed that the readiness to quit smoking is significantly predicted by the mechanisms of self-efficacy and the process of change such as environment reevaluation, stimulus control and counter conditioning, which can lead to positive progress in the change stages of smoke cessation. The findings of this study showed that using TTM for smoking cessation would be very effective in improving readiness to quit smoking among hospitals personnel.

Overweight is one of the most common health problems and risk factors for many prenatal illnesses. The proportion of pregnant women with high body mass would be increased by increasing body mass in society. The purpose of this study was to explain the pregnancy experience in women with high body mass index. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to conduct this study. Participants included ten pregnant women with high body mass index who were interviewed. All interviews were recorded and transcribed after permission from the participants in order to explain the phenomenon under study and the data were analyzed by using the Van Manen method in MAXQDA version-10 software to emerge their themes and their basic patterns. Out of the 857 extracted primary codes, the experience of women with high birth weight was summarized in the main theme of "Pregnancy concurrent with concern". This theme comprised the following subthemes: "sense of risk", "lack of care facilities for mothers with high body mass index", "obesity as a stigma", and "lack of specialized care". This Hermeneutic phenomenology study showed that pregnant women with high body mass are a vulnerable group. Their pregnancy concurrent with more concern requires more care and support. Service providers, in particular midwives, nurses, and doctors, should be aware of their attitudes and behaviors toward this group of clients and avoid any stereotypical and harassing care behaviors.

Behavioral disorders are one of the most common psychological issues of childhood and adolescence. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of family-based intervention program on parenting skills of mothers and clinical symptoms of children with behavioral disorder. The study was quasi-experimental research. The population all students with behavioral disorders who were studying the first to six grades in this study, sixthy students and along with their parents were selected as the main sample of the research. The research tools included Baumrind's parental style inventory and clinical symptoms checklist. The intra-family relationships promotion program was held as eight group sessions for parents, an individual family session, two phone- call sessions and an enforcement session. The research findings indicated that the family-based intervention program could improve mothers' authoritative parenting skills and also could reduce clinical symptoms of children and the results were stabled for a three-month follow-up. Therefore, family and child counselors can use this family-based intervention program to increase parenting skills of mothers and reduction clinical symptoms of children with behavioral disorder.

Substance abuse disorders are considered to comprise the fourth class of diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the multidimensional treatment procedure comprising mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, exercises (chess, ping pong), and daily self-monitoring reports. This study conducted on 40 drug abusers who were selected using convenience sampling method. They were next randomly assigned into 4 groups. Group 1 received play therapy and mindfulness; group 2 received mindfulness, play therapy, and self-monitoring reports; group 3 received mindfulness; while group 4 was the control one. Over a period of two months, the participants went through a program that comprised mindfulness treatment, play therapy, along with self-monitoring reports after mindfulness sessions. Each of these groups was affected by different interventions. Craving beliefs questionnaire was used to collect data. Based on The results, the second group experienced the least amount of craving beliefs after treatment when compared to the other groups. This finding reveals the effectiveness of mindfulness intervention combined with exercise and self-monitoring reports. Hence, mindfulness therapy and behavioral interventions (chess and ping pong) along with self-monitoring reports have a positive impact on reducing the intensity of craving beliefs in addicted individuals.

Happiness is an important factor influencing the individual’s mental health. This is especially important for university students which lead to their academic achievement. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between happiness and homesickness. It was descriptive-correlational. 250 university students was selected by using Morgan’s table and random stratified sampling method. The Oxford happiness and the utrecht homesickness questionnaires has been used for data collection. The findings of the study revealed that the measurement model had acceptable validity and reliability. In the second stage, the results revealed that the model fit was adequate. Therefore, homesickness predicted happiness of the students. In the analysis of path coefficients, the results revealed that all the paths were confirmed except for missing friends and adjustment difficulties. The results also confirmed that homesickness differs based on the place of residence of the students and in terms of gender, no difference was found between girls and boys participants. Therefore based on the results of this study, homesickness can predict the students' happiness.

Alexithymia is considered as important contributor in the psychological distress. This study examined the moderator role of alexithymia in the relationship between self-care and psychological distress in 217 elementary school teachers. Alexithymia, self-care and psychological distress has been assessed in 217 teachers (108 females and 109 males). Participants were asked to complete 4 including socio-demographic questionnaire, toronto alexithymia scale, health-promoting lifestyle profile II, and the depression, anxiety, and stress scales. Results revealed that there is a significant relationship between self-care, alexithymia and psychological distress. Alexithymia was also a moderator in the relationship between self-care and psychological distress. The findings supported the hypothesis that higher levels of alexithymia would be associated with higher levels of psychological distress, and that lower levels of alexithymia would be associated with lower levels of psychological distress. Alexithymia helped explain the self-care and psychological distress link in adults.