فهرست مطالب

Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume:9 Issue: 4, Apr 2019

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1398/04/18
  • تعداد عناوین: 20
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  • Dayananda Bittenahalli Omkarappa, Sreevani Rentala, Prasanthi Nattala Page 69
    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

     A child’s social competence depends on a number of factors including family atmosphere. Parental alcoholism effects the development of child directly or indirectly. Children of alcoholics (COAs) may have lower social competence. Addressing this problem at the earliest can significantly reduce the problems in future. The objective of the study is to compare the social competence between COAs and non‑COA.

    METHODS

    A cross‑sectional comparative study design was used. The study was conducted at a selected government high school located in Bengaluru urban. One hundred COA and 100 non‑COA were recruited for the study by using simple random sampling technique. Children of Alcoholic Screening Test (modified) and Social Competence Scale were used in the study.

    RESULTS

    Results show that there is statistically significant difference between COAs and non‑COAs with regard to prosocial attitude, social competition, social leadership, social tolerance, social maturity, social skills, and overall skills.

    CONCLUSION

    The study concludes that COAs have low level of social competence.

    Keywords: Parental alcoholism, social competence, social skills
  • Seyede Sedighe Hosseini Jebeli, Mohammad Hadian, Aghdas Souresrafil Page 70
    CONTEXT

     There are numerous factors which affect the health status in different ways, including financing mechanisms, health‑care expenditures, socioeconomic characteristics, and health‑care resources. One of the most important factors which contribute to the health status of a population is health‑care resource which includes number of beds or health‑care professionals for instance.

    AIMS

    The objectives of this study were as follows: to examine the regression of the life expectancy and health‑care inputs and also to investigate the regression of death rate and health‑care inputs. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was a panel dataset analysis of OECD countries.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    A generalized method of moment (GMM) regression models with country‑level health outcomes (death rate and life expectancy) as dependent variables were estimated. A panel dataset with n = 26 (the number of countries) and T = 12 (the number of time periods) was used. The GMM regression model was used to estimate the effect of health‑care resources on health outcomes.

    RESULTS

    Findings showed that there are strong reverse correlations between immunization rate and number of physicians with crude rate of death (−2.64 [P < 001] and −76.50 [P < 001], respectively). There were also positive correlations between immunization rate and number of physicians with life expectancy at birth (0.01 [P < 001] and 1.03 [P < 001], respectively). Moreover, there were negative correlations between inpatient rate and beds with life expectancy (−0.00003 [P < 001] and −0.12 [P < 001], respectively).

    CONCLUSIONS

    It is essential for policymakers to consider the optimal level of health resource to achieve better health outcomes. Oversupply of hospital beds and specialist doctors could lead to induced demand and put the patients at risk of unnecessary procedures.

    Keywords: Health, health resource, life expectancy, mortality
  • Ali Kazemi Karyani, Behzad Karami Matin, Addis Adera Gebru, Jafar Yahyavi Dizaj, Satar Rezaei Page 71
    BACKGROUND

    The study aimed to investigate the associations between life and health satisfaction with health‑related quality of life (HRQoL), body mass index (BMI) and chronic disease among people who are covered by health insurance schemes in Tehran city, Iran.

    METHODS

    A cross‑sectional study was conducted in Tehran city, Iran, from May to June 2016. A total of 600 people were included in the study using a cluster sampling technique. The questionnaire that used for data collection included demographic and socioeconomic variables, questions about health variables such as chronic disease, weight, height, smoking status, and EQ‑5D‑3L questionnaire. Two univariate and multivariate regression models performed to examine affecting factors on life and health satisfaction.

    RESULTS

    The univariate regression showed that on average female have 0.22 and 0.69 score lower than males with their life and health satisfaction, respectively. Explanatory variables of gender, age, level of education, and employment status were not significantly associated with life and health satisfaction in multiple regression models. However, marital status was correlated with life satisfaction. Furthermore, HRQoL, BMI and chronic disease and smoking were associated with dependent variables (P < 0.001).

    CONCLUSIONS

    The result showed that there was a strong association between BMI, HRQoL, chronic disease, and life and health satisfaction among participants. Therefore, the Iranian policymakers need to consider these factors on life and health satisfaction of adults and design health‑promoting programs to improve health outcomes of them. Further studies should assess the associations between BMI, HRQoL, chronic conditions, and life and health satisfaction among Iranian adults.

    Keywords: Body mass index, chronic diseases, health‑related quality of life, health satisfaction, life satisfaction, Iran
  • Shahla Mohamadirizi, Mahnaz Noroozi, Soheila Mohamadirizi Page 72
    BACKGROUND

    Cooperative teaching methods have been used widely in medical education. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of theater in the clinical stage on postpartum hemorrhage management among midwifery student.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    This was an experimental study, performed in 2016 among midwifery students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and selected through the random sampling method. Satisfaction questionnaire and clinical practice checklist were completed by both groups before and after the education. The collected data were analyzed using independent t‑test and paired test. The significant level was considered statistically <0.05.

    RESULTS

    The findings of independent t‑test did not show any significant difference between satisfaction and clinical practice scores of theater and control group before intervention while a statistically significant difference was observed in after intervention between the scores of two groups (P = 0.001). Paired t‑test showed a statistically significant difference in satisfaction and clinical practice score in two groups after intervention theater and control group, respectively (P = 0.002, P = 0.002).

    CONCLUSION

    Theater method in postpartum hemorrhage can be increased satisfaction and clinical practice levels in midwifery students. Hence, the conduction of this educational model is recommended as an effective learning.

    Keywords: Midwifery, postpartum hemorrhage, student, teaching, theatre
  • Sandeep Lahiry, Shouvik Choudhury, Suparna Chatterjee, Avijit Hazra Page 73
    CONTEXT

    There is limited evidence on the influence of social media among medical students.

    AIMS

    To assess the pattern of social media usage among medical students in eastern part of India and analyze self‑perceived impact on academic performance and interpersonal relations.

    Methods

    This cross‑sectional study was based on an online survey, taken by 650 medical students at a tertiary medical center in Kolkata. The survey was created using an online tool, Google Forms. It assessed social media usage patterns and students’ perspective on how it affects their academic performance and interpersonal relations. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to quantify the association between self‑rated academic performance and social and physical well‑being, with different variables, assuming linear relationships. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS

    The usable responder rate was 55.23%, with majority being undergraduates (57.3%) in the age group of 18–24 years. The proportion who confirmed using social media was 88.58% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.29%–91.87%), mainly for academic purposes (82.73%; 95% CI: 78.82%–86.64%). In general, social media usage was more prevalent among medical students compared to paramedical and nursing students (P = 0.009), although the extent of use for an academic purpose was comparable. Nearly two‑thirds (60.87%) regarded social networking having a positive (improved) impact on academic performance. However, the perceived impact on interpersonal relations was inconclusive (i.e., was positive and negative in a nearly equal measure; 45% each).

    CONCLUSIONS

    Social media usage for academic purposes is high among medical and paramedical students. Students benefit from social networking and are conscious of its positive as well as negative influence on interpersonal relations.

    Keywords: Academic performance, Facebook, medical student, online survey, social networking
  • Nazila Javadi Pashaki, Azar Darvishpour Page 74
    BACKGROUND

    Nurses are often faced with the variety of work‑related stress which could affect their physical and mental health. Coping strategies play an important role in reducing stress and consequently increasing the health and well‑being. This study was conducted to investigate the role of stress and coping strategies to predict the general health of nursing staff. SUBJECTS AND

    METHODS

    An analytical cross‑sectional design was carried out on 318 nurses working in governmental health centers of Guilan University of Medical Sciences, the North of Iran, in 2017. Data were collected through multistage cluster sampling using self‑report questionnaires and demographic characteristics. The study instruments included Hospital Job Stress, Coping Strategies, and General Health Questionnaires. For analysis of data, descriptive statistics and regression test were applied using SPSS software version 19.

    RESULTS

    The results revealed that the highest mean score (47.71 ± 7.88) of different dimensions of coping strategies was related to task‑oriented strategy. Furthermore, the results indicated that stress and coping strategies together could explain around 2.5% of variance of general health (ΔR2 = 0.025). However, based on the statistically significant level, the results revealed the coping strategies as the predictor of general health (P = 0.002, beta = 0.094).

    CONCLUSIONS

    The results highlight the importance of considering coping strategies for predicting general health in nurses. Regarding the inevitability of some stressors in the nursing profession and the need to prevent stressful effects, workshops as an effective training method to reduce staff stress should be on the agenda of managers.

    Keywords: Coping strategies, health, nursing, stress
  • Maryam Mohammadi Nasrabadi, Roya Sadeghi, Abbas Rahimiforushani, Fatemeh Mohammadi Nasrabadi, Davoud Shojaeizadeh, Ali Montazeri Page 75
    INTRODUCTION

    In developing countries, there is an increased risk of incidence of noncommunicable diseases due to general and abdominal obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to assess socioeconomic determinants of excess weight and central obesity among women in Tehran city based on information motivation behavioral skills model (IMB).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 260 women aged between 20 and 49 years old using cluster sampling. A skilled interviewer completed socioeconomic status (SES), food insecurity, and IMB questionnaires. Analysis of variance, Chi‑square tests, and regression model were used for statistical analysis. The multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of the excess weight and central obesity using SPSS 21.

    RESULTS

    The mean and standard deviation of participants’ age was 34.7 (±7.59) years old. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult women was estimated 35% and 21.2%, respectively. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 34.6%. Independent predictors of overweight/obesity in women were age (odds ratio [OR] =1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.03–1.14), educational level (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.05–5.27), and total expenditure (OR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.06–9.37). Whereas, independent predictors for increased the likelihood of central obesity were age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.06–1.18), marital status (OR = 6.44, 95% CI = 1.94–21.40), low education (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.16–0.91), number of rooms (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–3.45), and self‑regulation score (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.88–1.00).

    CONCLUSIONS

    The socioeconomic determinants, especially age, level of education, and expenditure, as well as self‑regulation, play an important role in excess weight and central obesity among women. Therefore, further research is needed to reach women in different SES groups with a variety of interventions through concurrent triangulation of longitudinal studies and qualitative research.

    Keywords: Central obesity, excess weight, information motivation behavioral skills model, socioeconomic determinants, women
  • Abdollah Maleki, Yousef Veisani, Sehat Aibod, Akbar Azizifar, Mostafa Alirahmi, Fathola Mohamadian Page 76
    BACKGROUND

    Marital satisfaction, conscientiousness, and self‑compassion are necessary for successful and lasting marriages. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between marital satisfaction, conscientiousness, and self‑compassion among married employees of Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in the city of Ilam in 2017.

    METHODOLOGY

    This study is a descriptive research with a correlation design. The research population included all 260 married employees of Mostafa Khomeini (I) Hospital in the city of Ilam, among which 150 were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using three questionnaires of conscientiousness, self‑compassions, and marital satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multivariate regression.

    RESULTS

    The research results revealed a positive and significant relationship between conscientiousness and marital satisfaction (P = 0.028 and r = 0.187) and a positive and significant relationship between self‑compassion and marital satisfaction (P = 0.000 and r = 0.185). Both conscientiousness and self‑compassion variables could predict 51% of the variance of marital satisfaction among married employees.

    CONCLUSIONS

    Given the research results, it could be stated that people who have self‑compassion and have a high level of conscientiousness make much effort for their improvement and resolving their committed mistakes. For this reason, they have high motivation to maintain marital relationships.

    Keywords: Conscientiousness, empathy, government employees, Iran, personal satisfaction
  • Venetia Notara, Emmanuella Magriplis, Christos Prapas, George Antonogeorgos, Andrea Paola Rojas-Gil, Ekaterina N Kornilaki, Areti Lagiou, Demosthenes B Panagiotakos Page 77
    BACKGROUND

    Childhood obesity remains a major health issue. The understanding of the multifactorial nature of childhood obesity remains the cornerstone to eliminate the rising trends. This study aimed to examine the association between parental and childhood weight status, in relation to various socioeconomic (SE) factors.

    METHODS

    A cross‑sectional survey was conducted including 1190 children aged 10–12 years and their parents, during school years 2014–2016. Primary schools from five Greek counties (including Athens metropolitan area) were randomly selected. Parental and child data were collected through self‑administered, anonymous questionnaires. Children’s weight status was based on gender‑ and age‑specific tables derived from the International Obesity Task Force body mass index (BMI) cut offs. General Linear Model (GLM), Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied. Multiple logistic regressions was used to determine the association between children and parents’ weight status.

    RESULTS

    Childhood prevalence of overweight and obesity was 25.9% (21.8% overweight and 4.1% obese), with prevalence being significantly higher in males (31.7% compared to 21.3%; P for gender differences < 0.001). The percent of overweight and obese male (34.4% and 43.1%) and female children (20.3% and 31.8%) significantly increased with paternal overweight and obesity status, respectively. The same relationship was observed between male children and maternal overweight and obesity status (43.4% and 65.7%). This was not evident among females (27% and 23.2%). Regression analysis showed a significant positive association with parental BMI, a negative association with both parental educational levels (low to high), living space, and parental age (P < 0.05, for all). Children’s likelihood of being overweight or obese increased significantly with increasing parental weight status (P < 0.001).

    CONCLUSIONS

    Parental weight status remained the most significant predictive factor for early adolescence obesity among various SE factors. Health promotion strategies should consider parental education as an effective childhood obesity preventive measure.

    Keywords: Children weight status, health promotion, obesity risk factors, parental weight status, socioeconomic factors
  • Nematullah Shomoossi, Akbar Ahmadi Asor, Mohsen Kooshan, Mostafa Rad Page 78
    INTRODUCTION

    The cultural diversity of ethnic groups in Iranian academic contexts highlights the importance of enhancing cultural awareness and minimizing cultural conflicts. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the intercultural intelligence of the university personnel in interacting with students.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    This cross‑sectional study was a correlational research conducted on 136 employees in Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The participants were selected by randomized clustered sampling. The data on intercultural intelligence were collected using Earley and Ang’s Questionnaire and were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics.

    RESULTS

    Mean score of intercultural intelligence in the education‑research staff, secretarial staff, and student‑cultural staff was 41 ± 9, 35.6 ± 8.3, and 44.2 ± 7.7, respectively. ANOVA showed a significant difference in the overall scores of intercultural intelligence across the three groups (P = 0.001); the scores of subsections were also statistically different, the student‑cultural staff showing higher intelligence scores than the other groups. Furthermore, the overall intercultural intelligence scores varied significantly across the participants’ educational levels so that the score of the staff with bachelor’s degree was 37.8 ± 8.7 and those with master’s degree was 45 ± 7.8 (P = 001), especially in their metacognitive and cognitive subsection scores.

    CONCLUSION

    The scores of intercultural intelligence were moderate to low in the staff of different working sections of the university. Moreover, the level of education shows impacts on intercultural encounters in this academic setting. The results highlight the need to develop programs in order to raise intercultural understanding in staff.

    Keywords: Cultural awareness, cultural intelligence, intercultural, university personnel
  • Armindokht Shahsanai, Maryam Bahreynian, Zahra Fallah, Silva Hovsepian, Roya Kelishadi Page 79
    BACKGROUND

    Over the last decades, childhood obesity has become a worldwide epidemic health problem. Identifying the barriers to a healthy lifestyle among children and adolescents is necessary for further effective intervention to prevent overweight and obesity. This study aims to assess the barriers to healthy lifestyle habits, including physical activity (PA), eating, and sleep among adolescents from the perspective of their parents.

    METHODS

    In this cross‑sectional study, the parents of obese and overweight middle school students were enrolled. Data were collected using a questionnaire about barriers of healthy nutrition and PA.

    RESULTS

    Overall, 172 parents completed the questionnaire. Lack of access to affordable facilities for PA, lack of access to the appropriate place for PA, and lack of sufficient information on how to do or increase PA were the main barriers to PA. The barrier factors for healthy eating were media advertisement of unhealthy foods, lack of motivation to use healthy nutrition, and lack of adequate information about healthy eating. Regarding poor sleep, lack of knowledge about the benefits of sleep, prolonged watching television, and late sleep time of family members were reported as the main barriers. These findings were not statistically different according to the family socioeconomic level.

    CONCLUSION

    Our findings propose that for improving healthy lifestyle in obese children and adolescents, access to facilities, and appropriate places for PA should be provided at the community level. Moreover, training parents and students about healthy lifestyle behaviors is necessary for families of all socioeconomic levels.

    Keywords: Lifestyle, obesity, student
  • Maryam Mohammadi, Zahra Judaki, Ali Ramezankhani, Soheila Khodkarim, Seyed Hamed Barekati Page 80
    INTRODUCTION

    Developmental delay of children is a global health concern. One of the important measures in the care of children and the assessment of children's health is the knowledge and ability of mothers about the condition of their children's development. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of lecture‑based method versus self‑learning package on the ability of mothers to assess the development of their 12‑month‑old children seeking comprehensive health services centers in Arak city, central province of Iran.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    The present study is a semi‑experimental study. The sample included 189 mothers of 12‑month‑old children. The data gathering tools were age and stages questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability. The participants in the study were divided into three group as follows: lecture, self‑learning, and control group which were evaluated by pretest and posttest. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 21.

    RESULTS

    The results of this study indicate that both of interventional methods; lectures and self‑learning; had a statistically significant effect on the ability of mothers to evaluate the development of their children (P = 0.001). In the self‑learning group, the score of the participants increased from 53.35 ± 44.269 to 70.15 ± 47.290 and in the lecture group, the score of participants increased from 55.28 ± 41.268 to 16.14 ± 38.292 according to the posttests.

    CONCLUSION

    Due to the importance of self‑care and active role in the learning process, we suggest the use of self‑learning package in practice.

    Keywords: Age, stages questionnaire, development, lecture, self‑learning
  • Mahboobeh Kafaei Atrian, Zahra Mohebbi Dehnavi, Leila Sayadi, Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi, Zahra Karimian Taheri, Mohammad Afshar Page 81
    BACKGROUND

    Many women of childbearing age suffer from problems such as dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation.

    OBJECTIVES

    The objective of the study is to determine the relationship between the duration of menstrual bleeding and obesity‑related anthropometric indices in students.

    METHODS

    This cross‑sectional study was carried out on 250 students in 2016. Data were collected by a questionnaire composed of: 1) demographic information, 2) information concerning menstrual cycle and 3) obesity‑related anthropometric parameters. Anthropometric parameters include height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and arm circumference. Independent t‑test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regressions with backward strategy were used.

    RESULTS

    The average age of students was 21/295 (±1/585) years. For most participants, the duration of menstrual bleeding was 3–7 days (87/2%, 218 people). None of the participants had menstrual bleeding <3 days, and the duration of bleeding was >7 days for 32 participants (12/800%). A significant relationship was observed between the intervals of menstruation and the waist‑to‑hip ratio (r = 0/136, P < 0/041). Based on multiple linear regression, hip circumference and waist‑to‑weight, hip‑to‑waist, arm‑to‑weight, hip‑to‑thigh, and arm‑to‑height ratios are predictors for menstrual duration.

    CONCLUSIONS

    In this study, a significant association was found between the anthropometric indices and menstrual characteristics. These findings suggest the need for modifying anthropometric indicators to control menstrual cycle problems.

    Keywords: Anthropometric indices, menstrual disorders, menstruation
  • Rujuta Sachin Hadaye, Rukman Mecca Manapurath, Barsha Pathak Gadapani Page 82
    CONTEXT

    India experienced pandemic phase of H1N1 in May 2009 to December 2010. The postpandemic phase went on from January 2011 to December 2014. As per the WHO, all countries should immunize their health‑care workers as a first priority to protect the essential health infrastructure.

    AIMS

    The aim of the study is to assess the level of awareness and acceptance of influenza vaccine among physicians and also the perception of physicians regarding H1N1 infection. This study also examined time of vaccine administration in relation with efficacy concerns based on literature.

    SETTINGS AND DESIGN

    A vaccination campaign was conducted for all health‑care workers of Seth GSMC and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, in the month of July 2017 based on which a cross‑sectional observational study was conducted among the physicians of the same institute.

    METHODS

    After ethical clearance, a prevalidated pretested survey based on a pilot survey of 20 physicians was distributed among physicians, which was based on the awareness and acceptance of H1N1 vaccination among physicians and perception of H1N1 infection. Effective sample size was 272. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics and Chi‑square test were generated for the survey responses. All the continuous variables were reported as mean, median, and range. Categorical variables were reported as tables and pie charts. P < 0.05 was taken as significant. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 21.

    RESULTS

    The overall vaccine compliance was 29.8%. This study has found that area of work, deficiency in knowledge about adverse effect of vaccine, misconceptions regarding vaccine, and concerns about efficacy and duration of vaccine are the important factors which lead to decreased vaccine compliance. Furthermore, it is found during the study that timing of vaccination was not given due importance as considering the epidemiological pattern.

    CONCLUSIONS

    More emphasis should be given to education sessions and counseling of physicians regarding H1N1 vaccination and oseltamivir therapy. At administrative level, more focus should be given on timing of vaccination and other logistics. Vaccine campaigns should be conducted ideally 1 month before expected rise in cases. Quadrivalent vaccine would be more appropriate over trivalent based on epidemiology of infection in India.

    Keywords: B‑strain influenza, H1N1 infection, oseltamivir resistance, quadrivalent vaccine, vaccination timing
  • Soleiman Ahmady, Nasrin Khajeali, Farshad Sharifi, Zohrehsadat Mirmoghtadaei Page 83
    INTRODUCTION

    One of the major problems of higher education centers is the students’ academic failure. Increased monitoring, counseling, or remediation may tax the resources of both the program and the faculty. The present review study gathered evidence highlighted by the experimental studies on the educational intervention with the purpose of improving preclinical medical performance.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    To achieve the intended studies, databases of PubMed, Web of Knowledge (Thomson Reuters), Educational Resources and Information Center, and the Scopus were searched. The inclusion criteria were being an interventional study and assessing the educational intervention to preclinical academic performance. The study was carried out as a systematic literature search published between January 1987 and January 2018 . Based on valid tool through the best evidence medical education review, after assessing the quality of the studies.

    RESULTS

    Ten studies were enrolled in the review for final evaluation. The Kirkpatrick Model was employed to analyze and synthesize the included studies.

    CONCLUSION

    Reviewing the conducted studies showed that medical students had positive responses and attitudes toward new teaching methods, self‑monitoring skills, and attention to physiological needs. The results also indicated that new teaching strategies, attention to self‑monitoring skills, and sleep hygiene in medical education could positively affect learning in two domains of Bloom’s Taxonomy.

    Keywords: Educational intervention, medical student, new teaching strategies
  • Sogand Tourani, Haleh Mousavi Isfahani, Edris Kakemam, Samira Alirezaei, Ahmad Moosavi, Mohammad Mohseni Page 84
    BACKGROUND

    To respond to the growing expectations of the public and to meet the needs of the society, health systems have always tried to improve their performance. This study investigated the changes in the performance and quality of emergency department (ED) after implementation of the health transformation plan (HTP) in Iran.

    METHODS

    This was a before–after study that was conducted in Tehran’s Lolagar General Hospital in 2016. The data related to the performance indices and patients’ satisfaction indices were collected in the two periods of 6 months before and 6 months after the implementation of the HTP. The data were gathered by a checklist designed by the researchers.

    RESULTS

    Among performance indices, the maximum positive change was related to the failure in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which had a reduction of 18.27%. Discharge against medical advice had a reduction of 1.11%, which is considered to be significant. Among the factors related to patients’ satisfaction, the maximum changes belonged to the out‑of‑pocket payment, access to medicines, and giving information to the patients, which were 0.87%, 72%, and 61%, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS

    HTP and its supporting packages have led to positive changes in the performance of the ED of the hospital. Therefore, based on the results of this study, the continuation of this plan is recommended.

    Keywords: Emergency department, health transformation plan, Iran, performance
  • Sogand Torani, Parisa Moradi Majd, Shahnam Sedigh Maroufi, Mohsen Dowlati, Rahim Ali Sheikhi Page 85

    Disasters and emergencies have been increasing all over the world. Todays, with technological advancement, acquiring knowledge and its application in the realm of action is regarded as the only effective way for prevent disasters or reducing its effects. The present study aimed to review the importance of education and the effect of different methods of education on disaster risk reduction and preparedness in vulnerable people. To this aim, some articles indexed in Database of PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest were searched. The search was limited to reviewed articles in English published between 1990 and 2017. In addition, the selected articles were reviewed for relevant citations. The conducted studies were reviewed by two researchers independently. The primary search generated 128 relevant references. After eliminating the duplicates and articles which were not related to the review of the abstract, 41 references were identified for inclusion. After reviewing more, 31 references, which failed to meet inclusion index, were excluded from the study. Disaster education aims to provide knowledge among individuals and groups to take actions to reduce their vulnerability to disasters. During the last decades, the issue that trained people can be prepared for disasters and responding well has been extensively investigated. Based on the results, disaster education is a functional, operational, and cost‑effective tool for risk management. Based on some evidence, it is important for vulnerable people to learn about disasters. There are different methods to educate vulnerable people, but no method is better than others. Trained people can better protect themselves and others. In this regard, planning and designing comprehensive educational programs are necessary for people to face disasters.

    Keywords: Disasters, education, vulnerable people
  • Maryam Saeedi, Soroor Parvizy Page 86
    BACKGROUND

    Academic motivation is highly important in nursing education. Providing high‑quality nursing care requires students who have motivation to acquire information and skills. However, nursing students lose their motivation gradually during their program. Thus, the present study is aimed at elaborating on the strategies to improve academic motivation in nursing students.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    A qualitative study was conducted in Saveh University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected through focus groups and individual semi‑structured interviews with forty nursing students, professors, and lecturers of nursing and midwifery school. The participants were selected through purposeful sampling method. This method is used for the selection of people who have had experience with or are part of the culture or phenomenon of interest. Data analysis was done as a continuous process through conventional qualitative content analysis.

    RESULTS

    The strategies to promote academic motivation of nursing students were categorized into four main categories including strategies pertinent to professors (empowering and motivating to improve the quality of teaching), strategies pertinent to students (creating positive attitude toward nursing, empowering, and encouraging academic achievement), strategies pertinent to clinical education (improvement of the quality of clinical training and optimization of the academic and clinical relationships), and strategies pertinent to faculty (providing extracurricular activities, proper curriculum programming, and educational and welfare facilities).

    CONCLUSIONS

    The strategies to improve academic motivation are available in different areas including professors, students, faculty, and clinical education. In general, improving the quality of education and creating positive attitude in nursing students increase their academic motivation.

    Keywords: Education, motivation, nursing, qualitative research, students
  • Feryal Khamseh, Akram Parandeh, Zahra Hajiamini, Seyyed Davood Tadrissi, Mehri Najjar Page 87
    BACKGROUND

    Depression during pregnancy is one of the major concerns in mental health, hence using interventional methods for the treatment or reducing the rate of depression is considered a priority for maternal and fetal health. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of problem‑solving training in reducing depression in pregnant women.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    This randomized clinical trial was conducted on seventy pregnant women referring to Prenatal Care Clinics, Najmiyeh hospital in Tehran, Iran. The participants were randomly allocated divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was given routine prenatal care training at the clinic along with problem‑solving skills training based on the Identify, Define, Explore, Act, Look back model in five sessions, but the control group only received routine prenatal care training. Data were collected using the Beck’s Depression Inventory at the beginning of the study and at the immediately and 1 month after two groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests.

    RESULTS

    In the experimental group, the mean depression score significantly reduced from 16.06 ± 4.73 before intervention to 12.83 ± 4.10 and 13 ± 4.24 after intervention and at follow‑up (P < 0.05). While in the control group, the mean depression from 15.34 ± 2.94 before intervention to 14.80 ± 2.76 and 14.86 ± 2.924 after intervention and at follow‑up. It was not statistically significant in the control group (P > 0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS

    Problem‑solving training can be used as an optional method of reducing depression in pregnant women, and it is recommended that should be implemented by the health‑care team.

    Keywords: Depression, pregnant women, problem‑solving, randomized clinical trial
  • Jayesh Dalpatbhai Solanki, Ajay P Kapadiya, Hemant B Mehta, Chinmay J Shah Page 88
    BACKGROUND

    Sympathetic overactivity mediates abnormal cardiovascular outcome that is affected by stress, lack of physical activity (PA), and familial hypertension (HTN). It can be assessed by blood pressure‑based sympathetic function tests.

    OBJECTIVE

    We studied sympathetic function tests in young nonathletic males in relation to measures of obesity, PA, and familial HTN.

    METHODOLOGY

    We recruited 100 males (mean age: 19 years) and measured body mass index (BMI) and body composition parameters by tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance such as total body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and skeletal muscle mass. Using instrument cardiac autonomic neuropathy system of Recorders and Medicare System Company, India, blood pressures (supine, standing, and post hand grip) were recorded and studied quantitatively and qualitatively.

    RESULTS

    Physically active and inactive individuals (n = 50 each) had comparable age, BMI, measures of obesity, and sympathetic function tests. However, individuals with familial HTN (n = 37) showed significantly higher obesity measures and blood pressures (supine: systolic blood pressure [SBP] – 133 vs. 115 and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] – 79 vs. 76; standing: SBP – 136 vs. 122 and DBP – 80 vs. 76; post hand grip: SBP – 136 vs. 125 and DBP – 86 vs. 81). Qualitatively, postural hypotension was seen in only two individuals, while worst grading was in post hand grip test significantly and more so in physically inactive group (30%, 28%, and 42% vs. 16%, 20%, and 64%) and individuals with positive familial HTN (32%, 38%, and 30% vs. 17%, 13%, and 70%).

    CONCLUSION

    Familial HTN, but not physical inactivity, affects sympathetic functioning in nonathletic young male medical personnel. It asks for other lifestyle modifications for better cardiovascular health as primary prevention.

    Keywords: Blood pressure, family history, hypertension, physical activity, sympathetic