فصلنامه حیات
سال بیست و هشتم شماره 4 (پیاپی 96، زمستان 1401)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits and can significantly impair quality of life (QOL). Personality has an important effect on health-related quality of life. However, its effect on the quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome is yet unknown. The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship of quality of life with neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness, and their subcomponents in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Methods & Materials:

 This is a descriptive-correlational study. The studied population was IBS patients referred to a private gastrointestinal clinic in Tehran in 2021.The sample size was 223, and subjects were selected through the consecutive sampling method. The data were collected using NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality Of Life (IBS-QOL) questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used at the confidence level of 95% through the SPSS software version 24.

The mean score of IBS-QOL was 57.68±20.55. Regression analysis suggested that personality subcomponents such as self-reproach (β=-0.376, P<0.001) and positive affect (β=0.160, P=0.020) were the most important predictors of the score of IBS-QOL. The scores of self-reproach and positive affect explained 22.6% of the variance score of IBS-QOL.

The results of current study suggested that the scores of some personality subcomponents including self-reproach and positive affect significantly predict the score of IBS-QOL. Hence, it seems that in addition to common pharmaceutical treatments for IBS patients, considering personality subcomponents (particularly self-reproach and positive affect) is effective in improving these patients’ quality of life.

Chest pain is one of the main symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, and sleep disorders are among common problems in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Curcuma Longa on chest pain and sleep quality in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Methods & Materials:

 This triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on 270 patients in the Coronary Care Unit of Kowsar Hospital in Semnan, with random allocation to three groups (intervention, placebo and control) in 2020-2021. The intervention group received 500 mg of Curcuma Longa tablets and the placebo group received 500 mg of starch, Oisel and lactose tablets at 9 a.m. after breakfast once a day for 3 days. The control group received daily interventions. Chest pain was assessed using the pain assessment tool before the intervention and half an hour after the intervention for 3 consecutive days. Sleep quality was evaluated by the standardized sleep quality questionnaire of Saint Mary's Hospital in the morning of the first day before the intervention and in the morning of the second and third days after the intervention.

There was no significant difference in the average reduction of chest pain intensity from the first to the third day between the groups (P>0.05). But there was a significant difference in the chest pain intensity within the intervention, placebo and control groups (P<0.001), and the average chest pain intensity on the second day compared to the first day of hospitalization decreased in three groups (P<0.001). However, the decrease in chest pain intensity on the third day compared to the second day of hospitalization was not significant in the three groups (P>0.05). The average score of sleep quality before the intervention in the intervention group was higher than that of in the placebo group (P=0.021), but on the second and third days of the intervention, it was lower in the intervention group compared to the placebo (P<0.001) and control groups (P<0.001).

The results showed that Curcuma Longa did not have a significant effect on chest pain in the patients with acute coronary syndrome, but it improved the quality of sleep. Therefore, Curcuma Longa can be used to improve the sleep quality of these patients.

Mothers with premature babies are more likely to experience anxiety than mothers with full-term babies. The separation of the mother from the baby disrupts physical contact with the baby, which is the most important component affecting attachment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a group positive thinking program on anxiety and attachment in mothers with premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

This study is a randomized clinical trial conducted in Kermanshah in 2020. A total of 72 mothers with premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Imam Reza and Mohammad Kermanshahi hospitals were randomly assigned into two groups of control and intervention. The Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Postpartum Attachment Scale were used to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16 using statistical tests (ANOVA and Chi-Square).

There was no significant difference in the state anxiety levels before (p =0.791) and after the intervention (p =0.373) between the control and intervention groups. Likewise, no statistically significant difference was observed in the latent anxiety levels before (p =0.831) and after the intervention (p =0.093) between the two groups but comparing the amount of changes showed a significant difference (p =0.025). Regarding attachment, none of the attachment subscales had a statistically significant difference between the two groups before the intervention (p>0.05). After the intervention, a significant difference was observed in the scores of the subscales “lack of hostility" and "satisfaction with the interaction" (p<0.05).

According to the findings of the study, the group positive thinking training is recommended to the nurses and managers of neonatal intensive care units as a complementary program, along with the routine care for mothers of premature infants.

Reducing pain after surgery, especially cesarean section is one of the most important factors for maternal and infant health. Choosing the way of reducing pain with fewer complications has drawn the attention of researchers. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Hugo point pressure and auricular seed acupressure on pain after cesarean section.

Methods & Materials: 

In this clinical trial, 168 pregnant women who were candidates for cesarean section, referred to the educational and medical centers of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2020, were selected through purposive sampling and randomly divided into three groups: Hugo point pressure, auriculotherapy, and control. In the Hugo group, massage was applied on the li4 point (between the thumb and forefinger) for 10 minutes. 24 hours later, the intervention was repeated. Before and after the intervention, pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In the auriculotherapy group, earrings were placed on the Shenmen point located in the earlobe. Pain was assessed by the VAS 20 minutes after the intervention and 24 hours later. No intervention was performed for the control group and only the researcher was present next to the studied subjects for 10 minutes. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 20 using paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). P<0.05 was considered significant.

The average pain score in the Hugo group was 6.70±1.55 before the intervention and 6.20±1.78 after the intervention (P=0.026). In the auriculotherapy group, the average pain score before the intervention was 5.99±1.75 and after the intervention was 4.66±2.01 (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in the average score of pain intensity on the first day between the two groups, before the intervention (P=0.062). But the average score of pain intensity on the first day after the intervention was lower in the auriculotherapy group compared to the other two groups (P<0.001). On the second day, there was a significant difference in the average pain score between the three groups after the intervention (P=0.009).

The results of this study showed that both auriculotherapy and the Hugo method are effective for reducing pain after cesarean section; but the continuance of pain reduction after auriculotherapy was more than Hugo point pressure. These methods can be used along with other pharmaceutical methods to reduce pain after cesarean section.

Cancer is a disease that affects the quality of life of the patient, and palliative care is a solution that can improve it. However, home palliative care program has not developed in most countries of the world. The aim of this study is to improve a home palliative care program for cancer patients.

Methods & Materials: 

This research is an action research study that was conducted through quantitative and qualitative approaches in Tabriz over 2018-2020. Eighteen home care nurses were selected for interviews using purposive sampling in order to identify the care needs of cancer patients and the barriers to palliative care at home. In addition, a questionnaire to determine the attitude and knowledge was distributed among 60 home care nurses before and after the action stage. The qualitative data were analyzed using conventional content analysis method, and the SPSS software version 14 was used to analyze the quantitative data.

The care needs of cancer patients were determined in five categories and barriers to palliative care in three categories. Cancer patients have physical, psychological, educational, financial and spiritual needs, and barriers to palliative care include poor instruction, families' desperation, and unprofessional caregivers. In the quantitative phase, nurses had average knowledge and negative attitude towards palliative care. Training through virtual space improved the knowledge and attitude of nurses, and the paired t-test showed that the mean score of nurses' knowledge after the action stage was significant.

according to the findings, to improve palliative care at home, the physical, psychological, educational, financial and spiritual needs of cancer patients should be considered. Removing barriers to palliative care including developing guidelines, supporting the families of cancer patients and training special nurses for palliative care at home can improve care in these patients.

The COVID-19 survivors are prone to psychological distress due to their experience of illness and severe conditions. Diseases can also affect patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between mental health and quality of life among the COVID-19 survivors one year after the infection.

Methods & Materials: 

This is a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study that was conducted from February, 2020 to July 2020. A total of 276 patients who survived from COVID-19 were included to the study through the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic and clinical information form, the 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the 36 item short form survey (SF-36). Data analysis was performed through the SPSS software version 16 using independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression.

The mean score of mental health and total score of quality of life were 6.26±2.75 and 59.2±18.30, respectively. There is a significant relationship between the score of mental health and the score of quality of life (P<0.001), so that with the increase of the mental health score, which indicated the worsening of the mental health status of the participants, their quality of life score decreased.

Paying attention to the mental health and quality of life of the survivors of COVID-19, as well as adopting supportive strategies for them are recommended. Providing psychological and psychiatric services can improve their mental health and quality of life.

The average growth indicators in babies from unwanted pregnancy are lower than other babies. Perceived stress in these mothers can have a double effect on the reduction of milk. Considering the importance of breastfeeding in the health of mother and child, the present study aimed to determine the effect of couples counseling on perceived stress and the improvement of breastfeeding self-efficacy in women with an unwanted pregnancy.

Methods & Materials:

 In this randomized controlled trial study, 60 women with an unwanted pregnancy referred to comprehensive health centers of Khodabandeh city in 2021 were selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly allocated into two intervention and control groups in blocks of four. The control group received routine care, and the intervention group received six sessions of couples counseling based on spousal support twice a week. The data were collected using the Dennis Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Questionnaire, and the Cohen's Perceived Stress Questionnaire in three stages; before, immediately after the intervention and six weeks after delivery. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16 by descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA at a 95% confidence level.

In the counseling group, the mean score of breastfeeding self-efficacy increased immediately after the intervention and six weeks after delivery compared to before the intervention, and decreased in the control group (P<0.001). In the counseling group, the mean score of perceived stress decreased immediately after the intervention and six weeks after delivery compared to before the intervention, and increased significantly in the control group (P<0.001).

Couples counseling based on spousal support was effective in improving breastfeeding self-efficacy and reducing perceived postpartum stress in women with an unwanted pregnancy. The presence of spouses in the breastfeeding counseling program appears to be a suitable measure that can be taken into consideration by planners in this field.

Hand disinfection methods are not germ-free, and infected hands transmit the infection. One of the personal protective equipment of the operating room is the mask, which will probably be contaminated by the hands when removing the mask. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of using automatic mask dispenser on the contamination of surgical masks in the operating room.

Methods & Materials:

 The present study is a field experiment that was conducted on 120 hospital staff in Isfahan in 2021. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 60; automatic device and manual mask removal. The effect of contact of hands impregnated with fluorescent powder was measured during the removal of the mask in each group. The contamination area of ​​the removed mask and the lower mask on the back and front surfaces were compared in the two groups.

The Mann-Whitney test showed that there was a significant difference in the area impregnated with fluorescent powder from hand contact with the mask surface between the two methods (P<0.05). Only 125.6±77.8 mm2 of from the front surface and 30.6±26.0 mm2 from the back surface of the mask removed with the automatic mask dispenser were contaminated, while the ratio in the hand-removed mask was respectively 961.6±612.9 and 440.4±315.6 mm2.

The study showed that eliminating hand contact with the body of the mask using an automatic mask dispenser, can reduce its contamination. Therefore, mechanization of services is effective in ensuring the safety of individuals’ health and reducing costs.