مجله طب پیشگیری
سال دهم شماره 4 (پیاپی 32، زمستان 1402)

Hypertension, particularly in developing countries, is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It can be managed by lifestyle modification, proper dietary regimen, and enhanced self-care behaviors. This study aims to examine the effect of an educational intervention based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model on improving self-care behaviors of patients with hypertension in Iran.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2022 on 250 patients with hypertension in Darab County, divided into two groups of intervention (n=125) and control (n=125). The sampling was done using a random sampling method. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability measuring demographic information, the IMB model constructs, and self-care behaviors. Four training sessions, each for 60 minutes, were held for the participants and their family members in the intervention group. A post-test assessment was conducted two months after the educational intervention. Independent t-test, paired t-test, and analysis of covariance were used in SPSS software, version 22 to analyze the data.

After the education, a statistically significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in all IMB model constructs, including knowledge, motivation, individual skills, and self-care behaviors (P<0.001). In the intervention group, a significant difference was also reported in all study variables before and after the education. The highest increase after education was in the motivation domain.

The IMB model-based educational program can improve the self-care behaviors of patients with hypertension, which can reduce disease complications. if doctors and health workers teach self-care behaviors to hypertensive patients using the IMB model, it can effectively control their blood pressure.

This study aims to determine the relationship of mobility performance, balance, and trunk stability with thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in elderly women at risk of falling.

This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 30 elderly women over 60 years of age residing in a nursing home in Quchan County, Iran (mean age: 64.7±65.71 years, height: 153.19±53.159 cm, weight: 89.16±32.65 kg), who were selected using a purposive sampling method. The Berg test and the timed up & go test were used to measure the balance of the elderly. The Tinetti test was used to assess their mobility performance. The trunk stability test was used to evaluate their trunk neuromuscular control. A flexible 60-cm ruler was used to measure their kyphosis and lordosis angles. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test in SPSS software, version 22.

The Pearson correlation test showed a significant negative correlation of kyphosis and lordosis angles with static balance and mobility performance of elderly women at risk of falling (P=0.001), indicating that the increase in kyphosis and lordosis angles can lead to a decrease in static balance and mobility in the women. On the other hand, the kyphosis and lordosis angles had a significant positive correlation with dynamic balance (P=0.039 and 0.001, respectively) and trunk stability (P=0.003 and 0.004, respectively), indicating that the increase in kyphosis and lordosis angles can lead to a decrease in dynamic balance and trunk stability of elderly women.

The increase in kyphosis and lordosis angles is associated with decreased balance, mobility, and trunk stability in elderly women at risk of falling. Therefore, correctional and rehabilitative specialists are recommended to enhance the balance, mobility, and trunk stability of elderly women at risk of falling, by correcting postural alignment, strengthening muscles, and improving muscle balance

The prevalence of cervical cancer in Iran is increasing. The cervical cancer screening can accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer in women with no HPV vaccination. The current study aims to investigate demographic characteristics, knowledge and accessibility of cervical cancer screening  services in women from the outskirts of Bandar Abbas City, southern Iran. 

This is a case-control study on 200 women performed cervical cancer screening regularly in the past 3 years (case group) and 400 women with no cervical cancer screening in the past 3 years (control group). Information was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire surveying demographic/obstetric information, knowledge of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, and access to cervical cancer screening services. Analysis was done by using univariate and multivariate regression analyses in STATA software, version 14.2. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean age of women was 30.33±4.892 years in the case group and 31.35±6.149 years in the control group. There was a significant difference in the means of knowledge and access between the two groups.  Married women were 3 times more likely to perform cervical cancer screening than single women. Women with a diploma were 2 times and those with a university degree were 1.4 times more likely to perform cervical cancer screening than women with primary education. Both moderate and high economic status increased the odds of screening by 6 times. Non-smoking women were 1.1 times more likely to perform screening than smokers. Compared to women with low knowledge, women with moderate and high knowledge were 18 times and 13 times more likely to perform cervical cancer screening, respectively. In the group with moderate and high access to screening services, women were 4 and 8 times more likely to perform screening, respectively.

It is recommended to remove barriers to cervical cancer screening in women with poor socio-economic status and focus on primiparous women or women without a history of childbirth to increase cervical cancer screening.

Paying attention to the health issues in beauty salons is effective in improving community health and disease control. To collect information with minimal error, it is necessary to have a valid and reliable instrument. This study aims to develop and determine the validity and reliability of a tool for measuring preventive behaviors against blood-borne diseases based on the health belief model (HBM) in Iranian female hairdressers.

In this psychometrics study, participants were 40 female hairdressers in Rafsanjan, Iran, in 2019. After reviewing the related articles and questionnaires based on the HBM, the initial draft was designed. To determine content validity using a qualitative method, the questionnaire was given to 13 experts. To determine the content validity quantitatively, the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) were used. The reliability was determined using Cronbach’s α coefficient.

Ten experts completed and returned the questionnaire in full. The CVR was between 0.62 and 1 and the CVI of items were more than 0.79 , indicating an acceptable validity. The reliability using Cronbach’s α coefficient was more than 0.7 for all constructs.

The HBM-based questionnaire for measuring the preventive behaviors of female hairdressers against blood-borne diseases has acceptable validity and reliability and can be used by other researchers in Iran.

One of the most serious human threats is the emerging disease called COVID-19. Due to its rapid spread around the world, it was raised as a global concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). This study aims to assess the role of adherence to preventive measures (wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands) in reducing COVID-19 infection

In this case-control study, participants were 143 patients with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results (case group) and 143 patients with negative PCR test results (control group) referred to the Moein Health Center in Miandoab County, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Data were collected through an interview using a researcher-made questionnaire. STATA software, version 14 was used for data analysis.

In this study, the data of 298 people (143 controls and 155 cases) were examined. The odds of positive PCR test results in people who did not adhere to social distancing guidelines, wearing masks, and washing hands were 37.11, 9.042, and 14.50 compared to those who adhered to these preventive measures (P<0.001). 

According to the results, the effective method to control the COVID-19 pandemic is adherence to preventive measures (wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands) with public participation and cooperation of government organizations.

Health literacy is one of the most important indicators of health knowledge. This study aims to evaluate the relationship of health literacy with general health in Iranian patients with heart disease in Iran.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2022-2023 on 254 patients with heart disease hospitalized in the coronary care unit of Khatam Al-anbiya Hospital in Shoushtar County. The data collection tools included a demographic form, the health literacy instrument for adults (HELIA), and the general health questionnaire (GHQ-28). Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 20 and AMOS software, version 18 using independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation test, and structural equation modeling.

The mean age of the participants was 45.27±16.47 years. The health literacy of 101 patients (41%) was at a good and sufficient level, while 58 patients (23%) had low and insufficient literacy. The general health of 100 patients (39.37%) was at a moderate level, while 78 patients (30%) had low general health. With the increase in health literacy, the score of general health domains decreased (improved) (P<0.001). Older age and low educational level had a significant relationship with low health literacy (P<0.05).

The health literacy of the patients with heart diseases admitted to the study hospital is sufficient, and their general health is moderate. With the increase in health literacy, their general health can be improved. Understanding the relationship between health literacy and general health in cardiac patients can provide useful information to policymakers and health planners in Iran to promote the patient’s health literacy and general health.

Drug addiction has become one of the big problems in societies, and its prevention is one of the main plans of countries worldwide. This study aims to assess the mediating role of family cohesion in the relationship between attitude towards drug addiction and personal empowerment in Iranian college students.

This is a correlational study using structural equation modeling. The study population includes all undergraduate students of the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in the academic year 2022-2023, of whom 200 were selected using a convenience sampling method. The used tools were the social competence questionnaire of Felner et al. (1990), the attitude towards drugs questionnaire of Karimi (2013), and the family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale of Olson (1985). To analyze the collected data, SPSS software, version 23 and LISREL software, version 8.8 were used.

The positive attitude towards drug addiction had a negative and significant relationship with personal empowerment (r=-0.58, P<0.01) and family cohesion (r=-0.55, P<0.01). The negative attitude towards drug addiction had a positive and significant relationship with personal empowerment (r=0.56, P<0.01) and family cohesion (r=0.50, P<0.01). Personal empowerment of students had both direct and indirect effects (through family cohesion) on the attitude towards drug addiction.

To prevent addiction to drugs in young people, there is a need to create a negative attitude towards drugs in them by increasing their personal empowerment and family cohesion.

In line with of the sustainable development goals, Iran has aimed to reduce maternal mortality in deprived areas. Therefore, there is a need to identify the social determinants of health and lifestyle of pregnant women. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the health-promoting lifestyle and social determinants of health in pregnant women in Hormozgan Province, southern Iran.

This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 800 pregnant women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy referred to the urban and rural health centers in Hormozgan Province during 2010-2015, who were selected using cluster sampling and convenience sampling methods. Data were collected by a researcher-made form surveying demographic/socio-economic information and the health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP-II). The statistical analysis was done in SPSS software, version 21 using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis.

The overall HPLP-II score of pregnant women was 139.94±22.52 (71.39%), and the lowest score was related to those from the eastern part of the province (138.78±19.73). Regarding lifestyle dimensions, women had the highest score in spiritual health and the lowest score in physical activity and stress management. The regression model showed that having a normal body mass index (BMI) and receiving prenatal care were the strongest predictors of a health-promoting lifestyle in pregnant women. 

The health-promoting lifestyle of pregnant women in Hormozgan Province is lower than the average level. Considering the impact of social determinants of health on the lifestyle of these women, they need to increase their awareness about the importance of having a health-promoting lifestyle before pregnancy. The health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy and after delivery should be considered by public education through the media and by health system officials.