The impact of theory-based education on promoting urinary tract infection prevention behaviours among elderly diabetic women - experimental study.

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent infection among the elderly population, often culminating in more severe and life-threatening complications. The prevalence of diabetes among elderly individuals is markedly on the rise, with UTI emerging as the most prevalent infectious ailment in this diabetic cohort. This study aims to ascertain the influence of theory-based education on promoting UTI prevention behaviours among elderly diabetic women. Material and methods: In this experimental study, 100 elderly women with diabetes who sought care at comprehensive health service centres in Miandoab City between January and May 2022 were assessed. Multistage random sampling was employed, and an educational intervention was designed according to the health belief model (HBM) constructs. Data collected before and one month after the educational intervention were analysed with a validated and reliable researcher-designed questionnaire. Results: The participants had a mean age of 62.30 ±7.63 years. There was significant disparity between the experimental and control groups concerning the mean scores for knowledge, HBM constructs, and behaviour, with adjustments made for baseline differences. In essence, the intervention had significant affects, resulting in heightened levels of knowledge, improvements in HBM constructs, and more favourable behavioural changes. The effect size was moderate for perceived benefits and severity, while it was large for other variables (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The research findings validate the effectiveness of an intervention grounded in HBM for fostering UTI prevention behaviours among elderly diabetic women. Consequently, such an approach is recommended for enhancing the overall health of elderly diabetic women.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Geriatric Sleep Questionnaire (P-GSQ).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate the Geriatric Sleep Questionnaire (GSQ) for assessing subjective sleep quality among elderly individuals in Iran. METHODS: The GSQ underwent evaluation for face and content validity. Participants were selected via convenience sampling from five healthcare centers. Sociodemographic variables, including gender, number of children, recreational activities, budget deficits, and family conflicts were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to verify the results. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α, and test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: 200 older adults (mean age 66.8 years) completed the questionnaires. Face and content validity were confirmed by 30 experts (S-CVI/average = 0.96). The final model exhibited good fit indices (χ2/df = 2.89, CFI = 0.96). The scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.81) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.98). CONCLUSION: The Persian GSQ demonstrates high reliability and validity for assessing sleep quality in older adults, aiding research in this field.

An Exploration of Some Predictors of Quality of Life-Related to the Innate Immune System, Inflammation, and Disease Activity in Patients with Behcet's Syndrome: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease (BD) has a growing prevalence in Silk Road countries. The aim of our cross-sectional study was to explore the clinical and molecular predictors of quality of life in BD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty consecutive Iranian BD patients with an age range between 20-50 years were included. The Leeds Behçet's disease quality of life (BDQoL) in Persian form was fulfilled to evaluate the quality of life. Anthropometric measurements were carried out using the calibrated scales. Iranian Behcet's Disease Dynamic Activity Measure (IBDDAM), Behcet's disease current activity form (BDCAF), and Total Inflammatory Activity Index (TIAI) were used to assess BD activity. mRNA expression of toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) and tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in serum were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ELISA, respectively. Multiple linear backward regression at P = 0.1 was used to study the potential predictors of quality of life. RESULTS: TLR2 and BDCAF were shown to be the most important predictors of quality of life in BD patients by 22%. There were positive associations between them (ß = 0.326, p = 0.013 for BDCAF; ß = 0.366, p = 0.006 for TLR2) and BDQoL value. CONCLUSION: Higher TLR2 expression as a key protein in recognizing pathogens by innate immunity and BDCAF value as a comprehensive BD assessing scale contribute to poor quality of life among BD patients. Emphasizing therapeutically, approaches associated with lower TLR2 expression and BDCAF value can be considered in future studies.

Mediating Roles of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in the Relationship between Constipation and Sleep Quality among the Elderly: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

Introduction Sleep quality is an important health index in the elderly. As age increases, changes occur in sleep quality leading to sleep disorders and recurrent complaints. Sleep quality management of the elderly requires identification of its determinants. The present study aimed to determine the mediating roles of stress, anxiety, and depression in the relationship between constipation and sleep quality among the elderly using structural equation modeling (SEM). Materials and Methods A correlational design was used in the present study through structural equation modeling. In this work, 363 elderlies were examined by multi-stage random sampling. Data collection tools included four questionnaires, namely a demographic information questionnaire, the constipation questionnaire (ROME III), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-short form, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which were completed by interview and the self-report method. The SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0, and SPSS AMOS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) were used to analyze the data. Results The results indicated that the proposed model had an acceptable fit ( p < 0.000, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.062, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.83, goodness-of-fit index [GFI] = 0.87, and Χ 2 /df = 1.94). The fitted model could explain 60% of the sleep quality variance. According to the proposed model, constipation could significantly predict sleep quality due to the mediation of stress, anxiety, and depression ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The constructs of this model (constipation, stress, anxiety, and depression) can be used as a reference framework to design effective interventions and improve sleep quality in old people.

Factor affecting the activities of daily living among aging people during the COVID-19 pandemic - a structural equation modelling.

Introduction: The activities of daily living (ADLs) are a set of basic skills necessary for self-care. The inability of elderly people to perform ADLs leads to dependence, insecure conditions, and poor quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of the daily life of the elderly. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with ADLs among elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic using structural equation modelling/path analysis. Material and methods: It was a descriptive-analytical study which had conducted on 487 elderly people who were selected randomly to participate in the study. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, an activities of daily living questionnaire, a knee pain and personal performance questionnaire Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC), and the falls efficacy scale, which were completed by interview and self-report methods. SPSS-22 and AMOS software were used for data analysis. Results: Two structures of the fear of falling (FOF) and knee pain and personal performance questionnaire WOMAC had a significant role in explaining the ADL variance among the studied elderly people (p < 0.001, root mean square error of approximation = 0.063). These variables explained 64% of the ADL variance. Conclusions: The structures of this model (FOF and WOMAC) can be used as a reference framework to design effective interventions for improving ADLs among elderly people during the COVID-19 epidemic. It is also recommended that a multi-component program be provided, which includes exercise and psychological strategies for this population during the COVID-19 pandemic through online videos, distance health programs, etc.

Cognitive and balance performance of older adult women during COVID-19 pandemic quarantine: an ex post facto study.

Introduction: Isolation and self-quarantine can expose individuals, particularly older people, to cognitive and physical decline. Due to a reduction in their musculoskeletal and neural flexibility, older adults are more likely to be affected by quarantine limitations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of self-quarantine on cognitive and balance performance of older women during the COVID-19 outbreak. Material and methods: In a convenience sampling method, a total of 75 older adult women were recruited in this ex post facto study. The mini-mental state exam, single leg stance test, and timed up and go test were used to assess cognitive functions, static, and dynamic balance, respectively. Fall risk was measured by the Johns Hopkins assessment tool. Evaluations were performed before and after 7 months of quarantine due to the COVID-19 outbreak (November 2019 - June 2020), in which volunteers were at the lowest level of physical and social interaction. Results: No significant difference was observed in the mean static balance performance of the older adult women between the baseline and quarantine phases [p = 0.095, t (df) = -1.69]. The dynamic balance performance [p < 0.001, t (df) = 5.6] and cognitive status (p < 0.001, t = -7.4) decreased and the fall rate increased [p < 0.001, t (df) = 7.35] after 7 months of quarantine. Conclusions: It seems that self-quarantine can cause a decline in cognitive functions and dynamic balance performance of older women. It implies that the decrease in social interactions and physical activities caused by the limitations of self-quarantine put individuals at greater risk of cognitive impairment and increase their falling rate by impairing dynamic balance.

The effect of transcranial photobiomodulation on cognitive function and attentional performance of older women with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a progressive age-related condition caused by physiological and structural changes in the brain, such as neurodegeneration and hypometabolism. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a neuromodulation technique that improves brain metabolism and oxygenation by irradiating red to near-infrared light on a specific area of the head. This study aimed to investigate the effect of multi-session tPBM on the cognitive capacities and attentional function of older women with MCI. Material and methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 42 older women with MCI were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups: real and sham. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the attentional Go/No-Go task were used to examine the patients. On the right frontal-pole of the cortex, 5 sessions of 850 nm tPBM were given. Re-examinations were conducted on the participants. For the Go/No-Go task, the reaction time to the target (RTT), the percentage of correct trials (PCT), and the efficiency score (ES) were measured. Results: The findings revealed a significant interaction between group × time for MMSE (F (1, 40) = 20, p < 0.001, h2 = 0.33), and the post-hoc paired-samples t-tests revealed a substantial rise in the mean MMSE in the real group (t = 15.9; p = 0.001; d = 9.3). Additionally, for ES (F (1, 40) = 19, p < 0.001, h2 = 0.32), RTT (F (1, 40) = 17, p < 0.001, h2 = 0.38), and PCT (F (1, 40) = 13, p < 0.001, h2 = 0.31), a significant group × time interaction was discovered, and post-hoc paired-samples t-tests revealed a significant improvement in attention performance of the real group for increases in the mean of ES (F (1,40) = 20, p < 0.001, h2 = 0.33), (t = 5.3, p < 0.001, d = 0.034), decreases in the mean of RTT (t = 4.8; p = 0.001; d = -37.4), and increases in the mean of PCT (t = 2.67; p = 0.015; d = 6.3). Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, tPBM had a positive effect on older people's attention and cognitive abilities.

Regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by zinc supplementation in Behçet's disease patients: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Overproduction of NLRP3 inflammasome complex is one of the causes of Behcet's disease's (BD) auto-inflammatory nature. The aim of current study was to examine the effect of zinc supplementation on NLRP3 inflammasome expression; as well as clinical manifestations of BD. METHODS: In this double-blind parallel placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 50 BD patients were randomly allocated into either zinc gluconate (30 mg/day elemental zinc) or placebo groups for 12 weeks. The mRNA expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1 in the leukocytes, serum level of zinc and IL-1ß, anthropometric measures, and clinical manifestations of patients were collected at pre- and post-intervention phase. The Iranian Behçet's disease dynamic activity measure (IBDDAM) was scored to measure the treatment effect using the calculation of number needed to treat (NNT). Analysis of covariance was performed to obtain the corresponding effect sizes. RESULTS: Zinc gluconate led to a significant improvement in genital ulcer (P = 0.019). Zinc supplementation decreased NLRP3 and caspase-1 genes expression compared with placebo group (baseline-adjusted P-value = 0.046 for NLRP3 and P-value = 0.003 for caspase-1), even after adjustment for the effect of confounding factors (baseline- and confounders-adjusted P-value = 0.032 for NLRP3 and P-value = 0.004 for caspase-1). Baseline and confounders adjusted effect size demonstrated that zinc was effective in reducing the serum level of IL-1ß (P = 0.046). The NNT [95 %CI] for the rate of IBDDAM improvement was 3 [1.7-8.5]. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc gluconate supplementation (30 mg/day) for a 3-month period can be considered as an adjuvant therapy in alleviating inflammation and genital ulcer among BD patients.

Profiling inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers following taurine supplementation: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of controlled trials.

Taurine (Tau) has modulatory effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers; however, the results of clinical studies are not comprehensive enough to determine the effect of different durations and doses of Tau supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. The current study was conducted based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. For this purpose, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases were systematically searched to obtain the relevant studies published before 30th March 2021. Meta-analysis was performed on controlled clinical trials by using the random-effects method. Non-linear relationship between variables and effect size was performed using dose-response and time-response analyses. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Tau supplementation can reduce the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD = -1.17 µmol/l; 95% CI: -2.08, - 0.26; P = 0.012) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD = -1.95 mg/l; 95% CI: -3.20, - 0.71; P = 0.002). There have been no significant effects of Tau supplementation on the levels of tumor necrosis factors-alpha (TNF-α) (SMD = -0.18 pg/ml; 95% CI: -0.56, 0.21; P = 0.368), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD = -0.49 pg/ml; 95% CI: -1.13, 0.16; P = 0.141). Besides, Tau has more alleviating effect on oxidative stress and inflammation on 56 days after supplementation (P < 0.05). Tau can decrease the levels of CRP and MDA. Based on the currently available evidence, Tau has no significant effect on the level of TNF-α and IL-6. Eight-week of Tau supplementation has more beneficial effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Evaluation of a Persian version of the Adelaide driving self-efficacy scale among Iranian older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim in the present study was to estimate the psychometric properties of the full-length Adelaide driving self-efficacy scale (ADSES) for use among community-based resident older adults in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: We recruited older adults (60+ years) from various sampling units nested in the Tehran district's general urban population (20 subjects/questionnaire-item). The questionnaire was translated and back-translated by using recommended pathways. Multiple forms of validity and reliability, including Cronbach alpha, were estimated. Also, we measured intra-class correlation coefficient, and did confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). RESULTS: A total of 243 participants (mean age: 65.8, 95%CI 65.4-66.3) met our inclusion criteria. For ADSES, the alpha coefficient was 0.77, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.98), and the average item-test correlation was 0.67. Upon CFA, we found a 0.95 comparative fit index, a coefficient of determination = 92.6%, and standardized size of the residual = 0.04. CONCLUSION: Our Persian language ADSES was found to have adequate validity and factor structure parameters for evaluating driving self-efficacy among community-based older adults in a non-western context. Our questionnaire is an essential first step toward evaluating driving self-efficacy among older adults, especially where no such tool is available, to help develop driving self-efficacy as a healthy aging measure.

The effects of Cuminum cyminum on glycemic parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cuminum Cyminum (CC) is a traditional herbal medicine using as an antiseptic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Recently hypoglycemic characteristics of CC have been indicated. AIM OF THE STUDY: We intended to conduct a meta-analysis on the effect of CC supplementation on glycemic parameters in patients with different chronic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched until May 2021. Random effect model was conducted to perform the meta-analysis. Source of heterogeneity was explored using the meta-regression and subgroup analyses. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the quality of studies. The GRADE approach was used to assess the quality of evidence. RESULTS: Findings of eight studies showed that CC supplementation reduced FBS (SMD = -1.4 mg/dl; 95 % CI: -2.29, -0.51; P = 0.002), HbA1c (SMD = -1.71 %; 95 % CI: -3.24, -0.18; P = 0.028), and HOMA-ß (SMD = 0.46; 95 % CI: -0.62, 1.55; P = 0.404) significantly. Also, CC increased QUICKI level (SMD = 0.89; 95 % CI: 0.37, 1.4; P = 0.001. However, no significant effect of CC was observed on insulin (SMD = -0.70 µIU/dl; 95 % CI: -1.84, 0.45; P = 0.234) and HOMA-IR (SMD = 0.46; 95 % CI: -0.62, 1.55; P = 0.404). CONCLUSION: CC had an improving effect on FBS, HbA1C, HOMA-B, and QUICKI. The effect of CC on amending HOMA-IR was significant after sensitivity analysis. However, the insulin level was not changed significantly.

A comprehensive insight into the potential effects of resveratrol supplementation on SIRT-1: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) involved in histone stability, transcriptional activity, and translocation. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of Resveratrol on Sirt1 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic databases including Scopus, Medline and web of knowledge were searched up to March 2020. RESULTS: Out of 801 studies identified in our search finally 12 articles included. Totally six studies evaluated the effects of resveratrol on SIRT1 gene expression, and six articles investigate protein expression. CONCLUSION: The results of the included studies showed that resveratrol supplementation had beneficial effects on protein and gene expression of SIRT1.

Multiple factors associated with life satisfaction in older adults.

INTRODUCTION: The population of older adults is increasing as science progresses and health conditions improve. Social, psychological and behavioral factors will influence life satisfaction in older adults. We aimed to assess multiple factors associated with life satisfaction in older adults in Qom city, Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was a descriptive-analytical study which has conducted on 679 older adults through convenience sampling from Qom city, Iran during 2018. The data were collected using demographic characteristics, life satisfaction, well-being, cognitive status, social support, and daily activities of life questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 software and independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean older adult's age was 70.43 ± 7.62 years. The mean life satisfaction score was 13.77 ± 3.73. The results showed a significant relationship of job and education with life satisfaction (p < 0.001). The results also showed that social support (p = 0.001) and daily activities (p = 0.017) significantly predict the level of life satisfaction, and the dimensions of health (p = 0.001) and cognitive status (p = 0.007) have a larger share in predicting the satisfaction of older adults' life. CONCLUSIONS: We found that some parts of life changes in older adults can be predicted with the help of social support, health status, cognitive status, and everyday life activities. Therefore, in order to increase the level of life satisfaction of older adults, it is suggested that promotion of social support, health status, and cognitive status be provided.

Relationship between Life Satisfaction and Sleep Quality and Its Dimensions among Older Adults in City of Qom, Iran.

Background and Objective: Assessment of sleep quality is necessary in the older adults' management program so that good sleep quality will lead to a successful older adult's life. The present study aims to determine the relationship between life satisfaction and quality of sleep and its dimensions among the older adults' population residing in Qom city, Iran.Method: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study conducted in 2018. The population of the study consisted of older adults resident Qom, of whom 679 were selected by simple sampling. The data were collected using demographic characteristics, Life Satisfaction Inventory-Z(LSI-Z) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed with statistical package SPSS (version 22) using independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD)of the older adults was 70.43 ± 7.62 years. Mean of life satisfaction score and sleep quality were 13.00 ± 3.00 and 10.00 ± 3.00, respectively. There was a significant relationship between life satisfaction and sleep quality (P < .001). Moreover, life satisfaction was associated with the use of hypnotic drugs, mental sleep quality, daily functional disorders, and sleep disorders (P < .001). There was a significant relationship between sleep duration (P = .003) and delay to fall asleep (P = .048) with life satisfaction. However, there was no significant relationship between life satisfaction and sleep efficiency (P = .226).Conclusion: Our findings showed that sleep quality was not desirable in older adults. On the other hand, sleep quality and its dimensions were related to the satisfaction of life among the older adults. It is necessary to utilize solutions to improve the sleep quality in the older adults' community.