The effect of education of self-care behaviors on the quality of life and resilience of multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common causes of non-traumatic disability in young adults. Typically, doctors diagnose MS between the ages of 20 and 50. This study aims to determine the effect of educational intervention on self-care behaviors on MS patients' quality of life and resilience in Shiraz, Iran. METHODS: This interventional study included 90 individuals, aged 15 to 50, who were members of the support association for MS patients in Shiraz city, Iran. The study employed a convenient sampling method. Patients were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups, and the self-care educational program was conducted during six educational sessions. The quality of life and resilience of the patients were measured before and after the study. Information was collected by completing the questionnaires before and three months after the intervention. To analyze the data, SPSS 23 was used. To describe the data, frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation indicators were used, and for analysis, independent t-tests and paired t-tests were used. RESULTS: This study examined a total of 90 MS patients. 50.4% of the people in the study were married, 40% of them had a high school diploma, and 78.5% were unemployed. The results of the t-test showed that there was a significant difference between all the components of self-care, quality of life, and resilience before and after the intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: By accepting the responsibility of self-care, patients would improve the inadequacies and disabilities resulting from the disease, use the power of self-care to solve problems, and improve their quality of life and resilience.

The effect of a self-learned virtual learning package on knowledge, attitude, and self-care behaviors of COVID-19 in people referred to health and treatment centers.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is one of the most common diseases in recent years, the most important way to prevent is through self-care behaviors; therefore, it is important to these behaviors in people. According to the importance of promoting self-care behaviors of this disease, and according to the characteristics and effectiveness of interventions based on behavior change, this study aimed to investigate the effect of educational intervention on self-care behaviors of COVID-19 in a group of patients. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 164 people who referred to health and treatment centers in Dehdasht City, Iran. The cluster sampling method divided the participants into experimental and control groups at random (82 people for each group). Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire completed by the control and experimental groups before and three months after the intervention. The intervention program in this training group is to form a WhatsApp group and send messages in the form of audio files, text messages, text messages with photos, video messages, and PowerPoints. After creating the group and adding the participants, according to the agreement with the group members, every day of the week (8:00 am to 12:00 pm) to send educational files through the WhatsApp application. Also, the group members could ask their questions and problems to the researcher during the designated hours. The control group was also given routine care and follow-up at the centers, and no training was given regarding self-care behaviors. After entering the SPSS 24, data were analyzed by independent t, chi-square, and paired t statistical tests. RESULTS: 164 individuals working in healthcare services from health and treatment centers were included in this study. Before the intervention, demographic characteristics such as marital status, education level, medical history, and smoking history were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05), as indicated by the results of chi-square tests. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and self-care behaviors between the experimental and control groups prior to the intervention (P > 0.05), according to independent t-tests. Following the intervention, notable changes were observed. The post-intervention analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of knowledge, attitude, and self-care behaviors (P = 0.001). Specifically, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in these variables compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: In this study, education led to the improvement of self-care behaviors in people who referred to health centers. Considering the importance of the role of health education in promoting self-care behaviors as well as preventing infectious diseases such as COVID-19, it is suggested that educational interventions focus on self-care behaviors in other diseases.

The effect of educational intervention based on health belief model on colorectal cancer screening behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent cause of death from malignancies globally. The present study was conducted targeting the influence of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on colorectal cancer screening behaviors in people 50 years old and older. METHODS: All 134 samples were included in this quasi-experimental study from Fasa City Health Service Center, equal halves were random into experimental group and control group. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that contained questions on demographic variables, knowledge, and HBM constructs (perceived sensitivity, perceived intensity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and screening behaviors). Both groups answered the questionnaire before and two months following the intervention. There were six 90-minute instruction sessions for the intervention group. SPSS 22 and descriptive and analytical tests (independent t-test, paired t-test, and Chi-square test) were used for data analysis (P < 0.05). RESULTS: 59 women and 75 men took part in this study. A majority of participants were married and had at least high school diploma. The findings indicated that the mean scores for knowledge, each of the HBM's constructs, and cancer screening behaviors did not differ significantly from one another before the intervention between the test group and the control group. However, post the intervention, the intervention group exhibited a significant rise in all mentioned dimensions. CONCLUSION: In light of the outcomes, the application of the HBM on colorectal cancer screening behaviors in people 50 years and older was successful. This approach might serve as a helpful foundation for planning, carrying out, and overseeing colorectal cancer screening programs.

Effect of Sexual Knowledge, Attitude and Quality of Life on Marital Satisfaction of Aged Couples in South Iran: APIM-SEM Analysis.

Marital satisfaction is important for health and well-being among aged couples. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between knowledge, sexual attitude, and quality of life with marital satisfaction of aged couples of over 60 years in southern Iran. This APIM analytical study was performed on 510 aged couples in southern Iran in 2020. Proportionate stratified sampling was randomly performed in three stages relative to the aging population in main cities in the south Iran. Data collection tools included demographic information (age, education, occupation, living alone, type of disability, etc.), sexual knowledge and attitude scale (SKAS-10), quality of life scale (SF-12), and marital satisfaction questionnaire. Mean score of marital satisfaction, sexual attitude, sexual knowledge, and QoL (SF-12) was 49.71 (SD = 14.8), 27.5 (SD = 7.3), 24.7 (SD = 8.5), and 31.49 (SD = 3.2), respectively. The present study showed that sexual knowledge and attitude, quality of life, are among the estimators of marital satisfaction in aged couples.

Faculty development strategies to empower university teachers by their educational role: A qualitative study on the faculty members and students' experiences at Iranian universities of medical sciences.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify and explain the strategies of faculty development based on their role at Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative content analysis study in 2021 using purposive, snowball sampling, with a maximum variation in the faculty members' age and experience level. Twenty four participants were enrolled in this study (eighteen faculty members and six medical sciences students); data collection consisted of two phases of semi-structured interviews and a brainstorming group technique. Data were categorized into two themes and six related subthemes, based on their similarities and differences after frequent summarization. RESULTS: The data analysis yielded two themes and eight categories. The first theme was to explain competencies based on role and task with two sub-themes: Tasks and capabilities and development and excellence of personal qualities. The second theme was the best strategies for empowering the teachers with four sub-themes, including problem-based learning, integration of methods, evaluation-based education, and scholarship in education (PIES), which explains the strategies that can support the development of teachers in medical sciences universities, and all the concepts were interrelated to each other. CONCLUSION: From the experiences of faculty members, the importance of some strategies in education and empowering the teachers' professional competence dimensions should be emphasized. PIES could explain the practical strategies that can support the development of teachers in medical sciences universities.

The effect of Orem-based self-care education on improving self-care ability of patients undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a frightening disease. Therefore, the care of cancer patients is very complex. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the education based on Orem's self-care model on self-care abilities of the patients undergoing chemotherapy in Shafa Hospital in Ahvaz city, Iran. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was carried out in 2018 on 100 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, who referred to Shafa Hospital in Ahvaz city, Iran. The sampling method was simple and the subjects were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (50 in the experimental and 50 in the control group). The study outcome was the self-care ability of the patients measured before and 2 months after the intervention by the control and experimental groups. The educational intervention consisted of five 60-minute sessions (one session per week) held as educational and counseling ones through group, face-to-face and individual training based on the identified needs of the patients in the experimental group at Shafa Hospital Chemotherapy Department. To collect data, two questionnaires [the assess and identify the conceptual pattern of Orem questionnaire and the Self-care capacity assessment (ESCI)]were used. Statistical data were entered into SPSS software version 20 and analyzed by chi-square, independent t-test and paired t-test. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of age was 35.06 ± 14.51 in the control group and 31.72 ± 15.01 in the experimental group. The results of the independent t-test showed that before the educational intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean self-care (P = 0.38). But after the intervention, a significant difference was found between the mean self-care scores of the experimental and control groups (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Application of Orem's self-care model led to increased self-care ability of the cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, it is recommended that this model be included in the routine programs of chemotherapy departments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT registration number: IRCT20160418027449N6. Registration date: 01/05/2019.

The effect of educational intervention based on theory of planned behavior on behavioral responses of premenopausal women in prevention of osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent bone diseases which is preventable. Implementing educational programs is an important step in prevention of chronic diseases in the community setting. One of the theories used for predicting behavior and performing educational intervention is theory of planned behavior (TPB) which predicts the intention of an individual toward doing a specific behavior. This study was conducted to assess the effect of educational intervention based on TPB on behavioral responses of premenopausal women in prevention from osteoporosis in Fasa city, Iran. METHODS: This study is a quasi-experimental study performed on 200 women aging from 35 and 55 years who referred to health centers in Fasa city; iran in 2019. Simple random sampling was applied to assign participants to control and intervention groups (100 participant for each group). Data were gathered by a "valid" and "reliable" questionnaire arranged based on the constructs of TPB, nutrition performance and physical activity. An educational program on osteoporosis prevention was conducted. educational intervention was performed in six sessions through group discussions and educational films and booklet for experimental group and then the changes in the scores of the two groups were evaluated and compared. Obtained data were analyzed by SPSS-22 software through Chi-square, independent t-test, paired t-test and ANOVA tests. RESULTS: The mean ages of studied participants in experimental and control groups were respectively 43.39 [Formula: see text] 5.20 and 42.94 [Formula: see text] 5.52. In experimental group, the average scores of knowledge [2 weeks (31.12 [Formula: see text] 4.20) and 2 months (39.04 [Formula: see text] 4.10) after educational intervention (p < 0.001)], constructs of theory of planned behavior [attitude construct: 2 weeks (89.32 [Formula: see text] 9.22) and 2 months (98.57 [Formula: see text] 9.13) after educational intervention (p < 0.001), Subjective norms construct: 2 weeks(88.39 [Formula: see text] 8.84) and 2 months (122.57 [Formula: see text] 8.58) after educational intervention (p < 0.001), Perceived behavioral control construct: 2 weeks (88.56 [Formula: see text] 8.38) and 2 months (120.15 [Formula: see text] 8.33) after educational intervention (p < 0.001), Behavioral intention construct: 2 weeks (54.44 ± 4.72) and 2 months (60.26 [Formula: see text] 4.12) after educational intervention (p < 0.001)], nutrition performance [2 weeks (19.88 ± 2.56) and 2 months (24.14 [Formula: see text] 2.36) after educational intervention (p < 0.001)] and physical activity [2 weeks (16.75 [Formula: see text] 1.42) and 2 months (18.94 [Formula: see text] 1.68) after educational intervention (p < 0.001)] had more significant enhancement than control group 2 weeks and 2 months after educational intervention. DISCUSSION: TPB was effected in nutrition performance and physical activity in osteoporosis prevention of subjects. This theory can be used as a framework for designing and performing educational intervention for preventing osteoporosis and promoting women's health.

The effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on improving physical and nutrition status of obese and overweight women.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the high rate of obesity and overweight among women, develop a comprehensive and effective program it seems necessary to improve their nutritional behaviors and physical activity. This study aims to survey the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on improving physical and nutritional activities of obese and overweight women. METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 400 obese and overweight women over the age of 20. The sampling method was A simple random sampling. The data collection was valid and reliable self-reports measure, questionnaires. This tools was including demographic information, questionnaire based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior, physical activity performance questionnaire and nutritional performance questionnaire that individuals completed before and 6 months after the educational intervention. The training intervention for the experimental group consisted of 12 sessions of 50-55 min. Data analyzed by SPSS22 and by using chi-square test, independent t-test and paired t-test. RESULTS: Findings showed that before the educational intervention, was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of education, household monthly income, occupation, mean age, marital status, awareness, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, physical activity and nutritional behavioral intentions, and physical activity and nutritional performance, weight and BMI. However, six months after the training intervention, there was a significant increase in each of the TPB contracts, weight and BMI in the experimental group, while no significant difference was observed in the control group. The meaningful level was considered 0.05. CONCLUSION: Our findings partially support of applying theory of planned behavior in reducing the weight, BMI and improved nutritional performance and physical activity of the study subjects. TPB could be an important strategy for effective future educational interventions.

Physical activity behavior during Covid 19 pandemic among Iranian dwellers in Southern Iran based on planned behavior theory: a SEM analysis.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions curtailed physical activity. The current study applied an integrated Theory of Planned Behavior to identify the determinants of physical activity behavior and the processes involved in the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz city, Southern Iran, among 2500 people who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data were collected using the demographic information questions and questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs. The Questionnaire via WhatsApp, emails, and SMS was shared. Data analysis was performed using SPSS26 and Amos version 24. Mean and standard deviation was used to describe the data. Also, one-way ANOVA and structural equation analysis were used to analyze the data. The significance level in all the tests was considered to be 0.05. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred sixty-nine samples (46.8%) said they had been exercising less than 3 days a week, and 47.6% of them did not have any exercise or physical activities (n = 1191). The mean score of attitudes, SN, PBC, and intention were 9.38 ± 2.07, 9.27 ± 2.03, 9.32 ± 2.05, and 12.29 ± 2.35, respectively. The effect size values demonstrate the independent variables' high coefficient of influence on explaining the theoretical model. According to the results, the factors play an important role in samples' intention (η2 ≥ 0.2, p ≤ 0.05). The effect size of intention on doing physical activities and exercise during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is Eta square = 0.777, which means the measure was high. The obtained model was good based on the main goodness of fit indices (Chi2 = 108.6, df = 25, n = 2500, Chi2/df = 4.344, RMSEA = 0.036, AGFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.95, GFI = 0.90, Fornell-Larcker criterion = 0.87, HTMT = 0.89). CONCLUSION: The TPB provides a useful framework to explore psychosocial determinants of physical activity behavior during the pandemic and identify key strategies for program planning aimed at improving exercise among people who were already influenced by quarantine and lockdown restrictions.

Exploring the Knowledge and Attitude of the Taxi Drivers in the Field of Traffic Rules and Regulations.

Background: In all countries, the knowledge of driving guidelines is the most important and critical mechanism to ensure the safety of drivers. Naturally, it is expected that more knowledge and attitude towards driving laws would result in fewer driving violations. The aim of this research is to investigate both the knowledge and attitude of taxi drivers in the field of traffic rules and regulations in Shiraz city, Fars province, in 2019. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study, based on which about 1077 taxi drivers were randomly chosen in Shiraz city, Iran. The data collection tool is a demographic information questionnaire and a questionnaire on driving guidance. After collecting these questionnaires, the obtained data were entered into SPSS version 20 and then analyzed by descriptive analyses (mean, standard deviation, and percentage). Afterward, the independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient are implemented and investigated. Results: The mean and standard deviation of knowledge score in drivers were about 26.8 ± 55.2 while the mean and standard deviation of drivers' attitude were about 98.16 ± 59.3. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the variables studied (R = -0.07; P=0.02) and drivers' attitudes toward driving (P=0.01). Conclusion: The results of this research show that the mean scores of knowledge and attitude of taxi drivers in Shiraz city are moderate in terms of driving rules and regulations; moreover, among taxi drivers of increasing age, the average score of knowledge was lower.

The effect of educational intervention based on health belief model and social support on testicular self-examination in sample of Iranian men.

BACKGROUND: Testicular Self-Examination (TSE) causes earlier diagnosis of Testicular cancer (TC). Hence, all men aged between15 to 35 years should perform TSE every month. This study aims to survey the effect of educational intervention based on health belief model and social support on testicular self-examination in men aged between 15 to 35 years of Fasa City, Fars province, Iran. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 200 men (100 in the experimental group and 100 in the control group) in Fasa City, Fars, Iran, were conducted from June 2018 to August 2019. The educational intervention for the experimental group consisted of six training sessions (testicular cancer, its prevalence and types, its risk factors, symptoms, infected areas, diagnosis, side-effects and its severity, understanding about testicular self-examination and its importance, benefits, and barriers of self-examination and correct way of doing TSE were discussed, role of social support). A questionnaire consisting of demographic information, knowledge, HBM construct, and social support was used to measure testicular self-examination before, 3 months after the intervention, and 6 months later. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 via chi-squared, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney, and repeated measures ANOVA at a significance level of 0.5. RESULTS: The mean age of the men was 27.26 ± 3.16 years in the experimental group and 27.39 ± 3.12 years in the control group. Three months after the intervention and 6 months after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, cues to action, social support, and testicular self-examination performance compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study showed the effectiveness of the intervention based on the HBM constructs and social support in the adoption of testicular self-examination in 3 and 6 months post-intervention in men aged between 15 to 35 years. Hence, these models can act as a framework for designing and implementing educational interventions for testicular self-examination.

Factors associated with suicidal ideation in drug addicts based on the theory of planned behavior.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have attempted to understand the link among drug addicts and suicidal ideation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with suicidal ideation in drug addicts based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 2160 of drug addicts in private and public clinics for quitting addiction through methadone treatment in Shiraz city, Fars province, Iran from October 2018 to June 2019. Data gathering tools were a questionnaire on demographic characteristics, the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation and a questionnaire based on constructs of TPB. Data were analysed by SPSS 22 using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and frequency) and statistical tests (independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression). The significance level was considered 0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 39.24 ± 11.92; 80.28% of them had a history of quit and 43.19% of them had a history of arrest and imprisonment. According to the results, 19.63% of the participants had suicidal ideation and 10.97% had a history of suicide attempt during their lifetime. The constructs of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intent predicted suicidal ideation in the subjects. Intent and perceived behavioral control constructs were the strongest predictors of suicidal ideation, respectively. In general, the studied variables predicted 54.8% of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: The structures of attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control and intent predicted suicidal ideation in the drug addicts, so the theory of planned behavior will be a good framework for educational interventions to reduce suicide in them.

The effect of nutrition education based on PRECEDE model on iron deficiency anemia among female students.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia disrupts the concentration of adolescent girls; reduces their academic achievement, productivity, and physical strength, and increases the risk of infection. This research aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the PRECEDE model nutrition education on iron deficiency anemia among female students of Fasa City, Fars Province, Iran. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was done on 160 students (80 experimental and 80 control groups) who were selected using a random sampling method in Fasa City, Fars Province, Iran, in 2018-2019. The educational intervention included six sessions based PRECEDE model for 45 or 50 min. A scale of this study consisted of two parts; demographic information, and PRECEDE constructs were used to determine the nutritional behaviors status concluding preventing iron deficiency anemia and hemoglobin, hematocrit, and ferritin blood level in two (before and 4 months after intervention) times. RESULTS: In the experimental group of the students the mean age was 13.85 + 1.72 years and in the controlled group was 13.60 + 1.81 years. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the PRECEDE constructs, and nutritional behaviors preventing iron deficiency anemia before the intervention in two groups of study. However, the experimental group showed a significant increase 4 months after the intervention. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean score of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and ferritin blood level between the two groups before the intervention. However, in ferritin level, a significant increase was shown in 4 months after the intervention in the experiential group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on results, the nutrition intervention education base on PRECEDE model has a positive effect to improve iron deficiency anemia preventive behaviors in female students.

Effect of educational intervention on improvement of physical activities of middle-aged women.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity has important health benefits for women. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of theory-based educational interventions on the improvement of physical activities of middle-aged women. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted on 160 middle-aged women referred to Ahwaz health centers Iran in 2017 who were selected through the cluster sampling method. They were randomly divided into two groups: intervention (n = 80) and control (n = 80). The educational intervention for the experimental group consisted of 4 consultation and 4 follow-up sessions. The study outcomes included physical activity change, self-efficacy, decision-making balance, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, which were measured before the intervention and 2 months after that. The data were analyzed using the SPSS19 software as well as the Chi-square, independent t-test and paired t-test. RESULTS: After the intervention, the mean scores of preparedness for change, decision-making balance, perceived self-efficacy, pre-thinking, thinking, preparation, practice and maintenance were significantly different in both the experimental and control groups (P value < 0.05). The t-test showed that after the educational intervention, the mean score of physical activity was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (726.3 ± 201.6 and 339.8 ± 90.2, respectively) (P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that the theory-based educational intervention was effective on the improvement of the middle-aged women's physical activities. Therefore, it is suggested that a theory-based educational program be designed and implemented in order to increase the physical activities of this group.

Effect of educational program based on theory of planned behavior on promoting nutritional behaviors preventing Anemia in a sample of Iranian pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common problems during pregnancy. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of educational program based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on promoting nutritional behaviors preventing anemia in a pregnant woman in Shiraz city, Iran. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was done on 150 pregnant women (75 experimental and 75 control groups) who were selected using randomly sampling method in in Shiraz city, Iran, in 2020-2021. The educational intervention for the experimental group included six educational sessions for 50 or 55 min-based TPB model. A questionnaire consisted of items about demographic information, TPB constructs (attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms and behavioral intention) was used to measure the nutritional behaviours preventing iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy women before and 3 months after the intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that before the educational intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, behavioral intention and nutritional performance; however, three months after the educational intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in each of the mentioned variables. For example the mean and standard deviation score of behavioral intention after intervention in the experimental group was significantly increased (25.57 ± 1.66, P = 0.001),and the mean and standard deviation score of performance after intervention in the experimental group was significantly increased (31.03 ± 2.19, P = 0.001), (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After the educational intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in of the knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, behavioral intention and nutritional performance. Therefore the results of the study showed positive effect of nutrition educational intervention program base on TPB model on improvement of iron deficiency anemia preventive behaviours in the pregnancy women.

The Effect of Educational Intervention Based on Health Belief Model and Social Support on Promoting Skin Cancer Preventive Behaviors in a Sample of Iranian Farmers.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Iran. Farmers are exposed to the sun's ultraviolet radiation due to their job and are susceptible to skin cancer. The aim of this study is to survey the effect of educational intervention based on health belief model and social support on promoting skin cancer preventive behaviors in farmers of Fasa City, Fars province, Iran. In this quasi-experimental study, 200 farmers (100 in experimental group and 100 in control group) in Fasa City, Fars, Iran, were selected in 2017. The educational intervention for the experimental group consisted of eight training sessions (introduction to skin cancer, risk factors, complications, benefits and barriers to proper use of sunscreen, UV sunglasses and physical protection, self-efficacy in applying preventive behaviors, role of social support). A questionnaire consisting of demographic information, knowledge, HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy and cues to action), and social support was used to measure skin cancer preventive behaviors before, 3 months after the intervention, and 6 months later. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 via chi-squared, independent samples t test, Mann-Whitney, and repeated measures ANOVA at a significance level of 0.5. The mean age of the farmers was 42.21 ± 10.52 years in the experimental group and 44.28 ± 10.16 years in the control group. Three months after the intervention and 6 months after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in the knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, cues to action, social support, and skin cancer preventive behaviors compared to the control group. This study showed the effectiveness of the intervention based on the HBM constructs and social support in adoption of skin cancer preventive behaviors in 3 and 6 months post intervention in farmers. Hence, these models can act as a framework for designing and implementing educational interventions for the prevention of skin cancer.

The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Job Stress among Nurses in Shiraz, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Nursing is a stressful occupation, and nurses face multiple stressors daily. Emotional intelligence causes an individual to overcome environmental stresses. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and job stress among nurses in Shiraz. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 nurses, selected through multistage cluster sampling, from the hospitals in Shiraz in 2017. The data collection tools were the Siberia Schering's Emotional Intelligence Standard Questionnaire and the Hospital Job Stress Standard Questionnaire, completed through the self-report method. The data were analysed using SPSS 22 software. RESULTS: The mean scores of emotional intelligence and job stress were 113.59 ± 14.70 (total score = 165) and 97.10 ± 14.27 (total score = 175), respectively. The correlation test showed that there was an inverse relationship between emotional intelligence and job stress (r = -0.474, P < 0.001). Also, the multiple linear regression analysis showed that self-awareness, social consciousness, and income predicted 25% of the job stress in the subjects under study (r 2 = 0.25). CONCLUSION: Regarding the relatively strong and inverse relationship between the nurses' emotional intelligence and job stress, it is suggested that emotional intelligence workshops be included in the in-service training programs of the nurses.

Study of the pattern of mortality caused by Traffic Accidents (TAs) in The South of Iran.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pattern of mortality caused by road traffic accidents and its associated factors. METHODS: The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Fars province of Iran and comprised data of all people having died in road traffic accidents from March 21, 2011, to March 19, 2012. Using census method, all files related to deaths in road accidents were reviewed at the Legal Medicine Centre. Data was analysed using SPSS20. RESULTS: Of the 1668 people dead, 1291(77.4%) were male and 377(22.6 %) were female. The highest rate related to the age group 21-30 with 454(27%) killed. As for education level, the highest rate of mortality was 410(24.5%) for illiterate people and the least was 9(0.5%) for those having Masters degree or higher. In terms of time of year, the highest rate of mortality was 167(10%) between August 23and September 22, while the least was 82(5%) between July 23and August22. Head trauma was reported as the most important cause of death in 1191(71.4%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some minor differences, all provinces in Iran have the same patterns of death related to road traffic accidents.

Investigating the effect of education based on PRECEDE-PROCEED model on the preventive behaviors of musculoskeletal disorders in a group of nurses.

Background: One of the most important occupational complications that could occur in nurses is musculoskeletal disorders. In this study, we designed an educational intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to investigate its effects on a group of nurses on preventive behaviors of musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A total of 120 nurses working in Izeh City, Iran, participated in this semi-experimental study. The sampling was performed through a convenient sampling method, and the participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (60 participants for each group). Both groups filled out a questionnaire based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model before and 2 months after the educational program as part of the data collection process. The data were examined using a paired t-test, an independent t-test, and a chi-square test after being entered into SPSS version 24. Results: According to the findings, prior to the intervention, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of their knowledge (p = 0.221), attitude (p = 0.136), enabling factors (p = 0.325), reinforcing factors (p = 0.548), self-efficacy (0.421), and behavior (0.257) levels. However, following the intervention, a substantial rise was witnessed in the experimental group in each of the mentioned variables (p = 0.001). Conclusion: In the current study, education based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model led to the improvement of knowledge, attitude, enabling and reinforcing factors, self-efficacy, and finally preventive behaviors with musculoskeletal disorders in the participants. Considering the importance of the role of health education in promoting behaviors related to musculoskeletal disorders in nurses and the importance of observing related behaviors in preventing long-term complications, the necessity of education in a wider dimension and with different tools is felt more and more in society. Therefore, longer interventions with this aim could be carried out on nurses and other healthcare personnel.

The effect of educational intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model on self-care behaviors and quality of life of hypertensive patients.

Background: To prevent the harmful consequences of hypertension and enhance the quality of life of hypertensive patients, the use of educational models is highly suggested. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the effect of education based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED on self-care behaviors and the quality of life of hypertensive patients in Kazeroon city, Iran, in 2023. Methods: A total of 120 hypertensive individuals who were referred to Kazeroon city health centers participated in the current quasi-experimental study. The participants were divided into two experimental and control groups using a random sampling technique (60 participants in each group). The self-care behaviors questionnaire, the quality of life questionnaire, and a questionnaire based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model were used as the data acquisition techniques. Both groups completed the questionnaires before and 2 months after the intervention. The educational program included a six-session, 50-60 min training program using three different teaching methods (speaking, Q&A, group discussion, and peer training) in health facilities. The data were examined using paired t, independent t, and chi-square statistical tests after being entered into the SPSS 24 statistical program. Results: Following the intervention, the experimental group showed significantly higher values in quality of life, knowledge, attitude, enabling and reinforcing factors, and self-care behaviors compared to the control group (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The experimental group also exhibited a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure measures compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In the present study, education based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model and focusing on blood pressure self-care behavior in patients with hypertension led to a decrease in their systolic blood pressure measures and improved their quality of life.