Prognostic value of serum amyloid A protein as a biomarker in the diagnosis of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of serum amyloid A protein)SAA(protein as a biomarker in diagnosing 2019 novel coronavirus disease)COVID-19(infection. METHODS: The study was conducted on 123 patients with definitive COVID-19 infection referred to Shahid Beheshti and Sina hospitals in Hamedan province, Iran. Five-milliliter blood samples were taken from all included patients and serum was isolated using a centrifuge at 10,000 rpm for 10 min. Laboratory tests were conducted, including c-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), potassium level, sodium blood test, platelets (PLT), complete blood count (CBC), lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count. The SAA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kit was applied to measure the SAA level in serum samples. RESULTS: 123 patients included 73 males and 50 females, age ±50. Sixty-six (53.7 %) patients had negative CRP while 80 (65 %) patients had normal ESR. Potassium levels were not normal among 111 (94.9 %) patients. Seventy-seven (63.1 %) patients had normal CBC, while 108 (87.8 %) patients had neutrophils above the normal range. 94 (97.9 %) patients over the age of 50 were positive for SAA. In terms of gender, men were the most frequent patients with SAA. There was a statistically significant relationship between the serum level of SAA and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 (p = 0.0001). 94 % of patients with SAA ≤50 were recovered from COVID-19 infection. The sensitivity rate of SAA compared to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and computed tomography scan (CT scan) tests was 93 % and 99 %, respectively. Moreover, the accuracy of SAA compared to PCR and CT scan tests was 52 % and 96 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results indicate the SAA is a sensitive, but not specific biomarker in the early detection of COVID-19. The quantitative levels of SAA can be useful in predicting treatment outcomes among patients with COVID-19.

Factors affecting subsequent dose of COVID-19 vaccine uptake based on BASNEF model among older adults.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is a primary prevention approach to preventing disease by disconnecting the transmission chain. The current study utilized a BASNEF model framework to identify factors influencing subsequent doses of COVID-19 vaccination among older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in the west of Iran in May 2022. The participants were selected via multi-stage sampling. Finally, 1120 participants contributed to the present study. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: a) Socio-demographic characteristics, b) cognitive impairments tests, and c) Questionnaire about the subsequent dose of COVID-19 vaccine uptake based on the BASNEF model. Data were analyzed using the software IBM AMOS-20 and SPSS-23 via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent sample T-tests were used, too. The significance level of statistical tests was regarded as less than 0.05. RESULTS: The presented results of analyzing 50% of the variance of vaccination intention as the dependent variable (R square = 0.497) and 10% of the behavior variance as the dependent variable (R square = 0.104) can be explained based on the BASNEF model. The enabling factors (ß = 0.636, p < 0.001) and the intention (ß = 0.322, p < 0.001) were important factors for subsequent doses of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in older adults. CONCLUSION: So, planning and implementing promotional intervention programs for older people (over 65; 80), females, illiterate, widows and divorced, good economic status, and urban areas is essential. It seems that enabling factors such as free vaccinations, vaccination inaccessible places such as public social security agencies, social supports such as involvement of the government and physicians, and improving information by the medium or knowledge-sharing experience, which can be further used to enhance the acceptance of subsequent doses of COVID-19 uptake in older adults.

Effectiveness of theory-based educational interventions of promoting oral health among elementary school students.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of oral health education programs on the oral health of primary school students. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial study, 190 elementary fifth-grade female students were chosen using the multistage cluster sampling method. In this study, the Plaque Index (PI), Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Community Periodontal Index (CPI), tooth brushing using fluoride toothpaste, dental flossing frequency and factors affecting them were determined according to social cognitive theory (SCT). Interventions were implemented using the play method and with the help of three pamphlets, five posters, a celebration of oral health, and the creation of a Telegram group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics indexes, t tests, paired sample t tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS: The results showed that 3 months after the intervention, compared to before the intervention, the percentage of participants in the intervention group who brushed their teeth twice or more per day increased by 48.5%, and the percentage of participants who used dental floss at least once per day increased by 64.2%. The rate of gum bleeding decreased by 6.3%. The good OHI-S rate increased by 44.4%. Dental plaque decreased by 38.1%. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that a gamification design can be effective and useful in promoting the oral health of students. TRIAL REGISTRATION: registration timing: retrospective, registration date: 18/10/2022, registration number: IRCT20141128020129N2.

Understanding the features and effectiveness of randomized controlled trials in reducing COVID-19 misinformation: a systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the features and effectiveness of individual-level randomized controlled trials targeting COVID-19 misinformation. The selection process included rigorous criteria, resulting in the inclusion of 24 individual studies from 21 papers. The majority of studies were conducted in high-income countries, with the accuracy/credibility of information as the primary outcome. Debunking and boosting interventions were the most common interventions while nudging and content labeling interventions were examined in a few studies. This study highlights that further research is needed to enhance the effectiveness of boosting strategies and to explore the impact of combined interventions. Addressing bias concerns and standardizing intervention assessment measures will contribute to the development of evidence-based approaches in this critical area.

Development and Psychometric Testing of the Signed Donor Card (SDC) Scale in an Islamic Society.

The signed donor card is an important method to overcome the shortage of organs for transplantation. A valid and reliable scale is necessary to have with the development of interventions to increase the signed donor card. This study aimed to develop and psychometric testing of the Signed Donor Card (SDC) in an Islamic society. This methodological study was conducted in Hamadan city, Iran in 2018 on 600 employees of offices. A 46-item scale was developed. It was assessed by face, content, and construct validities. Reliability was examined using the calculation of the Cronbach's α and test-retest method. The SPSS software version 22 and Mplus version 7.4 were used for data analysis. Our scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.58-0.93) and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.76). The fitness indices for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that the model fit was good. CFA revealed nine standalone components including attitude, subjective norms, intention, anticipated regret, descriptive norms, perceived control, knowledge, non-cognitive beliefs, and religious beliefs. Convergent validity and discriminant validity were established. This study provided evidence concerning the validity and reliability of SDC scale. It can be used for the development and implementation of effective interventions for increasing signed donor card with the consideration of contextual and cultural situations.

Predictors of oral health promotion behaviors among elementary school children: Examination of an extended social cognitive theory.

BACKGROUND: Brushing teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste and flossing are considered as effective solutions for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. AIM: The aim of this study was to use the promoted social cognitive theory (SCT) to investigate factors influencing adherence to oral hygiene behaviors by elementary school children. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, 988 elementary school children were chosen using the multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the SCT scale, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. Theoretical models were examined using the structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The SCT explained 50% of the variance in brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and 55.6% of the variance in flossing behaviors. The total effect of family environment (ß = .60, P < .05), self-efficacy in overcoming impediments (ß = .50, P < .05), and emotional coping (ß = .40, P < .05) variables in the conceptual model had significantly influenced tooth brushing behavior. The total effect of self-efficacy (ß = .79, P < .05), family environment (ß = .41, P < .05), and situational perception (ß = .35, P < .05) variables of the conceptual model significantly influenced the flossing behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The SCT, self-efficacy, and family environment were strongly associated with brushing and flossing behaviors. Therefore, supportive family environments should be considered as one of the top contributors to successful oral health promotion.

Perceived risk and protective behaviors regarding COVID-19 among Iranian pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Despite the vulnerability of pregnant women, few studies have been conducted on their perceived risk and protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present cross-sectional study aims to investigate the perceived risk and protective behaviors regarding COVID-19 among pregnant women, in Hamadan, Iran. Using a two-stage cluster sampling method, 225 pregnant women referring to the health centers completed the questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests as well as a stepwise linear regression model at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: 93.8% of pregnant women had a high level of knowledge, 97.3% had a high performance in protective behaviors, and 72.9% had a moderate level of risk perception related to COVID-19. The highest mean score of knowledge was observed in women who had a history of influenza in their previous pregnancies (90.97 ± 5.94). The mean score of protective behaviors was significantly higher in women with a high economic level (97.78 ± 5.11), and the highest level of risk perception was observed in nulliparous women (59.97 ± 9.80). Risk perception was an independent predictor of protective behaviors related to COVID-19 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women had a high level of knowledge, high performance in protective behaviors, and a moderate level of risk perception related to COVID-19. History of influenza in previous pregnancies, high economic level, and nulliparity were associated with higher levels of knowledge, protective behaviors, and risk perception, respectively. Risk perception of pregnant women regarding COVID-19 can predict their protective behaviors.

Association of caries experience and dental plaque with sociodemographic characteristics in elementary school-aged children: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries among Iranian elementary school children aged 6-12 years continue to rise. To estimate treatment needs and guide health initiatives, current epidemiologic data are required. Such data are currently unavailable for dental health. The purpose of this study was to assess caries experience, dental plaque, and associated factors in elementary school-aged children from Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 988 elementary school children aged 7-12 years were selected by multistage cluster sampling. Dental caries was studied using the WHO criteria, dental plaque was examined according to O'Leary index. Data on parental education and occupation, living district, dental pain within the past year, and tooth brushing habits under parental supervision were collected through interviews based on questionnaire. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic and linear regression. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the elementary school children was 9.64 (1.73) years. The highest dmft was seen in elementary school children aged 7-8 years 6.53 (4.37) and the highest DMFT and dental plaque was in 12 year olds recorded as 1.17 (1.77) and 51.97 (25.86), respectively. The proportion of decayed teeth in 7 years old elementary school based on dmft index was 80.36%, moreover, the proportion in 12 years old elementary school was 40.17% based on the DMFT index. Age, gender, and dental pain within the past year were significantly associated with DMFT and dmft. The odds of developing dental caries (DMFT) was 1.70 times higher in girls than in boys (p < 0.001) and 1.72 times higher in the students that reported dental pain frequently than in those who did not (p = 0.005). The chance of developing dental caries (dmft) was 0.47 times lower in girls than boys (p < 0.001). Age was significantly correlated with dental plaque such that Plaque Index increased by 2.44 times per one year increase in age (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Results indicated that dental caries experience and plaque formation among elementary school children in Hamadan were high and they were influenced by their sociodemographic factors. The associations found can be used as a helpful guide for planning accurate preventive programs for elementary school children in this region.

Psychometric evaluation of a new instrument to hookah tobacco smoking-related factors in the Iranian female university students based on the Extended Parallel Process Model.

BACKGROUND: The higher prevalence of hookah tobacco smoking (HTS) has become worrisome in women. Thus, it is essential to identify and measure the perceptions associated with this unhealthy behavior as well as the type of response to risk messages to design the effective programs. This study aimed to psychometric evaluation of a new instrument, named the Extended Parallel Process Model-Hookah Tobacco Smoking Questionnaire (EPPM-HTSQ), for female university students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This methodological study was conducted in 2019-2020 in central and western Iran. The first version of the instrument was developed with 97 items. Face, Content, and construct validity methods were used to assess the EPPM-HTSQ validity. The data viability for factorability was guided through Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sample adequacy (Values >0.7) and Bartlett's test of Sphericity (P < 0.05). The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) method with varimax rotation and SPSS software was performed to identify the main factors of the questionnaire and interpretable factors. The internal consistency and external reliability were determined. The test-retest was used for evaluating the stability of tools. RESULTS: During the assessment of the face and content validity 71 items remained in the questionnaire. EFA led to the extraction of nine dimensions: "Focusing on superior rewards," "Response Efficacy," "Perceived physical threat," "Perceived social threat," "Self-efficacy," "Fear control," "Attitude," "Fear," and "Intention" Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test (0.957) and Bartlett's test (P < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha (0.871-0.951) and ICC (0.985-0.998) were approved for scale dimensions. CONCLUSION: Important findings of the present study were the development and validation of the EPPM-HTSQ for measuring EPPM variables in relation to HTS; introducing a new variable "focusing on superior rewards"; as well as, the new classification of the concept of "perceived threat." The final version of the EPPM-HTSQ is a valid and reliable tool, but it is suggested to be re-evaluated in other studies with different populations and sample sizes.

Developing and validation of COVID-19 media literacy scale among students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional validation work evaluated the psychometric features of the COVID-19 Media Literacy Scale (C-19MLs) in Students. METHODS: The study was conducted on 530 students from a medical university in Hamadan, Iran, who were recruited through a stratified cluster random sampling process in June-July 2020. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and internal consistency were used to assess the reliability. Moreover, CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analyses) and EFA (Exploratory Factor Analyses) were carried out to examine construction validity. CVR (Content Validity Ratio) and CVI (Content Validity Index) were used to examine the content validity. RESULTS: According to the factor analysis, it was indicated that the C-19MLs included 21 items measuring five dimensions (constructedness of credible Covid-19 media messages, contractedness of fake media coronavirus messages, fake media coronavirus messages, audience, with three questions in each factor; format, represented lifestyles in fake media coronavirus messages with six questions in each factor) for an explanation of 58.4% of the prevalent variance. The average scores for the CVI and CVR were respectively 0.94 and 0.77. According to confirmatory factor analysis, the studied model had an appropriate fitting to the data; the relative chi-square (x2/df) = 2.706 < 3, RMSEA = 0.093 ≤ 0.1; CFI = 0.893 ≥ 0.9; TLI = 0.874 ≥ 0.9; GFI = 0.816 ≥ 0.9; and SRMR = 0.06 ≤ 0.08. Further analyses represented acceptable findings for internal consistency reliability values with 0.86 of Cronbach's alpha. CONCLUSIONS: The results proved that the C-19MLs is a reliable and valid tool, and it is suitable and acceptable now and can be utilized in forthcoming investigations. This highlights educators and stakeholders to realize the importance of participating individuals in the new media ecology and new 'Infomedia' ecosystems for enabling people in the current digital society.

The effect of intervention programs on road traffic injury prevention among adolescents and young people: a systematic review.

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a significant cause of death and disability among young people worldwide. Programs that use injury prevention strategies have been shown to effectively reduce the number of injuries. This systematic review aims to present the available evidence on the effectiveness of intervention programs in preventing RTIs among adolescents and young adults. Articles were identified and retrieved from databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Magiran, SID, and Iran Medex. Two reviewers independently screened the articles. Articles published from the first year of publication until January 2018 that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. These articles covered randomized controlled trials, pretest/post-test interventions, and controlled pretest/post-test interventions aimed at reducing RTIs among adolescents and young people aged 12-26 years. The framework, provided by Murphy and Haddon, were used to categorize the interventions. According to this framework, the interventions were categorized into five groups including education/behavior change, incentive, engineering/technology, legislation/enforcement, and multifaceted programs. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Of the initial 3165 findings, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven of these studies used educational/behavioral approaches, while two employed multifaceted programs. In the educational/behavioral approach, participants' behaviors were considered as outcome variables. Only one of these studies was not successful. Multifaceted interventions were successful in changing behaviors. No studies were found on the effectiveness of other interventions. Eight studies were assessed as having moderate quality. The systematic review shows that educational/behavioral strategies and multifaceted programs are effective in reducing RTIs among young adults and adolescents. However, there is a lack of studies on other potential interventions. The quality of the included studies was moderate, suggesting a need for more rigorous research.

Factors Affecting Prevention Behaviors Against Covid-19 Infection Among Iranian Pregnant Women: Application of Protection Motivation Theory.

Considering the epidemic of corona disease in the world and the importance of paying attention to pregnant women as one of the most important vulnerable groups, it is felt necessary to conduct studies and properly teach them preventive behaviors. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the factors influencing the prevention of covid-19, based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2020 with the participation of 231 pregnant women who referred to the comprehensive health service centers of Langrod city, who were selected by simple random sampling. The tool of data collection was a questionnaire consisting of two sections of demographic information and PMT constructs. According to the results, 10.32% reported a history of Covid-19 infection. Carrying out protective behaviors, such as using a mask (94.4 percent), washing hands frequently with soap and water (88.8 percent), maintaining a distance of at least one and a half meters from other people (84.5 percent) in a favorable position and avoiding. The participation in the periods (71.4 percent) was relatively favorable. The result of linear regression analysis showed that perceived self-efficacy (ß=0.450) and perceived response effectiveness (ß=0.305) were predictors of protective motivation or intention to perform protective behaviors against Covid-19. Also, 66.7% of women were on the path of perceived risk. The PMT can be used as a framework in designing educational programs in order to perform preventive behaviors against infectious diseases such as Covid-19.

Evaluation of a web-based randomized controlled trial educational intervention based on media literacy on preventing substance abuse among college students, applying the integrated social marketing approach: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Substance abuse is the actual psychosocial harm, especially in young people confronted with content marketing in nowadays media environment, a risk factor for experiencing substance abuse. Based on the literature review, education designed based on the cognitive-behavioral model and planning models, such as using a social marketing framework, is the most effective method to prevent addictive substance abuse. Also, media literacy related to substance abuse and the prototype willingness model is considered a new integrated approach to present the intervention measures' desired results. METHODS: The present study evaluates an intervention program based on media literacy on substance abuse prevention among students using an integrated social marketing approach. This study aims to complete the SMART model's sixth and seventh stages, implementing intervention and evaluation. Participants will be students of Hamadan University, Iran. Randomization will occur at the university and school levels, and gathered data will appear at two-time (i.e., pre-test and three months follow-up). Intervention group students will obtain both substance abuse prevention education and substance abuse media literacy (SAML) education between pre-test and 3 months post-test. Students in the delayed intervention will be given this education after study accomplishment; this group will receive their regular courses except for substance abuse prevention and media literacy titles during education intervention. The outcome variables are intentions and substance abuse behavior based on prototype willingness and substance abuse media literacy. DISCUSSION: Evaluation of Substance abuse prevention and substance abuse media literacy education must be careful to ensure that they effectively enable people, especially in youth in the new media ecology and unique "Infomedia" ecosystems, in the current digital society. The SAML education plan's evaluation has the first web-based education program in universities. No prior research has psychometrically considered SAML in students in the SMART model's sixth and seventh stages. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20200914048719N1 . Registered on June 30, 2021.

Can substance abuse media literacy increase prediction of drug use in students?

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the predictors of drug use among students based on the Extended Prototype willingness model (EPWM). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at Hamadan universities. The participants were selected via multi-stage sampling. Finally, out of 721 students participated. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: (a) socio-demographic characteristics, (b) Questionnaire about the prototype willingness model constructs, (c) Questionnaire about the status of drug use behavior, (d) Substance Abuse Media Literacy (SAML) scale. Data were analyzed using a structural equations partial least squares confirmatory composite approach and SPSS-23. RESULTS: The mean age of students was of 23.47 ± 4.14 years. Based on results, behavioral willingness (ß = 0.420, t-value = 9.010, p < 0.001) and behavioral intention (ß = 0.291, t-value = 6.957, p < 0.001) significantly predicted drug use. The presented results of analysis, 66% of the variance of the drug use, 62% of the variable of the behavioral willingness, and 56% of the behavioral intention could be explained by the EPWM. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that EPWM could predict drug use in students. Therefore, designing and implementing educational and promotional intervention programs to reduce behavioral willingness and increase students' skills in substance abuse media literacy is necessary to prevent drug use behavior.

Interventions to prevent road traffic injuries among pedestrians: a systematic review.

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a serious public health problem and are an important cause of disability and death worldwide. A significant proportion of traffic injuries and fatalities are among pedestrians. Reviewing and evaluating related interventions can be a practical step to implementing appropriate methods to prevent RTIs among pedestrians, a highly vulnerable group of road users.The search of articles was conducted in the electronic databases of Scopus, PubMed, ISI, Safety Lit, and CDC. Other papers were also reviewed using forward citation and backward citation. The search strategy was for studies examined from the first years of database creation until January 10, 2021, in all languages in journals with matched judgment according to the type of population, type of interventions, comparators, and results. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists were used to determine articles' quality and assess possible biases depending on the type of study.The initial search resulted in finding 16,272 abstracts. Finally, 25 studies, including 17 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) studies, seven studies pretest/post-test interventions (PPI), and one study controlled pretest/post-test interventions (cPPI) met the inclusion criteria. Among these preventive interventional studies, 20 studies were conducted in high-income countries, three were in lower middle-income countries, one study was in upper middle-income country, and only one study was conducted in a low-income country. Most interventional studies in the field of prevention of RTIs (15 studies) had an educational/behavioral approach, designed to change pedestrian behavior and the use of this approach was also effective in improving pedestrian behavior. The legislation/law enforcement approach was used in one study and two studies used an engineering/technology approach. In studies with an engineering approach after engineering reforms, pedestrian injuries in children decreased by 37.5%. In seven studies, multifaceted interventions were used. The interventional studies that used this approach were able to improve pedestrian safe behavior.The majority of studies were based on educational/behavioral approaches and pedestrians' behavior improved notably. In addition, the majority of interventional studies were conducted in countries with high income levels. Therefore, programming for preventive interventions to attenuate RTIs is highly important in low/middle-income countries to reduce the risk of injury to vulnerable road users. These findings can be applied by policy-makers to develop educational, engineering, environmental, and law enforcement interventions and attenuate injuries sustained by pedestrians.

Socio-Cultural Factors Contributing to Being an Organ Donor in Iranian Employees.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to use a culturally modified Organ Donation Model (ODM) to explore the significant factors and ways in which these factors could influence signing the donor card. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 employees from 57 offices in Hamadan, Iran, in 2018. Participants were selected randomly and surveyed on being a donor and their perceptions regarding signing the donor card. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to determine the inter-relationship between the studied variables. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 39.5 (SD = 7.0). 20% of participants had a signed donor card. Descriptive norms (ß = 0.53, p < 0.001), non-cognitive beliefs (ß=-0.33, p < 0.001), anticipated regret (ß = 0.28, p < 0.001) and subjective norms (ß=-0.17, p < 0.01) had significant direct effects on signing the donor card. CONCLUSION: This study provides socio-culturally informed evidence on individuals' signing donor card. These factors could provide a guide to policymakers to develop the community-based interventions.

Predictors of COVID-19 vaccination intention among Iranian population: applying the theory of planned behavior.

Background: The present study was conducted to assess the determinants of the intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccination among the Iranian population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1,056 individuals of the general population living in Hamadan County were studied from April to June 2021. Using a proportional stratified sampling method, subjects were selected from those covered by 34 comprehensive health service centers and health bases. Then, the subjects were selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected by sending a questionnaire link to eligible individuals, who completed it online. The questionnaire determined demographic data and constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Results: 1,056 subjects answered the study; women accounted for 57.9% of the respondents. According to the findings, the majority of respondents (79.5%) reported that they would strongly agree and agree to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Older age, male gender, occupation, underlying chronic disease, death of relatives and friends due to COVID-19, and history of influenza vaccinations were significantly related to the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 (P>0.05). Also, the intention was associated with increased scores in the attitude toward the behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Conclusion: Despite doubt about the details of the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination, most subjects reported intending to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but the real rate of vaccination may be lower. Vaccination intention reflects overall vaccination attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

Development of a mobile application to screen and manage fall risks in older people.

OBJECTIVE: Falls and related injuries are known to be the major health problem leading to disability and mortality among older adults. Identification and management of fall risks aimed to prevent falling is considered to be essential. The aim of this study was to develop a mobile application for screening and management of fall risks based for older adults. METHOD AND MATERIALS: First, we determined product features based on literature reviews. Then we asked 10 experts to assess the importance of capabilities. The application was designed in Android environment based on the STEADI toolkit. Finally, the usability and satisfaction of the application were assessed among 30 older adults by means of a usability questionnaire, and the final version was modified. RESULTS: The experts rated the majority of feasibility features to be important. The application consisted of falls risk self-assessment, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to measure individual fall risks, fall prevention education, and suggestions for training based on the individuals' level of fall risk among older adults. The results of the usability assessment showed that the users were satisfied with the application, 8.83 out of 10. CONCLUSION: The mobile application can be used to screen and manage fall risks in older adults. It may help health providers to identify older adults at low, moderate, and high risks of falls provide education and training to minimise falls and fall-related injuries.Implications for rehabilitationFalls are a major health problem in older people. A great proportion of falls and falls related injuries are preventable.Given the availability and accessibility of various mobile health application and the increasing mobile device usage among older adults, mobile application can be used as a platform for delivering fall prevention programmes such as education and exercise training.The mobile application may be a valuable tool in the fall prevention and their consequences either in old adult.