Determine the factors that affected COVID-19 prevention behaviors based on constructs of social cognition theory.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a universal challenge and novel disease is one of the core public health concerns. This study aimed to determine the factors that affected COVID-19 prevention behaviors (CPB) based on constructs of Social Cognition Theory (SCT). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 426 participants referred to health centers of Arak from October 2021 to February 2022, and they were selected through a multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire which includes socio-demographic data (6 items), COVID-19 prevention behaviors (12 items), and SCT constructs related to COVID-19 (32 items). SPSS Ver-16 statistical software was used to analyze the data with one-way ANOVA, independent samples t-test, and multiple linear regressions. The significance level of α = 0.05 was considered for all tests. RESULTS: The mean age was 37.8 years (SD = 12.2) and ranged from 17 to 81. According to the results, 51.2% had higher education and 52.6% of the participants were female. The mean (SD) of COVID-19 preventive behaviors was 43 (SD = 7.8) out of 60. There was statistical association between CPB and three constructs of SCT. Multiple regression showed that the outcomes expectations (ß = 0.11, p < 0.001), self-regulation (ß = 0.41, p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (ß = 0.30, p < 0.001), age, gender, and history of COVID 19infection were associated with CPB and those described 61% of the variance of CPB. CONCLUSION: Rendering to the result of this study constructs of SCT is the key predictor of participants' CPB. Hence, based on these predictors, effective interventions and healthy messages could be designed based on this predictor-outcomes expectations, self-regulation, social support, and self-efficacy which can be beneficial to improve healthy behavior.

Effect of an educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on improving medication adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with injectable disease-modifying drugs: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to prescribed treatment in chronic diseases, as occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS), is a critical factor for a successful therapeutic response. This study aimed to investigate the effect of educational program based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on treatment adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving injectable immunomodulatory drugs. METHODS: The present study is an educational randomized controlled trial research that was conducted on 100 patients with MS who had gone to MS clinic in Tehran city (Iran). The samples were randomly assigned to the intervention (N = 50) and control groups (N = 50). Data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire based on TPB. Then, educational program was performed for the intervention group through four educational sessions. After three months, data collection was repeated for the two groups and data were analyzed. RESULTS: The knowledge and performance of the intervention group on treatment adherence drugs increased from 56.25 ± 20.3 to 78.31 ± 15.57 and 56.22 ± 5.76 to 71.62 ± 12.01 after the education respectively (p < 0.001). The mean of construct of TPB in the intervention group also increased after the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Applying the TPB model proved is very effective in developing an educational program for patients with MS, to enhance treatment adherence drugs. Besides such programs, follow-up education for controlling and monitoring are highly recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20210808052109N1. Prospectively registered at 12-Aug-2021, (12/8/2021) available at: URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/57994.

Effects of online social media on improving mothers' behaviors towards preventing their children's otitis media based on the PRECED model: a randomized educational intervention trial.

BACKGROUND: Otitis media is one of the most common diseases in children, especially those under 2 years of age. This study aimed to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the PRECEDE model on mothers' preventive behaviors of middle ear infections in infants. METHODS: This study was conducted as an educational randomized controlled trial on 88 mothers with infants referred to health centers in Arak, Iran. Sampling from September 2021 to February 2022 selected trough stratified random sampling who were assigned to two groups of experimental = 44 and control = 44. The data collection tool was a reliable and valid questionnaire that included demographic information, constructs of PRECEDE model regarding otitis media, and preventive behaviors. The experimental group received 4 training sessions (each session 60 min) through WhatsApp social network. Information was collected through an online questionnaire before and 3 months after the educational intervention from both groups. Data analysis was also performed with SPSS version 23. RESULTS: Before the educational intervention there was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the otitis media preventive behaviors and structures of PRECEDE model (p > 0.05). After the educational intervention, in the experimental group the average score of knowledge from 0.49 to 0.81, attitude from 4.01 to 4.58, enabling factors from 0.72 to 0.85, reinforcing factors from 3.31 to 3.91 and behavior from 3.25 to 3.66 increased significantly (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PRECEDE-based education with controlling, monitoring and follow-up during the program was effective in promoting the preventive behaviors of otitis media. Therefore, due to the side effects of otitis media, especially in vulnerable periods such as childhood, it is recommended that trainings based on this model be carried out in other health care centers and clinics in order to maintain children health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20210202050228N1. Prospectively registered at 2021-May-21, (2021/05/21) available at: URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/54073 .

Plasma visfatin is increased after high-intensity exercise.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Visfatin is a newly characterized protein that is highly expressed in visceral adipose tissue and may play a role in insulin resistance. We investigated the effects of repeated short bouts of high-intensity exercise on plasma visfatin and related metabolic responses. METHODS: Six young, physically fit men (22.8 +/- 2.3 years; 78.5 +/- 2.3 kg; and body mass index 22.1 +/- 1.2) performed a single session of a running-based anaerobic sprint exercise (7 sets of 6 x 35 m every 10 s, with 1 min rest between sets). Venous blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 45 and 90 min after exercise to assess plasma visfatin, insulin, glucose, lactate and glutathione responses. RESULTS: After adjustment for postexercise changes in plasma volume, the data indicate a significant increase in plasma visfatin (12.5 +/- 2.0 vs. 26.6 +/- 3.9 ng/ml, p < 0.02), insulin (p < 0.05), and glucose (p < 0.002) concentrations, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (p < 0.02), immediately after the exercise session. At 45 min of recovery, all metabolic measures, with the exception of lactate, had returned to baseline levels. CONCLUSION: The elevation in plasma visfatin, together with increased plasma glucose and insulin concentrations immediately after high-intensity exercise, may sensitize tissues for postexercise glucose uptake and glycogen restoration. Our results also support a temporary and early postexercise anorexigenic metabolic state.

Plasma nesfatin-1 and glucoregulatory hormone responses to two different anaerobic exercise sessions.

Nesfatin-1 is a recently discovered anorectic protein derived from posttranslational processing of the nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) gene. It is expressed in adipose tissue and is also found in plasma. Nesfatin-1 expression is significantly affected by nutritional status and its actions may be involved in the inhibition of the orexigenic effect of ghrelin. Although the effects of physical exercise on several anorectic and orexigenic hormones have been reported, no studies have investigated its effects upon circulating concentrations of nesfatin-1. We investigated the effects of acute strenuous interval exercise and circuit exercise on nesfatin and other hormones affected by metabolic stress. Fourteen provincial and national level young male-kickboxing volunteers participated [age 20.71 ± 2.6 years, height 176.6 ± 2.8 cm, body weight 67.2 ± 3.3 kg, and body mass index (BMI) 21.56 ± 1.42 kg/m(2)]. After an overnight fast, responses to a running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST; 7 sets of 6 × 35 m every 10 s with 1 min rest in between sets) and a non-combat kickboxing session (NCKB; 7 sets of 6 techniques, 20 s per technique with 1 min rest in between sets) were determined. Venous blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 45 as well as 95 min following the exercises. Plasma GH, insulin, glucose and lactate concentrations significantly increased immediately following the RAST and NCKB protocols, however, plasma nesfatin-1 concentrations were not significantly altered. Higher plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations occurred in response to the RAST compared with the NCKB protocols. Although the exercise protocols elicited metabolic stress that significantly altered circulating glucoregulatory hormones, plasma glucose and lactate, there was no significant change in plasma nesfatin-1. A lack of nesfatin-1 response to the exercise protocols may be partially due to the fasting condition.

The Effect of Oral Health Educational Intervention Program among Mothers of Children aged 1-6, Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:  Oral self- care is an important aspect of lifestyle and a serious public health issue. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational program based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on the mothers and children's oral self-care behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHOD:  This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 148 mothers and their children (1-6 years) who referred to the health centers of Tabriz, Iran ; divided into two groups of intervention (n=74) and control (n=74). Data were collected through a questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, oral self-care behaviors, and structures of TPB. Both groups completed questionnaires before, immediately, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. The experimental group received three educational sessions, each session held for 120 minutes. The educational methods such as lectures, group discussion, and demonstrations were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS (ver18) software and Chi-square, Independent samples t-test and repeated measure ANOVA at the significant level of < 0.05. RESULTS:  Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences between both groups in oral self -care behaviors and structures of TPB (p> 0.05). Immediately, 3 and 6 months after the intervention the mean scores of oral self-care behavior presented a significant increase in both mothers and their children in the intervention group (p< 0.001). Six months after the intervention, brushing children's teeth twice a day increased significantly from 8.1% (6/74) to 55.4% (41/74) in the experimental group (p< 0.001). At immediately, 3, and 6 months after the intervention, the mean scores of mothers' attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and intention towards the children's oral health were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION:  According to the results of this study, intervention based on the theory of planned behavior promotes the oral self-care behavior both in mothers and in their children.

The relationship between family social capital, social media use and life satisfaction in adolescents.

Background: Nowadays, two social phenomena are identified as factors that significantly influence life satisfaction among adolescents: family social capital and social media use. This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect relationships between family social capital and life satisfaction, and the possible mediating role of social media use between the variables among Iranian adolescents. Methods: In 2018, this cross-sectional study was carried out on 835 adolescents aged from 12to 19, in six high schools of Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected using a validated four-section questionnaire including demographic characteristics (3 items), life satisfaction (5 items), family social capital (31 items) and social media use (4 items) scales. IBM SPSS version 21 statistical software and AMOS version 24 were used to analyze the data. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the fit of model. The significance level of 0.05 was considered for all data analyses. Results: The findings indicated that family social capital and social media use explained 50%of the variance in life satisfaction. Social media use was found with a partial mediating role in the association between family social capital and life satisfaction. Family social capital was the strongest predictor of life satisfaction (ß =0.681, P<0.001). The relationship between social media use and life satisfaction was also statistically significant (ß =- 0.12, P<0.001). Conclusion: Social media use and family social capital should be considered while investigating the determinants of life satisfaction among adolescents.

Determinants of Oral Health Behavior among Preschool Children: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Dental caries is the most common chronic disease among children. Determinants of children's oral health behavior should be better understood and known. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors of oral health behavior among preschool children based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). MATERIALS AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 833 mother-child pairs referring to twenty health centers in Tabriz, North-West Iran, from August 2014 to November 2015. The participants were selected by multi-stage stratified random sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires completed by the participating mothers. The questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, oral health behavior, and TPB structures (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention). RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation (SD) of children's age was 4.6±1.1 years (ranging 3-6), and 52% were boys. 20.3% of mothers had university degrees. The mean (SD) score of children's oral health behavior was 5.8 (±1.9) out of 8. Muliple regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between all TPB structures and children's oral health behavior F(11,821)=41.8, R=0.6, (p< 0.001). Furthermore, the TPB structures explained 35% and 29% of the variance in children's oral health behavior and maternal intention towards it, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the current finding, TBP is the important predictor of children's oral health behavior. Effective promotion interventions could be designed based on this predictor to help improving the children's oral hygiene behavior.

Toothbrushing frequency among 4-6-year-old Iranian children and associated maternal attitude and sociobehavioral factors.

BACKGROUND: Toothbrushing is an important aspect of children's oral health self-care. This study aimed to explore toothbrushing frequency among 4-6-year-old Iranian children and associated maternal attitude and sociobehavioral factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 407 mother-child (aged 4-6 years) pairs through stratified random sampling in Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires including demographic characteristic, maternal attitude, and toothbrushing frequency of both mothers and children. Logistic regression was used to determine the predicators of children's toothbrushing. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: The mean ages were 32.6 ± 4.8 and 5.3 ± 1.1 years for mothers and children respectively. Twice-daily toothbrushing was observed at a relative frequency of 12.8% in children and 18.4% in mothers. About 43.7% of children brushed their teeth once daily. Nearly 38.7% of children started toothbrushing behavior regularly at 4 years of age, and 41% had dental visits. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that children's toothbrushing (once daily or more) was associated with maternal brushing frequency (odds ratio [OR] =2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.53-2.86), maternal attitude toward oral health (OR = 1.15, CI = 1.08-1.22), and children's age (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.02-1.77). CONCLUSION: The descriptive results indicated that maternal and children toothbrushing behaviors are unfavorable. Furthermore, maternal toothbrushing behavior is a strong predicator of children's brushing behavior. Health promotional activities seem necessary for mothers to enhance oral health behavior of their children.

Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Circumstances, Motivation, and Readiness Scale.

BACKGROUND: Treatment motivation has always been an important issue in substance abuse treatment. In recent decades, several instruments have been developed to measure this concept. OBJECTIVES: In this study, cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the circumstances, motivation and readiness scale (CMR) are illustrated in a sample of Iranian addicts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The translation process followed Beaton et al.'s (2000) guideline for the cross-cultural adaptation of self-administered questionnaires, including the steps of translation, synthesis, back translation, expert committee review, and pre-testing. The final version of the Persian CMR was assessed for internal consistency and construct validity (n = 203). RESULTS: There was one eliminated item in the cross-cultural adaptation process. Also, four items that had low correlation with the total score were excluded from the questionnaire during the initial analysis. Using the remaining items, Principle axis factoring with Promax rotation was performed and three factors, circumstance, motivation, and readiness, were identified. The secondary order three factor model provided a good statistical and conceptual fit for the data. Internal consistency met the criterion for a reliable measure (Cronbach's alpha = 0.840). The α range for these identified factors was 0.597 to 0.837. CONCLUSIONS: Although the CMR was originally designed for use in TC treatment, this study suggests that it is also applicable, with some modifications, in short-term residential camps. Also, it is concluded that the Persian translation of the CMR can be applied for studies among Persian addicts.

A survey on the effects of husbands' education of pregnant women on knowledge, attitude, and reducing elective cesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, cesarean section rate is increasing in Iran and throughout the world. Cesarean section is one of the major surgical procedures, which carry serious and rarely fetal risk for mother and child. This study was conducted to determine the effects of health education on husbands of pregnant women in reducing elective cesarean section. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a trial study, in which 88 pregnant women between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy, who referred to the private clinics in Isfahan, were randomly assigned into case and control groups. The husbands of the women within case group were educated about cesarean and vaginal delivery. At the beginning of study and 4 weeks after an educational intervention, the knowledge and attitude of 3 groups (cases, controls, and husbands of case group) were determined. The type of delivery was determined by phone call. FINDINGS: Educational intervention on husbands caused a significant increase in the knowledge and a positive attitude in mothers within case group towards vaginal delivery. Elective cesarean section in case group was significantly lower than that of the control group (29.5% vs. 50%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that husbands' education can effectively increase the knowledge and improve the attitude of their wives, and reduce the rate of elective cesarean section.