Relationship between spiritual intelligence and lifestyle with life satisfaction among students of medical sciences.

BACKGROUND: Young people are the main resources of any country and entering university is considered a sensitive period in their lives. Satisfaction with life is one of the indicators of successful adaptation to life. Lifestyle and spiritual intelligence can complement and give meaning to this variable. The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and lifestyle with life satisfaction in students of Medical Sciences. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among the students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2017. One hundred thirty-nine students were included in this study. Data collection tools were the King's spiritual intelligence scale, Miller-Smith lifestyle assessment inventory, satisfaction with life scale (Diener), and demographic information checklist. To analyze the data, descriptive and analytical tests such as independent T-test and one-way analysis of variance and SPSS version 22 software were used. The significance level of all tests was considered less than or equal to 0.05. FINDINGS: In the present study, 108 were women and the rest were men. 49.6% of students were under twenty years old. The results of this research showed that there is a significant negative relationship between lifestyle and life satisfaction (r = -.33) and a significant positive relationship between spiritual intelligence and life satisfaction (r = .27) (p < 0.05). The mean scores of students in life satisfaction were 22.49 ± 5.92, lifestyle was 49.15 ± 8.35, and spiritual intelligence was 51.59 ± 11.43. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study showed the important role of spiritual intelligence and lifestyle in students' life satisfaction. These findings can be used by administrators and policymakers in formulating interventions and providing a suitable context to improve students' life satisfaction.

Caregiver burden and coping strategies in caregivers of older patients with stroke.

BACKGROUND: Coping strategies play a key role in modulating the physical and psychological burden on caregivers of stroke patients. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the severity of burden of care and coping strategies amongst a sample of Iranian caregivers of older stroke patients. It also aimed to examine the differences of coping strategies used by male and female caregivers. METHODS: A total of 110 caregivers of older patients who previously had a stroke participated in this descriptive and cross-sectional study. The Zarit Burden Interview and Lazarus coping strategies questionnaires were used for data collection. Questionnaires were completed by the caregivers, who were selected using convenience sampling. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson's correlations and independent t-tests. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 32.09 ± 8.70 years. The majority of the caregivers sampled reported mild to moderate (n = 74, 67.3%) burden. The most commonly used coping strategies reported were positive reappraisal and seeking social support. Results of the independent t-test showed that male caregivers used the positive reappraisal strategy (t(110) = 2.76; p = 0.007) and accepting responsibility (t(110) = 2.26; p = 0.026) significantly more than female caregivers. Pearson's correlations showed a significant positive correlation between caregiver burden and emotional-focused strategies, including escaping (r = 0.245, p = 0.010) and distancing (r = 0.204, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers with higher burden of care used more negative coping strategies, such as escape-avoidance and distancing. In order to encourage caregivers to utilize effective coping skills, appropriate programs should be designed and implemented to support caregivers. Use of effective coping skills to reduce the level of personal burden can improve caregiver physical health and psychological well-being.

The effects of musical stimulation on the level of consciousness among patients with head trauma hospitalized in intensive care units: A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Improvement in the level of consciousness (LOC) is considered as an indicator of recovery among patients with head trauma (HT). musical stimulation is a simple noninvasive intervention with potential positive effects on LOC. This study evaluated the effects of musical stimulation on LOC among patients with HT hospitalized in intensive care unit. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted in 2018-2019. Fifty-four patients with HT were purposively and consecutively recruited from two trauma intensive care units in Qazvin, Iran, and randomly allocated to a control (n = 27) and an intervention (n = 27) group. Participants in the intervention group received fifteen-minute musical stimulation once daily for seven consecutive days using an MP3 player and a headphone for their counterparts, the headphones were silent for 15 min without receiving any musical stimulation once daily for seven consecutive days. A demographic questionnaire, the Glasgow Coma Scale, and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale were used for data collection. LOC was daily assessed before and after each musical stimulation session. The SPSS program (v. 23.0) was used for data analysis at a significance level of less than 0.05. FINDINGS: There were significant between-group differences respecting the posttest mean score of LOC in the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh days of the study intervention (P < 0.05)., the posttest mean score of LOC in the intervention group significantly increased in the intervention group (P < 0.0001), while it did not significantly change in the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: musical stimulation is effective in significantly improving LOC among hospitalized patients with HT. Therefore, it can be used as a non-expensive noninvasive intervention to improve treatment outcomes among these patients.

Effect of Using Eye Masks and Earplugs on the Risk of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Development in Patients Admitted to Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Units.

CONTEXT: Critically ill patients are at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder development. AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using eye masks and earplugs on the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder development in patients admitted to cardiac surgery intensive care units. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a clinical trial that conducted in intensive care units in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample of the present clinical trial consisted of 68 patients undergoing open-heart cardiac surgery that were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the control group received the usual care, and patients in the intervention group used eye masks and earplugs during sleep. The risk of post-traumatic stress disorder development before surgery and 2 months after discharge from the intensive care unit was assessed using the impact of event scale-revised. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis: Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 software. RESULTS: Patients in the two groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics. The mean of the total scores of patients in the control and intervention group before surgery was 10.41 ± 5.25 and 10.71 ± 5.10, respectively (p = 0.82). The mean of the total scores of patients in the control and intervention group 2 months after discharge was 29.50 ± 5.90 and 11.72 ± 6.48, respectively (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of eye masks and earplugs significantly reduces the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development in patients undergoing open-heart cardiac surgery. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Azimian J, Assar O, Javadi A, Froughi Z. Effect of Using Eye Masks and Earplugs on the Risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Development in Patients Admitted to Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Units. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine, January 2019;23(1):31-34.

The Effect of Telenursing on Referral Rates of Patients With Head Trauma and Their Family's Satisfaction After Discharge.

We aimed to assess the effect of telenursing on referral rates of patients with head trauma and their family's satisfaction after discharge. Seventy-two patients with head trauma were randomly allocated to equal intervention and control groups. The caregivers in both groups were provided with 1-hr face-to-face training on patients' home care and educational booklets, 2 days before discharge. The cell phone numbers of the telenurse was given to the caregivers of the intervention group. Then, the patients in the intervention group were followed up every week through phone calls by the telenurse for 12 weeks and the patient status checklists were completed. Caregivers in the intervention group could call the telenurse any time they desired. The health status of the control group was followed once by a phone call after 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19. Ultimately, 33 patients with a mean ± SD age of 31.12 ± 10.83 years were studied in the control group and 35 patients with a mean ± SD age of 34.11 ± 12.34 years were studied in the intervention group (p = .098). The 2 groups differed significantly with respect to referral rates; 39.4% of the participants in the control group referred to physicians whereas only 25.7% of the patients in the intervention group needed to refer to physicians (p = .017). Also, the mean times of referring to a physician differed significantly in both groups. In general, 53.8% of the caregivers were satisfied with the telenursing program. Follow-up programs using telephone calls were effective and would lead to higher caregiver satisfaction.

Effect of Telenursing on Outcomes of Provided Care by Caregivers of Patients With Head Trauma After Discharge.

Telenursing is a suitable tool for increasing health-related awareness of the caregivers for a better home care. But its efficacy may be affected by several factors. Considering the important complications of head trauma injury and high rate of readmission, we aimed to assess the effect of telenursing on care provided by the family members of patients with head trauma.This randomized controlled trial investigated 72 patients with head trauma, who were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups (36 patients in each group). The caregivers in both groups were provided with 1-hr face-to-face training session on patients' home care and educational booklets. The patients in the intervention group were followed up every week through phone calls by the telenurse for 12 weeks, who recorded the patient's status, as well. Caregivers in the intervention group could call the telenurse any time they desired. The health status of the control group was followed once by a phone call after 12 weeks. Data on patients' readmission and pressure ulcer (based on Norton's scale) rate and time were compared between the groups and analyzed using SPSS software, version 19. Thirty-three patients with a mean ± SD age of 31.12 ± 10.83 years were studied in the control group and 35 patients with a mean ± SD age of 34.11 ± 12.34 years in the intervention group (p = .098). None of the patients in the intervention group were readmitted, whereas 2 patients in the control group were readmitted s(p = .139). Risk of pressure ulcer did not differ between the groups (p = .583). Telenursing had no significant effect in readmission and decubitus prevention for patients with head trauma. Considering the chronic nature of the illness, a longer follow-up period is deemed necessary for an accurate conclusion.

Iranians' Self-Report Knowledge and Practice about Arbitrary Use of Antibiotics.

INTRODUCTION: Scientific studies revealed a high prevalence rate of self-medication among Iranians, nevertheless there are few studies exploring the factors affecting on. AIM: This study was conducted to detect the knowledge and behaviour of individuals who take antibiotics arbitrarily. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research population included all Iranian men and women between 20 and 60 years. The sample size based on previous studies and after applying the correction factor 1.6. Total of 950 subjects were involved in this cross-sectional study. Face and content validity (qualitative) tool was confirmed by expert faculty members. It was estimated based on Cronbach's alpha reliability 0.73. After coding, all data were entered into SPSS and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean and SD of knowledge was 4.58±0.65. Sore throat (80%) and runny nose (70%) were the most common causes of antibiotic consumption in the participants. The most common reason for antibiotic use was its availability. More than 68% of participants said they never read the brochure of antibiotics. More than 51% of them were unable to understand the content of the brochure. There was a positive relation between participants' knowledge and performance. More than 60% of them had a history of dosage change. CONCLUSION: Results of present study revealed that the study population did not possess the requisite knowledge about the appropriate behaviour in the use of antibiotics. It is recommended to do some educational program in order to improve their knowledge and behaviour. Further studies with larger sample in this regard are recommended.

Investigation of marital satisfaction and its relationship with job stress and general health of nurses in Qazvin, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Pressures in nursing can affect family life and marital problems, disrupt common social problems, increase work-family conflicts and endanger people's general health. AIM: To determine marital satisfaction and its relationship with job stress and general health of nurses. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was done in 2015 in medical educational centers of Qazvin by using an ENRICH marital satisfaction scale and General Health and Job Stress questionnaires completed by 123 nurses. Analysis was done by SPSS version 19 using descriptive and analytical statistics (Pearson correlation, t-test, ANOVA, Chi-square, regression line, multiple regression analysis). RESULTS: The findings showed that 64.4% of nurses had marital satisfaction. There was significant relationship between age (p=0.03), job experience (p=0.01), age of spouse (p=0.01) and marital satisfaction. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between marital satisfaction and general health (p<0.0001). Multiple regression analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between depression (p=0.012) and anxiety (p=0.001) with marital satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Due to high levels of job stress and disorder in general health of nurses and low marital satisfaction by running health promotion programs and paying attention to its dimensions can help work and family health of nurses.

Transdermal Wound Oxygen Therapy on Pressure Ulcer Healing: A Single-Blind Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although healthcare quality has considerably improved in many countries, pressure ulcer is still a major health challenge worldwide. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of TWOT on the healing of pressure ulcers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial, and the convenient sample including 100 patients hospitalized in two university-affiliated medical-surgical intensive care units and one neurology unit located in Qazvin, Iran were studied. Patients with stage II-IV pressure ulcer on the sacral or ischial areas were randomly assigned to either the control or the experimental groups. The experimental group received a 12-day transdermal wound oxygen therapy. Wound status was assessed seven times before the intervention, as well as two, four, six, eight, ten, and twelve days after the intervention. RESULTS: After 12 days of wound oxygen therapy, the number of patients with complete wound healing in the experimental group was significantly greater than that of the control group. Moreover, the total mean of wound area in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Transdermal wound oxygen therapy can effectively promote wound healing in patients with pressure ulcers.

Factors affecting nurses' coping with transition: an exploratory qualitative study.

AIM: One of the most important factors contributing to staff shortage is nurses' ineffective coping with transitions. Changes in nurses' official positions are usually associated with varying degrees of transition. Identification of affecting factors on nurses' coping in responding to transition can promote quality of nursing activity and prevent nurses' shortage. So the aim of this study was to explore factors affecting nurses' coping with transitions. METHODS: The participant of this exploratory qualitative study consisted of sixteen nurses that were work in medical wards of four hospitals in Qazvin, Iran. Data collected by semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis approach. RESULTS: The main theme of the study was 'inadequate preparation for transition'. This theme consisted of six categories including "staff training and development", "professional relationships", "perceived level of support", "professional accountability and commitment", "welfare services", and "nursing staff shortage". CONCLUSION: Nursing managers and policy makers need to pay special attention to the affecting factors on nurses' coping with transition and develop effective strategies for facilitating it.