The effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior to prevent the consumption of fast food in a population of teenagers.

BACKGROUND: Considering the increasing prevalence of fast food consumption among teenagers, providing the necessary training and self-awareness is the best solution for institutionalizing the prevention of fast food consumption by this group. Therefore, this issue should be taken seriously, as should the implementation of educational interventions to prevent the consumption of fast food. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is one of the various health education styles and methods that works well. However, given that a number of local data points are crucial in establishing the efficacy of the model employed, this study looks into the impact of TPB-based education in preventing fast food intake among teenagers. METHODS: A total of 180 male students, ages 15 to 18, participated in this quasi-experimental study in Shiraz, Iran. Cluster sampling was used in the study, and participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n = 90) and the control group (n = 90). A theory-based questionnaire was used to gather data, and both the control and experimental groups had to complete it before and three months after the intervention. The data were examined using paired t, independent t, and chi-square statistical tests after being entered into SPSS-24. RESULTS: The results of the independent t-test showed that there was no significant difference between the two study groups before the intervention in terms of knowledge (P = 0.14), attitude (P = 0.57), subjective norms (P = 0.94), perceived behavioral control (P = 0.81), behavioral intention (P = 0.42), or behavior (P = 0.25). However, following the intervention, there was a significant difference between the two groups with regard to the noted variables (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the McNemar test results demonstrated that the experimental group's consumption of fast food varied significantly before and after the intervention (P = 0.001), but not in the control group (P = 0.07). CONCLUSION: The study's findings demonstrated that TPB-based treatments are successful in helping male students change their habits of consuming fewer amounts of fast food. This study demonstrated that the instructional techniques employed improved the fast food consumption behavior of the intervention group as well as the TPB's structure (attitude, subjective norms, behavioral intention, and perceived behavioral intention).

Association of quality of life with marital satisfaction, stress, and anxiety in middle-aged women.

Background: Marital satisfaction is one of the important components of quality of life. Women's marital satisfaction is affected when they enter the middle age period, due to the mental and emotional tensions caused by the physical changes. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the association of quality of life with marital satisfaction, stress, and anxiety in middle-aged women referring to health centers of Ahvaz city, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 1,000 middle-aged married women (30-59 year of age) under the auspices of health centers of Ahvaz city, Iran in 2019. The subjects were selected by simple random sampling method, and were asked to complete demographic characteristics, quality of life questionnaire, Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire, Holmes-Raheh stress questionnaire, and Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory. The data were analyzed by using SPSS 0.22 software through mean, standard deviation, frequency, Pearson correlation and regression (p = 0.05). Results: Based on the results, 42.4% of the participants were between 40 and 50 years of age, 35.6% had a high school diploma, and 50% of them were housewives. Also, the results of Pearson's correlation showed a positive and significant relationship between quality of life and marital satisfaction (r = 0.178) (p < 0.001). However, quality of life had a negative and significant relationship with anxiety (r = -0.552) (r < 0.001) and stress (r = -0.188) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Given the positive and significant relationship between quality of life and marital satisfaction, appropriate trainings are highly recommended for couples to increase the quality of life and marital satisfaction of middle-aged women and thus strengthen the health of family and society.

The relationship between spiritual health, quality of life, stress, anxiety and depression in working women.

Background: While there are benefits to women entering the workforce, there are also drawbacks, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lower quality of life. However, some research indicates that women's spiritual health may be a protective factor in these situations. This study is to explore the relationship between spiritual health and quality of life, stress, anxiety, and depression among a population of women working in health care centers, given the existence of such a relationship among women. Methods: In 2022, 500 women who worked in health centers in Izeh City, Iran, participated in this cross-sectional survey. The clustered census sampling approach was used for the sample. The research participants completed a 12-item quality of life questionnaire on spiritual health, stress, anxiety, and depression as part of the data gathering process. The data were examined using independent t tests, one-way variance, and Pearson correlation after being entered into SPSS-24. Results: Of the participants, 18% were single and 68% were married. In terms of depression, stress, and anxiety, the mean and standard deviation were 8.26 ± 5.78, 11.26 ± 4.89, and 7.91 ± 0.98, respectively. The quality of life had a mean and standard deviation of 30.82 ± 3.56. Women who were unmarried and had more work experience reported a considerably greater quality of life (p < 0.05). The findings indicated that stress and spiritual health (p = 0.001), anxiety and spiritual health (p = 0.032), and depression and spiritual health (p = 0.024) all had a significant and inverse association. Furthermore, a strong and positive correlation was found (p = 0.001) between spiritual health and quality of life. Conclusion: The study's conclusions demonstrated a clear link between spiritual health and life satisfaction, suggesting that working women's quality of life may be raised by treatments that support spiritual health. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between spiritual health and the psychological variables of stress, anxiety, and depression. This suggests that by understanding the factors influencing mental health and the role of spiritual health moderator, it may be possible to improve the psychological state of employed women.

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.

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 an Educational Intervention on Breast Cancer Screening of Rural Women: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of breast cancer is a key factor affecting patient survival, so screening can reduce the burden of this disease. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on breast cancer screening in rural women. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 480 women referring to the health care centers in the cities of Fasa and Shiraz were divided into two groups, intervention (n = 240) and control (n = 240), using cluster random sampling method, in 2021-2022. We randomly selected two health care centers in Shiraz and Fasa and invited them to participate in the study. The demographic information questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the TPB were used to collect the data. The intervention included 50-minute sessions on topics such as breast cancer basics, screening methods, barriers to mammography, and the role of peer groups. Data were collected before and 4 months after the intervention. RESULTS: The results showed no difference between the two groups in awareness, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, behavioral intention, and breast cancer screening performance before the intervention. Four months after the intervention, a significant increase was found in the intervention group in awareness (7.46 ± 1.50 to 18.54 ± 1.20), attitude (28.55 ± 4.62 to 58.69 ± 4.35), perceived behavioral control (22.52 ± 3.32 to 40.88 ± 3.84), and subjective norms (20.37 ± 3.34 to 21.99 ± 3.38). Instead, no significant difference in the mentioned constructs (P < 0.05) was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that TPB-based education enhanced awareness, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and behavioral intention towards breast cancer screening. The TPB empowers women in rural communities to prioritize their health and seek timely breast cancer screening. Continued efforts and improved access to screening services are crucial for improved outcomes.

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.

Preventive behaviors of respiratory infections in staff of hospital in Kazeroon, Fars, Iran: An application of protection motivation theory.

BACKGROUND: One of the most crucial and essential methods for the prevention and management of respiratory infections is for healthcare professionals to take precautions for their own safety. Using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), the current study looked into effective elements influencing the staff at Kazeroon's Valiasr Hospital's preventive actions against respiratory diseases. METHODS: One hundred ninety-two male and 108 female employees of the Valiasr Hospital in Kazeroon, Iran, participated in this cross-sectional study, in May 2022. Census data were used as the sample technique. A questionnaire based on the PMT and a questionnaire collecting demographic data served as the data collection method. The study's content validity was confirmed by 10 health education experts, and its reliability was assessed using internal consistency techniques, resulting in a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.87.The statistical program SPSS 24 was used to examine the data using the independent t test, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The average age was 34.11 ± 8.91 for men and 32.77 ± 6.09 for women. The majority of participants were married (73.3%), had university education (76.7%), and earned a monthly income between 10 and 15 million Tomans (75%). Notably, 97.7% of participants had received the COVID-19 vaccine, and 77.7% had undergone training related to respiratory infections. The most common preventive practices included avoiding touching the eyes, noses, or mouths, wearing appropriate protective gear, and maintaining a safe distance of 1-2 m from others. Analysis of PMT constructs showed that participants had a generally positive perception toward preventive behaviors. Perceived vulnerability (P = 0.02), perceived cost (P = 0.03), and motivation (P = 0.001) were the three analyzed components that had the greatest impact on respiratory infection preventative behavior. Logistic regression revealed that perceived susceptibility, cost, and motivation significantly predicted the prevention of respiratory infections, with a predictive power of 45%. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the factors influencing preventive behaviors among hospital staff, from respiratory infections like COVID-19. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, the personnel at Kazeroon's Valiasr Hospital wore gloves, goggles, and other appropriate personal protective equipment. The individuals' decision to wear personal protection equipment was also impacted by perceived susceptibility, cost, and motivation.

The factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on theory of planned behavior in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Given the destructive nature of addiction and its relapse after quitting, the present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran, in 2021-2022. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software through descriptive statistical methods, linear regression, and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: 190 people (47.50%) were aged 31-40 years, 265 people (66.25%) were married, 224 people (56%) lived with their spouses, and 192 people (48 percent) had their first use at the age of 16-20. The substance respondents used were methamphetamine (59.5%), heroin (53%), opium (48%), and alcohol (40%). 138 people (34.5%) had their first place of consumption at friends' houses (Tables 1 and 2). 342 people (85.5%) had a history of relapse, and 172 people (50.29%) had 1-5 relapses. Marital status, occupation, and income were among the demographic risk factors, and addicted friends and close relatives were among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse among people with a history of relapse. Personal desire and the insistence of friends were also among the individual and interpersonal factors of drug use among participants. The regression results showed that the constructs of awareness, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention were predictors of drug relapse among addicts (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The current study's findings indicate that among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse in individuals with a history of relapse are addicted friends and close relatives, while marital status, occupation, and income are among the demographic risk variables. Among the individual and interpersonal factors influencing drug usage among participants were personal desire and friends' insistence. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the TPB's structures might be used to predict drug relapse in addicts.

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.

Involvement of Coenzyme Q10 in Various Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Diseases.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), commonly known as ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like component generated in mitochondrial inner membranes. This molecule is detected broadly in different parts of the human body in various quantities. This molecule can be absorbed by the digestive system from various nutritional sources as supplements. CoQ10 exists in three states: in a of reduced form (ubiquinol), in a semiquinone radical form, and in oxidized ubiquinone form in different organs of the body, playing a crucial role in electron transportation and contributing to energy metabolism and oxygen utilization, especially in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Since the early 1980s, research about CoQ10 has become the interest for two reasons. First, CoQ10 deficiency has been found to have a link with cardiovascular, neurologic, and cancer disorders. Second, this molecule has an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger nature. Since then, several investigations have indicated that the drug may benefit patients with cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and neurodegenerative illnesses. CoQ10 may protect the neurological system from degeneration and degradation due to its antioxidant and energy-regulating activity in mitochondria. This agent has shown its efficacy in preventing and treating neurological diseases such as migraine, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Friedreich's ataxia. This study reviews the literature to highlight this agent's potential therapeutic effects in the mentioned neurological disorders.

Internet Addiction and Sleep Disorders among Medical Students.

Background: Considering the increasing use of the Internet in Iranian society, especially among students, and the importance of sleep quality, the present study investigated the relationship between sleep quality and Internet addiction among medical students in Shiraz. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the sample included students of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences who were selected by a multistage sampling method in 2018. Each faculty was considered to be stratified, and the samples were selected from all strata by simple random sampling. A total of 400 student questionnaires were eligible for analysis. The level of sleep disturbance was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was used to evaluate Internet addiction. Cronbach's alpha for PSQI and IAT was 0.77 and 0.93, respectively. Results: 109 (%28.9) and 58 (%14.4) of all the people under study were at risk of Internet addiction or poor sleep quality, respectively. The highest percentage of poor sleep quality was in those who were addicted to the Internet (60%), but the lowest percentage was observed in the group without addiction (27%). In addition, there was a significant correlation between Internet addiction and subjective sleep quality (r = 0.191, p = 0.05), sleep latency (r = 0.129, p = 0.01), sleep duration (r = 0.119, p = 0.01), habitual sleep efficiency (r = 0.186, p = 0.05), sleep disturbances (r = 0.169, p = 0.01), use of sleeping medication (r = 0.203, p = 0.05), and daytime dysfunction (r = 0.188, p = 0.05). Conclusion: These findings help national health officials and planners in Iran to design appropriate and effective interventions to improve students' health and prevent Internet addiction.

Evaluating the association of vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, and C-reactive protein serum levels in patients with an acute psychotic episode: a cross-sectional study in tertiary centre in Iran.

BACKGROUND: The high impact of vitamin D on brain development and its relationship with inflammatory markers in the clinical course of psychiatric disorders have compelled researchers to investigate the potential association between vitamin D levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and the incidence of mental disorders. In the present study, we aimed to compare the serum levels of vitamin D and its related markers, including calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), along with CRP, in 3 groups of patients with acute psychotic episodes, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and methamphetamine-induced psychosis, with a standard control group of the Iranian population. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a psychiatric hospital in Tehran, Iran, and involved a total of 185 subjects. The subjects included four groups: acute phase of schizophrenia (n = 49), acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder (n = 43), methamphetamine-induced psychotic disorder (n = 46), and control group (n = 47). Among 138 patients in acute psychotic episodes, 33 patients were in their first episode of psychosis, while 105 patients were in acute exacerbation of their chronic psychotic disorders. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was measured by an expert attending psychiatrist for all patients. Then, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, vitamin D, and CRP were assessed in all study groups. RESULTS: Among our 185 study subjects, it was observed that individuals with higher education levels and those who were married had a lower prevalence of mental disorders. In all patient groups, the serum levels of CRP were significantly higher, and PTH levels were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001). The serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D were not statistically significantly different between the patient and control groups of the study. In chronic psychotic patients, CRP levels were significantly higher (p < 0.031), and vitamin D levels were significantly lower (p < 0.044) compared to first-episode psychotic patients. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that CRP levels are significantly higher and PHT level is significantly lower in acute psychotic patients. Moreover, vitamin D levels were significantly lower in chronic psychotic patients compared to first-episode psychotic patients.

An application of a series of theory-based educational intervention based on the health belief model on skin cancer prevention behaviors in female high school students.

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and the second cause of death in developed countries. Having a rising incidence, skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Iran. Long-term UV radiations, particularly during childhood and adolescence, is a major cause of skin cancers. The Theory of Planned Behavior as the most precise indicator of behavior, contains motivational factors affecting behavior. This theory has been successful in predicting factors related to chronic diseases, especially cancer. As this model was successful in assessing sun-protective behaviors in previous studies, this study was designed to figure out how a theory-based educational intervention can affect the skin cancer prevention practices of Iranian female high school students. Methods: This experimental investigation was carried out 2019-2020 using multistage cluster sampling method on 400 female high school students in Fasa, Fars, Iran. A questionnaire consisting of demographic data and a questionnaire including the components of the Theory of Planned Behavior was used to assess skin cancer preventative behaviors of both the trial and control groups of the study. An educational program based on the Theory of Planned Behavior was held for the experimental group for eight weeks regarding skin cancer preventive behaviors. The two groups completed questionnaires three months following the intervention for a second time. Results: The study's findings revealed that prior to the intervention, there was no considerable distinction between the two study groups with regard to knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intentions, and skin cancer prevention behaviors; yet, three months later, the experimental group demonstrated increases in each of the mentioned variables with a significant difference. In contrast, the control group showed no discernible difference. Conclusions: The findings of this investigation highlighted the success of the Theory of Planned Behavior for designing educational interventions aimed at encouraging skin cancer prevention in a population of female high school students.

Investigating the factors affecting health care workers' intention to remain in villages.

Background: Settlement in a village and being native is one of the special conditions for choosing to be a health care worker as they must be accessible day and night and provide people with health services when needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting health care workers' intention to remain in villages covered by Jundishapur University, Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in 2019. The total number of health workers working at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Iran was 1034, amongst whom 280 individuals participated in this study. The data collection tool was a questionnaire consisted of two parts, in the first part of which there were 11 questions on personal information of the participants. In the second part, a total of six measures (physical, social, educational and cultural, occupational, welfare, personal and family) were used to examine the factors affecting the health workers' intention to remain in rural areas. Results: The results of this study showed that the current residence of 55% of the health workers was villages while 45% of them lived in urban areas. The results indicated that there was a significant relationship between physical, social, educational and cultural, occupational, welfare, personal and family factors and the health workers' intention to remain in rural areas. Besides, female HCWs were more affected by personal and family factors compared to the male participants. Conclusion: Increasing the quality and paying more attention to physical, social, educational and cultural, occupational, welfare, personal and family factors can cause health workers to remain longer in rural areas.

Effect of educational intervention based on protection motivation theory on preventive behaviors of respiratory infections among hospital staff.

Background: Hospital staff represent a vulnerable population for respiratory diseases. Consequently, the implementation of training programs becomes imperative as a preventive measure against such infections in these populations. The current study was conducted to examine the impact of an educational intervention based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) on preventive behaviors for respiratory infections among a group of hospital staff. Methods: This experimental study involves a sample of 150 hospital staff from Gachsaran City, Iran, in 2021-2022. The sampling technique involved the utilization of a random assignment approach to allocate individuals into two distinct groups: the experimental group, consisting of 75 participants, and the control group, also including 75 individuals. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire designed in accordance with the PMT. This questionnaire was administered to both the experimental and control groups prior to the intervention as well as two months following the intervention. The intervention program consisted of a total of five sessions, each lasting for 60 min, for the experimental group. These sessions were conducted on a weekly basis over a period of two and a half months. Specifically, there were two sessions held every month and one session held every two weeks. Following the completion of the program, the data was entered into SPSS-24 statistical software for analysis using paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and chi-square tests. Results: The results indicated that prior to the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of perceived vulnerability constructs (p = 0.25), perceived severity (p = 0.63), perceived response (p = 0.32), and perceived reward (p = 0.11). Besides, there was no considerable distinction in perceived self-efficacy (p = 0.84), perceived response cost (p = 0.33), fear (p = 0.45), behavior motivation (p = 0.51), knowledge (p = 92), or vaccination behavior (p = 0.12) before the educational intervention. However, a significant change was noticed in each of the mentioned variables between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the implementation of an educational intervention grounded in the PMT yields positive outcomes in enhancing preventative behaviors pertaining to respiratory infections. Hence, it is recommended to utilize an intervention grounded in this theory among hospital staff as a viable approach to mitigating the occurrence of respiratory infections.

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 parenting style on anxiety and depression in adolescent girls aged 12-16 years.

Background: Many personality traits of adolescents are influenced by the personality traits and parenting styles of parents; Parents grow their children in different ways based on their cultural patterns and ideals; due to the importance of anxiety and depression in adolescents and considering the vital role of parents in growing children, the present study was designed and conducted to investigate the effect of parenting skills training on anxiety and depression in adolescent girls aged 12-16 years in Mahshahr city, Khuzestan province, Iran. Materials and methods: This experimental study was performed on adolescent girls aged 12-16 years in Mahshahr city, Khuzestan province, Iran, in 2020. We chose both groups of our study using a multistage cluster sampling method. Mean anxiety and depression before, two, and six months after the intervention was measured by the test and control groups using parenting style, anxiety, and depression questionnaires. The educational intervention program for the training group was like a WhatsApp group, and sending messages were in the form of audio files, text messages, photos with captions, video messages, and PowerPoint presentations. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24 and using independent t-test, paired t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance, and ANOVA. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the age were 14.03 ± 1.41 in the experimental group and 14.06 ± 1.38 in the control group. Before the educational intervention, the mean scores of anxiety and depression were not significantly different between the experimental and control groups. In contrast two months and six months after the educational intervention, there was a significant difference in the mean scores of anxiety and depression between the experimental and control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that an educational intervention on a group of mothers regarding their parenting styles has helped their adolescent daughters to handle their anxiety and depression and also led to a decrease in their anxiety and depression scores.

Suicide attempts and related factors in patients referred to Gachsaran Hospital, Iran.

Background: Suicide is considered as an important, widespread phenomenon in the world, causing numerous deaths annually. This study is going to investigate how suicidal attempts are affected by several demographic and other underlying factors. Objective: The present study was designed to investigate suicide attempts and its related factors in patients referred to Gachsaran Hospital, Iran. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 348 people who had attempted suicide (Please note that 348 was the number of suicidal attempts not the number of suicidal deaths). The data were collected by consent of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and necessary coordination with the Emergency Management Statistics Center of Shahid Rajaee Hospital in Gachsaran city. The data analysis was performed through the logistic regression test using SPSS software version 19. The significance level was considered 0.05. Results: A total of 348 individuals with a mean age of 23.9 ± 8.1 had attempted suicide in Gachsaran. Of these, 185 were female (53.2%) and 163 were male (46.8%). The results of multivariate regression showed that, after controlling the effect of probable confounding variables, the following variables had a significant relationship with suicide attempts in the individuals who had attempted to suicide: male gender, unemployment, and love problems. Conclusion: Considering the high rate of suicide attempts among unemployed male individuals during one year, counseling centers in Gachsaran city should pay special attention to this group of people. Measures such as creating jobs for young people can help prevent this social dilemma.

The Effect of Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Women towards Breast Cancer Screening.

Background: Early identification of breast cancer may result in earlier treatment and a lower mortality rate. This fact has resulted in the development of screening programs to detect breast cancer in its early stages; thus, the current study sought to investigate the influence of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude, and practice about breast cancer screening in Izeh, Khozestan Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: This experiment was carried out on the women of Izeh city in 2019. This study included 120 women who were randomized into the experimental and control groups at random (60 in the experimental and 60 in the control groups). Before and two months after the intervention, data were collected using a researcher-created questionnaire by the control and education groups. The intervention program for the intervention group included eight educational sessions over the course of two months. The SPSS 20 statistical program was used to examine the data, as well as the paired t-test, independent t-test, and Chi-square. Results: There was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups' mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice prior to the educational intervention, but a significant difference was observed after the intervention, with the experimental group obtaining significantly higher mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice (P = 0.05). Conclusion: In the present study, the educational intervention on the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards breast cancer screening led to the increased scores of the experimental group compared to control group.