RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Child visual impairment is one of the disabilities that influence the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of mothers. Therefore, it is necessary to establish appropriate interventions for enhancing their HRQOL. This study was conducted to assess the efficiency of a Health-Centered Life Skills Training (HCLST) program on the HRQOL of mothers with visually impaired children aged 7 to 12 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a nonblinded, randomized, controlled trial on 52 mothers with visually impaired children studying at an educational complex. The participants were selected using convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into intervention and control groups using balanced block randomization method. The intervention group participated in a HCLST program, but the control group did not. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey, which were completed by the participants of both groups before, immediately after, and 3 months after the intervention. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of total mean score of HRQOL before the intervention; however, it increased significantly immediately (Z = -5.73, p < 0.001) and 3 months (Z = -5.84, p < 0.001) after the intervention in the intervention group. A statistically significant increase was observed in the mean scores of the two main domains of the HRQOL, which were physical health (Z = -3.61, p < 0.001) and emotional health (Z = -6.19, p < 0.001) domains, only in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: HCLST program can be used as an effective technique for the improvement of the HRQOL in mothers with blind children.
RESUMEN
Objective. To establish the effect of tele-nursing in the improving of the ultrasound findings in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods. In this clinical trial, 60 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver referring to specialized gastroenterology clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Iran) were selected were randomly assigned to control or intervention group. All patients received necessary trainings on diet and physical activity. The subjects in the intervention group were followed up via phone by nurses for 12 weeks (twice a week during the first month and once a week during the following two months). The control group participants did not receive any interventions and were only followed up as usual by a specialist. Before and after the intervention, the liver size and histological status of their liver were examined using ultrasound in all the participants. Results. After 12 weeks of start of the study, the mean of liver size decreased in the group followed up via phone by a nurse (13.15±1.22 cm to 12.90±1.16 cm, p=0.013), but this did not change significantly in the control group (12.55±1.56 cm to 12.56±1.57 cm, p=0.326). The greater difference in the mean liver size between the evaluations was in the intervention group with 0.26±0.53 cm versus -0.003±0.018 cm in the control group (p=0.012). Additionally, the fatty infiltration status of the liver tissue improves in the 66.6% of the intervention group versus 6.6% in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion. The results of this study showed that tele-nursing led to improvement in liver size and liver histology in patients with Non-alcoholic fatty liver.(AU)
Objetivo. Establecer el efecto de la tele-enfermería en la mejoría de los hallazgos ecográficos en pacientes con hígado graso no alcohólico. Métodos. En este ensayo clínico, 60 pacientes con hígado graso no alcohólico referidos a servicios de Gastroenterología especializada afiliadas a la Universidad de Ciencias médicas de Shiraz (Irán) se dividieron aleatoriamente en los grupos de control y de intervención. Todos los pacientes recibieron capacitaciones sobre aspectos de la dieta y la actividad física. Los pacientes del grupo de intervención tuvieron seguimiento telefónico por enfermera (dos veces a la semana en el primer mes y una vez por semana los otros dos meses), y los del grupo control no recibieron atenciones diferentes a las consultas usuales al especialista. Tanto al ingreso al estudio como a las 12 semanas, a todos los participantes se les evaluó con ultrasonografía el tamaño y el estado histológico del hígado. Resultados. Después de 12 semanas de inicio del estudio decreció el tamaño del hígado en el grupo con seguimiento telefónico por enfermera (13.15±1.22 cm a 12.90±1.16 cm, p=0.013), mientras que no se observó diferencia significante en el grupo control (12.55 1.56 cm a 12.56±1.57 cm, p=0.326). La más grande diferencia entre las dos evaluaciones fue en el grupo de intervención con 0.26±0.53 cm versus -0.003±0.018 cm en el grupo control (p=0.012). Adicionalmente, el estado de infiltración grasa del tejido hepático mejoró en el 66.6% del grupo de intervención versus 6.6% en el grupo de control (p<0.001). Conclusión. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que la tele-enfermería condujo a la mejoría del tamaño de hígado y la histología hepática en pacientes con hígado graso no alcohólico.(AU)
Objetivo. Estabelecer o efeito da tele-enfermagem na melhora das descobertas ecográficos em pacientes com fígado grasso não alcoólico. Métodos. Neste ensaio clínico, 60 pacientes com fígado grasso não alcoólico referidos a serviços de Gastrenterologia especializada afiliadas à Universidade de Ciências médicas de Shiraz (Irão) foram divididos aleatoriamente nos grupos de controle e de intervenção. Todos os pacientes receberam capacitações sobre aspectos da dieta e a atividade física. Os pacientes do grupo de intervenção tiveram seguimento telefónico por enfermeira (duas vezes por semana no primeiro mês e uma vez por semana os outros dois meses), e os do grupo controle não receberam atenções diferentes às consultas usuais ao especialista. A todos os participantes ao ingresso ao estudo e às 12 semanas se lhes avaliou com ultrassonografia o tamanho e o estado histológico do fígado. Resultados. Depois de 12 semanas de início do estudo diminuiu o tamanho do fígado no grupo com seguimento telefónico por enfermeira (13.15±1.22 cm a 12.90±1.16 cm, p=0.013), enquanto que não se observou diferença significante no grupo controle (12.55 1.56 cm a 12.56±1.57 cm, p=0.326). A maior diferença entre as duas avaliações foi no grupo de intervenção com 0.26±0.53 cm versus -0.003±0.018 cm no grupo controle (p=0.012). Adicionalmente, o estado de infiltração grassa do tecido hepático melhorou em 66.6% do grupo de intervenção versus 6.6% no grupo de controle (p<0.001). Conclusão. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que a tele-enfermagem conduz à melhora do tamanho de fígado e a histologia hepática em pacientes com fígado grasso não alcoólico.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Grupos Control , Ultrasonografía , Ensayo Clínico Controlado Aleatorio , Teleenfermería , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no AlcohólicoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Life review therapy, used as part of a comprehensive therapy plan for increasing the quality of life of the elderly, helps them to resolve their past conflicts, reconstruct their life stories, and accept their present conditions. The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of life review therapy on the quality of life of the elderly. METHODS: The present study was a randomized controlled trial with a pre-posttest design during April to Aug 2014. The study was conducted on 35 members of the elderly day care centers in Shiraz, Iran, that were randomly assigned to two groups (experimental and control). The subjects in the experimental group attended 8 two-hour sessions of life review therapy. The quality of life of the elderly participants was evaluated before, immediately, one month, and three months after the intervention using the quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL_BREF). Data analysis was conducted through SPSS version 22, using statistical tests including Chi-square, repeated measures test and T-test, with the significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that life review therapy interventions significantly improved the quality of life of the elderly (P<0.05). Moreover, group interaction with passage of time was also significant, which indicates that the pattern of changes has been different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study confirm the research hypotheses, showing that the application of life review is effective and viable. It is recommended that all nursing homes and even the families of the elderly should employ this convenient, inexpensive, quick, and practical method. Trial Registration Number: IRCT2015021621106N1.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic and inflammatory disorder which is the major cause of disability in adults. Patient training is a vital aspect of nursing care for people with arthritis aiming to enable them to live as independently as possible. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the educational program on self-efficacy on women with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: This study was an open randomized controlled clinical trial during May to July 2013. Women (64 participants) with confirmed RA and a mean±SD age of 48.6±9.83 years were enrolled; they were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups (32 in each group). The patients in the intervention group participated in a training programs consisting of two 30-minute sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Data were collected by using Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) and demographic questionnaire. ASES questionnaire was filled in three times by the participants: before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20, and statistical tests including Chi-square and t-test. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean of self-efficacy scores of the intervention group, immediately and three months after the intervention, significantly enhanced in all dimensions compared with the control group (P<0.001, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that training programs is effective for improving self-efficacy in the patients suffering from RA by raising their awareness towards their disease and methods of adaptation with it. But as to the sustainability of the impact of educational courses on self-efficacy, it seems that more research is required. Trial Registration Number: IRCT201308187531N3.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To establish the effect of tele-nursing in the improving of the ultrasound findings in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 60 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver referring to specialized gastroenterology clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Iran) were selected were randomly assigned to control or intervention group. All patients received necessary trainings on diet and physical activity. The subjects in the intervention group were followed up via phone by nurses for 12 weeks (twice a week during the first month and once a week during the following two months). The control group participants did not receive any interventions and were only followed up as usual by a specialist. Before and after the intervention, the liver size and histological status of their liver were examined using ultrasound in all the participants. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of start of the study, the mean of liver size decreased in the group followed up via phone by a nurse (13.15±1.22 cm to 12.90±1.16 cm, p=0.013), but this did not change significantly in the control group (12.55±1.56 cm to 12.56±1.57 cm, p=0.326). The greater difference in the mean liver size between the evaluations was in the intervention group with 0.26±0.53 cm versus -0.003±0.018 cm in the control group (p=0.012). Additionally, the fatty infiltration status of the liver tissue improves in the 66.6% of the intervention group versus 6.6% in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the hospitalization services, nurses care for patients but without being with them. Nurses during their daily work transformed their caregiver role to adapt to diverse demands from the contexts, especially the institutional context.
Asunto(s)
Hígado/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/diagnóstico por imagen , Teleenfermería/métodos , Ultrasonografía/métodos , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Irán , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/patología , Tamaño de los Órganos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
AIM: This study aimed to assess the effect of telenursing on nutritional behavior and physical activity self-efficacy in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). BACKGROUND: NAFLD is the most common liver disorder, which has a chronic course. Therefore, routine monitoring of these patients by medical staff helps them actively participate in the healing process and promote their self-efficacy. METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 patients were chosen through convenience sampling among patients with NAFLD. After obtaining written informed consents, the participants were randomly divided into an intervention and a control group (each containing 30 subjects). The participants received diet consultation individually and were taught how to perform physical activities. Telephone intervention was conducted in the intervention group for 12 weeks. The study questionnaires were completed by the participants before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: Based on the results, the mean score of nutritional behavior and physical activity self-efficacy increased in the study groups after the intervention. This increase was statistically significant only in the intervention group. Additionally, the two groups were significantly different regarding the mean scores of nutritional behavior and physical activity self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Telenursing could improve self-efficacy and physical activity in patients with NAFLD.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by macro vesicular steatosis in the absence of alcohol. Patients with (NAFLD)need extensive education and support in their treatment. Our aim was to investigate the effect of telenursing on liver enzymes (ALT and AST) in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Our study is a randomized controlled clinical trial. In this study, 60 patients were enrolled from patients who referred to subspecialty gastrointestinal clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Specialists confirmed their diseases by ultrasound and laboratory test. Simple randomization, based on random number table, was used to randomize the participants into intervention (N=30) and control (N=30) groups. Patients in both groups received dietary advice from a nutritionist and were trained to perform physical activities. Telephone intervention in the intervention group lasted for 12 weeks, in order to see the effect of follow up on the recommended diet and physical activities given by the specialist, while; the control group subjects were only followed up as usual by their physician. RESULTS: The result of an independent t-test showed that the mean difference of liver Enzymes between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). The difference of AST and ALT in the intervention and control groups was 18.03, -1.27 and 40.70, 1.52, respectively. CONCLUSION: We found out that; telenursing could have a positive effect on reduction of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) in patients with NAFLD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT2015040411691N5.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Vision impairment in children is one of the most severe disabilities that cause stress in parents. Therefore, it seems necessary to establish and conduct interventions for controlling parenting stress and preventing its negative consequences. This study aimed to investigate the effect of life skills training (LST) program on parenting stress of mothers with blind children aged 7 to 12 years. METHODS: This study was a non-blinded randomized controlled trial. 52 mothers with blind children studying at Shoorideh Shirazi educational complex, Shiraz, Iran in 2013 were enrolled, using census sampling method. Balanced block randomization method was used to allocate the participants to groups. The intervention group participated in an LST program consisting of 5 two-hour sessions per week for 5 consecutive weeks but the control group didn't. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and Parenting Stress Index; they were completed three times by the participants of both groups before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. Collected data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test and repeated measures analysis of variances (ANOVA). RESULTS: The LST program could decrease parenting stress in the intervention group mothers (P<0/001). This statistically significant reduction in the mean scores of parenting stress was observed in both children and parents. CONCLUSION: LST program could reduce parenting stress in mothers with blind children. Therefore, it can be used as an efficient, cost-effective and simple technique for managing parenting stress in such parents. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT201405147531N6.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Andropause in men refers to the clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with advanced age and characterized by a deficiency in serum testosterone levels. With the increase in aging male population and life span in Iran and focus on quality of life, andropause will become a major health issue that needs to be addressed in order to prevent disability. The results of some research have shown that there is still low level of knowledge and attitude toward andropause among health professionals. This study aimed at assessing the level of knowledge and attitude of general physicians regarding andropause in 2014. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 402 general physicians in Shiraz. A researcher-made questionnaire was developed for assessing the level of knowledge and attitude of general physicians about andropause. SPSS 18 was used to analyze the data, and descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Pearson correlation were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean score of knowledge and attitude about andropause was 29.4 out of 76 and 35.1 out of 45, respectively. The findings showed a poor level of knowledge and positive attitude toward andropause among general physicians. There was a significant relationship between occupational status and knowledge about andropause (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between attitude and demographic characteristics (P<0.05). The correlation between knowledge and attitude toward andropause was not statistically significant (P=0.548). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study indicate the need for designing educational interventions to improve the knowledge and attitude of andropause among general physicians.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer has been reported as the second leading cause of cancer death among men in 2013. Prevention and early detection of cancer are considered as critical factors in controlling the disease and increasing the survival of patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of Health Belief Model (HBM)-based education on knowledge and prostate cancer screening behaviors in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: This study was a non-blinded randomized controlled trial. We enrolled 210 men aged 50-70. Balanced block randomization method was used to randomize the final participants who had inclusion criteria into intervention (n=93) and control (n=87) groups. The participants of the intervention group attended training workshops based on HBM. Data were collected using three questionnaires, i.e. demographic questionnaire, Prostate Cancer Screening-Health Belief Model Scale (PCS-HBMS), and the Knowledge about Prostate Cancer Screening questionnaire, all given before and immediately one month after the intervention. RESULTS: The mean scores of the perceived susceptibility, severity, barriers and benefits increased significantly after the intervention (P>0.05) in the intervention group. In the control group, such a difference was reported only for perceived susceptibility (P>0.05). The rate of participation in prostate cancer screening in the intervention group increased from 7.5% to 24% and 43.3% one month and three months after the intervention, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the health education programs designed based on HBM could positively affect prostate cancer preventive behaviors of individuals by improving their knowledge level and leaving positive effects on perceived susceptibility and severity as well as considering the perceived barriers, benefits and health motivations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT2013090911691N3.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of yoga on balance and fear of falling in older adults. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Jahandidegan Center in Shiraz, southern Iran. PARTICIPANTS: Forty persons (17 men and 23 women) between the ages of 60-74 years with a Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) score <8 and a Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score <45. After completing the MFES questionnaire and BBS measurement, the participants were divided into intervention and control groups. BBS measurement and the MFES questionnaire were completed again immediately after the intervention. INTERVENTION: The intervention group participated in 2 yoga practice sessions per week for 8 weeks. The control group received no intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fear of falling was measured with the MFES and balance was measured with the BBS. RESULTS: We found significant changes in both variables (P < .0001). Mean differences before and after the intervention for the BBS for yoga and control groups were 10.19 and -1.16, respectively. Mean differences before and after the intervention for the MFES for yoga and control groups were 1.62 and -0.21, respectively. CONCLUSION: Yoga is a potential intervention to reduce fear of falling and improve balance in older adults.
Asunto(s)
Accidentes por Caídas , Miedo , Equilibrio Postural/fisiología , Yoga , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Estudios de Cohortes , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , AutoeficaciaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aging is associated with reduced quality and quantity of sleep. 50% of senior citizens living in the community and 70% of those living in nursing homes suffer from sleep disorders. Moreover, insomnia increases the risk of mortality and morbidity in older adults. We aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on quantity and quality of sleep among the elderly people referring to health centers of Lar city, southern Iran. METHODS AND PATIENTS: We enrolled 60 elderly people whose age range was 60-75 years and (mean ±SD) age was (64.8±5.2). Participants were randomly assigned into two groups of 30 each (case group= 30 and control group=30). The patients in the case group participated in exercise trainings consisted of three one-hour sessions per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Sleep quantity and quantity in the participants was evaluated before and after intervention using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: Independent t-test showed that sleep quality score was improved by 44.46% in the case group (p<0.0001). Furthermore, sleep duration was improved by 98/16% (p=0.038) and sleep latency was improved by 76/6% in the case group; while, the difference between the two groups regarding the changes in the sleep latency was not statistically significant (p=0.089). CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise program could improve the sleep quality and quantity in the elderly. It could also be used as a cost effective and long lasting method of therapy with no side effect which could be used for the treatment of insomnia in older people.
Asunto(s)
Ejercicio Físico , Sueño/fisiología , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Aging and its social-biological process naturally impair the functions of different body organs and cause progressive disabilities in managing personal affairs and performing social roles. Laughter therapy is an important strategy which has been recommended by experts for increasing health promotion in older adults. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of laughter therapy program on public health of senior citizens. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 72 senior citizens aged 60 and over referring to Jahandidegan (Khold-e-Barin) retirement community center in Shiraz, southwest Iran during January to February 2014. The participants were assigned into experimental (N=36) and control (N=36) groups. Data were collected using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and demographic questionnaire. The participants of experimental group attended a laughter therapy program consisting of two 90-minute sessions per week lasting for 6 weeks. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant correlation between laughter therapy program and factors such as general health (P=0.001), somatic symptoms (P=0.001), insomnia and anxiety (P=0.001). However, there was no statistically significant correlation among laughter therapy, social dysfunction (P=0.28) and depression (P=0.069). CONCLUSION: We concluded that laughter therapy can improve general health and its subscales in elderly people. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT2014061111691N4.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Positive thinking which is derived from an optimistic view toward the universe and plays an important role in the incidence of better and a more targeted behavior among human beings. It can improve spiritual health in the individuals through increased communication with God and thanksgiving and accelerate the healing process. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the effect of positive thinking on the level of spiritual health in the patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) referred to Imam Reza specialty and subspecialty clinic in Shiraz, Iran. METHODS: In this study randomized controlled clinical trial, we enrolled 90 patients with confirmed CAD referred to Imam Reza clinic, Shiraz, during April to July 2013. A blocking randomization method was used to randomize the final 90 participants into intervention (n = 45) and control groups (n = 45). After obtaining written informed consent, the participants were asked to complete two questionnaires. Data were collected using Ellison and Paloutzian's spiritual well-being scale (SWBS) and a demographic questionnaire. The patients in the intervention group participated in 7 training sessions on positive thinking in which several topics were discussed. The SWBS questionnaire was completed two more times by the participants; once immediately after, and once 1 month after the intervention. 16 patients were excluded from the study due to different reasons, and finally the analysis was performed on 74 patients. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of spiritual well-being (SWB) increased from 88.71 ± 12.5 to 96.63 ± 12.58 in the intervention group; while, it decreased from 93.19 ± 17.55 to 94.45 ± 16.01 in the control group in the interval of before and 1 month after the intervention. We observed a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding both variables of time and group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SWB is an important factor which should be considered in the treatment process, and nurses could maintain and improve such dimension of health in the patients through their intervention including drawing the patients' attention to optimism and positive thinking.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Family caregivers usually report the reduction of their life quality due to one of the family member's spinal cord injury. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psycho-educational interventions on the life quality of the family caregivers of the patients with spinal cord injury. METHODS: The present randomized controlled trial was conducted on 72 family caregivers who had the primary responsibility of taking care of the patients with spinal cord injury. The participants were randomly divided into intervention (n=36) and control groups (n=36). The intervention group was involved in 90-minute educational sessions held once a week for four weeks. Both groups completed SF-36 questionnaire before and 2 and 6 weeks after the intervention. Then, the data were analyzed through independent t-test, Chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: All the caregivers had low quality of life and the lowest mean score was related to mental health in both groups. After the intervention, various dimensions of life quality had improved in the intervention group's caregivers compared to the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The study results revealed the positive effect of psycho-educational interventions on the life quality of the caregivers of the patients with spinal cord injury. According to the results, the authorities have to pay special attention to the problems of this group and educational interventions have to be continuously followed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT2013070811388N2.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic and inflammatory disease of unknown etiology which is mostly characterized by inflammation of the synovial joints. Studies have proved that most people with RA avoid doing physical activities due to fear that it may worsen the pain or cause pressure on joints, resulting in decreased muscle strength and ultimately leading to disability of patients. We aimed to investigate the effects of conditioning exercises on the health status and pain in patients suffering from RA. METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, we enrolled 66 women with confirmed RA referred to the rheumatology clinic of Hafez hospital, Shiraz, southwest Iran during May-July 2013. Balanced block randomization method was used to randomize the participants into case and control groups (two groups of 33 each).Data were collected using visual analog scale (VAS), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 short form (AIMS2-SF), and demographic questionnaire. After obtaining written informed consent, the participants in the case group were asked to participate in conditioning exercise programs including aerobic, isometric, and isotonic exercises and received a training booklet explaining the exercises that they could do at home after the intervention. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the health status scores of the patients in the case groups before and after the intervention (P=0.001). The pain score also decreased significantly in the case group compared with the control group after the intervention (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: We concluded that physical training programs, especially conditioning exercises, could improve the health status and reduce pain in patients with RA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT201308187531N3.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairments, which are common problems among the elderly people, account for a wide range of aging disorders. Group reminiscence can be used as a profitable therapeutic method for preventing cognitive-behavioral disorders in older adults. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of group reminiscence on the cognitive status of elderly people. METHODS: This study was a non-blinded randomized controlled trial. We enrolled 100 elderly people who were under the support of Ilam Welfare Organization, western Iran in 2013. Balanced block randomization method was used to randomize the participants into intervention and control groups.Elderly people in the intervention group participated in a group reminiscence program consisted of two one-hour sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Data were collected using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The questionnaire was completed four times by the participants; before, immediately after, two and three months after the intervention. RESULTS: The mean±SD of cognitive status scores in the intervention group was 24.66±3.8 which increased to 25.02±3.67, 25.04±3.72 and 24.72±3.66 immediately after, two and three months after the intervention respectively. The results showed that the changes in the mean scores were statistically significant in the intervention group immediately after the intervention (P=0.001) and at second month (P=0.003) follow-ups. However, we found no statistically significant difference in the intervention group at the mentioned time intervals in this regards (P=1.000). CONCLUSION: We concluded that continuous programs of group reminiscence could improve cognitive status of elderly population. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT201405147531N7.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer has been reported as the second leading cause of cancer death and the most common cancer diagnosed in men. Since Health Belief Model (HBM) has been intensively used for assessing health beliefs associated with cancer screening behaviors, we aimed to investigate the level of knowledge and health beliefs about prostate cancer screening among retired men. METHODS: In this descriptive study carried out in 2013, we enrolled 180 men aged 50-70 years who were retired from Shiraz Education Department. Data were collected using three questionnaires including demographic questionnaire, HBM and the Knowledge about Prostate Cancer Screening questionnaires by interviewing the participants. RESULTS: Our findings showed that 95.6% and 85.6% of the interviewees had no experience of digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostatic-specific-antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer screening, respectively. 86.1% of men had no knowledge about such screening. 12.7% of the respondents reported good knowledge scores. 74.4% and 90.5% of them had good health motivation and perceived benefits scores, respectively. 81.6% of them revealed intermediate scores for perceived barriers. Moreover, 32.7% and 7.2% of the subjects reported good severity and susceptibility scores, respectively. CONCLUSION: Developing an assessment based on HBM could be effective in designing and implementing educational programs by helping to identify the needs and priorities of the target population.
RESUMEN
Objective. To evaluate the effect of home visitation programs during the first six weeks of postpartum on the quality of life of primiparous women. Methodology. Controlled clinical trial. The 52 primiparous women who were referred to healthcare centers of the University of Shiraz (Iran) were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 26) or a control group (n = 26). An instrument was applied including demographic information and the Specific Postnatal Quality of Life (SPQOL) scale (30 items with Likert-type response options ranging from 0 to 4, the higher the score the better the quality of life). The intervention conducted during the first six weeks of postpartum consisted of an educational program developed during four sessions from 30 minutes to one hour, dealing with topics of nutrition, physical support, ways of having appropriate relations with the spouse, and exercises for the postpartum. During weeks 0 and 6, the SPQOF was applied in both study groups. Results. Both groups were similar regarding the socio-demographic variables. The difference between SPQOL scores from the first and second evaluations was 39.6 in the intervention group versus 6.2 in the control group (p< 0.001). Conclusion. The results from this study indicate that the home visitation program was related to improved quality of life of primiparous women during the first six weeks of postpartum.
Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la visita domiciliaria en las seis primeras semanas de postparto en la calidad de vida de mujeres primíparas. Metodología. Ensayo clínico controlado. Las 52 mujeres primíparas remitidas a los centros de salud de la Universidad de Shiraz (Irán) fueron asignadas en forma aleatoria al grupo de intervención (n=26) o al de control (n=26). Se aplicó un instrumento que incluía información demográfica y la escala Specific Postnatal Quality of Life ûSPQOL- (30 ítems con opciones de respuesta tipo Lickert que van de 0 a 4, a mayor puntaje major calidad de vida). La intervención fue realizada durante las primeras seis semanas de posparto, la cual consistió en un programa educativo desarrollado en cuatro sesiones, de 30 minutos a una hora, en el que se trataron los temas de nutrición, apoyo físico, forma de tener una apropiada relación con su cónyuge y ejercicios para el posparto. En las semanas 0 y 6 se aplicó la SPQOF en los dos grupos de estudio. Resultados. Ambos grupos fueron similares con respecto a las variables sociodemográficas. La diferencia entre los puntajes de SPQOL de la primera y segunda evaluación fue 39.6 en el grupo de intervención versus 6.2 en el grupo control (p<0.001). Conclusión. Los resultados de este estudio indican que el programa de visita domiciliaria se relacionó con la mejoría en la calidad de vida de las mujeres primíparas en las primeras seis semanas de posparto.
Objetivo. Avaliar o efeito da visita domiciliária nas seis primeiras semanas de pós-parto na qualidade de vida de mulheres primíparas. Metodologia. Ensaio clinico controlado. As 52 mulheres primíparas que foram remetidas aos centros de saúde da Universidade de Shiraz (Irã) foram atribuídas em forma aleatória ao grupo de intervenção (n=26) ou ao de controle (n=26). Aplicou-se um instrumento que incluía informação demográfica e a escala Specific Postnatal Quality of Life ûSPQOL- (30 itens com opções de resposta tipo Lickert que vão de 0 a 4, a maior pontuação major qualidade de vida). A intervenção foi realizada durante as primeiras seis semanas de pós-parto; consistiu num programa educativo desenvolvido em quatro sessões de 30 minutos a uma hora, no que se trataram os temas de nutrição, apoio físico, forma de ter uma apropriada relação com o esposo e exercícios para o pós-parto. Nas semanas 0 e 6 se aplicou a SPQOF nos dois grupos de estudo. Resultados. Ambos grupos foram similares com respeito às variáveis sócio-demográficas. A diferença entre as pontuações de SPQOL da primeira e segunda avaliação foi 39.6 no grupo de intervenção contra 6.2 no grupo controle (p<0.001). Conclusão. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que o programa de visita domiciliária se relacionou com a melhoria na qualidade de vida das mulheres primíparas nas primeiras seis semanas de pós-parto.