The Effect of Cerebellar tDCS on Static and Dynamic Balance of Inactive Elderly Men.

The aim of this study was investigating the effect of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on static and dynamic balance of inactive older adults. Twenty-four older adults participated in this study. All participants underwent static and dynamic balance tests. In the Experimental group, anode electrode was positioned at the O point in the cerebellum and cathode electrode was positioned on the left eye socket (FP1). In the control group, the anode and cathode electrodes were positioned at O and FP1 points, respectively, but the current stimulation was stopped after 30 s. Then, the posttest was performed. Data analysis was done using MANCOVA. There was a significant difference between the Experimental and control groups in static balance (p = .12) and dynamic balance (p = .18) and the performance was better in the experimental group. It can be concluded that tDCS can improve static and dynamic balance in inactive older adults.

Nursing student's satisfaction with two methods of CBL and lecture-based learning.

BACKGROUND: Case-based learning (CBL) is an effective teaching-learning strategy that provides a learning environment similar to actual practice. The aim of the present study was to determine the nursing student's satisfaction with two methods of CBL and lecture-based learning. METHODS: This descriptive observational study was conducted in 2019 in School of Nursing and Midwifery in Ilam. All 128 undergraduate nursing students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th semesters of nursing were enrolled in the study to compare students' satisfaction with CBL and lecture-based learning. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 20 questions based on the Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics 22. RESULTS: More than two thirds of the students (81.3%) found the CBL method was better than lectures. 60% of male students and 62% of female students stated that the CBL method increased their self-confidence compared to the traditional lecture-based learning (p < 0.03). Students were very satisfied with the CBL method (9.1 ± 1.1 out of 10). There was no significant relationship between gender-related features, and the mean score of students' satisfaction with the CBL method (p > 0.05). However, 4th semester students were more satisfied than other students (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The results show that CBL, as a teaching-learning technique in specialized nursing courses, increases students' satisfaction and self-confidence compared to lecture.

Personal protective equipment-associated headaches in health care workers during COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Health Care Workers (HCWs) use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect themselves and prevent the transmission of the disease. The use of PPE, especially respiratory masks, has adverse consequences, including headaches, which have been secondary and unusual. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis study was to investigate the prevalence of PPE-associated headaches in HCWs during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The present review study was performed based on the PRISMA guideline. The protocol of the present study was registered in PROSPERO with the code CRD42022304437. Valid data resources such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Embase were used to identify and extract relevant studies. The searches were conducted between the beginning of 2020 and the end of January 2022. A random effects model was used for meta-analysis and I 2 index was used to investigate between-study heterogeneity. Data were analyzed using STATA ver. 14. Results: A total of 539 articles were first identified through initial search and finally 26 final studies were selected to undergo the meta-analysis phase. According to the results of meta-analysis, the prevalence of headache after and before the use of PPE was 48.27% (95% CI: 40.20-56.34, I 2 = 99.3%, p = 0 < 001) and 30.47% (95% CI: 20.47-40.47, I 2 = 97.3%, p = 0 < 001), respectively. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of PPE-associated headache in HCWs was relatively high, so, the use of PPE during COVID-19 pandemic can be considered as one of the causes of headache. Therefore, management strategies such as regular screening of HCWs for headaches and regular rest periods without the use of PPE can be effective in reducing the prevalence of headaches.

Nurse preceptors' perceptions of benefits, rewards, support, and commitment to the preceptor role in a new preceptorship program.

BACKGROUND: Nurse preceptorship is a new concept emerging in the Iranian health care system. The purpose of this research was to assess preceptor nurses' perceived benefits, rewards, support, and commitment to the role in a new nurse preceptorship program in Iran and to examine the relationships between these concepts. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was employed, and using total population sampling method, 45 preceptor nurses were recruited from a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Iran. Data were collected using the Preceptor's Perception of Benefits and Rewards Scale, the Preceptor's Perception of Support Scale, and the Commitment to the Preceptor Role Scale. Descriptive statistics and correlational analysis were used to analyse data. RESULTS: Preceptors' commitment to their role was positively and moderately associated with their perceived benefits and rewards (r = 0.503, p = 0.001) and perceived support (r = 0.430, p = 0.003). None of the examined demographic and practice variables showed statistically significant association with commitment to the preceptor role. CONCLUSIONS: Commitment to the preceptor role was associated with benefits, rewards and support that preceptor nurses perceive in relation to their role. To optimise the effectiveness of nurse preceptorship programs, benefits, rewards, recognition, and support should be integral to planning of these programs.

Comparison of the effect of licorice vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal cream on sexual function of postmenopausal women: An RCT.

Background: Menopause is a stage in woman's life that some women experience in middle age and some at a younger age (premature menopause). Low levels of ovarian hormones, during menopause can lead to various complications. Menopause is one of the factors that can affect a woman's sexual function. Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the effect of licorice vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal cream on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 82 postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Ilam, Iran from July to November 2020 were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 41/each). One group was given estrogen vaginal cream 2%, and the other vaginal licorice cream 2%. Participants used the 2 medications for 14-day periods each. We used the finite randomization method. Data collection questionnaires, including a demographic information questionnaire before treatment and a female sexual function index questionnaire were completed before, one month after the medication, and 2 months after using the medication. Results: The mean score of sexual function in the licorice group was 17.86 ± 4.37 and increased to 20.31 ± 4.63 at the end of the study. The mean score of sexual function in the estrogen group was 17.14 ± 3.99 and increased to 22.97 ± 5.09 at the end of the study (p = 0.015). Conclusion: The effect of estrogen vaginal cream on the sexual function of postmenopausal women was greater than licorice vaginal cream.

The effect of yoga on the quality of life and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The impact of yoga on the quality of life and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has shown various results in different reports. As a result, performing a systematic review and meta-analysis to guide physicians and patients seems necessary. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of yoga intervention on the quality of life and fatigue in patients with MS. METHOD: The present study was designed based on PRISMA guidelines from their inception until October 2019. Two researchers independently performed all steps. We searched several international online databases such as PubMed/Medilne, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, CAM-Quest, CAMbase, IndMED and Google Scholar search engine. The data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis Software Ver. 2, while P < 0.05 was considered significant. The protocol of this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO with number identifier: CRD42019127168. RESULTS: Overall, 693 patients with MS (yoga (n = 209), exercise (n = 298), control (n = 186) groups) were examined in ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs). According to this meta-analysis, the effect of yoga intervention on fatigue in patients with MS was significantly better compared to the typical MS care group [SMD = -0.872; 95%CI: -1.467 to -0.277, p = 0.004], and did not show significant difference compared to the exercise group [SMD = -0.093; 95%CI: -0.353 to 0.167, p = 0.482]. The effect of yoga intervention on the overall quality of life (compared to the typical MS care group: [SMD = 0.710; 95%CI: -0.172 to 1.592, p = 0.114], and compared to the exercise group: [SMD = -0.453; 95%CI: -0.233 to 1.138, p = 0.195]), physical component (compared to the typical MS care group: [SMD = 0.281; 95%CI: -0.157 to 0.719, p = 0.209], and compared to the exercise group: [SMD = 0.074; 95%CI: -0.125 to 0.273, p = 0.467]), psychological component (compared to the typical MS care group: [SMD = 0.250; 95% CI: - 0.132 to 0.631, p = 0.199], and compared to the exercise group: [SMD = - 0.270; 95%CI: -0.813 to 0.272, p = 0.329]), sexual function (compared to the typical MS care group: [SMD = 0.438; 95%CI: -0.350 to 1.226, p = 0.276]), and cognitive function (compared to the typical MS care group: [SMD = -0.390; 95%CI: -0.008 to 0.789, p = 0.055]) in patients with MS was not significant. CONCLUSION: Yoga is a simple exercise for patients with MS that is capable of decreasing fatigue in these patients.

A comparison of the effect of two methods of positioning the hands during basic and advanced cardiovascular life support on the chest compression depth in adults.

Introduction: There is no agreement on how the hands are positioned in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In this study, the effects of two methods of positioning the hands during basic and advanced cardiovascular life support on the chest compression depth are compared. Methods: In this observational simulation, the samples included 62 nursing students and emergency medicine students trained in CPR. Each student performed two interventions in both basic and advanced situations on manikins and two positions of dominant hand on non-dominant hand, and vice versa, within four weeks. At each compression, the chest compression depth was numerically expressed in centimeter. Each student was assessed individually and without feedback. Results: The highest mean chest compression depth was related to Basic Cardiovascular Life Support (BCLS) and the position of the dominant hand on non-dominant hand (5.50 ± 0.6) and (P = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in the basic and advanced regression variables in men and women except in the case of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) with dominant hand on non-dominant hand (P = 0.018). There was no significant difference in mean chest compression during basic and advanced cardiovascular life support in left- and right-handed individuals (P = 0.09). Conclusion: When the dominant hand is on the non-dominant hand, more pressure with greater depth is applied.

Biochemical parameters of rickets in Iranian children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many causes can lead to childhood rickets. We aimed to investigate the biochemical symptoms of childhood rickets with systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven articles published from 1975 to 2018 were recruited. The literature search was performed in the Scientific Information Database, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Elsevier databases using related keywords. For meta-analysis, the results of the studies were pooled using the random-effects model. The heterogeneity between the studies was checked using Q test and I 2 index. RESULTS: The total sample population consisted of 933 children with biochemical symptoms of rickets (133 participants per article). According to our findings, the mean serum levels of PO4, Ca, and alkaline phosphatase in children with rickets were 4.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.75-4.61, I 2 = 98.3%, P < 0.001), 9.23 (95% CI: 8.78-9.68, I 2 = 99.6%, P < 0.001), and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.23-1.44, I 2 = 95.6%, P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Characterizing the biochemical symptoms of rickets in children can help to early diagnose and prevent the disease in children. Furthermore, educating parents about biochemical symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and successful treatment of rickets in children.

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in Iranian patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among Iranian patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) through meta-analysis. METHODS: This is a systematic review article based on MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Review of the literature was done using databases including Magiran, Barakat Knowledge Network System, SID, RICST, IranDoc, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and the Google Scholar search engine without time limit until December, 2018. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test and I2 index. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software version 2 according to a random-effects model. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as the significance level. RESULTS: The analysis consisted of 44 studies including 10,349 Iranian patients with DM. The prevalence of depression was estimated to be 61.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56.6-66.7). The lowest and highest prevalence of depression based on regions was in the North (56.7% [95%CI: 44.9-67.8]) and the East (64.2% [95%CI: 30.7-87.9]), respectively. The depression prevalence in females and males was 63.9% (95%CI: 54.0-72.8) and 46.3% (95%CI: 36.4-56.4), respectively, The prevalence of mild, moderate, severe and highly severe depression was estimated to be 24.4% (95%CI: 21.0-28.2), 19.1% (95%CI: 15.2-23.9), 11.4% (95%CI: 8.6-14.9), and 4.6% (95%CI: 3.4-6.1), respectively. In eight studies, the prevalence of anxiety in Iranian patients with DM was estimated to be 64.5% (95%CI: 42.0-82.1). CONCLUSIONS: Depression and anxiety are more prevalent among Iranian patients with DM compared with developed countries. Therefore, regular psychiatric consultation is required for the early diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety in these patients.

The association between anemia and postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between anemia and postpartum depression (PPD) has been reported to be controversial in different studies. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of anemia and PPD. METHODS: This review study was conducted according to the MOOSE protocol and results have been reported according to the PRISMA guideline. We searched epidemiologic studies published until January 2018 in nine English databases including Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EBSCO and Google Scholar using English MeSH keywords. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the Cochran's Q test and I2 index. Data were analyzed using a random effects model and comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software version 2. RESULTS: In the 10 studies, the association between postpartum anemia and PPD was significant (heterogeneity test: P<0.001, I2=74.62%), and RR=1.887 (95%CI: 1.255-2.838, P=0.002). In 8 studies, anemia during pregnancy significantly increased the risk of postpartum depression (heterogeneity test: P=0.116, I2=36.422%), RR=1.240 (1.001-1.536, P=0.048). The subgroup analysis of postpartum anemia and PPD was not significant for the variables of quality of studies, study design, and the period of evaluating depression and anemia. The subgroup analysis of anemia during pregnancy and PPD was not significant for the period of evaluating depression. Publication bias did not affect the results of the studies. CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis results showed anemia during pregnancy and after pregnancy that significantly increased the risk of postpartum depression. Therefore, prevention, identification and treatment of anemia in pregnant women seem necessary.

Correction: Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214738.].

The etiology and prevalence of urinary tract infection and asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women in Iran: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common clinical problem in pregnant women. Bacteriuria in pregnancy without antibiotic treatment could result in complications. This study aims to investigate the etiology and prevalence of UTI and asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in pregnant women in Iran. METHOD: This meta-analysis follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. To avoid bias, all steps of the study were carried out independently by two researchers. We conducted a comprehensive search on all the related literature in national databases, including IranDoc, SID, Barakat Knowledge Network System, RICST, Magiran, Iranian National Library and international databases, including Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, PubMed/ Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Sciences, EBSCO, as well as Google Scholar search engine until June 2018. After considering the inclusion/exclusion criteria and qualitative evaluation, studies were analyzed based on random effects model using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software Version 2. RESULTS: In 31 studies with a sample size of 20,309, the prevalence of ASB in pregnant Iranian women was estimated to be 8.7% (95%CI: 7.2-10.4). The lowest and highest prevalence of ASB were observed in the third trimester (6.1% [95%CI: 2.1-16.4]) and first trimester (11.7% [95%CI: 7.9-16.9]), respectively. Subgroup analysis of the prevalence of ASB based on geographical region (P = 0.002) and province (P <  0.001) was significant but for the quality of studies (P = 0.51) was not significant. In 17 studies including 48,731 pregnant women, the prevalence of UTI was estimated to be 9.8% (95%CI: 7.6-12.5). The test for subgroup differences of prevalence of UTI for province (P <  0.001) was significant but for geographical region (P = 061) and quality of studies (P = 0.11) was not significant. Meta-regression model for the prevalence of UTI and ASB in pregnant women in Iran based on year of the studies was significant (P <  0.001). The most common microorganism involved in the etiology of UTI (61.6% [95%CI: 51.6-70.7]) and ASB (63.22% [95%CI: 51.2-73.8]) was E. coli. CONCLUSION: UTI and ASB are prevalent in pregnant women in Iran. Therefore, UTI screening is essential in pregnant women. The most common microorganism involved in the etiology of UTI and ASB in pregnant women in Iran is E.coli.

Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders and is one of the main causes of disability. The prevalence and incidence of MS in Iran is reported to range from 5.3 to 89/ 100,000and 7 to 148.1/ 100,000, respectively. There are no systematic and meta-analysis studies on MS in Iran. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and incidence of MS in Iran using meta-analysis. METHOD: A systematic review of the present study focused on MS epidemiology in Iran based on PRISMA guidelines for systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched eight international databases including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Google Scholar search engine and six Persian databases for peer-reviewed studies published without time limit until May 2018. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive meta-analysis ver. 2 software. The review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42018114491. RESULTS: According to searching on different databases, 39 (15%) articles finalized. The prevalence of MS in Iran was estimated 29.3/ 100,000 (95%CI: 25.6-33.5) based on random effects model. The prevalence of MS in men and women was estimated to be 16.5/ 100,000 (95%CI: 13.7-23.4) and 44.8/ 100,000 (95%CI: 36.3-61.6), respectively. The incidence of MS in Iran was estimated to be 3.4/ 100,000 (95%CI: 1.8-6.2) based on random effects model. The incidence of MS in men was estimated to be 16.5/ 100,000 (95%CI: 13.7-23.4) and the incidence of MS in women was 44.8/ 100,000 (95%CI: 36.3-61.6). The meta-regression model for prevalence and incidence of MS was significantly higher in terms of year of study (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can provide a general picture of MS epidemiology in Iran. The current meta-analysis showed that the prevalence and incidence of MS in Iran is high and is rising over time.

Maternal anemia during pregnancy and small for gestational age: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Anemia is a major public health and nutritional problem in the world. Studies have reported the relationship between anemia during pregnancy and small for gestational age (SGA). Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal anemia during pregnancy and SGA. METHOD: This meta-analysis was conducted without time limit until April 2017 based on the PRISMA protocol. Several international databases including Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science (ISI), Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar search engine were searched independently by two researchers. The keywords include: anemia, pregnant women, gestational age, and pregnancy. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval were estimated regarding to the significance of the I2 index based on the random effects model. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software version 2. RESULTS: Ten studies with a sample size including 620 080 pregnant women entered the meta-analysis process. The overall relationship between maternal anemia during pregnancy and SGA was not significant (RR = 1.11 [95%CI: 0.99-1.24, p = .074]). The relationship between anemia during pregnancy and SGA based on pregnancy trimester showed that maternal anemia was significant in the first trimester, (RR = 1.11 [95%CI: 1-1.22, p = .044]), but this relationship was not significant in the second trimester (RR = 1.11 [95%CI: 0.85-1.18, p = .91]). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal anemia in the first trimester of pregnancy can be considered as a risk factor for negative pregnancy outcomes (SGA).

Strategies of Iranian nurses to overcome professional discrimination: An explorative qualitative study.

BACKGROUND:: Discrimination is a situation in which individuals receive unequal social benefits in return for equal roles they play. They react to such a situation in different ways. OBJECTIVE:: This study aims at identifying the strategies used by Iranian nurses to overcome professional discrimination. RESEARCH DESIGN:: This qualitative study was conducted with the participation of 23 nurses who worked in hospitals in the cities of Tehran, Tabriz, and Ilam. They were selected based on purposive sampling. Data were collected using deep and unstructured interviews in a period of time between May 2013 and June 2014. Interviews were simultaneously analyzed using conventional content analysis method after being transcribed. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION:: This study was approved by the Regional Committee of Medical Research Ethics. Also, voluntary participation, anonymity, and confidentiality were considered. FINDING:: "Presenting a positive image of oneself," "objection," and "expectation" were three themes extracted through data analysis. DISCUSSION:: Organizational discrimination puts nurses under stress and pressure. Nurses react to unfair behavior in different ways. These reactions are harmful to an organization and lead to negative consequences. CONCLUSION:: Professional discrimination has made nurses adopt strategies which would lead to such consequences, which in turn influences their performance as nurses.

The consequences of nurses' endeavors to overcome inter-professional discrimination.

BACKGROUND: Discrimination in nursing has led to the formation of some taboos that often impact the individual's professional development. Nurses use strategies to overcome discrimination that can lead to consequences. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: This study assessed nurses' experiences to explore the consequences of Iranian nurses' strategies to overcome intra-professional discrimination. RESEARCH DESIGN: This qualitative content analysis study employed purposive sampling to reach 25 nurses working at educational hospitals in Tehran, Tabriz, and Ilam, Iran. The data were collected using deep and unstructured interviews along with notes in a period of time between April 2016 and May 2017. Interviews were simultaneously analyzed using inductive and conventional content analysis method after being transcribed. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION: This study was approved by the Regional Committee of Medical Research Ethics. Also, voluntary participation, anonymity, and confidentiality were considered. FINDINGS: Two themes emerged from our analysis due to consequences of nurses' efforts to overcome intra-professional discrimination: "seeking justice" and "passivity." DISCUSSION: Nurses' efforts to overcome professional discrimination have led to outcomes. These outcomes can be affect on their individual effort to achieve organizational goals, provide better care or feel disabling or nurses turnover. CONCLUSION: Strategies adopted by nurses to overcome intra-professional discrimination have led to consequences which vary from negative to positive and impact their performance.

Comparison of health behaviors among students of Iranian medical and human sciences universities.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Health risk behaviors are major and threatening problems of societies. The aim of this study was to determine and compare health behaviors among students of Iranian medical and human sciences universities. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 570 senior medical and human sciences students of Ilam universities (Ilam, Iran) were selected during the period between October 2015 and October 2016, using the stratified random sampling method. The research tool was the self-assessment health questionnaire which consists of personal information, understanding the concept of health and health behaviors. Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U, independent samples t-test and Pearson product-moment correlation tests were used in SPSS version 16. RESULTS: The scores obtained by both groups of medical sciences and human sciences students were low. There was no significant relationship between field of study and the score of understanding the concept of health (p=0.289); but the relationship between field of study and the score on health behaviors (p=0.001) and between health behaviors and understanding the concept of health were significant for both the students of medicine (r=0.259, p=0.01) and the students of human sciences (r=0.493, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Students' health behaviors were not at a desirable level. Conducting interventions in the form of research projects have been recommended.

Prophylaxis against Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients Hospitalized in Surgical Wards in One of the Hospitals in Iran: Based on the American College of Chest Physician's Protocol.

BACKGROUND: There is not enough studies to determine the frequency of using the prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis (DVT) based on the American College of Chest Physician's (ACCP) guidelines in Iran. Thus, providing such statistics is essential to improve thromboprophylaxis in hospital. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of using the prophylaxis against DVT based on ACCP guidelines in patients hospitalized in surgical wards in one of teaching hospital in Ilam, Iran. METHODS: In a cross-sectional, the samples were selected among medical records of patients who were hospitalized and underwent surgery in surgical wards of the hospital from April 2012 to September 2013. Type of prophylaxis was determined based on ACCP guidelines. After reviewing inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients' data were extracted from medical records based on required variables. RESULTS: In reviewing 169 qualified samples, 46.2% (78 patients) were women. Of these, 132 patients were at risk of DVT and needed prophylaxis, only 39 patients (29.5%) received prophylaxis. Thromboprophylaxis based on ACCP guidelines had been fully implemented only in 30 cases (22.7%) of patients with the risk of DVT.. The highest thromboprophylaxis was in the intensive care unit (46.6%) and neurosurgery (37.5%), and the least rate was in urology (0%). CONCLUSIONS: As the results of this study, there are differences between clinical practice and the ACCP guidelines recommendation in prophylaxis against DVT. Thromboprophylaxis has not been implemented based on ACCP guidelines in more than 75% of patients with the risk of DVT. Thus, new strategies are needed to implement thromboprophylaxis against DVT in Iranian hospitals.

The Effect of Yoga on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Women.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, several medical and scientific studies on yoga proved it to be very useful in the treatment of some diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of yoga on stress, anxiety, and depression in women living in Ilam, Iran. METHODS: This study is a quasi-experimental study with pre-post test. To collect data, the questionnaire of DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21) was used. For eligible samples, hatha yoga exercises and training sessions were held for 4 weeks (3 time/weeks; 60-70 min each) by a specialist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: 52 women with a mean age of 33.5 ± 6.5 were included for analysis. Depression, anxiety, and stress decreased significantly in women after 12 sessions of regular hatha yoga practice (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Yoga has an effective role in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Thus, it can be used as complementary medicine.