Critical care nurses' experiences of caring challenges during post-resuscitation period: a qualitative content analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients in the post-resuscitation period experience critical conditions and require high-quality care. Identifying the challenges that critical care nurses encounter when caring for resuscitated patients is essential for improving the quality of their care. AIM: This study aimed to identify the challenges encountered by critical care nurses in providing care during the post-resuscitation period. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Sixteen nurses working in the intensive care units of three teaching hospitals were selected through purposive sampling. The Data collected were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Participants experienced individual, interpersonal, and organizational challenges when providing post-resuscitation care. The most significant challenges include inadequate clinical knowledge and experience, poor management and communication skills, lack of support from nurse managers, role ambiguity, risk of violence, and inappropriate attitudes of physicians towards nurses' roles. Additionally, nurses expressed a negative attitude towards resuscitated patients. CONCLUSION: Critical care nurses face several challenges in providing care for resuscitated patients. To enhance the quality of post-resuscitation care, address the challenges effectively and improve long-time survival it is crucial to implement interventions such as In-service education, post-resuscitation briefing, promotion of interprofessional collaboration among healthcare teams, providing sufficient human resources, clarifying nurses' roles in the post-resuscitation period and increasing support from nursing managers.

The Effect of a Non-Pharmacological Multicomponent Pain Management Program on Pain Intensity and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Elderly Men With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Improving the level of care for the elderly with musculoskeletal pain requires pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain control methods. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a non-pharmacological pain management intervention on pain intensity and quality of life in community-dwelling older men with musculoskeletal pain who were referred to comprehensive healthcare centers in the city of Ilam, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study with pre and post-test design was performed on 65 older men with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The samples were selected regarding inclusion criteria as available and randomly assigned to either the control (usual care) or the experimental group (educational intervention plus physical exercises). Baseline characteristics of participants, the Visual Analogue Scale, and the CASP-19 Quality of Life were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using the ANCOVA, independent and paired t-test, and chi-square test at the statistically significant level of 5 %. RESULTS: According to the findings, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of quality of life (p < .05) and pain intensity (p < .05) after the intervention. No relevant differences were found between groups regarding demographic characteristics at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: A six-week physical activity and education program for community-dwelling older men with chronic musculoskeletal pain could improve quality of life and decrease pain intensity after a one-month follow-up compared with usual care. Therefore, it seems necessary to consider pain management programs in the elderly care program and familiarize health care professionals with these pain control methods.

Reasons for kidney transplant refusal among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Even though kidney transplantation has better outcomes compared to dialysis therapies, some patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) refuse to consider kidney transplantation. Identification of the underlying reason for patient refusal may improve patients' acceptance of kidney transplantation. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the reasons given by Iranian PD patients for refusing kidney transplantation. METHOD: Eighteen patients undergoing PD participated. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were analysed using conventional qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis leads to the emergence of two categories and six subcategories: negative outcomes of kidney transplantation (financial burden, psychosocial problems and physical complications) and doubtful factors for kidney transplantation (negative attitudes towards kidney transplantation, long waiting time for kidney transplantation and compatibility of PD with daily life). The financial burden and long waiting time for kidney transplantation were the most important factors in the reluctance of kidney transplantation by PD patients. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Patients undergoing PD declined kidney transplantation for several reasons, such as financial burden, fear of post-transplantation side effects, long waiting time for kidney transplantation. Reducing the time of kidney transplantation and insurance coverage of transplant costs can change the attitude of PD patients towards transplant.

Iranian nursing students' experiences of workplace violence: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence against nursing students is a common phenomenon. This study aimed to investigate Iranian nursing students' experiences of workplace violence, including their reaction to violence and the consequences and the effects of such violence on the students. METHODS: The study participants were undergraduate nursing students. The data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was carried out with qualitative approach using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Four categories were extracted from the analysis of the interview transcriptions: vertical violence, horizontal violence, reaction to violence and consequences of violence. Nurses were the major imposers of violence against students and psychological and verbal violations were the most of used forms of violence. The students reacted to violence in the forms of counteracting, reporting, disregarding and considering as commonplace. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace violence is a common phenomenon experienced by nursing students in this study, which causes devastating individual, educational, and professional impacts. Action plans including providing safe environment and appropriate support from nurses and educators should be developed in clinical settings to intervene and to prevent workplace violence.

Fatigue and Its Related Factors Among Iranian Cancer Survivors.

Introduction: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the major problems experienced by cancer patients. Identifying the prevalence and factors associated with CRF may be effective in designing appropriate interventions to reduce this problem. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of CRF and its related factors among Iranian cancer survivors. Methods: The samples of this descriptive cross-sectional study included 131 cancer survivors referred to outpatient clinic of Shahid Gazi Hospital affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Brief fatigue inventory (BFI) questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 13, descriptive statistics, and regression analysis. Results: The mean (SD) fatigue score was 6.41 (1.68) and 89% of survivors reported that they had suffered from CRF. The factors affecting CRF included blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, anemia, serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), marital status, type of cancer, and physical activity. Conclusion: High level of CRF in cancer survivors requires special attention and designing effective interventions through considering the identified factors associated with CRF.

The effect of sexual health education program on sexual function and attitude in women at reproductive age in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction is a common and often distressing public health problem. This study aimed to determine the effect of the sexual health program on female sexual function and attitude in reproductive age in the west of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a field trial study. A total of 103 women attending health centers were assigned into two groups; an experiment and a control group. Data collection tool involved sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, sexual female attitude questionnaire, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which was completed by participants before and after the implementation of a sexual health education program. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: The results revealed that after the intervention, female sexual function in the experiment group based on the FSFI tool was significantly improved (P < 0.01) in the domains of desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and the total score compared with the control group. Besides, there was no significant difference between posttest mean score of sexual attitude in the experiment group and control group (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found in the mean score of sexual attitudes in the experimental group before and after the intervention (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that sexual health program was effective in improving women's sexual function and attitude in the experiment group. It is recommended that the effect of other training methods remain to be addressed on women's sexual function and attitude.

Nursing students' attitude and preparedness for nurse prescribing and its relationship with self-efficacy.

AIM: The number of countries where nurses are allowed to prescribe has increased over the past two decades. Nursing students' self-efficacy has the main impact on their clinical and cognitive skills. The aim of this study is to determine nursing students' attitudes and preparedness for nurse prescribing and its relationship with their perceived self-efficacy. DESIGN: The descriptive-correlational study METHODS: This study was conducted at five Nursing and Midwifery schools of Tabriz, Ardebil, Ilam, Ramsar, and Mashhad, Iran from March to July 2018. Through random sampling 250 undergraduate nursing students from the different geographical areas of Iran were selected. The research tool consisted of three parts including demographic information, nurse prescribing questionnaire, and a questionnaire on self-efficacy in patient care. RESULTS: Nursing students had a positive attitudes and relatively high levels of preparedness for nurse prescribing. However, near to half of the participants (48.4%) mentioned that they have not good knowledge of pharmacology. Also there was a significant positive correlation between the students' self-efficacy and their attitudes and preparedness to nurse prescribing (p < 0.001, rs= 0.467;p = 0.00, rs= 0.633). CONCLUSIONS: Given the nursing students' positive attitude to and their preparedness for nurse prescribing, it is possible to make them more prepared for this new role by increasing their pharmacological knowledge and improving their accountability, management, and leadership skills.

The association between nurses' moral distress and sleep quality and their influencing factor in private and public hospitals in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Nurses in their workplace, for a variety of reasons, always face moral distress that is an underlying issue in the nursing profession, which can lead to problems such as reduced quality and quantity of care and sleep disorder. Besides, given the increased privatization of hospitals, this study aimed to explore the association between nurses' moral distress and sleep quality and its comparison among nurses in private and public hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive-analytical study involving 150 nurses working in Ilam Province hospitals. Sampling conducted using a multistage random sampling method. Data were collected through the questionnaire of sociodemographic characteristics, the Corley's Moral Distress Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, ANOVA, independent t-test, multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation coefficient at the significant level of P < 0.05 were calculated. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that moral distress was positively associated with sleep quality. Furthermore, the scores of nurses' moral distress and sleep quality were different in private and public hospitals, so that the level of moral distress in the public hospital and sleep quality in the private hospital was higher and lower, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, sleep quality, and the type of employment was the most important predicting variables of moral stress (B = 1.86) and sleep quality (B = 2.39), respectively. CONCLUSION: According to the study results, a positive and significant association was found between moral distress and nurses' sleep quality. It is recommended that appropriate strategies and training program be formulated by the health-care system to increase nurses' ability to combat moral distress adverse effects.

Effects of a Multicomponent Program on Fall Incidence, Fear of Falling, and Quality of Life among Older Adult Nursing Home Residents.

BACKGROUND: Falling is one of the most common problems in older adults and can lead to additional health problems. This study aimed to determine the effects of a multicomponent program on fall incidence and quality of life in older adult nursing home residents. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest and post-test design. The study population comprised 55 older adults residing in nursing homes. The intervention was a multicomponent program including physical activities, training sessions, and physical environment modifications in nursing homes that was conducted for 8 weeks. The data collection tools included a socio-demographic characteristics form and questionnaires pertaining to the quality of life and fear of falls, which were completed by the participants before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 68.48 years, and most (90%) were illiterate. We observed a significant difference between the mean number of falls and the scores for fear of falling before and after the intervention (p<0.001). We also observed a significant difference between the total quality of life scores and all of the related dimensions before and after the intervention, indicating that the quality of life of the older adults had improved after the intervention (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that the multicomponent fall prevention program was effective in improving the quality of life, fall rate, and fear of falling among older residents in nursing homes. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of these interventions.

Investigating the sexual quality of life and its relationship with general health in older men in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual problems in elder people are considered as a public health concern and can affect their overall health and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the sexual quality of life and its relationship with general health in older men in the west of Iran. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among 362 older men aged 60 years or older attending Comprehensive Health Care Centers in Ilam, Iran. Samples selected through Quota sampling method and simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Male and General Health Questionnaire-28. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age was 69.9 ± 8.1 years. The mean ± SD score of sexual quality of life and general health of older men was 46.6 ± 14.6 and 19.2 ± 9.7, respectively. A positive and significant association was found between sexual quality of life and general health (P < 0.001, r = -0.41). Moreover, general health, age, sleep problems, and the level of education were the important predictors for sexual quality of life in elder men (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results, the sexual quality of life of participants was at a moderate level. Since only some factors influencing the sexual quality of life were ascertained, further studies are required to investigate all factors influencing older men's sexual quality of life.

The effect of performance feedback and educational video on endotracheal-suctioning practices of critical care nurses.

INTRODUCTION: Majority of critical care nurses do not have desirable skills in performing endotracheal tube suctioning (ETS) despite related training taught in the curricula. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effect of education through video and performance feedback (PF) on nurses' skills in performing ETS. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study. The sample size comprised of all nurses (n = 49) working in the intensive care unit of one of the educational hospital located in one of the western cities of Iran. Nurses were assigned to either one of educational video (EV) and PF groups. Data were collected using a 25-item structured best practices information sheet. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: After the interventions, no significant difference was found in the total mean score of nurses' practice in ETS between those who received education through EV and those who received through PF (16.3 vs. 15.1) (P > 0.05). Before and after the intervention, a significant improvement was observed in the total mean score and other dimensions of nurses' practice in endotracheal suctioning (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that both of methods through feedback and EV are useful in improving nurses' ETS practice. However, further studies are required to examine the effects of such interventions in the long term.

Comparison of pre-hospital triage training by role playing and lecture on nursing students' knowledge, attitude and performance.

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine and compare the effectiveness of two methods of role playing and lecture on knowledge, attitude and performance of nursing' students in the context of pre-hospital triage. Design: This was a pre-test-posttest quasi-experimental study. Methods: A total of 66 nursing students (third year) were assigned to two groups, the control group (N = 23) and intervention group (N = 23). START pre-hospital triage was taught to two groups by using a lecture (control group) and role playing (intervention group) method. Immediately before the intervention and 4 weeks after the training, students' knowledge, attitude and practice in both groups were assessed through a questionnaire and a checklist. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 21. Results: The results showed that the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and performance increased after intervention in both groups (p < .05). The mean (SD) difference of total performance score from baseline to follow-up in the experimental group and the control group was 23.91 (13.83) and 7.00 (13.20), respectively (p < .001). While there was no significant difference between the mean (SD) difference of knowledge and attitude scores in the experimental group and the control group before and after the intervention (p > .05).

A comparison of faculty led, mentorship program and peer mentoring on nursing students wound dressing clinical skills.

BACKGROUND: The promotion of clinical nursing education requires using modern educational methods to develop students' knowledge and skills. There are however many different models by which education can be delivered with a wealth of literature supporting varying approaches. This is of particular relevance to clinical education where to date no singular approach has been identified as being the most appropriate. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare and investigate the effect of a peer education method, a mentor-led education method versus a traditional faculty-led method for instruction regarding surgical wound care skills among nursing students. DESIGN: This study used an experimental three-group pre- and post-test design. SETTINGS: The research was conducted within two surgical wards of a university-affiliated hospital in the west of Iran. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 102 nursing students (first and second year) were assigned to three groups; peer-led learning group (n = 34), mentorship-led group (n = 34) or a faculty-led control group (n = 34). METHODS: To ascertain performance in surgical dressing skill, data was collected in each group before and after the respective educational intervention. Data was collected using a surgical dressing skills checklist made by the research team which was piloted prior to the study. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS: Based on findings, after the intervention, the mean (SD) scores of surgical dressing and wound care skills were 28.24 (4.63), 31.76 (4.89), and 29.12 (5.33) for the peer-led, mentor-led and faculty-led groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between mentor group and faculty group or between peer group and faculty group (P > 0.05). However, the findings did demonstrate statistical difference in performance in surgical dressings and wound care techniques in the mentorship group method compared to the peer method (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Although participants in the mentor group performed best of all groups, our findings demonstrate that those in the peer method group performed as well as those in the faculty-led group in surgical dressing performance. Therefore, it is recommended that peer and mentor learning methods are given consideration by curriculum planners in for use in the development of student nurse clinical skill and competence in surgical wound care.

The effect of a self-care programme on urinary incontinence and self-esteem in elderly men dwelling in nursing homes in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Whilst self-care programme involving comprehensive lifestyle plans including physical and behavioural interventions have reported positive outcomes for the aged suffering from urinary incontinence (UI), very few programmes have been implemented amongst Iranian nursing home residents, particularly in men. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a self-care programme on UI and self-esteem in elderly men dwelling in nursing homes in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-one elderly men (aged 60-75 years of age), at two different sites and living in nursing homes in the west of Iran, suffering from urinary incontinence were included in this study. Participants were selected using convenience sampling based on selected and randomized criteria in experimental and control groups. Data collection tools included Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Questionnaire (RSES), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and demographic information form. Data were analysed using SPSS vesion18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS: A significant decrease in the mean scores of ICIQ-SF in the experimental group compared with the control group following intervention (p < .001). Furthermore, a significant increase was observed in self-esteem in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The study findings demonstrate that the self-care programme significantly reduced UI in elderly men living in nursing homes, and that this in turn contributed to boosting their self-esteem. Implementing such an intervention has shown to be useful in managing both UI and improving self-esteem in this patient population.

Prevalence of andropause among Iranian men and its relationship with quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Andropause is a complicated process in men's life which can negatively affect their quality of life in both physical and psychological dimensions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of andropause among Iranian men age 40-85 years and its relationship with quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among 393 men attending ten urban healthcare centers in Ilam province in southwestern Iran. Study participants were recruited using proportional random sampling. The Male andropause symptoms self-assessment questionnaire (MASSQ) and SF-12 were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (Chicago, IL). RESULTS: The mean (SD) of participants scores in MASSQ was 57.46 (17.56). Only 61 (15.5%) men were classified at "don't need testosterone" category based on MASSQ. There were significant associations between the eight aspects of HRQoL and the andropause severity (p < .001). Older age, lower education, having depression, coronary heart disease, and incontinence were associated with increased odds of andropause (p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed findings of previous studies regarding andropause and its relationship with men's quality of life. Future studies in this topic are needed to discover all the factors that may influence men andropause.

The effectiveness of cognitive training on improving cognitive function and sleep quality in community-dwelling elderly in Iran.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Given the ever-increasing of the older adults population and in order to achieve healthy and active ageing goals and improvement in the cognitive function and sleep quality in older adult, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of cognitive training program on improving cognitive function and ageing-related sleep quality in community-dwelling elderly in Iran, in 2018. METHODS: This was an experimental study. The sample comprised 420 older adults who were a member of the comprehensive health center in one of the southern cities of Iran. 164 had a cognitive problem and sleep disorder, of whom 108 were selected by the available method and based on inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n=54) and a control group (n=54). Experimental group samples were undergoing the intervention for two months. Data were collected using MMSE questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality, insomnia severity index and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Data were collected one month before-and-after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the mean score of cognitive function and sleep quality in both the intervention group and the control group before the intervention (p>0.05). At the post-test, the mean (SD) of elderly adults' cognitive function in the intervention and control groups were 2.7 (1.3) and 3.44 (1.7), respectively (p=0.017). Moreover, the mean (SD) of sleep quality in older adults in the intervention and the control group was 6.76 (2.3) and 9.25 (2.36), respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Given the obtained results in the current study the cognitive training promotes cognitive function and sleep quality in older adults. Therefore, since this program is effective, low-cost and applicable, it can be used to improve cognitive function and sleep disorder in the older adult population.

Return to Work in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Diseases and accidents bring about the disorder at someone's job insofar as one is not able to return to her/his previous work. These cases are related to the amount of occurred accidents, type of disease, and one's job. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that affect return to work (RTW) in cancer survivors using a systematic review and meta-analysis design. METHODS: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, SID, Google, Elsevier, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases using following keywords: Return to work, cancer patients, employment status, cancer survivors from 2002 to 2017. The rate of return to work in cancer patients based on age group and risk factors was calculated using subgroup analysis. Data were analyzed using STATA software (version 11.1). RESULTS: The total sample size was 4675 people with a mean of 668 in each study. The frequency of studies in the world consists mainly of five studies (71.5%) from Europe continent (the Netherlands and Denmark) and two studies (28.5%) from Asia continent (Iran and Japan). The overall rate of RTW estimated at 72% (68%-77%). The percentage of RTW in Asia and Europe was 57% (50%-65%) and 52% (43%-60%), respectively. Surgery had the highest percentage of treatment options in patients with cancer with 46% (25%-68%), followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy with 37% (29%-46%) and 36% (23%-49%), respectively. Breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancer were the most and less common type of cancers with 36% (19%-54%) and 16% (7%-26%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of RTW estimated at 57%. Nonetheless, the faster diagnosis and regular screening could improve the survival rate of cancer patients and the increase of RTW.

Anxiety and Depression: A Cross-sectional Survey among Parents of Children with Cancer.

CONTEXT: Parents of children with cancer are experiencing high levels of psychological distress. Elevated levels of depression and anxiety following the disclosure of diagnosis affect many aspects of parents' health. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess anxiety and depression of parents of Iranian children with cancer. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This descriptive-correlational study was undertaken among 148 parents of children with cancer admitted to a pediatric hospital affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz/Iran. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants were selected using convenience sampling method. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate patients' levels of anxiety and depression. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0. RESULTS: The study findings showed that the mean anxiety and depression scores were 9.63 ± 3.69 and 8.66 ± 4.59 (range score: 0-21), respectively. Additionally, 41.2% (n = 61) and 32.4% (n = 48) of participants had clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children with cancer experienced high levels of anxiety and depression. Effective interventions are essential to improve the mental health of parents of children with cancer. These interventions may include mental health screening, psychological counseling, and training programs to cope with the problems caused by the child's disease.

Postpartum Sexual Functioning and Its Predicting Factors among Iranian Women.

BACKGROUND: Many women experience sexual dysfunction following childbirth but this has not been well investigated in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate women's sexual function in the postpartum period in Iran. It also sought to determine predicting factors associated with their sexual function. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among 380 postpartum women attending 10 urban health centers in Ilam province in southwestern Iran. Participants were selected using random cluster sampling. Data was collected using the female sexual function index (FSFI) and a checklist of socio-demographic and maternal status for each of the women. Sexual dysfunction was classified according to an FSFI score of ≤ 28. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: The majority of participants (76.3%) had sexual dysfunction. Primiparity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.78 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.11, 2.94); P = 0.006) and exclusive breastfeeding (aOR: 2.47 (95% CI: 1.21, 5.03); P = 0.012) were associated with increased odds of experiencing sexual dysfunction in the postpartum period. Other factors such as age, type of delivery, education, time since delivery and family income did not predict women's postpartum sexual function. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed findings of previous studies on factors that may have an adverse effect on new mothers' sexual function in the postpartum period. However the effect of type of delivery on postpartum sexual function remains unclear.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Measure Iranian Nurses' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Disaster Preparedness.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the key role of Iranian nurses throughout disaster management, there is no instrument available to examine nurses' current disaster preparation levels. AIM: The aim of this study was to develop and analyse the reliability and validity of a questionnaire on the nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice of disaster preparedness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The scale was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and applied to 112 nurses in three public educational center affiliated to Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. Relibility was obtained using the test-retest method. Cronbach's alpha was used to verify internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the validity of the questionnaire. RESULTS: Explanatory factor analysis using varimax rotation revealed seven main factors associated with the nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding disaster preparedness. The questionnaire overall internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha was 0.785, showing acceptable internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient using Test-retest method was 0.82. Total variance was 67.57%. CONCLUSION: The instrument has satisfactory reliability and validity indices and can be used to measure nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding disaster preparedness.