The relationship between readiness for treatment of substance use and self-efficacy based on life skills.

Substance use is a social harm. Promoting substance users readiness for treatment of substance use with a non-medical approach is important besides the medical approach. The current study aimed to determine the relationship between readiness for treatment of substance use and self-efficacy based on life skills. In this descriptive-analytical study, a number of 118 substance users in Hamadan city (Iran) were participated. The data collection tools were Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) and Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale (DASES). Analytical and descriptive tests were used for data analysis, at 95% significant level, using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 16. The results of this study showed that the readiness for treatment of substance use had a significant relationship with the self-efficacy includes assertiveness and communication (Df:1; Pvalue<0.05). Self-efficacy based on life skills can be used to promote substance users readiness for treatment of substance use in educational interventions.

Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on Protection Motivation Theory on Preventing Cervical Cancer among Marginalized Women in West Iran

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention to prevent cervical cancer among marginalized Iranianwomen based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) as a theoretical framework. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 143 women of Kermanshah City in western Iran during 2017. Participants were recruited through cluster and simple random sampling and randomly divided into experimental (n=72) and control groups (n=71). All completed a self-administered questionnaire including PMT constructs and demographic variables. An intervention over six sessions was then applied to the experimental group. Reassessment was conducted three months after the intervention, with data was analyzed with SPSS-16 using chi-square, McNemar, paired T- and independent T-tests. Results: The mean scores for the constructs of PMT, and cervical cancer screening behavior showed no significant differences between the two groups before the intervention (P>0.05). The educational manipulation had significant effects on the experimental groups' average response for perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, perceived reward, self-efficacy, response efficacy, response cost and protection motivation (all p < 0.001). Also, the prevalence of regular Pap smear testing and referral to health centers were significantly increased after 3 months in the experimental (P=0.048), but notthe control group (P>0.05). Conclusions: The results show that applying an educational intervention based on PMT might help prevent cervical cancer and improve regular Pap smear testing.

Development of a Colorectal Cancer Screening Intervention for Iranian Adults: Appling Intervention Mapping

Background: While the incidence rate of the colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing over the last three decades in Iran, very limited interventions to increase CRC screening have been developed for Iranian population. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of Intervention Mapping (IM) for applying theory and evidence and considering local contexts to develop a CRC screening program among adults in Iran. Materials and Methods: From April 2014 to July 2016 following the IM process, six steps were formulated and implemented. First a need assessment was conducted involving relevant stakeholders and using focus groups discussions (n=10), individual interviews (n=20), and a household survey (n= 480). Then a matrix of change objectives was developed for each behavioral outcome and theoretical methods and their practical applications were identified to guide intervention development and implementation. A multi-component intervention was developed and piloted. Decision on suitable parts of intervention was made based on feedback of pilot study. Finally, evaluation plan including process and outcome evaluation was generated and conducted to inform future scale up. Results: The needs assessment highlighted factors affecting CRC screening including knowledge, self efficacy, social support and perceived benefit and barriers (financial problems, fear of detection of cancer and etc). Results of needs assessment were used to develop next steps IM. The program utilized methods like information delivery, modeling, and persuasion. Practical applications included video presentation, group discussion, role playing and postcards.This program was assessed through a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Results showed that there were significant differences in CRC screening uptake between intervention groups and control (P<0.001). Conclusions: IM is a useful process in the design of a theory-based intervention addressing CRC screening among Iranian population.

Exploring perceptions of instructors about childbirth preparation training courses: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Childbirth preparation training courses on maternal and neonatal health increase awareness, and capability of pregnant women in overcoming fear and anxiety and managing labor pains. OBJECTIVE: To identify the affecting factors and barriers of these courses from the perspective of their instructors. METHODS: This qualitative study of the content analysis type, has been conducted on 16 certified teachers of the training courses of the Hamadan city in 2015. Data were collected by semi-structured in-depth interviews and were then analyzed by using MAXQDA10 application. RESULTS: Participants' experiences are indicated on three main themes including the objectives of the course, facilitators and barriers. The main objectives of the course were reported as to improve maternal and newborn health, promote natural childbirth and preparedness for parenting and breastfeeding. The main facilitators of the successful implementation include observing educational standards, strengthening the communication and relationship between mothers and staff, mobilization, and the role of instructor. The major barriers are reported as inadequate support from management system, insufficient intra-sector collaboration, poor attitude of obstetricians and physicians, inadequate access, theory-practice gap and not intended to labor naturally. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that multiple factors are involved in the participation of pregnant women in antenatal classes. Promoting natural childbirth requires intra-sector and inter-sectoral collaboration, as well as the community participation.

Physical Activity Status and Related Factors among Middle-Aged Women in West of Iran, Hamadan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Physical inactivity is a major health problem in developing countries. Regular Physical Activity (RPA) can reduce the risk of many diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity that are prevalent in middle and old ages specifically in women. The (RPA) status among middle-aged Iranian women is not well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical activity status and related factors among middle-aged women in Hamadan, a city in western Iran. The participants of this cross-sectional study were comprised of 866 middle-aged women in Hamadan who were selected using a proportional stratified random sampling method in 2015. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire containing demographic characteristics and an International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-S).The data were analyzed with SPSS-16 software using Multi- nominal Logistic Regression. The results revealed that about 57% of the study population was inactive or not sufficiently active (light level). Additionally, the results showed that less than a quarter of the study participants (19.3%) exhibited a severe level of physical activity. The associations between RPA and age, education level and job were significant (P<0.05). The chi-square test revealed a significant difference in RPA with regards to residency locations (P<0.05). The demographic variables relationship with physical activity appears to be important and these findings can be a prelude to design of effective intervention strategies in promoting physical activity.

The role of nutritional interventions in increasing fruit and vegetable intake in the elderlies: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of fruit and vegetables in old ages is particularly important, so that the appropriate consumption amount leads to reduction in the risk of chronic diseases. To increase consumption of fruit and vegetables and modify consumption pattern in the elderlies, training programs and appropriate intervention can be designed and implemented. AIMS: The study was done to assess and compare nutritional intervention-based training methods and education using theories and health education models for the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the elderlies. METHODS: Electronic search using keywords of Country Review Information Bank (Magiran), Scientific Information Database, Pub Med, Science direct, Science, Biomed central from the beginning of March 2014 to end of April 2015 was performed. RESULTS: Ten interventional studies were assessed in this systematic study. The interventions were divided into two groups of studies, a total of five studies, theories and health education models were the basis of training intervention and the other five studies that include their interventions without the use of theories and health education models was carried out. Of ten interventional studies, three studies as before and after and seven studies as the intervention and control was performed. DISCUSSION: The results showed that education-based theory and health education models have a greater impact on the consumption of fruit and vegetables in the elderlies. CONCLUSIONS: The duration and interventions performing method, environmental factors and educational programs using appropriate models and theories are important on the effectiveness of interventions to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables in the elderliness.

The effect of preventive educational program in cigarette smoking: Extended Parallel Process Model.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is one of the preventable causes of diseases and deaths. The most important preventive measure is technique to resist against peer pressure. Any educational program should design with an emphasis upon theories of behavioral change and based on effective educational program. To investigate the interventions through educational program in prevention of cigarette smoking, this paper has used the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a quasi-experimental study. Two middle schools were randomly selected from male students in Shiraz. Therefore, we randomly selected 120 students for the experimental group and 120 students for the control group. After diagnostic evaluation, educational interventions on the consequences of smoking and preventive skills were applied. RESULTS: Our results indicated that there was a significant difference between students in the control and experimental groups in the means of perceived susceptibility (P < 0.000, t = 6.84), perceived severity (P < 0.000, t = -11.46), perceived response efficacy (P < 0.000, t = -7.07), perceived self-efficacy (P < 0.000, t = -11.64), and preventive behavior (P < 0.000, t = -24.36). CONCLUSIONS: EPPM along with educating skills necessary to resist against peer pressure had significant level of efficiency in improving preventive behavior of cigarette smoking among adolescents. However, this study recommends further studies on ways of increasing perceived susceptibility in cigarette smoking among adolescents.

Physical activity stage-matched intervention: Promoting metabolic control in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity has an important role in reducing cardiovascular risk factors and improving metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aims to investigate the effect of physical activity stage-matched intervention on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 8-week physical activity program conducted with 50 type 2 diabetes females who were physically inactive and in precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages of change. Participants were divided into intervention and control groups (each group, n = 25). Data were collected by physical activity stage of change questionnaire and metabolic factors were measured by laboratory tests before initiation program. Subsequently, stage-matched physical activity program was conducted for the interventional group. Control group received routine education from the diabetes center. After 8 weeks, physical activity questionnaire filled out by participants and metabolic factors were evaluated by a laboratory test. RESULTS: Findings showed patients in the intervention group and compared with control group significantly moved through stages of change after physical activity program (P-value < 0.05). Evaluation of physical activity after educational program demonstrated that the intervention group adopted regular physical activity more than the control group and also the difference between groups was significant (P-value < 0.05). Our findings indicate a significant relationship between physical activity level and moving in stages of change in the intervention group (P-value < 0.05). Comparison of metabolism factors after physical activity program showed significant decrease in glycosilated hemoglobin in the intervention group than the control group (P-value < 0.05). However, significant differences between groups were not observed in other metabolism factors. CONCLUSION: Designing and implementing physical activity stage-matched intervention can improve metabolic control and management of type 2 diabetes.

Prevalence and related factors for choosing self-medication among pharmacies visitors based on health belief model in Hamadan Province, west of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Self-medication has increased in the last decade in Iran; can be followed several complications. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors influencing self-medication based on health belief model. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1400 Hamadan Province pharmacies visitors, during spring and summer 2012 which was randomly selected with the proportional to size among different pharmacy at Hamadan for participation in this study. A structured questionnaire was applied for collecting data, which were analyzed by SPSS version 16 using bivariate correlations and logistic regression statistical tests. RESULTS: 35.4% of the participants had self-medication. Pain medication (10.6%), antibiotics (7.3%) and anti-cough and cold medications (4.5%) had the largest consumption. The main reasons of self-medication among participants were previous use of medication, symptoms improve and similar prescribed. The best predictor for self-medication was perceived severity with odds ratio estimate of 0.790 [95% CI: 0.694, 0.900]. CONCLUSION: It seems that designing and implementation of educational programs to increase seriousness about side effect of self-medication may be usefulness of the results in order to prevent of self-medication.

The Impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management Training Program on Job Stress in Hospital Nurses: Applying PRECEDE Model.

BACKGROUND: Nursing is one of the most stressful jobs. The present study aimed to determine the effect of a cognitive-behavioral stress management training program based on PRECEDE model on stress reduction among nurses. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, which was conducted in 2010, 58 female nurses in Hamadan, northwest Iran were enrolled in the study and were divided into two equal groups included 29 nurses from one Hospital and 29 nurses from the other as intervention and control groups respectively. The data collection tool was a self-administered questionnaire including demographic characteristics and nursing stress scale (NSS). In addition, a questionnaire based on PRECEDE model was used in order to assess predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors. The intervention was a training program including five sessions during three weeks in which relaxation and problem-solving training was thought. A pre-test and a post-test were performed 1.5 months apart. The t-test, Mann Whitney and Willxocon statistical tests were used for data analysis at 95% significant level using SPSS 13. RESULTS: The baseline score average of job stress was 113.0 and 109.8 for intervention and control groups respectively (P=0.250). After intervention, score average of job stress decreased to 94.0 in experimental group while that of control group remained relatively unchanged (109.2), (P<0.001). A significant difference was found in PRECEDE model constructs and stress management behaviors in intervention group compared to control group after training interventions (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Training programs based on PRECEDE model might be effective on decreasing job stress in nurses.