Translation and validation of a lifestyle questionnaire related to prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Valid and reliable instruments are needed to measure prostate cancer-related lifestyle changes, plan evidence-based interventions to modify lifestyle, and improve treatment outcomes. Due to the lack of appropriate instruments, this study was conducted to translate the Effects of Prostate Cancer upon Lifestyle Questionnaire (EPCLQ) into Persian and examine its psychometric properties in a sample of Iranian older adults with prostate cancer. METHODS: This methodological study was carried out between 2021 and 2022. Initially, the EPCLQ, comprising 36 items, was translated into Persian through a meticulous translation and back-translation procedure. Subsequent steps involved the assessment of face validity, qualitative content validity, content validity index, content validity ratio, construct validity via confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability testing of the Persian version of the EPCLQ. RESULTS: The psychometric evaluation led to the exclusion of 4 items from the EPCLQ. The refined model demonstrated satisfactory fit indices (PCFI = 0.732, PNFI = 0.696, CMIN/DF = 2.29, RMSEA = 0.072, IFI = 0.920, CFI = 0.919, and GFI = 0.971), indicating an appropriate fit of the final model. The internal consistency, as measured by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.67, and the intraclass correlation coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.938, reflecting high reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of the EPCLQ, now consisting of 32 items, has been validated and is reliable for assessing the impact of prostate cancer on lifestyle among older adults. Its simplicity and the clarity of the items make it suitable for use in clinical settings or during home visits for follow-up assessments.

Comparison of the SBAR method and modified handover model on handover quality and nurse perception in the emergency department: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Effective information transfer during nursing shift handover is a crucial component of safe care in the emergency department (ED). Examining nursing handover models shows that they are frequently associated with errors. Disadvantages of the SBAR handover model include uncertainty of nursing staff regarding transfer of responsibility and non-confidentiality of patient information. To increase reliability of handover, written forms and templates can be used in addition to oral handover by the bedside. AIMS: The purpose of this study is to compare the 'Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) method and modified handover model on the handover quality and nurse perception of shift handover in the ED. METHODS: This research was designed as a semi-experimental study, with census survey method used for sampling. In order to collect data, Nurse Perception of Hanover Questionnaire (NPHQ) and Handover Quality Rating Tool (HQRT) were used after translating and confirming validity and reliability used to direct/collect data. A total of 31 nurses working in the ED received training on the modified shift handover model in a one-hour theory session and three hands-on bedside training sessions. This model was implemented by the nurses for one month. Data was analyzed with SPSS (version 26) using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Results indicated significant difference between the modified handover model and SBAR in components of information transfer (P < 0.001), shared understanding (P < 0.001), working atmosphere (P = 0.004), handover quality (P < 0.001), and nurse perception of handover (P < 0.001). The univariate covariance test did not show demographic variables to be significantly correlated with handover perception or handover quality in SBAR and modified methods (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can be presented to nursing managers as a guide in improving the quality of nursing care via implementing and applying the modified handover model in the nursing handover. The resistance of nurses against executing a new handover method was one of the limitations of the research, which was resolved by explanation of the plan and goals, as well as the cooperation of the hospital matron, and the ward supervisor. It is suggested to carry out a similar investigation in other hospital departments and contrast the outcomes with those obtained in the current study.

Development and psychometric evaluation of uncertainty about disease and treatment scale in hemodialysis patients: a sequential-exploratory mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The need for long-term treatment and frequent visits to treatment centers for hemodialysis can lead to psychological problems such as Uncertainty about Disease and Treatment (UC about D&T) in patients with chronic kidney failure. In order to understand uncertainty about disease and treatment and to plan for preventive measures and care interventions in various dimensions, there is a need for reliable and valid tools. The present study was conducted to design and psychometrically evaluate the Uncertainty about Disease and Treatment Scale (UC about D&TS) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: This study is of a methodological type and conducted in two stages. The first stage included a deductive (literature review) and an inductive approach (face-to-face interviews). In the second stage, psychometric indices of the UC about D&TS, including face validity (qualitative-quantitative), content validity (qualitative-quantitative), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), and reliability (using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega) were examined. RESULTS: In the literature review stage, 66 items were extracted, and in the qualitative stage, 48 items were extracted. After merging similar items, 29 items were entered into the psychometric process. No items were removed in the face and content validity stages. In the construct validity stage, five factors were extracted, including self-uncertainty, uncertain situation, uncertain future, uncertainty of treatment outcomes, and information uncertainty, which constituted a total of 82.16% of the total variance. In this stage, five items were removed from the study due to a corrected item-total correlation below 0.32, and four items were removed due to cross-loading. The α and Ω were calculated as 0.828 and 0.818, respectively. The measurement stability and standard error of measurement were estimated at 0.977 and 2.019, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the UC about D&TS is a valid and reliable measure for patients undergoing hemodialysis. This scale is specifically designed to measure UC about D&T in hemodialysis patients, and it is recommended that healthcare providers (Hcps) use this scale in follow-up visits.

Effects of White Noise Sound on the Severity of Muscle Vaccination Pain in Children Under Two Years.

Objectives: Pain and its control is a significant health problem worldwide. The present study aimed to determine the effects of white noise (bird sound) on the severity of muscle vaccination pain in children under two years old. Materials & Methods: This study was a case-control study conducted in 2021. The samples included seventy children under two years old referred to the health centers in Ramsar City, Iran. The samples were selected using the convenient sampling method and divided into experimental and control groups. The data were collected using the demographic characteristics questionnaire, facial expression, and pain assessment in pediatric patients (FLACC). They were then analyzed by SPSS16 using an independent t-test and analysis of covariance (P<0.05). Results: A significant difference was observed between the severity of muscle vaccination pain in children in the two groups (p=0.042); the pain intensity mean in the experimental group (6.45±2.01) was lower than the control group (8.94±1.28). Conclusion: This method can be a harmless and inexpensive intervention to reduce pain intensity and behavioral pain responses in infants during painful procedures, especially vaccination.

Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the thirst distress scale and dietary sodium restriction questionnaire for the elderly with heart failure.

Background: Recognizing thirst distress and sodium intake restriction using valid and reliable tools enable evidence-based care, and improve treatment outcomes for the elderly with heart failure (HF). The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the thirst distress scale (TDS-HF) and dietary sodium restriction questionnaire for Iranian's elderly with HF (DSRQ-HF). Methods: This crossectional study was conducted during 2021-2022. Two hundred and forty elderly people referring to the cardiology clinics and offices in the western region of Mazandaran, Iran were selected by the convenient sampling method. First, the two questionnaires were translated. Then, face, content, and construct validity were assessed. Several indices were used to evaluate, including the chi-square/degree-of-freedom ratio (CMIN/DF), parsimonious normed fit index (PNFI), comparative fit index (CFI), parsimonious comparative fit index (PCFI). Results: The value of content validity index of all items of the two questionnaires was higher than 0.62. The fit indices, including PCFI=0.594, PNFI=0.582, CMIN/DF=1.987, and CFI=0.979, confirmed the one-factor construct of TDS. PCFI=0.724, PNFI=0.661, CMIN/DF=1.935, ad CFI=0.905, indicated the confirmation of the three-factor construct of DSRQ. The value of Cronbach's alpha of the two questionnaires were 0.86. The value of Ω of the TDS-HF and DSRQ-HF were 0.858, and 0.860, respectively. The value of θ of the TDS-HF and DSRQ-HF were 0.858, and 0.861, representing the suitability of both constructs. Conclusion: The TDS-HF and DSRQ-HF can be used to measure the psychometric effects of diet therapy and behaviors of the elderly with HF in relation to adherence to diet therapy.

Effects of a forced-air warming system and warmed intravenous fluids on hemodynamic parameters, shivering, and time to awakening in elderly patients undergoing open cardiac surgery.

Background: As one of the most common postoperative complications, hypothermia is the main cause of numerous problems during treatment, especially in elderly patients with decreased cardiac reserves. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of forced-air warming system (FAWS), warmed intravenous fluids (WIVFs) and routine method on hemodynamic parameters, arterial blood gases (ABGs), shivering, and time to awakening in elderly patients undergoing open cardiac surgery (OCS). Methods: This clinical randomized controlled trial was conducted on 94 elderly patients who underwent OCS at Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital, Babol, Iran. They were divided into three groups, namely FAWS (n=31), WIVFs (n=31) and routine rewarming method (RRWM, with a blanket) (n=32). The data were then recorded in a checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS 26 at a significance level of less than 0.05. Results: The findings demonstrated that the degree of hypothermia had a significant decreasing trend in the groups receiving FAWS and WIVFs (P=0.002). Additionally, increased respiratory rate (P=0.013), higher bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels on arrival up to 4 hours after surgery (P=0.045), reduced lactate level (P=0.005), normal base excess (BE) and accelerated time to awakening (P=0.004) were observed in patients receiving FAWS. There was no significant difference in the study groups regarding shivering. Conclusion: The results revealed that FAWS could mitigate the degree of hypothermia, increase body temperature and decrease the postoperative serum lactate levels. Moreover, BE as one of the most important parameters for ABGs, could remain at a normal level. Besides, the use of FAWS could lead to early awakening, and thus facilitate weaning and extubation of these patients.

Facilitators and barriers to return to work in patients after heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Recognition of the factors influencing returning to work by people after heart surgery is very significant in performing supportive interventions. Factors affecting return to work of Iranian patients after surgery are unknown. Therefore, a qualitative study is in demand in order to close this knowledge gap. This study was aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers of return to work after heart surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted during 2020-2021. People after heart surgery were studied in this research. Nineteen interviews were performed with 17 participants. The main participants were selected from the cardiac surgery ward of Golestan Province Hospital. The sampling method was purposeful. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Questions were asked in an unguided and open-ended manner. Data analysis was performed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: According to the results, "perceived psychosocial support," "individual characteristics," and "occupational factors" were considered as facilitators and "effects of heart surgery" and "limited support of public and private institutions" were introduced as barriers to return to work in patients after heart surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The effects caused by heart surgery and limited support of public and private institutions were identified as barriers to return to work. Cardiac rehabilitation after surgery can reduce the impact of heart surgery and can help people to return to work. It is recommended that the planners of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and Health, with the support of insurance organizations, help solve the work problems of people after heart surgery.

Designing a structural equation model of marital satisfaction based on aging perception and demographic and clinical variables in Iranian elderly patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Marital satisfaction is an important variable in maintaining or promoting elderly health. Therefore, identifying the effective factors can increase life expectancy and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the relationship between aging perception and demographic and clinical characteristics with marital satisfaction in the elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: This was a descriptive-correlational study. The sample size was 480 elderly patients with CAD who were referred to the heart clinics of hospitals in the west of Mazandaran Province, Iran, who were recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected by a demographic checklist, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Inventory, and Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ). The data were analyzed by structural equation model (SEM) using Goodness of Fit Index (GFI and chi-square test. P-value less than 0.050 was considered as significant level. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of marital satisfaction was 145.16 ± 12.12, and the mean and SD of aging perception was 113.39 ± 12.74. The results of the Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated that the highest correlation was between aging perception and marital satisfaction (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). The model fit indices of the hypothesized model met the criteria, with the GFI = 0.91, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.93, Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.94, and non-Normed Fit Index (NNFI) = 0.91. CONCLUSION: Considering the psychological risk factors affecting marital satisfaction such as aging perception and suitable measurement can lead to marital health and improve treatment outcomes by increasing elderly motivation in self-care. Therefore, the elderly patients with CAD need more serious and long-term educational, counseling, and supportive interventions.

Designing and validating the empowerment scale for the older individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ESOCOPD).

INTRODUCTION: A standard scale to examine the empowerment status of older individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be used to assess their ability for self-care and disease management. This study aimed to design and validate the empowerment scale for the older individuals with COPD (ESOCOPD). MATERIALS & METHODS: This study was conducted in two phases with a deductive-inductive approach: a qualitative phase for designing the tool (the grounded theory study re-analysis, a review of texts and interviews) and a quantitative phase for validation of the questionnaire (face and content validity and reliability). Reliability was determined by test-retest and Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Based on the results of the grounded theory study re-analysis and a review of texts and interviews, 47 items were designed, 14 of which were removed in the face and content validity assessment. The total Content validity index and content validity ratio of the questionnaire were found as 0.82 and 0.95, respectively.The final number of items in the scale was 33, and its dimensions included "information seeking, achieving independence, learning to live with COPD, participation in care, having critical thinking, psychosocial capacities management, and achieving goals". Intra-class correlation of questionnaire dimensions was 0.86-0.99. CONCLUSIONS: The ESOCOPD can be used by health care and treatment providers to determine the patient's ability for self-care and disease management because of its small number of items, it's validation, and reliability.

The effectiveness of ibuprofen and lorazepam combination therapy in treating the symptoms of acute Migraine: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a common, episodic and debilitating disease. The migraineur not only suffers from pain, but also lives with a diminished to poor quality of life. Several medicinal therapies are used to abate the debilitating symptoms of this disease. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Ibuprofen and Lorazepam combination therapy in treating the symptoms of acute migraine. METHODS: The present randomized clinical trial study used the pretest-posttest design with three comparison treatments, to examine 90 patients with an average of two to six attacks per month and an initial diagnosis of migraine based on the International Headache Society (HIS) criteria. The study was conducted on patients during the first half of 2014 with a diagnosis of acute migraine attack who were referred to Babol Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Iran. The patients were randomly divided into three groups of 30. The first group was administered 200 mg Ibuprofen capsules, the second group 400 mg Ibuprofen capsules and the third group a combination of 200 mg Ibuprofen capsules and 1 mg Lorazepam tablets. The medications were taken in the presence of the researcher. A checklist was used to assess the severity of headache and other migraine symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia in the patients, before and two hours after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS-18 using the Mann-Whitney test, the McNemar test, Wilcoxon's test, the NOVA and the Chi-squared test at the significance level of p<0.05, and power analysis with 30 patients in each group to perform this study was 0.8(1-ß). RESULTS: The mean age of participants was reported as 52±8 years and the condition was more frequent in women (56%). All three treatment regimens reduced the severity of headache significantly in the patients (p<0.001); nevertheless, the combination therapy used, produced the lowest mean severity of headache (p<0.001). The highest reduction in nausea and vomiting was (3.3%). None of the patients in either of the three groups reported phonophobia after the intervention, but only the patients in the combination therapy group reported no instance of photophobia. CONCLUSIONS: Given the greater effectiveness of combination therapy with Ibuprofen and Lorazepam in alleviating the symptoms of acute migraine compared to single-drug treatments with Ibuprofen, Lorazepam is recommended to be used as a first line treatment for acute migraine. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) (http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/) with the ID: TCTR20160927003. FUNDING: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

The empowerment of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Managing life with the disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious health problem that has significant effects on the life status of elderly persons. Use of the empowerment approach is necessary for health promotion in older people with COPD, but little attention has so far been paid to all the dimensions of empowerment in the management of COPD, which would provide useful knowledge regarding elders with COPD. This article reports on a study exploring people's experiences of the empowerment of older people with COPD. This study adopted an exploratory qualitative design and was carried out using grounded theory methodology. Grounded theory was considered appropriate for this study because of its focus on how people respond to and act on the problems that they encounter. We collected data by conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews and taking field notes. Twenty-four participants were selected through purposive sampling. The results showed that in encountering the complexity of disease and in response to difficulties induced by COPD, three strategies were applied. Elderly persons with COPD, their family caregivers, and professional team members engaged in "managing life with COPD," "striving to keep abreast of life," "preparing for battle with disease," and "helping to stabilize the elder's life." The outcome of these strategies was "co-existence with disease." The potential of "managing life with COPD" was influenced by the following factors: "co-existence with ageing," "personal potential," "a challenged health system," and "weak social support." "Managing life with COPD" enables the elder to feel in control and live optimally. This is a fragile balance, however, and the unpredictability of COPD can tip the elder into "self-efficacy." Understanding the experiences of the empowerment process of older people with COPD can help health professionals provide more focused elderly care.