Showing papers in "iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research in 2009"

Assessing emotional intelligence and its relationship with demographic factors of nursing students

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Emotional intelligence is a social intelligence ide ntifying the ability to adjust one self’s emotions with others. Emotional intelligence is considered as an imp ortant characteristic for nurses. The aim of this r esearch was to assess the emotional intelligence of nursing students and its relation with some personal and social. METHODS: This was a descriptive correlation study. The study population included all the nursing students in Ta briz School of nursing and midwifery (144) selected by s ample using census method. To assess the emotional intelligence, we used BarOn EQ-i, which includes 90 questions in 5 categories and 15 scales scoring in a range between 90 and 450. In addition, some personal and social demographic data were gathered from the students' educational files . Data were analyzed using SPSS-13 and descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The students' mean score of emotional intelligence was 332.08 ±39.08. There was no significant relatio n between emotional intelligence score and sex, educati on, and students' interest in nursing. However, the re was a significant relation between emotional intelligence score and t he students' satisfaction of their family socio-eco nomic status. DISCUSSION: Emotional intelligence of nursing students in Tabri z School of Nursing and Midwifery was in a good level. Considering the significant relation between satisf action with life and emotional intelligence, it see ms that improving the quality and quantity of counseling programs for inc reasing the students’ satisfaction from life, may i mprove the students' emotional intelligence. However, lack of research e vidences about relationship between demographic factors and emotional intelligence needs further studies.

The effects of post-birth mother-infant skin to skin contact on first breastfeeding

Abstract: Background : This study aimed to determine the effects of immediate and continues skin-to-skin contact in first two hours post-birth on breastfeeding initiation and the infant success in first breastfeeding. Methods: 92 pairs of primi-gravid women and their neonates were randomly divided into two groups, in Om-ol-banin hospital of Mashhad in 2007. In "routine care" group, after performing neonatal primary care and repairing mother's perineum, mother and infant were connected and breastfeeding was started. In "intervention" group, mother-infant skin to skin contact performed in the first two hours post-birth and feeding was started as soon as the infant's pre-feeding behaviors were appeared. The duration of feeding was calculated based on infant tendency to feed. Infant Breast Feeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) was used to measure infant success in breastfeeding. Results: The rate of infants initiated breastfeeding in the first 30 minutes post birth was 89.4% in intervention and 2.2% in control group (p = 0.000). Duration from birth to first breastfeeding was lower (p < 0.001) and the rate of success and duration of first feeding was significantly higher in intervention group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Early and continues skin-to-skin contact in the first two hours post-birth eases the first experience of successful breastfeeding that can promote breastfeeding success in the future. So, immediate and continues skin to skin contact between mother and infant and continuing it during repair of mother's episiotomy, is recommended. If it is possible, usual cares of infant should be done after establishing the first successful breastfeeding. KEY WORDS: Skin to skin contact, infant, mother, Success in first breastfeeding, exclusively breastfeeding

The effect of health education using behavior intention model on of cesarean in khomainy-shahr, iran

Abstract: Background : Cesarean section rates are rising in many countries and the result of it is increase in maternal and prenatal morbidity and mortality rates. We assessed the content and concurrent validity of constructs of Behavioral Intention Model (BIM) scales to evaluate safer choices by pregnant women to select their method of delivery. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study that carried out on 140 women with their first pregnancies in Khomeiny-shahr (2006). Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, before and after education, in experiment and control groups. For data analysis, t-paired, t-test, chi-square, and Wilcoxon test were used (α ≤ 0.5) Results: The mean grade scores of knowledge of experiment group about information of delivery, before intervention was 5.7 out of 10 that increased to 8.7 after intervention. There were significant differences between attitude of experiment group before and after intervention (p < 0.001). T-paired test revealed significant difference between the intention of participants in experiment group for vaginal delivery, before and after intervention. The data showed that the proportion of cesarean section in participants was 57.2% that in control group is very higher than experiment group (60% to 40%). Chi square test revealed significant difference between the methods of delivery of participants in two groups (p < 0.026). Conclusion: The BIM has potential for providing the foundation to educational intervention at the individual and community. It can be therefore, recommended that the application of this model may change and improve different behaviors including method of delivery. KEY WORDS: Behavior Intention Model (BIM), cesarean, vaginal delivery

The effect of using Orem's model of self-care on recovery of patients with heart failure

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Using care models provide a common method between teachers, students and nurses, which brings together education, services and research. Orem's model of self-care has been widely studied and is globally applied in the modern nursing. This study is aimed to determine efficiency of Orem's model of self-care in the recovery of patients with heart failure. METHODS: This is a semi-experimental study and a clinical trial. Study population included all patients with heart failure (class I and II) who referred to medical centers of hospitals administered by Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Patients were randomly divided into two groups and both groups were monitored for 6 months. Data were collected using self-care questionnaire and were analyzed using chi-square and t-test. RESULTS: The findings showed a significant difference between self-care abilities of patients in experiment group after the intervention compared with controls (p < 0.001). Also, the recovery of patients, what they were doing to remove symptoms and their compliance with treatment regimen and the fluids balance of intervention group was better than controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment of patients with heart failure needs long term control and the patient is the only one who can gradually improve their heart condition. To achieve this situation, the results of this study showed that applying Orem's model of self-care is very effective for patients with heart failure. It resulted in higher scores of self-care, less referral, less hospitalizations and better liquid and electrolyte balance. KEY WORDS: Self-care, Orem's model, nursing, heart failure.

Exploring the Role of Midwives in Health Care System in Iran and the World

Abstract: Background : This research aimed to identify midwifery roles in Iran and the world to offer suggestions about desired roles of a midwife in health care service delivery system, considering the goals of national plan for maternal health. Methods: This study was conducted using a mixed (triangulation) methodology in 3 steps. First, the roles of a midwife were extracted using documents existed in libraries, on the internet, announcement of ministries, and related organizational resources. Then, with Delphi method, the ideas of authorities were collected using a semi-open questionnaire. Finally, a questionnaire, according to last steps, was sent to 65 qualified individuals across the country to nationally measure the ideas, 53 of which were answered. The obtained results were finally analyzed. Results: Midwifery roles were divided into 2 categories: general and professional. General roles include: supervision, management, consultation, research, teaching, legal and judicial, social work, participation in team work and reference, and participation in different managerial positions; professional roles include: care during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, delivering time, post partum, neonatal care, maternal examination and family planning and the role of the midwife in offering services in the absence of a gynecologist. Third step showed that all roles are highly desirable (> 70%). Conclusion: All of the roles, except supervision and social work, are in position in Iran and are faced with barriers in Iran because of not having adequate information about these roles and also some problems in proper execution of rules. It is needed a well-organized plan and human resources standardization to perform them better. KEY WORDS: Midwife, Nurse-midwife's role, Health care systems, Health Care Delivery.

Comparing problems of patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis referring to medical university's hospitals

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Renal failure affects patients' physical, psychological and social health. Various treatments prolong the life of these patients, but they face many physical, emotional, social and economical difficulties. This study aims to investigate and compare the problems of these patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: This is a descriptive comparative study on 72 patients in two groups of hemodialysis (36 patients) and peritoneal dialysis (36 patients) referring to Al-Zahra and Noor hospitals in Isfahan. Data were collected using five questionnaires on sleeping disorders, depression, marital satisfaction, tiredness and readjustment with society. The questionnaires were completed either by the patients themselves or by interview and data were analyzed using independent t-test and chi square test. RESULTS: Demographic data were the same in both groups and diabetes and blood pressure were the most common causes of kidney failure in both groups. The mean scores of sleeping disorders and tiredness in hemodialysis group was higher than peritoneal dialysis group, but there was no significant difference between the mean scores of depression, social readjustment and marital satisfaction of two groups. CONCLUSION: Dialysis is a complicated problematic treatment, causing patients lots of tension and stress. The results of this study showed that hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients have sleep disorders and tiredness, but the severity of tiredness and sleep disorder is higher in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, nurses should pay more attention to these patients and provide them more support and care.

Parental anxiety and quality of life in children with blindness in Ababasire institution

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, quality of life is one of the important a spects in programming and giving service to disable d people and blindness is one of the most important a nd common kinds of physical handicaps. COS parents have a great role in a child's life, their psychological status can a ffect their disabled children's quality of life. An xiety is the most common psychological disorder in parents of disabled child ren. The goal of this research was to determine rel ation between parental anxiety and blind children's quality of life in Aba basire institution, Isfahan, in both emotional and social dimensions. METHODS : This was a correlative study and its subjects were selected with census method; 94 blind child and th eir parents were selected. Data gathering was done with two questionnaires. The standard one was "Hamilton Anxious Questionnaire". The other one was "Quality of life" that me asures two domains including emotional and social. Validity and reliability was assessed with content validity and test- re-test method, respectively (0.89). Data was analy zed using SPSS, and statistical tests including the Kendall's tau b. RESULTS: There were significant correlative between parenta l anxiety and blind children's quality of life in b oth emotional and social domains (p < 0.01). Quality of life sign ificantly decreased with increased level of parenta l anxiety. DISCUSSION: In respect to above results, upgrading mental healt h and reducing anxiety in parents of blind children is really necessary and some effective actions must be done a bout this.

HIV positive women's living experiences

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Half of the 40 million people living with HIV are women and that the number of infected women is increasing. This study aims to describe the experiences of women living with HIV to get a deeper understanding of meanings and nature of life with HIV to develop general concepts about it. METHODS: In this qualitative study phenomenological method was used and women living with HIV were interviewed about their living experiences. Sampling was purposive and data saturation occurred after 12 participants Data were collected by discussion and conversation, making notes, collecting participants' notes and recording in-depth interviews with them in Isfahan Province. Data were analyzed by Colaizzi's seven-stage method. RESULTS: Most participants were married, had children and were infected by their husbands. From 115 extracted codes, 3 main themes and 9 sub-themes, illustrating the living experiences of these women, were found: vulnerabilities (individual characteristic, family and social factors), challenges with the diagnosis (from unawareness and denial to suspiciousness, referring for test, waiting for the results and finding the seropositivity), patient's interactions in day life (family, HIV, supportive systems). CONCLUSION: The women provided several experiences including vulnerability to HIV, ignorance about risky situations and how to avoid them, others' reaction to the diagnosis of infection, chaos in family and social relationships, lack of health care services and supporting systems, especially for mothers who had family responsibility. These experiences illustrate various aspects of the problem and show the necessity of planning for counseling, supportive and health care services to HIV positive patients without judging them and their disease.

Comparison the effect of two clinical teaching models on performance of nursing students in intensive care unit

Abstract: Background: An important question of nursing trainers regarding clinical education is ";why some students, in spite of good clinical education, are not able to perform nursing skills in suitable level?"; An educational method to solve this problem is mastery learning. The aim of present study was to compare the effect of mastery learning and composed clinical teaching method on performance of nursing students in intensive care unit. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design, fifty-one last-year nursing students participated and divided into experimental and control groups. After pretest, control groups educated with composed clinical teaching method and the experimental groups educated with mastery learning method for 9 clinical days. For assessment the performance of nursing students in selected clinical procedures four checklists was prepared. For statistic analysis Mann- Whitney and Wilcoxon tests was used via SPSS software. Results: In comparison the pretest-posttest differences of two groups, the average score of experimental groups in all procedures was further than control groups (p = 0.001). Also, in the end of clinical education many of experimental students reached to mastery level, but, few students in control groups reached to mastery level. Conclusion: Due to significant effect of mastery learning method on clinical performance of nursing students, we suggest that nursing trainers use this method as a basic clinical teaching method especially to educate fundamental nursing skills. Key words: Nursing education, clinical education, mastery learning, clinical performance

Obstacles in nurse-elderly patient relationship from the patients' point of view

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Elderly population is increasing worldwide. The elderly are hospitalized more and have a longer stay compared to patients of all ages. Nurse-elderly patient relationship has a key role in improving nursing care and increasing patient’s satisfaction of health care system. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June to August 2005. The sample consisted of 110 elderly patients hospitalized in the internal surgical wards of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, selected by convenience sampling method. Data were collected by interviewing patients based on a structured questionnaire including questions about obstacles related to nurses, the elderly patients, and environment and working conditions. RESULTS: There were 63 (57.3%) males and 47 (42.7%) females with the mean age of 69 years. From the elderly patients' point of view, the main obstacle related to nurses was that of their disrespect towards the elderly patients (98.2%), the main obstacle related to the elderly patients was that of their diseases and medicine side-effects affecting their talking (76.4%), and the main obstacle related to environment and working conditions was that of crowded wards and rooms (70%). CONCLUSION: There are important obstacles in nurse-elderly patient relationship. It is necessary to include aging process and its related changes as well as relationship with elderly patient in nursing curricula. Also, nursing staffs should receive in-service education regarding relationship with the elderly patients.

A survey on relationship between job stress and three dimensions of organization commitment among nursing managers in educational hospitals of isfahan university of medical sciences

Abstract: Background : One of the effective factors in human resources in hospitals is organization commitment. The most common definition for organization commitment is considering it as "a kind of emotional dependence in organization" or "a kind of loyalty feeling to organization". Methods: This was a descriptive analytic survey. The population of study was all 110 nursing managers of 9 educational hospitals. Data gathering was done via Job Stress questionnaire and organization commitment questionnaire. Data analysis was done in SPSS software. Results: The mean score of organization commitment was 65.6 (12.1) among nursing mangers. There was a significant relationship between organization commitment and age and also job experience based on ANOVA test. There was not any relationship between job stress and job experience. Generally there was a relationship between job stress and organizational commitment. Conclusion: Study results showed that organization commitment is in a good level among nursing mangers of educational hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The study also revealed that there was a significant correlation between job stress and organization commitment. An organization cannot be successful without managers' commitment, so the organizations especially hospitals should plan for more commitments. On the other hand a stressful work environment can influence on mangers' organization commitment and if the stress in work decreases, the positive effects on organization commitment will happen. KEY WORDS: Organization commitment, job stress, nursing managers, educational hospitals

Basic clinical skills of nursing students: a comparison between nursing students', nursing graduates' and lecturers' viewpoints

Abstract: Background : Nursing is a skill oriented discipline. In clinical training, learning process is mainly related to performance. Moreover, developing skills is one of the main goals of clinical training, because it is through frequent practice that one can develop a skill. This study aimed to determine the frequency of practicing basic skills during nursing students' traineeship. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive analytic study, using two questionnaires, one for students taking a traineeship course and the other for graduated students and professors. Results: From among seventeen skills studied in this research, the following have not met the expectation of professors and graduated students: subcutaneous injection, blood transfusion, urinary catheterization, nasogastric tube insertion, lavage and enema with the average frequency of 0.06, 1.49, 0.79, 0.80, 0.08 and 0.17, respectively. There was a significant difference between professors' and graduated students' opinions about the frequency of performing skills of muscular injection, serum preparation with ordinary infusion set and micro-infusion set, blood transfusion, dressing, Intake/Output control, oxygen therapy, airway suctioning, gavage, and lavage procedures. Conclusion: It seems that nurses do not have enough opportunities to practice some of the basic skills and the reason is that during their traineeships in wards the incidence of a need for these skills are few, and usually interns, residents and nursing-students perform these skills together. This should be considered in curriculum planning. KEY WORDS: Clinical nursing skill, basic nursing skills, nursing student

Patient's experiences of mechanical ventilation

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Endotracheal or tracheostomy tube in mechanically ventilated patients disturb verbal communication with others. Therefore, patients are frustrated of requesting for their needs or problems related to artificial breathing. Therefore investigating self-experiences of these patients can be applied in providing them with a better care by clinical personnel. METHODS: This is a qualitative phenomenological survey. The study population was patients who were mechanically ventilated at least for one time and were more than 12 years old. Data were collected during five months by deep interview and then were analyzed by Collizi's seven–stage method. RESULTS: The findings of this research were classified in 139 codes and 3 categories as: 1) Interpersonal experiences, 2) Extra personal experiences and 3) Intrapersonal experiences. CONCLUSION: Mechanically ventilated patients tolerate many stressors, which many of them are externally sustained. Better care will reduce these stressors, and make it easier for the patients to get along with the artificial breathing. Meanwhile some pleasure experiences had been mentioned by patients in this study.

Quality of nursing documents in medical-surgical wards of teaching hospitals related to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of present study was to determine the quality of nursing documents in medical-surgical wards and factors affected this quality. METHODS: In this descriptive study the quality of nurses' documents in medical-surgical wards of teaching hospitals related to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences was assessed. For data gathering, four checklists assessed four parts of nursing documents including: recording nursing report, recording medication treatment, recording vital sign assessment, and recording intake and output (I & O) of fluids were used. The validity of checklists assessed by content validity and the reliability of them calculated with inter-rater reliability. The study sample was including 170 nurses selected with simple random sampling. For each nurse, in four selected parts of documents, three documents were assessed in different times. Finally, in each part of documents 510 documents was assessed. For data analyze descriptive and inferential statistics was used. RESULTS: The average age of nurses were 32.40 ± 5.58 years, 87.65% of them were female and 51.23% of them worked in surgical wards. 70.6% of nursing documents have a moderate quality and 29.4% of them have a good quality. Furthermore, the quality of females' documents were better than males' documents and the quality of surgical nurses' documents were better than medical nurses' documents. CONCLUSION: The quality of nurses' documents in medical-surgical wards of teaching hospitals related to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences was acceptable. However, related to correlation of demographic factors with the quality of nurses' documents further investigation is needed.

Prevalence of attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder and associated symptoms among primary school students in the city of Isfahan

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Behavioral and emotional disorders are common disorders during childhood and adolescents. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among children, which result in behavioral problems and weak performance in school. METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 450 primary school students in Isfahan in 2006. Sampling was stratified random and data were collected using Vanderbilt Assessment Scale - Parent Informant. RESULTS: 2.1% of the students had the criteria for attention deficit disorder, 7.7% had hyperactivity disorder and 2.4% had both disorders (ADHD). Also, 5.6% had oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and 9.1% had criteria of depression and anxiety disorder. CONCLUSION: Primary school students' health leads to the health of society. It is necessary to check up students for common disorders, because if these disorders are not diagnosed and cured on time, may lead to delinquency in adolescence or anti-social personality disorder in adulthood.

The relation between social support and stress in treatment of infertility in infertile couples referred to infertility centers of Isfahan in 2007

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Experiencing infertility is a crisis in couples' life, affecting all aspects of their life. In addition to stresses of infertility problems, going through treatment is also associated with physical, psychological, social and economic stress. Therefore, identifying social factors especially social support related to stress of infertility treatments seems necessary. This study investigates the relationship between social support and stress of infertility treatment. METHODS: It is a descriptive correlative study on 75 couples (150 subjects) who referred to clinics of Isfahan for professional treatment of infertility. The sampling method was simple and the subjects were selected based on entry criteria. Data were collected by a questionnaire completed by interview and included personal and social characteristics, infertility treatment stress and social support. RESULTS: The mean score of infertility treatment related stress was 58.68 and 86.7% of couples experienced average to severe stress in professional treatments for infertility. The highest and lowest score of social support were 23.28 and 84.45 for spouse support and 2nd and 3rd level relatives, respectively. There was an inverse correlation between social support and infertility treatment related stress (p = 0.0001). Also, there was a significant relation between age, sex, and career with infertility treatment stress. CONCLUSION: Considering the findings of the study, it seems necessary to provide educational courses for couples on different techniques of reducing stress, counseling and information and emotional support by health personnel as well as general education of families on how to provide support for couples.

Comparison among some effects of sexual dysfunction in female spouses of fertile and infertile couples

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infertility causes a lot of physical and emotional stresses for infertile couples. If couples suppose infertility threatens their marital life, their sexual relations will be affected. As study on the degree of sexual dysfunctions in female spouses of infertile couples, helps in understanding these disorders, their prevalence and treatment, the current study aimed at comparing the lack of sexual inclination (desire), sexual abhorrence and controlled orgasm in female spouses of fertile and infertile couples. METHODS: This was a case – control study on 140 female spouses of infertile couples referring to Isfahan infertility clinics as case group and 140 female spouses of fertile couples as control group in 2006. Sampling was done via easy method. Data was gathered through a questionnaire including two sections of demographic characteristics and sexual disorders. Data were analyzed via SPSS software using χ2 test. RESULTS: The lack of sexual inclination and controlled orgasm in female spouses of infertile couples was more than female spouses of fertile couples (p < 0.01) and there was significant difference between sexual abhorrence in two groups. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that infertility may cause sexual dysfunctions and even in an incorrect cycle may intensify their infertility problem; so diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions is important in improvement of marital life.

A comparative study of primary health care management in selected countries and designing a model for iran

Abstract: Background : In this research Primary Health Care systems were reviewed and the nurses' roles were determined and then a model was designed for health networks in Iran. Methods: This was a triangulation research done in comparative method. In first step, PHC systems reviewed in different countries such as UK, Australia, Canada, Sweden and Turkey selected in purposive sampling. In second step, the process of management of PHC services in selected countries were determined from accessibility, providers and referral system, and then compared to PHC system in Iran. Afterward a primary model was designed. In third step, the model was validated using experts judgment (n = 30) and the results analyzed by descriptive statistics and final model was designed. Results: In all of the studied countries, PHC services were delivered by health team including family physicians, nurses, midwives, and health technicians in systematic network including local health centers, family physician offices and nursing clinics. Family physicians and nurses had a basic role in delivery of services. Also other health practitioners such as psychiatrists were practiced with health team. PHC services in most cases on the bases of people's need and health information were transmitted between the providers by health files. The effective referral system exists between health services. Conclusion: The model of PHC delivery was on the bases of health team with systematic network of the local health centers and provides accessibility, quality and comprehensively of services. We suggest to employee educated nurses in health centers to provide more health services. KEY WORDS: Role, Midwife, Role of midwife, Health care service providing system, Iran, world

The relation between social support and postpartum physical health in mothers

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Women face many physical and emotional changes after childbirth and social support may be important for their health condition, especially because of postpartum special needs. This study aims to determine the relation between social support and postpartum physical health of women referred to the health centers of Isfahan. METHODS: This is a descriptive-correlation study. Samples of 296 mothers were selected from women referred to the health centers of Isfahan, 6-7 weeks after delivery. Sampling method was simple. Received social support was measured by a researcher- made questionnaire and their physical health was evaluated by the physical health dimension of the quality of life questionnaire. Content validity and Cronbach's alpha were used for validity and reliability of the questionnaire assessment. Questionnaires were completed by interview. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis via SPSS software. RESULTS: The results showed a significant direct relation between the total social support and the postpartum physical health of women (r = 0.194, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, among various components of social support, just the support of health care personnel clearly improved the physical health of mothers and these findings showed the significance of health care personnel's role.

The effect of exercise on physical aspect of quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the world and chemotherapy is the most common therapeutic approach for it. However, chemotherapy has many side effects which deteriorate patients' quality of life. This study aimed to find the effects of exercise on quality of life among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: In this clinical trial study, 60 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Seyed Alshohad Hospital in Isfahan were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. Both groups completed a questionnaire of quality of life before the intervention. The intervention group had six weeks of exercise. At the end of exercise intervention, all patients of the two groups completed the quality of life questionnaire again. Data were analyzed via SPSS 15 software using independent and paired t-test. RESULTS: In the intervention group, even though the mean score of physical aspect of quality of life was increased, the difference was not significant (p = 0.107). The mean score of physical aspect of quality of life in the control group was decreased, but there was no significant difference between the physical aspect of quality of life before and after the intervention (p = 0.187). After the intervention, the mean score of the physical aspect of quality of life was significantly higher in the intervention group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that exercise intervention is useful for enhancing physical aspect of quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. KEY WORDS: Breast cancer, chemotherapy, quality of life, exercise

The viewpoints of patients, families and medical team on internal barriers to blood glucose level management

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Internal barriers are an important group of barriers to blood glucose level control Finding the viewpoints of patients, their families and medical team on these barriers is an important step towards correct planning and effective control of blood glucose This study aimed to find and compare viewpoints of patients, their families and medical team about internal barriers to control glucose levels METHODS: This was a descriptive-comparative and cross-sectional study with three groups and one stage A total of 938 subjects including 420 type 2 diabetic patients, 420 members of their families and 98 medical team staff participated in the study Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire that was completed by subjects Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics methods and SPSS software RESULTS: Results showed significant differences between viewpoints of the 3 groups of patients, families and medical team about internal barriers of blood glucose control (p < 0001) The medical team gave the highest importance to these barriers while patients gave the lowest value to these barriers CONCLUSION: Regarding the significant difference between the viewpoints of three groups, it can be concluded that this difference may count for lack of success in controlling patients' glucose levels, because medical teams focus on barriers that are not so important to patients and their families and the barriers which are important in the viewpoints of patients and their families are less considered by the medical team KEY WORDS: Type 2 diabetes, internal barriers to blood glucose level control, viewpoint

A meta-analysis on studies about obstetric risk factors of postpartum depression in Iran within 1995-2005

Abstract: BACKGROUND : Mood disorders including postpartum depression are among the most important mental health disorders i n postpartum period. There are numerous independent studies conducted in scientific and research centers in Iran on the subject, and a meta-analytic evaluation of these studi es can yield practical and precise results. METHODS : This was a meta-analytic study using Hunter and Schmidt approach, carried out in 2007. Eleven research projects and dissertations conducted in Iran within 1995-2005 were studied and data were obtained based on a standard checklist. The researches approved to enter the stu dy based on methodological parameters. The checklist validity and reliability were confirmed by content validity and co nsistency index respectively. After summarizing the results, the effect's size was calculated and then interpreted based on c ombined meta-analysis approach and Cohen chart. RESULTS : According to the calculated effect's size of studi ed researches, childbirth rank and type of delivery variables have weak relation with postpartum depression (z = 20.08 and z = 3.7 respectively) and unwanted pregna ncy variable is moderately related (z = 15.72). CONCLUSION : The results indicate the importance of preventing unwanted pregnancies by educating people, families and health care employees in order to improve women's health.

Does cesarean section compromise mother's mental health?

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To assess the effect of method of delivery on women's mental health to improve of health status. METHODS: Eleven hundred healthy women who had recently either normal vaginal delivery (NVD) or cesarean section (CS) were studied 6 week after delivery in 2005. The data were collected with using the 36-items short-form (SF-36) questionnaire by interviewing method. SPSS software version 15 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of 1100 participants, 7 women were missed due to incomplete data. From the rest, 504 (46%) women had normal vaginal delivery and 589 (54%) of them had cesarean section. The mean of age in mothers were 25.5 and 25.9 years old respectively. Mean and standard deviation of mother's mental health score were 62.8 ± 18.6 and 60.4 ± 19.4 in normal delivery and cesarean section group respectively (t = 2.1; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In comparison to mothers with normal vaginal delivery, mothers who had cesarean section had lower mental health status.

Family psychoeducation: An adjunctive intervention for mood disorder patients

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, several controlled studies have showed that family psychoeducational interventions have been effective for improving family function and recovery course in mood disorders Therefore, we established a family psychoeducational group intervention with 6 sessions to provide information about the illness, early warning signs, cognitive and behavioral strategies for stress management , problem solving and communication skills We offered group intervention for the patients' relatives The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychoeducational intervention outcome in mood disorder patients and their relatives in Iran METHODS: Seventeen relatives of mood disorder patients attended at 8 sessions (each 90 min) of family psychoeducational group therapy Relatives' knowledge about mood disorder and their adaptation level were assessed using Understanding Mood Disorder questionnaires (UMDQ) and Family Assessment Device (FAD) before and after the group intervention in two groups No interventions were done for patients We assessed demographic variables, symptom severity, drug compliance and global function in patients at the beginning of the study, on discharge and 3 months after the family intervention RESULTS: The relatives' knowledge about mood disorders was significantly improved They also have benefited from the discussions and exchanging information about the useful coping strategies Relatives also felt significantly better after being informed about the illness Symptom severity, drug compliance and global function in patients showed no significant differences in follow ups CONCLUSION: These findings showed that family psychoeducational interventions in relative of Iranian mood disorder patients, improve their knowledge about the illness and the adaptation level in family is increased

Proposing clinical nursing education standards in Iran

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, the accreditation of nursing education in Iran, especially in clinical field has been felt acutely. Yet there are not compiled standards at the same time. Accordingly, the researchers in this study tried to develop the national accreditation standards for clinical nursing education derived from international standards. METHODS: This research is a triangulation study, using international standards of nursing education and the views of expert faculty members (Delphi technique), to set proper standards for the context of Iran. Then, the proposed standards were investigated through a descriptive survey method, using designed questionnaire and were approved by an 80 percent desirability rate. Finally, standards of clinical nursing education for Iran were proposed. RESULTS: Fifty five standards in 5 domains (faculty and preceptors, students, curriculum, clinical facilities and teaching and learning processes) were drafted for accreditation of clinical nursing education in Iran. CONCLUSION: The most of the standards had either appropriate or fairly appropriate level except in some cases that are mostly related to the prevailing situation of the national nursing education system in Iran. So, necessary changes in final standards have been made based on subjects' viewpoints. The findings of this research are hoped to contribute to the enhancement of the quality of nursing education in Iran.

Interventions to decrease the mortality rate among pregnant women

Abstract: BACKGROUND : Since the mortality rate of mothers and infants is due to preventable factors, this study aimed to determine the effects of interventions on decreasing the mortality rate of pregnant women in Isfahan province, Iran. METHODS : This was an interventional study. The study population included all dead mothers in Isfahan province from 21 March 2002 to 20 March 2005 and after intervention from 21 March 2006 to 20 March 2007. Data were collected using a questionnaire completed by information on medical documents (clinical and health files) as well as interviewing families, physicians and the health personnel. RESULTS : There were 47 death cases out of which 13 were caused by bleeding, 8 by Eclampsia, 9 by embolism, 2 cases by infection, 11 by background diseases, 2 by anesthesia complications, and 2 cases had unknown causes. After interventions, the mortality rate decreased from 15 cases in 2005 to 11 cases in 2006 and 8 cases in 2007. Also, the pattern of death causes changed, so that in 2007 there was no death caused by Eclampsia, and bleeding caused just one death. DISCUSSION : Considering the results of this study, it is necessary to provide professional health care during pregnancy and delivery as well as counseling services before pregnancy or marriage. KEYWORDS: Mothers' death, pregnancy care, childbirth

Effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on the ovarian response to ovarian stimulation in infertile couples referred to the isfahan reproductive fertility center during 2007-2008

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The first step and a necessary prerequisite for a successful treatment of infertility is an adequate ovarian response to ovarian stimulation and it is a major challenge for both patients and health system. Therefore, it is very important to determine the factors related to ovarian response failure. One of the peripheral factors considered in the recent studies on infertility, is exposure to cigarette smoke. This study compares the ovarian responses to ovarian stimulation in infertile couples exposed and not exposed to cigarette smoke. METHODS: It is a retrospective cohort study on 144 infertile women referred to the Isfahan Reproductive Fertility Center in 2007. Data were collected using a questionnaire, patient’s medical files, tape measure and scale. Content validity and test re-test were used for validity and reliability and chi square and T test used for data analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. RESULTS: Findings showed that exposure to cigarette smoke increases poor response to ovulation induction (p = 0.001) in women under assisted reproduction treatment. However, it doesn't increase the number of injections necessary for ovarian stimulation. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, volunteers for the assisted reproduction techniques should be educated about the harmful effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on fertility. Also, there should be plans to increase the public awareness about the harmful effects of cigarette especially on fertility.

Nurses' knowledge of hospital infections and sterilization methods of hands, equipments and surfaces in neonatal wards of isfahan

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hospital infections are a main cause of infant death among hospitalized infants in the neonatal wards. This research was conducted aiming to assess the medical staff's knowledge of hospital infections. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in all neonatal in Isfahan hospitals wards. 65 nurses answerd to a questionnaire. RESULTS: Results showed that 66.7% considered septicemia as the commonest kind of hospital infections and 82.5% called it the most dangerous kind. CONCLUSION: In general, findings showed that averagely 63.9% of nurses correctly answered questions related to hospital infections. These results support the need for more interventions to prevent hospital infections. KEY WORDS: Hospital infections, newborn, disinfection, hand washing.

Evaluation of weight gain status and its relationship to personal information of pregnant mothers

Abstract: Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE FA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background : Appropriate weight gain during pregnancy could have a positive impact on the outcome of pregnancy. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of weight gain disorders based on the individual characteristics. Methods : This is a cross-sectional study. A checklist was used to collect data from 244 records of pregnant women who attended health centers during the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy and received care at least 3 times during this period. Statistical tests like chi-square and variance analysis was used to analyze the data. Results : The results of this study showed that weight gain in 41 percent of women was normal, but in 59% of them was higher (34/8%) or lower than (24/2%) the expected limit. The findings indicate a significant relationship between the type of weight gain and variables such as body mass index (BMI), place of living and infant's birth weight. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study it seems that more and stronger counseling programs during pregnancy and skilled health workers competency should be employed to diagnose weight gain disorders in time.

The effect of telephone follow-up on different domains of quality of life in patients with pacemaker at pacemaker implantation clinic in chamran hospital of isfahan in 2007

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Acute cardiac diseases are a hazardous problem that threats the human life Pacemaker is one of the curative and preventive maneuvers in treating the patients with arrhythmia It can cause physical and psychological problems for patients, so following-up the treatment of these patients after discharge is crucial Telephone follow-up can be used as an effective method for this reason The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of telephone follow-up on different domains of quality of life in patients with pacemaker METHODS: This was a prospective quasi experimental study that covered 40 patients that were divided into two groups The subjects were selected by convenience sampling The data were collected through"SF-36" questionnaires and were analyzed with SPSS software RESULTS: Data analyses show that the mean score of the quality of physical life in case group was significantly higher than control group and the difference between two groups were significant (p < 0001, t = 2023) CONCLUSION: The case group's health after the telephone follow-up was in a better condition than control group's Therefore the application of this method for following-up the patient after discharge is beneficial to patient's health and quality of life