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In this descriptive research, the application of disinfection and sterilization methods in three hospitals of Malayer was surveyed.The objectives of this study were determining disinfection and sterilization application methods in physical place ,surgical hand scrub, sugical site prepartion and preparing the metal, plastic and linen instruments.For collecting data, an observation checklist was used.The results showed that application of disinfection and sterilization methods evaluated in physical place 30.18%, surgical hand scrub 58.68%, Preparing surgical site 39.93%, metal instruments 77. 96%plastic instruments 40.97%and linen instruments 70.46% respectively. The results also indicated that application of disinfection and sterilization methods evaluated totally in hospital number one 54.75%, hospital number two 48.89%and in hospital number three 55.73%) respectively.Using T-test(a=0.05), the findings revealed that there was not a significant statistical difference among the surveyed hospitals.For further investigation ,it is suggested that the effect of training on the application of disinfection and sterilization methods in operating rooms to be studied.

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Background & Objective: Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease which results from gradual destruction of bone mass. Prevention of osteoporosis should be started from childhood by getting adequate calcium and doing weight-bearing exercises. Participating of mothers in health education interventions is likely to promote longer-lasting health behaviors in their daughters. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of simultaneous education of mothers and daughters on osteoporosis preventive behavior among high school female students.

Methods & Materials: In this interventional study, 400 female students were randomly selected via a two-phased sampling method. At first stage, four schools were selected randomly. At the second stage, 400 students were divided randomly into two groups. Their osteoporosis preventive behaviors were measured using a two-sectioned questionnaire: demographic section, and osteoporosis preventive behaviors assessment section. The first group participated in the educational programs with their mothers and the other group participated without their mothers. The educational program had two sessions, each one lasted 45 minutes. The second stage of the study was performed three months later. Data analysis was carried out using t-test and chi squared test.

Results: Results showed that in both groups, osteoporosis preventive behaviors scores increased significantly after intervention. It was higher in case group (P<0.001). Eating behavior was significantly different in two groups (P=0.003).

Conclusion: Results showed that simultaneous educational program for mothers and daughters promotes eating behavior in the girls.

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Background & Aim: Using illicit drugs such as Ecstasy is a deviant behavior in adolescents. Attitude toward using illicit drugs can predict its usage. This study was carried out in order to determine the adolescents' attitude toward using Ecstasy in 2006.

Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, eight hundred adolescents aged 16-18 years who lived in the west of Tehran recruited from public regions of municipality. Data was gathered using authors-structured questionnaire. After filling in informed consents, the questionnaires were completed by the respondents.

Results: Findings revealed that 78.9 % of the adolescents had negative attitudes and 17.5% had positive attitudes toward using Ecstasy. Boys and girls attitudes were not significantly different.

Conclusion: Regarding relatively high negative attitudes among the adolescents toward Ecstasy using, it seems that investments in health promoting programs were appropriate. Nevertheless, along with these programs, parents and teachers should pay more attention to the issue.

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Background & Aim: Quality of health care services shows the degree of achievement of health outcomes. From ethical and legal perspectives, nurses should be responsible for quality of presented care. Retired nurses can help to elaborate real and valuable concepts related to effective factors on quality of nursing care due to their experiences. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of retired nurses on factors that affect quality of nursing care in Semnan.

Methods & Materials: In this qualitative content analysis method, 20 retired nurses were invited to the study using purposeful sampling. Data were collected mainly using semi-structured interviews. The analysis was carried out using content analysis.

Results: Findings of the study yielded to three significant themes including: 1) necessity of humanistic relationships 2) suitable selection and education (3) planning and organizing nursing cares related to quality of nursing cares.

Conclusion: Findings of this study explored perspectives of retired nurses on the effective factors on quality of nursing care. The three themes emerged in the study should be mentioned in planning programs.

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Background & Aim: Infants are very sensitive and special attention is needed to take care of their physical and mental health. Some studies showed that massage by parents can improve infants&apos sleep quality. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of massage with sunflower oil or sesame oil on infants&apos crying and sleep times.

Methods & Materials: This triple-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 120 infants who were 10-15 days old, full-term, single, exclusively breastfed and with no history of hospitalization. The infants were assigned randomly into three groups of sunflower oil massage, sesame oil massage and massage with no oils. Mothers administered 15 minutes of massage to their infants twice per day (morning and afternoon) for 28 days. Times of crying and sleep were measured by a parents&apos information form at baseline, and at the end of the first, second, third, and fourth weeks of the study. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures ANOVA.

Result: Within four weeks of following, decreasing pattern of infants crying time was not significant (P=0.18) however, the mean of crying time between the three groups was significant (P=0.007). The interaction effect of crying time and groups was not significant (P=0.18). Increasing pattern of infant sleep time was statistically significant in the fourth weeks of the following (P<0.001) however, the mean of sleep time between three groups was not significant (P<0.56). The interaction effect of sleeping time and groups was not significant (P<0.10).

Conclusion: Since there were not statistical significant differences between the infants&apos crying and sleep times between the three groups, and despite the fact that increasing pattern of infants sleep time is a normal pattern, it is not possible to have a proper conclusion.

 

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Background & Objective: Nursing students usually experience various types of stress. Lack of stress coping strategies result in more stress, incompatibility, manifestation of disorders, and mental health problems. This study carried out to assess the methods of coping with stress among nursing students.

Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, 358 male and female bachelor of nursing students studying at Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the first semester of 2011-2012 were selected. Data were collected using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation and a demographic questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in the SPSS-14.

Results: There were 66.2% female and 33.8% male students in the study. The age of the students ranged 17-29 years. Most of the students aged 20-22 years (45%), were single (90.8%), were habitants of Tehran (53.1%), had an average economic status (72.1%), and were employed (20.9%). Of all, 19.3% had experienced stressful events in the last three months. A small number of the students (4.7%) suffered from chronic diseases. The nursing students mostly used problem-oriented coping style (56%). The emotion-oriented method was used among 45.99% of the students and the avoidance-oriented style was used among 39.34% of the students. There were no statistically significant relationship between the coping styles and the demographic characteristics.

Conclusion: The problem-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance-oriented styles were the most frequent styles used by the students, respectively. The mental health, particularly among nursing students who deal with patients and have important role in the health system, is important and requires special attention. The stress coping styles should be inserted in the educational curriculum of the nursing schools.

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  Background & Aim: Reducing maternal anxiety has a critical role in maternal and fetal mental and physical health. This study aimed to assess the effect of two anxiety reducing techniques including relaxation and maternal-fetal attachment training on anxiety in third trimester and postpartum depression among primipara women.

  Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 126 pregnant women were randomly selected and divided into three groups including relaxation training, maternal-fetal attachment skills training, and control group. The participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Spillberger and Beck questionnaires and written consents at baseline. The participants completed the questionnaires after the intervention too. The one way ANOVA and paired t-test were used to analyze the data. 

  Results: At baseline, the mean total anxiety, state and trait anxiety and depression scores were not significantly different between the groups. The ANOVA showed differences in the mean score of anxiety after the intervention (P=0.03) in the intervention groups. There were statistically significant differences between the attachment and control groups (P=0.01) and the relaxation and control groups (P<0.001) in terms of the mean score of state anxiety. The ANOVA showed a reduction in the mean score of state anxiety after intervention in the attachment (P=0.02) and relaxation groups (P=0.01). There was significant difference after the intervention in the mean score of maternal depression (P=0.002) between the attachment and relaxation groups with the control group (P=0.01, P=0.01 respectively). 

  Conclusion: A ttachment and relaxation trainings can reduce maternal anxiety and post-partum depression. Pregnancy visit is an important opportunity to screen maternal anxiety and prevent post-partum depression using simple and non-expensive training programs.

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  Background & Aim: Lack of knowledge about acute myocardial infarction and its treatment result in feeling anxious among the patients. Implementing appropriate educational methods can decrease anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This study was conducted to compare effects of two educational methods (face-to-face and electronic educational methods) on anxiety among patients with acute myocardial infarction .

  Methods & Materials: This was an experimental study in which 105 patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction in the "CCUs" of three educational hospitals were selected based on eligibility criteria and were allocated into three groups including face-to-face educational group, electronic education group, and control group using block randomized allocation. Data were collected using demographic check-list and the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory questionnaire. The level of anxiety was measured before and immediately after the interventions in all three groups. Data were analyzed in the SPSS-16.

  Results: Both educational methods reduced anxiety significantly in patients with acute myocardial infarction. There were no significant difference between the two educational method groups in the anxiety level (P=0.94) .

  Conclusion: Both face-to-face and electronic educational methods reduced anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction. It is recommended that nurses use one of these educational methods to reduce anxiety among the patients .

  

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Background & Aim: Maternal request for caesarean section due to fear of normal vaginal delivery (NVD) is one of the main reasons for the high rate of caesarean section. This study aimed to compare the fear of NVD and type of delivery between two groups of pregnant women attended childbirth preparation classes (CPC) and women received routine prenatal care (RPC).

Methods & Materials: In this prospective cohort study, 202 Primigravid women attended healthcare centers for prenatal care services in the East of Guilan were selected using convenient sampling in 2013-2014. Fear of NVD was assessed using a childbirth attitude questionnaire at two stages (before attending CPC or receiving RPC, then at the third trimester of pregnancy). Both groups were followed up to the delivery time. Data were analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics (Chi square, paired t-test, ANOVA, t-test) through SPSS v.16. P<0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: There was no significant difference (P=0.23) in the mean score of fear of NVD between two groups before attending CPC (35.59±8.78) and receiving RPC (37.08±9.08). The comparison of the mean score of fear of NVD between two groups at the third trimester of pregnancy showed a significant reduction (P<0.001) in the first group (32.30±8.31) than in the second group (37.29±9.55). A significant difference was also observed between two groups in the rate of NVD (P=0.002).

Conclusion: Results confirm the importance of CPC in decreasing fear of NVD and increasing the rate of NVD in primigravid women attended these classes. Therefore, women’s attendance at CPC is recommended to be encouraged.

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Background & Aim: The most common complication of peripheral intravenous catheter use is phlebitis. This study aimed to determine the effect of Arnebia Euchroma on the prevention of peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis.
Methods & Materials: A double-blind randomized clinical trial done on 120 patients hospitalized in CCU and heart wards of Shariaty hospital in Tehran in 2017. The convenience samples were allocated into the two groups of control and intervention. After the insertion of an IV catheter (by sterile technique, in the site of upper limb without any signs of phlebitis), Arnebia Euchroma poultice for the intervention group and placebo poultice for the control group, was applied to the skin in the distal portion of IV catheter at 3×3 cm from the catheter insertion site. Then, this site was covered by sterile dressing. The patient was monitored every 12 hours by removing the dressing, and the poultice was applied again. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS software.
Results: The two groups were homogeneous in terms of age and sex, but were different in the number of hospitalization days. While no phlebitis was observed in the baseline, there was a significant difference between the two groups (42.37% for intervention group vs 0% for control group) at the hour of 12. By adjusting the effect of hospitalization days, the difference was still significant (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Arnebia Euchroma poultice was effective in the prevention of phlebitis. Thus, this poultice can be used when inserting a peripheral intravenous catheter.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT2017012432147N1
 

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Background & Aim: Nursing prescription is an expanding category with many supporters and critics. The present research attempts to answer three questions: What are the fields of activity of nurse prescribers? What are the challenges of nursing prescription? and what are the positive outcomes of nursing prescription?
Methods & Materials: In the present systematic review, all relevant papers published until March 2017, were examined. Search was done in databases: SID, Iran Medex, Iran Doc, Magiran, Science Direct, Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and with keywords: nursing prescription, nurse prescribing, nurse prescriber, independent prescribing, supplementary prescribing and their equivalent terms in persian. Inclusion criteria were articles in English or persian, quasi experimental, questionnaire based study, qualitative study and relevant to the objectives of the study. Exclusion criteria were review articles, posters, presentation, and letter to the editor.
Results: A total of 72 articles that were included in the systematic review, showed extensive nurse prescribing activity in the fields of diabetes, mental health, rheumatology, dermatology, primary care, elderly care, epilepsy, pain, asthma, hypertension, constipation, emergency, hemodialysis, glaucoma and elderly. Challenges included: the critical look of the care team and lack of support, lack of attention to professional competence assessment, legal constraints, and lack of community awareness of the role of nurse purscribers. The positive outcomes of nursing prescription were classified in three areas related to the patient, the nurse and the organization.
Conclusion: Nurse prescribing activity is changing, and identifying its challenges and outcomes will help it progress.
 

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Background & Aim: Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery disease, are one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Recently, coronary intervention through the skin has been used for treatment, which has significantly reduced mortality rates. Nursing care behavior is of special importance in reducing the complications of angioplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of primary nursing care on the patients’ perception of nursing care behavior after coronary angioplasty.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 patients admitted from February 2018 to April 2018, to the CCU of Razi hospital in Birjand were selected by the convenience sampling method and assigned into two groups of 30, using a simple random allocation method. For the patients in the control group, routine care was delivered case by case, and for the patients in the primary nursing care group, care was provided based on the nursing process. At the time of discharge, the Caring Behaviors Inventory (CBI) was completed for the patients via interviews. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test and the significance levels of 0.05.
Results: The results showed that the mean scores of perception of care behavior and dimensions "respect" and "assurance of humanistic presence" in the intervention group were significantly higher than those of in the control group (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the dimensions "positive attitude and relationship", "knowledge and professional skill" and "attention to other experiences" (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Provision of primary nursing care leads to improving the patient’s perception of nursing care behavior, increasing sense of respect, and assurance of humanistic presence of the nurse. Therefore, it is recommended to use this caring method in the cardiac intensive care unit.
 

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Background & Aim: Chest pain is one of the main symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, and sleep disorders are among common problems in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Curcuma Longa on chest pain and sleep quality in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Methods & Materials: This triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on 270 patients in the Coronary Care Unit of Kowsar Hospital in Semnan, with random allocation to three groups (intervention, placebo and control) in 2020-2021. The intervention group received 500 mg of Curcuma Longa tablets and the placebo group received 500 mg of starch, Oisel and lactose tablets at 9 a.m. after breakfast once a day for 3 days. The control group received daily interventions. Chest pain was assessed using the pain assessment tool before the intervention and half an hour after the intervention for 3 consecutive days. Sleep quality was evaluated by the standardized sleep quality questionnaire of Saint Mary's Hospital in the morning of the first day before the intervention and in the morning of the second and third days after the intervention.
Results: There was no significant difference in the average reduction of chest pain intensity from the first to the third day between the groups (P>0.05). But there was a significant difference in the chest pain intensity within the intervention, placebo and control groups (P<0.001), and the average chest pain intensity on the second day compared to the first day of hospitalization decreased in three groups (P<0.001). However, the decrease in chest pain intensity on the third day compared to the second day of hospitalization was not significant in the three groups (P>0.05). The average score of sleep quality before the intervention in the intervention group was higher than that of in the placebo group (P=0.021), but on the second and third days of the intervention, it was lower in the intervention group compared to the placebo (P<0.001) and control groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that Curcuma Longa did not have a significant effect on chest pain in the patients with acute coronary syndrome, but it improved the quality of sleep. Therefore, Curcuma Longa can be used to improve the sleep quality of these patients.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20110427006318N14

 

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Background & Aim: Uncertainty is a multifaceted concept, inherently unavoidable, and can pose a significant obstacle to proper decision-making. In the nursing profession, which is marked by various challenges, nurses are expected to make precise and appropriate decisions. Confidence in decision-making is considered a vital element in the nursing profession. Given the ambiguities surrounding the concept of uncertainty, we aimed to conduct a concept analysis of uncertainty in nursing using the Walker and Avant’s approach.
Methods & Materials: This study is a concept analysis using the Walker and Avant’s approach to analyze the concept of uncertainty. Initially, a search was conducted on databases including Science Direct, SID, Medline, Iran Med, ProQuest, PubMed, and Scopus, using keywords such as uncertainty, nurse, and concept. A comprehensive review of articles published between 1990 and 2021 was then carried out, resulting in a total of 9 relevant articles.
Results: The literature review showed that uncertainty is an abstract and intricate concept that poses challenges in making informed decisions. In the context of nursing, uncertainty shares similarities with terms like confusion and doubt, while standing in contrast to concepts like self-confidence and assurance. The antecedents of uncertainty include the inability to make decisions and a lack of accountability. The consequence of uncertainty is the recognition of information needs, active pursuit of answers, and ultimately making informed and appropriate decisions.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that nurses encounter uncertainty when they are unable to make independent decisions. As uncertainty in nursing decision-making directly affects patient care, managers and planners can take proactive measures to mitigate this issue. By promoting knowledge and awareness, fostering motivation, and encouraging continuous learning among nurses, the level of uncertainty can be reduced. This, in turn, will contribute to the improvement and enhancement of patients’ health outcomes.

 

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Background & Aim: Raising a mentally retarded child imposes significant psychological and economic burdens on families, which can adversely affect their sense of hope. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a family-centered empowerment model on the hopefulness of parents with mentally retarded children.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial was conducted in 2023 in Aliabad Katol, focusing on parents with mentally retarded children. A total of 48 participants were selected through simple random sampling from a list of these parents and were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Pre-test and post-test evaluations were conducted before and after the intervention. The intervention group participated in six family empowerment sessions, while the control group received routine care training. Data were collected using the Schneider's Hope Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, employing univariate analysis of covariance, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: In the intervention group, the average age of mothers was 36.27±8.07 years, compared to 34.83±5.12 years in the control group. The average age of children was 11.88±2.88 years in the intervention group and 10.16±1.94 years in the control group. No significant difference was observed in the mean hope scores between the intervention and control groups prior to the intervention (P=0.582). However, post-intervention, the mean hope score significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.021). After controlling for pre-test scores, a significant difference emerged between the groups (P<0.001, Eta=0.48), indicating that 48% of the variance in parents' hopefulness scores could be attributed to the effects of the family-centered empowerment model.
Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of the family-centered empowerment model in enhancing parents' hopefulness, as well as the crucial role that parents play in caring for mentally retarded children, this low-cost and effective intervention should be incorporated into programs aimed at supporting and empowering these parents.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20191229045934N1

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Background & Aim: With the growing elderly population and increased survival rates, it is crucial to focus on the palliative care skills and knowledge of nursing students. This study aimed to assess the effect of palliative care education on the knowledge, attitude, and perceived self-efficacy of nursing students.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study took place in 2025 with 32 nursing intern students from the Meybod/Yazd Nursing School. Participants' knowledge, attitude, and perceived self-efficacy were evaluated before and after a palliative care education intervention using a questionnaire. Perceived self-efficacy was also measured one-month post-intervention. The intervention consisted of six four-hour sessions of a palliative care education program. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21 and descriptive and inferential statistical methods (paired t-test and analysis of variance with repeated measures).
Results: Prior to the intervention, the mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy in palliative care were 26.90±3.76, 81.87±9.42, and 28.50±8.10, respectively. Following the intervention, the mean scores for knowledge (33.40±2.84), attitude (84.68±10.29), and self-efficacy (29.75±5.72) increased. One month later, the mean self-efficacy score rose to 32.37±6.52. The results indicated that only the increase in knowledge scores before and after the intervention was statistically significant (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that palliative care education positively impacts the knowledge level of nursing students. Therefore, implementing educational programs in this area during the educational period can be beneficial.