---

Background & Aim: Inter-partner relationships as part of a somatic-affective interaction have important role in supporting of familial relations. In this regard, knowledge of couples about their specific role against their spouses and the ways of having correct sexual relationship is essential. This correct knowledge might help spouses to understand their husband/wife and would promote family&aposs cultural status and would be transmitted to next generations. This study carried out to determine the knowledge level and beliefs of couples attending marriage counseling centers toward correct sexual relationships.

Methods & Materials: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 300 individuals (150 couples), attending marriage counseling centers in the north and east of Tehran recruited for the study using random selection method. Data were collected using a questionnaire including knowledge and beliefs assessment questions.

Results: Mean knowledge score for men and women were 12.3±2.5 and 10.1±1.8, respectively (P=0.23). Knowledge level of participants with higher education (P=0.00) and those aged 25-29 years (P=0.65) were higher than others. 11.3% of women and 13.1% of men did not have appropriate attitudes toward correct sexual relationships (P=0.35).

Conclusion: Although knowledge level of respondents was just above the half of the complete score, the overall beliefs toward sexual relationships were positive.

---

Background & Aim: The challenges that patients face after intestinal ostomy surgery can lead to impaired adjustment and self-efficacy. There is evidence suggesting these variables have reciprocal effects on each other. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the correlation between adjustment and self-efficacy in patients with intestinal ostomy.

Methods & Materials: This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 76 patients with intestinal ostomy hospitalized in hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences using convenience sampling method in 2015. Research instruments were comprised of the demographic and disease information questionnaire, the Stoma Self-efficacy Scale, and the Ostomy Adjustment Inventory. The SPSS software v.19 using descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data.

Results: The results of Pearson correlation test showed a significant and positive linear correlation between the mean score of self-efficacy and the dimensions of adjustment: acceptance (P<0.001, r=0.518), anxious preoccupation (P<0.001, r=0.438), social engagement (p<0.001, r=0.488), and anger (P<0.001, r=0.384). Moreover, multiple regression analysis indicated that the dimensions of social engagement and acceptance have a significant and positive linear correlation with self-efficacy in patients with intestinal ostomy.

Conclusion: The results revealed that the dimensions of social engagement and acceptance of ostomy were the most important factors in relation to self-efficacy. Therefore, in order to care for patients with intestinal ostomy especially in the early months after surgery, it was recommended to help patients adjust themselves to the physical appearance of ostomy and maintain their social engagement, by designing and implementing appropriate educational and supportive interventions.

---

Background & Aim: Burns are amongst severe traumas that cause disability, death, and mental illness, as well as high medical costs. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Hippophae-rhamnoides ointment and silver-sulfadiazine ointment 1% on the healing period of second-degree burns.
Methods & Materials: In this triple-blind clinical trial, which was performed in 2016 in Imam Musa Kazem Burn and Accidents Clinic in Isfahan, fifty-five patients with one to ten percent second-degree burns, were selected using the convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into Hippophae-rhamnoides and silver sulfadiazine groups using blocked randomization with blocks of size 4. Hippophae-rhamnoides group were treated with Hippophae-rhamnoides ointment and silver sulfadiazine group with silver sulfadiazine ointment 1% daily until their burns healed completely. The wound healing period was measured in both groups using the standard burn healing checklist. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 20.
Results: Data analysis showed that the healing period of second-degree burn wound in the group treated with Hippophae-rhamnoides ointment was 6.71±2.11 days and in the group treated with silver sulfadiazine ointment was 11.22±2.31 days and there was a significant difference in wound healing period between the two groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that Hippophae-rhamnoides ointment reduces the healing period of second-degree burns compared to silver sulfadiazine 1% by accelerating the healing process. Therefore, alternatively using Hippophae-rhamnoides ointment by care providers can reduce the burden of caring for patients with second-degree burns.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT2015081523623N1
 

---

According to a global report, 47 million people are currently living with dementia, and due to the aging population, its prevalence is expected to triple by 2050. In the future, Iran is expected to experience a significant increase in the elderly population. Currently, in Iran, the prevalence of dementia among individuals over 60 years old is 7.9%. Therefore, this group represents a significant population that warrants further research (1).
The best understanding and explanation of human experiences come from first-hand sources, specifically from people who have experienced those phenomena. Therefore, reliable research sources place great emphasis on including the voices of these individuals (2). Qualitative research out for its collaborative, inclusive, and flexible structure, enabling the exploration of complex issues, including mixed or ambiguous attitudes (2). It can reveal the profound experiences and core values of people with cognitive impairment that may not emerge in quantitative studies. Additionally, qualitative research excels in vividly portraying these experiences and values (3).
Throughout history, people with cognitive impairments have been marginalized from engagement in health and social research, resulting in their voices being inadequately represented in such studies. (2, 4). Instead, their perspectives have been channeled through their legal representatives or guardians, a practice that often entails constraints. These limitations include the inability to accurately predict the patient's decision-making process, the amount and manner of information provided, and the weight of decision-making responsibility placed on them (5).
Furthermore, excluding these individuals from the research process can dehumanize them and perpetuate negative stereotypes about people with cognitive disorders. This also contributes to power imbalances (2). Therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies that ensure the safe participation of these individuals in research endeavors. Through these efforts, we can improve our understanding of policy and measures aimed at promoting health and well-being (6).
 

---

As explained in the first part, the acquisition of firsthand experiences is an essential element of qualitative research for uncovering and enriching study findings. However, individuals with cognitive disorders are often excluded due to various challenges. In these cases, researchers may rely on caregivers or close associates to understand their feelings and views. This approach not only reduces these individuals to mere objects but also presents ethical dilemmas, thereby impacting the depth and richness of study findings (1). Given that the methods of data collection significantly impacts the results of studies (2), it is imperative for qualitative researchers to strive towards directly gathering information from the individuals themselves. Understanding the experiences of people with cognitive impairments is crucial for providing evidence-based services. However, these patients often encounter challenges such as speech difficulties (3), ‘pseudo-reminiscences’ (4-6), mood fluctuations and behavioral problems (7), and other issues. Therefore, researchers should take into consideration certain factors when conducting interviews with these individuals as in-depth interviews aim to gain a deeper understanding of participants' life experiences (8,9). These interviews require specialized skills across various stages, encompassing the development of interview guides, participant recruitment, obtaining consent, conducting effective interviews, data analysis and interpretation, and proficient communication and dissemination of research findings. This section delves into the key aspects of each of these phases. During interviews, it is important to prioritize the well-being of both the researcher and the participant while reflecting on and ensuring the depth and richness of the interview content (6).