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Background & Aim: Anxiety is one of the most common complications in cancer patients that can affect the physical and mental health of patients and disrupt the treatment process. For this reason, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy need education about the disease and ways to cope with its complications and problems. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of video and written training methods on anxiety in patients with gastric and esophageal cancer undergoing outpatient chemotherapy.
Methods & Materials: This study is a randomized clinical trial that was conducted on 58 patients with gastric and esophageal cancer who underwent outpatient chemotherapy in Shariati and Imam Khomeini hospitals in Tehran. Participants were randomly assigned to either the video training group (n=28) or the written training group (n=30). Data was collected using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), at the beginning of the study and then weekly for 12 weeks. The SPSS software version 20 was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results showed that the level of anxiety in both groups was significantly lower compared to before the intervention (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the anxiety mean score between the video group (56.07±9.85) and the written group (56.40±8.13) after the intervention (P=0.89).
Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that self-care education using video and written methods reduces the anxiety of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and both methods can be effective in reducing patients' anxiety.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20181115041669N1
 

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Background & Aim: Decreased sleep quality is one of the most common complications of radiotherapy in cancer patients. Although soaking feet in warm water and foot reflexology are two easy, inexpensive, and accessible ways to improve sleep quality, which one is more effective, has not been evaluated in existing studies. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of soaking feet in warm water and foot reflexology on sleep quality in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Methods & Materials: This two-group randomized clinical trial was conducted on 62 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at Reza (AS) Medical Center in Mashhad in 2020. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of soaking feet in warm water and reflexology. In the group of soaking feet in warm water, patients soaked their feet in 41 °C water for 20 minutes every night from the seventh day after starting radiotherapy for two weeks. In the foot reflexology group, the intervention was performed from the seventh day after starting radiotherapy for two weeks every night for 10 minutes for each foot in three areas including solar plexus, pituitary gland and pineal gland. Sleep quality score was assessed using the Petersburg Sleep Quality Questionnaire on the seventh day of radiotherapy (pre-test) and then 7, 14 and 28 days later. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 20 using descriptive/inferential statistics.
Results: The results showed the total score of sleep quality in the two groups decreased significantly over time (P<0.001), and this reduction was from 13.81±1.33 on the pre-test day to 4.86±1.73 on the day 28 for the reflexology group, and from 13.55±1.23 to 7.92±1.97 for the group of soaking feet in warm water. It should be noted that a decrease in the score of Petersburg questionnaire means an improvement in sleep quality.
Conclusion: Foot reflexology and soaking feet in warm water improve sleep quality in patients undergoing radiotherapy but foot reflexology is more effective in improving sleep quality. Therefore, using this method is recommended.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20190625044009N1

 

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Background & Aim: Diagnosis of cancer causes deep emotional problems such as depression in a patient with cancer. Laughter yoga involves laughter exercises that may be effective in treating depression in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of laughter yoga on depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods & Materials: This two-group randomized clinical trial was conducted on 69 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Reza Medical Center in Mashhad in 2018. Patients were randomly divided into intervention or control groups. For the intervention group, before chemotherapy a 20-30 minute laughter yoga session was performed daily for four days. The control group received routine self-care training. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory before and after the laughter yoga sessions. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and paired
t-test through the SPSS software version 20.
Results: Women made up 67% (n=46) of the participants in the study. The mean age of patients in the intervention group was 49.0±9.6 years and in the control group 45.2±12.6 years. The mean score of depression in the post-test in the intervention group (7.50±6.04) was significantly lower than that of in the control group (12.54±7.53) (P<0.005). In within-group comparison, there was a significant decrease in the depression score in the intervention group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Laughter yoga improved depression in the patients undergoing chemotherapy. Thus, its use is recommended for these patients.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20180429039463N1

 

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Background & Aim: Considering the use of aromatherapy as a non-pharmacological method of pain control and a scarcity of studies in this area, the aim of the study was to compare the effect of breast milk odor and Rosa damascena aroma on pain and crying due to blood sampling in neonates.
Methods & Materials: In this cross over clinical trial study, 40 neonates hospitalized in the NICU of Ali Ibn Abitalib hospital in Rafsanjan were divided into two groups (breast milk odor and Rosa damascena aroma). In the first step, tree minutes before blood sampling until its completion, cotton soaked in 2 cc of breast milk was placed at a distance of three centimeters from the neonate’s nose. In the next step, cotton soaked with two drops of rose essential oil was used, similar to the method of breast milk. For the second sample, the order of interventions was changed. The pain was calculated with the NIPS instrument and crying with a stopwatch by a person who was blinded to the groups. The data were analyzed by STATA software version 14.
Results: The mean score of pain for two periods in two groups were 3.75±2.33 and 4.30±1.70 respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.415). The mean score of crying for two periods in two groups were 16.98±16.21 and 15.03±9.99 respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.650).
Conclusion: The breast milk odor and rose damascena aroma have a similar effect in reducing the pain of neonates. Thus, according to the conditions, each of these methods can be used.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20150713023190N11

 

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Background & Aim: Diabetic neuropathy is found in 50% of people with diabetes and refers to a group of diseases that affect all nerves such as peripheral, autonomic and spinal nerves. This study aimed to investigate the effect of topical heat therapy on clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods & Materials: The present study was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 52 patients with type 2 diabetes with peripheral neuropathy referred to the clinic of Allameh Behlool Gonabadi Hospital in 2018. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and placebo. The intervention group received heat therapy using a hot pack at 40 ° C twice a day for 20 minutes for a week. The control group received all routine care similar to the intervention group. A demographic information form and NSS questionnaire were used to collect the data through interview. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 23 at a significance level of less than 0.05.
Results: The mean scores of neuropathy symptoms before and after the intervention were 5.46±1.90 and 4.12±1.55 respectively for the intervention group, and 4.88±1.53 and 5.08±1.52 for the control group that no significant difference was observed between the both groups before the intervention (P=0.23), but there was a statistically significant difference after the intervention (P=0.03). Also, the comparison of the mean scores of two groups after the intervention showed a significant difference (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings showed that topical heat therapy can improve the clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Since this technique is easy to learn and inexpensive, it can be used to reduce treatment costs and drug side effects, as well as to improve patient self-care.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20181015041354N1

 

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Background & Aim: Establishing effective communication and forming a strong attachment with a newborn baby are crucial tasks during the postpartum period. The bond between mother and baby has a profound impact on the child's well-being, as well as the mother's health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on the mother-infant attachment.
Methods & Materials: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between March 2021 and September 2022 on a sample of 106 pregnant women who referred to the maternity ward of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Isfahan for normal vaginal delivery. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received auriculotherapy in addition to routine care, or the control group, which received only routine care. Auriculotherapy involved the stimulation of specific acupuncture points including oxytocin, uterus, Shen Men, thalamic, lung 1, and lung 2. Data collection was carried out using a checklist of demographic characteristics and the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26, employing independent t-test, paired t-test, exact Fisher's test, and chi-square test. A significance level of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The results showed that there was no statistically significant differences observed in demographic variables between the intervention and control groups (P>0.05). However, the mean score of attachment after delivery in the auriculotherapy group was significantly higher compared to the control group (P=0.004).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it has been determined that auriculotherapy exhibits the potential to enhance maternal attachment to the baby. Given its ease of use and non-invasive nature, it is strongly recommended to consider incorporating auriculotherapy as an intervention to improve mother-baby attachment during the postpartum period.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20091219002889N12

 

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Background & Aim: Feelings of loneliness can affect the mental health of the elderly and lead to cognitive problems. As a potentially effective treatment approach, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as an intervention to alleviate loneliness among the elderly. This study aims to determine the effect of CBT on alleviating loneliness among elderly women referred to health centers in Khomeini Shahr.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2020 on a sample of 60 elderly women who had been referred to health centers in Khomeini Shahr. The participants were conveniently selected and then randomly assigned to either the intervention or control groups. Data were collected using a demographic information form and the Deshiri et al’s loneliness questionnaire, which were administered before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The intervention group received eight counseling sessions of CBT that lasted for 60 minutes each, while the control group did not receive any counseling. Data analysis was carried out using the SPSS software version 23, employing descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The results obtained from conducting a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant statistical difference in the mean score of loneliness resulting from communication with family, the score of emotional symptoms of loneliness and the total score of loneliness in the intervention group before and after the intervention (P<0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the control group (P>0.05). Furthermore, when comparing the mean score of loneliness resulting from communication with friends in the intervention group, no statistically significant difference was observed before and after the intervention (P=0.094). Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed in the control group (P=0.338).
Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate that CBT is an effective approach to alleviate loneliness in elderly women. Therefore, it is suggested that this method be implemented as a means to reduce feelings of loneliness among elderly women.

 

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Background & Aim: In women experiencing intimate partner violence, resilience can serve as a protective factor against the worsening of psychological problems. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has emerged as a potential means to enhance resilience in these individuals. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on the resilience of women experiencing spousal abuse.
Methods & Materials: This is a quasi-experimental study. A total of 80 women experiencing spousal abuse were selected through quota sampling from the women referring to the health houses affiliated to the Mashhad ol-Kube health center in Arak, Iran between 2020 and 2021. The participants were then divided into intervention and control groups using the block randomization method. The intervention group received the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in eight sessions, lasting 90 minutes each, once a week. The data collection tools included a questionnaire on personal and health characteristics, the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, and the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale. The Resilience Scale was completed by both groups one week and five weeks after the intervention. The data were analyzed through the SPSS software version 23 using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA. A significance level of P<0.05 was used to determine statistical significance.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the resilience score for the intervention group increased from 59.21±13.29 before the intervention to 64.31±11.27 and 72.34±10.49 in the post-test and follow-up periods. For the control group, these figures were 52.47±17.2, 51.94±14.72, and 52.47±15.3, respectively. Based on the results of the two-way repeated measures ANOVA, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of resilience between the intervention and control groups at the three time points examined (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can significantly improve the resilience of women experiencing spousal abuse. This intervention holds great potential for being incorporated into mental health improvement programs specifically designed for women who have experienced spousal abuse.

 

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Background & Aim: Eating disorders manifest numerous psychological and social consequences for both individuals and society. The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in alleviating COVID-19-related anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, and depression among women diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa.
Methods & Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The research population consisted of women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa in Tehran in 2022. Thirty participants were selected through convenience sampling from psychological clinics in the 6th and 8th districts of Tehran, and were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=15) or the control group (n=15). Questionnaires assessing eating attitudes, COVID-19-related anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, and depression were administered to both groups. The intervention group received a total of eight 90-minute sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The collected data were subsequently analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance through the SPSS software version 24.
Results: The results of the study showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy led to a significant reduction in mental anxiety related to COVID-19 (P<0.001, F=36.41), physical anxiety related to COVID-19 (P<0.001, F=39.15), fear of negative evaluation (P<0.001, F=41.92), and depression (P<0.001, F=47.48) in women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral therapy demonstrated efficacy in alleviating psychological disorders among women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Given the potentially severe impairment of mental health experienced by numerous individuals with anorexia nervosa, it is imperative to implement measures for identifying and providing psychological interventions to vulnerable groups.

 

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Background & Aim: A large number of drug users make attempts to cease drug use; however, a relapse tendency often emerges subsequent to the cessation period. The present study aimed to examine the effect of emotion regulation skill training on self-control and psychological distress among opioid-dependent people hospitalized at Zahedan Psychiatric Hospital.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted over the fourth quarter of the year 2022, focusing on 80 drug users who underwent treatment at Baharan Psychiatric Hospital in Zahedan. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and subsequently assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group received a total of 10 sessions of training in emotion regulation skills. The self-control and psychological distress questionnaires were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tests through SPSS software version 22.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the psychological distress score among opioid addicts in both the intervention group (P<0.001) and the control group significantly decreased (P<0.005). To account for the significant effect of pre-test scores, an analysis of covariance test was conducted, indicating a statistically significant difference in the average psychological distress scores between the two groups after the intervention (P<0.001). Similarly, the self-control score in both the intervention and control groups showed a significant increase in mean and standard deviation (P<0.001). The analysis of covariance test, considering the significant effect of the pre-test scores, also showed a statistically significant difference in the average self-control score between the two groups after the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings showed that emotion regulation skills training among individuals with opioid dependency is associated with a significant decrease in psychological distress and a significant increase in self-control. Consequently, these findings suggest that such regulation may exert positive and inhibitory influences on behaviors contributing to the recurrence of substance use. In light of these findings, it is recommended to implement training programs focused on developing emotion regulation skills as a means to improve psychological distress and self-control among individuals undergoing addiction recovery.

 

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Background & Aim: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, imposing significant physical problems and psychological burdens on sufferers. Education is one of the ways to reduce the psychological problems of these patients. Therefore, the current study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and Positive Psychology (PP) in enhancing the mental health and resilience among women with breast cancer.
Methods & Materials: This study employed a two-group quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest design, involving 60 women with breast cancer at Khatamolanbia cancer center in Jahrom during 2020-2021. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the Acceptance and Commitment Training group (focused on accepting uncontrollable factors and committing to enriching life) or the Positive Psychology group (emphasizing individual abilities and positive emotions). Prior to and one week following the sessions, participants completed questionnaires evaluating resilience and mental health. Data analysis was performed using MANCOVA with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: Based on the MANCOVA findings, there was no statistically significant difference in resilience and mental health scores (F=2.318, P=0.110) between the two intervention groups after adjusting for pretest scores. However, clinically significant improvements were observed in mental health and resilience for 75% and 42% of the ACT group, and 65% and 46% of the Positive Psychology group, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the findings, both group therapies, ACT and Positive Psychology, are effective in enhancing resilience and mental health in breast cancer patients. These findings provide more opportunities for healthcare providers to tailor interventions to the characteristics of caregivers and the personality characteristics of the patients.

 

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Background & Aim: Preoperative anxiety can lead to various challenges. Aromatherapy using lemon essence may alleviate certain complications. This study aimed to determine the effect of lemon essence aromatherapy on anxiety levels and physiological indices (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate, and SPO₂) in patients who are candidates for lower extremity fracture surgery.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial employed convenience sampling to recruit 90 patients referred to SUMS, who were subsequently randomized into control (n=45) and intervention (n=45) groups in 2021. The aromatherapy intervention commenced on the morning of the surgical procedure and extended through the operating and recovery rooms, continuing for 16 hours post-surgery. Almond essential oil was administered to the control group. Data collection involved the Spielberger Inventory for anxiety assessment and a checklist of physiological indices. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: The study findings showed a significantly greater reduction in state anxiety levels in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Moreover, the physiological indices of the intervention group exhibited greater stability in comparison to the control group (P<0.05). However, the intervention did not have a significant impact on the diastolic blood pressure and respiratory rate of the patients (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The utilization of aromatherapy with lemon essential oil resulted in a decrease in the state anxiety and an improvement in some physiological indices of the patients who underwent surgery for lower extremity fractures. Therefore, this complementary approach is recommended in conjunction with routine treatments.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20130616013690N10

 

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Background & Aim: Rumination is a prevalent issue among medical science students, potentially affecting their academic performance. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Mandala therapy in reducing rumination among medical science students at the Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon branch.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test design with a control group. A total of 40 medical students from the Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon branch, who exhibited signs of rumination participated in the study in 2023. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (20 participants) or the control group (20 participants). The intervention consisted of four 60-minute sessions of Mandala therapy. Data were collected using the Nolen-Hoeksema and Morrow's rumination questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed using SPSS version 26 to analyze the data.
Results: Demographic analysis indicated no significant differences between the experimental and control groups concerning gender, age, or semester (P<0.001). The ANCOVA results revealed that the Mandala Therapy intervention significantly reduced the rumination scores of the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.005).
Conclusion: The results suggest that rumination levels in the experimental group decreased significantly following the intervention compared to the control group. Therefore, Mandala therapy may serve as an effective non-pharmacological approach for mitigating rumination among medical science students.
 

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Background & Aim: The evidence shows that prehypertension is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. This study aims to determine the effect of lavender inhalation aromatherapy on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP & DBP) in people with prehypertension in Isfahan.
Methods & Materials: This two-group quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2023, involving 70 prehypertensive patients selected from comprehensive health service centers in Isfahan. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The intervention included inhalation aromatherapy using two drops of 100% pure lavender essential oil for 20 minutes in a single session. Blood pressure measurements were taken before, immediately after, and 10 and 20 minutes post-intervention under standardized conditions. The control group received routine health center training. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including repeated measures analysis of variance (RMA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: The results of the RMA indicated a significant interaction between time and group for both SBP (P<0.001) and DBP (P<0.001). Also, the intergroup effect for SBP was significant (P<0.001), demonstrating that the intervention group experienced a significantly greater reduction in average SBP compared to the control group. Intra-group analysis revealed a significant decrease in SBP before and after aromatherapy in the intervention group (P<0.001). In contrast, the control group did not show a significant change (P=0.068). Unlike SBP, the intergroup analysis for DBP did not yield significant results (P=0.141).
Conclusion: Considering the rising trend of high blood pressure and its widespread complications, along with the positive effects of aromatherapy as a cost-effective and accessible intervention, lavender inhalation aromatherapy is recommended as a complementary treatment strategy in conjunction with other methods.
 

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Background & Aim: The coping strategies employed by women in facing violence can influence the frequency and intensity of violence or related stress. Life skills training may serve as a way for improving these coping strategies. This study aims to determine the effect of life skills group counseling, using a cognitive-behavioral approach, on the coping strategies of abused women.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study involved 120 abused women who attended health centers affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2022. Participants were assigned to an intervention group or a control group (60 people each). The intervention group participated in eight group counseling sessions focused on life skills training through a cognitive-behavioral approach. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Conflict Tactics Scale, and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Coping strategies were assessed at the end of the intervention and again 12 weeks later. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to analyze the data.
Results: The intervention led to a significant increase in mean scores for the subscales “distancing” (P<0.001), “planning” (P<0.001), “seeking social support” (P=0.002), and “problem-solving” (P<0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conversely, there was a significant reduction in the mean score for the “wishful thinking” subscale (P<0.001). The most substantial effect of the intervention was observed in the “planning” subscale, while the “seeking social support” subscale exhibited the least effect. Specifically, the mean±standard deviation scores for the “planning” subscale in the intervention group were 8.95±3.61 pre-test and 14.82±2.40 post-test. For the “seeking social support” subscale, the scores were 5.28±3.21 pre-test and 7.03±1.77 post-test.
Conclusion: Life skills group counseling, utilizing a cognitive-behavioral approach, significantly increased the adoption of coping strategies, such as distancing, planning, seeking social support, and problem-solving, while reducing reliance on wishful thinking among abused women. Therefore, this method can serve as a means to promote coping strategies for abused women.

 

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Background & Aim: Postoperative pain, anxiety and sleep disturbances are common among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, often leading to increased physical complications and substantial healthcare costs. Given the rising interest in non-pharmacological methods such as aromatherapy, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of lavender inhalation aromatherapy in alleviating pain, anxiety and enhancing sleep quality in patients post-orthopedic surgery.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2022 at a trauma center in Isfahan, involving 80 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Eligible patients were recruited through consecutive sampling and were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=40) or the control group (n=40). The intervention included inhalation of 100% pure lavender essential oil over a period of three days, while the control group received standard postoperative care. The study employed the Standard Spielberger anxiety questionnaires, the St. Marry’s Hospital Sleep Questionnaire (SMHSQ), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for data collection. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance, utilizing SPSS software version 26.
Results: Post-intervention analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the average scores of anxiety and sleep quality between the intervention and control groups (P<0.001). Additionally, the average pain scores exhibited significant differences at all time points across both groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings show that lavender aromatherapy significantly reduces pain and anxiety while improving sleep quality in patients following orthopedic surgery. Given these positive effects, the integration of this cost-effective and easily accessible intervention is recommended as a complementary treatment, alongside conventional methods.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20111002007692N3

 

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Background & Aim: Sleep disorders are common among patients hospitalized in cardiac care units (CCUs), potentially impeding treatment outcomes and recovery processes. Aromatherapy has historically been employed to alleviate sleep disorders. This study aimed to determine the effect of geranium aromatherapy on sleep quality in patients hospitalized in CCUs.
Methods & Materials: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2022 at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Qom. Seventy-two patients were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the control group (n=35) or the intervention group (n=35). The intervention involved inhalation of geranium scent for three consecutive nights, whereas the control group received no such intervention. Data collection utilized the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), administered pre- and post-intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, employing descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Results: No significant differences were observed between groups regarding baseline demographic characteristics (P>0.05). Prior to the intervention, the mean sleep quality scores were 48.26±6.89 in the control group and 53.20±14.15 in the intervention group (P=0.110). Post-intervention, scores were 50.18±35.43 and 84.21±28.86, respectively, with the changes within groups being statistically significant (P<0.001). Across all dimensions of sleep quality, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better outcomes than the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that geranium aromatherapy appears to effectively improve sleep quality among CCU patients. Therefore, it is suggested that this method be used alongside existing treatments to enhance sleep quality in these patients.

 

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Background & Aim: Back pain is highly prevalent among operating room technologists, and conventional treatments—such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—are often associated with adverse long-term side effects. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Tuinatherapy massage with chamomile oil extract on the severity of back pain in female operating room technologists.
Methods & Materials: This double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial included 105 female operating room technologists selected via convenience sampling from several hospitals in Isfahan. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups of 35 individuals each: (1) Tuinatherapy massage with liquid oil supplemented with chamomile oil extract, (2) Tuinatherapy massage with liquid oil alone, and (3) a control group receiving no intervention. The Tuinatherapy massage sessions consisted of 10 sessions, each lasting 20 minutes and conducted every other day. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) both before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests.
Results: Significant reductions in pain intensity were observed in groups one and two following the intervention compared to baseline (P<0.001). The control group showed no significant change. Prior to the intervention, there were no significant differences in pain scores among the three groups (P=0.230); however, post-intervention, pain intensity in group one was significantly lower than that in groups two and three (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Tuinatherapy massage effectively reduces back pain severity among female operating room technologists. Moreover, the inclusion of chamomile oil extract enhances this therapeutic effect. As an alternative to pharmacologic treatments, Tuinatherapy massage with chamomile oil may serve as a method for alleviating back pain in this population.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20220725055548N1

 

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Background & Aim: Intimacy and satisfaction in marriage, along with psychological well-being, are crucial for maintaining healthy marital and family relationships. The present study aims to examine the effectiveness of Gottman couple therapy on marital intimacy, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being among working couples.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study with a control group and a follow-up period was conducted on 40 working couples in Ahvaz in 2023. The sample was selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to intervention (20 couples) and control (20 couples) groups. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Bagarozzi Marital Intimacy Scale (MINQ), the Diener et al. Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS), and the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale (RSPWB). After obtaining pre-test data, the Gottman couple therapy protocol was implemented over 14 sessions of 60 minutes each, held two to three times per week for the intervention group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with SPSS version 25.
Results: The results showed a significant increase in mean scores for the intervention group compared to pre-intervention scores and to the control group in marital intimacy (from 128.45±13.04 to 178.90±30.55), life satisfaction (from 13.60±2.70 to 17.77±5.01), and psychological well-being (from 55.85±6.12 to 64.95±7.83) (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Gottman couple therapy is effective in enhancing marital intimacy, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being among working couples in Ahvaz. Therefore, this intervention can be applied to strengthen and enrich marital relationships.

 

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Background & Aim: Violence against women is associated with adverse outcomes. Resilience can be associated with reducing the amount of harm experienced by abused women. The solution-focused approach has been considered as an intervention to promote resilience. This study aimed to determine the effect of short-term solution-focused group counseling on the resilience of women experiencing spousal abuse.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized clinical trial, 60 women experiencing spousal abuse were selected through multistage sampling from health centers affiliated with Arak University of Medical Sciences in Arak, Iran in 2024 and were divided into intervention and control groups using the block randomization method (30 people in each group). For the intervention group, six group counseling sessions with a solution-focused approach were conducted. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Personal and Health Characteristics Questionnaire, the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale before the intervention. The Resilience Scale was then completed again by both groups at the end of the intervention, four weeks, and 12 weeks after the end of the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25 with descriptive and inferential statistics. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the resilience score for the intervention group increased from 34.64±8.91 before the intervention to 63.03±6.30, 71.78±4.78, and 75.25±10.52 in the post-test and first and second follow-up periods. For the control group, these values were 33.66±8.65, 35.30±7.31, 38.83±6.39, and 40.50±5.99, respectively. Based on the results of two-way repeated measures ANOVA, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean resilience score between the two groups and across the four time points examined (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The implementation of short-term solution-focused group counseling can improve the resilience of women experiencing spousal abuse. Therefore, this intervention can be used in mental health promotion programs for women who have experienced spousal abuse.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20240704062329N1