Showing 771 results for Type of Study: Research
Faezeh Naghiha, Narges Sadeghi, Azam Alavi,
Volume 31, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Exploring non-pharmacological interventions that may support standard care in children with this condition is crucial for improving clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology massage on the respiratory patterns of children hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial included two groups with pre- and post-intervention assessments. The study was conducted on children admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis to Imam Hossein Specialized Hospital in Isfahan in 2023. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The intervention consisted of foot reflexology massage administered every two hours, with each session lasting ten to fifteen minutes per leg, from admission until recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and two-way repeated measures analysis of variance, with a significance level of 0.05, using SPSS software version 26.
Results: After controlling for blood glucose, blood PH, and bicarbonate levels, the mean recovery time from diabetic ketoacidosis was significantly shorter in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Following the intervention, both groups exhibited a significant increase in blood PH and bicarbonate levels (P<0.001). Moreover, the experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher mean bicarbonate level compared to the control group after the intervention (P=0.009).
Conclusion: Foot reflexology massage was associated with a shorter duration of diabetic ketoacidosis in children, independent of blood glucose, PH, and bicarbonate levels. These findings suggest that incorporating foot reflexology massage as an adjunct to standard care may enhance patient recovery and improve clinical outcomes in pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20130812014333N202
Alireza Momeni, Abdolali Shariati, Shahram Molavynejad, Saeed Ghanbari,
Volume 31, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: The most common problems in patients undergoing hemodialysis are sleep disturbances and fatigue, which affect their quality of life. Auricular acupressure, as a non-pharmacological method, can be effective in controlling these issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of auricular acupressure on sleep disturbances and the severity of fatigue in hemodialysis patients in Ahvaz.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 40 hemodialysis patients visiting the hemodialysis centers of Imam Khomeini and Golestan hospitals, affiliated with Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz in 2021, were randomly assigned to two groups: the test group and the control group. The test group received auricular acupressure at true acupressure points, while the control group received acupressure at false points over a two-week period. Data collection tools included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Numeric Rating Scale to assess fatigue severity. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17 with descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: In the intervention group, the mean sleep quality score before the intervention were 11.75±1.51, and 6.20±1.43 which decreased to 8.60±1.04 and 5.00±1.21 after the intervention, and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: The findings showed that auricular acupressure improves sleep quality and reduces sleep disturbances and fatigue severity in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, auricular acupressure can be used as an easy, safe, and inexpensive method alongside routine care for hemodialysis patients to reduce fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20201021049102N1
Forough Ansarinik, Masoomeh Mahdavifar, Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi, Aref Faghih,
Volume 31, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Asthma is a prevalent respiratory disease, and encouraging health behaviors is a crucial preventive strategy for managing the condition. This study aimed to assess the impact of self-care education delivered retrospectively on health-promoting behaviors in patients with asthma.
Methods & Materials: This two-group randomized clinical trial with a pre-test-post-test design was conducted on 100 asthma patients visiting Shahid Mofatteh Clinic in Yasuj in 1402. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received three individual training sessions, one per week lasting 60 to 90 minutes each, delivered retrospectively. The control group did not receive any training. Data was collected using questionnaires on personal and disease information, as well as health-promoting lifestyle. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistical methods in SPSS version 26.
Results: Prior to the intervention, the mean health behavior scores in the experimental group were 124.52±16.05, and in the control group were 121.82±16.61, showing no statistical significance (P=0.411). However, following the intervention, the scores increased to 135.60±10.57 in the experimental group and 123.26±8.92 in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) indicating a significant improvement in the experimental group.
Conclusion: Self-care education delivered in a retrospective manner is recommended as a simple, practical, and cost-effective educational approach for individuals with asthma to enhance health behaviors.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20230529058325N1
Fatemeh Dehghani, Zohreh Khavari, Bahareh Fallah, Zahra Rezaei-Haftadori, Maasoumeh Barkhordari-Sharifabad,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
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.
Atefeh Estabraghi, Tabandeh Sadeghi, Seyedhamid Seyedbagheri, Reyhaneh Hassanshahi,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are utilized to manage pain and improve physiological indicators in patients with COVID-19. Reflexology is a non-pharmacological complementary method that is often used. The current study sought to investigate the impact of foot reflexology on pain and physiological indicators in patients with COVID-19.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 70 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Ali Ibn Abi-Talib (AS) Hospital in Rafsanjan in 2022 AH. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups using a coin toss. In the intervention group, foot reflexology was performed on lung-related points for 10 minutes daily for 5 consecutive days. The control group received simple foot massage without pressure on lung-related points. Before and after the intervention, the pain score and physiological indicators (arterial blood oxygen saturation, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, temperature were examined and recorded. The data were analyzed using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests in SPSS version 20 software.
Results: Following the intervention in the intervention group, the mean changes in pain score were 6.31, diastolic blood pressure was 7.82, and arterial blood oxygen saturation was 9.02. There was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups (P<0.05). However, systolic blood pressure and temperature did not show a significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Foot reflexology was effective in improving pain and some physiological indicators in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, this non-invasive intervention is recommended for these patients.
Avishan Gholamiyan, Somayeh Gheysari, Zinat Mohebbi,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Clinical competence is crucial for enhancing the quality of patient care and increasing patient satisfaction with nurses. Critical thinking is a key factor that influences the clinical competence of nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between critical thinking and clinical competence among nurses working in intensive care units.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-correlational study involved 240 nurses working in intensive care units at hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2021. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data collection included demographic questionnaires, the California Critical Thinking Form B, and assessments of nurses' clinical competence. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and the Spearman correlation coefficient in SPSS software version 23.
Results: The mean total score of nurses' clinical competence was 143.53 with a standard deviation of 26.62, indicating an average level of clinical competence based on the instrument's scoring. The total score for nurses' critical thinking was 17.51 with a standard deviation of 13.41, showing a relatively high level of critical thinking among the nurses in the study. A positive and significant correlation was found between the total score of clinical competence and critical thinking (r=0.147, P=0.023).
Conclusion: The results suggest that nurses with stronger critical thinking skills also demonstrate higher levels of clinical competence. Therefore, incorporating strategies to enhance critical thinking in nursing education programs can enhance students' clinical competence, better preparing them for effective clinical judgment and decision-making in complex care scenarios.
Zohrehsadat Mirmoghtadaie, Morteza Heidari, Seyedeh Zahra Nahardani, Akram Heidari,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: In light of the holistic approach to health, it has become increasingly important to utilize spiritual capacities to meet patients' needs. Spiritual care education for nursing students is therefore essential. This study aimed to address the lack of educational content in this area within the Iranian medical education system by developing a spiritual care educational package for nursing students and evaluating its impact on students' spiritual care scores.
Methods & Materials: This study, conducted in 1401, followed the Rothwell model and involved 60 final-year nursing students from Tehran, Shahid Beheshti, and Iran Universities of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected through simple random sampling in proportion to the number of final-year nursing students at each university. The educational package was provided to students as a text file for self-study, discussion with clinical instructors, and application in internship settings. Students' spiritual care scores pre- and post-training were compared using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 26.
Results: The average spiritual care score of the participating students increased from 1.94 to 4.21, indicating a significant positive effect of the training package (P<0.05). However, variables such as age, gender, university of study, and interest in the field did not have a significant effect on the increase in score (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the training package was effective in improving students' spiritual care scores. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses and other health disciplines receive training in spiritual care through various m
Mansoore Karimi, Fatemeh Kameli, Mohammad Reza Mansoorian, Hossein Ajamzibad,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: The quality of communication between parents and adolescents can have profound effect on adolescents’ attitudes towards them and the formation of their emotional and social relationships. This study aimed to determine the effect of parent-child relationship training for parents on adolescents’ attitudes towards them.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group was conducted on students aged 16 to 18 and their parents in 2023. In this study, 56 parents of students with poor parent-child relationships were placed in the intervention and control groups (28 people in each group) along with the relevant student. Parents in the intervention group received training on improving parent-child relationships, while the control group did not receive training. After 21 days, the quality of the parent-child relationship and adolescents’ attitudes towards parents were assessed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 software using independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney, Fisher and Chi-square tests.
Results: The two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics (P>0.05). The results showed that after the intervention, the quality of the parent-child relationship and adolescents' attitudes towards parents in the intervention group significantly improved compared to before the intervention and compared to the control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Training in parent-child communication skills has a positive effect on improving parental relationships and adolescents' attitudes. These findings emphasize the importance of including parenting training in family education programs.
Ali Hosseinzadeh, Abolfazl Rahimi, Robabe Khalili, Ali Tayebi, Mohamad Nikpouraghdam,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: End-stage renal failure requires careful and effective planning in the hemodialysis process to improve patients' quality of life and reduce complications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of using cold dialysis solution on sleep quality and blood pressure changes during hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal failure.
Methods & Materials: This blinded randomized clinical trial included 82 patients undergoing hemodialysis in Baqiyatallah and Milad hospitals in Tehran in 2023. Patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (41 individuals) or the control group (41 individuals). The intervention group received hemodialysis with cold dialysis solution (35°C), while the control group received standard dialysis solution (37°C) for 4 weeks. Data was collected using a demographic and disease characteristics form, Richard Campbell Sleep Quality Questionnaire (RCSQ), and a mercury sphygmomanometer. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 software, utilizing Mann-Whitney, independent t-test, chi-square, and paired t-test.
Results: The mean sleep quality score in the cold hemodialysis group (35°) after dialysis was significantly higher than the standard group (37°) (P=0.004). No significant difference was observed between the two groups before dialysis (P=0.759). There was no significant difference between the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure scores before dialysis in the two groups. However, after dialysis, the reduction in blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) in the cold hemodialysis group was significantly less than in the standard group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results of this clinical trial showed that the use of cold dialysis solution during hemodialysis significantly improved the sleep quality of patients with end-stage renal failure and reduced blood pressure changes during treatment. These findings can be used to improve the treatment process and enhance the quality of life of these patients.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20230521058244N1
Arezoo Rozbahani, Salam Vatandost, Bijan Nouri, Parvin Mahmoodi,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: The health of nurses’ work environments can influence their clinical competence and accordingly the quality of care they provide. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between a healthy work environment and clinical competence among nurses working in intensive care units of the teaching hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2023.
Methods & Materials: This cross‑sectional study was conducted using a census method on 245 nurses working in the intensive care units of Kosar, Tohid, and Besat teaching hospitals in Sanandaj during the winter of 2023. Data were collected using a demographic and occupational information form, as well as the Healthy Work Environment and Clinical Competence questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using STATA software version 12, using independent t‑test, one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests.
Results: In the present study, 198 nurses (81.1%) reported their work environment health as low, 43 nurses (17.6%) as favorable, and only 3 nurses (1.3%) as very favorable. Nurses reported their clinical competence as good (86.5±2.72). No statistically significant relationship was found between a healthy work environment and overall clinical competence or its dimensions (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The lack of a significant relationship between a healthy work environment and nurses’ clinical competence in this study does not diminish the importance of providing a healthy work environment for nurses. The findings indicated that the level of work environment health was not desirable, whereas nurses’ clinical competence was good. Considering the importance of a healthy work environment, implementing measures to improve work environment health is essential.
Nahid Dehghan Nayeri, Atefeh Atefeh Sadeghi Nikoo,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Spiritual care is a fundamental component of holistic care that addresses patients’ needs for meaning, hope, and existential concerns alongside physical treatment. Despite its importance, it is not widely implemented in nursing practice due to conceptual ambiguity, lack of structured education, professional challenges, and organizational limitations. Heavy workload, absence of clear assessment frameworks, and concerns about invading patients’ privacy are among the main barriers. Strengthening specialized training, providing organizational support, using spiritual assessment tools, and developing multidisciplinary teams can improve its implementation. Ultimately, spiritual care serves as a bridge between treatment and humanity, enhancing the quality of care and the satisfaction of both patients and nurses.
