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Background & Aim: Menstrual health is an important aspect of adolescent health. Most girls do not have proper information about menstrual health, and incorrect information from unreliable sources makes problems for them. Aim of this study was to compare small group-based education with maternal participation and routine education on adolescent girls’ menstrual health behaviors.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 60 high school students with regular menstruation in the groups of intervention and control. Among high schools in Mashhad in 2018, two schools were assigned to one of two groups by lottery. Menstrual health education was provided to the intervention group in four sessions as the groups of 3-4 people. For mothers in this group, two 2-hour sessions with the same content were held and the students in control group received routine education. Data were collected by a questionnaire on menstrual health behaviors, before the intervention, after the end of the first and second menstrual cycle. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, Chi square and independent samples t-test using the SPSS software version 16.
Results: before the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in the menstrual health behaviors score (P=0.199). After the intervention, mean score of menstrual health behaviors (the end of the first and second menstrual cycles) significantly increased (P<0.001) for the two groups. Also, mean score of menstrual health behaviors for the intervention group was significantly higher than that of for the control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The small group-based education with the participation of mothers in comparison to routine education was more effective in promoting menstrual health behaviors in adolescent girls. This method is recommended to health planners for education of health issues, including menstrual health.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20180904040952N2
 

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Background & Aim: Physical activity is a health behavior that helps one's mental and general health, improves the health of women during preconception period and reduces pregnancy and birth complications. The aim of this study was to predict physical activity based on the BASNEF model constructs during preconception period among women referred to Uremia health centers.
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 230 women during preconception period, who were selected using the multistage sampling method in 2018. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire containing sociodemographic information, the BASNEF model constructs, and a short form of the international physical activity questionnaire. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression and t-test through the SPSS software version 16.
Results: The results showed that 61.3% of women had low levels of physical activity. Knowledge (β=0.2, P<0.003), attitude (β=0.15, P<0.017), and enabling factors (β=0.18, P<0.004) significantly explained their intention to do physical activity. Also, among the predictive variables, knowledge (P<0.001) significantly explained physical activity.
Conclusion: Low rate of women's physical activity during preconception period calls for designing an intervention based on BASNEF model in order to influence knowledge, attitude and enabling factors.
 

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Background & Aim: Cesarean section (CS) rate was 56% in 2012 in Iran, which was considerably higher than the WHO recommended rate (10-15%). Thus, the Normal Delivery Promotion (NDP) program as a part of Iran’s Health Transformation Plan (HTP) was implemented in 2014 to reduce unnecessary cesarean deliveries and promote maternal and neonatal health. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the NDP plan on the CS rates.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental and longitudinal study analyzed the immediate and long- term effects of the NDP program on the CS trend in Iran using an interrupted time series analysis. Monthly CS rates in the hospitals of the country were extracted from April 2013 to September 2018.
Results: Overall CS rate in Iran decreased by 6% immediately after the implementation of the NDP program and then remained at the same level. The NDP program reduced the CS rate in teaching (9.5%), non-teaching (11.7%), private (18.1%), and charity (27.1%) hospitals. But the CS rate increased in social security (7%) and other hospitals (15.7%). The CS rate would have reached 58.5% by September 2018 if the NDP program had not been implemented.
Conclusion: The NDP program was somewhat effective in reducing the CS rate in Iran. Promoting this program by formulating a strategic plan and comprehensive action plans addressing various underlying causes of CS at meta (ministry of health), macro (universities of medical sciences), meso (hospitals) and micro (obstetricians, midwives, and mothers) levels and considering effective solutions in the areas of governance and leadership, financing, human resources, equipment, information and service delivery is critical to achieve the determined national goals.
 

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Background & Aim: Clinical competence is the ability to perform professional tasks and coordinate cognitive, communication and psycho-motion skills in patient care, and empathy is one of the factors influencing clinical competence. Given the role of clinical competence in the quality of midwifery care, this study aimed to determine the effect of empathy skill training on clinical competence in midwifery students.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 73 midwifery students and 438 pregnant women in 2015. A clinical competence questionnaire was used to assess the clinical competence of the students, which was completed in two ways by self-assessment and researcher assessment (after reviewing the student's performance for 3 times). Data were analyzed by chi-square test, independent t-test and paired t-test using the SPSS software version 16.
Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean score of clinical competence in the ways of self-assessment and assessment by the researcher before the intervention (P>0.05). Results from the post-intervention showed that there was significant difference between the two groups. However, the clinical competence score by the researcher assessment in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.05). Also, the difference in the mean scores of the self-assessment of clinical competence before and after the intervention between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05), but the difference in the mean scores of the researcher assessment of clinical competence before and after the intervention between the two groups was significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Empathy skill training is an effective way to increase the clinical competence of students.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT 2016051127855N1
 

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Background & Aim: Osteoporosis is a silent and progressive disease that causes disability in people particularly women, with age and has irreversible consequences in their lives. This study aimed to determine the effect of an educational intervention program based on BASNEF model on prevention of osteoporosis among women referred to health centers in the south of Tehran.
Methods & Materials: This is a quasi-experimental study with two groups of intervention and control, performed on 162 women (81 in the intervention group and 81 in the control group) aged 30-49 years, referred to health centers in the south of Tehran in 2018. The data collection tool included demographic information, a researcher-made questionnaire based on BASNEF model constructs and another part of the questionnaire was Health Promotion Standards Questionnaire (HPLP II). Questionnaires were completed for both the intervention and control groups before and six months after the intervention. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software using chi-square, t-test, and paired t-test at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The mean of women’s age in this study was 37.79±5.47 years old. There was no significant difference in demographic variables and BASNEF model constructs before the intervention (P>0.05). After the intervention, the mean score of BASNEF model constructs and the dimensions of health promoting behaviors significantly increased in the intervention group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The study results revealed a positive effect of the BASNEF model-based educational program on health promoting behaviors regarding osteoporosis prevention among women. It is suggested to use this model as a successful model in educational interventions to prevent osteoporosis in women.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20130213012460N15
 

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Background & Aim: The health of newborns and infants as the future makers of the country is of special importance. Today, the main benefits of breastfeeding for children, mothers and society have widely been recognized. Given the importance of self-efficacy in initiating and continuing breastfeeding, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of breastfeeding counseling with a spiritual approach on breastfeeding self-efficacy in primiparous women.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled trial study, 60 primiparous women referring to the childbirth preparation classes at Alavi Hospital, Azadegan Comprehensive Health Service Centers, Sina and Dr. Hazrati in Ardabil in 2019 were selected through the convenience sampling method and assigned to intervention or control groups using quadruple block method. The control group received routine care and the intervention group received eight sessions of breastfeeding counseling with a spiritual approach. Data was collected using the Dennis Lactation Self-efficacy Questionnaire and analyzed through the SPSS software version 16 using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and independent t-test at 95% confidence level.
Results: The mean scores of breastfeeding self-efficacy for the intervention and control groups were 27.48±5.83 and 28.23±4.44 (P=0.575) before the intervention, 39.83±10.14 and 25.33±3.62 (P<0.001) immediately after the intervention, 42.45±13.00 and 23.43±6.23 (P<0.001) one month after the intervention. There was a significant difference between the two groups after the intervention.
Conclusion: Employing spiritual approach in breastfeeding counseling was effective in improving the breastfeeding self-efficacy of primiparous women. The integration of spiritual content into the package of postpartum services with a focus on breastfeeding appears to be an appropriate measure that can be considered by planners in this area.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20150731023423N14
 

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Background & Aim: Health promotion nursing activities for the elderly with COPD is different in various health care structures, and research in this area can help to identify the existing knowledge gap. The aim of this study was to determine health promotion nursing activities for the elderly with COPD.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020. A total of 180 nurses working in teaching hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire on health promotion nursing activities for the elderly with COPD. The data was analyzed through the SPSS software version 18 using t-test, ANOVA and multivariate regression.
Results: The mean age of nurses was 34.58±8.05 years, 84.4% were female and 70.6% were married. The mean score of health promotion nursing activities was 197.10±37.90. Among the dimensions related to health promotion activities, “drugs/smoking cessation” (34.4%) and “self-empowerment” (32.8%) had the lowest frequency. There was a significant relationship between health promotion nursing activities with the work place (P=0.034), age (P<0.001), gender (P=0.022) and marital status (P=0.014).
Conclusion: The health promotion nursing activities for the elderly with COPD was above moderate levels. In-service training programs and internal conferences are needed especially in the area of ​​counseling behaviors and smoking cessation in order to improve the professional competency of nurses.
 

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Background & Aim: Cultural competence is one of the main components of health care. Attention to cultural competence is essential to reduce healthcare inequalities and identify potential for improving healthcare delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate cultural competence and its related factors in health care providers working in comprehensive health centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).
Methods & Materials: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 250 health care providers working in health centers affiliated with TUMS were selected using the convenience sampling method in 2020. The demographic characteristics form and the cultural competence scale for health workers (CCSN) were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests (t-test and ANOVA) through the SPSS software version 16 at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The mean total score of cultural competence in health care providers was 162.66±28.41 (range: 33-231). According to the findings, the mean score of cultural competence for all dimensions was desirable. The mean score of cultural competence had a statistically significant relationship with intra-ethnic marriage (P>0.005) and work experience (P=0.012) while no statistically significant difference was observed with other demographic variables.
Conclusion: The study results showed that cultural competence in health care providers was at the desirable level. These results may be useful for managers and planners in the development and management of human resources and quality assurance of health services delivery.

 

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Background & Aim: The COVID-19 survivors are prone to psychological distress due to their experience of illness and severe conditions. Diseases can also affect patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between mental health and quality of life among the COVID-19 survivors one year after the infection.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study that was conducted from February, 2020 to July 2020. A total of 276 patients who survived from COVID-19 were included to the study through the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic and clinical information form, the 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the 36 item short form survey (SF-36). Data analysis was performed through the SPSS software version 16 using independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression.
Results: The mean score of mental health and total score of quality of life were 6.26±2.75 and 59.2±18.30, respectively. There is a significant relationship between the score of mental health and the score of quality of life (P<0.001), so that with the increase of the mental health score, which indicated the worsening of the mental health status of the participants, their quality of life score decreased.
Conclusion: Paying attention to the mental health and quality of life of the survivors of COVID-19, as well as adopting supportive strategies for them are recommended. Providing psychological and psychiatric services can improve their mental health and quality of life.

 

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Background & Aim: Many factors affect the hypertensive patients’ quality of life. Identifying the factors related to the quality of life can help to promote the quality of life in hypertensive patients. This study aimed to determine the predictive role of illness acceptance and social, individual factors in the hypertensive patients’ quality of life.
Methods & Materials: This correlational, cross-section study was conducted in 2020-2021 on 245 hypertensive patients referred to a hypertension clinic in Lahijan selected by the convenience sampling method. Data were collected by a questionnaire, including demographic information, Acceptance of Illness Scale and the WHO's Quality of Life-Brief questionnaire. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression at a 95% confidence level using the SPSS software version 23.
Results: The mean score for the quality of life was 65.32±12.18 (0-100) and for the acceptance of illness was 31.83±4.98 (8-40). Age, sex, employment status, marital status, monthly income, family arrangement and the acceptance of illness were identified as the predictors of quality of life in hypertensive patients (P<0.001). According to the coefficient of determination (R²=0.401), the variables of the final regression model explained about 40% of the quality-of-life changes among hypertensive patients.
Conclusion: Given that the acceptance of illness and some social, individual factors can affect the hypertensive patients’ quality of life, focus on the strategies to promote the acceptance of illness and paying attention to social, individual factors can help improve the quality of life among hypertensive patients.

 

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Background & Aim: Infectious diseases represent a significant health concern within human communities. Considering the importance of pregnancy, the present study was conducted with the aim of exploring the health behaviors exhibited by pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods & Materials: This qualitative study employed the conventional content analysis approach to examine a cohort of 16 pregnant women in 2021. The research was conducted within the health centers of Ilam, employing the purposeful sampling technique and unstructured interviews to collect the data. Simultaneous to the data collection, conventional content analysis was employed to analyze the data. MAXQDA version 10 software was utilized for data management purposes.
Results: The participants had a mean age of 30 years, while the average gestational age was 30.38 weeks. Through analysis, three main themes and eight categories were derived from the collected data. The main themes identified were as follows: 1- self-care practices for disease prevention, 2-  the adverse effects of the pandemic on pregnancy, and 3- changes in the healthcare system.
Conclusion: The results of the present study highlight the emergence of a novel form of self-care among pregnant women as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The adverse effects of the pandemic, such as quarantine measures, were associated with the development of negative ruminations within pregnant women. Following the quarantine restrictions, significant modifications were observed in the ways through which women sought health-related information and engaged in daily activities. Moreover, alterations were made to care policies. Paying attention to the comprehensive health needs of pregnant women, including both physical and mental health, is imperative within the context of pandemic-related health services.

 

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Background & Aim: Knee osteoarthritis as a common chronic illness leading to disability, imposes numerous challenges on individuals in terms of daily living and self-care. Therefore, the implementation of tele-rehabilitation nursing interventions that foster patients' internal health locus of control and enhance the development of self-care behaviors may be useful. This study aimed to determine the effect of tele-nursing rehabilitation on the health locus of control in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized clinical trial study, a total of 34 patients with knee osteoarthritis referred to the rehabilitation clinics affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2022 were enrolled. The intervention group participated in an 8-session tele-rehabilitation nursing program, while the control group received standard routine care. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale was administered to both groups on three separate occasions. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using SPSS software version 26.
Results: According to the results from a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), a statistically significant difference was observed solely in the trend of changes in the mean score of internal belief between the two groups and over the study time period (P<0.001). Specifically, the scores of the intervention group exhibited a significant increase over time, surpassing those of the control group.
Conclusion: The implementation of tele-rehabilitation nursing care, which emphasizes patient responsibility for their internal health locus of control can improve self-care. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses employ this approach in managing additional chronic conditions.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20220216054038N1

 

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Background & Aim: Parents of children with autism face numerous challenges that hinder their social adjustment. Spiritual health emerges as a relevant components that can potentially enhance their social adjustment. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between spiritual health and social adjustment among parents of children with autism.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive correlational study that investigates a sample of 194 parents of children with autism at Hekmat Autism Center in Borujerd and Yekta Autism Center in Khorramabad, during the period of March 2021 to April 2021. To collect data, a demographic information questionnaire, the Paloutzian and Ellison spiritual health questionnaire, and the personal resource questionnaire were employed. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS software version 26, utilizing the Chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson's correlation coefficient.
Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between the scores of spiritual health (82.03±17.68) and social adjustment (78.52±15.59) among the parents (r=0.572, P=0.0001). The parents with low spiritual health had a mean social adjustment score of 65±0, while those with moderate spiritual health had a mean score of 76.63±15.76, and parents with high spiritual health had a mean score of 89.19±9.45. These results indicate that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of social adjustment across different levels of spiritual health (P<0.001).
Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between spiritual health and social adjustment among parents of children with autism, suggesting that higher levels of spiritual health were associated with increased social adjustment. To enhance the social adjustment of these parents, it is advisable to implement appropriate planning aimed at improving their spiritual health.

 

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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: Family caregivers of COVID-19 patients in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) face numerous challenges that can affect their well-being. Spiritual health represents a crucial component for coping with such stressful conditions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between spiritual health and attitude towards death in family caregivers of COVID-19 patients post-discharge from the ICUs.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-correlational study conducted between April and November 2021, focused on family caregivers of COVID-19 patients discharged from the ICUs. The sample comprised 260 family caregivers selected through convenience and purposive sampling methods. Data collection tools included a demographic and clinical questionnaire, Polotzin and Ellison's Spiritual Health Questionnaire, and Wong's Death Attitude Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 encompassed chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance and Spearman correlation coefficient.
Results: The results showed a significant inverse relationship between total spiritual health score and the total score of attitude towards death (rs=-0.101, P<0.05). The attitude towards death findings revealed fear as the highest scoring dimension, with active acceptance scoring the lowest. Moreover, religious health exhibited a significant inverse relationship with avoidance of death (rs=-0.93) and fear of death (rs=-0.64, P<0.05).
Conclusion: The study highlighted an inverse relationship between the level of religious health and negative dimensions of attitude towards death. Individuals with higher religious health scores exhibited lower average scores for negative attitudes towards death, including fear and avoidance of death. This underscores the importance of emphasizing the religious dimension within families, and among patients discharged from the ICU, showcasing the role of religion in mitigating negative attitudes towards death.

 

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Background & Aim: Osteoporosis is a common problem in menopausal women, and adopting preventive behaviors is crucial in addressing this issue. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on promoting osteoporosis-preventive behaviors in menopausal women.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted on 64 menopausal women referred to Urmia urban health centers in 2023. Participants were selected using random sampling and then randomly allocated into two groups: control (32) and intervention (32). The data collection instruments included questionnaires comprising demographic information, knowledge assessments, Health Belief Model constructs, food frequency, and physical activity items. Following pre-test evaluations and needs assessment, a training program was designed and delivered to the intervention group. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26.
Results: The mean scores for knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy, and cues to action in the intervention group significantly increased compared to both the pre-intervention assessment and the control group. Conversely, there was a significant decrease in the mean score for perceived barriers (P<0.05). These changes resulted in a significant increase in the mean score for osteoporosis preventive behaviors within the intervention group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Education based on the HBM has been effective in shaping the knowledge and health beliefs of menopausal women concerning osteoporosis and its preventive behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended that health educators incorporate the approaches and findings of this study when developing educational interventions related to osteoporosis.

 

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Background & Aim: Although chemotherapy is effective in treating leukemia, it is associated with multiple adverse effects. Mothers, as key members of the healthcare team, need adequate information regarding these side effects to provide optimal care. This study aimed to investigate the side effects of chemotherapy in pediatric and adolescent leukemia patients and examine their relationship with maternal treatment knowledge.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 and involved 110 mothers and their children aged 6-18 years hospitalized for leukemia at educational hospitals in Tabriz. A convenience sampling method was employed. Data collection instruments included the American Cancer Society's chemotherapy side effects checklist and an information questionnaire for parents of children with cancer, developed by Motlagh et al. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, applying chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, paired t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: The mean age of mothers was 37 years, and that of the children was 11.61 years. The majority of diagnoses were Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). The severity of complications—such as fever, nausea, vomiting, mouth mucositis, diarrhea, anorexia, and bleeding—showed a significant increasing trend over the four-week observation period (P<0.001). Additionally, a significant difference was observed in mothers' treatment knowledge between the first and fourth weeks (P<0.001). There was a significant relationship between chemotherapy complications and mothers' treatment knowledge (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Mothers actively seek and obtain information regarding their children’s chemotherapy treatment, with their knowledge increasing as complication severity rises. Awareness of side effects and their management strategies enables parents to provide appropriate care and empowers caregivers to offer the best advice and support to patients and their families throughout the treatment course.

 

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Background & Aim: Emotional disclosure has been associated with improvements in psychological well-being, immune function, and physical health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of written emotional disclosure on health behaviors and loneliness among family caregivers of cancer patients.
Methods & Materials: This is an experimental study with a pretest–posttest design and a control group. Seventy family caregivers of cancer patients who scored high on the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) and low on the health behaviors scale for family caregivers of cancer patients were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to Intervention or Control groups. The Intervention group engaged in written emotional disclosure by documenting their deepest and most acute feelings for 15–20 minutes per session, over four consecutive days. The Control group received no intervention. Post-intervention assessments were conducted in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Comparative analyses included chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, and paired t-tests.
Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in health behaviors or their components (P>0.05). Post-intervention, the Intervention group demonstrated significantly higher health behaviors scores and component scores than the Control group (P<0.001). Furthermore, the mean loneliness score in the Intervention group decreased significantly after the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Written emotional disclosure has a positive and significant effect on loneliness and health behaviors among family caregivers of cancer patients. Given its ease of learning, potential for unsupervised practice, and minimal need for therapist involvement, this method may be a practical adjunct in caregiver support programs.

 

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Background & Aim: Hypertension is a common, often asymptomatic chronic disease that can lead to severe complications if not properly controlled. Patient education plays a vital role in improving blood pressure management and preventing related complications. This study aimed to compare the effects of mobile health (mHealth) and face-to-face education on treatment adherence among patients with hypertension.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 110 patients with hypertension referred to teaching hospitals in Zahedan, Iran. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Hypertension Treatment Adherence Questionnaire. In the mHealth group, patients received educational content via the Eitaa messaging application, and the adherence questionnaire was completed six weeks after the final message. In the face-to-face group, educational sessions were held once a week for three consecutive weeks, and the same questionnaire was administered six weeks after the last session. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with independent and paired t-tests, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). A P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between the two groups in total adherence scores and most of its subdimensions (except for dietary adherence). After the intervention, however, the difference between the two groups became statistically significant (P=0.001).
Conclusion: Both mHealth-based and face-to-face education effectively improved treatment adherence among patients with hypertension. However, mHealth-based education provides the additional advantage of flexible and continuous access to educational materials anytime and anywhere, making it a practical alternative for patient education.

 

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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