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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: Self-care and self-management, as two effective strategies play an effective role in controlling pain and quality of life. Therefore, considering the characteristics and dimensions of these two concepts, this study aimed to compare the effect of self-care education and pain self-management on the nature of pain and quality of life in patients with sickle cell disease.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial study, 75 patients with sickle cell disease, referred to the thalassemia clinic of Baqaei hospital 2 in Ahvaz and Shahid Beheshti hospital in Abadan, were selected and randomly divided into three groups of 25 people (self-care, pain self-management and control groups). The two intervention groups (self-care and pain self-management) were divided into groups of five people, and received specific training during four sessions for three months. The nature of pain and quality of life of patients were assessed four times (before the intervention, one month, two months and three months after the intervention) using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and Quality of Life Questionnaire. The SPSS software version 22 was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results showed that pain self-management and self-care programs were effective in improving the quality of life and pain of patients with sickle cell. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two intervention groups in the nature of pain and quality of life.
Conclusion: Self-care and pain self-management have similar effects on reducing patients’ pain and improving their quality of life.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20160726029086N5
 

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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: Physiological and psychological needs of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are not met due to lack of effective communication. To facilitate communication, nurses can use augmentative and alternative communication strategies (AACs). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using these strategies on the quality of nurses’ communication with patients with endotracheal intubation in the cardiac surgery intensive care units.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental intervention study with before-after design, 70 patients (35 at each stage) who were unable to communicate verbally after heart surgery due to intubation were recruited by the convenience sampling method, and also 10 nurses in the cardiac surgery ICU were randomly selected. In the pre-intervention stage, nurses communicated with patients using conventional methods, and after training in the post-intervention stage, using AACs. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through the SPSS software version 22.
Results: The lowest content of communication in the pre- and post-intervention stages was related to emotions, the frequency of which was higher in the post-intervention stage compared to the pre-intervention stage. The most commonly used methods in the post-intervention phase were the communication board and head gesture. In both stages, communication was mostly initiated by the patient. In the post-intervention stage, the number of times the nurse started the communication increased (P<0.05). In the post-intervention phase, patients’ and nurses’ satisfaction with communication increased (P=0.0001).
Conclusion: Training nurses about AACs and using them for the ICU patients increase the success of communication and patients’ and nurses’ satisfaction with communication. Therefore, the use of these strategies in these wards is recommended to nurses and nursing managers.

 

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Background & Aim: Today, COVID-19 has become a serious threat to global health. Due to their certain conditions, hemodialysis patients are more at risk than others. Therefore, self-care in these patients is more necessary. We aimed to assess the self-care of hemodialysis patients against COVID-19 disease and the factors influencing self-care.
Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, 219 patients referred to the dialysis ward of selected public hospitals in Lorestan province, were selected by the census method and examined. Patients' information was collected by a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire on self-care against COVID-19. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 22, with the significance level of 0.05.
Results: The mean score of self-care against COVID-19 in patients was 186.33, and most patients had a good level of self-care. There was a significant relationship between the self-care score and place of residence (P<0.001), and comorbidity (P=0.044). Among the multiple sources of information, there was a significant difference in the self-care score between cyberspace (P=0.047), and family and relatives (P<0.001). Also, comorbidity, urban residence, and academic education level significantly predicted self-care.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, developing proper training programs is suggested considering the factors influencing self-care. Also, capacities such as cyberspace and patients' families should be used to make the training more effective.

 

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Background & Aim: Mothers with premature babies are more likely to experience anxiety than mothers with full-term babies. The separation of the mother from the baby disrupts physical contact with the baby, which is the most important component affecting attachment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a group positive thinking program on anxiety and attachment in mothers with premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.
Methods & Materials: This study is a randomized clinical trial conducted in Kermanshah in 2020. A total of 72 mothers with premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Imam Reza and Mohammad Kermanshahi hospitals were randomly assigned into two groups of control and intervention. The Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Postpartum Attachment Scale were used to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16 using statistical tests (ANOVA and Chi-Square).
Results: There was no significant difference in the state anxiety levels before (p =0.791) and after the intervention (p =0.373) between the control and intervention groups. Likewise, no statistically significant difference was observed in the latent anxiety levels before (p =0.831) and after the intervention (p =0.093) between the two groups but comparing the amount of changes showed a significant difference (p =0.025). Regarding attachment, none of the attachment subscales had a statistically significant difference between the two groups before the intervention (p>0.05). After the intervention, a significant difference was observed in the scores of the subscales “lack of hostility" and "satisfaction with the interaction" (p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the findings of the study, the group positive thinking training is recommended to the nurses and managers of neonatal intensive care units as a complementary program, along with the routine care for mothers of premature infants.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20210108049965N1

 

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Background & Aim: Cancer is a disease that affects the quality of life of the patient, and palliative care is a solution that can improve it. However, home palliative care program has not developed in most countries of the world. The aim of this study is to improve a home palliative care program for cancer patients.
Methods & Materials: This research is an action research study that was conducted through quantitative and qualitative approaches in Tabriz over 2018-2020. Eighteen home care nurses were selected for interviews using purposive sampling in order to identify the care needs of cancer patients and the barriers to palliative care at home. In addition, a questionnaire to determine the attitude and knowledge was distributed among 60 home care nurses before and after the action stage. The qualitative data were analyzed using conventional content analysis method, and the SPSS software version 14 was used to analyze the quantitative data.
Results: The care needs of cancer patients were determined in five categories and barriers to palliative care in three categories. Cancer patients have physical, psychological, educational, financial and spiritual needs, and barriers to palliative care include poor instruction, families' desperation, and unprofessional caregivers. In the quantitative phase, nurses had average knowledge and negative attitude towards palliative care. Training through virtual space improved the knowledge and attitude of nurses, and the paired t-test showed that the mean score of nurses' knowledge after the action stage was significant.
Conclusion: according to the findings, to improve palliative care at home, the physical, psychological, educational, financial and spiritual needs of cancer patients should be considered. Removing barriers to palliative care including developing guidelines, supporting the families of cancer patients and training special nurses for palliative care at home can improve care in these patients.

 

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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: Attempting to improve the quality is an important issue in the nursing service and care system. The COVID-19 pandemic has created great challenges for healthcare systems, especially for the intensive care units, which can affect the quality of nursing care provided to these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of nursing care in nurses working in the intensive care unit of COVID-19.
Methods & Materials: In this descriptive-cross-sectional conducted in 2021-22, 142 nurses from Valiasr, Amir Kabir, Amir al-Momenin and Khansari hospitals affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences were selected by the census method. The Martins’ nursing care quality questionnaire (including 25 items in 7 domains) was completed by the participants. The SPSS software version 16 and independent t-tests, analysis of variance and the Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for the data analysis.
Results: The result showed that the mean score of the nursing care quality was 83.83±7.74, which was considered favorable due to being higher than the median score of the tool (62.5). Among the individual characteristics of nurses, the nursing care quality had a statistically significant relationship with the type of employment (P=0.003), age, work experience and work experience in the intensive care unit (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Considering the significant relationship of the nursing care quality with the type of employment, age and work experience, it is recommended that health managers take an effective step in formulating the necessary policies to improve the quality of nursing care by taking into account the experience of skilled nurses in intensive care units.

 

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Background & Aim: The misuse of opioids is one of the most important problems in today's world, directly affecting the quality sleep for individuals. This study sought to explore the effect of a nursing care program, based on Roy's adaptation model, on the sleep quality of patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.
Methods & Materials: This randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023, involving 60 opioid abuse patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment at the Addiction Reduction Center in Isfahan. Convenience sampling was employed, with participants allocated randomly using random sequence generation software into the intervention group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). Data was collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire. The intervention comprised a three-month nursing care program based on Roy's adaptation model, while the control group received routine treatments. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 software, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The results showed a significant decrease in the total average score of sleep quality in the intervention group after the intervention, indicating an improvement in sleep quality (P<0.001). Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in the total average score of sleep quality between the intervention and control groups (P>0.05); however, a significant difference was observed after the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the nursing care program based on Roy's adaptation model is effective in improving the sleep quality of patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Therefore, this model can provide a promising framework for delivering care to such patients.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20141127020108N6

 

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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: With advancements in treatment and an increase in the prevalence of diseases, the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs) continues to rise each year. The ABCDE bundle is a multi-component, evidence-based approach designed to improve patient outcomes in the ICU. This study aimed to determine the effect of the ABCDE bundle on the risk of pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis and delirium in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Methods & Materials: This randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted between September 2021 and January 2022. The sample included 100 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the ICU department of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using block randomization. The intervention group received the ABCDE bundle over a period of 7 days. The control group received routine care. The criteria for assessing complications included the risk of pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), evaluated at the end of the intervention and on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7. The study utilized several assessment tools: the COMHON Index for pressure ulcers, the Wells Deep Vein Thrombosis Scale, and the Delirium Evaluation Tool in the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20, employing chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and independent t-tests.
Results: A decrease in the average pressure ulcer risk score was observed in the intervention group on day seven (P<0.05). In this group, the incidence of delirium fell decreased from 64.4% to 13.3% (P<0.05), indicating a statistically significant reduction. Additionally, the risk score for deep vein thrombosis in the control group significantly increased on day seven compared to the intervention group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of the ABCDE bundle significantly reduces the risk of pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, and delirium in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation and represents an effective strategy that can be implemented by nurses and other trained healthcare professionals.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20190625044000N1

 

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Background & Aim: Patients with heart failure often experience inadequate self-care and diminished quality of life, leading to significant constraints in their daily personal and social activities. This study aims to evaluate the effect of individually designed energy conservation training on enhancing self-care capabilities and improving the quality of life for patients with heart failure.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial was conducted from June 2022 to May 2023 and involved 60 heart failure patients in the CCU and cardiology ward, as well as cardiovascular clinic at Shahid Madani and Shohadai Ashayer Hospital in Khorramabad, Lorestan. Based on established inclusion criteria, participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=30) or the control group (n=30). The intervention group received individually designed training in four sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, spaced over three weeks (total duration of nine weeks). In contrast, the control group received standard nursing education upon discharge. Participants completed the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire both prior to the intervention and at the tenth week post-intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24, employing the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, independent t-test, and chi-square tests.
Results: After the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in mean scores for self-care and quality of life compared to the control group (P<0.001). These findings indicate an enhancement in self-care practices and an improvement in the quality of life.
Conclusion: Individually designed energy conservation training effectively improves self-care and quality of life in patients with heart failure. Therefore, using this complication-free, non-pharmacological approach can be beneficial for this patient population.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20220612055150N1

 

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Background & Aim: Anxiety is a significant psychological concern for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Orlando's nursing theory offers a framework for nursing interventions to mitigate this anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nursing intervention based on Orlando's theory on the level of situational anxiety in patients undergoing CABG.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial was conducted in 2023 at Fatemeh-Zahra Hospital in Sari. A convenience sample of 70 patients scheduled for CABG was recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=35) or a control group (n=35). The intervention group received nursing care based on Orlando's theory the evening before surgery, in addition to standard care. The control group received only standard care. Situational anxiety was measured using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (assessing situational anxiety) before the intervention and again on the morning of the surgery. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Chi-square test, independent t-tests, and paired t-tests in SPSS version 21.
Results: Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in mean situational anxiety scores between the intervention and control groups (t=1.31, P=0.196). However, following the intervention, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (49.29±5.29 vs 59.08±6.52; P<0.001). Specifically, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in situational anxiety compared to the control group.
Conclusion: The results suggest that a nursing intervention based on Orlando's theory can effectively reduce situational anxiety in patients undergoing CABG. Therefore, it is suggested that nursing managers consider implementing educational programs based on this model to address situational anxiety in CABG patients.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20230528058319N1

 

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Background & Aim: Postoperative care presents diverse needs that affect the quality of life in children with congenital heart disease. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of a family-based care transition program on the health-related quality of life of children with congenital heart disease undergoing corrective surgery.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study involved 78 mother-child dyads diagnosed with congenital heart disease and undergoing corrective surgery at the Shaheed Rajaie Cardiovascular Hospital in Tehran. The samples were divided to one of two groups: an intervention group (n=40) and a control group (n=38). Convenience sampling was employed to select participants during the 2023-2024 period. Data were collected using the TNO-AZL Preschool Quality of Life Scale across four assessment stages. The intervention group participated in 11 sessions of the family-based care transition program, while the control group followed routine discharge protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, employing independent t-tests, the Bonferroni test, and both one-way and two-way repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results: Within-group comparisons showed a significant increase in quality of life scores for both the intervention and control groups (P<0.001), with the intervention group indicating a more pronounced improvement. However, between-group comparisons showed no significant differences in quality of life scores at baseline, immediately post-intervention, or one month post-discharge. Notably, a significant difference was observed three months post-discharge (P=0.003).
Conclusion: The implementation of a family-based care program may improve the health-related quality of life of children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgery. These findings suggest that pediatric nurses can utilize family-centered interventions to improve the health-related quality of life of these children.

 

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Background & Aim: Nurses today experience high levels of fatigue that significantly impair their performance in delivering care, thereby affecting patient safety. This research aimed to determine the relationship between nurses’ compassion fatigue and alarm fatigue with patient safety in intensive care units (ICUs).
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 among 248 nurses working in the ICUs of hospitals in Golestan. A stratified sampling method with proportional allocation was employed. Data collection involved a demographic information checklist and three questionnaires assessing patient safety, alarm fatigue, and compassion fatigue. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Both univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were applied.
Results: The mean scores were as follows: compassion fatigue (86.13±25.20), alarm fatigue (22.67±7.38), and patient safety (62.23±13.67). A significant correlation was found between alarm fatigue and compassion fatigue (P<0.001). However, no significant relationship was observed between compassion fatigue (r=0.101, P=0.112) or alarm fatigue (r=0.090, P=0.158) with patient safety. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between patient safety and work experience (P=0.031), income level (P=0.012), and employment type (P=0.039).
Conclusion: Despite moderate levels of compassion and alarm fatigue, patient safety remained within acceptable ranges, indicating that nurses continued to provide safe care even amidst occupational fatigue risks.

 

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Background & Aim: Patients with hyperthyroidism need targeted interventions aimed at improving their quality of life and increasing awareness of potential drug side effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an intervention based on the continuous care model on drug side effects and quality of life in patients with hyperthyroidism.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021 on 75 hyperthyroid patients attending the endocrine clinics of Imam Khomeini Hospital and Shariati Hospital in Tehran. Participants were allocated into two groups of 38 patients each, using block randomization. The intervention group received care based on the continuous care model, while the control group received routine care. Data collection employed questionnaires assessing drug side effects and quality of life, administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Results: Analysis of covariance showed significant differences between the groups in both quality of life and drug side effects scores (P<0.001). Post-intervention, the mean quality of life scores across all dimensions were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control (P<0.001). Conversely, the mean scores for drug side effects and their respective dimensions were significantly lower in the intervention group following the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that implementing a continuous care model over a three-month period can positively influence the quality of life and decrease drug side effects among patients with hyperthyroidism.

 

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Background & Aim: Nurses’ attitudes towards death affect their caregiving practices. Spiritual intelligence, by promoting a deeper understanding of the meaning of life and death, may improve the nurses’ attitudes towards death. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of spiritual intelligence on attitudes towards death and care for dying patients among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, involving a sample of 200 ICU nurses. Data were collected using instruments, including demographic questionnaires, the Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAPR), King’s Spiritual Intelligence Scale, and the End-of-Life Care Assessment Scale (EOLCAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.
Results: Correlation analysis showed a statistically significant positive relationship between spiritual intelligence and both caring for dying patients (P<0.01, r=0.265) and attitudes towards death (P<0.001, r=0.360). Among the dimensions of spiritual intelligence, critical existential thinking emerged as a significant predictor of attitudes towards death (P<0.001, β=1.207) and evaluation of dying patient care (P<0.001, β=0.880).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that spiritual intelligence may play a vital role in shaping positive attitudes towards death and improving the quality of care for dying patients. It is recommended that nursing managers incorporate strategies to enhance spirituality in clinical practice to optimize end-of-life care.

 

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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: 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