---

  Background & Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the spiritual health among nursing and midwifery students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2012 .

  Methods & Materials: This was a cross-sectional study in which all 222 nursing and midwifery students studying at Kerman University of Medical Sciences were recruited to study. Data were gathered using t he Palutzian & Ellison questionnaire of spiritual well-being. The obtained data were then analyzed in the SPSS-20 using parametric statistical tests such as independent t-test and Anova . 

  Results: Results showed that spiritual well-being of nursing and midwifery students was in the good range. Except gender, no statistically significant relationships were observed between the mean of spiritual well-being and parameters such as age, marital status, academic year, and field of study .

  Conclusion: According to the findings , spiritual health among nursing and midwifery students was moderate. It is necessary to promote spirituality among nursing and midwifery students .

  

---

  Background & Aim: Insertion of chest tubes is a necessary measurement in chest trauma. The trauma patients need specific skills for self-care. This study aimed to determine the effect of using supportive-educative system on self-care skills in trauma patients with chest drainage system .

  Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, 62 trauma patients with chest-tube were selected from three surgery wards of Besat hospital in Hamadan from December 2012 to May 2013. Two wards were randomly allocated into the experiment group (n=31) and one ward was allocated into the control group (n=31). Participants were selected using convenience sampling. The supportive-educative system was designed based on the patients’ needs and was implemented to the experimental group in three consecutive days. The study instruments included self-care needs assessment form and self-care skills checklist. Measurements were completed once the patients were admitted to the wards and three days later by an external observer. Data were analyzed using t-test, Chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests with a 95% confidence level in the SPSS-16 . 

  Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in the study variables at baseline (P>0.05). Although self-care skills in both control (P<0.01) and experiment (P<0.001) groups were improved, using educative-supportive system led to better self-care skills in the intervention group in compare to the control group (P<0.001) .

  Conclusion: In general, self-care skills of patients with chest drainage system could be improved by supportive-educative system. The improvement in the control group can be attributed to self-care trainings conducted routinely by doctors and nurses .

  

---

  Background & Aim: Depression is common among nursing and midwifery students. Problem-solving is a short-term intervention that can be used to treat psychological problems. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of problem-solving skills training on depression scores among nursing and midwifery students .

  Methods & Materials: This was a clinical trial. Nursing and Midwifery st udents (n=900) studying at Tabriz and Urmia universities were recruited in the study during 2 010-2011. The Beck Depression Scale was administered in both schools. Ninety two students who achieved a score above 10 in the Beck Depression Scale were selected. One school was randomly allocated to the intervention group and the other one was allocated to the control group. Students in the intervention group received six sessions of problem-solving skills training within three weeks. T he questionnaire was completed by the participants in both schools after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test . 

  Results: After the intervention, the Beck Depression Inventory score in the intervention group decreased from 18.60 to 13.41 (P<0.01). There were no differences in the control group before and after the intervention (P<0.01) .

  Conclusion: The problem-solving skills training program reduced depression scores. Providing information and using the problem-solving skills training are recommended .

  

 

---

Background & Aim: Studies have shown that family caregivers’ attitude toward mental illness affects their caring to mental patients and may reduce the quality of caring to them. This study aimed to determine the effect of group psychoeducation on attitude toward mental illness in the family caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder.

Methods & Materials: In this randomized clinical trial study conducted in 2015, 74 family caregivers of the patients with bipolar disorder who had been hospitalized in the psychiatric wards of Razi hospital in Tabriz were selected by random sampling method. Then, they were randomly assigned into the experimental and control groups. The families of experimental group participated in 8 continuous 90-minute 2 times a week psychoeducational sessions. Family caregivers’ attitude toward mental illness was measured using the questionnaire of Opinion about Mental Illnesses (OMI) before and after intervention. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, independent t-test, paired t-test and ANCOVA on SPSS software version 13.

Results: The results revealed that there was no significant difference in mean score of attitude toward mental illness between the experimental group and the control group before intervention (92.54±8.51 vs. 90.52±9.43, P>0.05). But the mean score of family caregivers' posttest in the experimental group significantly increased compared to the control group (105.43±14.72 vs. 90.52±7.50, P<0.05).

Conclusion: The study results demonstrate that psychoeducational program improves family caregivers’ attitude toward mental illness. Training methods such as group psychoeducation can be effective in promoting positive attitude in the families of patients with psychiatric disorder.

---

Background & Aim: Job satisfaction is of the most fundamental components of mental health in every profession and one of the most important factors in career success. Therefore, identifying factors affecting job satisfaction is necessary. One of these factors is employee empowerment. This study aimed to determine the relationship between structural and psychological empowerment and job satisfaction among nurses.

Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional correlational study, the study population was all nurses working in public hospitals in Mashhad (N=4300) in 2015. The samples consisted of 340 nurses, were selected by multistage cluster sampling method. Participants were assessed by the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II (CWEQ-II), Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire and Job Description Index (JDI). In order to analyze the data, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis were used through SPSS software v.19, and for validation stage, the confirmatory factor analysis were applied using AMOS software v.21.

Results: Results showed that there is a significant multiple correlation between structural empowerment, psychological empowerment and job satisfaction (P<0.001, R²=0.286). Of the eight variables entered into the regression analysis using stepwise technique, three variables including meaningfulness (β=0.30, P<0.001), impact (β=0.25, P<0.001) and access to support (β=0.13, P<0.001) altogether predict 28.6% of the variance in job satisfaction.

Conclusion: The results show the importance of psychological empowerment, the sense of meaningfulness, impact, and access to support as strong predictors of job satisfaction. So, providing the conditions needed for the empowerment of nurses is recommended to increase their job satisfaction and subsequently their efficiency and life satisfaction.

---

Background & Aim: Fertility is the most important factors affecting population fluctuations. Reproductive behaviors of a community can be studied through different methods. One of the methods is the evaluation of the interval between marriage and the birth of the first child. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the interval between marriage and first birth using the Cox regression model.

Methods & Materials: In this study, 1230 first-time mothers referred to urban and rural health centers of the city of Bandar Abbas were selected and studied in 2012-2013. The Cox regression model (proportional hazard) was performed to investigate the interval between marriage and first birth and the factors influencing this interval. Descriptive analysis of data was performed using SPSS software version 22 and data modeling was performed by R software version 3.2.1.

Results: In this study, the mean interval between marriage and first birth was 27.63 (±24.35) months. Based on the Cox model, mother’s age at marriage with HR(Hazard-Ratio)=1.13 (1.01–1.25) and place of residence with HR=1.28 (1.12–1.46) had significant effects on the interval between marriage and first birth.

Conclusion: The results of the current study compared to previous studies show that the interval between marriage and first birth has decreased, and some changes are observed in the factors influencing this interval.

---

Background & Aim: Moral sensitivity has various dimensions including personal sentiments, scientific competency, and reasoning and decision making capabilities. To achieve this, some personal traits and educational preparedness are needed. The aim of this study was to determine nurses’ moral sensitivity and its relationship with demographic and professional characteristics in hospitals affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive, correlational study was conducted on 198 nurses working in the medical wards of hospitals affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2016. Census sampling method was implemented. Data were collected through a demographic and professional characteristics form and the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ). The data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 13 using descriptive statistics, T test, Pearson correlation coefficient and ANOVA.
Results: The mean score for nurses’ moral sensitivity was 4.84±0.48 (out of 7). The highest scores were related to the domains of “Interpersonal orientation” and “following the rules”. The lowest scores were related to the domains of “experiencing moral conflict” and “modifying autonomy”. There was a significant and inverse correlation between age and “modifying autonomy” (P=0.008, r=-0.193) and also between age and “following the rules” (P=0.034, r=-0.156). Moreover, there was a significant and inverse correlation between work experience and “following the rules” (P=0.009, r=-0.187).
Conclusion: Given that the nurses gained a low score in the domain of “modifying autonomy”, it is suggested that client centered care and patient’s autonomy be emphasized in developing nursing curriculum and in service training programs.
 

---

Background & Aim: Empowerment is a dynamic, positive, interactive and social process, leading to the improvement of quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic disease. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of family-centered empowerment model (FCEM) on QOL in adults with chronic diseases.
Methods & Materials: By searching FCEM in Persian databases including SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, and googlescholar, Scopus, Pubmed, Web-of-science, Proquest, and Sciencedirect, all relevant studies were extracted. The methodological quality of the papers was examined using Cochrane-risk-of-bias. Data analysis was carried out through the random effects model and heterogeneity by I² index. The data were analyzed using the STATA software version 11.0.
Results: Of the 647 initial studies, only 8 studies examined the effect of FCEM on the QOL in adult patients using SF-36. The pooled standardized mean difference of the 8-dimensions of QOL included: social-functioning (1.781), Physical role limitation (1.416), bodily pain (0.987), general health (1.352), social functioning (1.010), general health (1.122), emotional role limitation (0.656), and vitality (1.361).
Conclusion: The implementation of FCEM had a significant effect on the 8-dimensions of QOL based on the SF-36 questionnaire. The implementation of FCEM is recommended in order to improve the QOL of adult patients with chronic disease.
 

---

Background & Aim: Creating and maintaining a safe environment is an important part of care in psychiatric wards. The results of previous studies indicated that some features of the physical environment facilitate the ward’s safety. The experiences of people who are most likely to be present in these environments can be the best source for identifying these features. Therefore, this study was conducted to explain patients’ and employees’ perceptions toward the features of a safe physical environment in psychiatric wards.
Methods & Materials: In this exploratory qualitative descriptive study, seven patients at discharge time and nineteen employees working in psychiatric wards were interviewed about their experiences in psychiatric wards and 84 hours of field observation was done. The data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach according to the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman.
Results: The results showed a safe physical environment in psychiatric wards meant “having an accident-free environment”. This theme was abstracted from two main categories included “Accidents prevention through design” and “having a natural life environment”, which, according to the experience of the staff, is required to balance the two. The subcategories of “having the design of accidents prevention” were “eliminating or modifying accident-causing objects”, “wards based on the characteristics of the patients” and “conditions for facilitating staff performance” and the subcategories of “having a natural life environment were “meaningful activities", “healthy and pleasant conditions” and “preserved privacy”.
Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it is necessary to create a physical environment free of accidents and at the same time to meet the daily needs of patients in order to prevent physical and psychological damage to patients and staff in psychiatric wards.
 

---

Background & Aim: The inadequate level of pharmaceutical knowledge of nursing students carries the risk of medication errors, and this is one of the main concerns of clinical educators. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of targeted and game-based pharmacology education on pharmacology scores of nursing students.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental interventional study was conducted through the census method on third-semester nursing students of Abadan University of Medical Sciences in 2018-2019. The intervention included teaching clinical pharmacology in the form of game during an internship course (including 10 sessions). The first to third sessions included holding the pharmacology theoretical class, the fourth to ninth sessions included playing game, theoretical classes, and clinical practice, and the tenth session included a station review program and a competitive pharmaceutical data pool program. The pharmacology exam was given before and after the intervention. The data was analyzed by paired t-test using the SPSS software version 18.
Results: There were 77 students until the end of the study, of whom 42 were female and 35 were male. Their mean age was 21±2 years, the total average of students was 15.57±3.81 with a mean pharmacology score of 14.74±3.42. According to the test results, the pre-test mean score was 26.06±5.83 and the post-test mean score was 31.58±4.02, which indicated a significant difference between before and after the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: This purposeful educational program increased the level of pharmacology scores of nursing students and can be used as a suitable method to improve students' knowledge and understanding of pharmacology.
 

---

Background & Aim: Pain during vascular access is an integral part of the life of hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of topical ginger on pain following needle insertion into the arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 100 hemodialysis patients were selected from two hospitals in Shahroud in 2019 and were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. For the intervention group, ginger ointment was used 20 minutes before needle insertion into the arteriovenous fistula. The control group only received routine care. Patients' pain after needle insertion was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 18 and Chi-square, Fisher, and independent t-tests.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean and standard deviation of pain scores between the control (8.46±1.26) and intervention (5.08±1.29) groups (P<0.001). While most people in the intervention group experienced moderate pain, most people in the control group had severe pain.
Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the use of topical ginger, which is cheap with almost no side effects, can reduce the severity of pain following needle insertion into the arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients, and its use in hemodialysis wards is recommended.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20190825044608N1
 

---

Background & Aim: COVID-19 as an emerging disease has many psychological effects, including anxiety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of face-to-face awareness training on anxiety of patients with COVID-19.
Methods & Materials: In this study, 90 hospitalized patients in the hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2020 were selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control (45 people in each group). The DASS-21 anxiety and demographic information questionnaire were completed by both groups before the intervention. The face to face awareness sessions were provided during two 30-minute sessions at 24-hour intervals for the intervention group and the DASS-21 questionnaire was completed again by the patients one day after the second session. The control group received the routine information of the ward and completed the questionnaire again. The SPSS software version 21 was used for the data analysis by descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The results showed that before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean anxiety scores between the intervention (12.71±9.20) and control (14.71±7.08) groups. But after the intervention, a significant difference was observed in the mean scores between the intervention (5.68±5.64) and control (12.75±6.19) groups (P˂0.05).
Conclusion: This study revealed that face-to-face awareness training can reduce anxiety in patients with COVID-19 and can be used in medical centers.

 

---

Background & Aim: Nurses constitute the majority of the workforce in the healthcare system. The use of digital technologies, including mHealth applications, is essential and effective in improving the quality level of healthcare services provided by nursing staff. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to investigate the use of mHealth applications for professional purposes by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods & Materials: This is an applied study conducted using the descriptive, cross-sectional method in 2021. The study population was nurses in four public hospitals in Isfahan. The sampling method was a one-stage cluster sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire whose validity and reliability was assessed. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics on the SPSS software version 26.
Results: The data of 93 questionnaires were analyzed. About 63 percent of nurses answered (with a reason) that they did not use these applications. This study showed that the use of mHealth applications is not common among the nurses. They need the training to use the applications. There were concerns regarding the mHealth applications' quality. The nurses believed that using a mHealth application would help them perform their nursing duties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion: Based on the study results, planning for the development of mHealth applications tailored to the nurses' needs and training nurses to use the applications in clinical settings are recommended. There is also a need to provide and develop specialized evaluation tools and working groups to review and report on the quality of mHealth applications.

 

---

Background & Aim: The average growth indicators in babies from unwanted pregnancy are lower than other babies. Perceived stress in these mothers can have a double effect on the reduction of milk. Considering the importance of breastfeeding in the health of mother and child, the present study aimed to determine the effect of couples counseling on perceived stress and the improvement of breastfeeding self-efficacy in women with an unwanted pregnancy.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled trial study, 60 women with an unwanted pregnancy referred to comprehensive health centers of Khodabandeh city in 2021 were selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly allocated into two intervention and control groups in blocks of four. The control group received routine care, and the intervention group received six sessions of couples counseling based on spousal support twice a week. The data were collected using the Dennis Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Questionnaire, and the Cohen's Perceived Stress Questionnaire in three stages; before, immediately after the intervention and six weeks after delivery. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16 by descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA at a 95% confidence level.
Results: In the counseling group, the mean score of breastfeeding self-efficacy increased immediately after the intervention and six weeks after delivery compared to before the intervention, and decreased in the control group (P<0.001). In the counseling group, the mean score of perceived stress decreased immediately after the intervention and six weeks after delivery compared to before the intervention, and increased significantly in the control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Couples counseling based on spousal support was effective in improving breastfeeding self-efficacy and reducing perceived postpartum stress in women with an unwanted pregnancy. The presence of spouses in the breastfeeding counseling program appears to be a suitable measure that can be taken into consideration by planners in this field.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20150731023423N18

 

---

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.

 

---

Background & Aim: Presenteeism and productivity are two crucial aspects within the realm of human resources. Presenteeism poses a significant challenge as it refers to employees being present at the workplace despite being unwell. In the context of nursing services, the productivity objective encompasses attaining a level of nursing care that is both suitable and cost-effective. Due to the importance of presenteeism and productivity, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between physical presenteeism and productivity of nurses in intensive care units of hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Methods & Materials: The present study is a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted in 2020-2021. The sample included 305 nurses working in intensive care units within hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The participants were selected using a stratified simple random sampling technique. The data collection was conducted using a demographic questionnaire, the Stanford presenteeism Scale 6-item questionnaire and the Productivity Assessment Questionnaire. Data were analyzed through SPSS software version 16 using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation coefficient, t-tests, ANOVA and regression analysis).
Results: The levels of presenteeism and productivity among nurses were found to be average based on the mean scores of 19.15±4.7 and 47.4±10.19, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant inverse correlation between productivity and presenteeism (r=-0.345). Regarding the demographic variables, only age, working experience in intensive care units, hospital and current department showed a significant inverse relationship with nurses' productivity (P<0.001). The inclusion of these demographic variables and the two main research variables in the regression analysis produced a significant impact on this relationship.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that nurses' presenteeism diminishes their productivity, which imposes considerable indirect costs on the organization. Given the high prevalence of presenteeism among nurses and its detrimental consequences, it is recommended to undertake various measures aimed at mitigating this issue. These measures can encompass adjusting organizational and managerial policies, revising administrative rules and regulations to permit sick leave during illnesses, and creating conditions conducive to employees taking time off when unwell.

 

---

Background & Aim: Given the importance of the emergency department in providing prompt and high-quality services, the emphasis on lean management has increased to minimize non-value-added and wasteful activities within a process. The aim of the study was to determine the process of patient flow and identify opportunities for its improvement using the Six Sigma method as one of the most important subsystems of lean management, in the emergency department of the selected teaching hospital in Kerman.
Methods & Materials: The current research is a sequential mixed-method study conducted in 2022 within the cardiovascular and neurological emergency department in Kerman. The Six Sigma method, specifically the DMAIC approach consisting of four steps, was employed in conjunction with spaghetti charts to implement lean management principles. The research population included 180 patients referred to the cardiovascular and neurological emergency department. The data were collected using researcher-developed forms, and Excel software version 2013 was used to analyze the data.
Results: By examining the processes and using the spaghetti chart, the main problems contributing to prolonged patient admission time in the cardiology and neurology emergency department were identified. The implementation of a strategy involving the presence of admission staff during triage for level 1 to 3 patients will eliminate the additional distance and time required for patient admission.
Conclusion: The use of lean thinking principles in the emergency department with the implementation of Lean Six Sigma and Spaghetti Chart by streamlining the service process, will result in improving patient flow, providing timely quality services, reducing service delivery time, and ultimately increasing patient satisfaction.

 

---

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.

 

---

Background & Aim: Considering that a decline in sexual satisfaction after assisted reproductive treatment failure can cause a decrease in the overall quality and satisfaction of life, the present study was conducted to compare the effect of sexual counseling based on EX-PLISSIT and BETTER models on the sexual satisfaction of infertile women following the failure of assisted reproductive technologies.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial, conducted in 2022, involved 66 infertile women who had experienced unsuccessful assisted reproductive treatments and were referred to the Milad Infertility Center of Imam Reza (AS) Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The participants were divided into two intervention groups – EX-PLISSIT and BETTER – and received individual sexual counseling across four weekly sessions, comprising two face-to-face and two virtual sessions. Data were collected using the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSSW) and subsequently analyzed using SPSS software version 25, through chi-square, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests.
Results: After the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in the total scores of sexual satisfaction and its components between the two groups (P>0.05), with the exception of relational anxiety (P=0.021). Intra-group comparisons revealed a significant increase in the total scores of sexual satisfaction and its components within each group after the intervention, as compared to before the intervention (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Sexual counseling utilizing the EX-PLISSIT and BETTER models was found to be an effective, affordable, and side-effect-free method in enhancing sexual satisfaction among infertile women after the failure of assisted reproductive methods, particularly by addressing relational anxiety.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20210211050324N1

 

---

Background & Aim: Post-treatment follow-up care for breast cancer is crucial in reducing mortality rates, minimizing treatment costs, and enhancing patients' quality of life. This study aims to identify the psychosocial factors affecting post-treatment follow-up care in breast cancer patients.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical study involved 180 breast cancer patients from Babol and other cities of western Mazandaran province. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling method between 2021 and 2022. Data were collected through personal information questionnaires, the Zigmond Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Psychological Distress Thermometer, the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Scale, and a post-treatment breast cancer follow-up care checklist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 18, employing descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Results: The average age of the participants was 51.49 years (SD=12.01). The mean and standard deviation scores for depression, anxiety, and psychological distress were 6.16±2.71, 10.70±4.13, and 5.98±2.54, respectively. The results showed that individuals with higher levels of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and fear of recurrence are less likely to engage in follow-up care (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results suggest that health policymakers should address the psychological challenges faced by breast cancer patients. Specifically, providing insurance coverage for the screening and treatment of mental health problems may improve mental well-being, encourage self-care behaviors, and promote overall health.