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Background & Aim: Sleep disturbances in type II diabetes patients due to insulin resistance is a risk factor for the exacerbation of the disease. Therefore, assessment of the factors affecting the improvement of sleep in diabetic patients is a necessity for health care providers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and self-management in type 2 diabetes patients.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A total number of 170 patients with type 2 diabetes referred to the medical centers affiliated to Qazvin University of Medical Sciences were included using the convenience sampling method in 2018-2019. Data were collected by the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) and the Diabetes Self-management Questionnaire (DSMQ). Data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 21 using the descriptive/analytical statistics.
Results: The results showed that the mean score of sleep quality was 49.89±25.90 (range: 0-100) and mean score of self-management was 31.82±6.80 (range: 0-48). The results from the Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between sleep quality and self-management (P<0.05). Also, the stepwise linear regression model showed that the use of health care systems and physical activity and other variables such as marital status and weight of patients had a significant effect on their sleep quality (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that an increase in the patients’ self-care status, use of health care systems, increased daily physical activity and having an ideal weight can be predictors in improving patients' sleep quality. Therefore, providing infrastructure programs such as continuing education and providing appropriate care programs for diabetics to improve self-management activities, as well as increasing daily physical activity, increasing the use of health systems, and weight control can improve the sleep quality of this group of patients who account for a significant proportion of chronic diseases in communities.
 

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Background & Aim: Patients with heart failure experience some outcomes such as poor self-management, poor adherence to treatment and low quality of life. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of self-management based discharge planning on treatment adherence in patients with heart failure.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental research, 80 patients with heart failure hospitalized in teaching hospitals in Zahedan in 2019-2020, were selected by convenience sampling and were randomly allocated into either intervention or control groups. The self-management-based discharge plan consisted of four educational sessions in hospital for the intervention group. In order to follow up, the first call was made 2-3 days after discharge. Then, the patients or their family caregivers were contacted weekly in the first month and twice a month in the second and third month. Data were collected by the treatment adherence questionnaire and were analyzed using independent sample t-test, Fisher exact test, Chi-square and repeated measures ANOVA by the SPSS software version 16.
Results: The two-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant difference in the mean scores of treatment adherence over time (P<0.001) and in the intervention and control groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: According to the findings, it is recommended that self-management-based discharge plan be employed in an integrated manner for patients with heart failure in medical wards.
 

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Background & Aim: Perimenopause is associated with severe changes in reproduction and hormones. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of group counseling on the severity of menopausal symptoms in the transition to menopause.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial study was performed on ninety perimenopausal women in Javanrood city in 2019. Women were randomly assigned into the intervention or control groups using the block randomization method. Counseling was conducted for the intervention group in groups of 11 to 12 people in four 60-minute sessions for four consecutive weeks. After 8 weeks, the severity of menopausal symptoms was measured using the Menopause Symptoms Scale. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 21.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of menopausal symptoms scores before the intervention (P=0.86). After the group counseling, the median (Q1, Q3) of menopausal symptoms, physical, mental and genitourinary symptoms in the intervention and control groups were 17.0 (15.0, 21.5) and 21.0 (17.0, 30.5) (P<0.001), 6.0 (5.0, 8.0) and 9.0 (6.5, 11.0) (P<0.001), 6.0 (5.0, 8.0) and 8.0 (5.0, 10.0) (P=0.004), and 5.0 (4.0, 6.0) and 6.0 (5.0, 8.5) (P<0.001), respectively. These values for the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group.
Conclusion: Providing group counseling for four sessions was effective in reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women. Therefore, it is suggested that this strategy be used to promote women's health in the premenopausal period.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20120215009014N320
 

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Background & Aim: Designing healthcare spaces and physical facilities requires the identification of the patient's family needs, and it is considered an important component of nursing theories. The aim of this study was to explain the needs of family caregivers of patients undergoing gynecological surgery for physical facilities and equipment in hospital.
Methods & Materials: This study is based on the results of the qualitative part of a large hybrid study on the development and implementation of a need-based service delivery program for the caregivers of patients undergoing gynecological surgery in 2017. The selection of participants was purposefully done with maximum variation. The study data were collected using 31 (16 caregivers, 6 nurses, 4 doctors, 3 patients and 2 service workers) in-depth interviews and observations and analyzed by the conventional qualitative content analysis using the Zhang and Wildemuth approach.
Results: Data analysis led to the development of the theme "need for physical facilities", which fell into two categories "need for proper physical structure in the hospital" with the following subcategories: "need for care facilities behind the operating room door", "need to provide welfare facilities in the hospital for caregivers", "need for welfare facilities in the surgical ward", "necessity of allocating rooms to the similar patients", and category "need for appropriate hospital facilities and equipment" with subcategories "caregiver’s need for facilities and amenities", and "caregiver’s need for facilities and amenities for the comfort of the patient".
Conclusion: The results show the importance of having a physical structure tailored to the needs of family caregivers as well as the availability of appropriate facilities and equipment in hospital. One of the limitations of the study was preventing men from visiting patients in the women’s hospital. It is recommended that the needs of male companions and the necessity of their presence according to the cultural context be studied. Also, a new architectural design is suggested to create a suitable therapeutic environment and positive effect on patients’ improvement and increase patient and family satisfaction.
 

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Background & Aim: Anxiety is one of the most important psychological problems during the menopausal period. Anxiety can affect the health and quality of life of postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of viola odorata syrup on anxiety among postmenopausal women.
Methods & Materials: This study is a triple blind clinical trial that was performed on 84 postmenopausal women referred to health centers in Mashhad in 2019. In both groups, postmenopausal women received 5 ml of viola odorata or placebo syrup twice a day for one month. Before and after the intervention, anxiety was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale-21. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 25 and Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.
Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in women’s anxiety levels between viola odorata group and placebo group, and the two groups were homogeneous (P=0.084). After the intervention, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.004). The corrected average was 3.61±3.02 (2.9-4.2, CI95%) for the violet group and 7.63±3.60 (6.9-8.3, CI95%) for the placebo group. Also, after the intervention the anxiety score decreased in the viola odorata group, and increased in the placebo group. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference (P<0.001).
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, viola odorata syrup decreased anxiety in postmenopausal women. Therefore, it can be used as a complementary treatment along with chemical therapies to reduce anxiety in postmenopausal women.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20180514039660N1
 

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Background & Aim: Sexual function is an important part of the health of women, and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs is among the variables related to sexual dysfunction. The self-determination theory is one of the most important motivational theories, which considers one’s internal motive the main cause of behavior, and also views three psychological needs (autonomy, relatedness, and competence) as the basis of human behavior. This study was to determine the effect of sexual consulting based on the self-determination theory on women’s sexual function.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial was conducted on 104 married women aged 18 to 49 years referred to Mashhad health centers in two groups of intervention and control in 2019. The intervention group received five sessions of two-hour group counseling based on the constructs of self-determination theory, with intervals of one week. The data was collected using the sexual performance questionnaire and the constructs of self-determination theory (basic psychological needs) before and after the intervention. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 16 through independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the average score of sexual function before the intervention. However, after the intervention, the difference in the average score of sexual function between before and after the intervention was 2.76±3.02 for the intervention group and -0.25±0.73 for the control group, which showed a significant increase in the sexual function score of the intervention group compared to the control (P<0.001). Moreover, after the intervention between the intervention and control groups, a statistically significant difference was observed in the average scores of autonomy, competence and relatedness (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Providing group sexual counseling based on the self-determination theory can satisfy the basic needs relating to sexuality and improve women's sexual performance.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20180726040602N1
 

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Background & Aim: Childhood vaccination as the most common iatrogenic pain is the main source of pain, anxiety and stress in children and parents, which is often done without pain management. Therefore, given the importance of pain control in children, and the recognition and application of pain control methods by the health team members, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ShotBlocker on vaccination pain in 6-month-old infants.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial study, 80 infants referred to Mehrshahr health center in Birjand in 2018-2019, were selected using the convenience sampling method based on the study criteria, and then randomly assigned to the control or experimental groups. In the experimental group, 20 seconds before the injection until the end of the injection, pressure was applied to the injection site with a ShotBlocker. The control group only received routine care. The pain status in the two groups was measured using the Pain Behavioral Response Scale (FLACC) 15 seconds after injection, and also the duration of crying from the time of vaccine injection to the end of crying was compared between the two groups. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including Mann-Whitney, t-test, and analysis of covariance at the significance level of less than 0.05.
Results: The study results revealed the mean pain intensity (4.32±0.99), duration of crying (14.4±3.92), and the time of onset of crying (4.05±0.933) were lower in the experimental group than those of in the control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Considering that ShotBlocker is effective in reducing pain intensity, the duration of crying and delay in onset of crying, it is recommended to use this simple, safe, and low-cost device to manage pain during vaccine injection.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20191128045534N1
 

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Background & Aim: Patient safety in general and medication errors in particular are the important indicators of hospital care quality. Risk management is an important and fundamental approach to preventing events caused by medication errors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of risk management program on the rate of medication errors among intensive care unit nurses.
Methods & Materials: The present study was a non-randomized pre-test, post-test study with a control group, conducted in 2020 in two hospitals in Tehran. The hospitals were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 150 nurses (75 nurses in each group) were selected by the convenience sampling method. For the experimental group, a risk management program was implemented. Data collection tools included the nurses’ demographic questionnaire, the 14-item Wakefield medication error self-reporting questionnaire, and the nurses’ medication quality checklist. Data was collected before and after the intervention and analyzed by the SPSS software version 16 using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The results of independent t-test showed no statistically significant difference between two groups in demographic information and the rate of medication errors before the study (P>0.05). After the intervention, difference in the rate of medication errors was statistically significant between the two groups (P<0.005), indicating a decrease in medication errors in the nurses of the experimental group compared to the control group. The results also showed that the rate of medication error observed in nurses was significantly higher than the error reported by them (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that the implementation of risk management program was effective in reducing nurses’ medication errors. Implementing a risk management program is recommended to nurses as a way to promote safe medication and achieve safe and desirable nursing care.
 

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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: Covid-19 is an emerging disease that has become a health crisis in the world and affected various aspects of human’s life. Understanding the experience of patients with this disease is essential for proper and comprehensive care. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of patients recovered from Covid-19.
Methods & Materials: The present study was a qualitative study with an interpretive phenomenological approach that was conducted in 2021. For this purpose, 13 patients recovered from Covid-19 were selected using the purposive sampling method based on the inclusion criteria. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. The interviews were recorded. Having transcribed the interviews, the transcripts were analyzed by a hermeneutic approach using the Van Manen method.
Results: Data analysis revealed four main themes: "fear of imminent death", "living in a fence", "family worries", and "the limitations suffering".
Conclusion: Patients’ experiences of being infected with Covid-19 showed that the disease affected the physical, psychological, economic, social and family dimensions of individuals. Therefore, understanding the challenges, experiences and concerns of patients about the disease, can help executive decision-makers, healthcare providers and mental health professionals to comprehensively understand the consequences of the disease.
 

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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: Reduced quality of life and self-efficacy are among problems of mothers of children with chronic diseases. This study aimed to determine the effect of empowerment based on the Gibson model on self-efficacy and quality of life in the mothers of children with thalassemia.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, the study population were the mothers of children with thalassemia referred to rare disease clinics in Rafsanjan and Kerman in 2020. The sample size was 25. Mothers were selected by the convenience sampling method and divided into two groups. In the intervention group, mothers participated in five training sessions based on the Gibson model, and in the control group, mothers received routine care. Data collection tools included the Zhang’s self-efficacy questionnaire and the SF-36 which were completed before the intervention and six weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent and paired t-test via the SPSS software version 18.
Results: Before the intervention, the mean score of self-efficacy (P=0.31) and quality of life (P=0.47) were not statistically significant between the groups, but after the intervention, the mean score of self-efficacy in the intervention group (68.81±9.36) was significantly higher than that of in the control group (44.69±6.87) (P<0.001). But there was no significant difference in the mean score of quality of life between the intervention (60.64±10.08) and control (56.19±11.41) groups after the intervention (P=0.19).
Conclusion: According to the results, empowerment based on the Gibson model is an appropriate method for improving self-efficacy in the mothers of children with thalassemia. However, further studies are recommended about its effect on quality of life.

 

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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: Identifying the factors affecting the quality of life in postmenopausal women will help to design and implement the quality of life-improving interventions tailored to these women’s needs. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the educational phase of the PRECEDE model and the quality of life among postmenopausal women.
Methods & Materials: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 postmenopausal women in Asadabad in 2021. The data collection tool included demographic information, the menopause-specific quality of Life questionnaire (MENQOL), and a questionnaire based on educational phase constructs of the PRECEDE model about menopause and behaviors related to the control of menopause complications. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16.
Results: The mean score of quality of life in the women was 72.72±23.15. Perceived self-efficacy (β=-0.367, P<0.001) and attitude (β=-0.155, P=0.009) were significant predictors of quality of life. The educational phase constructs of the PRECEDE model explained about 33.6% of the variance of quality of life among the postmenopausal women in Asadabad.
Conclusion: Educational phase constructs of the PRECEDE model are useful for identifying the factors affecting the quality of life in postmenopausal women, and designing educational interventions in this area. It is recommended promoting self-efficacy (to perform behaviors related to the control of menopause complications) and improving attitude toward menopause to be integrated into all educational interventions designed and implemented to improve the quality of life in postmenopausal women.

 

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Background & Aim: Following hypoactive sexual desire disorder, orgasmic disorder is the most commonly reported sexual dysfunction in women. Consultation based on an integrated approach is one of the suitable methods for treating this problem. Considering the prevalence, importance and impact of orgasmic disorder on the quality of individual, family and social life in women, the study aimed at investigating the effect of integrated consultation based on the Ex-PLISSIT model on women's orgasmic disorder.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 women with orgasmic disorder referred to the women's clinic of Arash Women's Comprehensive Hospital in Tehran in 2019. Samples were randomly assigned either to intervention or control group. The intervention was done in the form of individual counseling sessions using an integrated approach based on the Ex-PLISSIT model. Data collection tool included the Female Orgasm Scale. Orgasm rate, satisfaction with the number of orgasms, and satisfaction with orgasm quality were assessed before the intervention, 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance using the SPSS software version 21.
Results: The two groups were homogeneous in the demographic variables (P>0.05). The mean scores of the number of orgasms, satisfaction with the number of orgasms and satisfaction with orgasm quality were not significantly different between the two groups before the intervention (P>0.05). However, 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention, mean scores of the number of orgasms, satisfaction with the number of orgasms, and satisfaction with orgasm quality showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), and in both times the mean scores in the intervention group was significantly higher than those of in the control group.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed the positive effect of integrated consultation based on Ex-PLISSIT model on orgasm rate, satisfaction with the number of orgasms and satisfaction with orgasm quality in women.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20160808029255N

 

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Background & Aim: Imbalance and risk of falling is one of the most common problems in the elderly. Various interventions have been suggested in order to improve the elderly’s physical performance and balance. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Tai Chi Chuan exercise on the balance status of elderly men.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial study, 40 elderly men referred to Golabchi health center in Kashan in 2021 were selected by the convenience sampling. Using blocked randomization with the block size of four, they were assigned into intervention or control groups. First, the balance status of the participants was assessed by Fullerton test. The maximum score of this test is 40 and has a direct relationship with the quality of the balance state. Then, the Tai Chi Chuan exercises were performed in the intervention group for 20 sessions of 30-40 minutes. The control group continued their routine visits. Two weeks after the intervention, the balance test was performed again. To compare the demographic variables between the two groups, t-test and Chi-square tests or their non-parametric equivalents were used. ANCOVA test was used to compare the balance status between the two groups using the SPSS software version 20. The significance level was considered less than 0.05.
Results: The results showed the two groups were not significantly different in demographic variables. Although the comparison of the median of two groups before the intervention had no statistically significant difference (P=0.988), ANCOVA showed that considering the scores before the intervention as a covariate, the Fullerton scores after the intervention were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: This study showed that Tai Chi Chuan exercises can improves the balance of the elderly men, and its use is recommended for elderly patients to reduce the possibility of falling and related problems.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20200108046058N1

 

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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: Hand disinfection methods are not germ-free, and infected hands transmit the infection. One of the personal protective equipment of the operating room is the mask, which will probably be contaminated by the hands when removing the mask. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of using automatic mask dispenser on the contamination of surgical masks in the operating room.
Methods & Materials: The present study is a field experiment that was conducted on 120 hospital staff in Isfahan in 2021. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 60; automatic device and manual mask removal. The effect of contact of hands impregnated with fluorescent powder was measured during the removal of the mask in each group. The contamination area of ​​the removed mask and the lower mask on the back and front surfaces were compared in the two groups.
Results: The Mann-Whitney test showed that there was a significant difference in the area impregnated with fluorescent powder from hand contact with the mask surface between the two methods (P<0.05). Only 125.6±77.8 mm² of from the front surface and 30.6±26.0 mm² from the back surface of the mask removed with the automatic mask dispenser were contaminated, while the ratio in the hand-removed mask was respectively 961.6±612.9 and 440.4±315.6 mm².
Conclusion: The study showed that eliminating hand contact with the body of the mask using an automatic mask dispenser, can reduce its contamination. Therefore, mechanization of services is effective in ensuring the safety of individuals’ health and reducing costs.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20150715023216N11

 

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

 

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