Omid Mazlumi, Mehraban Parsamehr, Akbar Zare-Shahabadi,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background: Cancer is often stigmatized in many societies and this has unfortunate consequences for sufferers. The aim of this research was to know the factors related to the social stigma of cancer.
Materials and Methods: The research method was correlation-analytical, and the sampling method was multi-stage cluster. Data were collected using CSI and CAM standard questionnaires.The statistical population included three categories of ordinary citizens, medical staff, and companions of patients in Tehran; Using Cochran's formula, the sample size was 384, 201, 384 people, respectively. In order to fit the model and measure the relationships between the variables, the method of structural equation modeling was used in the form of AMOS software.
Findings: Goodness of fit indices (chi-square/df=2.851, Rmsea=0.08, Cfi=0.945) all indicated the appropriate fit of the model. Except for the variable of inequality in treatment, other independent variables had a significant relationship with stigma. The r2 explanatory coefficient showed that the variables of habitus, optimism, cancer awareness, religiosity, social support, and social capital together predicted 48% of stigma changes. Habitus and social support with standard coefficients (beta) of 0.48 and -0.28 had the highest and lowest contribution in explaining stigma, respectively. Based on the mean difference test, the amount of stigma among ordinary people was more than the other two groups.
Conclusion: Awareness of different aspects of cancer disease (such as symptoms, causative factors), removing false stereotypes about cancer (such as cancer means death), constant communication with cancer patients, and receiving the necessary social support from various sources, were the most important tools necessary to reduce the stigma of cancer.
Mohaddese Arefi, Farzad Firouzijahantigh,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and purpose: The organ transplant network is among the most complex and challenging systems in the healthcare sector. This study presents a three-objective hierarchical location model for kidney transplants, aiming to simultaneously minimize total time and costs while maximizing geographic equity in the supply and demand network for donated kidneys. Various transportation modes within the network are also analyzed.
Materials and Methods: This applied research was conducted over a one-year period in 2022 (1401 in the Iranian calendar) in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan. The proposed mathematical model was implemented in GAMS software and solved using the Torabi-Hosseini method and epsilon constraint technique.
Results: The model recommended establishing candidate locations for organ collection units and transplant centers without the need for air transport equipment. It suggested that only the candidate location number 2 at Zabol Hospital Transplant Center should be equipped with air transport facilities, while the other proposed locations do not require the establishment or use of air emergency services.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the designed kidney transplant network is practical and feasible. Efficient network management ensures that all organ recipients, even those far from the provincial center and in remote areas, have timely access to the necessary facilities and equipment for transplant operations.
Mehran Lak, Farnaz Vosough, Kianoush Saberi, Shahnaz Sharifi, Hadi Pashapour,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Infections related to inadequate healthcare practices can have adverse effects on healthcare systems. This study aims to identify the gap between the current handwashing practices and standard levels by determining the frequency of handwashing among staff at Shahid Modares Hospital in Tehran.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the wards of Shahid Modares Hospital between 2018 and 2019. The tool comprised two parts: job information and hand hygiene practices at different times and specific actions. Observers directly monitored all staff in each shift using a headcount method. Each column represented the hand hygiene compliance score of a specific professional group, allowing simultaneous performance evaluation.
Results: Out of 640 observed instances, 202 involved the use of disinfectants, 255 involved handwashing, 111 involved glove use, and in 71 instances, hand hygiene was not observed. The highest compliance occurred when staff intended to contact the patient's body, while the lowest compliance was observed after performing surgery on the patient.
Conclusion: Given the significant role of nurses in therapeutic interventions, multifaceted training interventions, the drafting of hand hygiene policies, and increasing awareness among department officials should prioritize this group of employees. These measures aim to bring practices closer to desired standards and prevent unwanted consequences.
Elaheh Torabi, Reza Mirzaei, Ahmad Heydari, Jalil Jarrahi Feriz,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (8-2024)
Abstract
Background and purpose: The physical and environmental characteristics of hospital spaces play a crucial role in influencing patient stress levels, particularly before and after surgery. This study aims to examine the impact of architectural elements in hospital environments on reducing stress among surgical patients, contributing to the enhancement of healthcare environments and patient well-being.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in the general surgery department of Razi Hospital. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to patients before and after surgery. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed using Smart PLS 3 software, and reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Results: Among male patients, sensory elements had the greatest effect on reducing stress before surgery, while form-based elements had the least impact. After surgery, sensory elements remained the most influential, whereas spatial configuration had the least effect. Among female patients, symbolic components (e.g., cultural and religious symbols) had the most significant impact before and after surgery, while form-based elements had the least influence.
Conclusion: The gender of patients and the physical design of hospital spaces significantly influence stress reduction among surgical patients. Designing hospital environments with calming elements such as soothing colors, natural light reflections, relaxing sounds, pleasant scents, and culturally relevant symbols can enhance the overall patient experience and improve recovery outcomes.
Mahmoud Zivari Rahman, Javad Siahmoshtei, Niloofar Mikaeili,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and purpose: Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) are pervasive cognitive patterns that can detrimentally affect the well-being of individuals with chronic illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the structural relationship between EMSs and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in cancer patients, with a specific focus on the mediating role of health literacy.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study utilized a correlational design based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all cancer patients aged 20 to 60 years referring to private oncology centers in [City Name] in 2025. A total of 665 participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ), the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire, and the Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (v.25) and AMOS (v.24) software, with the significance level set at 0.05.
Results: The path analysis revealed that EMSs had a significant direct negative effect on both health literacy (β =-0.85, P< 0.001) and HRQoL (β= -0.56, P<0.001). Conversely, health literacy showed a significant positive effect on HRQoL (β=0.51, P<0.001). Furthermore, health literacy significantly mediated the relationship between EMSs and HRQoL (β=0.26,P<0.001). The goodness-of-fit indices confirmed the model's optimal fit (X2/Df = 3.94, GFI = 0.913, IFI = 0.903, CFI = 0.901, RMSEA = 0.067)
Conclusion: The findings suggest that Early Maladaptive Schemas significantly compromise the quality of life in cancer patients. However, health literacy acts as a protective buffer, mediating this negative impact. Therefore, interventions aimed at enhancing health literacy could be an effective strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of maladaptive schemas and improve the HRQoL of cancer patients.
