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F Koohdani, F Sasani, K Mohammad, P Mehdipour,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (4 2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: To determin the most sensitive tissues to carcinogenic effect of urethane and co-carcinogenic effect of sodium nitrite by investigation of histopathological variations in different tissues of balb/c mice.
Materials and Methods: An experimental study in 40 inbred balb/c mice aged 9-11 weeks was designed. The samples were classified into 4 groups: The first group was mice treated with 50 mg/l sodium nitrite in 0.9% NaCl instead drinking water SN&NaCl). The urethane group (U) was characterized by intraperitoneal injection of 3 times urethane (600 mg/ kg/day at 48 hour intervals). The third group was given 50 mg/l sodum nitrite in drinking water (U&SN) following the same intake of urethane as the second group, and the forth one was the control group. All mice were sacrificed after 20 weeks tissues were removed and examined for histopathological changes. Data analyzed by Fisher exact test.
Results: The formation of lung tumor was, significantly, increased in the urethane group as compared with the control group & (NS+Nacl) groups ( respectively P<.004 & P<.02) and in (U+NS) group as compared with the control group & (NS+Nacl) groups ( respectively P<.003 & P<.02). In females mice also The formation of lung tumor was, significantly, increased in the urethane group as compared with the control group & (NS+NaCl) groups (P<.05) and in the (U+NS) group was significantly higher than those in (C) & (NS+NaCl) groups (P<.009). The formation of lung adenocarcinomas was, significantly, increased in the (U+NS) group as compaired with the (C) & (NS+Nacl) groups (P<.003). In females mice also the formation of lung adenocarcinomas was, significantly, increased in the (U+NS) group as compaired with the (C) & (NS+Nacl) groups (P<.009) and (U) group (p<.05).The frequencies of stomach and testis hyperplasia and metaplasia in different groups did not show any significant differences. There was no histopathological variation in other tissues.
Conclusion: Our results showed the tumorigenic effect of urethane in lung tissue. Sodium nitrite increases tumorogenic effect of urethan. Sodium nitrite increases carcinogenic effect of urethan (This result is the first study that suggest sodium nitrite increases carcinogenic effect of urethan).Urethan increases co-carcinogenic effect of sodium nitrite.
B Ahmadi , S Nasseri , M Alimohamadian , M Shams , Z Ranjbar , M Shariat , A Ebrahimpour , A Pourreza , M Mahmoodi , M Younesian ,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (27 2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Domestic violence against women is a major health problem, as well as a violation of human rights. It adversely affects the physical, mental, and social well being of women, families and communities. This phenomenon exists in all countries around the world. Although its prevalence, strength, types, effects, and risk factors are different, it is not limited to any geographical zone or distinct social class. This article presents the views of Tehrani couples and experts on underlying factors causing domestic violence against women in Iran and action to be taken for prevention.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was carried out through eight FGD meetings, in 2 days, with the participation of 50 couples. The couples were divided into 8 groups based on sex, education, and history of violence. Results of the FDGs were categorized and analyzed. Data were discussed in group meetings of 50 experts in different fields, such as health, medicine, law, education, and Islamic studies, from academic, policy making, governmental executive, and women's affairs organizations, divided into three groups of community general education and information dissemination, health system, and judiciary system. Results were discussed and finalized in a general meeting.
Results: The couples and experts identified underlying factors in 4 categories socio-cultural, economic, legal, and medical. Actions to be taken for prevention and control were believed to be educational, legal, and supporting services.
Conclusion: On the basis of the findings of this study, it was suggested that strategies/actions/services to solve the problem and reduce harm should include providing appropriate information and education for couples and the community emphasizing the health system responsibility empowering physicians and other health personnel to help women who are victims or susceptible to domestic violence legal transparency and reforms meeting legal needs law reinforcement and implementation providing safe shelters for victims and establishment of a national center for research and planning on violence.
O Faraji , A Pourreza , M Hosseini , M Arab , F Akbari ,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (27 2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Job enrichment is a method that has been used to increase employee satisfaction and work motivation. The Hackman and Oldham job characteristics model (1976) has served as the foundation for many job enrichment efforts. In particular, a considerable amount of research has been devoted to the study of the job characteristics-job satisfaction relations. Te purpose of this study was to statistically determine the relation between job characteristics and job satisfaction among employees of hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in 2007.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional one, including 6 TUMS-affiliated hospitals-Emam, Shariati, Baharlo, Ziaeian, Madaen and Azadi. The sample size was 400, consisting of 200 administrative employees (50%), 151 nurses (38%) and 49 physicians (12%). The random sampling and stratified proportional sampling methods were used to select the hospitals and interviewees, respectively. Two questionnaires were developed and used to identify job characteristics and job satisfaction: 1) job diagnostics surveys (JDS) and 2) Hertzberg's job satisfaction questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaires was ascertained by test-retest using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.88). Linear-by-linear association and ordinal logistics regression analysis were used for analyzing the data gathered.
Results:The relations between the Motivational Potential Score (MPS) and job characteristics (except for feedback) with job satisfaction were statistically significant (p<0.05). Task identity was the most effective determinant of job satisfaction.
Conclusion: It appears that all the job characteristics (except feedback) are important determinants of job satisfaction of the hospital employees. Although the work environment is in need of restructuring, it is important to note, from a positive perspective, that the job characteristics discussed in this study are readily amenable to change job satisfaction at the organizational level.
A Mesdaghinia, H Nourmoradi, F Vaezi, S Naseri, R Nabizadeh, M Ali Mohammadi, Sh Nazmara,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (27 2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is an oxygenated additive chemical added to gasoline, which is as a substitute for tetra ethyl lead, to reduce discharge of pollutants from automobile exhausts. This organic chemical is present in water samples collected from areas where gasoline wastes are abundant. The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of MTBE removal from drinking water at the point of use (POU) by using an Iranian granulated active carbon (GAC) bed.
Materials and Methods: Adsorption of MTBE from drinking water at POU was studied by using an Iranian GAC bed. The water samples treated by this filter adsorber were prepared synthetically at two concentrations (50 ppb and 100 ppb). In addition, the effects of residual chlorine at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.5 mg/L and of chloroform at a concentration of 100 ppb on removal of MTBE were determined.
Results: It was found that this filter adsorber could treat 375 liters of water containing 50 ppb MTBE, 100 ppb chloroform and 0.2 ppm residual chorine. If the residual chlorine content was increased to 0.5 ppb, the volume of water treated would be 335 liters. The filter could t eat 195 liters of water containing 100 ppb MTBE, 100 ppb chloroform and 0.2 ppm residual chlorine to acceptable levels for drinking, provided the amount of MTBE is below the respective standard.
Conclusion: Both residual chlorine and chloroform reduced the MTBE adsorption capacity on GAC due to occupation of adsorption sites. In addition, to the tendency of GAC to adsorb chloroform and chlorine was greater than that of MTBE.
Sa Keshavarz , M Ramezanipour , M Jalali , Mr Eshraghian , H Sadrzade Yeganeh ,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (27 2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Body mass index (BMI) is a generally accepted indicator of body weight and obesity. A BMI>30 indicates obesity, which is regarded as a risk factor for many diseases, because their pathogeneses are associated with increasing numbers of free radicals derived from oxygen. The present study was a clinical trial carried out in order to study the effects of weight loss on enzymatic antioxidants and its association with dietary intakes of copper, zinc, iron, selenium and, magnesium in obese women.
Materials and Methods: Thirty obese women, 19-50 years old, of whom informed consent was obtained, were included in the study. Information was collected on their general characteristics, and anthropometric measurements were made. A diet with a 500- to 1000-calorie deficit was recommended to the subjects, on the basis of micronutrient intakes estimated through a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire 3 days before and after the intervention. The aim was to bring about a weight loss of 10%. A 10-ml blood sample was taken from each subject, before and after intervention, for enzymatic measurement of enzymatic antioxidants in the red blood cells.
Results: Weight loss caused a significant increase (p<0.01) in the mean glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) no statistically significant change occurred in the mean values of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The only association between the enzymes and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mg, Se) was a negative linear correlation between daily zinc intake and GPX before intervention (r=0.395, p<0.05)
Conclusion: A 10% reduction in body weight might be an effective step toward increasing levels of enzymatic antioxidants which would minimize injuries caused by free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in obese women. Attention should be paid to the dietary intakes of micronutrients essential for the activities of these enzymes.
M Yunesian , M.j Dastoorani , J Nouri , A.h Mahvi , A.a Neshat , S.s Mahmoodian ,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (23 2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Environmental health impact assessment of industrial estates will help greatly in better planning for sustainable development and reducing disease risk in a community. The objective of this study was to assess the positive and negative effects of establishing an industrial estate in Jovein, Sabzevar, Iran in 2006-7 and suggest managerial strategies to reduce undesirable environmental health impacts.
Methods and Materials: A modified Leopold Matrix and Scaling checklist method was used. The existing environmental situation was investigated and then environmental impact assessment alternatives were determined, bearing in mind the amounts and kinds of predicted pollutants in the construction and operational phases . The assessment was made considering the immediate, direct, and indirect impacts in the short and long terms. It was attempted to use a wide range of values of different factors (-5, +5) in order to estimate the impact of all activities on the environmental status.
Results: The results of the study are presented with two alternatives, i.e., "No" (conducting the project with no concern for environmental issues), and "Yes" (performance of the project with application of methods to reduce the environmental harmful impacts), when establishing the industrial estate, in the construction and operation phases. The impact assessment with the "No" alternative scored -791, meaning that execution of the project had to be rejected. However, after reducing the harmful impacts the score rose to +252, indicating that the project would be accepted.
Conclusion: The method of reducing harmful environmental impacts along with environmental management programs introduced are accepted in this study. It is recommended that the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and The Iranian Environmental Protection Agency collaborate closely in the area of environmental health impact assessment of industries and industrial estates.
M Jahangiri, J Adl, Sj Shahtaheri, H Kakooe, A Rahimi Forushani, Am Rashidi, A Ghorbanali,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (14 2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Determining the degree of conformity of respirator cartridges with the accepted standards is very important for ensuring their respiratory protection efficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of conformity of organic vapor-respirator cartridges used in different petrochemical companies with the EN 14387:2004 standard.
Materials and Methods: In the first phase of the study, the respirator cartridges used in petrochemical complexes were identified and their specifications obtained from their manufacturers and the relevant technical catalogues. In the second phase, 3 samples of each of the cartridge models were chosen and tested according to the EN 14387:2004 standard. An instrument was especially designed for measuring the breakthrough time of the cartridges.
Results: The results showed that the minimum and maximum breakthrough times of cartridges were 29 and 142 minutes, respectively. From all the 10 different cartridge models tested, one had a service life of lower than the minimum standard breakthrough time of 70 minutes.
Conclusion: Considering the existence of a non-standard type of cartridge among the samples studied, it is essential to launch a program aiming at ensuring the conformity of cartridge efficiency with the respective standards. Such a program should be developed and implemented by such responsible organizations as the Institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran and the Center for Occupational Health and Safety Research and Training of Iran.
Ali Malekshahi Moghadam, Ahmad Saedi Someolia, Mahmoud Jalali, Fereshteh Sojoudi,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (6 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation in diabetic patients via special mechanisms. The objective the current study was to investigate the effects dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in type 2 diabetes patients.
Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 57 subjects with type-2 diabetes. The participants were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups receiving either an omega-3 fatty acid supplement (containing 1584 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 828 mg docosahexaenoic acid, and 338 mg other omega-3 fatty acids) or a placebo tablet (containing 2100 mg sunflower oil) for a period of 8 weeks.
Results: The serum TNF-α and IL-2 concentrations decreased significantly in the omega-3 fatty acid group in comparison with the placebo group (in both cases, p<0.01). The intervention did not bring about any statistically significant changes in the serum CRP concentrations.
Conclusion: Considering the beneficial effects of omega-3 dietary fatty acid supplements on the 2 inflammatory biomarkers, namely TNF-α and IL-2, type-2 diabetes patients are recommended to consume such supplements or foodstuffs rich in omega-3 fatty acids, e.g., fish.
Mansour Halimi, Mehdi Delavari, Ashraf Takhtardeshir,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (26 2013)
Abstract
Background and aim: Malaria as a mosquito-borne disease is largely dependent on climatic conditions. Temperature, rainfall and relative humidity are considered as climatic factors affecting the geographical distribution of this disease. These climatic factors have definite roles not only in the growth and proliferation of the mosquito Anopheles but also in the parasite Plasmodium activity. The purpose of this study was to find in which regions of Iran climatic conditions favour spread of malaria.
Material and Methods: Data on 3 climatic factors, including the mean monthly temperature, rainfall and mixed ratio of humidity, obtained from 31 synoptic meteorological stations during the 30-year period 1975-2005 were used. By running the informative filters through map algebra tools in the Geographical Information System (GIS), the synoptic meteorological stations were classified into 4 groups in terms of climatic conditions favouring activity and proliferation of the mosquito Anopheles and the parasite Plasmodium. Then the regions were interpolated in terms of climate risk of malaria incidence using the tension Spiline interpolation method.
Results: The maps of climatic potential malaria risk indicated that the southern provinces including Hormozgan, Bushehr and Khuzestan, southern parts of Sistan-Balouchistan province, such as Chabahar and Nikshahr, as well as Northern provinces of the country, including Mazandaran and Gilan, have the highest climatic potential for risk of malaria spread. On the other hand, provinces in the North Western region, including West and East Azarbaijan, Ardebil, Kurdistan and Zanjan, have the lowest climatic potential risk of malaria spread. Further analysis of the data showed that a large segment of the population is living in regions with medium- to high-risk zones.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can be used when designing malaria control programs to identify different regions in terms of climate-based malaria risk. The presented risk map of malaria in this study is completely based on climatic factors. The disconformity between these presented climate-based maps and the observed high-risk map is due to such factors as socioeconomic and lifestyle changes, as well as border problems (foreign subjects entering the country).
Ahmad Ali Hanafi Bojd, Hassan Vatandoust, Mahyar Soltani, Zabih Allah Charrahi, Homa Nasseh,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (18 2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Arthropod-borne diseases are one of the major causes of human mortality. Since launch of the first meteorological satellites in 1960s, remote sensing has been increasingly implicated in the field of human health research and the data from satellites and their sensors with different spatial and temporal resolutions opened a new field of research in human health for scientists.
Material and Methods: Search engines and national/international scientific databanks were used to search keywords of remote sensing, satellite, tick, mosquito and sand fly and obtained articles were analyzed.
Results: Some ecological indices were used more in remote sensing of arthropod-borne diseases, including NDVI, SST, LST and CCD.
Conclusion: Data of environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, land use/ land cover help us to detect the habitats of vectors of diseases regard to their ecology. However, the scope of applications, beyond theoretical large potentialities, appears limited both by their technical nature and the related models developed. The main problem for application of remote sensing in health science and epidemiology of diseases, is the costs of satellite images as well as the availability in the studied times to monitor a specific subject like vector or agent of the disease. Although the majority of health studies and diseases monitoring need to application of high spatial resolution images.
Zahra Hosseinkhani, Saharnaz Nedjat, Reza Majdzadeh, Manoochehr Mahram, Ali Aflatooni,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Child abuse is a social problem that affects the lives of children. The purpose of this study was to design a valid and reliable Persian questionnaire to measure the status of child abuse.
Materials and Methods: Content validity was measured with search of relevant electronic databanks, preparation of the first draft of the questionnaire and determinant of its relevancy and clarity. Reliability was measured with Cronbach’s alpha, and repeatability was measured with intra cluster correlation through test-retest with two weeks interval.
Results: The mean of clarity and relevancy of the tool were 80.36% and 92.5%, respectively, and rang of these two measure were 90.14 - 97.2, also. The average of intra cluster correlation (ICC) and Cronbach’s alpha were 0.95 and 0.92, respectively.
Conclusion: The new tool has acceptable validity and reliability and is suitable for child abuse studies in Iran.
Masoumeh Dejman, Maroe Vameghi, Fatemeh Dejman, Payam Roshanfekr, Hasan Rafiey, Ameneh Setareh Forouzan, Majid Rezazadeh, Parisa Fazeli,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Children who work or live in the streets are one of the high-risk groups for HIV. The high population of street children and lack of comprehensive intervention programs for them increase their risk for HIV in Iran. This study intended to explore the situation of drug abuse in street children in Tehran, the capital city.
Materials and Methods: This paper reports part of a comprehensive rapid assessment and response (RAR) research project on street children in Tehran during 2012-13. Data were collected by interviewing subjects using questionnaires. The sample size was 289 street children selected by time-location sampling in Tehran.
Results : Data showed that about 25.6% of the street children had had some history of cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, and/or drug abuse. Most of them were boys aged 15-18 years. The prevalence rate of cigarette and/or hubble-bubble smoking, alcohol consumption and drug abuse during the preceding 6 months 12.1%, 11% and 6.9%, respectively. Significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and drug abuse on the one hand and the children’s age, type of occupation and home-leaving experience on the other. Further analysis of the data showed that the main reason for drug abuse was curiosity (56.6%), followed by mere enjoyment (39.6%) and leisure (35.8%) .
Conclusion : It can be concluded that drug abuse among street children is highly associated with gender, age, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and leaving home experience. Therefore, it is recommended to start drug abuse prevention programs at lower ages, with particular emphasis on boys. In addition, family intervention and improvement of children’s lifestyle aiming at preventing home-leaving could be a main strategic plan for reducing drug abuse among street children.
Monireh Khadem, Seyed Jamaleddin Shahtaheri, Farideh Golbabaei, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Mohammad Reza Ganj Alizadeh, Farnoush Faridbod,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to assess exposure of workers in a metal industry to nickel and lead.
Materials and Methods: Extraction was done using the solid-phase extraction on Chromosorb-102 resin to prepare, concentrate and purify biological samples of urine, hair and nails of workers working in metal industries. The variables influencing response (pH, loading flow rate, elution solvent, and amount of resins, elution volume, and sample volume) were examined and the procedure was optimized. The optimized procedure was, then, validated based on the “within-day” and “day-to-day” reproducibility experiments, using low, medium and high concentrations, leading to a satisfactory accuracy and precision. Finally, lead and nickel samples were taken from the workers and their concentrations determined voltammetrically.
Results: The optimum values for the examined parameters were as follows: pH = 9, ligand concentration = 0.05%, loading flow rate = 5 ml/min, elution solvent = 2M HNO3, amount of resins = 500 mg, elution volume = 15 ml, and sample volume up to 500 ml. A good reproducibility and repeatability was obtained for the optimized method under the existing conditions. Lead and nickel could be extracted with recoveries in the range of 94-100%. On the whole, the concentrations of nickel and lead in the workers’ biological samples were above the respective maximum permitted levels.
Conclusion: Solid-phase extraction procedure is a fast and simple method for preconcentrating and isolating analytes from biological samples. Considering the low concentrations of the analytes and presence of confounding factors in such samples, the procedure can be very effective for their preparation. The application of the developed method indicates that trace metal ions can be effectively purified and preconcentrated from different matrices like urine, hair and nail samples to assess occupational exposures.
Masoud Keimasi, Ozhan Karimi, Hossein Rastian Ardestani,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study was conducted to assess customers’ perceptions of the quality of services in clinical diagnostic laboratories
Materials and Methods: Based on the SERVEIMPERF model, different dimensions of quality of services in terms of performance (current situation) and importance (weight) of each of the dimensions were assessed. A sample of 328 persons consulting Tehran clinical diagnostic laboratories, selected by stratified random sampling, was included in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire.
Results: The customers’ scores for perceptions of the quality of services and its dimensions were higher than average. Dimensions of reliability with a mean score of 3.49 and that of empathy with a mean score of 2.73 were considered to be the highest and lowest dimensions, respectively. As regards importance of dimensions of service quality, the customers’ perceptions of assurance with a mean score of 4.448 was assessed to be higher than other dimensions, while the dimension of tangibility with a mean score of 3.983 was considered to be lower than other dimensions.
Conclusion: In can be concluded that different customers do not have the same perception of the various dimensions of quality of services and do not evaluate them in the same way. Thus, the differences should be taken into consideration when designing plans to improve the quality of services and deciding about priorities. It seems that the dimension of trust in the customers’ perceptions of the quality of services in clinical diagnostic laboratories is the most important and the first priority.
Zahra Karimian, Fatemeh Atoof, Razieh Maasoumi, Mohammad Ali Besharat, Effat Sadat Merghati Khoei,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering that the knowledge of, and attitude towards, sexuality is a key factor influencing sexual behavior, the main objective of this survey was to determine the bases of sexual knowledge and formation of attitude towards sexual script in women of reproductive age in Kashan City, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 500 women of reproductive age referring to all health centers in Kashan Iran, selected by simple random sampling,. The data collection tool was the Sexual Knowledge and Attitude Scale (SKAS). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression model.
Results: The age range of the majority of the participants (51.9%) was 26-35 years, and the educational level of 39.9 % of them was high school education. The majority of them had a high level of sexual knowledge and attitude (51.4% and 62.9% respectively). The Pearson correlation test showed a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude of the women (p<0.05), and based on the multivariate regression analysis their knowledge score correlated with education and economic status and their sexual attitude scores with age and education.
Conclusion: The participating women were young and educated and their knowledge and attitude scores were high. However, they had erroneous attitudes and ideas, such as a feeling of shame and anxiety at intercourse, considering initiation in sexual relation responsibility of the man, and considering childbearing as the main purpose in sexual relations. It is essential to design and implement appropriate educational programs to help the women change their attitudes and ideas.
Baharak Bayati, Gholam Ali Afrooz, Anita Baghdasarians, Sogand Ghasemzadeh, Asadollah Rajab,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Families with diabetic children face various problems and challenges such as child psychological problems, behavioral problems and a low quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of promoting the quality of life of parents of diabetic children on clinical symptoms in their children.
Materials and Methods: This was a pre-test and post-test semi-experimental research with a control group. The statistical sample included 32 diabetic children and their parents, selected in 2 stages using the convenience random sampling method from among Tehran Diabetes Association members, randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group received education about quality of life promotion in ten 2-hour sessions. Data were collected using the child clinical symptoms questionnaire (CSI-4-Child Symptom Inventory) and analyzed by multi-variate analysis of covariance using SPSS 20.
Results: The average post-test scores of emotional-behavioral symptoms in the experimental and control groups were significantly different (F=19.20, F=24.53, F=21.01, P<0.01). Furthermore, the experimental group mean scores were significantly lower than the control values, indicating a positive effect of the comprehensive quality of life promotion program on the children's emotional-behavioral symptoms.
Conclusion: Education about promoting the quality of life imparted to parents of diabetic children can significantly affect clinical symptoms in the diabetic children, decreasing the symptoms. Therefore, such education is recommended in order to promote the quality of life and reduce psychological distress in families of children with diabetes.
Sajedeh Vadoudi, Sogand Ghasemzadeh, Seyedeh Monavvar Yazdi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to design and examine the effectiveness of a parent-child relationship improvement program in reducing the externalized problems in children with Down's syndrome. A parent-child relationship improvement program was designed, followed by assessing its effectiveness in a random sample of pupils using a quasi-experimental research design with a pre-test, post-test and follow-up.
Materials and Methods: The study population was all the pupils with Down’s syndrome in the schools for exceptional student in Tehran and their parents in the academic year 2016-2017. The parents and their children were divided into two experimental and control groups.
Thirty-six out of 56 mothers were screened based on a diagnostic interview and inclusion and exclusion criteria and completed the CBCL and parent-child relationship questionnaires in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. Data analysis was performed using the multivariate covariance analysis with repeated measurements.
Results: The results showed that the mean post-test scores were statistically significantly different between the control and experimental groups, the mean scores of the experimental group being lower than those of the control group, which indicates a positive effect of the family-centered intervention.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is concluded that the parent-child relationship improvement program can reduce the subscales of conflict and dependence and increase the subscale of intimacy in the parent-child relationships. Moreover, it can also reduce behavioral problems in children with Down’s syndrome.
Leila Afzali, Sogand Ghasemzadeh, Maryam Hashemi Bakhshi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of family-based interventions on clinical symptoms and social skills of hyperactive children.
Material and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-test. A total of 28 school students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) referring to a Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Counseling Center along with their parents were selected using the available sampling method as the main sample of the study. They were then divided into two equal groups ─ an experimental group receiving intervention (family therapy) and a control group receiving no intervention. The research tools were the Inderbitzen and Foster Adolescents Social Skills Questionnaire (CWS, 1992) and the Conners Parent Questionnaire (1999). Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data.
Results: Analysis of the data showed that family-based interventions can lead to increases in social skills and decrease clinical symptoms in children with ADHD.
Conclusion: It is concluded that family-based intervention can result in enhancing social skills and reducing clinical symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Masoud Sadeghi, Zahra Moradi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common and most important type of arthritis caused by interaction of genetic, immunologic, psychological and social factors and is accompanied by chronic pains. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of treatment based on acceptance and commitment to the perception of pain and functional disability of women with rheumatoid arthritis in Khorramabad, Iran.
Materials and Method: This was a semi-experimental study with a pre- and post-test design with experimental and control groups, the statistical population being all the women with rheumatoid arthritis in Khorramabad, Iran. A sample of 40 women were selected using the available sampling method and randomly assigned to either an experimental (n = 20) or a control (n= 20) group. Under similar circumstances a pre-test was conducted using the pain perception and functional disability questionnaires in both groups. Admission- and commitment-based treatment interventions were then performed in the experimental group in eight 90-minute sessions, but the control group did not receive any intervention. At the end, post-tests were done in both groups.
Results: The multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance showed that the intervention based on acceptance and commitment had a significant effect on reducing the patients' perception of pain and functional disability (P <0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be said that treatment based on acceptance and commitment can reduce the perception of pain and functional disability in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, along with medical treatment, this type of treatment can be used to reduce the perception of pain and functional disability of such patients.
Sogand Ghasemzadeh, Mitra Hassanzadeh, Sajedeh Vadoudi, Zahra Alavi, Minoo Matboo Riahi,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study aimed to improve the symptoms of children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), relationships between parents and children, and marital satisfaction using the family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest research. The statistical population was all of the 9- to 12-year-old school students suffering from OCD who had consulted the Psychological and Consultation Services Center during academic year 2015-2016 in the city of Tehran. A sample of 28 students selected randomly were assigned to an experimental and a control group. The following questionnaires were completed initially (pre-test) and finally (post-test): 1. Questionnaires completed by the mothers of the children: the Spence Anxiety Scale-Parent Form, the Parent-Child Relationship Questionnaire and the Afrooz Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire (short form); 2. The questionnaires completed by the children: the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale. The intervention program was designed based on CBT and included 22 sessions, eight group sessions for mothers, eight individual play therapy sessions for children, and two specific sessions for each family.
Results: Data analysis using multivariate analysis of covariance showed that family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy was effective in improving marital satisfaction and parent-child interaction as well as reducing child anxiety (p <0.01).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention may lead to improved relationship between parents and children with obsessive-compulsive disorder and marital satisfaction, as well as reduced anxiety of these children and their parents.
