Shahram Ranjdoost, Zahra Khandani, Mohammad Azimi, Morteza Golshani Gehraz,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The present study aims to qualitatively analyze the content of lower secondary school science textbooks in terms of the reflection of health education concepts and assumptions, with the goal of improving students’ comprehensive health development and quality of life through the prevention of social harms.
Materials and Methods: This study employed a qualitative and descriptive content analysis using a deductive approach. The units of analysis included pages (texts, questions, exercises, and illustrations). The statistical population consisted of all lower secondary school science textbooks used in the 2017–2018 academic year. Purposeful sampling was applied, and all three textbooks were selected for analysis. A content analysis checklist was used as the research instrument. To ensure validity, face validity, content validity, and expert opinions were applied, while reliability was confirmed using the retest technique, yielding a correlation coefficient of 0.89.
Results: A total of 698 instances of health education components were identified across the three textbooks. The most frequent component was “familiarity with body functions and organs” with 344 occurrences. In contrast, components such as “assertiveness and self-confidence”, “healthy communication with others”, “empathy and compassion”, “awareness of diseases such as AIDS”, “drug abuse”, and “consultation in life” were entirely absent from the analyzed content.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that health education components are distributed unevenly across the science textbooks of lower secondary education. Some components were underrepresented or completely missing. Therefore, educational policymakers and textbook authors should pay greater attention to the balanced and comprehensive inclusion of health education elements in lower secondary science curricula.
Roghayeh Khosravi, Serajaldin Mahmoudiani, Maryam Rashidi,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Today, social health, as one of the four main axes of health, has gained a special significance in developmental and human-centered approaches, leading to the conduct of theoretical studies and extensive operational programs worldwide.
Materials and Methods: This study investigates the relationship between a health-oriented lifestyle and social health in infertile women, as reported by the Shiraz Reproductive Health Research Center. The overall design of this study is descriptive-correlational. 385 infertile women referring to reproductive health research centers in Shiraz were selected from infertility treatment clinics in Shiraz using a convenience sampling method and completed the research instruments. Then, the collected information was analyzed. Data analysis was examined in two parts: descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Data analysis showed that a health-oriented lifestyle has a positive and significant relationship with social health and its dimensions, and that health-oriented lifestyle dimensions predict social health of infertile women. There is a significant relationship between social health and age. Social health among infertile women varies significantly by education and employment status. Also, there is no significant difference in social health among infertile women in terms of the number of abortions and duration of marriage.
Conclusion: According to the research findings, it can be said that educating infertile women about a health-oriented lifestyle can be effective in increasing their social health and, as a result, increasing the likelihood of infertility treatment success.
Hajar Moradi, Serajeddin Mahmoudiani, Roghayeh Khosravi, Parnian Karami,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The decline in fertility rates in Iran has prompted a reconsideration of population policies. Recent pronatalist policies have failed to increase fertility levels. Given the rising age at marriage among women and the consequent postponement of childbearing, maintaining fertility requires the utilization of modern technologies. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine women’s beliefs regarding oocyte cryopreservation and their association with individual characteristics.
Materials and Methods: The study population comprised married women of reproductive age. A total of 384 married women of childbearing age in Shiraz were surveyed using a standardized questionnaire. Sampling was performed through a combination of multistage cluster sampling and systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 27.
Results: Age was positively correlated with favorable beliefs regarding oocyte cryopreservation (r = 0.133). Higher ideal fertility was also associated with more positive beliefs in this regard (r = 0.017). Regression analysis indicated that an increase in ideal fertility was significantly associated with more positive beliefs about oocyte cryopreservation (β = 0.588). Women with university education held significantly more positive beliefs than those with non-academic education (β = 1.105). Age was also identified as a significant predictor of positive beliefs (β = 0.07).
Conclusion: Higher educational attainment and improved socioeconomic status among women may contribute to more favorable beliefs toward oocyte cryopreservation. Positive attitudes toward this technology may, in turn, help maintain fertility levels and potentially increase them in the future.
Azar Houri, Roya Sadeghi, Azar Tol, Mahdi Yaseri, Yaser Tedadi,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Adolescence is a critical period for educational investment, which can enhance individual quality of life and reduce the future burden of disease and healthcare costs. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of direct education and peer education on health-promoting behaviors among first-grade middle school students in Shush, Khuzestan, in 2024.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up was conducted on 448 female first-grade middle school students in Shush using multistage cluster sampling. In the peer education group, selected students served as peer educators after receiving training and passing written and practical evaluations. Data were collected using the Walker Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-II). The intervention was delivered in eight 60–90-minute sessions. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software version 27, with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Both direct and peer education significantly improved health-promoting behaviors (p< 0.05). Direct education had greater effects on overall scores and the dimensions of health responsibility, physical activity, and stress management, which persisted up to three months. Peer education had the strongest impact on interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth.
Conclusion: Both direct and peer education are effective in promoting health behaviors; however, direct education provides more durable effects on core health dimensions, while peer education primarily enhances interpersonal and motivational aspects. A combination of these methods may yield better outcomes in promoting student health.
Vida Saghari, Hossein Jalali, Nabi Shariatifar, Mona Belandi,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Edible films represent an innovative solution for meat preservation, helping to reduce spoilage and extend shelf life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of edible films containing whey protein and free-form or Pickering emulsion of Trachyspermum copticum L. essential oil on the properties of beef during refrigerated storage.
Materials and Methods: Edible films containing whey protein and T. copticum L. essential oil (in free and Pickering emulsion forms) were prepared. Their physical, microbial, and chemical properties, as well as sensory attributes, were evaluated.
Results: Physical tests demonstrated successful film preparation, with the average zeta diameter of nanoliposomes ranging from 73.91 to 110.53 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) from 0.451 to 0.471, zeta potential from −5.12 mV to −3.64 mV, and encapsulation efficiency from 49.61% to 64.23%. The best performance in microbial, chemical, and sensory evaluations was observed in the treatment containing whey protein with nano-essential oil (Pickering emulsion), compared to the control and free essential oil samples.
Conclusion: The results indicate that edible films containing whey protein and nano-essential oil of T. copticum L. can be an effective strategy for storing beef under refrigerated conditions, improving product shelf life.
Mehdi Ahmadi, Farzad Amiri, Zahra Naghibifar, Mohammad Mehdi Mansouri, Armin Naghipour,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Excessive use of antibiotics increases bacterial drug resistance in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Therefore, the use of natural compounds as supplements may be effective in managing diabetic wound infections alongside conventional drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Sarizh ointment (containing natural ingredients) on the healing of infected diabetic foot ulcers.
Materials and Methods: This single-center randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with diabetic foot ulcers hospitalized in the infectious disease department of Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah. Microbial cultures were obtained from the foot ulcers of all patients using the punch method. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: control and intervention. The control group received systemic antibiotics and a placebo dressing, while the intervention group received systemic antibiotics in addition to Sarizh herbal compounds as a supplement.
Results: A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 58.93 ± 6.15 years were included. The duration of hospitalization was 17.40 ± 3.06 days in the control group and 16.87 ± 3.52 days in the intervention group. The healing time was 17.34 ± 2.87 days in the control group and 12.06 ± 2.40 days in the intervention group. Sarizh ointment significantly reduced the healing time of diabetic foot ulcers (p = 0.001). Post-discharge bacterial cultures were negative, and complications such as redness, discharge, and pain at the wound site were similar between the two groups.
Conclusion: Sarizh ointment can be used as a complementary treatment alongside standard therapy to reduce healing time and promote wound recovery in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.
Zahra Akhavi Samarein, Shirin Ahmadi, Maratefollah Bigdli , Shahram Tahmasebi,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Bullying in schools remains one of the major challenges of educational systems.This study aimed to investigate the prediction of school bullying based on family atmosphere, with the mediating role of students’ sense of belonging to school.
Materials and Methods: This study employed a descriptive–correlational design using a structural equation modeling approach. The statistical population consisted of all male students enrolled in public second-level high schools in Ardabil during the 2023–2024 academic year. A sample of 200 students was selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed standardized questionnaires, including the School Bullying Questionnaire developed by Patchin et al. (2011; Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94), the Family Emotional Climate Questionnaire by Heilbrun (1964; Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86), and the School Belongingness Questionnaire by Mouton et al. (1993; Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling in SPSS version 25 and SmartPLS version 4.
Results: The results of structural equation modeling indicated that family emotional climate (β = −0.61, p < 0.001) and sense of school belonging (β = −0.57, p < 0.001) had direct and negative effects on school bullying. Additionally, family emotional climate (β = −0.17, p < 0.05) had an indirect effect on school bullying through the mediating role of sense of school belonging. The model fit indices (NFI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.07) demonstrated a satisfactory fit of the model to the data.
Conclusion: From a practical perspective and in line with the obtained results, it is recommended that psychologists and school counselors implement educational workshops focused on strengthening family relationships and teaching positive social behaviors to enhance family atmosphere and students’ sense of belonging to school.
Afsaneh Mosleh, Najmolmolook Amini, Masumeh Sehati, Maryam Soroush, Houra Askarian,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Rationalizing drug use is a priority in drug policy-making. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the evaluation of prescriptions using drug prescribing indicators. Improving prescribing patterns leads to closer alignment with WHO indicators and, consequently, promotes rational drug use.
Materials and Methods: In this study, ten prescriptions were randomly selected from each pharmacy on a monthly basis. WHO prescribing indicators, including the average number of drug items per prescription and the percentage of prescriptions containing at least one antibiotic, one injectable drug, and one injectable corticosteroid, were calculated. The sample size of the prescriptions evaluated over eight consecutive years, stratified by network/center, was 4,800 in Shahr-e Rey, 14,520 in Eslamshahr, and 5,880 in the South Tehran Health Center.
Results: The average number of drug items per prescription ranged from a minimum of 2.5 to a maximum of 3.99, showing a considerable difference from the WHO-recommended average of 1.7. The percentage of prescriptions containing at least one antibiotic fluctuated from 33.36% to 63.93%, which was substantially higher than the WHO-recommended average of 20.3%.
Additionally, the percentage of prescriptions containing at least one injectable drug ranged from 23.7% to 44.9%, differing markedly from the WHO-recommended average of 18.75%.
Conclusions: Rationalizing drug use should be prioritized in drug policies. Adopting a principled prescription-writing model based on WHO indicators can serve as an appropriate criterion for evaluating physicians’ prescriptions at the primary health care (PHC) level.
Mina Molaei, Zeinab Khaledian, Leila Najafi, Shaqayegh Vahdat, Ali Fakhr Movahedi,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The nursing profession, as a vital pillar of the healthcare system, plays a crucial role in delivering health and medical services. In clinical settings, teamwork and conflict management are key factors for improving the quality of care and reducing workplace stress. A positive attitude toward teamwork can enhance conflict management skills and contribute to higher job satisfaction among nurses. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between teamwork attitude and conflict management among nurses, to better understand this association and propose strategies to improve team collaboration and reduce conflicts in healthcare settings.
Materials and Methods: This quantitative descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 in Tehran. After obtaining the necessary permissions, the researcher visited three hospitals affiliated with Azad University and distributed online questionnaires among nurses. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: Findings indicated that 63% of the nurses were female, and 44% were aged between 30 and 40 years. Eighty-five percent held a bachelor's degree, 49.5% were formally employed, and 37.5% worked at Farhangian Hospital. A strong positive correlation was observed between teamwork attitude and conflict management (r = 0.815). Significant differences in conflict management were noted across age groups (p = 0.03) and work experience (p = 0.03).
Conclusion: The results suggest that demographic factors such as age, marital status, and employment type significantly influence nurses’ conflict management and teamwork. Specifically, experience, communication skills developed with age, and social support among married nurses enhance team interactions. Moreover, cultural and organizational factors affect the impact of gender and work environment on conflict management. Therefore, targeted training and the establishment of supportive structures for diverse groups are essential for promoting effective teamwork in healthcare settings.
Mohsen Rafikhah, Hamed Moslehi,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Deficits in inhibitory control can lead to numerous problems, including academic, social, and occupational difficulties, and may also affect psychological and neuropsychological functions. This study aimed to examine the role of cognitive inhibition in the psychological symptoms of mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2024.
Materials and Methods: Ninety-three mothers were selected through convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent, participants were assessed using the Stroop Color–Word Test and the SCL-90-R questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with SPSS version 26.
Results: Correlation and MANOVA results indicated that inhibitory control performance had a strong and significant association with the depression, anxiety, and phobic anxiety subscales (p < 0.001). The observed effect sizes (ranging from 0.39 to 0.67) highlighted the influential role of inhibition as a key underlying mechanism in explaining the variance of these symptoms. No significant relationships were found between inhibition and the other SCL-90-R subscales.
Conclusion: Optimal performance of neuropsychological functions, particularly inhibitory control, can play a vital role in mental health. Accordingly, interventions based on cognitive inhibition training are recommended.
