Showing 24 results for Tol
Azar Tol, Gholamreza Sharifi Rad, Ahmad Ali Eslami, Fatemeh Alhani, Mohammad Reza Mohajeri Tehrani, Davoud Shojaeezadeh,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (13 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a widespread disease. Diabetes patients should be fully familiar with the different dimensions of this chronic disease and possess the skills required for self-management and self-care. They should realize that each patient is a different case. It is to be noted that promoting self-management behavior is an essential component of case management in type-2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to assess self-management behavior of type-2 diabetes patients in Isfahan, Iran and determine factors influencing it.
Materials and Methods: This was a 6-month cross-sectional study conducted in 2011. The study population was type-2 diabetes patients consulting an outpatient diabetes center in Isfahan, Iran. The sample included a group of 350 patients selected by the continuous sampling method. The self-management behavior of the patients was assessed using a diabetes self-management instrument (DSMI), containing questions on 5 domains. The responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale and SPSS software, version 11.5 was used for analyzing the collected data.
Results: The response rate was 88%. The majority of the patients were 50-60 years (55.52 ± 8.42) old and 54.3% of them demonstrated borderline metabolic control according to the World Health Organization criteria. Mean scores of self-integration, self-regulation, interaction with health professionals and other influential persons, self-monitoring blood glucose, and adherence to recommended regime were 33.67±6.36, 29.09±5.9, 27.08±4.81, 11.71±3.91 and 11.46±2.9, respectively. On the whole, the global diabetes self-management behavior seemed to be not quite desirable (the score was at an intermediate level). Further analysis of the data revealed that self-management behaviors (at 3 levels, namely, desirable, intermediate, and undesirable) had significant associations (p<0.001) with demographic (age, gender, marital status, education level) and health-related (duration of diabetes, diabetes-related diseases, diabetes complications, general health, type of treatment, family income, and serum HbA1C level) variables. Self-management behavior had no association with disease history
Conclusion: Empowerment of patients afflicted with diabetes and, more generally, non-communicable diseases, which are quite prevalent and on the increase, in the area of self-management at the individual and community level will be a vital step towards promotion of health of the population.
Hedayatollah Asgari, Maryam Kheirmand, Mohsen Rohani, Samaneh Sadoughi, Zeinab Malekpour,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (24 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Job satisfaction is one of the most important factors in maintenance of a professional person and the job success, increasing the personal efficiency and the quality of services. On the other hand, it is a tool in the hands of managers in order to maintain the staff in their jobs. The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate the satisfaction of physicians and midwives participating in the family physician scheme with the plan.
Materials and Methods: The study population was made up of 221 physicians and 144 midwifes. The tool was an author made questionnaire certified by experts as a standard, valid and reliable scale via content validity measurements through a pilot study.
Results: The average satisfaction of physicians and midwives was 44.34% while the highest satisfaction was 65% with the location of services and the lowest was 30.6% with the financial issues. In relation to the financial affairs, physicians were more dissatisfied than midwives, so satisfactions were increased by the increase in the amount of salaries.
Conclusion: Over 4 years of implementation of family physician plan, the physicians and midwives satisfaction was shown to be still low. It is necessary to consider re-programming in the scheme in order to increase the amount of payments and create more motivational factors for physicians as well as to reduce working hours for midwives and establish appropriate levels of payments for them.
Mitra Faghihi, Azar Tol, Bahram Mohebbi, Roya Sadeghi, Mahmoud Mahmoudi Majdabadi,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Overcoming barriers of living with type-2 diabetes mellitus is a challenge in line with empowering patients for a well-managed life. This study was conducted to determine the effect of an educational intervention based on the BASNEF model on the living barriers among type-2 diabetes patients and factors affecting it.
Materials and Methods: This study, conducted in 2014, was a quasi-experimental intervention including a total of 90 type-2 diabetes patients under coverage of South of Tehran Health Centers, randomly divided, after a pre-test, into 2 groups ─ an experimental and a control (comparison) group. Based on the information obtained through the pre-test, a one-month education was imparted at the experimental group in 6 sessions the control group received no education. The educational contents included, based on the BASNEF model constructs, diabetes as a disease and its cardiovascular complications, healthy nutrition, physical activity, methods of self-monitoring blood glucose control, and ways of communication with the health personnel and physicians.
Results: The findings showed significant differences between the mean scores of constructs of the BASNEF model (beliefs, attitudes, subjective norm, enabling factors) and constructs of barriers of living with diabetes (diagnosis, treatment, self-monitoring, communication with health professionals) in both the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention (p<0.0001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study show the necessity of educating type-2 diabetes patients aiming at reducing barriers to living with the disease. The BASNEF model is one of the applicable theories that can be used to this end.
Marjan Hossein Pour, Shahrzad Nematollahi, Mohammad Shekari, Abdolhossein Madani, Ali Akbarisari, Ali Ardalan, Elham Torabi, Hossein Shabkhiz, Kourosh Holakoie Naieni,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nowadays, in health promotion and disease prevention great emphasis is put on participatory community-based approaches. These approaches are considered as the main strategy of health promotion by using multiple interventions. Community assessment is a participatory research approach in which problems prioritization and resource distribution are done using information collected in a region aiming at promoting health of the community.
Materials and Methods: In this applied research community assessment was made in the Chahestaniha region in the City of BandarAbbas with the objective of identifying and prioritizing the main problems. The assessment consisted of eight phases, namely, the formation of a community assessment team, Primary and secondary data collection, data analysis and interpretation, combining district-level health statistics with community assessment data, reporting to the community, prioritizing health problems, and prepared a community assessment document. In the eighth phase, after considering all risk factors that cause high prevalence of Children head lice, the action plan was designed and implemented to solve the problems.
Results: The Chahestaniha community assessment led to identifying 52 problems. The priority problems were classified. High prevalence of lice on children’s head was chosen as the top major problem to be solved, an action plan for solving it was developed and implemented.
Conclusion: The full cycle of community assessment methodology can be applied, with only some small changes, in most communities with different sizes, cultures, traditions and social habits. The method can obtain participation of the people in conducting the study and implementing interventions.
Seyed Mohammad Mojtahedzadeh, Kourosh Holakouie-Naieni, Shahrzad Nematollahi, Amir Hossein Mazarei,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the protection of, and safeguarding, the health of industrial workforce, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the personnel of Abadan oil refinery in the south-west of Iran and factors related to it.
Materials and Methods: The study included 721 oil refinery staff members randomly selected based on the yearly occupational health examination records. The information recorded included anthropometric measurements and blood test results; in addition, Breslow lifestyle and Global Physical Activity (GPAQ) questionnaires were completed for each subject.
Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.2 for men and 27.5 for women. The prevalence of obesity and overweight were 29.8% and 48.7%, respectively. Further analysis of the data showed that the prevalence rates were different between men and women; while 48.6% and 30.24% of the men suffered from overweight and obesity, respectively, the corresponding proportions among women were 50% and 15%. Overweight and obesity were associated with age, fasting blood glucose level, lipid profile and hypertension (in all cases p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Abadan oil refinery staff is higher as compared to the mean values in the general population in Iran or to personnel of other industries globally. Development and implementation of public educational programs with particular emphasis on high-risk individuals, such as middle-aged people and those with a low socioeconomic status, and focusing on healthy lifestyle and rotation shift workers can be effective, resulting in improvements in physical and general health of the personnel.
Zahra Farahmand, Davoud Shojaeizadeh, Azar Tol, Kamal Azam,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common public health problems worldwide. Diabetic foot as a late complication of DM imposes high physical and emotional costs to the patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an educational program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on diabetic foot care in type-2 DM patients.
Materials and Methods: Ninety seven (female=57, male=40) type-2 diabetes patients, randomly divided into two groups ̶ and intervention (n = 47) and a control group (n = 50) ̶ participated in this study. Using questionnaires data were collected, initially and 3 months after the educational intervention, on demographic characteristics, awareness and the HBM constructs. The intervention group participated in 3 educational sessions during the3-month period. The data were analyzed by SPSS 20, the statistical test being Shapiro-Wilk, Chi-Square, Wilcoxon, McNemar tests and paired T-Test.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences before the intervention between the experimental and control groups with respect to the mean scores of knowledge and HBM’s components (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers, as well as self-efficacy and self-care). The intervention improved the scores significantly in the experimental groups (p<0.05), while there were no significant changes in the control group scores (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study shows that type-2 diabetic patients need to learn how to take care of their feet and that implementing educational programs based on the Health Belief Model can be effective in this regard.
Beyram Bayat, Bahram Mohebbi, Azar Tol, Roya Sadeghi, Mir Saeid Yekaninejad,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Quality of life is considered as an effective indicator for general, as well as mental, health. With increasing longevity of individuals, health-promoting behaviors and rising quality of life will become much more important. This study aimed to determine the quality of life predictors among health volunteers in South Tehran Health Centers.
Materials and Methods: : This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 health volunteers of South Tehran Health Centers selected by cluster sampling. Data were collected using valid and reliable questionnaires for demographic variables, Health-promoting Behaviors (HPLPII) and Quality of life (SF-36), as well as the BAZNEF model constructs, whose validity and reliability were assessed (α: %88). Data analysis was done using the SPSS24 software, the statistical tests being descriptive statistics and multi-linear regression; a p-value <0.05 was used to show statistical significance.
Results: Regression analysis revealed that the strongest predictors for the quality of life were age (p=0.003), enabling factors (p=0.02) and general health-promoting behaviors (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study confirm the suitability of the BAZNEF model for predicting health-promoting behaviors for the quality of life. Using this model can help in identifying factors influencing the quality of life of health volunteers and designing an appropriate educational program for them.
Azar Tol, Bahram Mohebbi, Elham Shakibazadeh, Mehdi Yaseri, Maryam Sabouri,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In health promotion, empowerment is a process through which people gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health. This study aimed to assess the predictive factors of health care empowerment among women in reproductive age in 2016.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 549women in reproductive age referring to health centers in South Tehran. The participants were recruited through cluster and multi-stratified sampling. Data were collected using the Health Care Empowerment Questionnaire (HCEQ), which has three subscales, namely, degree of control, involvement in interactions and involvement in decision-making. The data were analyzed using the descriptive and analytical tests and multi-regression analysis.
Results: Husbands' education level, women's employment, family size, ethnicity, history of chronic diseases and economic status were predictors of degree of control. Husbands' education level (under high school diploma and high school diploma), family size (2-3, 3-4) and moderate economic status (sufficient income) predicted involvement in interactions. In addition, husbands' education (incomplete high school diploma and high school diploma), family size (2-3, 3-4), women's employment and history of chronic diseases predicted involvement in decision-making.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that various individual, family and socio-economic conditions of reproductive-age women influence their potential empowerment for receiving health care services. A family-based approach to facilitate receiving reproductive health care seems to be essential.
Neda Karimi, Shahrzad Saadat Gharin, Azar Tol, Roya Sadeghi, Mehdi Yaseri, Bahram Mohebbi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Since many of the healthy behaviors are adopted and develop during adolescence, proper choice of such behaviors is very important in this period of life. In addition, paying attention to the health of girls is crucial because they will transfer such behaviors to the next generation. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the role of health literacy and demographic variables in determining health-promoting behaviors among second-grade high school girl students in the City of Tehran, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on 370 female students using cluster sampling method in 2018. Data were collected using demographic, Health Literacy Measure for Adolescents (HELMA) and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLPII) questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS25.
Results: The results of multivariate regression analysis revealed that there were statistically significant direct associations between health-promoting behaviors and the following variables: one’s health literacy (β= 0.39, p<0.001), interest in health topics (β= 1.35, p<0.001), reading of journals and newspapers (β=0.76, p= 0.007), father's education (p= 0.002), body mass index (p= 0.022), field of study (p<0.001), the first source of health information (p<0.001) and place of residence (p = 0.023). Further analysis of the data showed an indirect association between health-promoting behaviors and age (β= -1.69, p<0.001) and health assessment (β=-1.67, p<0.01).
Conclusion: Based on the findings it is concluded that the subjects’ health literacy and health-promoting behavior scores were “not sufficient” and “intermediate”, respectively. It is recommended to design and implement appropriate training/intervention programs aiming at increasing the heath literacy and promoting health behaviors of female students.
Azar Tol, Maryam Sabouri, Bahram Mphebbi, Elham Shakibazadeh, Mehdi Yaseri,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
Background and aim: Despite rapid diagnostic and therapeutic advances, patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CCAD) should adopt self-care behaviors. This study aimed to determine predictors of perceived health competence among CCAD patients in Tehran, Iran in 2019-2020.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 patients with CCAD referred to Shahid-Rajaie Cardiovascular Center in Tehran selected using the available sampling method. Data were collected using
the perceived health competence scale (PHCS), 12-item quality of life scale and Modanloo's adherence to treatment scale questionnaires. The content validity ratio and content validity index were used to determine validity, and the Cronbach's alpha to determine reliability, of the PHCS questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the software being SPSS
25.
Results: The multivariate regression analysis showed that perceived health competence had statistically significant direct associations with physical (β = 1.08, p< 0.001) and psychological (β = 0.85, p< 0.001) domains of quality of life, commitment to treatment (β = 0.12, p =0.01), willingness to participate in treatment (β = 0.12, p = 0.05) and uncertainty about implementation (p = 0.1, p‹ 0.001) of adherence to treatment. There was a significant indirect association between age and perceived health competence (β = -0.13, p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, considering a “very good” and a “poor” mean score for adherence and the quality of life among the patients, respectively, adopting strategies for promoting quality of life in both the physical and mental dimensions can lead to improvements in perceived health competence in cardiovascular patients. In addition, it seems that focusing on subscales of “willingness to participate in treatment” might help in improving the patients' perceived health competence.
Saeedeh Pakdel Varjoei, Azar Tol, Roya Sadeghi, Mir Saeed Yekaninejad, Bahram Mohebbi,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Patient education is an essential component of diabetes control, and increasing the health knowledge of diabetic patients based on suitable educational theories is crucial. This study aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention using the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) on improving the nutritional habits among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus in Maragheh city, Iran during 2017-2018.
Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted on 136 diabetic patients under coverage of Maragheh health centers, Maragheh city, Iran, randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control (68 participants in each group). The data collection tool was a three-part questionnaire with questions/items related to demographic characteristics and nutritional habits, as well as constructs of TTM and HbA1c based on the TTM. The educational program included four weekly sessions of 45-60 minutes each. The data were analyzed using the SPSS16 software, the statistical tests being descriptive and inferential tests such as ANCOVA; the significance level was set as a p-value < 0.05.
Results: Before the intervention, the comparison and control groups did not differ significantly as regards demographic variables, HbA1c, TTM constructs and nutritional habits (p<0.05). After the educational intervention, the mean scores of nutritional habits, constructs of TTM and HbA1c were statistically significant in patients with type 2 diabetes (p <0.01).
Conclusion: The study results reveal that the application of transtheorical model can improve the nutritional habits of diabetic patients.
Somayeh Nouri, Azar Tol, Roya Sadeghi, Afshin Bahmani, Mehdi Yaseri,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite the increasing prevalence of infection with some blood-borne viruses, no standard precautions have been developed so far based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). This study aimed to assess, based on the HBM, the predictors of adherence to standard precautions in preventing needle stick injuries among the Personnel of Sanandaj Teaching Hospitals, Sanandaj City, Iran in 2020.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 444 medical and non-medical staff members of the Sanandaj teaching hospitals in Sanandaj City, Iran, using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical data analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Pearson correlation coefficient, one-way analysis of variance, multivariate regression and the chi-square test, the software being SPSS version 22.
Results: The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that from among the HBM constructs, three constructs, namely perceived sensitivity (p=0.033), perceived benefits (p=0.032) and self-efficacy (p=0.001), were the predictors of staff duty performance (implementation of standard precautions) in preventing needle stick injuries. As regards the implementation of standard precautions, 22%, 75.3% and 2.7% of the staff members had a low, medium and high performance level, respectively.
Conclusion: The constructs of perceived sensitivity, perceived benefits and self-efficacy are the strongest predictors in adherence to standard precautions.
Zahra Jamshidi, Bahram Mohebbi, Elham Shakibazadeh, Azar Tol, Mehdi Yaseri,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Patients with diabetes need continous support for sustainable self-care behaviors. The use of supportive forces to improve the level of self-management of diabetes is felt. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of direct and indirect virtual educational interventions on the promotion of self-management behaviors and diabetes control in women with type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted in 2019.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study included 100 females with type 2 diabetes under the coverage of three health centers affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, randomly divided into two groups of direct and indirect education (50 subjects in either group). A questionnaire was used as the standard tool of diabetes self-management. The education imparted to the subjects was based on the latest version of Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME), and the educational sessions were based on the Stanford University's self-management model, including six 90-minute sessions during three weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 statistical software, the statistical tests being covariance analysis, etc.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the direct and indirect educational groups as regards the self-management scores and HbA1c levels in the first and second pre-tests (p<0.05). However, both the self-management scores and HbA1c levels of the two groups, determined at 3- and 6-month follow-ups, were found to be statistically significantly different (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate the feasibility of using volunteers, after empowering them properly, to implement diabetes self-management educational interventions.
Kourosh Holakouie-Naieni, Mohammad Ali Mansournia, Shahrzad Nematollahi, Mahin Nomali, Mehdi Haresabadi, Mohammad Isaq Mohammadi, Tanaz Valadbeigi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of growth failure of one-year old children in the suburban regions of Bandar-e-Abbas City based on a population-based cohort study conducted by Bandar Abbas Health Research Station, affiliated to School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in the south of Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study in 2021, data on the growth of 540 one-year old infants obtained in a cohort study aiming to identify contributors to mother and child health in the suburbs of Bandar-e-Abbas City, Iran were used. The outcomes included weight, height, and head circumference growth failures among one-year infants. Data analysis was performed using the STATA software version 14, the statistical tests being descriptive statistics and univariate and multiple logistic regressions.
Results: Low birth weight was found to increase the odds of one-year-old children’s weight growth failure 3.05 times (the adjusted odds ratio, OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 8.91-1.04). A low socioeconomic status reduced the odds of head circumference growth failure 59% (the adjusted OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19-0.89), and a low birth weight increased the odds of head circumference growth failure 2.46 times (adjusted OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.01-5.97). None of the maternal and childhood factors were related to the one-year-old child height growth failure.
Conclusion: The findings of this study show that low birth weight increases the odds of normal body growth and head circumference growth failures at the age on one year, while a low socioeconomic status reduces the odds of head circumference growth failure. There are no relations between any of the maternal and childhood factors and height growth failure at the age of one year.
Zeynab Zarei, Azar Tol, Roya Sadeghi, Kamal Azam, Maryam Sabouri,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The practice of breastfeeding among mothers is affected by their knowledge of, and attitude to, it. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of intervention, using the transtheoretical model (TTM), on the knowledge, attitude and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women in the third trimester referred to Golestan University of Medical Sciences in hospitals in 2021.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention was conducted on 120 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 60) or a control (n = 60) group using the permuted block randomization. The data collection tools were a two-part questionnaire to collect data on demographic and obstetric characteristics and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the TTM. Due to the coronavirus Epidemic the education was conducted partly face-to face in five 30-minute sessions three times a week observing the health protocols and partly virtually via WhatsApp and Telegram messenger (audio file, video tutorial, electronic pamphlets and posters). The data collected one and six months after the intervention were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16, the tests being descriptive and inferential tests.
Results: The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, practice and the TTM constructs were not statistically significant between the intervention and control groups before the education intervention. One and six months after the intervention the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and practice and the TTM constructs, as well as perceived barriers and benefits in decision-making and self-efficacy were found to be significantly different between the intervention and control groups (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the findings it seems that breastfeeding education of pregnant women based on the transtheoretical model can improve their knowledge, attitude and practice as regards exclusive breastfeeding.
Banafsheh Taqfaghodi, Bahram Mohebbi, Roya Sadeghi, Azar Tol, Mir Saeed Yakanejad,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in most countries of the world, hypertension being the most important cause of disability. The aim of this study conducted in 2020-2021 was to determine the effect of educational intervention on the nutritional knowledge, illness perception and dietary adherence in hypertensive middle aged women based on the transtheoretical model (TTM).
Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study on middle-aged women (30-59 years old) suffering from hypertension referred to the health centers and health bases in the 21st district of Tehran in 2020-2021. A total of 164 subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=82) or control (n=82) group by randomized quadruple blocks. A multifaceted questionnaire was completed for both the control and intervention groups and their blood pressure measured. This was followed by a one-month virtual education for the intervention group in the form of a WhatsApp group and designing and developing fifty-six podcasts and educational clips with a maximum duration of four minutes based on the transtheoretical model constructs. After a lapse of one and six months both groups completed the questionnaire again and their blood pressure was measured. Descriptive statistics and general linear model were used for data analysis using the SPSS version 25 (p<0.05).
Results: Before the intervention the mean age of the subjects was 50.16 years and their systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 1.35 and 1.84 mmHg, respectively, and there were no statistically significantly differences between the two groups as regards contextual variables, constructs of nutritional awareness, disease perception, diet adherence, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and body mass index (as an ananthropometric index) and transtheoretical model constructs. Data one month after the intervention revealed significant differences (p<0/001) between the two groups (p <0/001) as regards the constructs of nutritional awareness, disease perception, self-sufficiency construct of the transtheoretical model and systolic blood pressure. Six months after the intervention significant differences were observed between the two groups as regatds nutritional awareness constructs, disease perception (p<0.007), diet adherence (p<0.001), stages of change constructs (p<0.001) and self-sufficiency (p<0.001) of the transtheoretical model.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that educational intervention based on the transtheoretical model in middle-aged women with hypertension can increase their nutritional knowledge, illness perception, self-sufficiency, self-adequacy and diet adherence.
Zahra Tavakoli, Bahram Mohebbi, Roya Sadeghi, Azar Tol, Mirsaeed Yekaninejad, Masoud Alimardi,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (6-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Physical activity and nutrition are important topics in adolescent health. This study aimed to determine the predictors of nutritional knowledge, behaviors, and physical activity in fifth-grade elementary school female students
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed on 480 female students in the fifth grade of the elementary school in Gods city in 2020-2021 by cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire two-part questionnaire of contextual questions and questions about knowledge, nutritional and physical activity, virtual in the Shad messenger. The content validity ratio and content validity index was used to determine validity, and the intra-cluster correlation index to determine the reliability, of the questionnaire. In data analysis, descriptive statistical tests, Pearson
correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis were performed using SPSS 27.
Results: The results of multiple regression analysis showed the effect of nutritional knowledge variables on nutritional behavior (p <0.001, β = 0.159) and physical activity knowledge on nutritional behavior (p = 0.008, β = 0.120) if the Physical activity knowledge variable was not effective on physical activity behavior and also nutritional knowledge variable had no effect on physical activity behavior.
Conclusion: Increasing knowledge of nutrition and physical activity improves students' nutritional behavior, but this increase in knowledge does not affect physical activity behavior. The sedentary lifestyle and the presence of the Covid-19 pandemic appear to have significantly reduced physical activity. By increasing knowledge, nutritional behavior and physical activity can be improved to some extent
Somayeh Mokhtari Molaei, Roya Sadeghi, Azar Tol, Maryam Sabouri, Shahrzad Saadat Gharin, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Food preferences and health literacy ─ key determinants of food choices in childhood and adolescence ─ are determinants of chronic diseases in adulthood. This study aimed to determine associations between food preferences, health literacy and body mass index (BMI) among elementary school students in Malekan city, east Azarbayejan Province, Iran in 2021-2022.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study included 582 male and female primary-schoolers in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades in both the public and private schools in Malekan County (Malekan, Lilan, and Mubarakshahr) selected by the two-stage randomized cluster method. A questionnaire including background questions and questions about health literacy and a researcher-made checklist of food preferences was used to collect data online using the Pros-Online Platform. The content validity ratio and index were used to determine validity and Cronbach's alpha index to check for the reliability of the questionnaire (CVI=0.98, CVR=0.91, Cronbach's alpha > 0.7). Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS 26.
Results: The average health literacy score of all the students was rather low (52.9±00.33), that of the female students (55.7±36.49) being slightly higher than that of the boys (49. 9±29.79). Further analysis of the data showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between the students' food preferences and health literacy variables (p<0.001). Furthermore, statistically significant relationships were observed between the students' BMI and their food preferences (p˂0.001) and health literacy (p˂0.001).
Conclusion: Considering the low level of health literacy of the adolescents and a positive relationship between health literacy, food preferences and BMI in adolescents, it can be concluded that increasing their health literacy will improve their healthy food choices. Therefore, it seems that interventions based on a theoretical framework aiming at increasing the students’ health literacy and improving their food preferences can be beneficial to them as a potential strategy for improving their healthy eating patterns resulting in preventing overweight and obesity.
Zeinab Azizi Mianaii, Roya Sadeghi, Mamak Shariat, Azar Tol, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Hossein Jalahi, Yaser Tedadi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the quality of prenatal care services, indentification of the avoidable and inevitable maternal factors and proper promotion of the knowledge and skills of health care service providers is vital for providing suitable preventive and interventional services with the aim of ensuring a successful pregnancy and proper management in the health care system. This study was conducted to compare the adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with or without a history of Covid-19 in the pregnancy and postpartum stages covered by the Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study including 4124 women, either pregnant or after a recent childbirth (with or without Covid-19) between 20.2.2020 and 29.3.2022, registered in the Sib electronic system (hereinafter Sib) of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. Using a checklist developed and validated by an expert panel data were collected on the prevalence of maternal and neonatal outcomes in mothers with or without a history of Covid-19 and compared. The data collected were analyzed with SPSS 24 using descriptive tests such as chi-square and Fisher's exact test and STATA version 22, and the adverse outcomes with high frequencies following Covid-19 were determined.
Results: Analysis of the data showed the following to be the most common outcomes among mothers with a history of Covid-19: 1. obstetric complications and maternal disorders/diseases (hypertension, type-2 diabetes mellitus, at least one case of bleeding during pregnancy, premature/delayed birth and premature rupture of the amniotic sac, n= 457, 27.8%); 2. medical and surgical problems (unhealthy pregnancy weight gain and thromboembolic events, n=206, 12.5%). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of pregnant mothers with and without a Covid-19 infection as regards medical and surgical problems (P=0.001) and obstetric complications and maternal diseases (p=0.002). As regards the adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnant mothers with and without a history of Covid-19, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of Apgar score at minutes 1 and 5 (p≥0.001) and exclusive breastfeeding (P=0.001) and the presence of Covid-19 symptoms in the baby (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study it seems that Covid-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of some of the undesirable maternal and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to plan and implement programs for health education, creation of a sound attitude towards better management, enhancement of the skills and capabilities of the health-care providers and, finally, promotion of the knowledge of service recipients.
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.
