Showing 26 results for Akbari
Ghasem Keshavarz Gerami, Afzal Akbari Balootbangan, Khadijeh Babakhani,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Adolescent Depression Scale (ADS) based on the item-response theory and compare the results with those based on the classic test theory.
Materials and Methods: A total of 750 students (364 males and 386 females) were selected through multistage random clustering (levels proportional to size) and completed a questionnaire comprising 46 questions developed by the investigators.
Results: Results of factor analysis and questions structure showed that the important item-response theory presumptions, namely, unidimensionality and local independence, are contained in ADS. As regards the psychometric characteristics of the questions, results from the two theories were similar, except that the item-response theory provided more valid indices for assessing the questions. Further analysis of the data indicated that the two theories showed close values for internal consistency with regard to psychometric characteristics, such that values of 0.933 and 0.947 were obtained for Alpha Cronbach and marginal validity, respectively. Finally, the normality scores were calculated based on the Item Response Theory with those based on the Classic Test Theory. Ranking the individuals by the two theories showed considerable differences as regards the depression construct continuum, such as a difference of 86, 92, or 93 individuals.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the item-response theory models provides a higher number of more exact indices for judgment and making decisions about questions, tests and individual ranking. Therefore, application of the item-response theory for assessment of other educational and psychological constructs is recommended.
Afzal Akbari Balootbangan, Siavosh Talepasand, Ali Mohammad Rezaei, Eshagh Rahimian Boogar,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In recent years bullying behaviors among school adolescent have risen and have raised concerns for psychologists, teachers and their families around the world. The use of bullying control methods in schools is important. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bullying control training program on health promotion behaviors in bullying adolescents in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: The statistical population consisted of students aged 12 to 17 years old in public schools in Tehran. A total of 40 subjects (20 controls and 20 experimental groups) were randomly assigned into two groups of experimental and control groups. Using a pilot, pre-test, post-test and one month follow up with the control group, Hartler's bullying questionnaire and health promotion behaviors were implemented on both groups. Then, experimental testing of bullying control training was performed in 8 sessions on the experimental group and after the completion of the sessions the post-test was presented to both groups. After that, a month's follow-up was carried out. For data analysis, multivariate analysis of repeated measurements was performed using SPSSV22 software.
Results: The results showed that the cognitive-behavioral bullying control training program on health promotion behaviors between the two groups was significantly different in three stages (p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, bullying control education can be effective on health promotion behaviors of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years and can be used to improve their health. Parents, teachers, managers and other professionals can learn from these trainings.
Alimohammad Mosadeghrad, Ali Akbarisari, Parisa Rahimitabar,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Good governance results in better health outcomes for the society thorugh improving health system performance. The governance of Iran health stsyem faces some challenges. Hence, this study aimed to propose and verify a model for strengthening Iranian health system governance.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in 2016 using the Delphi method. A health governance model with six dimentions including sturucture, communication, regulation, policy making and planning, stewardship and evaluation and accreditation has been proposed. Then, the proposed model verified using 25 Iranian healthcare experts’ opinions in two rounds.
Results: Developing an integrated health system model comprising health system enablers and results, downsizing and reducing the number of directorates in ministry of health,determining basic principles for regulation, enhancing communication with other external organizations affecting people health, using more evidence in policy making and planning, developing a strategic plan and national health policy, enhancing leadership, management and stewardship; and developing comprehensive systemic standards for evaluation and accreditation of healthcare organizations are recommended to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Iran health system governance.
Conclusion: Iran health system governance faces numerous challenges. Using successful countries’ experience and internal health care experts’ opinions help to reduce the current challenges and achieve health system goals.
Ali Akbari-Sari, Batoul Ahmadi, Mohammad Moradi-Joo, Alireza Arabi, Maryam Seyed-Nezhad,
Volume 19, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Referral system is one of the principles and foundations of primary health care services. One of the most important challenges and problems of the referral system is the lack of knowledge of people and patients of its nature, services and benefits. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting the acceptance of the referral system by patients.
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in 2021 using the framework (structural) analysis method. The participants were 18 experts in the field of referral system and 14 patients referred to the outpatient and inpatient wards of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in Tehran selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected by Semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the MAXQDA.
Results: Based on the findings in this study, Factors influencing the acceptance of the referral system by patients were found to be the following: (1). Factors related to the stewardship and governance of the health system (responsibility and accountability, appropriate levels of health services, patient-centered care, and rules and regulations); (2). Factors related to the health services access (financial, physical and cultural); (3). Factors related to service providers (trusting healthcare staff, professional skills of service providers, and their behavioral and communication skills); (4). Factors related to the service delivery process (quality of service delivery, attention to patients' wants and needs, use of technology in service delivery, monitoring service delivery, and service coverage); (5). factors related to the recipients of the services (satisfaction, education, awareness and communication).
Conclusion: Considering the importance and key role of patients in the success of the referral system, health planners and policy makers should pay special attention to the factors identified in this study.
Mohammad Moradi-Joo, Ali Akbari-Sari, Maryam Seyed-Nezhad, Seyed Mansoor Rayegani, Alireza Olyaeemanesh,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), are "recommendations intended to optimize patient care based on systematic reviews of available evidence and assessment of the benefits and harms of alternative care options". CPGs play an important role in improving the quality of care, reducing the diversity of treatment methods, reducing medical errors, managing health costs and increasing patient safety. This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the decisions, consequences and policy trends of using CPGs in Iran during the period 2001-2021.
Materials and Methods: This study was a type of health policy analysis, carried out using analysis of the policy process approach. Data were collected through reviewing policy documents (n=79) and qualitative interviews (n=27). Analysis of policy documents was done using the content analysis method, the software used being Excel software, while for analysis of the interviews the framework analysis method was used, the software being the MAXQDA10 software.
Results: The policy of using CPGs in Iran started in 2001 and has improved over the past two decades. During the period 2016-2021 a total of 836 CPGs (knowledge products) were published, but according to the participants, many of these CPGs or knowledge products did not have the necessary quality and were not used by physicians. The findings of this study also showed that in Iran there is a suitable atmosphere for implementing CPGs and the policies of using them are sound policies; however, there is a huge gap between the development and implementation of CPGs.
Conclusion: Although the process of applying CPGs has improved in Iran, their implementation faces challenges and, thus, they have not been fully implemented. Therefore, there is a need to adopt new standard methods and approaches to improve the quality and reliability of CPGs. Certainly, the support of the government, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the medical community, insurance organizations and other stakeholders, along with proper collaboration and appropriate policy formulations, are essential to achieve success.
Sedigheh Rostami, Hamzeh Akbari, Hassan Abdollahzadeh,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Self-care behaviors are the most common behavioral response in attempts to prevent corona stress in patients with diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of positive thinking skills training and behavioral activation therapy on self-care and corona stress in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Materials and Methods: This was a semi-experimental study using a pretest-posttest and follow-up design with experimental and control groups. The statistical population included all the diabetic patients referring to the Vanoshe Diabetes Clinic in Qaemshahr city, Iran in 2020-2021, from among whom 45 patients were selected by accessible sampling technic based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly divided into three 15-member groups, namely, positive thinking skills training, behavioral activation therapy and a control group. The first and second experimental groups received positive thinking skills training in six 60-minute virtual sessions and behavioral activation therapy training in eight 70-minute virtual sessions, respectively, and the control group was in the waiting list. Data were collected using the Corona Stress Scale "CSS-18" and the Summery of Diabetes Self-Care Activities "SDSCA" and analyzed using the repeated measures of variance analysis and the Bonferroni post hoc test with SPSS-22.
Results: The findings revealed that there was a significant difference between the two experimental groups and the control group. Both the positive thinking skills training and behavioral activation therapy interventions reduced corona stress (F= 15.73) and increased self-care (F= 16.17) in the patients, and the effects of the interventions in the follow-up phase were found to be continuing (p <0.05). In addition, the results of Bonferroni post hoc test showed that positive thinking skills raining was more effective than behavioral activation therapy on corona stress reduction (IJ= 9.02), while as regards self-care the behavioral activation therapy (IJ= 12.93) was more effective (p <0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings it can be concluded that positive thinking skills training and behavioral activation therapy interventions can be effective in improving self-care and corona stress reduction among diabetic patients. It is recommended that therapists and counselors use, in addition to other treatment methods, these therapies to improve the self-care and corona stress reduction in diabetic patients.
