Search

Background and Purpose: Given the high prevalence of age-related diseases and physiological changes in addition to the susceptibility of the elderly to falls, this issue has become a major public health problem. This study assesses the risk of falls and related factors among the elderly living in rural areas. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 302 elderly people in rural areas of Yazd Province, Iran, using the multi-stage sampling method. They completed a multi-section questionnaire, including demographic questions and the Tinetti gait and balance scale for assessing gait and balance in the elderly. The data were entered into the SPSS software, version 20 and analyzed by the chi-square test and ordinal logistic regression model. The statistical significance level of P

Introduction: Although cesarean section (CS) plays an important role in reducing the complications and mortality of childbirth, the increase in unnecessary CSs is an indicator of the improper functioning of the health system. This study aimed to measure the effect of an educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on the intention and type of delivery of primiparous pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This was conducted as a randomized controlled trial in Isfahan city, Iran. In total, 112 primiparous pregnant women participating in childbirth preparation classes were divided into two intervention and control groups by nonrandom sampling method. The intervention group received an educational intervention that included a combination of childbirth preparation classes based on TPB during the 16th to 38th weeks of pregnancy. The data were completed in the form of an online survey using a validated self-report questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS software version 24. The significance level of the tests was considered as P < 0.05. Results: The average score of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in the intervention group significantly increased after intervention (P < 0.05). Physicians, spouses, and parents were the most important sources of social norms for selecting the type of delivery for pregnant women in both groups before and after the intervention. There was a significant difference between the intention of women in the intervention group, before and after the intervention (P = 0.031), but no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the type of delivery (P = 0.556). Conclusion: Reconstructing childbirth preparation classes based on TPB improved the intention and other predictive structures of TPB in the intervention group, but the final behavior of the two groups regarding the type of delivery was the same. It seems that the stressful conditions of delivery, along with the final opinion of the physicians, are effective in choosing the final type of delivery.

The total fertility rate has declined in certain countries, dropping below the replacement level. The attitudes and desires of some families regarding having children have also shifted. To cultivate positive societal views on childbearing, there is a need for updated educational initiatives, such as a multi-theory model. Although the multi-theory model has been used in various contexts to facilitate health behavior change, with its effectiveness validated in predicting and influencing behaviors, there has been no documented use of this model in the context of fertility, either in Iran or globally. Developing fertility encouragement programs requires cultural sensitivity and attention to accepted social norms and customs, which can enhance program efficacy. We believe the Multi-Theory Model can be effective and useful in encouraging couples to increase fertility.

Introduction: Healthcare seeking behavior is crucial for early detection and proper management of hypertension in the elderly. This study investigated the factors influencing healthcare seeking behavior among elderly hypertensive patients residing in Taft, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 230 hypertensive individuals aged 60 and above residing in Taft, Yazd Province, Iran. Participants were randomly selected and completed a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire assessed their healthcare seeking behaviors and potential influencing factors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Correlation tests and linear regression analysis were employed to identify significant relationships (p < 0.05). Results: A significant majority (70%) of participants reported always paying attention to symptoms of high blood pressure. When experiencing symptoms, over half (53.9%) of the participants indicated a preference for visiting health centers, general practitioners' offices, or emergency departments. Among the factors studied, awareness (B = 0.228) emerged as the most significant positive predictor of healthcare seeking behavior (p < 0.05). Other positive influences included decision-making autonomy (B = 0.177), prior experience with healthcare services (B = 0.131), and social support (B = 0.131) – all statistically significant at p < 0.05. Conversely, barriers to healthcare seeking had a negative and significant impact (B = - 0.064, p < 0.05). Collectively, the investigated factors explained 23% of the variation observed in healthcare seeking behavior among the elderly participants (R2 = 0.23). Conclusion: This study identified awareness of hypertension as the strongest predictor of healthcare seeking behavior in elderly patients. Additionally, providing accessible and supportive healthcare services can further encourage elderly hypertensive patients to seek necessary care. Corresponding Author: Masoumeh Abbasi‑Shavazi View Orcid in Profile You can search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar Profile

Background: Studies have shown that children’s food preferences play a main role in the formation of long-term eating habits and nutritional patterns in their future lives. This study aimed to investigate food preferences of primary students in Yazd, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 primary school students of Yazd, both male and female, using two-stage sampling method. The data collection tool was a self-administered questionnaire including demographic variables and food preferences checklist. The data were entered in SPSS 23 software and analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The significance level of the tests was considered as P-value < 0.05. Results: Starchy food category with the mean score of 3.70±0.44 was reported as the highest food preference and protein category (3.17±0.69) was reported as the lowest food preference among food categories in students. Gender, economic status, and body mass index (BMI) were related to students’ food preferences (P < 0.05). The median score of food preference for vegetables, fruits, and proteins in girls was higher than boys (P < 0.05), and for starchy food, fast foods, snacks, and fats was higher for boys than for girls (P < 0.01). The mean score of starchy food preference in students with lean and normal BMI was higher than students in overweight and obese group (P= 0.01). Conclusion: Starchy food and protein categories were reported as the highest and lowest food preferences among primary school students, respectively. It seems necessary to pay special attention to increase the awareness of students as well as their parents and primary schools principals about healthy foods in childhood and healthy food environments.