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Background: In this study, we decided to investigate the state of depression, anxiety, and quality of life and its relationship with some demographic characteristics of lung neoplasm patients who were candidates for surgery. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, all patients with lung neoplasm who were referred to medical centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and were candidate for lung surgery in 2020--2021. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 people were assigned to the study consecutively. Then, the patients completed the demographic information questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results: The score of depression and anxiety was normal (range 7-0) and the score of quality of life was in the relatively good range (50-175). As the patient's age increases (P = 0.014) and the duration of the disease increases (P = 0.041), the level of depression increases significantly. People with higher education had lower depression (P = 0.001) and anxiety (P = 0.003). People living in the city had a significantly better quality of life (P = 0.039). The higher the depression (P < 0.0001) and anxiety (P = 0.037) of the people, the lower the quality of life of the patients. Conclusion: As anxiety and depression increase, the quality of life of lung neoplasm patients decreases. Some demographic characteristics such as old age, insufficient education, rurality, and increased duration of the disease can be the risk factors for depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life of patients with lung neoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hookah smoking does not only transmit COVID-19 but also intensifies the symptoms of the disease. Thus, the present research aimed to explore the association between COVID-19 and hookah cessation among female smokers. The institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted nine months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Face-to-face interviews were held between November 2020 and January 2021 to explore the pattern of hookah smoking among 561 female hookah smokers in Bandar Abbas in the south of Iran. The daily, weekly and monthly rates of hookah smoking showed a statistically significant decrease in the during COVID-19 era (p <.001). Thirteen percent of women managed to cease hookah smoking successfully during the pandemic. The odds ratio of hookah cessation was higher in single women (95% CI 1.09-5.23) as well as women with a high socioeconomic status (SES) (95% CI 4.28-24.01). It was also higher among women who initiated hookah smoking at an older age (95% CI 29-68) and among those with no hookah smoking family member (95% CI 301- 943). Fear of COVID-19 infection was the leading factor involved in hookah cessation or reduction. Entertainment was the leading barrier to successful hookah cessation behavior. It is believed that COVID-19 has directly and indirectly contributed to the reduced or ceased hookah smoking behavior. One of the reasons for the reduction of hookah smoking was the fear of aggravated symptoms and reasons for cessation included closure of coffee shops and removal of all hookahs from the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergency ward nurses face a variety of occupational hazards due to the nature of their occupational and professional duties, which can negatively affect their health. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of an educational intervention based on the protection motivation theory on the protective behaviors of emergency ward nurses against occupational hazards in Tehran, Iran, in 2023. Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted with two intervention and control groups, using a pretest-posttest design. A total of 124 nurses working in the emergency wards of four hospitals (two hospitals for the intervention group and two hospitals for the control group by random assignment) were selected by multistage sampling method. The educational intervention based on the protection motivation theory was implemented for the intervention group for three weeks. The nurses of both groups completed a demographic questionnaire and the scale of emergency ward nurses' protective behaviors against occupational hazards before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential methods. Results: The two groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics at the baseline (p > 0.05). Protective behaviors of emergency nurses against occupational hazards and their sub-scales (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomics, and psychosocial hazards) were higher in the intervention group than in the control group immediately and one month after the educational intervention. In addition, the measurement over time also showed the positive effect of time and educational intervention on the protective behaviors of emergency nurses against occupational hazards and their sub-scales in the intervention group. Conclusion: These findings showed that the educational intervention based on the protection motivation theory can be effective and helpful in improving the protective behaviors of emergency ward nurses against occupational hazards and their sub-scales. Future studies can focus on a more specific design of this kind of intervention based on the type of occupational hazards and needs of nurses in different wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Beta-thalassemia major (B-TM) is an inherited hematological disease that affects nearly 300 million people worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of group-based mobile learning on stress, anxiety, depression, and pain among beta-thalassemia major patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical study was conducted on 48 patients with beta-thalassemia major in Jahrom, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to the control and intervention groups. Their partners in the intervention group were trained in self-care through mobile learning. The 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and a visual analog scale for pain assessment were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using the Statistical package for the Social Sciences version 23.0. Results: Although there was no significant difference between the control and intervention groups in the mean pre-test scores of depression (P = .21), anxiety (P = .05), stress (P = .48), and pain (P = .46), the mean post-test scores of depression, anxiety, and stress in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group (P = .0001). The mean scores of depression (P = .33), anxiety (P = .74), stress (P = .83), and pain (P = .6) did not change significantly in the control group, while all these mean scores decreased significantly in the intervention group for DASS (P = .001) and pain (P = .002). Conclusion: Group-based mobile learning is effective in reducing depression, anxiety, stress, and pain in B-TM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for loneliness and is linked to breast cancer. Parental bonding experienced during one's childhood also plays a significant role in increasing or decreasing the risk of loneliness later in life. Previous research has highlighted the significance of ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE) and self-discrepancy in the psychological adaptation of breast cancer patients, particularly concerning the impact of parental care and control experienced by patients in their relationship with their parents during childhood. Nevertheless, previous studies have not examined the mediating effects of AEE and self-discrepancy on parental care and control, as well as loneliness, in breast cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate whether AEE and self-discrepancy mediate the association of childhood parental care and control with loneliness in breast cancer patients with a history of childhood maltreatment. One hundred and thirty-three breast cancer patients who were receiving chemotherapy within the first 3 months post-diagnosis were recruited from one private and three public hospitals in Tabriz, Iran, to complete questionnaires. Parental bonding, loneliness, AEE, and self-discrepancy were assessed using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale, Ambivalence over the Expression of Emotion Questionnaire (AEQ), and Self-Discrepancies Scale (S-DS). Mediation models were tested using structural equation modeling. Effects of parental care (β = −.17, p <.05) and control (β =.21, p <.001) on loneliness were significant. Furthermore, both AEE (β =.19, p <.05) and self-discrepancy (β =.23, p <.01) significantly predicted loneliness. The pathway between parental care and AEE was significant (β = −.21, p <.001), as was the direct effect of parental control on self-discrepancy (β =.19, p <.05). Bootstrapping results showed that AEE significantly mediated the relationship between parental care and loneliness (95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.09, −0.01]). In addition, there was a significant indirect effect from parental control to loneliness via self-discrepancy (95% CI [0.11, 0.01]). These findings suggest that AEE and self-discrepancy could potentially be utilized in preventing or addressing loneliness in breast cancer patients who have a history of childhood maltreatment. Future research could, for example, assess whether integrating psychosocial interventions focusing on these variables as part of medical care can improve the mental health status of this subgroup of breast cancer patients who have experienced childhood maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problems in adolescents. Uncontrolled anxiety disorders during this period not only negatively affect adolescents' current performance but can also have long-term negative consequences on their physical and mental health. Objectives: This study is designed to investigate the relative frequency of anxiety and its correlation with individual and family characteristics among first-grade high school students in Shiraz, 2020. Methods: This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted on 360 first-grade high school students who were selected using a multi-stage sampling method in Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected through online questionnaire software, which included the Beck Anxiety Inventory and a Demographic Questionnaire, and were analyzed using SPSS software version 24. Results: The relative frequency of anxiety disorders in the study samples was 59.7% (60.9% in girls and 56.6% in boys); among them, 13.1% experienced severe anxiety, 16.9% had moderate anxiety, and 29.7% had mild anxiety. The results of univariate analysis showed correlations between anxiety disorders and factors such as father's unemployment (P = 0.04), a history of physical and mental problems in teenagers (P = 0.04 and P = 0.001, respectively), and the lack of friendly relations between family members (P = 0.001). Additionally, the results of logistic regression analysis indicated that adolescents with mental illness and those lacking friendly relationships within their family had higher chances of experiencing anxiety disorders compared to other participants (OR = 5.00, P = 0.04 and OR = 9.95, P = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: In this study, mental illness and the lack of friendly relations between family members emerged as significant factors contributing to adolescents' anxiety. Therefore, identifying and addressing these related factors, along with timely diagnosis and treatment of this disorder in adolescents, should be prioritized by mental health officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke can affect all aspects of a person's health and functioning. Therefore, it is important occupational therapists, have a comprehensive understanding of various levels of function and the factors affecting function. The ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health) and the selections of ICF categories or Core Sets relevant for people with a specific health condition, offer a model for intervention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ICF-CS-based occupational therapy interventions on the function and satisfaction of individuals with chronic stroke. This study was designed as a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group clinical trial. Twenty-five patients with stroke were randomly assigned to the control group (which received traditional occupational therapy) or the treatment group (Stroke ICF-CS based occupational therapy). Patients were evaluated before and after the intervention (two months, three sessions per week, 45 minutes each session), as well as two weeks after the end of the intervention, using Fugl-Meyer and COPM (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) tools. The independent T-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA with repeated measures were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the interaction effect of time and group was not significant in none of the Fugl-Meyer test sections (p > 0. 05), but it was significant in the performance and satisfaction of COPM (p < 0.05). The results suggest that ICF-CS-based occupational therapy interventions may assist persons with chronic stroke improve their functional level and satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pes anserine bursitis is the most common cause of periarticular knee pain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of local injection-based therapies with different materials. Design: The enrolled patientswere randomly allocated to three groups to receive different interventions. Outcomemeasures included pain severity using the visual analog scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index that was evaluated before the intervention, 1 and 8 wks after that. Results: This trial was performed on 72 participants, with male-tofemale ratio of 0.14 and with a mean age of 61.49 ± 9.35 yrs. Corticosteroids in the first group, oxygen-ozone in the second group, and dextrose 20% in the third group, were injected into the pes anserine bursa under ultrasound guidance. Interaction between time and group showed a statistically significant improvement in visual analog scale and Western Ontario andMcMaster Universities Arthritis Index (P = 0.05) in favor of corticosteroids and oxygen-ozone groups after 1 wk and in favor of oxygen-ozone and prolotherapy groups after 8 wks. Conclusions: All three treatment options are effective for patients with pes anserine bursitis. This study showed that the effects of oxygen-ozone injection and prolotherapy last longer than those of corticosteroid injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smile esthetics can be subjective. This study aims to assess the effect of culture/geographic location on judging smile esthetics by comparing the perception of smile characteristics between American laypersons (Western culture) and Iranians (Eastern). Materials and Methods: One hundred residents from each country were recruited for this analytical cross-sectional study. A frontal picture of a posed smile with standard norms which are mentioned in the Contemporary Orthodontics textbook by William R. Proffit was selected. Adobe Photoshop 7 was used to alter midline diastema, gingival display (GD), maxillary midline-to-face discrepancy, buccal corridor (BC), and smile arc. Images were given to groups to determine the most attractive and acceptable smile. Data were analyzed by Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman correlation coefficient in SPSS-22 (α = 0.05). Results: Americans were less critical in judging diastema (P < 0.001), GD (P = 0.013), and BC (P = 0.004) for smile attractiveness than Iranians. No difference was between the two groups in choosing the acceptability threshold and determining the most attractive smile except for BC (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Overall, Americans were more tolerant of variations in smile characteristics than Iranians. Both groups agreed on most smiles. Therefore, it seems that it is reasonable to use similar standards for smile characteristics while considering the small differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: Due to the increase in anxiety caused by corona in students, especially nursing students who deal with patients, it seems necessary to identify ways to deal with it. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between religious beliefs and anxiety of Corona among nursing students of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive research, 159 nursing students who met the criteria for entering the study in 2019 were included in the study by stratified random sampling. The data was collected through the questionnaire of demographic information, corona anxiety and religious beliefs of George. Data analysis were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, Fisher, Chi-Square) at a significance level of P<0.05. Results: The results showed that the majority (79.2%) of weak corona anxiety research units had strong religious beliefs (73.6%), and Spearman's test showed that there is no significant relationship between corona anxiety and religious orientation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acting on religious beliefs can reduce people's anxiety in difficult and critical situations, and in this study, because the majority of the research units had strong religious beliefs, they reported low corona anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric aspects of Persian version of Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) and the prevalence of Food Addiction (FA) among Iranian obese population seeking bariatric surgery. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, psychometric aspects of the YFAS 2.0 including validity and reliability were assessed. Convergent and discriminant validity of the YFAS 2.0 was evaluated using Eating Disorder Inventory-3, Referral form (EDI-3 RF), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-15) and reliability of the scale was examined by test-retest analysis and internal consistency. Results: Among 124 patients (48.6%) who met FA criteria, 2 patients (1.6%) received a mild, 12 (9.6%) a moderate, and 110 (88.7%) a severe FA diagnosis. FA was more prevalent and severe in females, unmarried individuals, unemployed patients, and those with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) or binge eating disorder/bulimia nervosa diagnoses. Reliability analysis showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's a = 0.89) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.88). Content validity was 0.8 or higher in terms of convergent validity. Except for one criterion, a one-factor structure was confirmed for the P-YFAS 2.0 (above 0.42). FA prevalence was higher in participants with BED or bulimia nervosa, and FA severity was correlated with scores on measures of impulsivity, emotion regulation difficulties, eating behaviors and psychopathology. Conclusion: These findings support the reliability and validity of the P-YFAS 2.0 in assessing FA as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fifth (DSM-5). The high rate of FA identified highlights the need for targeted interventions in this clinical population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome that is called long COVID-19 consists of the symptoms that last more than 12 weeks with no other explanation. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence, frequency of symptoms, and risk factors of long COVID-19 in the healthcare workers (HCWs) of a selected hospital in Kashan/Iran in 2023. Methods: A total of 350 HCWs with a history of COVID-19 infection were randomly recruited to the study from February to May 2023. Participants completed a questionnaire including demographic characteristics, information related to COVID-19 infection, underlying diseases, and a checklist of long COVID-19 symptoms. Mann‒Whitney U test, chi-square test, T‒tests, and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis by SPSS 16. Results: The results showed that 75.7% of HCWs experienced symptoms of long COVID-19. The most common symptoms were fatigue (53.1%), cough (43.1%) and muscle weakness (37.1%). In bivariate analysis job title, body mass index (BMI), frequency and number of symptoms of COVID-19 infection, preexisting disease, tobacco use, age, and years of experience showed a significant statistical association with long COVID-19. In binary logistic regression the number of symptoms during COVID-19 infection, nursing occupation, use of corticosteroids, and symptoms of dyspnea and loss of taste could explain the occurrence of long COVID-19. Conclusion: The long COVID-19 is a prevalent condition among HCWs especially nurses. Symptoms of long COVID-19 such as fatigue and cough can persists over time. This chronic condition has significant associations with different clinical risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intensive and critical care nurses need to demonstrate ethical sensitivity especially in recognizing and dealing with ethical dilemmas particularly as they often care for patients living with life-threatening conditions. Theories suggest that there is a convergence between nurses' empathy and ethical sensitivity. Evidence in the literature indicates that nurses' emotional, demographic, and work characteristics are associated with their level of empathy and ethical sensitivity. Aim: To investigate the relationship between nurses' empathy and ethical sensitivity, considering their emotional states (depression, anxiety, and stress), demographic and work characteristics, and test an empirical model describing potential predictors of empathy (as a mediator) and ethical sensitivity using path analysis. Research design: Using a cross-sectional design, the philosophical theory of care ethics and empathy was extended and adopted as a conceptual framework for this study and tested by path analysis. Participants and research context: Data were collected from 347 intensive care nurses recruited by ten educational-medical hospitals in Iran using a questionnaire between February and March 2021. Ethical considerations: The study was reviewed by the Ethical Advisory Board in Iran and conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Findings: Study participants demonstrated a mild level of stress, anxiety, and depression, alongside a relatively high level of empathy and ethical sensitivity. Nurses with good socioeconomic status had higher empathetic behavior with patients than those with weak status. Nurses aged over 40 who had received ethics training and had higher work experience were associated with higher ethical sensitivity compared to nurses under 20 years of age. Empathy directly affected ethical sensitivity; however, anxiety had an indirect effect on ethical sensitivity through empathy. Among demographic factors, age had a positive direct effect on ethical sensitivity. Conclusions: Less anxiety and a high level of empathy contribute to higher levels of ethical sensitivity among intensive and critical care nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methanol-poisoning can be a challenging cause of mortality. Identifying the epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical determinants of outcome in methanol-poisoning patients could be a step forward to its management. Methods: In this hospital-based cohort study, 123 methanol-poisoning patients were included. Data on background variables, details of methanol consumption, and laboratory assessments were recorded for each patient. Patients underwent brain CT scans without contrast. We evaluated the association of all gathered clinical and para-clinical data with patients' outcome and length of hospital stay (LOS). Independent association of potential determinants of death, and LOS were modeled applying multivariable logistic, and Ordinary Least Square regressions, respectively. Odds ratio (OR), and regression coefficient (RC), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results: Most of the study population were male (n = 107/123). The mean age of the participants was 30.3 ± 9.1 years. Ninety patients (73.2%) were reported as being conscious on admission, and 34.3% of patients were identified with at least one abnormality in their CT scan. Level of consciousness (LOC) (OR: 42.2; 95% CI: 2.35-756.50), and blood pH (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.22-0.65) were associated with death. Supratentorial edema (RC: 17.55; 95% CI: 16.95-18.16) were associated with LOS. Conclusion: Besides LOC, patients with any abnormality in their brain CT scan on admission were found to be at higher risk of death, and patients with supratentorial edema were at risk of longer LOS. Brain CT-scan on admission should be considered as a part of the routine procedure during the management of methanol-poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transcendental society is characterized by cohesive, purpose-driven, and flourishing families. To achieve this,marital satisfaction (MS) plays a crucial role in the lives of married couples. Objectives: This study aimed to determineMS and its influencing factors among newlymarried women. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in Shiraz, Iran, involving 495 young first-married women within the first 2 years of their marriage. The participants completed a valid questionnaire encompassing demographic information, socioeconomic characteristics, and mate-selection criteria at the onset and after 2 years of marriage. The questionnaire in the second stage consisted of updated demographic and socioeconomic data and assessments of MS. These questionnaires demonstrated reliability rates of 70.6% and 88.6% in the first and second stages, respectively. Marital satisfactionwasmeasured on a scale of 1 to 10,with scores ≥ 5 and> 5 indicating lowand high satisfaction levels, respectively. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.2 ± 5.3 years. Most women (70.7%) had an age difference of 1 - 7 years with their husbands; however, 78.4% had an academic education. Additionally, 73.5% reported no blood relation with their spouses, 74.5% did not have children, 62.8% were employed, and 87.3% did not live with their parents after marriage. The average follow-up period was 23.8 ± 8.3 months. Marital satisfaction was reported as high in 442 (89.3%) participants and low in 53 (10.7%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the following factors significantly influenced MS among young married women: belief in the correctness of mate-selection criteria (OR = 21.4, P < 0.001), meeting husband's expectations (OR = 13.1, P < 0.001), sexual satisfaction within the marriage (OR = 11.5, P < 0.001), pre-existing acquaintance with the husband (OR = 9.4, P < 0.001), and abstaining from cigarette, alcohol, substances, or psychological drugs after marriage (OR = 8.5, P = 0.001). Furthermore, not living with the husband's family (OR = 6.4, P = 0.002), having a healthy husband (OR = 5.9, P = 0.002), receiving support fromthe husband's family (OR = 5.9, P = 0.001), husband's abstinence fromcigarette, alcohol, substances, or psychological drugs after marriage (OR = 3.6, P = 0.04), engaging in regular communication with the husband regarding mutual expectations (OR = 3.5, P = 0.03), and higher age of the husband (OR = 1.1, P = 0.03) were also correlated with MS. Conclusions: This study highlights the significance of various pre-marriage and post-marriage personal and familial factors in determining MS among young married women. These findings underscore the importance of providing guidance, education, and support to couples and their parents regarding these influential factors before and after marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating complications and mortality risks in burn patients is crucial for effective treatment planning and improving survival rates. This study investigated the relationship between the serum vitamin D level and the clinical outcomes of adult burns patients. This was a prospective cohort of adult patients hospitalized due to thermal burns at a burn centre in the north of Iran. Based on the level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D measured upon admission, patients were divided into two groups of patients with sufficient 25 hydroxyvitamin D level and insufficient 25 hydroxyvitamin D level. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline demographics. Univariate analysis was conducted using Mann–Whitney U, Chi‐square, independent samples, and Fisher's exact tests. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust for the effects of confounding variables. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 28.0 software. A total of 220 patients were included in the study. The average total body surface area burned was 30.52 ± 9.34. Patients with insufficient vitamin D levels had longer hospital stays (12.53 vs. 11.45) and longer stays in the intensive care unit (ICU) (3.32 vs. 2.40) than those with appropriate vitamin D levels. Participants with insufficient vitamin D levels exhibited a numerically higher incidence of infections than those with adequate levels (p < 0.05). The multivariate regression found that vitamin D deficiency levels were associated with increased infection rates and prolonged hospital stay. This study suggests that vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in burn patients. Further research is needed to confirm these associations and to explore potential interventions to optimize vitamin D status in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a common disorder that puts patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. To our knowledge, there is no published study in Pub Med which evaluated both lifestyle and metabolic syndrome in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and investigate the potential risk factors in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 204 patients enrolled conveniently. National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria considered for Metabolic Syndrome. Demographics, lifestyle, and disease characteristics were gathered. The relationship between metabolic syndrome and its severity with independent variables was investigated through multivariable multivariate logistic and linear regressions. Results: The mean (SD) age was 55 (14) years and 42% were women. 42.6% had metabolic syndrome. Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high fasting blood sugar, high blood pressure (BP), increased waist circumference (WC), and high triglyceride were observed in decreasing order of frequency in 54.4%, 44.1%, 38.7%, 33.3% 28.9% of patients, respectively. The logistic regression model revealed significant associations between metabolic syndrome and physical activity (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74-0.97), mood (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.002-1.078), age (OR = 1.023, 95% CI: 1.001-1.046), and missed work (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.97). The linear regression model revealed significant associations between metabolic syndrome severity score and physical activity (B = -0.12, 95% CI: -0.21-0.02) and sleep quality (B = 0.017, 95% CI: 0.001-0.033). Conclusion: Poorer sleep quality, lower physical activity, lower mood status, and older age were associated with higher odds of metabolic syndrome/metabolic syndrome severity score in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate cardiovascular risk factors affecting COVID-19 outcomes in a tertiary referral hospital. Methods: This prospective cohort study analyzed 269 participants with COVID-19. The primary outcomes were ICU admission, prolonged hospital stay duration, and in-hospital death. The secondary outcomes included death, chronic symptoms, and NYHA functional class during follow-up periods. Results: A total of 412 patients with COVID-19 symptoms were enrolled in the study, and out of which 269 patients had complete medical records and positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results, fulfilling the study criteria were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups, with cardiovascular comorbidities (group A, n=122), such as established cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and without cardiovascular comorbidities (group B, n=147). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that patients with underlying hypertension, diabetes, and established cardiovascular disease had a 1.55 (95% CI: 1.28-2.26), 1.62 (95% CI: 1.34-2.13), and 1.63 (95% CI: 1.07-5.34)-fold risk of mortality, respectively in the adjusted model. Conclusions: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with predisposing cardiovascular risk factors are more susceptible to develop worse outcomes. More attention should be paid to the management and follow-up of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) experience high levels of anxiety that may cause instability of hemodynamic indices, increased risk of ischemia, myocardial infarction and poor quality of life. Aromatherapy can affect patients' anxiety levels and improve hemodynamic indices. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy on anxiety and hemodynamic indices in ACS patients. Methods: This study was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted on 154 ACS patients. The participants were classified into two equal groups of intervention and placebo through the block randomization method. The data collection tools consisted of demographic information, a shortened 6-item version of the Spielberger questionnaire and a form of hemodynamic indices. For two consecutive nights, the intervention group inhaled 7 drops of the chamomile essential oil (%10) and the placebo group inhaled 7 drops of the sesame oil poured on a sterile cotton ball. The hemodynamic indices were collected half an hour before, one and four hours after the intervention until the next morning. The Spielberger questionnaire was completed once before the intervention and once after the end of the intervention, by the researcher through an interview. The number of heart rate (HR) was counted for a full minute. Also, the blood pressure (BP) of all the samples was measured by the researcher. Data analysis was done using Chi-square, paired t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS22. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the age of patients were 58/2 ± 11.6 and 59.7% of them were female. The results of ANOVA showed a significantly lower anxiety score as well as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR in the intervention group compared to those of the placebo group (P < 0.001). The decrease in anxiety score after the intervention, in the intervention and placebo groups was (5.2 ± 1.9) and (1 ± 1. 18) respectively. In the intervention group, the SBP and DBP after the intervention, was significant (P < 0.05). Also, the HR was significant (P < 0.001) after the intervention. Conclusions: Aromatherapy could reduce anxiety and improve hemodynamic indices in ACS patients. Trial registration: IRCT20080825001083N11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a family-centred empowerment intervention on the incidence, stage and status of pressure injury (PI) in patients diagnosed with stroke during the post-discharge period with a telenursing approach. Method: This randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT) was conducted with patients admitted to Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad and who were diagnosed with stroke. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two equal-sized groups: intervention and control. Family education and follow-up of the intervention group was performed using WhatsApp messenger for one month. Caregivers of patients in the control group received the routine training programme. The incidence, stage and status of PIs of both groups were measured at the beginning and at one month later using the Braden Scale, the EPUAP/NPUAP Classification System, and the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH). Results: A total of 60 patients took part in the RCT (30 patients allocated to each group). The incidence of PI in the control group was significantly higher than in the intervention group (p<0.001). The results showed significantly lower stages of PI in the intervention group than in the control group (p<0.001 and p<0.05 for univariable and multivariable models, respectively). The results showed a significantly lower PUSH score in the intervention group than in the control group (p<0.001 and p<0.05 for univariable and multivariable models, respectively). Conclusion: The findings of this RCT show that the empowerment and training of caregivers of patients diagnosed with stroke after discharge using telenursing can reduce the incidence and severity of PIs and improve their status in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic, as the most important health challenge in the world today, has made numerous irretrievable damages to the social, economic, and health dimensions of societies, especially in developing countries. An essential measure that can be taken to prevent and control the disease is to identify risk factors related to its prognosis and mortality rate. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating COVID-19 survival and mortality risk factors and their relationship with the demographic characteristics of the subjects diagnosed with the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study is cross-sectional and descriptive. The samples consist of 1395 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 admitted to medical centers affiliated with Fasa University of Medical Sciences. The subjects were selected by census sampling. Data were collected using demographic information forms, paraclinical and radiological tests, and clinical examinations. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 via descriptive tests, paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc tests. RESULTS: According to the data, the participants' average age was 57.72 ± 4.63 years, and most of them (56.41%) were male. The mortality rate among the participants was estimated to be 13.19%. The results of the study showed a significant relationship between the survival status of patients with COVID-19 and underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular and renal diseases (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Identifying high-risk groups is an important measure that health professionals should consider in controlling epidemics. The findings of this study showed that the presence of underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiac and renal conditions, which are associated with immune system defects, are among the most important factors related to the COVID-19 mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]