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Background. Training efficient human resources is one of the main missions of universities. Considering the role of education in the development of professional human resources in the health system, it is essential to evaluate the status of the educational system in Iranian universities. The present study aimed to identify and prioritize the challenges in the educational system of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences as well as to provide solutions for dealing with them based on the viewpoints of investors (i.e., faculty members, students, managers, and teaching staff of the university). Methods. This mixed method study (i.e., qualitative-quantitative study) was conducted in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in the summer of 2023. The total number of the participants was 538, including 138 faculty members, 345 students, and 55 managers and employees in the field of education. The data collection tool in the qualitative phase of the study was an open-question questionnaire, but that in the quantitative phase was a closedquestion one. The prioritization matrix was used to prioritize the challenges, which included four indicators of importance, solvability, cost-effectiveness, and urgency. Results. A lack of the space and suitable facilities for students during their internships and internships, a professors' workload, a lack of the connection between Tabriz university and other universities/educational centers, a failure to select educational authorities based on their qualifications and capabilities, and a lack of professors were the most serious educational challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Understanding how learners process and organize new experiences and acquire information is one of the critical factors affecting the effective teaching and learning. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the perception and processing of information by first-year medical students. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, the convenience sampling method was adopted to select and investigate 180 first-year medical students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in the 2nd semester of the academic year 2022-2023. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of two parts -- demographic factors and Kolb's learning styles inventory (LSI). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS-25 and applying descriptive statistics, Chi-square (χ2), t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. According to the results, students preferred the learning method of abstract conceptualization (33.89 ± 7.44), followed by active experimentation (29.85 ± 9.77), reflective observation (29.77 ± 8.64), and concrete experience (26.49 ± 9.32). The predominant learning styles adopted by the students were assimilating (38.3%), converging (32.2%), diverging (22.8%), and accommodating (6.7%). No significant differences were found between students' preferred learning methods and demographic variables (i.e., gender, marital status, age, and residential status) (P>0.05). Conclusion. It was concluded that the dominant learning style was not an exclusive factor in predicting educational achievement. It was recommended that the teachers should take their students' learning preferences into account when designing learning opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The current study was conducted to investigate the balance performance of 7-12-year-old Iranian children based on functional reach tests. Methods. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 483 male and female students from the first to sixth grades. After measuring the height, weight, and length of the upper and lower limbs, the functional reach test was evaluated with the dominant limb, and the initial amount of the functional reach test was recorded by the examiner, and subsequently, the same protocol was used for the non-dominant limb, as well as two limbs. The final amount of functional reach was recorded, and the difference between the two was recorded in the test sheet. This process was repeated three times, and the average of these three attempts was recorded as the final score. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software version 23, and its descriptive and inferential statistics were extracted. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also calculated to measure the correlation of anthropometric characteristics of height, weight, and body length. Results. In this study, 483 elementary school students with an average age of 9.53 years (minimum of 7 years and maximum of 12 years) and the average height of 138.217, as well as an average body mass index of 17.43 in the first to sixth grades, were evaluated. The normative scores for right, left, and two-handed functional reach tests were 20.45±7.87 cm, 22.46±8.09 cm, and 18.60±7.89 cm, respectively. The right and left lateral reach test scores were 14.68±6.01 cm and 14.90±6.01 cm, respectively. These scores significantly correlated with each other (P<0.001) and anthropometric characteristics. Conclusion. The results of the current study revealed that on 483 students from the first to the sixth-grade evaluation of functional reach and lateral reach, tests is vital for clinical use and assessing the balance of Iranian children. Due to the lower balance functional level of Iranian children than their peers in some other countries, there is a need for planning to increase physical activity and sports in school programs and at the community level. Practical Implications. The data obtained from functional reach tests in this study can be used to measure the balance performance of Iranian school-age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant challenge to education systems worldwide, disrupting traditional teaching and learning methods. This study aims to explore the perceptions of medical students at Abadan University of Medical Sciences regarding electronic assessment methods during the pandemic. Methods: This qualitative study utilized conventional content analysis and involved medical students in their second semester of 2021 who had chosen a unit during the pandemic. Results: Through the analysis process, the participants' experiences were categorized into six main classes, which included the following: information technology infrastructure, teaching methods of teachers, design of virtual exam questions, monitoring of online exams, psychological issues, and types of virtual assessment. Conclusion: The medical students shared their experiences with virtual assessment during the pandemic, highlighting challenges related to internet infrastructure, communication issues between teachers and students, exam monitoring, psychological factors, reduced learning efficiency due to virtual summative assessment alone, and better learning efficiency through formative assessment alongside summative assessment. They also suggested improvements to online exams, such as increasing the number of questions on each page, allowing the possibility to return to previous questions, and ensuring non-randomness in clinical questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Today, computer games have taken a prominent place in the lives of children and teenagers, and statistics indicate that online gaming constitutes the majority of computer usage. Numerous studies have explored the detrimental effects of internet gaming on individuals. However, to date, no comprehensive research has been conducted specifically investigating the effect of online gaming on academic performance within a medical education context. To address this gap, we have conducted this study, focusing on the impact of online gaming on the academic performance of Iranian medical students. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 185 medical students from four disciplines ((basic sciences, Physiopathology, extern, intern) were selected through a multi-stage sampling method at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) test as well as the grade point average (GPA) of the last academic semester, the average study hours on normal days and near the exam, the efficiency of study hours, the number of failed semesters, and academic satisfaction were assessed. Results: In this study, a total of 185 medical students participated, of which 62.2% (115 students) were females. The prevalence of IGD was found to be 3.8%. Interestingly, the prevalence of IGD was approximately four times higher in males than in females (7.1% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.106). Furthermore, both the overall daily study time (P < 0.001) and the daily study time on days near exams (P = 0.031) were found to be significantly higher in students without IGD compared to those with IGD. However, factors such as age, gender, being native to Mashhad, discipline level, last GPA, number of failed semesters, and satisfaction with education showed no correlation with IGD. Conclusion: These findings may serve as a cautionary signal for educational authorities within the Iranian medical education system. However, to obtain more robust results, further investigations are recommended, particularly in other academic majors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Quality of life and responsibility are known as fundamental issues in contemporary psychology. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of problem solving training on quality of life and responsibility of paramedical students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Methods. The present study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design. The statistical population of the study consisted of all paramedical students (490 students) in the academic year 2020-2021 in one of the ranked universities. The available sample was randomly divided into an intervention (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36) and Gauff Responsibility Questionnaire were used to collect data. Problem-solving training, using scenario, was provided for the experimental group in the form of 2-hour sessions held twice a week for a period of 14 weeks. The data were analyzed, using co-variance analysis and SPSS 21 software. Results. The mean age of the participants was 20.61 in the intervention, and 21.21 in the control groups. The standard deviation calculated for the two groups were 1.14 and 1.62, respectively. The problem solving training seemed to enhance the scores on the quality of life [F(1,39)=1052.192, P<0.001, η²=0.966] and students' sense of responsibility [F(1,39)=126.111, P<0.001, η²=0.773] Conclusion. The results of testing the research hypotheses showed that problem solving training has a significant positive effect due to the knowledge of problem solving skills, reducing the incidence of mental illness in students. Therefore, it is recommended this approach be used to promote students' mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation is one of the most critical issues in the training process. Kirkpatrick's model is one method in educational evaluation that can accurately evaluate programs. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an operating room master of scienc (MS) program om based on Kirkpatrick's model. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling with 46 students and graduates from the operating room MS degree at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2020-2021. A valid and reliable questionnaire with 47 items in three levels of reaction, learning, and performance was used to evaluate the opinions of graduates and students. The survey was sent to their email addresses and returned to the researcher after completion. Results: Kirkpatrick's evaluation model showed that the overall evaluation of the operating room program was 70.97 ± 9.32, which can be considered a moderate level. Students' satisfaction with the program was moderate (68.00 ± 14.97); their learning (84.54 ± 15.69) and performance (84.30 ± 9.28) were evaluated to be at a reasonable level. Conclusion: Considering the average effectiveness of the whole program, it is suggested that the educational managers of the operating room department plan and attempt to increase their indicators by considering the weaknesses and strengths of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Students are considered part of the capital of each country. Several factors can affect their educational status and, as a result, contribute to their academic failure. The current study seeks to investigate the relationship between students' academic failure and the affecting factors with the Iranian Educational Ranking of Universities. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The required sample size was calculated using Cochran's formula. A researcher-made questionnaire with 5 parts was used to collect data. Kruskal Wallis and Spearman's analysis of variance was used for analysis. The significance level was considered as 0.05. Results: A total of 1215 people participated; 13.7% of students had had an academic failure and 2.0% of them were on academic probation. There was a correlation between university RAD rank and academic failure (r = -0.098 and P = 0.0001) as well as student satisfaction (r = 0.264 - P = 0.0001). There was a significant difference between an academic drop and academic grade in three ranks of university (Pv= 0.0001), and, interestingly, having moved from Rank 1 to 3, having academic grade increases, and having academic failure decreases. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the higher ranked the college campus is on the RAD scale, the higher the academic failure rate. For annual assessment of universities, it is proposed that assessment of academic failure and grades be used as a benchmark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The acquisition of competencies in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among medical students requires specific and up-to-date training. In this study, a near-peer workshop group was used to assess the effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on students' satisfaction, acquisition, and retention of CPR knowledge. Methods: This quasi-experimental study using repeated measure analysis design was conducted with 120 medical students at the Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The educational content was presented in six workshop sessions under the supervision of a near-peer group. A questionnaire was used to assess demographics, knowledge, and satisfaction. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 14. Results: The mean knowledge scores of participants 6.8±2.7, 16.1± 2.6, and 13.5±4.0 before, immediately, and two months after the workshop, respectively. These results showed that the mean knowledge score significantly increased immediately after the training. Although the mean scores fell slightly by two months after the intervention, they remained significantly higher than before the workshop. The satisfaction level of all the students of this method was reported as good. Conclusion: In accordance with the positive effects of collaborative learning methods in the teaching-learning process, we used a novel and efficient collaborative method to improve the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. CPR training with a near-peer group had a positive impact on student knowledge acquisition, knowledge retention, and learning satisfaction. Therefore, this method may be a useful way to conduct such training workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community-based dental education helps nurture a generation of dentists who pay more attention to community needs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the viewpoints of dental students about a community-based dentistry course conducted at the Dental School of the Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in Sanandaj. Methods: In all, 36 senior dentistry students provided children aged 6 to 14 from an underprivileged background with care and preventive services under the indirect supervision of a dental instructor. At the end of the course in May 2018, individual and group interviews were conducted to obtain students' viewpoints on the course. The collected data was categorized and analyzed using MAXQDA 10. Testing of acceptability, dependability, stability, verifiability, fittingness and transferability criteria were applied to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the qualitative data. Results: The results were categorized into two main themes: weaknesses and strengths of the clinical experience. Four main categories of the course's strengths were identified: personal development, deeper understanding of oral health in the community, becoming familiar with executive and managerial systems, and payment and financial issues. Three main categories of the course's weaknesses were identified: executive problems, issues around coordination and planning, and limiting coverage of the dental services provided to Levels I and II. Conclusion: The most important aspects of these courses from the students' viewpoints were providing the opportunity to individual and professional development and gaining a broader perspective on preventive dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the growing epidemic of problematic Internet use (PIU), little information is available on PIU and related factors in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 4261 university students among 13universities throughout the country in 2017. The data collection tool included demographic characteristics, the status of using the Internet, social media, computer games, tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, suicide ideation and attempt, and unprotected sex. PIU was measured using the15-item PIU questionnaire. The status of general health was evaluated using the 28-item general health questionnaire (GHQ) questionnaire. The simple and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to measure the crude and adjusted associations between various factors and PIU. Results: Of 4261 university students, 55.9% were female, 13.5% were smokers, 4.9% were drug abusers, 7.9% were alcohol abusers, 7.8% had unprotected sex in the past year, 7.4%had suicidal ideation in the past month, 1.7% had attempted suicide in the past year, and27.3% suffered from PIU. Only 61.1% had normal health. In contrast, 30.9%, 7.2%, and 0.8%had mild, moderate, and severe general health problems, respectively. There were significant relationships between PIU and age group 20-24 vs. <20 years (odds ratio [OR]=1.39; 95% CI:1.06, 1.82), single vs, married (OR=2.57; 95% CI: 1.85, 3.57), suicidal attempt (OR=2.77;95% CI: 1.47, 5.19), using online games (OR=1.31; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.60), and poor general health (OR=12.14; 95% CI: 4.53, 32.54). Conclusion: Nearly one-third of medical sciences students suffered from PIU. This unhealthy behavior was associated with poor general health and elevated risk of suicidal behaviors. This health-threatening behavior provides an early warning signal that deserves special attention, otherwise, it may threaten both college students' health and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Learning methods are important in education, especially in some difficult lessons such as specialized or technical language. Instructors can use suitable and practical methods in these situations. The objective of this study was to compare the results of various educational methods for learning specialized language in occupational health students. Methods: This study was a semi-experimental study conducted in the Health School of Mashhad among occupational health students using the approved curriculum; a course of specialized language was taught with attention to educational methods. Three educational methods were used: small group learning in group A (n=24), lecture in group B (n=26) and reading with use of audio-visual devices in group C (n=25). Change in learning was determined and results were compared among the three groups of participants, with results of exams analyzed using SPSS 16. analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used since the data was normalized, and significance was calculated at P<0.05. Results: The mean grade in specialized language in group A was 16.66 (2.19), 10.93 (2.41) in group B and 14.74 (3.25) in group C. All of the methods had significant differences among each other, with P<0.05. Participatory discussion had the highest mean (group A). The relative risk for group A was 1.56 (1.12-2.51). Conclusion: According to the total results, small group learning is the best educational method for learning specialized language for occupational health students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors during young adulthood can have negative impacts on health for the rest of a person’s life. University students are in a transition stage to adulthood and face considerable changes in their life during their time at university. Therefore, the evaluation of their lifestyle and its changes over time using a valid and reliable tool is very important. This study aimed at assessing reliability and validity of the Persian version of the Healthy Lifestyle Scale for University Students (HLSUS). Methods: The HLSUS was developed by Wong et al, based on Pender’s Health Promotion Model, and was translated into Persian using forward/backward translation methods. Content validity of the scale was assessed by a panel of eleven experts. Moreover, Cronbach α coefficient was calculated to examine internal consistency. The construct validity was assessed via detecting the factor structure of measurements on a sample of 400 students from different faculties of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Scale-item correlations and known group analyses were used to evaluate. convergent and discriminant validity Results: The HLSUS demonstrated good content validity (content validity index [CVI] values 0.80-1.00 and content validity ratio [CVR] values 0.71-1.00), internal consistency (α = 0.87) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.89). Based on exploratory factor analysis, it was determined that the eight factor solution was optimal for distinguishing the underlying factors. Conclusion: The Persian version of the HLSUS demonstrated initial reliability and validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the main tasks of the faculty of medical sciences is clinical training. Given the importance of clinical teaching for medical students, the study aim was to determine the clinical teaching status from the perspective of students and faculty members. Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study was all medical interns and final-year students of nursing and midwifery and faculty members of Guilan University of Medical Sciences in the 2015. The sampling was conducted by census method after obtaining the consent of the participants. The scale was a questionnaire consisting of 4 parts, including demographic data, phrases related to clinical teaching principles by faculty members, phrases related to the use of material and educational media by clinical faculty members and phrases related to educational activities by clinical faculty members. Data analysis was done by descriptive and inferential statistics (Mann-Whitney U test). Results: Based on the results, the mean score of clinical teaching status from the perspective of the faculty members was 62.88±5.76 out of a score of 66, and the mean score was 52.11±1.1 from the students’ perspective. Mann-Whitney U test results also showed a significant difference between faculty members’ and students’ perspective scores about clinical teaching status (P<0.0001). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, to improve the quality of clinical education, implementation strategies will be necessary. One of the most important parts of teaching in the field of medical science is clinical education as it is the first real experience students have with their future work environment and it has a significant impact on their occupational success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Learning about fitness for work and return to work is an important subject for students in the medical sciences, but the educational method is important too. Problem-based learning (PBL) is an important method that should be examined in occupational health studies. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of three educational methods for learning about fitness for work and return to work for students in the medical sciences. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study using the curriculum of the Ministry of Health for 150 occupational health students in the School of Health at Mashhad University; fitness for work and return to work was taught with attention to various educational methods. Group A (n=50) received presentations and lectures; group B (n=50) received additional Clinical practice observations; and group C (n=50) received PBL. Pre- and post-assessments were used to determine change in knowledge and the results were compared among the three groups of participants; then results of exams were analyzed with SPSS 16, using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) (with post hoc Tukey), and statistical significance of P<0.05. Results: The total grade (20) of fitness for work and return to work for group A was 13.22±0.64, for group B, 14.27±1.01 and for group C, 16.28±0.01. The between-groups comparisons showed significant differences among all three groups (P<0.001). The level of learning - change in knowledge - among the three groups was also significant, with P<0.001. The odds ratio was 1.44 (1.12-3.24) for group C with PBL. Conclusion: According to the results, PBL was the best method for learning of fitness for work and return to work in students studying medical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Caring behaviors of clinical teachers is one of the most important and influential factors in the process of clinical instruction, so far has not been paid enough attention. In other words, there has been so little research done in this area, so that the researchers couldn't present the clear image of caring dimensions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine nursing students' perception of instructors' caring behavior. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted upon 3rd- 8th semester nursing students in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The participants were selected through stratified random sampling method. The data were collected using Wade and Kasper inventory for nursing students' perception of instructor caring (NSPIC) (n=240). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS13 software. Results: The level of nursing instructors' caring behavior during teaching students was medium to high with the mean and standard deviation of 4.65 (0.93), as the highest level belonged to the respectful sharing, and then respectively, instill confidence through caring, appreciation of life meanings, supportive learning climate, and control versus flexibility. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study demonstrate that there is a gap in some dimension in order to achieve optimum about instructors' caring behaviors. Examining and identifying the influential factors in this regard, and applying effective strategies by relevant authorities will be effective in qualitative promotion of clinical teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Social anxiety is an important factor in peoples' mental health. Good mental health while studying in university makes students able to deal effectively with numerous stressors that they experience. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the social anxiety of nursing students in grades one to four of medical universities in Tehran. Methods: In this analytic cross-sectional study, 400 students from universities of medical sciences in Tehran were recruited by stratified sampling with proportional allocation. Data were collected during the first semester in 2010. Students completed a two-part questionnaire including the Liebowitz social anxiety questionnaire and a demographic information form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics methods and an analytical test by SPSS statistical software. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the total scores of social anxiety of first- to fourth-year students. The mean score of the avoidance of social interaction dimension in fourth-year students was significantly lower than in first year students (p<0.05). Conclusion: In regard to the relationship between social anxiety and interpersonal communication as an associated part of nursing care, decrease of social anxiety of students could play an important role in their mental health. According to the results of this study, it seems that the placement of students in the nursing education system does not produce any changes in their social anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate factors affecting the choices made by first-year dental and medical students in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: The subjects in the present descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of 104 first-year dental and medical students in the University in 2012-2013. A questionnaire was given to the students, which included demographic data and prioritization of motives. In designing the questionnaire, nine items were taken into account including income, social status, owning a private office, serving the community, feasibility of working with the hands, self-regulation of working hours, an interest in the field, recommendation by the family and communication, and contact with community members. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test using SPSS. Results: Enjoying a high social status was the most important factor (94.2%) in choosing dentistry as a major by dental students. An interest in the field (88.2%) was the second factor in their selection of dentistry. Recommendation by the family and serving the community with a frequency of 50% and contact with community members with a frequency of 51% were the least important in choosing dentistry. A high social status (75%) was the most important factor in choosing medicine as a major by medical students. A high income (73.1%) was the second factor in choosing medicine for them. Serving the community with 43.1% and the feasibility of working with the hands with 28.9% were the least important factors in choosing medicine. Conclusion: Dentistry and medicine are professions that still enjoy a high social status and most students choose these majors in order to attain such status. Differences in motives behind choosing a major by students of these two fields are related to the nature of the professions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present article determines whether or not the undergraduate paramedical students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences of Iran are motivated to learn English; to which orientation of motivation, integrative or instrumental motivation, they incline; and how much their field of study affects increased motivation to learn English. Methods: This study was carried out with the participation of 141 undergraduate paramedical students including four fields of study: Laboratory Sciences, Technology of Radiology, Anesthesia, And Health Information Technology (HIT). The participants were asked to fill two questionnaires to determine their attitude toward learning English. Each questionnaire contained 15 items to estimate the degree of their integrative and instrumental motivation for learning English. The theoretical framework applied was based on Gardner's socio-educational model of second language acquisition. Results: The undergraduate paramedical students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences of Iran were motivated to learn English. The comparison between integrative and instrumental motivation showed a mean value for integrative motivation as 4.02, and for instrumental motivation as 4.32 with a meaningful difference. Students in the laboratory sciences field showed the highest degree of both types of motivation. Conclusion: Iranian paramedical students are highly motivated in learning English in general; however, there was a difference in the degree of motivation according to the student's field of study. In general, instrumental motivation was higher than integrative motivation in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to determine predictors of refraining from hookah smoking among high-school students in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran based on Prototype/Willingness model. Methods: This cross- sectional with analytic approach was performed on 240 high-school students selected by a cluster random sampling. The data of demographic and Prototype-Willingness Model constructs were acquired via a self-administrated questionnaire. Data were analyzed by mean, frequency, correlation, liner and logistic regression statistical tests. Results: Statistically significant determinants of the intention to refrain from hookah smoking were subjective norms, willingness, and attitude. Regression model indicated that the three items together explained 46.9% of the nonsmoking hookah intention variance. Attitude and subjective norms predicted 36.0% of the non-smoking hookah intention variance. There was a significant relationship between the participants' negative prototype about the hookah smokers and the willingness to avoid from hookah smoking (P=0.002). Also willingness predicted non-smoking hookah better than the intention (P<0.001). Conclusion: Deigning intervention to increase negative prototype about the hookah smokers and reducing situations and conditions which facilitate hookah smoking, such as easy access to tobacco products in the cafés, beaches can be useful results among adolescents to hookah smoking prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]