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Patient satisfaction is important in healthcare as it affects the quality of care and can lower costs in hospitals. This study aimed to measure immigrant satisfaction with outpatient services at Firoozabadi Hospital's pediatric clinic. Data were collected from immigrant patients from January to July 2023. The Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire 18 and the personal information checklist were used in oral interviews with caregivers. The overall satisfaction score was 72.95 out of 90, with a standard deviation of 12.57. Financial issues received the lowest satisfaction scores, while interpersonal manner received the highest ratings. Out of the 241 respondents, 48.6% were completely satisfied, 32.7% were satisfied, 10.6% had no opinion, and 4.4% expressed dissatisfaction. Satisfaction levels were not correlated with income, education, possession of identification documents or health insurance, and length of stay in Iran. Overall, most participants were happy with the outpatient services, but many lacked health insurance. Providing easier access to health insurance for immigrants could help reduce dissatisfaction with expensive medical bills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents' mental health can have significant effects on their well-being; Inadequate Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is also a global concern. The present study investigated Mental Health Literacy and its relationship with positive mental health in Iranian adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Saveh, a city in the center of Iran, between April 15, 2023 to May 25, 2023. A total number of 400 adolescents in 8 schools were selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Mental health literacy and positive mental health were measured using the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire (KAMHS) and the 14-item Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF) questionnaire. The parameters linked to mental health literacy were found using a hierarchical multiple linear regression model. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the data. Results: The study results revealed that approximately half of the participants (52.5%) had moderate mental health. The mean and standard deviation of mental health literacy scores were 89 and 8.7, respectively. Gender (P=0.041), father's level of education (P=0.043), mother's level of education (P=0.031), father's employment status (P=0.023), family income (P=0.035), familiarity with those with mental illness (P=0.01), and mental health status (P=0.005) were associated with mental health literacy. Also, results indicated significant differences in MHL (P=0.01) and good mental health behaviors (P=0.04), avoidance coping (P=0.03), and knowledge (P<0.001). Conclusions: It is essential to implement suitable educational programs to improve the mental health status and mental health literacy of adolescents. The mental health status of individuals can act as a catalyst in promoting mental health literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investing in the preparation of middle-aged individuals for healthy old age can empower them to surmount the challenges aging. This study was conducted to create and assess the reliability and validity of a scale designed to measure the readiness of middle-aged individuals for healthy aging, referred to as the Middle-Age Preparation Scale for Healthy Aging (MPHA). The research employed a mixed sequential exploratory design. During the qualitative phase, items for the questionnaire were generated by reviewing existing literature and conducting interviews with participants. Subsequently, in the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated by analyzing its face validity, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and stability. The reliability and validity of the MPHA were tested with a sample of 440 middle-aged individuals in Tehran, Iran, in 2020. The statistical analyses performed included exploratory factor analysis, measures of internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Initially, the item pool contained 80 items, which was narrowed down to 44 items during the face and content validation phase. The structural validity assessment resulted in a final 33-item scale, encompassing five factors associated with preparation for healthy aging: financial preparation, maintenance and promotion of physical and mental health, psychological preparation, sustaining communication, and planning productive leisure time. These factors explained 60.37% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the overall MPHA was 0.90, and ranged from 0.79 to 0.91 for the five subscales. The MPHA exhibited satisfactory validity and reliability for assessing preparation for healthy aging in the Iranian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): One of the undesirable consequences of the aging process is the feeling of loneliness and decrease in general health. Nowadays aging people are one of the most problems of sustainable development in each country in the world. Therefore, current research was aimed to determine the impact of loneliness on elderly health in west health care center of Tehran. Methods: This was descriptive- analytical research conducted cross-sectionally in 2020-2021. The research population was elderly people over 60 years old covered by west health center of Tehran. Determining the sample size was conducted by Krejcie and Morgan table to the number of 300. The list of elderly people extracted from Sib system, and selected by random table of numbers. The research tool were two questionnaires including GHQ-28 of Goldberg and loneliness feeling of elderly population (SELSA-S) that confirmed their validity and reliability. Descriptive results were reported by frequency, average, and also analytical results reported using by Pearson and variance analysis, and also linear regression. Results: Increased feeling of loneliness and poor mental health and social function were observed elderly people. Negative and significant feeling of loneliness and its components impacted on mental health among elderly people. There was no significant relationship between feeling of loneliness and gender. Conclusion: Decreased feeling of loneliness among elderly people might lead to improved mental health among elderly people. Therefore, due to the increasing elderly population in Iran, it is so important to design interventions and training programs in order to create supportive conditions for elderly people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of mental health first aid training for Iranian teenagers as a crucial component of health education. It highlights the prevalence of mental health issues among adolescents and the need for early intervention and support. The article suggests that school-based educational programs, such as the mental health first aid training program, can effectively improve mental health outcomes for teenagers. It emphasizes the need for cultural adaptation of these programs and recommends incorporating mental health first aid training into the school curriculum in Iran. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Family plays the most fundamental role in the adolescent's health. A deep understanding of family characteristics, beliefs, and function about the adolescent social health provides a framework, relying on which one can perceive how this dimension of health is developed and promoted in this setting. In this study, we aimed to understand the family context that facilitates or limits adolescent social health. Methods: Fifty-four adolescents and fifteen parents participated using a purposive sampling method. The findings were collected through semi-structured interviews and group discussions. The data was analyzed through conventional content analysis by the MAXQDA10 software. Results: Healthy and unhealthy family reactions are the two main categories that facilitate and limit the adolescents' social health. Sub-categories of healthy reactions included effective guidance, cultural safeguard, and accountable interactions. The unhealthy family reactions included sub-categories of poor intergenerational perception and passive parenting. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that the family context of the adolescent's social health ranged from healthy to unhealthy responses. These results can contribute to improving and designing interventions for promoting the adolescent's social health. It is essential for policymakers and health experts to pay attention to the family empowerment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension is a health problem. The purpose of the present study was to compare perceived self-efficacy, benefits, and barriers of hypertension control between male and female patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 patients referred to Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran from August 2020 through March 2021. The convenience sampling method was used. The data collection tools consisted of a digital sphygmomanometer, a demographic form, and a researcher-made questionnaire of perceived benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy of hypertension control, whose validity and reliability were obtained. Results: The mean age of the male and female patients was 54.02±12.93 years and 56.48±12.10 years, respectively. The mean score of perceived barriers in women was lower than that in men, and the mean perceived self-efficacy in women was higher than that in men (P<0.001). According to the regression test, history of smoking in men and family history of hypertension and age in women were predictors of perceived benefits. Further, occupation and history of smoking in men and education level, family history of hypertension, and history of smoking in women were predictors of perceived barriers. Additionally, marital status, education level, and disease duration in men and education level, family history of hypertension, history of smoking, and age in women were predictors of perceived self-efficacy (P<0.050). Conclusion: In men, the mean score of perceived barriers was higher and the mean score of perceived self-efficacy was lower. Additionally, the predictors of each of these perceptions were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives By the rapid growth of the elderly population, the need to pay attention to this group becomes more obvious. General self-efficacy, self-control and self-esteem are the effective individual factors for the empowerment of the elderly. This study aims to examine the relationship between these individual aspects of empowerment and general health in older adults attending neighborhood houses in Tehran, Iran. Methods & Materials In this descriptive-analytical study with cross-sectional study design, 320 older men and women over 60 years of age participated who were selected by a cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic form, the 28-item general health questionaire, 10-item general selfefficacy scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and Tangney's brief self-control scale. Data was described using mean and standard deviation, and analyzed using chi-square test, Spearman correlation test, oneway-ANOVA, and linear regression in SPSS sofwtare, version 22. Results The mean age of the elderly was 68.42±8.3 years. Their mean score of general health was 21.95±13.4. A significant negative correlation was found between general health, general self-efficacy, self-esteem and self-control (P<0.001). Their general health had a significant relationship with their educational level (P<0.001), years of employment (P=0.002) and housing status (P<0.001). The multivariate regression Results showed that housing status (P=0.156), self-esteem (P<0.001), self-control (P<0.001), and general self-efficacy (P<0.001) were the significant predictors of general health in the elderly. Conclusion There is a relationship between general health, general self-efficacy, self-esteem, and selfcontrol of the elderly in Tehran. Their general health is related to their educational level, years of employment, and housing status. Housing status, self-esteem, self-control and general self-efficacy are predictors of their general health. Attention should be paid to these factors in developing health promotion programs for the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smokeless tobacco (ST) use is one of the most important public health problems in Southeast Asia. The use of these substances increases the incidence of some cancers and other diseases. The purpose of this review study was to investigate on ST use in Iran. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and three national databases [Scientific Information Database (SID), IranMedex, and IranDoc] based on the standard search strategy. Findings: Most consumer people lived in Sistan and Baluchestan Province (Zahedan and Chabahar Cities) and Golestan Province, Iran. ST use rates ranged from 11.0% to 45.7% among college students in Sistan and Baluchestan (Zahedan and Chabahar) and Golestan. There are various types of ST consumed in Iran that have been mentioned in various articles, including Pan, Gutka, Nass, Naswar, Biti, and Supari. Conclusion: Most studies on ST have been conducted in Sistan and Baluchestan and Golestan Provinces and we need more research for other provinces. Consumption by women is a warning and a threat to women's health in the future. Further studies will be needed to find out more precisely the prevalence of consumption in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders experienced by kidney transplant (KT) recipients. The aim of this study was to determine the depressive symptoms exhibited by KT recipients and the related factors affecting them. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 131 KT recipients referring to nephrology clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil, in 2016. Convenience sampling method was employed. Data were collected using personal profile form and Beck Depression Inventory, self-efficacy and self-care behaviors of the KT recipients. Data were analyzed using the descriptive and analytical tests in SPSS software (Version 22). Results: More than half of the patients exhibited symptoms of depression. The mean depression score was 15.55±19.48, indicating mild depression. Multiple linear regression indicated that depression symptoms were significantly associated with self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, symptom distress, age and marital status. Conclusion: Self-efficacy and self-care behaviors found to be the efficacious and modifiable factors of depressive symptoms in KT recipients. Therefore, self-efficacy and self-care promotion in these patients should be a significant part of care plans these patients. In addition, depression and its related factors should be part of routine screening measures for KT recipients. Patients with signs of depression should undergo individual interventions based on the specific conditions of each patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Self-care is a basic concept in health promotion, regarding the importance of health literacy as a key factor in self-care. This study aimed to identify the relationship between self-care behaviors and health literacy among elderly women in Iran. Methods: This descriptive and analytic study was performed between October and December 2015. A total of 360 participants were selected from elderly women referred to health centers. Data was collected by test of functional health literacy in adults (S-TOFHLA) and a checklist for assessment of self-care behaviors, and health information seeking. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) with One-Way Analysis of Variance, and the Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test and regression test. Results: The mean score of functional health literacy was 41.30±6.29. Of the participants, 73.6% had inadequate health literacy, 20.8% borderline health literacy, and 5.6% enough health literacy. The mean score of health information seeking was 1.791. Also, 31.9% of elderly women had poor self-care behaviors, 56.9% moderate, and 11.1% high. A significant difference was observed in mean score of health literacy between different levels of self-care (F=30.087, p<0.001). Based on regression analysis, health literacy and health information seeking predicted 19.9% of the variance of self-care behaviors. Conclusion: This study highlights the necessity of promoting health literacy and attention to its influencing factors to improve self-care ability of elderly women. In conclusion, Planning interventions to improve health literacy is essential for health promotion among elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor quality of life is common among diabetic patients, and educational intervention is one of the most effective strategies to improve the quality of life for chronic patients. Objectives: To determine the effect of an educational intervention based on PRECEDE-PROCEED in quality of life of diabetic patients, in 2016. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 86 patients referred to diabetic centers of Ardabil participated. We used the components PRECEDE-PROCEED model for planning, implementation and evaluation of the program. Data collection tools were Diabetes Quality of Life questionnaire (DQOL) and a researcher-made questionnaire. Eight training sessions were conducted for the intervention group for self-efficiency, self- management, attitude, knowledge, and enabling reinforcing factors. Quality of life was followed one and three months after intervention. Data were analyzed through SPSS 16 software using descriptive and analytical tests. Results: The mean age of patients was 55.88 (±12.1) years. The result showed that before intervention, no significant difference was observed among the mean scores of quality of life, self-management, knowledge, attitude, enabling and reinforcing factors, and self-efficiency in two groups. But one and three months after intervention a significant difference was observed (p<0.001). Conclusion: Educational intervention with PRECEDE-PROCEED model improved the diabetic patient’s quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea may lead to severe anxiety and pain relief during menstruation may reduce the anxiety levels. This study was aimed to determine the effect of acupressure at third liver and placebo points on the anxiety level in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted in parallel in the control and treatment groups for three menstrual periods at the dormitory of Kashan University of Medical Sciences between March and June 2012. Students with pain score equal to or greater than 4 were selected and divided into groups based on severity of pain using a randomized block design with the allocation ratio of 1:1. Acupressure was applied in two acupoints including third Liver point (Liv3) and placebo points. Spielberg (STAI) anxiety questionnaire was completed before and after intervention. Randomization, subjects, and data analyzer were blinded to the analysis. Chi‑square tests, t‑test, Mann-Whitney, paired sample t‑test, and univariate analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Mean [standard deviation (SD)] values of apparent anxiety levels before and after intervention for liv3 were 45.100 (9.769) and 38.100 (10.608), respectively. For the control group, they were 41.200 (9.795) and 38.900(10.140), respectively. Difference was significant only in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Hidden anxiety did not show a significant change before and after intervention. There was no difference between groups in apparent or hidden anxiety after intervention. Conclusions: Pressure on liv3 point reduces anxiety. As there are no previous studies on this topic, further studies with more samples are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women-headed households are more exposed to social damages than other women. Such condition remarkably influences the women's health-related life quality. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of an educational intervention in quality of life of women-headed households under protection of Tehran Welfare Organization, in 2015. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with control group, 180 women-headed households participated. Sampling method was random allocation. Data collection tools were Life Quality standard questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and a researcher-made questionnaire about structures of ecological and educational diagnosis phase of PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire approved in a primary study. Based on the results obtained from the primary study, the intervention was performed in the case group only. Participants were followed one and three months after intervention. Data were analyzed through SPSS v. 15 software using descriptive and analytical tests. Results: Before intervention no significant difference was observed among the mean scores of life quality, behavioral factors, and knowledge, enabling, and reinforcing factors in the two groups. But, one month and three months after intervention a significant difference was observed between the mean scores of these variables (in five instances p<0.001). Conclusion: Intervention through the PRECEDE-PROCEED model improved the women-headed households' quality of life. The innovation of this study is using such intervention on quality of life in women-headed households for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the main causes of pain, suffering, absenteeism, disability and reduction in productivity. This research aims to determine the role of training intervention based on protection motivation theory in reducing WMSDs and promoting productivity. Methodology. The conducted study was based on a quasi-experimental design (control) that was carried out on 158 employees of the Kabl Khodro factory which were divided into two groups of 79 people. After splitting the 158 workers, an experimental and control group was formed. The data collection instruments were made up of two questionnaires and were analysed using a quick exposure check (QEC) method. Result. Before intervention in both the experimental and control groups, there were no significant differences among the average protection motivation theory constructs, productivity and QEC scores (p < 0.05). However, following training intervention there was a significant increase in these factors within the investigated group apart from the perceived response costs and efficacy. Conclusion. The conducted study shows that ergonomic training based on the protection motivation theory is effective in reducing musculoskeletal risk factors and that increased knowledge of the subject can lead to an increase in productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescence is a sensitive period of acquiring normal and abnormal habits for all of life. The study investigates determinants of responsibility for health, spiritual health and interpersonal relations and predictive factors based on the theory of planned behavior in high school girl students in Tabriz. Methods: In this Cross-sectional study, 340 students were selected thorough multi-stage sampling. An author-made questionnaire based on standard questionnaires of Health Promotion and Lifestyle II (HPLPII), spiritual health standards (Palutzian & Ellison) and components of the theory of planned behavior (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention) was used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated in a pilot study. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.15 and descriptive and analytical tests (Chi-square test, Pearson correlation co-efficient and liner regression test in backward method). Results: Students' responsibility for health, spiritual health, interpersonal relationships, and concepts of theory of planned behavior was moderate. We found a significant positive correlation (p<0/001) among all concepts of theory of planned behavior. Attitude and perceived behavioral control predicted 35% of intention of behavioral change (p<0.001). Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control predicted 74% of behavioral change in accountability for health (p<0.0001), 56% for behavioral change in spiritual health (p<0.0001) and 63% for behavioral change in interpersonal relationship (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Status of responsibility for health, spiritual health and interpersonal relationships of students was moderate. Hence, behavioral intention and its determinants such as perceived behavioral control should be noted in promoting intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet use and internet addiction is increasingly considerable among the students and university students. In recent years, a phenomenon known as "Internet addiction" has been proposed.The current study aimed to determine the factors of internet addiction based on the planned behavior theory among boy students of the dormitories of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2012. In the descriptive-analytical study that was carried out by cluster sampling on 150 boy students of the dormitories of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The data collection instrument were Manuscript questionnaire including background questions and the questions of planned behavior theory structures (intention, attitude, subjective norms and perceived control behavior) which its reliability and validity were obtained and Young's internet addiction scale questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) by Chi-square test, exact fisher test, ANONA and Correlation Coefficient test. The mean and standard deviation of internet addiction were 49.48 ±14.56. 86. 66% of the students had internet addiction behavior (mild, moderate and severe). There were significant relationships between attitudes and internet addiction scores and between perceived behavioral control and internet addiction scores. Finally most of the studied students have moderate and severe addiction to internet and appropriate interventions need to be done. These interventions should also be considered to improve the attitude and individual behavior control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual well-being is an important factor in postdivorce adjustment and presents various challenges for divorced women in Iran. With an alarming number of marriages ending in divorce in Iran, the postdivorce sexuality adjustment process has become a major concern. Meanings attached to the sexuality of a divorcee necessitate different adjustment and coping strategies among women. How these meanings are generated, negotiated, and modified in Iranian contexts has yet to be explored. We used a grounded theory approach to analyze the extensive, rich data obtained through sustained interaction with the informants as well as through in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions. “Sociosexual problems” was found to be one of the main domains in our study. Participants experienced a negative impact from divorce on their sexual lives, including sexual interactions. Social isolation and social exclusion resulted from the avoidance of stereotypic interactions and were often a consequence of difficulties with concealment of sexual needs due to stigma. Women discussed a range of negative experiences arising in response to their sexual needs in postdivorce life. The analysis revealed the complexities of gendered postdivorce sexual trajectories. Based on the findings, articulating a sexual health model specific for divorced women seems important. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background & Objective: Menopausal symptoms in women lead to decreased quality of life. Understanding this natural process in a woman's life during is important in effective control of their problems during this period. The purpose of this study was to determine the four (vasomotor, mental-social, physical and sexual) dimensions of quality of life of postmenopausal women in Tehran in 2007. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, sample size was determined by using the formula for estimating the proportion of a phenomenon and 700 postmenopausal women randomly selected in Tehran. The data gathering tool was Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Data were analyzed in SPSS14 by using descriptive tests (such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, relative frequency) and analytical test (Chisquare) at the 0.05 significance level. Results: Quality of Life of women under study was moderate. The highest mean score was related to physical dimension (23.97±3.09) and the lowest mean score was related to vasomotor dimension (3.29±.84). A significant correlations between their quality of life and their occupation (p=0.04) and income (p=0.009) were also seen. It means postmenopausal women housewives and women with higher income had better quality of life to enjoy. Conclusion: The quality of life is not desirable in these women. Developing some interventions to improve their quality of life is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Considering the population boom and its deleterious effects on different sections of societies, as well as the minimal role of men in family planning programs, we conducted the present study to investigate the impact of education using Health Belief Model (HBM) on awareness and attitude of male teachers of Marvdasht regarding their participation in family planning programs. Material and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest. Using randomized cluster sampling, we selected 90 male teachers of Marvdasht. The participants were evaluated using a questionnaire based on health belief model prior to and following the educational program. Education consisted of providing an educational pamphlet and question and answer sessions. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, chisquare, Spearman and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Our findings indicate a significant difference between awareness and attitude scores before and after education (P<0.001). We also calculated the correlation coefficient between individuals' awareness and attitude scores and background variables such as age, spouse age, number of children, and spouse occupation and education. Conclusion: Education aimed at improving men's participation in family planning may enhance the individuals' awareness and attitude, thus contributing to family health. We recommend the provision of appropriate educational programs specific for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fear of childbirth is one of the most common problems among pregnant women that can threaten their and their baby’s health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the causes and grounds of childbirth fear and the strategies used by pregnant adolescent women in Iran to overcome such fears. Methods: In this study, which was conducted among primiparous Kurdish women in Iran, conventional qualitative content analysis was used. Data were selected through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. Data saturation was reached with 15 participants. The Lincoln and Guba criteria were used to strengthen the research. Results: After analyzing the data, two main categories were resulted. The first category was fear of childbirth with subcategories of fear of child health, fear of childbirth process, fears about inappropriate medical staff performance, fears about hospital environment, and postpartum fears. The second category was strategies to reduce childbirth fear with subcategories of choosing appropriate medical centers, increasing information on childbirth, avoiding stressful sources, improving self-care, getting prepared for delivery day in advance, and resorting to spirituality. Conclusion: Pregnancy in adult age is better than adolescent age. The women’s fear can be reduced by increasing their assurance about child health, providing appropriate training during pregnancy, explaining the whole process of childbirth and making it easier, improving the hospital environment and medical staff specialization, as well as providing appropriate conditions for further care and support after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]