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Abstract Introduction Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but the quality of life and health of postmenopausal women are often compromised by unhealthy lifestyles. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the factors that influence their well-being. The main objective of this study is to explore the barriers to a healthy lifestyle among Iranian postmenopausal women. Methods Qualitative exploratory research was conducted among postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years in three different health centers located in urban areas with varying economic level in a central city of Iran. These areas represented upscale, downtown, and downscale areas with different economic statuses (wealthy, relatively wealthy, and less wealthy). Nine focus group discussions were held, focusing on managing menopausal symptoms, physical activity, and healthy nutrition. Each topic was discussed separately in a different health center, with 10 women participating in each session. Data analysis was conducted using Graneheim and Lundman’s method. Results The study revealed a prominent theme, “perceived lack of behavioral control as a barrier to a healthy lifestyle in post-menopause.” Two categories, “False attitudes” and “Perceived inability to engage in behavior,” were derived from 26 codes related to managing menopausal symptoms. Furthermore, a category, “Perceived inability to engage in behavior,” was formed from 11 to 13 codes related to physical activity and healthy nutrition, respectively. The theme highlighted that the perceived lack of behavioral control prevented the women from adopting a healthy lifestyle. Conclusion Improving perceived behavioral control through the modification of attitudes and abilities is essential for maintaining a healthy postmenopausal lifestyle.

Abstract Background Social distancing is a key behavior to minimize and controlling COVID-19 infections. The current study applied an integrated Theory of Planned Behavior to identify the determinants of social distancing behavior, and the processes involved, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods a cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern Iran among 1000 people from Shiraz by employing a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire based on the main constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS software version 22 and Amos version 24. Level of statistical significance was declared at a P-value of less than 0.05. Results according to the results, the subjective norms (F = 2.696, effect size = 0.139) and attitude (F = 3.582, effect size = 0.155) play an important role in the samples’ PBC (P ≤ 0.05). Final adjusted structural equation model of the effects of independent variables (Gender, subjective norms, attitude) on samples’ intention to adherence social distancing for prevention of Covid-19 with the mediating role of one main variable of PBC. The PBC alone can be an important factor in creating intensive behavior in the samples (F = 3.560, effect size = 0.18). Conclusion current findings highlight the importance of “attitude, subjective norms and PBC” as determinants of social distancing intention. Future research on long-range predictors of social distancing behavior and reciprocal effects in the integrated model is warranted. This evidence is relevant to public and private organizations in the process of developing strategies to promote and engage the population in adopting the behavior of “Adherence to Social Distancing” in Iran.

Abstract Introduction Globally, hypertension is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of premature death. Since this disease is incurable, it is necessary to promote patients’ self-care behaviors to control it. The goal of this research was to identify the elements that influence self-care actions in individuals with hypertension, utilizing the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) framework. Methods A study was carried out in Omidiyeh, located in southern Iran, using a cross-sectional design, involving 397 adults with hypertension (198 females and 199 males) who were selected from comprehensive health centers using a stratified random sampling technique. Data was gathered through a demographic data collection form and a questionnaire created by the researcher, which was based on the PMT. Data were assessed utilizing SPSS 25 and AMOS 24 software, and various statistical tests including one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, independent t-test, and structural equation modeling were conducted. Findings The variables of intrinsic reward (r = 0.182), extrinsic reward (r = 0.288), and response cost (r = 0.126) showed a significant negative correlation with self-care behaviors. On the other hand, perceived susceptibility (r = 0.212), perceived severity (r = 0.110), self-efficacy (r = 0.555), and response efficacy (r = 0.424) demonstrated a significant positive correlation with self-care behaviors. Specifically, self-efficacy and response efficacy were the most powerful predictors of self-care behaviors, respectively. Conclusion The results showed that several factors can forecast self-care behaviors in patients with hypertension. Researchers are recommended to incorporate PMT in educational interventions and concentrate on self-efficacy and response efficacy constructs.

Background: Old age is a sensitive period of life and paying attention to its needs is a social necessity. The older adults are exposed to threats such loneliness, isolation, and lack of social support. The aim of this study was to investigate the index of intergenerational quality in Persian and Arab ethnic groups in aging society in Iran.Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study on Persian and Arab ethnic groups. The statistical population of this research consisted of the elderly belonging to two ethnic groups: Persians and Arabs. The sampling was done using the quota randommethod. The sample size of this research was estimated based on Morgan’s table to be 217 older adults.Results: In terms of health status, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Associational Structural Correlation, Normative consensus correlation, Normative consensus correlation, Emotional closeness, Intergenerational conflict, Ambivalence in the two groups were not significantly different. The general scale of the intergenerational quality questionnaire responses showed the closeness of the general scale of the questionnaire between the two groups.Conclusion: The comparison of the results of the two groups in this study showed that the Arab people had a better health status than the Persian ones.

Background: Alcohol consumption, as a high-risk behaviour of adolescents, is a problematic challenge in health system around the globe. Iran, as an Islamic country, has been faced with this issue despite strict religious norms and heavy laws and punishment, especially after the fundamental 1979 revolution. This study aimed to analyze and use theoretical model to identify the factors influencing the intention not to drink alcohol among adolescents in southern Iran.Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in mid- 2020 in southern Iran. The data were collected using available samples from among 763 tenth grade adolescents who visited health canters to receive health services upon entering school. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk test, independent sample t-test, and binary logistic regression (P

Abstract Background Given that social media use (SMU) is an increasingly widespread activity among university students, more information is needed to evaluate its relationship with students’ mental health, particularly medical students. Objective The present study assessed the relationships between SMU and coping style with psychological distress and academic performance of medical students. Methods An offline cross-sectional survey conducted with 398 undergraduate medical students. The survey collected data on demographics, psychological distress (DASS-21), coping strategies (Brief COPE Scale), academic performance (grade point average) and estimated average time spent on social media per day. Structural equation modeling was used to clarify relationships between the main study variables. The study also examined the mediating effect of maladaptive coping between SMU and psychological distress. Results Students with higher levels of psychological distress were more likely to be engaged in frequent social media use. Spending more than two hours a day on social media use had a positive association with maladaptive coping (p

Abstract Background Menopausal women should learn self-care practices to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, positive health behaviors, and health status. In addition, the lack of self-care knowledge can lead to unhealthy attitudes and lifestyles, resulting in many complications. Improved self-care knowledge can foster positive attitudes, leading to healthier lifestyles as a beneficial cycle. However, menopausal women have limited knowledge about self-care and evaluation tools. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and investigate the validity and reliability of the Women’s Self-care Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire (WSKAQ) in Iranian menopausal women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 menopausal women, aged between 45 and 65 years and at least one year post-menopause, with a minimum literacy level of elementary education. Validation properties included construct validity, exploratory (EFA), and discriminant validity. Reliability was further established through Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s Omega. PASS 15 and SPSS 27 software were used to select centers, calculate sample size and analyze the data, respectively. Results The initial stage of construct validity involved the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and EFA, resulting in a 6-item self-care knowledge subscale, 47.29% of the total data variance, and 7-item self-care attitude subscale, 55.50% of the total data variance. Independent t-test indicated that menopausal women with education level equal to or higher than diploma have significantly higher self-care attitude scores than those with lower than diploma (p = 0.007). Additionally, significant correlations were observed between self-care knowledge and attitude (r:0.30). Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s Omega coefficients of the 13-item WSKAQ were 0.77 and 0.78, respectively. Conclusions Based on the results, the WSKAQ, consisting of 13 items, was validated and reliable for assessing the self-care knowledge and attitude of Iranian menopausal women.

Background: A society’s culture, beliefs, and values are important and effective factors in lifestyle and health status. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the correlation between older adults’ tendency towards superstitions and their healthylifestyles.Methods: This study was descriptive-analytical and of a correlational type. The statistical population consisted of all the older adults covered by healthcare centers in the North of Iran. The sample size was determined to be 360 using the multistage random sampling method. Data were collected using the Elderly Healthy Lifestyle and Tendency to Superstitions Questionnaires. Spearman’s test, regression analysis, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and SPSS 28 software were utilized to analyze the data.Results: Among a total of 360 elderly participants in the study, 173 were male, and 187 were female, in the age range of 60 to 91 years. The results indicated a significant correlation (P

Background: The present study aimed to determine the factors affecting the decision of hearing-impaired adults to perform cochlear implantation (CI) and the impact of each factor on the results of hearing quality, speech understanding, spatial hearing, and quality of life (QoL) after implantation.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, thirty-nine adults with CI completed the Speech, Spatial, and Hearing Quality Scale (SSQ), Quality of Life Standard (SF-12), and Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI) questionnaires. One-way ANOVA and two-step cluster analysis with Schwarz’s Bayesian information criterion as clustering criterion were used to analyze the data.Results: There was a significant difference between males and females in the total score of QoL, physical health, and age of hearing loss (HL) diagnosis, but not in the SSQ questionnaire. In the mental health of all participants, a significant difference was observed in two levels of THI. Age at implantation and income, age of HL diagnosis, duration of CI, degree of tinnitus, and level of education (literacy) play an important role in QoL, speech comprehension, spatial hearing, mental health, and SSQ, respectively. Some patients’ decisions for CI surgery consisted of tinnitus before implantation, age, sex, income, and QoL.Conclusion: Some demographic factors are effective in the process of a person’s decision to perform implantation. Besides other implant factors in adult CI candidacy, considering the person’s decision may lead to realistic expectations from the surgery and related results, which can be attended to in counseling before implantation.

Abstract Background Needle stick injuries (NSI) can lead to dangerous infectious diseases for health care workers. This study aimed to determine the predictors of observance of safe injection guidelines in hospital nursing staff, based on protection motivation theory. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on the nursing staff of five randomly selected teaching and general hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Fars province, Iran, in 2021. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire which was developed based on protection motivation theory. Data were processed and analyzed using SPSS 22 and Amos 24 at a significance level of

Mindful self-care is a valuable activity that contributes to old people’s independence and self-control and its development is in line with the duties of social workers. This study aimed to validate the mindful self-care scale (MSCS) for Iranian old people and was performed on old people living in the community of Shiraz, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on old people living in the community who met the inclusion criteria in Shiraz, Iran. After linguistic validation of the Persian version of MSCS with 36 items, face, and content validity were determined. Then the first part of construct validity was conducted using a kurtosis test, and exploratory factor analysis with the first sample ( n = 250). After selecting the appropriate items, confirmatory factor analysis was assessed with the second sample ( n = 250). Scale reliability was also evaluated. The optimal cut-off points were obtained by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). SPSS version 23 was used for further data analysis, while confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using AMOS version 24. Exploratory factor analysis loaded only 24 items with four factors. The modified second-order confirmatory factor analysis model displayed a good fit (RMSEA = 0.04; CFI = 0.90; GFI = 0.90). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of MSCS with 24 items was .94. The cut-off points were 38, 11, 23, and 17 for factors of resilience, goal achievement, supportive relationship, and self-care respectively, and 90 for the whole instrument. The study found that the MSCS short form with 24 items is valid and reliable in the Iranian elderly population, making it an effective tool for mental self-care screening and a practical tool for social workers. However, the study recommends repeating the study in other cities of Iran to generalize the findings.

Discussion: The new version of OAEAS 18-items is a valid and reliable tool for assessing fear of insects or other arthropods in Iranian community-dwelling older adults. The possible uses and limitations of the Iranian version of the scale were also discussed.

This research aims to create and evaluate an assessment tool termed Older Adults’ First Aid Knowledge Scale, which measures the knowledge and attitude of Iranian grandparents about first aid. In accordance with COSIM guidelines, 485 individuals in southern Iran completed the instrument as part of a psychometric investigation. Rasch partial credit model (PCM), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to analyze the results. The final version of OFAKS consisted of 18 items that were validated through EFA, CFA, and item response theory (IRT) analysis. All items showed measurement invariance and consecutive response groupings in the predictable order, and the instrument had strong internal consistency. Although Rasch’s analysis demonstrated the significance of OFAKS, further investigations and testing in different settings are required to confirm the validity of the tool.

Background. The Health Locus of Control (HLC) serves as a mediator between an individual’s behaviors and health status, influenced by various cultural, environmental, and situational factors. Its measurement reflects health beliefs and attitudes, ultimately leading to healthy behaviors. Menopause is a significant phenomenon in women’s lives, often resulting in a wide range of symptoms and health issues. Therefore, the perception of HLC plays a crucial role in promoting healthy behaviors and managing menopausal symptoms. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the short form Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC) in Iranian menopausal women and explore its interrelationships. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 271 menopausal women from September to November 2023. Psychometric properties such as construct validity (confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis), convergent validity (evaluated using average variance extracted), and internal consistency (assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability and rho_A factor) were examined. Discriminant validity was determined using the Fornell–Larcker criterion. Reliability was further established through Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega coefficients. The predictive relevance of the model and associations between constructs were analyzed using various statistical measures. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS v.27 and Smart PLS 3.0 software. Limitations of this study include that it was conducted in urban health centers, only women with at least primary education were included, and reliance on self-reported data. Results. The initial stage of construct validity involved the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, with confirmatory factor analysis demonstrating a good model fit. Significant correlations were found between internal health control and factors related to doctors and other people, indicating that internal health control directly influences these factors in managing menopausal symptoms and health problems. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega coefficients for the 13-item MHLC-C scale were satisfactory (0.81 and 0.72, respectively). Conclusions. The Persian version of the 13-item MHLC-C has been validated as a reliable tool for assessing the health locus of control in Iranian menopausal women. Internal health control was found to significantly impact perceptions related to doctors and other people, highlighting its importance in managing menopausal symptoms effectively.

Abstract Introduction Girls can use their mother’s emotional, informational and behavioral support to perform healthy behaviors due to their constant access to their mothers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of role modeling and maternal support in the family to improve healthy behaviors and perceived Family Health Climate (FHC) in female students. Methods In this educational quasi-experimental study, 261 female students (133 in the intervention group and 128 in the control group) and 223 mothers (109 intervention and 114 control) were selected using the cluster multi-stages sampling method and entered the study. Participants (intervention and control groups) completed the FHC scale at three stages (before intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 2 months after intervention). A training program that comprised 12 sessions for students and six sessions for their mothers using collaborative learning techniques and printed materials was conducted with the experimental group. Also after completing the questionnaire in the follow-up phase, pamphlets and educational videos were given to the control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS20 via a chi-square test, independent t-test, and Repeated Measures ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05. Results Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between demographic variables and the score of the FHC scale in both groups (p

Abstract Aims More than three decades have passed since the end of the Iraq-Iran war, and this period has been concurrent with a rapid growth of the older community in Iran which includes the community of veterans who often suffer from serious psychological and behavioral problems. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of loneliness in middle and older veterans in southern Iran. Materials & methods A cross-sectional study conducted among 583 middle and older male veterans (50 years

Background: Widowhood is an unwonted stage after married life accompanied by emotional and physical stress. Resilience plays an important role in coping with widowhood, but there is no appropriate instrument to help measure resilience among the Iranian population. Hence, the objective of the present study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the widowhood resilience scale (WRS, 25-Items).Methods: In a psychometric study, 352 Iranian widows were randomly selected; then, the WRS, Loneliness, general resilience, and demographic questionnaire were used to gather data. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to extract the factors using IBM-SPSS version 24 and AMOS version 24.Results: The mean ages of 352 participants were 65.7±9.8, and the highest frequency of education level was no formal schooling (42.6%). The construct validity of WRS based on Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the six subscales explained a total of 85.35 % of the variance. The convergent validity of the WRS 25-items was compared to Iranian versions of UCLA-Loneliness (0.71) and CD‐RISC (0.78) as well (P

Abstract Introduction Women heads of households (widows or divorcees) are vulnerable groups in society who face various psychological problems and have less resilience than other women. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of resilience educational intervention on the psychological capital of poor widows in Fasa city, south Iran. Materials and Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 120 widows covered by Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation were selected by a simple random sampling method based on a random Efron algorithm (Efron coin) and randomly assigned into two interventions and control groups (60 people each) in the second half of 2021. About 8 training sessions on resilience and psychological capital were held for the experimental group through training clips, audio transmissions, and podcasts. Data were collected using demographic characteristics forms, widowers' resilience assessment questionnaires, and Luten's psychological capital scale for testing and control before and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed with Chi-square test, independent and paired t-test using SPSS V. 26 software. Results There were differences between the two groups at pretest in demographic variables and psychological capital and its subscales, and resilience and its subscales (P ≥ 0.05).. But two months after the educational intervention, a statistically significant increase was observed in the experimental group in these variables compared to the control group (p

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions curtailed physical activity. The current study applied an integrated Theory of Planned Behavior to identify the determinants of physical activity behavior and the processes involved in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz city, Southern Iran, among 2500 people who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Data were collected using the demographic information questions and questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs. The Questionnaire via WhatsApp, emails, and SMS was shared. Data analysis was performed using SPSS26 and Amos version 24. Mean and standard deviation was used to describe the data. Also, one-way ANOVA and structural equation analysis were used to analyze the data. The significance level in all the tests was considered to be 0.05. Results One thousand one hundred sixty-nine samples (46.8%) said they had been exercising less than 3 days a week, and 47.6% of them did not have any exercise or physical activities (n = 1191). The mean score of attitudes, SN, PBC, and intention were 9.38 ± 2.07, 9.27 ± 2.03, 9.32 ± 2.05, and 12.29 ± 2.35, respectively. The effect size values demonstrate the independent variables’ high coefficient of influence on explaining the theoretical model. According to the results, the factors play an important role in samples’ intention (η2 ≥ 0.2, p ≤ 0.05). The effect size of intention on doing physical activities and exercise during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is Eta square = 0.777, which means the measure was high. The obtained model was good based on the main goodness of fit indices (Chi2 = 108.6, df = 25, n = 2500, Chi2/df = 4.344, RMSEA = 0.036, AGFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.95, GFI = 0.90, Fornell-Larcker criterion = 0.87, HTMT = 0.89). Conclusion The TPB provides a useful framework to explore psychosocial determinants of physical activity behavior during the pandemic and identify key strategies for program planning aimed at improving exercise among people who were already influenced by quarantine and lockdown restrictions.

Objectives Increasing frailty syndrome is one consequence of the aging population. Frailty syndrome can adversely affect the independent life and social activities of the elderly by threatening their balance and mobility. This study aimed to investigate the effect of short-term postural-balance training on balance and functional limitations in elderly women with frailty syndrome. Methods & Materials The present clinical trial study was performed on 54 elderly women with frailty syndrome. Participants were randomly selected from one of the daycare centers for the elderly in Shiraz and were divided into two groups intervention (n=27) and control (n=27). For the intervention group, 12 sessions of short-term postural-balance exercises were held. Data were collected using the Fried Frailty Index, berg balance scale (BBS-9), and the survey of activities and fear of falling in the elderly (SAFE) Questionnaire at the beginning of the study and the end of the intervention and analyzed using SPSS software v. 25. Results The mean age of participants was 66.77 years, and 94.4% had at least one chronic disease. Following the intervention, there was a significant improvement in the mean scores of frailties such as physical activity, walk time, balance, and motor limitation of the elderly in the intervention group. In contrast, the intervention could not significantly affect other frailty indicators, i.e., unwanted weight loss, exhaustion, and grip strength in the intervention group Conclusion Postural-balance exercises significantly improve the physical characteristics of malnutrition and motor and functional limitations in daily life activities in the elderly.

Background: Successful aging (SA) is considered an indicator of satisfaction of older people. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) on SA among older women. Materials and Methods : quasi-experimental research with a control group was conducted in 2021 on 120 older women in Shiraz city, south Iran. Eligible samples were selected by a three-stage cluster sampling method and were classified into two equal intervention and control groups. Eight training sessions (exercises) were conducted for the intervention group using the OEP. SA questionnaire was completed at the beginning and 2 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the IBM-SPSS version 26, and the effect sizes were extracted. Results : The mean age of samples in the intervention and control groups was 69.71 + 59.59 and 68.83 + 5.08 years, respectively. Although there was no significant difference in the mean scores of SA between the two groups at the beginning of the study, 2 months after the intervention implementation, the mean scores of SA increased significantly in the intervention group ( t = 8.57, p ≤ .001). Conclusion : It seems that OEP is an effective strategy for supporting SA in older people.

Objectives: Old age is often associated with a progressive decline in the capacity of individuals to maintain dynamic and static balance, leading to falls and fear of falling. This study aimed to validate the 9-item Berg Balance Scale (BBS-9) for the older Iranian population. Methods: The current psychometric study involved translation of the BBS-9 to Persian language and its validation among a cohort of Persian-speaking elderly people. Confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, construct validity, test-retest reliability, receiver operating characteristic analysis, inter-rater, and convergent validity of the BBS-9 (Persian) were investigated and statistically analyzed. Results: The participants were 9117 Iranians with an average age of 64.3±2.45 years. The cohort was 54.1% female. Nearly three quarters of the subjects (72.4%) lived alone, 92.9% needed help with activities of daily living, and 93.0% sustained falls in the previous two years. Internal consistency was confirmed using intraclass correlation coefficient and McDonald’s Omega (≥ 0.75). The receiver operating characteristic analysis represented the exact cut-off values for male and female and with or without fear of falling with good specificity and sensitivity. Analysis of variance revealed that fear of falling was significantly related to age, Aging in Place, loneliness, hospitalization rate, frailty, and sense of anxiety (effect size ≥ 0.130, p ≤ 0.050). Conclusions: The Persian version of BBS-9, a psychometrically sound self-reported measure of fear of falling, retained the original’s satisfactory psychometric properties. It has the potential to be used among older Iranians in community-based and clinical settings.

Background: Aging and retirement are a passage to a new course of ​​life for veterans. The role of army grandparents in relation with their adult children is important; therefore, it is necessary to study grandparent-adult children interactions during retirement. Unfortunately, there was no Iranian version of an instrument to measure this interaction. Hence, the study aimed to evaluate the Persian version of the Perceived Parenting Roles Inventory (PPRI-2019). The translation process was conducted based on WHO’s guidance of instruments translation and adaptation. Methods: The research method was descriptive and had a psychometric type. A total of 251 grandparents were randomly selected from the Iranian Veterans Association. The PPRI and demographic questionnaire were used to gather data at the end of 2019. The scale structure was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach’s alpha assessed internal consistency and the optimal cut-off points were obtained by calculating the area under the curve (ROC). Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 26 and AMOS version 24. Results: The construct validity of PPRI based on CFA showed that the two subscales explained a total of 73.017 % of the variance. The PPRI scale demonstrated excellent reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha obtained 0.792 for the entire scale (p< 0.000). The optimal cut-off point of PPRI was 19.50, with a sensitivity of 100%, a 1-specificity of 0.127. Conclusions: Based on the results, the Persian version of PPRI is a valid and reliable tool that other researchers can use to measure perceived parenting roles among other retirees. But further investigations are suggested.

Objectives: Older people have a fear of falling, which is far more difficult than falling itself. We measured the extent of this feeling using a short and valid Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) 7-item questionnaire for the aging community in Iran. Methods: The present psychometric work deals with outlining the validation and translation of FES-I (short version) among 9117 Persian-speaking elderly people with a mean age of 70.2±8.3 years (54.1% female and 45.9% male) in July 2021. Investigations were performed on confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, and construct validity along with test-retest reliability, receiver operating characteristic analysis, inter-rater, and convergent validity. Results: 72.4% of the subjects were living alone, 92.9% required support in activities of daily living , and 93.0% experienced falling in the past two years. A one-factor solution was assigned by exploratory factor analysis for FES-I. Thus, this model was proved by the confirmatory factor analysis with valid fit indices. Based on Cronbach’s alpha, intra-cluster correlation coefficient, and McDonald’s omega (≥ 0.80), internal consistency was confirmed. The exact cut-off value was represented by the receiver operating characteristic analysis for male/female and between with/without fear of falling among older samples with higher measures of specificity and sensitivity. Moreover, a significant effect of age, aging in place, loneliness, hospitalization rate, frailty, and sense of anxiety (effect size ≥ 0.80, p ≤ 0.05) on fear of falls was detected using analysis of variance.Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the original scale were preserved by the Persian version of FES-I seven items as a self-reported measure of fear of falling. It could be assuredly a measure in both community and clinical settings. The possible uses and limitations of the Iranian FES-I were also discussed.

Purpose: Iranians’ worry over the number of older patients negatively impacted by COVID-19 surged dramatically throughout the 5 waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, which lasted from January 2020 to September 2021. The goal of this research was to assess the physical and mental health of Iranian older persons throughout the COVID-19 pandemic’s major waves. Methods: The health condition of 507 older persons with a positive examination for COVID-19 illness was assessed before and throughout the 5 waves of coronavirus in south Iran in analytical and hybrid longitudinal research. Results: The primary consequences of COVID-19 incidence on frailty and mental health issues were revealed in this investigation. Using a linear mixed model, we found a reduction of 0.33 in loneliness (β = −.33, 95% CI −0.39 to −0.26) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The probabilities of becoming depressed, anxious, or frail rose 4.61 (95% CI: 3.77-5.63), 1.85 (95% CI: 1.52-2.24), as well as 1.42 (95% CI: 1.17-1.42) time, subsequently, with COVID-19 occurrence, according to the mixed logistic models. Furthermore, the influence of COVID-19 incidence on loneliness result differs by gender; for depression, it varies by education; and for anxiety, it changes by comorbidities and living independently. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts the mental health and frailty of older persons with the positive COVID-19 situation, and this scenario is gender-based too.

Background: The lack of knowledge about menopausal care in couples and inappropriate coping with menopause symptoms can reduce the couples' quality of the marital relationship. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the knowledge and ability of men to prevent menopause destructive effects on marital relations and the well-being of the couples. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of men's menopausal care education on their marital satisfaction. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2019 among 80 men in Shiraz, Iran. The samples were randomly selected using cluster random sampling method; they were equally divided into control and intervention groups. Four training sessions were held for the intervention group. The data were collected using a questionnaire on the menopausal knowledge and the ENRICH-10 questionnaire at the beginning and two months after the intervention and analyzed using SPSS v. 25 and Amos v. 21. Results: Based on the results, at the beginning of the study, there was no significant difference in the mean score of the menopausal knowledge and marital satisfaction between the intervention and control groups (p

Background: Early detection of breast cancer is a crucial factor in surviving the disease. This study aimed to investigate the mammography screening based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) among rural women in Fasa and Shiraz cities, Iran. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study performed on 800 female clients referring to rural health centers in Fasa and Shiraz cities in southern Iran in early 2021. The authors decided to send and distribute the electronic questionnaire form through the WhatsApp application in collaboration with the health staff of rural health centers for the people covered by these centers. Data gathering tools were a questionnaire on demographic characteristics, a questionnaire based on constructs of TPB, and behavior of mammography screening. Using the structural equation model (SEM), the TPB constructs and demographic variables were entered into the model. Data analysis was executed employing SPSS software version 26 and Amos version 24 (IBM Co., Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Analyzing the data was carried out using the 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), logistic regression, and structural equation analysis. During data analysis, various model indicators such as the goodness of fit, including comparative fit index (CFI), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and chi-square index/ df were evaluated. The significance level in all tests was considered 0.05. Results: The knowledge, attitude, and perceived behavioral control were the predictors of intention and behavior of mammography screening among the women. Among demographic variables, age, literacy, being menopausal, cancer in family, city, and ethnicity contribute more to the variance variation in TPB constructs. In this study, 7.2% of Persians, 8% of Qashqai Turks, and 4.5% of Arabs are contemplating going to mammography screening. In total, 6.8% (54 people) of all individuals intended to go mammography screening, and 5.4% (43 people) had a history of mammography screening. Goodness-of-fit indices (χ 2 = 18.45, df = 10, n = 800, χ 2 / df = 1.845, RMSEA = 0.032, GFI = 0.90, non-normed fit index (NNFI) = 0.91) of conceptual model of this study indicate the suitability of the model. Conclusions: The results of the study indicated that the constructs of the TPB can predict mammography screening behaviors in rural women. It has also demonstrated that mammographic behavior can be improved in rural women using education based on the TPB model, emphasizing critical psychological factors of creating or changing behavior.

Background: Frailty syndrome involves a complex combination of the natural process of getting old with different medical problems. Different indexes have been designed for each physical, mental, and social dimensions of frailty. Fried’s five-item index of frailty syndrome checklist is one of the most applicable scales to screen frailty. This study aimed to determine a psychometric index of frailty and the cut-off points for the Iranian elderly population. Methods: In a cross-sectional and psychpmetric study, 249 frail elderly people were selected among members of two Iranian Army Retirees Clubs in 2019. This was a cross-sectional-psychometric study which aimed at determining the psychometric index and cut-off points of a brief checklist of 5-item FSC among Iranian adults older than 60 years old and comparing this to prior results in different countries. Results: The data were analyzed by ANOVA, multi-variable regression, confirmatory, and exploratory factor analysis, and ROC analysis via SPSS 25 and AMOS 24. The validity of the study findings was determined by internal validity, high correlation of 5 questions, confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis of 3 subdomains with a clarity value of 0.87, and high goodness of fit index (GFI). Conclusion: The determined cut-off points were compatible with those of Fried’s prior study. The designed tools used in this study evaluated frailty syndrome of the Iranian elderly in elderly rehabilitation studies with high confidence. The application of the tool would provide caregivers and policymakers with additional information as to caring for this population.

The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Short Form Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) among Iranian community-dwelling older adults and to determine its optimal cutoff point. In Shiraz, Iran, a cross-sectional study of 500 older adults ≥ 60 years was conducted in two steps. The forward–backward method was used for translation. Psychometric properties, such as the face and content validity, based on the point of view of experts, construct validity based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity by assessing the relationship with the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE-10), and reliability based on Cronbach’s α were examined. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to confirm the cutoff point. Validity of both the face and the content was confirmed. The first stage of construct validity was performed using the kurtosis test and the EFA, and finally, only 20 items in four subscales were loaded with 76.34% of the total variance. The CFA indicated a good fit to the data (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.059; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92; and goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.89). Cronbach’s α coefficient of the SSRQ-20 increased to 0.87. A significant positive correlation was found between the SSRQ-20 and the GSE-10 (r = 0.44), indicating acceptable convergent validity. The optimal cutoff score for differentiating older adults in terms of self-regulation was 71. This study demonstrates that the Persian version of the SSRQ, which contains 20 items, is a valid and reliable tool for assessing self-regulation in Iranian community-dwelling older adults.

Objective: Caregiving burden is defined as a specific level of pressure and problems expressed by caregiver or family, which involves a range of psychological, emotional, social and economic problems. Further, satisfaction is described as the level of the mental happiness, self-confidence and usefulness sensed by caregiver about his/her own caregiving behaviour. The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of caregiving satisfaction (SCR) and caregiving burden of grandchildren scales (BCR) among grandparent population by considering the lack of a Persian tool for their measurement. Method: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 70 grandparents who were selected through convenience sampling among the individuals referred to the healthcare centres of five southern cities in Iran Shiraz, Sepidan, Fasa, Jahrom, and Borazjan from April to August, 2019. The questionnaires were filled out by individual interview with participants and the data were analysed through explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses and ROC curve, using SPSS 25 and Amos 21. Results: Two factors were extracted in each questionnaire (Regarding each questionnaire, happiness and responsibility in individual and social satisfaction in caregiving burden were extracted through explanatory factor analysis), representing 78.1 and 75.1% of total variance, respectively. The Cronbach's coefficients alpha related to these subscales were obtained as 0.709-0.859 by indicating an acceptable internal consistency. Conclusion: The Persian version of these questionnaires had appropriate validity and reliability required for measuring satisfaction and caregiving burden of grandchildren among Iranian grandparents and can be used in day care and healthcare centres.

Introduction: One of the main challenges of Methadone Maintenance treatment (MMT) centers is the patients’ non-adherence to treatment process in tempting situations. This study was conducted to validate the Persian version of one of the valid questionnaires on situational drug use temptation. Methods: A cross‑sectional study was carried out on 150 men referring to MMT centers in Shiraz, Iran, in 2019. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire containing demographic data and Persian version of drug use temptation questionnaire with 20 items. The content validity was assessed by 15 psychiatrists and health education and promotion experts based on the Lawshe criteria. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined using Cronbach’s alpha. The construct validity was evaluated by exploratory Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and Amos 24. Results: Overall, 141 individuals completed the questionnaire (response rate: 94%). The mean and standard deviation of the participants' age were 37±7. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test of sampling was adequate (KMO 0.913) and the Bartlett test of sphericity was significant (Chi-square 1847.65; p= 0.001). Four factors were extracted and two items were not included in any of the factors. Goodness of fit indices of structural equation model, i.e. Chi2, Chi2/df, and RMSEA were ​​ 158.504, 1.22 and 0.04, respectively, which indicated the acceptable fitness of the model. Conclusion: The Persian version of the questionnaire of temptation to use drugs is suitable for use among the Iranian population.

Objectives The quality of life (QoL) of the elderly and elder abuse are growing public health concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of abuse and the association between QoL and abuse in older adults. Methods Multistage random cluster sampling, along with valid QoL (LEIPAD: LEIden, the Netherlands; PADua, Italy; Helsinki, Finland) and abuse questionnaires, were used to assess QoL and elder abuse. Path analysis was performed using Mplus. SPSS and AMOS were used for the other analyses. Results A total of 386 elderly individuals with a mean age of 68.00±6.10 years were interviewed, of whom 200 (51.8%), 289 (74.9%), and 376 (97.4%) were women, educated, and married, respectively. Moreover, 167 (43.2%) had low-to-moderate QoL, and 108 (27.9%) had experienced a moderate level of abuse. QoL and abuse were inversely associated (r=-0.253), with men (β=-0.24) more affected than women (β=-0.21). Musculoskeletal disorders were also strong determinants of QoL in the elderly. QoL was strongly associated with emotional abuse, while abuse was highly related to the social component of QoL. Furthermore, emotional abuse was the type of abuse most significantly associated with the self-care, depression/anxiety, cognitive, and social components of QoL. Sexual abuse, violation of personal rights, and neglect were the main determinants of the physical functioning, life satisfaction, and sexual domains of QoL, respectively. Conclusions Nearly half of the elderly individuals lacked a high QoL, and at least one-fourth had experienced some form of abuse. Elder abuse was correlated inversely with QoL. Therefore, preventive interventions are recommended to decrease elder abuse in the family, community, and other settings.

Background: The evidence suggests nutrition style as a key determinant of health. On the other hand, nutrition literacy is a key determinant of nutrition decisions and behaviors. This study aimed to develop and validate an inventory in order to predict nutrition literacy promoting behavior based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in the youth. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 203 students (100 females and 103 males) were selected using the randomized cluster method from dormitories in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. They were supposed to complete Nutrition Literacy Promoting Behavior based on TPB (TPB-NLPB) questionnaire. The tool was developed using relevant scientific literature and its validity was confirmed by the experts’ panel (n = 6). The instrument includes four subscales: attitude toward behavior, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention. The reliability and validity of the instrument were assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The coefficients of Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.87), Guttmann method (λ1 = 0.84 to λ6 = 0.91), and convergent validity (0.74) were estimated (P < 0.01). The exploratory factor analysis demonstrated five factors, which clarified 64.91% of the scale’s variance. Second-order confirmatory factor analysis pointed out that the factor was well matched up onto the principal factor. Consequently, the five-factor model was appropriate for the data using fit index techniques for adjusting the scale. Conclusions: The results confirmed the well-adjusted reliability and psychometric properties of the TPB-NLPB and its usefulness for the relevant studies.

Background: COVID-19[1] is a new infectious disease that has been declared by WHO[2] as a public health emergency worldwide due to its rapid spread to China and then to other parts of the world. The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical manifestations of this disease in the elderly. Methods: We performed a systematic review on the database of the World Health Organization, CDC[3], PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and lancet. All of the articles published until March 15, 2020, have been extracted from the above articles in English on coronavirus infection, disease, virology, epidemiology, clinical features, treatment, and prevention of the disease. Of the 1376 articles, 5 were selected out of recently published articles focusing on the epidemiological information of the virus, pneumonia caused by new corona virus, and the effects of the disease on different age groups, especially the elderly, and the rest were excluded from the review. The mean age of the patients, the mean age of mortality and the underlying diseases were chosen as the criteria of data extraction. Findings: Based on the researchers' perceptions of the text of the articles, 342 cases were included in these 5 studies. The mean age of the patients was 58.4 and that of the diceased patients was 66.5. More than 50% of the total cases had one or more underlying diseases. Conclusion: Despite the involvement of various age groups in this infection, the virus is most likely to cause severe complications and fatalities in older people with underlying diseases.

Background: Nutrition literacy is a key determinant of nutrition decision and behavior. This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Nutrition Literacy Inventory (NLI-28) among university students. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 203 students (101 women and 102 men) were enrolled through a randomized cluster sampling method from the four dormitories of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The instrument was prepared through a translation and back-translation process and it was used as a self-administered inventory. The NLI-28 included three subscales i.e. functional nutrition literacy, interactive nutrition literacy, and critical nutrition literacy. The reliability and validity of the instrument were assessed by using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: Mean of content validity ratio (CVR) for essential criterion, means of content validity index (CVI) for simply criterion, clarity criterion, and relevance criterion were obtained as 0.89, 0.9, 0.96, and 0.98, respectively. The coefficients of Cronbach’s alpha (α=0.87), convergent validity (0.74), divergent validity (-0.11), and criterion validity (0.73) were estimated (p

Background: Despite the key role of nutrition literacy and behavior in health, evidence suggests a low adherence to healthy nutritional behaviors. We sought to determine the influence of a group-based interactive training program on nutrition-related literacy, knowledge and behavior of students. Methods: Two-hundred and three undergraduate students were enrolled by multi-stage cluster sampling and were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (n=106) and control (n=97). Four questionnaires measured the demographic variables, nutrition-related literacy, knowledge, and behavior. The educational intervention was performed as workshop using a new educational style. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding demographic variables. After educational intervention, a significant increase was found in the mean scores of nutrition literacy from 22.20±3.85 to 31.95±2.19, nutrition knowledge from 54.23±1.80 to 77.06±7.20, and nutritional behavior from 52.32±16.54 to 67.52±19.69 (p

Background: Continuous educational programs are one of the essential ways to promote human resources; inconsistency of the courses with individual and organizational needs may lead to organizational dissatisfaction, job performance reduction, and time and capital waste. The study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of the employees about in-service continuous educational programs; they participated in the above-mentioned programs in the continuous educational units from 2006 to 2017 in Ahwaz city, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all the treatment and administrative employees in the hospital participated in the educational plans. Out of 548 employees, 225 were selected using the ratio-random sampling method in the late 2017. The study instrument was a validated questionnaire with 66 items and 5 scales of adaptation, efficient management, individual development, growth of attitudes, employees’ knowledge and skills, and managers’ support for implementing operational programs; its validity was measured using Cronbach’s Alpha (α=0.93). The collected data were analysed in SPSS V.23 using descriptive statistics, mean scores, SD, χ2 test, ANOVA, and t-test. Results: Based on the study findings, the participants maintained that management of continuing education courses was useful and beneficial, and there was a statistically significant difference between the main variables and the total score (ρ Conclusion: It is suggested that cognitive dimension and occupation should be considered in implementing continuous education programs. Additionally, educational content should be updated

Presented data was gathered from a local rehabilitation & caring center in Ahwaz city, southwest Iran end-2017. Data was classified in the six sections upon two predictors i.e. years of imprisonments and Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) to predict three blood infectious diseases i.e. HIV-Aids, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), & Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Each section jointly includes the following: tables of raw data, input data concerning false & true positive fractions (18 tables), scatter graph concerning false positive fractions (FPF) & true positive fractions (TPF) (6 graphs), and six ROC curves. The full access to data set is available at Mendeley data repository via doi:10.17632/6s9yzm7hr7.1.

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here. Background and Objective: Discussion of localizing sciences in all fields of humanities is a contentious issue in Iranian academic settings and has its supporters and opponents. Among new branches of sciences developed in the 20th century, the science of biological, psychological, and social aspects of older adults, known as gerontology, is a recent one. Like other modern sciences, this field of study has an occidental origin. In recent years, it has also found its place in academic settings in Iran. The present study aimed to discover the theoretical, Islamic, and ideological origins of gerontology in oriental and Islamic society. Method: This library-based study was an attempt to review available resources. To this end, Quranic verses, hadiths, and historical documents about the elderly were consulted. Keywords such as the elderly and old age were used to search for these resources. All ethical issues were observed in the study and the researchers declared no conflict of interests. Results: According to the available resources of Islamic jurisprudence, it seems that the current situation is appropriate for localizing gerontology through referring to Quranic resources, Islamic hadiths, ancient history of Iranian culture, and documents on Islamic jurisprudence. Conclusion: Considering the thorough and eternal nature of Islam and its dominance on human’s existential structure and his real needs, it is necessary to design the curriculum of gerontology, which is a newly established discipline, based on Islamic principles and standards. For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.

Evidence suggests that the quality of family relationships is associated with family members’ general health. Given of the scanty studies on adolescents, especially in Iran, this study aimed to determine the association between parent-adolescent conflict and adolescents’ general health. Methods: Out of 40 high schools in Behbahan, 10 were randomly selected, and then 391 students were selected through random sampling method. The Parent-Adolescent Conflict Questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire were used for data collection. Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, and ANOVA were used for data analysis in SPSS. Results: The findings of this study showed a significant and positive correlation between parent-adolescent conflict and general health (p=0.001, r=0.142). There was also a significant difference between the parent-adolescent conflict and mother's educational level (p=0.001), between general health and mother's educational level (p=0. 01), and between parent-adolescent conflict and father's educational level (p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between gender and parent-adolescent conflict and general health. Conclusion: According to the results, with an increase in parent-adolescent conflict, the general health scores would also increase, indicating lower general health. Further studies are recommended to identify familial conflict and general health (mental) risk factors. A family-oriented training program is recommended to improve the parent-adolescent communication skills

Introduction: Declining social participation and reduced engagement in communal activities among Khuzistani citizens are specifically more evident among the elderly than other age groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the social well-being within Aged People in Ahwaz city. Methods: Via cross-sectional study in 2016, data were collected during interview with 382 samples (195 male and 187 female) 60 years old and above in accordance to cluster-multistage sampling method and the sample size were estimated by Cochran Formula as a whole. Data collection instrument was the version of 33 items of the Social Well-being Scale of Keyes. Data were analyzed by SPSS in descriptive statistics, F-test & geographical information system. Sampling method was cluster-ratio based on municipal zones, ethnicity, and gender. Results: Total scores of Scale of Social Well-being (Mean = 61.42, SD = 14.92) show the average rank of loneliness among participants (between 59.35 and 64.20). Arabs (Mean = 59.35, SD = 14.95) have a lower social well-being rank than other ethnic groups. The comparison of the social well-being by gender and ethnic characteristics illustrates that the variables have significant differences within the aged as well (N = 382, ρ £ 0.05).Regarding financial support and economic status of aged samples, those older persons who did not receive any financial support, had better rank of social well-being than aged who were supported (Mean = 64.89, SD = 16.22). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, aged minority ethnic group women faced inequalities regarding social well-being in Ahwaz City, Iran.

Introduction: Gender composition and the soaring trends of drug and tobacco dependency reveal the priority of social skills training related to drug avoidance self-efficacy among female students. The aim of this study was to verify the impact training high school female students to have the social skills needed to avoid the use of drugs. Methods: This study was conducted from September 2012 to May 2013 in two high schools in Ahvaz City in southwest Iran. The participants were divided randomly into two groups of 60 students, one experimental group and one control group using the multi-stage simple sampling method. Two questionnaires, i.e. the ASES and TISS questionnaires, were completed before and after the intervention. Descriptive statistics, chi squared, paired- samples t-test, and the independent-samples t-test were used. Results: The participants had a mean age of 14.93 years. Among the 120 participants, 90.8% indicated that they had never smoked a cigarette, and 51.7% of the participants denied having smoked a hookah. There was no significant relationship between the self-sufficiency means of drug avoidance in the two groups of girls before intervention (p ≥ 0.05). However, after intervention, a significant difference was found in test score of self- efficacy of drug avoidance between the two groups, i.e., 94.91 ± 8.3 for the control group versus 99.16 ± 3.8 for the experimental group, p < 0.05). Significant increases were observed for the pre- and post-test scores of self- efficacy of drug avoidance in the experimental group compared to the control group (99.16 ± 3.8 (p = 0.001) vs. 96.58 ± 6.98 (p > 0.05). The mean values of the pre- and post-test scores of social skill before and after intervention increased significantly only for the experimental group (97.60 ± 19.19 vs. 100.58 ± 12.37, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Educational intervention can significantly enhance social skills for drug avoidance self-efficacy, so it is recommended that such skills be taught in the high school curriculum.

Objective: This study examines the social and cultural structure of drug offenses in Ahwaz municipal areas using GIS. Method: The population of the study consisted of drug offenders in Correction and Rehabilitation Center of Ahwaz in 2013. Statistical tests and graphs, including Mean Center test, Standard Deviation Ellipse, Kernel Density Estimation were used in this study. Results: The most important centers of drug crime are in the same border with informal settlement areas, such as Kut Abdullah, Lashkar Abad, and Khashayar (urban areas 5 and 6 of Ahwaz city). In addition, there is a direct relationship between illiteracy rate & population density and crime rate. Discussion and Conclusion: Spatial analysis of geographic crime and punishment can act as a means for security and safety policy making in the fight against drugs.

Introduction: Iran and its aged society are facing some issues that significantly impact the current social structures in Iran. It will continue to do so on their growing as elderly with negative impacts on communal relations and unjust distribution of resources based on a gender basis that will affect the aging in place (AiP). The study aims to investigate the AiP within aged people and modifying role of the gender variables within it. Methods: This study describes the current AiP of the aged people in Ahwaz city in the southwest Iran from a gender perspective. The population available for the study was citizens 60 years of age and older (N=51594) in Ahwaz city. Sampling method was cluster-ratio based on municipal zones, ethnicity, and gender with sample size 382 (195 male and 187 female). The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, F-test and geographical information system. Results: Economically poor situation of the aged samples especially aged women, and their health status was moderated by low quality of nutrition and high prevalence of chronic conditions. For example, Arabs, Persian and Lor received low mean scores of 59.41, (SD= 7.332), 58.09 (SD= 11.963), and 57.02, (SD= 7.963) respectively in the health status. AiP characteristics are poor and discrimination was especially significantly prominent among elderly females. Multiple regression were found to modify AiP at the first step. The GLM reported that gender-ethnic discrimination directly affected AiP and high prevalent amongst elderly minority females. Conclusion: The current urban environment, in the southwest Iran, seems is unable to meet healthy needs of aged people. It needs to adjust upon gender and other relevant characteristics to monitor equality of outcomes for aged and minorities. The future research needs to focus on effect of ethnicity and gender-related issues on AiP, especially in developing countries like Iran. sure activities and mental health, provides evidence for policy makers and health care planners to offer and facilitate a context in which older adults can improve participation in active leisure activities.

Introduction By the end of the 1950s, the number of people aged above 65 was 200 million worldwide. By the end of the last century, this population increased threefold to 590 million. By 2025, this aged population is estimated to rise to 1100 million. Generally, the increase in the rate of the world population is 1.7%, but the projected rate of increase of the aged population is 2.5% per year (German, 2002). Similarly, Iranian society will have an effective and operative group who are going to shape its communities and networks. Iran is developing into a crowded country with 75 million people. It has a rate of 2.8% increase in total elderly population compared to the National Fertility Rate of 1.2% (Iran Statistics & Census Centre or ISCC, 2007a). According to the ISCC, in 2007 people who were in their 60s and above formed 6.8% of the Iranian population with national rate of increase rate at 2.8% (ISCC, 1997, 2007c). Based on the civic law and judiciary system, the age of the elderly at the first year of retirement was defined above 60, which is five years less than WHO’s definition for old age. On the other hand, there has been some evidence of local and national references to such social problems as reduction in social participation, social trust, social relations and support, communal activity, civic engagement (CE), economic and social security, leisure activities, mobility, neighborhoods, and safe areas. Among other problems are decline in social indicators like societal networks, social cohesion and inclusion, civic engagement, social capital (SC), and increase of informal and familial solidarity which result in social exclusion (Dinie, 2007; Firouz Abadi & Imani Jajarmi, 2007; Ghaffari, 2001; Ghasemi, Esmaieli & Rabeie, 2007; Joshanlou & Qaedi, 2010; Joshanlou, Rostami, & Nosrat Abadi, 2007; Saadat, 2006a). Decreasing participation was reported from local communities in Khuzestan province and Iran during years 2001 to 2007. Such statistics have led social scientists to think about deterrents of social participation (SP) and other declining factors. At the moment, severe decrease in SP amongst the increasing population of elderly is assumed to be happening because of injustice and social inequality. Iran and our research community in particular - Khuzestan province and Ahwaz city- is a multi-ethnic society, where the resources of community and society should be distributed in a justified and equal manner. Every study in its policies should attend to this issue and special groups specifically in cases involving CE and SWB. Elderly, women, ethnic groups, and enhancing their well-being and the situation of social problems are areas that require further attention. This study looks forward to understanding the reasons for such neglected interest in these areas and hope to share a new vision for policy making at micro level for aged citizens of Ahwaz city. An attempt is made to investigate the role of variables such as social participation and background characteristics in urban lifestyle of the aged in the hope of ensuring a better health and an acceptable end-life condition for them. Materials & Methods Research population in this survey includes the elderly of Ahwaz, who were 60 years old and above. During 1997 to 2007, Ahwaz showed a higher ratio of aged citizens among all cities of Khuzestan province (3.1% in total aged population of the province). All data were based on KSCC and ISCC annual reports in 2007 (KSCC, 2007). The study has evaluated the factors of SP. Theories of participation, social capital and trust, and inequality were reviewed. Consequently, six factors were considered. Regarding the last census in 2007, total population of Ahwaz city was 969,843 inhabitants, of whom 51594 were aged 60 and above (male: 26,294 and female: 25,345). Unfortunately, in the national and provincial reports on population and census, there is no independent data for ethnicity. Research sample was obtained from two municipal zones, 3rd and 8th, using cluster sampling. Overall, about 163 aged citizens were selected upon random sampling. The data collection was done by employing the questionnaire of SAP (scale of aged participation) that is classified into 21 items with 5 options in Likert format (1= Strongly Disagree, 2= Disagree, 3= Neither Agree Nor Disagree, 4=Agree, and 5= Strongly Agree). The internal reliability of the questionnaire was based on Cronbach’s alpha and split-half method, which is well adjusted to the four basic items in the SAP. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The findings indicate that social inclusion and trustworthiness are the main factors in SP. Other variables include social inequality and urban ownership, gender, socioeconomic status, NGOs membership, length of residency in urban area per year, satisfaction with urban services, marital, employment, health status, education and literacy, and fatalism restrictively (β≥ .201, ρ= .005). Interestingly, the religious along fatalism have divert significant relationships with SP. At the end, some recommendations were suggested. For example, reinforcing plans for increasing participation and concentrate them on senior citizens and women, developing social networks and communal connections, improving social justice and trust.

Objectives: There are researches to point epidemiology of addiction to drugs, chemical and solvent abuse in elderlies. Drug and Solvent abuse is considered as one of these addictions. This study was point to chemical abuse among elderly population of Ahwaz an Iranian city during year of 2007. Methods & Materials: Research method is description-exploration with use to questionnaire, clinical interview and survey of medical and clinical reports among volunteer clients. Statistical community is all elderly population at one of citizen region in Ahwaz city (Iran). Seventy four dossiers were considered via random sampling; with 30 Elder volunteer clients been interviewed and replied to Elderly Drug Abuse Questionnaire (EDAQ). Results: Signification of hypothesis with X2 test was considered significant relation between age and addiction record variables to solvent abuse; this relation is very significant to second value of drug's derivations such as Morphine, Codeine, Tebaine and Heroine. Interview showed psychological dependent due to appeal them to solvent abuse. Kind of abuse among elderly was snuffing and abuse of medicine drugs which were been recommended to them by their physician. Conclusion: Although study of solvent and chemical abuse's epidemiology pointed less average of this addiction in samples, should be considered important and notice in studies. Finally, researchers were suggested to avoid of this new drug abuse and so to control behavior and interaction of these addicted and their behavior development; it's better to control on distribution of solvent and glue materials and recommending of medicine drug via physicians visiting exderlies.