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Breastfeeding self-efficacy refers to mother perceived ability to breastfeed her infant and is an effective variable in breastfeeding duration. Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mothers and infants, but working mothers face unique challenges that can impact breastfeeding initiation and duration. The present study was conducted to determining the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory on continuation of Breastfeeding in employed mother that referred to comprehensive health service centers in Bandar Abbas.The present quasi-experimental had a pre-test, post-test design with 3, 6 months follow-ups was conducted in Bandar Abbas city, south of Iran in December 2021-January 2023. A total of 176 women who had given birth at least 6 months before and were on maternity leave (88 in the intervention group (IG), 88 in the control group (CG)), using a two-stage cluster sampling method participated. The educational intervention focused on self-efficacy theory implemented in 13 sessions. The educational methods in the training sessions were through virtual sessions via WhatsApp (twice a week, an hour was given to exchange information and answer questions) and in-person sessions lasting 50 to 60 min (any longer than this would be tiring) in the form of lectures, focus group discussions, and questions and answers. The main outcome was to increase breastfeeding self-efficacy and continual breastfeeding behavior after coming back to work. Repeated measures ANOVA tests and post hoc were run to compare the IG and CG at baseline in terms of demographic variables, t-test and chi square test, and in the three points of time of data collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 25 and descriptive statistical tests, independent t test, paired t test and repeated measures analysis. In this study the self-efficacy and Breastfeeding behavior score in the intervention group (42.26 ± 8.25) were higher than in the control group (52.016 ± 6.68) and had significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). The intervention group showed a significant increase in the mean total Breastfeeding self-efficacy score (F 2,348=431.5, P < 0.001) and Breastfeeding behavior score (F 2,348=623.01, P < 0.001) 3, 6 months after intervention compared with the control group. Study showed that the intervention based on self-efficacy theory could help improve Breastfeeding self-efficacy and Breastfeeding behavior. The results of linear regression showed that for each unit of change in the self-efficacy score, an average of 0.198 units of change was observed 3 months after the intervention and 0.288 units of change 6 months after the intervention in Breastfeeding behavior. Another result of this study was the effect of training and reminding through virtual space, which was obtained due to the epidemic conditions caused by COVID-19, and it seems that mothers welcomed the way of providing training and this method of intervention was evident in their behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Air pollution is considered one of the most important causes of premature deaths. The part of indoor pollution investigated is related to people's culture and behavior. Burning Peganum harmala seeds (called Espand) is a religious and cultural practice that is done by many people in Iran, India, and Morocco, which leads to the emission of particulate matters (PMs) into the environment. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the exposures of PMs emitted from burned P. harmala seeds with some cardiovascular parameters. For this purpose, the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) of 37 healthy participants per explanatory factors were compared before and after the exposure to PMs (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) emitted from burned Espand in a control room. Results: The results showed a significant decrease and increase in SBP and HR, respectively. The decrease in DBP was insignificant. Younger people (less than 35 years) had a considerable HR increase (P = 0.028) compared to older people. Moreover, exposure to PMs increased the DBP of smokers and decreased the blood pressure of non-smokers. Therefore, reducing exposure to PMs emitted from burned Espand is necessary, especially for those with cardiovascular and respiratory problems and children. Conclusion: The reduction can be made by decreasing the exposure frequency, exposure time, and burned Espand weight. Doing cultural-religious ceremonies outdoors can also considerably reduce exposure to PMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Due to the adverse effects of their disease, patients with thalassemia major face many problems such as a lack of proper growth, enlarged spleen and liver, bone disorders, especially the bones of the head and face. As a result of the long treatment process of this disease, other aspects of their life are also affected. The physical and mental problems in this population of patients will lead to frustration and lower social performance and quality of life. The present study aimed to explore the effect of an educational intervention based on the PRECEDE model on quality of life of adults with thalassemia major in Hormozgan province. Methods: The present quasi‐experimental study was conducted on 234 adults with major thalassemia who visited the thalassemia medical centers in Hormozgan province in 2022. The participants were selected through a simple randomization from two cities of Hormozgan province (Bandar Abbas as the intervention group and Minab as the control). Each group had an equal number of participants (n = 117). The data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, a researcher‐made questionnaire based on the model constructs and the SF‐12 quality of life questionnaire. The instruments were once administered before the intervention and once again 4 months after the intervention. The educational intervention included 3 sessions a week, each 60 min in length, shared in WhatsApp and Telegram. The data were analyzed in statistical package for the social sciences version 24 using Mann−Whitney U‐test, chi‐square test, Wilcoxon's test, and analysis of covariance. Findings: The results showed that after the educational intervention, the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, self‐efficacy, enabling afctors, reinforcing factors and the mean score of overall quality of life increased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control (p < 0.05). The covariance analysis showed when the effect of the pretest score is removed, the mean scores of the model constructs and the quality of life are significantly different in the two groups. Conclusion: Educational interventions based on the PRECEDE model can help identify factors affecting the quality of life on many aspects in patients with thalassemia major. Thus, these interventions help improve patients' quality of life. The present findings can guide health policy makers and experts use modern educational interventions to develop the educational content to promote a healthy lifestyle and self‐management in certain diseases such as thalassemia major. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to determine the effect of an intervention based on Pender's health promotion model (HPM) on treatment adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: The present quasi-experimental study with a 3-month follow-up was conducted in Bandar Abbas, a city in the south of Iran in 2023. The intervention group (IG) with a total number of 95 T2D patients was selected from Hormuz diabetes clinic and the control group (CG) with 95 T2D patients was selected from comprehensive health centers through a clustering sampling method. The educational intervention was implemented in 10 sessions to improve patients' treatment adherence. The teaching methods in training sessions were lectures, joint discussions, Q&A, role-play and peer training. The participants were evaluated using a researcher-made questionnaire including the constructs of Pender's HPM about T2D treatment adherence, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and BMI. Independent-samples t-test, paired-samples t-test, covariance analysis and stepwise regression analysis were used. Data analysis was done in SPSS 26. Findings: Three months after the intervention, in comparison to the CG, the mean and standard deviation of treatment adherence benefits (p = 0.002), treatment adherence self-efficacy (p = 0.010), treatment adherence related affect (p = 0.001), interpersonal influences (p = 0.012), commitment to plan of action (p < 0.001), treatment adherence behavior (p = 0.022), treatment adherence experiences (p = 0.001) was higher in the IG. The mean and standard deviation of situational influences (p < 0.001), immediate competing demands and preferences (p = 0.018) were lower than the CG. The results obtained from the analysis of covariance proved the effectiveness of the intervention in the constructs of Pender's HPM and HbA1C in participants of the IG (p < 0.001). The regression analysis showed, after the intervention, for every 1 unit of change in commitment to behavior planning, action related affect and perceived self-efficacy, compared to before the intervention, there were 0.22 units, 0.16 units and 0.26 units of change in the behavior score in the IG. Conclusion: The findings proved the effectiveness of the educational intervention in improving the constructs in Pender's HPM and the blood sugar level of T2D patients. As the results of the educational intervention showed, the use of a suitable educational approach as well as the development of appropriate educational content for the target population can significantly improve the treatment adherence behavior. Trial registration: This study is registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20211228053558N1: https://www.irct.ir/trial/61741) and first release date of 17th March 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adherence to the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), which includes the use of prescribed drugs, following a healthy diet, and adopting a physically active lifestyle, is important to control the disease and improve the patients' quality of life. The present study aimed to explain the determinants of adherence to treatment in patients with T2D based on Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM). The present research used a qualitative content analysis and was based on Pender's HPM. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 T2D patients using a purposive sampling in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. Maximum variation was considered in terms of gender, age, history of diabetes, type of drug used, education, and occupation. The data collection continued until data saturation. At the same time, the collected data were analyzed using the directed content analysis. MAXQDA 10 was used to manage codes and facilitate data analysis. The data analysis led to the extraction of 10 categories and 19 subcategories as the determinants of adherence to the treatment of T2D patients. The participants shared their experiences about personal characteristics and their ecological environment, specific cognition and emotions, and the behavioral results and experience as the determinants of adherence to T2D treatment. The categories extracted from this study in the form of HPM constructs provided a framework to explain treatment adherence. This information can help policy makers and planners in designing future programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Organizational knowledge management (KM) involves creating, preserving, and sharing employees' knowledge. This approach can enhance efficiency, improve performance, and boost job satisfaction (JS) throughout all aspects of the organization. This research aimed to investigate the effect of three variables of KM, JS, and organizational performance (OP) on the employees of the Health and Treatment Network in Haji Abad City. Methods: A study was conducted with 211 employees, such as physicians, nurses, and technicians. These employees worked in various sections, such as hospitals, health centers, rural centers, and emergency centers within the Health and Treatment Network of Haji Abad City. Newman and Kenard's KM, Hersey and Goldsmith's OP, and Smith, Kendall & Hulin's Job Satisfaction Questionnaires were used. The statistical software LISREL 8.8 was used to conduct structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The results indicate that the structural equation models had a good fit. Significant positive relationships exist between KM processes (creation, retention, and application) and JS. No significant relationship was found between knowledge transfer and JS. The coefficient obtained from SEM between knowledge retention and OP was 0.74, indicating a strong and direct correlation between the two variables. The standardized coefficients for the relationship between knowledge creation and retention and JS were 0.45 and 0.33, respectively. This indicates a positive and direct effect of knowledge creation and retention on JS. All KM processes positively predict OP. Conclusion: The research model had a good fit, and the KM processes had a positive effect on performance and JS. However, no significant relationship was found between knowledge transfer and JS among employees in the Health and Treatment Network. More research is needed to identify mediating variables and factors influencing this phenomenon in healthcare centers. Key points: Knowledge management processes (creation, retention, and application) significantly impact employee satisfaction.No meaningful relationship is found between knowledge transfer and job satisfaction.There is a significant relationship between knowledge management and job satisfaction.With the improvement of knowledge management among employees, job satisfaction also improves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Blastocystis spp. is an anaerobic, single-celled intestinal parasite with a global prevalence that is found in the lower digestive tract of humans and many animals, such as numerous types of vertebrates. To date, 17 genotypes have been identified. Nine of these genotypes are common in humans. The organism is found in both healthy and compromised individuals, hence its pathogenicity is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of Blastocystis spp. genotypes in Bandar Abbas, Iran in 2022. Materials and Methods: A total of 378 stool samples were collected from hospitals and health centers of Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan province, Iran. Stool samples were examined by direct and formalin ethyl acetate (concentration) methods. Positive samples for Blastocystis spp. were isolated and DNA extraction was done. All extracted DNA specimens were analyzed by NanoDrop to ensure quantity and quality. The PCR technique was used to identify parasite genotypes and all samples were sequenced for genotype confirmation. Results: Finally 14 samples were detected as positive microscopically and 8 samples were confirmed by PCR. Identified isolated genotypes were 4 samples ST1 (50%), 3 ST3 (37.5%), and one ST2 (12.5%). All negative and positive samples were analyzed 3 times to confirm accuracy. Conclusion: Blastocystis spp. is the most common protozoan parasite of the human intestine, and despite the studies, there are many uncertainties about its pathogenicity. The current study was designed and carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic and lower positive patients may be related to severe hygiene considerations and consumption of various antibiotics amongst the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of hookah smoking has grown over the past decades in Iran especially in the south of the country. This study aimed to determine the behavioral and socio-demographic predictors of the hookah smoking frequency among women in southern Iran. This research was conducted on 400 women hookah smokers selected through multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected from October 2018 to September 2019 using a questionnaire guided by literature. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was run to determine the influential behavioral and socio-demographic predictors involved in the frequency of hookah smoking. Variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 in the final fitting model were associated with the outcome variable (frequency of hookah smoking per day1 = once a day, 2 = twice a day, 3 = three times a day, 4 = more than three times a day). We found that the longer duration of hookah smoking, family usage of hookah smoking, beginning to smoke hookah with peers, absence of either parent in family (single-parent families and a lack of prior intention to cease smoking), ever-married women and low socio-economic status (SES) predicted the frequency of hookah smoking. To prevent the behavior and make effective interventions to reduce hookah smoking, policy-makers should stay focused on factors other than internal motivations. Focus on the companies surrounding women smokers, quitting the habit of hookah smoking and effective interventions to decrease one's intention to smoke hookah can help reduce such unhealthy behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the association between demographic and socio-economic determinants of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) at work and at home. Using baseline data from the Kong Cohort Study (KCS), the present prospective research was conducted among subjects between 40 and 70 years of age in Kong County of Hormozgan Province to calculate adjusted and crude odds ratios (ORs) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to test the independent association of ETS with determinants. multivariate analysis showed that men were exposed to ETS 12.5 times as much as women; rural residents were exposed to ETS at work 5 times as much as urban residents. Holding a university degree decreased the chances of exposure for 52% at work. Women were exposed to ETS 2 times as much as men at home. Rural residents were exposed to ETS at home 2 times as much as urban residents. The elderly (above 65 years) were exposed to ETS 60% less than the young (<45 years) at home. In the light of the present findings, it can be concluded that ETS determinants at home and at work differ significantly. In the Kong County, compared to the urban areas, people in the rural areas are at a higher risk of ETS exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]