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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]

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]

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: 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: 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]

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]

Background: One of the main occupational hazards for seafarers is the long exposure to sunlight. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a mobile phone-based text message intervention in adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors among a sample of seafarers in Genaveh port located in Bushehr province, Iran.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 136 seafarers were randomly selected and assigned to the intervention (n = 68) or a control groups (n = 68). As a theoretical basis, we followed the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) variables to develop the text messages. The data related to PMT variables and skin cancer preventive behaviors were collected through a questionnaire. Forty-five text messages were designed, pre-tested and sent to the seafarers' phones in the intervention group in 45 days. Both groups were followed up 1 month after the intervention. Data collected in the two stages were analyzed using paired-samples t-test, ANCOVA, and Chi-square tests.Results: Following the intervention, the mean scores of adopting skin cancer preventive behaviors (p = 0.001), perceived self-efficacy (p = 0.01), protection motivation (p = 0.02), and fear (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. There was significant reduction in the response costs (p = 0.05) and perceived rewards (p = 0.01) scores in the intervention group compared with the control group after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences in the perceived vulnerability (p = 0.14), perceived severity (p = 0.09), and response efficacy (p = 0.64) between the two groups after the intervention.Conclusions: The results of the study indicated the effectiveness of mobile phone-based text message intervention for increasing skin cancer preventive behaviors in Iranian seafarers.Trial Registration: Iranian Registry for Clinical Trial (the link to trial: https://www.irct.ir/trial/7572 ). Registered 16 July, 2016. Prospectively registered. [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]

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: 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]

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]