arezoo fallahi

Considering the global spread of the coronavirus and its adverse consequences, adoption of preventive behavior stratgies is a suitable solution to reduce the sequelae by this disease. Considering the effectiveness of the developed parallel process model in changing behavior, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the extended parallel process model on adoption of preventive behavior aginst coronavirus infection in young women.

This intervention (experimental) study was conducted in 2022. Using a multi-stage sampling method 222 young women were entered into the study. Data were collected using a researcher's questionnaire based on the extended parallel process model. The educational intervention was performed through 4 virtual sessions. Three months after the last session, the participants completed the questionnaire again. Using SPSS software version 26,  data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical tests.

The results of the study showed that after the educational intervention, the mean scores of the model and behavior structures showed a significant difference between the two test and control groups (P<0.05). Before the training, 4.5% of the participants of the intervention group were in the risk control process, and after the training intervention, this figured reached 20.7%, which was statistically significant. After the educational intervention we found significant difference between the control and intervention groups in terms of the risk control process or fear control process (P=0.049).

Use of the developed parallel process model is effective in adopting preventive behaviors against the coronavirus in young women.

Health literacy is considered an important determinant of society's health, and high health literacy increases opportunities for empowerment in health-related decision-making. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs to conduct a diabetes test in at-risk individuals in Kurdistan province (Ghorveh City), Iran.

The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive research conducted in 2024. A total of 282 at-risk individuals eligible for inclusion in the study were selected to participate in the survey using a multi-stage random sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, a researcher-made questionnaire related to TPB constructs, and a health literacy questionnaire completed through an interview. Data were analyzed using the SPSS (version 23) software, descriptive tests (mean and standard deviation), and analytical tests (chi-square, Pearson correlation, and multiple regressions).

The mean and standard deviation related to the age of the participants was equal to 45.88±9.24. There was a relationship between gender, occupation, age, years of education, health literacy, monthly income, insurance coverage, and the ability to pay for testing to conduct a diabetes test (P≤0.05). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the constructs of the TPB, health literacy, and the intention to undergo diabetes testing. The demographic variables, health literacy, and TPB constructs accounted for 74% of the variance in the intention to perform diabetes testing.

The demographic factors, risk factors, health literacy, and the TPB constructs predict the intention to conduct a diabetes test in at-risk individuals. Therefore, it seems necessary to pay attention to the mentioned variables in the design of educational interventions.

 Exercise behavior (EB) has a significant impact on infertility, but the magnitude of the effect is not easily determined. This study aimed to assess the effect of social support and self-regulation, as external and internal factors, on changes in EB among infertile women.

 This cross-sectional study was conducted on 483 infertile women in Sanandaj (Iran) in 2020. Samples were recruited from 35 comprehensive healthcare centers by convenience sampling. Standardized face-to-face interviews were conducted using valid and reliable instruments for the assessment of EB, social support, and self-regulation. The association between EB, social support, and self-regulation was evaluated by logistic regression models.

 The majority of the participants (56.7%) had secondary infertility, while 70.8% of them did not perform any exercise. Self-regulation and social support were significantly higher in women with secondary infertility than in those with primary infertility (P<0.01). Self-regulation was significantly lower in women whose height was below 160 centimeters (P<0.05). Social support was significantly higher among participants aged≥35 years and weighing≥60 kg (P<0.01). The odds of EB adoption increased with self-regulation and social support (odds ratio [OR]=1.05, 95% CI=1.02-1.09, P<0.01; OR=1.06, 95% CI=1.02-1.11, P<0.01).

 Social support and self-regulation almost equally influenced EB in infertile women. In future research, designing support and consultation programs can be considered to encourage infertile women to exercise.

Identifying factors associated with willingness to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccinesandriskcommunication are essential to control the pandemic.

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between risk communication and willingness to receive booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 746 over 18 years old adults in Kermanshah, Iran, on October 2022 using randomcluster samplingfrom396,000membersof the general populationwhohadnot received a COVID-19 booster dose. Required data were collected using an online questionnaire from people who met the study requirements and analyzed via SPSS software version 22.

A total of 746 participants were between the ages of 40 and 59, 374.0% had a history of underlying disease, and 61.9% received two doses of the Sinopharm vaccine. About 36.3% were willing to accept booster dosages, and men, older adults, and those with underlying diseases were more likely to receive booster vaccinations. The most influential sources of information were social networks and television. There was a positive and significant correlation between risk communication and willingness to receive booster vaccine doses (P > 0.05). The average risk communication scores were higher among those more likely to receive a booster dose.

Health policymakers should paymoreattention to risk communication in designing multi-component interventions and producing appropriate and authentic content in social networks to increase the general population’s acceptance of vaccine booster doses.

Smoking is one of the modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that is related to different types of chronic disorders. Many patients with CVD consider smoking cessation a difficult task due to various reasons. The goal of the present study was to translate the Challenges to Stopping Smoking Scale (CSS) into Persian and examine its psychometric properties.
In this cross-sectional methodological study, a total of 341 patients with CVD [141 for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 200 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)] participated, and were selected using a convenience sampling method. Participants completed the Persian version of the CSS. Face, content, and construct validities were examined. Internal consistency was assessed using the McDonald’s Omega and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, and stability was examined using the test-retest method.
In the EFA, two factors of Internal Challenges and External Challenges were extracted that together explained 42.619% of the total variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.740 and 0.799 and Intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.862 and 0.869 were found for Internal and External Challenges, respectively. According to the results of CFA, the three-factor model had a good fit to the data. (RMSEA: 0.059; CFI: 0.94; GFI: 0.97; NFI: 0.90; PNFI: 0.77).
The Persian version of the CSS has good validity and reliability, and can be used as a valid and reliable instrument in future studies.

Thisstudy was conducted with the aim to answer the following questions: What were the main reasons for students’ leaving the Telegram network group? How could they be encouraged to stay in such groups?

This was a qualitative study based on ‎the content analysis method of Hsieh and Shannon. Using purposive sampling method, 24 students were recruited from the Islamic Azad University of Saqez in Iran in 2020. Nvivo software was used for data analysis. The reliability of the findings was insured through transcribing the data as soon as possible, accurate recording of the steps of the study, and using a suitable data collection method.

The codes were placed into 10 subcategories and 3 main categories including the challenges of staying in the channel, smoking and not intending to quit, and motivational factors affecting the staying of individuals in the group.

Most of the participants reported the low attractiveness of the channel, the cost of the Internet, Telegram filtering, and cultural reasons as significant challenges. Using photos instead of texts, posing questions for group members to answer, putting story series on the channel, advertising on other channels for this channel, and photos or GIFs were described as motivations for stayingon the channel.

Relationship incompatibility is one of the potential risk factors for marital problems. General studies have demonstrated a decrease in couples' marital adjustment regarding infertility. The present study aimed to assess the effect of life skills training on marital adjustment in infertile women referred to the infertility center of Kurdistan province.

In this interventional study, 90 infertile women who were referred to the infertility clinic located in the center of the province for follow-up, diagnosis and treatment were selected through continuous sampling. The data collection tool was the Spanier questionnaire. Data were entered into SPSS  software (version 20) and analyzed using statistical tests.

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups before the intervention in the scores of marital satisfaction, solidarity, agreement, expression of love, and adjustment. After the educational intervention, the score of marital satisfaction, solidarity, expression of love, and total adjustment in infertile women in the intervention group was significantly higher than those in the control group (P>0.05). Nonetheless, there was no significant difference in mutual agreement between the two groups (P= 0.29).

As evidenced by the obtained results, the necessary training can be designed and implemented to increase the level of marital satisfaction in infertile couples.

The Pap smear test as the primary screening test for cervical cancer has a low application rate among Iranian women. This study aimed to explore Iranian women’s Pap smear test experiences at healthcare centers.

This qualitative study was carried out in Varamin City, in 2018. To this end, 15 women admitted to healthcare centers were selected using purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria consisted of married women aged 20-50 years with a history of Pap smear, willingness to participate in the study, Iranian nationality, and ability to speak. To explore the women’s views and experiences, semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Four criteria, namely credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability were used to verify the accuracy and consistency of the data.

The data analysis yielded five main categories, including “intention to perform the test”,“policies and the administrative system”, “social factors helping to perform the test”, “barriers to perform the test”, and “motivational factors to perform the test”. From the participants’ perspective, risk concepts, and supportive policies were critical in enhancing test performance.

The results showed that the women’s Pap smear test performance depended on some factors including convenient and friendly interactions with healthcare providers, family support, encouraging policies and laws, and awareness. The cooperation of other organizations to perform a Pap smear test is also emphasized.

We aimed at investigating the association between health beliefs and exercise behavior in infertile women who were at risk of developing osteoporosis.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sanandaj city, west of Iran in 2018. From 35 comprehensive healthcare centers, 483 infertile women were included in the study through convenience sampling. Standardized face-to-face interviews were conducted using established, reliable instruments for the assessment of exercise behavior behavior and health beliefs. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between exercise behavior and health beliefs. Estimates were adjusted for age, job status, income, literacy, and duration and type of infertility. We reported estimated logits and Odds Ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Employed women compared to housewives had substantially higher odds of adopting exercise behavior behaviors (OR=3.19, 95% CI=1.53-6.66, p<0.01). Moreover, the odds of exercise behavior adoption increased with self-efficacy (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.20-1.52, p<0.01), and decreased with perceived barriers (OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.84-0.97, p<0.01).

It is essential to increase perceived self-efficacy and reduce perceived barriers to promote EB in infertile women. Consequently, health professionals should develop or adopt appropriate strategies to decrease barriers and increase self-efficacy to enhance exercise behavior in this group of women.

Background:

 Fissure sealant therapy is one of the most effective methods for preventing dental caries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of parental education on fissure sealant in the sample of Iranian preschool children.

This experimental study was conducted in Sanandaj, West of Iran, in 2019. A total of 120 parents of preschool children were randomly selected and divided into control (n = 60), and intervention (n = 60) groups. The required data were collected by a questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior. It consisted of two sections: demographic information and theoretical constructs. The intervention group received four sessions of 45-60 minutes. Education was conducted through lectures and question and answer using pamphlets, brochures, and dental manikins. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.

The intervention and control groups were homogeneous ‎before ‎education. ‎They were similar in terms of mean scores of the planned ‎model. However, after an educational intervention, all the scores increased, including the mean attitude score (from ‎‎3‎‏.‏‎09±0.47‎‏ to ‎4.07±0.64)‎, subjective norm score (from 3.2±‎‏0.45 to ‎‎3.90±‎‏0.52), perceived behavioral control score (from 3.172±‎‏0.31‏‎ to 3.73±‎‏0.40)‏‎, ‎behavioral intention score (from 3.33±‎‏0.58‏‎ to 4.40±‎‏0.62‏‎), practice score ‎(from ‎‏0‏‎ to ‎‏19.41‏‎±0.6), and knowledge score (from 1.85±2.23 to 7.17 ‎‎±1.31). Besides, the difference was statistically significant (p <0.05). Also, changes in model ‎constructs and knowledge were statistically significant in two ‎groups (p <0.05).‎

According to the results with implementing‏ four educational intervention sessions based on the theory of planned behavior ‎on fissure sealant can help increase the fissure sealant rate. ‎

Considering the importance of prayer and its effect on personal characteristics, the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship of attitude and practical commitment to prayer with interpersonal communication skills among students of Sanandaj universities, Iran.

This descriptive-analytical study was carried out in 2019 in Sanandaj, located in the west of Iran. The statistical population of the study (n=686) was selected through simple random sampling of students from Sanandaj universities. The instrument utilized in the research was a three-part questionnaire, including demographic information, attitude and practical commitment to prayer, and interpersonal communication skills. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21) using independent t-test, correlation, and logistic regression.

Based on the results of the regression test, a one-unit increase in attention to and practice of mustahabbat, commitment to perform prayers, and the effectiveness of prayer in individual and social life increased the possibility of having interpersonal communication skills with the odds ratios of 1.6, 1.11, and 1.09, respectively.

It can be concluded that attitude and commitment to prayer played an important role in interpersonal communication skills. However, practical attitude and commitment to prayer and interpersonal communication skills were higher in students in lower semesters.

Prevention is the best way to break the transmission chain of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of people regarding home quarantine to prevent COVID-19 in Sabzevar city, Iran.

In the present cross-sectional study in 2020, 836 people from Sabzevar participated. Data were collected by the virtual questionnaire and released in social media by nonprobability methods (Convenience and Snowball). The study questionnaire was researcher-made. The questions included demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed. 

The variables of gender, attitude and job on practice, variables of gender, education, job and attitude on knowledge and variables of knowledge, age, gender and underlying disease on attitude toward home quarantine have a significant impact (P˂0.05).

Peoplechr('39')s practice regarding home quarantine to prevent COVID-19 depends on a number of factors. Paying attention to the gender, attitude and occupation of individuals in policy making regarding home quarantine can improve the performance of the public.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a common chronic disease with a high mortality rate. Patients with CVD need to engage in cardiovascular health behaviors to prevent the complications of the disease.

The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Cardiac Health Behavior (CHB) scale among patients with CVD.

In this methodological study, a total of 325 patients with CVD were selected from public places in Tehran using convenience sampling. The instrument was translated based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines. The face, content, and construct validities were examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The reliability of the scale was also assessed using McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Data analyses were performed using Lisrel 8.8 and SPSS 20 software.

Using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), the five following factors were extracted: health responsibility, dietary habits, physical activities, smoking cessation, and stress management. These factors explained 64.96% of the total variance of cardiac health behavior. In Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the goodness of fit of the five-factor model for cardiac health behavior was confirmed based on standard indices (CFI = 0.92, IFI = 0.92, PNFI = 0.75, and RMSEA = 0.089). Using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, the internal consistency of the total scale was found to be 0.887.

The five-factor model of cardiac health behavior showed good validity and reliability in patients with CVD. According to its good psychometric properties, the Persian version of the CHB scale reflected the importance of health behaviors in the daily activities of the patients with CVD.

Self-medication is prevalent among pregnant women. It can cause adverse effects such as fetal anomalies.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-medication among Iranian pregnant women.

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Online national and international databases (namely, Scientific Information Database, MagIran, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched using the following keywords: “pregnancy,” “gravidity,” “self-treatment,” “self-medication,” “non-prescription,” “over-the-counter,” “self-administered,” “self-reported,” “Iran,” “prevalence,” “occurrence,” “frequency,” and “epidemiology.” In total, 128 studies were retrieved. Only 13 studies fulfilled eligibility criteria, i.e. cross-sectional design and publication in Persian or English. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using a tool with four items, namely design, sample description, sample size, and methods. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model and heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I2 index.

The total number of samples in the 13 analyzed studies was 4874. The overall self-medication prevalence was 38.46% (95% confidence interval: 27.42–49.49). Meta-regression analysis revealed no significant relationships between self-medication prevalence and methodological quality score (P = 0.409), participants' mean age (P = 0.400), sample size (P = 0.248), and publication year (P = 0.704).

The overall prevalence of self-medication among Iranian pregnant women is 38.46%. Study findings can be used to design and implement interventions to reduce self-medication among pregnant women. Educational interventions are needed to improve the knowledge of pregnant women and health-care providers about the effects of self-medication, particularly herbal self-medication.

Job burnout among health educators is increasing with serious physical, psychological and social consequences. The purpose of this study was to explore the causes of job burnout from the perspective of health educators and identify their needs for reducing it.

This qualitative study was carried out in comprehensive health service centers of Sanandaj, west of Iran, in 2017, including 15 health educators selected by purposive sampling. The data were collected through individual interviews and semi-structured group discussions, observation and field notes and analyzed using the conventional content analysis approach with due consideration of acceptability, verifiability and transferability to ensure the accuracy and strength of the data.

The causes of job burnout were extracted in 5 categories including "issues related to comprehensive health service centers", "individual challenges of staff members", "management weakness", "executive system challenges" and "issues related to clients". The participants emphasized the following actions for reducing job burnout: strengthening individual skills, effective evaluation and management support, providing recreational and welfare facilities, reducing job stress, and strengthening intra- and inter-sectoral communications.

The results of this study show that various factors contribute to job burnout among health educators. Improvements in management, laws and welfare facilities not only would reduce job burnout but also may increase the efficiency of health education programs.

Homeless women are at high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to their adverse early-life experiences.

This study aimed to examine the association between adverse early-life experiences and the risk of acquiring STIs among homeless women in Tehran.
Patients and

A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014. The study recruited 241 homeless women through quota sampling from the drop in centers and shelters affiliated to a local welfare organization in Tehran, Iran. Data were obtained using questionnaires on demographics and adverse early-life experiences. Blood and urine samples were tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhea. Descriptive statistics including frequency were calculated for all variables. To analyze the data at a significance level of 0.05, binary logistic regression was used.

The prevalence rates of HIV/AIDS, HSV-2, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhea were 8.29%, 23.65%, 14.93%, 11.61%, and 6.63%, respectively. The results of logistic regression showed that the risk of acquiring STIs increases by factors such as sexual abuse (OR = 4.06; 95% CI = 1.21 - 13.6, P = 0.02), running away from home (OR = 4.46; 95% CI = 1.67 - 12.89, P = 0.03), drug use (OR = 3.93; 95% CI = 1.13 - 13.58, P = 0.03), alcohol use (OR = 4.12; 95% CI = 1.38 - 12.24, P = 0.01), imprisonment and criminal records (OR = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.01 - 7.52, P = 0.04), premarital sexual activity (OR = 4.71; 95% CI = 1.06 - 13.84, P = 0.05), divorce (OR = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.06 - 11.32, P = 0.03), Nikah mut’ah (OR = 4.33; 95% CI = 1.39 - 13.49, P = 0.01), having multiple sex partners (OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 1.81 - 14.96, P = 0.02), and having unprotected sexual relationships (OR = 3.69; 95% CI = 1.00 - 13.62, P = 0.05).

Homeless women had high rates of adverse early-life experiences and overall 41.49% of them were affected at least by one STI. Future interventions should focus on the reduction of adverse early-life experiences, especially during adolescence, including the promotion of adolescent empowerment, promotion of condom use, and improvement of awareness of STIs.

Fear of dental care prevents dental cleaning behavior and increases the prevalence of dental caries. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Trans-Theoretical Model constructs and fear of dental care on the dental cleaning behavior of students. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Sanandaj city, Iran, in 2017. Using multi-stage sampling, 1,344 male and female students were included in the study. They completed a self-report questionnaire, including demographic information, Trans-Theoretical Model constructs and fear of dental care. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0). A total of 1,344 male and female students with a mean age of 15.22±2.64 years participated in the study; from the perspective of students, dental caries (88.4%) was the most frequent illness and tongue inflammation (0.6%) was the least frequent disease.Overall, 32.9% of the students used no tools for cleaning their teeth. Fear of dental care and perceived barriers were reduced significantly during the stages of dental cleaning behavior (p<0.05) and perceived self-efficacy and perceived benefits were significantly increased (p<0.001). The odds of dental cleaning behavior increased with self-efficacy (OR=1.34, 95%CI=1.22-1.48, p<0.05), and decreased with fear of dental care (OR=0.90, 95%CI=0.80-0.98, p<0.01). The findings showed dental cleaning behavior among students was at a low level and various factors such as perceived self-efficacy, benefits and barriers and fear of dental care influenced its performance.

Osteoporosis is a major chronic health condition that affects women more than men. A few qualitative studies have been conducted to investigate what women with osteoporosis need to manage their disease. The aim of the study was to determine the needs of women with osteoporosis in disease self-management. This qualitative study was conducted at the osteoporosis screening units of three private and governmental centers in Sanandaj, the West of Iran. A purposive sample was recruited from among all eligible women who attended the osteoporosis screening units from November 2015 to June 2016. The inclusion criteria were osteoporosis diagnosis by the woman’s attending physician for at least six months and prescribed osteoporosis medication. The exclusion criterion was a T-score of above -2.5. Data were collected by individual semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion, and drawings. The data were analyzed by conventional content analysis. To confirm the accuracy and strength of the data, credibility, confirmability, and transferability components were taken into account. Four themes emerged from the data analysis, including “social support”, “cultural-economic factors”, “improved implementation of health education”, and “having a normal living”. The results of the study showed that women with osteoporosis are in need of engagement and active participation of primary care physicians, regular review of patient’s care plan, planned care visits, improving the quality of care and patient outcomes, patient education and self-management education, the cooperation of the public media and relevant organizations, and emotional and informational support to improve their osteoporosis self-management.

Sexual health education is a controversial issue within the Iranian context. Thus, the present study was conducted to explore the necessity of sex education among young single women and develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Sexual Health Education Necessity Scale.

This was an exploratory mixed method study. Young single women (51 women in the first phase and 110 women in the second phase of the study) aged 18-34 years were recruited in the study. In the first phase, qualitative methods were applied to generate items. In the second phase, psychometric properties, such as face, content, and construct validity, and reliability of the Sexual Health Education Necessity Scale were evaluated. In the first phase, an item pool was developed that included 17 statements related to sexual health education necessity. In the second phase, item reduction was applied using exploratory factor analysis and the final version of the questionnaire containing 9 items was developed.  Also, content, face, and construct validity were assessed. Moreover, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test-retest were calculated to evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire. SPSS software (version 21) was used for data analysis and p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant.

In the qualitative phase, 4 key themes emerged regarding sex education, which included the effects of sex education, principles of sex education, content of sex education, and organizations responsible for sex education. An item pool containing 17 statements was generated and used for psychometric evaluation. The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed a 2-factor solution for the scale, which collectively accounted for the 56.04% of the variance. Final CVR and CVI were found to be 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test-retest of the instrument was found to be 0.78 and 0.80, respectively.

Sexual Health Education Necessity Scale can be used for exploring dominant beliefs that may be obstacles for providing sex education in conservative societies; therefore, correcting these beliefs could help to design an appropriate sexual health education program.

The growing popularity of social networking sites (SNS) raises concerns about privacy and security, especially among teenagers and young people, as they experience different types of unsafe behaviors on SNS. In this regard, the problem of the consequences of using this communication tool has attracted the attention of psychology and sociology researchers. The aim of this study was to evaluate self-disclosure behavior in virtual social networks and its related factors. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 601 students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran. Data were collected by standard questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS software. Effective factors such as presence in the virtual network, obscurity, and access to the Internet and virtual networks were among the factors behind the self-disclosure behavior among students. The goal of attending virtual networks was communicating and sharing personal information, getting rid of loneliness, using in free time, accessing various information and updating information, getting to know friends and colleagues, feeling anonymity, feeling united, and lacking confidence. The findings main reason for self-disclosure behavior was presence in virtual social networks. There was a significant relationship between gender and the desire to obscurity. The results of this study indicate that the tendency to self-disclosure behavior in virtual social networks among young people, especially students, is increasing. It is essential for the cultural and social authorities to pay attention and create effective grounds for raising awareness among the youth

Homeless women can provide valuable information about the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, in Iran. However, they are not readily accessible for epidemiological studies and hence, there is limited information about HIV infection prevalence among them. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of HIV infection and the perceptions of STIs among homeless women in Tehran, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014. Participants were 241 homeless women who were recruited through quota sampling from twelve drop-in centers and night shelters affiliated to a local welfare organization in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using the perception of STIs Questionnaire as well as serological testing for HIV infection using DS-EIA-HIV-Ag/Ab-Screen kit (manufactured in Italy). Descriptive statistics measures and the independent-samples t-test were used for data description and analysis. The prevalence of HIV infection was 8.3%. There were significant differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women respecting their overall STI risk perception (P = 0.003) and its two subscales, namely insufficient knowledge (P = 0.007) and inconsistent condom use (P = 0.030). Homeless women have low STI risk perception. Training and counseling programs are necessary to improve their STI-related knowledge, perception, and attitudes.

Oral self‑care behaviors are not satisfactory among pregnant women; incidence of gingivitis is high in them and training programs have slightly improved their gingivitis. This study was aimed to explore self‑care needs of pregnant women suffering from gingival inflammation.
This study was carried out in Sanandaj, west of Iran, in 2017. Twenty pregnant women with gingivitis were included in the study. Data were collected via semi‑structured individual and group interviews and note‑taking, and were analyzed by conventional content analysis. To confirm the accuracy and strength of the data, credibility, confirmability, and transferability components were taken into account.
The results of data analysis yielded six major categories, including “organizational support,” “dentist’s professional competence,” “increasing perceived threat,” “increasing self‑efficacy,” “increasing perceived benefits,” and “culture‑making.” Increased self‑efficacy was the most important concern of pregnant women.
The findings showed that self‑care behaviors to prevent gingivitis in pregnant women are influenced by various factors. It is essential to consider the cooperation of the media and organizations, support of society, and attention of families and authorities to oral health education and disease prevention among women.

Although the importance of sex education for the youth is well documented in the literature around the world, sex education remains controversial in Iran.
The aim of this study was to explore Iranian women’s beliefs and perceptions regarding advantages and disadvantages of sex education.
Patients and In this qualitative inquiry, we interviewed 41 young women aged 18 - 35. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were used to collect the data. Conventional content analysis was used for data analysis. Multiple data collection methods, maximum variation sampling, and peer checks were applied to empower the rigor of study.
A total of 5 themes were categorized into 2 main domains: advantages and disadvantage of sex education. The first domain was conceptualized by increased knowledge, normalization of sexual and reproductive issues, and self-efficacy; the later domain by: motives for initiating sexual behavior and tainted modesty.
Since most young women believed that sex education is beneficial for them, an effective, appropriate, and culturally-approved program could be designed for sex education.

Non-medical use of prescription drugs is a growing global health concern. The real scale of the problem is unknown. Statistics indicate that taking painkillers and sedatives leads to dependency and addiction to the drugs administered. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of drug abuse for causing lethargy and sedation in the population with the age of over 18 years in Sanandaj City, Iran.
This descriptive-analytic study was conducted in year 2015. The sample size was 1750 people, and cluster sampling method was performed from all health care centers in Sanandaj City. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire to assess intractable consumption and tranquilizer drug abuse, and addiction to these medications. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to identify socio-demographic and risk behavior correlated with abuse tranquilizer or sedative drugs.
80% of the participants had intractable consumption, and 18% of those with intractable consumption had dependency to these drugs (having two symptoms of withdrawal and denial of medications according to DSM-IV). The factors affecting consumption and drug abuse can be arbitrary, job, availability of pharmaceuticals, insurance, family history of addiction, marital status, physical or mental illness, and conflict in the family.
Dependency to lethargy-inducing drugs and tranquilizers was high in the study population. So, planning to make people aware of the consequences of taking drugs, especially tranquilizers and lethargy-inducing drugs, is very important

The health educators, who are responsible health education in school, play a crucial role in the physical and mental health of students. The aim of this study was to explore needs of health educators on education of health behaviors to students.
Material and This qualitative study was conducted at the schools of Sanandaj city, located in the west of Iran, in 2016. Using purposive sampling, sixteen school health trainers with health education experience were included in the study. Data were collected through individual interview and group discussion, observation and field notes, and analyzed by conventional content analysis. To confirm the accuracy and strength of the data, acceptability, confirmability and transferability components were taken into account.
Five categories and eighteen subcategories emerged from the data analysis, including strengthening organizational factors (Intersectoral cooperation and external, Monitoring of school health matters and Solve the economic problems of schools), efficient manpower (use of appropriate human resources, Improve the performance of trainers, Strengthening communication skills of trainer and Activate student health volunteers program), educational preparation (Appropriate educational condition, advantage of the educational facilities, methods and models of teaching, pay attention to learnerʼs characteristics and Design the educational content), attention to health of learner and trainer (pay attention to physical health of learner, pay attention to mental health of learner, pay attention to physical health of trainer and pay attention to mental health of trainer) and strengthening the role of family (improving Cooperation of parents with school and Parental attention to learner).
To deliver efficient and effective health education to students, health educators need to the inter-sectoral and extra-sectoral collaboration, giving more attention to the health promotion programs on the part of the authorities, equipping schools to educational equipment and facilities, and training educators.