sahar khosh ravesh

Information therapy is one of the new methods of providing health-related information to patients. This method plays an important role in empowering patients to make informed health decisions and participate in the recovery process. In this regard, the present study was conducted to explain the understanding of elderly people with type 2 diabetes regarding information therapy related to self-care.

This study was carried out qualitatively using the content analysis method on 18 patients with type 2 diabetes referred to some specialized diabetes centers in Hamadan City in 2024. Participants were selected based on purposeful sampling method and content saturation with maximum diversity based on gender, education level, marital status, employment status, and duration of diabetes among patients eligible for the study. A semi-structured, in-depth personal interview method was used for data collection. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using MAXQDA 2020 software.

After data analysis, three categories and thirteen subcategories were extracted in relation to the theme of diabetes control and management. The obtained categories included promoting self-care behaviors, increasing individuals' motivation to perform self-care behaviors, and accessing information therapy communication channels. Subcategories included paying attention to physical, psychological, social, and spiritual self-care; boosting awareness; improving attitude; controlling disease and its complications; reducing costs and making better decisions; and interpersonal media, traditional media, digital media, and social networks.

According to the results, it seems that information therapy is one of the methods of increasing individuals' motivation to perform self-care behaviors and promoting self-care behaviors. Ultimately, it may assist elderly patients in controlling and managing type 2 diabetes.

Nowadays, the prevalence of uterine myoma in pregnant women has increased due to the increasing age of pregnancy in women.In this case report, a pregnant woman (window period) with a negative result of ßhCG test and ultrasound in terms of pregnancy underwent myomectomy surgery to remove a large uterine myoma. A 40-year-old patient referred to the physician because of heavy and prolonged menses caused by a large uterine myoma and primary infertility for 10 years. ßhCG test and ultrasound of the patient were negative in terms of pregnancy, and she underwent myomectomy surgery while the patient was in the early stages of pregnancy (window period). Therefore, the patient was under close care during pregnancy. With continuous follow-up, the newborn was born without any problems at 37 weeks. Although in this study, with proper management during surgery, and continuous and regular follow-ups, the newborn was born healthy, but confirmation of myomectomy during pregnancy requires the implementation of more studies.

In current years, the increase in older population has led to creating one of the main public health challenges, worldwide. Because of the special characteristics of older adults, this age group is exposed to possible problems, such as mental and physical disorders, that usually affect their functional independence. The study aimed to determine the psychosocial determinants (e.g., depression, social support, and self-efficacy) affecting functional independence among older population.

Our search was conducted on three international databases (Web of Sciences, PubMed/Medline, and Scopus) for all the observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort or longitudinal designs) on the social and psychological determinants of functional independence among older adults. Papers published in English without limitation of time were reviewed from inception to 26 August 2023. The quality assessment tool was the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The I2 index was used to quantify the degree of heterogeneity among the studies. In the case of heterogeneity higher than 50%, the random effects model has been used for overall estimation of the effects; otherwise, the fixed effects model was used. The pooled associations were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Stata version 14 software (StataCorp LP) was used for data analysis. The significance level was considered at 0.05.

In the initial search, 6978 articles were retrieved, and finally, considering the inclusion criteria, 46 articles were examined. Finally, 18 articles were eligible for meta-analysis. The findings indicated that among all the determinants affecting functional independence among older adults, depression could lead to a 76% increase in functional dependence.

The findings provide a statistically significant relationship between psychosocial factors and functional independence. Depression was the strongest determinant of functional dependence among older adults.

The quality of life of infertile couples has not been sufficiently considered due to its nature and the complexity of its relationship with the psychological status of individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the quality of life and its related factors among infertile couples referred to Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 303 infertile couples referred to Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, in 2019. The participants were selected by simple random sampling and entered into the study. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics form and a quality of life questionnaire (SF-36). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 24) using the Pearson correlation test, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA.

The mean age of the participants was 30.94±6.21 years. Moreover, 37.3% of the study participants reported 2-4 years of infertility, and 59.4% of them did not use any of the assisted reproductive methods, such as IUI and IVF. The results showed that 68.2% of the participants obtained the maximum achievable score of total quality of life indicating a relatively favorable quality of life among infertile couples in Hamadan. There was also a significant relationship between income and quality of life (P<0.05).

The results of this study showed that the quality of life of infertile couples in Hamadan is relatively desirable. However, more careful planning seems necessary to improve their quality of life.

Self-care behaviors and commitment to health responsibility are regarded as measures against Covid-19 disease when there is no widespread access to vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health responsibility and self-care behaviors related to Covid-19 in Kurdistan citizens.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 in Kurdistan province and included 1008 participants above 15 years of age. Using convenient sampling method, people referring to health centers were entered into the study. Online data collection was performed via Whats App or Telegram using Covid-19 Self-Care Behavior and Health Responsibility Questionnaires. Using SPSS software version 22, data analysis was performed by Spearman correlation and chi-square test.

The study included 642 women (63.7%) and 366 men (36.3%), with mean age of 38. 6 ± 11.63 years. The correlation between health responsibility and self-care behaviors was positive and significant (p <0.001, r = 0.33). Self-care behaviors and health responsibility were not significantly different in terms of age, occupation, marital status, and city of residence (p > 0.05). A higher proportion of women compared to men were in the category of good health responsibility (60.8% vs. 39.2) and self-care behaviors (67.8% vs. 32.2) (p <0.001).

In the epidemics of diseases such as Covid-19, and especially in the absence of widespread vaccination and effective treatment, emphasis on the importance of commitment to health responsibility in order to perform self-care behaviors is the most important measure for prevention and control of diseases.

Hospitals are often as an important goal focus on length of stay (LOS) for controlling the cost of trauma care. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting hospital LOS in trauma patients before and during the COVID‑19 pandemic in a regional trauma center in Iran.

In this retrospective study, all trauma patients referred to Be’sat Hospital, the only regional trauma center in Hamadan, from 19 February to 20 November 2020 (during the COVID‑19) were compared to the same date in 2019 (before the COVID‑19). Data were collected using the recorded information in the Health Information Management Center of the Be’sat Hospital. Multivariate logistic regression was used to simultaneously evaluate the effect of covariates on LOS (≤3 days; >3 days) in two periods. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24.0.

The mean values for LOS in trauma patients before and during the COVID‑19 were 3.9 and 3.2 days, respectively. Before the COVID‑19, the age of <18 years old (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59; 95% confidence interval CI: 1.33–1.92, P < 0.01), winter season (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 0.99–1.76, P = 0.04), and burn trauma (OR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.02–1.79, P = 0.03) were significant. During the COVID‑19, the age of <18 years old (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.04–1.90, P = 0.04), males (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.10–1.99, P = 0.01), burn trauma (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.15–2.73, P = 0.01), and history of hospitalization (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.15–2.73, P = 0.01) were significant.

According to the results, before the COVID‑19, the factors such as age, season, and mechanism of trauma were predictors of LOS. Furthermore, age, sex, mechanism of trauma, and history of hospitalization were factors that affected LOS in trauma patients during the COVID‑19. Thus, this study may be helpful in improving the discharge planning in trauma patients.

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.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of spiritual well-being and demographic characteristics in signing the donor card.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hamadan in 2018. Six hundred employees from 57 offices (out of 60) were selected using a random sampling method. Data gathering was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 22.

The participants’ mean±SD age was 39.5±7.0. About 20% (n=120) of employees had a donor card and 41.7% (n=250) of them were being a blood donors. About 56 percent than half of them were categorized as having high spiritual health. Among the interpersonal and mass media sources, employees obtained more information from friends (n=181, 30.2%) and TV (n=482, 80.3%), respectively. The results of logistic regression showed that being female (AOR=1.80; 95% CI=1.12-2.87), fewer children (1 child: AOR=1.99; 95% CI=1.15-3.43 & no child: AOR=2.94; 95% CI=1.48-5.84), being blood donor (AOR=2.40; 95% CI=1.50-3.85), and higher spiritual heath (AOR=1.01; 95% CI=1.00-1.03) were significantly predicted to sign donor card.

This study provides evidence about the importance of spiritual well-being and demographic predictors of organ donor cards. These predictors can be helpful for the development and implementation of interventions related to increasing the sign donor card.

Staying in treatment is one of the basic principles in maintenance treatment with methadone and it is considered as a success criterion in the treatment procedure. This study aimed at analyzing effective determinants on staying in treatment in methadone treatment procedure.

This was a retrospective cohort study, in which 6 MMT centers were randomly selected to be studied. The data were collected using the patients’ medical records. Therefore, 1008 medical record files belonging to the patients who received methadone treatment from April 2013 to August 2017 were investigated. Proportional hazard Cox regression (extended) was used to specify the determinants of the methadone maintenance treatment and STATA 11 was used for data analysis. 

The patients’ mean age was 38.8 years (±1.08), and 75.8% were married and only 39.1% had full-time jobs. The mean age for the first substance abuse was at 24.31years (±7.93). The average time of staying in the treatment was 28.8 months. The results of the adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression showed among the 14 variables entered into the model, in the 1-12-month interval age of first drug use (HR=0.945, 95 % CI=0.908-0.983, p=0.005), specific drug use (HR=1.14, 95 % CI=1.026-1.268, p=0.014), and the frequency of treatment (HR=0.974, 95 % CI=0.959-0.990, p=0.002) were significantly correlated with survival status. The 13-36-month interval drug use (HR=0.931, 95 % CI=0.886-0.978, p=0.005) was significantly correlated with survival status.  Also, the range of 37-53 month drug use (HR=1.058, 95 % CI=1.001-1.119, p= .044) had a significant relationship with survival status.

This study showed age of first drug use, specific drug use, the frequency of treatment and drug use were correlated with a decrease in staying duration in treatment. Therefore, taking these factors into consideration in designing and administering various interventions in addiction treatment and consulting centers is of paramount importance.

One of the most important problems of the elderly with chronic diseases is lack of medication adherence that imposes huge costs on every country health care system.
The aim of present study was to examine effective determinants on medication adherence in elderly patients with chronic diseases.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two teaching hospitals in Qom, Iran, in 2016. A total of 100 patients aged 60 and older were selected by convenience sampling. Data collection tools were three questionnaires such as Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8), brief illness perception questionnaire (B-IPQ), hospital anxiety, and depression scale (HADS). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed for statistical assessment.
The mean and standard deviation age of the patients was 65.4 ± 5.2. More than two-thirds of the patients (71.4%) had poor medication adherence. In addition, among the variables entered into the multiple logistic regression model with P Medication adherence in elderly patients with chronic diseases was poor and illness perceptions were effective in medication adherence in elderly with chronic diseases.

Health literacy is considered one of the main determinants of health-promoting behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the health literacy of employees of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences and its relation with health promotion behaviors.
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016. By stratified sampling, the study recruited 188 employees of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences from seven colleges. Ttwo self-administered questionnaires, namely, the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II.) were used for data gathering the data were analyzed through descriptive statistics for describing data and to assess the relationship between variables multivariate linear regressions was used. In all the tests, P-value The employees had a mean age of 36.84 years (SD = 6.32). The majority of the participants were female (71%), and most acquire information related to health via the Internet (74.5%). Moreover, results showed a significant relationship between health literacy and health-promoting behaviors (F=7.22, P Based on results, health literacy and health-promoting behaviors among the employees were undesirable and inadequate levels. Also, health literacy had the positive relationship on nutritional behavior, interpersonal communication, and responsibility toward health. It seems that it is necessary to pay special attention to these issues in the training programs for health promotion of employees in order to increase the efficiency in their performance.

One of the important determinants of health in every society is health literacy. The present study conducted with the aim of determining health literacy status of employees of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences and related demographic factors. The study was a cross sectional study that performed in 2016 in 188 employees in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Employees through stratified sampling method enrolled in the study. The data collection tool was Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA), which completed through self-report. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient, one-way ANOVA and linear regression tests by SPSS software version 22. The mean of age of employees was 36.84 years. The most of participants )74.5%( received health-related information through the Internet. Among of the five dimensions of health literacy, the comprehension dimension of health information was more desirable. The highest correlation coefficient between health literacy dimensions was related to the relationship between comprehension and decision-making (r = 0.582, p Overall, the results of the study showed that the average health literacy of employees was border line. It seems that interventions based on demographic characteristics are required to improve the health status of employees.

The most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis of all ages is Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Further understanding of this disease is important because of its life threatening nature in life. The aim of this study was to conduct a 10-year survey on epidemiological and clinical features of GBS in Tohid and Besat hospitals, Sanandaj, Iran, from 2005 to 2014.
This study was a retrospective study, based on medical records, in which 98 hospitalized cases in Tohid and Besat hospitals (tertiary referral hospitals), Sanandaj, Iran, between 2005 and 2014 were investigated. The epidemiological and clinical information was obtained from eligible cases. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Chi-square and t test were used for analyses. The significant level was considered at P The mean age of cases with GBS was 22.16 years. Among final 69 patients who were studied, 36 cases (52.2%) were male and 33 cases (47.8%) were female. Most cases of disease occurred in the spring. Thirty-nine patients (56.52%) had risk factors like history of gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, and surgery 2-4 weeks before the disease onset. Four cases 10.25%) needed mechanical ventilation. The most common protocol of treatment was IVIg (n = 47, 68%). More than half of the patients (52.2%) achieved relative recovery. In 6 patients, (8.7%) relapse was occurred.
Our study showed that there was a significant relationship between sensory- motor involvement, gender and age. Moreover, the relationship between gender and prognosis was indicated (P

relapse or retention to pre-treatment is one of the most important challenges in drug treatment program. Cognition of time to relapse in patients with relapse provides an opportunity for performing interventions. The aim of current study was identify the styles of relapse among drug abuser and stimulants.
This study was a cross-sectional study which in from all patients with drug abuse and stimulants referred to MMT, DIC and therapeutic camps centers in Sanandaj city (Iran), 150 patients was recruited multi-stage cluster sampling. The data collected through a Time to Relapse Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.
The mean age was 40. 52 years (SD= 11.30). The most used substance that results in treatment was opium and opium juice (41.3%). The most used therapeutic style was self-avoidance (42.7%).The most purity period of drugs was related to treatment with methadone (78.7%). In terms of relapse styles, more than half (53.4%) participants had a sudden relapse. As well as 11.3% with short delay relapse, 18% with long delay relapse and 17.3% had more than one relapse.
The results of this study showed that the studied group had more sudden relapse that indicates the addiction therapists should seriously considerate teaching the necessary skills to deal with high-risk situations beside pharmacotherapy.

Epidemiological studies in recent decades have been indicative of increased prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the world. In this study we investigated awareness, risk perception, and protective behaviors in relation to multiple sclerosis among people in Sanandaj, Iran.
Material and This cross-sectional study included 800 people over 15 years of age. Samples were selected randomly from all of the city areas. The questionnaire included questions regarding demographic information, knowledge, perception of risk and protective behavior for MS. Using STATA12; data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical tests including x2 and regression. P-value less than 0.05 were considered significant.
Mean age of the participants was 38.27±14.91 years. In all age groups, the knowledge of the participants about MS was low (P Knowledge of people of Sanandaj about multiple sclerosis was suboptimal. Designing and implementation of intervention programs to enhance people's understanding of MS, ways to prevent, and promoting protective behaviors at the community level is necessry.

In the early decade of 2000, HIV/AIDS was introduced as the main cause of death from infectious diseases and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to assess the quality of services provided to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Iran. This qualitative study was conducted in Iran, in 2012. In this study, purposive sampling method was used. Data was collected during the interview via taking participants’ views about the quality of services provided to people living with HIV/AIDS. Data was analyzed through qualitative content analysis method and using open code software. The most common issues raised by participants in this study were:, the need for continuous training of personnel, low awareness of physicians and medical staff, the need for consulting services, inappropriate treatment by health staff, inadequate medical care tools and facilities, dissatisfaction with hospital services, inadequate number of staff in health centers, and dissatisfaction with the quality of methadone maintenance treatment in some centers. Overall, it can be said that the quality of services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Iran is low and is not satisfactory. Recommendations: It seems that the following items are needed to improve the quality of services provided to people living with HIV/AIDS: careful planning and continuous evaluation of services, increased funding, better distribution of human power, employing skilled and experienced staff, continuous training, increased coverage of insurance for people living with HIV/AIDS, controlling and reporting the status of service delivery to improve the quality of provided services.

The number of sexual transmission of HIV is increasing globally. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues and HIV/AIDS related problems are rooted in common grounds such as poverty, gender inequality, and social exclusion. As a result, international health organizations have suggested the integration of SRH services with HIV/AIDS services as a strategy to control HIV and to improve people’s access to SRH services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between reproductive health and HIV/AIDS services at policy-making level in Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI). This study was conducted in 2011–2 and was a rapid assessment based on guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Family Health International Association, and some other international organizations. In this rapid assessment we used different methods such as a review of literature and documents, visiting and interviewing professionals and experts in family health and HIV/AIDS programs, and experts working in some Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Overall, based on the results obtained in this study, in most cases there was not much linkage between HIV/AIDS policies and SRH policies in Iran. Since integration of HIV/AIDS services and SRH services is recommended as a model and an appropriate response to HIV epidemics worldwide, likewise to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Iran it is required to integrate HIV/AIDS and SRH services at all levels, particularly at the policy-making level.

HIV/AIDS has been concentrated among injecting drug users in the country. This study aimed to investigate and identify health and treatment needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in Iran. This qualitative study was conducted in 2012 in Iran. The study groups consisted of experts, practitioners, and consultants working with People Living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Data was collected through Focus Group Discussions and deep interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis method. The findings of this study included the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, which were classified in three main categories. The first category was prevention and counseling services with several sub-groups such as education and public and available consultation, distribution of condoms to vulnerable groups, increasing counseling centers in urban areas, providing appropriate psychological and supportive counseling, and family planning services. The second category included diagnostic and treatment services and had several sub-groups such as full retroviral treatment, Tuberculosis treatment and continuing care, providing care and treatment for patients with hepatitis, and providing dental services. The third category included rehabilitation services and had some sub-categories such as home care, social and psychological support, nutritional support, and empowering positive clubs. This study puts emphasis on making plans based on the priorities to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in Iran.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the views of policy makers and key persons about national AIDS control politics. This qualitative study used purposive sampling. To collect data, the perspectives of six experts about AIDS were inspected. Framework analysis was used to analyze the data. The results of this study showed that beside the strengths there are also significant weaknesses in making the policies, administering the existing policies, executing the programs in organizations, and planning new policies to control AIDS; hence these problems and weaknesses must be identified to achieve the main goals of AIDS control program. AIDS is not only a health problem but a social, economical and cultural problem, which requires more attention from authorities and related organizations for developing and implementing policies in accordance with international guidelines. To achieve Millennium development goals (MDGs) in the context of AIDS it is essential for policy makers and key figures to consider more effective activities and measures in their agenda.