Preventive Care in Nursing & Midwifery Journal
Volume:14 Issue: 2, Summer 2024

 Diabetes is considered one of the most arduous chronic diseases emotionally and behaviorally. This disease is an integral part of the patient’s lives, and not paying attention to the psychological stress stemming from it, not only leads to the occurrence of psychological symptoms and frustration, but also influences self-care behaviors, such as blood sugar control, proper use of medicines, and medication regimen adherence.

 This study was conducted to determine the relationship between psychological stress and medication regimen adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes.

 This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 101 patients referring to diabetes clinics affiliated with Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Sampling was carried out using the convenience sampling method. A demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Problems Areas in Diabetes-5 (PAID-5) Scale, and the Mo risky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman’s test, with SPSS-26 software.

 In the present research, 68.3% of the participants were female and 31.7% were male. The mean (standard deviation) stress score was 9.579 (7.448). Also, 58.4% of the participants had a stress score of ≥8, indicating high psychological stress. The mean (standard deviation) of medication adherence was 6.054 (1.874), which based on the findings, 43.6% had a poor adherence score. Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed an inverse and significant statistical relationship between psychological stress and medication adherence (p =0.002, r=-0.307).

 According to the results, the higher the psychological stress of diabetic patients, the lower their medication adherence. It is suggested that targeted interventions should be designed to manage psychological stress and improve medication adherence in diabetic patients.

 Taking care of romantic relationships in couples depends on marital satisfaction and a better understanding of each other’s needs. Physical changes such as weight gain and obesity can make people develop negative perceptions of their body and appearance and endanger caregiving for romantic relationships in couples.

 The present study aimed to examine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy in caring for romantic relationships in overweight women.

 This experimental study was conducted with a pre-test and post-test design on 30 overweight women. A total of 30 women were selected using convenience and were placed block randomization method in the experimental and control groups (each with 15 members). The experimental group received the MBSR intervention in twelve 90-minute sessions. The data were collected using the Caregiving Questionnaire (CQ; Kunce & Shaver, 1994) and analyzed through multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in SPSS-v24 software.

 The findings showed that the MBSR intervention significantly improved caregiving in romantic relationships in overweight women who underwent the intervention. F value calculated for the pre-intervention and post-intervention scores for the components of proximity (F=17.56, p=0.001), sensitivity (F=8.08, p=0.001), cooperation (F=42.05, p=0.001), and non-obsessive control (F=24.31, p=0.001) were significant.

 MBSR techniques can lead to adaptive behaviors and positive psychological states in women and improve romantic behavior. MBSR, when used with weight loss treatments, can help to enhance the satisfaction with and quality of marital relationships in married women.

 A health-promoting lifestyle and optimal health literacy are among the determining health promotion and maintenance sources.

 The current study was conducted to determine the status of health-promoting lifestyle and its relationship with health literacy of employees of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2020.

 This cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 308 administrative employees of faculties, hospitals, and health centers in Zanjan. The participants were included in the study using a stratified random sampling method. Three questionnaires, including the demographic information questionnaire, the standard Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLPII) questionnaire, and the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire, were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation and stepwise regression) in SPSS 24.

 The mean age of the employees was 36.51(7.29) years, and most of the participants were female (53.2%), married (80.8%), and had a bachelor’s degree or higher (89.3%). The participants’ health literacy score was at an adequate level 75.85 (12.23) and their lifestyle score was at a desirable level 137.22 (21.15). The relationship between health literacy dimensions and the lifestyle total score was positive and significant (p>0.05).

 According to the findings of the current study and the presence of a relationship between health literacy and lifestyle, particularly the predictive role of decision-making dimensions and accessibility of health literacy with the lifestyle of employees, it is suggested that programs be developed and implemented to empower the health literacy of employees.

 Oral health is a central aspect of overall health and well-being. However, people with psychiatric disorders are more vulnerable to oral health problems due to illness-related factors, limited access to dental care, and lifestyle habits.

 This study aimed to evaluate the dental health status in patients with psychiatric disorders.

 This cross-sectional study included all 80 patients with psychiatric disorders hospitalized at Razi Hospital in Tabriz, Iran in 2020. Sampling was done by census method. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire covering demographics, oral health behavior, and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT). Information was obtained through interviews, a review of medical records, and dental examinations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and ANOVA in SPSS v.24 software.

 52.6% of participants were male. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 39.16 (9.42) years. Over half (53.8%) had low socioeconomic status and half were married. The mean (SD) DMFT was 10.96 (9.77). The results showed significant relationships between the frequency of dental visits, smoking, and the DMFT index (p < 0.05).

 The DMFT index in patients with psychiatric disorders was unfavorable. Support programs to promote self-care, oral health, smoking cessation, and regular dental visits are needed in this population.

 Trust between patients and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) is crucial for effective pre-hospital nursing care.

 This study aimed to assess the trust levels of patients in emergency medical technicians, associated factors, and resulting outcomes.

 This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 patients transported by EMTs to the emergency departments of teaching hospitals in Zanjan City during 2023-2024. Data collection tools included demographic questionnaires, the Patient Trust Questionnaire (PTQ), a Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS-P), and a Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 software. Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, and simple linear regression statistical tests were conducted, with a significance level of less than 0.05.

 Patients had a mean (SD) trust level of 4.11 (0.92) in EMTs. Patients’ trust could be predicted by factors such as the speed of EMTs’ performance, reason for calling EMS, place of residence, and education (R=0.42, Adjusted R Square=0.17). The trust variable predicted anxiety, in patients. (p<0.05).

 Trust in pre-hospital care helps manage patients’ mental conditions. EMTs play a crucial role in building patients’ trust during emergencies.

 Pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon accompanied by numerous physical and psychological changes. Fear of contracting diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or other illnesses for which scientific knowledge is still incomplete can create anxieties in pregnant women, impacting their mental health.

 The present study aimed to determine the association between fear of infection with COVID-19 and the mental health of pregnant women.

 A cross-sectional study was conducted on 164 pregnant women attending Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan, Iran, in 2021. Participants were randomly selected. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Fear of Disease Coronaviruses Scale (FDCS). Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and simple linear regression in SPSS 21 software.

 Results demonstrated that 23.4% of participants experienced anxiety, 18.2% experienced depression, and only 1.2% experienced stress. Fear of infection was positively and significantly correlated with anxiety (r= 0.18, p=0.01). Additionally, income adequacy (r= -0.24, p=0.002), perceived economic status (r= -0.16, p=0.04), and spousal support (r= -0.19, p=0.01) were also negatively and significantly correlated with fear of infection.

 Findings reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic can culminate in fear and anxiety in pregnant women. Spousal support during this sensitive period and feelings of marital satisfaction can relieve anxiety in women.

 Emergency medical services (EMSs) organize care provided to patients in out-of-hospital settings, playing a crucial role in minimizing physical and psychological harm resulting from diseases and emergencies. Consequently, pre-hospital emergency is an integral component of healthcare systems, requiring performance standards to improve outcomes for injuries and other illnesses. Thus, the effective utilization of modern management methodologies is essential in this context.

 The current study aimed to determine the impact of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program on performance standards of pre-hospital emergency.

 This single-group quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted on 50 pre-hospital emergency personnel in Koohdasht County in 2023 using a census method. The research tool included a performance standard measurement checklist, completed through observation before and after implementing the LSS method. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test in SPSS v.18 software.

 The findings revealed that the majority of participants held bachelor’s degrees (54%), were contractual employees (56%), and were all male. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of the performance standards in the personnel (p=0.001), equipment (p<0.001), and overall (p<0.001) dimensions before and after the intervention.

 Based on the findings, the implementation of the LSS program was able to enhance the performance standards of pre-hospital emergency in the personnel and equipment dimensions, and overall. Hence, the use of this method is recommended in other centers and other dimensions affecting the performance standards of pre-hospital emergency.

 Consultation is one of the primary roles of nurses as a health professional discipline in the community. COVID-19 allowed the nurses to respond to public health needs, be accountable for their concerns, and advocate for vulnerable groups to alleviate COVID-19 challenges.

 The study was aimed to explore the nurses’ experiences in the consultation role during the COVID-19 crisis.

 This qualitative study was conducted with Colizzi’s descriptive phenomenological approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with fifty nurses in different positions. The participants were selected purposefully of the nurses with consultative performance through hotlines.

 Qualitative data were classified into 5 main themes: "nurse consultation as a missing link in the health system", "COVID-19 threat as an opportunity to demonstrate the nurse`s role in the community", "formation of consultation role identity", "nurse`s competency in the role performance", and "calming the people".

 As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, effective health communication strategies must be used to inform the public. Nursing consultation is essential to increase coping with unexpected events in the community. It reduces the pressure on the health system’s capacity to be potentially in crisis and provides the opportunity to extend nurses’ role in emergencies.