HAYAT
Year:2015 | Volume:21 | Issue:1|Papers Count:10

Caring is the most central concept in nursing. This concept distinguishes nursing from other health professions. However, according to some experts’ opinions, caring is not an only-nursing concept; it is defined as the heart of all health professions. Caring is entered in the philosophy, vision and mission of several health organizations (1) and is introduced as the essence of nursing and the fourth complementary concepts of nursing Meta paradigm (2)...

Background & Aim: The ultimate goal of self-care behavior is patients' empowerment. There are limited studies on perspectives of patients with Parkinson's disease on self-care. This study aimed to explore for the process of self-care in patients with Parkinson’s disease during 2011 to 2013.Methods & Materials: This exploratory qualitative study was carried out using grounded theory method. Data were collected via semi structured in-depth interviews and field notes. We interviewed with 12 patients with Parkinson's disease and four family caregivers.Participants were selected from two neurology clinics. Interviews were conducted at participants' homes or nursing homes. Data were analyzed using the Corbin and Strauss (2008) approach.Results: Concepts of study were identified using a micro and general analysis. The ' fear of becoming crippled' was identified as a main concern. Strategies used in response to context included ' independency', ' spiritual care', ' informed self-care' and ‘seeking treatment’. 'Striving for taking independent self-care' was the most important process. Demographic, familial and social factors had important roles in self-care processes of patients with Parkinson's disease.Conclusion: The process of self-care in patients with Parkinson’s disease depends on the context and severity of the signs and symptoms. Health care providers especially nurses can support patients with Parkinson's disease in achieving maintain independence in self-care. In addition, attention to self-care behaviors with focus on person as self-care agent can considerably increase control and management of life.

Background & Aim: Stroke is a major cause of disability. Developing new treatment approaches in order to improve and enhance post stroke recovery process is critical. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mirror therapy on motion range of extremities of patients with stroke.Methods & Materials: This semi-experimental study was conducted among 50 patients with stroke hospitalized in Emam Reza and Qaem hospitals in Mashhad during 2012 to 2013. Patients were randomly allocated into two control (25 patients) and mirror therapy (25 patients) groups. In the mirror therapy group, twenty 30–minute daily sessions were implemented in where patients practiced motion range of upper and lower extremities of healthy side in front of mirror and observed the mirror image. Motion range of upper and lower extremities was assessed at baseline, during the sessions and in the last session of the intervention using the goniometer. Data were analyzed using thet-test and repeated measure ANOVA.Results: There were no significant differences in terms of ability of motion range at baseline. The total motion range did not improved significantly in the intervention group in comparison with the control group after the intervention (P>0.05); however, in some joints, the motion was improved (P<0.05).Conclusion: Mirror therapy, as a simple and inexpensive process can improve self-care of patients with stroke.

Background & Aim: The β-Thalassemia major is a chronic disease that needs a regular blood transfusion. The blood transfusion is a complex process with high probability of human errors during the process which results in serious adverse events in patients. Nurses should deliver care based on the best available evidence or best practice. The aim of this study was to develop an evidence-based clinical guideline of blood transfusion in children with thalassemia.Methods & Materials: This study was conducted during 16 months from 2013 to 2014 based on three-step process of guideline adaptation including set up, adaptation and finalization. During these steps, topic and aims of the study were clearly identified. Then health questions were designed based on the PIPOH method. After conducting systematic searches, quality of the retrieved clinical guidelines was evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument and a committee consisting of experts and policy-makers in nursing field. After external review, expert panel meetings and consensus between members, the final version of the guideline was developed.Results: The criteria of clinical practice regarding stages of blood transfusion were determined based on the evidence, cultural and health conditions; and were presented in twelve sections.Conclusion: This clinical practice guideline developed based on evidence can guide blood transfusion process in clinical practice.

Background & Aim: Quality of work life seems to have impact on employees' job satisfaction, job involvement, job performance, turnover, and organizational transformation. This study aimed to assess the relationship between job satisfaction with the components of quality of work life among midwives in mashhad.Methods & Materials: This was a correlational study conducted among 230 midwives in mashhad in 2014. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Walton's quality of work life, and the Minnesota job satisfaction questionnaire. Validity of the questionnaires was confirmed by 10 experts. The reliability was confirmed by alpha Cronbach. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics, Pearson, Spearman and ANOVA tests in the SPSS-19.Results: The overall quality of work life and job satisfaction had significant positive correlations (P<0.001; rp=0.525). The job satisfaction had correlation with fair and adequate payment (rp=0.277; P<0.001), safe working conditions (rp=0.274; P<0.001), proper opportunity promotion (rp=0.306; P<0.001), overall space of life (rp=0.327; P<0.001), job lawfulness (rp=0.233; P<0.001), social dependence in the work life (rp=0.207; P<0.001), social cohesion in the organization (rp=0.352; P<0.001), and proper opportunities to develop human capabilities (rp=0.259; P<0.001).Conclusion: Higher quality of work life is correlated with the higher job satisfaction. Managers can plan and implement appropriate strategies to promote components of quality of work life of midwives to provide efficient health services.

Background & Aim: Premenopausal syndrome affects daily activities of many women. This study aimed to compare the effects of Vitexagnus and Flaxseed on premenstrual symptoms in women referred to health centers of Tabriz from October 2013 to September 2014.Methods & Materials: This randomized controlled trial was conducted among 159 women suffered from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The PMS was measured using the premenstrual assessment form (PAF). The participants were allocated into three groups (n=53 per group) using block randomization. The group I received 25 grams/d Flaxseed powder and placebo of the Vitexagnus; group II received 3.2-4.8 mg/d Vitexagnus tablets and placebo of the Flaxseed; and the control group received both placeboes. The PAF was completed at baseline and 1 and 2 month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the general linear model.Results: The PMS improved significantly in both intervention groups during the first and the second month after the intervention. In the Vitexagnus and Flaxseed groups, the mean total PMS score were significantly lower than that in the control group at the first months after the intervention (adjusted mean difference: -3.3 (95% CI: -4.0 to -2.1); -4.3 (-5.5 to -3.0), respectively). In the second month after the intervention, the mean total PMS score was -5.8 (-7.0 to -4.7) in the Vitexagnus group and -6.6 (-8.1 to -5.7) in the Flaxseed group. There was no significant difference between the Vitexagnus and Flaxseed groups in terms of the PMS score.Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Flaxseed and Vitexagnus are effective in improving PMS.

Background & Aim: Nurses’ hands are important channels of microorganisms transmission and hospital acquired infections. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, beliefs and practices of nurses regarding hand hygiene.Methods & Materials: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2012. All nurses (n=282) working in three hospitals of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences participated in the study. Data were gathered using a demographic form, social desirability questionnaire, and hand hygiene knowledge, belief and practice questionnaire. Data were analyzed through descriptive and statistical tests (Independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson Coefficient) in the SPSS-PC (v.21.0). The level of significance was set at below 0.05.Results: The mean scores of nurses’ hand hygiene knowledge, beliefs and practices were 4.6±2.00, 3.8±0.40, and 4.33±0.50, respectively. Nurses washed their hands after contact with patients more often in compare with prior to contact with patient. There was a statistically positive and significant correlation between nurses’ practice in required situations and nurses’ beliefs regarding hand hygiene.Conclusion: According to the results, nurses’ knowledge regarding hand hygiene was low; and hand hygiene practice in required situations was undesirable. Many nurses had negative and false beliefs regarding hand hygiene. Based on these results, it is necessary to plan programs to increase nurses’ knowledge, belief and practice regarding hand hygiene.

Background & Aim: Family caregivers play major role in caring for the patients with dementia. Meanwhile, they are at risks of various diseases. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease carries a significant physical, socioeconomic and psychological burden. This study described the impact of cognitive-behavioral management on burden and problems borne by family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease.Methods & Materials: This non-randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 70 family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The participants were subjected to experimental and control groups. The Zarit Burden Interview was used to assess the burden experienced by family caregivers of the patients. Data were then analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistical parameters (mean and SD) and paired samplet -test on the difference between the scores of pre-test and post-test.Results: The mean level of caregivers’ burden as measured by ZBI was 44.56 ± 6.77 and 42.57±5.98, in experimental and control groups before intervention respectively. Caregivers’ burden score was 39.54±5.88 and 44.86±5.87, in experimental and control groups after intervention respectively. Results showed a significant decrease in the training group’s score (P<0.001).Conclusion: Given the obtained results indicating the effectiveness of cognitive- behavioral management in reduction of caregivers’ burden, the present study can be helpful in achieving an effective solution to decrease stress among family caregivers of patients who suffer from Alzheimer's disease.