Health, Spirituality and Medical Ethics
Year:2020 | Volume:7 | Issue:3|Papers Count:10

Following the announcement of the Covid-19 epidemic in China and its subsequent outbreak in many other countries, the authorities had different approaches to informing the public about this issue. Many government officials did not disclose this information at all or at the right time. Some of them even misled people or propagated false information. Some government officials have based their management on censorship or miscalculation in order to control the information dissemination and the spread of fear of disease among people. Moreover, some politicians believed that telling the truth could provoke people and arouse their anger. . .

Background and Objectives: The pain and anxiety experienced by burn patients during dressing change cannot be thoroughly controlled by painkillers and anxiolytics. Evidence has documented that reciting the name of God can positively impact the reduction of pain and anxiety caused by aggressive procedures. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of reciting the name of God on the pain and anxiety caused by dressing change in patients with burn injuries. Methods: The present clinical trial study was performed on 71 patients admitted to the burn ward of Nekouei-Hedayati-Forghani Hospital affiliated to Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2017. Patients were selected by the convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups using the stratified randomization method. Thereafter, 10 min before dressing change, the patients in the experimental group were asked to recite the name of God, while the cases in the control group received the routine care. Patients' pain intensity was measured before mentioning the name of God and immediately after dressing change. Anxiety caused by burn pain was measured before mentioning the name of God, before dressing change, immediately after dressing change, and 15 min later. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using descriptive and analytical statistics (chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test). Results: The mean age of participants was reported as 44. 59± 9. 13. The result of the independent t-test showed that the mean score of pain immediately after dressing change was found to be lower in the intervention group, compared to the control group (P=0. 04). Moreover, the result of pair t-test in the intervention group demonstrated that the mean score of pain-induced anxiety was lower immediately after dressing change, in comparison with the time before reciting the name Of God (P<0. 001). Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, reciting the name of God can reduce the anxiety and pain associated with wound dressing changes in burn patients. Therefore, it is suggested that the name of God be used along with pharmaceutical interventions to control pain and anxiety experienced at dressing change.

Background and Objectives: The promotion of spirituality and spiritual well-being brings substantial benefits for organizations which encompasses the enhancement of staff productivity toward organizational goals. In recent years, spiritual wellbeing has received increasing attention from managers and employees as a necessity for interactions with organizations and society. Welfare organization of is one of the most important organizations in the country and issues related to its productivity and spirituality are matters of concern to this organization. To date, no research has directly investigated the relationship between spiritual wellbeing and productivity in this organization. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the relationship between productivity and spiritual wellbeing among rehabilitation stuffs of Tehran welfare organization in 2017. Methods: This practical study was conducted based on a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population of this study included all rehabilitation workers in Tehran welfare organization out of whom 256 cases were selected by simple random sampling as the sample size. Finally, 224 people completed the research questionnaire. Data were collected by The Spiritual Well Being Scale (SWBS) developed by Paloutzian & Ellison (1982) and Hersey and Goldsmith's Productivity Questionnaire (1980). Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 24) using spearman correlation test and multiple regression analysis. Results: Based on the obtained results, staff productivity was positively correlated with existential wellbeing and religious wellbeing. The correlation coefficient between spiritual wellbeing and productivity was obtained at 0. 459, and the highest correlation was between spiritual wellbeing and validity, while the lowest was observed between spiritual wellbeing and compatibility. The mean scores of spiritual wellbeing and productivity were reported as 90. 76 and 2. 68. Finally, the results of regression analysis indicated that 27% of the variance in total changes in the productivity of rehabilitation workers in Tehran welfare organization is related to spiritual wellbeing components (existential wellbeing and religious wellbeing), and religious wellbeing had a stronger effect. Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of the current study, there was a significant relationship between employees' spiritual wellbeing and their productivity. In other words, as the spiritual wellbeing of employees increases, so does their productivity. Therefore, it is possible to increase staff productivity by planning to promote their spiritual wellbeing.

Background and Objectives: Addiction is a disaster with social and psychological aspects that if remaining untreated and neglected it results in terrible consequences. The present study aimed to compare religious beliefs and impulsivity in normal and addicted individuals in Tehran, Iran. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was performed on a total of 100 normal and addicted individuals referring to drug rehabilitation centers in Tehran within January 2019 to February 2019. The study participants were selected through the convenience sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, Religious Attitudes Questionnaire, and Barratt Impulsiveness Inventory. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21). Results: The findings of the present showed that the total mean scores of the addicts’ religious attitudes and impulsivity factor were 57. 87± 13. 48 and 65. 32± 11. 93, respectively. In addition, the total mean values of the normal individuals’ religious attitudes and impulsivity factor were 13. 74± 5. 76 and 64. 92± 6. 87, respectively. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the religious attitudes of the addicted and normal individuals (t=3. 24; P=0. 002). Conclusion: Strengthening religious attitudes among drug users causes them to display behaviors related to their wellbeing and justify them leading to a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Background and Objectives: The decreased level of self-esteem and life satisfaction is prevalent among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an Islamic approach to hope therapy on the promotion of self-esteem and life satisfaction in comparison with its conventional approach in patients with CAD. Methods: The study was conducted in a quasi-experimental control group pretest-posttest design. The participants were 60 patients with CAD selected by convenience sampling method from one of Qom hospitals. Data collection tools included the Self-Esteem Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Hope State Scale. After collecting pre-test data, participants were divided into three peer groups, and the intervention was performed in eight sessions each lasting for 90-minute. An experimental group was exposed to Islamic hope therapy and the other received conventional hope therapy, while the control group received a stress management package. Finally, all the groups undertook the same posttests and the data obtained were analyzed in SPSS22 software using the Covariance test. Results: Both Islamic and conventional hope therapy increased hope (7, 10. 5), life satisfaction )9, 12. 8), and self-esteem (7. 5, 13. 9) of the patients with CAD significantly. Moreover, it was found that Islamic hope therapy was more effective in the enhancement of self-esteem and life satisfaction, compared to conventional hope therapy. Conclusion: Islamic hope therapy outperformed the conventional hope therapy in terms of increasing the self-esteem and life satisfaction of patients with CAD. Therefore, it is recommended to use Islamic hope therapy for patients with CAD and other similar chronic diseases.

Background and Objectives: Cyberpornography is one of the emerging and multidimensional challenges in society. Each discipline offers different criteria, reasons, perspectives, and solutions according to their point of view. However, this multidimensional phenomenon has engaged all aspects of human societies in terms of individual and group dimensions and has left negative consequences. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to analyze and explain pornography from ethical, spiritual, and medical perspectives by challenging the current legislative approach and focusing on the spirituality of human beings in society and the mediation of ethical and medical discourse. Methods: The present systematic review study was conducted in 2019 using domestic databases, such as Magiran and Noormags, without time restriction. The search process was performed using the following keywords: "Pornography", "Pornography and spirituality", "Pornography and medicine", and "Pornography and ethics". Results: The investigation of cyperpornography from social, ethical, and medical perspectives revealed that cyberpornographers have a deviant personality and an ill state. From the legal perspective, cyberpornographers are viewed as criminals deserving of punishment. However, the present study, using a medical perspective and spiritual and community health approach, introduced the corrective, educational, and clinical measures as the proper actions and recommends the policymakers to adopt such measures. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, cyberpornography has more severe and destructive consequences on an individual's moral and spiritual wellbeing than crime. This phenomenon negatively influences both individuals’ and groups’ moral dimensions in all age groups. In addition, it can negatively affect the individuals’ health in all its aspects, especially moral wellbeing. Moreover, the presence of any illness at the individual level corresponds to low mental and spiritual wellbeing in society as a wider context.

Background and Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

Background and Objectives: Lifestyle modifications pertain to all aspects of life, including physical, mental, and psychological domains. Therefore, the achievement of any kind of health, especially mental health, has come into special focus. The current study aimed to investigate the Islamic lifestyle and its relationship with depression and anxiety among the students of Qom University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 students of Qom University of Medical Sciences. They were selected by cluster random sampling among all students of Qom University of Medical Sciences. To assess the relationship of Islamic lifestyle with depression and anxiety among students, the following instruments were utilized: Kaviani Islamic Lifestyle Survey Test-short form (ILST), Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Goldberg Depression Questionnaire. The data were analyzed in SPSS software using the Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression test. Results: Based on the results of the present study demonstrated that the Pearson correlation coefficient between lifestyle and depression was obtained at R=-0. 15; moreover, this value was calculated at R=-0. 12 for lifestyle and anxiety. Moreover, people with a better lifestyle experience less anxiety and depression and vice versa Furthermore, anxiety, and depression were not significantly correlated with such demographic variables as age, grade point average, gender, place of residence, and marital status, as compared to the Islamic lifestyle. Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, anxiety and depression can predict people's lifestyle. Therefore, it is recommended that standard educational programs focus on the Islamic lifestyle in order to promote better health in the students.

Background and Objectives: The challenges faced by the mothers of children with behavioral problems underline the necessity of improving psychological characteristics, especially quality of life, in this group. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to predict the quality of life in terms of spiritual intelligence and resiliency in mothers of children with behavioral problems in 2018. Methods: This descriptive-correlational research was performed on 100 mothers of children with behavioral problems referring to the counseling centers of Neyshabour, Razavi Khorasan, Iran, in 2018. The participants were selected using the multistage random sampling technique. The data collection was performed using three questionnaires, namely the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life– BREF, and spiritual intelligence. Then data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 23). Results: Based on the obtained results, quality of life showed a positive and significant relationship with spiritual intelligence (r=0. 59, P<0. 01) and resiliency (r=0. 63, P<0. 01). Furthermore, the results of the regression analysis showed that 66% and 68% of the variance in quality of life were explained by spiritual intelligence and resiliency, respectively. In this prediction, resiliency was more significant than spiritual intelligence (P<0. 01). Conclusion: The findings showed the importance of resiliency and spiritual intelligence variables in predicting the quality of life in mothers having children with behavioral problems. Therefore, it is suggested that counselors and psychologists consider the quality of life in this group. Additionally, they are recommended to apply spiritual intelligence and resilience strategies in their educational programs and treatments to increase the quality of life in mothers having children with behavioral problems.

Background and Objectives: Marital satisfaction is one of the factors that are related to mental health and occupational stress in nurses. Many studies have shown that religiosity is associated with greater stability and higher quality of marital life. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the modulating role of religiosity on occupational stress in female nurses and their marital satisfaction. Methods: This descriptive-analytical research was performed on female nurses working in hospitals in the west of Tehran, Iran. In total, 230 people were randomly enrolled in this study according to Morgan table. The research instruments in this study were the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Inventory developed by Olson et al. (1989), Religiosity Questionnaire developed by Khodayarifard (2009), and Occupational Stress Questionnaire (HSE) (2009). Finally, the collected data were analyzed using Pearson’ s correlation test and regression analysis. Results: According to the findings, the mean values of religiosity, marital satisfaction, and occupational stress were 454. 89± 63. 46, 158. 58± 32. 85, and 143. 97± 33. 45. Moreover, the results revealed a significant negative correlation between occupational stress and marital satisfaction in female nurses (P=0. 01, r=-0. 21). Conclusion: The results indicated that religiosity cannot affect the relationship between occupational stress and marital satisfaction. However, there was a significant negative correlation between occupational stress and marital satisfaction in female nurses. Therefore, the increase in occupational stress leads to the decline of marital satisfaction.