Payesh
Year:2012 | Volume:11 | Issue:2|Papers Count:17

Objective(s): Medical tourism is rapidly becoming a worldwide, multibillion-dollar industry. Iran has a high potential for this industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the medical tourism in Iran.Methods: The present study was conducted as a descriptive and case study. The data was collected via interview, using official documents, and the related literature. Diamond Advantage was used as the research instrument. The data was analyzed using content analysis method.Results: Iran faces many challenges in medical tourism industry such as; Inadequate basic and medical infrastructures, inefficient and insufficient governmental supports, no development plan, Inadequate intersectional coordination and collaboration in macro and micro levels, no health services providers with international accreditation, and inappropriate promotions and marketing activities.Conclusion: If Iran wants to take its share of medical tourism industry in the region it should address its challenges which are mentioned above.

Objective: For improving efficiency and coping existing problems such as increasing demands for services, Long-Day organizing (extended work shifts) was applied by administrators in Farabi Eye Hospital. In new organizing system, MDs were working two mornings and two afternoon shifts instead of four mornings. The following study evaluated the impact of mentioned organizing method.Methods: This cross sectional study designed as a descriptive-comparative research that using before-after comparison. Visited outpatients, surgical operations and hospital indices were compared during one year before and one year after applying Long- Day organizing.Results: Although, account of outpatients’ surgical operations increased significantly but inpatients’ surgical operations and total operations (sum of the outpatient and inpatient operations) didn’t show significant changes. Outpatient clinics showed a significant efficiency increasing. The quality of services did not have significant changes based on hospital indices during studied periods of time.Conclusion: Outpatient clinics’ efficiency rose after applying Long-Day organizing as well as outpatient surgeries. It seems that Long- Day organizing method may be effective in outpatient clinics and operation theaters, however, more studies with more interventional methods are considered necessary.

Objective: To evaluate the relation between BMI, diabetes and thyroid diseases with osteoporosis.Methods: From 3000 subjects referred to the densitometry centers of Gorgan, 300 subjects were selected via a systematic random sampling method. Individual characteristics, Diabetes (according to Symptoms and FBS results), Thyroid diseases (according to TSH and T4 level results) and densitometry results were collected from densitometry records. Data were analyzed by SPSS and chi square, ANOVA and simple linear regression tests. A p-value less than 0.05 considered as a significant.Results: BMI mean was 28.14 kg/m2, lumbar and femoral BMD mean was 0.92and 0.77 respectively. BMI Mean ± SD in osteoporotic subjects in lumbar and femoral region was 25.94±5.62 and 26.95±5.20. Relation between BMI and osteoporosis in lumbar and femoral region was significant but relation between diabetes and thyroid diseases with osteoporosis in lumbar and femoral region was not significant. Simple linear regression results shows that BMI was statistically significant with osteoporosis in lumbar (B: 0.013) and femoral (B: 0.004) region.Conclusion: Our finding revealed that underweight subjects are more susceptible to osteoporosis but this study could not detect any association between diabetes and thyroid disease with osteoporosis.

Objectives: Malnutrition among adolescents is not only an important health problem but also an economic development problem in Iran and other developing countries. The home environment is found to be related to the development of malnutrition in children. Information on this relationship is important to identify the target risk groups for nutritional intervention. The objective of this study was to determine the association between socioeconomic with BMI status in Middle school adolescent girls in Kish Island.Methods: In a cross- sectional study, without sampling, 488 girl students aged 11-15 years were selected from all Kish Island Middle schools. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Weight status was determined based on the CDC 2000 reference for BMI-for-age. Data on socioeconomic factors like age, parental education, and parental job was collected through a questionnaire.Results: Father’s literacy and mother’s literacy had significant association with BMI status (P=0.001, P=0.06 respectively). Analyses by chi-square and Pearson correlation tests showed mother’s literacy and father’s literacy were strong predictors for overweight and obesity.Conclusion: Increasing parental nutritional knowledge is necessary to initiate changes in nutritional conduct.In addition, a longitudinal study of adolescent nutrition and its associated factors is suggested.

Objective(s): A far-reaching body of the literature highlights that continuous performing of diabetes self-management behaviors is effective on diabetics. Nowadays among self-care behaviors, physical activity is the most important behavior that influences diabetes control. This study aimed to understand and predict physical activity behavior based on the extended theory of reasoned action among women with type 2 diabetes, in Khoy located in Western North of Iran.Methods: An eligible sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes, referring to a Diabetes Clinic and the Charity Foundation for Diabetes Disease participated in the study. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the variables of interest (diabetes knowledge, personal beliefs, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention along with physical activity behavior). Reliability and validity of the instruments were examined and approved. Statistical analyses of study were conducted by SPSS package.Results: The findings of investigation indicated that there exists a statistical significant correlation among independent constructs of proposed model with Model-related dependent variables, as among constructs of model, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions among women with type 2 diabetes. This construct both directly and indirectly affected physical activity behavior. In addition to self efficacy, diabetics' physical activity also is influenced by other variables of model and sociodemographic factors.Conclusion: Our findings suggest the high ability of the extended theory of reasoned action with self-efficacy in forecasting and explaining physical activity can be a base for educational intervention. Thus, for improving diabetics' physical activity behavior and finally controlling the disease, using educational interventions based on proposed model are necessary.

Objective(s): To determine the effect comparison of self efficacy (S-E) and perceived behavioral control (PBC) on Theory of Reasoned Action prediction in substance abuse avoidance by path analysis. (By Lisrel software). Therefore PBC and S-E were added to Theory of Reasoned Action. Then It was compared the model fitness and prediction percentage of intention and behavior by Theory of Reasoned Action and the other it's versions.Methods: Validity and reliability of questionnaires were assessed and data were collected from 433 high school students (15-19 years-sons) on the various components of models. Then it was compared fitness indices and percentage of intention and behavior prediction by path analysis between TRA and other it's developed versions.Results: The results indicated that fitness indices and percentage of intention and behavior prediction by the Theory of Reasoned Action in substance abuse avoidance were become well by PBC and S-E. This effect had a minimum rate in version with PBC and a maximum rate in version with SE. in addition SE was more effective than PBC in this effectiveness especially on intention prediction rate.Conclusion: The results of this study indicated PBC and S-E were increased the Reasoned Action Theory effective in substance abuse avoidance.

Objective(s): To collect data on self-reported depression among the general population in Iran and indicate its contributing factors.Methods: This was a nationwide cross sectional study. A random sample of individuals aged between 18 and 65 years were entered into the study. Respondents were asked to rate their anxiety on a 5-point scale. The record of demographic and socioeconomic data included age, gender, education, marital status, employment, income, self-reported health and chronic diseases. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios for contributing factors to self-reported depression.Results: In all 27, 883 individuals took part in the study. The mean age of respondents was 32.7 (SD=11.8) years. Overall 8.6% reported that they were very or very much depressed. The results obtained from logistic regression analysis showed that divorced [OR=2.46] and wife dead [OR=1.77], unemployed [OR=1.45], lower income groups [OR=1.65], those with lower self-reported health [OR for lowest group=7.27], and having at least one chronic disease [OR=1.58], were more likely to suffer from depression.Conclusion: The findings indicated that there were inverse relationships between depression, marital status, income and self-reported health.

Objective(s): This study aimed to translation and determine the reliability and validity of the Health-related quality of life for women with polycystic ovary syndrome and was done on 190 women with polycystic ovary syndrome referred to selected infertility centers of Tehran during 2010-2011.Methods: For Translation English version of PCOSQ, Forward-Backward method and to determine the reliability of the instrument, internal consistency was used. For assessing the validity of this questionnaire, Item-Scale correlation and Known groups' comparison were identified. The results were analyzed with SPSS-14.Results: The results of this study showed that Cronbach's alpha coefficient for all dimensions except menstrual problems were higher than o.7. Also, all questions showed an adequate correlation with their dimensions (r>0.4) and all domains scores except menstrual problems, regarding to BMI showed significant statistical differences (P<0.05).Conclusion: However, it seems that Iranian version of this questionnaire is an acceptable questionnaire with adequate reliability and validity in all dimensions except for menstrual problems. For obtain better results, further studies with larger sample size and different settings are recommended.

Objective(s): To assess the reliability and validity of the Q-LES-QSF in Iran.Methods: The Q-LES-QSF includes 14 items. Each item was graded in 1-5 scale, and total score was converted to maximal percentage. This scale English version was translated to Persian through back & forward method. Demographic data questionnaire, one item life satisfaction scale and SWLS were also used. The samples were selected using random stratified method in Kashan Nursing & Midwifery Faculty (n=161).Reliability was determined via internal consistency (Item total Correlation, Cronbach’s alpha, and split-half) and stability (test re-test). Validity was determined via Criterion-Related validity (Concurrent V) and Construct Validity (Known-groups approach). The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, Intraclass correlation coefficient, Equal-Length spearman-brown, Guttman and independent t-test by SPSS-11.Results: In 0-100 scale, Subjective well-being score was 57.04±19.17. The questionnaire reliability coefficient was 0.93-0.96. Item-total correlation and test re-test confirmed its reliability too. Its concurrent validity with SWLS (r=0.71, P<0.0001) and one item life satisfaction scale (r=0.78, P<0.0001) was confirmed. The known-groups approach also revealed this tool is valid (P<0.0001).Conclusion: The Q-LES-QSF Persian version for evaluation of subjective well-being in the university students is valid and reliable. It’s suggested after the revision in the question of “satisfaction with sexual activity or interests “more studies are carried out.

Objective: To determine the psychometric properties of an Iranian version of the Palmore's Questionnaire called Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQI).Methods: The psychometric properties including face validity, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test- retest reliability were measured in 280 nurses who were working in the emergency, medical, and surgical wards of 5 randomly selected general hospitals associated with medical schools in Tehran.Results: The results of known groups' comparisons showed that this questionnaire could successfully discriminate between subgroups of nurses with different prior work experiences with the elderly and/or had the experience of living with older people in the family. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was 0.81. Test-retest reliability (ICC) of the questionnaire with interval time of two weeks was 0.98 (P<0.001).Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, the Farsi-version of FAQ 1 is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring nurses’ knowledge about older people. We concluded that the FAQI appears to be a promising tool, providing reliable and valid data helping to detect knowledge among nurses in different settings such as clinical settings, and research environments by health care providers and researchers.

Objective(s): To evaluate the effectiveness of Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment (COPE) program on psychological conditions of mothers of preterm infants hospitalized in NICUs of hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 90 mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care units. COPE mothers received 2 intervention sessions of audiotaped and written materials with workbook. Duration between sessions was 2 to 4 days.Results: Mothers in the creating opportunities for parent empowerment program reported significantly less stress and anxiety (P<0.001).Conclusion: Creating opportunities for parent empowerment program diminished mothers stress and anxiety. This study showed that early interventions during neonatal hospitalization and educational behavioral information in written form may have positive effect on maternal psychological condition.

Objective(s): To evaluate the association of parental occupational exposures to six categories of occupational hazards including pesticides, solvents, paint and pigments, organic and non-organic dusts, and metals with the risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in their offspring.Methods: From 2007-2009 our hospital based case-control study was performed with 200 children diagnosed with ALL and 200 controls consisting of children suffering from endocrine or rheumatologic disorders, who were matched by age and sex. The study was performed at the Children’s Medical Center and Vali-Asr hospital, in Tehran, Iran. The parents were interviewed face to face to gather information on demographic characteristics, child’s medical history and home exposures, and parental occupational histories.Results: We found that paternal exposures to non-organic dusts {OR (95% confidence interval)=2.17 (1.11-4.26); P=0.02} and metals {OR (95% confidence interval)=2.68 (1.38-5.21); P=0.004} were related to an increased risk of ALL in their offspring.No significant relations were found for the other paternal exposure categories neither for the all maternal exposures categories with the risk of ALL in their offspring.Conclusion: Our study provides support to the association between some paternal occupational exposures and ALL risk in their offspring. Further studies are necessary to corroborate the observed associations in this study.

Objective: To evaluate bread consumption in the hospitals and health centers (South, Shahr-e-rey, Eslamshahr) that are under covering of Tehran University of medical control.Methods: In a descriptive study, Usability of breads in hospitals and health networks covered by Tehran University of medical sciences, randomly were investigated. Our tests were Colorimetric, alkalinity and the amount of salt. All samples were selected from bread bakeries producing breads Barbari and Lavash or hospitals in the areas at least once a term study, and at every turn three specimens of bread (overall 615 No) in the sealed packages were collected.Results: This study showed that 46% and 41% of Barbari bread samples respectively (south of Tehran, Shahr-e-rey and Islamshahr) had mean test colorimetric positive and high alkalinity (PH>6), 8% High salt (salt >2%) and overall 45% of Barbari bread samples and 80% of their rumal was unusable. And respectively 55% and 55% of Lavash bread samples had mean test colorimetric positive and high alkalinity and 32% had High salt and overall 65% of Lavash bread samples in that three mentioned areas were unusable and finally the result shows that 64% of Tehran university hospitals Lavash bread samples also were unusable.Conclusion: In this study, respectively 59 and 64 percent of bread consumed in the three regions and hospitals for their high alkalinity were unusable and contained high salt and soda so their consumption is Harmful for everybody specially for patients that must limit their Na intake, so preventing from taking soda has special importance and Pervasive action for controlling of bread alkalinity must be done.

Objective: Used of sodium bicarbonate in bread can increase loss of bread, chill stomach acid, disorder in digestion and suction in nutrient material. So the aim of this study was survey of Knowledge, attitude and practice of bakeries of Gorgan about the use of sodium bicarbonate in bread.Methods: 100 bread bakeries participated in this study among 208 with simple random sampling. Data collection instrument was questionnaires include demographic variables and knowledge and attitude question. Practice evaluation was performed by chemical and electrochemical exam that are useful for appointment alkality and PH in bread. The questionnaire complete with bakeries and the sample of bread was take in start of decoction and tested in paramedical laboratory by method number 2320 of standard method. Data analyzed by SPSS soft ware via test such as chi-square test and p-value <0.05 considered as significant.Results: 41% of bakeries were used of sodium Bicarbonate that 88.9% of them was Llevash bakeries and 23.9% was Barbari bread bakeries that this was statistically significant (P<0.001).28% of members of bakeries had weak knowledge about risk of use of sodium Bicarbonate in bread, 62%was middle and 10% of them good. And about attitude 29% weak, 43% middle and 28% of them has favorable attitude. the relation between bakeries members knowledge and used of sodium Bicarbonate was not statistically significant but relation between favorable attitude and kind of bread was statistically significant (P=0.001) and the Barbari bread bakeries has a better attitude rather than other.Conclusion: According to this study result performance educational plan for bakeries can affect in sodium Bicarbonate used in bread. And according to weak practice in Levash bakeries they except education plan need to punctual supervision.