HAYAT
Year:2024 | Volume:30 | Issue:1|Papers Count:8

2Diabetes is one of the most challenging chronic conditions, necessitating continuous and complex management efforts that impacts all aspects of an individual's life (1). Those living with diabetes often experience many social and psychological challenges alongside the disease, ultimately affecting the disease management (2). Addressing and managing these psychological challenges in individuals with diabetes are crucial for optimal disease management and the prevention of serious consequences (3). This issue necessitates the design and implementation of interventions to manage the psychological consequences of diabetes. Storytelling has emerged as a therapeutic approach utilized in social projects, health promotion, disease prevention, coping with grief, and other concerns (4). Therapeutic storytelling aims to explore the psychological problems experienced by individuals through creative narratives, using problem-solving skills, and providing narrative-based alternatives (5). Stories serve as a means of expressing viewpoints, revealing emotions, sharing experiences, and transferring information. By engaging in storytelling activities whether through oral or written narratives individuals can absorb valuable lessons, gaining insights into effective problem-solving strategies and emotional expression Storytelling serve as a means of expressing opinions, revealing emotions, sharing experiences, and transferring information (6). By engaging in storytelling activities whether through oral or written narratives individuals (7)

2Background & Aim: Preoperative anxiety can lead to various challenges. Aromatherapy using lemon essence may alleviate certain complications. This study aimed to determine the effect of lemon essence aromatherapy on anxiety levels and physiological indices (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate, and SPO2) in patients who are candidates for lower extremity fracture surgery. Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial employed convenience sampling to recruit 90 patients referred to SUMS, who were subsequently randomized into control (n=45) and intervention (n=45) groups in 2021. The aromatherapy intervention commenced on the morning of the surgical procedure and extended through the operating and recovery rooms, continuing for 16 hours post-surgery. Almond essential oil was administered to the control group. Data collection involved the Spielberger Inventory for anxiety assessment and a checklist of physiological indices. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The study findings showed a significantly greater reduction in state anxiety levels in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0. 001). Moreover, the physiological indices of the intervention group exhibited greater stability in comparison to the control group (P<0. 05). However, the intervention did not have a significant impact on the diastolic blood pressure and respiratory rate of the patients (P>0. 05). Conclusion: The utilization of aromatherapy with lemon essential oil resulted in a decrease in the state anxiety and an improvement in some physiological indices of the patients who underwent surgery for lower extremity fractures. Therefore, this complementary approach is recommended in conjunction with routine treatments. Clinical trial registry: IRCT20130616013690N10

2Background & Aim: Family caregivers of COVID-19 patients in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) face numerous challenges that can affect their well-being. Spiritual health represents a crucial component for coping with such stressful conditions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between spiritual health and attitude towards death in family caregivers of COVID-19 patients post-discharge from the ICUs. Methods & Materials: This descriptive-correlational study conducted between April and November 2021, focused on family caregivers of COVID-19 patients discharged from the ICUs. The sample comprised 260 family caregivers selected through convenience and purposive sampling methods. Data collection tools included a demographic and clinical questionnaire, Polotzin and Ellison's Spiritual Health Questionnaire, and Wong's Death Attitude Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 encompassed chi-square tests, one-way analysis of variance and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The results showed a significant inverse relationship between total spiritual health score and the total score of attitude towards death (rs=-0. 101, P<0. 05). The attitude towards death findings revealed fear as the highest scoring dimension, with active acceptance scoring the lowest. Moreover, religious health exhibited a significant inverse relationship with avoidance of death (rs=-0. 93) and fear of death (rs=-0. 64, P<0. 05). Conclusion: The study highlighted an inverse relationship between the level of religious health and negative dimensions of attitude towards death. Individuals with higher religious health scores exhibited lower average scores for negative attitudes towards death, including fear and avoidance of death. This underscores the importance of emphasizing the religious dimension within families, and among patients discharged from the ICU, showcasing the role of religion in mitigating negative attitudes towards death

2Background & Aim: Self-efficacy disruption poses a significant challenge for patients with a stoma, affecting their ability to engage in community life and carry out daily activities. Utilizing remote training methods for patients presents an opportunity to maximize the use of these resources. This study aims to determine the effect of a telenursing-based training program on the self-efficacy of patients with a stoma. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study involved a convenient sample of 80 patients with a stoma in Zahedan in 2023, who were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention and control, each comprising 40 participants. The intervention group received the telenursing-based program application. Self-efficacy was assessed using the self-efficacy of stoma patients questionnaire before the intervention, as well as one and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance through SPSS software version 26. Results: The intervention group exhibited a mean (SD) age of 42. 84±12. 98 years, while the control group had a mean (SD) age of 46. 26±11. 89 years (P=0. 320). The self-efficacy total scores in the intervention group showed values of 69. 75±8. 05 before the intervention, 77. 28±7. 57 at one month, and 92. 72±6. 43 at three months post-intervention, suggesting a significant effect of the telenursing-based training on self-efficacy levels (P<0. 001). Conclusion: The results of the present study show the effect of the telenursing training program on improving self-efficacy levels in patients with stoma. Therefore, it is recommended to implement such programs to support this patient population

2Background & Aim: Stroke, as the primary and most critical cerebrovascular condition, is known as a leading cause of disability and mortality. Timely and appropriate care plays an important role in reducing death and associated complications. The purpose of this research is to assess the knowledge and adherence of emergency nurses to tissue plasminogen activator guidelines for patients with stroke. Methods & Materials: In this descriptive study, a random quota sampling method was employed to select participants. A total of 170 emergency department nurses in Tabriz hospitals in 2023 self-administered knowledge and adherence scales. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing t-test, one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The mean (SD) age of the nurses was 34. 24±6. 57 years, with a majority (101 nurses, 59. 4%) having completed courses on the process and activation of Code-724. The mean scores for nurses' knowledge and adherence to tissue plasminogen activator guidelines were 52. 67±10. 37 (range score: 0-100) and 68. 14±5. 18 (range score: 15-75), respectively. A positive yet weak relationship was observed between nurses' knowledge and adherence to the guidelines (r=0. 263, P=0. 332). No significant association was found between nurses' socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge and adherence scores (P>0. 05). Conclusion: The findings revealed suboptimal scores in nurses' knowledge and adherence to tissue plasminogen activator guidelines for stroke patients. Given the importance of adequate knowledge for adherence to guidelines, it is suggested to implement essential training and supervision measures for nurses

2Background & Aim: The high prevalence of cesarean section in most developed countries, exceeding 50%, has led to detrimental effects on maternal and child health. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a beneficial way to reduce cesarean rates. This study aimed to determine the effect of theory of planned behavior-based training on the intention and behavior of VBAC in pregnant women with previous cesarean section. Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled trial study, a convenience sample of 70 pregnant women with a history of cesarean section, referred to comprehensive health centers in Ardabil in 2020, were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received four weekly education sessions based on the theory of planned behavior structures, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire at three time points: before, immediately after, and four weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 16, employing independent t-test, Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, and repeated measures ANOVA at a 95% confidence level. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences in mean scores of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavior control, intention, and awareness over time between the intervention and control groups (P<0. 001). However, the educational intervention did not lead to a behavior change. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is imperative for health planners to focus on providing organizational support and fostering a positive attitude among obstetricians and midwives to prioritize the implementation of VBAC. Clinical trial registry: IRCT20200519047509N1

2Background & Aim: Considering that a decline in sexual satisfaction after assisted reproductive treatment failure can cause a decrease in the overall quality and satisfaction of life, the present study was conducted to compare the effect of sexual counseling based on EX-PLISSIT and BETTER models on the sexual satisfaction of infertile women following the failure of assisted reproductive technologies. Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial, conducted in 2022, involved 66 infertile women who had experienced unsuccessful assisted reproductive treatments and were referred to the Milad Infertility Center of Imam Reza (AS) Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The participants were divided into two intervention groups – EX-PLISSIT and BETTER – and received individual sexual counseling across four weekly sessions, comprising two face-to-face and two virtual sessions. Data were collected using the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSSW) and subsequently analyzed using SPSS software version 25, through chi-square, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests. Results: After the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in the total scores of sexual satisfaction and its components between the two groups (P>0. 05), with the exception of relational anxiety (P=0. 021). Intra-group comparisons revealed a significant increase in the total scores of sexual satisfaction and its components within each group after the intervention, as compared to before the intervention (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Sexual counseling utilizing the EX-PLISSIT and BETTER models was found to be an effective, affordable, and side-effect-free method in enhancing sexual satisfaction among infertile women after the failure of assisted reproductive methods, particularly by addressing relational anxiety. Clinical trial registry: IRCT20210211050324N1

2Background & Aim: Osteoporosis is a common problem in menopausal women, and adopting preventive behaviors is crucial in addressing this issue. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on promoting osteoporosis-preventive behaviors in menopausal women. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted on 64 menopausal women referred to Urmia urban health centers in 2023. Participants were selected using random sampling and then randomly allocated into two groups: control (32) and intervention (32). The data collection instruments included questionnaires comprising demographic information, knowledge assessments, Health Belief Model constructs, food frequency, and physical activity items. Following pre-test evaluations and needs assessment, a training program was designed and delivered to the intervention group. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26. Results: The mean scores for knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy, and cues to action in the intervention group significantly increased compared to both the pre-intervention assessment and the control group. Conversely, there was a significant decrease in the mean score for perceived barriers (P<0. 05). These changes resulted in a significant increase in the mean score for osteoporosis preventive behaviors within the intervention group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Education based on the HBM has been effective in shaping the knowledge and health beliefs of menopausal women concerning osteoporosis and its preventive behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended that health educators incorporate the approaches and findings of this study when developing educational interventions related to osteoporosis