Avicenna Journal of Neuropsychophysiology
Year:2024 | Volume:11 | Issue:1|Papers Count:6

Background and Objective: The  Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model is widely used to explain behavior. In this survey, we examined how well the COM-B model could predict the likelihood of Iraqi Kurdish individuals getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was developed to explain the COVID-19 vaccine uptake based on COM-B components. Non-probability sampling was used to collect data from 970 Kurdish people in Said Sadiq, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) using bivariate correlation and logistic regression statistical tests. Results: The mean age of respondents was 32.68 years [95% CI: 31.95, 33.40], ranging from 18-72 years. Based on the results,  46.3% (420/907) of participants had received the COVID-19 vaccine at least once. Older age (OR: 1.021 and P=0.016), government job (OR: 1.691 and P<0.001), a positive family history of COVID-19 (OR: 1.764 and P=< 0.001), physical capability (OR: 1.877 and P<0.001), and automatic motivation (OR: 1.069 and P=0.016) had significant effects on COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Conclusion: We have found evidence supporting the use of the COM-B model for developing programs aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccination uptake. To develop effective interventions, it is important to prioritize activities that enhance physical capability and automatic motivation.

Background and Aims: As a non-pharmacological intervention with proven clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for patients, caregivers, and stakeholders, cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) was widely implemented in different European countries. In light of the increasing international adaptation of CST, it is essential to make it more accessible in non-Western countries. Case Presentation: This study aimed to report a case study of T. A., a 74-year-old agricultural engineer with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). His neurological examination results were normal, while the cerebral magnetic resonance imaging revealed hippocampal atrophy. A neuropsychological assessment was conducted, and the patient was enrolled in an individualized cognitive program according to clinical guidelines. The sessions were conducted twice a week in French and Arabic and lasted 45 minutes. Although the patient showed some positive outcomes, including improved mood, neuropsychological testing revealed impairments in memory and language. To address these issues, a culturally specific intervention of neurocognitive stimulation was implemented, which involved tailoring a range of cognitive activities to the premorbid occupational and linguistic history of the patient as a compensatory strategy to maintain his level of autonomy in everyday life. Conclusion: Finally, it is recommended that a specific cultural adaptation and translation of the CST be developed for Arabic and non-Arabic-speaking individuals with AD.

Background and objective Internet addiction (IA) is associated with a reduced propensity for cognitive engagement, leading people to show disinterest in mentally demanding tasks. Despite the importance of this problem, there is a lack of research. This study aims to examine the prevalence of IA, identify associated factors, and evaluate the impact of IA on the need for cognition(NFC). Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with participants chosen through a random sampling method. The Young's Internet Addiction Test was utilized to assess IA, while the Need for Cognition Scale (NCS) measured students' inclination towards thinking, reasoning, and decision-making. Results The results showed that 42.5% of students in both groups were classified as normal Internet users. However, 47.2% and 10.2% of students had mild and moderate IA, respectively. Among the law and Unani students, 21.25% were classified as normal internet users, 27.5% as mild users, and 19.6% as moderate internet users. In comparison, 7.08% and 3.14% of the law and Unani students were respectively classified as moderately addicted to the Internet. No statistically significant correlation was found between IA and NFC (r=-0.041, P>0.001). Regression analysis revealed that NFC could not be predicted by IA (F(1,125)=0.207, P>0.001). The Fisher test used to examine the association between IA and gender did not yield a significant result (Fisher test=4.76, P= 0.082). Conclusion The study highlights varying levels of IA among students, with significant proportions falling into the "mild" and "moderate" categories. It is noteworthy that law and Unani students exhibited different prevalence rates. These results highlight the complexity of Internet usage patterns and their relationship with cognitive factors and gender. An epistemic cognition intervention should be carried out to convince how effectively the Internet can be used without causing a decline in cognitive functions.

Background and Purpose: Of the most prevalent problems of women heading the households is their low level of psychological wellbeing, for which plenty of training interventions have been executed in order to be promoted in this group of women. The present study was done pursuing the goal to find out mindfulness-based training interventions’ effectiveness in psychological capital and wellbeing among the women heads of the households. Material and Methods: The current research was performed based on a quasi-experimental method of pretest-posttest design with a control group and a two-month period follow-up. The study statistical community was made up of all women in charge of their families covered by Shiraz City Welfare Center in 2022-2023. Also the children of such women were studying in primary schools covered by Shiraz based Educational Department, District 2. Out of such women, 30 ones were selected by convenience sampling and allocated to experimental group (n=15) and control group (n=15). For data collection, Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale (1989) and Luthans’ Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) (2007) were utilized. The experimental group received the mindfulness-based training intervention during eight 90-minute sessions (on a weekly basis from April 3, 2023 to June 4,2023). Results: As the Covariance analysis induced findings indicated, the groups were significantly different in the pretest and posttest (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The intervention led to increasing the psychological capital and psychological wellbeing. Overall, the results of the current research demonstrated the impact of the intervention on the psychological capital and wellbeing of the women heading their families.

Background and Objective: According to the Striatal Beat Frequency model, timing behavior is associated with subcortical structures. Substantial study of timing behavior necessitates encompassing more parameters, including reaction time. The present study aimed to assess the timing function of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) according to the Striatal Beat Frequency (SBF) model of timing behavior, with particular regard to reaction time. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 MS patients were recruited from Poursina Hospital in Rasht. The patients'  magnetic resonance imaging scans were examined by a neurologist to inspect and specify the number and location of MS plaques. The simple and selective reaction time of 31 patients was evaluated. Both parametric and non-parametric tests were used to analyze the data via SPSS software (version 26). Results: Both simple and selective reaction time was significantly correlated with age, education, body mass index, number of symptoms, and score of disability. After controlling the gender variable, it was revealed that the thalamus was the most affected part of the brain in MS patients; nonetheless, the lesions in other areas were less related to the reaction time in patients. Conclusion: Simple and selective reaction time was correlated with the function of the thalamus and subthalamic nuclei in MS patients. This study provided valuable insights regarding the usefulness of reaction time as a relevant index of timing behavior in modeling and comprehending timing behavior.

Background and Objective: Adolescents experiencing body dissatisfaction fall within a group requiring serious attention from therapeutic and educational communities. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of a Healthy Body Image Package (HBIP) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on self-esteem in 12-15-year-old adolescents with body dissatisfaction. Materials and Methods: The study, conducted in three stages of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with a control group, involved 60 adolescents from Isfahan, Iran, high schools in the academic year 2023-2024. Body dissatisfaction was assessed using a 9-item scale from a 68-item Body Areas Satisfaction Scale evaluating individuals’ attitudes toward their body image. The dependent variable, adolescents’ conditional self-esteem, was measured using the Self-esteem Contingency Questionnaire for Adolescents. The intervention groups received eight 90-120-minute sessions of either HBIP or CBT training, while the control group received no intervention. Results: Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test in SPSS-26 software. The results revealed a significant difference in self-esteem between the HBIP and CBT groups compared to the control group (P<0.01). Furthermore, positive self-esteem was higher in the HBIP group than in the CBT group. Conclusions: Considering the positive impact of both interventions on increasing positive self-esteem in adolescents with body dissatisfaction, it is recommended that these interventions be implemented in adolescent psychology centers.