Showing 233 results for Men
Umm Kulsum Tabarte Farahani, Naimeh Akbari Torkestani, Leila Khazaei, Dr Mehdi Ranjbaran, Masoomeh Davoodabadi Farahani,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Sexual self-efficacy is a fundamental concept in behavior, health, and sexual performance that changes over time due to events such as pregnancy and childbirth. The present study was conducted to investigate factors affecting sexual self-efficacy in pregnant women in Arak City.
Methods: The current research is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study conducted with 234 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 who had minimal reading and writing literacy and lived with their husbands. Ten comprehensive urban health centers were selected using cluster sampling. Data were collected through a demographic information checklist and a sexual self-efficacy questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis and (LSD) tests.
Results: The mean score of sexual self-efficacy of pregnant women was 28.51 ± 6.45 and was at a high level. Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the sexual self-efficacy of pregnant women is unrelated to their education (P = 0.2). There is a significant relationship between education and the education of their spouses (P = 0.04). (LSD) test showed a significant difference between different levels of education of husbands and the sexual self-efficacy of pregnant women. Also, no significant relationship was observed between the mean score of sexual self-efficacy and other variables.
Conclusions: The sexual self-efficacy of pregnant women is related to the education of their husbands, so it is suggested to provide a suitable platform for increasing the knowledge and awareness of men.
Mohammad Douzandeh Nargesi, Zohreh Teymori, Mehnoosh Tavakkolifard,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The stress caused by COVID-19 had affected many people in society, especially individuals at risk. The present study was carried out to investigate, firstly, whether COVID-19-related stress plays a mediating role in the relationship between rumination and aggression in drug-dependent people undergoing treatment. Secondly, the study was conducted to know whether rumination has an indirect effect on the aggression of substance-dependent people under treatment through the mediation of COVID-19-related stress.
Methods: In this correlational analytical study, 136 patients undergoing maintenance treatment with methadone who were willing to enter the study were investigated by the available sampling method in two addiction treatment centers in the 1st and 2nd districts. The data collection tools in the present study included the Corona Disease Anxiety Questionnaire, Rumination Questionnaire, and Bass and Perry Aggression Questionnaire. After collecting the data, the anxiety score of each participant was measured from 0 to 54, the rumination score from 0 to 88, and the aggression score from 29 to 145. Then, the data was analyzed using Lisrel statistical software.
Results: Findings showed that the direct effect of rumination on aggression is 0.23, which is significant at the P < 0.01 level. Therefore, rumination has a positive and direct effect on aggression. Also, COVID-19-related stress plays a mediating role in the relationship between rumination and aggression in drug addicts under treatment. In addition, the indirect effect of rumination on aggression is 0.25, which is significant. Thus, rumination has an indirect effect on aggression through the mediation of COVID-19-related stress.
Conclusions: According to the high prevalence of psycho-social problems such as depression, anxiety, fear, addiction, job burnout, suicidal thoughts, violence, domestic and post-traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the post-corona era, we have witnessed a high amount of mental and social injuries in the world. For this reason, governments must screen psychologically vulnerable groups in advance.
Haniyeh Mozafari, Farah Lotfi Kashani, Shahram Vaziri, Mohammad Ismail Akbari,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted to analyze the focal relationship of the contribution of mental adaptation to cancer, health literacy, and perceived threat in predicting the early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Methods: This study was a descriptive correlational research. The statistical population of the present study included all women with breast cancer under treatment at Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital Cancer Treatment Center in 2023, and 310 people were determined to participate in the research using G*Power software and the available sampling method. They responded to Williams, Templin, and Hines's breast cancer literacy questionnaires, Champion's perceived threat questionnaire, Watson's mental adaptation to cancer and early diagnosis questionnaire. The data were also analyzed using a focal correlation test and multiple regression.
Results: The results showed that there is a significant relationship between the contribution variables of mental adaptation, perceived threat, and health literacy with the components of early cancer diagnosis (knowledge, attitude, and actions) (P ≤ 0.01). Also, the results showed that health literacy was 4.8%, mental compatibility was 3.4 percent and perceived threat 18.7% alone predicted the variance of early diagnosis of breast cancer. The perceived threat share is 38.9%, higher than all other variables.
Conclusions: Based on the statistical results, it can be said that increasing mental adaptability, perceived threat, and health literacy play a role in early disease diagnosis, and the importance of perceived threat is more significant than mental adaptability and health literacy, which should be considered.
Samaneh Ghobadi, Mr Keivan Kakabraee, Mahmoud Goudarzi,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: For many people, infertility is a prominent crisis and cause of mental stress that causes many unfavorable psychological reactions. The purpose of the research is to design a cognitive-behavioral coping training package with the stress of infertility and its effectiveness on the hope of infertile women.
Methods: The present study was conducted using a mixed method using the qualitative part, content analysis type, and the quantitative part, semi-experimental, in the pre-test-post-test-two-month follow-up design with the control group. The statistical population of this research was infertile women referring to infertility centers and gynecology and infertility specialists in Kermanshah in 2022. A sample of forty women was selected as a sample using the purposeful sampling method and replaced in two groups (experimental and control) in a simple random manner. Data were collected from Newton et al.'s infertility stress questionnaire (1999) and Schneider's Hope (1991). The data was analyzed using a content validity test and repeated measurement variance analysis tests.
Results: The designed educational package was valid and adequate. The findings showed a significant difference between pre-test, post-test, and follow-up in the component of hope, and this difference continued until the follow-up stage.
Conclusions: The educational package on cognitive-behavioral coping with the stress of infertility of infertile women can be used to reduce the stress and increase the hope of infertile women.
Azam Mivefroshan, Roghaiyeh Afsargharehbagh,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperlipidemia, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood lipid levels, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. While pharmacological interventions exist, factors such as medication side effects, cost considerations, and a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine have stimulated research into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in managing hyperlipidemia. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of these botanical agents in reducing blood lipid levels.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and other relevant online platforms. Keywords such as "hyperlipidemia," "herbal medicine," "traditional medicine," "herbal extract," and "herbal therapy" were employed to identify studies published up to 2024. Inclusion criteria were established to select studies that reported the impact of medicinal plants on lipid profile modifications.
Results: Based on the results, the study revealed that various medicinal plants, including Thymus vulgaris, Apium graveolens, Cichorium intybus, Fumaria officinalis, Heracleum rawianum, Anthemis altissima, Gundelia tourneforttii, Cynodon dactylon, Anthriscus sylvestrianum, Solanum nigrum, Arum elongatum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Berberis vulgaris, Rheum ribes, and Mentha spicata, are commonly used in traditional medicine to address hyperlipidemia.
Conclusions: The use of indigenous Iranian medicinal plants for managing hyperlipidemia is deeply rooted in the country’s ancient history and has been increasingly validated by contemporary scientific research. These natural compounds can help lower blood lipid levels by inhibiting fat absorption and boosting lipid metabolism. The growing interest in traditional medicine and medicinal plants can be attributed to their inherent advantages, such as a lower incidence of side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Ongoing scientific research in this field offers promising avenues for developing innovative and effective herbal-based therapies
Parvin Roosta, Dr Sayed Abdollah Sadat Bahreinian, Ghasem Ahi, Mohammad Hassan Ghanifar,
Volume 27, Issue 5 (12-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the problems during adolescence is the existence of conflict with parents, which creates object relationships and feelings of shame and guilt in them. This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of treatment based on the mentalization of object relations and feelings of shame and guilt in conflicting mother-child relationships.
Methods: This research method was semi-experimental and pre-test-post-test with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all mothers and adolescents with conflicting relationships who were referred to counseling centers in Shiraz in 2022. By using the available sampling method, 30 people from the mentioned community were selected as a sample and were randomly divided into two experimental (15 people) and control (15 people) groups. Asadi et al.'s parent-child conflict questionnaires (2010), Bell's object relations (1995), and Cohen et al.'s (2011) feelings of shame and guilt were used to collect information. The experimental group underwent executive function training for 13 sessions twice a week for 60 minutes, and the control group did not receive any training. The research data was analyzed using correlation.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation of the experimental group in the post-test in the variable of object relations from 1.5 ± 1.37 to 28.6 ± 4.3 and in the variable of shame and guilt from 5 ± 1.60 to 5.60 ± 3. 51.2 ± 9.1 decreased. The results showed that in the post-test stage, the mean scores of object relations and feelings of shame and guilt in the experimental group decreased significantly compared to the control group (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Treatment based on mentalization was effective in improving object relationships and reducing feelings of shame and guilt. Therefore, this treatment can be suggested to reduce the conflict between adolescents and mothers.
Elham Seyyed Murti, Farangis Dehmardi, Sallime Gharooni Fardi, Mohsen Saeidmanesh,
Volume 27, Issue 5 (12-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of schema therapy on marital satisfaction and mental health of women undergoing hysterectomy surgery.
Methods: This research was applied in terms of objective and quantitative research, and in terms of data collection method, it was semi-experimental research with two experimental and control groups with pre-test and post-test. The statistical population consisted of all women aged 30 to 50 who underwent hysterectomy surgery in 2023 in Yazd city. In this study,
30 eligible subjects were selected by the available method, and the participants were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). For the experimental group, the treatment plan was implemented in 10 sessions of 50 minutes. Goldberg's mental health questionnaire and Inrich's marital satisfaction questionnaire were used to measure the research variables.
Results: The findings from the analysis of the covariance test showed the use of the schema therapy approach increased the marital satisfaction and mental health of women undergoing hysterectomy surgery (p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusions: Therefore, the use of schema therapy sessions in medical centers for people who underwent hysterectomy surgery is suggested to reduce marital problems.
Zahra Zohre Vandi, Narges Babakhani, Afsaneh Taheri,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment-based therapy on the lifestyle of improving the health and emotional distress of women undergoing infertility treatment with the in vitro fertilization (IVF) method.
Methods: The method of this study was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a follow-up stage. The statistical population of the study included women undergoing infertility treatment with the IVF method referring to the infertility center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran in the first six months of 2012. In this research, 27 women undergoing infertility treatment with IVF method were selected by voluntary sampling method and replaced by random method in test and control groups. The experimental group underwent acceptance and commitment therapy (10 sessions) for two and a half months. A health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire (HPLP) and an emotional distress questionnaire (Lavibond and Lavibond, 1995) were used as research tools. The data were analyzed using a mixed analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test.
Results: It showed that the treatment based on acceptance and commitment to the lifestyle level improves health (Eta = 0.56, F = 19.74) and has a significant effect on the dimensions of emotional disorders such as depression (P < 0.0001, Eta = 0.58, F = 0.58). F = 34), anxiety (P > 0001; Eta = 0.59; F = 35.69), and stress (P > 0.0001; Eta = 0.61; F = 40.12) of women undergoing infertility treatment with the IVF, and has been able to lead to increase a healthy lifestyle, reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in these individuals.
Conclusions: Acceptance and commitment therapy, utilizing six psychological acceptance processes, cognitive breakdown, self under context, interaction with the present, specified values, and committed behavior, can be used as an effective treatment to reduce emotional distress in women undergoing IVF infertility treatment.
Reavan Afshar, Masoud Rahmati, Rahim Mirnasouri,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Considering the synthesis and secretion of irisin and BDNF from muscle tissue during exercise and the possible relationship of these factors with improving muscle strength and performance, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of strength training on muscle strength, body fat percentage, irisin, and BDNF in inactive middle-aged women.
Methods: In a semi-experimental study, 20 inactive middle-aged women (mean age 37.70 ± 5.91 years, weight 79.80 ± 5.82 kg) were selected and randomly assigned to two strength training groups (n = 10) and control groups (n = 10). The training group performed 12 weeks of strength training, three sessions per week at an intensity of 65 to 80% of maximum strength. Then, blood samples were taken using ELISA to measure irisin and BDNF. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the data. The significance level (P ≤ 0.05) was considered.
Results: Strength training significantly increased serum irisin concentration (P = 0.035) and serum BDNF concentration (P = 0.058) and also considerably decreased body fat percentage (P = 0.058) in middle-aged women. There was also a positive and significant relationship between lower body strength and serum irisin levels (P = 0.040). The Results from the Pearson correlation test indicate a significant positive relationship between BDNF and upper body strength (P = 0.038).
Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, it seems that increased secretion of serum irisin and BDNF hormones is related to increased muscle strength following strength training in middle-aged individuals.
Amirali Jafarnezhadgero, Ehsan Fakhri Mirzandg, Raziye Alizadeh, Davood Khezri,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Using treatment interventions in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are essential. Also, some studies have reported that medical insoles decrease the rate of incidence of ACL injury. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigated the acute effect of short-term anti-pronation insoles on foot pressure variables in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with pronated feet during running.
Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental type that was done at 2022 in Ardabil city. The sample of this study consisted of 13 individuals with both ACLR and pronated foot aged 23.4±2.5 years and 13 healthy ones aged 22.9±4.1 years that was selected with available sampling method. Plantar pressure values were recorded during running with and without anti pronated foot orthoses by foot scan device (sampling rate: 300 Hz). Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Results of the present study demonstrated a decreasing of peak plantar pressure variables on first (P=0.044), second (P=0.010), and fifth metatarsal (P=0.027) regions after using anti-pronated insoles during running stance phase.
Conclusions: Overall, it could be stated that foot orthoses possibly reduced plantar pressure and ground reaction force variables after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in individuals with pronated feet during running. However, further study is needed to better establish this issue.
Ali Ghasemi Kahrizsangi, Mehrdad Najafi,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Today, diabetes is one of the main problems in the world. Type-2 diabetes is more common in obese and overweight people, and obesity is a serious health problem. In addition to the importance of exercise in diabetes, some supplements can be effective on inflammatory factors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 8 weeks of endurance training along with purslane seed supplement consumption on the pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and CRP in middle-aged type-2 diabetic men on the threshold of obesity.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 40 male patients with type 2 diabetes with an average age of 40-55 and fasting blood sugar above 120 were selected, then randomly divided into four groups of 10 including: control group, exercise group, exercise+supplement group. And the complementary group was divided. The subjects had no history of regular sports activity (for the previous 6 months) and consumption of purslane and were on the threshold of obesity (BMI between 28 and 30). The subjects walked 3 sessions a week and each session was for one hour without rest. The duration of the training session started from 30 minutes in the first week and reached 45 minutes of training in the eighth week with an intensity equal to 50-70% of the maximum reserve heart rate. The supplement group consumed 7.5 grams of purslane seeds per day for 8 weeks. The control group was not subjected to any training or supplements during 8 weeks. Paired t-test was used to compare the results before and after check the significant difference between the four groups, the analysis of covariance test was used, and if a significant difference was observed, the Bonferroni post hoc test was used to determine the location of the difference between the groups using SPSS 25 and EXCEL2010 statistical software at the significance level (P<0.05).
Results: The results of covariance analysis showed a significant difference in CRP (P=0.000). The results of Bonferroni's post hoc test indicated a difference between the two groups of exercise-supplement and placebo exercise compared to the control group (P<0.05). No difference was observed in IL-6 values.
Conclusions: It seems that the consumption of purslane seeds along with exercise improves the inflammatory index and CRP predicts heart problems. As a result, the use of purslane seed supplement if combined with exercise can be an effective method for middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes on the verge of obesity, but the effect of endurance training is more effective than purslane seed supplement.
Mojgan Mohammadifar, Fereshteh Bahmani, Alireza Abed, Gholamali Hamidi, Mohammad Hossein Aarabi, Sayyed Alireza Talaei,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: The analgesic effects of rosemary and peppermint essential oils have been shown in many studies. Low solubility of essential oils in water and low bioavailability limit their consumption, and nanoparticles can help solve these limitations. This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effect of a nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils in a rat model of neuropathic pain.
Methods: Forty male rats were assigned to four groups: control (CON), neuropathic pain received normal saline (NPS), nanoemulsion (NPN), or gabapentin (NPG). Neuropathic pain was induced using the CCI model. Animals received a nanoemulsion containing 10% rosemary extract and peppermint essential oil via gavage for 21 days. Behavioral tests (Thermal Hyperalgesia, Thermal Allodynia, and Mechanical Allodynia) were done on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 of the study. Biochemical tests were also done on the sciatic nerve of animals at the end of the study.
Results: The NPS rats had a significantly increased pain threshold compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the analgesic potential of nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils was seen in allodynia and hyperalgesia tests. Biochemical analyses showed that CCI reduced total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, and also increased MDA levels in the rats' sciatic nerve (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Administering nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils reversed all the above-mentioned changes in the biochemical parameters (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Our findings revealed that treating rats with a nanoemulsion containing rosemary and peppermint essential oils can reduce neuropathic pain symptoms by balancing their sciatic nerve's oxidant and antioxidant systems.
Mir Amirhossein Seyednazari, Amir Mohammad Dorosti,
Volume 28, Issue 4 (10-2025)
Abstract
Nurses, as one of the main pillars of the healthcare system, have always been at the forefront of delivering medical services. However, recent studies reveal that this professional group is facing serious challenges in terms of mental health and job satisfaction, largely due to structural and systemic failures in the workplace (1). Data from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the severity of this issue, revealing high rates of burnout among nurses. 34.1% experienced emotional exhaustion, and 12.6% reported a loss of professional identity. These figures reflect not only a transient crisis but also chronic deficiencies within the healthcare system (2).
Key factors exacerbating nurse burnout include workforce shortages, inadequate resources, and workplace violence
(3, 4). The global shortage of nurses is estimated at around 5.9 million, placing excessive pressure on the remaining staff. Additionally, lack of resources and specialized training, particularly during crises, significantly contribute to burnout risk. Workplace violence, particularly in emergency departments and psychiatric units, is on the rise, and many reports suggest that the actual number of incidents is much higher than what is officially recorded (2, 5).
The consequences of these conditions extend beyond individual nurse wellbeing, directly compromising patient care quality and safety. Meta-analyses have shown significant associations between nurse burnout and reduced patient safety, increased hospital-acquired infections, and medication errors (5). Furthermore, only 50% of nurses in 2021 felt that their organizations prioritized their health and safety (1).
The mental health crisis among nurses is also alarming. Rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia are considerably higher in this group compared to other professions. Predictive factors include understaffing, excessive workload, workplace violence, and lack of organizational support. In addition, the stigma surrounding mental health services acts as a major barrier for nurses seeking professional help (6).
Effective solutions include adjusting nurse-to-patient ratios, banning mandatory overtime, enforcing zero-tolerance policies against workplace violence, and strengthening managerial support. For example, California’s implementation of minimum nurse-to-patient ratio laws has led to increased direct care time, better patient outcomes, and higher nurse retention. Emphasis must shift from merely increasing nurse numbers to retaining the current workforce—a crucial step in healthcare reform.
In conclusion, considering the critical importance of nurse wellbeing and its direct impact on patient care, structural and supportive reforms must be prioritized by health policymakers and administrators.
