Showing 77 results for Age
Marziyeh Tavalaee , Nasim Eskandari, Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Globozoospermia is a severe sperm morphological abnormality in men that characterized by round-headed spermatozoa with low or absence acrosome structure in their sperm samples. In these men, high level of DNA damage and abnormal chromatin packaging also were reported. These deficiencies can consider as the main etiologies of infertility in these infertile men. The aim of this article is to study the sperm chromatin structure in infertile men with globozoospermia.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review article, 77 articles related to protamine deficiency, DNA damage, aneuploidy in globozoospermic men were collected via data bases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus since 1971-2017.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.ACECR.ROYAN.REC.1396.204 have been approved at research ethics committee of Royan Institute.
Findings: Mean percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were significantly higher in infertile men with globozoospermia compared to fertile men. While, the results of chromosome aneuploidy were controversial in infertile men with globozoospermia within studies.
Conclusion: In addition to abnormal acrosome formation, as main etiology of failed fertilization, in infertile men with globozoospermia, high level of sperm abnormal chromatin packaging and DNA damage can be also involved in this phenomenon. Therefore, antioxidant therapy before intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection technique were suggested for these individuals to minimize sperm chromatin damage.
Somaye Delavar, Niloofar Shadmehri, Hamid Dalvand,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) may have musculoskeletal disorder due to inappropriate position during sleep. The aim of this study was to design the equipment for sleep positioning of children with CP.
Materials and Methods: This research was a designing device study for sleep positioning of children with CP. The design was carried out in three stages: needs assessment, develop an idea and final design. Seventeen children with CP aged 2-12 year olds at the levels of III to V Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded and Revised (GMFCSE&R) were recruited from Tehran and Karaj rehabilitation clinics by a convenience sampling strategy. For data collection, some demographic questionnaire and GMFCS E&R were used.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved in Research Ethics Committee of Faculty of Applied Arts at Tehran University of Art with the code IR. ART U.REC.1394.118.
Findings: In the process of needs assessment, a researcher made questionnaire and pictures of sleep positioning children with CP when they were sleeping were used. In developing an idea stage, the free and creative ideas under the name of black box, as well as, Etudes at the transparency stage were presented as the combination of creative ideas. In the final design stage, by using superior materials, positioning and packaging, we achieved a superior design.
Conclusion: The proposed plan is designed as an interventional tool based on the need of Iranian children with CP and there is no similar national or international device available. The final design of the sleeping equipment includes a set of mattresses and a variety of modular styling devices based on a family centered approach, so that, allow parents to active engagement during sleep and rest of their children and can help the children to assume the proper positions.
Yalda Mirmoeini, Hamid Sarlak, Shima Normohammadi, Afrooz Nakhostin, Zohreh Salimi,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Parental acceptance is an important parameter in selecting the proper behavior management technique during pediatric dental treatment. The present study aimed to compare the effects of different informing methods on acceptance of parents about behavior management techniques used in pediatric dentistry.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on one 162 parents of 3-7-year-old uncooperative children who were candidates for dental treatment. They were randomly divided into three groups. Their acceptance about six behavior management techniques including general anesthesia, voice control, hand-over-mouth, parental separation, active and passive physical restraint were assessed by a questionnaire. After determining the level of acceptance, the information about the techniques was presented through three ways include writing, verbal and visual methods. Finally, their acceptance of each technique and the reasons for non-acceptance were re-evaluated. Data were analyzed in SPSS v.23 software using ANOVA and t-test.
Ethical Considerations: This study obtained its ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences under code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1398.102.
Results: The informing methods significantly increased the parents’ acceptance about behavior management techniques. According to the ANOVA results, the effect of visual presentation method in general anesthesia technique was significantly lower than that of other methods (P<0.05), while its effect in active physical restraint technique was significantly greater than that of other methods (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the effects of informing methods in other behavior management techniques.
Conclusion: Informing parents about pediatric behavior management techniques increase their acceptance. Informing by visual presentation is the most effective method for increasing their acceptance of physical restraint technique, while in their acceptance of general anesthesia technique other informing methods are more effective
Naser Safdarian, Shadi Yousefian Dezfoulinejad,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Breast cancer is the abnormal cell growth in the breast. In both benign and malignant masses, there is rapid and high cell growth. Nowadays, due to the development of technologies, the diagnosis of diseases has become non-invasive and physicians attempts to diagnose the disease without surgery and based on internal organ images.
Methods & Materials: In this study, by using images prepared from the Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM), a new method is proposed for detecting cancerous masses in the mammographic images using geometric features extraction and optimization of Support Vector Machine (SVM) parameters to classify breast cancer masses automatically. First, images were pre-processed and then boundaries were determined using threshold method. Next, morphological operators were used to improve these boundaries and the segmentation of images was carried out to classify cancerous masses. Finally, by using the SVM parameter optimization method, Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), and 4-fold crossvalidation method, data were classified into two groups of benign and malignant (cancer) masses.
Ethical Considerations Images from DDSM database were used in this research, all images are open access in this database.
Results: The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity values for applying the Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel in SVM classifier (before optimization process) were obtained 97%, 100% and 96, respectively. After optimization of SVM parameters by the GOA, it was reported 100% for all accuracy, sensitivity and specificity indices for applying linear kernel function, indicating the high accuracy of the proposed method. The average values of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity indices for applying all three SVM kernel functions after optimization were 95.83, 100 and 94.81%, respectively.
Conclusion: The extracted geometrical features from breast cancer masses are highly efficient for model training and the diagnosis of breast cancer. The GOA could improve the overall accuracy of the proposed method by optimizing the SVM parameters. The results showed the higher performance of the proposed method compared to other methods.
Shahnaz Shahrjerdi,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hypertension is a common disease and universal that can cause cardiovascular disease and kidney damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an eight-weeks massage on blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), heart rate and C-reactive protein in women with hypertension.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, 44 volunteer women with Mean±SD age of 42.12±5.31years were selected from women referred to Arak Oil Company specialized polyclinic with hypertension. Four women excluded from the study for some reason, and the rest were divided into experimental and control groups. In massage group massage was done for three sessions per week, 45-60 minutes in each session, on the back and upper limbs for eight weeks. Data analysis was conducted using dependent and independent t-test by SPSS V. 25 statistical software at the significant level of (P≤0.05).
Ethical Considerations: This study (Code: 92-160-26) was approved in Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences.
Results: The results showed that eight weeks of massage reduced blood pressure (P=0.001), the heart rate (P=0.001), and C-reactive protein (P=0.001) in women with hypertension compared to the control group (P=0.62).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that massage for eight weeks is an efficient and appropriate method to improve systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and C-reactive protein in patients with hypertension.
Zohreh Karimi Taheri, Mohammad Hosein Aarabi, Ali Nazari Alam, Majid Nejati, Mohammad Shayestehpour, Hamid Reza Gilasi, Afshin Salehi, Mohammad Esmaeil Shahaboddin,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite the anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties of licorice extract and lavender essential oil, some factors, such as low bioavailability and biodegradable, limit their therapeutic use. Using nanoparticles is a method to overcome these restrictions. This study aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil on cancer cells; we also evaluated its antimicrobial properties in vitro.
Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, nanoemulsions, containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil were developed by the spontaneous emulsion method. The anti-proliferative effect of nanoemulsion was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric method on two cell lines HepG2 and SK-MEL-3. To measure the antimicrobial effect of 4 standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method was used.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.KAUMS.MEDNT.REC.1396.106).
Results: The results of MTT test on HepG2 cells indicated that the concentrations of 630, 1250, and 2500 μg/mL nanoemulsions caused toxicity to the cell and led to the death of >50% of the cells (IC50=401μg/mL; P<0.05). Evaluating SK-MEL3 cells revealed that except for 75 μg of nanoemulsion, other concentrations induced death in >50% of the cells (IC50 = 82 μg/mL; P<0.05). In addition, nanoemulsions, with antimicrobial properties, were studied in 4 strains of bacteria; the highest antimicrobial properties were observed in Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Conclusion: Nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil presents antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects on the two cell lines studied. The current study results indicated that the nano emulsification of lavender essential oil and licorice extract can enhance their biological impact; thus, they can be used as a drug formulation.
Maryam Saghafi Asl, Azimeh Izadi, Vahideh Ebrahimzadeh Attari,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Older adults, particularly those living in nursing homes, are a vulnerable group whose poor nutritional status and inadequate nutrient intake provide the basis for the incidence of diseases and increase their health costs. The aim of the present study was to compare the Index for Nutritional Quality (INQ) between institutionalized (nursing-home) and non-institutionalized (community-living) older adults and to investigate its association with serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level in each group.
Methods & Materials: In this case-control, age- and gender-matched study in Tabriz (East Azarbaijan, Iran), o subjects aged 65 years and older were recruited from nursing homes (n=76) and community (n=88). Anthropometric parameters were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A three-day record of the foods provided for the nursing home residents were weighed, using a digital scale. The whole food intake of older adults was converted to grams and dietary data were analyzed using Nutritionist IV software. Blood sample was drawn to measure serum hs-CRP level. SPSS software was used for data analysis.
Ethical Considerations: The present research was approved at Research Ethical Committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (Code: TBZMED.REC.1394.152).
Results: In the present study, INQ for all nutrients (except for vitamins A, D, E, biotin, vitamin B6, folic acid, and iron) was significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). The INQ<1 for these nutrients (except for iron) in both groups indicates insufficient intake of these micronutrients. However, INQ for nearly all nutrients (other than selenium) was higher in the community-living older adults, compared to nursing-home residents (P<0.05). The intake of minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, chromium, sodium, and potassium was also insufficient in both groups. Nursing-home residents did not meet their estimated needs for vitamins B2, B12, and copper. A significant reverse association was observed for serum hs-CRP level and INQ for vitamin D (P=0.04) and calcium (P=0.038) in the community-living older adults after adjusting for BMI. Such a correlation was also reported between INQ for vitamin B12 and serum hs-CRP level in both groups (P=0.02).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to pay more attention to the nutritional status of older adults, especially those living in nursing-homes. A diet rich in micronutrients, especially vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12 may help prevent the development of inflammation in old population.
Manijeh Zarei Mahmood Abadi, Talieh Zarifian, Dr Robab Teymouri,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Acquisition skill in sentence producing is one of the criteria for speech development. By developing and increasing the age, we are witnessing the emergence of compound sentences in speech. Clinical treatments for language disorders in Iran are mostly based on the experiences of Speech Language Therapists or in accordance with English language norms. We need to examine how the length of utterance and compound sentences develop in Persian. The study aimed to report the development of compound sentences and Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) for a Persian-speaking child from 15 to 34 months.
Methods & Materials: In this longitudinal case report, based on Developmental-Descriptive model, MLU and emergence of simple compound sentences of a Persian speaking girl sampled and described from 15 to 34 months by daily scripting. R software version 4.0.2 was used for data analysis. Correlation of age with linguistic variables through Pearson correlation coefficient was evaluated.
Ethical Considerations: In this paper, the principles of publication ethics were considered.
Results: At the age of 21 months and 13 days, the child uttered her first simple two-word sentence, and at the age of 26 months and 29 days, she used a four-word compound sentence. With the emergence of compound sentences, the increase in the MLU has gained considerable speed. In a few days, we see the addition of a unit to the length of the sentence (word). There was a significant relationship between the MLU and age (r=0.925, P=0.001), Mean length of sentence and number of words in Persian speaking child (r=0.910, P=0.002) and total number of words and age (r=0.928, P<0.001).
Conclusion: Although several longitudinal studies have been conducted on the development of MLU and number of words in other languages, similar studies are rare in Persian. It is important to conduct studies of this type in order to make cross-linguistic comparisons and to study the linguistic universality and language specificity. By increasing age, we see an increase in the number of words in a child's vocabulary, the emergence of compound sentences, and an increase MLU. At 27 to 28 months, there is a dramatic change in the development expressive language as the compound sentences appear. It seems that emergence of compound sentences in the language output, also plays a significant role in increasing the MLU and can be considered in clinical language assessments.
Reza Hashemi, Maryam Peymani, Kamran Ghaedi, Hana Saffar,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim PBK is a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKK) among MEK1/2 and MEK7 and can phosphorylate P38, JNK, and ERK in many cellular functions. The E2F transcription factor family also belongs to a class of cellular regulators acting as oncogenes and tumor suppressors. This study aims to investigate the expression of PBK and E2F7 in the early stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to advanced stages based on the experimental and TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database.
Methods & Materials A total of 32 tissue samples of patients with CRC with the approval of a pathobiologist were collected according to the examination and criteria reported from different stages. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the RT-qPCR technique was used to evaluate the expression of the desired genes in the study groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also used to determine the ability of each of the selected genes to differentiate the two populations: stage I+II and stage III+IV.
Ethical Considerations In all stages of this research, codes of ethics of research and publication were observed.
Results In this study, it was shown that the expression of PBK and E2F7 significantly increased in stage I+II samples compared to stage III+IV. These data were confirmed by laboratory results and information extracted from the TCGA database. Also, based on the area under curve obtained from the ROC curves, these two genes are significantly distinguishable between stage I+II and III+IV populations in CRC.
Conclusion According to the results of this study, PBK and E2F7 genes are good markers in the diagnosis of CRC.
Nahal Moharekpour, Vahab Habibipour, Davood Shamci,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Crisis management is an important field of management, especially in the field of health. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the development of disaster management mechanisms in hospitals of Arak, Iran.
Methods & Materials In this regard, 240 questionnaires were distributed among hospital and nursing managers in Arak. The questionnaire had acceptable reliability with Cronbach’ alpha value of 0.897.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (code: 1274.1401.REC.ARAKMU.IR).
Results Then, by using structural equation modeling in LISREL software, the designed model was analyzed. Finally, by using statistical tests, the research hypotheses were examined.
Conclusion The results showed the significant effect of three factors of “lack of stability in business environment”, “risk taking”, and “organizational culture” on the development of the mechanism of crisis management.
Mahmood Haghiri, Vahab Habibpour, Nahal Moharekpour, Morteza Ghasemi,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim This study aims to investigate the effect of nurses’ autonomy on the quality of patient care based on Kramer and Schmalenberg’s model
Methods & Materials This is a causal-comparative study. Participants were 101 nurses of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Arak, Iran from the intensive care unit and internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, and emergency departments. The data collection tools were Moghimi and Ramazan’s patent care quality questionnaire and an autonomy assessment questionnaire based on Kramer and Schmalenberg’s autonomy model. The data were analyzed in SPSS software.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the ethics committee of Islamic Azad University of Arak Branch (Code: IR.IAU.ARAK.REC.1397.66).
Results The mean autonomy score of nurses was 3.16 ±0.35, indicating a desirable level. Nurses of all departments had limited autonomy. In the internal department, nurses had unsanctioned autonomy, while in the surgical department, they had autonomous nursing care action. The regression models were significant for all departments except for the internal department. With an increase of one unit in limited autonomy in the intensive care unit, autonomous nursing care in the surgical department, and limited autonomy in pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, and emergency departments among the nurses, the quality of care can be increased by 0.253, 0.187, 0.522, 0.205, 0.466 and 0.129, respectively.
Conclusion Nurses’ autonomy can increase the quality of patient care. The nursing managers need to empower nurses and provide an environment for them to apply their knowledge in practicing autonomy.
Sousan Salehi, Maryam Tarameshkou, Saeed Mirahmadi, Saghar Hashemnia, Milad Hassansheikhi,
Volume 25, Issue 3 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and aim: It is suggested that hearing impaired children with hearing aids and cochlear implant, showed poor pragmatic abilities. Pragmatic is the most related language component to social interaction. Further, it has effect on personality development and self-esteem. The main aim of the present study is investigating the relationship between pragmatic abilities and self-esteem in hearing impaired children.
Materials and methods: Sixty hearing impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implant were included into this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then parents or other caregivers were asked to fulfill Children’s Communication Checklist (CCC) and self-esteem questionnaire. The participants were divided into three groups based on hearing impairment severity, including: severe, moderate and mild. The relationship between pragmatic ability and self-esteem was examined in three groups and without considering categorization, by Pearson correlation coefficient, significant level was 0.05.
Ethical considerations: This project is approved in Arak university of medical sciences with ethical registration code IR.ARAKMU.REC.1399.150. All parents gave written informed consent form.
Findings: the results illustrated that there is significant relationship between pragmatic abilities and self-esteem in all hearing impairment children without considering categorization (p<0.05). By considering categorization, significant relationship was showed in self-esteem and pragmatic abilities in moderate and mild groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: according to our analysis, pragmatic abilities and self-esteem are related. This relationship is more obvious in low severity impairment.
Mr Mohsen Shamsi, Mr Ali Kulivand, Mr Mohammadjavad Ghannadzadeh, Ms Mahboobeh Khorsandi, Mr Seyedhamed Mirhosseini, Mr Amir Almasi-Hashiani, Mr Behrooz Karimi, Mr Seyednadali Alavi Bakhtiarvand, Ms Masoume Naderi Noreyni,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (9-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Today, with the increase in population, the per capita production of waste materials and the subsequent threat and destruction of the environment is an increasing process, and waste management by the people of a society can play an essential role in reducing this problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was determine of predicting the waste management behaviors of households in Arak city in 2022.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 600 mothers of households in Arak city, who were selected by multi-stage sampling. The data collection tool was a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and behavior of households in the field of waste management. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and t-test, chi-square and regression tests. This study was approved by the research ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1401.040).
Results: The average age of the studied was 39±11 years and the number of family members was 3.6. In terms of type of housing, most of them lived in apartments (44%) and a smaller number lived in complexes (14%). 65 percent of the people had not received the training on the waste separation plan from the source, and among the effective training methods, the majority (38 percent) of the people had overestimated the effectiveness of the training through the Internet. The mean and standard deviation of knowledge was 66±19, attitude was 84±11 and performance was 73±18. The majority of the people studied had a good level of awareness and attitude. The regression analysis model showed that the greatest impact on the waste management behavior of the samples was the age of the people, their knowledge and attitude, which predicted a total of 33% of the waste management behavior.
Conclusions: Considering the favorable state of awareness and attitude of households in Arak city, it seems that for better waste management, other environmental factors should be emphasized, including sources of waste production at the source. Also, based on the prediction model, it is still important to inform and change the attitude of households in Arak city for better performance at younger ages.
Dr. Mojtaba Bayani, Dr. Shirin Shafiei Lialestani, Dr. Amir Almasi-Hashiani, Dr. Seyed Hamed Mirhoseini,
Volume 25, Issue 5 (12-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Dental unit water lines (DUWL) are a potential place for the accumulation of microorganisms and the formation of microbial biofilm, which exposes people to infection risk. This study aimed to investigation of the effectiveness of four commonly used substances and selection of most effective disinfectant in DUWLs disinfection.
Methods: This systematic review study was conducted based on PRISMA templates and the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases with a specific search strategy were examined. In this systematic review study, the effectiveness of 4 disinfectants including: hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, chlorine-dioxide, sodium hypochlorite on microbial biofilms in the DUWL was investigated. The study was conducted on July 10, 2021, and finally the data of all studies related to the subject of this systematic review were extracted. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1399.347).
Results: All four disinfectants in sufficient concentration and time can be useful and effective. If the biofilm in DUWL is old and stabilized, it will affect the effectiveness of these materials and it will take longer to remove.
Conclusions: The use of materials in combination can cover all the microbial spectrum present in the biofilm of this area, and even fixed biofilms can be removed with extended and continuous use.
Shiva Kavousinejad, Mohadese Shokripour, Bahareh Asgartooran, Zahra Cheraghi,
Volume 26, Issue 4 (11-2023)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study aimed to compare the microleakage of an adhesive fissure sealant (AFS), a flowable composite resin (FC), and a resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) in permanent teeth.
Materials and Methods: This in vitro, experimental study was conducted on 45 extracted posterior teeth with sound fissures. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=15). The occlusal fissures were sealed with Beautisealant AFS without etching and bonding in group 1, with Beautifil FC after 37% phosphoric acid etching in group 2, and with Fuji II LC RMGI in group 3. The teeth underwent 500 thermal cycles (5-55°C), and their apices were sealed with wax. They were then immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 hours. Next, the teeth were sectioned buccolingually and inspected under a stereomicroscope to measure the dye penetration depth as an indicator of microleakage. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, Chi-square test, and Scheffe test (alpha=0.05).
Ethical consideration: The study was approved by the ethics committee of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (IR.UMSHA.REC.1399.728).
Findings: The microleakage score of RMGI was significantly higher than that of AFS and FC (P<0.05), while the microleakage scores of FC and AFS were not significantly different (P=0.330).
Conclusion: The AFS showed a sealing ability comparable to that of FC, and can be used as an alternative to FC due to its fewer application steps.
Mahnaz Shokri, Nabiollah Akbar Nataj Shub, Jamal Sadeghi, Arsalan Khanmoham Otaghsara,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Several factors influence students' behaviors and develop motivation. Meanwhile, cognitive factors such as psychological capital play a more prominent role than others, and it is crucial to understand the factors that affect them. The current research purpose was to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness intervention and cognitive-behavioral game therapy on the psychological capital of female first-secondary school students in Amol City.
Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all the female students of the first secondary school of the seventh grade of the public schools of Amol City in the academic year of 2023. Among them, 45 people were selected by the available sampling method and were replaced randomly and by lottery in two experimental and control groups (30 individuals in the experimental group and 15 people in the control group). The people attending the first experimental group received mindfulness intervention (8 sessions) and two sessions per week for 60 minutes, and the second experimental group received cognitive-behavioral game therapy intervention (10 sessions) and two sessions per week for 30 minutes. The questionnaire used in this research included psychological capital. The study data was analyzed using the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) method.
Results: The findings showed that mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral game therapy affected the psychological capital of female students of the first secondary school in Amol City (P < 0.01). Also, mindfulness training on psychological capital was more effective than cognitive-behavioral game therapy (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Although both methods of mindfulness training and play therapy improved students' psychological capital, the approach and method used in each are different. Mindfulness training focuses more on awareness and the presence of the mind in the present moment. At the same time, play therapy focuses more on strengthening psychological skills and abilities through interactive activities and games, which can better capitalize on increased psychological.
Seyedeh Midya Khosravi, Morteza Azizi, Hajar Aghaei, Hajar Aghaei,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Postpartum depression is a type of mood disorder that can affect pregnant women who have given birth and is affected by various factors, so the present study aims to predict postpartum depression based on marital satisfaction, satisfied body, and dysfunctional beliefs in women of Bukan City.
Methods: The present study is descriptive-correlational. The population consisted of all women with pregnancy in the last month in the first half of 2022 in the city of Bukan in the number of 2980 according to Morgan's table and with informed written consent, 340 pregnant women referring to Shahid Qolipur Hospital in Bukan were selected by available sampling method and filled in the questionnaire. Beck-2 depression, Edinburgh postpartum depression, Enrich's marital satisfaction, Body image satisfaction, and Weisman and Beck's dysfunctional beliefs responded. The analysis was done using a stepwise regression method.
Results: Marital satisfaction, physical satisfaction, and dysfunctional beliefs have a significant ability to predict postpartum depression at P < 0.01 level. This effect is inverse in marital and physical satisfaction and positive in dysfunctional beliefs. Also, marital satisfaction, with an effect size of 0.324, physical satisfaction, with an effect size of 0.497, and ineffective beliefs, with an effect size of 0.652, explain the postpartum depression variable. Also, the prevalence of postpartum depression among women in Bukan City is 30.6%, which is higher than the average of the articles recorded in this field.
Conclusions: According to the results of the research, Marital satisfaction, physical satisfaction inversely, and dysfunctional beliefs directly and positively predict postpartum depression in pregnant women.
Marzieh Ganjavi, Alireza Manzari Tavakoli, Zahra Zeinaddiny Meimand,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Delinquency is a serious challenge for teenagers and has significant negative social effects. The main goal of this research was to find out the structural equation modeling of extraversion and delinquent behavior disorder: the mediating role of moral intelligence among the juveniles of Kerman Correctional Center.
Methods: This was a descriptive correlational research of structural equation model type. The statistical population of this research was made up of 80 juveniles of Kerman Correctional Center, who were selected and studied by simple random sampling using Morgan's table. To collect information, Hans Eysenck's (1963) Personality Type Questionnaire, Goodman's Conduct Disorder Questionnaire (1997), Aiti Juvenile Delinquency Questionnaire (2013) and Link and Keel's Moral Intelligence Questionnaire (2005) were used. Descriptive and inferential statistics (structural equation modeling) were used for data analysis through SPSS-28 and Smart PLS-3 software.
Results: The results of this research showed that there is a direct and positive relationship between extraversion and juvenile delinquency. There is a significant direct and positive relationship between conduct disorder and juvenile delinquency. There is a direct and positive relationship between extroversion and moral intelligence of teenagers. There is a significant direct and negative relationship between conduct disorder and moral intelligence of adolescents. There is a direct negative relationship between moral intelligence and delinquency. There was no relationship between extraversion and juvenile delinquency as a mediator of moral intelligence. There was no relationship between conduct disorder and juvenile delinquency with the mediating role of moral intelligence.
Conclusions: According to the results, it can be acknowledged that moral intelligence is an effective component of delinquency affected by extroversion and behavior disorder in teenagers. Therefore, education and training programs should be implemented to strengthen moral intelligence in schools and families, because these programs can strengthen moral skills and moral decision-making power in teenagers and help reduce behavioral disorders and, as a result, delinquency.
Leila Ghanbari-Afra, Mina Gaeeni, Jafar Shahbazpour,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The fundamental role of marital satisfaction is vital in family formation and marriage survival. Marital dissatisfaction can make couples fail to solve their conflicts. Marital discontent, combined with job-related stress such as pre-hospital emergencies, can lead to heightened conflict in job responsibilities. It leads to the effect on personnel, patients, and their families. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the marital satisfaction of pre-hospital emergency personnel at Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2023.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 pre-hospital personnel of Qom University of Medical Sciences in May 2023. The sampling method was a stratified cluster. The data collection tool included the "Demographic Information" checklist and Enrich's "Marital Satisfaction" questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive tests, Independent T-test, and Regression.
Results: The average age of the participants was 37.3 ± 7.06. More than half of the participants had a bachelor's degree. Most people had rotating shifts. The average score of marital satisfaction was 145.94 ± 22.21. Based on the results of the multivariate regression test, the variables of education, employment status, work experience, type of shift, having a second job, and having a job other than medical staff explain 63% of the variance of marital satisfaction of pre-hospital personnel.
Conclusions: According to the findings of the present study, in general, the marital satisfaction of pre-hospital emergency personnel of Qom University of Medical Sciences is at an average to high level. People with a fixed shift, with a second job, high work experience, without a fixed job status, and bachelor's and associate's degrees had less marital satisfaction than others. Therefore, managers and policymakers in the health field must pay more attention to the quality of family life, especially the married life of pre-hospital emergency workers with the mentioned conditions.
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.
