A study of lifestyle factors associated with breast cancer patients in Iran

Background: Several environmental and lifestyle factors have a significant role in the incidence of various types of cancer. Lifestyle factors are important elements in the development of cancer, and correction of them can lead to prevention. Given that the underlying cause of cancer is unclear, comparing the lifestyle of two groups of women can explain some of the breast cancer risk factors. Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the lifestyle dimensions in women with and without breast cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out to compare two groups of 546 women (273 healthy individuals and 273 cancer patients). The lifestyle sub-scales were collected using a lifestyle questionnaire (LSQ). The differences between the scores of the eight sub-scales in the two groups were analyzed using independent ttest and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The mean age of the participants in both groups of this study was 44.51 ± 11.28. Although the lifestyle scores of the healthy individuals were higher than the patient group, in terms of all eight dimensions of lifestyle, a significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of four dimensions (P<0.05). Also, there was a positive and significant correlation between the socioeconomic status and the lifestyle of women with breast cancer (P=0.49). Conclusions: Regarding the difference between the lifestyle score of the two groups, it seems to be necessary for authorities and healthcare providers to plan for educational programs of lifestyle practices, and healthy behaviors. Besides, conducting longitudinal studies are recommended to find the causal relationship between the two variables

Balancing overuse and underuse in the Iranian healthcare system: a force field theory analysis

BACKGROUND: Overuse and underuse of healthcare services occure within population, organizations and even patients around the world. Producing a balance between these two can increase efficiency, service quality and patient satisfaction. It also decrease extra costs. The aim of this study was to identify forces for change and forces against change for generating balance between overuse and underuse to achieve right care. METHODS: This study was conducted in five steps: 1) describe our plan or proposal for change; 2) identify forces for change; 3) identify forces against change; 4) assign forces; and 5) analyze and apply. We used purposive sampling strategy. The number of participants in the expert panel were eight. Each participant signed informed consent form before starting the study (Ethical code: IR.TBZMED.REC.1396.908). RESULTS: The driving factors for balancing overuse and underuse were education, preparing clinical guideline and standard protocols, resource allocation, using evidence-based medicine, evidence-based management and evidence-informed policy making approaches and social prescribing. The restraining factors for balancing overuse and underuse were conflict of interest issues, payment systems, paternalism and medicalization, patients and physicians' side problems and culture of consumerism in the community. The total scores for and against change were 14 and 17, respectively. CONCLUSION: It seems that the emphasis on education and training in this field is essential for physicians, patients and all people in the community. Also, making reforms in payment systems and changing the rules and regulations in this area could be major drivers