[Relationship between assertiveness and critical thinking in nursing students]

Assertiveness and critical thinking help improve the academic practice of nursing students. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between assertiveness and critical thinking in nursing students. This analytical and correlation study was performed on 213 nursing students in Tehran University of Medical Sciences using convenient sampling. Main study tools were California critical thinking skills test [CCTST] and assertiveness inventory of Gambril and Richi. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software using ANOVA, chi square and Pearson correlation coefficient test. Mean scores of assertiveness and critical thinking for nursing students were 68.15 +/- 12.79 and 9.32 +/- 3.38. Many students had moderate level of assertiveness [89.7%] and most of them had unusual level of critical thinking [94.8%]. Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a direct correlation between assertiveness and critical thinking [r=0.045] with no significant difference between the two variables [P=0.51]. It is necessary to revise the teaching strategy to improve the level of critical thinking in nursing curriculum. To achieve assertiveness training in nurses, efforts should be made to identifying and support nursing students who have low levels of critical thinking

[Complementary therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis]

Given the high cost of medical treatment to control the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis [MS] and the resulted numerous complications, the use of complementary therapy has been increased by these patients. This study aims to determine the status of complimentary therapy in patients with MS who refer to MS Association in Tehran in 2008. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Two hundred patients with MS were recruited by convenience sampling. Data was collected by a researcher made questionnaire using face-to-face interviews and analyzed by descriptive and inferential [Chi-square and ANOVA] statistics using SPSS-PC [v. 11.5]. More than half of sample [60%] has used complimentary therapy. All of them had used non-pharmacological treatment as a supplement and not as a replacement to therapy. The most frequently used methods were exercise, meditation, nutrition therapy, herbal medicines, energy therapy, acupuncture and acupressure respectively. The results also showed that the majority of participants [44/5%] have used one non-pharmacological method and just 11.5% have used two methods or more. The findings showed that there is a significant relationship between using complimentary therapy and demographic characteristics of patients except for educational level [P=0/04]. Regarding the widespread use of complementary therapy by patients with MS, these patients are exposed to potential risks and side effects of the treatments. So it is recommended that patients be provided with necessary training. Doing more research on the methods of complimentary therapy and assessment of the reasons for tendency to this type of treatment is also recommended