[The effect of stress management program on mental health of the mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]

Introduction: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of stress management program using cognitive behavior approach on mental health of mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Method: in this interventional study, 52 mothers of the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were randomly allocated into two intervention and control groups. The general health questionnaire was used to measure mental health. In addition, depression - anxiety - stress scale [DASS-21] was used to measure stress. The two instruments were completed by mothers at baseline and immediately one month after the intervention. Cognitive-behavioral stress management program was consisted of eight sessions, each held for 90-minute for 8 weeks. This study was conducted in specialty and subspecialty clinic of Imam Reza and Hafez Hospital in Shiraz in 2012

Results: data were analyzed with SPSS version 16, repeated measures oneway ANOVA., and independent- samples t-test. At the baseline, no significant difference was found among the three groups regarding the means of stress, anxiety, depression, and mental health. However, there was a significant difference immediately after the intervention. In the intervention group, mean score of stress was significantly lower [12.29 +/- 4.32] than the control group [14.77 +/- 3.69] [P=0.001]. Also, mean score of mental health in the intervention group [20.50 +/- 10.56] was significantly lower than the control group [33.70 +/- 12.60] [P=0.009]. One month after the intervention, mean difference of stress and mental health scores was still significant in the intervention group [P=0.001 and P=0.004]. Moreover, mean difference of anxiety and depression for intervention group was significant [P=0.005 and P=0.008]

Conclusion: stress management program had a statistically significant influence on the mental health of mothers of the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Teaching emotional intelligence to intensive care unit nurses and their general health: a randomized clinical trial

Emotion and how people manage it is an important part of personality that would immensely affect their health. Investigations showed that emotional intelligence is significantly related to and can predict psychological health. To determine the effect of teaching emotional intelligence to intensive care unit nurses on their general health. This randomized clinical trial [registered as IRCT201208022812N9] was conducted on 52 of 200 in intensive care unit nurses affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. They were recruited through purposeful convenience sampling and then randomly categorized into two groups. The intervention group members were trained in emotional intelligence. Bar-on emotional intelligence and Goldberg's general health questionnaires were administered to each participant before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. While the mean score of general health for the intervention group decreased from 25.4 before the intervention, to 18.1 immediately after the intervention and to 14.6 one month later, for the control group, it increased from 22.0, to 24.2 and to 26.5, respectively [p<0.001]. Teaching emotional intelligence improved the general health of intensive care unit nurses

[Effect of relaxation and attachment behaviors training on anxiety in first-time mothers in Shiraz city, 2010: a randomized clinical trial]

Anxiety of mother, as the first personality influencing child's mental health, is of great importance. Use of anxiety-reducing techniques for pregnant mothers plays an important role in decreasing maternal and child psychological problems. This study aimed to determine the effect of relaxation and attachment behaviors training on anxiety in first-time mothers. The present study was done as a clinical trial on 126 primigravida women [42 subjects as relaxation group, 42 subjects as attachment group and 42 subjects as control group] referred to Hafiz and Shushtari hospitals in Shiraz [2010]. Data were collected using personal data form and Spielberger Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. In addition to routine pregnancy care, four 90 minute sessions of attachment behaviors and relaxation training courses were held during 4 weeks [once a week]. The control group only received routine pregnancy care. Anxiety score before the intervention and at the end of the intervention were analyzed in all three groups. Data analysis was done using chi-square, Anova and paired t-test analysis, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. In this study, the mean anxiety scores were not significantly different in the three groups before the intervention, but there were significant differences among three groups after the intervention [p<0.004]. There was a decrease in the mean anxiety score in the two experimental groups after the intervention, whereas there was an increase in the control group. The results of this study indicated that relaxation and attachment behaviors training could reduce anxiety in pregnant mothers

Characteristics of care and caregivers of alzheimer's patients in elderly care homes: a qualitative research

Due to the increase in the number of Alzheimer's patients in Iran and also the limitation of cultural knowledge about caring of these patients, this study was designed to explore the perceptions of Iranian caregivers about caring Alzheimer patients in the elderly care homes. A qualitative content analysis method was conducted on two elderly care homes of Shiraz/Iran, during 2009-2011. Fourteen key informants [10 women and 4 men, between 25-35 years of age], who had been working in elderly care homes caring for the elderly with Alzheimer disease for about 1-11 years [Mean=30 months] were selected by purposive sampling method. The caring experience and ability of transferring their experience to others were the main criteria for selection of the participants. They were participated in 2 focus groups and 4 interviews. Nearly, 800 initial codes were extracted and categorized into 3 groups of "multidimensional care", "going along with the patients" and "need to be professional" and 12 subcategories. Although several aspects of care were mentioned by the participants but the main aspect was physical care. Infantilizing the patients was the main feature of care and caring personality was an important characteristic of caregivers. An appropriate schedule of care considering main categories and subcategories of this research based on cultural context should be prepared. Moreover, consistent promotion of the schedule, employment of trained staff and plans for continued education for them can improve the quality of care and patient's life in elderly care homes

[Nursing students'initial clinical experiences]

Identification of nursing students' initial clinical experiences helps instructors and educational planners to acquire a more accurate insight about students' unique experiences and to assist them during this journey more effectively. This study aimed to investigate the nursing students' initial clinical experiences. In this qualitative research, qualitative content analysis performed on 340 narratives and journals of junior nursing students on their daily clinical experience selected using goal oriented sampling method. Narratives and journals were written by 46 [32 female and 14 male] junior students of Fatemeh [PBUH] Nursing and Midwifery School in Shiraz, during October 2008 to February 2009. The initial clinical experiences were emerged in 3 themes and 7 categories. The main themes were: Professional socialization [with 3 categories as: professional identity, professional belonging, and learning professional concepts and skills], personal growth [with two categories as: the lesson of life and spiritual growth], and internal reflection [with 2 categories as: satisfaction and intrinsic challenges]. The findings reflect the importance of considering students' unique experiences; supporting them during professional socialization, empowering their personal growth, enhancing their professional belonging and satisfaction, and preventing the occurrence of intrinsic challenges by preparing them to encounter clinical settings. Reflection on clinical experiences through writing journals and narratives and prospective qualitative studies are also recommended

[Decrease in motivation of nursing students: a qualitative study]

Introduction: Motivation has been known as a most important factor in directing people for doing activities. Lack or low of motivation affect all domains of human functions and caused negative effects. The aim of this study was identifying perception of nursing students from decrease in theirs motivation to nursing

Methods: This study done with qualitative approach and using thematic analysis method. Twelve nursing students from the Fasa University of Medical Sciences were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed in three focus group interview. After data collection, all interviews were transcribed and reviewed and themes extracted. Then a list of themes prepared and similarity in meaning and concept were reviewed and based on centralization arranged in a sub-category. Then with reviewing again relevant sub-categories arranged in a category

Results: Using analysis of transcribes a significant number of preliminary themes and 6 main themes that each having few other sub-themes were extracted. The main themes included Socio-cultural, educational, managerial, research, communicational and contextual

Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that communication problems with students are the most important factor in lack or low motivation toward nursing. It is recommended that nursing instructors and managers considered above items for promoting motivation of students toward nursing

[Students perceptions of effective teaching in nursing education: a qualitative study]

Various definitions of teaching indicate the effort of training and education scientists for knowing teaching. Achieving to ideal and effective teaching involves connection between goals, teaching methods and students' learning. Effective teaching is critical for medical sciences student learning, especially in nursing students. The aim of this study was identifying perception of nursing students from effective teaching in nursing education. This study done with qualitative approach and using thematic analysis method. Eleven nursing students from the Fasa University of Medical Sciences were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed with focus group interview. After data collection, all interviews were transcribed and reviewed and themes extracted. Then a list of themes prepared and similarity in meaning and concept were reviewed and based on centralization arranged in a sub-category. Then with reviewing again relevant sub-categories arranged in a category. Using analysis of transcribes a significant number of preliminary themes and 8 main themes that each having few other sub-themes were extracted. The main themes included readiness, dynamically, valuing, individual characteristics of teacher, organization, evaluation, applicable and resources. The results of this study revealed that individual characteristics of teacher and communication with students are more significant factors in motivation and interest to learning and effective teaching. It is recommended that nursing instructors considered above items for curriculum planning in order to effectiveness of teaching and better learning

reduction in anxiety and depression by education of patients with myocardial infarction

The myocardial infarction is the interruption of blood circulation heart that causes its cells to die. This deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen, and causes chest pain and pressure sensation. Hypertension and other risk factors like high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and physical inactivity, can lead to coronary heart diseases with symptoms of depression and anxiety that predict subsequent mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of education on anxiety and depression in patients with myocardial infarction in selected hospitals of Urmia hospitals in 2009. This study was a quasi-experimental study that comprised 124 patients selected randomly and divided into two groups. The experimental group was educated by a face to face training and educational booklet. Control group did not receive any intervention. The level of anxiety and depression was evaluated by using HADS questionnaire at 3 intervals .After 48 hours of admission, discharge day and 2 months after discharge. The findings suggest that MI patients worried about their social role, interpersonal relations and personal health, which can exacerbate symptoms and complicate their future care. There was no significant difference between control and experimental groups before the intervention, But after the intervention, anxiety and depression in the experimental group was significantly less than control group [P<0.05]. Considering the beneficial effect of intervention on reducing anxiety and depression in such patients, the patient's education should be one of the health care goals. Most researches may also be required to confirm the results in other groups of patients

[ in-vitro comparison between antimicrobial activity of nanosilver and chlorhexidine against streptococus sanguis and actinomyces viscosus]

The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles has been investigated in medical fields in recent years, but its effect on dental plaque micro-organisms has not been studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial properties of nanosilver on two dental plaque microorganisms and to compare it with chlorhexidine. In this experimental study, antibacterial effects of silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine against Streptococus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus were determined by minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] using microdilution method. Each experiment was repeated at least five times to ensure the accuracy of testing. Results showed that the MIC of soluble silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine for Streptococcus sanguis were 16 and 256 microg/ml, respectively. Soluble silver nanoparticles had an MIC of 4 and chlorhexidine had an MIC of 64 micro g/ml for Actinomyces viscosus. The MBC of soluble silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine for Streptococcus sanguis were 64 and 512 microg/ml, respectively and for Actinomyces viscosus these figures were 16 and 102 microg/ml, respectively. Silver nanoparticles have strong antibacterial activity against Streptococus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus which was achieved by lower doses in comparison to chlorhexidine mouthwash

Effect of group reminiscence therapy on depression in older adults attending a day centre in Shiraz, southern Islamic Republic of Iran

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy on depression symptoms among elderly people attending a day centre in Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran. A sample of 49 people aged 60+ years participated in 6 group reminiscence sessions that were held twice weekly for a 3-week period and completed a Farsi version of the 15-item geriatric depression scale. Mean depression scores decreased significantly from 8.18 [SD 1.20] before the intervention to 6.73 [SD 1.20] immediately after it and 7.55 [SD 1.19] 1 month after the intervention. When analysed by demographic characteristics only marital status showed a statistically significant difference in depression scores comparing before and after the intervention

[Clinical decision making process in last year nursing students: a qualitative study]

Although improving clinical decision making skills is declared as one of the main aims of nursing education, evidences show that it is not presented effectively within nursing education programmes. The present study aimed at exploring clinical decision making process among last year nursing student. Using qualitative method [Grounded theory], six focus groups and 12 sessions of participants' observation were conducted with a purposeful sample of 32 last year nursing students. The data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis. Participants believed competent clinical instructor, applicable knowledge, clinical experience; appropriate setting for clinical education and professional self confidence are the main influential factors on students' clinical decision making. Acquiring professional self confidence is the most important factor in experiencing and learning clinical decision making. The study revealed nursing student believe that not acquiring applicable knowledge and appropriate clinical experiences have impact on low professional self confidence required for clinical decisions. Therefore they are not satisfied with their gained competencies in clinical decision making. The result of this study showed that nursing students were not satisfied with the competency in clinical decision making. They experience low professional self-confidence as a result of feeling incompetent due to lack of applicable knowledge, suitable clinical experiences and conductive clinical learning climate

qualitative study of the impact of spousal death on changed parenting practices of Iranian single-parent widows

While it is expected, different causes to decision making accept parenting responsibility and parenting style based on the single parenthood occurs as a result death of the spouse, it has not been clearly articulated. Therefore, we explored the parenting experiences of Iranian single-parent widows who keep custody of their children after their spouses die. In this descriptive, exploratory study in-depth interviews were held with 24 Iranian single-parent widows. The data generated were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Preliminary results indicated four main thematic categories: [a] development of a paradoxical identity: a hopeless widow vs. a hopeful mother, [b] submerging self in custody role vs. staying from widow role, [c] sentimental parenting and, [d] paradoxical evaluation: fruitful for children vs. fruitless for self. The results indicate that single-parenting after the death of the spouse is a difficult experience. Sentimental parenting practices, related to maladjustment with spousal death and roles transformation is a risk for the health of widow-single parents, so they need to be supported by health care delivery and social welfare systems to cope with their life after spousal death

Effect of pre-operative psycho-educational interventions on anxiety and pain in children undergoing tonsillectomy in Shiraz southern Iran

Excessive anxiety and stress can affect children's physical and psychological health, hinder their ability to cope with surgery, encourage their negative behavior in association with health care, and may also inhibit their post-operative recovery. This study was conducted to determine the effects of pre-operative psycho-educational interventions on post-operative anxiety and pain in children undergoing Day- Case tonsillectomy. A quasi-experimental pre-post test follow up control group design was used for 199 children aged 9 to 12 years old who were admitted for Day-Case tonsillectomy unit, along with their parents during a 12-month period. In a randomized method, 100 children were divided into the experimental group receiving psycho-educational interventions, and 99 children who were assigned to the control group receiving routine information preparation. The anxiety level of children was measured using children Speilberger State Anxiety Inventory [SSAI] and the post-operative pain level of the children was assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]. The children in the experimental group reported lower state anxiety scores in 4-time points of postoperative periods. There was no difference in children's post-operative pain between the two groups. The study provides empirical evidence in support of the effectiveness of using psycho-educational interventions for preparation of children for surgery

[Investigating the physical and psychosocial problems in children of parents with cancer]

The occurrence of chronic diseases such as cancer in parents lead to family problems especially among children, therefore, the assessment of these problems are essential in improving the family quality of life and their health. To assess the physical and psychosocial problems of children aged between 6-12 with parents suffering from cancer who were referred to Nemazee hospital in Shiraz during ?2005. This was a descriptive analytical study performed on 100 children between 6-12 years old using the standard child behavior checklist to determine the presence or absence of disorder in performance, communication, education, fear and sleep. The data were collected through interview sessions with parents followed by statistical analysis using chi square test, Fisher exact test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Our findings revealed that 49% of children suffered physical problems whereas fear, regressive behavior, and sleep disorder were detected in 37%, 72%, and 32%, respectively. Regarding the social problems, 63% of children showed performance problems, 61% communication problems, and 38% educational problems. Statistically, significant correlations were found between the age of children and their educational problems [p=0.03], the parents' gender and the occurrence of physical problems [p=0.01], and the duration of disease in parents and physical problems [p=0.01]. Based on findings of the present study, it was shown that the existence of life- threatening disease in parents leads to stress and disturbance in normal process of family especially among their children causing physical and psychosocial problems. Hence, the need for counseling with children and parents seems to be obvious and of prime priority

relationship between mental health and quality of life of hemodialysis patients referred to hospitals affiliated to Shiraz university of medical sciences

Although hemodialysis is one of the most useful and modern treatment methods for patients with chronic renal diseases, there has not been considerable achievement in understanding and treating physical and psychosocial problems of these patients. Decrease in mental health status of hemodialysis patients affects their quality of life and may produce performance disorder. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental health and quality of life of hemodialysis patients referred to hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Ninety patients were selected through convenient sampling and data was collected by a demographic questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire, and Short form quality of life questionnaire [SF-36]. Mental health was assessed in four domains: somatoform symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction and depression. The SF-36 questionnaire is summed into eight scales of health: physical function, social function, limitation in role due to emotional problem, mental Health, vitality, bodily pain, and general health. The data were analyzed using t-test, spearman's correlation, and Anova. The results revealed that most domains in quality of life were correlated with mental health domains. General health perception and physical function domains were correlated significantly with three domains of mental health: anxiety, social function and depression [p < 0.012 p < 0.001, p < 0.004]. Somatoform symptoms were correlated significantly with mental health domain of quality of life [p < 0.02]. Finally, social function was correlated significantly with social dysfunction domain of life quality [p < 0.05]. Also, anxiety and somatoform domains of mental health had more significantly relationship in women than men [p=0.006 and p=0.25, respectively]. Of quality of life domains, physical function had more significantly relationship in men than women [p=0.03] and bodily pain had more significantly relationship in women than men [p=0.006]. The result of this study indicated that many quality of life domains were correlated with mental health domains and hemodialysis had effect on different aspects of patient's life. The results also indicated that such demographic characteristic as age, gender, marital status, other diseases and length of hemodialysis treatment had relationship with some aspects of life quality and mental health

qualitative study of nursing students' experiences of clinical practice

Nursing student' experiences of their clinical practice provide greater insight to develop an effective clinical teaching strategy in nursing education. To investigate nurses' experience of their clinical practice. Focus groups were used to obtain students' opinion about and experiences of their clinical practice. Ninety baccalaureate nursing students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences [Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery] were selected randomly from two hundred students and were arranged in 9 groups of ten students. Qualitative data analysis approaches were used to code, categorize and analyze focus group data. Four themes emerged from the focus group data. From the students' point of view, [initial clinical anxiety], [theory-practice gap], [clinical supervision], and [professional role] were considered as important factors in clinical experience. The result of this study showed that nursing students were not satisfied with the clinical component of their education. They experienced anxiety as a result of feeling incompetent and lacking professional nursing skills and knowledge to take care of various patients in the clinical setting

[Correlation between academic achievement and introversion-extroversion and neuroticism of nursing students in Shiraz]

Background: Survey on the factors influencing the student's academic achievement, who are the most intelligent people is important

Objective: This study was performed in order to determine the relationship between academic achievement and personality of students

Methods: This is an analytic study. Subjects consisted of 304 full time undergraduate nursing students [total students] at Fatemeh [P.B.U.H] college in second semester of 1999-2000 [academic year]. The subjects were assessed by a demographic questionnaire, Eysenck's personality Inventory and total average of grades as academic achievement. Data analysed using the t-test, analysis of varivance and pearson correlation

Findings: Mean score in introversion was 12.41 and in neuroticism 12.10. 25.5% of students were successful in studying and 25% were unsuccessful and others were moderate. There was a significant negative correlation between academic achievement with neuroticism [-0.1171, P=0.045]

Conclusion: According to the findings, student's mental condition had effects on their academic achievement. The follow up of student's mental health and personality and activation of mental consultation centers for them is necessary

[Mental health status and its related demographic variables of families referring to Shiraz health centers - 2002]

Introduction and Objective: research has shown that mental disorders are increasing year after year. Mental illness imposes a heavy burden both on individuals and their families. Factors such as changes in life style, population age, urbanization, social environment, poverty, substance abuse, wars, and violence affect mental health of the world's population. This study was performed to determine the mental health status of families referring to Shiraz Health Centers

Materials and Methods: this is a descriptive, analytical and cross sectional study which was performed on 1536 people [720 male and 816female] from four city areas [east, west, south and north]. The method of sampling was systematic randomized cluster. The subjects were interviewed and requested to fill out the General Health Questionnaire 28 [GHQ - 28]. They were above 19 years of age. Then the data were analyzed using SPSS software

Results: findings indicated that 22.9% of families [354] were suspected of suffering from mental disorder. About 27.6% of the subjects suffered from anxiety and 29.1% from somatization. Another 29% had problem with their social performance and 13.7% of them suffered from depression

Conclusion: there was a significant relationship between demographic variables such as gender, level of education, marital status and rate of disorders