association between neck circumference and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome

To investigate the relationship between neck circumferences and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome. In a cross-sectional study, 100 patients with acute coronary syndrome in Kerman hospitals were assessed by measuring their neck circumference and risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The data were analyzed by student t -test, Man-Whitney U test, chi[2] and Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. The mean of neck circumference in men with body mass index [BMI] >/= 25 kg/m[2] was 39.63 +/- 3.02 cm and for women it was 36.47 +/- 2.00 cm. The mean of neck circumference in overweight group was 42.70 +/- 2.99 cm for men and 38.66 +/- 3.28 cm for women. Neck circumference >/= 41.5 cm for men and >/= 36.5 cm for women were the best cutoff levels for determining the patients with BMI >/= 25 kg/m[2]. There were some associations between some cardiovascular disease risk factors. These risk factors were usually related to increasing weight. Because of fat accumulation in neck during weight gaining, this index can be used as a simple and easy screening way to recognize people with high weights

[Comparing the effects of using earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality of patients in coronary care unit [CCU]]

Sleep disturbance depends on factors such as noise and light in cardiac care unit [CCU]. It can lead to acute coronary syndrome in some patients. This study was designed to compare the effect of using eye mask and earplugs in improvement of sleep in CCU patients. This randomized clinical trial conducted on 90 patients in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Jiroft in 1390. The IRCT registration code was IRCT201205139731N1. Participants at the first night of admission were randomly divided into three groups: eye mask, earplugs and both eye mask and earplugs users. According to crossover method, half of the patients in each group were assumed control for themselves the first night and the other half on the second night. The VSH-scale was used. The data was analyzed by paired T-test. The mean score of sleep quality showed a significant difference before and after the intervention in all groups [P<0.05]. This difference was just on the sleep disturbance criterion in eye mask and earplugs group [p=0.044] and was in the criterion of sleep disturbance [p=0.003] and effectiveness [p=0.004] in eye mask group. Patient of earplug group showed advances in all criterion of sleep quality [supplement, disturbance and effectiveness] [P<0.001]. Results suggest that eye mask and earplugs improve sleep but earplugs are more effective. Eye mask and earplugs as low-cost, comfortable and uncomplicated devices can improve sleep quality in patients. Nurses can use these devices for reducing the environmental factors to help patient's sleep.

[ study on level and sources of stress in nursing students]

Background: Nursing is a stressful profession and nursing students are exposed to high levels of stress in both theoretical and clinical components of their educational programme. This fact not only affects their academic performance, but also may lead to various physical and psychological disorders

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the level and sources of stress in nursing students of Kerman, Zarand, Bam and Jiroft nursing schools

Methods: It was a descriptive study on 274 volunteer baccalaureate-nursing students selected by randomized clustering method. Data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by using parametric statistics

Results: Mean score of students' stress level was 2.96 at the range of 1-5. The highest stress levels were related to copying with personal problems [X=3.40], feeling anxious [X=3.34] and experiencing anger in facing every problem [X=3.31]. Among sources of stress, lack of agreement between theoretical and clinical trainings [X=3.50], educational achievements and qualification for the job [X=3.40], and attitude and expectations of others toward nursing profession [X=3.30] have the most important roles. There was a significant relationship between the stress level and having living mother, and father's educational level [P<0.05]. There were also significant relationships between sources of stress and factors of city, sex, living mother, age and residency statue [P<0.05]. There was a reverse relationship between age and stress level

Conclusion: In order to reduce stress level and provide educational improvement in nursing students, decreasing sources of stress and introducing coping strategies are highly recommended