[Nurses mental health in Iran: a national survey in teaching hospitals]

Background and Aim: Mental health disorders are common problems among health care professionals such as nurses, which can create great problems .The aim of this study was to evaluate mental health status in nursing personnel in the teaching hospitals

Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed in 2013 and included 5837 nurses working in educational hospitals affiliated to the medical universities in Iran. Data were collected by using a general health questionnaire [GHQ- 28] and were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS 18 software

Results: The results showed that 30.2% of the nurses were mentally healthy and 69.8% of them were exposed to mental health disorders. The mean score of mental health was 31.11+/- 12.37. The highest mean score [the worst condition] of the unhealthy nurses belonged to social performance domain [12.86 +/- 3.38] and the lowest mean score [the best condition] was related to depression domain [4.1 +/- 3.02]

Conclusion: Attention to mental health of the nursing personnel is of great importance and can lead to improvement of nursing care quality. Psychological counseling for nursing personnel is also recommended

[Comparison of creativity skill between the first year and fourth year undergraduate nursing students]

Introduction: Nursing education is responsible for providing an environment to facilitate students learning and acquiring cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills. Nurses are now required to provide skilled, multidimensional care in multiple, often unfamiliar environments or settings. Consequently, nurses should be prepared to function as safe, competent, intuitive and innovative clinicians in an environment where new information and clinical situations are constantly changing. In the midst of a knowledge explosion in health care, students need to be provided with the tools and experiences that teach them how to think that promotes an understanding and an embracement of lifelong learning. This study was developed to determine and compare the nursing student's creativeness

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study was carried out in Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Iran University of Medical Sciences. Study population was all of students enrolled in nursing four-year program 2009-2010 curriculum. Three hundred and twenty two students participated in this study by using the Abebi's creativity Test. The data was coded and analyzed using the SPSS. Mean creativity scores between students' responses in different years were compared by ANOVA

Results: It was found that the mean score of the students' creativity was 136.19 +/- 13.31. When compared to a normative sample of Iran, the subjects were above or similar for overall creativity totally and four subscales. When the mean score and number of years of education were considered, no statistically significant difference was found for overall creativity, fluency and originality [P>0.05]. However the difference for mean scores of elaboration [F=3.35, P=0.019] and flexibility [F=2.82, P=0.039] was statistically significant

Conclusion: Nursing schools should establish proper, accepting, and trustable atmosphere in order to develop nursing student's thinking, creativity, Self-centered learning abilities. This Atmosphere facilitates inquiry and questioning skills and improves unpredictable solutions in students and after that this critical skill will be improved. Revision the undergraduate educational program frequently according Nursing students' creativity seems to be necessary

[ effect of the assertiveness training program on nursing students' assertiveness skills]

Assertiveness is an important skill for nurses in order to successfully communicate with patients, families and colleagues. Assertiveness increases people's self-esteem and self-confidence, improves interpersonal communication, and leads to the development of personality and internal locus of control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the assertiveness training program on nursing students' assertiveness skills. Using a quasi-experimental design, two out of three nursing classrooms held for students entering fall 2011 [n=55], and one out of two for those entering spring 2012 [n=34] were randomly selected. The former as the control group was pre-tested and post-tested after two weeks. The latter as the experimental group was undertaken the assertiveness training program and was tested similarly to the control group. The Gambrill and Richey assertiveness questionnaire along with some demographic questions were used to collect data. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean of assertiveness scores in the pre-tests in both groups did not show a significant difference [P=0.6]. While no statistically significant change in the control group [P=0.09] was reported, a significant increase in the scores of the experimental group was shown after the training program [P=0.005]. The assertiveness training program increased the students' level of assertiveness. It is recommended to investigate the effect of improving self-esteem, problem-solving and social communication skills on nursing students' level of assertiveness

[Relationship between problem solving skill and ecstasy usage among adolescents]

Life skills play a significant role in adolescents' health promotion and have a positive effect on modifying their high-risk behaviors. A great deal of studies has shown that problem solving may affect drug usingbehavior. The purpose of this study is to determine adolescents' problem solving skill and its relation with ecstasy usage among adolescents of the west of Tehran. In a cross-sectional [correlative] study. Eight hundred adolescents ranging from 16-18 years old residing in the western public regions of Tehran participated in the study. Problem-solving skill was determined using "problem solving inventory". Adolescents' usage of ecstasy was measured by a self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed by participants after obtaining an informed consent. Our finding revealed that most of participants [69.4%] enjoyed good problem-solving skills. Also, findings indicated that 7.6% of adolescents have experienced ecstasy usage once at least. There was a significant relationship between problem-solving skill and ecstasy usage in adolescents [P=0.001]. Regarding the findings, it is recommended to reinforce life skills in adolescents by emphasizing the role of parents, peers and friends to prevent substance abuse. It isalso recommended that some programs are required to be executed regarding prohibited substances including ecstasy and their complications to increase publicgeneral information

[Self esteem and its associated factors in patients with multiple sclerosis]

Multiple sclerosis [MS] as a progressive disorder can deteriorate body image and the feeling of attractiveness and influence patients' self-esteem through changing their cognitive experiences and attitude towards their body. Accordingly this study was conducted with aim of assessing self esteem and its related factors in patients with MS. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The subjects [n=395] were recruited by convenience sampling from Multiple Sclerosis Society in Tehran. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory was used as data collection tool. Data was analyzed by independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, spearman correlation coefficient, chi-square test and post hoc Scheffe test using SPSS-PC [version 16]. The mean score of self-esteem was 17/5 +/- 53/20. Most patients had moderate self-esteem, and only a small percentage of them [16.2%] had high self esteem. There were significant relationship between the patients' self-esteem and their age, educational level, marital status, employment status and the duration of disease [P<0.05]. Nurses are able to consider the patients' esteem needs by recognition of high risk groups and provide appropriate interventions to improve the quality of life of these patients and their families

[Mental Health of women with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] and some of its socio-demographic determinants]

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [PCOS] is among the common endocrine disorders that not only affect physical aspects of women health but also can create manifestations such as anxiety and depression. In this study, we examined the mental health and some of its socio-demographic determinants among Iranian women suffering from PCOS. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 184 women suffering from PCOS who referred to selected infertility centers of Tehran during 2010-2011. Mental health status of the subjects was evaluated by the General Health Questionnaire-28 [GHQ-28] and analyzed using chi-squared test and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS-PC [v.14]. The mean [SD] age of the women was 27.75 [5.37] years. Considering a cut-off point of 24 for the GHQ-28 questionnaire, 91.3% of the subjects had an abnormal score. The abnormal scores were in the subscales of social withdrawal [91.3%], somatic symptom [89.1], anxiety [75%], and depression [33.7%]. There were a significant relationship between age and anxiety subscale, occupation and depression subscale, and body mass index and depression subscale [p<0.05]. This study revealed that women with PCOS are at risk of psychological disorders, especially in social withdrawal domain. Thus referring these women to appropriate consultation centers for screening psychological disorders is strongly recommended

[Anxiety and its relationship with infertility and obstetrics factors in ART pregnant women]

Although Pregnancy is a normal and pleasant event in women's life, but it often involves psychological and behavioral changes and can result in stress, particularly in those women whom their pregnancies is occurred after infertility treatment. Accordingly this study aims to determine the anxiety level of the women whose pregnancies have occurred using Assisted Reproduction Technologies [ARTs] and its relationship with infertility and obstetrics factors. In this cross sectional study, a total number of 100 women whose pregnancies have occurred using ARTs referring to three infertility centers of Tehran were recruited by convenience sampling. Anxiety was measured by Beck Anxiety inventory [BAI] and data related to infertility and obstetrics factors were collected by a researcher made questionnaire and was analyzed using SPSS-PC [v.14] by chi-square and fisher test. The mean age of the sample was 33.7 +/- 6.8 and the mean marriage duration, gestational age, infertility duration, and the number of ARTs treatment failures was 8.7 +/- 5.1, 20.1 +/- 10.8, 7.3 +/- 5.3 and 1.9 +/- 1.6 respectively. The findings revealed that 34% of the subjects were suffering from anxiety. There were significant relationships between anxiety levels and infertility duration [P=0.03] and also a history of treatment failure [p=0.02]. No significant relationship was found between anxiety and obstetrics factors. Infertility duration and a history of treatment failure were the two factors that affected the anxiety level during this king of pregnancy. Accordingly these women are required to be under special considerations from the beginning of infertility diagnosis and also before, during and after pregnancy

[Predisposing factors of postpartum depression]

Postnatal depression is a major public health problem. With due attention to potential side effects of it on mother and family, determining and reduction of any of the factors can decrease prevalence of this disorder. This study was done to determine the predisposing factors of postpartum depression. It was a cross- sectional study with multistage cluster random sampling of 560 women referred to Tabriz health centers 2 mounts after delivery. Data was collected by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Data related to demographic characteristics, mother- newborn characteristics and social support was also gathered by a research- made tool. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16 by using descriptive statistics, Chi square, one way ANOVA, independent T test and logistic regression. The results of chi square test showed a significant association between mother age, education, illness of mother during pregnancy, type and number of delivery and desired fetal sex and postpartum depression [P<0/05]. The results of independent T test also showed a significant relationship between illness of newborn, unplanned pregnancy and postpartum depression [P<0/05]. The results of one-way ANOVA indicated that the relation between lack of mother's readiness to accept the responsibility of newborn and husband's feelings about recent pregnancy and postpartum depression was significant [P<0/05]. Linear regression showed the most important risk factors of postpartum depression as financial status, educational level, unwanted pregnancy, stress level, newborn illness, and mother's lack of willingness to accept responsibility [p<0.05]. Approaches that will lead to increased willingness of mothers to realize the predisposing factors of this disorder, as well as family support and also social support by health care providers can be effective in preventing postpartum depression

[Spiritual well-being in cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy]

Spiritual well-being harmonizes several dimensions of human's life and is essential for coping with diseases. Chronic illnesses such as cancer cause crisis in physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of ones life. This study aimed to measure the spiritual well-being in cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy. In this cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study, Paloutzian and Ellison's Spiritual Well-being Self-report questionnaire was completed by 360 cancer patients. Patients were recruited using sequential sampling method. The inclusion criteria were being more than 20 years old, and being able to read and write. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Pearson tests in SPSS [version 11]. The study findings revealed that the mean scores for spiritual well-being, religious well-being, and existential well-being were [98.35 +/- 14.36], [54.67 +/- 5.92], [43.67 +/- 10.01], respectively. Also, statistically significant relations were found between age, marital status, and educational levels with spiritual well-being [P < 0.001]. Findings showed that the level of spiritual well-being was high in cancer patients. Moreover, as it is expected in Iranian culture, the level of religious well-being was more than existential well-being. There were significant relationships between spiritual well-being and personal characteristics. Hence, nurses should consider personal characteristics in their caring programs and choose a comprehensive and holistic approach toward their patients' care

[Adolescents' attitudes toward Ecstasy using]

Using illicit drugs such as Ecstasy is a deviant behavior in adolescents. Attitude toward using illicit drugs can predict its usage. This study was carried out in order to determine the adolescents' attitude toward using Ecstasy in 2006. In this cross-sectional study, eight hundred adolescents aged 16-18 years who lived in the west of Tehran recruited from public regions of municipality. Data was gathered using authors-structured questionnaire. After filling in informed consents, the questionnaires were completed by the respondents. Findings revealed that 78.9% of the adolescents had negative attitudes and 17.5% had positive attitudes toward using Ecstasy. Boys and girls attitudes were not significantly different. Regarding relatively high negative attitudes among the adolescents toward Ecstasy using, it seems that investments in health promoting programs were appropriate. Nevertheless, along with these programs, parents and teachers should pay more attention to the issue

Knowledge and performance of adolescents towards ecstasy abuse, in the west area of Tehran

Drug abuse is a kind of unhealthy behaviour or behavioural disorder especially among adolescents. Ecstasy is one of the most dangerous substance which is abused and has numerous harmful side effects. The aim of the study was to determine knowledge about ecstasy and the rate of ecstasy abuse among adolescents in 1385. the design was a cross-sectional study that was carried out in the West of Tehran. Eight hundred adolescents who were 16-18 years old and resided in the areas of West Tehran, were selected continously and participated in this study. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire consisted of items regarding knowledge and performance about ecstasy with some questions about demographic information. The study findings showed that 53.8% of adolescents had moderate knowledge regarding ecstasy. The difference between boys and girls' knowledge was not statistically significant. With respect to abusing ecstasy, the findings revealed that 7.6% of subjects used ecstasy at least once. Chi square test showed a significant difference between girls and boys performance about estasy abuse [P=0.000, x2=19.73]. Also there was not any significant relationship between knowledge and performance of the adolescents towards ecstasy abuse. The frequency of abuse of ecstasy was significantly different between male and female adolescents [P=0.000, x=19.73]. Relationship between knowledge about ecstasy and abuse of it was not significant. Based on the study findings, establishment of in-service educational programs related to life skills for teachers and parents in order to improve these skills in adolescent pupils are important. Public propagganda through billboards, posters, short messages regarding drug abuse consequences seem to be necessary among adolescents. Also educational programs by famous actors and sportsmen in order to attract public attention to increase knowledge about drug abuse and their harmful side effects will be useful as a preventive strategy

Correlation between maternal anxiety during pregnancy and incidence of preeclampsia in primigravid Women

Hypertensive disorders have been the most important issues in obstetrics. It seems that the risk factors of preeclampsia are not recognized well. However, depression and maternal anxiety could be the mental aspects of the risk factors in preeclamsia in recent times. The present study conducted to determine the association between maternal anxiety and occurance of preeclampsia, in primigravid women, admitting in clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. A prospective cohort study was used. Speilberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory was used as a data gathering tool, for 750 literate, primigravid women without any history of mental or physical illnesses. All participants were selected through consecutive sampling method. The study findings showed that, the majority of sample group suffered from moderate State anxiety [63.2%] and moderate Trait anxiety [63.4%] respectively. Besides, increasing the severity of both State and Trait anxieties were correlated with higher incidence rate of preeclampsia. Also, statistically significant differences were found between the severity of Trait and State anxieties and Preeclampsia [P0.006 and P0.005], respectively. Results of this study also showed that, there was significant relationship between incidence of risk of preeclampsia and the severity of anxiety, in women with sever State anxiety [P>0.005]. The risk ratio of preeclampsia in women with sever state anxiety was more than of women with mild State anxiety [RR=5.43]. In addition, the risk ratio of preeclampsia in women with sever Trait anxiety, [RR=5.71] was more than of women with mild Trait anxiety. According to the study results, midwives and health care workers' attention to psychological health of pregnant women during prenatal period is one of the most important matter that should be emphasized