Health-related quality of life among elderly member of elderly centers in Tehran

Aging and elderly population growth has been increased in Iran. Quality of life of older persons is important as a consideration in medical decisions and as a clinical outcome measure. Health related quality of life [HRQoL] is not well understood in this group therefore we designed this study to determine the quality of life among elderly populations of Tehran, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of elderly people selected from the elderly centers in Tehran. The Iranian version of short-form Health survey [SF-36] and perceived social support questionnaires were employed as standard tools. Overall, 400 elderly people with the mean age of 64.07 [SD =4.49] took part in this study. Of all participants, 298 individuals were women. The mean score of PCS [Physical Component summery] and MCS [Mental Component Summery] were 64.62 [SD= 1 2.68] and 63.35 [SD=4/7] respectively. The results of this study revealed that women compared to men had significantly higher scores in different dimensions of health related quality of life as physical function, social function, body pain and general health. Additionally, participants with lower body mass indexes, higher education level, married elderly, healthy aged participants and richer ones had higher scores of health related quality of life. According to this study, there was correlation between mean PCS and social support as well as MCS and social support. Quality of life in female, individuals with higher education and socioeconomic status were higher than male, persons with lower education and socioeconomic status

[To evaluate of efficacy of education based on health belief model on knowledge, attitude and practice among women with low socioeconomic status regarding osteoporosis prevention]

Osteoporosis is major public health concern affecting millions of adults particularly older adults and women worldwide. Designing effective educational intervention is principle in any health promotion program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an educational intervention based on health belief model on knowledge about, attitudes toward and practice of prevention osteoporosis among women with low socioeconomic status in Isfahan. The study population consisted of 14 women with low socioeconomic status and under 60 years old. A valid and reliable questionnaire developed and used as measurement tool for initial and final assessments in this program. In addition calcium intake and vitamin D, physical activity and exposure to the sun were assessed. The mean age of the participants were 40.8 +/- 10.52 years. The mean score of all parts of health belief model [except for perceived barriers], knowledge, sun exposure, and physical activity after educational intervention compared to before intervention, were increased significantly. There was no statistically significant difference between daily calcium and vitamin D intake before and after intervention. It is concluded that the HBM Model- based educational program on Knowledge and belief regarding Osteoporosis prevention seems practical and effective. However more research should be done to find out more effective intervention regarding optimal calcium and vitamin D intake

[Efficacy of PRECEDE model in promoting nutritional behaviors in a rural society]

Proceed model is widely used in health promoting program. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PRECEDE Model- based educational program on nutritional behaviors in a rural society. This study was a quasi-experimental [before- after] study and conducted on one hundred eighteen women in eight rural areas in Fridan. Based on precede model, CHD mortality rate, incorrect nutritional habits and nutritional behaviors were identified as the most important indicators. During educational intervention, predisposing factors, enabling factors and reinforcement factors were noticed. The training content was designed based on precede model contains 3 educational sessions weekly for 2 months. Following the educational intervention, the mean score of knowledge, attitude were significantly increased and predisposing, Enabling and Reinforcing factors as well as behavior were improved. Approximately nine percent of participants perceived they are at risk of heart diseases and 12.96% believed that their regimes are not healthy [bad]. Near 48% indicated that heart diseases are preventable diseases. The finding of current study confirmed the practicability and effectiveness of the PRECEDE Model -based educational program on Behavioral

[To identify the facilitator and barrier factors of physical activity among elderly people in Tehran]

Physical activity is important for the health of all individuals, however, the determinants of physical activity behavior for elderly remain unexplored in Iran. The purpose of this investigation was to explore a range of factors that influence participation in physical activity for a group of elderly people in Tehran in 2008. This was a population-based study. Structured interviews with a valid questionnaire were employed for this survey. It was carried out on four hundred members of Healthy Association in Tehran. Multistage sampling was used. The mean age of participants was 64.07 +/- 4.49. The prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle among elderly fifty-three [53%] estimated. The prevalence across the stages was as follows: 30.25% in pre contemplation, 12.75%in contemplation, 27.25% in preparation, 6.25% in action and 23.5% in maintenance. Inactive participants perceived that their laziness prevented them from being physically active. Meeting friends was the most important facilitator for participating in physical activity. The individuals who married, younger, lower body Mass index, having no chronic disease, and those with past history of exercise were more likely to adopt, initiate and maintain regular physical activity. Regression analysis showed that the greater knowledge of physical activity, higher Perceived health benefits, more Self efficacy were associated with physical activity. Knowing the facilitators and barriers factors of physical activity in elderly would help to implement any future intervention for this group of people

Education-based needs assessment: a step toward effective prevention of AIDS

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is dramatically increasing worldwide. Iran and the other Middle East countries have also encountered this increasing pattern. The aim of this study was to assess the educational needs of Bandar-Abbas people about HIV/AIDS. This descriptive analytical research was carried out on a sample population of 2123 persons who were randomly recruited for the study in 2003. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and the information resource for HIV/Aids were assessed through interviews. Our data showed that people had a good level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, however no positive attitude toward this disease was observed. There was a relationship between age and the knowledge on transmission routes [P=0.03, r=0.65]. Also, a significant correlation between education and the knowledge on different ways of transmission was demonstrated. No significant relationship between sex and the knowledge was established. Approximately, 40% of people were shown to have high level of self-efficacy in preventing the disease. Regarding the perceived severity, 48.7% believed that HIV/AIDS causes the patients to become weak and 34.7% thought that HIV/AIDS can expose people to other diseases. Most people described that their information on HIV/AIDS was obtained through mass media. Promoting the level of social health is in close association with publicizing the level of knowledge among people and correcting their attitudes toward the disease. This topic should be highlighted in health promoting educational programs

[ relationship between religious beliefs and locus of control with mental health]

Prevention of mental disorders is considered to be the major aim of mental health. Preventive attempts to strengthen religious beliefs and ideas are among the approaches to help reducing mental disorders. To study the relationship between religious beliefs and locus of control with mental health in female students. This was a descriptive-analytic study performed on 80 female students of Bandar Abbas University of Medical Sciences in 2000. Random clustering method was used for selection of samples. The data were collected using 3 different questionnaires named as Julian Rater Locus of Control, Symptom-Check List-90-Revised questionnaire, and Islamic Act Screening Scale. The data analysis showed a direct and positive effect of religion on mental health and locus of control, although the relationship between religious beliefs and symptom-check list-90-revised scale was significantly reserved. Regarding the positive effects of religious beliefs and practices on mental health, the use of this potential in community health planning specially when dealing with young adults is recommended