[Comparison of impact of face to face and educational booklet methods on respiratory self efficacy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attending to selected hospitals of Shahid Beheshti university of medical sciences in Tehran]

Introduction: patient education is an essential strategy in disease control that reduces complications in patient with chronic diseases. Today, most of the education and information presented in health care systems are at a higher level and are not an appropriate method for people to understand. This study aimed to examine the impact of two of the above methods on respiratory self-efficacy among people with COPD

Method: this study is a quasi-experimental clinical trial that performed in 2012 on 75 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attending Masihe - Daneshvary and Emam Hosien hospitals in Tehran, Iran. We used purposive sampling method and the participants in the study were divided into three random categories [face to face, educational booklet, and control groups]. The two groups of subjects were presented with identical content but different training methods. The control group received the routine instruction in the ward. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics

Results: the results showed homogeneity at demographic data in three groups of study. Comparison of demographic and mean respiratory self-efficacy in the baseline between three study groups showed no significant difference. But the mean of respiratory self-efficacy in the past revealed a significant difference between face to face educational group and control groups [P<0.001]. The test showed no significant difference between educational booklet group and control group [P>0.05]

Conclusion: among people with COPD, face to face educational strategies increased respiratory self-efficacy more than booklet educational method. Consequently, nurses as care providers in patients with COPD can have a valuable role in patient education using face to face education method

Intersectoral collaboration to develop health equity indicators in Iran

Health equity is considered as one of the main objectives of health care systems. This study was carried out with the aim of determining health equity indicators in Iran. Through consideration of these indicators, differences in health status of different social groups and different geographical areas can be shown in different periods and based on that, effective interventions can be designed. This study is carried out through a main workshop and expert panels and final consensus on selected indicators. The first draft of indicators and inequity stratifying variables were prepared and then revised by working groups consisting of experts inside and outside Health system. Finally ideas were accepted or rejected after presenting enough reasons and deep examination through the Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making [COMD] model. Fifty two indicators have been determined as health equity indicators in five areas including health, social and human development, economic development, physical environment and infrastructure and governance. Furthermore, for each indicator the proper and practical stratifying variables of inequity were identified. By calculating such indicators, it becomes possible to determine differences in health status of different social groups and different geographical areas