Effect of communication skills training on health belief model constructs about AIDS in Zanjan health volunteers [2010-11]

The prevalence of AIDS/HIV is dramatically increasing worldwide. Iran and other Middle East countries are no exception in this regard. The main aim of this study was to assess the effects of communication skills program and AIDS education on Health Belief Model [HBM] constructs among the health volunteers in Zanjan. The study was conducted as a quasi-experimental trial. Eighty health volunteers were divided into two equal groups. The interventional group participated in two educational programs on communication skills and AIDS, compared to the control group that participated in AIDS education program only. Data collection was done both prior to and 20 weeks after the intervention using a self-report type questionnaire. The results of this study show that combining AIDS education program and communication skills training had a significant effect on susceptibility, [P<0.01] severity [P<0.003] and perceived barrier [P<0.0001] constructs of AIDS in the test group. By contrast, only the perceived barrier construct [P<0.0001] showed a significant change in the control group. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor within the HBM. Findings of this study indicate that a combination of communication skills training and AIDS education program could have a better effect on Health Belief Model constructs on AIDS in health volunteers than the AIDS education program by itself

Prediction of exercise behavior among college students based on transtheoretical model and self-determination theory using path analysis

Despite of many benefits of exercise behavior and active lifestyle, lack of physical activity is a health problem in the community. A key issue in exercise behavior research is identifying psychological variables influencing exercise behavior based on health education models. In light of the complex and dynamic nature of physical activity behavior change, it seems unlikely that a single theoretical approach can truly capture its. In our country, especially among college students, this kind of research has been seriously neglected as a research topic. Prediction of psychological constructs influence on exercise behavior among college students based on transtheoretical model and self-determination theory using path analysis. This study is a cross-sectional study in which 418 first year students of Guilan University of medical sciences completed the valid transtheoretical model, self-determination theory and exercise behavior questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 and LISREL 8.80 using correlation tests and path analysis. All constructs of transtheoretical model and self-determination theory [except external regulation] have significant relationship with exercise behavior. Processes of change [behavioral strategy], self-efficacy in exercise were 0.49 and 0.20 had path coefficient respectively with stage of change as a mediator .Autonomy and processes of change were 0.28 and 0.26 had path coefficient respectively with relative autonomy index. Stage of change as a mediator accounted for 61% of the variance and relative automy index accounted for 48% of the variance in current exercise behavior. The model accounted for 60% of the variance in current exercise behavior. Our findings support the application of combine transtheoretical model with self-determination theory in exercise behavior changes in students

[Regular physical activity from perspective of females with diabetes: a qualitative study]

An active lifestyle is a critical determinant of overall health, but females engage in less vigorous exercise and leisure-time physical activity than males, and their level of activity decreases further as they age. These low levels of activity lead to loss of muscular strength and flexibility, as well as overweight and obesity, and result in disability and premature mortality from coronary heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [USDHHS, 2000]. So, we want to study the exercise beliefs of females with diabetes for intervention on their physical activities. In this study we conducted personal in-depth interview with 50 females in preparation stage to assess Regular physical activity from diabetic females' perspectives. We use qualitative approach to gain insight regarding behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs and control beliefs that may influence diabetic females' physical activity. Duration of each interview lasting 45 minutes and all interviews had written, and analyzed with content analysis method consecutively. We found that: [a] the most salient behavioral beliefs that participants of this study said: exercise improves physical/ psychological/ social and spiritual health. physical health includes blood sugar decrease, Weight control, decrease in blood pressure, and lipid profile psychological health includes prevention of depression, stress, anxiety, improves mood social health include increasing relationship and collaboration with others, and promotion of relationship with God in spiritual health [b] relating to normative beliefs, at first family members, and secondly physician have the strongest normative influence on exercise, [c] and regarding control beliefs, psychosocial problems, Lack of access to exercise facilities for females, too expensive exercise facilities and lacking money, Other commitments [caregiver for others, work], family responsibilities, Weather [bad or poor weather], and lacking time obstruct exercise. Regularly Diabetic females have varied beliefs about exercise include positive to negative. Researcher intended to promote exercise behavior, should targeting these beliefs, weak negative beliefs, emphasis to positive beliefs and use these results in their interventions

[Effectiveness of designed health education package on healthy behaviors of patients with tuberculosis at Pasteur Institute of Iran]

Tuberculosis [TB] is the most common infectious disease. It causes more than 2 millions deaths annually around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of designed health education package on healthy behaviors of patients with tuberculosis at Pasteur Institute of Iran. This research was a quasi-experimental study that was carried out on 31 smear positive patients who referred to Pasteur Institute in 2004. Questionnaire and self report checklist were used to collect the required data. The educational needs were recognized and then the health educational package was designed. After that, the questionnaire and checklist filled out and educational package was performed for 8 weeks. The effect of training was evaluated by post-test after two months and the obtained results compared with the results of pretest. The main data was analyzed by analysis of variance, paired T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient tests in order to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention on knowledge, attitude and behavior of the patients before and after the intervention. The average age in study group was 33.71 years old [SD=13.68] and the sex frequency was 54.8 for males and 45.2 for females. There was a significant correlation between the change of attitude and the previous family history of TB [P<0/001]. However, there was no significant correlation among the past jail and the previous tobacco use with the patient.s knowledge, attitude and practice. Analysis of the data, before and after the educational package intervention showed a significant difference among knowledge, attitude and practice before and after education [p<0/001]. Health education has an important role in improving knowledge, positive attitude and adopting healthy behaviors in the patients with Tuberculosis

[Transtheoretical model-based [TTM] interventions to improve physical activities in elderly men]

Understanding and influencing the determinants of physical activity is an important public health challenge. This study examines the application of key constructs of the transtheoretical model to physical activity behaviors for aged people. This study is a field trial with census sampling. Sixty healthy adult men at Kahrizak nursing home in 1386 completed a questionnaire including demographics and self-reported levels of physical activity, constructed from the Transtheoretical Model [TTM], before and after two months of intervention. The interventional program included tailored counseling and focus group. The data were then analyzed with T test, X[2], pair T test and Wilcoxon, using SPSS software. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference for the effect of health education program on increasing stage of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance and physical activity behavior in elderly people [p<0.0001]. Educational physical activity interventions can result in increased physical activity, thus, health education program based on TTM has had positive effect on promotion physical activity behavior. It can be recommended that health education be used on educational models

[Effects of a school-based intervention on the basis of pender's health promotion model to improve physical activity among high school girls]

Participation in regular physical activity is associated with a variety of positive outcomes for young people. Physical activity [PA] rates decline precipitously during the high school years and are consistently lower among adolescent girls than among adolescent boys. In order to stop or diverse this negative trend, there are necessary interventions based on various theories and models to promote physical activity in girls. This randomized control study evaluated the effectiveness of a 24-week exercise education program based on Pender's Health Promotion model to improve cognitive and psychosocial factors associated with physical activity and to promote physical activity in adolescent girls [n =106]. The program included educational sessions and tailored counseling. There was an increase of 45 minutes for daily physical activity in the experimental group compared to their baseline. After intervention, the training group had a positive significant progression in stages along with significant improvements in self efficacy, enjoyment of physical activity, interpersonal influences, planning for physical activity, and also a decrease in perceived barriers to physical activity and competing preferences [p