Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of resources and support for chronic illness self management scale in patients with type 2 diabetes

This article is a report of psychometric testing of the Farsi version of Resources and Support for Chronic Illness Self management [RSSM] scale. In this cross sectional study, a convenience sample of 160 patients with type 2 diabetes, registered with the Charity Foundation for Special Diseases' team focused diabetes clinic, were recruited [response rate=83.7%; n=134]. Participants older than 18 years who had active medical files in the system completed the questionnaire. Content validity was established using translation and back translation procedures, pilot testing of the instrument, and getting views of the expert panel. Construct validity was determined using explanatory factor analysis. Internal consistency was ascertained using Cronbach's alpha. The stability was confirmed using intra class correlation coefficients. Using exploratory factor analysis, a five factor model emerged, which explained 75.24% of the total variance. Internal consistency reliability was sufficient [alpha=0.70; range=0.66-0.87]. The intra class correlation coefficient was 0.74-0.81 for individual items. The RSSM Farsi seems to be a valid and reliable instrument to measure outcomes of diabetes self management education programs in Farsi. The RSSM Farsi version scale could be a useful, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive scale for assessing resources and support for self management between type 2 diabetic patients

[Taxi drivers' views about risky driving behaviors in Tehran: a qualitative study]

Road traffic crashes are the second highest cause of mortality in Iran and risky driving behaviors among Iranian drivers are evident. In this study, the views of taxi drivers about risky driving behaviors were extracted in order to recommend the effective interventions for modifying these behaviors. This was a qualitative study carried out in Tehran, Iran. Forty-Two taxi drivers were invited to participate in four focus group discussions. Discutions on risky driving behaviors were tape recorded and were analyzed using a thematic approach. Data analysis showed five main themes: the role of taxi drivers in current driving situation in Tehran, drivers' reasons for committing risky driving behaviors, actions for modifying risky driving behaviors, suitable places for implementing the recommended interventions and the best channels for communicating and persuading taxi drivers. The participants believed that developing and communicating well-developed persuasive messages for increasing their concentration during driving and reminding the message content by taxi drivers' opinion leaders can affect their driving behaviors. According to findings, a consumer-oriented planning model such as social marketing was recommended to modify the risky driving behaviors among taxi drivers in Tehran

[Attitudes, self-reported and observational behaviors related to risky driving behaviors among taxi drivers in Tehran, Iran]

To assess attitudes, self-reported and observational behaviors among taxi drivers, a large group of professional drivers, in Tehran, the capital of Iran. In this cross-sectional study, we selected two municipality district of Tehran which had the highest rate of traffic accidents among taxicabs. By using a questionnaire, we asked them about their attitudes and reports of their behaviors during driving and a checklist was used for observing their risky driving behaviors. Then, data were analysed in a descriptive fashion. We found that taxi drivers in Tehran had had desired attitudes toward not driving risky and had reported their driving behavior well and non- risky.There was a significant direct relationship between their attitudes and driving history. However, we found a reverse significant relationship between self-reported behaviors and literacy level. Risky driving behavior wrer different based on the time of observation. Using cell phone, tailgaiting and not moving between lines were three most common observed risky driving behaviors among taxi drivers. Taxi drivers, as professional drivers have not desired behaviors regardless of their positive attitudes and self reports. Thus, we should design and implement the interventios based on their driving history, literacy level, common behaviors and even the time of driving

Health beliefs and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women in Iran

To determine beliefs and cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors of Iranian postmenopausal women. This was a cross-sectional study based on baseline data of the clinical trial which tried to improve the CVD risk factors among the postmenopausal women. This study started on July 2007 and finished on May 2008. One hundred forty seven postmenopausal women where enrolled in the study, in whom menopause occurred at least one year ago and did not have any medical problem which required medication due to cardiovascular disease. These women came to the Central East clinic of Ahvaz [Iran]. Their knowledge and perceptions toward CVD were assessed using 64 questions which were prepared according to the Health Belief Model [HBM]. The physical activity of participants was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]. Anthropometric measurements of participants were measured. Biochemical tests were done using a fasting blood sample and in one reference laboratory. The mean age of menopause was 46.7 years. Most of participants had good knowledge about CVD [87.8%], but their attitude toward CVD risk factors were weak [40.2% of participants had good attitude]. The average of energy expenditure per week among participants was 344.8 [SD=318.3] minute per week. Participants were at high risk for CVD because of their abnormal BMI [Mean: 30.4, SD: 5.61], waist circumference [Mean: 89.2, SD: 9.5], Cholesterol [Mean: 217.5, SD: 36.5] and HDL [Mean: 47.1, SD: 14.2]. The mean 10 years risk estimation of CVD according to the Framingham risk assessment equation was 1.47. Iranian post menopausal women need to receive effective educational programs to change their health beliefs toward cardiovascular disease [CVD]