Prediction of self-management behavior among iranian women with type 2 diabetes: application of the theory of reasoned action along with self-efficacy [ETRA]

Continuous performing of diabetes self-care behaviors was shown to be an effective strategy to control diabetes and to prevent or reduce its- related complications. This study aimed to investigate predictors of self-care behavior based on the extended theory of reasoned action by self efficacy [ETRA] among women with type 2 diabetes in Iran. A sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes, referring to a Diabetes Clinic in Khoy, Iran using the nonprobability sampling was enrolled. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the variables of interest [diabetes knowledge, personal beliefs, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention along with self- care behaviors]. Reliability and validity of the instruments using Cronbach's alpha coefficients [the values of them were more than 0.70] and a panel of experts were tested. A statistical significant correlation existed between independent constructs of proposed model and modelrelated dependent constructs, as ETRA model along with its related external factors explained 41.5% of variance of intentions and 25.3% of variance of actual behavior. Among constructs of model, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions among women with type 2 diabetes, as it lonely explained 31.3% of variance of intentions and 11.4% of variance of self-care behavior. The high ability of the extended theory of reasoned action with self-efficacy in forecasting and explaining diabetes mellitus self management can be a base for educational intervention. So to improve diabetes self management behavior and to control the disease, use of educational interventions based on proposed model is suggested

Psychometric properties of a theory of planned behavior questionnaire for tobacco use in male adolescents

Background: Various studies all over the world have found support for the predictive validity of the theory of planned behavior with respect to smoking. In the absence of a valid and reliable theory of planned behavior [TPB] questionnaire for tobacco use in Iran, the purpose of this study was to design and assess the validity and reliability of the tobacco use theory of planned behavior scale in Iranian male adolescents

Materials and Methods: Four hundred and seven students, aged between 14 and 19 years, served as the subjects of this study. They were selected through multi-stage random sampling. A questionnaire was designed based on Ajzen's advice. The reliability coefficients were calculated by two different methods: Cronbach alpha and test-retest. Also, in order to determine the validity of the scale, we used three methods, including face validity, content validity, and construct validity

Results: Factor analysis showed that TPB consisted of 4 components [attitude, perceived control behavior, subjective norms, and intention], which explained 61% of common variance. Results show the total test-retest reliability and internal consistency to be 0.84 and 0.86, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis results show that the four-factor model of TPB fits the Iranian sample

Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the Persian version of the tobacco use TPB scale were acceptable and suitable

[Effect of an integrated transtheoretical model and self- determination theory on the promotion and maintenance of exercise behavior]

Despite the many benefits of exercise behavior, lack of physical activity is a health problem in college students. A key issue in exercise behavior research is using health behavior models in order to promote and maintain exercise behavior. Previous research has shown that due to the complex and dynamic nature of exercise behavior change, it seems unlikely that a single theoretical approach can truly capture it. The effect of the integrated model of Transtheoretical model and self-determination theory on the promotion and maintenance of exercise behavior among college students. This study was a randomized controlled trial. The experimental group [66 students] received the intervention based on TTM and SDT, and control group [67 students] did not receive any intervention by the researcher. Evaluation was conducted by tools based on the constructs of TTM and SDT as well as METs, before intervention, post intervention and after 8 months. There were no significant differences between the two groups before the intervention regarding the demographic variables, constructs of TTM and SDT and METs. The study findings showed significant differences in the exercise behavior stage of change and METs [P<0.001] between experimental group and control group in the post intervention and follow up evaluation. Also, significant improvement in the exercise behavior stage of change and METs in the experimental group throughout pre, post and follow up intervention was observed [P<0.001]. Education intervention based on an integrated model of transtheoretical model and self-determination theory has effects on the promotion and maintenance of exercise behavior among college students

[Family system and its effect's on HIV/AIDS high risk behaviors: a qualitative study]

The statistics of HIV/AIDS patients are increasing in the world and Iran. Since previous studies indicated that family structure and communication had an important role in high risk behaviors engagement, Assessing role of family system in high risk behaviors would be help to explore solving problem and prventing high risk behaviors. To determine the effect of family on high risk behaviors. This thematic analysis study with qualitative approach was done during 10 months in Behavioral Counseling Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital and West Clinic in Tehran. The participated patient were selected by purposeful sampling and data was obtained from in dept and semi-structured interview with open end questions. Total interview was recorded and typed word to word. For analysies the results review of transcripts, themes gained from data and coded categorized were done. Among 61 HIV/AIDS patients 45cases were HIV positive and 16 cases were AIDS patients with range age 21-42 years old with average age of 29.7 +/- 4.86. There were 62.3% males and 37.7 were females. Majority of them was single with secondary and high school educational level. Themes consisted of: 1- defect in family function 2- vulnareble structure of family 3- risky family norms. This study showed that core variable was inadequate support of family. Then increasing support of family in adolescents and family base intervention can reduce high risk baheviors and HIV/AIDS incidence

Smoking initiation among Iranian adolescents: a qualitative study

In response to the need for effective tobacco prevention programmes in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the present study sought to determine the major risk factors for initiation of smoking by adolescents. A content analysis with a qualitative approach was conducted through 22 in-depth interviews, 2 focus groups [4 and 6 participants in each group] and 30 narratives. The following 3 themes emerged from the analysis as risk factors for initiating smoking by adolescents: personal factors, social factors and beliefs about smoking. Based on these findings, it is recommended that prevention activities should be embedded in a comprehensive approach which aims to change the smoking and parenting behaviour of parents and teachers, and at creating non-smoking policies in schools and other places where young people congregate

Study of the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers about kala-azar in the rural communities of endemic area of Meshkin-Shahr

In a descriptive analytical study in six villages in Meshkin shahr area, the important endemic focus of Kala-Azar in northwest Iran, a KAP study was carried out on various aspects of Kala-Azar in a total of 245 young mothers selected randomly and interviewed The results of the present investigation showed that 93.5% of the mothers were illiterate and only 2.4% of them had acceptable knowledge about the methods of prevention and control of Kala-Azar. Regarding environment health activities for prevention of the disease, 85% of the mothers knew nothing or had no acceptable method of practice, but despite the lack of the knowledge, their attitude toward taking suspected cases of the diseased children to health units was at an acceptable level