Psychometric properties of the Social Cognitive Theory questionnaire for physical activity in a sample of Iranian adolescent girl students

This research examined the validity and reliability of a researcher-developed questionnaire based on Social Cognitive Theory [SCT] to assess the physical activity behaviour of Iranian adolescent girls [SCT-PAIAGS]. Psychometric properties of the SCT-PAIAGS were assessed by determining its face validity, content and construct validity as well as its reliability. In order to evaluate factor structure, cross-sectional research was conducted on 400 high-school girls in Tehran. Content validity index, content validity ratio and impact score for the SCT-PAIAGS varied between 0.97-1, 0.91-1 and 4.6-4.9 respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis approved a six-factor structure comprising self-efficacy, self-regulation, family support, friend support, outcome expectancy and self-efficacy to overcoming impediments. Factor loadings, t-values and fit indices showed that the SCT model was fitted to the data. Cronbach's alpha-coefficient ranged from 0.78 to 0.85 and intraclass correlation coefficient from 0.73 to 0.90

Seat-belt use among drivers and front passengers: an observational study from the Islamic Republic of Iran

Although seat-belts are the most effective means of preventing severe injuries and deaths from road accidents, drivers and passengers in many developing countries neglect to wear them. This study aimed to measure the rate of use of seat-belts and factors affecting their use in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. In direct observations of 7718 vehicles at randomly selected sites in Tehran, 77.9% of drivers and 43.7% of front passenger had seat-belts fastened. More women used seat-belts than did men while driving but fewer as front-seat passengers. Rates of seat-belt wearing among both drivers and front passengers of vans and pick-up vehicles was low. In a separate interview study of 666 citizens, 62.4% stated that they always wore seat-belts while driving. The most frequently reported reasons for using seat-belts were avoiding fines, fear of injuries and respecting the law. To improve seatbelt use, it is recommended that law enforcement accompanied by public education should be a priority

[Assessment of factors affecting self-care behavior among women with type 2 diabetes in Khoy City diabetes clinic using the extended theory of reasoned action]

Many studies show that the only way to control diabetes and prevent its debilitating complications is continuous self-care. This study aimed to determine factors affecting self-care behavior of diabetic women in Khoy City, Iran based the extended theory of reasoned action [ETRA]. A sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes referring to a Diabetes Clinic in Khoy City in West Azarbaijan Province, Iran participated in the study. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the relevant variables [diabetes knowledge, personal beliefs, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention, and self-care behavior] based on ETRA. Reliability and validity of the instruments were determined prior to the study. Statistical analysis of the data was done using the SPSS-version 16 software. Based on the data obtained, the proposed model could predict and explain 41% and 26.2% of the variance of behavioral intention and self-care, respectively, in women with type-2 diabetes. The data also indicated that among the constructs of the model perceived self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for intention for self-care behavior. This construct affected both directly and indirectly self-care behavior. The next strongest predictors were attitudes, social pressures, social norms, and intervals between visiting patients by the treating team. The proposed model can predict self-care behavior very well. Thus, it may form the basis for educational interventions aiming at promoting self-care and, ultimately, controlling diabetes

[ effects of an educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and ergonomic behaviors]

Obviously, decreasing the work-related musculoskeletal disorders is well achieved through the application of ergonomic design principles however, there are occasions in which the existence of some barriers [technical and economical] can preclude ergonomic improvement and therefore, some organizations rely on correct task performance methods. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of educational intervention on worker's knowledge increase, attitude change, and ergonomic habits promotion. In this interventional study, workers were randomly assigned to one of the two study groups: a case group receiving the ergonomic training [n=75], and a control group [n=75]. Ergonomic training program composed of five sessions of 30-45 minutes duration containing issues such as ergonomic science, human body mechanic, upright and awkward postures, pros and cons of upright posture maintenance, and solutions for removal of obstacles, stretch exercise for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, and workstation adjustment. Data were gathered before and 3 months after intervention by self-reporting questionnaire and checklist. Reliability was assessed by test-retest method and the internal consistency evaluated by Cronbach's Alpha. Statistical analysis was performed using X[2] test, McNemar test, independent t-test, and paired t-test. Worker's knowledge significantly increased from 7.97 +/- 2.91 to 14.07 +/- 1.98 and the attitude change from 14.29 +/- 6.5 to 21.63 +/- 4.7 three months after educational intervention [p> 0.05]. No significant change was observed in control group. Regarding the ergonomic risk factors, our findings were indicative of significant change in general body and feet posture, trunk, neck, and wrist and hands postures while other ergonomic risk factors remained unchanged Results from this study emphasize on necessity of integrated educational-managerial and engineering approach to promote the workplace ergonomic condition as well as considering the substantial role of psychosocial factors such as knowledge and attitude and focusing on personal skills for improving ergonomic habits to achieve a higher level of health promotion among human power

[High risk behaviors among Iranian motorcyclists: a qualitative study]

To explore risk behaviors among Iranian motorcyclists. This was a qualitative study based on grounded theory to identify factors influencing Iranian motorcyclists' risk behaviors. In all, 22 participants took part in the study. To collect data, two focus groups and 13 in-depth interviews with key informants were conducted in Tehran, Iran. Moreover, thirty two observations regarding motorcyclists' behaviors were assessed to increase trustworthiness of the collected data. All interviews and discussions were transcribed and analyzed. A total of 22 participants with an average age of 26.4 years shared their experience regarding motorcyclists' risk behaviors factors while riding. Among all participants, 16 participants were riders or pillions and family members of riders and 2 participants were policemen. Of all, 4 participants were female and 41.7% were single. The findings of this study revealed that personal characteristics, environmental factors, vehicle related factors and abuse of safe equipments could cause risky behaviors while riding. The findings of this study indicated that different factors might influence risky behaviors. Thus a multidimensional and comprehensive approach should be designed to prevent risky behaviors

Application of the health promotion model to predict stages of exercise behaviour in Iranian adolescents

A cluster random sample of 1073 students in the Islamic Republic of Iran [mean age 14.37 years] completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of an exercise measure, selected constructs of Pender's health promotion model and an assessment of stages of behaviour change in exercise. In multivariate discriminant analysis, exercise self-efficacy, perceived barriers to exercise, perceived benefits of exercise and exercise behaviour were significant predictors of the stage of exercise behaviour change for both female and male adolescents. The findings support the importance of self-efficacy for engaging in physical activity for both sexes of Iranian adolescents. The barriers faced by Iranian girls should be considered in interventions to increase physical activity rates

Couple communication in family planning decision-making in Zahedan, Islamic Republic of Iran

A qualitative study in Zahedan, Islamic Republic of Iran, used focus group discussions with 120 people in 8 main groups to underst and more about couple's decision-making and the role of men in family planning. The study included men and women from Sunni and Shia sects as well as theologians from both sects. Shiites, lay people and theologians, believed that both husb and and wife play a major role in decision-making about family planning, while Sunnis believed that men are the main decision-makers. All participants believed that men have an important role in family planning, but also that men do not like attending family planning clinics. Religious tenets were important in couple's decision-making about using contraceptives but there were confusions over different teachings