[Health locus of control and its relation with health-promoting behaviors among people over 15 in Bandar Abbas, Iran]

Introduction: Health locus of control is defined as the extent of one's belief that his/her health is controlled by internal or external factors. The aim of this study was determining the health locus of control and its relation with the health-promoting behaviors among people over 15 in Bandar Abbas, Iran

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012. To collect data, Form A of Wallston questionnaire and health-promoting lifestyle profile II [HPLP II] were used. Out of 830 questionnaires, 687 were completed. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict health promoting behaviors through health locus of control dimensions

Results: The mean age of participants was 34.3 [SD=12.1] and 49.8% of them were male. There was a significant difference between internal health locus of control, chance, and powerful others [p<0.001]. The Least and the most mean scores belonged to chance [21.35] and both powerful others [30.31] and internal health locus of control [30.32], respectively. Based on regression analysis, internal locus of control [beta =0.23, p<0.001] and powerful others [beta =0.29, p<0.001] significantly predict health-promoting behaviors

Conclusion: The findings suggest that to improve health behaviors of the individuals, internal control and significant others should be focused in educational intervention programs

[Decision making process and related factors in adolescents with premenstrual syndrome]

Decision making for adopting a health behavior is a process involving passing through different stages. This study was conducted to determine the decision making stages based on Precaution Adoption Process Model [PAPM] in female students with premenstrual syndrome [PMS]. In this quasi-experimental within-subjects study, the PAPM stages were assessed in 317 high school students with PMS, who were exposed to an educational intervention based on PMS concepts. Decision making stages before and after the educational intervention were assessed based on PAPM. All the participants in pretest assessment were at the stage 0 of decision making. None of them had changed her decision making stage during a one-week posttest assessment. After exposure to educational intervention, about 10.1% were assessed as stage two, 26.8% were in stage three, 1.9% reached stage four, and 61.2% were at stage five. In a regression model, PMS scores could predict 2% of variance in decision making stages. PMS severity and sign interference with social and school performance had a significant correlation with the individual's decision making stage [p < 0.05]. Adolescent girls with PMS are not in the same stage of decision making after exposure to educational intervention and obtaining the necessary knowledge about PMS. Based on this finding, the design of educational interventions for PMS students must be stage-based. Perceived severity of PMS symptoms and PMS sign interference with school and social activities are among the variables that can be considered as PAPM constructs

Air pollution and low birth weight: a historical cohort study from Tehran

This historical cohort study was designed to clarify the association between air pollution and low birth weight [LBW] amongst women referred to Tehran hospitals in 2007. In total, 225 eligible pregnant women who lived within 5 km of an air pollution monitoring station during their pregnancy were selected for the study. Data were collected via interview and hospital records. Exposure to each pollutant was estimated for each woman individually throughout her pregnancy and for each trimester. Exposures were modelled as categorical variables using inter-quartile ranges in a logistic regression model. The results showed a significant association between exposure to CO and LBW [OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.70-4.60], particularly during the second trimester [OR = 3.96, CI: 1.83-12.5. We conclude that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may be associated with LBW

[Constructs of the health belief model as predicting factors in breast self-examination]

Early diagnosis of breast lumps through breast selfexamination [BSE] is important for early detection of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors predict the BSE behavior using Health Belief Model constructs in women referred to health centers in Bandar abbas, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 240 eligible women were randomly selected from eight health centers. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including demographic characteristics and Champion's Health Belief Model Scale [CHBMS]. The CHBMS measures the HBM concepts of susceptibility [3 items], seriousness [6 items], benefits [4 items], barriers [8 items] and self-efficacy [10 items]. All items were ranged in a Likert scale ranging from "strongly disagree [score: one]" to "strongly agree [score: five]". A total of 240 women took part in the study. The mean age of participants was 37.2 [SD=6.1]. Of all, 32.5% had high school education; and 95.8% were married. The results showed that 31.7% of the women had performed the BSE; however, only 7.1% had performed it regularly. Perceived BSE benefits, perceived BSE barriers and perceived BSE selfefficacy of the participants who performed the BSE were significantly higher than those who did not [P<0.03]. The results from regression analysis indicated that the perceived BSE self-efficacy and perceived BSE barriers predicted breast self-examination behavior [P<0.001]. The findings of this study indicated that perceived BSE barriers and perceived BSE self-efficacy were influencing factors in predicting the BSE behavior. Therefore, in order to improve self-efficacy and decrease the barriers, BSE training programs are strongly recommended

[Self- caring behaviors among cardiac patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery]

After coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the patients need to perform self-caring behaviors. Thus, the assessment of such behaviors in order to promote them is recommended. To determine the self-care behaviors in cardiac patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Heshmat hospital, Rasht. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Heshmat hospital in Rasht, on 110 patients who were operated on and selected using purposive sampling method. The data were collected through interview with patients, their self reporting and respective records. The measurement tools were two questionnaires about demographic characteristics and self- care questions. Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistical tests, mean, standard deviation, frequency, and chi-square test. This study showed that just ten percent of the studied patients conducted self- caring well. However, factors such as: age [p=0.000], education [p=0.000], gender [p=0.024], occupation [p=0.001], income level [p=0.015], time of illness [p=0.000] and time of hospitalization [p=0.040] had significant relationships with reported self-care behaviors. However, marital status had no significant relationship with self-care behaviors [p>0.05]. As this study demonstrated, the minority of the participants performed self -care behavior well. Therefore, training and encouraging the cardiac patients to care for themselves, is strongly recommended

Survey on the effect of planed education programs on stress relief among male high school students living in Dormitory: short report

Unavoidable stresses are quite often found in human life and at their tolerable levels are to beneficial to psychological activities .However, an inability to tolerate or control unusual and extreme levels of stress may appear as a psychological and/or physiological disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence effect of planned education programs on alleviation of stress in male high school students. This interventional study was conducted on 70 male high school students living in Dormitory in Servabad town in 2008. The data collecting tool was a disigned questionnaire [korton test] which distributed among the participants. Within two weeks, four training sessions as lecture or interactive meeting were conducted for all students. Data was then analysed by chi-squre, t-test, and Mann-whitney test using SPSS software. Before training courses, the stress rates due to environment or personality disorder were 68.8% and 71.4% respectively. After training courses, these values lowered to 37.1% and 44.3% respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between stress due to environment and personality disorders and also with the social class of students. The results of this study showed that requler training courses can reduce significantly the rate of stress in students

Improving breast self-examination: an educational intervention based on health belief model

This study evaluated the effect of an educational program on breast self-examination [BSE] among women living in Bandar Abbas, Iran. This trial studied 240 eligible women attending at eight health centers of Bandar Abbas who were randomly divided into intervention [n = 120] or control [n=120] group. Data regarding belief on breast self examination were collected through the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale [CHBMS]. At the initial of the study, there were no differences between two groups in terms of socio demographic data, the mean scores of Champion's Health Belief Model [CHBM] sub-scales and breast self-examination rate. At follow up time the intervention group compared to control group has obtained significant higher mean score of CHBM in terms of all sub-scales except for the subscale of BSE benefit. This study indicated that the designed program could improve Breast Self Examination among studied women

Barriers and facilitating factors for cervical cancer screening: a qualitative study from Iran

This study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian women regarding the barriers to and facilitating factors for cervical cancer screening. Eight focus groups [N= 86 participants] were conducted with women referred to a health center in Karaj, Iran from January to March, 2007. Purposeful sampling was used. Married women aged 18 years old and over, not suffering from Obstetrics/ Gynecological disease during last two years and being willing to participate in the study were included. Framework analysis was used to extract the themes from the data. In general, the participants stated that they were not knowledgeable regarding cervical cancer. Moreover, most of the participants had negative beliefs regarding cancer prevention, including lack of free time to do the test, cost of the test, no symptoms cue. The perceived facilitating factors verified by the participants were cues to action, health care motivator, and perceived threat. The findings of this study revealed that there are various psychosocial barriers to cervical cancer screening among Iranian women. High accessibility and availably of the test as well as health care providers' encouragements may improve the rate of cervical cancer screening

[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

[ perceived of self care among general people living in south of Tehran, Iran]

Although in many developed and developing countries, self care is the most important part of primary care, in Iran it has not been supported as well as its values. The aim of this study was to assess the views of general people living in south of Tehran about self care. This was a population based study in which 1200 individuals aged 15 years and over were interviewed using cluster sampling. A structured interview questionnaire which including 5 sections on regarding demographic characteristics, views on general health, views on self care knowledge, interest and practice, views on barrier and enabler factors for self care, and views on sources of information was used. Content validity and cronbach's alpha coefficient was used for its validity and reliability. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 11. The mean age of participants was 27.9 +/- 5.2 years. Six hundred and fifty eight respondents [55%] stated they were not knowledgeable on self care, 986 [82%] and 1035 [86%], were interested and self rated themselves active regarding healthy life style, respectively. In practice, only fifty three participants [4%] were actually active in eating >/= 7 glasses of water daily, 31 [3%] stated they ate more than five portions of fruits daily and 51 [4%] did physical activity more than 3 hours weekly. The findings of this study have highlighted the significant role of information in doing self care activities

[Physical activity and the stages of change: application of the Trans Theoretical Model]

The Trans theoretical Model is a behavior change model that incorporates the stages of change in physical activity behavior. The aim of this study was to determine these stages in adults living in Bandar Abbas, Iran. This was a cross sectional study. Using cluster random sampling, 1600 subjects, aged 15 years and over, were studied from April to May 2007 in Bandar Abbas, Iran. To describe different levels of behavior change, we used The Physical Activity Staging questionnaire and collected data on five stages of physical activity change, including pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, readiness and maintenance. In all, 1600 individuals with a mean age of 40.1 +/- 15.2 were studied. Among these, 724 [49.4] were men. A total of 959 individuals [59.9%] were at pre-contemplation stage and 1.3%, 3.2%, 0.5% and 35.1% were at stages of contemplation, readiness, action, and maintenance respectively. There were statistically significant differences between stages of change with regard to gender, age, and education [P < 0.001]. This study revealed the majority of participants were in pre-contemplation and contemplation stages. These findings should be considered in future studies

Lifestyle education and diabetes mellitus type 2: a non-randomized control trial

Diabetes mellitus [type 2] is an important health problem throughout the world. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of a designed educational program on the lifestyle of the patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ninety eligible diabetic patients aged 30-60 years old were recruited and then willingly assigned to two groups of clinic group [n= 45] who received only routine medication/ education underwent their leading physician in diabetes society and intervention group [n= 45] who received routine medication/education plus 2 two- hour educational sessions regarding healthy lifestyle to control and prevent diabetes. A five- part questionnaire was used for data collection at baseline and 1- month follow up. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS software. The educational program caused a significant increase in the knowledge [P< 0.001], attitude [P< 0.01] and practice [P< 0.01] of intervention group towards healthy behaviors regarding nutrition, physical activity and self care. It was concluded that our designed educational program could improve the lifestyle of the patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus

IUD survival and its determinants; a historical cohort study

IUD is one of the safest and most widely used reversible methods of contraception. The purpose of this study was to determine IUD survival and reasons for early discontinuation in Bandar Abbas, south of Iran. Probability of IUD continuation rate and factors associated with discontinuation were assessed in a historical cohort study of 400 women records from March 2002 to February 2004. Data were collected from documents in health centers and interview with subjects. Life tables, Kaplan-Meier, log-rank test and cox regression model were used for data analysis. The continuation rate of using IUD at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 month were 92%, 87%, 81%, 75%, 69%, 62%, 56% and 50%, respectively. Counseling and desire to becoming pregnant were associated with continuation rate [P < 0.03]. Furthermore the most important reasons for IUD discontinuation were side effects of IUD followed by pregnancy tendency, health concerns, expulsion, and unsatisfied with the method. Conclusion: This study suggested that women should be fully informed about side effects of IUD before inserting it as well as during its using

Quality of life in women with different intensity of low back pain

It is widely believed that pain has a profound effect on health related quality of life. This study was conducted to assess quality of life in patients suffering from different density of chronic low back pain. The sample consisted of 101 patients with chronic low back pain attending to the Rheumatology Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences between July and September 2003. All patients were female, married, aged 18 years or over and underwent rheumatologic clinical examination. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using the Iranian version of the Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]. Relative to mean score of bodily pain, patients were divided into 2 groups: severe pain group [group 1] and mild pain group [group 2]. Then, quality of life scores was compared between these two groups. Independent sample t-test was applied and the results showed that there were significant differences between quality of life scores among people with different intensity of low back pain in all dimensions but the role emotional and social functioning scales. The findings from this study confirm that quality of life in patients with low back pain depending on its intensity may vary

Patient's Knowledge, Perception and Belief about the Reasons of Low Back Pain

Patients with chronic low back pain [LBP] hold various knowledge, perceptions and beliefs about their pain which are based on prior learning and social conditions. Since LBP is a bio- psycho-social phenomenon and there are not any reports about awareness and attitude of Iranian patients' views regarding it, this descriptive study was employed to earn this information P to apply its results in health education planning. For data gathering, deeply interviewing with 24 patients were performed. Volunteer patients were from Rheumatology Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Science from July 1st to Sep 1st 2003 who had inclusive criteria such as: 18 years old or more, suffering from LBP more than 90 d and not having experience of surgical operation in last two years. Interviews were individually held at rheumatic disease center which was convenient to the participants and were being continued to earn data saturation regarding patient's knowledge, perception and belief about LBP. The findings showed that the most popular risky behavior for LBP was hard manual activities, also this study revealed that knowledge of the patients about LBP and its risk factors was little and LBP was not understood by the majority of patients [74%].Only a few people [11%] believed risk factors and risky behaviors could deteriorate it. From this study it can be concluded that health educators should emphasize on perception and attitude of the patients regarding LBP for changing behavior and complying of recommended body mechanics