In-depth computational analysis of calcium-dependent protein kinase 3 of Toxoplasma gondii provides promising targets for vaccination

Purpose@#The Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase-3 (CDPK3) is a key enzyme for parasite egress, control of calcium-dependent permeabilization in parasitophorous vacuole membrane and tissue cyst formation. In this study, we comprehensively explored the bioinformatics features of this protein to improve vaccine design against T. gondii. @*Materials and Methods@#Various web servers were employed for the analysis of physicochemical properties, post-translational modifications, localization in the subcellular milieu, secondary and tertiary structures, as well as B-cell, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-binding and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes. @*Results@#This protein was a 537 amino acid antigenic and non-allergenic molecule with a molecular weight of 60.42 kDa, a grand average of hydropathicity score of -0.508, and aliphatic index of 79.50. There exists 46.74% alpha helix, 12.48% extended strand, and 40.78% random coil in the secondary structure. Ramachandran plot of the refined model demonstrated 99.3%, 0.7%, and 0.0% of residues in the favored, allowed and outlier areas, respectively. Besides, various potential B-cell (continuous and conformational), MHC-binding and CTL epitopes were predicted for Toxoplasma CDPK3 protein. @*Conclusion@#This article provides a foundation for further investigations, and laid a theoretical basis for the development of an appropriate vaccine against T. gondii infection.

Anti-irritable Bowel Syndrome Syrup Improves Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of administration of the formulated Persian herbal syrup on improving the symptoms of patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C).@*METHODS@#This study was conducted in 70 patients with IBS-C, who were recruited from 3 medical centers in Mashhad, Iran, from November 2017 to August 2018. Seventy patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups including treatment and placebo groups by block randomization, 35 cases in each group. Patients in the treatment group received 15 mL of anti-IBS syrup, thrice daily for 6 weeks and followed up for 4 weeks. Placebo syrup was also prepared through similar instruction, BP syrup without plant extract was used. Primary outcome induding IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) questionnaire and secondary outcomes in terms of Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) questionnaires, the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were completed and evaluated at weeks 6 and 10, respectively. Safety indices were collected at the end of the treatment and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0 (CTCAE) was used to evaluate the adverse events.@*RESULTS@#The response to treatment was 84.4% (27/32) in the treatment group and 46.4% (13/28) in the placebo group, respectively (P= 0.002). Compared with pre-treatment, a significant decrease was found on the IBS-SSS and BSFS scores after 6-week intervention in both groups (P0.05). Side effects reported in the treatment group included 2 cases of headache during the first week of the onset of the treatment, 1 case of drowsiness, 1 case of increase in menstrual bleeding, which did not result in discontinuation of the treatment. In the placebo group, 1 case of exacerbation of the disease was reported.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Anti-IBS syrup significantly reduced the severity of IBS symptoms compared to placebo. However, there was a need for further investigation regarding the anxiety and depression scores. (Registration No. IRCT2017061034446N1).

Anti-irritable Bowel Syndrome Syrup Improves Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of administration of the formulated Persian herbal syrup on improving the symptoms of patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C).@*METHODS@#This study was conducted in 70 patients with IBS-C, who were recruited from 3 medical centers in Mashhad, Iran, from November 2017 to August 2018. Seventy patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups including treatment and placebo groups by block randomization, 35 cases in each group. Patients in the treatment group received 15 mL of anti-IBS syrup, thrice daily for 6 weeks and followed up for 4 weeks. Placebo syrup was also prepared through similar instruction, BP syrup without plant extract was used. Primary outcome induding IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) questionnaire and secondary outcomes in terms of Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) questionnaires, the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were completed and evaluated at weeks 6 and 10, respectively. Safety indices were collected at the end of the treatment and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0 (CTCAE) was used to evaluate the adverse events.@*RESULTS@#The response to treatment was 84.4% (27/32) in the treatment group and 46.4% (13/28) in the placebo group, respectively (P= 0.002). Compared with pre-treatment, a significant decrease was found on the IBS-SSS and BSFS scores after 6-week intervention in both groups (P0.05). Side effects reported in the treatment group included 2 cases of headache during the first week of the onset of the treatment, 1 case of drowsiness, 1 case of increase in menstrual bleeding, which did not result in discontinuation of the treatment. In the placebo group, 1 case of exacerbation of the disease was reported.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Anti-IBS syrup significantly reduced the severity of IBS symptoms compared to placebo. However, there was a need for further investigation regarding the anxiety and depression scores. (Registration No. IRCT2017061034446N1).

In-depth computational analysis of calcium-dependent protein kinase 3 of Toxoplasma gondii provides promising targets for vaccination

Purpose@#The Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase-3 (CDPK3) is a key enzyme for parasite egress, control of calcium-dependent permeabilization in parasitophorous vacuole membrane and tissue cyst formation. In this study, we comprehensively explored the bioinformatics features of this protein to improve vaccine design against T. gondii. @*Materials and Methods@#Various web servers were employed for the analysis of physicochemical properties, post-translational modifications, localization in the subcellular milieu, secondary and tertiary structures, as well as B-cell, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-binding and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes. @*Results@#This protein was a 537 amino acid antigenic and non-allergenic molecule with a molecular weight of 60.42 kDa, a grand average of hydropathicity score of -0.508, and aliphatic index of 79.50. There exists 46.74% alpha helix, 12.48% extended strand, and 40.78% random coil in the secondary structure. Ramachandran plot of the refined model demonstrated 99.3%, 0.7%, and 0.0% of residues in the favored, allowed and outlier areas, respectively. Besides, various potential B-cell (continuous and conformational), MHC-binding and CTL epitopes were predicted for Toxoplasma CDPK3 protein. @*Conclusion@#This article provides a foundation for further investigations, and laid a theoretical basis for the development of an appropriate vaccine against T. gondii infection.

Different methods for assessment of nutritional status in newborn infants based on physical and anthropometric indexes: a short review article

Several complications during childhood is associated with nutritional status of infants at birth. Therefore, nutritional status of newborns must be evaluated properly after birth. Assessment of the nutritional status of neonates based on anthropometric and physical indices is simple and inexpensive without the need for advanced medical equipment. However, no previous studies have focused on the assessment methods of the nutritional status of infants via anthropometric and physical indices. This study aimed to review some of the key methods used to determine the nutritional status of neonates using anthropometric and physical indices. To date, most studies have focused on the diagnosis of fetal malnutrition [FM] and growth monitoring. In order to diagnose FM, researchers have used growth charts and Ponderal index [PI] based on anthropometric indices, as well as Clinical Assessment of Nutritional [CAN] Score based on physical features. Moreover, in order to assess the growth status of infants, growth charts were used. According to the findings of this study, standard intrauterine growth curves and the PI are common measurement tools in the diagnosis of FM. Furthermore, CAN score is widely used in the evaluation of the nutritional status of neonates. Given the differences in the physical features of term and preterm infants, this index should be adjusted for preterm neonates. Longitudinal growth charts are one of the most prominent methods used for monitoring of the growth patterns of infants

Psychological empowerment model in Iranian pregnant women

Background: women's empowerment programs during pregnancy focus primarily on increasing women's health goals and psychological empowerment has been considered important in most issues related to pregnant mothers' mental health. Using path analysis, this study aims to examine the direct and indirect components of psychological empowerment of pregnant mothers

Methods: this model-testing study was conducted in Gorgan, northwest of Iran during three months in spring of 2015. Through random cluster sampling, a total number of 160 pregnant women were selected from 10 urban medical centers and clinics as primary centers. We used Spritzer's Psychological empowerment scale. Suitable sampling based on Nunally and Bernstein was followed in the model. The relationships between the dependent variables were then examined by means of path analysis using Amos 18

Results: the psychological empowerment of pregnant mothers [PEPW] model is impacted by individual factors, such as marriage age and employment, including some subjectively rated factors such as marital satisfaction and experience of violence. The PEPW model was deemed appropriate as optimum conditions indicators of goodness of fit; low index of CHI[2]/df shows little difference between the conceptual model and observed data, while RMSEA value indicated the goodness of fit. Other indicators such as CMIN=0.957, CMIN/DF=0.957, P-CLOSE=0.418, CHI[2]=0.957 and probability level=0.328 the fact that the model is ideal. The mothers' employment had the highest coefficient in the PEPW path model .731 [0.443, 0.965] bootstrap confidence intervals by 95%, and with a p-value of less than 0.05

Conclusions: the mothers' employment is the most important factor in psychological empowerment, but it cannot be addressed quickly. Programming to increase marital satisfaction followed by a decrease in family violence and prevention of early marriage are necessary for promotion of psychological empowerment during pregnancy

Relationship between demographic factors and gender role attitudes in women referring to Mashhad health care centers in 2014

Gender roles are affected by biosocial and cultural factors. These roles have significant impacts on one's professional, social, and family life. Therefore, given the recent changes in gender roles in Iran, we aimed to determine the relationship between demographic factors and gender role attitudes among women.This cross-sectional study was conducted on 712 females, selected via stratified sampling. Data were collected using a demographic checklist and a gender role questionnaire including 2 sections: gender role stereotypes and gender egalitarianism. The validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by content validity and its reliability was verified by internal consistency [alpha=0.77]. For data analysis, ANOVA and correlation coefficient tests were performed, using SPSS version16.The mean scores of gender role stereotypes and egalitarianism were 29.55 +/- 4.33 and 112.55 +/- 14.64, respectively. Stereotypic and egalitarian attitudes were significantly correlated with age, family size, duration of marriage, women's age at first childbirth, educational level, intentions to pursue education in future, and occupational status. As to the finding, gender role attitudes were influenced by social, economic, and demographic factors in Iran. By paying attention to these factors, we can implement proper interventions in order to promote personal and social health among women

Vaccination learning experiences of nursing students: a grounded theory study / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the experiences of nursing students being trained to perform vaccinations. METHODS: The grounded theory method was applied to gather information through semi-structured interviews. The participants included 14 undergraduate nursing students in their fifth and eighth semesters of study in a nursing school in Iran. The information was analyzed according to Strauss and Corbin's method of grounded theory. RESULTS: A core category of experiential learning was identified, and the following eight subcategories were extracted: students' enthusiasm, vaccination sensitivity, stress, proper educational environment, absence of prerequisites, students' responsibility for learning, providing services, and learning outcomes. CONCLUSION: The vaccination training of nursing students was found to be in an acceptable state. However, some barriers to effective learning were identified. As such, the results of this study may provide empirical support for attempts to reform vaccination education by removing these barriers.

Heart place and tail length evaluation in Naja oxiana, Macrovipera lebetina, and Montivipera latifii

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate a) heart place and tail length, b) their correlations with other biometrics, c) sexual differences in those features, in regard to cardiovascular system in a number of snakes from Iran, about which there is little information.@*METHODS@#We studied the fresh mortalities of snakes including 14 Naja oxiana (N. oxiana), 23 Macrovipera lebetina, and one male Montivipera latifii acquired from the Serpentatium of Pasteur Institute of Iran. In this respect, each specimen first was weighted, and then its ventral side of the integument was incised, and heart place was measured. Subsequently, other biometrical features such as total length, TAL, and snout-vent length were measured.@*RESULTS@#The results showed that heart place in N. oxiana, Macrovipera lebetina and Montivipera latifii was about 18%, 32% and 30%, and also TAL constituted about 16%, 11% and 7% of total body length, respectively. Moreover, females indicated anterior heart place and shorter tail than males. Furthermore, the measures and correlations indicated few differences between N. oxiana and typical terrestrial species.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results denoted that in order to overcome hemocirculatory perturbations in vertical orientation while hooding and head raising behavior, N. oxiana need to have more important features than short heart to head distance and long tail. In addition, it gave the sexual differences in heart place and tail length between males and females. It is suggested that in ophidian cardiovascular studies the animals be grouped based upon their sex.

Adopting constructivist versus objectivist grounded theory in health care research: a review of the evidence

Grounded theory has taken some different theoretical perspectives since its creation in 1967 by Barney Glaser. Considering that applying grounded theory partly depends on an awareness of its philosophical perspectives, gaining knowledge about these various perspectives is required for health care professionals who are interested in studying the social processes. This review was conducted to provide an understanding of the evolution of philosophical backgrounds of grounded theory. Relevant literature focused on constructivist or objectivist grounded theory were retrieved from MEDLINE, ISI and Scopus databases, bibliographies of obtained articles as well as related books. The identified data were critically reviewed from the viewpoint of the different types of philosophical backgrounds of grounded theory approach. Grounded theory has two different perspectives. Objectivist grounded theory is rooted in post-positivist epistemology; whereas constructivist grounded theory has its roots in an interpretive tradition and relativism. The Glaserian approach is an objectivist grounded theory and based on etic position, where the researcher is separate from and looks at the social realities. However, the Straussian approach is a constructivist grounded theory and based on emic position, where the researchers co-construct the data through adopting a position of mutuality and partnership between participant and researcher and create the theory of a social process using their own perspectives, values, privileges, interactions and understanding of the social realities. Adopting an appropriate grounded theory approach by health care professionals depends on understanding of the philosophical foundations of the social processes and structures

Investigating women's lifestyle during the preconception period in Kalat County, Iran

Factors such as weight, diet, cigarette smoking and unprescribed drug use, and also environmental pollutants affect maternal health and the birth of the healthy neonates. The aim of this study was to investigate women's lifestyle during the preconception period in Kalat, Iran. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 118 married women, who did not use any contraceptive methods in order to get pregnant, from August to March 2012, in Kalat County, Iran. The subjects were covered by Kalat medical and health centers and were selected using quota sampling method. The data were collected using a questionnaire including demographic characteristics and preconception lifestyle. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Pearson's correlation and ANOVA tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the subjects was 25.2 +/- 6.05 years. The most desirable and undesirable aspects of lifestyle were not using of unprescribed drugs and cigarettes [7.38 +/- 0.9] as well as lack of physical activity [3.06 +/- 1.1], respectively. There was a significant correlation between women's occupation and drug and cigarette use [P<0.049]. In addition, there was a negative correlation between the number of live births and physical activity [r=-0.291, P=0.001]. More than half of women [53.4%] had no preconception care, and only 33.9% of females who received preconception care had taken folic acid supplements regularly. Women's lifestyle was not desirable in relation to physical activity, and the majority of women had irregular consumption of folic acid supplements. It is therefore suggested to train women who have decision for pregnancy to do preconception care to take good care of her health before being pregnant

structural equation model to predict the social-cognitive determinants related to physical activity in Iranian women with diabetes mellitus

Lifestyle-modification programs including physical activity are essential for both treatment and prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus [T2DM]. However, factors associated with physical activity among patients are poorly understood. This study applied Social-Cognitive Theory [SCT] for predicting determinants of physical activity among women with T2DM in Iran, 2013. In this cross-sectional study, partial least square path modeling [PLS-PM] was used as an estimation technique for structural equation model. This model specified hypotheses between components of Social-cognitive Theory on physical activity behavior. A random sample of 300 women with T2DM was selected, and completed SCT constructs instrument. Data were analyzed using statistical software WarpPLS Ver. 4.0. The model explained 26% of the variance in physical activity. Self-regulation, task self-efficacy and barrier self-efficacy were significantly direct predictors of physical activity among women with T2DM. Task self-efficacy, social support and modeling had significantly indirect effects on physical activity behavior [P<0.001]. Our findings showed evidence for adequacy of a theoretical framework that could be used to predict physical activity behavior among women with T2DM

Teaching methods in community health nursing clerkships: experiences of healthcare staff in Iran / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: Healthcare staff educate nursing students during their clerkships at community health nursing programs. Their teaching methods play an important role in nursing students' acquisition of competencies; however, these methods have not been studied thoroughly. Thus, this study aims to describe, interpret, and understand the experiences of healthcare staff's teaching methods in clerkships at a community health nursing program. METHODS: This study was conducted using purposeful sampling and semi-structured interviews with 13 members of the staff of three urban healthcare centers in Iran. The data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Multiplicity of teaching was identified as the main category of teaching method, and the five subcategories were teaching through lecture, demonstration, doing, visits and field trips, and readiness. The most common method used by the healthcare staff was lecturing. CONCLUSION: The healthcare staff used multiple methods to teach students in the nursing clerkship of the community health program, which was the strength of the course. However, they should be familiar with, and utilize additional methods, such as discussion rather than lecture.

Heart place and tail length evaluation in Naja oxiana, Macrovipera lebetina, and Montivipera latifii

Objective: To evaluate a) heart place and tail length, b) their correlations with other biometrics, c) sexual differences in those features, in regard to cardiovascular system in a number of snakes from Iran, about which there is little information. Methods: We studied the fresh mortalities of snakes including 14 Naja oxiana (N. oxiana), 23 Macrovipera lebetina, and one male Montivipera latifii acquired from the Serpentatium of Pasteur Institute of Iran. In this respect, each specimen first was weighted, and then its ventral side of the integument was incised, and heart place was measured. Subsequently, other biometrical features such as total length, TAL, and snout-vent length were measured. Results: The results showed that heart place in N. oxiana, Macrovipera lebetina and Montivipera latifii was about 18%, 32% and 30%, and also TAL constituted about 16%, 11% and 7% of total body length, respectively. Moreover, females indicated anterior heart place and shorter tail than males. Furthermore, the measures and correlations indicated few differences between N. oxiana and typical terrestrial species. Conclusions: The results denoted that in order to overcome hemocirculatory perturbations in vertical orientation while hooding and head raising behavior, N. oxiana need to have more important features than short heart to head distance and long tail. In addition, it gave the sexual differences in heart place and tail length between males and females. It is suggested that in ophidian cardiovascular studies the animals be grouped based upon their sex.

Challenges of community health nursing education in Iran

Comprehensive studies on community health nursing education have not been performed In Iran and nursing graduates have limited ability to provide health care outside the hospital. However, education policy makers require a thorough understanding of nursing education for training of professional nurses. The aim of the present study is to review the existing challenges of community health nursing education in undergraduate curriculum, and explore its dimension. In this review study, some medical resources including nursing index, nursing consult, Proquest, Scopus, Elsevier, Pub Med, SID, Iranmedex, Magiran and Medlib were used in order to cover all associated studies. Searching articles from 1991 to 2012 was performed by using key words: Undergraduate nursing education, community health, and review studies separately and in combination. Inadequate productivity weakness of holistic and community-oriented attitude of nursing students, non-applicability and poor training methods are the biggest problems in community health nursing education. Education of community health nursing is of poor quality and absence of educational models and appropriate practical programs challenge its progress against major barriers. The findings of this study have provided compelling evidences for authorities involved in nursing education. We believe that the desirable change would be possible by considering the experiences of students; teachers and employees involved in community health nursing, a process providing better understandings and directives for nursing education policy makers

Socio-cultural challenges to sexual health education for female adolescents in Iran

Background: despite clear reasons for necessity of sexual health education for adolescents, it is a contested issue and has faced challenges in most cultures. Providing sexual education for non-married adolescents is culturally unacceptable in most Muslim societies

Objective: this qualitative study addressed socio-cultural challenges to sexual health education for female adolescents in Iran

Materials and Methods: qualitative data from female adolescents [14-18 yr], mothers, teachers, authorities in health and education organizations, health care providers and clergies were collected in two large cities of Iran including Mashhad and Ahvaz through focus group discussions and individual in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis with MAXqda software

Results: our results revealed that the main socio-cultural challenges to sexual health education for adolescents in Iran are affected by taboos surrounding sexuality. The emergent categories were: denial of premarital sex, social concern about negative impacts of sexual education, perceived stigma and embarrassment, reluctance to discuss sexual issues in public, sexual discussion as a socio-cultural taboo, lack of advocacy and legal support, intergenerational gap, religious uncertainties, and imitating non-Islamic patterns of education

Conclusion: it seems that cultural resistances are more important than religious prohibitions, and affect more the nature and content of sexual health education. However, despite existence of salient socio-cultural doubtful issues about sexual health education for adolescents, the emerging challenges are manageable to some extent. It is hoped that the acceptability of sexual health education for adolescents could be promoted through overcoming the cultural taboos and barriers as major obstacles

Effect of health education program on promoting physical activity among diabetic women in Mashhad, Iran: applying social cognitive theory

Physical activity regularly is one of the important aspects of healthy life-style, which has an essential role in reducing the burden of disease and death. Diabetes is a typical general health problem. The aim of this study to determine the effect of education based on social cognitive theory on promoting physical activity among women with diabetes II in Iran. In this randomized control study, 82 diabetic females were randomly selected then were assigned into two groups: intervention [n=41] and control [n=41]. Educational intervention was planned then performed during 7 sessions of 60-min in accordance with social-cognitive theory [SCT]. The participants were asked to fill in the questionnaires in educational evaluation before and immediately after intervention and the follow up [10 weeks later]. The data were analyzed through Repeated Measures ANOVA, Friedman, independence t and Mann-Whitney tests. The mean age among the participants was 48.37 +/- 5.67 yr also the body mass index was 28.69 +/- 3.95. In the intervention group, light physical activity and sedentary behavior reduced from 56.1% [23 individuals] to 14.6% [6 individuals] in the following up stage. There was significant improvement across time in the mean of minute's physical activity [P=0.042]. There were significant differences in the mean's constructs of the Social-cognitive theory [SCT] [P<0.05]. Design and execution of training program based on social cognitive theory can lead to promote physical activity among women with diabetes II through changes in the theoretical constructs

influence of social network on couples' intention to have the first child

Recently, the relevance of social interactions as determinants of behavioral intentions has been increasingly perceived, but there is a lack of knowledge on how and why it interacts with couples' fertility intentions. This qualitative study was conducted to explore the influence of social network on couples' intention to have their first child in urban society of Mashhad, Iran in 2011. In this exploratory qualitative study in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 participants including 14 fertile women, two parents, three husbands and five midwives and health care providers. The sample was selected purposively in urban health centers, homes and workplaces until data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was carried out adopting conventional content analysis approach through giving analytical codes and identification of categories using MAXqda software. Study rigor verified via prolonged engagement, validation of codes through member check and peer debriefing. Findings from data analysis demonstrated four major categories about social network's influence on couples' intention to have their first child including 1] perception of fertility relevant social network, 2] occurrence of various types of social influence 3] subjective judgment to the benefits of social network and its fitness to personal life, and 4] couples' interaction with social network. Managing the fertility behaviors need to include the consideration of personal social networks surrounding the couples. It is important to apply the study findings in providing family planning services and dissemination of appropriate fertility behaviors through community-based reproductive health care delivery system

Female adolescents' experiences and perceptions regarding sexual health education in Iranian schools: a qualitative content analysis

Despite so many unmet sexual health education [SHE] needs of adolescents, socio cultural challenges have caused this issue to be ignored in different scoieties. This study investigated Iranian female adolescents' experiences and perceptions with respect to SHE that they received at schools, and what they really needed, expected, and preferred. In this qualitative study, seven focus group discussions [44 adolescents] and 13 individual in depth interviews were conducted among female adolescents aged 14-18 in Mashhad and Ahvaz, Iran, to explore adolescents' experiences and perceptions towards SHE in Iranian schools. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Analyzing adolescents' perspectives and experiences revealed their great dissatisfaction with SHE in schools. Emerged categories included: lack of obligation and priority for SHE, sexual reticence and evading, making adolescents frightened of sexual issues, inconsistency of SHE with adolescents' needs, unqualified educators, and lack of appropriate educational materials. This study found some similarities between expectations of Iranian adolescents and those of adolescents from other cultures about an SHE program. Adolescents showed great abilities to appraise health services delivered for them, and so any program for sexual health promotion in adolescents ought to address adolescents' needs, demands, and aspirations. Their contribution can provide insights for tailoring SHE programs for adolescents.