Potential of macronutrients and probiotics to boost immunity in patients with SARS-COV-2: a narrative review.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) may cause inflammation and increased cytokine secretion. Dietary factors may play an important role in enhancing the immune responses against infectious diseases such as SARS-COV-2. This narrative review aims to determine the effectiveness of macronutrients and probiotics to improve immunity in SARS-COV-2 patients. Dietary proteins may boost pulmonary function in SARS-COV-2 patients through inhibitory effects on the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and reduce Angiotensin (ANG-II). Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids may improve oxygenation, acidosis, and renal function. Dietary fiber may also produce anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the level of high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin (IL-6), and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). In addition, some evidence indicates that probiotics significantly improve oxygen saturation which may enhance survival rate. In conclusion, the consumption of a healthy diet including adequate macronutrients and probiotic intake may decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. Following this dietary practice is likely to strengthen the immune system and have beneficial effects against SARS-COV-2.

Investigating the relationship between occupation and SARS-CoV2.

BACKGROUND: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that have symptoms ranging from simple symptoms of colds to severe respiratory syndromes. In December 2019, cases of unknown pneumonia first appeared in Wuhan, China. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between occupation and COVID-19 in the Ardabil Imam Khomeini hospital. METHODS: This research was conducted as a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The questionnaires used in this study included demographic information to obtain the required information such as age, sex, clinical symptoms, underlying disease, type of drug used, smoking, occupation, hours of work, number of daily clients, use of mask or shield, type of working hours, weight and height and body mass index, number family, place of residence, role in the family, presence of an infected person in the family, communication with the suspect, observance or non-observance of health protocols. Our sample size consisted of 774 subjects, all patients at the Ardabil Imam Khomeini Hospital. The subjects were selected randomly. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the mean age of patients was 56.70 years, with a standard deviation of 18.20 years. Three hundred and sixty participants (46.5%) were female, and 414 (53.5%) were male. In terms of occupation distribution, 317 patients (41%) were housewives. In addition, 57 people (7.4%) were farmers or ranchers. CONCLUSION: In general, it can be concluded that due to severity of infection and threat posed by Coronavirus and the risk of infections between different occupations like the taxi driver and medical staff, it is very important to find out what jobs are in the big threat.

Action status and willingness to change health-promoting behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among elementary school children: a study based on Prochaska's stages of behavior change theory (TTM).

BACKGROUND & AIM: COVID-19 pandemic has significant effects on lifestyle and health-promoting behaviors and adolescence is a very critical period due to the importance of identity formation and individual behaviors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the status of health- promoting behaviors in the sixth grade male students attending elementary schools in Ardabil city based on Prochaska 's stages of behavior change (TTM). MATERIALS & METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on the 619 sixth grade male students attending elementary schools during 2021. The data were collected using two instruments (a researcher-made questionnaire and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) questionnaire). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The majority of students in physical activity and healthy eating behaviors were in the pre-contemplation stage, 29.6% (183 people) and 33.1% (205 people), respectively. All dimensions of health-promoting behaviors were observed to have a significant relationship with the stages of Prochaska's theory behavior change in students, their decision-making balance and self-efficacy scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The health of students is under serious threat due to the poor state of health-promoting behaviors and the weak desire to change behavior. By planning in educating the students, significant changes can be made in changing their behavior and improving their health.

Self-care behavior prevention of COVID-19 in the general population based on Pender Health Promotion Model: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: Coronavirus with its sudden and widespread outbreak has obviously imposed devastating consequences in various aspects of human life. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) structures in self-care preventive behavior against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the general population of Ardabil, Iran. Methods: The present retrospective descriptive-correlational study was conducted on citizens of Ardabil aged 18 years and over in 2021. After dividing the city of Ardabil into four parts, 50 people from each area of the city and a total of 200 people were selected through the available sampling method through social media. Data collection tools included a demographic profile, perceived self-efficacy scale, perceived emotional questionnaire, perceived social support questionnaire, perceived benefits and barriers questionnaire, researcher-made COVID-19 self-care questionnaire, and commitment to action questionnaire based on Pender's HPM structures in an online manner. Data were analyzed by Amos 22 software and using structural equation modeling. Results: According to the results, direct path analysis to COVID-19 self-care behavior indicated that the variables of perceived self-efficacy (ß = 0.18, p < 0.01), interpersonal effects (ß = 0.19, p < 0.01), positive emotion (ß = 0.15, p < 0.05) and perceived benefits (ß = 0.20, p < 0.01) are able to significantly predict self-care behaviors. Moreover, the bootstrapping test results in the indirect path analysis demonstrated that the variables of perceived self-efficacy (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.012, 0.066), perceived social support (95% CI, 0.002, 0.026), and perceived barriers (95% CI, -0.019, -0.002) and benefits (95% CI, 0.001, 0. 015) through the mediator variable of commitment to action are able to significantly predict COVID-19 self-care behavior. Conclusions: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be claimed that the proposed model of COVID-19 self-care behavior has an acceptable fitness in the general population. This model can be used in developing educational programs and intervention techniques to modify people's attitudes and behaviors.

Self‐care behavior prevention of COVID‐19 in the general population based on Pender Health Promotion Model: A cross‐sectional study

Background and Aims Coronavirus with its sudden and widespread outbreak has obviously imposed devastating consequences in various aspects of human life. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) structures in self‐care preventive behavior against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) among the general population of Ardabil, Iran. Methods The present retrospective descriptive‐correlational study was conducted on citizens of Ardabil aged 18 years and over in 2021. After dividing the city of Ardabil into four parts, 50 people from each area of the city and a total of 200 people were selected through the available sampling method through social media. Data collection tools included a demographic profile, perceived self‐efficacy scale, perceived emotional questionnaire, perceived social support questionnaire, perceived benefits and barriers questionnaire, researcher‐made COVID‐19 self‐care questionnaire, and commitment to action questionnaire based on Pender's HPM structures in an online manner. Data were analyzed by Amos 22 software and using structural equation modeling. Results According to the results, direct path analysis to COVID‐19 self‐care behavior indicated that the variables of perceived self‐efficacy (β = 0.18, p < 0.01), interpersonal effects (β = 0.19, p < 0.01), positive emotion (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) and perceived benefits (β = 0.20, p < 0.01) are able to significantly predict self‐care behaviors. Moreover, the bootstrapping test results in the indirect path analysis demonstrated that the variables of perceived self‐efficacy (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.012, 0.066), perceived social support (95% CI, 0.002, 0.026), and perceived barriers (95% CI, −0.019, −0.002) and benefits (95% CI, 0.001, 0. 015) through the mediator variable of commitment to action are able to significantly predict COVID‐19 self‐care behavior. Conclusions Based on the findings of the present study, it can be claimed that the proposed model of COVID‐19 self‐care behavior has an acceptable fitness in the general population. This model can be used in developing educational programs and intervention techniques to modify people's attitudes and behaviors.

Risk perception and adherence to preventive behaviours related to the COVID-19 pandemic: a community-based study applying the health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), now a global pandemic, is a new, highly contagious, and preventable disease that has caused many deaths across the world. Correct understanding of the risks and following health instructions are among the most important self-care parameters. AIMS: To assess people's perception of the risks and their adherence to recommended preventive behaviours regarding COVID-19 infection. METHOD: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted with 1861 people residing in Ardabil province in 2020. The data were collected electronically and included four elements: demographic details; health belief model (HBM) constructs (perceived sensitivity, perceived severity and perceived benefits); beliefs about the effectiveness of disease prevention strategies; and complying with health behaviours. The data was analysed using SPSS-21 software. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the mean scores for beliefs about the effectiveness of preventative measures, the constructs of the health belief model, and compliance with preventive behaviours relating to the participants' gender, age, marital status and level of education. Beliefs and intention to stay at home, collectively predicted 54.7% of the variance in preventive behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Although a majority of participants had positive attitudes towards the effectiveness of preventive measures and adhered to them, some people who were not adherent with these healthy behaviours could be key participants in the next wave of the disease.

Managing Back to School Anxiety During a COVID-19 Outbreak.

ABSTRACT: The outbreak of the coronavirus is becoming an international crisis these days, overshadowing everything. The outbreak of this disease in different countries, including Iran, has caused a lot of concern. In addition to the dangers it poses to human health, the spread of the virus has become a major challenge and a stressful test, putting additional pressure on these countries. Every step in the coming school year offers an opportunity for an ongoing two-way conversation with your child. Listen carefully to what they say and be careful not to burden them with your fears. Giving voice to concerns means sharing them so no one is holding their worries alone, and remember, kids' development is fluid and many kids can make up for lost time, academically and socially. Humans are resilient. Therefore, if schools do not open - or close their doors - it is important to be hopeful and positive about the future, despite everything that is currently being missed or delayed, whether academic or social.

COVID-19 Has Made the Elderly Lonelier.

Loneliness is a major risk factor for the elderly and can double their problems. When COVID-19 started, things became more difficult for the elderly. The news that the elderly are at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 than others made the elderly lonelier. This is a library type study that was conducted over 2 months using valid scientific sources and books. Based on the findings of this study, we believe that focusing on education and reminding people of the necessary dos and don'ts of illness, modifying their diet, emphasizing masking, and even familiarizing the elderly with social media and virtual activities will prevent them from suffering loneliness.

Exploring nurses' perception about the care needs of patients with COVID-19: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a new disease affecting and killing a large number of people across the world every day. One way to improve health care for these patients is to recognize their needs. Nurses, as a large population of health care staff, can be rich sources of information and experience on patients' care needs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore nurses' perception about the care needs of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: The present qualitative research was performed using the conventional content analysis approach in Iran from March to May 2020. The participants of this study included the nurses caring for patients with COVID-19, recruited by the purpose sampling method. The data was collected through 20 telephone interviews and analyzed based on the method proposed by Lundman and Graneheim. RESULTS: Qualitative data analysis revealed six main categories including need for psychological consulting, need for quality improvement of services, need for upgrading of information, need for improving of social support, need for spiritual care and need for social welfare. CONCLUSION: The data showed that patients with COVID-19 were psychologically, physically, socially, economically, and spiritually affected by the disease. Therefore, they should be comprehensively supported by health care staff and other supportive systems.

Exploring nurses' experiences of psychological distress during care of patients with COVID-19: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection is a new disease that infects a large number of people, killing a ratio of whom every day in the world. Healthcare staff, especially nurses, experience a great deal of psychological distress during care of COVID-19 patients. Detecting factors that disturb nurses' mental health during care of these patients can help to reduce their psychological distress. Therefore, this study aimed to explore nurses' experiences of psychological distress during care of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: The present qualitative research was performed using the conventional content analysis method in Iran from March to May 2020. Participants in this study included the nurses caring for patients with COVID-19, and they were selected based on the purposeful sampling method. The data was collected through 20 phone call interviews and analyzed based on the method proposed by Lundman and Graneheim. RESULTS: Qualitative data analysis revealed 11 categories including death anxiety, anxiety due to the nature of the disease, anxiety caused by corpse burial, fear of infecting the family, distress about time wasting, emotional distress of delivering bad news, fear of being contaminated, the emergence of obsessive thoughts, the bad feeling of wearing personal protective equipment, conflict between fear and conscience, and the public ignorance of preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The data showed that the nurses experienced a variety of psychological distress during care of patients with COVID-19. Through proper planning by authorities, it is possible to manage the risk factors of mental health distress in nurses and improve their mental health status.

Exploring nurses' perception of taking care of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19): A qualitative study.

Aim: Healthcare staff, especially nurses, who are in the frontline of caring of patients with COVID-19 have valuable experiences about taking care of these patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was exploring nurses' perception of taking care of patients with COVID-19. Design: This qualitative study was performed using the conventional content analysis method. Methods: 13 nurses who were taking care of patients with COVID-19 were selected using purposeful sampling in the Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected through telephone interviews and analysed based on the Lundman and Graneheim's approach. Results: Qualitative analysis of the data revealed 3 sub-categories, 8 categories and 3 main categories including care erosion, nursing professional growth and necessities. Relevance to clinical practice: Improve the work situation of the nurses during care of COVID-19 patients, which can directly or indirectly improve the quality of care of these patients.