Examining the mediating role of personality traits in the relationship between psychological empowerment and mental health in soldiers.

PURPOSE: Paying attention to the psychological characteristics of soldiers is a matter of concern for planners and senior commanders. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the mediating role of personality traits in the relationship between psychological empowerment and mental health in soldiers stationed in the Kerman Province barracks. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 604 soldiers serving in Kerman Province barracks in the year 2021 were examined. The soldiers were selected from a cluster sampling of two barracks. Data were collected using a demographic information checklist, the Sportzier Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire (PEQ), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and the NEO Personality traits (NEO). Pearson's correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. The Judd and Kenny's framework was also employed to investigate the mediating role. RESULTS: Of these individuals, 390 (46.6%) had completed their military training, while 433 (71.7%) were single. The correlation between PEQ and GHQ was inverse and non-significant (P = 0.348), between PEQ and NEO was direct and significant (P = 0.002), and between NEO and GHQ was inverse and significant (P < 0.001). In the structural equation model, the PEQ variable had a significant impact on NEO (P = 0.002), but it did not significantly affect the GHQ variable (P = 0.850). The NEO variable also had a significant impact on GHQ. CONCLUSION: The NEO variable has a full mediation effect on the relationship between PEQ and GHQ. Therefore, the use of psychologists and clinical physicians for appropriate interventions to enhance mental health, such as education, counseling, and psychotherapy, appears to be necessary.

A preliminary validation of the impact on participation and autonomy questionnaire in an Iranian sample of patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the face, convergent validity, internal consistency, and stability reliability of the impact on participation and autonomy-Persian version (IPA-p) scale for using among Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trained experts interviewed 227 type 2 diabetes patients who were registered in out-patient Diabetes Clinic of Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, (Rafsanjan, Southeast Iran from May 2018 to February 2019) and their relatives to assess the face and convergent validity, internal consistency, and stability reliability of the IPA-p scale. A checklist was used to collect demographic information and also to record expert's̛̛̛̛̛̛ points of view about the scale to assess face validity. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha, and stability was assessed using interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Test-retest method was used to detect the reliability of the questionnaire. Respondents completed the IPA-p scale on the two occasions with an interval of 30-45 days. RESULTS: In relation to convergent validity, the confirmatory model showed an acceptable fit and the scale had a highly convergent validity. Exploratory factor analysis showed that the IPA-p scale has a ten-factor structure that explained 77.42% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha between the mean IPA-p scores achieved on the two occasions ranged from 0.65 to 0.92. Test-retest ICCs for the ten domains were between 0.64 and 0.81. CONCLUSIONS: The IPA-p questionnaire can be a relatively valid and reliable instrument for assessing self-reported participation among Iranian type 2 diabetes patients. However, some improvement is needed to make it fully suitable for using among Persian-language diabetic patients.

Assessment the satisfaction level of faculty members from virtual teaching during corona crisis in Rafsanjan School of Medicine.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating the experiences and the satisfaction level of the academic members is an important parameter in planning for virtual education during COVID-19 pandemic. The present study was designed to evaluate the satisfaction level of faculty members of Rafsanjan School of Medicine regarding virtual education in COVID-19 crisis in two stages between 2019 and 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted on the faculty members of Rafsanjan Medical School. The satisfaction level with virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic was determined using a researcher-made questionnaire with appropriate validity and reliability. For analysing of quantitative variables, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent t tests and one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were used. RESULTS: Data showed that only 15.2% of the faculty members had a previous experience of virtual teaching prior to the pandemic and 30.3% had a history of passing the empowerment course on virtual education before the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, 68.2% passed the empowerment course on virtual education at the same time as the COVID-19 epidemic spread. The overall satisfaction with virtual education in the first and second stages of the study was 49.05 and 49.22 out of 100, respectively. The satisfaction of NAVID learning management system was 66.66 percent among faculty members. The level of satisfaction in non-clinical members was significantly more than clinical members. CONCLUSION: The overall satisfaction of faculty members with virtual education was at an average or medium level. From the point of view of the faculty members, some aspects of virtual education need to be improved. Therefore, it seems necessary to improve the infrastructure and empower the faculty members to enhance the quality of virtual education.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on marriage, divorce, birth, and death in Kerman province, the ninth most populous province of Iran.

This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marriage, divorce, birth, and death rates using the Poisson regression model and an interrupted time-series Poisson regression model. Before the pandemic, marriage and birth rates were decreasing, while divorce and death rates were increasing, with only the trend in birth rates being statistically significant. The immediate effect of the pandemic was a significant decrease in the divorce rate, but there were non-significant effects on birth and marriage rates. However, in the months following the onset of the pandemic, there was a statistically significant sustained effect on increasing death and divorce rates. Forecasts based on pre-pandemic data showed that by the end of 2020, marriage, divorce, death, and birth rates were higher compared to pre-pandemic levels. In conclusion, the pandemic has greatly impacted society, particularly in terms of death and divorce rates. Birth rates were not immediately affected to the time lag between decisions and actual births. Fear of COVID-19 may have increased death rates as people avoided seeking medical help. Vaccination and effective treatment strategies are vital in reducing the pandemic's impact on mortality. Supporting families financially is important due to the role of economic issues in couples' decisions.

Effects of virtual interventions based on the theory of planned behavior to improve obesity-preventive lifestyle among girls, during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical period for the spread of obesity and overweight. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of an educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on promoting obesity-related behaviors in overweight female students in Gachsaran. METHODS: this quasi-experimental study was conducted on 90 female students of the first secondary school in the form of two intervention and control groups. Information related to nutritional status and the structures of the theory of planned behavior were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability have been confirmed. The educational intervention was carried out during five virtual training sessions. The data obtained three months after the intervention were analyzed using SPSS statistical software, version 20, using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and equivalent non-parametric tests. RESULTS: The present study showed that the scores of the constructs of awareness, perceived behavior control, subjective norms, intention, and nutritional behaviors were significantly improved after the intervention (p < 0.001). The results of the Mann-Whitney test showed that the two intervention and control groups did not have a significant difference in terms of the average overall physical activity score after the intervention (p = 0.078). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that training based on the theory of planned behavior in the conditions of COVID-19 disease and in a virtual form had an effect on nutritional behavior but could not increase physical activity behavior in adolescents with weight loss.

Lead and arsenic contamination in henna samples marketed in Iran.

Since ancient times, people around the world have used natural cosmetics to improve or change the appearance of their nails, skin, and hair. Henna is a plant-based dye that has been used over the centuries for medical and cosmetic purposes. The present work was aimed to investigate the presence of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) in various types of commonly consumed henna samples in Iran. A total of thirty-nine henna samples from both local and imported products (3 colors in 13 brands) were randomly collected from popular and herbal medicine markets. The atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique was used for the analysis of the samples. The amount of Pb and As in 100% samples was higher than the calculated limit of quantitation (LOQ). The concentrations of Pb and As in the samples were at the ranges of 9.56-16.94 µg/g and 0.25-1.12 µg/g, respectively. The mean level of Pb was higher in black and red products, compared with the green henna. The levels of Pb and As in 53.85% and 7.7% of the henna samples exceeded the permissible limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), respectively. In addition, the mean levels of Pb and As contamination in the imported samples were significantly higher, in comparison to the local henna samples. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing Pb and As contamination in the henna samples consumed in Iran. Our study demonstrated that there is a potential risk of exposure to Pb through henna in the Iranian consumers.

Effectiveness of Topical Ketorolac in Post-hemorrhoidectomy Pain Management: A Clinical Trial.

Background: Postoperative pain management is one of the major challenges of surgeons and anesthesiologists. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of topical ketorolac in post-hemorrhoidectomy pain management. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 84 candidates for hemorrhoidectomy (grade-II hemorrhoids) who visited Ali ibn Abi-Talib hospital of Rafsanjan, Kerman, Iran (2020 - 2021). The participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 28. The subjects were treated in topical (4 mL 0.5% Marcaine + 1 mL ketorolac at the surgical site), intramuscular (4 mL 0.5% Marcaine at the surgical site + 1 mL ketorolac intramuscularly), and control (4 mL 0.5% Marcaine at the surgical site) groups. Pain intensity was measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. The obtained data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Female and male patients constituted 46.4% and 53.6% of the participants, respectively. The mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the topical group than in intramuscular and control treatments in all four stages of pain assessment (P < 0.001). Some participants were treated with pethidine due to high pain intensity. However, the mean pain intensity gradually reduced over time in all three groups. Conclusions: Study findings suggested that the topical administration of ketorolac and Marcaine was more effective than Marcaine used alone for relieving pain in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.

An analysis of suicide rates in Kerman province, the largest province in Iran, before and after COVID-19: (2017-2020).

This study aimed to investigate the suicide incidence rate in Kerman before and after the pandemic and the characteristics of suicides. During four years, 642 suicide occurred in Kerman province. The suicide rate of suicide has increased in 2020 compared to previous years. Suicide among females, singles, people with bachelor's degrees, students, governmental, non-governmental occupations, and people without a history of mental illness, and suicide history increased in 2020. Identifying individuals at risk is crucial in order to get exceptional support from the government and society during crises like COVID-19.

Implications of Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase 4 gene transcription and polymorphisms in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in an Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: Peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PADI4) has been implicated in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Here we aimed to evaluate the association of PADI4 gene rs11203367 and rs1748033 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with RA proneness. METHODS: The mRNA expression of PADI4 was determined in the whole blood samples. The genotyping of PADI4 polymorphisms was conducted using allelic discrimination TaqMan genotyping Real-time PCR. RESULTS: The alleles and genotypes of rs11203367 polymorphism were not associated with susceptibility to RA risk. The T allele (OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.21-2.04, P = 0.0005), TT genotype (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.53-5.06, P = 0.0007), TC genotype (OR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.04-2.23, P = 0.0291), dominant (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.19-2.47, P = 0.0034) and recessive (OR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.25-3.82, P = 0.0057) models of rs1748033 SNP were associated with higher risk of RA. There was a significant upregulation of PADI4 mRNA in the RA patients compared to controls. mRNA expression of PADI4 had significantly positive correlation with anti-CCP level (r = 0.37, P = 0.041), RF level (r = 0.39, P = 0.037), and CRP level (r = 0.39, P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: PADI4 gene rs1748033 SNP was associated with increased RA risk. This polymorphism might affect the RA pathogenesis regardless of impressing the levels of PADI-4 in serum.

The relationship between fear of Covid-19 and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic and health measures related to it have led to an increase in mental health problems. The relatively high incidence of the disease and its mortality rate created anxiety in society. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fear of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its relationship with obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients who attended the outpatient clinic of Besat Hospital in Hamadan. METHODS: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 320 patients who attended the outpatient clinic of Besat Hospital in Hamadan were selected by random sampling method in 2021. Data were collected using the Fear of the coronavirus (COVID-19) questionnaire and obsessive-compulsive disorder scale and analyzed using SPSS software (V16). They were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and independent t-test. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age of the subjects was 34.14 ± 9.30 years and 65% of the study subjects were women. The mean ± SD score on the obsessive-compulsive disorder scale was 32.90 ± 19.87 and the mean ± SD score for fear of coronavirus was 16.82 ± 5.79. The contamination dimension of OCD had the highest score of 9.04 ± 5.46 and stealing had the lowest score of 0.10 ± 0.49. The mean fear of COVID-19 in people who had a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder before the quarantine was significantly higher than in those who did not have it (P = 0.002). Along with the increasing fear of coronavirus scale score, the score of obsessive-compulsive disorders increased except for the stealing dimension (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that there was a moderate level of fear of COVID-19 among the study population. Also, a relatively high proportion of study subjects had a weak manifestation of OCD. It seems that two years after the beginning of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, people have adapted to the conditions, and their fear of the disease is reduced.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation Following the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kerman Province: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Suicidal ideation (SI) serves as an important predictor of suicide. The prevalence of SI has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with SI after the pandemic in the Kerman province. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 23 counties of the Kerman province between 2021 and 2022. The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) was utilized to estimate SI, while multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the impact of various variables on SI. RESULTS: A total of 1421 individuals (47.7% men, 50.0% women and 2.3% unknown) with an average age of 35.17±9.47 years participated in this study. The estimated prevalence rate of SI was 9.2%, with variations ranging from 0% to 42% across different counties. Individuals with SI exhibited a significantly younger mean age and fewer family members. Furthermore, SI was significantly more prevalent among single participants, unemployed individuals, students, those with a history of mental illness, prior psychiatric medication use, and previous SI. Employed individuals had 87% lower odds of experiencing SI compared to the unemployed. Individuals with a history of prior SI had 239 times higher odds of SI than those without such a history. Additionally, each year increase in age corresponded to an 8.8% decrease in the odds of SI. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of SI is concerning, and it is essential to remain vigilant regarding its health and social consequences as the pandemic continues. Therefore, it is imperative to provide enhanced mental health services, particularly targeting at-risk groups.

Resilience and Suicidal Thoughts in Young People: Based on the Rafsanjan Youth Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a serious public health problem, and suicide attempt is defined as one of the important indicators of mental health in a society. The present study investigated the relationship between resilience and suicidal thoughts in Rafsanjani youth. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study examined 3006 young people aged 15-35 who referred to Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS). Connor and Davidson's questionnaire was used to measure resilience. The data, including demographic characteristics and cases related to suicide, were extracted from the computer system, which is part of the Rafsanjan Youth Cohort Program. Independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post-hoc test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 3006 individuals were studied, of whom 1685 (56.1%) were women, and 1321 (43.9%) were men. The average age of the participants was 25.75±6.09 years. Men had a significantly higher average score of resilience (P<0.001) and suicidal thoughts (P=0.002) than women. In addition, the average score of suicidal thoughts in divorced and widowed people was significantly higher than single and married people (P=0.029). It was shown that older age groups had higher average resilience (P<0.001) and fewer suicidal thoughts (P=0.003), and people over 30 years had the lowest average suicidal thoughts. CONCLUSION: The results indicate an inverse and significant relationship between resilience and suicidal thoughts in both men and women. Therefore, more evaluations are necessary to investigate the factors affecting resilience and take measures to improve it among young people.

The effectiveness of virtual interactive video in comparison with online classroom in the stroke topic of theoretical neurology in COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient interaction between the trainers and the trainees in medical education is always one of the biggest challenges for an educational system. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of virtual interactions within the educational content of stroke on the effectiveness of teaching for general medicine students during COVID-19 crisis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight medical students applying for stroke education were divided into two groups by simple random sampling (Rafsanjan Medical School, 2020). The first group participated in an online classroom via the Adobe Connect platform without virtual interaction. The second group used a video presentation containing interaction scenarios. The effectiveness evaluation of each type of educational content was done by comparison of the final exam scores and the results of an electronic satisfaction questionnaire in each group. Finally, using SPSS software version 18, the data were analyzed with independent samples t-test. RESULTS: This study showed that the mean of the examination scores of the interactive virtual content group (6.14 ± 1.46) was significantly higher than the online class group (4.50 ± 1.50) (P < 0.001), and also the results of satisfaction assessment showed that this group was more satisfied with their educational content (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the virtual stroke training effectiveness for general medical students shows that the educational approach of video with virtual interactions is an effective learning method in medical topics and can be considered as an efficacious educational model in online teaching.

Application of the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Exclusive Breastfeeding Intention, In Pregnant Nulliparous Women. A Cross-Sectional Study / Aplicación de la teoría ampliada del comportamiento planificado para predecir la intención de lactancia materna exclusiva en mujeres nulíparas embarazadas. Un estudio transversal / Aplicação da teoria ampliada do comportamento planejado para prever a intenção de amamentação exclusiva em gestantes nulíparas. Um estudo transversal

Abstract Objective. This study investigated the effect of Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB) extended theory of planned behavior in comparison with the Theory Of Planned Behavior (TPB) in explaining the intention of Exclusive Breastfeeding Intention (EBF) in Pregnant nulliparous women of Kerman (Iran). Methods. In this descriptive study, 249 pregnant women in Kerman participated via simple random sampling. The research instruments included Questionnaire related to the structures of the theory of planned behavior, breastfeeding self-efficacy and social support questionnaire for breastfeeding. Results. The results of the correlation test showed a significant relationship between all constructs of the theory of extended planned behavior and the intention of EBF. The highest correlation belonged to the construct of subjective norms (r=0.49). Path regression coefficients in the second model showed that the Self-Efficacy mediator variable is fully capable of meaningful mediation between Social Support and Intention (p<0.001; B=0.383). The conceptual diagram of Structural equation modeling showed a higher explained variance or R2 index for the intention variable for the developed model compared to that of the first model, i.e. (the first model: R2=0.37, the second model: R2=0.46). The goodness-of-fit index had a better status for the developed model. Conclusion. Extended TPB with social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy constructs can be appropriate model for predicting the intention and behavior of EBF.

Resumen Objetivo. Este estudio investigó el efecto de la Teoría Extendida del Comportamiento Planificado (TECP) en comparación con la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado (TCP) para explicar la intención de la Lactancia Materna Exclusiva (LME) en mujeres nulíparas embarazadas de Kerman. Métodos. En este estudio descriptivo participaron 249 mujeres embarazadas de la ciudad de Kerman (Iran), seleccionadas por muestreo aleatorio simple. Los instrumentos de investigación incluían un cuestionario relacionado con las estructuras de la teoría de la conducta planificada, un cuestionario de autoeficacia para la lactancia materna y un cuestionario de apoyo social para la lactancia materna. Resultados. La prueba de correlación mostró una relación significativa entre todos los constructos de la TECP y la intención de LME. La correlación más alta correspondió al constructo de normas subjetivas (r=0.49). Los coeficientes de la regresión en el segundo modelo mostraron que la variable Autoeficacia mediaba significativamente entre las variables Apoyo Social e Intención (p<0.001; B=0.383). El diagrama conceptual del Structural equation modeling mostró una mayor varianza explicada o índice R2 para la variable de intención para el modelo desarrollado en comparación con el del primer modelo, es decir, (el primer modelo: R2=037, el segundo modelo: R2=0.46). El índice de bondad de ajuste fue mejor para el modelo desarrollado. Conclusión. La TECP con los constructos de apoyo social y autoeficacia para la lactancia materna puede ser un modelo apropiado para predecir la intención y el comportamiento de la LME.

Resumo Objetivo. Este estudo investigou o efeito da Teoria Estendida do Comportamento Planejado (TECP) comparada à Teoria do Comportamento Planejado (TCP) na explicação da intenção da Lactância Materna Exclusiva (LME) em gestantes nulíparas de Kerman. Métodos. Neste estudo descritivo, participaram 249 gestantes da cidade de Kerman (Irã), selecionadas por amostragem aleatória simples. Os instrumentos de pesquisa incluíram um questionário relacionado às estruturas da teoria do comportamento planejado, um questionário de autoeficácia para amamentar e um questionário de apoio social à amamentação. Resultados. O teste de correlação mostrou uma relação significativa entre todos os construtos do TCP e a intenção de LME. A maior correlação correspondeu ao construto das normas subjetivas (r=0.49). Os coeficientes de regressão no segundo modelo mostraram que a variável Autoeficácia mediou significativamente entre as variáveis Apoio Social e Intenção (p <0.001; B=0.383). O diagrama conceitual da Estrutura equação a modelagem apresentou maior variância explicada ou índice R2 para a variável intenção para o modelo desenvolvido em relação ao primeiro modelo, ou seja, (o primeiro modelo: R2=0.37, o segundo modelo: R2=0.46). O índice de bondade de ajuste foi melhor para o modelo desenvolvido. Conclusão. A TECP com os construtos de apoio social e autoeficácia em amamentar pode ser um modelo adequado para predizer a intenção e o comportamento do LME.

Iranian psychosocial status and its determinant factors during the prevalence of COVID-19 disease.

COVID-19 disease has quickly become a major threat and epidemic in the world. Many people are experiencing psychological disorders due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 disease. The present study aimed to investigate the psychosocial status of the Iranian citizens during the prevalence of COVID-19. One thousand one hundred and sixteen citizens of Rafsanjan city participated in the cross-sectional study from March 15 to 30, 2020. The data were collected using demographic and COVID-19 related-items, and Health General Questionnaire (GHQ -28). The results showed that 35% of the participant had mental health problems. All participants had social functioning disorder, while 22.8% had physical symptoms, 26.8 had anxiety symptoms and sleep disorders. In addition, the risk of psychosocial disorder was higher in females, those who were living in the city, earning less than 1 million, thinking of being at risk for infection with the coronavirus, and those whose most important concern about COVID-19 was death (P < 0.05). The results of the present study showed that all participants had social dysfunction. Therefore, health-care providers are suggested to evaluate the psychosocial consequences routinely, design and implement appropriate interventions to deal with these complications.

Evaluation of blood lead among painters of buildings and cars.

Exposure to lead-based paints is a major threat to the health of painters. This study aimed to evaluate the blood concentration of lead (Pb) in painters of buildings and cars. The present study was a cross-sectional study in which a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic information. Lead concentration in blood samples was determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry method. A total of 32 male painters were selected based on inclusion criteria. The mean blood lead level (BLL) in the painters was 8.1 ± 4.93 µg/dL. Pb levels in car and building painters were 9.42 ± 5.5 µg/dL and 6.7 ± 1.85 µg/dL, respectively. Pb concentration in none of the blood samples was more than 30 µg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥ 5 µg/dL and BLL ≥ 10 µg/dL was 97% and 19%, respectively. According to the findings, the rate of BLL among car painters was higher than building painters. Considering the presence of Pb in all blood samples, it seems necessary to increase the awareness of painters about the adverse effects of lead exposure even in low concentrations. However, the sample size in this study was small and more investigations are required in this regard.

The Relationships Among Occupational Safety Climate, Patient Safety Climate, and Safety Performance Based on Structural Equation Modeling.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships among hospital safety climate, patient safety climate, and safety outcomes among nurses. METHODS: In the current cross-sectional study, the occupational safety climate, patient safety climate, and safety performance of nurses were measured using several questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the relationships among occupational safety climate, patient safety climate, and safety performance. RESULTS: A total of 211 nurses participated in this study. Over half of them were female (57.0%). The age of the participants tended to be between 20 years and 30 years old (55.5%), and slightly more than half had less than 5 years of work experience (51.5%). The maximum and minimum scores of occupational safety climate dimensions were found for reporting of errors and cumulative fatigue, respectively. Among the dimensions of patient safety climate, non-punitive response to errors had the highest mean score, and manager expectations and actions promoting patient safety had the lowest mean score. The correlation coefficient for the relationship between occupational safety climate and patient safety climate was 0.63 (p<0.05). Occupational safety climate and patient safety climate also showed significant correlations with safety performance. CONCLUSIONS: Close correlations were found among occupational safety climate, patient safety climate, and nurses' safety performance. Therefore, improving both the occupational and patient safety climate can improve nurses' safety performance, consequently decreasing occupational and patient-related adverse outcomes in healthcare units.

Attenuation of inflammatory response in the EAE model by PEGlated nanoliposome of pistachio oils.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PEGlated nanoliposome of pistachio unsaturated oils (PEGNLPUOs) to attenuate the inflammatory response in the EAE model by modulating of NFKB and oxidative stress signaling pathway. Real-time PCR demonstrated that the administration of 10%v/v PEGNLPUOs significantly decreased the expression level of AKT1, MAPK, and NFKB genes from NFKB signaling pathway and MGST1, NOS2, and HO-1 genes from oxidative stress signaling pathway. This study showed that the administration of pistachio oil and PEGNLPUOs at a concentration of 10%v/v decreased the number and percentage of Th1(CD4+) and increased Th2(CD8+) cells.

The Effect of Self-learning Module on Nursing Students' Clinical Competency: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Self-learning module (SLM) is designed for independent learning. In this study, the hypothesis that SLM is effective to some extent in improving clinical competence in nursing students was tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study employed a randomized controlled design. In this study, 46 nursing students were randomized into the control or intervention group. Study tools included a demographic information form and nursing skills checklist. Unlike the control group, the intervention group received clinical SLM. Nursing students' clinical competency was measured at the end of the intervention through objective structured clinical examination. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software. A p value < 0.050 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 46 students participated in this study. The Mean (SD) age of the study participants was 18.80 (1.06) years. There was a significant difference in students' clinical competency between the control and intervention groups (Mann-Whitney U-test: p = 0.010). Mean (SD) of clinical competency in the control and SLM groups was 58.19 (6.41) and 62.83 (6.05), respectively. Results of the group equivalency test indicated that all demographic variables were equivalent between the groups. Moreover, there was no significant difference between women and men in terms of clinical competency. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, the use of SLM could help the students enhance the quality of nursing clinical competency.

Life expectancy and years of life lost in HIV patients under the care of BandarAbbas Behavioral Disorders Counseling Center.

BACKGROUND: HIV epidemic is mostly targeted adults and has numerous negative health, social, economic, cultural and political consequences. In this study Life Expectancy (LE) and Average Years of Life Lost (AYLL) in HIV/AIDS patients are estimated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive study all the patients at the age of 18 and more under the care of BandarAbbas Behavioral Disorders Counseling Center (BBDCC) during 2005-2015 are included. The town of BandarAbbas is center of Hormozgan Province in southern Iran. LE and AYLL have been estimated based on Life Table. RESULTS: One hundred thirty four of the 426 eligible patients died during the study period. Compared to the general population LE for HIV/AIDS patients at age 20 is 46 years less in comparison with the general population of BandarAbbas. Moreover, a total of 8839 years of life lost during 2005-2015. CONCLUSION: LE in HIV/AIDS patients is less than LE among BandarAbbas general population and AYLL among them is more than general population. Most of the years of life lost are preventable if the health care system seriously will implement programs to control HIV/AIDS.