The Effects of a Psychosocial Support Program on Perceived Stress of Family Caregivers of Patients with Mental Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Taking caring of patients with mental disorders is stressful and people who take care of these patients need to receive enough support and training to overcome this challenging situation. The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of a psychosocial support program on perceived stress of family caregivers of patients with mental disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 64 family caregivers of patients with mental disorders referred to Noor and Hazrat-e-Ali Asghar hospital in Isfahan, Iran, in 2018-19. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups using a random number table. In the intervention group, the training program was held in 6 sessions of 90-minute training classes twice a week. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests such as Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, independent t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were used to analyze the data in SPSS software. RESULTS: The result of the study showed that the total mean score of perceived stress in the intervention group was significantly less than the control group immediately after (F2=66.29, p<0.001) and 1 month after the intervention (F2=66.29, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Delivering a training program on the different dimensions of support family caregivers need will reduce the perceived stress of family caregivers of patients with mental disorders. Therefore, the implementation of this intervention is recommended in this group of caregivers.

The Effect of Intelligence Self-Control Program on the Quality of Life of the Adolescents with Type I Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes affects patients' quality of life in almost all physical, mental, and social areas. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of self-control intelligence program on the dimensions of quality of life in the adolescents with diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a randomized controlled trial with pre-test and post-test design in which 56 adolescents with diabetes referring to the Janan charity diabetic association in Najafabad in 2018 (Isfahan, Iran) were selected by convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (n = 28) and control (n = 28). Self-control intelligence program was performed for the intervention group. The data were collected using standard Quality of Life Questionnaire for adolescents with diabetes and were analyzed using Chi-square test, independent and dependent t-test, Mann-Whitney. RESULTS: Statistical tests showed no significant difference between the groups in terms of their demographic characteristics such as gender, duration of diabetes, and the number of insulin injections. There was, however, a significant difference in the mean scores of all quality of life dimensions except for the dimension of physical symptoms both before and after the intervention in the intervention group (t23 = 4.46, p < 0.001). By contrast, no significant difference was observed in the mean scores of quality of life before and after the intervention in the control group (t24 = 0.08, p = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, self-control program can have an effective role in the adoption of coping strategies and, thus, improves the patients' quality of life.

The Effect of Two Methods of Relaxation and Prayer Therapy on Anxiety and Hope in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems such as anxiety and disappointment are common in patients with heart disease, resulting in poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two methods of relaxation and prayer therapy on anxiety and hope in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in three groups of 25 subjects (i.e., two groups of relaxation and prayer therapy and one control group) and two stages (i.e., pretest and posttest) in hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data collection instrument consisted of three parts: (a) demographic and individual characteristics of the subjects, (b) Beck Anxiety Inventory, and (c) Snyder's Hope Scale. The interventions consisted of Benson's relaxation and prayer therapy. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the mean score of anxiety after intervention in the three groups which was related to each of the relaxation and prayer therapy group with the control group. Also, the result of analysis of covariance with controlling the effect of pretest revealed significant between-subject effects of interventions on posttest scores of hope (F(2, 71) = 8.55, p = 0.012, ηp 2 = 0.12) and anxiety (F(2, 71) = 4.71, p < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Both relaxation and prayer therapy interventions are effective in promoting hope and reducing anxiety in patients with CAD and provide optimal, short-term, and easy-to-follow options for the health team.

Effectiveness of the Puppet Show and Storytelling Methods on Children's Behavioral Problems.

BACKGROUND: The early years of life have an important role in children's growth and development, and training during this period will play a pronounced role in their whole life. Behavioral problems (BPs) that children showed at this age have been a growing concern for those involved in pediatric health. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of puppet show and storytelling methods on BPs among preschool children. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on three groups (puppet show and storytelling as test groups and a control group), in three stages, using a pretest-posttest design. The study was conducted in 2014 on 75 children age 3-5 years selected from three kindergartens in Isfahan, Iran. The subjects were selected using random clusters sampling method. To collect data, Shahim Preschool Children Behavior Problem Questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software. RESULTS: The results of the statistical tests including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and repeated measures ANOVA test showed that mean variation in both puppet show and storytelling groups was significantly higher than the control group immediately and 1 month after the intervention (p < 0.001). Variation was significantly higher in the puppet show group compared to the storytelling group immediately (F = 222.5, p < 0.001) and 1 month (F = 235.5, p < 0.001) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that compared to the storytelling method, the puppet show method has a greater impact on improving behavior problems among preschool children.

Relationship between Differentiation of Self and Attitude Towards Physician-Nurse Relationship in Hospitals (Isfahan/Iran).

BACKGROUND: Attitude towards physician-nurse relationship is fundamental to achieve health care quality. Such attitude maybe determined by some personality traits such as differentiation of self. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between differentiation of self and attitude to professional physician-nurse relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done in three hospitals in Isfahan in 2015. The study included all nurses and physicians. In total, 400 participants were recruited through convenience-sampling method. Data gathering instruments included a three-part questionnaire [demographic data sheet, Jefferson Scale of Attitudes toward Physician-Nurse Collaboration (JSAPNC) and differentiation of self-inventory (DSI)]. The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics [t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression) by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 software. RESULTS: The mean [standard deviation (SD)] of the scores of differentiation of self in physicians and nurses were 86.43 (9.62) and 159.28 (9.53), respectively. The results showed that the predicting model of attitudes towards physician-nurse relationship based on dimensions of differentiation of self both in nurses and physicians were significant. Moreover, the findings from linear regression analyses showed that predictor variables explained 0.18 and 0.14 of the variance of attitudes towards physician-nurse relationships in nurses and physicians, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the significant role of differentiation of self to predict attitudes towards physician-nurse relationship, it is worthwhile to suggest provision of training programs particularly in the nursing and medical students to enhance differentiation of self both in physicians and nurses to improve culture of interprofessional relationships and to achieve optimum professional relationships between doctors and nurses.

The Effect of Barkley's Family-Oriented Program on the Burden of Care on Families of Children with Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit-hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorders during childhood whose treatment is greatly dependent on families; therefore, families of such children should improve their relation with them so that they could enjoy their lives. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Barkley's family-oriented program on the burden of care on such families. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted among 64 family care givers for children with ADHD. By simple sampling, samples passing the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly allocated into two groups of control and intervention. The intervention group received Barkley's family education program through 9 sessions; the control group participated in 3 group sessions and expressed their problems and experiences. Data were collected and analyzed using the Zarit Burden Interview. RESULTS: Burden of care was gradually reduced through the study in the intervention group, however, the mean score of burden of care did not have a significant reduction in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Because Barkley's family-oriented program was able to reduce the burden of care in families of children with ADHD, it is recommended to develop similar programs and evaluate them through various studies.

The Effect of Need-oriented Educational Intervention on the General Health of the Elderly.

INTRODUCTION: Improving the health of the elderly must be based on their special needs that can be achieved through self-needs assessments through education, which is one of the most important tools in the field of health improvement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of need-oriented educational interventions on the general health of the elderly living in nursing homes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a clinical trial conducted among the elderly living at the Sadeghieh nursing home of Isfahan, Iran. Seventy elderly people who satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected and divided into two groups of case and control. The case group went through 8 sessions of group therapy for educating participants who were previously investigated through needs assessment. The control group received the usual health care. The general health level of the participants was evaluated before and 1 week and 1 month after the intervention using Goldberg's general health questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and variance analysis. RESULTS: The score of general health had no significant difference between both the groups before the intervention, however, the difference in the score between both the groups 1 week and 1 month after the intervention was significant (1 week after the intervention, the scores were 15.6 and 30.3, and 1 month after the intervention, the scores were 16 and 32.2, respectively) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Need-oriented educational intervention is an effective, safe, and inexpensive method for improving the general health of the elderly living in nursing homes.

Relationship between fatigue and sleepiness with general health of mothers in the postpartum period.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue and changes in sleep patterns are one of the impressive features in the first year after birth, which have negative effects on work, family life, and social relationships. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between fatigue and Stanford sleepiness with the general health of mothers in the postpartum period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current research is a descriptive correlational study which was performed on 190 mothers between 2 and 24 postpartum weeks, referring to the health centers of Isfahan in 2014. All mothers meeting the inclusion criteria were selected through cluster purposive sampling. Data were collected by use of four questionnaires including profile and fertility, fatigue, Stanford sleepiness, and general health. Data were analyzed by statistical tests at a significance level of ≤0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that 5.3%, 59.5%, and 35.3% of subjects had mild, moderate, and severe fatigue, respectively. In addition, 26.3% of women showed a public health disorder, and according to Stanford sleepiness, 20.5% of subjects had sleepiness. The statistical results indicated that there were significant relationships between fatigue (P ≤ 0.001, r = 0.52) and Stanford sleepiness (P = 0.04, r = 0.14), and mothers' general health. CONCLUSIONS: According to prevalence of fatigue and sleepiness in the postpartum period and its relationship with maternal health, application of sleep health education and appropriate counseling during pregnancy and after delivery is recommended to prevent mothers' mental complications in order to achieve a safe pregnancy.

Investigating the effect of education based on need to prevent falling during activities of daily living among the elderlies referring to health centers of Isfahan.

BACKGROUND: Falling has a great importance among the elderlies. Even if no physical injury occurs, it can cause fear of falling down again and, consequently, reduce older adults' activities. With regard to the prevalence of falling among older adults, its prevention is essential. Therefore, the present study was aimed to define the effect of need-based education on prevention of older adults' falling during their everyday life activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study. Study population comprised all the older adults of age 60 years and over referring to health care centers in Isfahan. Through multiple random sampling, 15 older adults were selected from four health care centers. Data collection tool in the present study was Daily Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Results showed a significant difference between the mean of daily activity scores in the intervention group before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention (12, 13.6, and 13.5, respectively; P = 0.01). Meanwhile, there was no significant deference between the scores immediately after and 1 month after the intervention. There was no significant difference observed between the three time points in the control group (mean = 12.3; P = 0.907). CONCLUSION: Implementation of education concerning prevention of older adults' falling led to improvement of their daily activity in the intervention group.

Assessment the effect of the CBT on motivation of the nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Motivation to academic achievement is critical for students of medical sciences, particularly nursing students. It is directly related to high levels of achievement and quality of life. Accordingly, diminished motivation would result in academic decline, study and work desertion and exhaustion. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive behavioural intervention on the motivation for academic achievement of the nursing students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 64 female nursing students who were recruited to study based on the inclusion criteria. After sampling, the subjects were randomly assigned to study and control groups. Then, cognitive behavioural intervention was administered in study group during 60 days. Academic motivation scale was filled before, after and one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical tests (Chi-square, t-test). RESULTS: After the intervention, mean scores of academic motivation were significantly increased in study group, compared to control group (P < 0.001). Comparison of the mean scores of academic motivation in two groups revealed a significant increase in mean score of academic motivation 151.50 (20.22) after cognitive behavioural intervention (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that cognitive behavioural intervention was a valuable psychotherapy technique to improve academic achievement motivation among nursing students.

Association between playing computer games and mental and social health among male adolescents in Iran in 2014.

BACKGROUND: As adolescents spend much time on playing computer games, their mental and social effects should be considered. The present study aimed to investigate the association between playing computer games and the mental and social health among male adolescents in Iran in 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 210 adolescents selected by multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected by Goldberg and Hillier general health (28 items) and Kiez social health questionnaires. The association was tested by Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and independent t-test. Computer games related factors such as the location, type, length, the adopted device, and mode of playing games were investigated. RESULTS: Results showed that 58.9% of the subjects played games on a computer alone for 1 h at home. Results also revealed that the subjects had appropriate mental health and 83.2% had moderate social health. Results showed a poor significant association between the length of games and social health (r = -0.15, P = 0.03), the type of games and mental health (r = -0.16, P = 0.01), and the device used in playing games and social health (F = 0.95, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that adolescents' mental and social health is negatively associated with their playing computer games. Therefore, to promote their health, educating them about the correct way of playing computer games is essential and their parents and school authorities, including nurses working at schools, should determine its relevant factors such as the type, length, and device used in playing such games.

Effect of lavender scent inhalation on prevention of stress, anxiety and depression in the postpartum period.

BACKGROUND: Stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression are the most common problems among women in their childbearing age. Research has shown that aromatherapy administered during labor reduces anxiety in mothers. With regard to the specific biological conditions in postpartum period and the subsequent drop in hormone levels, this study investigated the effect of lavender on prevention of stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a clinical trial, 140 women admitted to the obstetric and gynecological unit were randomly divided into aromatherapy and non-aromatherapy groups immediately after delivery. Intervention with aromatherapy consisted of inhaling three drops of lavender essential oil every 8 h with for 4 weeks. The control group received routine care after discharge and was followed up by telephone only. After 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months of delivery, women were assessed by the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and the Edinburgh stress, anxiety, and depression scale in the two groups. Data analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc tests. Level of significance was set as 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean stress, anxiety, and depression at time point of 2 weeks (P = 0.012, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.003, respectively) and stress, anxiety, and depression scores at time points of 1 month (P < 0.0001) and 3 months after delivery (P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaling the scent of lavender for 4 weeks can prevent stress, anxiety, and depression after childbirth.

Effect of mobile parenting skills education on anxiety of the mothers with autistic children.

BACKGROUND: The parents of autistic children suffer from anxiety and tension. Unawareness of parenting skills required for autistic children (parenting) doubles their anxiety. Researchers have recently considered research on mobile education, especially mobile text messages. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of mobile parenting skills education on the anxiety of mothers with autistic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a clinical trial conducted on 64 mothers of children suffering from autism who had a medical file. The participants were recruited by convenient sampling in selected autism centers in Isfahan, Iran. Then, the participants were randomly assigned into two 32-subject groups of study and control. Spielberger Anxiety Inventory was adopted for the mothers. The book "Parenting skills for the mothers with autistic children" was distributed in the study and control group, and then, the study group underwent a structured mobile text messages education. Sixty text messages were sent daily to the participants in the study group for two months. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16. RESULTS: The obtained results showed a significant decrease in mothers' anxiety mean score after intervention in the study group compared to control group (P = 0.04). There was also a significant reduction in mothers' anxiety mean score after intervention, compared to before intervention (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mobile parenting skills education, especially through text messages, could reduce the level of anxiety among the mothers with autistic children.

A survey of nurses' awareness of patient safety culture in neonatal intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: Patient safety is considered as the most important quality for healthcare. One of the main factors that play an important role in the promotion of healthcare institutes is patient safety. This study describes the nurses' awareness of patient safety culture in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive study, 83 nurses working in neonatal intensive care units of hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were selected using purposive sampling. Data collection tools consisted of the demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software. RESULTS: The dimension that received the highest positive response rate was "expectations and actions of the supervisor/manager in promoting safety culture." The dimension with the lowest percentage of positive responses was "frequency of error reporting." 21.70% of the NICU nurses reported one or two incidents in their work units in the previous 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: In order to create and promote patient safety, appropriate management of resources and a correct understanding of patient safety culture are required. In this way, awareness of dimensions which are not acceptable provides the basic information necessary for improving patient safety.

Effect of peer education in school on sexual health knowledge and attitude in girl adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is associated with so many changes, and to provide sexual health it is necessary for teenagers to learn enough knowledge about the changes and appropriate health behaviors. The attraction of sexual issues in teenagers is associated with more conversations related to sexual matters. Therefore, this study has evaluated the effect of organizing these interactions using peer education in schools on the knowledge and attitude toward sexual health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an interventional study conducted on 282 girl teenagers from high schools of Isfahan that were divided into two groups of intervention and control. Peer education in the intervention group was done through 35 trained teenagers during normal communications in school. Before the training knowledge and attitude of students in both groups were evaluated; then peer education was conducted during 6 weeks through normal communications on the intervention group and then afterward the knowledge and attitude of the students were evaluated again. To analysis of data independent t-test and paired t-test were used. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean score of knowledge and attitudetoward all sexual health dimensions during puberty in the intervention group was significantly higher after the intervention (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference between the mean score of knowledge and approach toward all the aspects of sexual health of both the studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that using peer education in schools informally could enhance the knowledge and approach toward aspects of physical health, sexual behaviors, and social and mental changes among female adolescences and could be applied in schools.

A family support intervention to reduce stress among parents of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants constitute a large proportion of the newborn population in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Parents, as the main members of the care team, are not adequately supported as the focus is chiefly on infant care. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a family support intervention on the stress levels among the parents of preterm infants in NICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, convenience sampling method was used to select 50 parents of preterm infants. The subjects were allocated to two groups of intervention and control (n = 25 pairs in each). While the control group received routine care, the intervention group benefitted from a two-stage family support program (including informational and observational phases in the first stage and emotional supportive intervention in the second). The Parental Stressor Scale-NICU (PSS-NICU) was completed by both fathers and mothers of the two groups (before and after intervention). Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze data in SPSS version 18. RESULTS: Before the intervention, the mean total scores of PSS-NICU and also the mean scores of its three subscales were not significantly different between the two groups. However, after the intervention, significant differences were observed between the two groups. The scores of the intervention group showed significant reduction following the intervention, but such a difference was not detected in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Apparently, early educational and emotional support for parents of preterm infants decreased their stress. Similar interventions may thus be effective in empowering parents for caring of their infant and playing their parental role.

Does spiritual care program affect levels of depression in patients with Leukemia? A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Although 25-33% of patients with non-hematological malignancies suffer from depression disorder, some studies have reported the rate among patients with leukemia as high as 50%. Furthermore, based on studies chronic disease such as leukemia increases the patients' spiritual needs and may accelerate the patient problems. Therefore, spirituality has a significant role in adapting to leukemia and coping with its consequent mental disorders such as depression. Owing to the spirituality aspect importance and contradictory results of previous research, this study was hence performed to determine the effects of a spiritual care program on depression of patients with leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in specialized cancer treatment center affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Isfahan, Iran). A total of 64 adult patients with leukemia were randomly divided into experiment and control groups. The spiritual care program including supportive presence and support for religious rituals was implemented for 3 days. Depression sub-scale of 42-item depression, anxiety and stress scale-42 was completed before and after the intervention for both groups. Data was analyzed using ANCOVA, Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square, in SPSS statistical software (version 18, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS: After the intervention, mean score of depression was significantly lower in the experiment group than in the control group (P < 0.01). Comparison the mean score of depression in two groups, revealed the decrees in mean score of depression 11.09 (8.47) after spiritual care program that it was significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our spiritual care program could successfully decrease depression level in patients with leukemia and nurses have to apply a holistic care approach with emphasis on spiritual care to decrease depression, so paid attention to spiritual aspect of patients accompanying with physical aspects in therapy process is recommended.

Effect of a spiritual care program on levels of anxiety in patients with leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Leukemia is the most common and fatal cancer among young adults. Among all malignancies, it has the greatest effects on emotional and mental aspects of the patients. While 25-33% of patients with non-hematological malignancies suffer from anxiety disorder, some studies have reported the rate among patients with leukemia as high as 50%. Anxiety can negatively affect other important characteristics and parameters in patients with cancer. Furthermore, cancer increases the patients' spiritual needs. Therefore, spirituality has a significant role in adapting to leukemia and coping with its consequent mental disorders such as anxiety. This study was hence performed to determine the effects of a spiritual care program on anxiety of patients with leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Sayyed-Al-Shohada Hospital affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Isfahan, Iran) in 2012. Sixty four adult patients with leukemia were randomly divided into the experiment and control groups. The spiritual care program including supportive presence and support for religious rituals was implemented for 3 days. Anxiety subscale from the 42-item depression, anxiety and stress scale was completed before and after the intervention for both groups. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods (Chi-square, paired and independent t-tests) in SPSS18. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention. However, after the intervention, mean score of anxiety were significantly lower in the experiment group than in the control group (P < 0.01). There was also a significant difference in the scores of the experiment group before and after the intervention (P < 0.01). Such a difference was absent in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our spiritual care program could successfully decrease anxiety levels in patients with leukemia. Therefore, in cases of refractory diseases such as cancer, nurses have to apply a holistic care approach with emphasis on spiritual care.

An investigation on occupational stress of the operating room staffs in hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and its association with some factors.

BACKGROUND: Stress is a nonspecific reaction to everything the body needs. Although occupational stress exists in every occupation, it is seen with more frequency and intensity amongst those occupations related to human health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the level of occupational stress in operating room staffs working in the hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and its association with some factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive co-relational study conducted in summer 2010. The population studied comprised 100 OP staffs working in hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected by a questionnaire including two sections of personal information and Toft-Anderson Standard occupational stress inventory. The first section contained 13 questions and the second included 34 questions on stressful factors, measured through Likert's scale in which the scores of 0-33 indicated mild stress, 34-66 indicated moderate stress, and 67-100 indicated acute stress. The data were analyzed through SPSS. The statistical tests of Pearson correlation, variance analysis, and independent t-test were employed to analyze the data (P < 0 0.05 was considered significant). RESULTS: Based on the findings, mean score of staffs' stress (out of 100) was 32.3 (12.9) and was in the range of 1-65. The highest frequencies were for mild stress (57.4%) and moderate stress (42.6). In addition, mean score of stress was not the same in different domains. There was a significant inverse association between the score of stress and monthly working hours (r = -0.21, P = 0.049). Mean score of stress was 28.1 (12.3) among those with average income and 33.8 (12.8) for the low-income subjects, showing a significant difference (P = 0.048). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The present study showed that most of the subjects suffer from mild stress. Since the highest level of stress was for work overload, it is suggested to reduce the staffs' work overload by employing capable and knowledgeable work force and enhancing their scientific and practical abilities.

Effects of a family support program on self-care behaviors in patients with congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is one of the chronic heart diseases and a debilitating condition of increased prevalence in the elderly. One of the important and non-pharmacological strategies for improving clinical outcomes in these patients is promotion of the self-care. Background and social environment in which a patient is trying to control his disease is an important factor in the self-care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of family support intervention on the self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted in university hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, in 2012. A total of 62 patients with heart failure were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 32) and control (n = 32) groups. Supportive intervention including three educational sessions with the delivery of educational booklet and follow-up by telephone was performed for caregivers of patients in the experimental group. Data were collected using the questionnaire of self-care behaviors, which was completed before and 1 month after the intervention in both the groups, and the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent and paired t-tests. RESULTS: The results indicate that after the intervention, self-care behavior scores in the experimental group and control group were 47.2 and 28.4, respectively, and independent t-test revealed that the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Family-focused supportive interventions can be used as an effective method for improving the self-care behaviors in patients with heart failure.