Psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF in an Iranian adult sample.

To evaluate discriminant validity, reliability, internal consistency, and dimensional structure of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) in a heterogeneous Iranian population. A clustered randomized sample of 2,956 healthy with 2,936 unhealthy rural and urban inhabitants aged 30 and above from two dissimilar Iranian provinces during 2006 completed the Persian version of the WHOQOL-BREF. We performed descriptive and analytical analysis including t-student, correlation matrix, Cronbach's Alpha, and factor analysis with principal components method and Varimax rotation with SPSS.15. The mean age of the participants was 42.2 +/- 12.1 years and the mean years of education was 9.3 +/- 3.8. The Iranian version of the WHOQOL-BREF domain scores demonstrated good internal consistency, criterion validity, and discriminant validity. The physical health domain contributed most in overall quality of life, while the environment domain made the least contribution. Factor analysis provided evidence for construct validity for four-factor model of the instrument. The scores of all domains discriminated between healthy persons and the patients. The WHOQOL-BREF has adequate psychometric properties and is, therefore, an adequate measure for assessing quality of life at the domain level in an adult Iranian population.

Early experiences of abuse and current depressive disorders in Iranian women

Early experience of abuse may be viewed as a risk factor for mental disorders in women later in life. This case-control study in Isfahan screened 709 women aged 20-45 years using the Beck Depression Inventory and structured clinical interviews for Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV criteria. Lifetime history of abuse was determined using a standard questionnaire. Among the women 35.1% had experienced fear of or actual abuse [physical, sexual or both] in childhood or adolescence. The risk of having major depression in adult life was significantly higher in women who experienced abuse in childhood and adolescence [OR 4.3], severe degrees of abuse [OR 3.9] or multiple forms of abuse [OR 3.8]

What are the predictors of work impairment in Iranian patients with depressive disorders?

The purpose of this study is to estimate the predictors of working ability in depressed patients. Two hundred and twenty-six patients with depression consecutively admitted on outpatient basis from March 2003 to May 2006 were classified into working and non working groups. Severity of depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory and their occupational adjustment 2 months prior to the last episode was determined by Occupational Adjustment Scale, a subscale of Social Adjustment Scale. The groups were almost similar in terms of age, sex, education, and marital status. There were significant differences between them in terms of family history of depression, episodes of depression, history of suicide attempts, duration of illness and severity of depression (P < 0.01). The working depressed group differed significantly from the impaired depressed group in terms of work experience, job turnover, and overall occupational adjustment (P < 0.01). History of suicide attempt, family history of depression, time lost, severity of depression, pre-morbid occupational adjustment, age, and illness duration emerged as the most important predictors, explaining 64% of the patients' working ability. Our observations are on line with robust literature across the globe. Nature of illness condition as well as societal attitude can explain the impairment condition in depressed patients. Presence of a comprehensive integrated approach to their treatment and rehabilitation is imperative.

Psychological profile of Iranian patients with low-back pain.

A hospital case-control study in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, compared the psychological features of 200 patients with low-back pain with 350 matched controls. The control group scored lower than patients in all dimensions of the Symptom Checklist-90 checklist. Female patients were more psychologically affected by low-back pain than males. In both groups, grudge, general complaints, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, somatization and phobia varied with level of education. Patients' levels of depression and anxiety were related to occupational background. Longer duration of illness was accompanied by higher levels of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviours and somatization.

Psychological profile of Iranian patients with low-back pain

A hospital case - control study in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, compared the features of 200 patients with low - back pain with 350 matched controls. The control group psychological scored lower than patients in all dimensions of the Symptom Checklist - 90 checklist. Female patients were more psychologically affected by low - back pain than males. In both groups, grudge, general complaints, anxiety, depression, obsessive - compulsive behaviours, somatization and phobia varied with level of education. Patients' levels of depression and anxiety were related to occupational background. Longer duration of illness was accompanied by higher levels of anxiety, depression, obsessive - compulsive behaviours and somatization

Job burnout in psychiatric and medical nurses in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran.

By means of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, we examined job burnout among randomly selected nurses working on psychiatric (55 nurses) and medical units (51 nurses) at 2 university hospitals in Isfahan during 2003. Psychiatric nurses experienced a greater degree of emotional exhaustion than the medical nurses (P < 0.05). Significant positive correlation was noted between age, years of experience and frequency of on-calls and emotional exhaustion for the psychiatric nurses. Frequency of on-calls was also significantly associated with a sense of non-accomplishment. Longer duration of service was accompanied by higher degree of emotional depersonalization for the medical nurses.

Job burnout in psychiatric and medical nurses in Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran

By means of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, we examined job burnout among randomly selected nurses working on psychiatric [55 nurses] and medical units [51 nurses] at 2 universities in Isfahan during 2003. Psychiatric nurses experienced a greater degree of emotional exhaustion hospitals than the medical nurses [P < 0.05]. Significant positive correlation was noted between age, years of experience and frequency of on- calls and emotional exhaustion for the psychiatric nurses. Frequency of on- calls was also significantly associated with a sense of non- accomplishment. Longer duration of service was accompanied by higher degree of emotional depersonalization for the medical nurses