Perceived Social Isolation Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Suffering From Disease-Induced Pain and Disability.

BACKGROUND: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) face a wide range of symptoms, including physical disability, imbalance, motor disorders, and acute and chronic pain. The psychosocial consequences of these symptoms may limit social well-being and quality of life in these patients. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess self-perceived social isolation among patients with MS and its relationship with pain intensity and disability status. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients with MS referred to neurology wards and clinics, the MS Association, and rehabilitation centers. Data collection tools used included a demographic information form, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Expanded Disability Status Scale, and Social Isolation Questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean scores of 4.66 (SD = 1.15) for disability and 4.18 (SD = 2.22) for pain intensity both indicated moderate levels of both. Of the sample, 21.5% (43 patients) reported no pain, 22.5% (n = 45) reported mild pain, 35% (n = 70) reported moderate pain, and 21% (n = 42) reported intense pain. The average social isolation score was 63.52 (SD = 3.32), which is higher than the theoretical average. Of the sample, 44.5% reported low social isolation, whereas 55.5% indicated high social isolation. Gender, duration of MS, economic status, disability status, and pain intensity were all found to be significantly associated with social isolation in patients with MS (all ps < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, comprehensive support plans are necessary to improve psychosocial well-being, social life, and quality of life in patients with MS.

The relationship between health literacy and the adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors: A cross-sectional study in Iran.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Health literacy (HL) is one of the effective factors in controlling the COVID-19 epidemic. Considering the high prevalence of COVID-19 disease, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between HL and the adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive-cross sectional study conducted on 214 students selected by simple random sampling method in Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2022. The data included demographic and background characteristics, health literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA), and a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure COVID-19 preventive behaviors. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23, descriptive statistics, and ordinal logistic regression tests. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of the scores of adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors and HL among students were 18.18) 4.02(out of 25 and 72.14) and 12.75 (out of 100, respectively. The results of the logistic regression test showed that the HL (P = 0.003), gender (P<0.001), mother's education (P = 0.039), educational level (P = 0.031), smoking (P = 0.032), and physical activity (P = 0.007) were effective factors in adopting preventive behaviors. CONCLUSION: Adopting preventive behaviors against COVID-19 was lower among students with lower levels of health literacy, male students, students with less physical activity, students with illiterate mothers, undergraduate students, and finally smokers. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to these students in designing educational programs. It is suggested to carry out more extensive studies to clarify the effect of HL on the adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors.

The effect of education based on health belief model on hand hygiene behavior in the staff of Tehran dentistry centers: A quasi-experimental intervention study.

Background and Aims: Considering the increasing prevalence of dental services in the community and the impossibility of identifying each infected patient, hand sanitation is the most critical factor in controlling infection in these centers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention on the hand health behavior of the staff of Tehran dentistry clinics based on the health belief model (HBM). Methods: In this quasi-experimental study in 2017, 128 employees of the health centers were selected through a multistage sampling method and they were placed in two groups of intervention and control (each 64 people). The data was collected using a questionnaire devised by the researcher. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined. The questionnaire consisted of demographics, knowledge, structures of the HBM, and behavior variables. Then, the intervention was administered based on HBM-based education. Data were analyzed by SPSS16 and independent t test, χ 2, and repeated measurement analysis of variance. Results: Before the intervention, the two intervention and control groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographic variables, mean scores of knowledge, constructs of HBM, and hand hygiene behavior (p > 0.05), while the intervention group was scored higher significantly compared to the control one after the intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the findings, the HBM can be used as a framework for designing educational interventions to improve hand hygiene behavior to control infection in health centers.

Relationship between health literacy skills and walking behavior to prevent osteoporosis among health volunteers.

Background: Considering the effect of exercise and health literacy in preventing osteoporosis, the effect of health literacy in adopting preventive behaviors, and the role of health volunteers in transferring health messages to the community, this study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy skills and adopting walking behavior to prevent osteoporosis in women health volunteers. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 290 health volunteers referring to Qazvin health centers in 2020 were selected through Multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using a health literacy questionnaire (HELIA) and a questionnaire for the adoption of walking behaviors for the prevention of osteoporosis, and they were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression in SPSS software version 23. Results: The adoption of walking behaviors to prevent osteoporosis was at an average level. Age (P = 0.034, OR = 1.098), decision-making and application of health information (P < 0.001, OR = 1.135), understanding (P = 0.031, OR = 1.054), and evaluation skills (P = 0.018, OR = 1.049) were factors affecting the adoption of this behavior so that by increasing one score to these variables, the chance of adopting the behavior increased 1.098, 1.135, 1.054 and 1.049 respectively. Also, the level of education was another effective variable in adopting this behavior, so having a favorable level of adoption of this behavior in health volunteers with a diploma degree (P = 0.017, OR = 0.736) and below diploma (P = 0.011, OR = 0.960), were 0.736 and 0.960 times of those with university degrees respectively. Conclusion: The adoption of walking behaviors to prevent osteoporosis among health volunteers - who have lower age, education, and decision-making skills and the use of health information, understanding, and evaluation - was less. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to them when designing educational health programs.

Investigating the structural validity and reliability of the sexual health literacy for adults (SHELA) questionnaire among a sample of women in Qazvin, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The correct measurement of sexual health literacy requires an instrument with desirable psychometric properties and fitness to the sociocultural context. Despite acceptable psychometric properties of the sexual health literacy for adults questionnaire in the mixed population of men and women, the validity and reliability of this questionnaire in the female population were not determined. Therefore, considering differences in the study population, this study aimed to determine the structural validity and reliability of the questionnaire among women. METHODS: The present study was a methodological and psychometric study of instruments conducted among 310 women referring to healthcare centers in Qazvin, Iran in 2020. Sampling was done using a one-step cluster method. We used Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient, and confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses to determine the reliability, convergence validity, and construct validity of the questionnaire respectively. Also, the Sexual Quality of Life-Female questionnaire (SQOL-F) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to evaluate the convergence validity. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20, and STATA 13. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors including, "reading and understanding", "evaluation and application of information", and "skills of access" which together accounted for 70.85% of the whole variance. Based on the results of confirmatory factor analysis, this questionnaire had overall goodness of fit too. (RMSEA = 0.071, CFI = 0.928, TLI = 0.919, SRMR = 0.041, X2/df = 2.501). Convergent validity of the questionnaire showed a correlation of 0.121-0.243 between the questionnaire's dimensions with the FSFI and the SQOL-F questionnaires respectively. Also, the results showed that the questionnaire had proper internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha was 0.981) for measuring sexual health literacy in women. CONCLUSIONS: The 39-item sexual health literacy assessment questionnaire consisting of 3 factors in the present study was endowed with sufficient validity and reliability, and it can be used for precisely assessing women's sexual health literacy.

The relationship between tooth decay with stress and BMI among elementary students in Iran.

Background: Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases among children worldwide. Stress and body mass index are also amongst the arguable risk factors which will affect people considerably. They include biological (hormones and blood sugar), socio-economic, and environmental factors and also lifestyle. In the present study, the relationship between tooth decay with stress and BMI in children was therefore investigated. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a descriptive-analytical type. A total of 350 students who were referred to the clinic of the faculty of dentistry at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences during 2021-2022 were selected through convenience sampling method to participate in the study. First, the students underwent a dental examination after being measured on their height and weight. Then, two questionnaires; namely, demographic information and Children's Stress Symptom Scale (CSSS) of Scherer and Ryan-Wenger were completed by the children's parents through self-reporting. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 and then descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied. Results: The mean BMI of the participating students was in the normal range. The prevalence of tooth decay among participants was 76.9% (269 people). The mean and standard deviation of stress scores was 6.85 ± 4.01 out of 26, which was at a low level. Also, the mean and standard deviation of the BMI were 22.78 ± 5.28, which was within the normal range. The results of the logistic regression showed that the variables of "father's level of education," "family's economic status," "the experience of the toothache during the past year," "the oral health status," "the frequency of tooth brushing," "flossing," "stress," and "BMI" were influential factors in tooth decay (P <0.05). Conclusion: Students who had improper BMI, more stress, less educated fathers, families with poor economic status, the experience of toothache within the past year, poor oral health status, and those who used toothbrushes and floss to a minimal degree suffered more tooth decay. Therefore, it is necessary that we pay more attention to these students in designing and implementing educational programs to prevent tooth decay.

Measuring the Structures of the Health Belief Model Integrated with Health Literacy in Predicting University Students' Adoption of Smoking Preventive Behaviors.

Objectives: One of the priorities of public health in reducing smoking is to prevent young people from becoming smokers. Health literacy (HL), smoking, and preventive behaviors are related. Moreover, HL has a potential impact on strengthening the Health Belief Model (HBM). Considering the high prevalence of smoking among university students, the current study was conducted to measure the structures of the HBM integrated with HL in predicting university students' adoption of smoking preventive behaviors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Three hundred and forty dormitory students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Teheran, Iran) in 2016, were selected through single-stage cluster sampling for the study. The data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the HBM and the HL inventory for adults (HELIA). The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version.16. Results: The multiple regression analysis showed that the application of health information from five dimensions of HL, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and decision-making dimensions were the predictors of smoking prevention. Also, the structures of this integrated model were able to anticipate 36.5% of the behavioral changes. Conclusion: The HBM integrated with HL can be used as an appropriate framework for designing educational programs to encourage university students to adopt smoking preventive behaviors.

Studying the factors associated with Premenstrual syndrome prevention among pre-university students in Tehran.

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome is one of the common menstrual disorders in adolescents. Considering the destructive effects of this syndrome on adolescents' activity and performance and the importance of epidemiological studies in designing preventive interventions. Aim: This study aimed to determine some of the factors associated with the prevention of premenstrual syndrome among adolescents. Settings and Design: In a cross-sectional study, 255 female high school students in Tehran were selected using multistage random sampling method. Methods and Material: The data were collected using a demographic and background questionnaire and a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess preventive behaviors of premenstrual syndrome. Statistical analysis used: The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: The mean (SD) score of adoption of preventive behaviors of premenstrual syndrome was 19.25 (0.63) out of 50, and it was low. Also, weekly physical activity, mother education level, and family income were the factors affecting the adoption of preventive behaviors of premenstrual syndrome (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Due to the low adoption of preventive behaviors among students with lower income families, students with less physical activity and students with mothers with lower levels of education, it is suggested that more attention be paid to the above students in designing educational programs to promote the prevention of premenstrual syndrome.

The association between sexual health literacy and sexual function of women in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of sexual health literacy in promoting individual sexual health and ultimately improving family and social health as well as the effect of health literacy on sexual function, this study was designed and conducted to determine the association between sexual health literacy and sexual function among women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 420 women referring to health centers were entered into the study using one-stage cluster sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, Iranian Adult Sexual Health Literacy Assessment Questionnaire, and the Persian version of the Female Sexual Function Assessment Questionnaire (FSFI). Data were collected and entered into SPSS 22 and logistic regression. RESULTS: The results of the logistic regression test showed that the variable of sexual health literacy was effective on women's sexual function (P = 0.021) so that the chances of having a desirable sexual function in women with excellent were 4.222 times more than women with inadequate health literacy; the variables of employment status, level of education, duration of marital life, and the number of sexual intercourses per recent week were the factors affecting women's sexual function (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study pointed out the existence of an undesirable level of sexual function and a desirable level of sexual health literacy among participating women. Hence, designing and implementing the training plans to promote sexual function among these women is necessary.

The effect of women's sexual functioning on quality of their sexual life.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction among women and the role of quality of sexual life in women's life and health, in addition to the important role of sexual function evaluation in measuring quality of life, this study aimed to determine the effect of female sexual function on the quality of sexual life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research was a descriptive and cross-sectional. The population of this study was 420 women from Qazvin in 2020, who were selected by multi-stage sampling. The data collection tool was a demographic questionnaire and Persian version of the Female Sexual Function Assessment questionnaire (FSFI) and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQOL-F). Data were analyzed using SPSS 23, and descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied. RESULTS: The mean (SD) of sexual function score was 21.56 (4.83) out of 36, therefore, it was at an unfavorable level. Also, the mean (SD) score of sexual quality of life 59.71 (19.21) was out of 108 (moderate). The results of logistic regression test showed that the variables of sexual function, age and level of education of women were the factors affecting the quality of women's sexual life (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Young women with lower sexual function, and lower level of education had lower quality of sexual life. Hence, it is necessary to pay more attention to these women in designing educational programs for improving the quality of their sexual life.

The effect of sexual health literacy on the sexual life quality of women referring to healthcare centers in Qazvin, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Considering the role of sexual quality of life in public satisfaction, improving interpersonal relationships, promoting the general quality of life, especially in women, and ultimately maintaining, consolidating, and promoting family and community health, the need to explain the factors affecting it, such as sexual health literacy, is felt from the perspective of women. This study aimed to determine the relationship of sexual health literacy on the sexual life quality of women referring to health-care centers in Qazvin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The population of this study was 420 women of Qazvin in 2020 who were selected by multistage sampling. The data collection tool was a demographic questionnaire and the standard questionnaire sexual health literacy for adults and Sexual Quality of Life-Female questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 and descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) of the sexual health literacy score was 78.47 (17.85) and sexual quality of life was 59.71 (19.21). The results of logistic regression test showed that the variables of sexual health literacy, education level, age of marriage, and number of sexual intercourses per week were effective factors on the sexual quality of life (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Women with lower sexual health literacy, lower education level, higher marriage age, and women who had sex less per week had a lower sexual quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to these women in designing educational programs to improve the quality of sexual life.

Promoting the adoption of behaviors to prevent osteoporosis using the health belief model integrated with health literacy: quasi-experimental intervention study.

BACKGROUND: The health belief model (HBM) is effective in preventing osteoporosis and promoting health literacy (HL). In this regard, there are some critical points such as the role of HL in preventing osteoporosis, adoption of preventive behaviors, adoption of behaviors, including physical activity, and the role of health volunteers in transmitting health messages to the community. Considering the aforesaid points this study was performed among the health volunteers aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention based on integrated HBM with HL on walking and nutrition behaviors to prevent osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quasi-experimental intervention study, 140 health volunteers (70 people in each of the two intervention and control groups) were enrolled in the study using multi-stage random sampling, in 2020. The members of the intervention group received e-learning through social media software, 4 times during 4 weeks (once a week) and were provided with educational booklets and pamphlets. Data collection tools included demographic and background questionnaires; standard questionnaire based on the HBM, awareness, and walking and nutrition behaviors to prevent osteoporosis; and HELIA questionnaire to measure HL. These questionnaires were completed in two stages, before and 3 months after the intervention. The educational intervention in this study was sent to the intervention group in 4 stages. The collected data were analyzed using proportional tests (paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test) and SPSS software version 23. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation related to the score of adoption of nutrition behaviors at the beginning of the study in the intervention group was 5.398 ± 1.447, which changed to 8.446 ± 1.244 after 3 months, indicating a significant increase in the adoption of such behaviors (P = 0.009). In the control group, the mean and standard deviation of the scores of adoption of nutrition behaviors changed from 5.451 ± 1.222 to 6.003 ± 1.005, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.351). Also, the mean and standard deviation related to the scores of adoption of walking behavior at the beginning of the study in the intervention group was 8.956 ± 0.261, which changed to 13.457 ± 0.587 after 3 months, indicating a significant increase in the adoption of such behaviors (P < 0.001). In the control group, the mean and standard deviation related to the scores of the adoption of walking behavior changed from 8.848 ± 0.353 to 9.025 ± 0.545, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.211). Prior to the intervention, there was no significant difference between two groups regarding the variables of demographic and background, knowledge, all constructs of the model, HL, and adoption of walking and nutrition behaviors (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the comparison of the two groups showed that there was a significant change in the mean scores of awareness, all constructs of the model, HL, and adoption of preventive behaviors in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The educational intervention based on an HBM integrated with HL was effective and acceptable in correcting and promoting walking and nutrition behaviors to prevent osteoporosis among health volunteers. Therefore, it can be said that the intervention implemented was in line with the developed model used.

The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Health Literacy and the Adoption of Nutritional Preventive Behaviors Related to Osteoporosis Among Iranian Health Volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: Given the increase in osteoporosis among health volunteers and the effect of health literacy on the adoption of nutritional preventive behaviors, this study aimed to determine the effects of an educational intervention on health literacy and the adoption of nutritional preventive behaviors related to osteoporosis among health volunteers. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental, interventional study of health volunteers conducted in 2020. In this study, 140 subjects (70 in both intervention and control groups) were selected using the random multi-stage sampling method. An educational intervention was conducted using the Telegram application, and educational messages were sent to the health volunteers in the intervention group across 6 sessions. Data were collected via a demographic questionnaire, the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults survey, and a nutritional performance questionnaire, which were completed before and 3 months after the intervention. The data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in the mean scores for health literacy variables and the adoption of nutritional preventive behaviors between the intervention and control groups (p>0.05). After the intervention, there was a significant change in the mean scores for health literacy and the adoption of preventive behaviors in the intervention group (p<0.05) as opposed to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions aimed at increasing health literacy are effective for promoting the adoption of preventive and healthy nutritional behaviors related to osteoporosis.

The Relationship between Different Levels of Health Literacy and Smoking Prevention Among Medical Sciences Student.

BACKGROUND: Higher rates of Smoking among university students have been reported in various studies. On the other hand, health literacy (HL) can improve health behaviors. In fact, identifying factors affecting the adoption of smoking preventive behaviors such as HL can help prevent and reduce the prevalence of smoking among people. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between different levels of HL and adoption of smoking preventive behaviors among university student in 2016. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Three hundred and forty-seven dormitory students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran were selected through single-stage cluster sampling for the study. Data were collected using a measure of HL (the HL inventory for adults-HELIA) and a designed questionnaire to assess the adoption of smoking preventive behaviors. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version. 16 and descriptive statistical and Logistic regression test. RESULTS: The mean (SD) of the score for adoption of smoking preventive behaviors and HL were 45.91 (12.99) and 70.52 (14.12) out of 100, respectively. The results showed that the adoption of smoking preventive behaviors had significant relationship with variables such as HL, gender, father's education and not smoking (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Less adoption of smoking preventive behaviors was seen in students with lower levels of HL, female students, students with illiterate fathers and smokers. Therefore, it seems essential to take these factors into consideration in designing preventive programs for smoking in target groups.

Factors related to students' satisfaction with holding e-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic based on the dimensions of e-learning.

BACKGROUND: E-learners' satisfaction has a significant impact on the success of the e-learning process and leads to improving the quality of the e-learning system. Many factors affect e-learning satisfaction. This study aimed to determine the factors related to students' satisfaction with e-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic based on the dimensions of e-learning. METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 2020 among students studying in different fields of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences using stratified random sampling. To collect data three parts of questionnaires were used included the demographic information, the measuring the effectiveness of e-learning, and measuring the level of satisfaction with holding e-learning during the Covid-19 period. Data were entered into spss23 and analyzed by descriptive method, chi-square, and t-test. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean (standard deviation) score of satisfaction with e-learning in the students was 20.75 (2.13) and 59 % of them had undesirable satisfaction. There was a significant relationship between satisfaction with e-learning and variables of gender and history of attending online classes before Covid-19. Regarding the four aspects of e-learning, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of students with desirable satisfaction and undesirable satisfaction. The results revealed that the mean scores of dimensions of teaching and learning; feedback and evaluation; flexibility and appropriateness; and workload among students with desirable satisfaction were higher than students with undesirable satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Considering the results, efforts should be made to improve the quality of e-learning and the factors affecting it, because due to the prevalence of Covid-19, distance education may be held for a long time. Lack of attention to these cases can reduce the quality of education and students' level of knowledge.

Challenges in the clinical education environment during the outbreak of COVID-19: Development and psychometric testing.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic poses unique physical and emotional challenges in providing clinical education. Failure to identify the challenges and problems that students face in the clinical learning environment hinders their effective learning and growth. Consequently, the progress of their skills is affected. The aim of this study was to develop a challenge in the clinical education environment of medical students during the outbreak of COVID-19 questionnaire and to test its psychometric properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is part of a larger study that was conducted using a combined consecutive method in Qazvin. In the first stage, a phenomenological study was performed with van Manen's method by interviewing 12 students at Qazvin University. To extract the items of the tool in the second stage, the concept was defined. Ultimately, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated with face validity, content validity (quantitative and qualitative), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient). RESULTS: The initial tool had 70 questions. After validation, 53 items remained in the final questionnaire. Four extracted dimensions were as follows: "Inadequate professional competency," "Inefficient clinical planning" and "outcomes of learning-teaching activities," and "the challenges related to the stigma of medical staff." Cronbach's alpha for the whole questionnaire was 0.98 (range: 0.87-0.98). The test-retest (intraclass correlation coefficient) reliability was 0.98 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the obtained results, if the items of "Inadequate professional competency," "Inefficient clinical planning" and "outcomes of learning-teaching activities," and "the challenges related to the stigma of medical staff," the challenges of students' clinical education can be reduced during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Association between health literacy and adopting preventive behaviors of breast cancer in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Health literacy plays an important role in adopting preventive behaviors. Considering the relatively high prevalence of breast cancer in women, this study aimed to assess the association between health literacy and adopting the preventive behavior of breast cancer in Iran. METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, in which 375 female students at Imam Khomeini International University in Qazvin in the academic year of 2018-2019 were selected through a stratified random sampling method. Demographic and background questionnaire, the standard questionnaire of Health Literacy for Iranian Adults in addition to another questionnaire for measuring breast cancer preventive behaviors, were used for collecting data. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean of the breast cancer preventive behaviors and health literacy were 8.92 ± 1.82 out of 16 and 70.80 ± 12.49 out of 100. Regression results showed that there was a statistically significant association between the adoption of breast cancer preventive behaviors and physical activity (P < 0.001) and health literacy (P < 0.018). Accordingly, the chance for adopting the preventive behaviors in good level among students with rare and without physical activity was 0.105 and 0.100 times, respectively, more than students who had been doing physical activity on a daily basis. Moreover, the same chance among students with adequate and very adequate health literacy was 1.802 and 2.169 times more than students with inadequate health literacy. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that students with lower levels of health literacy and less physical activity had shown less tendency to adopt preventive behaviors of breast cancer. Therefore, special attention should be paid to health literacy (HL), particularly physical activity, application of health information, and assessment in students when designing educational programs to prevent breast cancer.

Effect of health literacy among students on the adoption of osteoporosis-preventive behaviors in Iran.

BACKGROUND: In chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, understanding the factors that improve prevention, such as health literacy (HL), is essential in reducing the incidence of these diseases. This study aimed to determine the association between HL and adoption of osteoporosis-preventive behaviors among students in Qazvin. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in which 375 female students (aged 15-18 years) at high schools (grades 10th, 11th, and 12th) in Qazvin city were selected, in 2019. Sampling method was multistage. To collect data, the standardized questionnaire for measuring HL in adolescents (health literacy measure in adolescents), in addition to another questionnaire for assessing osteoporosis-preventive behaviors, was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 by descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The association considered significant when P < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean scores of adoption of osteoporosis-preventive behaviors and HL were 22.43 ± 5.60 and 70.84 ± 12.58, respectively. Logistic regression showed that there was a significant association between the adoption of osteoporosis-preventive behaviors and HL (P = 0.001). In addition, the association between the adoption of osteoporosis-preventive behaviors and age was also significant (P = 0.048 and odds ratio = 3.35). CONCLUSIONS: Young students and those of low HL showed less adoption of osteoporosis-preventive behaviors. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to design educational programs that may raise the knowledge and awareness of those students about such these diseases, mainly prevention.

Prevalence of Substance Abuse Among Dormitory Students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a risky period with high tendency towards drug abuse. Addressing the problem of drug abuse among students is essential. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out in 2013 with the purpose of investigating the prevalence of substance abuse among dormitory students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this descriptive analytical study, which was carried out in 2013, a total of 604 students living at dormitories of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were selected by random sampling method. A questionnaire designed by the researcher was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. RESULTS: The prevalence of substance abuse among the students was 15.4%. With respect to the types of the drug used by students, the highest frequencies belonged to smoking 4.47% and hookah with 42.9%. Forty-eight percent of the students, who used drugs, started it for the first time when they were 18 years old or younger. About 58% of students used drugs for the first time in dormitories and parks. Students' meetings and parties with friends were frequent occasions for substance abuse (47.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Students are considered one of the most vulnerable groups of society. The students living in dormitories are more vulnerable to drug abuse due to the lack of parental supervision and the impact of peer pressure. Therefore, localization of acceptance at Universities in order to prevent cultural mixing of students and education programs for teaching life skills to students efficiently reduce their substance abuse.