An evaluation of high-risk behaviors among female drug users based on Health Belief Model.

Objectives. Because of the physiological nature of the female reproductive system, women are susceptible to infectious diseases, especially STD and AIDS. Addiction and high-risk behaviors also grow danger of these diseases. The reason of this paper was to examine high-risk behaviors among female drug users based on the Health Belief Model. Methods. Participants of this study were 106 female drug users aged 18 years and older; by the undermost level of literacy skills and been involved in sexual relationships. They came to Drop-In-Centers (DIC) in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Data study was controlled by using a logistic reflux investigation and Pearson correlation analysis. Results. The conclusion showed that women's overall awareness was moderate. There were a considerable relationship among awareness and years old (p=0.006), awareness and education (p> 0.0001), and awareness and conjugal situation (p=0.062). Perceived sensitivity and severity were clearly compared by education level (p=0.007) and (p=0.014), respectively. Mean scores of perceived benefits and perceived severity of high-risk behaviors were estimated to be superior to other components. Conclusion. Awareness and perceived susceptibility must be raised regarding the educational schedule, which is according to the health belief model in the addiction field, to reduce perceived barriers to risky behavior prevention of women who use drugs.

Medication error reporting in Tehran: a survey.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate nurses' reporting of medication errors. BACKGROUND: Improvement in medication error reporting is one of the major challenges in today's health care environments. METHODS: This was a descriptive survey of nurses working in medical, surgery, orthopaedic, gynaecology and obstetric wards in hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences, using stratified multistage sampling. Data were collected between November 2008 and May 2009 using a researcher-designed questionnaire. Data were described and explored using Kruskal-Wallis, one-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney's test. RESULTS: The response rate was 93% (n = 286).The mean number of medication errors 'reported' per nurse during 3 months was 1.33 [standard deviation (SD) = 4.18, median = 0, interquartile range (IQR) = 0-0, range = 70-0]. The mean number of errors made was 19.5 (SD = 30.27, median = 10, IQR = 1-25, range = 181-0). None of the individual and organisational characteristics reported were significantly related to reporting of medication errors. Failure to record vital signs (e.g. pulse, blood pressure etc.) before and after administering certain medicines was the most frequently reported medication error. CONCLUSION: More errors were made than were reported and this requires further investigation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The reporting of medication errors is a problem in health care systems worldwide, including Iran. Considering the significant difference between the nurses' actual and reported medication errors, managers should monitor medication errors. Educational initiatives are needed to improve understanding of the importance of medication administration.