Exploring the necessity of establishing a doctor of nursing practice program from experts' views: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Complex healthcare systems increasingly demand influential nurse leaders adept at managing changes in unstable environments. The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) prepares the nurses for the most advanced level of clinical practice. The aim of this study was to explore the necessity of establishing a DNP program in Iran from experts' views. METHODS: The study used a qualitative descriptive approach. The participants consisted of 13 faculty members and Ph.D. candidates selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through focus group and semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The content analysis led to the extraction of two main categories: "providing infrastructures" and "DNP as an opportunity to make positive outcomes." CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that it is not necessary to establish a DNP program for Iran's nursing education system. Supplying infrastructures is a crucial component to establishing a new program in Iran. Although DNP, as an opportunity to drive positive changes, is recommended, in the current situation, using alternative solutions may yield better outcomes than establishing a DNP program.

Factorial structure of the Persian version of Childbearing Questionnaire in first time engaged couples in Iran.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the factorial structure of a Childbearing Questionnaire (CBQ). Using confirmatory factor analysis, it examined modified eight-factor models on a sample of 448 couples. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.90 and 0.83 for positive and negative childbearing motivation, respectively, and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was in the range of 0.81-0.86, which indicated that the reliability of the questionnaire was high. The modified model was found to have 'adequate' fitness based on the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), but other indicators such as the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) did not show any 'acceptable' fitness. In the eight-factor model, three factors with low loading were removed to achieve adequate fitness. Also, 13 correlated error terms were added to the modified model. The confirmatory factor analysis of the modified model showed 'adequate' fitness (CFI = 0.91, TLI =0.9, RMSEA = 0.06 and Chi-square to a degree of freedom ratio (χ2/df) = 3.49). This study supported the use of CBQ as a valid and reliable instrument of childbearing in engaged couples. Impact statement Current research on the subject: Some studies have suggested that the construct validity, internal consistency and the test-retest reliability of a Childbearing Questionnaire (CBQ) are high. The contribution made by the results of this study: It determined the reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), the content validity and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis) of the Persian version of the Childbearing Questionnaire. The implications of findings for clinical practice and further research: This reliable and valid instrument can be used for measuring the factors affecting childbearing motivations among engaged couples.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) on symptoms of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) on anxiety and depression symptoms in postmenopausal women. This study was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, in which 60 eligible postmenopausal women were selected and then randomly assigned to fennel and placebo groups. Then, symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zung's Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Following the intervention, the score of HADS (depression and anxiety subgroups) and SDS did not show any significant decrease in the sample under study. However, the analysis of patients with depression or anxiety disorder showed a borderline or significant improvement. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the findings. Impact statement Current knowledge on the subject: Based on the results of in vivo and in vitro animal studies, fennel may have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties. The contribution made by this study: It appears that fennel is effective in menopausal women with depression and anxiety disorders. The implications of findings for clinical practice and future research: Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the actual effect of fennel in clinical setting.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of orally administered fennel on vaginal atrophy. Materials and methods In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 60 postmenopausal women living in Mashhad, Iran, were randomly divided into an oral fennel group (n = 30) and a placebo group (n = 30). The Maturation Vaginal Index and maturation values were measured once at baseline and again upon a three-month follow-up. Results The paired t-test showed statistically significant changes in the Maturation Vaginal Index (i.e. a decline in the parabasal cells and an increase in the intermediate and superficial cells) and maturation values in both the fennel and placebo groups at the end of the trial compared to at baseline. Nonetheless, no significant differences were observed in the percentages of the parabasal (P = 0.191), intermediate (P = 0.219) and superficial (P = 0.82) cells, which was also the case for the maturation values (P = 0.64). Conclusion Fennel had no significant positive effects on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Nonetheless, more studies are recommended to be conducted using higher doses of fennel and larger sample sizes so as to verify the results of this study.

Effect of collaborative testing on learning and retention of course content in nursing students.

INTRODUCTION: Collaborative testing is a learning strategy that provides students with the opportunity to learn and practice collaboration. This study aimed to determine the effect of collaborative testing on test performance and retention of course content in nursing students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 84 students enrolled in the course of Medical-Surgical 2 in Spring 2013 and Fall 2013 semesters. The control group consisting of 39 students participated in the first mid-term exam in an individual format. The intervention group, on the other hand, consisted of 45 students who took the test in a two-stage process. The first stage included an individual testing, while the second stage was a collaborative one given in groups of five individuals chosen randomly. Four weeks later, in order to investigate retention of the course content, both groups took part in the second mid-term exam held individually. RESULTS: The study findings showed significant difference between the mean scores in the intervention group in the Fall 2013 semester (p=0.001). Besides, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the tests mean scores (p=0.001). Moreover, retention of course content improved in the collaborative group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicated an increase in test performance and a long-term learning enhancement in collaborative testing compared with the traditional method. Collaborative testing, as an active learning technique and a valuable assessment method, can help nursing instructors provide the alumni with strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities at healthcare environments.

Reaction to and Coping With Domestic Violence by Iranian Women Victims: A Qualitative Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence is a continual stressor that motivates its victim to react. The way a woman deals with her husband's violence determine the consequence of the violent relationship. In the present study, a qualitative approach was employed to investigate women's reactions to and ways of coping with domestic violence. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2014 with 18 women who experienced domestic violence in an attempt to explain how women deal with domestic violence. After the interviews were transcribed word by word, they were explored in the form of meaningful units and encoded as subcategories and categories through inductive content analysis. The reliability and validity of the interviews were measured by an external supervisor. RESULTS: Two categories of reaction and coping were identified through content analysis: passive and non-normative measures and active measures. Passive and non-normative measures included the subcategories of harmful behaviors, retaliation, tolerance, and silence. Active measures included seeking help and advice, legal measures, leaving the spouse, positive and health promoting measures. CONCLUSION: In the present study, ways of coping with a husband's violence among women experiencing domestic violence were divided into two categories: passive and non-normative measures and active measures. These categories confirmed the models of coping with stress in previous studies. Adopting an appropriate approach to dealing with domestic violence is affected by a woman's capacity and beliefs, the dominant culture, intensity of the violence, available social and legal supports, and effectiveness of evaluation measures. To generalize service provision to victimized women, the type of coping and the reason for adopting the chosen approach need to be taken into account.