Birjand City Research Articles

Investigating the relationship between aging perception and self-efficacy in the older adults: a cross-sectional study in Eastern Iran

BackgroundWith the global increase in the older adults population, understanding factors that impact their quality of life is crucial. The perception of aging and self-efficacy are significant factors affecting older adults health outcomes. This descriptive cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between Aging Perception and self-efficacyamong older adults individuals in Birjand city, a demographic that is rapidly increasing but under-research.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to September 2023 on 400 older adults individuals in Birjand city. Participants were selected using a random sampling method from four regions, ensuring a representative sample. Data were collected through two main questionnaires: the Shortened Perceived Aging Questionnaire (SPAQ) and the General Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (GSE), both validated for the Persian-speaking population. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS SOFTWARE. ARMONK, NY: IBM CORP. version 26, employing nonparametric tests due to the non-normal distribution of data.ResultsThe study found a strong positive correlation between Aging Perception and self-efficacy (Spearman’s R = 0.79, p < 0.001), indicating that a more positive perception of aging is associated with higher self-efficacy. The analysis also revealed that men generally reported a more positive perception of aging and higher self-efficacy compared to women. However, underlying diseases and marital status did not significantly affect the Aging Perception or self-efficacy scores.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that enhancing self-efficacy among the older adults could improve their perception of aging, potentially leading to better health outcomes and quality of life. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions that consider cultural and gender-specific factors. Further research using longitudinal designs is recommended to explore the causality between Aging Perception and self-efficacy and to confirm these findings across different regions and cultural backgrounds in Iran.

Associations between Job Burnout, Lifestyle, and Moral Distress of Nurses in Birjand City

Associations between Job Burnout, Lifestyle, and Moral Distress of Nurses in Birjand City

Enhancing Patient Quality of Life Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Examination of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model

Background: Ischemic heart disease stands as the foremost cause of death among cardiovascular conditions. The most commonly employed revascularization method for treating ischemic heart disease is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). An improvement in the patient's quality of life frequently serves as the primary measure of PCI's success. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an educational program grounded in the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model on the quality of life of patients who have undergone PCI. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 84 patients selected from those referred to the Cardiovascular Clinic of Razi Hospital in Birjand city, located in eastern Khorasan. Participants were required to fill out a demographics form and the Short Form of the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SF-12). They were then divided into an intervention group (n = 42) and a control group (n = 42) through the use of the permuted block method. Those in the intervention group participated in a 6-week educational program (meeting once weekly) designed around the IMB model. The control group received the standard care available at the Cardiovascular Clinic. Both groups were asked to return to the Cardiology Clinic 6 weeks after the initial test to complete the SF-12 (posttest). All participants were surveyed again one month after the second questionnaire completion (follow-up). Results: The intervention group showed a significant increase in the mean score of physical health immediately and one month after the intervention, compared to the pretest scores (P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Furthermore, the mean posttest score for psychological health in the intervention group significantly improved compared to the pretest (P &lt; 0.001), and their follow-up score improved significantly compared to the posttest score (P = 0.02). There were no significant changes in the mean scores for physical and psychological health in the control group over time (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: This study indicates that the quality of life for patients post-PCI can be significantly improved through participation in an educational program based on the IMB model. This research provides a foundation for the development of interventions with more enduring effects on post-PCI patient outcomes.

Evaluation of people's satisfaction with botulinum toxin injection for facial rejuvenation based on age.

Botulinum toxin type A injections are widely used for facial rejuvenation; however, research on people's satisfaction based on age is limited. This study assessed patient satisfaction with botulinum toxin injections for forehead, glabella, and periorbital wrinkles in Birjand, Iran. The current study examined 150 people aged 18 to 70 who requested botulinum toxin type A injection in the forehead, glabellar, and periorbital area in 2022, who visited the plastic surgery clinic and the authors' offices in Birjand City. To check patients' satisfaction, Facial Lines Treatment Satisfaction (FTS) Questionnaire was used. One month after botulinum toxin type A injection, this questionnaire was completed by the clients. Also, the brand type of botulinum toxin, age, gender of the clients, frequency of visits, and complications were collected in the relevant checklist. The average age of participants was 38.8 ± 8.29 years with 73.3% being female. Masport botulinum toxin (MasoonDarou Pharmaceutical Company, I.R. Iran) was the most frequently used botulinum toxin brand at 66.7%. The average satisfaction score with the result of botulinum toxin injection in the forehead/glabella and periorbital area, in the age group under 30 years and 30-40 years, was significantly higher than in the age group over 50 years. The same indicators in the age group under 30 years old were significantly higher than in the 30-40 age group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, brand selection and the number of visits (first-time vs. second-time clients) demonstrated varied outcomes in satisfaction. There was a total of 62.7% side effects postinjection, with varying degrees of severity.

The State of Hope and Its Related Demographic Variables in the Elderly of Birjand City

Background: The global population is undergoing rapid aging, highlighting the importance of assessing the hope levels of the elderly to develop educational and welfare programs aimed at enhancing their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the state of hope and its associated factors among elderly individuals in Birjand city. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study included 441 elderly aged 60 and above from Birjand City, selected using a systematic stratified sampling method in 2018. Data were collected through interviews conducted by trained interviewers using the standard questionnaire “Schneider's Hope of the Elderly (SHS)." Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software, and statistical tests, including independent T-Test, ANOVA, and Tukey's post hoc test, were applied at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: The average age of the participants was 70.1 ± 7.3 years. The mean scores for hope, agentive thinking, and strategic thinking were 27 ± 3.3, 12.9 ± 2.1, and 14.1 ± 2.1, respectively. Men had significantly higher scores in agentive thinking (P &lt; 0.001) and the overall hope score (P &lt; 0.003) compared to women. Illiterate individuals had lower agentive thinking scores than other groups (P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, married individuals had significantly higher scores in agentive thinking, strategic thinking, and overall hope scores compared to other elderly individuals. Conversely, elderly individuals without children had lower scores in these areas compared to other groups (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the study's findings, it is essential to develop and implement educational and welfare interventions aimed at increasing hope among the elderly, particularly targeting women, single individuals, those who are lonely, and those with lower levels of education.

The Role of School Life Quality in Predicting Adolescents' Learned Helplessness with the Mediating Role of Assertiveness

Objective: The current study was conducted to determine the role of school life quality in predicting the learned helplessness of adolescent students with the mediating role of assertiveness. Methods and Materials: The research population consisted of all 8th-grade male students in Birjand city during the 2023-2024 academic year, totaling 2514 students. According to the Krejcie and Morgan table and using a multi-stage cluster sampling method, 335 students were selected as the sample. The data collection tools were the Williams and Button (1981) School Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Gambrill and Richie (1975) Assertiveness Scale, and the Quinless and Nelson (1988) Learned Helplessness Scale. Pearson correlation coefficient test and structural equation modeling approach were used for data analysis. SPSS -26 and Smart PLS-3 software were used for data analysis. Findings: All direct path coefficients relating school life quality to assertiveness were positive and significant with learned helplessness being negative and significant (p&lt;0.01). Moreover, the results showed that the model of the relationship between assertiveness and learned helplessness was negative and significant (p&lt;0.01). Finally, the bootstrap test results indicate that the indirect path coefficient between school life quality and learned helplessness through the mediating variable of assertiveness is significant at the alpha level of 0.01 (p&lt;0.01). In other words, the proposed research model has an acceptable fit at the 0.01 level of significance. The quality of school life, through the mediating variable of assertiveness, has the ability to indirectly predict the level of learned helplessness in adolescents, and improving the quality of school life, and consequently increasing the level of adolescent assertiveness, facilitates the reduction of their learned helplessness. Conclusion: Based on the research findings, it is possible to predict adolescents' learned helplessness through the variables of school life quality and assertiveness. Therefore, the results of the research provide a basis for conducting extensive studies aimed at improving the quality of life in schools and strengthening adolescents' assertiveness.

Investigating the Levels of Lymphocytes, White Blood Cells, and Platelets in Middle-Aged Active and Inactive Individuals Infected with COVID-19 Hospitalized at Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Birjand City

Investigating the Levels of Lymphocytes, White Blood Cells, and Platelets in Middle-Aged Active and Inactive Individuals Infected with COVID-19 Hospitalized at Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Birjand City

Factors affecting childbearing intention in women employees in Birjand: Application of the theory of planned behavior.

Childbearing is one of the most important determinants of population fluctuations. Identifying factors affecting childbearing is necessary for the proper implementation of population programs. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting childbearing intention among women employees in Birjand based on the theory of planned behavior. In this descriptive-correlational study, 405 women employees in the offices of Birjand city in 2022 were selected by stratified random sampling and completed a two-part questionnaire including demographic information and questions related to the theory of planned behavior. The data were analyzed using SPSS v19 and Pearson's correlation, logistic regression, independent t-test, and ANOVA. The mean age of the participants in the study was 37.82 ± 6.39 years and the mean number of current children was 1.77 ± 0.92. The mean score of childbearing intention was 8.80 ± 3.06, the attitude was 66.04 ± 11.50, the subjective norm was 27.03 ± 6.95, and perceived behavioral control was 32.90 ± 7.80. Also, there was a significant negative and direct relationship between all the constructs of the theory of planned behavior and childbearing intention (P < 0.01). The variables of age, the number of current children, and the ideal number of children were predictors of childbearing intention. According to the standardized beta coefficients, the strongest predictor of intention was the number of current children (β = -0.464). The findings showed that various demographic factors are efficient in childbearing intention. The findings of this study can provide a picture of the current situation of factors affecting childbearing intention in society and be used as a guide for policymakers in fertility planning.

Effectiveness of Motivational Psychotherapy on Depression in Adolescents

Background: The present study investigated the effects of motivational psychotherapy on depression in adolescents.&#x0D; Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The research population consisted of all female students of the second grade of high schools in Birjand city in the academic year of 2022 - 2023. Thirty participants were randomly selected and allocated to the experimental and control groups. The intervention was performed on the experimental group for 12 weeks, while no intervention was performed on the control group during this period. One week after the sessions, the posttest was performed on both groups. Beck Depression Inventory (1961) was used to collect data and covariance analysis to analyze them.&#x0D; Results: The mean age was 17.23 in the experimental group. The analysis of variance showed that motivational psychotherapy had a significant effect on reducing depression in teenagers.&#x0D; Conclusions: These results emphasize the importance and effectiveness of motivational psychotherapy and can open a new way for psychotherapists to conceptualize and treat psychological disorders.

The Effect of Motivational Psychotherapy on Academic Motivation in Students

Background: Motivational psychotherapy has been investigated for its effects in the treatment of various disorders.&#x0D; Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of motivational psychotherapy in enhancing educational motivation among students.&#x0D; Methods: This research employed a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design with a control group. The study population comprised all female second-grade high school students in Birjand City during the 2022-2023 academic year. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 30 participants, who were then randomly assigned to the experimental (15 participants) and control groups (15 participants). The Harter Educational Motivation Inventory (1981) was used to collect data.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the experimental group was 17.23 years. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that motivational psychotherapy had a significant impact on students’ educational motivation.&#x0D; Conclusions: These findings emphasize the significance and effectiveness of motivational psychotherapy, offering new avenues for psychotherapists in the conceptualization and treatment of psychological issues in students.

Low physical activity and depression are the prominent predictive factors for falling in older adults: the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS)

BackgroundFalling in the older adults has many irreparable consequences, including hospitalization to long-term care centers and loss of independence, depression and social isolation, financial burden, and death. The present study was conducted to estimate the incidence of falls and their associated factors among community-dwelling older adults.MethodsThis program is a population-based prospective cohort study (≥ 60 years) in Birjand City from 2019 to 2020. A total of 1418 participants were included in the study, and 1344 participants were analyzed according to the inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine risk factors were evaluated. Basic information included demographic information, lifestyle factors, general health and medical history, and mental and functional health.ResultThe incidence of falls among community-dwelling older adults in the previous approximately 24 months in the present study was 9.26% in women and 2.65% in men. In the multiple Cox proportional regression model based on fall risk factors, there was a strong significant relationship between male sex (HR = 0.37, CI = 0.21 to 0.64), being physically active (HR = 0.59, CI = 0.36 to 0.96), moderate-to-severe depression (HR = 2.97, CI = 1.47 to 6.01), severe depression (HR = 3.26, CI = 1.24 to 8.54), and high risk of falls according to the TUG test (HR = 1.73, CI = 1.10 to 2.72).ConclusionsInactivity and depression were recognized as important factors in falls in older adults. It is recommended for older adults to have an active lifestyle to prevent falls and to prioritize the diagnosis and treatment of depression in older adults. Women as a group at higher risk should be considered in prevention programs. In addition, the use of the TUG test to identify high-risk older adults should be considered.

A Comparative Study of the Impact of Education through the Infographic Method with the Multimedia Method in Increasing the Knowledge of Dentists and Dental Students in Birjand city Regarding the 2019 Coronavirus Disease

Introduction: Dentists are at the forefront of viral infections such as the new coronavirus. Considering the need for dentists to increase their knowledge about emerging diseases, this study compared the impact of education through the infographic with the multimedia in informing the dentists and dental students of Birjand City about the 2019 coronavirus disease.&#x0D; Methods: An interventional study was done in 2022 on 196 dentists and dental students in Birjand city, who were randomly divided into groups of education through infographic (n = 98) and education through multimedia (n = 98). The educational content was the same for the groups. A 40-point test was performed before and after the educational intervention, and the results were analyzed using chi-square and independent t-tests at a significance level of P &lt; 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The average pre-test scores in the infographic and multimedia groups were 28.69 ± 5.38 and 28.04 ± 6.47, respectively. There was no significant difference between the knowledge scores in the two groups before the intervention (P = 0.44). The average post-test scores in the multimedia and infographic groups were 38.83 ± 1.14 and 31.11 ± 3.19, respectively. The results of the statistical tests showed that there was a significant difference between the knowledge scores after the educational intervention (P = 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Multimedia education is more effective than infographics in improving the level of knowledge, so the establishment of this educational method by health policymakers is recommended as an effective educational method in the field of emerging diseases.

Effect of Online Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Intervention on Sleep Quality of Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can negatively impact the quality of life and lead to symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Internet-delivered interventions may reduce these symptoms in patients with limited access to face-to-face psychological treatments. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention on the sleep quality of women with breast cancer in Birjand City. Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 62 eligible women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Birjand were selected using convenience sampling. They were assigned to two groups, intervention, and control, each consisting of 31 individuals, using random allocation. In addition to standard treatments, the intervention group received online MBSR training consisting of four two-hour sessions over four consecutive weeks. The control group only received standard cancer treatments. The data collection tool included a demographic form and a standard Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire completed by individuals before, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 statistical software. The following tests were conducted at a significance level of P &lt; 0.05: Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Independent t, repeated-measures ANOVA, Bonferroni, Mann-Whitney U, and Friedman. Results: The mean sleep quality scores decreased immediately and 2 months after the intervention compared to before in the intervention group, while it increased in the control group (P &lt; 0.001). Also, the independent t-test showed that the mean sleep quality scores decreased in the intervention group from before to immediately after the intervention, as well as from before to 2 months later (P &gt; 0.001). In contrast, the control group patients experienced increased sleep quality scores (P &gt; 0.001). Conclusions: Mindfulness-based stress reduction significantly improved sleep quality in the intervention group, as demonstrated by decreased scores immediately and 2 months after the intervention. On the other hand, the control group experienced an increase in sleep quality scores. These findings highlight the effectiveness of MBSR in enhancing sleep outcomes.

Investigating the Spiritual Well-Being of Employee Nurses in the Hospitals of Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2022

Background: In recent decades, spiritual well-being has gained fundamental importance in many healthcare environments. Spiritual well-being is important information about healthcare needs, allowing people to deal with mental stress. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the spiritual well-being of nurses working in Birjand University of Medical Sciences hospitals in 2022. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 354 nurses working in the hospitals of the University of Medical Sciences in Birjand City in 2022 were selected by proportional stratified random sampling, and they completed the questionnaire related to demographic information and the standard questionnaire of spiritual well-being. Data were analyzed by SPSS v26 software and ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, Pearson correlation, and chi-square at 0.05 significant level. Results: The mean age of the nurses participating was 35.76 ± 7.29 years, and the mean total score of nurses' spiritual well-being was 180.55 ± 16.95. Most of the people in the field of communication with God (78.5%), self (58.8%), others (75.1%), and nature (78.5%), and the total score (52%) were in the medium level of spiritual well-being. There was a significant direct correlation between all dimensions of spiritual well-being (P &lt; 0.001). Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between the mean score of spiritual well-being and age, employment status, and workplace hospital (zage = 7.76; z employment = 18.95; z workplace = 18.62; P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Considering that the nurses were medium in terms of spirituality and spiritual well-being, it is suggested to hold educational workshops to improve the level of spiritual well-being of nurses.

The Mediating Role of Assertiveness in the Association between Family Communication Patterns and Relationships with the Opposite Sex among Adolescent Girls

Background: Considering the expansion of friendship between boys and girls during adolescence as abnormal behavior in our society and the important role of communication patterns in the family, it is important to investigate the effect of mediating variables on this social phenomenon.&#x0D; Objectives: The present research has investigated the model of communication with the opposite sex among teenage girls in Birjand city under the influence of communication patterns in the family and the mediating variable of assertiveness.&#x0D; Methods: This is a correlational study. The sample size was 360 female students of Birjand city. The sampling method was multi-stage cluster random sampling. The data collection tool was a set of questionnaires. We use correlational analysis methods and Structural Equation Model to interpret data.&#x0D; Results: The fitted model showed that family communication patterns have a significant effect on the relationship with the opposite sex through mediating variables.&#x0D; Conclusions: The communication pattern of dialogue alone does not play a role in the relationship with the opposite sex, but with increasing assertiveness; it decreases the relationship with the opposite sex.

Investigating the impact of demographic factors and working with computers on the hand grip and pinch strength of office workers

Introduction: In office tasks, pinch gripping of tools such as pen, paper, mouse, and keys are required during most working hours. This study aimed to determine the effect of demographic factors and working with a computer on office workers' hand grip and pinch strength.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, after recording the demographic characteristics, the hand grip and pinch strength of 174 employees of 20 offices of Birjand city with at least 3 hours of daily computer work was measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer and Saehan pinch gauge. The data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software version 16. In addition to descriptive statistics, ANOVA, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used.&#x0D; Results: The mean and standard deviation related to the age of the subjects were 37.5 ± 7.15 and 13 ± 7.35 years. The relationship between the hand grip and pinch strength with the variables of sex, height, weight, and Handedness (except the tip of the males) was significant (P&lt;0.05), but with the variables of BMI, work experience, and age (except palmar of the dominant hand) was not significant. Computer work duration significantly affected the dominant hand's grip strength and both hands' palmar and tip pinch (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study show the effect of computer work duration on reducing office workers' hand grip and pinch strength. Therefore, it is recommended to apply ergonomic principles to maintain hand grip and pinch strength of computer users.

Information needs, sources and seeking behaviour of physicians and residents during clinical decision-making and patient care process: A qualitative study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the information needs of physicians and residents during the clinical decision-making. The research has been performed with phenomenological approach and using semi-structured interview based on critical incident technique with 28 physicians and residents of the educational health care centers of Birjand city South Khorasan province, Iran. The results showed that the information needs of physicians and residents were mostly related to diseases, diagnosis, prescription, treatment, disease follow-up, learning and self-updating, education and research. The information sources utilized were categorized into three main themes of human sources, electronic sources and print sources. The barriers against their information seeking were personal, organizational, technological, skill related, nature of information seeking, and barriers related to information sources. The present study provides a clear picture of the information needs, the information resources and the barriers to finding information for physicians and residents, therefore, the results of the present study can help medical libraries to improve their collection of resources and services to support the information needs of physicians and residents. It also paves the way for designers of information systems in creating systems that suit the needs of physicians in every stage of clinical decision-making and helps libraries in solving the challenges of finding information for physicians.

Investigation and comparison of depression, anxiety, and stress among hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients during the covid-19 pandemic

Introduction: Due to the spread of COVID-19, hemodialysis patients experience substantial stress and anxiety regarding post-treatment care after hemodialysis and kidney transplants. This study aims comparison of depression, anxiety, and stress among hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Methods:The statistical population of this descriptive-cross-sectional study included 206 hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients in the special disease center of Birjand city. Eligible patients were selected in a targeted way in 2021 and 2022. The data collection tool included demographic information form and psychological distress questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the collected data using descriptive and inferential statistics. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered significant&#x0D; Results:The average scores of depression, anxiety and stress in the kidney transplant group were higher than the hemodialysis group (p&lt;0.001). Depression, anxiety and stress had no significant relationship with the variables of age, income, sex, marriage and place of residence (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The level of depression, anxiety and stress in the kidney transplant group was higher than that of the hemodialysis group, which can be attributed to the concern of the kidney transplant group about rejecting the transplant after contracting the corona virus, and measures are taken to increase the awareness of patients so that they can avoid contracting the disease. prevent illness and future problems

The Effectiveness of Spiritual Competence Training on the Psychological Well-being of Preschool Teachers

Background: Spiritual competence means understanding the difference between spirituality and religion; and between spirituality, religion, and culture.&#x0D; Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of spiritual competence training on the psychological well-being of preschool teachers.&#x0D; Methods: This is a quantitative, semi-experimental, pre-test-post-test study with a control group. The statistical population included all preschool teachers in Birjand city in the academic year 2019 - 2020. Using the purposeful sampling method and following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 40 participants were randomly selected and divided into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received the educational package of spiritual competence in 12 sessions, and the control group did not receive any intervention. In order to analyze the data, the analysis of variance test was used with repeated measures after observing the statistical assumption.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the participants was 37.38 ± 7.39 years. All of the participants were female (100%). The results of the present study showed that the educational package of spiritual competence was effective for the psychological well-being of preschool teachers. The results of the test of simple effects between groups in three stages of measurement showed that there is no significant difference between the two experimental and control groups in the pre-test. Post-test and follow-up, there is a significant difference between the two experimental and control groups, and the average of the experimental group is higher in the two stages of post-test and follow-up.&#x0D; Conclusions: According to the findings, it can be said that the educational package of spiritual competence evaluated in the present study can help in increasing the mental health and psychological well-being of preschool teachers.&#x0D;

Performance evaluation of a single-side windcatcher in the transitional seasons (case study: Khousf town, Southern Khorasan Province, Iran)

PurposeLife experience in hot and arid areas of Iran has proved that in the transitional seasons (spring and autumn) in which the climate is not too hot, passive cooling systems such as windcatchers (baadgir) have functioned well. This paper intends to investigate the efficiency of a single-side windcatcher as a passive cooling strategy; the case study is the Bina House windcatcher, located in Khousf town, near Birjand city, Iran.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the aim, air temperature, relative humidity, wind data and mean radiant temperature were measured by the related tools over five days from September 23 to October 23. Then, the thermal performance of the windcatcher was examined by analyzing the effects of all these factors on human thermal comfort. Quantitative assessment of the indoor environment was estimated using DesignBuilder and its computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool, a thermal comfort simulation method to compare the cooling potential of the windcatcher. Windcatcher performance was then compared with two other common cooling systems in the area: single-side window, and evaporative cooler.FindingsThe results showed that both windcatcher and evaporative cooler can provide thermal comfort for Khousf residents in the transitional seasons; but the difference is that an evaporative cooler needs to consume water and electricity power, while a windcatcher is a passive cooling system that uses clean energy of wind.Originality/valueThe present study, by quantitative study of single-side windcatchers in a desert region, measured the climatic factors of a historical house and compared it with thermal comfort criteria. Therefore, the results of field measurements were analyzed, and the efficiency of the windcatcher was compared with two other cooling systems, namely single-side ventilation and evaporative cooler, in the two seasons of summer and autumn (transition seasons).