High School Students In Isfahan Research Articles

The effect of IMB model on CPR self-efficacy in high school students.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the health needs in school age using various new educational methods. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model on CPR self-efficacy in high school students. This was a semi-experimental study in which 56 high school students in Isfahan were randomly divided into two groups (28 students in each group): e-learning method and IMB model. The self-efficacy of high school students in CPR was evaluated using a CPR self-efficacy (18 items) before and two weeks after training in both groups. Data were analyzed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software using descriptive and analytical tests such as independent t-test and paired t-test. Independent t-test showed that there was no significant difference between the mean score of CPR self-efficacy in the two educational groups (P = 0.341). However, after intervention, there was a significant difference between the mean CPR self-efficacy scores between the two groups (P = 0.001). According to the findings of the present study, the use of educational method based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model has improved the self-efficacy of high school students.

The Effects of A Positive Educational Package based on the Teachings of Masnavi and Nezami’s Khamseh on the Spiritual Orientation and Interpersonal Forgiveness of Second-Grade High School Students in Isfahan

The Effects of A Positive Educational Package based on the Teachings of Masnavi and Nezami’s Khamseh on the Spiritual Orientation and Interpersonal Forgiveness of Second-Grade High School Students in Isfahan

Development of a Model of Academic Buoyancy based on with School Connection, Family’s Emotional Atmoshphere, Motivation, Self-efficacy and Academic Engagement of Students

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a model of academic buoyancy based on school connection, family emotional atmosphere, motivation, self-efficacy, and academic engagement of students.
 Methods: This research was of descriptive-correlational. The statistical population of the study included all first and second grade high school students in Isfahan in 2018-2019. From among them, a sample of 375 people were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling. The tools for data collection included the following questionnaires: Dehghanizadeh and Hosseini Chari Academic Buoyancy Scales (2013), Panaghi et. al School Connection Questionnaire (2011), Razavieh Vesamani Family Emotional Atmosphere (2000), Patrick, Hicks and Ryan (1997) Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, Reeve, Agentic Engagement Scale (2013), and The Harter Academic Motivation Scale (1981).
 Results: The results showed that at 95% confidence level, the direct effect of school connection on academic buoyancy was confirmed with an impact factor of 0.207. Also, academic engagement has an effect on academic buoyancy, with an impact factor of 0.356, and self-efficacy has an impact on academic buoyancy with an impact factor of 0.202.
 Conclusion: Findings showed that the indirect effect of school relationship on academic buoyancy mediating academic engagement is confirmed, so that the intensity of the indirect effect is equal to 0.206, the indirect effect of family emotional atmosphere on academic buoyancy mediated academic engagement was also confirmed, and that the indirect effect is equal to 0.055. Furthermore, the indirect effect of academic motivation on academic buoyancy is mediated by self-efficacy, the intensity of the indirect effect is equal to 0.084 (p <0.05).

The Lived Experience of Male Junior High School Students with an Emphasis on Providing a Curriculum Model

PurposeThe primary objective of this study was to analyze the lived experiences of male first grade high school students regarding sex education with an emphasis on providing a curriculum model.MethodologyThe method of the present study was qualitative-phenomenological and applied in terms of purpose. The statistical population of the study was the male high school students of Isfahan in the academic year of 2018-19, who were interviewed by semi-structured and in-depth interviews with 17 of them by purposeful sampling method until they reached theoretical saturation. Data analysis was performed at three levels of open, axial and selective coding. To validate the findings, the researcher and colleagues first reviewed the entire coding process and then provided it to 6 professors and experts. Satisfactory and approved.FindingsThe findings were classified into two main categories which are: “Objectives” and “Content”. Regarding the “Objectives” group, 4 main components (being familiar with the type of dressing and hijab, sexual recognition, responsibilities related to sexual functions, and prevention of sexual deviations) and 18 sub-components in terms of the content of the curriculum based on sexual education, 6 components (reproduction, sexual relationships, sexual maturity, sexual abuse, sexual health, and sexual information references) and 23 sub-components were obtained.ConclusionAccording to the present data, it may be stated that based on the studentschr('39') viewpoint, recognizing sexual issues is considered to be a need that should be adequately addressed and understood during the educational period at school.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and its Association with General Health Status among High School Students in Isfahan, Iran

Background: Internet has played an increasingly important role in people’s lives; however, there is a global concern that it may cause negative effects on health. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA), and its relationship with general health status among high school students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using a multistage proportionate sampling technique conducted among 10-15 year-old students in Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected from 721 students in 5 educational areas of Isfahan. A total of 721 students filled out a self-report questionnaire consisted of two parts; the first was Young Internet Addiction Test and the second was General Health Questionnaire (GHQ28). Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results: Of the 721 students, 52% (375 students) were male. The average age of students was 15.75±1.5 years old. The prevalence rate of Internet addiction among adolescents was 41.2% non-addicts, 53.7% exposed to IA, and 5.1% Internet addicts. Whereas there was a significant difference between boys and girls in IA (P=0.004). In this study, Internet addiction was found to have an independent relationship with parent education and household income but it had a significant negative relationship with the general health aspect including physical health (r=0.3, P<0.001), depression (r=0.4, P<0.001), sleep (r=0.4, P<0.001), and social function (r=0.25, P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results, the prevalence of Internet addiction was high among high school students and overuse of the Internet by students may cause depression, decreased mental health and academic performance. Therefore, education about the proper use of the Internet is necessary for high school students.

Application of Protection Motivation Theory to the Study of the Factors Related to Skin Cancer Preventive Behaviors in Students

Background: The identification of the factors related to adoption of skin cancer preventive behaviors in adolescents plays a significant role in the appropriate design and implementation of relevant educational approaches. Objectives: The aim of present study was toinvestigate the factors associated with skin cancer preventive behaviors in the male high school students of Isfahan, using the protection motivation theory (PMT). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 311 male high school students of Isfahan in 2018. A reliable questionnaire was used for data collection, whose validity and reliability had been confirmed before. The data were analyzed, using the SPSS software (version 20), Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression, one-way ANOVA, independent t test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated that the score of skin cancer preventive behaviors was inversely associated with response cost score (P < 0.001), while it was directly related to perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy, fear, and protection motivation (P < 0.001). The multiple linear regression model showed that among the constructs of the PMT, the scores for self-efficacy, response cost, and perceived susceptibility were significant predictors of skin cancer preventive behaviors, respectively, in order of importance. Conclusions: This study showed that the PMT constructs were associated with the skin cancer preventive behaviors, which could be promoted by designing and implementing educational studies based on the constructs.

The Prevalence of Obesity, Technological Device Usage, Physical Activity and their Relationship with Spirometry Indicators among Children in Isfahan City, Iran

Background: The decrease in physical activities following increased usage of computer and digital games has led to serious health consequences in children. This study investigates the prevalence of obesity, cellphone and computer usage and physical activity levels and their relationship with spirometry indicators in Iranian children. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study during 2013 to 2014 on high-school students in Isfahan, Iran. Sample size determined 1,690 students and sampling performed from 10 girls and 10 boy's high schools, based on multi-staged cluster randomized scheme. A research-made questionnaire was developed to complete by students interview and also contact with teachers and parents and measuring height and weight by researchers. If the asthma was probable (based symptoms and examined by physician) the spirometry was performed. Results: Overall 1,622 high-school students with the average age of 12.9 (+ 1.1) years were recruited. Prevalence of obesity and overweight were significantly higher in boys (P<0.05). The prevalence of obesity was 9.5% in boys and 5.3% in girls, and sever underweight was 4.2% and 2.5%, respectively. Cell phone, computer, and digital game usage were significantly higher for boys (P<0.05); while watching television (TV) was not (P=0.400). Of total, 423 students (26.1%) witch asthma was probable and the average of FVC and FEV1 was significantly higher in boys than girls (P=0.001). Conclusion:The overall prevalence of obesity in 12 to 14-year-old students was more than 7% and its prevalence was influenced by physical activity. Spirometry indicators were correlated with physical activity and lifestyle.

Survey on the Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis in Junior High School Students in Isfahan, Iran

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common form of nose inflammatory disease that occurs when the mucosal immune system overreacts to environmental allergens especially in the air. It’s absolutely clear that the prevalence of AR varies between different countries, and even between the various areas of a country. The purpose of present investigation is to determine the prevalence of AR, as most common allergic disorders, in the children of middle schools in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods This investigation performed from February 2016 to July 2016, thoroughly, 1191 Junior high school children aged 13-14 years old were screened in our study. Authenticated ISAAC questionnaire was interviewer-administered to gather data on parentally informed symptoms, clinician diagnoses and environmental exposures. Results: The students were averagely 13.57+ 0.5 years old; 779 (65.4%) of them had been suffering from AR and 696 (58.4%) of them had the symptoms of rhinitis over the preceding year. Symptoms of conjunctivitis such as Itch and watery eyes have been reported in 35.1% of cases. Among examined students, 644/1191 (54.1%) were females (P= 0.000). The relationship of allergic rhinitis and exposure to parental smoking, domestic and type of feeding in infancy were not significant (P= 0.655, 0.459, 0.946, respectively), but exposure to house planting was statistically significant (P=0.000). Daily activity was affected in 43(3.6%). Conclusion Prevalence of allergic rhinitis was considerably high in Junior high school students of Isfahan and frequently is undiagnosed. In addition the association of allergic with gender and keeping house plants was significant.

The effect of nutrition education course on awareness of obese and overweight female 1st-year High School students of Isfahan based on transtheoretical model of behavioral change.

BACKGROUND/AIM:Today, the problem of obesity is a chronic condition that affects all age groups in developed and developing countries. Since adolescence is a transitional period and behavioral patterns formed in this period affect people in their adult years, attention to obesity and extra weight in this age group is more important than other groups. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of nutrition education course on awareness of female 1st-year high school students of Isfahan based on transtheoretical model ( TTM) of behavioral change.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this semi-empirical study, 64 female 1st-year high school students with weight problem were selected using nonpercent stratified sampling and divided into two control and test groups. Data gathering was carried out using researcher-made nutrition awareness and stages of change questionnaire whose validity and reliability was confirmed. Participants in the test group participated in a 2-month education with sessions every 2 weeks and received one brochure and 3 educational massages each week. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test.RESULTS:The results showed that the average nutrition awareness score of students in test group was significantly higher than control group after intervention. Students in test group were also in higher stages of change compared to control group after intervention.CONCLUSION:The results show that TTM was effective in changing nutritional behavior in students.

The Relationship between Family Functioning and Academic Achievement in Female High School Students of Isfahan, Iran, in 2013-2014.

Background:Nowadays, the most important problem of the educational system is the vast spread of school failure. Therefore, detection of the factors leading to or preventing students' academic achievement is of utmost importance. Family function is considered to be a critical component of academic success. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family functioning and academic achievement in high school female students in Isfahan.Materials and Methods:This descriptive correlational study was conducted through random sampling among 237 female high school students in Isfahan during school year 2013-2014. Data were collected by participants' personal characteristics and Bloom family function questionnaires. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis) were adopted and computed using SPSS software.Results:The results showed a significant correlation between family function (except lack of independence) and students' academic achievement (p < 0.05). Further, among family function dimensions, expressiveness (β = 0.235, p < 0.001), family socialization (β = 0.219, p = 0.001), and cohesion (β = 0.211, p = 0.001) were more reliable predictors of academic achievement.Conclusions:The results of this study showed that students' academic achievement is highly correlated with the performance of their families. Therefore, to improve students' educational status in cultural and educational programs, which are specified for them, family function centered plans should be at the heart of attention.

Investigating the Factors Related to Substance Use in the Iranian High School Students Using the Positive Youth Development Model

Background: Drug abuse is a general health problem that threatens all groups in human societies. While youths are vulnerable to drug interests, the amplification of their powers along with creating all protective factors in their living environment is helpful in confronting this problem. This study has been performed with the aim of determining the factors related to the tendency towards drug abuse based on positive youth development model among high school students of Isfahan. Objective: This study has been performed with the aim of determining the factors related to the tendency towards drug abuse based on positive youth development model among high school students of Isfahan. Methods: This sectional study has been performed with the participation of 252 male and female high school second graders in Isfahan. The sampling method was a multi-stage cluster. The data-gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire in three parts whose validity and reliability were confirmed. The gathered data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software, Pearson correlation tests, and Regression analysis. Results: The mean and the standard deviation of the age of the participants were 15.82 ± 0.66. Among the structures of the model of positive youth development, those of social competence, emotional competence, social norms, and self-efficacy were predicted 30.8% of changing the tendency towards drug abuse, and the structure of the attitude toward drugs could predict 35% of behavior changes (R2 = 0.308, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this research shed light on the issue that the structures of social competence, emotional competence, prosocial norms, and self-efficacy along with attitude could be effective in decreasing the youths’ tendency to drug abuse, which must be considered in the intervention programs with regard to the importance of the issue in the adolescents’ lives.

Prediction of Cosmetic Surgery Tendency Based on Mindfulness, Personality Dimensions, Perfectionism and Mental Health Components

Background: In all ages, people capitalize on different aspects of their body. A number of studies have indicated the relationship between mindfulness and body image. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cosmetic surgery tendency and mindfulness, personality-dimensions, perfectionism and mental health among female high school students in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: The population consisted of all female high school students who were enrolled in Isfahan high schools in academic year of 2014 - 2015. Two hundred students were randomly selected from six educational districts in Isfahan city, Iran. Personality inventory (NEO-PI-R), multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire (Kims), multidimensional perfectionism scale (MPS) and general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to collect data. Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that the correlation between cosmetic surgery and mindfulness was -0.68. Also, correlation coefficients of cosmetic surgery and personality-dimensions, mental health and perfectionism were 0.62, 0.57 and 0.20, respectively (P < 0.01). All the predictive variables appropriately predicted the cosmetic surgery tendency variable and predicted 0.58 variance of cosmetic surgery tendency. Conclusions: According to these results, individuals who have depressive and perfectionism tendencies are not flexible in their thoughts and emotions, and cannot accept their body as it is, without judgment and with unconditional. Also, those who have closed personality with negative evaluations of their appearance are more likely to seek cosmetic surgery. Regarding the effectiveness of psychological factors in tendency towards the cosmetic surgery, it is better to refer patients to the psychological and mental health centers and take a test to determine whether the problem is mindfulness or other variables.

The Effectiveness of Assertiveness Training on the Levels of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression of High School Students.

Background:Adolescence is a transition period from childhood to early adulthood. Because of the immense pressure imposed on adolescents due to the complications and ambiguities of this transition, their level of excitement increases and sometimes it appears in the form of sensitivity and intense excitement.Objectives:This study aimed at determining the effectiveness of assertiveness training on the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression of high school students.Materials and Methods:This quasi-experimental study was conducted on high school students of Isfahan in academic year 2012 - 13. A total of 126 second grade high school students were collected according to simple random sampling method and divided into two groups: experimental with 63 participants and control with the same number. Data gathering instruments included a demographic questionnaire, Gambill-Richey assertiveness scale, and depression anxiety stress scales (DASS-21). Assertiveness training was carried out on the experimental group in 8 sessions; after 8 weeks, posttest was carried out on both groups. Statistical tests such as independent t test, repeated measures ANOVA, Chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney test were used to interpret and analyze the data.Results:The Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests did not show significant statistical differences between the two groups in terms of demographic variables (P ≥ 0.05). Repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant difference between the mean scores for assertiveness before (100.23 ± 7.37), immediately after (101.57 ± 16.06), and 2 months after (100.77 ± 12.50) the intervention in the control group. However, the same test found a significant difference between the mean score for assertiveness in the experimental group before (101.6 ± 9.1), immediately after (96.47 ± 10.84), and 2 months after (95.41 ± 8.37) implementing the training program (P = 0.002). The independent t test showed no significant difference in the mean score for anxiety and stress between two groups before the assertiveness training program; however, 2 months after the intervention, the mean score for anxiety in the experimental group was found significantly lower than the control group. As for the mean score for depression, the independent t test showed no significant difference between two groups before training; however, despite the decrease in the mean scores for depression in the experimental group following the intervention, the difference was not significant (P = 0.09).Conclusions:The results of the current study show that conducting assertive training in high school students decreases their anxiety, stress, and depression. Given that high school years are among the most sensitive stages of one’s life plus the fact that conducting such training programs besides their safe and low cost nature are effective and practical, it is highly recommended that such programs be carried out among high school adolescents.

Analyzing multiple relationships between psychological, social, and family factors and the academic success of female high school students in Isfahan

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between psychological factors (self-esteem, attachment styles, and body image), family factors (family relationships), social factors (teacher-student relationship), and the academic achievement of female high school students in Isfahan. Methods: The study was descriptive and correlational. For sampling, 210 female high school students from all female high schoolers in Isfahan with an average age of 16 were selected through cluster sampling. Research instruments were questionnaires of self-esteem, attachment style, body image, and family relationship and a researcher-made scale of the teacher-student relationship. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Analyzing the results of the study that was done through step-wise multiple regression analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between insecure maternal attachment style, body image, kinds of teacher-student relationships, and academic achievement; and from among these variables, body image had the ability of predicting academic achievement. Other predictor variables were not significantly related to academic achievement Therefore, it could be concluded that changes in insecure maternal attachment style, body image, and teacher-student relationships were associated with the changes of the academic achievement. Conclusion: There was not any significant relationship between self-esteem and the students' academic achievement. Insecure maternal attachment styles, from among different styles, had a negative significant relationship with academic achievement. It means that increasing insecure maternal attachment style causes decreasing the students' academic achievement. The negative and significant relationship between negative body image and academic achievement means that increasing the negative body image causes decreasing academic achievement. In this research, no significant relationship between family and academic achievement was observed. By taking different kinds of significant teacher-student relationships into consideration, changing teacher-students relationships in adolescence period is more important than other variables related to academic achievement.

Dysfunctional Metacognitive Beliefs in Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

The present study aims to examine the correlation of body dysmorphic disorder, with metacognitive subscales, metaworry and thought-fusion. The study was conducted in a correlation framework. Sample included 155 high school students in Isfahan, Iran in 2013-2014, gathered through convenience sampling. To gather data about BDD, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for BDD was applied. Then, Meta Cognitive Questionnaire, Metaworry Questionnaire, and Thought-Fusion Inventory were used to assess metacognitive subscales, metaworry and thought-fusion. Data obtained from this study were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regressions in SPSS 18. Result indicated YBOCS-BDD scores had a significant correlation with scores from MCQ (P<0.05), MWG (P<0.05), and TFI (P<0.05). Also, multiple regressions were run to predict YBOCS from TFI, MWQ, and MCQ-30. These variables significantly predicted YBOCS [F (3,151) =32.393, R2=0.57]. Findings indicated that body dysmorphic disorder was significantly related to metacognitive subscales, metaworry, and thought fusion in high school students in Isfahan, which is in line with previous studies. A deeper understanding of these processes can broaden theory and treatment of BDD, thereby improve the lives of sufferers and potentially protect others from developing this devastating disorder.

The Effectiveness of Narrative Therapy on the Decrease of Social Phobia in the Female High School Students: Isfahan

The present research aims at examining the effectiveness of narrative therapy on the decrease of social phobia in female high school students in Isfahan for the academic year 2013-14. This quasi- experimental study is of pretest posttest type along with an experimental group and a control group. All the high school students in Isfahan, academic year 2013-14, constituted the statistical population of which 30 students were selected by convenience sampling and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. Narrative therapy was done on the experimental group for 8 sessions. To collect the required data, social phobia inventory developed by Moshveri (2003) was used. Statistical data analysis was done by descriptive statistics including tables, histograms, percentage frequency distributions, mean estimation, and standard deviation and by inferential statistics, which on the basis of research hypotheses, included analysis of covariance. The results of analysis of covariance revealed that there is a meaningful difference between the experimental group and control group in the decrease of social phobia

The Relationship between Interactive Skills by Learning Meta-Cognition ( Self Directed Learning ) High School Students in Isfahan

The aim of present study was review relationship between interactive skills by learning meta-cognition of secondary students in Isfahan. Methodology of research in this study was descriptive and correlation. The statistical community this research all secondary students of Isfahan school year 2012- 2013 formed using a multistage random sampling method taking a sample n = 384 was chosen. Measurement tools used in this study consisted of a revised questionnaire of communication skills Gerag (2004) and its guide for learning questionnaire data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient of lift. The results showed a significant correlation between the interactive skills with Self Directed Learning. As well as between firmness, insight, understanding the message, set the emotions and listening with Self Directed learning there is a meaningful relationship. Based on these results can be expect that citing scores of interactive skills students ready to learn self-direction is ahead of projections.

The status of preventive behaviors in traffic accidents in junior high school students in Isfahan

Population growth and use of the car in daily life entails new incidents and accidents everyday. Adolescents' entering the new world of adults, their insufficient knowledge of rules, and high-risk behaviors expose them to more risks. Accordingly, a study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the status of preventive behaviors in traffic accidents in boy and girl junior high school students in Isfahan regarding vehicle use. A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 7000 junior high school boy and girl students from 20 towns in Isfahan Province using multi-stage cluster sampling method in 2009-2010. A researcher-made questionnaire was used as data collection tool, which evaluated students' practice and preventive behaviors with 21 questions, each examining students' practice in accidents and incidents that may occur in school and on the way to school. Data were analyzed with Epi 6 and SPSS software using t-test and Chi-square test. Girls comprised 49.9% of students and 50.1% were boys, 84% lived in urban areas and 15.5% in rural areas. The frequency of an accident location was school in 53.9% with 3739 cases and on the way to school in 10.6% with 732 cases. Mean practice score of preventive behaviors in traffic accidents involving cars, taxi, and school bus (72.6 ± 17.52 girls, 72.7 ± 18.31 boys, P = 0.88), motorbike (79.1 ± 14.048 girls, 74.1 ± 19.73 boys, P < 0.001), bicycle (71.4 ± 16.56 girls, 68.5 ± 14.69 boys, P = 0.152), bus and minibus (91.8 ± 13.16 girls, 87 ± 18.65 boys, P < 0.001), crossing the street (30.5 ± 26.67 girls, 32.7 ± 28.03 boys, P = 0.003), and skating (60.6 ± 29.103 girls, 61.2 ± 26.84 boys, P = 0.927). Results indicate that girls have better preventive practices than boys in use of motorbikes, buses, and minibuses. According to the results obtained, the majority of students walk to school and have the lowest practice score in this respect. It is recommended that as the first step, students be given necessary road traffic rules training, particularly how to cross the street.

The effect of multimedia-based materials on L2 grammar proficiency development of Iranian high school EFL learners

Along with development of information technology and its important applications in education, the field of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has developed significantly during the past decades. This study seeks to find the effectiveness of multimedia-based learning materials in improving L2 grammar proficiency of Iranian high school learners and also investigates the attitudes of the learners toward CALL. The sample consists of 116 female high school students in Isfahan. They were divided into three groups (two experimental groups and a control group). The first experimental group was instructed through multimedia-based materials, the second one via combined use of multimedia-based materials and the textbook, while the control group was taught conventionally by means of textbook. The results showed that the use of multimedia-based materials led to higher ability of the learners in English grammar and CALL could be used as an effective instructional method for improving L2 grammar proficiency of the learners. The results of the questionnaire, on the other hand, indicated positive inclination of the learners toward the use of CALL materials in language learning. The outcomes of this study can hopefully open a new way to help EFL learners to develop their L2 proficiency more effectively.

Determination of preventive behaviors for pandemic influenza A/H1N1 based on protection motivation theory among female high school students in Isfahan, Iran.

Introduction:Influenza A/H1N1 pandemic has recently threatened the health of world's population more than ever. Non-pharmaceutical measures are important to prevent the spread of influenza A/H1N1 and to prevent a pandemic. Effective influenza pandemic management requires understanding of the factors influencing preventive behavioral. This study reports on predictors of students’ preventive behaviors for pandemic influenza A/H1N1 using variables based on the protection motivation theory (PMT).Materials and Methods:In a cross-sectional study, multiple-stage randomized sampling was used to select 300 female students in Isfahan who completed a questionnaire in December 2009. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire based on PMT. The statistical analysis of the data included bivariate correlations, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and linear regression.Results:The mean age of participants was 15.62 (SE = 1.1) years old. Majority of participants were aware regarding pandemic influenza A/H1N1 (87.3%, 262 out of 300). Results showed that, protection motivation was highly significant relationship with preventive behavior and predicted 34% of its variance. We found all of the variables with the exception of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and response cost were related with protection motivation and explained 22% of its variance.Conclusion:Promotion of students’ self-efficacy, and intention to protect themselves from a health threat should be priorities of any programs aimed at promoting preventive behaviors among students. It is also concluded that the protection motivation theory may be used in developing countries, like Iran, as a framework for prevention interventions in an attempt to improve the preventive behaviors of students.