Iranian Context Research Articles

An insight for Fracture Liaison Service implementation: a qualitative study from a developing country.

Osteoporosis often goes undetected until the first fracture, significantly increasing the risk of subsequent fractures. The Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) model aims to prevent secondary fractures and improve osteoporosis management. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of FLS implementation in Iran, applying the essential elements outlined in the FLS framework. This qualitative study used framework analysis to explore key components of the FLS framework from the perspectives of Iranian experts. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted over a 3-month period. Collaborative scenario synthesis was employed to accurately reflect the complexities of FLS operations. A total of 13 participants with an average practical experience of 3.2years contributed to the study. The results covered the people involved, needed information, locations, timeframes, and operational details of FLS stages, as well as quality improvement. The study confirmed the FLS framework's applicability in describing an implemented FLS and highlighted areas for improvement, such as coordinator training, role clarification, and data management issues. Given the scarcity of comprehensive studies on FLS within Iran's context and the recent growth and expansion of FLS initiatives in the country, this study offers insights into FLS implementation from the perspective of experts, serving as a guiding resource for future initiatives in this domain. Future research may benefit from developing tailored questionnaires based on the FLS framework to gather insights from a larger population for a better assessment. Key points • Iran lacks specialized training programs for FLS coordinators. Developing these programs is crucial, particularly for healthcare professionals from non-nursing specialties. • There is a lack of clarity regarding the timeline for each stage of the FLS process. A context-specific timeline is needed to optimize service implementation and workflow. • There are inaccuracies in coding patient information that pose significant challenges, potentially undermining hospital statistics and the quality of FLS data.

Unleashing the potential of lesson study in EFL teacher professional development: exploring perspectives and prospects in the Iranian context

ABSTRACT This study examines the perspectives of Iranian EFL teachers regarding the effectiveness of lesson study in improving teaching practices and student achievement. Using a mix-method approach, A validated questionnaire was used to collect participants’ views on the effects, benefits, weaknesses, and future prospects of lesson study. The quantitative and qualitative findings reveal that while many participants believe that lesson study facilitates the development of deep, trusting relationships among teachers and strengthens their sense of collegiality, lesson study also influences their discussions about teaching and learning and transforms their attitudes towards student and peer interactions within the classroom. However, the study identifies a concerning trend where lesson study is perceived as a ‘luxury’, time-consuming, and lacking significance in terms of quality. This suggests a need for addressing these challenges to ensure the continued implementation and sustainable impact of lesson study in EFL teacher professional development in the Iranian context. Overall, this study sheds light on the complex dynamics surrounding lesson study in the Iranian EFL context and provides valuable insights for educational policymakers and practitioners seeking to harness the full potential of this professional development approach.

The Persian version of the fear of pain questionnaire mong Iranian post-surgery patients: a translation and psychometrics

IntroductionThe Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FOPQ) is a self-report tool designed to measure an individual’s fear of pain (FOP). While the Persian version of the FOPQ (FOPQ-P) has been developed, its validity and reliability have not yet been assessed in the Iranian context. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FOPQ-P among Iranian patients after surgery.MethodsA methodological study was conducted in 2023 involving 400 post-surgery patients selected with a convenience sampling. The FOPQ was translated into Persian, and its psychometric properties were analyzed using network analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), as well as assessments of convergent and discriminant validity. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s Omega, average inter-item correlation coefficient, Composite Reliability, and Maximal Reliability.ResultsThe EFA results with Promax and Kaiser Normalization rotation identified two factors that explained 54.32% of the variance, comprising seven items. The CFA confirmed the model’s validity. Both convergent and discriminant validity were established. The reliability analyses showed that Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, composite reliability, and MaxR for all constructs were above 0.7. Additionally, the average inter-item correlation coefficient was greater than 0.5, indicating strong internal consistency and construct reliability.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the FOPQ-P possesses a valid structure and was acceptable reliability in patients cultural context of Iran post-surgery, making it a suitable instrument for measuring fear of pain in this population.

Development and psychometric validation of an age-friendly health system assessment tool in the Iranian context

Evaluating health system interventions for elderly care necessitates a context-specific, credible and dependable instrument. This research was dedicated to creating and validating a tool to assess the health system’s age-friendliness. The study unfolded in two pivotal stages: the generation of items utilizing a hybrid model and the psychometric appraisal of the tool, encompassing both validity and reliability assessments. From an initial pool of 522 items derived from a systematic scoping review and qualitative analysis, a concise assessment tool emerged, featuring 52 items across 6 domains: governance, information, resources, service delivery, community engagement and outcomes. The 52-item tool offers a straightforward, substantiated and robust means to gauge age-friendliness, pinpoint health system deficiencies and facilitate strategic planning on the basis of its insights.

Identification of optimal waste-to-energy strategies for sustainable development in Iran: SWOT analysis, hybrid MCDM methods, and game theory

The growing global focus on environmental sustainability and the pressing need for efficient waste management and energy crisis mitigation have prompted extensive investigations into sustainable waste management strategies. Given Iran's economic development and population growth, the country faces challenges in energy supply and waste management, making waste-to-energy (WtE) applications a promising solution for sustainable waste management. This study employs a combination of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches, and game theory to explore WtE technologies and processes, evaluate their applicability within Iran's context, and identify the most effective WtE strategies for the country. Furthermore, game theory and fuzzy Shapley value analysis were utilized to determine the optimal combination of WtE development strategies. The strategy player “SO” held the highest position of power, with a fuzzy Shapley value of (0.391, 1.744, 3.264), resulting in the identification of the optimal strategy combination of SO2ST2WO1WT2, with a value of (0.429, 0.679, 0.893). The recommended combination emphasizes landfill with gas capture, development of incineration power plants, and integrated resource recovery through residue-derived fuel (RDF) implementation. Achieving these objectives necessitates energy policy reforms, pricing adjustments, improvements in the energy subsidy system, and infrastructure and market development.

Exploring the impact of screencast-based ipsative assessment on EFL students’ writing development

Screencast technology in English writing assessment offers personalized, detailed feedback, but not dialogic. However, integrating it with ipsative assessment (IA) principles may sustain conversations between teachers and learners on students’ writing development. This study explored the impact of screencast-based ipsative assessment (SIA) on developing students’ writing skills in an Iranian EFL context. Screencast technology recorded teachers’ feedback and facilitated students’ access to and reflection on their previous works. A qualitative research design was used to analyze teacher’s feedback profiles and students’ reflections. The findings revealed that SIA engaged participants in ipsative self-assessment, enhanced their self-regulation skills in writing, and created a comforting and socially safe environment where they felt supported and encouraged to take risks, knowing that their mistakes could be considered part of the learning process. However, SIA caused some students to focus on their scores rather than skill development in their writing tasks. The findings suggest that English teachers can utilize screencast technology for precise, detailed ipsative feedback in an IA regime. SIA procedures may encourage student self-assessment and foster a dialog between teachers and students to seek clarification and plan their next move in writing progress.

Workplace dignity scale in Iranian nurses: translation and psychometric evaluation

BackgroundWorkplace dignity is defined as a person’s perception of respect and trust, equal and fair treatment, valuing the person, independence, freedom of expression, and decision-making enjoyed by the employee in the workplace. Therefore, this study aimed to develop the Workplace Dignity Scale (WDS) and evaluate its psychometric properties.MethodsIn this methodological study, WDS was translated based on Beaton et al. Guideline. After assessing face and content validity (using CVI, CVR, modified kappa, and item impact), 250 nurses were selected by random sampling from Kashan hospitals in 2023. Then, WDS was assessed through expletory factor analysis (EFA), known-groups comparison, internal consistency, and stability. The ceiling and floor effects were also examined. Data were analyzed using SPSS v16 by Kruskal–Wallis test, Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s Omega, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable changes (MDC).ResultsThe scale’s CVI, CVR, and modified kappa were above 0.79. Item impact was higher than 1.5. EFA extracted three factors, including “general dignity, respect, and indignity”, that could explain 70.6% of the total variance in scale. WDS could differentiate between the three groups in terms of occupation satisfaction status. Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s Omega, ICC, SEM, and STC of scale were 0.949, 0.950, 0.970, 2.793, and 7.742, respectively.ConclusionThe Persian version of the WDS has shown validity and reliability for measuring workplace dignity among nurses in the Iranian context.

Games in education: a systematic review of studies in international and Iranian contexts

Games in education: a systematic review of studies in international and Iranian contexts

Dangerous remembering in volatile spaces: Activist memory work in the Iranian context

This article studies the interrelations of memory work and activism in the Iranian context by focusing on the way remembering victims of state violence informs political activism. Due to constant repression, the recurrence of state violence and the criminalisation of oppositional activities and non-conforming lifestyles, the Iranian context is saturated with contentious memories that cannot be brought into public space. Oppositional memory work, especially regarding the victims of direct state violence, has thus become dangerous, counts as defiance and requires alternative spaces for taking shape. This article maps out and explains how activist memory work in this context entails carving out activist memoryscapes and intertwines personal suffering with acts of remembering the other and how memory is used as a resource in broader modes of oppositional politics, justice-seeking and endeavours towards social change. Examples of activist memory work in the Woman, Life, Freedom protests, a short documentary film and a commemorative exhibition are analysed in the article to showcase the different mnemonic dynamics at stake and to highlight the importance of mediation and cultural forms in the formation of activist memory work.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale.

This study evaluates the Persian version of the Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS), developed to assess grief-related rumination. The UGRS, originally validated in Western and Eastern cultures, had not been examined in a Iranian context. The research involved translating the UGRS into Persian, followed by a thorough psychometric evaluation involving 325 bereaved Persian-speaking adults. The Persian UGRS demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's ω = 0.92) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.85). Confirmatory factor analyses supported a second-order hierarchical model of grief rumination. Concurrent validity was affirmed through significant correlations with depression, anxiety, prolonged grief, and PTSD. Known-groups validity highlighted higher rumination levels among individuals with lower education, those who lost close family members, and women. These findings underscore the Persian UGRS's reliability and validity, offering a robust tool for assessing grief-related rumination in the Iranian population.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Professionals: An Umbrella Review

AbstractPerforming repetitive tasks on patients' mouths increases the risk of strain-related injuries for dental professionals, ultimately leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This umbrella review aims to assess the scope of the MSD problem and identify the most often impacted body parts among dental professionals. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed from inception to March 30, 2024, in PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. This review evaluated systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) of the observational studies that reported the prevalence of MSDs or any form of MSD among dental professionals such as dentists, dental hygienists, or dentistry students. The extracted data were complemented with narrative synthesis. A total of eight SRs and MAs were included in this umbrella review. Five of the eight studies were conducted globally, one in the context of Western countries and two in an Iranian context. Four of the eight studies focused on MSDs in dental practitioners, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.5 to 93%. Four body areas, that is, the neck, the lower and upper back, the shoulders and wrists, and hands were widely exposed to MSDs, with significant prevalence reported across studies. In conclusion, MSDs are common among dental professionals. Consequently, there is a pressing need to implement infrastructural and behavioral ergonomic solutions in the dental profession. However, a major concern arises from the critically low quality of available studies on MSD prevalence in dental professionals. Therefore, more rigorous research adhering to the basic quality criteria is required.

A feasibility study to estimate household water footprint in Iran: Adaptation and application of a localized questionnaire

Iran, grappling with the challenges common to arid and semi-arid regions, is confronting a significant freshwater scarcity that exacerbates its water crisis. Central to this issue is the provision of an adequate domestic water supply. This study embarked on adapting a localized water footprint questionnaire to gauge individual household water footprints within the Iranian context. Utilizing a cross-sectional approach, we adapted and validated a water footprint questionnaire tool tailored for Iranian consumers. The original questionnaire, derived from watercalculator.org, comprises 35 questions encompassing direct household water use, direct non-household water use, and indirect water use. Following its translation, cultural adaptation, and validation, the questionnaire was deployed for data collection. The investigation unveiled average water footprints as follows: a direct indoor water footprint (DWFin) of 133.31±65.54 lpcd, a direct outdoor water footprint (DWFout) of 1.89±1.73 lpcd, and an indirect water footprint (IWF) of 4284.94±714.33 lpcd, culminating in an overall average water footprint (WF) of 4420.14 ± 695.17 lpcd. Despite the study's limitations, including a sample that may not fully capture all provincial demographics, the findings underscore the practicability of employing this methodology in Iran and the significant potential for water conservation through heightened awareness and the policy-driven implementation of water-efficient practices at the household level.

Risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in young adults: a community-based study of Iranian context

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Young adults are susceptible to CVD risk factors, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to compare CVD risk factors between medical and non-medical students.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 302 students in Tehran, including 151 medical students and 151 non-medical students, in 2022. Data collection tools included four online questionnaires to collect demographic information, knowledge/attitudes, knowledge of risk factors, and risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 software at a 0.05 significance level.ResultsData analysis revealed that the mean age of medical and non-medical students was 22.06 ± 3.53 and 21.88 ± 4.20 years, respectively. The two groups were not significantly different in gender, age, marital status, and place of residence. Knowledge of CVD was significantly different between the two groups of students (P < 0.001), but attitudes were not significantly different (P = 0.208). A significant difference in the prognosis of diabetes and dyslipidemia was observed between the two groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAs a large group of young adults in society, students are at risk for CVD. Poor knowledge and inappropriate attitudes regarding CVD risk factors are among the contributing factors. Therefore, it is recommended to design and implement a healthy diet, physical activity, stress management, and healthy lifestyle programs for the young group along with screening programs to prevent complications and mortality caused by CVD.

A hybrid analysis of reverse logistics barriers in Iranian construction

PurposeThis paper presents a pioneering investigation into the barriers impeding the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) in the Iranian construction industry, addressing a significant gap in the current literature within the country.Design/methodology/approachThrough a meticulous examination of the literature, complemented by 19 in-depth interviews, a battery of barriers to RL implementation was initially identified, distilled into a final set of 30 barriers, which served as the basis for the design of a structured survey questionnaire. Employing Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), an analysis was conducted on a dataset that comprised of 80 responses. Subsequently, the barriers approved through the PLS- SEM were subjected to prioritization through the application of Fuzzy TOPSIS.FindingsFindings reveal the critical inadequacy of contemporary technology and infrastructure, a foundation essential for the efficacious enactment of RL. This shortfall manifests in procurement and logistics processes plagued by inefficiency and ineffectiveness, as consequences of an immature information and technology ecosystem. Furthermore, the study underscores the dominance of traditional markets where the adoption of secondary materials/products remains sporadic, signaling a crucial area for further research and intervention.Originality/valueThis study offers original insights into the significant hurdles that hinder the adoption and integration of RL practices within the Iranian construction industry, an under-explored area within the RL research domain. For industry practitioners, findings point to recommendations for overcoming these barriers in the specific Iranian context while also offering broader insights and lessons that may be relevant to other countries and similar contexts.

A concept analysis of ageism from older adults' perspective: a hybrid model.

Iran follows global trends with a growing aging population. To better understand ageism in Iranian context, the present study explores the concept using a hybrid model with both inductive and deductive approaches. A hybrid concept analysis model was used to further define the concept of ageism. In the first step, databases such as PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched for studies up until August 2019. Key terms used in the search included "ageism", "stereotype", "discrimination", "age", "aging" "old", and "elder". Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 community-dwelling older adults chosen through purposive sampling. Data from the theoretical and fieldwork phases presented a definition of ageism: "Ageism engrained into older adults (no other age groups) is associated with personal, psycho-social, economic, and especially cultural factors that impose an acceptance of limitations based on chronological age or being perceived as old". Ageism is a multi-faceted experience composed of psycho-social, economic, and cultural dimensions. While the present study has further clarified ageism, more research is needed, particularly in relation to diverse cultural contexts.

Adverse Childhood Experience, Parental Bonding, and Fatherhood as Parenting Vulnerabilities to Social Anxiety Severity.

Background: The present study aims to elucidate the association between adverse childhood experiences, parental bonding, fatherhood, and social anxiety symptoms among emerging adults within an Iranian context. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study utilized self-reported assessments to evaluate fatherhood, parental bonding, anxious thoughts, and childhood trauma. The study was administered to 242 university students exhibiting social anxiety symptoms. Among the participants, 181 (74.8%) were boys and 61 (25.2%) were girls between the ages of 18 and 29. In terms of educational background, 64.9% of them held a bachelor's degree, and 35.1% held a master's degree. A majority of them (84.3%) were of middle-class socio-economic status, 6.6% were of low income, and 9.1% were of high income. Results: Analysis via multiple linear regression revealed that individuals with adverse childhood experiences exhibited heightened levels of social anxiety symptoms (R2 = 0.32) compared to their counterparts without such experiences. Furthermore, fatherhood (R2 = 0.28), paternal bonding (R2 = 0.26), and maternal bonding (R2 = 0.26) were all significantly and equally associated with variance in social anxiety symptoms. The findings underscored the substantial correlation between ACEs, fatherhood, and both maternal and paternal bonding with social anxiety symptoms in adulthood. Conclusions: Accordingly, the study emphasizes the importance of thoroughly assessing the multifaceted contributors to social anxiety. Such insights are pivotal for the design and implementation of community-based preventive interventions aimed at reducing the societal burden of social anxiety disorders.

Differential Impacts of Maternal and Paternal Attachments on Adolescent Delinquency: Implications for Counselling

Delinquency among adolescents is a growing concern in Iranian society. Research on the role of maternal and paternal attachments, particularly in the Iranian context, has received limited attention. This correlational study aims to concurrently investigate the predictive capacity of both maternal and paternal attachment on delinquent behaviours among Iranian adolescents. The sample included 528 students aged 15 and 17 from 10 government high schools in Tehran who were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires using two established instruments. The findings highlighted a significant association between high parental attachment scores and low adolescent delinquent activity. Secure attachments to mothers and fathers were found to reduce engagement in delinquency. Adolescent age, fathers’ educational level, and maternal attachment emerged as significant predictors of delinquency. Adolescents with insecure maternal attachments and older adolescents with educated fathers showed greater susceptibility to delinquent behaviour. The study also emphasises the vast contribution of mothers to adolescent development, suggesting the need for further exploration of paternal influence on internal dynamics and delinquency in future research. In a broader sense, understanding the differential impacts of these attachments on adolescent delinquency may help counsellors to effectively address these issues and provide appropriate interventions.

Exploring maternal perceptions of critical digital engagement practices in Iranian children

ABSTRACT Limited studies exist that demonstrate the way that children show critical digital literacies such as expressing their voices through digital technologies at home. To explore this further, the present study draws on Mirra et al.’s framework (2018) to analyze the types of critical digital engagement with digital technologies. Critical digital engagement refers to different critical digital literacy practices used to achieve a particular goal such as critically evaluating, creating, sharing, and designing digital resources. In this study, we recruited five Iranian families involving five mothers and six children aged six to seven. The data collection process involved semi-structured interviews with the children and mothers, demographic profiles, and collecting photos of the children’s home digital literacy practices. Having used deductive coding, we report on several differences and similarities between children’s digital literacy practices and their types of critical engagement such as critical digital consumption, production, distribution, and invention. These similarities and differences may stem from political, historical, social, cultural, and economic influences in the Iranian context. Understanding the way that children express their voices through digital technologies can give invaluable insights for policymakers, teachers, and parents to better support children in becoming engaged digital citizens.

Unveiling the underlying constructs of mobile assisted language learning technological pedagogical content knowledge (MALL TPACK): development and validation of a MALL TPACK scale for EFL teachers

ABSTRACT In the present study, a MALL TPACK questionnaire was developed and validated based on a TPACK framework. Data were collected from 414 EFL teachers. The development of the questionnaire involved a comprehensive review of existing literature, examination of existing questionnaires, and interviews with experts. This process resulted in an initial item pool of 50 questions. The questionnaire was subsequently administered to participants, and its construct validity and reliability were assessed employing various statistical methods. Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted with a subset of 200 participants, while Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed with the remaining 214 participants. Additionally, the Cronbach’s alpha method was employed to evaluate the reliability of the instrument. The results indicated that participants were able to identify four constructs from the original TPACK framework: Pedagogical, content, and pedagogical content knowledge, as well as TPACK. However, knowledge of technology was divided into two separate constructs: Knowing technology and using technology. As a result, a six-factor solution with 37 items was developed and confirmed as a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating MALL TPACK levels among Iranian EFL instructors. These findings have important implications for future research and in the design of teacher professional development courses in Iranian EFL contexts.

Do Pro-Environmental Factors Lead to Customers’ Purchase Intention of Home Energy Management System? The Moderating Effects of Energy-Efficient Habits

Environmental challenges, encompassing climate change and global warming, compel consumers to alter their consumption habits. Although there has been a notable surge in consumer awareness regarding pro-environmental practices, especially concerning home energy, there remains a lack of comprehensive research exploring the factors affecting consumers' willingness to adopt or invest in home energy management system (HEMS) technology. Notably, there have been no studies focused on the factors influencing HEMS purchase intentions (PI) in the Iranian context. Grounded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the norm activation model (NAM), this research delves into PI of Iranian households regarding HEMS, categorizing it as a type of eco-friendly behavior. It specifically analyzes the influence of factors such as attitude (ATT), social norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), awareness of consequences (AOC), personal norms (PN), and energy-efficient habits (EEH). Moreover, this research scrutinizes the potential moderating effects of EEH on the association among ATT, PBC, and PI. Using structural equation modeling, an innovative integrated model was tested based on data collected from 220 Iranian residents. The findings revealed that ATT, SN, AOC, and EEH significantly contribute to the purchase intention of HEMS among Iranians. Additionally, both AOC and SN were found to influence PN. These insights offer a fresh perspective on the pro-environmental determinants shaping the HEMS purchase decisions of Iranian consumers.