Kerman University Of Medical Sciences Research Articles

How can physicians’ professional reputation be damaged? Patients’, nurses’ and physicians’ viewpoints

As a rule, physicians’ reputation significantly influences public confidence in the medical profession. Unfortunately, the societal perception of physicians in contemporary Iran appears to be negatively impacted. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze and elucidate the fundamental causes of this phenomenon. This qualitative study employed content analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted in 2022. The study population consisted of 6 physicians, 6 nurses and 12 patients in the the affiliated hospitals in Kerman University of Medical Sciences selected through purposive sampling. Extraction of the main themes followed the Graneheim and Lundman approach, and data management was facilitated through MAXQDA 20. The study identified five themes encapsulating the causes for damage to physicians’ reputation: physicians' relationship with patients, physicians' relationship with the community, physicians' relationship with the medical profession, challenges within medical practice, and challenges related to medical education. Within these themes, a total of 38 subthemes emerged. The primary drivers that seem to damage physicians’ reputation include: non-effective communication, negative public attitudes toward certain physicians and medical centers due to malpractice, illegitimate relationships of physicians, gaps in physicians’ skills, insufficient education, and ethical lapses. It was concluded that several infrastructural elements negatively impact physicians' reputation. Consequently, it is recommended to monitor the professional behaviors, practices and relationships of physicians, while scrutinizing the medical education system.

Gerascophobia and its Related Factors in Medical Students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Background: Gerascophobia is one of the factors affecting people’s quality of life. The present study sought to examine gerascophobia and its related factors in medical students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study were medical students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2023, who were selected using non-probability quota sampling. The data were collected using Lasher and Faulkender’s Anxiety about Aging Scale (AAS) and analyzed with SPSS-26 software. Results: The participants in this study were 230 medical students. The participants’ average age was 22.95±2.38 years, and 61.3% of the students were female. The mean scores for gerascophobia and the subscales of fear of old people, psychological concerns, physical appearance, and fear of loss were 57.66, 14.15, 13.20, 14.61, and 16.51, respectively. The linear regression analysis showed that the average fear of aging was higher in female students (P=0.019) and the students who did not have job experience and the experience of caring for older adults (P=0.007). Conclusion: In line with findings from the present study, it can be argued that to reduce gerascophobia and create a more positive attitude toward aging in medical students, suitable facilities should be provided to create more contact between medical students, especially female students, and older adults during their studies.

The effect of service-based learning on health education competencies of students in community health nursing internships

AimThis study investigated the impact of service-based learning on the health education competencies of students in community health nursing internships. community health nursing internship is one of the areas where students acquire health education competencies. Studies have shown that some students have poor health education competencies, and new educational interventions, such as service-based learning, can help improve their competencies.MethodThis quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021–2022. The participants were final-year nursing students affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences. All participants (n = 72) were selected via the census method and randomly divided into intervention and control groups (36 participants in each group). The students in the intervention group attended a service-based learning program for 20 days. The data were collected before and one month after intervention using a 48-item health education qualification questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS22 software.ResultsThe results showed that the mean health education competencies scores were lower before intervention in the intervention and control group (165.75 ± 23.09) (170.16 ± 28.58)(p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of their mean scores on health education competencies(p > 0.05). The health education competencies score increased significantly for the participants in the intervention group (191.58 ± 28.35) compared to the control group (165.97 ± 28.11) after intervention.ConclusionNursing administrators and professors need to take effective steps to empower nursing students as much as possible and incorporate service-based learning techniques in clinical education programs for nursing students.

Development and validation of the nurses sexual harassment scale in Iran

IntroductionIn recent years, the prevalence of sexual harassment has become a global problem, and nursing, like other professions, has not been immune to this issue. By having a valid and reliable instrument, healthcare personnel can be helped in preventing and managing this problem and reduce its negative consequences on mental health and well-being. The aim of this study was developing and psychometrically measuring the Nurses Sexual Harassment Scale.Materials and methodsThis study is the second phase of a mixed method study. Initially in the first phase, a qualitative approach with conventional content analysis was used to explain nurses’ experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace. To design the Nurses Sexual Harassment Scale, qualitative data and literature were reviewed. In the quantitative phase (second phase), the target scale was psychometrically evaluated using content validity (14 experts), face validity (12 nurses with being sexually harassed), construct validity (316 nurses working in hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences), and reliability (internal consistency and repeatability).ResultsA 15-item scale with two components: “latent sexual harassment” (9 items) and “manifest sexual harassment” (6 items), which explained 68.4% of the total variance was developed. Also, due to the strong correlation between the Nurses Sexual Harassment Scale and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (r = 0.67), convergent validity was confirmed. Also, the scale of the present study had good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.94, Omega coefficient = 0.94, and ICC = 0.92).ConclusionGiven the importance of sexual harassment among nurses, measuring the dimensions of this problem may allow professionals to plan interventions to prevent it. Overall, the results of the present study showed that the psychometric properties of the " Nurses Sexual Harassment Scale” with 15 items are acceptable and this scale can be used in the clinical environment. A further study within the nursing community is recommended to confirm the findings.

Pathology and solutions for activities of medical education development offices

Background and aimEducation development offices are one of the main branches of medical education centers for directing the educational performance of medical sciences universities to achieve educational goals. Due to their close presence and communication with educational environments, these offices are highly important. To effectively guide and empower these offices, it is necessary to analyze their current situation, identify the challenges, and provide solutions to address them. This study was conducted to identify the challenges and provide solutions for the activities of medical education development offices.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in two stages, including 29 semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion with experts in 2022 at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The sampling method was purposive. The content analysis of data was performed based on conventional qualitative content analysis.ResultsData analysis resulted in the emergence of two main categories including challenges facing the activities of medical education development offices and solutions for improving the activities of these offices, and comprising some categories containing organizational structure factors, cognitive factors, communication factors, and motivational factors.ConclusionEducation development offices are one of medical universities’ main policymaking and quality control institutions. Efforts are being made to establish EDOs structures within the university. The formation of a clear and performance-based reward system for faculty members who are the managers of the EDOs is proposed. Improving interactions between EDOs and other parts of the university to coordinate activities, and exchange of experiences are highlighted.

Iranian Nurses’ Behavioral Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Background: The large-scale spread of COVID-19 affected communities with many deaths worldwide causing significant concerns. Due to being on the front line of fighting against this disease, a great number of healthcare providers lost their lives. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the changes in nurses’ behavior and practice while taking care of COVID-19 patients. Methods: The present study was conducted using a qualitative conventional content analysis approach in 2020-2021. The participants were 14 nurses taking care of COVID-19 patients in the infectious diseases wards of a teaching hospital affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected through interviews with the nurses, and data collection continued until data saturation. The collected data were analyzed based on the steps proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. After recording and transcribing the interviews, the participants’ statements were categorized into semantic units. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA-10 software. Results: The majority of nurses reported significant behavioral changes that were categorized into five main themes including intensification of protective measures and increase in concentration, emergence of mental and psychological symptoms, increase in the sense of responsibility towards the family, recourse to prayer and religious rituals, and increased empathy with patients. Conclusion: According to the research findings providing material and spiritual incentives as well as support to personnel to increase their motivation and work productivity should be taken into consideration by officials during epidemics. Moreover, actions such as providing free psychological counseling are suggested to calm the personnel.

An educational model to teach at the bedside: A qualitative exploratory descriptive study

Background: Teaching medical students at the bedside to foster a spectrum of essential skills can only be acquired if an educational method is utilized in rounding practices regularly. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the best model for conducting bedside rounds from the perspectives of medical teachers and students in our context. Methods: This qualitative exploratory descriptive study, using interviews and observations, was conducted at the Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2020. We recruited skilled bedside teachers/role models (n=6) and medical students (n=8) based on snowball and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through (A) semi-structured individual interviews and (B) observation of clinical rounds. We used deductive content analysis to analyze data using MAXQDA software version 12. The trustworthiness of the data was evaluated based on four criteria: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Results: In total, this study involved 14 participants, which included 6 bedside role models and 8 medical students. The mean age of medical teachers and medical students was 50 and 29.6 years, respectively. The mean duration of the interviews for medical teachers, medical students, interns, and residents was 20, 25, 30, and 20 minutes, respectively. The findings revealed three cycles and twelve phases that contribute to the development of the optimal bedside teaching model. These include the preparation cycle (comprising preparation, planning, and orientation), the clinical exposure cycle (which involves introduction, interaction, instruction, reinforcement, supervision, and summarization), and the conclusion cycle (consisting of debriefing, feedback, and reflection). Conclusion: An educational model can better facilitate the acquisition of the entire range of clinical skills and professional behaviors, which are indispensable components of learning. The experiences obtained from batches of participants in our context have been instrumental in developing an essential model that fosters both tangible and intangible skills, thereby producing competent doctors.

The relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in medical staff after their infection with COVID-19

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) play a crucial role in managing infectious diseases like COVID-19. However, the demanding working conditions during the pandemic have led to an increased risk of depression and sleep disorders among these dedicated professionals. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in medical staff who had contracted COVID-19.MethodsThis descriptive study involved a sample of 203 HCWs who had contracted COVID-19. These HCWs were employed at a hospital affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2020. The data for this study were collected using a demographic information form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS22, with a significance level set at less than 0.05.ResultsThe study found that the mean score for depressive symptoms among the participants was 11.67 ± 2.68, while the mean score for sleep quality was 5.47 ± 3.02. It was observed that 18.2% of the participants experienced moderate depression, 10.3% had severe depression, and 59.6% had poor sleep quality. Furthermore, a significant and positive correlation was identified between sleep quality and depression (r = 0.54; p = 0.001). Multiple regression models indicated that the harmful pattern and sleep quality together could predict 34% of the variance in depression. Additionally, the use of sedatives and depression were found to predict 33% of the variance in sleep quality.ConclusionThe findings of our study indicated a high prevalence of depressive symptoms and insomnia among medical staff who had contracted COVID-19. These results provide valuable insights for health managers, highlighting the need for implementing interventions in epidemic environments to reduce the vulnerability of HCWs.

Investigation of Views and Experiences of Medical Interns on the Facilitating and Inhibiting Factors Affecting the Quality of Education in the Clinical Education System

Introduction: Clinical education is the most important part of medical education that provides a golden opportunity for medical students to combine their theoretical mix with the clinical environment, and this is important in the countries of the style of the arena of medicine Special attention is paid. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the views and experiences of medical students as facilitators and inhibitors of clinical education quality.
 Methods: This is qualitative research and a phenomenological approach was used. The study population consisted of medical students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Target-based sampling was performed on 40 medical students. The method for collecting information was a deep interview with the participants. The data were analyzed by the Colaizzi method.
 Results: Two initial codes were extracted in the form of two main themes (facilitating and inhibiting factors) and 10 sub-themes including providing motivational patterns and creating interest in interns, the high scientific and educational level of attending professors, use of technology, authorizing more responsibility, inappropriate treatment, inappropriate educational planning, inappropriate evaluation method, low-quality mornings, lack of facilities, and overwhelming of some wards were classified.
 Conclusion: Considering these factors, it is possible to raise the quality of clinical education to the highest possible level and educate responsible and responsible physicians for generations.

Reviewing Expert Attitudes Toward Quaternary Prevention using Traditional Medicine: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Traditional medicine is based on knowledge, skills, and practices relying on the theories, beliefs, and indigenous experiences of different cultures that has a healthoriented and holistic view. With a holistic and health-oriented approach, quaternary prevention also seeks to prevent harm to the patient.Patient harm can be prevented by using efficient methods of traditional medicine and limiting the use of ineffective and harmful methods. Methods: The quantitative design of the study was conducted using a phenomenological approach among the faculty members of the Faculty of Traditional Medicine of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participation of 12 individuals selected using purposeful sampling. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The codes were categorized based on their differences or similarities. Results: Six main themes were identified: prevention, patient benefit, quality of service, patient harm, rules and regulations, and financial burden. 18 sub-themes were extracted. Conclusion: Healthcare providers must protect their patients from the harms and costs of unnecessary diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative measures. It is likely that adopting effective executive mechanisms, rules, and regulations focusing on the principle of patient benefit can lead to the implementation of a combination of traditional medicine and modern medicine on an extensive scale, aiming to reduce patient harm.

Translation and validation of the Persian version of the caring nurse-patient interaction scale (CNPI-23)

Introduction and objectivesAlthough there is great emphasis on nursing care interaction, there is a lack of knowledge about the quality of nurse-patient care interactions in Iran. The lack of knowledge is mainly related to a lack of short Persian instruments that measure nurse-patient interaction from a caring perspective. The present study aimed to validate a Persian version of the nurse and patient versions of the Caring Nurse-Patient Interaction scale (CNPI-23).MethodsThe scale (CNPI-23) was translated to Persian using the forward-backward translation method. After translation and re-translation, the scale was given to 15 nurses and faculty members of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, and CVI and CVR indices were calculated based on their opinions. The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman/Iran in 2022. In this study, 230 working nurses and 230 hospitalized patients in hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences were recruited using the convenience method to complete the 23-item Caring Nurse-Patient Interaction scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to analyze the validity of the scale, and Cronbach’s alpha and Raykov’s rho indices were also calculated to evaluate internal consistency and composite reliability. Data were analyzed using R 4-1-2 software.ResultsThe scale was completed by 230 nurses and 230 patients. It included four dimensions: humanitarian care, clinical care, comforting care, and communication care. The results of the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) were acceptable for all items. The minimum value of reliability was 0.49. All the items were approved at the end of the content validity assessment. In the patients’ scale, these four factors explained 81% of the total variance, and for the exploratory model, all the indices show the adequacy of the model. All factor loadings were significant and higher than 0.5. Raycov’s rho and Cronbach’s alpha indices for all numbers were higher than 0.7. The findings of the exploratory factor analysis showed that the nurses’ scale reflected four caring domains, which explained about 62% of the total variance, and the results of Raycov’s rho and Cronbach’s alpha indices confirmed the final fit of this model.ConclusionIn general, the Persian version of the Caring Nurse-Patient Interaction scale has good validity and reliability and can be used to evaluate the quality of care interaction between Persian-speaking nurses and patients.

Development of self-care strategies to promote young Iranian women’s sexual health: an explanatory sequential mixed method study protocol

BackgroundIn contemporary Iran, the nation's traditional and deeply religious society is currently experiencing swift transformations in its moral, cultural, and social aspects. It is, therefore, not surprising to observe shifts in people's attitudes toward sexuality, largely attributed to the profound impact of widespread social networks, the proliferation of information technology, and increased levels of education. Unmarried young women may potentially face adverse consequences from engaging in extramarital sexual relationships across various aspects of their lives. Acknowledging the pivotal role of self-care in influencing the sexual behaviors of young women, the objective of this study is to compile a comprehensive list of self-care strategies aimed at improving the sexual well-being of young, single Iranian women.MethodsThe research will unfold in three distinct phases: Phase 1: Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Method Study This initial phase encompasses both quantitative and qualitative aspects. It begins with a cross-sectional survey, where we will gather data from 400 unmarried female students aged 18 to 29 years, utilizing a cluster random sampling method at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Data collection will involve the use of a researcher-designed questionnaire. Subsequently, the qualitative phase will involve conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with female students from the University. To analyze this qualitative data, we will employ the content analysis approach. The findings obtained from both phases will be combined. Phase 2: Narrative Review In the second stage of the study, we will conduct an extensive narrative review to explore existing strategies related to the subject matter comprehensively. This review will serve as the foundational basis for our subsequent analysis. Phase 3: Strategy Prioritization In the final phase, we will prioritize the proposed strategies using a nominal group process, soliciting expert advice. This step will result in the definitive list of strategies that emerge from the study.DiscussionThis study pioneers the field of sexual health, with the goal of developing a protocol for creating self-care strategies based on the perspectives of young, unmarried Iranian women. It offers potential evidence-based insights into current developments in the physical, psychological, and social aspects of sexual health within this demographic. Additionally, it aims to furnish essential information to healthcare policymakers regarding the sexual health of young women.

Exploring the viewpoint of faculty members of medical sciences universities about effective factors on their organizational retention: a qualitative study

Background and aimFaculty retention in medical sciences universities is one of the most important values for the survival of the educational system. This study aimed to explore the viewpoint of faculty members of medical sciences universities in Iran about effective factors affecting their organizational retention.MethodsQualitative study using deep interviews collected by maximum variation sampling. A purposively selected sample of 15 faculty members was recruited throughout two Iranian medical sciences universities (Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Kerman University of Medical Sciences) during 2021-22.ResultsQualitative data analysis provided 3 main categories and 10 sub-categories. Three main categories were identified that affected the faculty’s organizational retention included individual factors, institutional factors, and socio-political factors.ConclusionFactors that contribute to the improvement of faculty retention encompass various aspects. These include consideration given to the personal and social requirements of faculty members, support provided by the organization along with effective resource management, a fair and transparent organizational structure, and the maintenance of political stability both within the university and the nation.

The incidence of phenylketonuria and the evaluation of the indicators program in the southeast of Iran during the years 2012–2019

IntroductionScreening for phenylketonuria (PKU) is a public health strategy that is used to diagnose and treat patients with PKU to prevent severe neurological diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of phenylketonuria based on the results of the newborn screening program and to evaluate the indicators of this program at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, southeast Iran. Materials and methodsIn this study, infants referred to sampling centers for screening in the cities covered by the Kerman University of Medical Sciences were investigated during the years 2012–2019. The screening information was obtained from the data recorded in the newborn screening program and the information about the patients from the national form of the epidemiological survey of the occurrence of genetic diseases in the Kerman health department. Excel software was used to analysis descriptive statistics, draw diagrams. ResultsThe screening coverage was 96.07%. 83.9% of infants were screened during the 3rd to 5th day of birth. The incidence of phenylketonuria was 1.27 per 10,000 live births. The highest incidence was related to the cities of Erzuye (11.5 per 10 thousand live births) and Baft (5.2 per 10 thousand live births). In total, 0.45% of the samples were inappropriate. In 72% of sick babies, the treatment was started before 21 days, 100% of patients identified in screening were the first child of the patient in the family and 64.5% of the parents of the patients were consanguineous. Discussion and conclusionThe incidence of phenylketonuria in Kerman is in line with the national average. The implementation of the screening program had a significant impact on the timely diagnosis and the timely initiation of treatment. It is necessary to increase the level of awareness of households regarding the consequences of consanguineous marriages, especially in areas with a high prevalence of phenylketonuria.

Association of Diabetes Management Self-efficacy with Adherence to Medication, Glycemic Control, and Disease Outcomes Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background: Diabetes management self-efficacy (DMSE) positively affects diabetes self-care behaviors and can lead to better glycemic control and improved disease outcomes in diabetes patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate DMSE level and its relationship with medication adherence, glycemic control, and diabetes complications among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2019 to January 2020 on T2D patients who attended the Diabetes Center of the Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using two validated questionnaires including the diabetes management self-efficacy scale (DMSES) to evaluate DMSE level and the eight-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS) to assess adherence to medication. The SPSS statistical software version 22 was employed for data analysis. Results: Of 440 T2D patients entering the study, 72% were female with a mean (SD) age of 59.60 (10.48). The mean (SD) DMSE score of the respondents was 5.76 (1.87). A significant negative correlation was observed between DMSE with HbA1c (r = -0.289, P < 0.0001) and also with FBS (r = -0.229, P < 0.0001), but there was a significant positive correlation between DMSE and adherence to medication (r = 0.208, P < 0.0001). FBS level (β = -0.252, P < 0.0001), number of visits by specialty or subspecialty physicians (β = -0.139, P = 0.002), medication adherence score (β = 0.165, P < 0.0001), neuropathy (β = 0.142, P = 0.002), marital status β = 0.125, P = 0.004), household income (β = -0.126, P = 0.004), and blood glucose checks at home (β = 0.109, P = 0.013) were considered predictors of DMSE score. Conclusions: Diabetes management self-efficacy is considered suboptimal among T2D patients. Patients with higher DMSE have better adherence to medication, better blood glucose control, lower risk of neuropathy, and fewer visits by specialty and subspecialty physicians.

Effectiveness of an online training program for improving nurses’ competencies in disaster risk management

BackgroundNurses’ incompetency in disaster risk management can have many negative consequences during disasters, so it is important to prepare nurses and improve their competencies in disaster risk management. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of an online training program to improve competencies in disaster risk management.MethodThis interventional study was conducted on nurses working in a specialized trauma hospital affiliated with the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in southeastern Iran in 2023. Eighty-one nurses were randomly assigned into two interventions (n = 42) and control groups (n = 39). The intervention group received an online training program in four sessions, and both groups electronically completed the demographic questionnaire and the nurses’ perceptions of disaster core competencies scale (NPDCC) before and one month after the intervention.ResultsThe study results showed no significant difference in disaster competency scores between the two groups before the intervention (p < 0.51), but the NPDCC score in the intervention group was statistically significant after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.02) and no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.16).ConclusionWhile the online training program was found to significantly improve the NPDCC score of nurses in the intervention group, this increase was not significant when compared to the control group. Therefore, we suggest continuous practical exercises and maneuvers to improve nurses’ perception of the competencies required for effective disaster management.

Effects of a home-based palliative heart failure program on quality of life among the elderly: a clinical trial study

IntroductionOne of the frequent issues that lowers elderly people's quality of life is chronic heart failure, a progressive and life-limiting disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of home-based palliative care (HBPC) on the quality of life of elderly patients with heart failure who received discharge orders from hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2022.MethodsOne hundred heart failure patients were divided into two intervention and control groups for this randomized clinical trial study. The patients were then given the pre-test questionnaires, such as the demographic questionnaire and the Quality of Life Index (QLI) by Ferrans and Powers. The intervention group was given the home care plan. To measure the quality of life one month after the intervention, the quality of life questionnaire was lastly filled out by both groups following the last care session. Software called SPSS 22 was used to enter and analyze the patient data.ResultsThe mean age for the elderly in the intervention and in the control groups were 69.46 ± 11.61 and 66.14 ± 12.09 years, respectively. The palliative care program at home made a statistically significant difference in the quality of life and all of its components in the elderly with heart failure in the intervention group immediately after the intervention and one month after the intervention compared to before (P < 0.001). As a result, its scores improved compared to the stage before the intervention. Additionally, a significant difference between the quality of life score and all of its components between the intervention's immediate aftermath and one month later was noted (P < 0.05).ConclusionHome-based palliative care has a positive effect on the quality of life for elderly people who have heart failure, making it a worthwhile intervention to enhance their quality of life.Trial registrations(IRCT20211213053389N1). Date of registration: (19/02/2022).

Frequency tongue coating in patients referred to Kerman Dental School and its relationship with relative factors

ObjectiveThere has been shown a relationship between “tongue coating” and “Simplified Oral Health Index, periodontal status, modified mallampati classification (MMC) of the oropharynx and oral malodor”. The purpose of this study is to assess the frequency of tongue coating and relative factors (sex, age, smoking, systemic disease and oral health indices) among patients referred to Dental School of Kerman University.MethodsIn this cross sectional study 250 patients referred to dental school of Kerman university of medical sciences were examined. The data collection form was included demographic data (gender, age, history of systemic disease and smoking) and Oral health indices such as TCI (Tongue coating index), OHI-S (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index), MGI (Modified Gingival Index), MMC and lost teeth. The analysis have been done using SPSS21, T-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis (significance level was set at less than 0.05).ResultsTongue coating has been shown in 96% of patients with the mean percent of 45.83 ± 19.16%. Men had higher percent of TCI though it was not statistically significant. Smoking was the strongest determinant factor in people with higher TCI scores (P = 0.013). There was a positive significant correlation between OHI-S and TCI [(Pearson’s coefficient(r) = 0.134, P = 0.034)].ConclusionTCI appears to be related to smoking and Simplified Oral Health Index. The evaluation of tongue coating is necessary to assess its impact on oral health status and also to motivate patients to clean their tongue as a part of their oral health care routine.

A comparison of neonatal outcomes after taking progesterone pills and progesterone intramuscular injections in preterm labor: An RCT.

Approximately two-thirds of infant mortality within the first year of life are caused by preterm labor (PL). This study aimed to investigate the effects of progesterone-based compounds to prevent PL. This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 146 pregnant women admitted to Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Afzalipour hospital in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran in June 2019. The participants with PL received Tocolytic and 12 mg Betamethasone in 2 doses over 2 days to mature the fetus's lungs. Stopping PL was considered a 12-hr period without any contractions after finishing the Tocolytic. Following the successful cessation of PL, the participants were monitored for 48 hr. Subsequently, the participants were divided into 2 groups. Participants received 200 mg Lutogel capsules orally per day in group A while group B received a weekly dose of 250 mg Proluton in the form of intramuscular injection, respectively. Treatment in groups continued until the 36 wk of delivery. The participants were followed-up weekly, and if any signs of PL were detected, an obstetrician carried out a vaginal examination. The incidence of PL was the same in both groups. There was no significant difference in the latent phase, average birth weight, and the neonatal intensive care unit admission frequency (p = 0.07, 0.17, 0.58, respectively) between groups. No difference in the results obtained from theneonataloutcomes evaluated in groups. Both medications similarly led to recovering pregnancy and neonatal outcomes caused by PL. Applying the oral form with similar beneficial effects were pointed out in this study, which can be a solution to the issues caused by numerous injections that are inevitable in the injected administration of this medicine.

Iranian nurses’ perceptions of core competencies required for disaster risk management

BackgroundWith an increase in the incidence and severity of disasters, disaster risk management receives an important priority in the health system. Nurses at all levels of healthcare play an important role in disaster risk management and they must have core preparation and competencies to respond to disasters. This study aimed to evaluate Iranian nurses’ core competencies required for disaster risk management.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 277 nurses working in three hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2022. The demographic information questionnaire and the nurses’ perceptions of disaster core competencies scale (NPDCC) were used to collect data, and SPSS21 was used to analyze data.ResultsNurses’ competencies in disaster risk management were favorable (3.67 ± 0.77), with the subscales of technical skills and special diagnostic skills receiving the highest (3.91 ± 0.65) and the lowest mean scores, respectively (3.46 ± 0.87). The results found a significant difference between the scores of nurses’ competencies in disaster risk management in terms of education level, age, work experience, employment status, participation in training courses related to disaster risk management, work experience in incidents and disasters.ConclusionThe study results suggested nurses’ high level of competency in disaster risk management, but indicated gaps in their core competencies. The study results recommend authorities provide various training courses related to disaster risk management for all nurses.