Shahid Beheshti University Research Articles

The relationship between health-related quality of life and academic success in nursing students: the mediating role of academic burnout and academic motivation

BackgroundThe identification of the key factors that affect academic success in nursing students, including health-related quality of life, academic burnout, and academic motivation, has been of the utmost importance to date. In this context, the present study sought to examine the relationship between health-related quality of life and academic success, with academic burnout and academic motivation mediating that relationship.MethodsThis analytical cross-sectional study included 262 eligible nursing students selected through convenience sampling from the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. To evaluate health-related quality of life, academic burnout, and academic motivation, the 12-item Short Form Health Survey, the Academic Motivation Scale, and Breso’s Academic Burnout Scale were administered, respectively. The study achieved a 95% response rate. Academic success was assessed using the nursing program grade point average. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics (version 26) and Mplus (version 6.12) software, with a significance level set at 0.05.ResultsThe findings of the study indicated that although health-related quality of life did not directly affect academic success, it could potentially enhance academic success through the mediation of intrinsic motivation (B = 0.005, 95% CI = -0.01 to 0.005, p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, health-related quality of life can increase academic success through the mediation of academic burnout and intrinsic motivation (B = 0.013, 95% CI = 0.005 to 0.02, p ≤ 0.01). This indicates that academic burnout and intrinsic motivation significantly mediate the path from the health-related quality of life to academic success.ConclusionsThe study findings indicate that nursing education planners and instructors should develop and implement appropriate measures to enhance academic success in nursing students. These measures should also promote their health-related quality of life, academic motivation, and reduce academic burnout.

The Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with reported incidences ranging from 20-70% within the first 100 days post-transplant. AKI can adversely impact outcomes and survival in this patient population. This retrospective study evaluated 110 pediatric patients who underwent HSCT at Mofid Children's Hospital, affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, between 2016-2021. AKI was defined and staged according to the criteria for Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). The cohort comprised 68 (61.8%) males and 42 (38.2%) females, with a mean age of 6.4 ± 4.1 years. Underlying disorders were malignant in 64 (58.1%) and non-malignant in 46 (41.9%) patients. Among the cohort, 84 (76.3%) patients underwent allogeneic HSCT, while 26 (23.7%) received autologous HSCT. Myeloablative and reduced-intensity conditioning regimens were used in 77 (70%) and 33 (30%) patients, respectively. AKI developed in 53 (48%) patients within 100 days post-transplant, with incidences of 38%, 40%, and 22% for stages 1, 2, and 3 AKI, respectively. AKI incidence was higher in allogeneic HSCT (52%) compared to autologous HSCT (17%; P = 0.023). Younger age (P = 0.033) and non-malignant disorders (P = 0.033) were associated with increased AKI risk. At the end of the study, 77 (70%) patients were alive, and 33 (30%) had deceased, with a significant positive correlation between AKI stage and mortality (P = 0.004). This study highlights the high prevalence of AKI among pediatric HSCT recipients, particularly those undergoing allogeneic HSCT, at a younger age, and with non-malignant disorders. Regular post-transplant renal monitoring may improve survival in this population.

Unravelling intubation challenges: a machine learning approach incorporating multiple predictive parameters

BackgroundTo protect patients during anesthesia, difficult airway management is a serious issue that needs to be carefully planned for and carried out. Machine learning prediction tools have recently become increasingly common in medicine, frequently surpassing more established techniques. This study aims to utilize machine learning techniques on predictive parameters for challenging airway management.MethodsThis study was cross-sectional. The Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran’s Loghman Hakim and Shahid Labbafinezhad hospitals provided 622 records in total for analysis. Using the forest of trees approach and feature importance, important features were chosen. The Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and repeated edited nearest neighbor under-sampling were used to balance the data. Using Python and 10-fold cross-validation, seven machine learning algorithms were assessed: Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (INFORMATION-GAIN and GINI-INDEX), Decision Tree, and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). Metrics like F-measure, AUC, Recall, Accuracy, Specificity, and Precision were used to evaluate the performance of the model.ResultsTwenty-four important features were chosen from the original 32 features. The under-sampling strategy produced better results than SMOTE. Among the algorithms, KNN (Euclidean, Minkowski) had better performance than other algorithms. The highest values ​​for accuracy, precision, recall, F-measure, and AUC were obtained at 0.87, 0.88, 0.82, 0.85, and 0.87, respectively.ConclusionAlgorithms for machine learning provide insightful information for anticipating challenging airway management. By making it possible to forecast airway difficulties more accurately, these techniques can potentially improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.

The Role of Gender in the Quality of Life of Cancer Survivors: Health Literacy and Cognitive Functioning

Background: In recent decades, timely diagnosis, advancements in the pharmaceutical industry, and the introduction of new treatments have led to a significant increase in the number of cancer survivors. Just as the physical and mental well-being of cancer patients is essential, providing psychological care for survivors is equally important. Objectives: In the realm of community mental health, cognitive function, and health literacy play crucial roles in the quality of life of cancer survivors. Furthermore, recognizing and addressing gender differences in this context can be a valuable means of enhancing and improving survivors' quality of life. Methods: This study employed a descriptive correlational design involving 437 cancer survivors (319 female and 118 male) from the Cancer Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Shohada-E-Tajrish Hospital). Participants, who had completed their last treatment at least one year prior, volunteered to participate between September 1 and January 30, 2022. They responded to three assessments: The Cognitive Failure Questionnaire, the cancer health literacy Test, and the quality of life in adult cancer survivors survey. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that about 58% of the quality of life of cancer survivors is explained by cognitive function failure. Still, in the group of men, 30% of the quality of life can be predicted based on insufficient cognitive function and health literacy. Conclusions: Based on the findings, it was emphasized on cognitive function training and health literacy in both genders to increase the life of patients with cancer.

Modified Technique of Temporal Osteotomy in Fronto-Orbital Advancement in Anterior Plagiocephaly

Background: Nonsyndromic anterior plagiocephaly is one of the most common types of craniosynostosis. In recent years, various surgical techniques have been introduced to correct this deformity, which many surgeons believe have not been associated with adequate clinical and aesthetic results. The aim of the study was to introduce a new surgical technique (modified Z-technique of temporal region osteotomy) and to evaluate the aesthetic and anthropometric outcomes of frontal orbital correction for the management of patients with nonsyndromic anterior plagiocephaly. Methods: In this cohort study, 47 patients with nonsyndromic anterior plagiocephaly who were operated on in 15-Khordad and Mofid Hospital affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences during the years 2018 to 2023 with the modified z-technique of temporal region osteotomy, were investigated. Aesthetic outcomes and changes in anthropometric parameters of the skull were evaluated 2 years after surgery. Also, the length of surgery, the mean length of stay in the hospital and ICU, the amount of bleeding and postoperative complications were evaluated. Postoperative recurrence of deformity was evaluated according to the Whitaker classification. Results: The mean age of the patients was 11.1±4.15 months. Twenty-seven (57.44%) patients were female and 20 patients were male. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 19.3±3.54 months. The mean weight of the patients was 13.12±7.45 kg. The mean length of hospital stay and ICU stay were 5.44±0.50 and 1.78±0.63 days, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between the duration of surgery and the duration of stay in ICU (r=0.23, P=0.023). According to Whitaker’s classification, 39 (82.97%) patients were classified in class I, 4 (8.51%) in class II, 2 (4.25%) in class III, and 2 (4.25) in class IV. Aesthetically, the surgical results were excellent (class I Whitaker) in 82.97%. No serious complications such as infection, CSF rhinorrhea, hematoma occurrence, skull defect occurrence, fever, bleeding, and postoperative mortality were reported. Conclusion: Our study showed that the modified z-technique of temporal region osteotomy was associated with good and excellent aesthetic and clinical results. Bleeding rate, average length of hospital stay, and average length of ICU stay in patients with nonsyndromic anterior plagiocephaly treated with modified Z-technique of temporal region osteotomy were low and comparable with other with other reported series. No cases of serious complication and death were reported during the follow-up period. Nonsyndromic anterior plagiocephaly can be successfully treated with modified Z-technique of temporal region osteotomy with good results and low complication rates.

The Effect of Virtual Self-Management Training in Communication Skills on The Level of Violence and Occupational Stress of Emergency Technicians at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences In 2021

Introduction: Emergency technicians face workplace violence and increasing occupational stress. Thepurpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a virtual self-management training in communicationskills on occupational stress and the degree of aggression among emergency technicians. Material and Methods: This study involved 60 emergency technicians randomly assigned to either theintervention or control group. They completed surveys on workplace violence and occupational stress.The intervention group received six weeks of a virtual self-management training in communication skills.Data was collected after two months and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The findings showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the controlgroup (110.08±11.92) and the two intervention groups (114.39±11.25) in terms of the averageoccupational stress before the intervention; The average job stress score between the intervention(94.0±12,70) and control (98.81± 20,81) groups significantly differed following the intervention (p=0.034);After the intervention, the intervention group had lower verbal and physical abuse frequencies comparedto the control group. Conclusion: The virtual self-management communication training demonstrated the potential to reduceoccupational stress but did not significantly decrease the violence towards the emergency technicians.A comprehensive training program addressing violence factors and communication techniques,implemented over a longer period, is recommended

Effect of oral trehalose supplementation on inflammation and wound healing in patients with peri-trochanteric fractures: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

IntroductionPeri-trochanteric fractures, common among the elderly with osteoporosis, pose significant morbidity and mortality risks. These fractures are increasing due to the ageing population, with Nordic countries seeing a high incidence....

Effects of the Herbal Soft Gel Capsule Containing Pimpinella Anisum, Oenothera Biennis, and Salvia Sclarea Oils on Premenstrual Syndrome: A Triple-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Objective: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and psychological symptoms that start during the luteal phase. There are no specific effective and safe remedies to relieve these symptoms. However, there is a great tendency to use herbal medicines instead of chemical medicines. This study aimed to assess and compare the effects of a soft gel capsule containing Pimpinella anisum, Oenothera biennis, and Salvia sclarea oils (POS) with control, before and after use in two consecutive cycles, on physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. Methods: This was a triple-blind randomized clinical trial performed on 67 female students, who were residents in dormitories of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science in Tehran, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: soft gel capsule users containing POS as the intervention group (n=32) and sunflower as the control group (SF) (n=35). The participants were 18-35 years old female students who were affected by PMS. The capsules were used twice daily, from the 21st day of the menstrual cycle to 2 days after the menstruation, for two consecutive menstrual cycles. The tools for data collection were three questionnaires: a personal information questionnaire, a valid and reliable daily PMS symptom report (DSR) form, and a side effects assessment questionnaire. The physical, psychological, and general symptoms of PMS were assessed by the DSR, and the results were taken before and after intervention and between groups of the study. Results: Before and after the intervention, the comparison showed significant effectiveness of POC in reducing general, physical, and psychological symptoms after the first and second months of use. However, the comparison of the groups did not show a significant difference between the two groups regarding their PMS symptoms and the side effects of the medicines (p<0.05). Conclusion: POS is a combination of three herbal medicines effective on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, which can be used effectively and safely to improve the physical and psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. This herbal remedy can be recommended by health care providers to women, who suffer from PMS symptoms and prefer to use herbal remedies instead of synthetic drugs. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the combined herbal remedies as well as the effectiveness of sunflower oil on PMS symptoms. Clinical Trail Registration No.: IRCT20190306042943N1.

Investigation the Attitude of Professors of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Towards the Necessity of Implementing Interprofessional Education in 2022

Objectives: This research aims to study the attitude of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences towards the necessity of implementing interprofessional education (IPE) in 2022. Professors’ research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive in terms of type. Methods: Considering that the target population is around 2500 people, using Sullivan's formula with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level, the predicted total sample size was 333 people. Sampling was done using cluster and random methods. The study tool included a demographic information questionnaire and a professor attitude questionnaire towards IPE. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire. Out of a total of 330 people selected in the sampling, 138 people completed the questionnaire on Porsline software platform, and 180 completed the questionnaire by visiting in the Porsline. A total of 318 questionnaires were collected. For data analysis, the questionnaire data was entered into SPSS software. Results: The results of descriptive statistics showed that out of 318 professors, 113 have clinical medicine specialties, 26 have medical and health education specialties, 47 have nursing specialties, 72 have basic medical science specialties, 45 have health specialties, and 15 have health specialties. They managed healthcare services. Most of the professors had clinical medical specialties. But in terms of age, the dispersion of people is more, 40.3% of them who are 50 - 60 years old constitute their dominant population. Also, the results of inferential statistics showed that the attitude questions have a significance coefficient of less than 0.05%, which indicates the significant positive attitude of professors in IPE. Conclusions: Research has shown that professors of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, on the whole, have a positive attitude towards IPE. The positive effect of IPE in improving the attitude of students towards learning and the need for interprofessional cooperation in the health system indicates the availability and essential and motivational background ideal attitude for the integration of IPE in health sciences. For this purpose, managers should aim to plan and implement IPE in the country’s health education system in order to employ capable and talented workforces to respond to the health and hygiene needs of the current and future generations.

Diagnosis of Cowden Syndrome as an Example of Dentist-Physician Communication: Report of a Case

Background: The mouth is the mirror of the body and can manifest signs of underlying health issues. The oral soft and hard tissues are physically linked to the rest of the body. Therefore, the role of dentists is much greater than the dental setup. Many physicians consider dentistry as a purely practical occupation and not scientific. In recent years, the relationship between oral and systemic disease has become a leading research issue. Interventional studies focused on the relationship between dental treatment and its effect on certain systemic condition. In this regard, the aim of this study is to introduce a case of Cowden Syndrome (CS) which was first diagnosed according to their oral manifestations by a dentist. Case report: A 37-year-old woman was referred to the Department of Oral Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences complaining of aesthetic problems. Intra-oral examinations showed grooves and papillomatosis. Examination of the oral cavity showed a high- arched palate, hypoplasia of the maxilla and jaw. According to the patient’s oral presentation, we asked for a consultation with gastroenterologist, gynecologist and endocrinologist. Finally, based on clinical and paraclinical findings, the clinicians put the final diagnosis of CS. Discussion: According to the review of literature, less than 500 cases have been reported worldwide, many of which have been diagnosed by dental surgeons, or oral pathology and medicine specialists by recognition of mucocutaneous lesions. There is a close association of CS with the development of several malignant neoplasms. This point emphasizes the importance of the early recognition of these lesions, which facilitates an early diagnosis of CS. Oral lesions can be the first sign of the disease, because they develop in 90 to 99% of cases. The diagnosis of CS in this case was made based on criteria proposed by the International Cowden Syndrome Consortium. Conclusion: Since the patients can have a variety of clinical manifestations, the diagnosis can be mistaken and delayed. Therefore, it seems that there is a need for awareness of this entity in the dental community.

Investigating the concentration and health risk assessment of bioaerosols in the surgery centers and hospital operating rooms of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Due to the special conditions in operating rooms, infection control is important to maintain health. So, the aim of this study was to survey of air exchange rate/changes per hour (ACH) and health risk assessment of bioaerosols in the surgery center or hospital operating rooms. Materials and Methods: The results of measuring of bioaerosols by pollution measurement companies were used, in 1401. In 1402, 10 operating rooms were randomly selected and the reliability of the results was examined for these two years. Sampling and analysis of the samples was provided based on the NIOSH 0800 method and ACH were measured by a anemometer. The relationship between the number of bioaerosols and ACH, and also, the reliability between results were calculated with the PCC and the ICC test, respectively, in SPSS-V22 software. The health risk assessment and the probability of risk were estimated by Monte Carlo simulation, in Crystal Ball software. Results: Among 62 operating rooms, the average number of bacterial and fungal colonies was 69.73±14.59 CFU/m3 and 21.67±4.52 CFU/m3, respectively, which is less than the recommended limit of WHO. The average ACH was 19.67±2.18 per hour. No significant relationship was observed between ACH and the number of colonies (p-value ≥ 0.05). Risk assessment for bacteria and fungi were at an acceptable level and the concentration of bioaerosols was recognized as the most sensitive variable influencing the risk. Conclusion: Increasing ACH will not lead to a reduction in the load of bioaerosol pollution in operating rooms, which can be very important in the management of reducing energy consumption.

The impact of perfectionism on suicidal ideation among medical residents in Iran: the mediating role of psychological distress.

Among medical residents, suicide is the second most prevalent cause of mortality. In Iran, the suicide of medical residents has become one of the most important challenges. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between perfectionism and suicidal ideation among medical residents in Iran. This research was a descriptive-correlational study based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population of the present research included all the residents in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) in 2023, of whom 277 people were selected as a sample using the available sampling method. The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI-1997), the Tehran Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (TMPS-2007) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21-1995) were used to collect the data. Data was analyzed using structural equation modeling with SPSS and Amos software version 22. Out of 277 participants, 30% (N = 83) were male and 70% (N = 194) were female. The findings showed that the research model had goodness of fit. There was a significant relationship between perfectionism and psychological distress (β = 0.76, P < 0/001) and between psychological distress and suicidal thoughts (β = 0.66, P < 0/001). However, there was no direct relationship between perfectionism and suicidal ideation (P > 0.01), but perfectionism played a role in residents' suicidal ideation through psychological distress (β = 0.50, P < 0/001). In other words, perfectionism led to suicidal ideation by increasing the psychological distress of the residents. In addition, perfectionism and psychological distress were able to explain 42% of the variances of suicidal ideation (R2 = 0/42). The results highlighted the crucial role of psychological distress in suicidal ideation of medical residents. Accordingly, substantial support from health-sector managers and policymakers is essential to meet the requirements of medical residents.

Evaluation of outsourced imaging centers and pharmacies affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,

Evaluation of outsourced imaging centers and pharmacies affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,

A Comparative Analysis of the Frequency of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder in Patients with and Without Psoriasis

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that significantly negatively affects a patient’s quality of life. Based on etiopathological characteristics, there is strong evidence of susceptibility to psychological disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, in patients suffering from psoriasis. Objectives: We investigated the frequency of bipolar spectrum disorders in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls in a selected population in Iran. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on two sample groups, with and without psoriasis (50 people in each group). The statistical population included all individuals referred to Shohadaye Tajrish and Taleghani Hospitals of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, selected using the available method and assigned to two groups in 2023. The participants were examined for the presence of bipolar spectrum disorders using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS). Results: According to the MDQ questionnaire, the frequency rates of bipolar disorder in the patients and controls were 20% and 40%, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.108). Based on the BSDS, the frequency of bipolar disorder in the two groups, with and without psoriasis, was estimated to be 25% and 32.1%, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.226). The rate of major depressive disorders was also 22% and 26%, with no significant difference (P = 0.640). Conclusions: Among Iranian patients with psoriasis, the presence of the disease may not be associated with an increased risk of bipolar spectrum disorders.

Examining the Concordance between ART and ERIN Methods in the Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Introduction Choosing the right method for assessing musculoskeletal disorders in work environments can be useful for identifying risk factors and preventing them. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the agreement between ART and ERIN methods in evaluating skeletal-muscular disorders in dentists. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted among 38 dental students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. In order to collect research data, ART and ERIN worksheets were used. Data were analyzed using Stata software (version 14). P&lt;0.05 was considered a significant level for all statistical tests. Results The research population included 20 (52.63%) women and 18 (47.37%) men. The mean and standard deviation of the age of women was 29.35 ± 2.68 years with a work experience of 3.2 years, and the mean and standard deviation of the age of men was 31.16 ± 3.25 years with a work experience of 3.33 years. The risk level in the ERIN method was high, and in the ART method, on both the right and left sides of the body was medium. Also, the relationship between the final score of the ERIN method and the final score of the right side of ART with work experience was direct and significant. The level of agreement between the two methods was achieved by using the Kappa coefficient on the right side, which was medium and weak on the left side of the body. Conclusion The results showed that the two methods did not have a good agreement; therefore, in order to evaluate discomfort in dentists, it is necessary to choose the appropriate method according to the type of activities performed, the purpose of the study, and the factors influencing the performance of tasks.

The Use of PCMs and PV Solar Panels in Higher Education Buildings towards Energy Savings and Decarbonization: A Case Study

Buildings are one the largest energy-consuming sectors in the world, and it is crucial to find solutions to reduce their energy consumption. One way to evaluate these solutions is using building simulation software, which provides a comprehensive perspective. In this article, using DesignBuilder software (v 6.1), the effect of using phase-change materials (PCMs) on the external walls and ceiling of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Shahid Beheshti University (Tehran, Iran) has been investigated. The methodology involves the use of a layer of PCMs for three locations: (1) on the walls; (2) on the ceiling; and (3) on both the walls and ceiling, with/without PV panels, which leads to seven scenarios (alongside the reference one). The result shows that using PCMs has a greater impact on the heating load than the cooling one and is more effective on ceilings than walls. For the simultaneous use of PCMs in the ceilings and walls, the heating and cooling loads, in comparison with the initial condition of the building, are reduced by 24%, and 12%, respectively. When using solar panels, the heating load increases by 12.6%, and the cooling load decreases by 8.6%, whereas the total energy consumption of the building is fairly constant when using both PV panels and PCMs. In these last conditions, the primary evaluated values shifted significantly. Notably, CO2 emissions saw a nearly 50% reduction, making the simultaneous use of PV panels and PCMs on both walls and ceilings the best performance option.

Serological diagnosis of Toxocara canis in mothers and their neonate referred to selected teaching hospitals, Tehran, Iran, 2020.

Toxocariasis is a common zoonotic parasitic disease, primarily caused by the larvae of Toxocara canis or T. cati. Humans become infected through accidental ingestion of infective eggs in soil contaminated with feces of infected animals, or by consuming undercooked meat from paratenic hosts harboring Toxocara larvae. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in 250 mothers and their 250 neonates referred to selected teaching hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2020. Data were recorded using a specialized questionnaire, and serum and peripheral blood smears (for eosinophil count) were collected. Serum samples were tested using the ELISA serological test for IgG antibodies against Toxocara spp. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 21.0. A chi-square test was performed, and a P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 500 participants, 24 cases (4.8%) tested positive for anti-Toxocara canis IgG antibodies. Seropositive cases included 6 mothers only (25%), 6 neonates only (25%), and 12 cases both mother and their neonate (50%). Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies and hospital type and nationality (P value < 0.05). However, no significant relationship was found between the presence of antibodies and other demographic variables such as age, sex, eosinophilia, and history of contact with animals in mothers and their neonates (P value > 0.05). This study indicates a substantial rate Toxocara infection in mothers and neonates, necessitating appropriate preventive measures by the relevant authorities.

The association between self-knowledge from Islamic perspective and mental health among Iranian female students

This study aimed to relate self-knowledge to mental health (from Islamic perspective), and compare it among the female students. Using the Morgan table, we selected 379 students from four universities, namely alzahra University, a single-sex university, the University of Tehran, Shahid Beheshti University, and Kharazmi University. The samples were selected randomly by applying a stratified sampling method. We utilized two instruments: Islamic self-knowledge and general mental health questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson Correlation Coefficient, independent samples t-test, and linear regression analysis using SPSS version 25. The results showed that there were significant association between self-knowledge and mental health. However, there were no significant differences between the female students of humanities and sciences, whether from the point of self-knowledge or mental health. The results also showed no significant differences between the students of alzahra University and the female students of the other three universities in self-knowledge and mental health. In each case, the results are compared to Islamic viewpoints (Quran, Hadith, and Quotations from various Islamic thinkers) as well as the psychological viewpoints of Maslow and Rogers. Our findings underline the importance of enhancing self-knowledge among female university students as a protective factor against mental health outcomes (substance abuse, depression, and anxiety) Moreover, Faith based strategies are known to be effective, more accessible than mental health professional services and will carry less stigma in the target community.

The relationship between moral reasoning and nurses’ professional values in undergraduate nursing students: a descriptive-correlational study

BackgroundMoral reasoning in nursing is crucial in delivering high-quality patient care and fostering increased job satisfaction among nurses. Adhering to professional values is vital to this profession, and nurses must modify their actions to align with these values.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the correlation between moral reasoning and professional values among undergraduate nursing students.Research designA descriptive correlational design was recruited.Participants and research contextThe research was conducted at three nursing schools located in Tehran, Iran. The sample was recruited through random stratified sampling, specifically targeting undergraduate nursing students. The data collection tool comprised a three-part questionnaire, including a demographic information form, the Nursing Dilemma Test, and the Nurses Professional Values Scale Revised Questionnaire. The distribution of questionnaires encompassed both face-to-face and electronic methods. The analysis of data was conducted using SPSS 16 software. The data was analyzed using the independent samples t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis. The P value of 0.05 was considered significant.Ethical considerationsThe Ethics Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences approved the study.FindingsData analysis showed that moral reasoning was directly correlated to professional values (r = 0.528, p < 0.001). The mean scores of Principled Thinking (P.T.), Practical Consideration (P.C.), and Familiarity with similar moral dilemmas of the NDT scale were 42.55 (SD = 12.95), 15.72 (SD = 6.85), 16.08 (SD = 6.67), respectively. Also, the total score of professional values of students was 90.63 (SD = 28.80).ConclusionThe findings indicated that moral reasoning and interest in nursing predict students’ professional identity. Thus, any effort to enhance interest in the profession can contribute to developing students’ professional identity. This can involve incentivizing, enhancing the professional reputation at the community and university levels, and valuing student preferences and necessities.

The relationship between quality of life and some mental problems in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWomen with medical problems during pregnancy, including women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), experience an increased prevalence of mental health disorders which can affect their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the relationship between GDM-related quality of life and depression, anxiety, and stress.MethodsThis analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 150 women with GDM. The participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling including quota and then randomized method from maternal care centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran-Iran. The data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, the GDM-related quality of life questionnaire (GDMQoL-36), and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS). The data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software and statistical tests of coefficient Spearman’s correlation, t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression.ResultsThe mean ± SD score for the GDM-related quality of life and the DASS scale were 55.51 ± 8.87 and 27.12 ± 19.43%, respectively. Different degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress were present in 40, 61.3, and 42% of women, respectively. The total score of GDM-related quality of life had a significant negative correlation with the total score of DASS and the scores of the subscales including depression, anxiety, and stress (P < 0.001). There were significant correlations between the total score of GDM-related quality of life with age, BMI, length of marriage, educational level of the woman and her spouse, the occupation of the woman and her spouse, income, and economic class of the family. Multiple linear regression revealed that depression, education, and job are predictive factors for GDM-related quality of life.ConclusionGDM-related quality of life is related to some mental disorders. Therefore, it is important to consider the mental health promotion of pregnant women with GDM in future prenatal health programs to improve their quality of life. This also shows the importance of integrating mental health promotion strategies to enhance the quality of life of pregnant women with GDM.