Urmia University Research Articles

Designing and Evaluating a Web-Based Training Program for Medical Record Documentation: Insights from a Developing Country Experience

BackgroundThe quality of medical documentation is crucial for enhancing patient care, as accurate records reduce medical errors and improve patient safety. Given the pivotal role of medical records in delivering high-quality healthcare services, effective training in documentation skills is essential. Whence, this study aimed to design and evaluate a web-based training program focused on medical record documentation, specifically for medical students in Iran (West Azerbaijan province, Urmia), but can be easily adapted to other pertinent cases. MethodThis semi-experimental study was conducted in 2023 and comprised three main phases: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. In the first phase, an online questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and performance was developed and integrated into the web-based education program. During the second phase, multimedia electronic content was created and made accessible to students for two months. In the final phase, the same online questionnaire was administered to the students again. The study involved 114 medical students from Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Among the 114 medical students (61 externs and 53 interns), 53.4% were male, and 46.6% were female. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. ResultsFollowing the intervention, students’ knowledge scores are seen increase from 76.50 to 86.30, attitudes improved from 79.33 to 85, and performance enhanced from 74.92 to 81.40. Further statistical analysis reveals that the web-based training significantly impacted the knowledge, attitudes, and performance of the medical students regarding documentation, with a p-value less than 0.05. ConclusionThe findings of this specific study indicate that web-based education, supplemented with multimedia content, has led to significant improvements in the knowledge, attitudes, and performance of medical students in medical record documentation. While these positive outcomes suggest that the course characteristics played an important role, further investigation is no doubt needed to establish a direct causal relationship. Ongoing studies are surely recommendable. Nonetheless, implementing such educational approaches appears to be an essential ingredient for enhancing the documentation skills of future healthcare professionals. The study may open educational perspectives and inspire further ad hoc research in nearby domains making use of complex documentation.

Organizational silence and hidden threats to patients' dignity with schizophrenia: A qualitative study.

Maintaining patients' dignity is a key ethical requirement in healthcare and is emphasized in nursing standards. This issue is particularly significant for patients with schizophrenia because they face unique challenges such as physical and psychological difficulties, dependence on others, and social isolation, making them more vulnerable. Organizational factors can either threaten or preserve their dignity. However, there is little knowledge in this domain within the sociocultural context of Iran. This study aimed to explore the role of the healthcare organization in the dignity of patients with schizophrenia, based on the opinions of patients, healthcare personnel, and family caregivers. This qualitative study was conducted with 26 participants (16 patients, 4 family caregivers, 2 nurses, 3 psychologists, and 1 service worker) who were selected using a purposeful sampling method. The data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews until data saturation was reached. The data were analyzed via Graneheim and Lundman's method. The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences (IR.UMSU.REC.1401.099). Based on data analysis, participants reported the three following challenges as organizational hidden threats to patients' dignity: "Lack of facilities," "premature management," and "ineffective communication." The study findings indicated that the healthcare organization does not support the dignity of patients. Management inefficiency and lack of facilities are evident in psychiatric hospitals, and healthcare centers are not monitored based on standard criteria. Limited interactions between healthcare personnel and patients were identified as the main reasons for the neglect of patients with schizophrenia and the violation of their dignity. The results of this study can help healthcare policymakers in designing and implementing effective programs to preserve the dignity of patients with schizophrenia.

Educational needs of midwifery students in medical ethics: A qualitative study.

Background: Ethics education is a basic part of midwifery education program. However, there is no evidence to show that ethics education has been able to meet the educational needs of midwifery students. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the educational needs of students for ethics in midwifery program with a focus on the course of history, ethics, and rules of midwifery. Research design and participants: The present study is qualitative descriptive content analysis research, exploring midwifery students' needs of ethics education in bachelor's degrees. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 11 undergraduate midwifery students, seven midwives working in hospitals and health centers, and seven midwifery faculty members in Urmia University of Medical Sciences. The participants were selected using a purposeful sampling method and invited to join the study from December 2021 to June 2022. The sampling continued until data saturation. Findings: Content analysis identified four categories and associated subcategories: 1. "The client's rights": respecting the dignity of clients, confidentiality, the client's right to choose and make decisions; 2. "Legal and ethical requirements of fertility": abortion, alternative treatment for infertility, domestic violence; 3. "Communication skills": communication with the client, communication with clients' caregivers and communication with colleagues; and 4. "ethical principles in research": compliance with ethical principles in the research process and ethical principles in publishing research findings. Ethical considerations: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Before filling the questionnaires, written informed consent was obtained from the participants. The participants were assured of the confidentiality of personal information. Conclusion: The educational needs of midwifery students can be met by providing theoretical and practical training on respecting the pregnant mother, communication skills, legal and ethical aspects of the reproductive period, and incorporating ethical principles in related courses.

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the electronic prescribing systems executed in Iran from the physician’s viewpoint: a qualitative study

BackgroundElectronic prescribing (e-prescribing) is an essential technology in the modern health system. This technology has made many changes in the prescription process, which have advantages and disadvantages and have created opportunities for transforming the health system. This study aimed to investigate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the e-prescribing system implemented in Iran from the physician’s viewpoint.MethodsThis phenomenological qualitative study was conducted in 2022. The participants were 15 Iranian specialist physicians working at Urmia University of Medical Sciences, selected purposively and deliberately. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews using an interview guide comprising 16 questions. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. The audio data was transcribed into text and analyzed using the thematic analysis. To ensure the validity and reliability of the findings, the criteria introduced by Lincoln and Guba were employed.ResultsThe results of this study showed that the e-prescribing system executed in Iran has diverse and multidimensional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In the strengths section, the analysis of the interviews led to the extraction of semantic units in the categories of prescription process, prescriber, patient, technical, economic, communication, and insurance. Also, the weaknesses in the three categories of the prescriber, patient, and technical were debatable. The opportunities extracted from the narratives of the interviewees were placed in four categories including technical, national macro policies, Ministry of Health macro-policies, and socio-cultural issues. Finally, the discussed threats are classified into two technical and macro policies of the Ministry of Health categories. On the other hand, technical issues played an effective role in all aspects of the SWOT model.ConclusionThe e-prescribing system in Iran has strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. An overarching factor across all aspects of the SWOT model was technical infrastructure. A robust technical infrastructure is considered a strength and an opportunity for the growth of the electronic prescribing system in Iran. Conversely, any shortcomings in these systems are viewed as weaknesses and pose a threat to the system’s sustainability.

Association of hemoglobin A1c and severity of coronary arteries disease in non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary arteries angiography: A cross-sectional study

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association of HbA1c with coronary artery disease (CAD) in non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery angiography. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 265 individuals referred to an educational heart hospital affiliated with Urmia University of Medical Sciences, north of Iran. Participants were selected through a convenient sampling method. Patients underwent angiography, and CAD disease severity for them was computed using a GSS score. The association of HbA1c and other variables on CAD disease severity was investigated. Results: A total of 265 non-diabetic diabetic patients with a mean age of 59.36 years were investigated. The mean body mass index was 26.42 kg/m2 and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 48.62%. The mean score of the Geriatric Scoring System in patients was 31.28. As the GSS score increased, HbA1c was significantly increased as well. HbA1c had an appropriate value in the diagnosis of severe CAD, and the best cutoff point for this assessment was 6.15%. In addition, HbA1c had an appropriate value in the diagnosis of mild CAD, but cigarette use and hypertension had no significant effect on this association. Conclusion: HbA1c with cutoff points mentioned was an appropriate factor to determine the severity of CAD in non-diabetic patients; therefore, it is recommended to use that to determine disease severity, and in patients with high levels of HbA1c, close follow-up and treatment need to be done to decrease the complications and mortality.

Barriers to maintaining dignity for patients with schizophrenia: A qualitative study.

Since dignity is one of the fundamental rights of each patient, maintaining patients' dignity is essential. Unfortunately, in many cases, particularly among patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), dignity is not fully respected. Nonetheless, there is limited knowledge regarding this matter in Middle Eastern Nations. This study aimed to identify the barriers to maintaining dignity for patients with schizophrenia from the perspective of patients with schizophrenia, their family caregivers, and healthcare personnel. This qualitative study was conducted with patients (n = 16), family caregivers (n = 4), and healthcare personnel (n = 6) who were selected using a purposeful sampling method. The data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews until the data reached saturation. Data were analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman method. The Research Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences (IR.UMSU.REC.1401.099). Analysis of the interviews revealed two main themes and five subthemes as the barriers to maintaining dignity for patients with schizophrenia. The main themes included "Black shadow of stigma" (three subthemes: "Facing the fear and discrimination of others," "Misconceptions in society," and "Social rejection") and "Facing violations" (two subthemes: "Basic human rights violation" and "Negative emotional responses"). Patients' dignity with schizophrenia was at a low level due to the negative attitude of society toward these patients. In this respect, the basic human rights violations, social rejection, and misconceptions were abundant in society and care centers. An in-depth comprehension of the threatening factors affecting dignity can assist policymakers in safeguarding their dignity through effective programs.

Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Curcumin and Chitosan on Experimental Toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogenic parasite with worldwide distribution. We investigated curcumin and chitosan in combination on the viability of T. gondii tachyzoites in silico, in vitro and in vivo. A 3D model was employed in Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran in 2021 to study the interaction between curcumin and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Ramachandran root-mean-square deviation and VERIFY3D validated the model. Cytotoxicity of curcumin and chitosan was evaluated by MTT viability assay. BALB/c mice infected with 104 Toxoplasma organisms were treated with curcumin, chitosan, and the combination of curcumin+chitosan. Serum levels of inducible NO synthetase (iNOs), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-5, glutamate oxaloacetic transaminases(SGOT), and glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) were determined. Curcumin-DHFR and curcumin-DHPS (dihydropteroate synthase) interactions and calculated enzyme energy indicated an excellent affinity for curcumin with DHFR, but not DHPS. MTT results of concurrent treatments demonstrated IC50 rates of 0.1, 0.05, and 0.01 mg/ml at 24, 48, and 72h, respectively. IFN-γ, IL-5 and iNOs levels in curcumin+chitosan treated mice were 1.71, 0.51, and 1.51 IU/L, while those of SGOT and SGPT were 76 and 84 IU/L, respectively. The combination of curcumin and chitosan increased survival time of infected mice by seven days. Curcumin and chitosan in combination regulated the immune system and reduced liver damage, potentially forming the basis of a new treatment for toxoplasmosis.

Prognostic risk factors for early outcomes of patients with myelomeningocele: a prospective study

IntroductionMyelomeningocele (MMC) is a prevalent form of neural tube defect. Despite advancements in treatment, MMC still poses significant health risks, including complications leading to chronic disability and mortality. Identifying prognostic risk factors for early outcomes is crucial for tailored intervention strategies.MethodsThis prospective study involved newborns and infants diagnosed with MMC who underwent surgery between 2020 and 2023 at Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Demographic data and surgical outcomes were collected, and participants were followed up for six months. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, and independent t-test.ResultsThe study included 29 MMC cases, with an incidence rate of 1.4 per 10,000 live births. Lesions were predominantly located in the lumbar spine. Although mortality rates appeared to increase with ascending lesion sites, this trend was not statistically significant. Short-term outcomes revealed high morbidity and mortality rates, with neurological deficits being the most prevalent complication. Multivariable analysis identified head circumference as a significant predictor of adverse outcomes (IRR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.86, p = 0.04). Furthermore, an increase in birth weight was associated with a reduction in the incidence of requiring a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (IRR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.998 to 0.999, p = 0.02).ConclusionThis prospective study highlights prognostic risk factors for early outcomes in MMC patients, emphasizing the need for personalized intervention strategies. By addressing modifiable risk factors and implementing targeted interventions, healthcare providers can strive to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for MMC patients.

Designing a Constructive Leadership Implementation Model in the Higher Education System Using an Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) Approach

The present study designed a model for the implementation of constructive leadership in the higher education system using an interpretive structural modeling approach. This study was applied in terms of aim and qualitative type of descriptive in terms of method of implementation. The statistical population of the study included experts in educational and constructive leadership in higher education at Urmia University. Based on the principle of random sampling, 7 of them were selected as a sample using convenience and snowball sampling methods. A semi-structured interview with experts whose questions were designed based on the theoretical foundations of constructive leadership in higher education with the help of professors was used as the study tool. The validity of the results was examined and confirmed by the triangulation method. Also, its face validity was confirmed by the opinions of experts who were not members of the study, and its reliability was calculated at 0.83 using the inter-coder coefficient of the agreement method. The data obtained from semi-structured interviews were analyzed with open, axial, and selective coding based on grounded theory in MAXQDA software. The results showed that the model of constructive leadership in higher education based on grounded theory included 12 components and 9 dimensions. The category of causal conditions included two dimensions of the necessity of constructive management (with two components of knowledge management and organizational innovation) and organizational culture (with two components of collaborative management and innovative atmosphere). The category of contextual conditions included two dimensions of management maturity (with the component of evaluating and applying policies for constructive management) and the system of fostering change and transformation (with the component of establishing relationships with aligned people and organizations). The category of intervening conditions included the dimension of competition with the surrounding environment and increasing progress (with the component of planning and paying attention to facilities). The category of strategies included two dimensions having facilities and requirements (with the component of financing and equipment) and responsibility and cooperation (with the components of empathy and public desire). Finally, the category of implications included two dimensions of academic development (with 2 components of individual competence development and university development) and social development (with the component of gaining public trust).

Indoor measurement and analysis on soil-traction device interaction using a soil bin

Investigating the mechanical interaction between vehicles and soil requires measuring various mechanical parameters, which have been enhanced through the advancement of measurement tools. This study delves into the measurement tools and data recording devices utilized in soil-traction device studies conducted at the Off-Road Vehicle Research Center of Urmia University. The tools and methods used for measuring and recording parameters such as forces, velocities, displacements, stresses, and contact areas during traction engagements of laboratory test traction devices (wheels and tracks) are presented. These measurements may have been simultaneously obtained using multiple transducers. The results demonstrate the data acquisition system's successful measurement and recording of these parameters. This research emphasizes the integration of different sensors, developing and implementing a unified data acquisition system for various transducers, and creating innovative setups for measuring and recording parameters such as soil density and wheel-soil contact area, which are of significant importance.

Comparison of the Effects of E-learning Blended with Collaborative Learning and Lecture-Based Teaching Approaches on Academic Self-Efficacy among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Applying new technologies in teaching has led to the phenomenon of blended learning (BL), which is currently flourishing as a specific requirement for higher self-efficacy and success in increasingly complex healthcare environments. Although various forms of novel education are on the rise worldwide, the effects of electronic learning (EL), combined with collaborative learning (CL) and lecture-based teaching (LBT) approaches, have not yet been validated on academic self-efficacy among undergraduate nursing students. Utilizing a pre-/post-test comparison-group design, this quasi-experimental study was conducted on 70 undergraduate nursing students of Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran, selected by the census sampling technique in 2020. The eligible participants were allocated to intervention groups, viz., the EL+LBT group (n=34) and the EL+CL group (n=36). A learning management system (LMS) was used for both intervention groups along with the LBT approach, and then 10 steps were integrated into the CL approach during 14 sessions, lasting 150 minutes. Afterward, a demographic information form and the College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES) were administered to collect the data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, independent-samples t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). No significant difference was observed in the CASE scores between the students were taught using the EL+LBT (113.76±16.98) and the EL+CL approaches (107.66±16.70) before the interventions (P=0.136). However, the CL+EL approaches resulted in the highest changes in the CASE scores at the pre- (107.66±16.70) and post-test (119.08±25.49) stages (P=0.019). Moreover, the female students attending the CL+EL classrooms experienced significantly positive differences in their CASE scores (127.12±30.34), compared to the males (112.65±19.30) (P=0.011). Blending the EL and CL approaches significantly promoted CASE among the undergraduate nursing students in this study by providing sufficient collaboration, essential educational equipment, and better technical support.

Economics Education, Decision-Making, and Entrepreneurial Intention: A Mediation Analysis of Financial Literacy

Abstract Adequate financial decision-making necessitates a solid foundation in financial literacy and comprehension of its principles. This is particularly crucial for students, as their financial and behavioral choices can significantly impact their future financial and career prospects. Consequently, the present study aimed to explore the causal links between economics education, financial literacy, decision-making abilities, and entrepreneurial intentions. Employing a descriptive-correlational approach, the researchers utilized structural equation modeling, drawing on a sample of 375 individuals purposefully selected from a population of 11,345 students at Urmia University. Data were collected through a questionnaire, and the research variables were initially assessed using multiple correspondence analysis. Subsequently, the research model was estimated. The findings revealed a positive and substantial impact of economics education on students' financial literacy and the influence of economics education on decision-making skills and entrepreneurial intentions through the mediating factor of financial literacy. Furthermore, the results confirmed the moderating role of socioeconomic status in the relationship between economics education and financial literacy. Consequently, the study's outcomes can inform educational institutions and policymakers, supporting the implementation of policies aimed at enhancing general economic education and emphasizing the equitable and distributive nature of such initiatives.

Evaluation of In Vitro Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Miltefosine on the Toxoplasma gondii RH Strain.

We aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of miltefosine on Toxoplasma gondii RH strain by various techniques. The study was conducted at the Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2020. Four groups of five BALB/c mice were selected. The cytotoxicity test was conducted by adding miltefosine to T. gondii tachyzoites; control tachyzoites received PBS and MTT assay was done on each suspension. For evaluating the Th1-type immune responses, the serum levels of IFN-γ and nitric oxide (NO) were assessed in mice after injecting tachyzoites and miltefosine, respectively. The flow cytometry technique was performed on T. gondii tachyzoites challenged with IC50 and IC90 doses of miltefosine and unchallenged cells. DNA fragments in T. gondii tachyzoites were detected by Terminal dUTPnick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Overall, 256, 64, 32, and 16 μg concentrations of miltefosine, respectively could kill more than 50% of viable T. gondii tachyzoites. The infected mice group, treated with miltefosine, significantly produced more IFN-γ relative to other groups (P< 0.001). Moreover, a significant difference was found in inducible NO synthase between the experimental and control groups (P<0.05). The flow cytometry results demonstrated a concentration-dependent apoptosis rate in tachyzoites incubated with miltefosine, though the necrosis rate was non-significant. DNA fragmentation analysis indicated oligonucleotides (18-200 bp) in tachyzoites treated with 11μg of miltefosine for 24, 48 and 72 h. However, this pattern was not observed in untreated control microorganisms. Miltefosine could be a favorable candidate for use as a new treatment for toxoplasmosis.

The relation between tissue doppler imaging and the severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Objectives: Early detection of local dysfunction in patients suspected of coronary artery disease (CAD) is usually performed using Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI). The present study investigated the relationship between TDI and the severity of coronary artery stenosis in hospitalized patients with suspected CAD.&#x0D; Methods: The present study is a descriptive-analytical study. The research population was 200 patients hospitalized in Seyyed al-Shohada Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, undergoing coronary angiography between 2013 and 2018. The patients were divided into three groups- mild, moderate, and severe. All patients underwent echocardiography and color TD. Myocardial performance index (TIE index) was evaluated using Doppler echo. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of tissue Doppler indices on the degree of coronary artery involvement. SPSS version 22 software was used for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: A total of 200 patients, 113 (56.5%) males, were investigated. The age range of participants was between 25 to 78 years. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function indices and mean velocity E in the three groups were 0.73 ± 0.158, 0.68 ± 0.134, and 0.64 ± 0.145, respectively (P = 0.025). The average velocity A, the average ratio E/A, the MP index, the average velocity e, and the average ratio E/e had significant differences in all the three groups.&#x0D; Conclusions: Due to the significant correlation between numerous left ventricular functional indices, TDI can be used as a non-invasive tool in evaluating coronary arteries.

The contribution of the nursing profession to the establishment of social justice: A grounded theory study.

Social inequities in the healthcare system threaten global health. Efforts to establish equity in healthcare is a key goal of healthcare systems worldwide. Social justice is a basic value of the nursing profession that always merits attention. This study aimed to identify and explain the processes of the nursing profession's participation in establishing social justice in healthcare system. This qualitative study was conducted using the grounded theory method. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, individual interviews with 26 participants, 23 of whom were members of the nursing profession. Sampling started purposefully and, then, continued with theoretical sampling. Field notes were also taken for data collection. Data analysis was performed using Corbin and Strauss' 2015 method. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The "Professional Dynamics in the Path of Justice" was the study's core category. This theory is the result of nine main categories: "inefficient professional authority," "social justice, a neglected component in education," "clinical concerns, barriers to nurses' presence in society," "individual input reserves to facilitate social justice," "inadequate maturity of the profession in the path of equity in health," "promoting justice in clinical practice," "a tendency to community-oriented profession," "use of personal approaches for justice promotion," and "emerging justice-expanding nursing." These categories cover the underlying factors, strategies, and outcomes of the nursing profession's participation in establishing social justice process in healthcare. The theory of professional dynamics in the path of justice can be used as a practical guide to describe the role of nurses in establishing social justice. Further studies with a quantitative approach to applying this theory are recommended.

The intention to leave among academics in Iran: an examination of their work-life quality and satisfaction

BackgroundDespite the importance of faculty retention, there is little understanding of how demographic variables, professional and institutional work-life issues, and satisfaction interact to explain faculty intentions to leave. This study aimed to investigate the intention to leave among academics and their Work-Life Quality and Satisfaction.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by 8 faculties affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences located in Urmia, West Azarbaijan province, Iran. The participants in the study were 120 faculty members from Nursing and Midwifery, Medicine, Allied health professions, and Health management and medical information faculties. The Work-Life Quality and Satisfaction scale, and the intension to leave scale were used for data collection. Uni- and multivariable linear regression analyses were employed to determine predictors of the intention to leave (P-values < 0.05).ResultsThe mean scores of all dimensions of Work-Life Quality and Satisfaction scale, and intention to leave were in an average level. There is a negative correlation between Work-Life Quality and Satisfaction subscales, along with demographic factors, and the intention to leave (P < 0.05), while multivariate analysis showed that work experience and Discipline were significant independent predictors of intention to leave (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn order to improve education in universities, it is necessary to pay attention to the conditions of creating job satisfaction in academics. Considering the high intention to leave among Nursing lecturers, without sufficient support of nursing schools in terms of human resources, it may suffer by the lack of academic staff; eventually the quality of education will reduce in undergraduate nursing in the long term.

A Comparative Study Quality of Life on Academic Staff Members of Iran and Turkey State Universities (Case Study Van And Urmia)

Quality of life refers to the convenience and satisfaction of individuals' living conditions. Most of the researches on the quality of life has been done in the medical, psychological, and social fields. Evaluation of the quality of life by university academic staff is the aim of this study. In this research, quality of life perceptions was tried to be measured with the application made in Urmia and Van Yuzuncu Yil universities. The main question of the research is to examine the status of quality of life and determine the age, marriage, etc. to compare contextual variables with quality of life. This research was carried out with the descriptive-analytical method and was performed with the survey method. As a data collection method, the World Health Organization's quality of life scale was used. The statistical population of this research is all academic staff of Van Yuzuncu Yil and Urmia universities. Its sampling is 335 academic staff, reached by stratified random sampling method, which is a proportional allocation type based on Cochran's formula. As a result of examining the quality of life and physical, social, environmental, mental, and general quality components among the academicians of Urmia and Van Yuzuncu Yil Universities, it was observed that the physical health status of the Urmia University faculty members had a higher average. When the social health status of the participants were compared, it was shown that the social health score averages of the faculty members of Van Yuzuncu Yil University were higher than the average scores of the faculty members of Urmia University. As a result of environmental health and public health analysis; the average of the faculty members of Van Yuzuncu Yil University is higher. In line with these results, it has been evaluated that factors such as economic benefits, environmental conditions, and social life increase the quality of life more. The study was completed by writing the conclusion part and making various suggestions.

Green Hospital Standards in the Teaching Hospitals of Urmia University of Medical Sciences: Compliance Status and Providing Solutions

Background: A Green Hospital is a hospital that sees the environment as a part of its service quality processes and reduces environmental risks by applying effective measures in all dimensions, including management, water, energy, and waste. This study aimed to investigate the status of Green Hospital standards in the teaching hospitals of Urmia University of Medical Sciences (UMSU). Methods: This descriptive study was conducted cross-sectionally on eight teaching hospitals associated with UMSU in 2022. The information collection tool was the Green Hospital Checklist, which consists of seven dimensions: energy, waste management, architecture, water, chemicals, supplies, and medicine. Data were collected through field observation and interviews with hospital executives. Descriptive statistics were used in SPSS 22 software for data analysis. Results: According to the results, among the eight hospitals covered by UMSU, four hospitals in the energy consumption dimension, two hospitals in the architecture dimension, one hospital in the waste management dimension, six hospitals in the chemicals dimension, and five hospitals in the medicine consumption dimension met 50% or more of the Green Hospital standards. Regarding water conservation and purchasing supplies, no hospital met the Green Hospital standards. Only one hospital met more than 50% of the Green Hospital standards overall. Conclusion: Considering that the score obtained from the studied hospitals was lower than the desired level, identifying the challenges of achieving standards in implementing Green Hospital programs is paramount. Implementing these standards requires creating a green management team and planning for the seven studied variables.

Strategies for Improving Nurses' Performance Regarding Cardiovascular Patient's Adherence to Treatment Regimen: Content Analysis.

Patient adherence to the treatment regimen is an important goal of treatment; finding appropriate strategies to improve treatment adherence is a nursing challenge. This study aimed to explore strategies to improve nurses' performance to enhance cardiovascular patients' adherence to treatment regimens. This is a qualitative content analysis study that was performed in an educational hospital of the Urmia University of Medical Science. Data were collected through semi-structured individual and group interviews. Sixteen individual interviews were conducted with nurses, patients, and physicians. A focus group was conducted with the presence of six nurses and nursing managers. Data were analyzed by conventional content analysis using MAXQDA 2020. After analyzing the interviews, five strategies were explored; these strategies include: follow-up of the patient after discharge (systemic and organizational follow-up, educational follow-up, counseling follow-up, and motivational follow-up), sending reminders for necessary cases to the patients (risk reminders, care reminders); improving patient education methods (modern and up-to-date education, conventional and routine education), improving support services (home care services, social support, Psychological support), and optimizing the structure and processes of the hospital (making structural changes, making process changes). Much needs to be done to improve patient's adherence to treatment. Nurses are at the forefront of this work. In this study, we introduced ways to improve nurses' performance in order to increase patient adherence.

A large-scale study on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients referred to medical laboratories in Urmia, Northwest Iran

IntroductionIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), caused by helminths and protozoans, are among the most prevalent infections in humans in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs in patients referred to three educational and medical centers affiliated with Urmia University of Medical Sciences in Urmia.Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, 2845 stool samples, including 2174 (76.4%) males and 671 (23.6%) females, were collected from patients referred to Imam Khomeini and Shahid Motahhari hospitals and Shahid Nikkhah Health Center in Urmia, Northwest Iran, from January 2020 to February 2022. The microscopic examination for IPIs was carried out using the wet mount method, and the hard-to-identify samples were stained by trichrome for accurate identification of protozoa. For diagnosis of infections by coccidian parasites modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) staining was used.ResultsBased on the results, two hundred nine intestinal parasites were identified in 184 out of 2845 (6.5%) patients of which 136 out of 2174 males (6.3%) and 48 out of 671 females (7.2%) were positive. Some patients had tested positive for multiple protozoa. The observed intestinal protozoa are as follows: Blastocystis spp. 118 (4.1%), Endolimax Nana 42 (1.5%), Entamoeba coli 24 (0.8%), Giardia lamblia 13 (0.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. 6 (0.2%), Iodamoeba butschlii 3 (0.1%), Chilomastix mesnili 2 (0.1%), and an accidentally detected helminthic infection Enterobius vermicularis 1 (0.05%).ConclusionAccording to the results, the most prevalent IPIs in West Azerbaijan Province are caused by Blastocystis spp., and Giardia lamblia. Most intestinal protozoa observed in the study were nonpathogenic and commensal, which shows water or food contamination in the area. Thus, medical technologists in the parasitology section must be trained and aware of IPIs in medical laboratories.