Sexual behavioral abstine HIV/AIDS questionnaire: Validation study of an Iranian questionnaire

Development of a questionnaire for patient perception to functional appliances

OBJECTIVE

To developed and evaluate the validity, reliability, and Arabic translation of a questionnaire for preadolescent perception to removable functional appliances.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A new questionnaire was drafted based on previously used questionnaires. Twelve orthodontic experts were selected within content and face validity panel and twenty preadolescents wearing functional appliances were participated in the face validation of the questionnaire. Two rounds of content validity were performed with the same experts. The final form of the validated questionnaire was translated from English to Arabic language. The content validity index (CVI) was used for content validity and the Cronbach's alpha test was used to assess the internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire.

RESULTS

During the first round of content validity, 50 items were relevant to the underlying construct (Item-CVI ≥ 0.78), while four items were considered not valid (Item-CVI < 0.78) and the average scale-CVI was 0.93. In terms of face validation by experts, the percentage of agreement was adequate (96.4%). The questionnaire was modified by removing the non-valid items, adding/modifying items, and merging some categories. For second round of content validity, all items were found to be valid (I-CVI ≥ 0.78) and the overall questionnaire had adequate content validity (Scale-CVI/Ave = 0.94). The translated valid questionnaire also achieved a perfect agreement (100%) for face validity by patients. The internal consistency was appropriate (≥ 0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

A new valid, reliable, and translated questionnaire (English and Arabic versions) that cover the majority of aspects of patients' perception during treatment with removable functional appliances has been developed.

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

BACKGROUND

In 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.

METHODS

The 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.

DISCUSSION

This 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.

Evaluation of psychometric properties of the maastricht upper extremity questionnaire (MUEQ) in iranian computer users

BACKGROUND

Measurement of the essential risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders is a fundamental step in predicting the problem and identifying high-risk individuals. In this regard, Maastricht upper extremity questionnaire (MUEQ) has not been validated in Iran. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable Persian version of MUEQ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this descriptive study, the computer users employed in a governmental informatics administration in Tehran, Iran, were included during the end of 2018 and early 2019. Face and content validity of the MUEQ was conducted, and a six-part questionnaire was provided. The reliability of the questionnaire was obtained using Cronbach's α and test-retest. Concurrent validity was assessed with Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, comparison test of independent mean, internal consistency coefficient, test-retest, and Pearson correlation were carried out using the AMOS and SPSS 22 software.

RESULTS

Participants consisted of 282 computer users (110 males) with a mean age of 35.17 ± 7.65 years. The mean duration of computer use in a working day was 6.68 ± 2.10 h with a range of 1-12 h. The most prevalent symptoms were existed in the neck (39.1%), back (31.0%), and lower back (30.3%) areas. KMO test and Bartlett's test of sphericity showed that a significant correlation existed among questions. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the questionnaire varied from 0.61 to 0.83 and test-retest coefficient was higher than 0.7. Correlation coefficient was between NMQ and body posture (r = 0.23, P = 0.004) and between NMQ and work environment (r = 0.28, P = 0.000). Evaluations related to the construct validity and concurrent validity demonstrated that the questionnaire has acceptable construct validity. Six factors of the MUEQ in Root Mean Squared Error Approximation (RMSEA) index (0.062) were acceptable and satisfactory in Parsimony Comparative Fit Index (PCFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), and Parsimony Goodness of Fit Index (PGFI) (0.732, 0.8000, 0.680, and 0.680, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The Persian version of the MUEQ represented a satisfactory validity and reliability and was suitable for computer users in the assessment of their risk factors of musculoskeletal complaints.

Development and psychometric assessment of the sexual health education necessity scale: An exploratory mixed method study

Background: Sexual health education is a controversial issue within the Iranian context. Thus, the present study was conducted to explore the necessity of sex education among young single women and develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Sexual Health Education Necessity Scale.

Methods: This was an exploratory mixed method study. Young single women (51 women in the first phase and 110 women in the second phase of the study) aged 18-34 years were recruited in the study. In the first phase, qualitative methods were applied to generate items. In the second phase, psychometric properties, such as face, content, and construct validity, and reliability of the Sexual Health Education Necessity Scale were evaluated. In the first phase, an item pool was developed that included 17 statements related to sexual health education necessity. In the second phase, item reduction was applied using exploratory factor analysis and the final version of the questionnaire containing 9 items was developed. Also, content, face, and construct validity were assessed. Moreover, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test-retest were calculated to evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire. SPSS software (version 21) was used for data analysis and p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: In the qualitative phase, 4 key themes emerged regarding sex education, which included the effects of sex education, principles of sex education, content of sex education, and organizations responsible for sex education. An item pool containing 17 statements was generated and used for psychometric evaluation. The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed a 2-factor solution for the scale, which collectively accounted for the 56.04% of the variance. Final CVR and CVI were found to be 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test-retest of the instrument was found to be 0.78 and 0.80, respectively.

Conclusion: Sexual Health Education Necessity Scale can be used for exploring dominant beliefs that may be obstacles for providing sex education in conservative societies; therefore, correcting these beliefs could help to design an appropriate sexual health education program.

Next Generation Technology for Epidemic Prevention and Control: Data-Driven Contact Tracking

Contact tracking is one of the key technologies in prevention and control of infectious diseases. In the face of a sudden infectious disease outbreak, contact tracking systems can help medical professionals quickly locate and isolate infected persons and high-risk individuals, preventing further spread and a large-scale outbreak of infectious disease. Furthermore, the transmission networks of infectious diseases established using contact tracking technology can aid in the visualization of actual virus transmission paths, which enables simulations and predictions of the transmission process, assessment of the outbreak trend, and further development and deployment of more effective prevention and control strategies. Exploring effective contact tracking methods will be significant. Governments, academics, and industries have all given extensive attention to this goal. In this paper, we review the developments and challenges of current contact tracing technologies regarding individual and group contact from both static and dynamic perspectives, including static individual contact tracing, dynamic individual contact tracing, static group contact tracing, and dynamic group contact tracing. With the purpose of providing useful reference and inspiration for researchers and practitioners in related fields, directions in multi-view contact tracing, multi-scale contact tracing, and AI-based contact tracing are provided for next-generation technologies for epidemic prevention and control.

Alexander Technique Training Coupled With an Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction in Teachers With Low Back Pain

BACKGROUND

Individuals suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP) experience major physical, social, and occupational disruptions. Strong evidence confirms the effectiveness of Alexander technique (AT) training for CLBP.

OBJECTIVES

The present study applied an integrative model (IM) of behavioral prediction for improvement of AT training.

METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental study of female teachers with nonspecific LBP in southern Tehran in 2014. Group A contained 42 subjects and group B had 35 subjects. In group A, AT lessons were designed based on IM constructs, while in group B, AT lessons only were taught. The validity and reliability of the AT questionnaire were confirmed using content validity (CVR 0.91, CVI 0.96) and Cronbach's α (0.80). The IM constructs of both groups were measured after the completion of training. Statistical analysis used independent and paired samples t-tests and the univariate generalized linear model (GLM).

RESULTS

Significant differences were recorded before and after intervention (P < 0.001) for the model constructs of intention, perceived risk, direct attitude, behavioral beliefs, and knowledge in both groups. Direct attitude and behavioral beliefs in group A were higher than in group B after the intervention (P < 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The educational framework provided by IM for AT training improved attitude and behavioral beliefs that can facilitate the adoption of AT behavior and decreased CLBP.

Efficacy of HBM-Based Dietary Education Intervention on Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior in Medical Students

Background

Using various models of behavior change, a number of studies in the area of nutrition education have confirmed that nutrition habits and behaviors can be improved.

Objectives

This study sought to determine the effects of education on patterns of dietary consumption among medical students at the military university of Tehran, with a view to correcting those patterns.

Methods

In this quasi-experimental study, 242 medical students from the Military University of Tehran were chosen by convenience sampling and then divided into control (n = 107) and intervention groups (n = 135) by block randomization. The self-administered questionnaire involving six categories of item (knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived threats, self-efficacy and behavior) has been validated (Cronbach alpha > 0.7 for each).

Results

Following the educational intervention, the mean score of knowledge, health belief model (HBM) structure, and behavior of students in relation to healthy patterns of food intake increased significantly (P < 0.05). The mean pre-intervention knowledge score was 6.76 (1.452), referring to threats to HBM constructs including perceived threat 2.93 (1.147), perceived benefits 7.28 (1.07), perceived barriers 5.44 (1.831), self- efficacy 4.28 (1.479), and behavior 8.84 (2.527). The post-intervention scores all improved as follows: knowledge 8.3 (1.503), perceived threats 3.29 (1.196), perceived benefits 7.71 (0.762), perceived barriers 5.9 (1.719), self- efficacy 4.6 (1.472), and behavior 9.45 (2.324). This difference in mean scores for knowledge, health belief structures and employee behavior before and after educational intervention was significant (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

The significant improvement in the experimental group’s mean knowledge, HBM structures , and behavior scores indicates the positive effect of the intervention.

Radiation Protection Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (RP-KAP) as Predictors of Job Stress Among Radiation Workers in Tehran Province, Iran

Background

In recent years, much attention has been paid to occupational stress, but relatively little or no research has been conducted on the influence of knowledge, attitude, and practice of radiation protection (RP-KAP) on job stress among radiation workers

Objectives

This study aims to assess job stress among health care workers in Iran who are occupationally exposed to radiation in order to determine the effects of KAP on self-protection against radiation on their job stress.

Materials and Methods

The population in this descriptive cross-sectional study comprised 670 healthcare workers, including 428 staff with a degree in radiology and 242 other medical personnel who were working in 16 hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in Tehran, Iran. The census method was used to sample the workers. In total, 264 staff with a degree in radiology and 149 other medical personnel completed the job content questionnaire (JCQ) and the RP-KAP questionnaire from May to November 2014.

Results

The prevalence rate of job stress was 22.5% based on calculation formulas and possible scores on the JCQ. Sex, RP-knowledge, attitude, practice, and in-service training predicted 41.8% of the variance in job stress. According to the results of the binary logistic regression, workers with higher scores on knowledge (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75 - 0.90), attitude (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.63 - 0.82), and practice (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.72 - 0.86) and those who had participated in training programs had significantly lower rates of job stress (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.28 - 0.93).

Conclusions

The effects of RP knowledge, attitude, and practice on job stress were significant. In order to reduce job stress in radiation environments, ongoing training programs related to self-care and protection principles are recommended.

Health Promoting Hospitals Model in Iran

BACKGROUND

Hospitals are the central entity of each health care system and Health Promoting Hospitals (HPH) was launched by WHO in 1988. However, there has not been any accurate and detailed model for establishing a HPH in Iran up to now. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors affecting the establishment of a health promoting hospital in Iran using factor analysis method.

METHODS

This applied, cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study was conducted in Iran in four steps. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used for determining factors affecting the establishment of a HPH.

RESULTS

Society (0.97) and Policy (0.74) had the highest regression weights (effects) and management had the lowest one.

CONCLUSION

Community assessment was the most important dimension of proposed conceptual model for establishing a HPH.

Premarital Sexual Intercourse-Related Individual Factors Among Iranian Adolescents: A Qualitative Study

Background

Understanding sexual behavior before marriage is relatively rare in the East, especially in Islamic societies, because sexuality is a sensitive subject for many Muslims.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify premarital sexual intercourse-related individual factors among Iranian adolescents.

Patients and Methods

This qualitative study was performed on 30 students of Payame Noor university of Shiraz city, Iran, in 2014. The study sample includes male and female university students selected using the convenience sampling method. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data. All interviews were conducted by the researcher in a comfortable atmosphere and carried out without the presence of others. Each interview lasted between 30 - 20 minutes. Interviews continued until data saturation occurred. Data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method. Participation in the study was voluntary by obtaining an informed consent.

Results

The study included 30 participants, 56.6% (n = 17) males and 43.4% (n = 13) females. The age range of study, participants was from 19 to 25 years of age. Data analysis showed that three main categories extracted in shaping premarital sexual intercourse in adolescents: health beliefs, religious-spiritual beliefs, and character.

Conclusions

This study can help find a culturally appropriate intervention to delay sexual initiation and prevent sexual behavior before marriage in adolescents and young adults. The results of the present study have both experimental and theoretical implications for future research. Finally, this study is a form of shared experience that can help similar studies.

A qualitative content analysis of knowledge storage in nursing education system

Background:

The need for effective management of intellectual and academic assets is constantly growing. The nursing educational system should be considered as a storage of knowledge since it is deposited in the nursing educational system in the form of intellectual investment.

Objectives:

The purpose of the present study was to explore nursing knowledge storage in the nursing educational system.

Materials and Methods:

The participants of this study consisted of eight nursing educators and five students. The inductive content analysis method was used in this research. Participants were interviewed through the semi-structured method. Data analysis was done by five stage framework approaches. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured through validity and acceptability criteria.

Results:

Data analysis showed that nursing educators and students were involve in teaching and learning activities by storing knowledge in subjective and objective forms. Knowledge was gained through the different educational activities of the nursing educators and through contact with their peers. Moreover, the nursing students gained knowledge for better learning and a more knowledgeable and advanced performance with the help of the educators.

Conclusions:

This study revealed the main components of knowledge storage. An enhanced preservation of explicit knowledge is recommended in the nursing educational system so that in the future, students and educators can easily access the same knowledge from storage sources and not from individuals who might be carrying only a single experience of the subject.