The Perceived Informational Needs of Family Caregivers of Children Hospitalized in a Burn Department: A Cross-sectional Study

Children are most vulnerable to burn injuries, and their families are their most important source of support. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the information needs of such parents and support them to help children adapt to the new situation, recover to pre-accident conditions, and reintegrate into school and society. This study aimed to investigate the perceived information needs of family caregivers of children admitted to the burn wards of hospitals. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 family caregivers of children admitted to the burn ward of a hospital in Tabriz, Iran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling, and the required data were collected by using questionnaires on socio-demographic information, information needs, information resources, and information acquisition methods. The obtained data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics (Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests). Results indicated that the greatest informational need among family caregivers was related to the child's condition. The treatment team was identified as the most important source of information for them. It was found that information should be provided in a comprehensive and understandable manner, while maintaining honesty and human dignity. The study findings contribute to our understanding of the specific information needs of family caregivers in managing the medical care of children with burns. These findings can serve as a basis for interventions and support services aimed at meeting the needs of these families and improving the quality of care for children with burns.

Developing the questionnaire of general population knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the COVID-19 outbreak

AIM

To develop the general population knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaire towards the COVID-19 outbreak.

DESIGN

A methodological study.

METHODS

The general population KAP questionnaire items were designed using a literature review. A panel of experts was used to calculate content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). Construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and hypothesis testing. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach's α coefficient. Eight hundred forty-seven patients referred to health centres in Tabriz, Iran completed the questionnaire in 2021.

RESULTS

The developed questionnaire consisted of three parts, including knowledge, attitudes and practices. EFA identified three dimensions for the knowledge (ways of transmission and prevention, high-risk groups, and symptoms and treatment), three dimensions for the attitudes (hope, fear and view of the vaccine) and three for the practices (adherence to personal and public hygiene, limiting their presence in society and protecting yourself in the community). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index for knowledge, attitudes and practices was 0.733, 0.725 and 0.886, respectively, with a significant Bartlett's test of sphericity (p < 0.01). The hypotheses of knowledge and attitudes that are the related factors of practices were confirmed. Cronbach's α was 0.63, 0.74, 0.77, 0.1 and 0.85 for knowledge; fear, hope and view of the vaccine subscales of attitudes; and practices, respectively.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The developed 47-item questionnaire had acceptable validity and reliability. Thus, nurses can use it to assess the clients' KAP during the COVID-19 outbreak. Also, nursing researchers can use this questionnaire in their descriptive and interventional studies.

Sperm and oocyte as carriers for bovine viral diarrhoea virus biotypes during in vitro fertilization

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is an important viral agent causing the reproductive failure in cattle. The objectives of the study were to assess the role of male and female gametes, as carriers of cytopathic (CP) and non-cytopathic (NCP) BVDV to embryonic cells during in vitro fertilization. In this respect, sperm and oocytes were separately exposed to concentrations of 104.5 or 105.5 TCID50 /mL CP and NCP BVDV, for 2 h before fertilization. After washing, the intact gametes with the infected gametes were inseminated. Seven days post-fertilization, the virus-exposed embryos were examined for presence of the viral genome by RT-PCR. One-way anova with post-hoc Tukey's HSD test and an independent samples t-test were used to compare within and between groups, respectively. The results presented a significant decrease in the blastocyst rates for CP-infected groups than NCP-infected groups (p ≤ .01). Compared to the controls and the infected oocyte groups, the cleavage rates of the infected sperm groups (NCP and CP BVDV) were significantly reduced both in low (104.5 TCID50 /mL) and high (105.5 TCID50 /mL) titres of the virus (p ≤ .01). The proportion of embryos which was developed to blastocyst stages was significantly lower for CP and NCP-infected groups than the control groups (p ≤ .001). According to the molecular results, all samples of the retarded/degenerated embryos (at least one blastocyst within each one) in CP and NCP groups, one sample (at least one blastocyst in that) within a CP-infected group, and six samples (at least one blastocyst in each one of those) of NCP-infected groups contained the viral nucleic acid. Likewise, the results of viral enrichment showed all reactions in which RT-PCR were positive induced CPEs in MDBK monolayers. In conclusion, it is clear that CP and NCP BVDV were able to traverse zona pellucida during fertilization, and they had also negative effects on embryo development.

Health anxiety and its association with perceived subjective workload in psychiatric nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak: a correlational study

Background

Health care professionals, especially nurses, experience added workload, and psychological impact during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study aimed to investigate health anxiety and its association with perceived subjective workload in nurses working in psychiatric hospital wards.

Methods

This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 206 nurses working in the psychiatric wards of Razi Psychiatry Hospital in Tabriz, Iran, in 2020-2021. Census sampling was applied and data were collected using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, and the Health Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Pearson correlation in SPSS software version 16.

Results

The mean (SD) of health anxiety and workload of nurses was 23/22(6/86) score range of 0-54 and 71.46 (12.37) score range of 0-100, respectively. The correlation between the mean of health anxiety and workload was significant only in the temporary dimension.

Conclusions

Given the high workload and moderate level of health anxiety and the significant correlation between health anxiety and the temporary dimension of workload and the important role of appropriate workload in the health of nurses and the quality of nursing care, organizations and nursing managers should provide some strategies, like stuff shortage management in psychiatric wards and creating a suitable organizational culture.

Internalized Stigma and its Association with Hope, Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Treatment Adherence among Outpatients with Severe Mental Illness: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background

This study investigated the association between internalized stigma and hope, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and treatment adherence and explored the most influential and predictive factor of internalized stigma among patients with severe mental disorders.

Materials and Methods

This correlational descriptive study was conducted on 257 outpatients diagnosed with severe mental illness according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) diagnostic criteria. The participants were seeking treatment at outpatient and affiliated clinics of Razi Hospital, Iran, from October 2018 to May 2019. We used a convenient sampling design. Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale, Dispositional Hope Scale, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Drug Attitude Inventory were used to gather data. The data were analyzed using inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, coefficient logistic, and regression analyses) at a 0.05 significance level.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) score of internalized stigma was 1.57 (0.49), and 58% of the participants reported moderate to high internalized stigma. A negative significant relationship was found between internalized stigma and hope (r = -0.55, p < 0.05), self-esteem (r = -0.66, p < 0.05), and self-efficacy (r = -0.64, p < 0.05). Treatment adherence was not found to be significantly associated with the internalized stigma. In the final regression model, self-esteem and self-efficacy significantly predicted internalized stigma.

Conclusions

Given the crucial role of self-esteem and self-efficacy in predicting internalized stigma, nurses should devote special attention to these factors and use strategies to improve individuals' self-esteem and self-efficacy.

Development of "The Safe Psychiatric Ward Battery"

This study reports the development process and psychometric testing of the safe environment in psychiatric wards instrument. In this mixed-methods study, the concept of a safe environment was explained with a qualitative study by performing semi-structured interviews with patients and staff and ward observation. Then, the items of the instrument were designed using qualitative data and a literature review. Content and construct validity, internal consistency, stability, and inter-rater agreement were evaluated. This study produced an instrument consisting of two sections. The first section was a scale (α = .920). Exploratory factor analysis of the scale identified two dimensions of "engagement" (α = .931) and "perception" of the physical environment (α = .760). The second section was a checklist with two dimensions, "accident-free living environment" and "staff empowerment." The intra-class correlation coefficients for the scale and checklist were .912 and .809, respectively. This study suggests that this instrument is a valid and reliable tool to assess safety in psychiatric wards.

Effect of bovine viral diarrhea virus biotypes exposure on bovine gametes in early embryonic development in vitro

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important viral agent causing reproductive failure in cattle. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the interaction between two BVDV biotypes, cytopathic (CP) and Non-cytopathic (NCP) and bovine gametes during in vitro fertilization (IVF) processing, the existence of the virus within embryonic cells and early embryonic development rates. Sperm and ova were exposed separately to CP and NCP BVDV at two concentrations of 10^4.5 and 10^5.5 tissue culture infectious dose 50.00% (TCID₅₀) mL^-1 prior to IVF, respectively. After five days post-IVF, early embryonic development rates of infected groups were assessed. Several embryos of each group, normal and degenerated, were selected for a viral assay using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique. The result showed that the early embryonic development rates were decreased in treatment groups. The rates in the CP groups were lower than the NCP groups. In the CP groups, the proportions were, respectively, 10.00, 6.00 and 11.00, and 6.00% in the infected sperm and oocyte groups (10^4.5 and 10^5.5 TCID₅₀ mL^-1) that were higher than 50.00% in the control group. In NCP groups, the rates were, respectively, 25.00, 18.00 and 24.00, and 21.00% in the infected groups compared to 48.00% in the control group. In the CP groups, no BVDV was detected in normal embryos, whereas, all degenerated embryos were completely virus-positive. In the NCP groups, the virus was detected in both normal and degenerated embryos. In conclusion, this study supported detrimental impacts of CP and NCP BVDV on early embryonic development and the role of sperm and the zona pellucida layer as carriers of the virus.

Gaming disorder among students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences: The frequency and related factors

Background: Gaming disorder has been identified as a health problem. Disorders in emerging adulthood might negatively affect individuals’ attitude toward the world, their communication with others, and formation of their personal identity. Thus, the present study was performed to identify the frequency of gaming disorder and its related factors among students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: A total of 813 undergraduate students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences participated in this descriptive correlational study in 2018. All students filled the personal-social information form and Social Readjustment Rating Scale, and gamers filled gaming behaviors form and Internet gaming disorder-20 test (IGD). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient, t- test, ANOVA, chi-square, and multiple linear regression.

Results: A total of 394 (48.5%) students were currently playing games. The mean of IGD scores among the gamers was 45.47 ±13.93, and 17 (4.3%) of them were recognized as having gaming disorder. The frequency of the disorder among all students was 17 (2.1%). Being male, playing online games, and having access to all 3 gaming devices (computer, smart phone, and tablet) were recognized as determining factors of gaming disorder.

Conclusion: This study revealed that almost half of the university students were playing video and or on line games; however, a low percentage of the gamers had addictive gaming behaviors. The results indicated the necessity of applying modifications to individuals’ gaming methods as well as implementing the individual and family-centered interventions to prevent and manage gaming disorder.

Internet Dependency and Its Relation to Sexual Desire and Satisfaction in Married Clients Referred to Healthcare Centers in Tabriz, Iran

Background:

Internet dependency has become one of the 21^st century dilemmas affecting different aspects of married life such as sexual relationships. Considering the importance of family in the Iranian society, this study aimed to determine how internet dependency is related to sexual desires and satisfaction among married clients of healthcare centers.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 326 married clients referred to healthcare centers in Tabriz City, Iran, between February and August 2019. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used based on the health complexes and the healthcare centers covered by them. One of the healthcare centers covered by each complex was selected randomly. The data collection tools included a demographic characteristics checklist, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS), and the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire (HISD). The collected data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient test and multiple linear regression model.

Results:

The mean (SD) was 37.33 (15.37) for of internet dependency, 59.20 (17.27) for sexual desire, and 104.45 (22.81) for sexual satisfaction. There was a negative correlation between internet dependency and sexual satisfaction (r = -0.47, p < 0.001). This correlation remained significant (B = -0.41, df = 9, p < 0.001,) even when occupation (B = 3.66, p = 0.01), satisfaction with married life (B = 15.34, p < 0.001), and sexual desire (B = 0.60, p < 0.001) were adjusted as potential confounding factors.

Conclusions:

Internet dependency can cause a reduction in sexual desire and sexual satisfaction. Designing educational interventions in healthcare centers is recommended to manage the use of internet and to inform clients about the effects that internet dependency may have.

Shocked to happy: Experiences of Iranian diabetics in reaction to the bad news of the diagnosis

Diagnosis of a chronic disease like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is frequently shocking for patients, which influences their lives. Getting aware of bad news such as obtaining a chronic illness diagnosis is a sensitive issue in patients' lives. Conversely, reactions to the reception of a diagnosis of diabetes are often varied for a few reasons. To manage the diseases through care planning, the identification and modification of the causes of various reactions are necessary. The aim of the present survey was to investigate the reaction of diabetics to the reception of diabetes diagnosis and its possible reasons. In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were used. Furthermore, traditional content analysis of semi-structured interviews was conducted using a qualitative strategy with 20 individuals with type 2 diabetes. The purposeful sampling approach was employed for recruiting the participants. Eleven male and nine female participants having type 2 diabetes had been transferred to the diabetes association of Iran for receiving consulting assistance in the areas of nutrition, psychology, and health care. Four categories of reactions have arisen from the investigation including behavioral, emotional, contextual, and cognitive reactions. Reactions to the prognosis of diabetes may be different for some reasons. The findings of the present investigation may be employed by health care providers to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of unusual and usual reactions, their causes, and the context in the early years after the diagnosis and planning care programs for disease management.

The Relationship between Nurses' Moral Sensitivity and Patients' Satisfaction with the Care Received in the Medical Wards

Introduction: The quality of care affects patients’ satisfaction. To provide high quality care, nurses face ethical challenges in daily practice. Moral sensitivity is the first phase in moral implementation. This study aimed to determine the relationship between nurses’ moral sensitivity and patients’ satisfaction in medical wards.

Methods: In descriptive correlational study 198 nurses and 198 patients in 17 medical wards filled out the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ) and Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ), respectively. Nurses were sampled by the census method. For each nurse, a patient was selected randomly from the same ward. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.

Results: The highest scores were in the dimensions of “relational orientation” and “following the rules”, and the lowest scores were in the dimensions of “autonomy” and “experiencing moral conflicts”. The highest level of patients’ satisfaction was with “nurses’ professional performance” 3.98 (1.09), and the lowest level was with “nurses’ routine work” 2.69 (1.22). There was no significant relationship between the mean of patient satisfaction and moral sensitivity of nurses.

Conclusion: Considering that nurses had a higher score in dimension of “following the rules” and a lower score in dimension of “autonomy”, it seems ethical performance in the real situation is not merely due to the nurses’ moral sensitivity and it seems the complexity of the organization causes nurses face difficulties in making decisions related to clinical practice; therefore, policy makers in the health system should be able to identify barriers.

Clinical and Genetic Analysis of Nine Suspected Familial Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Patients for MUNC13-4 Deficiency and Introducing Four Novel Mutations in UNC13D

Familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a rare disorder of immune dysregulation. FHL inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern is classified into five subtypes based on underlying genetic defects. Mutations in four genes including PRF1, UNC13D, STX11 and STXBP2 are responsible for FHL2 to FHL5 respectively. The cause of FHL1 is associated with mutations in an unknown gene located at 9q21.3-22. This study aims to report the clinical features and genetic results of nine Iranian patients suffering from -haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Nine patients (five males and four females) suspected to FHL whose genetic evaluation of PRF1 and STX11 revealed no mutations, were entered the study to investigate UNC13D mutations. Primers were designed to amplify all coding regions and exon-intron boundaries of the gene. PCR products were then sequenced and analyzed by sequence analysis tools including BLAST. The most frequent clinical manifestations observed in the patients were fever and hepatosplenomegaly. In this study, five mutations were detected in UNC13D including four novel mutations (c.1434_1446delACCCATGGTGCAGinsTGGTGCT, c.1933C>T, c.1389+1G>C and c.2091+1G>A) besides to a previously reported deletion (c.627delT). The pathogenicity of the missense mutation was assessed using online prediction tools including SIFT and PolyPhen2. The study results may provide valuable information for genetic counseling especially for those who have a history of immunodeficiency diseases in their family and can be used for prenatal diagnosis.

The effect of group therapy using the cognitive approach on the empowerment of mothers raising a child with autistic disorder:A randomized-controlled clinical trial

Introduction: The diagnosis of autistic disorder may impose stress on the child’s parents especially the mother of the baby. Raising a child with autistic disorder reduces parents' quality of life. This study examined the effect of group therapy using a cognitive approach on empowerment in the mothers of children with autistic disorder. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was carried out with 80 mothers of children with the autistic disorder. They referred to Autism Society Rehabilitation Center in Tabriz, Iran. The mothers were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was divided into 4 groups of 10, and each group participated in 10 sessions of group therapy using the cognitive approach. The control group received the routine care. Data were collected using the Family Empowerment Scale (FES) before the intervention and two months after the intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics [t-test, χ2, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)] via the SPSS software. Results: The independent t-test showed that the means of total empowerment and its dimensions had no statistically significant differences before the intervention. However, after the intervention, such differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001); so that the mothers in the intervention group achieved higher scores on empowerment and its dimensions compared with the control group. Conclusion: Group therapy using the cognitive approach can be used by healthcare professionals in rehabilitation centers for empowering the mothers of children with autistic disorder.

Coping strategies of family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in Iran: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives

This study aimed to identify coping strategies used by family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and their determinants.

Methods

This was a descriptive correlational study. Participants were 225 family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia who were referred to the psychiatric clinic at one large teaching referral hospital in Iran. They were selected through purposive sampling method. Data collection tools were demographic and clinical data form, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the Family Coping Questionnaire (FCQ).

Results

The score of caregiver burden was 65.14 ± 9.17. Of 225 family caregivers, 23.11% used an avoiding coping strategy. There was a significant relationship between caregiver burden and coping strategies (P < 0.001). The regression model showed that adaptive coping strategies were significantly associated with some demographic characteristics including age, education level, gender, employment status, losing the job because of caregiving responsibilities, perceived income adequacy, duration of illness, duration of caregiving and caregiver burden (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia experience a high level of burden, which can put them at risk of using maladaptive coping strategies. Mental health professionals should plan programs that support both family caregivers and patients in clinical and community settings.

Providing a Safe Environment in a Psychiatric Ward: Nurses and Vigilance in Iran

The aim of this study was to explore nurses' use of vigilance in the provision of inpatient psychiatric care. In this qualitative exploratory descriptive design study, 16 nurses working in inpatient psychiatric units were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and fieldwork observations and analysed using conventional content analysis. According to participants, nurses' vigilance is related to synthesising knowledge, experience, communication, and presence. This conclusion was derived from four main themes: understanding the context of the psychiatric ward; continuous monitoring; cognitive assessments; and involving others. The study highlights the significance of education for all mental health staff and provision of appropriate information to all patients and their companions about psychiatric disorders and the side effects of prescribed medications. Of importance is the skill of active listening to the concerns of patients and the demonstration of commitment by nurses to follow-up on reports from stakeholders. Imparting the skills and experiences of senior nurses to novice nurses and their presence alongside other nurses on work-shifts can be effective in promoting vigilance.

Therapeutic Relationships and Safety of Care in Iranian Psychiatric Inpatient Units

Enhancing therapeutic relationships between patients and staff is of central importance to improve the quality and safety of care in psychiatric inpatient units. However, there is limited evidence as to how therapeutic relationships may be enabled in this specific context. This paper presents findings of a study that explored the link between therapeutic relationships and safety in Iranian psychiatric inpatient units. In this exploratory, descriptive study, seven patients at the point of discharge and 19 staff in psychiatric inpatient units in Iran were interviewed regarding their experiences of care. The quality of staff-patient relationship in providing a safe environment was categorized into two groups of "facilitators" and "inhibitors". Facilitators of a safe environment included "supportive relationship with patients" and "improving patient capacity for self-efficacy/self-control". Inhibitors, on the other hand, included "detachment from patients" and "domination over patients", which ultimately limited safety on the ward. Findings indicate interrelated environmental, patient and staff factors mediating the potential for therapeutic relationships and quality and safety of care. Findings suggest the need for more effective preparation and support for staff working within psychiatric inpatient settings. In addition, environments more conducive to collaborative recovery-oriented practice are required to enhance therapeutic relationships and improve quality and safety of care. Both individual staff responsibility and effective leadership are required to realize change.

Relationship between nurses' moral sensitivity and the quality of care

BACKGROUND

To provide care with high quality, nurses face a number of moral issues requiring them to have moral abilities in professional performance. Moral sensitivity is the first step in moral performance. However, its relation to the quality of care patients receive is controversial.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the relationship between the moral sensitivity of nurses and the quality of care received by patients in the medical wards.

RESEARCH DESIGN

A descriptive correlational study using validated tools, including Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire and the Quality Patient Quality Scale.

PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT

In total, 198 nurses and 198 patients in 17 medical wards of hospitals affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.

FINDINGS

The mean values of nurses' moral sensitivity and nurses' quality care were 136.47 ± 13.30 and 196.36 ± 44.10, respectively. There was no significant relationship between the patient care quality and nurses' moral sensitivity (r = -.14, p = .5). However, there was a significant inverse relationship between the dimension of "Experiencing moral conflicts" and the overall score of quality care (r = -.50, p = .04), the dimensions of "psychosocial (r = -.50, p = .04)" and "physical (r = -.50, p = .03)."

CONCLUSION

Considering the significant inverse relationship between the score of patient quality care and the dimension of moral conflict experience, it seems when nurses make moral decisions, they experience a conflict between personal and professional values in their careers and thus experience moral tension. If this tension is not resolved properly, it can provide a way for them to distance themselves from patients, thereby making nurses indifferent to moral care.

Preparation and Properties of Styrene Butadiene Styrene/Nano Calcium Carbonate Thermoplastics Elastomer Composite Foams: Morphology and Mechanical Properties

In this study, nanocomposite foams based on styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer and nanosized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) were prepared using chemical blowing agent (modified Azodicarbonamide) by compression molding at (230°C) temperature and (30MPa) pressure. The effect of nano CaCO3 concentration on cell nucleation rate, foam density, morphology and mechanical properties were studied for all samples. It was found that foam morphology and strength affected by nanofiller addition and its concentration. The results showed that SBS nanocomposite foam with 5 phr of CaCO3 nanoparticles have more cell density and smaller size cells compared with another samples. mechanical properties in compressive mode for foams were improved by increasing nano calcium carbonate content.

Comparing Mental Illness Stigma among Nurses in Psychiatric and Non-Psychiatric Wards in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Stigma can complicate people’s mental health problems by affecting different sides of personal life, increasing negative attitudes, causing discriminatory behavior towards them, and reducing the chances of recovery and returning to normal life. This research aims to compare the stigma of mental illness among nurses working in psychiatric and non-psychiatric wards in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. A total of 240 nurses participated in this descriptive and analytic study. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill (CAMI) Scale, which is a 40-item self-report questionnaire. All data were analyzed using SPSS 13. The majority of nurses have a medium level of stigma toward people with mental illness, and there is no significant relation between the type of wards and mean stigma scores. After eliminating factors such as mental illness in nurses and their families, it seems that only working with people with mental illness in psychiatric wards is not enough to create a positive attitude toward them. Additionally, the less physical activity and taking advantage of legal benefits of work hardship for psychiatric nurses, low income, and stigma toward psychiatric nursing, probably may make a difference in inclining to work in psychiatry ward between the two groups in spite of relatively equal stigma scores.

How to Prevent Workplace Incivility?: Nurses' Perspective

Background:

Many articles have studied workplace incivility and its influence on outcomes, but very few have been conducted to assess how to prevent this issue. In this study, we aimed to determine how to prevent workplace incivility from the nurses' perspective.

Materials and Methods:

This was a qualitative study which was based on a conventional content analysis approach. Thirty four nurses (25 to 52 years old) from seven training hospitals in Tabriz, Iran were selected through purposive sampling. Thirty six semi-structured interviews and eight field notes were analyzed.

Results:

The data analysis revealed 417 codes, ten categories, three subthemes and one theme, that is, A Need for a Comprehensive Attempt. Attempt of organization, nurses, and public as subthemes are needed to prevent workplace incivility.

Conclusions:

The findings of the study indicated that a comprehensive and systematic attempt was needed to prevent incivility. Nurses should try to improve their skills; officials should try to show the real image and position of nurses and hospitals to the community.

The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Perception of Job Performance among Nurses in North West of Iran

Emotional intelligence skills help nurses to cope with the emotional demands of healthcare environment. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between emotional intelligence and perception of job performance among nurses. Using a correlational descriptive design with stratified random sampling, 338 registered nurses from teaching hospitals in North West of Iran were surveyed. Emotional intelligence and perception of job performance were measured using validated self-report measures. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential methods using SPSS/13. The mean of nurses' emotional intelligence and their perception of job performance was, respectively, 235.83 ± 37.98 and 157.63 ± 33.23. There was no significant relationship between nurses' emotional intelligence and their perception of job performance. Although there was a significant relationship between intrapersonal subscale of emotional intelligence and job performance, there was none with other subscales. In order to get rid of the physical and psychological effects of stressful work in wards, it seems that nurses just do routine activities and refuse working closely with the patients. It seems that fitting the patient to nurse ratio, dividing work between nurses, and supporting each other are necessary.

Other Side of Breast Cancer: Factors Associated with Caregiver Burden

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine factors associated with caregiver burden among primary caregivers of women with breast cancer in Iran.

METHODS

This was a descriptive correlation study conducted in 2012 on 150 main caregivers of patients with breast cancer who came to the oncology clinic of Shahid Ghazi hospital in Tabriz, Iran. A questionnaire which included caregiving-related factors and the Zarit Burden Interview was used for data collection after its validity and reliability were determined. Data was analyzed using SPSS 13.0 software with descriptive and analytic statistics. The association between significant variables and the dependent variable with an observation of the effects of other variables was assessed using the multiple linear regression model.

RESULTS

The mean age of caregivers was 39.60 ± 13.80 years old, and 77 (51.3%) of them were men. The mean score of the Zarit Burden Interview was 30.55 ± 19.18. In the regression model, the mean score of activities of daily living, level of education, gender, and financial status were identified as the determining factors of the burden of caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary caregivers need to be financially supported by the relevant organizations. Care skills training and providing palliative care seem helpful in reducing the pain and the burden of family caregivers for patients with breast cancer.

Investigation of Seclusion in one of the Psychiatric Wards in Razi Teaching Hospital of Tabriz

Seclusion is one of the methods in controlling violent behavior of inpatients in psychiatric wards. In current descriptive analytic study, data collection instrument included the seclusion list of inpatients by considering individual, social and clinical characteristics in one of the psychiatry wards In the Razi teaching hospital of Tabriz in the first six months of 2012. Among 264 admitted patients, 24 patients (9.1%) had been secluded and a total of 29 isolated incidents were recorded. Most of secluded incidents occurred on weekdays (75.9%), first week of inpatient (87.7%), and during the evening shifts (48.3%). The results obtained in this study demonstrate that in 55.2% cases, the duration of isolation was two hours and the most common cause of seclusion was aggressive behaviors. Most of secluded patients (66.7%) were diagnosed with mood disorders.

Risk factors for breast cancer in Iranian women: a hospital-based case-control study in tabriz, iran

Purpose

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death among women. In Asian countries such as Iran, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing. The present study aimed to assess the risk factors for breast cancer of women in Tabriz, Iran.

Methods

A hospital-based case-control study was undertaken to identify breast cancer risk factors. The study consisted of 140 cases confirmed via histopathological analysis and 280 group-matched controls without any malignancy. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods via the SPSS software version 18.

Results

In a multivariate analysis, educational level (odds ratio [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11-10.83), menopausal status (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.41-4.59), a high-fat diet (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.51-5.04), abortion (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.20-3.79), passive smoking (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.51-5.04), oral contraceptive use (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.80-5.59), stress (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.74-5.36), and migration (OR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.39-6.90) were factors associated with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer. Breastfeeding (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16-0.97) and a diet containing sufficient fruit and vegetables (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.12-0.39) had protective roles against breast cancer.

Conclusion

The study revealed that the risk factors for breast cancer among women in the Tabriz area of Iran are related to the lifestyle. Therefore, the provision of education to change unhealthy lifestyle choices and periodic check-ups for early breast cancer detection are recommended.

Quality of nursing care in psychiatric wards of university hospitals in northwest of iran from the perceptions of nurses

INTRODUCTION

Nursing care is considered as an essential component of health services. Patients' health improvement depends upon the quality of nursing care. As an important principle, perceptions of nurses as well as their active participation in decision-makings has an important role in the quality of services. This study aimed to determine the percep-tion of nurses toward the quality of nursing care in psychiatric wards.

METHODS

In this descriptive study, we used census sampling. Seventy-six nurses employed at psychiatric wards of university hospitals in Northwest of Iran participated in this study. Quality Patient Care Scale (QUALPAC) was used to collect data. The score of each aspect and total scores were categorized as desirable, partly desirable and undesirable. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Findings showed that 60.5% of nurses perceived the quality of nursing care as desirable, while 65.8% and 53.9% reported the quality of physical and communicational aspects of care as desirable. Moreover, 51.3% of nurses considered the quality of care in psychosocial aspect as partly desirable.

CONCLUSION

Although research findings indicated the desirability of care quality from the perceptions of most nurses, designing and applying educational programs and continuous evaluation are necessary to improve nursing care quality especially in psychosocial aspects in these centers.

Mental illness stigma among nurses in psychiatric wards of teaching hospitals in the north-west of Iran

BACKGROUND

Stigma is one of the obstacles in the treatment and regaining the mental health of people with mental illness. The aim was determination of mental illness stigma among nurses in psychiatric wards. This study was conducted in psychiatric wards of teaching hospitals in Tabriz, Urmia, and Ardabil in the north-west of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This research is a descriptive analysis study in which 80 nurses participated. A researcher-made questionnaire was used, which measured demographic characteristics and mental illness stigma in the three components of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral. All data were analyzed using SPSS13 software and descriptive and analytical statistics.

RESULTS

Majority of nurses (72.5%) had medium level of stigma toward people with mental illness. About half of them (48.8%) had great inclination toward the social isolation of patients. The majority of them (62.5%) had positive emotional responses and 27.5% had stereotypical views. There was a significant correlation between experience of living with and kinship of nurses to person with mental illness, with prejudice toward and discrimination of patients. There was also a significant correlation between interest in the continuation of work in the psychiatric ward and prejudice, and also between educational degree and stereotypical views.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest there is a close correlation between the personal experience of nurses and existence of mental illness stigma among them. Therefore, the implementation of constant educational programs on mental illness for nurses and opportunities for them to have direct contact with treated patients is suggested.