Introduction: The widespread use of the internet has resulted in both beneficial and detrimental effects on adolescents and young adults globally. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) among Iranian adolescents following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a systematic search using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2025. The search focused on studies examining the prevalence of internet addiction among students aged 13 - 18 years in Iran following the coronavirus epidemic. Data from these studies were analyzed using meta-analysis methods, employing the meta-prop command in STATA-17, and results were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The I-squared test was used to identify heterogeneity between studies. Results: The meta-analysis results indicate that the prevalence of PIU among Iranian adolescents post-COVID-19 pandemic is 31% (95% CI: 17% to 45%). This finding represents a significant increase compared to pre-pandemic studies. High heterogeneity (I2 = 99.43%) was observed among the studies, potentially due to variations in study populations, measurement tools, and temporal changes throughout the post-pandemic period. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for culturally tailored interventions to address PIU among Iranian adolescents. Recommendations include developing effective prevention strategies, enhancing parental guidance, and implementing educational programs to promote healthy internet use. Future research should focus on understanding the long-term impacts of increased internet use and developing targeted interventions to mitigate associated risks.
Background: Motivation and learning strategies play a pivotal role in the academic and clinical performance of nursing students. Understanding how motivational beliefs and self-regulated learning strategies interact can help design effective educational interventions. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between motivational strategies and learning strategies among undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 102 eighth-semester undergraduate nursing students from Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data were collected using the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between total motivation and all learning strategy subscales (except for help seeking). Self-efficacy and intrinsic goal orientation were significant predictors of learning strategy use, particularly metacognitive self-regulation and time management. Conversely, time management and metacognitive regulation also predicted higher motivation scores. Conclusions: Motivation and learning strategies are closely interconnected. Nursing educators should prioritize developing students’ self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and metacognitive skills through learner-centered teaching methods to enhance academic performance and clinical competence.
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a significant challenge among military veterans, often unresponsive to standard treatments. Psychiatric service dogs have emerged as a complementary intervention, yet little is known about how veterans perceive their impact on daily functioning, emotional stability, and overall well-being. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the lived experiences of veterans with PTSD who received psychiatric service dogs and to understand how these partnerships affect emotional, psychological, and social health outcomes in everyday life. Methods: This qualitative study, part of a broader mixed-methods project, included semi-structured interviews with 42 veterans and 10 service dog program leaders from nine organizations across the United States. Veterans were selected based on elevated emotional distress identified through PTSD and depression screening tools. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify key patterns in perceived health outcomes and symptom changes over time. Results: Veterans reported substantial improvements in PTSD symptom clusters, including reductions in hyperarousal, avoidance, negative mood, and intrusive memories. Service dogs were credited with enhancing emotional regulation, social engagement, and daily functioning. While most experiences were positive, a few participants reported minimal changes or early adjustment challenges. Organizational leaders validated these themes and highlighted observed behavioral and psychosocial transformations among veterans in their programs. Conclusions: Psychiatric service dogs play a significant supportive role in the mental health recovery of veterans with PTSD. These findings support their inclusion as a viable adjunct to conventional treatment and point to the need for broader access, integration, and long-term support within veteran healthcare systems and clinical care pathways.
Background: Stroke ranks first in frequency among neurological disorders in a general hospital setting. Stroke accounts for at least half of the neurological disorders in such environments. Objectives: The present study was designed and implemented to determine the time status of providing emergency services to patients with acute ischemic stroke who presented to the Emergency Department of Imam Khomeini Educational and Medical Center, Urmia, Iran in the second half of the year 2022. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using a cross-sectional method and census sampling on patients referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia with ischemic stroke in the second half of 2022. A checklist of demographic, disease, and time information was used to collect data. After collection, the data were entered into SPSS18 and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: In the present study, the mean age of patients was 71.46 ± 12.52 years, with 64.3% female and 35.7% male. Of the patients, 60.7% were outpatients, 17.9% were referred from other medical centers, and 21.4% were brought to the emergency department by ambulance. The average time interval from the patient’s arrival at triage to the formation of the case file was 6.78 minutes. The average time interval from the formation of the case file to the visit to the emergency medicine specialist was 17.33 minutes. The average time interval from arrival at triage to the visit to the emergency medicine specialist was 23.83 minutes. The average time interval from arrival at triage to the visit to the neurologist was 116.55 minutes. The average time interval from the visit to the emergency medicine specialist to the visit to the neurologist was 90.0 minutes, and the average time interval from the visit to the emergency medicine specialist to the CT scan was 62.26 minutes. Four patients were prescribed recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA). The average time from the patient’s arrival to the injection of r-tPA was 47.5 ± 5.6 minutes. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, planning for the early diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients is necessary and vital because the lack of appropriate treatment can cause irreparable consequences.
Context: Video game addiction among adolescents is an emerging public health concern, with growing evidence supporting behavioral interventions to mitigate its impact. Mindfulness-based interventions, which emphasize present-moment awareness and self-regulation, have shown promise in addressing various addictive behaviors. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness practices in preventing and treating video game addiction in adolescents aged 13 to 19 years. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on studies assessing mindfulness interventions targeting video game or internet gaming disorder (IGD) severity in adolescents. Five studies met the selection criteria and were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two researchers, and meta-analytic pooling utilized random-effects models to estimate standardized mean differences (SMD) in addiction severity. Results: The meta-analysis revealed that mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced the severity of IGD in adolescents, with a large pooled effect size [SMD = 1.947; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.599 to 3.295; P = 0.005]. Subgroup analysis indicated that traditional mindfulness training had a substantially greater impact (SMD = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.71 to 3.83; P < 0.001), compared to virtual reality-based mindfulness interventions, which showed no significant effect. However, substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96%) and potential publication bias call for cautious interpretation. Conclusions: Mindfulness-based interventions, especially mindfulness training, are effective approaches to reduce video game addiction severity in adolescents. Further high-quality, large-scale randomized trials are warranted to confirm these findings and optimize intervention protocols.
: Authors' Contribution: All authors have contributed equally to the manuscript. Conflict of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Funding/Support: The present study received no funding/support.
Background: Depression, a prevalent mental health disorder, often co-occurs with anxiety, significantly impairing individuals’ overall well-being. Its high incidence underscores the need for effective interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of behavioral activation therapy in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms and enhancing general health among young adults diagnosed with depression. Methods: A quasi-experimental field study was conducted, employing a pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up design with a control group. The target population included young adults aged 18 - 35 seeking psychological and counseling services in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2020. Using convenience sampling, 40 participants with a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score > 19, confirmed via clinical interviews, were selected. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) receiving eight 90-minute behavioral activation therapy sessions or a control group (n = 20) receiving no intervention. Data were collected using the BDI, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze outcomes. Results: The behavioral activation intervention significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms and improved general health in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). These benefits persisted at the two-month follow-up, indicating sustained therapeutic effects. Conclusions: Behavioral Activation is an effective intervention for alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms while enhancing general health in young adults with depression. These findings support its broader integration into clinical practice to improve patients’ well-being comprehensively.
Background: Exposure to heights is an essential aspect of military and athletic occupations, and the fear associated with such exposure, known as acrophobia, is a critical concern in these fields. Objectives: The present study aimed to measure acrophobia in military personnel through the design and assessment of a novel device. Methods: In this applied-developmental study, a device was developed, fabricated, and evaluated to quantify phobia rates, specifically acrophobia. The instrument was designed based on physiological signals of skin galvanic response (SGR) induced by the central nervous system (CNS) to minimize acrophobia. The device was tested on 16 individuals in a virtual reality environment, and the physiological signals of SGR recorded by the instrument were compared before and after exposure to heights. Results: Data analysis using a linear isolator or thresholding revealed that the classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for distinguishing between acrophobic and non-acrophobic individuals were 95%, 93%, and 98%, respectively. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the high potential of this method. Based on the results, it is suggested that the rate of acrophobia can be quantitatively measured. Therefore, the device may be applicable in military and athletic activities.
Background: The spouses of war veterans diagnosed with depressive disorder often experience substantial stress and diminished well-being due to the demands of caregiving and the impact of the veteran’s condition. Objectives: The present study investigates whether mindfulness training can effectively improve resilience and perceived quality of life in spouses of veterans with depressive disorder. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with both an experimental and a control group. The target population comprised spouses of veterans diagnosed with depressive disorder, who were receiving counseling services at the Shahed Counseling Centers in Ahvaz in 2023. Thirty participants were randomly selected from this population and allocated to either the experimental group (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15). The experimental group received a 10-session mindfulness training intervention, with each session lasting 90 minutes, while the control group received no intervention. Outcome measures included the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the SF-36 Questionnaire (SF-36). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) via SPSS version 26. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the post-test means of resilience and quality of life in the experimental and control groups (P < 0.001). The results indicated that mindfulness training led to a significant improvement in resilience and quality of life among the participants (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Mindfulness training significantly improved resilience and quality of life in spouses of veterans with depressive disorder compared to a control group. This study supports the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for enhancing psychological well-being in this population.
Background: The transition from military to civilian life presents considerable difficulties for veterans and their families, with significant implications for marital relationships, particularly in the areas of intimacy and communication. Objectives: This study sought to determine the impact of Olson's circumplex model on marital intimacy and communication beliefs among war veteran couples. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test-follow-up control group design was implemented, with 32 couples recruited via convenience sampling from veteran counseling and rehabilitation centers in Ahvaz during the fall of 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n = 16) or control (n = 16) group. The experimental group received ten 90-minute weekly sessions based on Olson's circumplex model, while the control group received no intervention. Pre- and post-test data were collected using the Marital Intimacy Needs Questionnaire (MINQ) and the Dysfunctional Relationship Beliefs Questionnaire (DRBQ). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for data analysis. Results: At post-test, statistically significant between-group differences were found for both marital intimacy and communication beliefs among war veteran couples (P < 0.01). The intervention, based on Olson's circumplex model, resulted in increased marital intimacy and improved communication beliefs. These between-group differences persisted at the follow-up assessment. Conclusions: The present findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting the potential utility of interventions based on Olson's circumplex model for enhancing marital intimacy and communication beliefs within war veteran couples. Clinicians working with this population may consider integrating principles of Olson's circumplex model into their therapeutic approaches.
Background: Clinical education plays a fundamental role in shaping students' basic skills and professional capabilities. Identifying problems in clinical education helps to eliminate or correct weaknesses and can improve the achievement of educational goals, train skilled individuals, and provide higher quality services. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the satisfaction of radiology technology students with the method of evaluating internship units at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using a census method on 62 students of the radiology technology major at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences in 2023. At the beginning of the study, a series of entry and exit criteria were set, and a demographic information checklist and a researcher-made questionnaire were used to collect information. After collecting the data, it was entered into SPSS18 and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: In this study, the results showed that the average age of the participants was 22.18 ± 1.56 years, most of the participants were female (59.7%), 37 academic semester (37.1%), 17 - 18 (59.8%), and the age group was 22 - 24 (63%). There was also a significant relationship between gender, academic semester, GPA, and age with the method of evaluating internship units, and among the areas of student satisfaction, the highest scores were respectively supervision and evaluation 11.01 ± 3.33, educational environment 10.23 ± 3.25, behavior with students 8.06 ± 2.59, instructor performance 7.75 ± 2.57, general question 3.23 ± 1.01, and the overall satisfaction score 4.16 ± 11.49, and different subgroups had a significant relationship with each other. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, which showed that the satisfaction score of the clinical education evaluation of radiology technology students was high, planning by faculty officials is necessary and vital to maintain these conditions.
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a significant mental health challenge among veterans, with traditional treatments often yielding mixed results. Emerging research suggests that psychiatric service dogs may serve as valuable therapeutic adjuncts. However, longitudinal studies examining their effectiveness in PTSD management remain limited. Objectives: This study investigates the impact of psychiatric service dog partnerships on PTSD symptoms, depression, social functioning, and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among veterans, compared to usual care alone. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted with 190 veterans diagnosed with PTSD, comparing those paired with psychiatric service dogs (n = 95) to a waitlist control group (n = 95). Participants completed standardized assessments measuring PTSD severity, depression (PHQ-9), HRQoL, and social engagement at baseline, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups. Difference-in-differences (DiD) regression analysis was applied to assess changes over time between groups. Results: Veterans with service dogs demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity at both 1-month (P = 0.002) and 3-month (P = 0.001) follow-ups, compared to the waitlist group. Depression scores improved more significantly in the service dog group (DiD Coef. = -3.07, P < 0.001), with corresponding increases in social participation and HRQoL measures. No significant differences were found at baseline between groups, confirming comparability. Conclusions: Findings suggest that psychiatric service dogs provide meaningful mental health benefits for veterans with PTSD, particularly in reducing symptom severity and improving overall well-being. These results support the potential integration of service dog partnerships as complementary interventions in PTSD treatment plans. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and optimize service dog training models for veteran-specific needs.
Background: Nurses are among the most vulnerable individuals on the front line of patient care, and burnout is a psychological crisis caused by prolonged exposure to workplace stressors. Religious beliefs help individuals cope with stressful workplace events. Objectives: Therefore, the present study aims to examine the association between resilience and occupational burnout with religious orientation in nurses working in acute respiratory departments of hospitals in Kermanshah. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among nurses working in Kermanshah hospitals in Iran during 2020 - 2021. A total of 180 nurses were selected using an available sampling method. The study utilized a demographic information questionnaire, a religious orientation questionnaire, a resilience questionnaire, and a burnout questionnaire. Results: The mean and standard deviation of religious orientation were 55.07 ± 8.15, while the severity of burnout was estimated at 68.86 ± 20.51. Based on the results of the Pearson correlation coefficient, religious orientation had a significant positive relationship with resilience (r = 0.58), positive acceptance of change in secure communications (r = 0.38), control (r = 0.59), and spiritual effects (P < 0.001). Moreover, religious orientation had a significant negative relationship with both the severity and frequency of burnout (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Religious orientation is a predictor of burnout and resilience in nurses and other healthcare personnel. Therefore, it is recommended that these individuals cultivate spirituality and strengthen religious attitudes in critical situations to reduce workplace stressors and enhance resilience.
Background: While the growth of communications and technology has provided opportunities in various fields, such as speeding up work and reducing distances, it can also pose a threat. Dependence on mobile phones can lead to a sense of loneliness and undesirable social support. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between excessive use of mobile phones and social loneliness in the student community. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using cluster sampling on 384 students of Shahroud University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Data were collected using demographic information questionnaires, the Harmful Use of Mobile Phones Scale, and the Adult Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale. After collection, the data were entered into SPSS18 and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The results showed that the total mean of the emotional and social loneliness questionnaire was 34.31 ± 8.98. An inverse relationship was observed in all areas of loneliness, except for family loneliness, with excessive use of mobile phones. Only the inverse correlation between excessive use of mobile phones and romantic loneliness was statistically significant. A positive and strong correlation was observed between excessive use of mobile phones and depression score. There was an inverse relationship between the social loneliness score and factors such as student age, educational level, marital status, birth order, mother's age and years of education, father's age, father's years of education, and excessive use of mobile phones. Additionally, there was an inverse relationship between excessive use of mobile phones and marital status with students' loneliness; as mobile phone use increased, the feeling of loneliness decreased, and as students' status changed from single to married, the feeling of loneliness also decreased. Conclusions: Given the relationship between some subgroups of social loneliness and demographic variables with mobile phone use, researchers and psychotherapists should control these factors to improve the quality of life and mental health of students.
