Background: Retinal detachment is an ophthalmic emergency that often leads to vision loss, with patients facing challenges in recognizing symptoms and understanding essential postoperative care to prevent complications and safeguard the other eye. Therefore, patient self-care and its monitoring are necessary to create self-efficacy as one of the basic components in post-surgery management.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of a self-care educational program and remote monitoring on self-efficacy and postoperative outcomes in patients with retinal detachment.Method: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 70 patients who were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group, with 35 patients in each group. After the surgery, the subjects of the intervention group received in-person education about a self-care program and were followed up remotely through WhatsApp upon discharge. The Perceived Health Competence Questionnaire was used to assess self-efficacy before the intervention, one week, and one month after the surgery for both groups.Results: The analysis found no significant difference in the mean perceived health competence scores between the intervention and control groups over the study period (p=0.718).Implications for Practice: Practitioners should consider developing more targeted and interactive educational interventions, as well as implementing more rigorous follow-up protocols to enhance patient self-management and prevent complications.
Background: The Surgical Safety Checklist is a tool introduced by the World Health Organization in 2008 to reduce surgical complications such as performing surgery on the wrong site or patient, leaving instruments, and enhancing patient safety during anesthesia. The Surgical Safety Checklist (WHO SSC) consists of three stages: sign-in, Time-out, and Sign-out.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to identify the barriers to the proper implementation of the Surgical Safety Checklist in hospitals affiliated with Dezful University of Medical Sciences.Method: This qualitative study employs the conventional content analysis strategy by the Graneheim and Lundman Method. The study participants include one anesthesiologist, one pediatric surgery subspecialist, one Master’s Graduate in operating room nursing, and seven perioperative nurses. Purposeful sampling was conducted and semi-structured interviews were utilized to collect data.Results: The analysis resulted in the extraction of 255 codes, categorized into four main categories, including individual barriers, educational barriers, managerial barriers, and cultural barriers.Implications for Practice: To effectively implement the surgical safety checklist, periodic training for specialists and experts should be conducted during their student years and throughout their professional re-training course. Additionally, it seems that to have a culture of implementation, there is a need for oversight of the implementation and providing appropriate feedback to staff and specialists.
Background: Pregnancy anxiety is associated with undesirable fetal, maternal, and neonatal outcomes. Women who do not attend childbirth preparation classes are more susceptible to this complication. Solution-focused counseling has been suggested to manage anxiety in these women.Aim: This study was conducted with aim to determine the effect of solution-focused group counseling on the pregnancy anxiety of women who do not attend childbirth preparation classes.Method: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 pregnant women with anxiety who were randomly assigned to either intervention or control groups. These women were selected from health and medical care centers affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak Iran. Solution-focused counseling was implemented in the intervention group for five 90-minute sessions once a week. The tools used included a demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised 2. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 23) and descriptive statistics, independent t-test, analysis of covariance, paired t-test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the mean total scores of pregnancy anxiety and its subscales before the intervention (p≥0.05). After the intervention, the mean total score of pregnancy anxiety was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001). This reduction occurred in both nulliparous and multiparous participants (p<0.001).Implications for Practice: Solution-focused group counseling can mitigate pregnancy anxiety regardless of having a history of childbirth. Hence, solution-focused group counseling can be employed to deal with pregnancy anxiety.
Background: Parents of children with cancer, especially leukemia, face many emotional and physical challenges, which can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. The online interventions have been recognized as an effective way to support parents in difficult situations.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to evaluate the effects of an online supportive program on the care burden of parents of children with leukemia.Method: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted in 2020 on 76 parents of children with leukemia hospitalized in the oncology department of Dr. Sheikh Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The parents were randomly divided into two groups: intervention and control (n=38 per group). The parents in the intervention group had access to an online support program via WhatsApp for one month. The parental caregiving burden was measured using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20) and descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent t, paired t, and chi-square tests. p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: The mean care burden scores before the intervention did not differ significantly between the two groups (p=0.061). The mean parental care burden score in the intervention group before the intervention was 45.63±4.44, which decreased significantly to 42.81±5.07 after the intervention (p<0.015). However, the mean care burden score for the control group before the intervention was 43.94±3.17 and after the intervention was 45.13±4.50, showing no statistically significant difference (p<0.164). After the intervention, the care burden decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.05).Implications for Practice: Regular supportive programs can be developed and implemented for the main caregivers of patients with other chronic diseases and integrated into the health system.
Background: Documenting and confirming the role of believing in resurrection for physical and mental health makes it possible to examine the role of transcendental religious beliefs regarding individual and social health, especially in the elderly.Aim: This study was performed with aim to evaluate the impact of resurrection beliefs on resilience and feeling of social and emotional loneliness in the elderly of Tehran.Method: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 700 elderly people over 60 years of age who were selected according to the inclusion criteria by cluster sampling method from 22 districts of Tehran in 2024. The data collection tool included a demographic form, standard questionnaire of resurrection belief and attitude to death, Connor-Davidson Resilience scale, and a Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0) and descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression analysis). p<0.05 was considered as significant level.Results: Older individuals believe more in the resurrection (88.52±21.15). With the increase in believing in the resurrection, resilience increased (r=0.078; p=0.040). Also, the resurrection belief reduced the feeling of social and emotional loneliness in the elderly (r=-0.81; p=0.033). On the other hand, with increasing resilience, the feeling of social and emotional loneliness in the elderly decreased (r=-0.220; p<0.001).Implications for Practice: Belief in resurrection is one of the integral aspects of human life, especially in elderly, which affects resilience and lack of loneliness. Interventions and support systems for the elderly through belief systems can promote resilience.
Background: Progressive neurological disorders (PNDs) are a real public health challenge with significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Limited research exists on PNDs social impact in low- and middle-income countries.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to explore the impact of PNDs on patients’ daily lives in the physical, social, professional, and financial levels.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on patients diagnosed with PND within the last 12 months. A survey developed by the authors focused on social and professional activities and financial stability, distributed through social networks communities.Results: Data collection gathered 89 responses. The findings showed low regular health monitoring (59.5%), insufficient pain medication prescriptions (33.7%), significant decrease in social activities (t=4.920; p<0.005), and occupational activities (t=3.689; p<0.005) accompanied by a need of financial support for a large number of patientsImplications for Practice: The findings advocate for the implementation of specific health programs to manage PNDs from diagnosis to palliative care, build national database and develop research. Recognition of PNDs as disabilities and development of intersectoral collaborations will improve prevention and also living conditions of patients through the facilitation of work-retention and extension of social coverage. Awareness of professionals, community and policy makers must also be strengthened to ensure this category of disease visibility.
Background: Diabetes is a chronic condition that leads to significant health complications, including blood sugar management, emotional distress, and challenges to personal dignity. Dignity therapy is a promising intervention to enhance psychological well-being and self-worth.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of dignity therapy on dignity and fasting blood sugar in patients with diabetes.Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 diabetic patients in Fars Province, Iran in 2023-2024. Participants were randomly assigned to the control and intervention groups. The intervention group received dignity therapy in three sessions over 10 days. Dignity and Fasting blood sugar levels were assessed before, immediately after, and one month following the intervention by Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) check list. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 15) and descriptive statistics, independent tests and one single repeated measures ANOVA. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Dignity-related distress was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group, immediately after and one month after the intervention (p=0.001). While no significant difference was observed in fasting blood sugar immediately after the intervention, however, a significant reduction was found in the intervention group one month later (p=0.001).Implications for Practice: Healthcare providers should incorporate dignity therapy into diabetes management, particularly for patients experiencing psychological distress. Dignity therapy by addressing emotional well-being can lead to better long-term outcomes, such as lower fasting blood sugar levels one month after the intervention. This holistic approach prioritizes both physical and emotional needs, fostering a supportive healthcare environment.
Background: Death is one of the undeniable parts of the life of all human beings and there is little knowledge about this stage of life.Aim: This research was conducted with aim to explain the near-death experiences (NDE) of Iranian Muslim patients.Method: In this hermeneutic phenomenological study, 10 television interviews from the documentary "Zendegi Pas Az Zendegi" were analyzed. The presence of these individuals in the documentary was purposeful and the subject matter was to mention the experiences of individuals who had NDE that were conducted in person. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed by the researcher. The data were analyzed based on the Van Manen approach. Analysis of subsequent interviews continued until data saturation.Results: The main theme of NDE was "rebirth," which included four subthemes: support for preparing for a difficult death, soul journey, transformation in insight, and life after the experience.Implications for Practice: Explaining NDEs in evidence-based care plays an important role in improving the quality of clinical care, strengthening the therapeutic relationship with patients, and integrating psycho-spiritual dimensions into the treatment process.
Background: One of the vital factors for health system employees, especially nurses, is job commitment, which has its roots in the positive psychology movement.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to determine the effect of positive thinking skills training on job commitment of nurses working in the selected military hospitals in Tabriz.Method: This quasi-experimental study with pre and post-test design was conducted on 50 nurses working in the selected hospitals of Aja in Tabriz, 2022. For the intervention group (25 nurses), positive thinking skills training was conducted through group discussion in 8 sessions of 90 minutes of face-to-face training. Demographic characteristics and Blau job commitment questionnaire were used to collect data. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS software (version 22). p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: The mean job commitment of nurses before the intervention in the intervention group (87.28±17.02) and control group (90.80±15.89) had no statistically significant difference (p=0.45). After the intervention, these values reached 115.12±18.10 in the intervention group and 91.28±15.56 in the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.001). Also, job commitment improved from pre-test to post-test in the intervention group (p<0.001), but was not significant in the control group (p=0.24).Implications for Practice: Considering the effectiveness of teaching positive thinking skills on nurses' job commitment, it is suggested that this simple, cheap and applicable method be used universally in nurses to strengthen psychological components.
Background: Medication errors can cause morbidity and mortality. The reporting system for medication errors can prevent harms to patients.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to assess the healthcare professionals' attitudes toward medical errors and informing patients in Guilan province, Iran.Method: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 140 health care professionals (physicians, Nurses). Data collection tool was a the researcher's checklist consisting of two parts: demographic information and self-reported attitude towards medical errors. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 21) and Mann–Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean age of participants was 29.19±6.53 years. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed statistically significant associations between education level (p=0.001) and profession (p=0.001) and attitudes toward medical errors. Doctors demonstrated the most favorable attitudes toward medical errors followed by medical students and nurses. Conversely, Mann–Whitney test showed no significant correlations between attitudes and gender, marital status, or age (p>0.05).Implications for Practice: Fundamental challenges in healthcare, such as transparency and accountability, require systemic solutions. Addressing these issues demands targeted educational initiatives and policy reforms to foster a culture of safety, where healthcare providers are empowered to learn from errors rather than fear punitive consequences.
Background: Care in the operating room is challenging. The dimensions of this type of care are unknown.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to explain the process of patient care in Iranian operating rooms in order to deeply understand the concept of care, determine the dimensions of care, facilitators and obstacles based on the obtained data.Method: This grounded theory study was conducted in 2020-2023. Data gathering was conducted through unstructured interview with 37 participants. Data were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss, 2015 in three levels of concept, context and process.Results: The safety route in care has three themes titled "Slippery passage of care with 3 categories including: 1- Threatening and risky conditions of care, 2- In the straits of stress and pressure, and 3- Lack of understanding of the sensitive surgical situation" and a total of 7 subcategories. The second theme" Trying to maintain balance and safe care" with 3 categories includes: 1- Relying on values, 2- Deciding to improve performance and 3- Seeking support and 14 subcategories; and finally, the outcome of these efforts was "safe care" and 4 sub-categories of the outcome included: "maintaining vigilance", "assertiveness and authority", “continued patient safety”, and “patient reassurance and peace” with 12 subcategories.Implications for Practice: The nurses try to maintain the patient's safety in the slippery passage of care with relying on values, deciding to improve performance, reviewing and seeking support.
Background: Given the high rate of cesarean section complications, mothers who have had previous cesarean sections should change their behavior toward delivery. Self-efficacy plays important role in mother's ability to adapt to vaginal birth and reduce tendency to cesarean section.Aim: The current research was conducted with aim to investigate the individual counseling based on Fogg behavior model and its effect on decision self-efficacy and decision conflict to choose vaginal birth after cesarean section.Method: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 62 pregnant women referred to the comprehensive health centers of Mashhad in 2020. The intervention group received two face-to-face individual counseling sessions based on Fogg’s model every 2 weeks for 45-60 minutes and one virtual session on the Telegram channel. Data analysis was done using SPSS software (version 25) and the statistical tests of Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, Fisher exact, independent t and paired t-test. p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: Mean score of Fogg’s model showed a significant difference between the two groups (2.79±0.52 vs. 2.33±0.31). Mean score of decision self-efficacy and decision conflict had a statistically significant difference after the intervention (3.44±0.45 and 1.03±0.33, respectively) compared to before the intervention (2.57±0.97 and 1.44±0.59, respectively) in two groups. The mean score of Fogg’s questionnaire was significantly different between the two groups (p<0.05).Implications for Practice: Counseling based on Fogg model promotes decision self-efficacy and reduces decision conflict in choosing vaginal birth after cesarean section. Maternal health care providers should consider this approach in consultation with previous cesarean section mothers.
Background: Patient experience of healthcare is crucial in the assessment of healthcare quality, but identifying and prioritizing appropriate metrics remains challenging.Aim: This study was conducted with aim to design a novel approach combining the Delphi method and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to identify and prioritize patient experience evaluation criteria in healthcare.Method: This mixed-method research, conducted in 2022, validated effective criteria for evaluating patient experience of healthcare through expert consensus using the Delphi process. A comprehensive framework of 12 criteria and 32 sub-criteria was established based on comparative analysis. Experts, specializing in quality improvement, participated in pairwise comparisons to prioritize the criteria. Data were analyzed using FAHP in Excel.Results: Based on a literature review and criteria extracted from the Delphi approach, the criteria of how to communicate with nurses, providing nurses' services, providing doctor's services, how to communicate with doctors, participation of family and relatives, emotional support, physical environment and hoteling, how to discharge from the hospital, respect for Dignity and privacy of the patient, provision of information to the patient, access to necessary drugs and pain management were identified. The expert panel ranked nurse-patient relationship quality as the highest priority (0.279), followed by physician-patient relationship quality (0.241). The least prioritized criterion was the availability of necessary medications (0.0).Implications for Practice: Hospital managers can influence on enhancing hospital service quality. Patient satisfaction can be elevated by hiring proficient nurses and physicians and empowering them to establish effective communication with patients and deliver superior medical services.
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of death in both developed and developing countries. Pulmonary rehabilitation aimed at controlling the symptoms in patients with COPD. Nurses play a crucial role in implementing home rehabilitation.Aim: This study was performed with aim to determine the effect of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation on lung function indices and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Method: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 60 COPD participants. The research units were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Before and 8 weeks after the intervention, the participants filled out the questionnaires of severity of dyspnea, exercise capacity and quality of life. The intervention group received the home-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, four 20 to 30-minute sessions. Pulmonary rehabilitation consisted of three parts: warming up, aerobic exercises (often including walking) and strength exercises. The data was finally analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 20) and chi-square, independent t, and paired t tests. p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups before the intervention in terms of demographic characteristics, pulmonary function, dyspnea severity and quality of life (p>0.05). After the intervention, the dyspnea severity decreased in the intervention group (4.96 to 3.90) compared to control group (5.56 to 5.46) (p<0.001) and pulmonary function improved in the intervention group (324.63 to 349.46, respectively) compared to control group (286.36 to 287.33) (p<0.001). Moreover, quality of life increased in the intervention group (34.16 to 39.30) compared to the control group (35.10 and 35.43) (p<0.0001).Implications for Practice: Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation improves lung function and quality of life in COPD patients. The findings of the present research can be suggested to the policymakers and nursing managers in order to improve care for pulmonary chronic obstructive disease patients.
Background: Acupuncture is increasingly recognized for its efficacy in managing knee osteoarthritis (KOA), offering significant pain relief and functional improvements.Aim: This systematic review was conducted with aim to summarize the studies on reporting the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in KOA patients.Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 diabetic patients in Fars Province, Iran in 2023-2024. Participants were randomly assigned to the control and intervention groups. The intervention group received dignity therapy in three sessions over 10 days. Dignity and Fasting blood sugar levels were assessed before, immediately after, and one month following the intervention by Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) check list. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 15) and descriptive statistics, independent tests and one single repeated measures ANOVA. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The studies consistently demonstrated that various forms of acupuncture therapy significantly reduce pain (p=0.001-0.008) and enhance functional outcomes (p=0.001-0.027) among KOA patients. Pain relief was evaluated using the visual analogue scale, while functional improvements were assessed through WOMAC scores. Secondary outcome, including quality of life measured by SF-12 and AqoL-SF36 scales, also showed significant improvement (p=0.001-0.057).Implications for Practice: Healthcare providers are encouraged to consider patient preferences and treatment goals when recommending acupuncture, ensuring personalized care that addresses both symptomatic relief and functional recovery. Further research and clinical integration of acupuncture are pivotal in advancing treatment options for osteoarthritis, promoting improved outcomes and patient well-being.
Background: Cancers are the second leading cause of death worldwide, adversely affecting patients' well-being including hope for life, and cause death anxiety.Aim: This study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of a nursing care program based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring on death anxiety and hope for life in cancer patients.Method: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 64 cancer patients who met the inclusion criteria at IranMehr Oncology Hospital of Birjand in 2024. Participants were divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group underwent an eight-week program based on Jean Watson's nursing theory including four stages, while the control group only received the routine nursing care. Data were collected using the validated and reliable Death Anxiety Scale and Adult Hope Scale and demographic and clinical data collection form. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the mean scores of death anxiety and hope for life before the study (p>0.05). However, after care based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring, statistically significant reduction was observed in the mean score of death anxiety and also an elevation in hope for life in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.05).Implications for Practice: Proper intervention in severely ill or poor prognosis patients provided by healthcare professionals can have a positive impact on patients' outcome and improve their quality of life.
Background: Clinical auditing is an important way to assess patient care standards and enhance the quality of clinical services. Adherence to patient safety standards in the operating room plays a crucial role in improving the quality of services and ensuring greater safety for surgical patients.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to evaluate the compliance of actions taken by the surgical team with patient safety standards in the operating room based on safe surgery guidelines.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2022-2023 in a public hospital in northeastern, Iran. The study population included all surgeries in the operating room selected via a convenience sampling method and assessed through observation using revised form of World Health Organization (WHO) Safe Surgery checklist. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 16) using descriptive statistical methods.Results: A total of 161 surgeries were evaluated. Overall, the adherence rate to standards was 70.97%. Specifically, adherence rates were 78.34% in the pre-anesthesia induction (sing-in) phase, 62.58% in the pre-incision (time-out) phase, and 81.71% in the pre-exit (sign-out) phase of the operating room.Implications for Practice: The findings of the present study can be suggested to plan for improving the compliance with patient safety standards by the surgical team.
Background: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery significantly affects both the physical and psychological well-being of patients. It is essential to address the psychological symptoms which may arise during recovery in order to improve overall health outcomes. Cardiac rehabilitation programs can enhance psychological well-being and improve recovery process for these patients.Aim: This study was conducted with aim to investigate the effect of cardiac rehabilitation on improving psychological symptoms in patients undergoing CABG.Method: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 60 patients referred to a specialized hospital of cardiovascular diseases in Hamadan from April to December 2021. The participants were divided into intervention and control groups using the permuted block randomization method. Along with the routine care after CABG surgery, the intervention group also received physical exercise and physiotherapy for heart rehabilitation. The exercises were tailored to each patient's cardiovascular condition and included walking on a treadmill, using a stationary bike, and doing aerobics and stretching exercises. The 60-minute sessions were held three times a week for one month. Data was collected using the SCL-90-R and analyzed by SPSS software (version 16). p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: At the beginning of the program, the mean psychological indices score in the intervention and control groups was 182.1±14.9 and 196.5±25.1, respectively (p=0.503). After the intervention implementation, the mean psychological score was 113.7±14.9 and 272.2±32.0 in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p<0.001).Implications for Practice: This study demonstrated that cardiac rehabilitation following CABG positively impacts patients' psychological symptoms.
Background: Patient safety is a fundamental right and a core priority in healthcare systems, aiming to prevent harm during diagnosis and treatment. Pressure ulcers are a common problem in intensive care units (ICUs), causing significant physical, psychological, social, and financial burdens. Although several studies have been conducted in Iran, data remain fragmented and region-specific, preventing a comprehensive national estimate.Aim: This systematic review was conducted with aim to determine the prevalence of pressure ulcers in the ICUs of Iranian hospitals.Method: This study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis following Gough’s nine-stage framework. Searches were performed in the international and national databases up to July 22, 2025, resulting in 16 eligible studies. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses were performed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software using a random-effects model.Results: After excluding studies with potential bias, the pooled prevalence of pressure ulcers in Iranian ICU patients was estimated at 6.6% (5.2%-8.4%; 95% CI). The highest prevalence was reported in the eastern provinces. Meta-regression showed a significant positive association between patient age and pressure ulcer prevalence, and an inverse association with sample size (p<0.05).Implications for Practice: Pressure ulcers pose serious physical, psychological, social, and financial challenges for ICU patients. Healthcare facilities must prioritize the implementation of effective prevention protocols tailored to at-risk patients. Regular, ongoing training and workshops for healthcare staff are essential to enhance knowledge and skills in pressure ulcer prevention. Additionally, educating patients and their families about risk factors and preventive measures is vital to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and improve overall patient care outcome
Background: COVID-19 infection may be related to development of neural damage and neural inflammation. Accumulating evidence highlighted the high prevalence of long-term mental health problems among COVID-19 survivors.Aim: The present study was conducted with aim to evaluate the long-term psychosomatic effects of COVID-19 and their relationship with inflammatory biomarkers among COVID-19 survivors after ICU discharge.Method: This prospective study was conducted on patients discharged from the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) between June and August 2021. Depression, anxiety, health anxiety, sleep quality and cognitive abilities were assessed. Also, inflammatory biomarkers including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), ferritin and D-dimer were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22.0) and Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. p<0.05 was considered significant.Results: Among 78 survivors, 26% and 45.5% had moderate/severe degree of depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Moreover, 25% of participants reported health anxiety and 61.8% poor sleep quality. The cognitive abilities had a significant inverse correlation with D-dimer level (r=-0.44, p<0.001). Moreover, BDI-II score was significantly correlated with ESR level (r=0.29, p<0.06). The only factor associated with BDI-II depression score was ESR levels (β=0.37, p=0.013). D-dimer was independently associated with cognitive abilities score (β=-0.45, p=0.001).Implications for Practice: Although there was a high prevalence of mental disorders among patients discharged from COVID-19 ICUs even after 20 months, our results do not support a dominant role for inflammatory background (during acute phase of COVID-19) to explain the neuropsychological impairments long time after COVID-19 infection.
