Objective(s): Measuring and monitoring population health is a critical step in improving health and requires a multidimensional assessment of it. This study aimed to examine the health profile of Iranians using a native conceptual framework. Methods: This study was a review of national and international published documents and datasets on health and health determinants in 2024. The Social Tree of Health conceptual framework was applied to collect, organize, and report data. Findings were supplemented and validated through expert consultation. Results: This article examined the indicators corresponding to the fruit and branch levels of the Social Health Tree conceptual model. At the fruit level of the Social Tree, outcome indicators such as life expectancy, mortality indices, disease incidence, disease prevalence and disability‑adjusted life years (DALYs) were examined. Findings revealed a 10% increase in life expectancy. Although maternal and child mortality declined, the overall mortality rate rose from 4.3 per thousand in 2017 to 5.5 per thousand in 2024. In contrast, perinatal mortality, neonatal mortality, infant mortality, and under-five mortality all demonstrated substantial downward trends. The incidence of myocardial infarction increased by approximately 3% between 2016 and 2021. At the branch level, which reflects individual biological non‑genetic factors, indicators of metabolic balance and anatomical fitness were assessed. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia increased by 5.6%, 3.4%, and 34%, respectively. Obesity and overweight also showed a marked rise across all measures. Conclusion: The findings indicated that at the outcome (fruit) level, improvements were observed in life expectancy and reductions in mortality among specific population groups and from premature death. Furthermore, the case-fatality rates of most diseases-including nearly all communicable diseases except for HIV and sexually transmitted infections, as well as most chronic diseases except diabetes and kidney disease-have declined substantially. Despite gains in longevity, DALYs and indicators of violent behavior had not improved. The study also underscores the urgent need to address overweight and metabolic disorders, which assume major risk factors for chronic diseases.
Objective(s): Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to undergo functional and structural reorganization in response to experience and learning. This capacity plays a crucial role in cognitive enhancement and rehabilitation and has increasingly attracted attention in educational and healthcare settings. Given the growing application of neuroplasticity-based interventions in education, rehabilitation, and cognitive health, this study aimed to systematically review the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of these interventions and to examine their applications, challenges, and health-related implications. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest for studies published between January 1, 2020, and March 21, 2025. Studies were screened and evaluated according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Experimental studies investigating cognitive or motor interventions related to neuroplasticity were included in the final analysis. Results: Of more than 1,400 initially identified records, 110 eligible studies were included in the final review. The findings demonstrated that neuroplasticity-based interventions improve cognitive functions, memory, motor learning, and several neurobiological markers. However, individual variability in treatment response, heterogeneity of intervention protocols, and limited access to advanced technologies emerged as major challenges in this field. Overall, neuroplasticity-oriented interventions showed positive effects on memory performance, motor learning, executive functioning, and cognitive health. Nevertheless, individual differences in responsiveness, implementation challenges, and inequalities in access remain important barriers to the widespread effectiveness of these interventions. Conclusion: Neuroplasticity-based interventions have considerable potential to enhance learning, improve cognitive health, and support rehabilitation processes. However, the standardization of intervention protocols, the conduct of longitudinal studies, and equitable access to these technologies are essential for advancing their clinical and educational applications.
Objective(s): The suffering that mothers endure due to giving birth to a premature infant is excruciating. In this study, the lived experiences of mothers regarding the factors that helped them adapt to the difficulties of preterm birth and caring for a premature infant were examined in the socio-cultural context of Iran. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted with a phenomenological approach and involved 16 mothers whose premature infants were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit at Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah. The sampling was purposive. Individual and face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. Dickelman’s seven-step method was used to analyze the data. Results: The analysis of the interviews yielded to three themes including "cognitive empowerment", "cultivating hope" and "benefiting from social support". The theme of "cognitive empowerment" means strengthening and developing individuals' mental abilities and cognitive skills to deal with challenges. This theme was formed from a combination of four subthemes including "inducing self-efficacy", "perceiving threat as an opportunity", "normalization" and “justification”. The second theme was formed from a combination of two subthemes including; "cultivating hope through prayer and gratitude" and "cultivating hope through fostering optimism". The third theme was emerged from a combination of two subthemes including; "benefiting from support and sympathy of relatives" and "benefiting from support and sympathy of healthcare staff". Conclusion: Many mothers participating in this study were able to achieve a relatively suitable adaptation to the birth of their premature infants and the problems of caring for them by using their psychological strengths and resources, as well as by benefiting from the existing social support. The experiences expressed by these mothers can be helpful in developing psychosocial interventions to improve the adaptation of mothers with premature infant.
Objective (s): Quality of life is an important health-related outcome measure. This study aimed to assess quality of life in a sample of male patients with premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) and examine its relationship with blood pressure (BP) and lipoproteins (LDL and HDL). Methods: A convenience sample of 240 male patients with confirmed premature coronary artery disease was recruited and were entered into the study. In addition to demographic information, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, LDL and HDL values were extracted from case records. Quality of life was measured using the SF-12 version 2. Descriptive analysis was performed to analyze the data. Results: The mean (SD) age of participants was 43.29 (*.74) years. The mean (SD) of the physical quality of life component summary score (PCS) was 46.25 (10.26) and it was 49.29 (11.29) for the mental quality of life component summary score. The findings showed that higher LDL values were significantly influenced quality of life in both dimensions while, although in the expected directions, blood pressure categories and LDH did not show statistically significant associations. Conclusion: The findings suggest higher values of LDL could significantly harm quality of life in male patients suffering from premature coronary artery disease. Preventive measures is recommended to improve quality of life in this population.
Objective(s): Given the existence of different reports regarding the level of health literacy and limitations of studies conducted on adopting preventive behaviors against dental caries among adolescents and the importance of students' health as an important segment of society, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and adoption of preventive behaviors against dental caries among students. Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 240 second-year high school students in Qayen city were selected through multi-stage random sampling in the academic year 2023-2024 to participate in the study. Data collection tools included demographic and background characteristics, the Health Literacy Assessment of Adolescents (HELMA) questionnaire, and a tool for measuring dental caries preventive behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and descriptive statistics and logistic regression. In addition, the significance level in the present study was considered less than 0.05. Results: The mean (and standard deviation) score of adopting behaviors that prevent tooth decay among students was 6.412 (0.258) out of 14, which was at an unfavorable level. Also, the mean (and SD) score of health literacy was 54.625 (3.258) out of 100, which was at a limited level. According to the results of logistic regression, the variables of body mass index, family economic status, and health literacy were effective factors in adopting behaviors that prevent tooth decay. Conclusion: Adoption of preventive behaviors against dental caries was lower among students who had low body mass index, had families with unfavorable economic status, and had insufficient health literacy. Therefore, it is suggested that more attention be paid to these students in designing educational programs to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors against dental caries among students.
Dear Editor, Research is a purposeful, systematic, critical, and evidence-based process of inquiry aimed at generating new knowledge or validating existing knowledge. Health research involves the systematic collection or analysis of data to develop generalizable knowledge for understanding health challenges and identifying preventive or therapeutic solutions. Research enables policymakers, health managers, and healthcare professionals to optimize the allocation of limited resources, improve access to health services, enhance service quality, and reduce costs. Given the complexity of health systems, the use of a valid scientific model to guide the research process is essential. Research models organize the stages of research and assist researchers in selecting appropriate philosophical, methodological, and strategic approaches. For example, Saunders' Research Onion model describes the philosophical, methodological, strategic, and procedural layers of the research process. Nevertheless, existing research models have been criticized for their linear and rigid representation of an inherently nonlinear research process, their complexity for novice researchers, insufficient attention to ethical considerations, inadequate coverage of practical research challenges, and oversimplification of research philosophies. In response to the limitations of existing research models, this article proposes the Research Carousel Model as a novel conceptual framework for guiding the research process. The model conceptualizes research as a dynamic, nonlinear, and iterative process and comprises four primary cabins- Insight, Design, Action, and Reflection- supported by a central core consisting of Context, Ethics, Quality, and Constraints. Within this framework, researchers are provided with a structured approach to planning, conducting, evaluating, and completing research projects. The Research Carousel Model is founded on the principle that the components of the research process continuously and reciprocally influence one another, thereby enabling ongoing review, refinement, and improvement throughout the research journey. Accordingly, reflection and continuous learning serve as the driving forces behind the generation and evolution of knowledge, while research ethics and quality remain fundamental elements embedded throughout every stage of the process. At the same time, the research context shapes methodological choices, influences the interpretation of findings, and determines the application and utilization of research outcomes. Consequently, the proposed model provides a comprehensive framework for designing, conducting, and completing research across a wide range of academic disciplines.
Objective(s): The Social Security Organization (SSO), as one of the largest healthcare providers in Iran, requires an indigenous competency model to improve the quality of hospital services. This study aimed to design and validate a general and specific competency model for treatment positions in hospitals of the SSO. Methods: This sequential exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted in three phases. In the qualitative phase, 25 experts including hospital managers, polyclinic heads, nursing service heads, and heads of pharmacy, laboratory, and imaging departments participated in semi-structured and event-based (CBI/BEI) interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with three-stage coding (open, axial, selective). Content validity was assessed using CVR and CVI based on the opinions of 10 experts. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was developed based on the extracted competencies. Its reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha based on a pilot study of 30 eligible individuals. The questionnaire was distributed using a complete census method among all employees of 9 treatment positions in SSO hospitals (n=687). In the final phase, the model's fit and construct validity were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with AMOS version 26 software. Results: Seven common general competencies (effective leadership, strategic decision-making, clinical crisis management, effective communication, specialized teamwork, professional ethics, and accountability) and twenty-six specific competencies (including patient safety and quality management, healthcare human resource management, medical equipment management, and clinical crisis management) were identified. The largest competency gaps were observed in "clinical crisis management" and "mastery of modern health technologies." Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.89 for general competencies and ranged from 0.81 to 0.90 (mean: 0.86) for specific competencies. The model's fit indices were: χ²/df = 2.41, CFI = 0.962, GFI = 0.89, NFI = 0.88, IFI = 0.91, RFI = 0.87, TLI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.058, all within acceptable to excellent ranges, indicating a good fit. Conclusion: The proposed two-level competency model (general and specific) can serve as a foundation for establishing a meritocracy system, performance evaluation, continuous education, and succession planning in SSO hospitals.
Objective(s): Neglecting job satisfaction in the long term disrupts the organizational system and leads to rebellion, a decrease in sense of responsibility, reduced employee morale, and ultimately, turnover. This, in turn, contributes to job burnout. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of spiritual empowerment training on the job satisfaction of midwives. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 42 midwives )23 in the intervention group and 19 in the control group (participated in 2023 at the Khayerrine Salamat Educational and Therapeutic Center in Qom, Iran, selected through convenience sampling. The intervention included a training workshop conducted through lectures and the provision of educational files in a virtual space. The job satisfaction of the midwives regarding the nature of work, supervision, salary, promotion, colleagues, and work environment was measured at three different time points using repeated measurements. The data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance in SPSS version 26. Results: The results of the two-way ANOVA with repeated measures indicated a significant difference in the mean score of job satisfaction among midwives across three measurements in both the intervention and control groups )p < 0.05(. Additionally, within-group evaluation showed that, unlike the control group )p > 0.05(, the intervention group exhibited a significant change in the mean scores. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the spiritual empowerment training program for midwives can be effective in increasing their job satisfaction.
Objective(s): Menopause is a natural process in women's lives that is accompanied by hormonal changes and the occurrence of numerous physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms can affect quality of life, and their accurate identification is important for health and treatment planning. This study aimed to examine the manifestations of menopause and demographic factors related to it in women aged 45-65 years referring to comprehensive health centers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 women aged 45-65 years who attended comprehensive health centers. Cluster random sampling was used, and the Menopause Manifestations Questionnaire (MenoSentations-Q) was used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using an independent t-test, Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient and logistic regression in SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of the participants was 52.11 ± 6.19 years. Of these, 22.5% were premenopausal, 44.1% were menopausal, and 33.4% were postmenopausal. The analyses showed that there was a significant difference in the status of menopause at different levels of the variables of age, education level and body mass index. Also, different areas of the questionnaire were found to have a significant difference across different levels of variables such as age, body mass index, education, educational background and occupation. In addition, all areas of the questionnaire were significantly correlated with each other. The results of logistic regression also showed that there was a significant relationship between the status of menopause and the variables of age and education level, but the relationship between the status of menopause and the variable of educational background was at the border of significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: The manifestation of menopause is associated with various demographic factors. Understanding these relationships can provide a basis for targeted health interventions and improve the quality of life of menopausal women
Objective(s): older adults with chronic diseases face many challenges in maintaining their quality of life. Self-care is known as a strategy for disease management and improving the quality of life, and Orem's theory can facilitate self-care among older adults with chronic diseases. Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a two-group pre-test-post-test design and was conducted on 70 elderly people with chronic diseases who attended teaching hospitals in Zahedan city in 2024. The samples were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received four face-to-face training sessions based on Orem's self-care theory. The intervention and control groups completed the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire in the pre-test and post-test stages. To analyze the data, chi-square, paired t-test and independent t-tests were used. Results: Before the intervention, the mean quality of life scores in the intervention and control groups were 58.51 ± 5.28 and 4.91 ± 57.56 respectively, and after the intervention, it was 64.97 ± 4.99 in the intervention group and 57.08 ± 5.50 in the control group. Self-care training based on the Orem model significantly improved the quality of life in all areas in the intervention group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that Orem's self-care model is an effective and practical method to improve the health and quality of life of the older adults with chronic diseases.
Objective(S): Understanding the underlying causes of death is essential for mapping a population’s health status-particularly among young people-and helps with the equitable distribution of health services. This study aimed to identify the principal causes of death in Iranian youth aged 15 to 29 over the period 2001–2021 (Persian calendar years 1380–1400). Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study. Population and cause-specific mortality data-stratified by age, sex, and province-for the years 2001–2021 were extracted. Age-standardized mortality rates provided a standard metric for comparison, and years of life lost (YLL) due to premature death quantified the impact of youth mortality on the population. Results: Chronic non-communicable diseases accounted for the majority of deaths among young people. In 2021, the four leading causes of death-ranked in descending order-were unintentional injuries, COVID-19, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Transport-related accidents remained the foremost cause throughout the two decades. Mortality rates for males exceeded those for females across all major causes. The total YLL attributable to youth deaths in 2021 was approximately 1.121 million person-years. Conclusion: The substantial burden of life years lost due to death in young adulthood underscores the importance of reducing mortality in this age group as a key population policy priority. Injuries and accidents represent the leading cause of death among those aged 15-29. Deaths from substance misuse also rank among the four principal causes, highlighting the need for comprehensive social and cultural policies. As these deaths are largely preventable and closely linked to lifestyle factors, strategies that foster behavioral and societal change alongside strengthened treatment programs are paramount.
Objective (s): Gestational diabetes is a common disease that affects pregnant women and leads to potential complications for both the mother and the fetus. Effective management of gestational diabetes is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. However, adherence to self-care behaviors among pregnant women with gestational diabetes remains suboptimal, highlighting the need for innovative educational approaches. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of distance education on adherence to self-care behaviors in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design and was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, focusing on 77 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes in Ahvaz, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups—control and intervention—with 38 individuals in each group, using block randomization. The intervention group received six online training sessions over one month, in addition to their routine care. In contrast, the control group only received routine care. Data collection occurred one week after the final training session. Tools for data gathering, including a midwifery-personal characteristics form, the SDSCA (Self-Care Diabetes State) self-care questionnaire, along with assessments of self-efficacy, social support, and attitudes toward self-care. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with SPSS version 27 software. Results: In the pre-test phase, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding self-care behaviors, social support, self-efficacy, and attitude towards self-care. However, in the post-test phase, significant differences were observed in all three variables of self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, and attitude towards self-care (p<0.001). Conclusion: Distance learning significantly increases adherence to self-care behaviors in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Implementing such educational interventions in comprehensive health service centers can potentially improve health outcomes in this population.
Objective(s): Patient rights encompass addressing the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs of patients in a legitimate and reasonable manner, which, when observed, leads to patient satisfaction. On the other hand, hospital services must be of high quality as they significantly impact patient satisfaction and enhance hospital productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the adherence to the Patient Rights Charter and its effect on the quality of provided services from the perspective of inpatients at Rahnemoon Hospital in Yazd in 2024. Methods: This applied study was descriptive-analytical and conducted as a cross-sectional survey. A total of 160 inpatients were selected using a cluster random sampling method. The Mosadeghrad HEALTHQUAL questionnaire was used to evaluate patients’ perceptions of service quality, and the Parsapoor questionnaire was employed to assess compliance with the Patient Rights Charter. Data analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests in SPSS software (V.26). Results: The level of compliance with the Patient Rights Charter was moderate (46.3%) to good (46.9%), with the highest compliance observed in respecting patients and protecting their privacy and the lowest in the patient complaint handling system. Patients’ perception of the quality of services provided by the hospital was rated as good (88.8%), with the highest perception related to the effectiveness and the lowest related to efficiency. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between perceived service quality and the level of adherence to the Patient Rights Charter. Conclusion: Observing the Patient Rights Charter is not only an ethical principle in providing healthcare services but also a step towards improving treatment quality and enhancing patient health. Therefore, implementing measures such as training healthcare professionals and increasing patients’ awareness of their rights is essential to improve public health and gain patient satisfaction.
Objective(s): Aging and the prevalence of chronic diseases have increased the need for home healthcare services. The aim of this study was to design a comprehensive marketing model for home healthcare services in Iran, aligning with national health policies and adapting to socio-demographic, technological, and lifestyle changes. Methods: The research employed a qualitative research method: The data collection method was semi-structured in-depth interviews. The study population comprised experts in home healthcare working in the country's health system, including service providers, health policymakers, and insurance specialists with the necessary scientific and practical experience in this field. Before conducting the interviews, a review study was performed to identify the framework and dimensions of home healthcare service marketing, which designed the interview question framework. A purposive non-random sampling method was used, continued by snowball sampling. Sampling continued until data saturation. In total, 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and MAXQDA software. Results: The final model identifies 39 key components categorized into six core dimensions: 1. Causal Factors: Rise of aging population, rise of chronic diseases, limited patient mobility, cost/time efficiency, post-COVID lifestyle change 2. Core Phenomenon factors: Transitioning home healthcare from a "luxury service" to a "strategic necessity" and a fundamental pillar of the health system. 3. Contextual Factors: Cultural/religious beliefs, low public awareness, household income levels. 4. Intervening & Facilitating Factors: Health-related technologies, role of insurers, government support, lack of experts, unlicensed service providers. 5. Strategies: Marketing & Branding (Public awareness campaigns, education, trust-building). Operational Strategies: Developing integrated service platforms, creating standards and protocols, contracting with insurers, Policy Advocacy: Lobbying for appropriate service pricing and insurance coverage. 6. Outcomes (Positive: Achieving national health goals, improving patient quality of life, reducing hospital burden) Negative (if mismanaged): Security/ethical risks, caregiver stress, and inequitable access to services. Conclusion: To successfully develop home healthcare services in Iran, we need to simultaneously implement marketing, operational, and policy strategies. This service should move from the periphery to the core of the health system and, by utilizing technology, insurance support, and cultural development, become a normal, accessible, and cost-effective service. This model can serve as a roadmap for service providers, policymakers, and researchers in this field.
Objective(s): Elder abuse within the family setting is considered a type of domestic violence. The majority of review studies have reported the prevalence of different types of elder abuse, and few studies have investigated the factors influencing domestic elder abuse. This study aimed to systematically review the related literature and conduct a meta-analysis of the most important factors associated with elder abuse in Iranian families. Method: The national and international databases, including Magiran, Noormags, SID, IranMedex, Civilica, Iran treasure of scientific and technical information (Ganj(, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Springer, and Emerald were searched from 1991 to 2024. Finally, 15 documents were approved in terms of the Strobe checklist. The selected documents were analyzed by comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software. Results: The results of the analysis of the effect intensity suggest that gender and economic status are highly effective in elder abuse with the respective combined effects of 0.964 and 0.884. Furthermore, marital status (0.433) and burden of care (0.317) reported moderate effects on elder abuse. Meanwhile, health status (0.248), education (-0.294), and age (0.242) were the factors with mild effects on the dependent variable of the study, i.e., elder abuse. Conclusion: With the population aging in Iran, it is necessary to consider preventive rules for restricting elder abuse, especially among the female and married elderly in families. Moreover, there should be some guidelines for the protection of the elderly rights and their ownership of personal assets and properties besides providing monetary and non-monetary support for the family caregivers. The suggested actions and measures can decrease the burden of care on care providers, prevent elder abuse, and contribute to the continuation of elderly care and reverence.
Objective(s): This research aimed to examine the content of primary school textbooks in terms of mental health literacy. Methods: Using the method of directed qualitative content analysis, the content of all the textbooks from the first to the sixth grade of primary school was analyzed. Textbooks were examined using an instrument consisting of four components of mental health literacy: “obtaining and promoting mental health”, “understanding common mental disorders”, “reducing stigma”, and “providing and seeking support”. The analysis was carried out with the assistance of MAXQDA sofrware. Results: The findings of the research showed that out of the 5229 pages of primary school textbooks, the total frequency of sub-themes related to the obtaining and maintaining good mental health was 3745. Among these sub-themes, “self-development approaches to emotion regulation” (frequency 1154, 59.73%) and the “recognizing changes in brain function” (frequency 1 and 0%) received the most and least attention in textbooks, respectively. It is worth to mention that among different strategies of “self-development approaches to emotion regulation”, “religious practices and beliefs” (frequency 627 and 54.33%) had the highest frequency. The components of understanding common mental disorders, reducing stigma of mental illness, Help-Seeking and help-giving had 1, 21, and 643 frequencies, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that in the primary school textbooks, balanced attention has not been given to the components of obtaining and maintaining good mental health, and the “religious practices and beliefs” have been overemphasized in this component. This overemphasis is a hidden curriculum that may produce the opposite result among students instead of a positive effect. ing and maintaining good mental health, and the “religious practices and beliefs” was overemphasized in this component. This overemphasis is a hidden curriculum that may produce the opposite result among students instead of a positive effect.
Objective(s): Abortion, as a multifaceted social and public health concern, necessitates an in-depth exploration of the cognitive and attitudinal perspectives of affected populations. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of reproductive-aged women in Iran who have undergone intentional abortion. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted as part of a larger national survey. Data collection was carried out via telephone interviews with 16,044 women aged 18 to 49. From this pool, the final analytic sample consisted of 99 women who reported experiencing an induced abortion within the preceding year. The national survey utilized a multi-stage sampling approach. Information was gathered using a structured questionnaire developed for the research. Knowledge and attitude levels were quantified on a scale of 0 to 20 and subsequently analyzed employing non-parametric statistical tests and logistic regression. Lower scores in attitude and awareness favor agreement with abortion. Results: The mean knowledge score (9.3 ± 6.4) and attitude score (10.2 ± 3.1) were obtained. The level of knowledge regarding key dimensions was assessed as low. However, the attitude score fell within the moderate range. Simultaneously, a dual attitudinal pattern was observed in the results: although the majority of respondents (67.7%) considered abortion equivalent to murder, an overwhelming majority changed their attitude in concrete and specific conditions, and approved of it in cases of fetal impairment (82.8%) or with medical authorization (91.9%). Higher levels of education were associated with increased knowledge and a more positive attitude. Furthermore, a history of intentional abortion was linked to higher levels of knowledge and a more positive attitude. Conclusion: The results reveal a notable knowledge disparity alongside complex and context-dependent attitudes among women who have experienced intentional abortion. This highlights the necessity for targeted educational measures that acknowledge these nuanced perspectives, which is essential for developing informed and effective policies in this field.
Objective(s): Childbearing is a major social and demographic issue influenced by a wide range of cultural, economic, and social factors. In Iran, shifts in attitudes and cultural values, particularly among young adults and university students, have contributed to a decline in fertility intentions. This study aimed to investigate students' attitudes at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences toward childbearing and to identify factors associated with these attitudes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 470 students enrolled in the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Paramedical Sciences and Rehabilitation, Public Health, and Traditional and Complementary Medicine at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using a stratified sampling method. Data were collected using a standardized Childbearing Attitude Questionnaire that assesses four dimensions: economic, socio-cultural, religious, and physical-identity-related. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 2016. Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and regression analysis were applied, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the participants, 51% were female, 78% were single, and 53% were studying medicine. The mean overall childbearing attitude score was 179.08 (SD = 29.13), with a median score of 174. Positive attitudes toward childbearing were observed in 41.8% of students. Married students demonstrated significantly more favorable attitudes than single students in the religious, socio-cultural, and overall attitude dimensions, whereas divorced students reported the lowest scores, particularly in the economic dimension. Female students scored significantly higher than males in the economic and socio-cultural dimensions as well as in the overall attitude score; however, no significant gender differences were found in the religious and physical-identity-related dimensions. Non-medical students exhibited higher overall and religious attitude scores compared with medical students. Regression analysis identified the number of children and field of study as significant factors associated with overall attitudes toward childbearing. Conclusion: Students’ attitudes toward childbearing were significantly influenced by parental experience and field of study. Married students, females, and non-medical students demonstrated more positive attitudes toward childbearing. Given the relatively unfavorable attitudes observed and the predominance of economic concerns, the development of financial incentives and psychosocial support programs, particularly for single, divorced, and male students who exhibited less favorable attitudes, appears warranted.
Objective(s): Conflict of interest is a set of conditions which cause civil servants’ professional tasks, decisions and performance be influenced by their personal interests. Conflict of interest has greater importance in the field of health care system compared to other sectors. Therefore, this research, a scoping review study, was aimed to explain conflict of interest management in the field of health care using a new approach. Methods: This scoping review study was conducted using Persian and English key related words and different data bases. The selected sources were evaluated using CASP standard checklist as a tool of critical quality assessment and measurement, and then stored in excel software. Then, the results were imported into Endnote version X8, and finally 28 references were selected concerning the scope, examples and concepts of conflict of interest and its management from a new perspective in the health care system. Results: conflict of interest in the field of health care system in itself does not contradict the principles and professional behavior. Although, its frequent occurrence requires special attention. Conflict of interest management is implemented on a case-by-case basis in some countries, but this alone is not enough. Therefore, it is necessary to review the previous management styles with a comprehensive look on the individual, structural, and organizational conflict of interest, and apply a new approach to manage this phenomenon. Conclusion: The results of this research showed that the greatest focus of conflict of interest management falls in two general categories: personal and organizational conflict of interest, among which conflict of personal interests is much more important. Therefore, creating new operational structures, reforming process, reorganizing, increasing transparency and redefining organizational goals are recommended. In addition, it seems necessary to educate people about manifestations and conditions of conflict of interest in health care system, and it is recommended to provide relevant training to senior managers of the health care system
Dear Editor, Following the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue fever, one of the most important mosquito-borne viral diseases, has become a serious public health challenge in many countries around the world in recent years. Transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, this disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Iran is also at risk of spreading this disease despite being located in a region with a predominantly arid and semi-arid climate. Recent reports of local cases of dengue fever in Hormozgan province, especially in Bandar Lengeh city, are a wake-up call for the country’s health system. Dengue fever is an emerging threat to public health in Iran that requires urgent and coordinated action. Controlling this disease requires the participation of all sectors of society, including the government, health institutions, and the public. By implementing scientific and sustainable strategies and in coordination with government agencies, Iran can be prevented from becoming an endemic area for dengue fever...
