Background: Hair salons have the potential to transmit various diseases, including infectious diseases like acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and hepatitis B and C, that can be transmitted through blood. This study was conducted with the aim of educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) regarding preventive behavior against blood-borne diseases among female hairdressers in Rafsanjan City, Iran, in 2019-2020. Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 70 female hairdressers in two intervention and control groups. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire designed based on the HBM. After conducting a pre-test in two groups, training sessions were held, and two months later, a post-test was conducted. The data were entered into SPSS software and analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test, and paired t-test, as well as descriptive statistics. Findings: Following the educational intervention, the intervention group's scores on the variables of knowledge (93.88 ± 0.40), perceived sensitivity (59.91 ± 0.37), perceived intensity (61.91 ± 0.37), perceived benefits (20.97 ± 0.16), cues to action (20.0 ± 0.0), and self-efficacy (24.91 ± 0.37) increased significantly (P < 0.05) and perceived barriers (11.08 ± 0.37) decreased (P > 0.05), whereas in the control group, except the variable of knowledge (P = 0.005) and the structure of perceived benefits (P = 0.04), no increase was observed in the values of the other variables and no significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). According to the findings, behavior had a significant correlation with the structures of knowledge (r = 0.57), attitude (r = 0.80), perceived sensitivity (r = 0.79), perceived intensity (r = 0.50), perceived barriers (r = 0.78), perceived benefits (r = 0.57), self-efficacy (r = 0.76), and cues to action (r = 0.68). Conclusion: There was a significant change in the constructs of the HBM and the adoption of preventive behaviors against blood-borne diseases in the intervention group; therefore, it is suggested that this model be used in addition to routine training. Moreover, in this study, the behavior had a significant correlation with the constructs of the HBM, confirming the relationship between the constructs in this model and the adoption of preventive behaviors against contracting blood-borne diseases.

Conclusion: The intervention positively affected key behavioral constructs and improved waste segregation practices. Nevertheless, sustaining these behaviors may require additional structural support-such as municipal provision of necessary equipment and facilities-to overcome enabling barriers.

Given the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among employees and the role of lifestyle in its prevention, this study examined the effect of an educational intervention based on the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) to promote a preventive lifestyle for MetS among Iranian employees. This parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in Iran from 2022 to 2023. A total of 144 employees without MetS were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 72) or the control group (n = 72). Data were collected using two instruments to assess the EPPM variables and preventive lifestyle for MetS at baseline and six months after the intervention. The educational intervention for the intervention group was implemented over four weeks, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software. The primary outcome was the change in the overall preventive lifestyle score. Participants in the intervention group had an average age of 42.81 (± 8.37) years and an average employment duration of 14.85 (± 8.79) years, while the control group had an average age of 41.72 (± 7.55) years and an average employment duration of 12.66 (± 8.34) years. The results showed that prior to and following the intervention, all participants (100%) in both groups were in the danger control process. After the intervention, there was a significant increase in the mean scores of perceived efficacy (p < 0.001), perceived response efficacy (p < 0.001), self-efficacy (p < 0.001), perceived severity (p < 0.001), fear (p < 0.001), intention (p < 0.001), and adoption of a preventive lifestyle for MetS (p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Following the intervention, the scores for defense mechanisms (p < 0.001), and perceived susceptibility (p < 0.001) significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group. Following the intervention, the control group experienced a significant decrease in their attitude score compared to the intervention group (p < 0.001). Public health professionals should prioritize shifting individuals from the fear control process to the danger control process when designing educational interventions to prevent MetS. This approach should ensure that educational content emphasizes perceived efficacy and perceived threat to promote adaptive behavioral changes. Trial registration: Iranian Registry for Clinical Trial (the link to trial: https://www.irct.ir/trial/61288 ; IRCT registration number: IRCT20110727007132N21). Registered 02/02/2022. Prospectively registered.

The Survey of Health-Promoting Behaviors among Students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2022: A Descriptive Study

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the predictors of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among administrative employees of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in Rafsanjan, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study was conducted from July to September 2022, involving 171 employees from the administrative departments of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. Participants did not possess academic qualifications in biomedical fields but met other inclusion criteria. Data were collected on demographic information, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Results: The mean age of the 171 employees (88 men, 51.46%) was 42.7 +/- 8.2 years, with ages ranging from 25 to 64 years. MetS was identified in 12.9% (n=22) of the employees. Participants with MetS exhibited significantly higher mean values for age (p=0.005), FBS (p<0.001), TG (p<0.001), systolic BP (p=0.007), diastolic BP (p=0.002), waist circumference (p<0.001), and BMI (p<0.001) compared to those without MetS. However, no significant differences were found in serum levels of LDL-C (p=0.742), HDL-C (p=0.333), and TC (p=0.4 15) between the two groups. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that four variables-BMI, waist circumference, FBS, and age- were significant predictors for MetS among the study participants. Conclusion: Given the significant predictors of MetS identified in this study, it is crucial to develop and implement interventions that promote a healthy lifestyle among administrative employees at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. Prioritizing strategies to reduce waist circumference and BMI, as well as controlling FBS levels, is recommended for this population.

Background: One of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide is colorectal cancer. Considering its impact on people’s lives, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational intervention (EI) based on the health belief model (HBM) on encouraging men aged 50-70 years in Sangan to undergo colorectal cancer screening (CRCS). Methods: In this randomized educational trial, two health centers of Sangan were randomly assigned to the control and intervention groups. Then, 53 people from each health center were selected using simple random sampling method. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Therefore, the intervention group received EI based on HBM in four 60-minute training sessions (TSs) in 3 groups of 15-20 people by different teaching methods. Additionally, the practical steps of doing the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) were taught in these sessions. One month after the EI, data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the constructs of the HBM between the groups (P>0.05), except for the perceived barriers (P=0.009). However, one month after the EI, there were significant differences in the constructs between the groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the EI based on HBM has positive impacts on encouraging people to do FIT for CRC prevention.

Due to the age of information bombardment, and the amount of information entering into the brain, there may be problems in processing information and organizing it, leading to a decrease in concentration, forgetting, and its loss.The power of decision making and problem solving will also be affected.Therefore, a software called iMindMap has been designed and invented regarding how to remember information better and learn better.The mind mapping technique is one of the new educational strategies that can increase thinking and problem solving skills, and by using images, colors, communication, and structured display, it forces the mind to be creative and thoughtful.When drawing a mind map, both hemispheres of the brain are used.This work not only reduces distraction, but also increases creativity and causes deeper learning.Also, drawing a mind map with the help of visual memory, an extraordinary performance is created in learning and memorizing, and active learning occurs.This article has been written with the aim of informing teachers and students about mind maps, their benefits and applications, and how to draw them manually using iMindMap Software.

Knowledge, Attitude and, Behavior of Rafsanjan Primary School Teachers Regarding Emergency Events of Diabetes and Accidents in Schools in 2020: A Short Report

Background and Objectives: Considering the prevalence of emergency events in schools and the key role of teachers in preventing and controlling these events, the present study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice of primary school teachers regarding emergency events related to epilepsy and asthma in Rafsanjan, Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 101 primary school teachers in 2019-2020 who were selected by census sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire of knowledge, attitude and practice towards asthma and epilepsy and their subsequent emergencies. Data were analyzed in SPSS v.18 using Pearson correlation test, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA, considering the significance level at P<0.05. Results: Mean score of teachers’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards epilepsy were 77.9, 68.3, and 72.7 (out of 100), respectively; these scores towards asthma were 73.6, 81.5, and 71.6, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the mean practice score of teachers in epilepsy with age (r= 0.221, P= 0.027) and level of education (F= 3.13, P= 0.029). Moreover, a significant relationship was observed between the mean knowledge score about asthma and educational level (F=2.85, P= 0.041), and between teachers’ practice in asthma and work experience (r = 0.303, P= 0.002). Conclusion: The design and implementation of educational and retraining interventions regarding epilepsy and asthma for younger teachers with lower work experience is suggested.

Introduction:Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Given the importance of education in promoting behaviors to prevent cardiovascular diseases, this study aims to investigate the effect of training intervention based on the health belief model on the diseases preventive behaviors in health workers of Rafsanjan. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 79 health workers of Rafsanjan city in 2019. The samples were selected purposively and divided into intervention and control groups randomly. Specific questionnaires of demographic information and health belief model were completed in two sessions before and after the intervention. For the intervention group, four 45-minute training sessions were provided, while no training intervention was implemented for the control group. The collected data were analyzed using independent t-test, fisher's exact test, and chi-square (χ2) tests of the SPSS Version 18 software at a significance level of 0.05. Results:The results showed that the mean scores of awareness (p>0.004), perceived sensitivity (p>0.001), perceived severity (p=0.002), perceived benefits (p>0.001), self-efficiency (p>0.001), and preventive behaviors from cardiovascular diseases (p>0.001) increased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study showed that health belief model-based training could effectively improve the preventive behaviors from cardiovascular diseases.

Despite benefits of physical activity, the level of physical activity is not desirable in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is the using of integration of intervention based on the theory of protection motivation and implementation intention in order to improve the level of activity in patients with diabetes. This field trial study has been performed on 125 patients with type 2 diabetes. Samples have been randomly selected, and they are divided into two intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, training sessions were conducted based on the protection motivation theory and implementation intention. Physical activity levels, VO2 max, and hemoglobin A1C were measured before and three months after the intervention in the two groups. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 18, and independent t-test, paired t-test, and equivalent nonparametric tests were used for analyzing abnormal data. The results of this study showed that the level of physical activity was higher in the intervention group (p = 0.02). Also, the amount of hemoglobin A1c in the intervention group has been decreased significantly three months later (p < 0.001). In this study, VO2 max and blood lipids were not significantly different in the two groups. However, there was higher VO2 max compared to before the intervention in the intervention group. The present study showed that combining motivational interventions and implementing intention intervention can be effective in promoting the physical activity of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Introduction: Theory of planned behavior can provide a framework for intervention to understand how to prevent health problems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of training intervention based on the theory of planned behavior in promoting oral health behavior of pregnant women who visit health care centers of Rafsanjan. Methods: In this educational intervention trial, 100 pregnant women in Rafsanjan were selected by multi-stage sampling in 2016. Initially, four centers were randomly selected, followed by two centers selected as intervention groups and two centers as control groups. Data were collected using a three-part researcher-made questionnaire, that were completed by pregnant women in two periods, ie, before and three months after the intervention. Quantitative data were presented as mean ± SD and qualitative data as n (%). First, the homogeneity of the two groups was examined using an independent t-test and chi-square test. Data were analyzed with SPSS 18. The significance level of all tests was considered to be 0.05. Results: Findings showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the demographics of the two groups (p> 0.05). After the implementation of the program, the mean score of intervention in all constructs of the theory of planned behavior model was significant between the control and intervention groups (p < 0.001). Following the educational program, the oral health behavior of pregnant women increased in the intervention group (3.72 ± 4.22) which was significantly higher than the control group (1.48 ± 2.58) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that educational interventions can focus on the subjective norm which had fruitful results in the field of oral health. This theory can be used as an appropriate model for oral health promotion programs.

Introduction: Despite the benefits of exercisemany people in different countries specially students, have not enough physical activity. The aim of this research is to study exercise behavior of medical students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences based on stages of change model and assess itsrelationship with students’ self-efficacy.Method: All of the 309 students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences participated in this cross-sectional study. The data collection methodwas a questionnaire which consistedof four parts: demographic characteristics, the pattern of weekly physical activity, the level of exercise behavior which was based on stages of change model and finally the questions which assess exercises self-efficacy. Results: Atotalof 309students(46.6% male and 53.4% female) participated in this study. The mean (SD) of their age was 21.57 (2.20). Based on the stages of change model 117 (37.9%) students were on the pre-contemplation stage. 78 (25.2%), 45 (14.6%), 27 (8.7%) and 42 (13.6%) students were on the contemplation, readiness, action and maintenance stage, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between students’ exercise self-efficacyand their stages of change (p< 0.001).Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, exercise self-efficacy had an important role in students’ exercise behavior. Therefore, it seems to be important for related institutions such as Physical Education Organization tofocus a part of their activities on improving thelevel of exercise self-efficacy in students. Declaration of Interest: None

BACKGROUND:Human brucellosis can be a source of problems that affect public health, social, and economic well-being of the world's population. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of Educational Intervention (EI) based on Health Belief Model (HBM) on preventive behaviors against brucellosis in Health Volunteers (HVs) in Rafsanjan. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Randomly, 104 HVs, in the intervention and control group, participated in a quasi-randomized, controlled experimental study. Variables were evaluated before and 1 month after intervention. In the intervention group, the educational program was conducted with lecture, group discussion, showing movies and related photos, booklets, and pamphlets. The program included five 45-min sessions that developed regarding the beliefs and constructs of HBM about brucellosis and its prevention methods. Data regarding HBM constructs and preventive behavior were collected using the questionnaire with 100 items by the self-report method. Finally, the data were entered into the SPSS software version 16.0, and statistical tests such as Chi-square, independent and paired t-test, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon test were used for the data analysis at the significant level of 0.05. RESULTS:Prior to the intervention, the mean score of the HBM constructs and preventive behaviors between the two groups did not differ significantly, but 1 month later, in the intervention group increased significantly compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:We recommend to health authorities and health-care providers to use HBM in EIs to create susceptibility, increase perceived severity and benefits, promote self-efficacy, uses cue to action, as well as reduce behavioral barriers, and ultimately adopt health-promoting behaviors.

Objective: Regular physical activity (PA) is one of the most effective recommendations to prevent diabetic complications. However, the reported level of PA is low in this group. This study evaluates intervention based on the implementation intention (II) theory, to improve the level of PA and the health of patients with diabetes. Materials and Methods: This randomized control study was conducted on 124 patients with type 2 diabetic. The participants were randomly assigned in to two groups. PA level was measured by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The Rockport test was used in order to measure Maximal oxygen consumption volume (vo2max). In the intervention group, Individuals were asked to identify details of the behavior of PA and their own strategies for removing the barriers of exercise. Post-tests took place 3 month later. Normal distributed data were analyzed using two independent and paired sample T-test. Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare PA level. Results: The results showed that although the median level of PA after the intervention (396) had increased. This difference was not statistically significant (P-value= 0.12). Also, after three months vo2max score (19.91) was not significantly different from before (P-value= 0.30). Conclusion: Intervention based on II had no significant effect on level of PA in patients with type 2 diabetes. Using multiple methods, as well as incorporating it with motivating interventions should be investigated to increase the level of PA in this group.

Background and Objectives: The World Health Organization (WHO) introduces appropriate physical inactivity among the 5 main causes of obesity and overweight. This study aimed to identify the determinants of physical activity among female students based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 640 female junior high school students in Rafsanjan City, Iran. The study sample was selected by cluster random sampling approach. The data collection tool was a three-part questionnaire for demographic information, physical activity behavior assessment, and its determinants based on SCT. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation, and multivariate regression analysis at a significant level of 0.05. Results: The mean score of physical activity time was 79.28 (min/week) in the study participants. Except for environmental factors, the explore studentschr('39') level of physical activity presented a statistically significant relationship with other constructs of SCT, higher level of parental education, lower body mass index, and membership in sports teams. The multivariate regression analysis data suggested social reinforcement as the strongest predictor of physical activity (P=0.004, β=0.129). Conclusion: The rate of physical activity of 95.8 female students was less than the WHO’s recommendation (60 minutes per day). Therefore, it is recommended to design, implement, and evaluate interventional programs at the social level.

Background: Failure to observe hygienic principles and making minor cuts with scissors and razors while applying makeup may lead to the transmission of diseases of blood origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude of female hairdressers in Rafsanjan regarding the prevention of Blood-borne diseases and its relationship with demographic characteristics in 2019-2020. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in all hairdressing salons in Rafsanjan that had official activities, by census (201 hairdressers). The tool for measuring knowledge and attitude was a researcher-made questionnaire that was completed as a self-report. The questionnaires were anonymous and coded and included demographic information, awareness and attitude. Data were entered into SPSS software version 18 and reported by indices of Dispersion indices, frequency distribution and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The average knowledge and attitude of hairdressers about Blood-borne diseases were 57.95 ± 5.11 and 57.95 ± 11.35, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the mean score of knowledge and attitude of the research samples with the level of literacy (p value = 0.001). Most of the research samples mentioned that there is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis C disease and it was believed that covering the needle head after use has no effect on Blood-borne diseases. Conclusion: Considering the average level of knowledge of hairdressers, it is suggested that more effective training courses to increase the knowledge of hairdressers using different training methods in order to make more effectiveness of health programs.

Abstract Background Oral and dental health has a significant impact on public health as well as the quality of life among individuals and families. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate an intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for oral and dental health among primary school students in Rafsanjan city, Southern Iran. Methods According to the nature of the model and with the focus group discussion and interview methods, in phases 1 to 4 (PRECEDE), predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors related to oral health were identified. The training program was designed and consisted of six sessions for students (250 students) with a brushing session, three sessions for parents, and two sessions for teachers. Process evaluation and the effect of the program on behavioral and factors affecting oral health were evaluated (PROCEED). Results In the qualitative section, seven predisposing factors, five enabling factors, and two reinforcing factors were identified. A training program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model was found to be effective in increasing the mean scores of the above constructs and the students’ brushing behavior (P < 0.001). Conclusion Based on the model planning phases, the factors affecting the brushing behavior of children aged 6–12 years were identified. The educational program has had a significant effect on improving the scores of predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors and children’s brushing behavior.

Article Type Original Research Authors Ahmadi Y.1 MSc, Abdolkarimi M.2 PhD, Sayadi A.R.3 PhD, Asadpour M.*2 PhD

Predictors of Oral Health Condition among Pregnant Mothers in Rafsanjan City Based on Theory of Planned Behavior in 2016: A Descriptive Study