Journal of Social Behavior and Community Health

The Importance of Training Health Workers in Preventing the Spread of Dengue Fever

Zohreh Karimiankakolaki — 2025-05-17

The Article Abstract is not available.

The Relationship between Economic Inequality and Social Health: Solutions to Reduce the Gap

Ameneh Marzban — 2025-05-17

The Article Abstract is not available

The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Self-Esteem and Weight: A Pilot Study on Overweight Individuals

Amirreza Soleymani Mazar — 2025-05-17

Background: Low self-esteem and overweight are significant factors that can affect mental health and quality of life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as a non-pharmacological method, has the potential to affect physical and psychological health. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of tDCS on self-esteem and weight reduction in overweight individuals.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest-posttest design with a control group. A total of 24 men aged 20 to 40 years from gyms in Mashhad were selected through purposive sampling in 2024 and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The study utilized the following tools for data collection: demographic form, Eysenck Self-Esteem Questionnaire, and body mass index (BMI) measurement. Both groups participated in standard physical fitness training; however, the experimental group additionally received anodal tDCS (2 mA, 20 minutes per session, for 10 consecutive sessions). The control group received a sham stimulation protocol. Data were analyzed using one-way ANCOVA in SPSS-21.

Results: The findings indicated a significant difference in self-esteem between the two groups after controlling for the pretest effect (P = 0.004, F = 10.39). The effect size of tDCS on self-esteem was 33%, suggesting a moderate impact. However, the effect of tDCS on BMI was minimal and did not lead to significant weight reduction.

Conclusion: The results suggest that tDCS, in combination with physical exercise, can have a positive impact on self-esteem in overweight individuals, but does not significantly contribute to weight loss. Further research is recommended to explore long-term effects of this intervention.

Investigating the Relationship between Personality Factors and Suicide Risk

Tooba Tabatabai — 2025-05-17

Background: The present study aimed to investigate personality traits of patients who commit suicide by drug intoxication.

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 180 patients who attempted suicide by drug intoxication at Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Yazd, Iran in 2022. Due to the census design, all patients who met the study criteria were enrolled.

The risk of committing suicide was divided into low, low-to-moderate, and moderate-to-high risk categories using the Paterson criteria. Personality characteristics of the participants were compared using the temperament and character inventory (TCI) in different groups of suicide-attempting risk. Data were evaluated using SPSS version 23. Kruskal-Wallis test and Chi-Square test were used for analysis.

Results: The frequency of patients with low, low-to-moderate, and moderate-to-high risk of committing suicide accounted for 45.6%, 46.2%, and 7.2%, respectively. Reward dependence (RD) (P-value = 0.011) and cooperation (P-value = 0.003) represented significant decreases with increasing suicide risk using Kruskal-Wallis test. Other factors of the TCI, including novelty seeking (NS) (P-value = 0.880), harm avoidance (HA) (P-value = 0.660), persistence (P) (P-value = 0.361), self-directedness (SD) (P-value = 0.138), and self-transcendence (ST) (P-value = 0.623), were not associated with the risk of suicide attempt. There was a significant difference in the frequency of factors associated with the risk of suicide, including marital status, depression, and alcohol addiction in terms of age, and sex using Chi Square test (P<0.05)..

Conclusion: These results highlight the potential importance of reward dependence and cooperation in understanding suicide risk. In this regard, lower reward dependence and reduced cooperation are associated with higher suicide risk, while other psychological traits assessed by the TCI may not be as relevant.

The Prevalence of Child Abuse among Primary School Students

Laleh Gharishvandi — 2025-05-17

Background: Child abuse is a major psychological and social problem in all countries and is affected by a set of cultural, social, and family factors as well as some characteristics of children. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of child abuse among primary school students in Shahrekord.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on 245 students from fourth to sixth grades in public schools of Shahrekord selected through cluster sampling. Four clusters were randomly selected from all primary schools in this area, 4 clusters were randomly selected and then the final sample (126 females) was randomly selected from the above sections. Hosseinkhani researcher-made Child Abuse Questionnaire was used in this study. Chi-square, t-test, analysis of variance, and correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.

Results: The results of the study showed that 30.6% of children experienced physical abuse, 56.4% of them had experienced emotional abuse, and 99.6% experienced negligence as a type of abuse. The data showed only a significant relationship between negligence and fathers' education (p=0.032), so increasing fathers' education level led to more negligence. There was a significant relationship between having an experience of emotional-psychological abuse and having an experience of physical abuse (P <0.001), i.e, students who had higher score in emotional-psychological dimension reported more child abuse in physical dimension.

Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of child abuse among students, it is necessary to take steps to reduce child abuse by educating parents on correct pedagogical methods.

Attitudes of Healthcare Team towards Interprofessional Collaboration

Roya Botshekanan — 2025-05-17

Background: Inter-professional collaboration (IPC) is vital in enhancing the quality of healthcare. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the attitudes of healthcare staff towards interprofessional cooperation.

Methods: The study utilized a descriptive-analytical method. The medical teams from two hospitals of Shahrekord University constituted the study population. Using stratified sampling, 325 individuals were selected.on 2020 Data were gathered by Jefferson Interprofessional Attitude Questionnaire, consisting of demographic information and IPC questions (20 items.. SPSS (20) was used for data analysis, and variables were assessed by descriptive tests, one-sample t-tests, t-student tests, Levene tests, and ANOVA.

Results: The mean scores for attitudes towards IPC were as follows: general practitioners (4.54 ± 0.31), specialists (4.94±0.37), nurses (4.84±0.40), midwives (4.86±0.36), radiologists (4.86±0.43), nutritionists (4.69±0.46), laboratory staff (4.97±0.38), pharmacists (4.99±0.49), operating room anesthesiologists (5.09 ±0.38), environmental and occupational health experts (5.07±0.35), and psychologists (5.19±0.34). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between general practitioners and anesthesia and operating room experts. The relationship between demographic data with mean score of IPC was not significant, but it was significant forjob experience of 15-20 years (sig = 0.001 and F = 8.81).

Conclusion: Managers should promote a positive attitude towards IPC within the healthcare team. By implementing an educational strategy, cooperation and performance among healthcare staff can be enhanced.

Application of the Betty Neuman Systems Model in Nursing Care of a Breast Cancer Patient: A Case Study

Atefeh Falakdami — 2025-05-17

Background: Nursing theories provide structured frameworks that guide practice and enhance care quality. The Betty Neuman Systems Model, widely utilized in the care of patients with chronic diseases, adopts a holistic approach by addressing various dimensions of a patient's health. Therefore, this study aims to apply the model in the nursing care of a patient with breast cancer.

Methods: This case study, conducted in Iran in 2021, involved a 47-year-old breast cancer patient selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via interviews, medical records, and physical examinations. Using the Betty Neuman Systems Model, the interactions among five key variables—physiological, psychological sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual—were assessed, and intra-, inter-, and extra-personal stressors, along with the patient's reactions, were identified. This, in turn, informed the formulation of nursing diagnoses and the development of a comprehensive care plan, which included goals, targeted interventions across three levels of prevention, and outcomes.

Results: Analysis of the five variables and stressors resulted in 13 nursing diagnoses, including 8 actual and 5 risk diagnoses. The model's evaluation of the nursing care plan indicated positive outcomes for the patient.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the practical application of the Betty Neuman Systems Model in developing a personalized nursing care plan for a breast cancer patient. The findings highlight the model utility in addressing patients' holistic needs and provide practical insights for oncology nursing practice.

Students' Perceptions of the Positive Aspects of Electronic Teaching on Face-to-Face Learning in Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study

Mohammad Khalil Kargar Shouroki — 2025-05-17

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the perceptions of Yazd University of Medical Sciences students about the positive aspects of electronic teaching on face-to-face teaching in the post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This was a qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Participants in the research included 10 students of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, in the academic year 2022-2023 who were selected through purposive sampling. The research data collection tool included a semi-structured interview. Method of data analysis adapted from Smith was used, and the criteria of rigor and trustworthiness were considered.

Results: Eexperienced perceptions of medical students regarding the positive effects of electronic teaching were investigated and four main themes, including improving the hardware and software of virtual education, understanding the value of medical staff and health laws, increasing knowledge sharing and the role of virtual education, facilitating access to national and international education, and 12 sub-themes were achieved.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the current research, the positive experiences gained from e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic can be used when distance learning is necessary, such as air pollution or unexpected events. Therefore, policy makers and planners of medical education can improve the quality of education by taking advantage of these experiences.

The Effectiveness of Group Reality Therapy on the Psychological Well-being of students

Masoud Fazlalipour Miyandoab — 2025-05-17

Background: Reality therapy aims to foster responsibility-taking and help individuals establish a successful identity. This study investigates the effectiveness of group reality therapy on students' psychological well-being.

Methods: The study population comprised all Payame Noor University students enrolled at Ghorveh branch during 2022. The research employed an experimental design with both experimental and control groups. A random sample of 30 students was selected, with 15 participants assigned to the experimental group, which received nine 90-minute sessions of group reality therapy. The remaining 15 students formed the control group. Data were collected using Carol Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale.

Results: The findings showed descriptive information regarding psychological well-being in pretest and posttest for both control and experimental groups. Psychological well-being mean value of students in experimental group in pretest was 308.01 ± 9.38, while posttest mean value for the same group was 317.73 ± 8.99. In contrast, psychological well-being mean value of students in control group in pretest was 309.93 ± 8.84, with posttest mean value for this group being 310.46 ± 8.96. The findings revealed that group reality therapy significantly improved the students' psychological well-being (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Group reality therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing students' psychological well-being, Therefore, this method can be used to improve the psychological well-being of students.

Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dentists and Dental Assistants about HIV Infection and Dentists’ Knowledge of Oral Manifestations of HIV

Maryam Dehghanian — 2025-05-17

Background: HIV/AIDS can be transmitted in healthcare settings including dentistry. Therefore, specific strategies are necessary to prevent its spread. This study aims to examine the for Knowledge Attitude and Practice of dentists and dental assistants regarding HIV infection and their knowledge of the oral manifestations of AIDS in public and private dental centers in Shahrekord.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 in Shahrekord, Iran, involving 108 dentists and 104 dental assistants through a census sampling method. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitude, and performance regarding HIV/AIDS, as well as awareness of oral manifestations. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 20

Results: According to the results, the mean scores for Knowledge Attitude and Practice of dentists were 16.18 ± 2.06, 53.73 ± 7.19, 70.04 ± 5.13, respectively. The average knowledge, attitude, and practice scores for dental assistants were 14.77 ± 2.1, 50.2±6.10, and 62.96 ± 5.11. There was no significant relationship between the knowledge and practice of dentists and dental assistants regarding HIV infection.) P > 0.05(. However, there was a significant relationship between dentists' knowledge of HIV infection and their knowledge of oral AIDS manifestations (p < 0.001). Conversely, no significant relationship was found between dentists' attitudes and practice and knowledge of oral AIDS manifestations (p < 0.05). Among the demographic data, only the age and work experience of dentists with knowledge of AIDS were significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The knowledge of dentists and dental assistants regarding AIDS is moderate, emphasizing the need for continuous training. Dentists scored higher in knowledge, attitude, and practice compared to dental assistants. However, the lack of a significant relationship between knowledge and practice suggests that theoretical education alone is insufficient, highlighting the importance of practical training.

Assessment and Comparison of Distress and Suicidal Behavior in Medical and Paramedical Students

Mitra Safa — 2025-05-17

Background: The sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease in 2019 resulted in major changes in mental health of healthcare workers as the front line of fighting against thedisease. Medical students who were from the main members of healthcare workers suffered double pressure. The goal of current study was evaluation of suicidal behavior and psychological distress in medical and paramedical students to determine the mental health status of these students by identifying the mentioned factors.

Methods: This is an applied, comparative and cross-sectional study. The sample members (302 participants) were selected by accessible method from medical students in Masih Daneshvari Hospital in 2023-2024. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) were completed by all the participants. Data were analyzed by T, Chi square, Pearson and ANOVA tests by SPSS-22.

Results: The highest and lowest risk of suicide was between interns (M=7.37) and fellowships (M=3.71), respectively. The highest and the lowest score of psychological distress was between interns (M=10.82) and paramedical PhD students (M=6.9), respectively. Men had suicidal thought or attempt more than twice as likely as women (7.69% vs. 2.35%). The probability of suicide in future was more in men than women (1.53% vs. 0). There was a strong and significant (P ≤0.00) correlation between questions of suicidal behavior questionnaire and psychological distress.

Conclusion: The higher scores of suicide and psychological distress of medical students in primary educational years, can reflect the high pressure volume, which they gain more compatibility, skill and ability for coping with the problems over time. By achieving the results of the current study, researchers would pay attention to psychological issues in healthcare workers, probable problems would be solved, and eventually, treatment of patients would done by more confidence.

Investigating the Relationship between Critical Thinking and Self-efficacy of Healthcare Managers of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences

Ahmad Peivand — 2025-05-17

Background: Critical thinking and self-efficacy play an important role in achieving the workplace. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical thinking and self-efficacy in healthcare managers of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 115 healthcare managers affiliated to Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences using census sampling method in 2019. Data were collected using standard Ricketts' Critical Thinking Questionnaire and Sherer General Self-Efficacy Scale and were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics (Spearman correlation coefficient) using SPSS 24 software.

Results: There was a significant relationship between mean scores of critical thinking and self-efficacy of health managers (P <0.001) and self-efficacy with the beta coefficient of 0.436 could significantly predict critical thinking. The mean critical thinking score of healthcare managers was 125.96±10.62, and the mean self-efficacy score of healthcare managers was 34.67±6. 87.

Conclusion: According to the research findings, critical thinking has a direct and positive relationship with managers' self-efficacy. To apply these findings, it is recommended that authorities take necessary measures to strengthen and develop critical thinking among healthcare managers to establish a stronger foundation for enhancing their self-efficacy.

Investigation of Health Promotion Behaviors among the Elderly

Sakineh Gerayllo — 2025-05-17

Background: Performing health-promoting behaviors is the most important and effective factor in maintaining the health of the elderly. Therefore, this study investigated health promotion behaviors and their related factors among the elderly population in Gorgan city.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023. Using a multistage sampling method, four comprehensive health centers in Gorgan city, Iran, were randomly selected, and a total of 170 elderly individuals aged over 60 years were conveniently recruited into the study. Data were collected using the standardized Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP–II) questionnaire. After data collection, the data were analyzed and reported using SPSS version 26 software and parametric statistical tests, including t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient, at a significance level of less than 0.05.

Results: In this study, 44.1% of the elderly were male and 55.9% were female. The mean age of the participants was reported as 66.70 ± 7.23 years. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean score of health promotion behaviors and demographic variables, including education level, economic status, and presence of underlying diseases (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation results indicated a positive correlation between health promotion behaviors and their subdomains (p < 0.05). The highest mean score was related to the interpersonal relations domain (32.28), while the lowest score belonged to the physical activity domain (13.52).

Conclusion: Considering the results and the importance of health-promoting behaviors, particularly the low average scores in physical activity and stress management, it is necessary to emphasize these areas. Implementing continuous education programs based on elderly surveys, alongside strategic planning to encourage their active participation in health-related matters, can enhance health promotion among the elderly population.

Violin Plots: An Enhanced Tool for Data Visualization in Health Studies

Zohreh Shishebor — 2025-05-17

The Article Abstract is not available