The Journal of Tolooebehdasht

Comparing Feelings of Loneliness and Happiness in Children of Female Nurses with Overtime and Mandatory Shift Work

2026-01-26T11:41:00+00:00

Introduction: The nursing profession for female nurses, in addition to maternal duties, creates problems in meeting the psychological needs of their children. This study was conducted with the aim of comparing feelings of loneliness and happiness in the children of female nurses who work overtime and do shift work.

Methods: This is a descriptive-comparative study.The research population was the children of female nurses working in the emergency room of Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan. 120 nurses were selected based on the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups of nurses working on shifts and those wprking overtime. The data collection tools included the demographic characteristics form, Usher and Wheeler loneliness questionnaires, and Oxford happiness questionnaires. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 20 software.

Rusults: The samples were compared in two groups including 60 children of nurses who worked overtime and did shift work. In working overtime group, the average happiness score was significantly lower (p=0/001), which had a significant negative relationship with the variables of being an only child (p=0/05), older child age (p=0/006), and being female (p=0/006). Among the happiness dimensions, the positive mood dimension had the highest, and the life satisfaction dimension had the lowest impact. The average loneliness score of children of nurses working shift work was significantly higher (p=0/001), which had a significant negative relationship with the variables of being an only child (p=0/02), older child age (p=0/03), and female (p=0/001). Among the loneliness dimensions, the emotional loneliness dimension had the highest, and the social loneliness dimension had the lowest impact.

Conclusion: The results of the present study show that children whose nursing mothers are away from them for a longer period of time, experience more emotional loneliness and have lower happiness and positive mood. Given the greater impact of the absence of the mother on the happiness and loneliness of adolescent female children in small-population families, it is necessary for health policymakers to pay special attention to providing human resources and providing shift work to maintain the psychosocial health of children of nursing mothers.

An Evaluation of Reduction Self-System Therapy's Effectiveness in Reducing Perfectionism and Persistent Depressive Symptoms Among Women in Isfahan

2026-01-26T11:41:01+00:00

Introduction: Persistent depressive disorder is nearly twice as prevalent in women as in men and is closely linked to perfectionistic traits. This chronic condition is associated with reduced quality of life, impaired social functioning, and increased suicide risk. Self-System Therapy (SST) is a novel and specialized approach for treating depression. Although its effectiveness has been demonstrated internationally, SST has not yet been independently and systematically evaluated in Iran, and its cultural adaptation remains in early stages. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of SST in reducing persistent depression and perfectionism.

Methods: A semi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group was employed. Twenty-four women aged 20–50 with persistent depressive symptoms were selected from counseling centers in Isfahan based on DSM-5 criteria and scores on the Cornell Dysthymia Rating Scale (CDRS). Participants were purposefully and randomly assigned to SST (n=12) or control (n=12). The experimental group received 10 weekly sessions of SST therapy. Assessment tools included the CDRS and Hill’s Perfectionism Questionnaire, both validated in prior Iranian studies. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA across three phases: pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up.

Results: The results of the study showed that the mean scores of persistent depression and perfectionism in the experimental group decreased compared to the control group after the intervention, and this change was reported to be significant (p<0/001, η²=0/80). Moreover, the therapeutic effects remained stable during the follow-up phase.

Conclusion: The study showed that the use of SST can be effective in reducing persistent depression and perfectionism.

Determining the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Death Anxiety and Sense of Coherence in Middle-Aged Women in Rehabilitation and Daily Education Centers in Gorgan City

2026-01-26T11:40:59+00:00

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is one of the critical stages of human development, characterized by its own specific features and conditions. Among the most common mental health issues in the elderly are death anxiety and sense of coherence. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness training on death anxiety and sense of coherence among elderly women attending daily rehabilitation and educational centers in Gorgan.

Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a control group and a follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of elderly women (aged 70–80) living in elderly care centers in Gorgan in 2024. A purposive sampling method was used, and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 30 participants were randomly selected from two centers and assigned to two equal groups. Data were collected using Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Questionnaire and Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale. Only the intervention group received Van Son’s mindfulness training program in eight sessions (each lasting 60 minutes). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) with SPSS version 26.

Results: The results showed that in the intervention group, the mean and standard deviation of sense of coherence scores in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases were 48/46 ± 1/80, 55/86 ± 1/88, and 54/86 ± 1/99, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of death anxiety scores were 10/06 ± 1/57, 5/40 ± 1/40, and 6/20 ± 1/32, respectively. Compared to the control group, these changes were statistically significant (p< 0/001).

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that mindfulness training is an effective method for increasing the sense of coherence and reducing death anxiety among elderly women.

Improving Quality of Life and Stress Management in Cancer Patients and Survivors: The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

2026-01-26T11:40:58+00:00

Introduction: Psychosocial cancer care can alleviate pain, and improve function and overall quality of life at every stage of survival. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on quality of life and symptoms of post-traumatic stress in cancer patients and survivors

Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental study of pre-test, post-test with control group and follow-up. The statistical population included patients and survivors of cancer who had visited Neyshabur hospitals from December 2023 to October 2024. 30 people were selected using the available sampling method and were matched in the experimental and control groups. The subjects of the two groups completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO-QOL-BREF) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder questionnaires in three stages. Statistical data were evaluated with SPSS version 26 software and analysis of variance with two-way repeated measures.

Results: The results of the study showed that cognitive behavioral therapy had a significant effect (p<0/05) on the quality of life and symptoms of posttraumatic stress in patients with and recovered from cancer, and the level of posttraumatic stress symptoms in the intervention group decreased compared to the control group, and the quality of life increased, and this result was repeated in the two-month follow-up.

Conclusion: The results showed that cognitive behavioral therapy can be an important step in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress in people with or recovering from cancer and improves their quality of life. Therefore, the use of this therapeutic intervention is recommended.

Designing a Multicultural Parenting Training Package and Examining Its Effectiveness on Child-Parent Interaction

2026-01-26T11:40:57+00:00

Introduction: Parenting is a set of parental behaviors and attitudes that are influenced by biological, psychological, and especially cultural factors. Cultural diversity can shape parenting patterns and affect the quality of the parent-child relationship. Therefore, the present study was aimed to design a multicultural parenting training package and determine its effectiveness on parent-child interaction.

Methods: The present study was an exploratory mixed type. The target population included all parents aged 25-40 with children of 5-12. In the qualitative part, based on grounded theory and purposive sampling, 28 parents participated from the Lor, Kurd, Tork, and Gilak ethnic groups in 2022-2023. In the intervention part, pretest-posttest quasi-experimental and follow-up design were implemented on 30 parents from Tehran province in 2023-2024 who were selected by convenience sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The instruments included demographic questionnaire, semi-structured interview, multicultural parenting package, and child-parent relationship scale.

Results: In the qualitative part, 1410 concepts, 158 categories, and 12 classes were extracted. In the intervention part, analysis of variance with repeated measurement showed that the multicultural parenting training package reduced conflict and increased intimacy (p>0/001), but no significant change was observed in the dependency component.

Conclusion: Paying attention to cultural considerations in training parenting is important. The designed package could improve positive parent-child interaction by reducing conflict and increasing intimacy, but changes in attachment require longer-term interventions. This approach can be used as a scientific and cultural strategy to strengthen family relationships in multi-ethnic contexts.

Assessment of Facilitators and Barriers to Dental Visits Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Zahedan, Iran

2026-01-26T11:40:56+00:00

Introduction: Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of oral health problems; therefore, dental visits during pregnancy are essential. This study aimed to determine the facilitators and barriers affecting dental attendance among pregnant women in Zahedan.

Methods: This descriptive–analytical study was conducted in 2023 on pregnant women attending gynecologists’ offices in Zahedan. The sample size included 188 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by ten oral health experts from various faculties, and reliability was verified in a group of pregnant women. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney test, and logistic regression were applied at a significance level of 0/05.

Results:The main facilitating factors for dental visits among pregnant women were the midwife’s recommendation (30/3%; P=0/04) and the healthcare provider’s recommendation (26/1%; P=0/03). Misconceptions about the safety of dental services during pregnancy (50%; P=0/021) and unfavorable pregnancy health (21/8%; P=0/04) were identified as barriers. According to the regression model, midwife’s recommendation (coefficient=0/16; P=0/005), healthcare provider’s recommendation (coefficient=0/19; P=0/005), and obstetrician’s recommendation (coefficient=0/14; P=0/017) had significant positive effects on dental attendance, whereas poor pregnancy health (coefficient=0/21;P=0/02) and misconceptions (coefficient=0/19; P=0/005) were the main barriers.

Conclusion: Recommendations by the health team (midwives, healthcare providers, obstetricians) play a crucial role in facilitating dental visits among pregnant women; conversely, misconceptions about dental safety during pregnancy and unfavorable pregnancy health are the most significant barriers to such visits.

Psychological Experiences of Women with Cancer Regarding Factors Affecting the Disease: A Qualitative Study

2026-01-26T11:40:55+00:00

Introduction: In various human societies, cancer, as one of the most irritating, exhausting, and deadly diseases, has always had numerous negative effects on the lives of patients and their loved ones. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the psychological experiences of women with cancer as factors affecting the disease

Methods: The present study employs a qualitative approach and is applied in nature. Data collection was conducted through interviews with participants. The study sample consisted of 24 women diagnosed with cancer, aged 30 to 60, residing in Kerman, Iran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. After collection, the data were recorded, documented, and transcribed. Subsequently, to identify, extract, organize, and interpret the latent themes, a coding process within thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA-2022 software.

Results: The findings showed that 5 main clusters and 12 sub-clusters were identified, including: health care factors (physical and mental health management; health behaviors; importance of education and awareness), use of coping mechanisms (Islamic coping style; acceptance; problem solving), social support networks (social network of family, friends, and those around them; support network of medical staff and hospital personnel), personality and attitude (personality traits of optimism and self-efficacy; positive attitude), and mental health (mental stress; mental disorders and anxiety and depression).

Conclusion: The results showed that the factors influencing disease in patients with cancer are a complex issue that, in addition to the most important causes of cancer, also depends on numerous other factors, including health care factors, coping mechanisms, support and social networks, personality, attitude, and mental health, which can affect the condition of cancer patients in a precipitating or intervening manner and be effective in preventing its progression or improving it.

Investigating the Antibacterial Effect of a Combination of Essential Oils of the Plants in Mertus, Artemisia and Green Tea Extract on Listeria Monocytogenes, Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli Using the Checker Board Method

2026-01-26T11:40:54+00:00

Introduction: Consumer awareness of the health hazards of synthetic preservatives in food has led to an increase in studies on natural preservatives. Essential oils of Artemisia(Artemisia absinthium L.) essential oil of Myrtus(Myrtus communis L.) and green tea extract are compounds that have the potential to be used in food as natural preservatives.

Methods: The antimicrobial and interaction effects of Artemisia and Myrtus essential oil and green tea extract were evaluated against three foodborne pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia colie. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by phenotypic method and the antimicrobial effect was determined by checkerboard assay. Tests were repeated three times.

Results: MIC assay of Artemisia essential oil showed values of 5/12 μg/mL for Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia colie and 25 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus. The MIC of Myrtus essential oil was 25 μg/mL for Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus and 125/3 μg/mL for Escherichia coli. Also, the MIC of green tea extract was 50 μg/mL for Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia colie. Furthermore, fractional antibacterial combination profile (FICP) showed antagonistic interaction (antagonistic effect) and synergistic effect (synergistic effect) between the three agents against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, while no significant interaction (indifference) was observed for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the different antimicrobial potential of extracts derived from these three plants with significant contrast when combined with Escherichia coli, indicating caution in formulating multicomponent natural preservatives for this pathogen. The lack of synergistic or additive effects against Staphylococcus aureus emphasizes the importance of targeted selection and compatibility testing of plant antimicrobials for effective food safety interventions.