The association of diet quality and physical activity with cardiovascular disease and mortality in 85,545 older Australians:A longitudinal study

Background:A quality diet and an active lifestyle are both important cornerstones of cardiovascular disease(CVD)prevention.However,despite their interlinked effects on metabolic health,the 2 behaviors are rarely considered jointly,particularly within the context of CVD prevention.We examined the independent,interactive,and joint associations of diet and physical activity with CVD hospitalization,CVD mortality,and all-cause mortality.Methods:CVD-free Australian participants aged 4574 years(n=85,545)reported physical activity,diet,sociodemographic,and lifestyle characteristics at baseline(20062009)and follow-up(20122015),and data were linked to hospitalization and death registries(03/31/2019 for CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality and 12/08/2017 for CVD mortality).Diet quality was categorized as low,medium,and high based on meeting dietary recommendations.Physical activity was operationalized as(a)total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA)as per guidelines,and(b)the composition of MVPA as the ratio of vigorous-intensity physical activity(VPA)to total MVPA.We used a left-truncated cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model using time-varying covariates.Results:During a median of 10.7 years of follow-up,6576 participants were admitted to the hospital for CVD and 6581 died from all causes(876 from CVD during 9.3 years).A high-quality diet was associated with a 17%lower risk of all-cause mortality than a low-quality diet,and the highest MVPA category(compared with the lowest)was associated with a 44%and 48%lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality,respectively.Multiplicative interactions between diet and physical activity were non-significant.For all outcomes,the lowest risk combinations involved a high-quality diet and the highest MVPA categories.Accounting for total MVPA,some VPA was associated with further risk reduction of CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality.Conclusion:For CVD prevention and longevity,one should adhere to both a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and incorporate some VPA when possible.

The global,prevalence,and risk factors of postoperative fever after percutaneous nephrolithotomy:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:This study aimed to explore the global,prevalence,and risk factors of fever after percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods:The high-sensitivity searching was conducted without time limitation until December 30,2020 in Web of Sciences,Scopus,and PubMed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results:The prevalence rates of fever and sepsis among patient undergoing PCNL were estimated 9.5%(95%confidence interval[CI]:9.3%-9.7%),and 4.5%(95%CI:4.2%-4.8%),respectively.Nephrostomy tube was used in 9.96%(95%CI:9.94%-9.97%)of patients.The mean preoperative white blood cells of patients were 6.401×109/L;18.3%and 4.55%of patients were considered as the positive urinary culture and pyuria,respectively.About 20.4%of patients suffered from residual stones.The odds ratios(ORs)of fever in patients who suffering from diabetes mellitus,hydronephrosis,staghorn stones,and blood transfusion were 4.62(95%CI:2.95-7.26),1.04(95%CI:0.81-1.34),2.57(95%CI:0.93-7.11),and 2.65(95%CI:1.62-4.35),respectively.Patients who underwent PCNL in prone position were more likely to develop fever(OR:1.23;95%CI:0.75-2.00)than patients in supine position.Conclusion:The current study showed that patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus,hydronephrosis,staghorn stones,nephrostomy tube or double-J stent,blood transfusion,and also patients who underwent PCNL in prone position surgery are more likely to develop a postoperative fever after PCNL.

Provision of Preconception Care by Midwives, Nurses and Doctors at Ndola Teaching Hospital in Ndola District, Zambia

Background: The goal of preconception care is to improve the outcome of a mother’s pregnancy and childbirth. Nevertheless, in most developing nations;Zambia included, there are still issues with implementation of preconception care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the provision of preconception care by midwives, nurses and doctors at Ndola Teaching Hospital in Zambia. Methods: A concurrent embedded mixed methodology utilising a descriptive explorative study design, where 107 respondents were randomly selected using the lottery technique for quantitative part and two focused group discussions for qualitative part of the study was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and a focus group discussion guide was used for the focus group discussions. Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 26 with significance set at 0.05 and at 95% confidence level and thematic analysis were used for data analysis. Results: 75% of the respondents in this study were not providing preconception care and only 25% of respondents were providing preconception care;however, this was provided randomly because there were no guidelines to follow. Among the respondents, 81.3% had medium knowledge, 70.1% had good practices and 92.5% had positive attitudes towards preconception care. Further analysis showed that the association between preconception care and knowledge, practices and attitudes was not statistically significant (p = values 0.336;0.344;1.000 respectively). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that participants with high knowledge were five times more likely to provide preconception care (OR = 5.00, CI = 0.42 - 59.7, P = 0.203). Generally, all the participants acknowledged that preconception care was an important package that could prevent maternal and child morbidities and mortalities. Conclusions: The study revealed that most of the respondents were not providing preconception care. Provision of preconception was done by a small fraction of the respondents and it was done in an unorderly manner due to lack of set standards and guidelines. Despite medium levels of knowledge and generally good practices and positive attitudes towards preconception care, its random provision indicates a need for established standards to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.

Prevalence and Demographic Distributions of Pre-Eclampsia among Pregnant Women at Ho Teaching Hospital

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, pre-eclampsia remains a major health problem contributing to high rates of maternal mortality. Despite this condition having adverse effects on maternal and child health, its prevalence and associated risk factors are still significant, especially in developing countries including Ghana. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and demographic distributions associated with pre-eclampsia among pregnant women at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Methods: A facility-based retrospective study was conducted by reviewing available data or hospital records of pregnant mothers admitted to the labor and maternity wards from January 2018 to December 2020. All pregnant women who were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia within this period were included in the study. The data were collected using a structured checklist. Results: 5609 data on pregnant women from 2018 to 2020 were recorded. Out of the 5609 data recorded, 314 pre-eclampsia cases were recorded giving an overall prevalence of 5.6%. The yearly prevalence for 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 4.6%, 5.6%, and 6.6%, respectively. The most recorded pre-eclampsia cases were seen among women within the age group of 18 - 24 years. The data showed that 112 (35.7%) of the pregnant women who had pre-eclampsia were nulliparous. Pre-eclampsia-associated maternal and fetal complications were;preterm delivery 221 (70.4%), intrauterine fetal death 62 (19.7%), eclampsia 9 (2.9%), HELLP syndrome 5 (1.6%) and maternal death 17 (5.4%). Associated factors of pre-eclampsia were parity, level of education, and occupation (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed a rising trend in the incidence of pre-eclampsia over the years at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Parity, level of education, and occupation were found to be associated with developing pre-eclampsia.

Suicide Ideation and Its Associated Factors among Men in Selected Compounds of Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Globally, it is estimated that more than 800,000 individuals die by suicide each year, making suicide one of the biggest causes of death worldwide. Additionally, suicide kills far more males than women, more so in developing regions that are characterized by economic distress due to low income. Although the number of suicide cases has been seen to increase from 2013 to date, limited studies provide information on the factors influencing the trend. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the prevalence of suicidal ideation and factors associated with suicide in males in selected compounds of Lusaka. Methods: The study used an analytical quantitative cross- sectional study design that involved 367 men in Mtendere and Kaunda Square townships in Lusaka district, Zambia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from participants, which was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to test relationships among variables at a five percent level of significance. Ethical approval and clearance was obtained from the National Health Research Authority. Results: Participants had a median age of 29 years (IQR, 27 - 32 years), 216 (58.9%) were single and 278 (75.8%) attained tertiary education. Under a quarter, 75 (20.4%) reported suicide ideations, and 97 (26.4%) reported low social support. For most participants, 347 (94.7%) experienced at least one stressful life event, and 359 (97.8%) experienced severe levels of stress. Under half, 170 (46.3%) were alcohol dependent, while 54 (14.7%) used alcohol harmfully. Suicide ideation was significantly associated with marital status (p Conclusion: Suicide ideation is relatively high among men in Mtendere and Kaunda Square townships, mainly influenced by marital status, education level, social support, stressful events alcohol abuse. Efforts must be channeled towards suicide awareness campaigns, and establishment of supportive environments in health facilities which can make it easy for men to open up about their struggles.

Defining soft skills in nursing:a concept analysis

Objective:To define soft skills in nursing.Methods:This is a concept analysis using the Walker and Avant approach.Multiple electronic databases in the English language including CINAHL,Science Direct,MEDLINE on EBSCOhost,and Scopus were consulted.Results:Soft skills in nursing include the intrapersonal attributes,interpersonal skills,and creativity of the nurse,which,when combined with professionalism,teamwork,and effective communication skills,improve the quality of nursing care and client satisfaction.Conclusions:Although hard and soft skills are compatible and synergetic,soft skills are to be prioritized for the success of nursing care in the healthcare industry.This concept analysis adds to the body of knowledge by identifying the attributes of soft skills in nursing and revealing that a good nurse needs more than just good grades to be successful.

Correlation between critical thinking and emotional intelligence:a national crosssectional study on operating room nursing students in Iran

Objective:According to the World Federation of Medical Education,critical thinking should be part of the training of medical and paramedical students.Professionals can improve the quality of care of patients after surgery by having or acquiring this skill in health care.Also,Emotional intelligence is introduced as an impor tant and effective factor on the professional performance and mental health of healthcare professionals.Thus,the present study was designed and implemented to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and critical thinking among operating room nursing students of medical sciences universities in Iran.Methods:This cross-sectional study was done on 420 operating room students in 10 top medical sciences universities of Iran in 2022.The sampling method in this research was multistage sampling.The data collection instruments included demographic characteristics,Rickett's critical thinking,and Bradberry-Greaves'emotional intelligence questionnaires.After receiving the ethics code,data collection was done for 2 months.For data analysis,descriptive and inferential analyses including independent t-tests,analysis of variance,and Pearson correlation were used.The collected data were analyzed by SPSS 18(IBM Corporation,Armonk,New York,United States).P-value<0.05 was considered significant.Results:The mean age of the students participating in this study was 23.02±3.70 years,with women constituting 67.4%of them.The results of data analysis indicated that the mean total score of critical thinking and emotional intelligence was 124.10±37.52 and 114.12±43.63,respectively.A direct significant correlation between critical thinking and emotional intelligence(r=0.459,P-value<0.001)and a significant relationship between gender and emotional intelligence(P-value=0.028)were found.Conclusions:Based on the present study results,educational managers in the Ministry of Health are suggested to consider suitable educational programs for improving critical thinking and emotional intelligence to enhance the quality of care provided by students in operating rooms.

Perception of Nursing and Midwifery Trainees towards Clinical Environment at Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of students’ nurses in the nurses training colleges towards clinical environment. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey approach was used. Nursing and Midwifery trainees at Cape Coast were the respondents. Simple random sampling was used to select 605 respondents for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data. Results: The majority of the respondents were female, Christians, singled and attended Cape Coast Nursing and Midwifery Training College (CCNMTC). The staff were helpful, friendly and considerate. There were repetition of student’s tasks in every shift but new and different ways of teaching were used. The students had positive perception of clinical learning environment. There were statistically significant differences in perception towards clinical learning environment among students based on academic class (levels). Conclusion: It was recommended that the staff nurses should assign students with varied task depending on their level.

Agreements’profile of Scheimpflug-based optical biometer with gold standard partial coherence interferometry

AIM:To determine the agreement of ocular biometric indices including axial length,keratometric readings,anterior chamber depth,and horizontal corneal diameter between the Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 500.METHODS:The study was a large cross-sectional population-based study(Tehran Geriatric Eye Study)conducted from Jan 2019 to Jan 2020.A total of 160 clusters were randomly selected proportional to size(each cluster contained 20 individuals)from 22 strata of Tehran city.All people aged 60y and above were invited to participate in the study.For all participants,preliminary ocular examinations were performed including the measurement of uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity,objective and subjective refraction,anterior and posterior segment examinations.All participants underwent an ocular biometry using the Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 500.RESULTS:The 95%limits of agreement(LoA)between the two devices were-0.13 to 0.19,-0.15 to 0.17,and-0.13 to 0.19 in normal,pseudophakic,and cataractous eyes,respectively.With increasing the axial length,the difference between the two devices significantly increased in all three groups of normal,pseudophakic,and cataractous eyes(P<0.001).The 95% LoAs between the two devices regarding the mean keratometry shows that the best LoAs were seen in cataractous(-0.33 to 0.81)and followed by normal eyes(-0.36 to 0.86)and the pseudophakic eyes(-0.48 to 0.90)had the widest LoA.The 95% LoAs for horizontal corneal diameter measurements were-0.08 to 0.86,-0.03 to 0.83,and-0.07 to 0.87 in normal,pseudophakic,and cataractous eyes,respectively.The 95% LoAs of anterior chamber depth measurements between the two devices was-0.39 to 0.19 and-0.37 to 0.13 in normal eyes and cataractous,respectively.CONCLUSION:The Pentacam AXL has excellent agreement with the gold standard,IOL Master 500 in measuring axial length.In eyes with cataracts,the difference between the two devices is more scattered.With the increasing of axial length,the difference between the two devices increased,which should be considered when using Pentacam AXL.

Applications of SMILE-extracted lenticules in ophthalmology

AIM:To review recent innovations,challenges,and applications of small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)extracted lenticule for treating ocular disorders.METHODS:A literature review was performed in the PubMed database,which was last updated on 30 December 2021.There was no limit regarding language.The authors evaluated the reference lists of the collected papers to find any relevant research.RESULTS:Due to the simplicity and accuracy of modern femtosecond lasers and the extensive development of SMILE surgery,many healthy human corneal stromal lenticules were extracted during surgery,motivating some professionals to investigate the SMILE lenticule reusability in different ocular disorders.In addition,new approaches had been developed to preserve,modify,and bioengineer the corneal stroma,leading to the optimal use of discarded byproducts such as lenticules from SMILE surgery.The lenticules can be effectively re-implanted into the autologous or allogenic corneas of human subjects to treat refractive errors,corneal ectasia,and corneal perforation and serve as a patch graft for glaucoma drainage devices with better cosmetic outcomes.CONCLUSION:SMILE-extracted lenticules could be a viable alternative to human donor corneal tissue.

Comparison of anterior segment parameters of the eye between type 2 diabetic with and without diabetic retinopathy and non-diabetic

AIM:To compare anterior segment parameters between two groups of type 2 diabetic with and without diabetic retinopathy(DR)and non-diabetic elderly subjects based on hemoglobin A1c(Hb A1c)levels and status of DR.METHODS:This study was conducted on 997 residents aged 60y or over in Tehran,Iran.Diabetic group had Hb A1c level≥6.4%with no other systemic problems.The non-diabetic participants had normal eye findings and no systemic diseases.K1,K2,mean K,Q-value,anterior,central,posterior,and total corneal densitometric findings,anterior chamber volume(ACV),anterior chamber depth(ACD),corneal volume(CV),and pachymetry were measured by Pentacam AXL.RESULTS:A total of 678 non-diabetic(39%male)and 319 diabetic(35%male)subjects with mean age of 66.31±5.23 and 67.22±4.96y were examined,respectively.No statistically significant difference was found in anterior segment parameters between non-diabetic and diabetic groups(all P>0.05).However,middle,posterior,and total corneal densitometric values were statistically different between two groups af ter controlling the ef fects of confounders(P=0.014,0.007,and 0.042,respectively).Corneal densitometric values in all layers,ACD,and ACV were different between diabetic subjects with and without DR(all P<0.05).In the diabetic group,only corneal densitometric values had a negative relationship with fasting blood sugar(P<0.001).ACD and ACV had a negative correlation with Hb A1c levels(all P<0.05,r=-0.129 and-0.146,respectively).However,the relationships were not observed after controlling the confounders(P=0.938,0.466,respectively).CONCLUSION:Considering the higher densitometric values of the cornea and lower ACD and ACV in diabetic subjects with DR,it is suggested that the examiners should perform comprehensive retinal examinations when faced with such conditions.

The prevalence of red-green color vision deficiency and its related factors in an elderly population above 60 years of age

AIM:To determine the prevalence of red-green(RG)color vision deficiency(CVD)in an elderly population and its related factors.METHODS:This report is a part of the Tehran Geriatric Eye Study:a cross-sectional population-based study that was conducted on the elderly population(≥60y)of Tehran,Iran using multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling.All study participants underwent complete ocular examination,including the measurement of uncorrected and bestcorrected visual acuity,objective and subjective refraction,and slit-lamp biomicroscopy.The color vision was tested using Ishihara plates with the near optical correction in place.RESULTS:Of the 3791 invitees,3310 participated in the study.The data of 2164 individuals were analyzed after applying the exclusion criteria.The prevalence of R-G CVD was 3.73%(95%CI:2.37%–5.09%)in the whole sample;the prevalence of protanomaly,protanopia,and deuteranopia was 1.51%,1.76%,and 0.45%,respectively.The prevalence of R-G CVD was significantly higher in males than in females.The prevalence of RG CVD increased with advancing age from 2.91%in the age group 60–64y to 5.8%in the age group≥80y(P=0.070).According to the multiple logistic regression model,male sex,and glaucoma were significantly related to RG CVD.Older age and hypertension also had a marginally significant relationship with RG CVD.CONCLUSION:Changes in color vision occur in the elderly due to the aging process and some physiological and pathological factors.Since the change in visual perception may affect the person’s performance,this aspect of the visual system’s function should also be taken into consideration in the examinations of the elderly.

Psychometric evaluation of Iranian version of nursing faculty’s incivility questionnaire

Objective:Faculty incivility is a growing problem in nursing schools that disrupts the learning process and affects nursing care of patients.Fostering and managing faculty incivility requires knowing this problem using a valid and reliable instrument.The purpose of this research was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the faculty’s perceived incivility questionnaire in the Iranian community.Methods:In this methodological study,the participants involved were 357 nursing students.They were selected between October and December 2019.The faculty’s perceived incivility questionnaire was evaluated in terms of content and construct validity.McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated.Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to evaluate the construct validity of the questionnaire.Results:The content validity index(CVI)was 0.86-0.91 for the items and 0.87 for the whole instrument.In factor analysis,two factors of violent and irresponsible behaviors were extracted.These factors explained>41.769%of the variance.Model fit indices(Parsimonious Comparative Fit Index[PCFI]=0.783,Parsimonious Normed Fit Index[PNFI]=0.756,root mean square error of approximation[RMSEA]=0.051,Goodness-of-Fit Index[GFI]=0.955,Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index[AGFI]=0.932,Comparative Fit Index[CFI]=0.955,χ^(2)/df=2.26)indicated the proportion of factors.Internal consistency was 0.87-0.93.Conclusions:Faculty’s perceived incivility questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool with two factors that can be used to evaluate the incivility in Iranian faculty members.

Distribution and associated factors of intraocular pressure in the older population:Tehran Geriatric Eye Study

AIM:To determine the distribution and associated factors of intraocular pressure(IOP) in an Iranian elderly population 60 years of age and above.METHODS:The present report is part of the Tehran Geriatric Eye study(TGES),a population-based cross-sectional study that was conducted on the residents of Tehran 60 years of age and above.The sampling was performed using multistage stratified random cluster sampling methods from 22 districts of Tehran,Iran.Demographic and history information,blood samples,and blood pressure were collected from all participants.Ocular examinations included measurement of uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity,objective and subjective refraction,and slit-lamp biomicroscopy.The IOP was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry(GAT).Corneal imaging and ocular biometry were performed using Pentacam AXL.RESULTS:The data of 3892 eyes of 2124 individuals were analyzed for this report.The mean age of the study participants was 66.49±5.31y(range:60 to 95y).The mean IOP was 15.2 mm Hg(95%CI:15.1 to 15.4),15.3 mm Hg(95%CI:15.1 to 15.5) and 15.1 mm Hg(95%CI:15.0 to 15.3) in all participants,males,and females,respectively.Of the study participants,1.3% had an IOP of ≥20 mm Hg.The mean IOP increased from 15.1 mm Hg in the age group 60-64y to 16.3 mm Hg in the age group ≥80y.According to the final multiple GEE model,the IOP was statistically significantly higher in men than in women.All the studied age groups,except for the 75-79-year-old age group,had significantly higher IOP compared to the 60-64-year-old age group.The IOP was significantly higher in underweight compared to other body mass index groups.Moreover,the IOP had a statistically significant direct relationship with the mean corneal power(mean CP),central corneal thickness(CCT),and systolic blood pressure.CONCLUSION:The present study presents the distribution of IOP in an Iranian elderly population.A higher IOP(within the range 14 to 17 mm Hg) is significantly associated with older age,male sex,high systolic blood pressure,increased mean CP,and CCT.These factors should be considered in the clinical interpretation of IOP.

Comparative study of self-compassion and sense of coherence in nurses of psychiatric hospitals

Objective:Nurses,due to the nature of their job,are subjected to various forms of stress and physical and psychological injuries.Self-compassion and a sense of coherence have attracted much attention in research in recent years as having high potential for improving the health and performance of people in the workplace.The present study aimed to compare self-compassion and the sense of coherence in nurses working in psychiatric hospitals and other hospitals of Kerman University of Medical Sciences.Methods:The present study was a descriptive-comparative study of applied type conducted on 100 nurses of Shahid Beheshti Psychiatric Hospital in Kerman by the census method and 100 nurses of other hospitals of Kerman University of Medical Sciences by the stratified random sampling method.The instruments included the self-compassion questionnaire and the sense of coherence questionnaire.Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software.Results:The results of the present study showed that self-compassion and sense of coherence were higher in psychiatric nurses(39.35±7.7 and 53.02±8.01)than among other nurses(36.03±5.81 and 49.76±6.30).There was a direct and moderate relationship between a sense of coherence and self-compassion(P-value<0.005).The higher the score of compassion for oneself,the higher was the score of sense of coherence.Furthermore,the sense of coherence had a direct and weak relationship with all dimensions of self-compassion,except for the extreme imitation dimension,which showed a direct and moderate relationship to other dimensions(P-value<0.001).Conclusions:Self-compassion and a sense of coherence,as a form of self-communication,increase nurses’satisfaction and reduce nurses’job stress and,as a result,job performance is improved.

A comparison of the effect of Vitamin D and Vitamin E supplementations,alone,and in combination,on reducing the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea in women:A randomized controlled trial

Objective:The aim of this study is to compare the effect of Vitamin D and Vitamin E supplementations,alone,and in combination,on reducing the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea in women who were referred to the Kowsar gynecological clinics of Shahid Motahari Hospital of Urmia University of Medical Sciences.Materials and Methods:A double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 112 women with dysmenorrhea who were randomly allocated into the four study groups.Finally,100 women complete the study and received capsules containing a placebo(n=25),1000 IU of Vitamin D(n=25),400 mg of Vitamin E(n=25),and 1000 IU of Vitamin D+400 mg of Vitamin E(n=25)every 24 h for 2 consecutive months at the beginning of the menstrual period.The pain intensity and duration among groups were compared before and after the intervention.Results:The mean menstrual pain duration in all three experimental groups(Vitamin E,Vitamin D,and the combination of them)was lower than the placebo group(all P<0.05),and the mean pain intensity scores in all three experimental groups were significantly lower than the placebo group(all P<0.05).The results(means)for all of the drugs administered at the end of the 2nd month were better than the 1st month(all P<0.01).Conclusions:Vitamin E and Vitamin D,as well as their combination,are recommended as an effective and safe treatment for the management of the complications of dysmenorrhea.

Effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among reproductive-aged women: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial

Background:Shilajit is mentioned in the“Kama Sutra”as a potent enhancer of sexual desire.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among women of reproductive age.Methods:Forty-eight reproductive-aged women participated in a placebo-controlled triple-blind clinical trial.The intervention group took oral Shilajit tablets(200 mg)twice daily for 60 days and the control group took the placebo.Data collection tools were Sexual Quality of Life-Female and Female Sexual Function Index.Data were collected before the intervention,30,60,and 90 days after the start of the study.Results:Forty-three women completed the study.The mean score of total sexual function in the intervention group was significantly higher than before the intervention(P<0.001).The mean score of sexual function was 28.93 after 90 days in the intervention group while it was 22.09 in the control group.This finding was observed in most domains of the sexual function index.The mean score of sexual quality of life increased after 60 days of intervention in both groups;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.094).Conclusion:The study indicated that Shilajit,as a complementary therapy,may improve sexual function and most of its domains;while there was no effect on improving the quality of sexual life.

Effects of physical activity by the teach-back educational method on the physical ability and quality of life in hemodialysis patients:a clinical trial

Objective:To determine the effect of physical activity by using the teach-back educational method on hemodialysis patients’quality of life(QOL)and physical ability.Methods:This is a single-blind clinical trial study involving a control group.A total of 90 patients who admitted to the dialysis centers of Beheshti and Besat hospitals in Hamadan were selected using a convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to intervention(n=45)and control(n=45)groups.Data were collected using a demographic information checklist,a kidney disease QOL questionnaire,and a 6-minute-walk distance(6MWD)checklist.The patients’QOL questionnaire was completed,and the 6MWD was recorded before and at the end of the 2nd,4th,6th,8th,and 12th weeks of the intervention.In the intervention group,the patients were taught to perform physical activities with Pilates stretches in different resistances using the teach-back educational method during dialysis sessions for 12 weeks.Data were analyzed by using the independent t-test and chi-square test using SPSS-22 software.Results:Before the intervention,no differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in terms of demographic characteristics,QOL,and physical ability(P>0.05).The physical ability and QOL levels of patients exercising in the test group were higher than those in the control group after the intervention(P<0.05).Based on the results,the 2 groups significantly differed with regard to the scores of various dimensions of QOL and physical ability after the intervention(P<0.05).Conclusions:Physical activity by using the teach-back method can effectively increase physical ability and improve QOL of hemodialysis patients.Therefore,the recommendations and inclusion of exercise in the dialysis care plan can effectively promote patients’health.

Casual for a cause:Exploring the employment status of nursing in Australia and China

This paper outlines obligatory nursing education and the registration process required to become a nurse in Australia,including nurses'workload,career structure and pay.It also provides an overview of the nursing workforce in Australia,with particular reference to casual employment,and its implications.The aim of this paper is to outline the development strategies that may assist with China's increasing need for nursing education,and how changes to healthcare policy and management are required to increase the recruitment and retention of nurses in hospitals worldwide.

Discussion on the Graduation Practical Ability Assessment Model for Master of Nursing Specialist Students

Objective: To explore graduation practical ability assessment mode of graduate students in nursing (Master of Nursing Specialist, MNS). Methods: All 28 MNS 2020th graduate students in a university were selected as subjects by convenient sampling method, using the improved 4-station objective structured examination (Objective Structured Clinical Examination, OSCE) model. The assessment content included nursing assessment, nursing diagnosis, basic nursing operation, specialist nursing operation, theoretical written test and oral test and overall evaluation. And self-made questionnaire was used to evaluate the effect of the assessment model and the improvement of clinical practice ability of graduate students. Results: The overall satisfaction rate of graduation assessment was 89.51%, the overall satisfaction rate of graduation assessment mode and practical ability improvement evaluation was 84.66%, the pass rate of assessment results was 100%, and the excellent rate was 71.42%. Conclusion: The MNS graduation practical ability assessment model has a high degree of satisfaction, objectively evaluates the knowledge, skills, attitudes and emotions of graduate students, promotes the comprehensive quality and ability of graduate students, which is worthy of promotion.