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Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate nurses' views about visiting in coronary care unit (CCU).

Background. Social support includes emotional and instrumental support provided by family and friends who visit the patient. Visiting is shown to be influential on patients' recovery. On the other hand, visiting time has been an issue of the medical staff, patients and visitors.

Method.In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 140 nurses working in CCU participated in the study. Data were collected by the use of demographic questionnaire and "The Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Visitation in ICU Questionnaire" (BAVIQ). The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS Version 19.

Findings. Most nurses believed that visiting interferes with direct nursing care (65%), and causes nurses to spend more time in providing information to the patients’ families (82.8%). Most nurses (85%) did not desire to liberalize the visiting policy of their unit.

Conclusion. The results of the study showed that CCU nurses have rather negative viewpoints toward visiting and open visiting policy that is in conflict with emotional needs of patients and their families.

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Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in elderly of Kashan.

Background.The Iranian elderly population is rapidly growing. It is estimated that more than 10 percent of country population would be elderly in the forthcoming twenty years. Structural and physiological changes occurring in the elderly’s cardiovascular system are associated with a higher incidence of CVD in the elderly. Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in the elderly.

Method.This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 people over 60 years old in Kashan city, Iran, in 2014. Subjects were randomly selected from10healthcare centers of Kashan. A questionnaire was used to collect data including demographics, underlying diseases and risk factors for CVD. The data analyzed using descriptive statistics through SPSS 11.5.

Findings.The prevalence of risk factors for CVD was high among elderly people.

Conclusion. Teaching individuals, controlling risk factors and screening are suggested. It is also recommended that elderly people  increase physical activities and cease smoking.

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Aim. This paper reviews articles and clinical trial evidence regarding diet for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Background. CVD is rapidly becoming a primary cause of death worldwide. Thus, identification of dietary changes that most effectively prevent CVD is necessary. Method. This review was conducted by searching out electronic databases and hand searching of library resources. Searching out articles and research projects was conducted by using keywords on the internet and relevant sites. Findings. According to the findings, at least 3 dietary strategies are effective in preventing CVD: substituting non-hydrogenated unsaturated fats for saturated and trans-fats increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, fish oil supplements, or plant sources and consuming a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains and low in refined grain products. Conclusion. According to the current evidence, diets using non-hydrogenated unsaturated fats as the main form of dietary fat, whole grains as the main form of carbohydrates, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, and adequate omega-3 fatty acids can offer significant protection against CVD. Such diets, along with regular physical activity, avoidance of smoking, and maintenance of ideal body weight may prevent the majority of cardiovascular disease.