Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of -8week aerobic training on serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in high school male students with different Body Mass Indexes (BMI).

Background. The low-grade chronic inflammation, which is characterized by increased levels of inflammatory markers in blood (such as CRP, Interleukin 6) is a strong risk factor for some chronic diseases. The hs-CRP is the most sensitive marker of inflammation and independent predicator of cardiovascular diseases and increase in hs-CRP levels are associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The effect of aerobic training on hs-CRP of adolescents with different BMIs needs further investigation.

Method. In this quasi-experimental study, 24 healthy and non-athlete boys (mean age, 16.33 and standard deviation, 0.47 years) were divided into three groups "thin, normal, and overweight or obese" according to their BMI. The training program included -8week (three sessions per week) progressive aerobic running at intensities of %75-60 of maximal heart rate. To determine changes in hs-CRP levels, the blood samples were collected before and after training program in the identical conditions.

Findings. Training program had no significant effect on hs-CRP levels in all groups. There was a statistically significant difference in hs-CRP levels between obese group and the other two groups in esponse to training program, both before and after intervention.

Conclusion. Eight-week aerobic training did not have a significant effect on hs-CRP of the subjects, likely due to insufficient intensity and duration of exercise training and low baseline hs-CRP levels. Decreased hs-CRP levels in obese group, compared with other groups, was likely due to the obesity status and higher baseline hs-CRP levels.

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of massage therapy on sleep quality of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Background. Poor sleep quality is common among patients following CABG and has been noticeable for more than 30 years.

Method. In this quasi-experimental study, 72 patients, who had undergone CABG in Isfahan Chamran Hospital were were recruited. The patients were randomly assigned to the two experimental and control groups. The patients of the experimental group received light pressure stroking massage for 20 minutes in four sessions after the surgery. The patients in control group received only the routine care. The patients› sleep quality was measured before and after the intervention with St Mary›s Hospital Sleep Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 18 and descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for data analysis.

Findings. Mean scores for sleep quality before the intervention in the experimental and control groups were 22.5±3.6 and 22±3.8, respectively, and no statistically significant difference seen between them. After the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores for sleep quality of the experimental and control groups (11.8±2.8 vs 15.5±4.7) (P<0.001).

Conclusion. The use of massage therapy can promote sleep quality of patients after CABG and due to low cost and simplicity it can be used as a complement to drug therapy and postoperative interventions implemented in these patients.

Abstract

Aim. The aim was to describe epidemiologic characteristics of cardiovascular patients admitted to Jahrom hospitals.

Background. Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in most countries including Iran. It is the major cause of disability. Cardiovascular disorders are counted as one ofn the most preventable, noncomunicable illnesses in human.

Method. In this retrospective descriptive study, 2392 medical records of patients admitted to the hospital in 2012-2013 with a primary diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases were studied. Data were obtained from a checklist with two parts, the first part included demographic information and the second part was about different types of heart disease, cardiovascular risk factors, and duration of hospitalization and outcome of the disease. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software.

Findings. According to the findings, 53.2% of patients were female, and 46.8% were male. Of the patients, 99% were married and 61.2% were native. The mean age of the sample was 60±12.5 and the majority were in the age range of 42-83 years. The most common cardiovascular disease were angina and hypertension, respectively. Among patients with heart disease, 53.8% died of a sudden heart attack, 5.8% due to cardiac arrhythmias, 5.1% due to congestive heart failure, 3.5% of acute myocardial infarction and 0.5% due to angina. In patients with vascular disease, 8.3% died due to deep vein thrombosis and 2.3% died due to hypertension.

Conclusion. With controlling risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, high blood cholesterol and body weight, it is possible to greatly prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract

Aim.This paper introduces important points on nursing care of dying patients.

Background.Death is part of the human life process. Statistics show that the most common causes of death in America are cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Definition of death, nursing care for dying patients and its importance have been the focus of many studies.

Method.This paper reviews the subject death and dying patients, and introduces nursing care and ethical points to be considered for these patients.

Findings.Dying patients experience different stages from denial to acceptance, and caring these patients in physical and psychological aspects is the responsibility of nurses.

Conclusion.When caring dying patients, palliative care must be considered, because other interventions are no longer effective. This care begins from the time a life-threatening condition is diagnosed and continues to recovery or death and grieving.

Abstract

Aim.The present study aimed to examine the relationship of perfectionism with procrastination and coping styles in people with coronary heart diseases (CHD), compared with healthy controls.   

Background. Psychological factors may increase the risk of CHD by influencing physiological risk factors. Although psychological factors play an important role in development of CHD, more research in this area is necessary.

Method. In this descriptive correlational study, 218 male people (107 people with CHD as case group, and 111 people without CHD as their controls) were selected by convenience sampling. Data were collected by Mann’s Decisional Procrastination Scale, Lay’s Behavioral Procrastination Scale, coping styles Scale by Endler and Parker and Tehran Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression were used for data analysis.

Findings.According to the findings, other-oriented perfectionism was directly associated with behavioral and decisional procrastination in case group, while in the control group, other-oriented perfectionism was negatively associated with decisional procrastination, however, the association was not significant. The effect of other-oriented perfectionism on decisional procrastination was significant in both groups. In case group, other-oriented perfectionism had a significant effect on behavioral procrastination, however other-oriented perfectionism had a significant effect on problem solving style in control group.

Conclusion.Other-oriented perfectionism had positive, but not strong relationship with both aspects of procrastinations in case group. In regression models of different aspects of perfectionism on procrastination, only the effect of other-oriented perfectionism was significant. Although the regressions were significant, fitted models had low predictive power. Only the other-oriented perfectionism could somewhat predict behavioral and decisional procrastination.