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Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life amongst asthmatic boys and girls aged between 7-17 in Zanjan 

Background

The quality of life in patients with chronic disorders is highly affected by the diseases, especially when such variables as gender and age interfere with the situation. Youngsters suffering from asthma face numerous physical, social and psychological problems.

Method

In a descriptive-comparative study, 290 asthmatic children aged between 7-17 "minimum after six month of the disease were selected by consecutive sampling method. Demographic information form and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) were completed by parents. The data were analyzed by SPSS software using T test, Mann- Whitney U and analysis of variance.

Findings

The study findings showed the mean score quality of life was (50.56, SD=19.45) for girls and (36.02, SD=16.49) for boys. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the quality of life amongst asthmatic boys and girls (p=0.012).

Conclusion

The difference between the quality of life in asthmatic boys and girls should be considered when planning programs to enhance their quality of life. Thus, it is proposed the quality of life to be tested in both genders, in different ages with different chronic diseases.

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Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty(PTCA), before surgery and three, six and twelvemonths after surgery.

Background.CABG and PTCA are common treatments in coronary artery disease(CAD). After PTCA the patient is hospitalized only for one day and pays less than CABG,but it is not obviouswhether there is any difference between the quality of life in these two groups.

Method.This prospective cohort study was conducted on 241 patients (115 PTCA and 126 CABG patients) who were hospitalized in Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals between 2004-2006. The data were collected by questionnaire including 40 questions regarding demographic data, disease information and quality of life. The data were analyzed by statistical tests including T- test, Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon and Friedman.

Findings.The findings showed that both groups hadreduction in the quality of life(P≤0.001), but the QOL had statistically significant difference in both groups three, six and twelve months after surgery (P≤0.001).

Conclusion.Patients and their families need to be supported and trained by health care team after performing each of these surgeries and encouraged to follow up their disease status.

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Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cardiac rehabilitation on the quality of life in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

Background. Nowadays, CABG is common in many patients to treat complications of the cardiovascular disease.

Method. This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 100 patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery procedure (CABG). Based on objective and with regard to the inclusion criteria, the subjects were randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control groups. Cardiac rehabilitation program was conducted 24 sessions for the experimental group and the control group followed the usual program. Data were collected by demographic and SF-36 quality of life questionnaires at discharge (at the beginning of rehabilitation), the fourth week (after twelfth session) and the eighth week (after twenty fourth session) of cardiac rehabilitation. The data were analyzed by using Chi-square, independent T and RMANOVA tests.

Findings. The findings showed that the experimental and control groups were not significantly different with each other in terms of demographic variables. Comparison of experimental and control groups by using independent T-test showed that approximately there was statistically significant difference in all quality of life components after 12 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation in experimental group (4 weeks after control group discharge). Also, the comparison of both groups showed that after 24 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation in experimental group (8 weeks after control group discharge), there was statistically significant difference in variables such as physical functioning, general health, vitality, emotional role (emotional limitations), mental health, physical and mental health component and quality of life.

Conclusion. The results indicate a significant improvement on quality of life with cardiac rehabilitation intervention therefore, it is necessary to emphasize and encourage cardiac rehabilitation.

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Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of self-care education on quality of life in patients following pacemaker implantation.

Background. One of the most common causes of death after myocardial infarction is arrhythmia resistant to treatment. This type of arrhythmia can be managed by pacemaker. The quality of life after pacemaker implantation is usually low, and self-care education may be a method to address this issue.

Method. In a randomized clinical trial study, 80 patients, candidate for permanent pacemaker implantation at Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center, were recruited to either control or experimental group through the blocked randomization. Data were collected using demographic form and the MacNew health-related quality of life questionnaire. The experimental group patients, in accompany with one first-degree relative, received one session of self-care education on the preimplantation day. The content of this 30 minutes session was "how to use educational footage and pamphlets, and also, a face-to-face education. At the end of the session, the patients were given an "educational package". Following implantation, the experimental group patients were contacted once a week for one-month period. The data were analyzed by SPSS, version 15, using inferential statistics.

Results. There were no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the mean scores of emotional, physical, and social aspects of quality of life and overall quality of life, before self-care education however, after intervention, a statistically significant difference was found in all these variables between experimental and control groups (P=0.004).

Conclusion. Self-care education could have an effect on the quality of life of patients after permanent pacemaker implantation.

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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.

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Abstract

Aim.The aim of this study was to examine the effect of heart rehabilitation by resistance and endurance training on functional capacity and quality of life in male patients with myocardial infarction.

Background.Half of all people who have a heart attack will survive, but they might end up with a weakened heart and loss of functional capacity. It is necessary for nurses to gain essential knowledge to improve the patient’s quality of life and functional capacity.

Method. In this experimental study, 24 male patients with a history of myocardial infarction were recruited and randomly allocated to the endurance training group (n=8), resistance training group (n=8), and control group (n=8). Exercise training was implemented for 50-60 minutes at three sessions in weeks for eight weeks. Endurance training was implemented at 60-85% maximum heart rate on treadmill, while resistance training was implemented at 40-70% one repetition (RM) in three sets with leg press, calf elevation, and leg cruel exercises. Before and after intervention, functional capacity was assessed with modified Bruce test and quality of life was evaluated with SF-36 questionnaire for all groups under study. 

Findings.The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in functional capacity of resistance (P=0.002) and endurance (P=0.03) training group with control group. However, there was not significant difference in quality of life between endurance and resistance training groups.

Conclusion.Resistance and endurance training can improve functional capacity in male patients with a history of myocardial infarction. However, resistance training is more effective than endurance training in improving the functional capacity and quality of life.

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Abstract

Aim.The aim of this paper is to review studies related to self-care education and quality of life improvement in patients with hypertension.

Background. Hypertension is one of the greatest health problems in the world and also, one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. One of the main aims of health care is improving quality of life. Self-care education can improve the quality of life. Due to the need for recognizing trend of studies related to self-care education and quality of life in patients with hypertension, conducting literature review in this field is necessary.

Method. This article reviews the studies published during the recent 15 years regarding self-care education and quality of life in patients with hypertension that were searched out through scientific databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, SID, Scopus, CINAHL, OVID, Iran Doc, and Magiranby the keywords “self-care educational program”, “quality of life”, and “hypertensive patients” and their Persian equivalents.

Result. The literature review revealed that few studies have examined the effectiveness of training programs on the quality of life in patients with hypertension. Results showed that patients with hypertension have low quality of life. In some studies, different educational methods were used in an attempt to improve the clinical outcomes of patients and some of these self-care educational programs had positive effects on the quality of life.

Conclusion. The quality of life in patients with hypertension is low. Therefore, because of the importance of quality of life improvement and due to the limitations of the studies, it is essential to conduct further research to investigate the effect of self-care educational program on quality of life in patients with hypertension.

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Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of applying checklist on intra-hospital transport of intensive care patients. Background. Intra-hospital transport of intensive care patients who are at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory instability can lead to physical harm and death. Therefore, prevention through increasing awareness staff about the dangers is a necessity. Method. A quasi-experimental before-after design was used to conduct the study. At first, in a hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, the quality of 50 cases of intra-hospital transport observed using a checklist during day shifts. Then, intra-hospital transport checklist was given to critical care nurses to be used in cases of patient transport. One month later, the quality of 50 cases of intra-hospital transport observed using a checklist during day shifts. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 21. Findings. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the mean score of the quality of intra-hospital transport, before and after intervention (49.26±9.87 against 54.95±10.27) (P=0.006). Conclusion. Applying checklist improves intra-hospital transport of intensive care patients. It is recommended to use this checklist for intra-hospital transport of intensive care patients to increase patient safety and reduce the complications of in-hospital transport .

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Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of preferred music on sleep quality of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Background. Sleep disorder is common among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery that can also affect other postoperative outcomes. Method. This study was a quasi-experimental trial in which 70 patients who were undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were recruited using convenience sampling method and assigned into the experimental and control group. Patients in experimental group listened to their preferred music by MP3 player for 20 minutes during 4 consecutive days, while patients in control group received only routine care. The patients’ sleep quality was measured before and after the intervention by means of Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory. Data were analyzed by SPSS, version 16, and descriptive and inferential statistical were used to report the findings. Findings. There was no statistically significant difference in sleep quality, before and after intervention in experimental and control groups. Conclusion. Music did not have effect on sleep quality among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, but the study can be reproduced with some modifications (change in intervention time and period and targeted selection of patients) in future studies.

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Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the eight-week concurrent training on quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction. Background. Myocardial infarction is a major cause of mortality around the world. Myocardial infarction affects patient's quality of life significantly, and it is important to find modalities to reduce harmful effects of the disease. Method. A randomized clinical trial was conducted. Thirty patients referred to Taleghani hospital, located in Tehran, Iran were recruited and randomly assigned to either experimental (n=15) or control group (n=15). Patients in experimental group trained three times a week for eight weeks in cardiac rehabilitation department of Taleghani hospital. Quality of life was evaluated before and after training by SF-36 questionnaire. In order to analyze the data, SPSS version 18 was used. Findings. The results showed that when compared with control group, the quality of life in experimental group has increased significantly. Conclusion. According to the findings, it seems that eight weeks of concurrent training can improve quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction.

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Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative cardiac surgery nursing care education on anx-iety, quality of sleep, fasting time and cardiac medication usage in cardiac surgery patients.

Background. Cardiac surgery is one of the most important therapeutic approaches in patients with heart diseases. According to previous studies it is necessary to reduce the anxiety level and improve the quality of sleep the night before surgery, fasting according to standard protocols and continuing usage of cardiac medications.

Method. This study was a quasi-experimental trial in which patients were studied in two groups (before-training group and after-training group). One hundred cardiac surgery patients were selected based on in-clusion criteria as before-training group and evaluated in terms of anxiety level, quality of sleep, fasting time and cardiac medication usage in the night before surgery. Sampling lasted for 42 days. Then, all of the surgical nurses were trained individually for a week, and given pamphlets. Their educational content in-cluded the latest fasting protocols, non-pharmacological methods of reducing anxiety and improving quality of sleep and emphasizing on the importance of cardiac medication usage in the night before surgery. Then, another 100 patients were evaluated as the after-training group. Sampling from this group lasted for 38 days. The tools included demographic sheet and Spielberger anxiety questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS software.

Findings. The findings of this study showed a statistically significant difference in anxiety level between before-training group and after-training group (P<0.0001). Also, there was a significant statistical differ-ence in quality of sleep between two groups (P=0.004). But, there was not a statistically significant differ-ence in fasting hours and cardiac medication usage between two groups.

Conclusion. According to the findings, educating preoperative cardiac surgery nursing care decreased anxi-ety level and improved quality of sleep in after-training group. But this intervention neither decreased fast-ing hours nor increased continuing cardiac medication usage in after-training group.

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Aim. This study was aimed to assess the effect of self-care educational program on quality of life in patients with hypertension.

Background. Hypertension is a major health problem due to complications and high mortality rate. It causes problems in the ability of patients for self-care and affect their quality of life.

Method. This clinical trial study with control group was conducted in Mahmud-Abad Hospital affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. In this study, 70 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected through convenience sampling and to prevent information contamination, they were allocated to groups according to whether they refer to hospital even or odd days. Before and three months after intervention, data were collected by quality of life questionnaire SF-36 in both groups. Patients in control group received routine education. Patients in intervention group participated in three face to face self-care education sessions (each session lasted 20 minutes) and received educational package including instruction booklet and CD. Data were analyzed by using Independent t-test, Paired t test, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test through SPSS version 21.

Findings. The results showed that before intervention, there was not a statistically significant difference between two groups regarding quality of life, but after 3 months there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.0001). Also, in the intervention group, there were statistically significant differences regarding the total score of quality of life and all related dimensions, before and three months after education (P<0.0001).

Conclusion. Self-care education can improve quality of life among patients with hypertension. It is recommended that health care providers, particularly nurses, implement these educational programs for improving the quality of life of patients with hypertension.

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Aim. The aim of the study is to investigate the need for hospital infection control and prevention.
Background. Nosocomial infections are among the major health problems which increase mortality and hospital costs, especially in intensive care units. Successful control of nosocomial infections depends on recognition of hospital challenges in this issue.

Method. This study is an overview study. The keywords “hospital infection” and “ICU”, alone or together, with Persian equivalents were searched in websites such as Iranmedex, CINAHL, Scopus, Medline, Embase, SID, PubMed, Magiran and Irandoc.

Findings. Based on the findings, the main causes of nosocomial infections included multiple procedures and invasive diagnostic and therapeutic treatments, especially in ICUs. Compromised immune system, duration of hospitalization, absence of hospital surveillance reporting system, inappropriate disinfection and sterilization of equipment, inappropriate physical structure of ICU, non-cooperative managers and departments, and lack of knowledge of medical staff, especially physicians and nurses.

Conclusion. Identifying causes of hospital infections and the use of especial measures to promote safety and enhance quality of care in the treatment and prevention of these infections are necessary for a comprehensive and integrated controlling program.

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Aim. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of cardiac rehabilitation on quality of life and return to work in patients with Acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Background. ACS is one of the major cardiovascular diseases that can affects the patients’ quality of life and return to work.

Method. This was a clinical trial study conducted on 50 patients with ACS admitted to the coronary care units of the selected hospital of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2013-2014. The participants were randomly assigned to control (n=25) or experimental  group (n=25). The experimental group received phase 1 and 2 cardiac rehabilitation program, however, the control group received usual care. The data was collected via demographic questionnaire and SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, before and one month after intervention. Return to work  was estimated through questions  and then was compared in both groups.

Findings. There was no statistically significant difference between experimental and control groups in terms of demographic variables and cardiovascular risk factors. After intervention, in the experimental group, the mean scores in all domains of quality of life increased significantly (p<0.0001). In the control group, the mean score of quality of life, before and after the intervention was not significantly different. A statistical significant difference was found between the experimental and control groups in all domains of quality of life, except for general health and social function, in favor of the experimental group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the duration of  return to work.

Conclusion. The results of this study showed that cardiac rehabilitation program can improve the quality of life in patients with ACS.

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Aim. This study was conducted to examine the effect of family-centered education on the quality of life patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Background. Following coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the patients face many physical, mental and social problems, which reduce their quality of life. Teaching the patient's family provides an opportunity for family members to cooperate actively in taking care and supporting patient, thereby, improve patients' quality of life.

Method. This was an experimental study in which 96 patients with their active family members were recruited according to inclusion criteria and randomly allocated to experimental (n=48) and control group (n=48). Before intervention, SF-12 Quality of Life Questionnaire (QOL) was completed by participants in both groups. Then, experimental group received family-centered education in three sessions and control group received only hospital routine educational program. Quality of life was again measured one month later. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 22.

Findings. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding demographic characteristics. Based on Mann-Whitney test, a statistically significant increase was observed in scores of QOL dimensions after intervention in the experimental group as compared with control group (P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Family-centered education in patients under coronary artery bypass graft can improve quality of life in these patients.

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Abstract

Aim. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of supportive educational intervention on quality of sleep before coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Background. Patients who are waiting for surgery, experience high levels of stress and anxiety due to invasive nature of the procedure. This experience may influence their sleep quality. Disturbed sleep could lead to worsening the disease condition and reduces the process of recovery. Using non-pharmacological methods such as Benson muscle relaxation, deep breathing and guided imagery could be safe and useful for solving patients’ sleep problems before surgery.

Method. The present study was a quasi-experimental clinical trial in which 160 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery who hospitalized in cardiac surgery wards and cardiac intensive care units of selected hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Science were recruited and divided into two experimental (n=80) and control (n=80) group. Demographic data questionnaire was given to the patients at the first day of hospital admission. The control group received routine care. The intervention group received routine care and supportive educational intervention for at least two days between 4 and 6 p.m. All of the patients filled Groningen sleep quality scale in the day of surgery. Data analyzed by SPSS version 16.

Findings. Before surgery, the mean score of sleep quality was 4.6±5.50 in intervention group and 10.76±1.27 in control group.  There was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control group in terms of sleep quality as the experimental group reported higher quality sleep than control group (P<0.0001).

Conclusion. Implementation of non-pharmacological methods such as relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery could be a good alternative method for hypnotic and sedative drugs. This could be one of the nursing interventions before coronary artery bypass grafting surgery as a safe, available and useful method.

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Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life (QoL) before and after angioplasty in people with coronary artery disease.

Background. The quality of life among people with CAD who undergo angioplasty treatment is of great interest because of the increasing number of patients receiving this treatment modality.

Method. In this descriptive analytical study, 473 patients with CAD admitted to all teaching hospitals of medical sciences universities located in Tehran were recruited through stratified random sampling over the years 2015-16.Quality of life in patients was measured before angioplasty, and one month and three months after angioplasty using SF-36 questionnaire. Reliability of this questionnaire has been reported in previous studies as 0.77-0.90 (Cronbach's alpha coefficient). Data were analyzed by Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS version 23.

Findings. The results showed that angioplasty has increased the mean score of quality of life in total and also, in all dimensions, one and three months after surgery (P≤0.0001). The relationship of quality of life  with all demographic variables (age, marital status, occupation, education level, place of residence, conditions of residence and type of insurance) was statistically significant except for gender.

Conclusion. The angioplasty is well able to improve the quality of life in different dimensions in the short term.Angioplasty can be recommended as a procedure with strong and positive effect on the health conditions and quality of life in people with CAD.

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Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on physical functioning and Health Related Quality Of Life in people with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

Background. According to the studies, CAD can affects physical functioning and HRQOL. Developing and examining psychological therapeutic models for improving quality of life and physical functioning would be appropriate.

Method. In this randomized clinical trial study with control group, 30 people with CAD were selected from coronary care unit of Abbasi Hospital of Mian-E-doab city, Iran, by convenience sampling and assigned randomly to experimental and control group. Data were collected by Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) for measuring for assessing health related quality of life and SF-36 for measuring physical functioning. The experimental group received mindfulness-based stress reduction program in eight 2.5 hours sessions, weekly. The control group did not receive any intervention.

Findings. The results showed that after controlling the pre-test effect, mindfulness-based stress reduction had a statistically significant effect on physical functioning and health related quality of life and their dimensions.

Conclusion. It can be concluded that mindfulness-based stress reduction influences physical functioning and health related quality of life by modulating biological and psychological processes.