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Aim. This study aimed to examine the effect of local thermotherapy on pain severity in patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders. Background. Chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders are among the most commonly and disturbing diseases which mainly affect the lower extremities. Chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders are the most common causes of disability. Many of patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorder suffer from pain. Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 60 patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders, referred to specialized unit of Mashhad Imam Reza Hospital, were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly allocated to control (n=30) and intervention group (n=30). A questionnaire including information about demographic characteristics and disease status were completed for all patients. Then, the pain severity of patients was measured before the intervention.  In the experimental group, the damaged limb of patients (from below of knee to fingers) put in the hot water (41 ° C) for 20 minutes. After thermotherapy, the pain severity of patients in the experimental group was measured again. Intervention was implemented for 5 consecutive days. The patients in control group received only routine medical treatment in the ward during 5 days and each day, their pain severity were measured. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 14 and descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings. The mean pain severity of patients after the intervention showed a statistically significant decrease (P<0.0001). The mean pain severity of patients in control group during 5 days showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion Thermotherapy with hot water significantly decreases pain severity of patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders.

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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 examine the role of liaison nurse on vital signs of patients in the process of transition from cardiac surgery intensive care unit to general ward. Background. Patients' transfer from intensive care unit to a general ward is accompanied by anxiety, stress and changes in patients' vital signs. It is said that the role of liaison nurse solve the problems between intensive care unit and the general ward and prevent adverse events during transfer of patients. Method. This was a quasi-experimental study in which 68 patients were recruited and allocated to experimental and control group. In both control and experimental group, demographic and disease characteristics were collected in the beginning of the study .The experimental group received liaison nurse services during transfer process. Vital signs of the patients were measured and recorded at the beginning of transfer and two hours after admission of patient in the general ward. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 19 and using statistical tests. Findings. Before intervention, the experimental and control group were homogeneous in terms of demographics and vital signs except for systolic blood pressure. After intervention, significant reductions were found in vital signs in the experimental group. Conclusion. Liaison nurse services affect the vital signs of patients in the process of transition from cardiac surgery intensive care unit to general ward.

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Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acupressure on anxiety in patients under mechanical ventilation. Background. Mechanical ventilation is a frequently used technological modality for patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and this treatment has potential to produce a variety of unpleasant stress and physiological and psychological complications. Anxiety is one of the most common mental reactions in patients under mechanical ventilation. Acupressure as a non-pharmacological approach may improve anxiety in these patients without side effects. Method. This was a randomized block experimental study in which 164 ventilated patients with stable hemodynamics and GCS≥9 who had study criteria were randomly allocated into experimental or control group. Patients in the experimental group received two sessions/day of acupressure along with routine care for two consecutive days, but patients in the control group received only routine care. The anxiety was measured with Faces Anxiety Scale (FAS), before, right after, and one hour following every acupressure session. The data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings. Baseline anxiety level was high in most of patients. Anxiety in the experimental group decreased significantly (p=0.032) when compared with control group, over time. Anxiety was significantly different between groups, right after intervention in every session of acupressure (p<0.0001). In the experimental group, time-dependent changes of anxiety was statistically significant (p<0.0001) and anxiety was significantly different before and right after intervention in every session of acupressure (p<0.0001). The amount of change in anxiety was not significantly different between sessions. Conclusion. Acupressure therapy could reduce anxiety significantly in patients with mechanical ventilation. Critical care nurses can use this non-pharmacological approach to reduce anxiety in patients under mechanical ventilation.

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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.

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Aim. This paper reviews various types of inducing hypothermia and related nursing care after cardiopulmonary arrest. Background. The patient experiencing post-resuscitation syndrome after cardiopulmonary arrest, requires admission in critical care unit to receive intensive care and constant monitoring. Method. Electronic databases was searched out to find related articles published within the last 5 year about hypothermia therapy and cardiopulmonary arrest. Some textbooks was also read to prepare this paper. Findings. Cooling techniques can be divided to noninvasive and invasive methods. Ice packs application to the groin, torso, axillae, and neck is an example of noninvasive cooling technique. Invasive cooling techniques include cold infusion, Intravascular cooling, and venovenous technique. Conclusion. Hypothermia therapy can be recommended as an effective method to reduce complications following cardiopulmonary arrest.

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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 was conducted to examine the effect of acupressure on severity of pain and fatigue in patients with chronic heart failure. Background. Patients with chronic heart failure experience high levels of pain and fatigue. Acupressure is a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive method which may reduce the pain and fatigue in patients with chronic heart failure. Method. In this single blind randomized clinical trial, 72 patients with chronic heart failure were recruited. Subjects were equally divided into two groups of experimental and placebo, by random allocation method. Then visual analogue scale and fatigue severity scale was used to evaluate the severity of pain and fatigue in each group. The members of experimental group were under acupressure in KI3 , GV20 and CV6 point for 3 minutes bilaterally. In addition, the participants were instructed to perform acupressure in same point three times a day for four weeks. Subjects in placebo group were trained to touch the points. Four weeks after intervention, the severity of pain and fatigue was measured in both groups. The data were analyzed by SPSS. Findings. The study findings showed no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of demographics, and severity of pain (p=1.000) and severity of fatigue (p=0.285) before intervention. After four weeks of intervention, a statistically significant relief on severity of pain (p=0.006) and fatigue (p≤ 0.0001) was seen in experimental group compared with placebo group . Conclusion. Acupressure can be effective in decreasing severity of pain and fatigue in people with chronic heart failure.

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Aim. This study was conducted to determine the effect of instrumental music on sleep in patients admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU). Background. Poor quality sleep, as a distressing situation, can aggravate myocardial ischemia and infarction. The music as a cheap, and noninvasive approach with a slow rhythm, monotonous and repetitive, may have inducing-sleep or relaxation effect. Method. The present study was a clinical trial conducted in 2014. The samples consisted of 72 patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted to coronary care unit of hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. They were selected using the simple random sampling method and divided into experimental (n=36) and control (n=36) group. The quality of sleep was measured in the beginning of hospitalization and three days after admision, and the quantity of sleep was measured all the three days using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and the sleep log quantity indices in experimental and control group. The intervention was implemented in the form of playing instrumental music in headphones since the first night of hospitalization for a three-night time span (45 minutes a night) in the beginning of the patients’ sleep. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 16, using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square, fisher's exact test, independent samples T test). Findings. According to the findings, the mean change in the sleep quality score, before and after intervention, and sleep quantity at the three nights of hospitalization were significantly different between experimental and control group (p<0.0001). Conclusion. The instrumental music can be effective in improving patients’ sleep quality and quantity. Therefore, nurses can benefit from this non-pharmacological method in their daily care to improve their patients’ sleep.

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Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current and expected status of comfort from the point of view of hospitalized cardiac surgery patients. Background. Providing comfort for the patient is one of the most important aspects of nursing that should be considered in all aspects of care as the top nursing care priority. Method. This was a descriptive comparative cross-sectional study in which 292 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were recruited as study sample. Data collection tool was a demographic form and modified form of Kolcaba's comfort questionnaire evaluating the current and expected status of comfort. After that the reliability and validity of the questionnaire was confirmed, it was completed by interview, the second day after surgery. Data analysis was performed by SPSS, version 16. Findings. The participants reported the best current status of comfort in psychospiritual (63.57 percent) and sociocultural (62.71 percent) domains of comfort, and rated physical domain of comfort as the lowest one(36.64 percent). Patients reported the comfort status in the environmental domain as moderate (54.78 percent). The most expectation of the patients were to be provided with comfort in psychospiritual (92.02 percent), environmental (91.14 percent) and physical (90.96 percent) domains, respectively, and the provision of comfort in sociocultural domain were least expected (88.16 percent). There was a statistically significant relationship of comfort with gender, age, education, occupation, place of residence, income, number of family members, physical activity and history of heart surgery, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Conclusion. Patients reported less comfort in the physical domain and the most expected domain of comfort was psycho-spiritual. It is recommended that nurses pay more attention to providing comfort in physical and psychospiritual domains.

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Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early mobility on respiratory parameters in patients after open heart surgery. Background. Post-operative phase of open heart surgery is the most critical period during which many serious and fatal complication can occur. Early mobility can prevent such complications. The role of the critical care nurse is crucial in this regard. Method. In a randomized clinical trial, 104 patients who were candidate for open heart surgery were randomly assigned to experimental (n=52) and control (n=52) group. Patients in control group received hospital routine treatments. Patients in experimental group were mobilized from the bed in the first, second and third day after surgery. Early mobility included change position, siting on the bed, legs dangling off the bed, sitting in the chair next to the bed, and walking). The effect of early mobilization on respiratory indices was examined. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 18 using independent t-test, Chi-square and one way ANOVA statistical testes. Findings. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding demographic variables and underlying disease. Better lung function and arterial blood gases suitable changes were seen in the experimental group. Inspiratory capacity and arterial oxygen saturation was greater in the experimental than control group. Conclusion. Early mobility after open heart surgery is a safe and effective intervention and can have a positive effect on the patient's respiratory indices reducing pulmonary complications following surgery.

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Abstract

Aim.The aim of this study was to compare the effect of education through lecture and multimedia methods on knowledge, attitude, and performance of cardiac care nurses about temporary pacemaker care.

Background.Cardiac dysrhythmias are among the most common cardiovascular disorders. Temporary pacemaker insertion is a treatment or prevention method for cardiac dysrhythmia. Nurses are the main group to provide the care for patients with temporary pacemaker, so it is necessary to educate them in an effective and efficient way.

Method.This was an experimental study conducted in 2015 on 52 cardiac care nurses working in ShaheedRajaei cardiovascular center. All 52 nurses were randomly divided in 2 groups of education through lecture and multimedia. The level of nurses' knowledge, attitude and performance was evaluated before and three weeks after education and the effect of education was examined using Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test through SPSS version 22.

Findings.Before intervention, the median and interquartile range of knowledge levels for lecture and mul-timedia groups were 12.5 (10-14) and 11 (9-12), respectively, and after that, they increased to 17 (15- 19) and 17 (13- 19). The median and interquartile range of performance levels for lecture and multimedia groups changed from 29 (26- 30) and 30 (26- 31) to 34 (32- 35) and 34 (32- 35), respectively. The knowledge and performance levels increased in both methods. But there was no statistically significant difference between these two methods. Before intervention, the median and interquartile range of attitude levels for lecture and multimedia groups were 62.5 (60-64) and 64 (63-66) and after that, they changed to 64 (60-64) and 63 (61-64), showing that intervention has no effect on attitude level in any of these two groups.

Conclusion.There is no difference between the effectiveness of education through two methods of lecture and multimedia software on cardiac care nurses' knowledge, attitude and performance. In the other words, multimedia software method is as effective as lecture method. Education using multimedia software can be considered as a proper method for increasing demand in staff education. Proper infrastructure and optimal training programs are prerequisites to effectiveness of education through multimedia software method.

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Abstract

Aim.This study aimed to compare pulse pressure variation (PPV) with central venous pressure (CVP) in checking out and optimizing fluid volume in mechanically ventilated patients admitted to intensive care unit after cardiac surgery.

Background.In clinical area, assessment of body fluid and determination of the intravascular volume  after major surgeries such as heart surgery is a significant challenge. The initial purpose of intravascular volume assessment in patients with hemodynamic instability is to determine whether they would benefit from fluid administration or not.

Method. In the present study a prospective descriptive-analytic design was used. Thirty mechanically ventilated patients admitted to intensive care units of Rajaee Heart Center, Tehran, Iran, were recruited in the study after cardiac surgery based on inclusion criteria. Data collection tools included demographic and clinical data sheets. Hemodynamic parameters such as CVP, systolic and diastolic pressures (for calculating pulse pressure and its variation) were recorded by bedside monitoring. Cardiac Index (CI) was measured by non invasive continuous cardiac output monitoring (NICCOMO) system. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 20, using statistical tests.

Findings. The mean changes of CVP, before and five minutes after fluid administration, were significantly different (10.10±6.01 mmHg and 12.37±6.34 mmHg, respectively, p=0.015). The mean changes in arterial pulse pressure, before and five minutes after fluid administration, were significantly different (16.94±8.32 mmHg and 12.77±4.02 mmHg, respectively, P=0.005). At the cut point 2.8 lit/min/m2 for CI, the sensitivity and specificity values for PPV>13%, were 0.71 and 0.61, respectively. Also, at the same cut point, the sensitivity and specificity values for CVP<5mmHg, were 0.11 and 0.84, respectively. These findings suggest a higher diagnostic power  of  PPV compared to CVP to assess fluid volume.

Conclusion.It seems that in the mechanically ventilated patients after heart surgery, PPV dynamic index is preferred to CVP static index to evaluate and maintain fluid volume.

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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. This study aimed to examine the effect of education by video self-assessment on nurses’ knowledge and performance about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Background.Cardiopulmonary arrest is one of the main medical emergencies and one of the major causes of death around the world. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the critical components of basic life support in response tocardiopulmonary arrest. The success ofcardiopulmonary resuscitationrequiresproficiencyandperformance of resuscitation group.

Method. This was a clinical trial study conducted on 80 nurses that were randomly divided into experimental and control group. Participants in control group received traditional training and experimental group experienced video self-assessment after traditional training. Knowledge on CPR was evaluated with a valid questionnaire including multiple choice questions. Psycho-motor skills were measured through a visual checklist observing CPR performance of the participants on a manikin. Outcome variables were measured three times (before, immediately after, and two months after training). Data were analyzed by the SPSS through repeated measures analysis.

Findings. Comparing the mean score of knowledge between the groups at before, immediately after, and 2 months after training did not show any statistical significant difference. Immediately, and two months after intervention, the mean score of performance of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group.

Conclusion.Education by Video self-assessment is an effective method to improve nurses’ performance in CPR.

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Abstract

Aim.The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between prodromal symptoms and referring time in patients with myocardial infarction in cardiac care unit of Rafsanjan Imam Ali-ibnAbi-Talib hospital in 2012.

Background.There is little information about how people respond to prodromal symptoms of myocardial infarction and how fast they refer to medical centers.

Method.In a cross-sectional study, 175 patients with acute myocardial infarction were recruited. For data collection, lasting about seven months, a questionnaire consisting of demographic data, risk factors for heart disease, prodromal symptoms, referring time and causesof delay was used. Questionnaires were completed by the researcher with bedside interview with patient and using medical records. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 18 using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency distribution and percentage) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test and Pearson coefficient).

Findings.The majority of patients were male (76.6%) and middle-aged (53.1). Of 175 patients, 132 (75.4%) had experienced warning sign, two weeks before the cardiac event and 43 (24.6%) had experienced no symptoms. Also, 51  patients (38.6%) had referred the physician office, clinic or hospital after experiencing warning signs. The time duration of patients arrival to hospital ranged from 15 minutes to 1500 minutes. There was a statistically significant correlations between prodromal symptoms and referring time in patients with myocardial infarction (p=0.007). Findings showed that the average total referring time was 206.94 minutes.

Conclusion. Recognizing prodromal symptoms leads to earlier seeking treatment in patients with myocardial infarction. Education for increasing public awareness of warning symptoms, especially for those with family history and risk of cardiovascular disease seems to be an appropriate strategy.

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Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to determine factors influencing the time interval from the onset of clinical symptoms to thrombolytic infusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background.Acute myocardial infarction is one of the most common causes of death and disability all over the world including Iran. The major cause of myocardial infarction, is the clot of blood in the coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Immediate administration of thrombolytic therapy in these patients can be life-saving.

Method. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study in which 98 patients with acute myocardial infarction hospitalized in selected Rasht therapeutic centers were recruited by convenience sampling in 2014.Data collection instrument included demographic information form and researcher-made questionnaire to obtain patients' clinical, situational and cognitive factors. Data were collected through patients medical records and interview. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 21 using non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests and P<0.05 was considered as significant.

Findings. The mean time interval from the onset of symptoms to the beginning of thrombolytic infusion was 247.2±182.4 minutes.In this study, the most pre-hospital delay was related to making decision for care seeking and in-hospital delay time was the least one. The patients had delay in referring to the hospital mainly due to the following: negative history of previous heart disease) p=0.001), lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms of the disease )p<0.0001), female gender) p=0.026 ,(an underlying diabetes )p= 0.001),low levels of education (p=0.003), low income )p=0.044),mild pain )p=0.001), and self-medication )p=0.003).The main cause for delay was related to the lack of awareness of the symptoms and ignorance of their importance.

Conclusion. The time interval from the onset of symptoms to thrombolytic infusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction was not satisfactory. It is necessary to provide required training programs for increasing the individuals’ awareness about the symptoms of the disease and the importance of treatment with thrombolytic drugs, as soon as possible, in order to minimize the time delay, thereby, increasing the efficiency of treatment, and ultimately reducing the mortality and disability of patients.

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Abstarct

Aim.The aim of this study was to determine nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and performance in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) based on PRECEDE model.

Background. Despite development of CPR team in Iran’s hospitals, performance in the field of CPR is not satisfactory.

Method. In this cross-sectional descriptive analytical study, all staff nurses (n= 97) working at ateaching hospital (9 Day) in Torbat-e-Heiydariyeh, Iran, were studied.The data collection tools included a reliable and valid researcher-made questionnaire to collect demographic data and a questionnaire which developed based on PRECEDE model.Data were analyzed in SPSS version 20 using ANOVA, linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient.

Findings. The mean age of the nurses was 29.45±7.45 years.The average score for PRECEDE model constructs were 79.17±18.68 (knowledge), 95.48±6.64 (attitude), 62.6±19.52 (enabling factors), 67.61±20.12 (reinforcing factors), and 72.37± 9.71 (performance).Also enabling factors were the most important predictor of nurses’ performance (B=0.773, p<0/0001).A statistically significant relationship was observed of nurses’ performance with gender (p=0.007) and experience of CPR (p=0.027). There was a positive significant correlation of enabling factors with reinforcing factors (p=0.007, r=0.274) and behavior (p=0.000, r=0.773).

Conclusions. Constructs of knowledge, attitude, and performance were in desirable level and constructs of reinforcing and enabling factors were in moderate level. It is recommended to implement interventions and programs while considering enabling and reinforcing factors for promoting the performance of nurses in CPR.

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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.

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Aim. This study aimed to determine predictive power of obesity indices, cardiovascular fitness and physical activity in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in male and female college students.

Background. Given the high mortality due to cardiovascular diseases from the young age caused by obesity and physical inactivity, the primary prevention, especially at an early age can be a solution to avoid the disease. Initial screening by simple, secure and affordable methods for prevention is essential.

Method. A total of 223 students (150 males, age 20.33±1.71 and 73 females, age 20.36±1.72) participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were obtained using a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and cardiovascular fitness (VO₂max). Independent t-tests was used to show difference between gender in terms of variables, ANOVA was used to determine the differences among groups of male and female separately, whose had the different number of risk factors, and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to determine the correlation of obesity indices and VO₂max with metabolic risk factors, and the ROC curves was used to measure the power of predicting and the cut-off points of cardiovascular risk factors.

Findings.Statistically significant correlation was found between obesity indices and metabolic risk factors (other than blood glucose and systolic blood pressure in males). As the number of metabolic risk factors increased, elevation in obesity indices in females and the reduction of VO₂max in males were significant. All obesity indices were within normal range. Cut-off points calculated by the ROC were 21.11 for body mass index and 75.15, 0.44 and 75.50, 0.47 for waist circumference and the waist-to-height ratio, for males and females respectively.

Conclusion. The findings of this study showed that the obesity indices are more powerful than physical activity levels and VO₂max for predicting the possibility of cardiovascular disease among students.