Health Education and Health Promotion

Abstract Aims: Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological condition that can affect individuals during large-scale crises, such as the coronavirus pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19-related post-traumatic stress disorder on the quality of nurses’ work life. Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted between September 2022 and March 2023 among nurses working in hospitals affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, located in northwest Iran. Through convenience sampling, 261 nurses were enrolled. Data were collected using the demographic and professional characteristics form, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Scale, and the Quality of Nurses’ Work Life (QNWL) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20, applying descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, analysis of variance, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. A significance level of p<0.05 was considered. Findings: The mean age of the participants was 35.19±7.75 years. The mean post-traumatic stress disorder score was 45.96±20.21, and the mean quality of nurses’ work life score was 128.17±27.73. Significant relationships were observed between employment status and work shift with the quality of nurses’ work life (p<0.05). Additionally, gender and marital status were significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and the quality of nurses’ work life are at moderate levels among the nurses.

Abstract Aims: This study compared two innovative teaching methods, including interactive online lecture-based versus online jigsaw puzzle-based instruction for surgical technology education in a virtual environment.
Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental pre-post single-group design was conducted on 42 undergraduate surgical technology students at Alborz University of Medical Sciences. Topics in a general surgical technology module were divided into two sections and taught using these methods. Learning and retention were assessed using 40-item multiple-choice questions in the pre- and post-test stages. Academic enthusiasm was evaluated using a standard 15-item questionnaire.
Findings: Participants’ mean age was 20.26±0.63 years, with a GPA of 16.43±0.94. The interactive online lecture-based group demonstrated significantly higher learning gains than the online jigsaw puzzle-based group (p=0.02, z=-2.20, d=3.41). No significant between-group differences emerged in retention (p=0.95, t=0.05, d=0.013). For academic enthusiasm, the interactive online lecture-based group showed higher behavioral engagement compared to the online jigsaw puzzle-based group (p=0.005, t=2.87), but no other differences were noted.
Conclusion: Interactive online lectures lead to superior learning outcomes, supporting the transition of traditional techniques online with interactivity. However, virtual jigsaw puzzles exhibit weaker educational effects, potentially due to coordination challenges.

Abstract Aims: Fear is a strategy for dealing with situations in which something is considered a threat. This study aimed to assess the fear of COVID-19 and its effect on Quality of Life in pregnant women.
Instrument & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 12,576 pregnant women were studied in six Pontianak-Health-Centers in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Three survey instruments, including a sociodemographic questionnaire, obstetric status, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the QoL Gravidarum (QoL-GRAV), were used to assess for an association between fear of COVID-19 and pregnancy-related QoL using the Pearson correlation test. Generalized linear modeling was used to identify dominant variables.
Findings: The fear experienced by pregnant women had an average score of 21.6±9.6. The QoL average score was 25.0±8.7. The general linear model showed a dominant relationship between parity status (β=-0.083; t=-2.141; p=0.005) and job (β=-0.75; t=1.923; p=0.033) with QoL in pregnant women. COVID-19 had no significant relationship with QoL (β=-0.11; t=-2.809; p=0.055).
Conclusion: There is no correlation between fear of COVID-19 and quality of life, while job and parity influence the quality of life in pregnant women.

Abstract Aims: The pandemic corona is known as one of the most important challenges in the world. At the same time, the stigma associated with COVID-19 threatens different groups, including patients, recoveries, and healthcare workers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of stigmatization during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare providers in Iran.
Instrument & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, in which 527 people were selected using simple random sampling, was conducted in 2022. The overall COVID-19-related stigma score was calculated from 18 to 62 with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.906. SPSS 25 software was used for data analysis by independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Chi-square.
Findings: The highest percentage of the obtained score was assigned to, the practices to avoid infection with COVID-19 (48.1%) and anxiety or fear of being affected (47%). Among the domains of stigma, the most important predictor of anxiety or fear of being affected was the policy of health settings (R²=0.735).
Conclusion: Ongoing education, adherence to infection prevention and control protocols, and personalized strategies have the most significant role in improving healthcare workers' compliance in averting COVID-19 transmission.

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a blended educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) about COVID-19 on teachers' preventive behavior.
Materials & Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on female teachers in four districts affiliated with Education Organization Karaj Iran. Then, one of these two districts was assigned to the intervention group (n=70) and the other to the control group (n=70) by the lottery method. The educational intervention was conducted via three online platforms. Our intervention was named BEHTA. It included a specifically designed website, holding virtual and group discussion classes, and using a popular social network messenger.
Findings: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups before training (p>0.05) but immediately and 12 weeks after training, the two groups had a statistically significant difference in all constructs (p<0.05). In the control group, the mean score of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy did not differ significantly (p>0.05), but the mean score of behavior decreased (p=0.027).
Conclusion: The educational intervention improves all constructs regarding COVID-19 in the intervention group.

Abstract Aims: The objective of this study was to explore the coordination and communication governance processes utilized by the Yogyakarta provincial government in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants & Methods: Qualitative research with a phenomenological approach was performed with a total of 7 informants from various stakeholders, including government institutions, professional organizations, and task forces collaborating with the Yogyakarta Provincial Health Office to address the challenges posed by COVID-19 in the region. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and observations. The data were analyzed by Colaizzi’s method.
Findings: Two primary themes were produced, including, 1) training and development of human resources for the management of the crisis, with two sub-themes emerging, including, a) the healthcare stage in handling and b) recruitment in human resources fulfillment, and 2) the communication governance of the Yogyakarta Special Region's government, with four key themes, including, a) effective information through easily accessible applications, b) comprehensive information from reliable sources, c) diverse media for socialization meetings during coordination, and d) dissemination of recommendations.
Conclusion: An effective response to the pandemic hinged on a cooperative strategy that brought together diverse stakeholders, such as government entities, healthcare organizations, and community leaders.

Abstract Aims: Populations are generally susceptible to the new coronavirus, but the elderly are more susceptible to severe disease and are admitted to the intensive care unit, and the mortality rate is higher in elderly patients. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.
Instrument & Methods: The present cross-sectional survey was conducted on 461 Iranian elderly. Data collection tools include a questionnaire focusing on the quality of life in physical and mental dimensions. Stark quality of life questionnaire to adapt and be useful in COVID-19 disease outbreak conditions; only short phrases have been added to relate it to the disease. Data analysis was done using independent t and ANOVA tests.
Findings: Out of 461 participants in this study, 236 (51.2%) were men and the rest were women. Their average age was 70.46 years. The mean score of the mental component was 7.6±1.8 in women and 6.8±1.9 in men. The mean score of the physical component was 17.3±5.6 in women and 14.9±5.8 in men. There has been a significant relationship between the mental and physical components of gender. The results also showed that physical states of men enjoy better conditions compared to women (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that the quality of life of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic was low. Men also enjoyed better conditions in comparison with women.

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to measure the professional quality of life of healthcare workers in an urban hospital in Vietnam after the epidemic and identify the associated factors.
Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers in an urban hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam, from July to September 2022. A total of 924 participants were recruited in the study. The Professional Quality of Life Scale for Health Workers was employed. Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for data analysis.
Findings: The mean professional quality of life score for healthcare workers was moderate. Being female was positively associated with the PS domain (r=0.7) but negatively related to STS (r=-0.9) and MD domains (r=-0.9). Living with a spouse/partner positively affected the CS domain (r=0.6). Lower education level was negatively correlated with CS and PS scores. Participants with other professionals had higher CS (r=0.9) and PS (r=1.1) scores but lower BO (r=-1.0), STS (r=-0.6), and MD scores (r=-0.6). Being staff was negatively associated with CS and PS scores. Higher working days per week were negatively correlated with CS (r=-0.4) and PS scores (r=-0.4), while a higher number of working hours per day was positively correlated with BO (r=0.2) and STS scores (r=0.1).
Conclusions: This study shows a moderate professional quality of life among Vietnamese healthcare workers after the pandemic.

Abstract Aims: The educational system is one of the key areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to their sensitive nature, medical schools and health-related disciplines have been more significantly impacted by COVID-19. Therefore, aggregation and integration of educational policies applied in medical schools worldwide are essential for evidence-based decision-making by educational policymakers—the present study aimed to identify virtual learning policies in medical schools during COVID-19.
Information & Methods: This systematic review of all published articles on virtual education policies in medical schools during COVID-19 until January 20, 2022, collected from five databases and the Google Scholar search engine. Overall, 38 articles are identified and analyzed using content analysis in MAXQDA 10.
Findings: The results are classified into three domains: Challenges, solutions, and advantages of virtual learning of medical sciences during COVID-19. Thirty-four challenges, 62 solutions, and 27 advantages are identified. Each domain is divided into five categories: learner, teaching-learning process, technical infrastructure, instructor, and evaluation.
Conclusion: Distance education policies need to identify the challenges of this type of education and apply a systemic model of interventions that include virtual clinical workshops, clinical simulation laboratories, flexible online resources, a gradual e-learning process, a system for sharing the virtual materials of instructors, and ways of improving students’ and instructors’ computer skills.

Abstract Aims: The World Health Organization recommends preventive behaviors despite the approval of several vaccines to control COVID-19. Mass media and digital technologies also play an important role in addressing public health issues. This study aimed to investigate the protection motivation theory constructs by COVID-related information channels on protective behaviors against COVID-19 in southwestern Iran.
Instrument & Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study from July to August 2021, 255 patients referred to urban health centers were included by simple random sampling. Data were analyzed by SPSS 24 software using correlation and regression tests.
Findings: 32.2% of the participants received COVID-19 information through radio, TV, and satellite, and 30.6% through WhatsApp and Telegram social networks. Awareness predicted 11% of protective behavior (p<0.001; R=0.118; β=0.343). Protective motivation (behavioral intention) predicted 49.5% of behavior (p<0.001; R=0.495; R²=0.487).
Conclusion: Using protection motivation theory by information channels facilitates preventive behavior against COVID-19.

Abstract Aims: Self-care behaviors and standard precautions are important for maintaining nurses' health. This research aimed to evaluate the relationship between nurses’ self-care and standard precaution observance in intensive care unit during COVID-19.
Instruments & Methods: This descriptive-analytical research was conducted on the ICU nurses at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. A total of 140 nurses were included in the research through convenience sampling. The data were collected using demographic survey questions, Self-Care Inventory-Revised (SCI-R), and Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS).
Findings: The greatest self-care means among the participants was in the professional dimension (40.1±4.41), and the lowest means of self-care was in the psychological dimension (26.97±3.55). The highest and lowest score of standard precautions was 20 and 3, respectively. The average precaution observance was 13.99±2.931. There was a positive and significant correlation between self-care and observance of standard precautions of nurses (r=0.224; p=0.008).
Conclusion: Nurses in intensive care units in COVID-19 pandemic pay little attention to their self-care. Self-care in the professional dimension receives relative attention, and in the psychological dimension, receives the least attention. The standard precautions in COVID-19 pandemic is not at an acceptable level, and there is a direct and positive correlation between self-care and observing standard precautions.

Abstract Aims: The Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected various dimensions of life and lifestyles, and sexual life is no exception. The present study aimed to determine the effect of multimedia sexual index promotion packages on the sexual function, desire, and satisfaction of couples during the outbreak of Covid-19.
Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 60 married people in Qazvin City, Iran, in 2022. Participants were randomly assigned into control (n=30) and intervention (n=30) groups. Demographic questionnaire, Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire, Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire, International Index of Erectile Function, and Female Sexual Function Index were used to collect data. The Chi-square, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon test were used for data analysis.
Findings: In the intervention group, the mean of sexual function, desire, and satisfaction significantly increased in the post-test compared to the pre-test (p<0.05). This difference was observed only in sexual desire in the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Multimedia sexual indexes promotion packages improve sexual function, desire, and satisfaction of couples during the outbreak of Covid-19.

Abstract Aims: Self-efficacy in making professional decisions refers to people's confidence in their abilities to complete tasks and display particular behaviors, which enables them to successfully connect these activities to their career goals. This study aimed to examine and determine the level of self-efficacy of high school students in choosing a career during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instruments & Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study survey was conducted on 469 high school students in Boyolali Regency and Surakarta City, Indonesia, who were selected using the cluster proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The Career Decision Making Self-Efficacy Scale-short Form was used to gather the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software.
Findings: The self-efficacy of high school students in making career decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic was rated as moderate. There was no significant difference in the level of self-efficacy in career decision-making between the male and female students (p>0.05). However, there was a significant difference between junior and senior high school students in Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy (p<0.05) and problem-solving (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Problem-solving indicators can be used to create guidance and counseling programs in schools and have implications for future career planning.

Abstract Aims: Caring for patients during the Covid-19 pandemic exposes nurses to both physical and emotional challenges. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the professional quality of life and caring behaviors in nurses working during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instruments & Methods: This cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted in 2022. The study population was all nurses working in selected hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences. 124 nurses working during the Covid-19 epidemic by using convenience method were selected. Data collected using the demographic and occupational information form, Stumm's professional quality of life questionnaire, and Wolf's caring behaviors of nurses’ questionnaire. All questionnaires were completed by self-report method. Data were analyzed by Spearman's correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and linear regression tests using SPSS 22 software.
Findings: The overall mean score of caring behaviors was 82.06±7.76, and the overall mean score of professional quality of life was 106.18±18.31. There was a significant and direct correlation between the professional quality of life and caring behaviors of nurses working in the Covid-19 epidemic (r=0.435; p<0.001). The linear regression method also showed a significant and direct linear relationship between the two variables.
Conclusion: The professional quality of life is significantly and directly correlated with caring behaviors in nurses working during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, improving the professional quality of life of employees can be effective in providing better and more quality care.

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to determine the adherence to treatment and affecting factors in tuberculosis patients during COVID-19 outbreaks.
Instrument & Methods: This is a mixed-method study with an explanatory sequential design. The first phase was a cross-sectional study on 108 tuberculosis patients. Data were collected with an adherence questionnaire in patients with chronic disease. Descriptive statistics and linear regression tests were used for quantitative data analysis. The second phase was a qualitative study with the conventional content analysis approach. Participants included 12 patients and healthcare providers involved in the directly observed treatment short course program for tuberculosis in related centers to Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Southeast of Iran.
Findings: The median scores of treatment adherence were 110.00±35.00, and 48 (44%) of subjects had poor to moderate scores. COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 factors have influenced the adherence to treatment in patients with tuberculosis patients.
Conclusion: A worldwide and unanticipated crisis can negatively affect the control of chronic diseases. Anxiety and panic over the unknown nature, lack of definitive treatment, and mortality of COVID-19 led to the disruption of the directly observed therapies program by both tuberculosis patients and healthcare providers. Giving part of the tuberculosis management responsibility to the patient and family was not an effective solution during the COVID-19 crisis.

Abstract Aims: The spread of the Corona pandemic has affected the status of companies involved in information and communication technology. This study aimed to investigate individuals’ subjective perspectives on the use of ICT (online businesses, virtual meetings, e-learning, and generally the role and impact of cyberspace) and finally evaluate people’s willingness to pay.
Materials & Methods: In this study, a conditional logit model was used. The required information was collected through a field survey by completing a questionnaire from 384 respondents of Tehran citizens in 2021.
Findings: Based on the information from the questionnaires filled, more than 75% of the respondents rated the use of cyberspace capabilities for encountering Corona disease as moderate and high. The result of estimating people’s willingness to pay for the feature of “use of information and communication technology” in the present study was 5600000 Rials.
Conclusion: Considering the capabilities of this technology and its position among the people, it is necessary to put on the agenda ICT penetration expansion and planning to make maximum use of its capabilities in similar pandemics and crises.

Abstract Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the determinants of COVID-19 preventive behaviors among women of reproductive age in Urmia using a behavioral change model.
Instrument & Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study examined 400 women selected by the snowball and convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a valid and reliable electronic researcher-made questionnaire consisting of four sections (demographic characteristics, knowledge, model constructs, and preventive behaviors) and analyzed by the descriptive and inferential statistical methods by SPSS 16.
Findings: There was a positive correlation between COVID-19 preventive behaviors with self-efficacy (p<0.001, r=0.68), knowledge (r<0.26, p<0.001), cues to action (p<0.001, r=0.29), perceived benefits (p<0.001, r=0.43), perceived susceptibility (p=0.002, r=0.15), and perceived severity (p<0.001, r=0.20), and a negative and significant correlation with perceived barriers (p<0.001, r=-0.32). The constructs of the health belief model predicted 50% of the variance of preventive behaviors, and the self-efficacy construct (p<0.001, β=0.5388) was the strongest predictor.
Conclusion: Given the effective role of the research model in explaining the determinants of the COVID-19 preventive behaviors, the health belief model (HBM) and effective constructs can be used in educational planning and interventions.

Abstract Aims: COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy is a public health concern in the world. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of vaccination hesitancy and its relevant factors using the health belief model among people in northeast Iran.
Instrument & Methods: The present cross-sectional study examined 626 people using convenience sampling. Data were collected through an online survey using a questionnaire based on the health belief model at intervals of 10 September 2021 and 15 October 2021. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 16.
Findings: Overall, 70.6% of the samples reported that they would use the vaccine for free after it becomes available. Health belief model constructs predicted 40% of the variance of vaccination behavioral intention. The results indicated that the perceived barriers were significantly related to using the vaccine, thereby reducing the probability of using the vaccine by 10% (Relative Risk Ratio=0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-0.99). Perceived benefits (Relative Risk Ratio =1.21, 95% CI: 1.11-1.32), perceived susceptibility (Relative Risk Ratio =1.54, 95% Cl: 1.23-1.92), and behavioral intention (Relative Risk Ratio =3.06, 95% CI: 2.23-4.20) had a significant relationship with the probability of using the vaccine.
Conclusion: About one-third of the participants had COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. Interventions are necessary to increase compliance with vaccination, especially among people with low education levels. The health belief model constructs have a high power of predicting hesitancy and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and can be used in intervention programs.

Abstract Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the global economy as well as the healthcare delivery systems. Without effective treatment and vaccines in the earlier phase of the pandemic, the public needs to engage in precautionary behaviors and disease surveillance and response at the policy level. This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 among the residents in Sabah, Malaysia.
Instruments & Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling from March to April 2020. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to examine the association factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards the COVID-19 pandemic.
Findings: A total of 536 participants completed the questionnaire. The mean knowledge score was 10.1±1.2, and 84.2% had a correct rate of knowledge. The attitude towards the final success in controlling COVID-19 was significantly different in age groups, marital status, and occupation types (p<0.05). Those with higher knowledge scores were more likely to agree with the confidence of the final success in controlling COVID-19. 94.4% were confident that Malaysia will win the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. People in government sectors were 6.19 times more likely to wear masks than unemployed respondents.
Conclusion: The level of knowledge of the residents in Sabah, Malaysia, about COVID-19 is quite satisfactory. Meanwhile, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 differ according to the socio-demography of the population in Sabah.

Abstract Aims: Technology can facilitate the limitations of health literacy for children with special needs. Therefore a design is needed that is adapted to the limitations of children with special needs, especially deaf children. This study aimed to develop reproductive health reading materials on puberty for deaf students based on digital pocketbooks.
Materials & Methods: The present study is a design and development research with qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed method) with ADDIE steps. This study involved 15 deaf children in SMALB class X to XII who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews. This study was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, so surveys and other research activities were online. The qualitative results were analyzed using content analysis, and quantitative results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test.
Findings: Most students said they had never been invited to discuss what changes would occur when they entered puberty. The knowledge of deaf students significantly increased after receiving reproductive health promotion intervention using digital pocketbooks (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Parents and deaf students need comprehensive reproductive health literacy adapted by focusing on digital-based text and images to be widely accessible.

Abstract Aims: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychological disorder affecting a person directly or indirectly that may appear as a threat to physical security, death or death threat, natural disasters, war, etc. The purpose of this study was to assess post-traumatic stress disorder in Iranian healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19.
Instrument & Methods: The present study was conducted cross-sectional and online, from 5 May to 23 August 2020, on 418 Iranian healthcare workers, including (physicians, nurse & laboratory technicians, health workers, administrative staff, and radiologists). Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire through the Porsline site by convenience sampling method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA in SPSS 16 software.
Findings: Most participants in the study (40.4%) were in the age group of 30 to 39 years. Out of 286 individuals who had reported post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, the majority were women (73.1%) and married (71.3%). Among the healthcare workers with post-traumatic stress disorder, 16% had mild, 14.8% had moderate, 37.6% had severe symptoms, and 31.6% were asymptomatic. Post-traumatic stress disorder had a statistically significant relationship to gender, type of employment, smoking, a history of specific diseases, the probability of coronavirus exposure, and a history of contact with a COVID-19 patient (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Two-thirds of healthcare workers had some degree of post-traumatic stress disorder. Due to the professional and vital importance and role of this group in health systems and communities, providing appropriate psychological solutions and techniques and tailored interventions to promote the physical and mental health of healthcare workers must be considered in priority.

Abstract Aims: This paper aimed to report the development and validation of the Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety Scale, for assessing COVID-19-related anxiety.
Instrument & Methods: This is a methodological and psychometric study, we developed a 7-Item Generalized anxiety disorder of COVID-19 scale to measure symptoms of anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic to help identify people who might need mental health services. In developing the generalized anxiety disorder of COVID-19 scale items, we considered a previous theory and research on anxiety symptoms and symptoms reported in Iran. The scale was validated in the Razavi Khorasan (N=500).
Findings: The CVR in this study for the total scale was 0.81 indicating a satisfactory result. Also, the CVI for the scale was0.78, and the scale had good content validity. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit for the seven-factor model. generalized anxiety disorder of covid-19 scale showed good internal consistency.
Conclusion: The results support the viability of generalized anxiety disorder on the COVID-19 scale as a tool to identify individuals experiencing COVID-19-related anxiety.

Abstract Aims: One of the important causes of anxiety in COVID-19 is the inability to regulate emotion and lack of self-control during threatening conditions. Psychotherapy techniques have been effective in reducing psychological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy on the emotional regulation and self-control of these patients.
Materials & Methods: It was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study with a control group. The statistical population included 30 men who were undergoing COVID-19 quarantine. Available sampling was used and individuals were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, dialectical behavior therapy was performed in 10 sessions of 90 minutes. Tangi self-control and Garnofsky emotion regulation questionnaires were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software and multivariate analysis of covariance.
Findings: There was a significant difference between the mean scores of emotional regulation and self-control variables in the experimental and control groups (p<0.05). The effect of this treatment on increasing the emotional regulation score was 27% and on increasing the self-control score was 15%.
Conclusion: Dialectical behavior therapy can increase cognitive regulation and improve self-control in patients with COVID-19. It is suggested that this intervention be used in psychological treatment programs.

Abstract Aims: Social distancing is one of the most effective methods to control the transmission of Covid-19. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of social distancing in students.
Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 342 students of Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences. Sampling was performed electronically using the availability sampling method. Data collection tools were a questionnaire of demographic information and a questionnaire designed for measuring students’ social distancing knowledge, attitude, and practice. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Findings: The mean age of participants was 21.56±2.11. Out of 342 participants, 222 (64.9%) were female, 84.2% were single, and 84.8% were living in urban areas. The median social distancing knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 6±1, 48±4, and 16±3, respectively. Out of the 342 surveyed students, 85.4% showed a good level of social distancing knowledge, 76% showed a good attitude towards social distancing, 22.8% showed a moderate attitude, and none (0%) showed a poor attitude. However, only 0.6% of the surveyed students earned good social distancing practice scores.
Conclusion: Despite the good social distancing knowledge and attitude scores of the surveyed students, they were doing poorly in practicing social distancing.

Abstract Aims: The global spread of coronavirus disease in 2019 necessitated some modifications in infection control measures in dental practice. This study aimed to assess the changes in general dentists’ approach towards infection control measures in dental practice in Rasht city, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instrument & Methods: This study was conducted on 250 general dentists in Rasht city. The approach of general dentists towards infection control measures was evaluated using a researcher-designed questionnaire with four domains of patient screening, adherence of office staff to preventive measures, patient admission measures, and use of infection control equipment. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 24, an independent t-test, and ANOVA.
Findings: The results showed that 46.4% of dentists had a good approach towards infection control measures in dental practice. Of the four domains, dental clinicians acquired the maximum score in adherence of office staff to preventive measures (2.46±0.69) and the minimum score in patient admission measures (1.47±0.96). The acquired score was 2.33±1 in the use of infection control equipment and 2.1±0.89 in patient screening. parameters revealed no significant correlation with age, gender, work experience, or some working days per week (p>0.35).
Conclusion: The results showed a maximum change in dental clinicians’ approach toward the use of personal protective equipment, efficient infection control equipment, and office disinfection. The minimum change was noted in patient screening and admission. With an increase in the national rate of vaccination against COVID-19, the vaccination card or QR code is expected to be required as a prerequisite for patient admission, which would improve the patient admission domain.