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Objectives: In many areas, natural disasters are a major challenge for life and property of people. Earthquake is one of the most devastating natural disasters. This study aimed to explore how older adults responded to challenges after the earthquake in Iran., Methods: This study was based on qualitative analysis. Data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews. 29 participants including 18 older adult survivors of the earthquake-stricken areas, four lay caregivers, and three health professionals in disasters, one social worker, two relief worker and one disaster psychologist were interviewed. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The transcribed texts were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis recommended by Graneheim and Lundman (2004)., Results: The study explored two main categories regarding older adults' responses to challenges after the earthquake: adaptive and maladaptive responses. Adaptive response has been developed by four factors including; religious coping, sharing feelings and information, coping with new activities, roles and place. Also, maladaptive response was included; the lack of motivation to search for relief supplies, undue dependency, and decrease of social activities., Conclusion: Service providers are recommended to identify the patterns of vulnerability and cultural sensitivities in older adults' responses to manage the negative consequences of disasters on older adults. Furthermore, older adults can make a substantial contribution in recovery programs based on the adaptive responses, such as helping in the rescue efforts and psychological support from family and community after disasters., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Breast cancer survivors may experience a variety of disabilities that could potentially compromise their independent functioning. This study aimed to examine their perspectives and experts on their functioning and interpret concepts with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and the Item-Perspective Classification Framework (IPF). Interpretive descriptive methods were used with in-depth interviewing with 16 breast cancer survivors and 22 experts using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis. The extracted data were linked to the ICF Core Set for Breast cancer and were interpreted by the IPF. Four main themes emerged to define the functioning of breast cancer survivors: body functioning, physical functioning, social functioning, and mental functioning. Three other factors were also categorized as modifiers of functioning personal, emotional, and environmental. The 592 extracted meaningful concepts were linked to 38 (47%) categories from the ICF: 16 Body Functions, 14 Activities and Participation, and 8 Environmental Factors. The IPF classified all the extracted concepts, and most rational appraisals fell in the biological (B) domain. The concepts that required emotional appraisal were classified in Psychology (P). Psychological and emotional factors were pivotal in defining functioning in patients with BC. Rehabilitation specialists need to consider a holistic approach to breast cancer survivor care that addresses physical functioning and social, emotional, and environmental factors that may affect their overall well-being. The findings suggest that rehabilitation interventions that aim to improve the functioning of breast cancer survivors should target a range of areas, including body functioning, physical functioning, social functioning, and mental functioning. It is important for rehabilitation professionals to consider personal, emotional, and environmental factors that influence the functioning of breast cancer survivors when designing interventions. Using the ICF Core Set for Breast Cancer and the IPF can help rehabilitation specialists better understand the functioning of breast cancer survivors and develop more effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused some major changes in occupational patterns that form part of the individual's occupational identity. Due to debilitating symptoms, post-COVID-19 survivors with limitations in the occupational performance areas may experience occupational imbalance. The objective of this study was to investigate the methods employed by patients to engage in their daily activities for regaining occupational balance. Methods: The study used an interpretive paradigm and conventional content analysis. An in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted with 11 patients who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 in the past 6 months or less, along with their three primary caregivers residing in Tehran. The sampling method used was purposive and continued until conceptual saturation was reached. Participants with the most tremendous possible diversity in demographic variables were included. Data were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss's recommended Constant Comparative Analysis. Results: The findings showed that patients used different strategies which included self-treatment based on others' recommendations, compensatory, fatigue prevention and adaptive strategies to restore occupational balance. Conclusion: As occupational therapists, we must understand post-COVID-19 survivors' perspectives on occupations and their preferred strategies. Also, findings confirm that occupational balance is a dynamic process that the adaptive capacities of the patients help to restore occupational balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons with Disabilities are the world's largest minority. This group, like others, needs information and skills to play a positive role in the community. Public libraries play an important role in providing services to the community, including People with Disabilities, by providing a variety of sources and services. The present study has been conducted using the qualitative content analysis method for identifying the types of library services and programs required for people with visually impaired, physically disabled, and hearing impaired using a semi-structured interview. The sample of the study consisted of 84 individuals, including librarians of public libraries and the disabled in the three groups mentioned. The identified library needs and services are categorized into eight categories: planning and budgeting, advertising and service development, library accessibility and physical condition, services and programs, human resources and training, collection, information equipment, and technology and welfare facilities. The category of services and programs had the highest frequency in all three groups of the disabled. In the group of physically disabled individuals, the category of accessibility ranked highest, and in the two groups of the blind and deaf, services and programs had the highest frequency. The need to know about library services in different ways (email, SMS, and social media, ...) had the highest frequency. Public libraries should plan to make the library accessible, and provide a variety of services and programs for individuals with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growth of the elderly population, on the one hand, and the increase in exposure to accidents and disasters, on the other hand, have highlighted the attention on the issues of the older adults in disasters. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the lives of the elderly after the earthquake. Materials and Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted using the content analysis method. The study data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews. In total, 26 participants were interviewed in this study, including 4 specialists (an accident and disaster specialist, an elderly specialist, a psychologist, a social worker), 18 older adults, and 4 caregivers of the older adults. The data collection and data analysis process were performed simultaneously, and the Granheim and Lundman approach was used in this regard. Results: In this study, two main categories were found about changes in the lives of the elderly after the earthquake: re-victimization and post-accident growth. Re-victimization category consisted of the subcategories of "increased dependency", "declining physical and mental health", "poverty and deprivation", and "avoidance of work and family activities", and post-accident growth included the subcategories of "individual growth", "self-regulatory behaviors", and "reinforcing the houses". Conclusion: Clarifying the nature and life changes of the elderly after the earthquake can enhance the knowledge of service providers. This information helps them make the necessary plans to prevent and reduce the problems that the elderly face after the earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that can significantly impact the psychosocial aspects of primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis. This study explored the process of social isolation among primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis in Kerman, Iran. Methods: A grounded theory approach was employed to explore the various aspects of social isolation. Data were collected through unstructured and semi-structured interviews with 15 primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis, 13 individuals with multiple sclerosis and five health care providers who were selected based on purposeful and theoretical sampling. The data were analysed via constant comparative analysis. Results: The core variable identified from the interviews was social isolation. Other concepts that were connected with this were: insufficient knowledge and awareness, escaping stigma, occupational difficulties, marital challenges and management of restrictions. Conclusions: Social isolation can affect the wellbeing of primary caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Recognition and awareness of the process of social isolation and factors influencing it can be beneficial in designing theory-driven evaluation and intervention methods. It is recommended that rehabilitation specialists pay close attention to the common needs and interests of both individuals with multiple sclerosis and their primary caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: Occupational performance coaching is a family-centred approach that helps mothers who have children with occupational performance challenges. This study sought to identify the barriers and facilitators to goal achievement and engagement with occupational performance coaching based on the experiences of mothers of children with cerebral palsy who were receiving occupational performance coaching. Methods: This qualitative study was embedded within a randomised control trial. Twelve mothers of children with cerebral palsy who had received occupational performance coaching were interviewed using a semi-structured interview technique. Their responses were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: The most important barriers to goal achievement and engagement with coaching were societal, family-related and mother-related factors. The facilitators were new resources, family cohesion, mother-related factors and child-related factors. Conclusions: Different factors can affect the outcomes of occupational performance coaching based on the viewpoint of mothers of children with cerebral palsy. Occupational therapists should consider societal, family and individual factors when using this intervention with clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Background: Rehabilitation of spinal cord injury focuses on resilience in all aspects of daily living. In order to improve functional outcomes, obstacles to achieving resilience must be recognised. This study explored the process of non-resilience in a spinal cord injury population in Iran. Methods: This qualitative study was part of a grounded theory study. The experiences of 24 participants, including 16 people with spinal cord injury, and 8 people with spinal care experience (3 caregivers, 2 occupational therapists, 1 physiotherapist, 1 social worker and 1 nurse), were explored through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparative analysis. Findings: Seven main concepts emerged from analysis of the interviews: lack of essential knowledge, dependence, psychosexual preoccupation, confusion, lack of accommodation, inappropriate feedback, and inability to adapt. Social deprivation was found to be the participants' main concern. Conclusion: Resilience requires adaptation in all areas of daily living. Detecting barriers to resilience is important in planning rehabilitation programmes in people with a spinal cord injury. Improving social support for people with a spinal cord injury can promote their mobility within the community and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a 2018 study on strategies to improve the quality of life of patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) that is manifested by body pains and feelings of weakness. Topics discussed include compensatory, pain reduction, and pain prevention strategies, which are respectively implemented by using alternative ways to perform activities, by taking sedatives, and by expediting the activity to be done. Also noted is the adaptive strategy of changing an activity's procedures.

The article provides information on a study which examined the reasons for low resilience in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Iran. Topics discussed include other complications accompanying SCI, four levels of resilience that are identified in people with SCI, and factors leading to low resilience which includes social rejection, lack of accommodation and dependent mobility.

Background: Providing care for children with cerebral palsy (CP) is hard, energy-consuming, and long-term. Consequently, occupational burnout is highly probable for caregivers. Objective: This study aimed to explore the perception of health caregivers regarding the causes of caregivers' occupational burnout in institutes of children with CP. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis methodology during an eight-month period in 2016. Nine caregivers, two managers, and one physiotherapist participated in the study. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants. In depth, semi-structure interviews were used to gather the data. All interviews were conducted at their workplace, in Tehran, Iran. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and overviewed. Constant comparative analyses were used to analyze the interviews. Results: The results were categorized into three main categories and nine sub-categories. The main categories were as follows: care-related stress, nature of caring occupation, and organizational demands and resources. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that several factors are involved in creating burnout among caregivers. The exploration of these factors may help us in designing appropriate interventions for caregivers to correctly implement caring activities so that they less suffer from care-related pressures and also become able to allocate some time for their own activities of interest and for recreational, social, and family activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Social participation is increasingly of interest in research that investigates the impact of caring for a child with a disability. Little has been investigated about the social participation experiences of mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study explored social participation among Iranian mothers of children with CP. Methods: The conventional qualitative content analysis method was utilised. Data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews with 14 mothers (aged 26-45 years) of children with CP with the gross motor function classification system expanded & revised levels III-V. Constant comparative analysis was deployed for data analysis. Results: The results were identified and classified into three main themes: (i) polarisation of positive and negative feelings; (ii) challenges to mothers' social activity; and (iii) striving to engage in society. Conclusion: In the Iranian context, mothers of children with CP are facing many challenges to social participation and seem to have been neglected by the health-care system. One of the priorities of Iranian health policy makers may be developing, establishing and implementing social support to enable the mothers to participate in social activities. Furthermore, occupational therapists can contribute and guide mothers' social participation by creating programs to develop and utilise skills for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Suicide by self-immolation is one of the great health concerns in developing countries such as Iran. Exploration of motives for attempting suicide by self-immolation in different point of view of people with experience and information on can be considered as a crucial aspect in self-immolation prevention. The study aimed to explore motives for suicide by self-immolation in Kermanshah, Iran. Methods: A qualitative approach using semi-structure interview was employed to explore motives for attempting suicide by self-immolation in Kermanshah, Iran (2012). 15 participants including 9 self-immolated patients, a patient's husband, and 5 members of medical staff of these patients were interviewed. The interviews were taped and transcribed. A content analysis using constant comparison was performed for transcribed interviews. Results: Five main categories were emerged that explore motives for suicide by self-immolation including mental health problems, family problems, cultural context, self-immolation as a threat, and the distinct characteristics of the method. All categories had their specific subcategories which had been integrated based on distinct properties in a given category. More than one motive might be addressed by study participants, which listed in the appropriate categories. Conclusion: There are several reasons for suicide by self-immolation that should be considered in prevention programs. There may be an interactional pattern among the motives. Further study to explore process of the interactional pattern is recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: Rapid harvesting of autogenous graft over a wire is an optional way in trauma surgery and it places the inverted conduit so that its adventitial layer is within the lumen of the graft. Our aim of this study was to compare the patency of inverted autogenous graft vs noninverted graft in dogs. Settings and Design: Experimental animal models. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 12 dogs were anesthetized and 10 cm of the external jugular vein was excised. The vein was equally divided into two 5-cm sections. One section was inverted and the other was left intact. Afterward, 5 cm of both the femoral arteries were removed and the right (inverted) and the left (not inverted) arteries were grafted, respectively. The patency of the arteries was evaluated by Color Doppler ultrasonography immediately postoperation and up to 6 months thereafter. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed with Fisher's exact test using SPSS version 15. P value below 0.05 was significant. Results: None of the 12 inverted vein grafts were patent at 3rd to 14th days follow-up with Doppler ultrasonography. All of them were completely obstructed by thrombosis. However, 11 (92%) of the noninverted vein grafts were patent both at 3 and 6 months follow-up. One of the noninverted grafts was almost completely obstructed with thrombosis (90%) and the other 2 were incompletely obstructed with intimal thickening. Conclusions: Despite many favorable results in the previous studies with regard to excellent patency of inverted vein graft, our results were disappointing and we recommend using the graft in the right direction and taking care to preserve the intima intact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]