Search

The birth of preterm multiple new-borns, especially triplets or more, creates numerous psychological and clinical challenges for parents during the neonatal and infancy period. This study investigated parents' experiences of parenting preterm multiple-birth new-borns. A qualitative study was undertaken using an interpretive phenomenology study methodology. The study sample was created purposively yielding 15 parents who were parenting three or more premature new-borns with one or more of them admitted to the neonatal intensive care (NICU). Four main themes were constructed during data analysis. These included: 'being abandoned in an unknown endless path'; 'constant erosive concerns'; 'sacrificial self-forgetfulness'; and 'the manifestation of growth and maturity'. The parents of preterm multiple-birth neonates described how their experiences ranged along a continuum from bitter to sweet sifting and between these two emotional states was common. Optimizing their experiences, to be more sweet than bitter, can be realized through supportive and individualized family-centred care.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the challenges of access to treatment and quality of life in female cancer survivors living in rural areas of Iran within the global pandemic context (COVID-19). Methods: We conducted a qualitative exploratory study where we recruited nine female-identifying individuals diagnosed with cancer, 23 family members, and five healthcare providers from a hospital affiliated with the Birjand University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflective thematic analysis. Results: The three themes constructed were lack of strength from fighting on two fronts (subthemes: (i) fear related to longevity and life span, (ii) disruption of emotional relationships and family functioning, (iii) loneliness and fear of the future, (iv) village culture and double whammy, and (v) isolation and rejection in a rural community); changes during treatment (subthemes: (i) confusion related to treatment and (ii) the hope found during treatment "bottlenecks"); and spiritual growth and clarifying values (subthemes: (i) patience and resilience and (ii) clarifying life values and opportunities when facing uncertainty about the future). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of further evaluating interventions to mitigate barriers to supportive care for female cancer survivors living in rural areas with low-resource contexts during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite all the advances in healthcare technology and all the care services in the field of neonates, many infants die in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This qualitative study investigated socio-cultural factors influencing the care for bereaved parents in three main NICUs of northwest Iran between March 2018 and April 2019. The purposeful sampling method with the maximum variation was used, and data collection was continued until obtaining rich data to answer the research question. Twenty-eight interviews were conducted with 26 healthcare providers. The thematic analysis method was applied to analyze the data, and two main themes, including "Religious context as a restriction on the parental involvement in the infant's end-of-life care" and the "Socio-cultural challenges of the grieving process among parents", were generated accordingly. The religious and socio-cultural contexts in the NICUs of Iran are a restriction to the presence of parents at their infants' end-of-life phase, and health care providers are less inclined to have parents in the NICU at the time of infant death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Grief after infant death is a common experience of bereaved parents often seen in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The NICU staff tend to focus more on the mother's support, and fathers are often not treated equally as mothers. This study aimed to investigate the circumstance of caring for parents facing infant death in NICUs. Methods: Twenty-eight face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted between March 2018 and April 2019 in the northwest of Iran. Participants were selected via purposive sampling. An inductive thematic approach was used for data analysis. Results: Three main themes and 7 subthemes were extracted. The main themes were: "the father—the missing piece of the puzzle in the mourning process," "restricted presence of fathers due to religious and traditional beliefs," and "the father—the patience stone." Conclusion: Due to cultural-religious backgrounds, traditional beliefs, structural problems, and organizational restrictions, fathers in NICUs do not receive adequate support, particularly when faced with their infant's death. Bereaved fathers need to receive more support and attention from healthcare providers. Therefore, there is a need for changing the care providers' attitudes regarding the role of fathers and the quality of support that fathers should receive in the Muslim populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study aimed to explore Iranian women's life stories living with compulsive sexual behaviour. Data were collected between 2014 and 2016 in two cities. Forty‐four semi‐structured interviews were conducted by using theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis. Four thematic categories were constructed from the data, including "scars left on the spirit and mind,"; "bizarre beliefs regarding sexuality and gender,"; "compensation for emptiness and the loss,"; and "difficulty in emotional regulation." This paper shows how abusive patterns of relationships in childhood could lead to sexual compulsivity. The paper results can direct our attention to the importance of health and social care and training to recognise abusive situations and support these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have an important role in implementing family-centered care (FCC). The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of NICU nurses on implementing FCC. An interpretative phenomenological study was conducted and 11 employed nurses were interviewed from April 2015 to February 2016. The data were analyzed through the Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner approach. Four main themes of "strain to achieve stability," "bewildered by taking multiple roles," "accepting the family," and "reaching bright horizon" were extracted. This study provided deeper understanding about nurses' perceptions of FCC implementation. In Muslim developing countries, FCC implementation is challenging and nurses are under extra pressure because of a shortage in nursing workforce; however, having positive experiences with family participation and valuing theism beliefs allowed them to support family involvement. Support of nurses to take FCC strategies in the NICU is needed by officials overseeing the health care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The basic principles of family-centered care in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) include the unlimited presence of parents and their participation in infant's care. Nurses play a central role in encouraging parental attachment with their infant.Purpose: This study was carried out with the aim of understanding NICU nurses' lived experiences of family participation in family-centered care.Methods: This interpretative phenomenological study was conducted on the basis of Heideggerian philosophy. The data were collected using semistructured interviews and field notes and analyzed through the 7-stage Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner approach.Findings: Two overarching themes emerged including "mother's centrality in the care chain" and "fathers; the lost ring in the care chain" each of which consisted of 3 and 4 subthemes, respectively. Interviews indicated that in Iran's NICUs, conditions for the presence of parents were appropriate for the mothers and they were encouraged to engage in family-centered care but the fathers' participation was limited due to traditional attitudes, cultural-religious background, and difficulties relating to the hospitals' organizational rules.Implications For Practice: Fathers' participation in family-centered care seems to be enhanced through providing facilities, altering the organizational rules, attempting to modify traditional social attitudes, and educating parents and nurses.Implications For Research: Future research should explore the experience of mothers and fathers of infants in NICU in Iran to achieve a comprehensive understanding of their role in family-centered care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study in Iran to explore the facilitators of and barriers to compulsive sexual behavior from the perspectives of Iranian women. This qualitative study using the conventional content analysis approach was conducted in two urban areas of Iran. Data collection was performed using 31 in-depth individual interviews and three group interviews. It was found that facilitators were “family structure and strict rules,” “personal capacity and vulnerability,” “needs and motivations,” and “cultural and value factors.” In addition, barriers were “positive opportunities,” “appropriate education and positive role models.” [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This qualitative study was conducted to explore the images of personal identity from the perspective of women with sexual addiction. The data required for the study were collected through 31 in-depth interviews. Sensing a threat to personal identity, dissatisfaction with gender identity, dissociation with the continuum of identity, and identity reconstruction in response to threat were four of the experiences that were common among women with sexual addiction. Painful emotional experiences appear to have created a sense of gender and sexual conflict or weakness in these women and thus threatened their personal identity and led to their sexual addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug misuse is increasing and diversifying in Iran. This study is the first to explore in detail the impact on, and ways of coping used by, spouses of addicted men in Iran. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 spouses. Four main themes were identified in the data: heart-breaking news of the husband's addiction; coping alone; progressive deterioration and suffering; and disruption of family relationships and finances. Reactions upon learning of the husband's addiction involved shock and collapse, and/or fear, disbelief and confusion. Spouses tried to hide the problem and to solve the problem alone, feeling for a long time as if they were 'walking in the dark' without any social support and exposed to stigma. As time had gone on they had experienced distress and turmoil, and mixed feelings towards, and loss of trust and confidence in, their husbands, whose behaviour was increasingly unreliable. This had led to impairment in the relationship, and financial stress, and a general degradation and disruption of normal family life, leading to strain for spouses, akin to a state of burnout. Present findings confirm the conclusions of similar research conducted in other countries, that substance misuse in the family can have devastating effects for spouses, on children and all aspects of family life. The situation for Iranian wives may be compounded by the relatively closed nature of family life, and the existence of culturally based attitudes, including shame, towards 'family defects' such as addiction. More information and support is needed for Iranian families of addicted individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illicit Drug use poses a substantial public health problem around the world, mainly affecting young people. Current estimates suggest that Iran has the highest rate of opium addiction per capita in the world. It has been suggested that multiple elements contribute to the process of drug use. The aim of this study is to explore the probable components in the society that might play a role in the initiation of drug use among young adults. The study is qualitative in nature. Twenty four in-depth interviews were conducted with drug-using young men (n = 10) and women (n = 10) and their family members (n = 4). Based on our data analysis, developing a pro-drug attitude, conformist attitude of society toward treating youth and young individuals, and having weak approach toward prevention were identified as important determinants of substance use. We recommend the need for early intervention, especially for at-risk communities. The results of this research suggest that dealing with a major problem such as drug use needs a comprehensive assessment of the context in which young people live and use substances. According to our findings, exploring young drug users experiences is not only important but also useful for policy makers to develop more effective prevention and intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aims. Substance abuse has become a major public health problem in Iran. The process of developing an addiction is complex and multifaceted. Early childhood experiences are thought to be one of the important determinants of addictive behaviour. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the early childhood experiences, especially the experiences within the immediate family, of current substance-using young adults in Iran. Design and Methods. The study is qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 young men and women who were either in treatment for their addiction or were active drug users at the time of the interviews. Moreover, four interviews have been conducted with family members of participants. Results. The majority of the participants experienced traumatic events during childhood and came from dysfunctional families. There appears to be a significant disconnect between these individuals and their families. An obedience-instilling parenting style and parents' knowledge and attitude toward drug using and prevention were also identified as important determinants of substance use. Discussion and Conclusions. The results of this research point out the need for early interventions for at-risk families as well as at-risk individuals.[Mirlashari J, Demirkol A, Salsali M, Rafiey H, Jahanbani J. Early childhood experiences, parenting and the process of drug dependency among young people in Tehran, Iran. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:461-468] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to explore children's perspective of hope in living with leukemia through the utilization of drawing-based interview technique., Design and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted at the Children's Medical Center in Tehran with the participation of children aged 6 to 12 diagnosed with leukemia. The children were asked to prepare a drawing about hope then interviews were conducted face-to-face with each child after completing the drawing. Data analysis was conducted using the qualitative content analysis., Results: In the collection of a total of 20 drawings from school-age children with leukemia, each drawings has different metaphors symbolizing hope. Five themes emerged including positive thinking, embracing the sanctuary of maternal affection and collective caring, the ethereal glow of joy, the melody of resilient soul, and navigating the way back to home., Conclusion: Hope from the child's perspective can be achieved in simple, possible and accessible ways, making it easier for the family, community and healthcare system to inspire hope in their lives with Leukemia., Practice Implication: Health providers in pediatric oncology can integrate hope-based care interventions related to the factors influencing children's perspectives., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Ageism is considered as one of the consequences of the industrialization of societies, which appears in various forms in different cultures. This study aimed to explain the process of formation of ageism among the older adults people., Methods: The research was conducted using grounded theory method. Data were collected from 28 participants using in-depth semi-structured interviews and field notes. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding., Results: Fear of loneliness and rejection striving to tackle ageism "was identified as the core category of the study. Concepts such as "family context" and "cultural context" were relevant. After identifying the strategies used by the older adults in response to the context ("maintaining integrity", "socio-cultural care" and "proper health care", "striving to tackle ageism") was the most important process in ageism by the Iranian older adults., Conclusion: Findings of this study indicated that individual, family and social factors play an important role in the process of ageism among the older adults. These factors sometimes exacerbate or moderate the process of ageism. By recognizing these factors, various social institutions and organizations (including the health care system and the national media (radio and television)) can help the older adults achieve successful aging by emphasizing the issues related to the social aspect., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background Hope nurtures confidence and enhances positivity. It is known to be a critical factor in illness, recovery and healing. This study aimed to identify the views of hospitalized children with cancer about the circumstances and factors that create hope for them in the oncology ward. Methods: This qualitative study explored children's experiences using Photovoice, which is an arts-based approach. Twenty children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with various cancers at a Pediatric Hospital in Tehran, Iran, participated in this study. Participants were requested to take photographs of objects, circumstances, or anything that gave them hope or represented a sign of hope in the oncology ward. The photographs were then used to facilitate face-to-face interviews with these children. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Data analysis revealed six main themes: emotional connectedness with nursing staff; the playroom as a means to soften the hospital space; the presence of a parent; symbols of recovery; a touch of nature in the hospital setting; and escaping the hospital cage. Discussion: Hopefulness among children can emanate from diverse events and circumstances within the hospital environment. Nurses and physicians need an understanding of children's perspectives to design interventions to improve hopefulness among hospitalized children with cancer.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic affects all age groups and presents differently in children from adults. Children who contract the virus while suffering from cancer may face unique health challenges than their counterparts. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of children with cancer and their family in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: In this qualitative study, a total of 21 participants were interviewed. They include five children, thirteen mothers, a father and three pediatric oncology nurses. The study setting was a Pediatric Hospital in Tehran, Iran., Results: Three main themes were identified through thematic analysis. 1) Swinging on the path of fear to adaptation, 2) Left-alone at emotional distances, 3) Care system confusion, and decreased quality of care., Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has burdened children living with cancer and their families in varying ways. Their experiences show a new insight on how to improve their quality of life during these difficult times., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate physicians' and nurses' perspectives on the challenges of implementing the FCC in the neonatal intensive care unit., Design and Method: The study employed a qualitative design to conduct five focus groups with 25 nurses and 15 physicians (n = 40). All of the nurse participants identified as female; 73% held a bachelor's degree in nursing and 59% had been working as a neonatal nurse for >10 years. Of the physicians, 55% identified as male, 43% held positions as neonatologists and 39% had a minimum of 3 years of experience in neonatal intensive care., Results: Three themes, power imbalance, psychosocial issues, and structural limitation, and related sub-themes were constructed using thematic analyses., Conclusion: The implementation of family-centered care in the neonatal intensive care unit in Iran is shaped by the health care provider, cultural, legal and operational challenges. To optimize effective and sustained implementation, these influential factors must be addressed., Implications: Organizational, managerial and operational changes are required for FCC implementation. Nurses and physicians are well-positioned as leaders and facilitators of family-centered care implementation within the neonatal intensive care unit., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) provides comprehensive newborn focused family-centered care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The purpose of this study was to investigate nurses' and physicians' experiences of implementing the NIDCAP model to optimize its implementation for both caregivers, infants, and families in the NICU., Design & Methods: A purposes sample of 11 nurses and four physicians participated in this qualitative study. Data were collected by face-to-face and semi-structured interviews and analysis were guided by principles of thematic analysis as per Graneheim and Lundman (2004)., Results: Six themes and 20 sub-themes were constructed during data analysis. These included; NIDCAP as a milestone, Helping to rebuild the core of the family, Caregiver excellence, Realism towards the feasibility of NIDCAP, Proper managerial position of NIDCAP specialists in the health system, and Caring for the caregiver., Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight how NIDCAP provides a comprehensive and effective care model for premature infants, with the goal to promote neonatal growth and development while also facilitating the self-efficacy of caregivers. Implementation of the NIDCAP model requires attention to be paid to social context, infrastructure, adjustment of the program according to the facilities and resources of each country, and the needs of caregivers., Practice Implications: Health care resources are required to sustain NIDCAP specialists and a favorable environment as the necessary conditions for its multidimensional application across NICU units around the world., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Addiction is one of the major problems that affect everyone in the society especially the spouses of addicted men who have to face a large number of problems which are the consequences of their husband's addiction. This qualitative study was conducted to explore the needs and expectations of women who are living with their addicted husband in Iran. Twenty-four spouses of addicted men participated in this study. The participants were interviewed and each interview was analyzed via the content analysis method. The results of this study showed that the women's difficulties were related to their approach to the treatment, or their husbands' response to the treatment, financial constraints and emotional and informational needs. Moreover, these Iranian women expected more stringent control by the government on the phenomenon of addiction and drug trafficking with a view of having a drug-free country. The needs and expectations of the wives of addicted men are context-based and should be assessed separately between individuals, families, and communities. In addition to the addicted person, it is vitally important that the health of the family members of drug addicts be taken into account and for whom supportive services be provided.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral malignant melanoma along with age range and site of presentation over an 11-year period in Iran., Materials and Methods: The files of Tehran Cancer Institute served as a source of material for this study. Files were systematically searched for all malignant melanomas and oral malignant melanomas during an 11-year period. Prepared slides and demographic data from the biopsy files were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed with the use of SPSS., Results: Of the 38,993 cases accessed during the 11-year period, 569 were identified as malignant melanomas, while 41 cases among this group had malignant oral melanomas comprising 0.1% of the total cases and 7.2% of all the malignant melanoma lesions., Conclusion: The palate was the most common location for oral malignant melanoma. Thus, all melanocytic lesions in the palate should be viewed with caution, and biopsy is recommended to rule out melanoma.