BackgroundSelf-esteem and behavioral consequences, which are due to external or internal locus of control, are effective on academic achievement of students.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prediction of locus of control and self-esteem in academic achievement among the students.Materials and MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 college students in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2014. Data collection tools were in three sections: demographic, Rotter internal-external locus of control scale and Coopersmith self-esteem inventory. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 21.ResultsResults showed that 29.8% and 76.2% of the participants had internal locus of control, and high self-esteem, respectively. There was a significant correlation between self-esteem, locus of control and academic achievement of the students. Self-esteem accounted for 39.5% of the variation in academic achievement.ConclusionsIt seems that interventions to increase self-esteem among student can help improve academic achievement among them.

Background: A major issue to consider in high risk behaviors such as substance abuse is personality factors. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the role of personality factors (anxiety sensitivity, sensation seeking, hopelessness, and impulsivity) in substance use, psychotropic drug use, smoking, and alcohol drinking in a sample of male medical students in Iran. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, conducted in Isfahan and Kermanshah Medical Universities in Iran, a total of 425 male medical students were randomly selected with the proportional to size from different faculties to participate voluntarily in the study. A self-report written questionnaire was applied to collect data. Then, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 using logistic regression statistical tests at 95% significant level. Results: Our findings showed that hopelessness (OR = 1.095, 95% CI: 1.033, 1.160) and sensation seeking (OR = 1.139, 95% CI: 1.065, 1.219) were the main influential predictors on smoking. Anxiety sensitivity (OR = 1.436, 95% CI: 1.114, 1.851) and impulsively (OR = 1.443, 95% CI: 1.153, 1.806) were the main influential predictors on drug abuse. In addition, anxiety sensitivity (OR = 1.460, 95% CI: 1.004, 2.124) and sensation seeking (OR = 1.756, 95% CI: 1.120, 2.753) were the main influential predictors on psychotropic drug abuse. Finally, sensation seeking (OR = 1.222, 95% CI: 1.121, 1.331) was the main influential predictor on alcohol drinking. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that sensation seeking was the best predictor for alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, and psychotropic drug abuse.

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BackgroundFitness is a very important goal among young adults that may lead to eating disorders.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing fitness intention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and its relationship to eating attitudes.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 female college students during the winter of 2012. Participants were randomly selected in proportion to their distribution among the different faculties at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. A structured questionnaire was applied for collecting data and data was analyzed by SPSS version 21 using a T-test, ANOVA, bivariate correlations, and linear regression at a 95% significant level.ResultsNearly 21.6% of the participants had abnormal eating attitudes. The TPB variables accounted for 40% of the variation in fitness intention. Bivariate correlations indicated a positive correlation between fitness intention and eating attitude (r = 0.417, P < 0.05).ConclusionsBased on our results, it seems that designing and implementing educational programs to reduce positive attitudes and encourage subjective norms toward fitness may be useful for preventing abnormal eating attitudes.

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