BackgroundThere has been significant progress in eliminating malaria in Iran. The aim of this study is to investigate the structure of inter-organizational collaboration networks in the field of unauthorized immigrants and refugees access to services in order to eliminate malaria.MethodsThis study employed social network analysis, in which nodes represented stakeholders associated with providing access of immigrants and refugees to services in the field of malaria elimination, and ties indicated the level of collaboration. This study adopted socio-centric analysis and the whole network was studied. In this regard, 12 districts of the malaria-endemic area in Iran were selected. Participants included 360 individuals (30 representatives of the organization/group in each district). The data were gathered by interview, using the levels of collaboration scale. UCINET 6 was used for data analysis. The indices of density, centralization, reciprocity, and clustering were investigated for each twelve network and at each level of collaboration.ResultsThe average density of the networks was 0.22 (SD: 0.04). In districts with a high incidence of imported malaria, the values of network density and centralization were high and the networks comprised of a larger connected component (less isolated clusters). There were significant correlations between density of network (r = 0.66, P = 0.02), degree centralization (r = 0.65, P = 0.02), betweenness centralization (r = 0.76, P = 0.004), and imported malaria cases. In general, the degree centrality and betweenness centrality of the organizations of health, district governor, and foreign immigrants’ affairs were higher. In all networks, 60% of the relationships were bilateral. At a higher level of collaboration, the centralization declined and reciprocity increased. The average of betweenness centralization index was 22.76 (SD = 3.88).ConclusionsHigher values of network indices in border districts and districts with more cases of imported malaria, in terms of density and centralization measures, can propose the hypothesis that higher preparedness against the issue and centralization of power can enable a better top-down outbreak management, which needs further investigations. Higher centrality of governmental organizations indicates the need for involving private, non-governmental organizations and representatives of immigrant and refugee groups. Recognition of the existing network structure can help the authorities increase access to malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services among immigrants and refugees.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2635-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objectives To explore the association between patients' perceptions of communication quality with their provider and a range of patients' outcomes in T2DM. Also, to identify barriers and facilitators to effective communication from the patients' perspective. Methods English and Persian papers published from 2000 to 2017 were searched in Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase and SID, IranMedex, and MAGIRAN databases using appropriate search terms. Twenty-two studies complied the inclusion criteria. Each study was assessed for the focus of the study, study design (cross-sectional or qualitative study), population, outcome measures, patients' outcomes, and methodological quality. Results The quality of most studies was moderate to high based on the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists. Higher perceived quality of provider-patient communication in patients with T2DM was associated with improved self-management, adherence to diabetes care and greater well-being, perceived personal control, self-efficacy, and less diabetes distress. Factors that patients with T2DM perceived as important factors in facilitating or hampering effective communication were more related to the provision of emotional support. Discussion The limited evidence shows patient-perceived communication quality is a significant modifiable approach for improving a range of outcomes in patients with T2DM. Due to socio-cultural differences, further high-quality research is needed for deciding the best communication style in various societies.

BackgroundThe outcome of breast cancer treatment largely depends on the timing of detection. The health promotion interventions have an immense contribution to early detection and improved survival. Therefore, this review aimed to provide evidence on the efficacy of the health promotion interventions to increase the uptake of breast cancer screening and to develop effective interventions targeting women.MethodsOnline databases (PubMed/MEDLINE/PubMed Central, Ovid/MEDILINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for studies published between January 2005 and January 2017. A quality coding system was assessed using Cochrane checklists for randomized controlled trial (RCT) and Downs and Black checklists for non-RCT. The score was rated for the included articles by each researcher independently and the average score is given accordingly. This study was registered in PROSPERO as [PROSPERO 2017: CRD42017060488].ResultsThe review dovetailed 22 studies. Thirteen studies (59.10%) were conducted in the Unite States, 4 in Iran (18.18%), 2 in India (9.09%) and 1 each in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The interventions were classified as ‘individual-based’, ‘community-based’, ‘group-based teachings and training’ and ‘behavioral model based’. The majority of the studies showed favorable outcomes after health promotion interventions, including improvements in women’s view of breast screening, breast self-examination and knowledge of breast screening.ConclusionThe review confirmed that most of the health promotion interventions targeting women boosted the breast screening in one or another way. However, the limited quality of the included studies showed that further research is needed to improve the trials in the next future.

BackgroundThe progress of technology in developed countries has changed lifestyles to sedentary and has increased non-communicable diseases. Identifying factors affecting patterns of physical activity among adolescents is valuable and it is important to change these pattern.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore teenage girls’ experiences regarding the determinants of physical activity promotion based on Pender’s Health Promotion Model.MethodsThis qualitative study is a content analysis research on the girls of three high schools in Minoodasht city for six months from September 2015 until the end of February 2016. The data were obtained by focused group discussions and semi-structured in-depth interviews from 48 girls ranging from 15 to 18 years old and six teachers. Data analysis was done using theory-driven qualitative content analysis.ResultsData analysis resulted in a total number of 53 primary codes which were classified in the six predetermined classifications of Pender’s Health Promotion Model (Perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived self-efficacy of physical activity behavior, feelings related to physical activity behavior, interpersonal and situational influencers). The results showed that two classifications (perceived barriers, and situational influencers) were considered more important than other classifications in reducing levels of physical activity in adolescent girls and also high self-efficacy for promoting physical activity in adolescents.ConclusionThe results obtained from this study specified the determinants affecting the promotion of physical activity among adolescent girls and can help the planners to choose the most appropriate methods and strategies in order to promote physical activity among adolescent girls and to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases in this age group and gender.

This randomized-controlled trial investigated the effect of physical exercise programme (PEP) on happiness among older adults in Nowshahr, Iran. Results of this study on 120 male and female volunteers showed that an 8-week group physical exercise programme was significantly effective in older adults' happiness. Findings showed that physical exercise programme is so beneficial for increasing older adults' happiness. Physical activity is associated with well-being and happiness. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8-week long physical exercise programme (PEP) on happiness among older adults in Nowshahr, Iran. This was a randomized control trial study. The participants consisted of a group of 120 male and female volunteers (mean ± SD age: 71 ± 5.86 years) in a convenience sampling among older adults in public parks in Nowshahr, Iran. We randomly allocated them into experimental (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups. A validated instrument was used to measure well-being and happiness [Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI)]. Respondents were asked to complete the OHI before and 2 months after implementing PEP. The 8-week PEP was implemented with the intervention group. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using paired t-test, Fisher's exact test and χ(2). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the happiness mean score between the case and control groups; however, after implementing PEP, happiness significantly improved among the experimental group (P = 0.001) and did not improve within the control group (P = 0.79). It can be concluded that PEP had positive effects on happiness among older adults. Planning and implementing of physical activity is so important for older happiness.