Mohammad Shokrzadeh, Danial Jafari, Reza Hoseinpoor, Jafar Jalilian, Yaghoub Shayeste,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (4-2020)
Abstract
Background: Self-medication is an important concern for health authorities throughout the world. The women of reproductive ages were the most vulnerable groups at risk for self-medication in the society. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and some associated factors of self-medication in women of reproductive ages in Gorgan, north of Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 800 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who were residents in Gorgan, in 2018-2019. Data were collected through home visits and interviews using a checklist with 19 questions. Data were analyzed in SPSS-16 using Pearson's chi-squared test.
Results: Self-medication was reported in 68.9% of reproductive ages. The majority of the self-medication was in the age range of 40-49 years (78.5%). The main cause for self-medication was found to be headache (68.6%) and common cold (57.7%). Most frequently, self-medication was related to pain killer drugs (90.6%) and NSAIDs (64.4%). Also, the major causes of self-medication were found to be the previous use experience (n=307) and availability of drugs at home (n=266). Finally, we found a significant association between self-medication with age, marital status, occupation, education, income, number of children and family size (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Self-medication, mainly in pain-killer drugs and NSAIDs were high among women of reproductive age in Gorgan. Therefore, it seems necessary to provide public trainings for all women of reproductive age and train them about the dangers and side effects of self-medication.
Ghanbar Roohi, Ghahraman Mahmoodi, Homeira Khoddam,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (4-2020)
Abstract
Background: The gap between knowledge and practice is a global issue that reduces service quality by creating barriers to knowledge implementation, and thus strategies should be developed to resolve it. The present study aimed to explain barriers and strategies for implementing knowledge implementation into Iranian health system management.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted on 53 managers and health management graduates in 2018. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling in Medical Sciences Universities in Iran. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews based on the "Promoting Action on Research Implementation (PARiHS)" framework, focus group discussions and Delphi technique. The PARiHS framework has three main elements including; evidence, context and facilitation. The Lincoln and Guba criterion was used to assess the rigor of the study. Data were analyzed in MAXQDA software version 10 using directional content analysis.
Results: After data analysis 9 subcategories and 3 main categories including; evidence, context, and facilitation were emerged. In addition to three subcategories including, culture, leadership and evaluation, the socio-political subcategory was a context for knowledge implementation main barrier in the organizational context. The systematic structural planning for the combined use of four sources of knowledge is the most important strategy.
Conclusion: The lack of context readiness in using knowledge and lack of efficient system impeded knowledge implementation in the health system management. Therefore, managers and policy makers need to design a comprehensive system based on current knowledge and successful experiences.
Hamideh Mancheri, Zahra Sabzi , Mousa Alavi, Mohammad Ali Vakili , Jahangir Maghsoudi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background: Substance abuse can cause problems for family members, especially spouses, and impair the addicts' quality of life; hence, it seems necessary to identify issues that can endanger their quality of life and health. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the quality of life of women with addicted husbands, and its related factors.
Methods: We conducted the present cross-sectional study on 300 women with addicted husbands who were in the list of clients of private and public addiction treatment centers in Gorgan in 2018. The convenient sampling was used for recruited participants. We gathered data using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), the higher scores indicated a better quality of life. We also analyzed the data in SPSS 16 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests at a 95% confidence interval.
Results: The results indicated that women with addicted husbands had lower mean scores of physical health (33.3±19.1), mental health (28±3.19), environmental health (31.5±18.1), social relationship (30.2±21.4), and total scores of quality of life (31±18). There were significant correlation between scores of quality of life and its dimensions with women's job, family income, duration of substance abuse, and type of substance (P<0.001). Also, the quality of life was directly associated with women's jobs and family income, but inversely related to the husband's duration of substance abuse and type of substance.
Conclusion: Women with addicted husbands needed more support due to their low quality of life. These findings help the healthcare provider pay more attention to the problems of women with addicted husbands.
Tayebeh Abdollahi, Nasibeh Zanjari, Yadollah Abolfathi Momtaz , Ahmad Delbari,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background: According to the World Health Organization, aging anxiety decrease life expectancy and causes disease in old age. Negative attitude towards the older adults is a major factor associated with aging anxiety. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between attitudes towards the older adults and fear of aging in the health care providers of Social Security Organization’s hospitals in Mazandaran province in 2018.
Methods: We conducted the present cross-sectional study on 232 health care providers of hospitals of Social Security Organization in Mazandaran province in 2018, selected them by stratified random sampling according to the job categories, and included them in the study. We utilized the Anxiety about Aging Scale (AAS) by Lasher and Faulkender and Kogan's Attitude toward Old People Scale (KAOPS) to collect data. We analyzed the data in SPSS16 using Pearson correlation, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance.
Results: The participants' mean age was 37.85±6.40 years and the mean of aging anxiety was 67.90±10.60. Among the four subscales of aging anxiety, the highest fear was related to "fear of loss" (23.7±4.5) and then "fear of physical appearance" (21.25±4.65), and the lowest was related to "fear of the older people " (10.12± 3.25). Despite the slightly higher mean aging anxiety among nursing and midwifery staff than medical staff, it was not statistically significant. Findings indicated that aging anxiety had a negative and significant relationship with attitudes towards the older adults in health care providers (r=0.35, P=0.001).
Conclusion: Given the high aging anxiety in health care providers and its importance in providing services for the older adults as well as the quality of their old age, we suggest promoting the health care providers’ positive attitudes towards the older adults through in-service training courses.
Abdurrahman Charkazi, Javad Salami, Ehsan Allah Kalteh,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Navisa Seyed Ghasemi, Mina Dazi, Bahareh Nikrad, Hasan Khorsha, Amrolah Sharifi, Mohammad Reza Honarvar,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background: The elderly population is projected to increase in Iran and the world. A large number of chronic diseases observed in the elderly could be prevented or treated by improving their lifestyle, including nutrition. The present study aimed to determine nutritional status and the affecting factors in the elderly in Gonbad Kavus, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 139 elderlies aged more than 60 years who resided in Gonbad (northeast of Iran) in 2013. The subjects were selected via two-stage cluster sampling, and each health center was considered as a cluster. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Moreover, anthropometric indices (e.g., weight and height) were measured using a fabric meter, stadiometer, and Seca scale. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 11.5 using Chi-square and ordinal logistic regression model.
Results: In total, 36% of the elderlies had a normal nutritional status, whereas 59% and 5% were at the risk of malnutrition and malnourished, respectively. Among the subgroups, the female elderlies (78.6%) and single participants (87.1%) were at the risk of malnutrition or malnourished. Gender was the only independent variable affecting malnutrition. In addition, malnutritional status and marital status were the only variables affecting the body mass index even in the presence of other variables.
Conclusion: Based on the nutritional assessment of the elderly, special attention must be paid to elderly women with lower education levels and financial dependence. It is also recommended that periodic assessments be carried out in the elderly population using the MNA questionnaire.Background: The elderly population is projected to increase in Iran and the world. A large number of chronic diseases observed in the elderly could be prevented or treated by improving their lifestyle, including nutrition. The present study aimed to determine nutritional status and the affecting factors in the elderly in Gonbad Kavus, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 139 elderlies aged more than 60 years who resided in Gonbad (northeast of Iran) in 2013. The subjects were selected via two-stage cluster sampling, and each health center was considered as a cluster. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Moreover, anthropometric indices (e.g., weight and height) were measured using a fabric meter, stadiometer, and Seca scale. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 11.5 using Chi-square and ordinal logistic regression model.
Results: In total, 36% of the elderlies had a normal nutritional status, whereas 59% and 5% were at the risk of malnutrition and malnourished, respectively. Among the subgroups, the female elderlies (78.6%) and single participants (87.1%) were at the risk of malnutrition or malnourished. Gender was the only independent variable affecting malnutrition. In addition, malnutritional status and marital status were the only variables affecting the body mass index even in the presence of other variables.
Conclusion: Based on the nutritional assessment of the elderly, special attention must be paid to elderly women with lower education levels and financial dependence. It is also recommended that periodic assessments be carried out in the elderly population using the MNA questionnaire.
Moradali Zareipour, Mojtaba Fattahi Ardakani, Mohammad Saeed Jadgal, Mina Tasouji Azari,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (7-2021)
Abstract
Saeed Ghorbani, Sajedeh Farhangnia, Farnaz Zanganeh, Saharnaz Noohpisheh, Masoud Shakki,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (7-2021)
Abstract
Background: Due to advances in medicine and technology in recent years, the number of elderly has increased substantially in most countries. As a result, addressing factors influencing the elderly population to improve their physical, psychological, and cognitive status is of great importance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between perceived social support and physical activity with the mood, physical fitness, and cognitive status of elderly people.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2019 in Golestan province, Northeast of Iran. The sample consisted of 142 people over 60 years old (including 131 women and 11 men) who were selected using a random sampling method from Gorgan, Gonbad Kavous, Aliabad Katoul, and Azadshahr cities of Golestan province in 2019. Data was gathered using Perceived Social Support Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Wechsler Memory Scale, Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Rikli and Jones’ physical fitness test for the elderly. Data were analyzed in SPSS-22 and Spearman correlation coefficient used to study the cooperation between variables.
Results: The finding showed that the mean age of participants was 66.56 years old and perceived social support had significant correlation with depression (r=-0.48, P<0.001) and memory (r=0.24, P=0.003). There was a significant correlation between physical activity and physical fitness (r=0.18, P=0.049), but no significant correlation were observed between physical activity with depression and memory. In addition, physical fitness had significant correlation with depression (r=0.27, P=0.001) and memory (r=0.27, P=0.001).
Conclusion: Perceived social support and physical activity can be considered important factors for improving the mood-cognitive-physical status of the elderly. Therefore, gerontologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists can improve the mood-cognitive-physical status of the elderly by improving social relationships and physical activity.
Ogechukwu Emmanuel, Venkatasalu Munikumar, Ani Afiqah Tuah,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (7-2021)
Abstract
Background: End of life and palliative care remains less popular and underdeveloped in many countries. Palliative care services have been proven to facilitate preference towards good death. The present study aimed to determine patterns and factors associated with place of death in Brunei Darussalam.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in 2016 on all cancer deaths (n=801) recorded on the registry of death records in Brunei Darussalam. Data including sociodemographic characteristics and place of death were extracted from the medical records. Statistical analysis of data was done in SPSS 16 using binary logistic regression analysis at significance level of 0.05.
Results: The overall number of cancer deaths increased from 171 in 2013 to 320 in 2015. The highest number of cancer deaths was recorded among those aged 50-59 (31%), 60-69 (22.6%), and 50-59 years (24.7%) in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. Age and living in Temburong district significantly associated with the place of death (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The location of specialized care settings associated with place of death among cancer patients. Our results may have important implication for development of specialized palliative and supportive care for end of life care.
Amanmohammad Amanjan , Parviz Saeidi, Fereidoun Azma, Majid Nasiri,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Entrepreneurship has important role in development and expansion of health tourism. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of faculty members on entrepreneurships in health tourism.
Methods: This qualitative study was performed using the foundation data approach. Participants were selected via purposive sampling. Nineteen faculty members at Golestan University of Medical Sciences were interviewed in 2020. The individual and semi-structured interviews were conducted and continued until data saturation was achieved. The data was analyzed based on the foundation data approach.
Results: Based on the results, 554 primary codes, 56 sub-categories and nine main categories were obtained. The main categories included tourism laws and standards, health tourism beneficiaries, development of entrepreneurial strategies, facilitation of health tourism infrastructure, quality of health tourism services, Iran's tourist attractions, gaining competitive advantage, technology and modern knowledge, and entrepreneurial management.
Conclusion: Based on the results, having an entrepreneurial approach in the field of health tourism can turn nursing and medical sciences capacities in the Golestan Province into prosperity.
Azam Hokmabadi, Elham Khoori , Mahin Tatari, Sandy K. Wurtele ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Abstract:
Background: Parents play important roles in protecting their children from child sexual abuse (CSA). In Iran, mothers have been shown to effectively improve and maintain female children’s protective behaviors and knowledge regarding CSA. This study aimed to determine the effect of personal safety education for mothers in Gorgan (northeastern Iran) on their sons’ knowledge and skills for the prevention of CSA.
Methods: This clinical trial was conducted in 2019 on 46 preschool-aged boys and their mothers. Eligible subjects were recruited by systematic random sampling from two health centers in Gorgan. Boys were pretested using Persian versions of the Personal Safety Questionnaire and ’What If’ Situations Test and then randomly assigned to either an education group (mother-taught program) or a control group. Mothers assigned to the education group participated in a 2-hour training session and were given the Body Safety Training workbook to teach their sons during the following week. Two days after the training by their mothers, boys in both groups were post tested and also followed up one month later. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) by using repeated-measures ANOVA, general estimation equation, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher’s exact test.
Results: Children taught by their mothers demonstrated significant increases in the mean scores of knowledge (P=0.001), total safety skills (P<0.001), and appropriate-touch recognition (P=0.005). These increases were maintained at the one-month follow-up. Children in both groups recognized almost all inappropriate-touch requests correctly at all three time periods (P=0.99).
Conclusion: Educated mothers effectively taught their young sons skills and knowledge to protect from CSA, and these gains were maintained for one month. Although all participants were able to recognize inappropriate-touch requests, boys did not recognize that requests to touch the genitals are appropriate for health or hygiene purposes until they were educated by their mothers. In Iran, parents teach children that any touching or looking at their private parts by anyone is forbidden.
Fariba Abdollahi, Seyede Soghra Taher Harikandeie, Leila Dehghankar, Zahra Tayebi Myaneh, Simin Zarrabadi Pour,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Background: Inadequate health literacy has negative effects on physical and mental performance, medication adherence, self-care behaviors and quality of life . The impact of health literacy on different aspects of illness perception in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not clear. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine relationship between health literacy and illness perception in patients with MS.
Methods: This was a correlational study on 100 patients with MS who had been referred to neurology clinic of Abu Ali Sina Hospital in Qazvin (Iran) in 2017-2018. The subjects were enrolled via convenience sampling. A demographic information questionnaire, the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) health literacy instrument, and the brief illness perception questionnaire (BIPQ) were used to collect data. The data were analyzed in SPSS (version 22) using descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression model.
Results: Adequate health literacy level was found in 11% of patients; 26% had a possibility of limited health literacy and 63% had a high likelihood of limited health literacy. The mean illness perception score was 35.53±1.31 (moderate). There was no significant relationship between health literacy and the mean score of illness perception (r=-0.014, P=0.894). However, there was a significant relationship between perception and recognition of present illness, as a subscale of illness perception with health literacy (r=0.243, P=0.015). Variables in the multi-variate predictive model accounted for 37.6 % of the total variance in heath literacy. Duration of illness perception significantly predict health literacy (B=0.052, P=0.035). Moreover, the only predictor of illness perception in patients with MS was income level (B=87.87, P=0.05), which explained 35.7% of the illness perception changes.
Conclusion: Based on the results, illness perception is significantly associated with health literacy. Therefore, it is necessary to promote health literacy in order to improve understanding the nature and consequences of the disease and conduct further research on the relationship between health literacy and illness perception among patients with MS.
Mohammad Reza Ajam, Mahboubeh Ismaili, Hassan Shadpour,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Background: The study of the views of past Iranian scholars to get out of health problems is one of the suggestions of the scientific community, especially researchers in the field of health and traditional medicine in Iran. In the work of Hakim Seyyed Ismail Jorjani, the Khwarezmshahi reserve for maintaining and ensuring the health of prevention as an essential set has been emphasized as a principle and in this research has been considered by comparing the recommendations of the World Health Organization.
Methods: Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the subject, first of all, sources and references about medical history, especially Khwarazmshahi reserve book and related materials are identified on the World Health Organization website and articles in the field of medicine and traditional medicine of Iran with related keywords in Google, Google Scholar, Iran Dock, Elsevier databases. The necessary data were studied, categorized and analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method, and the findings were compared with the texts of the health field, especially the World Health Organization, regarding the relationship between the recommendations of this organization and the theories of Hakim Jorjani of the 5th and 6th centuries AH. The importance of prevention and health assurance was discussed. Results: The mean score of safety culture increased significantly from 141.19±16 to 147.93±14.05 after the intervention (P<0.001). Error reporting at the center also increased significantly after the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: A comparative study of Hakim Jorjani's point of view and the recommendations of the World Health Organization showed that about ten centuries ago the most important and effective way to maintain and ensure preventive health was considered in accordance with the six principles of health.
Omid Chehri , Alireza Isfandyari-Moghaddam, Seyed Aliakbar Famil Rohani, Faramarz Soheili ,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Background: Organizational knowledge management requires a structure or framework to identify, extract and document knowledge. The review of knowledge management sources shows that since the late 1980s, several cycles have been introduced in the field of knowledge management, and the Mayer and Zack cycle has been one of the most important cycles. The purpose of this study was to design a model for documenting organizational experiences based on the view of point of Iranian libraries managers in medical sciences universities by using Mayer and Zack model.
Methods: The research method was survey and correlation schemes are used. The population of the study consisted of 209 managers and heads of central and hospital libraries. Sampling was a stratified random sampling method. data gathering was done in 2022 by questionnaire. path- analyses and structural equation modeling was used to data analyses. RMS-Theta measure was used to test the model.
Results: The results of the partial least squares test showed that the gathering knowledge and Knowledge refinement has a significant effect on knowledge documentation. Knowledge refinement had the highest and knowledge application had the lowest impact on knowledge documentation.
Conclusion: The results confirmed the effects of knowledge collection and refinement on knowledge documentation. Therefore, it is possible to rely on the designed model and effective factors of knowledge documentation and generalize the obtained results for knowledge documentation in libraries and information centers.
Boonyada Wongpiomoln, Chanidawadee Sayuen, Ladda Pholputta, Nitchapanrawee Phengphol,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Health care provided by youth can support homebound and bedridden older adults. The purpose of this study was to develop a program for homebound and bedridden older adults in rural areas of northeastern Thailand.
Methods: The methodology was a mixed method, including 1) exploration of the current situation through qualitative method, 2) development of a training program, and 3) implementation and evaluation of the program developed through a quasi-experimental method from February to June 2020 in Ta-Muang Subdistrict, Selaphum District, Roi Et Province, Thailand. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, Thai version of the brief form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI), and Srithanya Stress Test (ST-5) questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentages, means, SDs, and paired t tests, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.
Results: The qualitative method showed 4 major themes, including 1) lack of caregivers, 2) lack of knowledge, 3) loneliness and stress, and 4) under the poverty line. The training program involved 6 activities: 1) providing knowledge in caring for older adults to educate and support youth, 2) demonstrating and practicing in caring for older adults to educate and support youth, 3) caring for older adults with love and care, 4) providing hygiene care to older adults, 5) promoting self-worth and self-confidence in youth, and 6) enhancing community participation. The quantitative method showed after the implementation of this training program. Findings showed that quality of life had higher mean scores, and stress had lower mean scores compared to the prior implementation.
Conclusion: This training program could promote bonding among youth and homebound and bedridden older adults through peer support from health volunteers.
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Forouzan Akrami , Bege Dauda ,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Perspective
Elaheh Sadeghloo, Asieh Sadat Baniaghil , Gholamreza Roshandel , Maryam Ghelichli , Fatemeh Mehravar , Alireza Firozbakhsh ,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background: Patients with oral and/or laryngeal carcinoma face challenges that can persistently impair their quality of life (QoL) even after treatment. This study aimed to investigate QoL impairment in patients with oral and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma receiving treatment.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 individuals with oral and laryngeal cancer through census sampling in 2022. Patients over 18 years old who had received treatment were included. Individuals experiencing recurrences or relapses and those receiving neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. The list of names and phone numbers of participants was obtained from the database of the Liver and Digestive Research Centre in Golestan Province, Iran. The study utilized the Persian version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–Head and Neck 35, which the participants completed during phone interviews. Point prevalence (per 100,000) was reported with 95% confidence intervals, and QoL data were summarized as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and median (interquartile range, IQR).
Results: The point prevalence of oral and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Golestan Province was 15.15 per 100,000, with significant variation across counties, ranging from 5.80 to 26.01. The mean QoL score for the participants was 68.20 ± 29.58. Overall, 38.9% of the participants reported normal QoL, while 22.2% and 38.9% reported mild and moderate impairment, respectively. Subdomains related to weight loss and feeling ill showed a severe decline in QoL. Meanwhile, issues such as dry mouth, sticky saliva, social contacts, swallowing, pain, taste/smell, social eating, teeth problems, and speech were associated with moderate QoL impairment.
Conclusion: The findings show that the QoL among individuals with a history of oral and laryngeal cancer was below the threshold. Most participants experienced mild to moderate QoL impairments. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions focused on improving QoL for affected individuals based on their symptoms and signs.
Mohammad Amin Alizadeh , Farideh Tohidi ,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasmosis poses a significant risk to pregnant women because of its potential for vertical transmission to the fetus. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and preventive practices of pregnant women regarding toxoplasmosis.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 pregnant women attending urban comprehensive health centers in Gorgan, northern Iran, between January 2023 and September 2024. Participants were selected using a stratified multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire with established validity and reliability. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), the independent-samples t-test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 506 pregnant women participated in the study. The mean maternal age was 26.79 ± 6.89 years, the mean gestational age was 25.88 ± 9.05 weeks, and the mean monthly household income was 8.85 ± 6.44 million Iranian rials. Overall, 41.7% of participants demonstrated poor knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis, and knowledge levels were predominantly poor to moderate, whereas 77% of participants correctly answered the questions assessing preventive practices. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between maternal age and knowledge scores (r = 0.123, p = 0.006), as well as between household income and practice scores (r = 0.10, p = 0.02). In other words, higher household income was associated with better preventive practice scores. Multivariable regression analysis identified maternal age (B = 0.09, p = 0.005) and household income (B = 0.11, p = 0.002) as independent predictors of knowledge scores, while household income independently predicted practice scores (B = 0.06, p = 0.01).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis among pregnant women remains at a moderate to low level, whereas preventive practices are generally satisfactory. Integrating targeted education on toxoplasmosis into routine antenatal care services may represent an effective strategy for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes in endemic regions such as northern Iran.
