The relationship between family functioning and academic achievement in female high school students of Isfahan, Iran, in 2013–2014

Background: Nowadays, the most important problem of the educational system is the vast spread of school failure. Therefore, detection of the factors leading to or preventing students' academic achievement is of utmost importance. Family function is considered to be a critical component of academic success. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family functioning and academic achievement in high school female students in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted through random sampling among 237 female high school students in Isfahan during school year 2013-2014. Data were collected by participants' personal characteristics and Bloom family function questionnaires. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis) were adopted and computed using SPSS software. Results: The results showed a significant correlation between family function (except lack of independence) and students' academic achievement (p < 0.05). Further, among family function dimensions, expressiveness (β = 0.235, p < 0.001), family socialization (β = 0.219, p = 0.001), and cohesion (β = 0.211, p = 0.001) were more reliable predictors of academic achievement. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that students' academic achievement is highly correlated with the performance of their families. Therefore, to improve students' educational status in cultural and educational programs, which are specified for them, family function centered plans should be at the heart of attention

The relationship between family functioning and self-esteem in female high school students of Isfahan, Iran, in 2013-2014

Background: One of the most critical periods of the life of a person is adolescence. During this period, individuals face many problems such as low self-esteem. Self-esteem can be influenced by many factors such as school, friends, and inner personality, but it seems that the family has a crucial role in shaping self-esteem. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between family functioning and self-esteem in female high school students in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was performed with multi-stage random sampling method on 237 female high school students who met the inclusion criteria of the study. The data collection tools included Bloom′s Family Functioning Scale and Pop′s self-esteem questionnaire. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed through SPSS software. Results: The results showed that the majority of the samples examined had moderate level self-esteem (48.5%) and family function (56.5%). There was a significant correlation between the dimensions of family functioning and areas of self-esteem (except for lack of independence, and public, academic, and physical self-esteem). In addition, the correlation between family aspirations and self-esteem ( r = 0.636, P < 0.01) was higher than other variables. Moreover, across the dimensions of family functioning, a significant negative correlation was found between the lack of independence and the family self-esteem subscale. Conclusions: The results of the study showed that adolescents′ self-esteem is highly correlated with their family′s performance. Therefore, to enhance the self-esteem of adolescents, family-centered empowerment programs should be planned and implemented by health service providers, especially nurses, in order to improve and enhance family functioning

An investigation of various quality indicators of final exams in specialized courses of Bachelor of Nursing

Aim: Different evidence has revealed that the quality of exams significantly affects the quality of training. Therefore, the present study, with the purpose of evaluating final exams of specialized theoretical courses of Nursing, was conducted based on standard indicators of classical model of test evaluation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Sampling was census and samples were 372 final exam questions of eight specialized theoretical courses of Nursing. Variables in exams were evaluated: Reliability, validity, difficulty, discrepancies, type and level of questions by two experts of education, and eight professors of courses. Results: The correlation between sessions and the overall number of designed questions for all courses was significant (r = 0.34, P < 0.001). For Bloom's level, 56.2% of all the questions were at knowledge level and 3 (0.8%) at synthesis level. Conclusions: Exam questions of Nursing major in the present study and many other studies are not of high quality. It is recommended that Evaluation Committees of universities carry out continuous supervision over educational and training plans be offered for question designers

The Effect of Education on HCV+ Patients’ Knowledge of Hepatitis

Introduction: One of the most important roles intended for nurses is their educational role in the community. Accordingly, this study was implemented to review the results of this role and to determine the effect of education on HCV+ patients’ knowledge of Hepatitis C in MMT and DIC centers and other healthcare networks of Isfahan Province. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed in year 2011 on HCV+ patients covered by MMT and DIC and healthcare networks of Isfahan province. Ninety seven HCV+ patients were trained by superintendents on various aspects of Hepatitis C including transmission, prevention, complications and etc. via workshops. Knowledge was assessed before and after training. Required information was collected by a questionnaire designed for this purpose and was analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, Chi2, student t and paired t test. Results: Mean scores of patients’ knowledge before and after intervention were 11.9±5.3 and 18±3.13 respectively. Paired t test showed that the difference in patients’ knowledge mean scores before and after intervention was significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, providing information on this disease leads to improvement of individuals’ knowledge and attitude. This can influence the controlling process of Hepatitis C in the community especially in relation to transmission to other peopl