Improvement in Activity of Daily Living and Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: the Impact of Nutrition Education

Background: Fatigue is one of the most common complications of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, a few studies are available on the effect of nutrition education on fatigue and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in patients with MS. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of nutrition education on fatigue and ability to perform ADL in patients with MS. Methods: This quasi-experimental one group, pretest and posttest study was performed on 40 patients with MS, who were conveniently recruited among patients, registered at the Iranian MS Society. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a standard ADL scale, and a 24-hour food recall for two days. The instruments were completed at the start and two months after the intervention. Descriptive statistics and paired t test were used to analyze the data. Results: Sixty percent of the patients had severe fatigue before the intervention while, 90% of them reported mild fatigue after the intervention. The mean posttest ADL was increased by 12.45 units after the intervention when compared with the pretest value (P<0.001). Moreover, the daily intake of vitamin D and E, calcium and omega3 were lower than 75% of the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) in most of the patients. Conclusions: The present study showed the beneficial effects of nutritional training on fatigue and ADL in patients with MS. Therefore, nurses and dietitians should regularly assess the patients’ dietary pattern and train them and their families about appropriate diet

Knowledge and Attitude of nurses regarding bioterrorism

Abstract Background: Modern biotechnology has enabled man to make benefit of microorganisms more efficiently than before but it is obvious that this powerful tool can be beneficial or dangerous to human beings depending on its use. Bioterrorism using biological weapons in terrorism is of great concern especially for healthcare workers as the first respondents to the victims. Purpose: This descriptive study was conducted to identify attitudes and knowledge of nurses concerning bioterrorism at hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran Medical University in Sari. Methods: 65 nurses were selected by non-probability sampling method. A questionnaire was used for collecting data. Content and Cronbach’s methods were used for validity and reliability of it. Results: Findings showed that 96.9% of the subjects had a very low knowledge concerning bioterrorism and 96.9% of them was also indifferent.  Conclusion: Performing educational programs regarding bioterrorism is recommended because knowledge of nurses in this regard seems to be very low. Key words: Knowledge, Attitude, Bioterrorism, Nurses

Effects of walking on quality of life (QOL) of mastectomy patients in hospitals of Tehran

Background and AimBreast cancer is the most common malignancy in women with an estimated new cases amount to 178000 in 2007. Although surgery is the most frequent intervention, patients experience problems both from the disease and from surgery, leading to negative impact on their quality of life (QOL). Accordingly, such exercises as walking can improve their QOL. The aim of this quasi-experimental one-group study was to assess the effect of walking on QOL of mastectomy patients in 2007. Materials and Methods34 subjects selected by purposive and convenience sampling methods took part in the study. A two-part questionnaire including demographic as well as QOL items and a self-report form were used for data collection. After determining content and face validities, the reliability of the questionnaire was figured by internal consistency (α=0.89) and test-retest (r=0.91) methods. Walking was performed in a flat area, 3 times a week and each time 30 minutes over 6 weeks. QOL items in the questionnaire were completed 2 times before and after the intervention. FindingsMean scores of physical domain before and after the intervention were %64.55±8.10 and 78.89±5.81, of psychological domain 52.89±10.74 and 64.92±8.64, of social domain 64.76±9.59 and 79.06±25.62, of economical domain 68.63±16.29 and 73.28±15.32 and of spiritual domain 79.96±12.57 and 82.54±11.18 respectively. Mean scores of total QOL were 66.16±6.30 and 75.74±6.59 before and after the intervention respectively. A significant increase was found in all domains except spiritual.   Conclusion It can be concluded that walking has positive effects on QOL of mastectomy patients to overcome their problems. Keywords: Walking, Quality of life (QOL), Mastectomy. *Corresponding Author: Moshtagh Eshgh, Z. Lecturer, Dept. of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: [email protected]

Educational needs of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)

BackgroundWith respect to different problems and complications of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), appropriate educational programs and interventions should be performed for them to promote their quality of life. PurposeThis descriptive study was conducted to identify educational needs of patients who were the members of Iranian MS Society in 2007.  Methods174 subjects referring to the society were selected with convenience sampling method. A questionnaire in 4 parts was used for data collection.  ResultsMost subjects (26.4%) were between 32-39, women (71%) as well as married (59.8%) and history of the disease less than 3 years (27.7%). 39.1% was in great need of education, 0.6% of disease nature, 94% of sexual disorders and 64.8% of administrative problems. A significant relationship was found between educational needs concerning physical issues and education (P=0.027) and also these needs and times of hospitalization (P=0.004). ConclusionIt can be concluded that the most urgent educational needs were about sexual problems, mobility problems and administrative problems and the lowest need for education was about elimination problems. Keywords: Educational needs, Multiple sclerosis, Iranian Multiple Sclerosis Society. Physical needs.           

Effects of Dietary Pattern on Day to Day Activities in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis Disease is the most common neurological demyelinization disorder in young adults that leads to their disability. Because of the side effects of treatment drugs, it seems that another method should be used. Correct nutrition is one of these methods. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of nutrition on activity of daily living in MS patients referring to the Iranian MS society in 2010. Methods: In this quasi- experimental study (before and after investigation), 40 MS patients were selected on basis of purposive and accessible sampling method. The data was collected via questionnaires. The intervention comprised of correct nutrition algorithm education for 12 weeks. All questionnaires were filled before and after the intervention by subjects and then pre/post intervention data was analyzed with SPSS 16 software. Statistical tests included Student paired and T tests. Results: The statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between mean score of ability of activity of daily living of MS patients before and after intervention(P<0.001), thus confirming the hypothesis of the study. Conclusion: According to results, it is recommended that nutrition pattern (simple, cheap without side effects and noninvasive procedure) should be used to improve the levels of activity of daily living in MS patients