2026-09-15T01:13:59+03:30 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/browse.php?mag_id=6&slc_lang=en&sid=1

6-94 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Emad Ahmadiara Bahador Hajimohammadi 2017 12 01 55 56 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-94-en.pdf

6-95 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Fatemeh Safari 2017 12 01 57 58 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-95-en.pdf

6-96 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Katayon Bakhtiar Fatemeh Bastami Naser Sharafkhani Mohammad Almasian Introduction: Self-medication is one of the problems in the treatment cycle of patients. Aging is associated with increased drug use and adverse effects. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors influencing self-medication among the elderly referring to urban health centers in Khorramabad, Iran, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in 2016-2017.  Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 137 elderly individuals over 60 in Khorramabad. The participants were selected using the multistage sampling method. Data collection instruments included a questionnaire designed based on the HBM and a self-medication checklist. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software, descriptive statistical tests, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression. Results: Among the constructs of the HBM, perceived severity alone could predict 31 percent of the self-medication behaviors, and perceived severity plus barriers could predict 40 percent of the self-medication behaviors. The overall prevalence of self-medication among the elderly was 39.4%. The most common reason for self-medication was previous experiences with self-medications (59.8%). Additionally, there were significant relationships among the constructs of HBM with the favorable practice of the elderly regarding self-medication (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that perceived severity and barriers play a more crucial role in the development of self-care behaviors regarding self-medication among the elderly.   Aged Health Belief Model Self-Medication 2017 12 01 59 66 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-96-en.pdf

6-97 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Mohammad Ali Morowatisharifabad Fariba Bayati Zohreh Rahaei Mohammad Ebrahimzadeh Ardakani Seyedeh Mahdieh Namayandeh Introduction: Considering the effects of skin diseases on health, activities, and quality of life of older adults, the study was conducted with the aim of determining knowledge, attitude, and practice status in older adults of Sarakhs city about skin care and prevalence of some skin problems among them.   Methods: Totally 400 older adults aged 60 years and above (60-99 years) in a cross-sectional study were selected through cluster random sampling from urban and rural older adults in Sarakhs city, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. Data was collected through skin examination and a researcher-made questionnaire, which included four parts of demographic questions, attitude to, knowledge, and practice of skin care. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.   Results: The most commonly detected skin problem was dryness (30.25%) followed by pruritus (5.9%) and flaking of the skin (8.25%). Average knowledge score was 18.15 ± 7.59 (possible score range of 0-56), average attitude score was 27.13 ± 3.17 (possible score range of 12 to 36), and average practice score was 33.9± 8.30 (possible score range of 13-67). There was a positive significant correlation between scores of knowledge and attitude (r = 0.283, p < 0.001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.222, p < 0.001), as well as attitude and practice (r = 0.298, p < 0.001).   Conclusion: The commonest skin problems among older adults was skin dryness, pruritis and flaking. Knowledge and practice of skin care is at low level. An accurate and comprehensive training plan seems necessary to promote the level of these people’s knowledge and practices. Knowledge Attitude Practice Older adults Care Skin 2017 12 01 67 73 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-97-en.pdf

6-99 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Alijan Ahmadi Ahangar Seyed Reza Hosseini Farzan Kheirkhah Masoumeh Karimi Payam Saadat Ali Bijani Shayan Alijanpour Hamed Hosseinzadeh Sakineh Faraji Introduction: Chronic pain and depression are two of common geriatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between chronic pain and depressive symptoms in older people in Amirkola.   Methods: This cross-sectional study is part of Amirkola Health and Aging Project. It is an ongoing cohort project which was being conducted from 2011 on all people aged 60 and above in Amirkola city in northern part of Iran. One thousand six hundred and four older people were included in the study. Data related to chronic pains and their locations were collected using questionnaire by inquiring the elderly while depressive symptoms were gathered based on Geriatric Depression Scale. Data were analyzed by chi-square test and logistic regression in SPSS.   Results: The prevalence of chronic pain, depressive symptoms, and co-occurrence of chronic pain and depressive symptoms among the elderly was respectively 84.4%, 43.5%, and 39.8%. The odds ratio of having chronic pain in depressed people was more than non-depressed people (OR = 2.88; 95% CI = 2.11-3.94). Prevalence of chronic pain in hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, hip joints, knees, ankles, legs, and back were noticeable in people with symptoms of depression compared to those without depressive symptoms. In regression model, severity of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.73 (1.23 - 2.45)), being female (OR = 2.40 (1.68 - 3.45)), increasing age (OR = 1.03 (1.01 - 1.05) and having chronic diseases (OR = 1.24 (1.13-1.35) were among the important variables that influenced chronic pain.   Conclusion: This study showed, especially in women, significant association between chronic pain and depressive symptoms. It is essential to take prophylactic and treatment measures suitable for their control and treatment.   Depression Chronic Pain Aged 2017 12 01 74 79 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-99-en.pdf

6-100 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Akbar Azizi Zeinalhajlou Hossein Matlabi Mohammad Hasan Sahebihagh Sarvin Sanaie Manouchehr Seyedi Vafaee Fathollah Pourali Introduction: Nutrition is an important determinant of health in the elderly. Older people are more susceptible to malnutrition that leaves adverse effects on their health. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of the community-dwelling elderly in Tabriz City.   Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among non- institutionalized older people in Tabriz, Iran. A total of 1041 older adults (506 men and 535 women) were randomly selected based on Probability Proportional to Size sampling method. Data collection and evaluation of nutritional status using Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form, were conducted in the participants’ households.   Results: Of all participants, 2.5% (CI 95%; 1.7-3.6) suffered from malnutrition, 26.7% (CI 95%; 24.1%-29.5%) were at risk of malnutrition, and 70.8% (CI 95%; 68.0%-73.5%) had normal nutritional status. Malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were more prevalent in elderly women than men (malnutrition: 2.6% vs. 2.4%, risk of malnutrition: 30.3% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.024) and in single than married elderly (3.9% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001). Moreover, it had an upward trend with increasing age and decreasing educational level.   Conclusion: Although most of the elderly people were nutritionally in normal status, a significant proportion were at risk of malnutrition that strengthens the need for designing and implementing appropriate interventions to improve lifestyle and prevent malnutrition in the elderly people. Elderly Nutritional Status MNA-SF Community-dwelling Iran 2017 12 01 80 86 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-100-en.pdf

6-98 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Hassan Rezaeipandari Nooshin Yoshani Zohreh Rahaei Farzaneh Amighi Introduction: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and risk factors for suicide in aging that often underdiagnosed and those who are more hopeful, suffer from less depression. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between life expectancy and depression among older people in Yazd, Iran.   Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 community-dwelling elderlies over 60 years of age, Yazd city. Eligible older people were selected using cluster sampling method. The data collection instrument included geriatric depression scale and The adult hope scale. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive frequency distribution, independent t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation.   Results: The mean score of depression and life expectancy in the elderly was 6.77 ± 3.17 and 39.52 ± 6.27, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between life expectancy and depression (r = -0.594 and p = 0.005), and a significant positive correlation between age and depression (r = 0.258 and p = 0.005).   Conclusion: Considering that the depression score in the elderly was at a moderate level, and also considering that with decreasing life expectancy, depression increased in the elderly, psychological interventions focusing on preventing and reducing depression, and increasing the life expectancy, are recommended. Depression Life Expectancy Aged 2017 12 01 87 93 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-98-en.pdf

6-101 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Shamsodin Niknami Hossein Izadi Rad Introduction: The growing trend of aging phenomenon has introduced the necessity of paying attention to perceived social support as an effective factor in promoting mental health of older women. Current literature suggests that the accessibility of appropriate social support can improve mental health and well- being among older women. This study aims to explore social support and mental health among older women, and relationship between in Iranshahr, Iran.   Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Iranshahr, Baluchestan province, Iran. A total of 400 elderly women aged over 65 years were recruited using multistage sampling. The data were collected utilizing Norbeck social support questionnaire (score range from 0 to 20) and general health questionnaires (score range from 0 to 84). Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze study findings.   Results: Average mental health score of the participants was 24.1 (±11. 7), which reflects good mental health. Social functioning of mental health was significantly correlated with social, emotional and financial support. Mental health was also significantly correlated with age (r = 0.4, p ˂ 0.05) and marital status (F = 5.84, p ˂ 0.001).   Conclusion: Our finding suggests that coherent social support can have a significant impact on mental health and social functions of older women, as such, interventions promoting mental health and social needs of elderly women are necessities in the context of Iranian culture. Social Support Mental Health Older Women 2017 12 01 94 98 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-101-en.pdf

6-102 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Maryam Hasanshahi Abdolrahim Asadollahi Jeyran Ostovarfar Nobaya Ahmad Introduction: Declining social participation and reduced engagement in communal activities among Khuzistani citizens are specifically more evident among the elderly than other age groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the social well-being within Aged People in Ahwaz city.   Methods: Via cross-sectional study in 2016, data were collected during interview with 382 samples (195 male and 187 female) 60 years old and above in accordance to cluster-multistage sampling method and the sample size were estimated by Cochran Formula as a whole. Data collection instrument was the version of 33 items of the Social Well-being Scale of Keyes. Data were analyzed by SPSS in descriptive statistics, F-test & geographical information system. Sampling method was cluster-ratio based on municipal zones, ethnicity, and gender.   Results: Total scores of Scale of Social Well-being (Mean = 61.42, SD = 14.92) show the average rank of loneliness among participants (between 59.35 and 64.20). Arabs (Mean = 59.35, SD = 14.95) have a lower social well-being rank than other ethnic groups. The comparison of the social well-being by gender and ethnic characteristics illustrates that the variables have significant differences within the aged as well (N = 382, ρ £ 0.05).Regarding financial support and economic status of aged samples, those older persons who did not receive any financial support, had better rank of social well-being than aged who were supported (Mean = 64.89, SD = 16.22).   Conclusion: According to the results of the study, aged minority ethnic group women faced inequalities regarding social well-being in Ahwaz City, Iran. Aged Female Male Social Well-being 2017 12 01 99 106 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-102-en.pdf

6-103 2026-09-15 10.1002

Elderly Health Journal Elderly Health Journal 2423-6179 2423-6179 2017 3 2 Ahmad Abooee Robab Sahaf Ahmad Ali Akbari Kamrani Mohammad Hasan Lotfi Fatemeh Heidari Nazila Shahmansouri Introduction: Quality of life and dependency are two important issues in elderly population. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the elderly psychoeducation on their quality of life and dependency in a day care center in Iran.   Methods: A pre-post interventional design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation program on a convenient sample of 130 elderlies with randomized control group. Intervention procedure included a healthcare package which contained healthy lifestyle education, memory telling sessions, physical education, prayer meetings, art workshops and arranging excursions, all of which was delivered within 3 months. Quality of life short form (SF-12) and Lawton index of  instumental activities of daily living (IADL) were assessed at baseline, after one month and three months later by a trained research coordinator. Covariance analysis was used to examine the effectiveness of the elderly psychoeducation on their psychophysical quality of life and their IADL status.   Results: The mean score of physical quality of life at pretest in the experimental group was 35.70  ±8.80. These score,were 38.53 ± 8.32 and 39.27 ± 7.80 in the first and second posttestrespectively. In terms of psychological quality of life, the mean of pretest score in the experimental group was 41.59 ± 9.47. It was 43.26 ± 9.09 and 47.19 ± 8.98 in the first and second post-test but in the control group the mean had decreased. The mean score of IADL in pretest for the experimental group was 9.98 ± 2.56 in the post-test it was 10.49 ± 2.31and 10.69 ± 2.34 in the first and second post-test, respectively.   Conclusion: These results suggest that psychoeducation for elderlies had a significant positive effect on psycho-physical quality of life and dependency. Therfore,  psychoeducation can be helpful in day care centers. Elderly Psychoeducation Quality of Life Dependency 2017 12 01 107 112 http://ehj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-103-en.pdf