Objective: Limited research has examined the psychometric properties of death depression scales i... more Objective: Limited research has examined the psychometric properties of death depression scales in Persian populations with cardiac disease despite the need for valid assessment tools for evaluating depressive symptoms in patients with life-limiting chronic conditions. The present study aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of the Persian Version of Death Depression Scale-Revised (DDS-R) in Iranian patients who had recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Method: This psychometric study was conducted with a convenience sample of 407 patients with AMI diagnosis who completed the Persian version of the DDS-R. The face, content, and construct validity of the scale were ascertained. Internal consistency, test–retest, and construct reliability (CR) were used to assess reliability of the Persian Version of DDS-R. Results: Based on maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis and consideration of conceptual meaning, a 4-factor solution was identified, explaining 75.89% of the total variance. Goodness-of-fit indices (GFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), Incremental Fit Index (IFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) in the final DDS-R structure demonstrated the adequacy of the 4-domain structure. The internal consistency, construct reliability, and Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were greater than .70. Conclusion: The DDS-R was found to be a valid and reliable assessment tool for evaluating death depression symptoms in Iranian patients with AMI.
The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Spi... more The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction. A multisite, cross-sectional survey was employed to determine the instrument's reliability (Cronbach's a and construct reliability) and validity (face, content, and construct). Using systematic sampling of adult outpatients at primary care clinic sites in the Qazvin City, Iran (N = 300), it was found that the Cronbach's alpha and construct reliability of both factors associated with the SWBS were above 0.7. The construct validity of the scale was determined using exploratory factor analysis. The findings supported two factors: relation with God and relation with life. Further investigation through confirmatory
In this study, 398 Iranian cancer patients completed the 15-item Templer&... more In this study, 398 Iranian cancer patients completed the 15-item Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS). Tests of internal consistency, principal components analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to assess the internal consistency and factorial validity of the Persian TDAS. The Construct reliability statistic and average variance extracted were also calculated to measure construct reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Principal components analysis indicated a three component solution, which was generally supported in the confirmatory analysis However, acceptable cutoffs for construct reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were not fulfilled for the three subscales that were derived from the principal component analysis. This study demonstrated both the advantages and potential limitations of using the TDAS with Persian-speaking cancer patients.
While the quantitative–qualitative dichotomy still permeates academic circles, qualitative resear... more While the quantitative–qualitative dichotomy still permeates academic circles, qualitative research is gaining momentum within the realm of social sciences. Among the scholars who have contributed to legitimize qualitative approaches to research, Denzin and Lincoln (2005) have represented one of the leading voices in the field in the last 30 years. A significant aspect of Denzin and Lincoln's scholarly production concerns the historical analysis of qualitative methodologies. More specifically, they identify eight historical periods or ‘moments’ of qualitative research, which heuristically map the development of qualitative studies from the beginning of the twentieth century until the ‘fractured present’. Based on Denzin and Lincoln's (2011) eight moments, this paper employs descriptive statistics to present a critical analysis of the state of qualitative tourism research in Southeast Asia. The results indicate that quantitative approaches are privileged over qualitative methodologies. Moreover, the findings show that Asian qualitative tourism research is mainly driven by positivist and post-positivist paradigms. The results are discussed in relation to the colonial and postcolonial forces that have shaped the political and sociocultural context of Southeast Asian academic circles.
Journal of Social Sciences (COES&RJ-JSS) ISSN (E): 2305-9249 ISSN (P): 2305-9494, Jan 1, 2015
Background: Using technology acceptance model (TAM), prior studies revealed that
attitude towards... more Background: Using technology acceptance model (TAM), prior studies revealed that attitude towards Internet use for health information differently affected behavioral intention to use the Internet for health information. In other words, some results showed a smaller influence of attitude on Internet use for health information as compared to results of other researches. The level of health consciousness could explain the differences in the existing literature on magnitude of the influence of attitude towards Internet use for health information on the Internet use. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to examine the moderating effect of health consciousness on the influence of attitude towards using the Internet for health-related information on Internet use for health information seeking in TAM framework. Furthermore, the study aims to test the mediating role of attitude towards Internet for health information in the effect of cognitive beliefs (i.e. perceived usefulness and perceived ease of Internet use) on Internet use for health information seeking. Method: Data for the present study were collected using convenience sampling. The sample consisted of female Internet users living in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling method was used to test the research hypotheses based on the response from a total of 303 participants. Results: The results of this study showed that when there is a high level of health consciousness (i) attitude partially mediates the influence of perceived usefulness on Internet use for health information and (ii) perceived ease of Internet use has an indirect effect on Internet use for health information through attitude towards using the Internet for health-related information.
Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are found throughout the world. Infection with FCoV can result in a ... more Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are found throughout the world. Infection with FCoV can result in a diverse range of signs from clinically inapparent infections to a highly fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is one of the most serious viral diseases of cats. While there is neither an effective vaccine, nor a curative treatment for FIP, a diagnostic protocol for FCoV would greatly assist in the management and control of the virus. Clinical findings in FIP are non-specific and not helpful in making a differential diagnosis. Haematological and biochemical abnormalities in FIP cases are also non-specific. The currently available serological tests have low specificity and sensitivity for detection of active infection and cross-react with FCoV strains of low pathogenicity, the feline enteric coronaviruses (FECV). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been used to detect FCoV and is rapid and sensitive, but results must be interpreted in the c...
Today, people use the Internet to satisfy health-related information and communication needs. In ... more Today, people use the Internet to satisfy health-related information and communication needs. In Malaysia, Internet use for health management has become increasingly significant due to the increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, in particular among urban women and their desire to stay healthy. Past studies adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Health Belief Model (HBM) independently to explain Internet use for health-related purposes. Although both the TAM and HBM have their own merits, independently they lack the ability to explain the cognition and the related mechanism in which individuals use the Internet for health purposes. This study aimed to examine the influence of perceived health risk and health consciousness on health-related Internet use based on the HBM. Drawing on the TAM, it also tested the mediating effects of perceived usefulness of the Internet for health information and attitude toward Internet use for health purposes for the relationship between health-related factors, namely perceived health risk and health consciousness on health-related Internet use. Data obtained for the current study were collected using purposive sampling; the sample consisted of women in Malaysia who had Internet access. The partial least squares structural equation modeling method was used to test the research hypotheses developed. Perceived health risk (β=.135, t1999=2.676) and health consciousness (β=.447, t1999=9.168) had a positive influence on health-related Internet use. Moreover, perceived usefulness of the Internet and attitude toward Internet use for health-related purposes partially mediated the influence of health consciousness on health-related Internet use (β=.025, t1999=3.234), whereas the effect of perceived health risk on health-related Internet use was fully mediated by perceived usefulness of the Internet and attitude (β=.029, t1999=3.609). These results suggest the central role of perceived usefulness of the Internet and attitude toward Internet use for health purposes for women who were health conscious and who perceived their health to be at risk. The integrated model proposed and tested in this study shows that the HBM, when combined with the TAM, is able to predict Internet use for health purposes. For women who subjectively evaluate their health as vulnerable to diseases and are concerned about their health, cognition beliefs in and positive affective feelings about the Internet come into play in determining the use of health-related Internet use. Furthermore, this study shows that engaging in health-related Internet use is a proactive behavior rather than a reactive behavior, suggesting that TAM dimensions have a significant mediating role in Internet health management.
Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are found throughout the world. Infection with FCoV can result in a ... more Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are found throughout the world. Infection with FCoV can result in a diverse range of signs from clinically inapparent infections to a highly fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is one of the most serious viral diseases of cats. While there is neither an effective vaccine, nor a curative treatment for FIP, a diagnostic protocol for FCoV would greatly assist in the management and control of the virus. Clinical findings in FIP are non-specific and not helpful in making a differential diagnosis. Haematological and biochemical abnormalities in FIP cases are also non-specific. The currently available serological tests have low specificity and sensitivity for detection of active infection and cross-react with FCoV strains of low pathogenicity, the feline enteric coronaviruses (FECV). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been used to detect FCoV and is rapid and sensitive, but results must be interpreted in the context of clinical findings. At present, a definitive diagnosis of FIP can be established only by histopathological examination of biopsies. This paper describes and compares diagnostic methods for FCoVs and includes a brief account of the virus biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis.
Objective: Limited research has examined the psychometric properties of death depression scales i... more Objective: Limited research has examined the psychometric properties of death depression scales in Persian populations with cardiac disease despite the need for valid assessment tools for evaluating depressive symptoms in patients with life-limiting chronic conditions. The present study aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of the Persian Version of Death Depression Scale-Revised (DDS-R) in Iranian patients who had recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Method: This psychometric study was conducted with a convenience sample of 407 patients with AMI diagnosis who completed the Persian version of the DDS-R. The face, content, and construct validity of the scale were ascertained. Internal consistency, test–retest, and construct reliability (CR) were used to assess reliability of the Persian Version of DDS-R. Results: Based on maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis and consideration of conceptual meaning, a 4-factor solution was identified, explaining 75.89% of the total variance. Goodness-of-fit indices (GFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), Incremental Fit Index (IFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) in the final DDS-R structure demonstrated the adequacy of the 4-domain structure. The internal consistency, construct reliability, and Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were greater than .70. Conclusion: The DDS-R was found to be a valid and reliable assessment tool for evaluating death depression symptoms in Iranian patients with AMI.
The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Spi... more The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction. A multisite, cross-sectional survey was employed to determine the instrument's reliability (Cronbach's a and construct reliability) and validity (face, content, and construct). Using systematic sampling of adult outpatients at primary care clinic sites in the Qazvin City, Iran (N = 300), it was found that the Cronbach's alpha and construct reliability of both factors associated with the SWBS were above 0.7. The construct validity of the scale was determined using exploratory factor analysis. The findings supported two factors: relation with God and relation with life. Further investigation through confirmatory
In this study, 398 Iranian cancer patients completed the 15-item Templer&... more In this study, 398 Iranian cancer patients completed the 15-item Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS). Tests of internal consistency, principal components analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to assess the internal consistency and factorial validity of the Persian TDAS. The Construct reliability statistic and average variance extracted were also calculated to measure construct reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Principal components analysis indicated a three component solution, which was generally supported in the confirmatory analysis However, acceptable cutoffs for construct reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were not fulfilled for the three subscales that were derived from the principal component analysis. This study demonstrated both the advantages and potential limitations of using the TDAS with Persian-speaking cancer patients.
While the quantitative–qualitative dichotomy still permeates academic circles, qualitative resear... more While the quantitative–qualitative dichotomy still permeates academic circles, qualitative research is gaining momentum within the realm of social sciences. Among the scholars who have contributed to legitimize qualitative approaches to research, Denzin and Lincoln (2005) have represented one of the leading voices in the field in the last 30 years. A significant aspect of Denzin and Lincoln's scholarly production concerns the historical analysis of qualitative methodologies. More specifically, they identify eight historical periods or ‘moments’ of qualitative research, which heuristically map the development of qualitative studies from the beginning of the twentieth century until the ‘fractured present’. Based on Denzin and Lincoln's (2011) eight moments, this paper employs descriptive statistics to present a critical analysis of the state of qualitative tourism research in Southeast Asia. The results indicate that quantitative approaches are privileged over qualitative methodologies. Moreover, the findings show that Asian qualitative tourism research is mainly driven by positivist and post-positivist paradigms. The results are discussed in relation to the colonial and postcolonial forces that have shaped the political and sociocultural context of Southeast Asian academic circles.
Journal of Social Sciences (COES&RJ-JSS) ISSN (E): 2305-9249 ISSN (P): 2305-9494, Jan 1, 2015
Background: Using technology acceptance model (TAM), prior studies revealed that
attitude towards... more Background: Using technology acceptance model (TAM), prior studies revealed that attitude towards Internet use for health information differently affected behavioral intention to use the Internet for health information. In other words, some results showed a smaller influence of attitude on Internet use for health information as compared to results of other researches. The level of health consciousness could explain the differences in the existing literature on magnitude of the influence of attitude towards Internet use for health information on the Internet use. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to examine the moderating effect of health consciousness on the influence of attitude towards using the Internet for health-related information on Internet use for health information seeking in TAM framework. Furthermore, the study aims to test the mediating role of attitude towards Internet for health information in the effect of cognitive beliefs (i.e. perceived usefulness and perceived ease of Internet use) on Internet use for health information seeking. Method: Data for the present study were collected using convenience sampling. The sample consisted of female Internet users living in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling method was used to test the research hypotheses based on the response from a total of 303 participants. Results: The results of this study showed that when there is a high level of health consciousness (i) attitude partially mediates the influence of perceived usefulness on Internet use for health information and (ii) perceived ease of Internet use has an indirect effect on Internet use for health information through attitude towards using the Internet for health-related information.
Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are found throughout the world. Infection with FCoV can result in a ... more Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are found throughout the world. Infection with FCoV can result in a diverse range of signs from clinically inapparent infections to a highly fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is one of the most serious viral diseases of cats. While there is neither an effective vaccine, nor a curative treatment for FIP, a diagnostic protocol for FCoV would greatly assist in the management and control of the virus. Clinical findings in FIP are non-specific and not helpful in making a differential diagnosis. Haematological and biochemical abnormalities in FIP cases are also non-specific. The currently available serological tests have low specificity and sensitivity for detection of active infection and cross-react with FCoV strains of low pathogenicity, the feline enteric coronaviruses (FECV). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been used to detect FCoV and is rapid and sensitive, but results must be interpreted in the c...
Today, people use the Internet to satisfy health-related information and communication needs. In ... more Today, people use the Internet to satisfy health-related information and communication needs. In Malaysia, Internet use for health management has become increasingly significant due to the increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, in particular among urban women and their desire to stay healthy. Past studies adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Health Belief Model (HBM) independently to explain Internet use for health-related purposes. Although both the TAM and HBM have their own merits, independently they lack the ability to explain the cognition and the related mechanism in which individuals use the Internet for health purposes. This study aimed to examine the influence of perceived health risk and health consciousness on health-related Internet use based on the HBM. Drawing on the TAM, it also tested the mediating effects of perceived usefulness of the Internet for health information and attitude toward Internet use for health purposes for the relationship between health-related factors, namely perceived health risk and health consciousness on health-related Internet use. Data obtained for the current study were collected using purposive sampling; the sample consisted of women in Malaysia who had Internet access. The partial least squares structural equation modeling method was used to test the research hypotheses developed. Perceived health risk (β=.135, t1999=2.676) and health consciousness (β=.447, t1999=9.168) had a positive influence on health-related Internet use. Moreover, perceived usefulness of the Internet and attitude toward Internet use for health-related purposes partially mediated the influence of health consciousness on health-related Internet use (β=.025, t1999=3.234), whereas the effect of perceived health risk on health-related Internet use was fully mediated by perceived usefulness of the Internet and attitude (β=.029, t1999=3.609). These results suggest the central role of perceived usefulness of the Internet and attitude toward Internet use for health purposes for women who were health conscious and who perceived their health to be at risk. The integrated model proposed and tested in this study shows that the HBM, when combined with the TAM, is able to predict Internet use for health purposes. For women who subjectively evaluate their health as vulnerable to diseases and are concerned about their health, cognition beliefs in and positive affective feelings about the Internet come into play in determining the use of health-related Internet use. Furthermore, this study shows that engaging in health-related Internet use is a proactive behavior rather than a reactive behavior, suggesting that TAM dimensions have a significant mediating role in Internet health management.
Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are found throughout the world. Infection with FCoV can result in a ... more Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are found throughout the world. Infection with FCoV can result in a diverse range of signs from clinically inapparent infections to a highly fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is one of the most serious viral diseases of cats. While there is neither an effective vaccine, nor a curative treatment for FIP, a diagnostic protocol for FCoV would greatly assist in the management and control of the virus. Clinical findings in FIP are non-specific and not helpful in making a differential diagnosis. Haematological and biochemical abnormalities in FIP cases are also non-specific. The currently available serological tests have low specificity and sensitivity for detection of active infection and cross-react with FCoV strains of low pathogenicity, the feline enteric coronaviruses (FECV). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been used to detect FCoV and is rapid and sensitive, but results must be interpreted in the context of clinical findings. At present, a definitive diagnosis of FIP can be established only by histopathological examination of biopsies. This paper describes and compares diagnostic methods for FCoVs and includes a brief account of the virus biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis.
Objective: Limited research has examined the psychometric properties of death depression scales i... more Objective: Limited research has examined the psychometric properties of death depression scales in Persian populations with cardiac disease despite the need for valid assessment tools for evaluating depressive symptoms in patients with life-limiting chronic conditions. The present study aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of the Persian Version of Death Depression Scale-Revised (DDS-R) in Iranian patients who had recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Method: This psychometric study was conducted with a convenience sample of 407 patients with AMI diagnosis who completed the Persian version of the DDS-R. The face, content, and construct validity of the scale were ascertained. Internal consistency, test–retest, and construct reliability (CR) were used to assess reliability of the Persian Version of DDS-R. Results: Based on maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis and consideration of conceptual meaning, a 4-factor solution was identified, explaining 75.89% of the total variance. Goodness-of-fit indices (GFI), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), Incremental Fit Index (IFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) in the final DDS-R structure demonstrated the adequacy of the 4-domain structure. The internal consistency, construct reliability, and Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were greater than .70. Conclusion: The DDS-R was found to be a valid and reliable assessment tool for evaluating death depression symptoms in Iranian patients with AMI.
In recent years, researchers have identified that coping strategies are an important contributor ... more In recent years, researchers have identified that coping strategies are an important contributor to an individual's life satisfaction and ability to manage stress. The positive relationship between religious copings, specifically, with physical and mental health has also been identified in some studies. Spirituality and religion have been discussed rigorously in research, but very few studies exist on religious coping. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between religious coping methods (i.e., positive and negative religious coping) and self-care behaviors in Iranian medical students. This study used a cross-sectional design of 335 randomly selected students from Mazan-daran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A data collection tool comprised of the standard questionnaire of religious coping methods and questionnaire of self-care behaviors assessment was utilized. Data were analyzed using a two-sample t test assuming equal variances. Adjusted linear regression was used to evaluate the independent association of religious copings with self-care. Adjusted linear regression model indicated an independent
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, May 11, 2017
Aim Adolescence is a developmental period often associated with high-risk behaviors. While some r... more Aim Adolescence is a developmental period often associated with high-risk behaviors. While some risk-taking behavior is considered normative in adolescents, research has indicated an association between risky behaviors and mental ill-health. The current research aimed to examine the relationship between anxiety and depression with the occurrence of high-risk behaviors in adolescents and also determine the predictive factors of these main variables. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was used to collect data from 399 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19 residing in Qazvin, Iran using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) and the Iranian Adolescents Risk-taking Scale (IARS) between the period of October and November 2015. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics powered by SPSS (v. 23). Results Mean scores for anxiety, depression and risky behaviors were 37.70 ± 21.11 and 80.76 ± 31.30, respectively. Participants’ frequency of suicidal thoughts ( Conclusion Findings of the present study suggest that anxiety and depression positively and significantly predict the occurrence of risky behaviors in addition to having friends that smoke, suicidal thoughts, and strong suicidal thinking. The implications of these findings have relevance for screening, prevention, and treatment interventions targeting mental health in adolescents.
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Papers by Saeed Pahlevan Sharif
attitude towards Internet use for health information differently affected behavioral
intention to use the Internet for health information. In other words, some results showed a
smaller influence of attitude on Internet use for health information as compared to results
of other researches. The level of health consciousness could explain the differences in the
existing literature on magnitude of the influence of attitude towards Internet use for health
information on the Internet use.
Objectives: The main objective of the study is to examine the moderating effect of health
consciousness on the influence of attitude towards using the Internet for health-related
information on Internet use for health information seeking in TAM framework.
Furthermore, the study aims to test the mediating role of attitude towards Internet for
health information in the effect of cognitive beliefs (i.e. perceived usefulness and
perceived ease of Internet use) on Internet use for health information seeking.
Method: Data for the present study were collected using convenience sampling. The
sample consisted of female Internet users living in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Partial
Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling method was used to test the research
hypotheses based on the response from a total of 303 participants.
Results: The results of this study showed that when there is a high level of health
consciousness (i) attitude partially mediates the influence of perceived usefulness on
Internet use for health information and (ii) perceived ease of Internet use has an indirect
effect on Internet use for health information through attitude towards using the Internet for
health-related information.
attitude towards Internet use for health information differently affected behavioral
intention to use the Internet for health information. In other words, some results showed a
smaller influence of attitude on Internet use for health information as compared to results
of other researches. The level of health consciousness could explain the differences in the
existing literature on magnitude of the influence of attitude towards Internet use for health
information on the Internet use.
Objectives: The main objective of the study is to examine the moderating effect of health
consciousness on the influence of attitude towards using the Internet for health-related
information on Internet use for health information seeking in TAM framework.
Furthermore, the study aims to test the mediating role of attitude towards Internet for
health information in the effect of cognitive beliefs (i.e. perceived usefulness and
perceived ease of Internet use) on Internet use for health information seeking.
Method: Data for the present study were collected using convenience sampling. The
sample consisted of female Internet users living in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Partial
Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling method was used to test the research
hypotheses based on the response from a total of 303 participants.
Results: The results of this study showed that when there is a high level of health
consciousness (i) attitude partially mediates the influence of perceived usefulness on
Internet use for health information and (ii) perceived ease of Internet use has an indirect
effect on Internet use for health information through attitude towards using the Internet for
health-related information.