Elaheh Nasiri

Living in nursing homes can lead to changes in the General Health Indicators of older people. This study aimed to systematically compare the General Health

Introduction: Proper and effective public education during epidemics of infectious diseases can have a key effect in controlling epidemics and reducing their complications. Therefore, the present study aims to assess public education methods during infectious disease epidemics from the perspectives of both the public and experts in Iran. Method: The present study is a mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) with a parallel convergent design conducted in 2024 in Iran. The public’s views on the effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of each method used for educating people during epidemics, with a focus on the COVID-19 epidemic, were collected through a self-development valid and reliable questionnaire (with closed and open-ended questions). Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS:16 software. In the qualitative section, data were collected by semi-structured interviews and manually analyzed using content analysis methods. Results: Television (79.9%), social networks (78.8%), and websites (78.5%) were introduced as sources that have performed best, provided various information and education, had a high impact on the audience, and successfully gained people’s trust during epidemics of infectious diseases. In the qualitative section, the majority of participants identified in-person training as the most effective method of educating people. Utilizing the capacities of mass media and providing accurate information to the public were strengths, while dissemination of false and unscientific information and lack of trust in relevant institutions were identified as weaknesses in educating people during epidemics of infectious diseases. Conclusion: In this study, an attempt was made to provide comprehensive and sufficient information for decision-making and effective planning for public education in the next epidemics of infectious diseases.

Background. Despite the passage of more than two years since the implementation of the "Family and Youth Protection" law, no scientific study has been conducted to measure people's satisfaction and awareness of this law. Methods. In this cross-sectional study conducted in the second half of 1402 with the participation of Iranians over 15 years of age throughout the country, data were collected through a researcher-made, validated and reliable questionnaire electronically. data were analyzed and reported using descriptive statistics and statistical tests using SPSS 16 software. Result. 337 people from 27 provinces participated in the study (mean age 34.4 years, 52% male). People had little awareness of the law (about 55%), with the least awareness of the implementation status (49.1%) and the most awareness of the law's purpose (56.8%). 60% of people stated that this law was of little or no importance to them. Less than 20% of people followed related news. social network was used twice as much as the Islamic Republic of Iranian Broadcasting as a source of information. The overall satisfaction rate was about 52%. Single and homeless people were more aware, but rural residents showed low satisfaction. Conclusion. The level of public awareness and satisfaction with the "Family and Youth Protection" law is not at an acceptable level. Therefore, accurate identification of the reasons for these issues and effective planning to address them should be considered by policymakers.

Background. In recent decades, epidemics of various infectious diseases have occurred. Despite the health authorities' educational efforts to provide people with adequate information, there is not enough evidence regarding the evaluation and effectiveness of educational methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of educational methods provided for the public during epidemics of infectious diseases from people's perspective. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran in 2023. The participants included individuals who were older than 15 years and were living in Iran during the recent epidemics. We used a tailored questionnaire consisting of 14 questions to gather information. The validity of the questionnaire was ensured by calculating the content validity index and ratio. Furthermore, its reliability was confirmed through a pilot study. The participants were selected using convenience sampling. In order to collect data, the questionnaire was distributed to the target group both electronically and in person. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24) with normality tests conducted, and any P-value below 0.05 was considered significant. Results. A total of 278 individuals participated in the study, with the majority being women (62.3%). The average age of the participants was 33.9 years old. Most of the participants had a bachelor's degree (43.2%). According to the results of the study, social networks were identified as the most commonly used source for receiving educational materials during infectious disease epidemics (76.8%), and they were also considered to be the most effective source (87.6%). Additionally, based on the participants' opinions, social networks outperformed other information sources (78%). Face-to-face education provided by healthcare workers was identified as the most trusted educational source (81.6%), and the participants recommended this method to others more than any other method. (82.4%). Interviews with healthcare experts and in-person education provided by healthcare workers were perceived as the most effective educational methods by the people surveyed (60.4%). Furthermore, the results indicated that as individuals age, their reliance on sources of information like the Internet, social networks, and newspapers tends to decrease. Conclusion. The results of the current study can provide valuable information for policymakers on educating the public during epidemics of communicable diseases, as well as help them make quick, effective, and evidence-based decisions.