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Background Gastric cancer remains a significant global health issue due to its aggressive nature and high heterogeneity, making early detection and prevention critical. Obesity and smoking are established risk factors that significantly contribute to the development of gastric cancer. Despite the clear links between these risk factors and the disease, there is a lack of targeted educational interventions that address these behaviors. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the impact of an educational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on promoting preventive behaviors for gastric cancer among obese and smoking individuals. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021–2022 on 150 obese or overweight individuals, more than 25 years old who smoked (cigarettes and hookah) in Fasa city, Iran. From six urban health centers, two centers were randomly selected (one as the experimental group and the other as the control group). Data collection tools included a demographic characteristics questionnaire based on the TPB model (a researcher-made questionnaire). Based on pre-test results, the educational intervention for the experimental group included 12 educational sessions for 50 min, following the TPB model, through lectures, Question and Answers, group discussions, practical demonstrations, video clips, and PowerPoint presentations. The questionnaires were completed by both groups before and six months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 and descriptive and analytical statistical methods (paired t- test, McNemar test, Chi-square test, and independent t-test) ( p  < 0.05). Results The results showed no significant difference between the two groups before the educational intervention. However, six months after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant increase in TPB model cues (awareness, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and behavior) ( P  < 0.001). Conclusion The findings of the present study indicate that the educational intervention based on the TPB model is useful in improving gastric cancer screening and preventive behaviors. It can also be used in planning and implementing appropriate programs to prevent and treat this disease.

Background Early diagnosis of breast cancer is a key factor affecting patient survival, so screening can reduce the burden of this disease. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on breast cancer screening in rural women. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 480 women referring to the health care centers in the cities of Fasa and Shiraz were divided into two groups, intervention (n = 240) and control (n = 240), using cluster random sampling method, in 2021-2022. We randomly selected two health care centers in Shiraz and Fasa and invited them to participate in the study. The demographic information questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the TPB were used to collect the data. The intervention included 50-minute sessions on topics such as breast cancer basics, screening methods, barriers to mammography, and the role of peer groups. Data were collected before and 4 months after the intervention. Results The results showed no difference between the two groups in awareness, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, behavioral intention, and breast cancer screening performance before the intervention. Four months after the intervention, a significant increase was found in the intervention group in awareness (7.46 ± 1.50 to 18.54 ± 1.20), attitude (28.55 ± 4.62 to 58.69 ± 4.35), perceived behavioral control (22.52 ± 3.32 to 40.88 ± 3.84), and subjective norms (20.37 ± 3.34 to 21.99 ± 3.38). Instead, no significant difference in the mentioned constructs (P < 0.05) was observed in the control group. Conclusion This study demonstrated that TPB-based education enhanced awareness, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and behavioral intention towards breast cancer screening. The TPB empowers women in rural communities to prioritize their health and seek timely breast cancer screening. Continued efforts and improved access to screening services are crucial for improved outcomes.

Background Given the destructive nature of addiction and its relapse after quitting, the present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran, in 2021–2022. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software through descriptive statistical methods, linear regression, and binary logistic regression. Results 190 people (47.50%) were aged 31–40 years, 265 people (66.25%) were married, 224 people (56%) lived with their spouses, and 192 people (48 percent) had their first use at the age of 16–20. The substance respondents used were methamphetamine (59.5%), heroin (53%), opium (48%), and alcohol (40%). 138 people (34.5%) had their first place of consumption at friends’ houses (Tables 1 and 2). 342 people (85.5%) had a history of relapse, and 172 people (50.29%) had 1–5 relapses. Marital status, occupation, and income were among the demographic risk factors, and addicted friends and close relatives were among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse among people with a history of relapse. Personal desire and the insistence of friends were also among the individual and interpersonal factors of drug use among participants. The regression results showed that the constructs of awareness, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention were predictors of drug relapse among addicts ( P  < 0.05). Conclusion The current study’s findings indicate that among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse in individuals with a history of relapse are addicted friends and close relatives, while marital status, occupation, and income are among the demographic risk variables. Among the individual and interpersonal factors influencing drug usage among participants were personal desire and friends’ insistence. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the TPB’s structures might be used to predict drug relapse in addicts.

Background Colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent cause of death from malignancies globally. The present study was conducted targeting the influence of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on colorectal cancer screening behaviors in people 50 years old and older. Methods All 134 samples were included in this quasi-experimental study from Fasa City Health Service Center, equal halves were random into experimental group and control group. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that contained questions on demographic variables, knowledge, and HBM constructs (perceived sensitivity, perceived intensity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and screening behaviors). Both groups answered the questionnaire before and two months following the intervention. There were six 90-minute instruction sessions for the intervention group. SPSS 22 and descriptive and analytical tests (independent t-test, paired t-test, and Chi-square test) were used for data analysis ( P  < 0.05). Results 59 women and 75 men took part in this study. A majority of participants were married and had at least high school diploma. The findings indicated that the mean scores for knowledge, each of the HBM’s constructs, and cancer screening behaviors did not differ significantly from one another before the intervention between the test group and the control group. However, post the intervention, the intervention group exhibited a significant rise in all mentioned dimensions. Conclusion In light of the outcomes, the application of the HBM on colorectal cancer screening behaviors in people 50 years and older was successful. This approach might serve as a helpful foundation for planning, carrying out, and overseeing colorectal cancer screening programs.

Background Regarding the psychosocial aspect of treating those with substance use, it is crucial for them to exhibit a capacity for personal transformation, fully utilize their remaining capabilities, and eradicate societal discrimination. We aimed to assess the efficacy of educational instruction grounded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in enhancing adherence to medication regimens, fostering hope, and improving marital quality among people with substance use disorders. Methods This study was conducted at the Rapid Addiction Closure Center in Fasa city, Iran, involving a sample of 140 patients undergoing addiction treatment with methadone and buprenorphine in 2021–2022. Subjects were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in 15 weekly educational sessions, each lasting 50 to 55 min, covering topics such as quitting strategies, social support, problem solving, communication skills, and coping mechanisms. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, TPB construct questionnaires, Miller’s Hope Survey, and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Results The study included 140 individuals receiving treatment for addiction. No differences were seen among the two groups in education, occupation, marital status, and living conditions before the intervention. However, six months later, the intervention group showed improvements in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, medication regimen adherence, hope, and marital quality compared to controls. Conclusion The results indicate that family-based educational interventions grounded in TPB are effective in improving medication regimen adherence, hope, and marital quality among patients with substance use disorders. Significant increases in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention positively impacted medication regimen adherence in these patients.

Background Leishmaniasis is a major public health and veterinary challenge in Mediterranean countries. Preventing infection is the most critical measure, and educational interventions can be utilized to modify preventive behaviors against cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on preventive behaviors against CL in employees of Shiraz Special Economic Zone subsidiary companies. Methods This experimental study was conducted on 280 employees of Shiraz Special Economic Zone subsidiary companies, Iran, during 2023–2024 (140 participants in the control group and 140 in the intervention group). Data were collected using a questionnaire that included demographic information, awareness assessment, constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM), and preventive behaviors against CL. The questionnaire was completed by both groups before and three months after the intervention. The intervention group attended eight educational sessions, held weekly, lasting 50–60 min each. Results The mean age of the intervention group was 40.38 ± 6.78 years, and the control group was 38.92 ± 7.16 years. Results showed a significant change in the mean scores of all Health Belief Model constructs in the intervention group after the educational sessions ( P  < 0.05). Additionally, significant changes were observed in the mean scores of perceived susceptibility ( P  < 0.001), perceived barriers ( P  < 0.001), self-efficacy ( P  < 0.001), and cues to action ( P  < 0.001) between the intervention and control groups after the intervention ( P  < 0.05). Conclusion The results demonstrated that applying the Health Belief Model was beneficial and effective in enhancing preventive behaviors against CL. This approach can be practical in promoting the health of individuals at risk.

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent health issue globally, with numerous research studies indicating that teenage girls in impoverished nations have a high incidence of this condition. Thus, the goal of this study is to figure out how education grounded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) can prevent IDA in female high school students. Methods In Shiraz, Iran, 160 girls between the ages of 14 and 19 participated in this quasi-experimental study. Random sampling was used, and participants were randomly allocated to two experimental and control groups (each having 80 members). A questionnaire formed on the TPB was used as the data-collecting method, and both groups completed it pre- and four months post intervention. The educational program for the experimental group had six 50–60 min sessions that were conducted in schools using three different teaching styles (speaking, question and answer, and group discussion). After putting the data into the SPSS-24 statistical program, paired t, independent t, and chi-square tests were used to look at them. Results Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of attitude ( P  = 0.213), subjective norms ( P  = 0.451), perceived behavioral control ( P  = 0.216), behavioral intention ( P  = 0.212), or behavior ( P  = 0.547). However, following the intervention, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mentioned constructs ( P  = 0.001). Conclusion In the present study, education based on the TPB could successfully affect the nutritional behaviors for preventing IDA in girls aged 14–19 years. Probably, the results of this research can be used for students and their families and provide information for designing and planning interventions to prevent this disease among students at the disposal of subordinate organizations such as education, schools, universities of medical sciences, health centers, and nutrition clinics.

Human beings are faced with numerous behavioral options in different situations, but they can only choose a limited number of them. Ethical beliefs, values, and principles guide individuals in decision-makings. This study focuses on medical residents' perspectives towards four ethical principles (Deontology, Utilitarianism, Virtue, and Principlism) in various clinical situations. This descriptive-analytical study was performed cross-sectional basis among a population of medical residents of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Data were gathered by multi-stage cluster sampling method using a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information and five different clinical scenarios. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS22. The results of this study showed that there was no significant relationship between gender, specialty, year of study, and the four ethical principles mentioned in the participants. However, a significant correlation was observed between the types of scenarios and their alignment with a particular type of decision or ethical theory. The ethical philosophy of medical residents has been evolving gradually over time, even before entering the residency period. Therefore, focusing on practical ethics training and the commitment of residents to implementing the principles and values of professional ethics can shape the ethical philosophy of residents towards professional ethics and humanity.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), commonly known as ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like component generated in mitochondrial inner membranes. This molecule is detected broadly in different parts of the human body in various quantities. This molecule can be absorbed by the digestive system from various nutritional sources as supplements. CoQ10 exists in three states: in a of reduced form (ubiquinol), in a semiquinone radical form, and in oxidized ubiquinone form in different organs of the body, playing a crucial role in electron transportation and contributing to energy metabolism and oxygen utilization, especially in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Since the early 1980s, research about CoQ10 has become the interest for two reasons. First, CoQ10 deficiency has been found to have a link with cardiovascular, neurologic, and cancer disorders. Second, this molecule has an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger nature. Since then, several investigations have indicated that the drug may benefit patients with cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and neurodegenerative illnesses. CoQ10 may protect the neurological system from degeneration and degradation due to its antioxidant and energy-regulating activity in mitochondria. This agent has shown its efficacy in preventing and treating neurological diseases such as migraine, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Friedreich’s ataxia. This study reviews the literature to highlight this agent’s potential therapeutic effects in the mentioned neurological disorders.

Background Aging involves physiological and psychological changes that can profoundly affect the quality of life of older adults. Among these, depression and death anxiety are common psychological concerns that influence well-being in distinct ways. This study examined the effect of depression and death anxiety on the quality of life of older adults in Iran, interpreting the findings within the broader context of varying research outcomes. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2019 on 700 older people in Shiraz, Iran. Data collection tools included demographic information, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Death Anxiety Inventory, and the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, applying descriptive statistics (percentage, frequency, central indices, and dispersion), Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, the Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression by the simultaneous method. The significance level was set at p  < 0.05. Results The mean scores for quality of life, depression, and death anxiety were 48.56 ± 9.38, 29.16 ± 8.23, and 20.10 ± 6.43, respectively. The analysis showed a significant negative effect of depression on the quality of life (β = − 0.714, p  < 0.001), indicating that as depression increases, quality of life decreases. In contrast, there was no significant effect of death anxiety on the quality of life (β = 0.039, p  = 0.315). Additional findings revealed that demographic factors such as marital status, educational level, and living conditions significantly influenced the quality of life. Conclusion Depression has a substantial negative effect on the quality of life of older adults, while death anxiety shows no significant impact. These psychological issues, particularly depression, are widespread in the older adult population, and with an aging population, addressing mental health issues is becoming increasingly crucial to ensuring the quality of life for older adults. Future studies should further explore the complex dynamics between these factors to guide effective interventions.