Introduction Patients with COVID‐19 often suffer from psychological problems such as post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self‐stigmatization that may negatively impact their quality of life and sleep. This study examined mental health as a potential mediating factor linking self‐stigmatization and PTSD to quality of life and sleep. Methods Using a cross‐sectional design, 844 people who had recovered from COVID‐19 were called and interviewed. Data were collected using structured scales. Structural equation modeling was applied to assess fitness of a mediation model including self‐stigma and PTSD as independent factors and quality of life and insomnia as dependent variables. Results Mental health, COVID‐19‐related self‐stigma, and mental quality of life were associated. Insomnia, PTSD, and COVID‐19‐related self‐stigma displayed significant direct associations (r = .334 to 0.454; p < .01). A mediation model indicated satisfactory goodness of fit (CFI = 0.968, TLI = 0.950, SRMR = 0.071, RMSEA = 0.068). Mental health as a mediator had negative relationships with COVID‐19‐related self‐stigma, PTSD, and insomnia and positive associations with quality of life. Conclusion Mental health may mediate effects of COVID‐19‐related self‐stigma and PTSD on quality of life and insomnia. Designing programs to improve mental health among patients with COVID‐19 may include efforts to reduce negative effects of PTSD and COVID‐19‐related self‐stigma on quality of life and insomnia.

This study was conducted to determine the impact of education using the Health Belief Model on preventing osteoporosis among female students. This interventional study (quasi-experimental) was performed on 45 female students aged 15-16 years old who resided in a town near Tehran. The females participated in a threeweek educational programme based on the Health Belief Model. The data collection instrument was a validated and reliable questionnaire in five sections: demographics, knowledge, Health Belief Model constructs, physical activity and consumption of foods containing calcium. The mean scores of students' knowledge were significantly different before and after the educational intervention (P < 0.05). The mean scores of some Health Belief Model structures changed significantly after the intervention (P < 0.05). Also post-intervention, physical activity increased (P = 0.041) but calcium intake did not. The use of an educational intervention on osteoporosis seems to improve knowledge and health beliefs and may positively impact physical activity-related behaviour.

Interventions that involve active gaming may produce small effects in terms of improving BMI among children who are overweight/obese. Therefore, we recommend that supplemental interventions be used to enhance the effectiveness of game-based interventions.

Background Designing a health promotion program to increase physical activity may contribute to weight management. The purpose of this study was to investigate a theory of planned behavior (TPB) program to address this problem in military people. Methods Eighty‐four obese/overweight military personnel were randomised into the intervention or control group. A questionnaire assessed demographics, aspects of the TPB program, and physical activity levels. Also assessed were blood glucose and lipid levels. The intervention consisted of seven educational sessions based on TPB. Data were collected at baseline and 3 months after the intervention. Results All constructs of the TPB improved between baseline and follow‐up in the intervention group (p < .001), while there were no significant changes in the control group (within‐group comparisons). Between‐group comparisons on TPB measures revealed differences in all domains when results were controlled for baseline covariates. Greater light and moderate physical activity was observed in the intervention group. Body mass index decreased significantly within the intervention group (p < .001). Changes in triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein also favored the intervention over the control group. Conclusion An intervention based on the TPB may be effective in promoting physical activity and decreasing weight in military personnel who are obese or overweight.

ObjectivesMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease that causes stress due to its unpredictability and lack of definitive treatments. This study examined the effects of an educational program using a transactional model to help women with MS cope with their disease.Materials and MethodsIn a randomized clinical trial, 80 female patients from the MS Society of Iran were randomized to the intervention (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). Outcomes were assessed using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS), which were completed by both groups at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The intervention consisted of six educational sessions administered over 2 months based on a transactional model. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsAverage PSS scores decreased significantly over time in the intervention group, while increasing in the control group. Between‐group differences were significant at both 1‐month and 3‐month follow‐up (p < .001). Both problem‐focused and emotion‐focused coping styles improved over time in use and effectiveness in the intervention group, whereas little or no change occurred in these coping behaviors in the control group.ConclusionThe transactional model‐based education program tested here was successful in reducing stress levels and increasing healthy coping styles in women with MS. If these findings are replicated in future studies, widespread adoption of this program may help women with MS cope more successfully with their disease.

Background and objective: Reports have revealed a growing tendency towards sedentary lifestyles in all age groups, especially among female adolescents. This study aimed to determine the influence of a social cognitive theory (SCT)-based educational intervention on the physical activity of secondary school students in 2013. Materials and methods: This randomized, controlled field trial was conducted on 132 second-and third-year high school female students. The subjects were divided into control and intervention groups-68 students with an average of 13 ± 1 years of age in each group. Data collection tools included demographic, physical activity, and SCT-based questionnaires. For data analysis, descriptive statistics were calculated and regression test was performed using SPSS 22 through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression with 95% confidence interval. Results: In the intervention group, a significant increase was observed in the mean scores of selected SCT concepts (environmental factors, behavioral capacity, outcome expectation, expectancies, observational learning, reinforcement, and self-efficacy), affecting physical activity (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression in the intervention group showed that daily and weekly physical activity increased to 70.14 and 263.34 minutes, respectively. Conclu sion: SCT-based educational intervention has a positive impact on the physical activity of female adolescents. Paper Type: Research Article.

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An educational intervention based on TTM was effective in improving ergonomic posture in computer workers. Further research is needed to determine if these results can be generalized to computer workers in other settings.