Marjaneh M. Fooladi

Proposing Codes of Ethics for Iranian Nurses: A Mixed Methods Study

The purpose of this study was to develop codes of ethics for Iranian nurses. Researchers used mixed methods in four stages during 2009-2010 to develop a series of ethical codes for Iranian nurses in Isfahan, Iran. 55 ethical codes in 12 categories were extracted and listed as (1) believe in human dignity, (2) respect for patients’ privacy, (3) empathy for patient, (4) autonomy in decision making, (5) accurate and precise nursing care, (6) being conscience, (7) human relationship, (8) professional commitment, (9) promoting justice, (10) preventing harm and/or injury, (11) honesty and confidentiality, and (12) maintaining and promoting professional values. Study findings serve to the global nursing community on the Islamic view of ethics.

The most important risk factors affecting mental health during pregnancy: a systematic review

Background Pregnant women comprise a vulnerable population owing to the changes they experience in various stages that affect their mental health. Mental health problems affects nearly one-fifth of pregnant women during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 focus on maternal and child health and specify that overall health cannot be reached without mental health. Aims The aim of this comprehensive systematic review was to evaluate research evidence on the determinants of antenatal mental health disorders among Iranian women. Methods Using a systematic literature review of observational studies in English and Farsi we focused on Iranian women being evaluated for the determinants of antenatal mental health problems. PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Scientific Information Databases (SID), Global Medical Article Limberly, Iranian Biomedical Journal and the Iranian Journal Database were independently searched to identify articles published during 2000-2016. Results Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria and the results showed a significant relationship between antenatal mental health risks and variables such as lack of social support, marital status, domestic violence, unintended pregnancy and socioeconomic status. The paucity of high quality research evidence limited proper evidenced-based planning and generating results deemed essential to address antenatal mental health issues for Iranian pregnant women. Conclusions Our results showed that socioeconomic status and marital quality are the most important risk factors for disturbing mental health among Iranian pregnant women.

Coping mechanism against high levels of daily stress by working breastfeeding mothers in Iran

Objectives Breastfeeding mothers returning to work undertake multiple conflicting roles at home and work that can result in high levels of stress. Exploring coping skills amongst these mothers can help in planning useful programmes to promote family wellbeing. This study aims to explore the experiences of working breastfeeding mothers and their coping mechanism against high levels of daily stress. Methods In this qualitative study, we described the experiences of 20 Iranian breastfeeding mothers through in-depth and semi-structured interviews. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Two main themes emerged as follows: 1) self-management with subthemes of a) attitude reconstruction, b) order and planning, c) creating a boundary between work and family and d) reprioritising life affairs; and 2) seeking help with subthemes of a) family member support, b) childcare facilities and c) spirituality. Conclusions Findings suggest that women need support from family members and family-friendly policies at the workplace. Breastfeeding mothers may benefit from educational programmes that focus on effective coping strategies.

Towards an understanding of clinical nurses challenges that leads intention to leave

Objective: Clinical nursing is the most important feature of the nursing profession and similar to the global community. The study objective was to identify and describe the challenges and why Iranian nurses leave their profession. Methods: Qualitative methods were applied to describe nursing practice challenges through in-depth and semi-structured interview of 16 Iranian nurses with 2 to 15 years of work experience in 2014 by asking: “Please tell me about your challenges at work and why nurses are leaving the nursing profession?” Obtained data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Analyzed data revealed four thematic categories as 1) unfriendly workplace, 2) lack of opportunity for professional advancement, 3) work stress, and 4) ethical issues. Conclusion: Recognizing nursing challenges in clinical setting can help faculty in academia and administrators in healthcare institutions to develop policies to reduce pitfalls and prevent attrition.