Dr Babak Moeini, Hamid Abbasi, Maryam Afshari, Morteza Haji Hosseini, Soheila Rashidi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Admission to university is an important event in the life of youth in every country. Homesickness is one of the most significant issues faced by university students during their education life. The present study aimed to determine the association between homesickness, happiness and the related factors in the dormitory students in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 387 dormitory students at Hamedan University of Medical Sciences in Hamedan, Iran during February-March 2015. Subjects were selected via stratified random sampling with proportional allocation. Data were collected using self-report and using demographic and contextual questionnaires, Fenfelit homesickness questionnaire, and oxford happiness questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 23 using Pearson’s correlation-coefficient and general linear model (GLM) at the significance level of 0.05.
Results: The mean score of homesickness in both genders had a significant difference (P=0.009). In addition, the mean score of happiness differed in terms of economic status. Homesickness was negatively correlated with the happiness score, so that increased homesickness was associated with reduced happiness. Variables of homesickness, age, internet use, maternal education, health status, economic status, and education level could significantly predict happiness.
Conclusion: Mental health of students in dormitories is of paramount importance. Therefore, interventions and preventive programs must recognize the causes of happiness, and appropriate interventions should be developed and implemented based on the influential factors in this regard.
Mohammad-Sadegh Alemrajabi, Maryam-Sadat Sadrzadeh-Afshar, Mahdi Dastorani, Meysam Barjestehnia,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is a common disease of the nonkeratinized oral mucosa characterized by painful ulcerations and inflammation, causing difficulty in eating, swallowing, and speaking. Symptomatic treatment is considered for this disease due to the ambiguity of the exact etiology. The beneficial therapeutic effects of Persica and Propolis mouthwashes led us to the objective of studying therapeutic potentials of these herbal mouthwashes.
Material and Methods: The present double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 40 patients with minor aphthous ulcers and no systemic disease, who were divided into two groups of 20 via random allocation (systematic random sampling). Each group received 15 drops of propolis or persica mouthwashes three times a day for 10 days. Pain intensity was recorded by measuring the score of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the diameter of minor aphthous lesions (in mm) at three periods of before treatment, and on the second and sixth days after treatment. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test.
Results: There was no significant difference between pain intensity and ulcer size before treatment and on the second day of treatment. The pain intensity on day 6 was significantly lower in Persica group (P=0.045) but no difference was observed in the mean ulcer size on day 6 between the two groups (P=0.104). The rate of pain relief (P=0.031) and reduction of ulcer size (P=0.046) were significantly higher in Persica group.
Conclusion: Propolis and Persica mouthwashes both reduce pain intensity and ulcer size in minor aphthous ulcers, and Persica showed a stronger potential to achieve these goals compared to propolis.
Leila Rajaei-Behbahani, Shahla Afshar, Sara Rajaei-Behbahani, Maryam-Sadat Sadrzadeh-Afshar,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Xerostomia has been defined as the dry mouth sensation due to hyposalivation or change in saliva composition. Many herbal medicines have been used as treatment options. Since the combination of aloe vera extract and honey, and Lemon is suggested as a potent oral moisturizer, limited studies have been done in this field. Therefore, we decided to compare the effects of these two moisturizers in cases of xerostomia.
Material and Methods: a combination of aloe vera extract and honey, lemon extract, and placebo mouthwashes were provided to 30 participants suffering from xerostomia. Each patient used three types of mouthwash in the following order: For the first mouthwash, the patients were asked to express their sensation of dry mouth using VAS on the first, third, and fifth days. This was followed by a one-week rest period in which patients did not use mouthwash. The same process was repeated to measure the second and third mouthwashes.
Results: Lemon and a combination of aloe vera extract and honey were both found to be significantly effective in reducing the dry mouth sensation. However, lemon was significantly more effective in this regard. Placebo was significantly less effective than both extracts and overall had no statistically significant impact on the dry mouth sensation (p<0.001)
Conclusion: Lemon mouthwash was significantly more effective than a combination of aloe vera and honey. Thus, it is recommended to improve dry mouth sensation.
