Psychosocial Predictors of Breast Self-Examination among Female Students in Malaysia: A Study to Assess the Roles of Body Image, Self-efficacy and Perceived Barriers

Ahmadian, Maryam,Carmack, Suzie,Samah, Asnarulkhadi Abu,Kreps, Gary,Saidu, Mohammed Bashir Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.3

Background: Early detection is a critical part of reducing the burden of breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) has been found to be an especially important early detection strategy in low and middle income countries such as Malaysia. Although reports indicate that Malaysian women report an increase in BSE activity in recent years, additional research is needed to explore factors that may help to increase this behavior among Southeastern Asian women. Objective: This study is the first of its kind to explore how the predicting variables of self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and body image factors correlate with self-reports of past BSE, and intention to conduct future breast self-exams among female students in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Through the analysis of data collected from a prior study of female students from nine Malaysian universities (n=842), this study found that self-efficacy, perceived barriers and specific body image sub-constructs (MBSRQ-Appearance Scales) were correlated with, and at times predicted, both the likelihood of past BSE and the intention to conduct breast self-exams in the future. Results: Self-efficacy (SE) positively predicted the likelihood of past self-exam behavior, and intention to conduct future breast self-exams. Perceived barriers (BR) negatively predicted past behavior and future intention of breast self-exams. The body image sub-constructs of appearance evaluation (AE) and overweight preoccupation (OWP) predicted the likelihood of past behavior but did not predict intention for future behavior. Appearance orientation (AO) had a somewhat opposite effect: AO did not correlate with or predict past behavior but did correlate with intention to conduct breast self-exams in the future. The body image sub-constructs of body area satisfaction (BASS) and self-classified weight (SCW) showed no correlation with the subjects' past breast self-exam behavior nor with their intention to conduct breast self-exams in the future. Conclusions: Findings from this study indicate that both self-efficacy and perceived barriers to BSE are significant psychosocial factors that influence BSE behavior. These results suggest that health promotion interventions that help enhance self-efficacy and reduce perceived barriers have the potential to increase the intentions of Malaysian women to perform breast self-exams, which can promote early detection of breast cancers. Future research should evaluate targeted communication interventions for addressing self-efficacy and perceived barriers to breast self-exams with at-risk Malaysian women. and further explore the relationship between BSE and body image.

Application of Health Behavior Theories to Breast Cancer Screening among Asian Women

Ahmadian, Maryam,Samah, Asnarulkhadi Abu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.7

Background: Although breast cancer is a major public health worry among Asian women, adherence to screening for the disease remains an obstacle to its prevention. A variety of psycho-social and cultural factors predispose women to delay or avoidance of screening for breast cancer symptoms at the early stages when cure is most likely to be successful. Yet few interventions implemented to date to address this condition in this region have drawn on health behavior theory. Materials and Methods: This paper reviews the existing literature on several cognitive theories and models associated with breast cancer screening, with an emphasis on the work that has been done in relation to Asian women. To conduct this review, a number of electronic databases were searched with context-appropriate inclusion criteria. Results: Little empirical work was found that specifically addressed the applicability of health theories in promoting adherence to the current breast cancer prevention programs Among Asian women. However, a few studies were found that addressed individual cognitive factors that are likely to encourage women's motivation to protect themselves against breast cancer in this region of the world. The findings suggest that multi-level, socio-cultural interventions that focus on cognitive factors have much promise with this issue. Conclusions: Interventions are needed that effectively and efficiently target the personal motivation of at-risk Asian women to seek out and engage in breast cancer prevention. Concerning implications, personal motivation to seek out and engage in individual preventive actions for breast cancer prevention among Asian women is a timely, high priority target with practical implications for community development and health promotion. Further studies using qualitative, anthropologic approaches shaped for implementation in multi-ethnic Asian settings are needed to inform and guide these interventions.

Predictors of Mammography Screening among Iranian Women Attending Outpatient Clinics in Tehran, Iran

Ahmadian, Maryam,Samah, Asnarulkhadi Abu,Redzuan, Ma'rof,Emby, Zahid Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.3

Mammography utilization is low in Iran compared with other countries. Here a cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate psycho-social and individual factors associated with mammography among 400 women asymptomatic of breast cancer. The study was carried out at the four outpatient clinics of Tehran during the period from July through October, 2009. We found that mammography screening was related to higher self-efficacy and women's occupation. Future tailored interventions on potential psycho-social determinants and specific demographic factors are critical in increasing mammography screening rates among Iranian women.

A Model for Community Participation in Breast Cancer Prevention in Iran

Ahmadian, Maryam,Samah, Asnarulkhadi Abu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Context: Genuine community participation does not denote taking part in an action planned by health care professionals in a medical or top-down approach. Further, community participation and health education on breast cancer prevention are not similar to other activities incorporated in primary health care services in Iran. Objective: To propose a model that provides a methodological tool to increase women's participation in the decision making process towards breast cancer prevention. To address this, an evaluation framework was developed that includes a typology of community participation approaches (models) in health, as well as five levels of participation in health programs proposed by Rifkin (1985&1991). Method: This model explains the community participation approaches in breast cancer prevention in Iran. In a 'medical approach', participation occurs in the form of women's adherence to mammography recommendations. As a 'health services approach', women get the benefits of a health project or participate in the available program activities related to breast cancer prevention. The model provides the five levels of participation in health programs along with the 'health services approach' and explains how to implement those levels for women's participation in available breast cancer prevention programs at the local level. Conclusion: It is hoped that a focus on the 'medical approach' (top-down) and the 'health services approach' (top-down) will bring sustainable changes in breast cancer prevention and will consequently produce the 'community development approach' (bottom-up). This could be achieved using a comprehensive approach to breast cancer prevention by combining the individual and community strategies in designing an intervention program for breast cancer prevention.

An Outline of the Need for Psychology Knowledge in Health Professionals: Implications for Community Development and Breast Cancer Prevention

Ahmadian, Maryam,Samah, Asnarulkhadi Abu Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.12

Knowledge of health and community psychology in health professionals influences psychosocial and community determinants of health and promoting participation in disease prevention at the community level. This paper appraises the potential of knowledge on psychology in health care professionals and its contribution to community empowerment through individual behavior change and health practice. The authors proposed a schematic model for the use of psychological knowledge in health professionals to promote participation in health interventions/disease prevention programs in developing countries. By implication, the paper provides a vision on policies towards supporting breast cancer secondary prevention efforts for community health development in Asian countries.

Biosorptive removal of organic dyes using natural gums-based materials: A comprehensive review

Moslem Ahmadian,Hossein Derakhshankhah,Mehdi Jaymand 한국공업화학회 2023 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.124 No.-

Treatment of industrial wastewater containing synthetic dyes is inevitable owing to negative effects ofdyes on the environment and human health. Consequently, numerous strategies, including filtration,photochemical, coagulation, oxidation process, biological, ion exchange, and adsorption have beenapplied for dyes removal. Amongst, the adsorption process is a promising method with superior features,such as cost-effectiveness, high selectivity and removal efficiency, easy operation, and recyclability of theadsorbents. Natural gums are naturally-occuring polysaccharides that possessing excellent properties,including their renewability, surface functionality, low cost, biocompatibility, abundancy, biodegradability,and non-toxic nature that can be used as bioadsorbent in dye remediation of industrial wastewater. Nevertheless, limitations such as low surface area, poor mechanical properties, low thermal stability,high hydrophilicity and water solubility, and low adsorption capability should be circumvented to affordideal adsorbents. In this context, various techniques, including derivatization, polymer grafting, crosslinking,nanomaterials incorporation, blending with other polymers, and combination of theseapproaches have been employed for improving their properties. Considering these facts, this assayfocused on presenting a comprehensive summary, recent progresses and future direction regarding theapplication of natural gums-based adsorbents for removal of synthetic dyes.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the mechanisms of citalopraminduced hepatotoxicity

Elham Ahmadian,Aziz Eftekhari,Javad Khalili Fard,Hossein Babaei,Alireza Mohajjel Nayebi,Daryoush Mohammadnejad,Mohammad Ali Eghbal 대한약학회 2017 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.40 No.11

Even though citalopram is commonly used inpsychiatry, there are several reports on its toxic effects. So,the current study was designed to elucidate the mechanismsof cytotoxic effects of in vitro and in vivo citalopramtreatment on liver and the following cytolethal events. Forin vitro experiments, freshly isolated rat hepatocytes wereexposed to citalopram along with/without various agents. To do in vivo studies liver function enzyme assays andhistological examination were performed. In the in vitroexperiments, citalopram (500 lM) exposure demonstratedcell death, a marked elevation in ROS formation, mitochondrialpotential collapse, lysosomal membrane leakiness,glutathione (GSH) depletion and lipid peroxidation. In vivo biochemistry panel assays for liver enzymesfunction (AST, ALT and GGTP) and histological examinationconfirmed citalopram (20 mg/kg)-induced damage. citalopram-induced oxidative stress cytotoxicity markerswere significantly prevented by antioxidants, ROS scavengers,MPT pore sealing agents, endocytosis inhibitors,ATP generators and CYP inhibitors. Either enzymeinduction or GSH depletion were concomitant with augmentedcitalopram-induced damage both in vivo andin vitro which were considerably ameliorated withantioxidants and CYP inhibitors. In conclusion, it is suggestedthat citalopram hepatotoxicity might be a result ofoxidative hazard leading to mitochondrial/lysosomal toxicconnection and disorders in biochemical markers whichwere supported by histomorphological studies.

Novel graphene‐based optical MEMS accelerometer dependent on intensity modulation

Mehdi Ahmadian,Kian Jafari,Mohammad Javad Sharifi 한국전자통신연구원 2018 ETRI Journal Vol.40 No.6

This paper proposes a novel graphene‐based optical microelectromechanical systems MEMS accelerometer that is dependent on the intensity modulation and optical properties of graphene. The designed sensing system includes a multilayer graphene finger, a laser diode (LD) light source, a photodiode, and integrated optical waveguides. The proposed accelerometer provides several advantages, such as negligible cross‐axis sensitivity, appropriate linearity behavior in the operation range, a relatively broad measurement range, and a significantly wider bandwidth when compared with other important contributions in the literature. Furthermore, the functional characteristics of the proposed device are designed analytically, and are then confirmed using numerical methods. Based on the simulation results, the functional characteristics are as follows: a mechanical sensitivity of 1,019 nm/g, an optical sensitivity of 145.7 %/g, a resonance frequency of 15,553 Hz, a bandwidth of 7 kHz, and a measurement range of ±10 g. Owing to the obtained functional characteristics, the proposed device is suitable for several applications in which high sensitivity and wide bandwidth are required simultaneously.

Language Learning Strategies, Multiple Intelligences and Self-Efficacy : Exploring the Links

Moussa Ahmadian,Ali Asghar Ghasemi 아시아영어교육학회 2017 The Journal of Asia TEFL Vol.14 No.4

Recent research on students’ multiple intelligences, self-efficacy, and language learning strategies has provided evidence for the development of crucial constructs and generalizations which have direct applications to language classrooms. The present study examined the interrelationships between the strategies language learners take, their level of self-efficacy, and the types of their intelligences (based on Gardner’s (1983) Theory of Multiple Intelligences). To do so, Nation’s (1990) 50-item multiple - choice vocabulary test was administered by a university department to form homogeneous groups across all the majors of the department. Then, three surveys were adapted to explore the links between (1) Self-efficacy in Reading (SER) (Prat-Sala & Redford, 2010), (2) a Multiple Intelligence Scale (Armstrong, 1993), and (3) Oxford’s (1990) Language Learning Strategies. The most striking observation to emerge from the data comparison was that self-efficacy had no significant correlation with multiple intelligences. However, as expected, there was a significant correlation between language learners’ perceptions of their self-efficacy and their language leaning strategies. Additionally, a multiple regression analysis indicated notable results on the use of self-efficacy and multiple intelligences to predict language learning strategies.

Half-metallicity in a New Heusler Alloy Ti2FeSn: A Density Functional Study

F. Ahmadian 한국물리학회 2014 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.64 No.2

First-principles calculations based on density functional theory for a new Heusler compoundTi2FeSn have been performed using the self-consistent full-potential linearized augmented planewave method. The results showed that the Ti2FeSn Heusler alloy was a half-metallic ferrimagnet. The obtained total magnetic moment of Ti2FeSn was 2 μB per formula unit for the equilibriumlattice parameter, which is in agreement with the Slater-Pauling rule (Mtot = Ztot − 18). Thecalculated minority spin and spin-flip gaps were 0.79 eV and 0.38 eV, respectively. In addition,the band structure and the density of states were studied, and the reason for the appearance of aminority band gap is discussed. The Ti2FeSn alloy kept a 100% spin polarization at the Fermi leveland had a half-metallic characteristic for lattice constants from 5.5 to 6.7 ˚A showing that it is aninteresting material in the field of spintronics