Vol. 5 (2024)

Narrative Review


The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Disaster Management in Iran: A Narrative Review

Shahabedin Rahmatizadeh, Zeinab Kohzadi*

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024,
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.44408

Introduction: Disaster management refers to preparedness, response, and recovery from disasters, encompassing a broad spectrum of activities, including risk assessment, emergency planning, communication, and resource management. Artificial intelligence (AI) can potentially enhance our disaster management capabilities, ranging from prediction and detection to impact assessment and recovery monitoring. This study aims to provide an overview of the role and application of AI in disaster management in Iran.

Methods: This study adopts a narrative review approach. Full-text articles and reports were retrieved from databases SID and Magiran, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using the keywords “Iran,” “Disaster Management,” and “Artificial Intelligence.” Selection criteria focused on relevance to the study objective and the timeframe of 2020-2023. Then, the articles underwent a review process that evaluated their title, abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and references.

Results: Out of the 314 retrieved studies, seven articles met the inclusion criteria for the study. The most commonly utilized algorithms were artificial neural networks (ANN) and random forests (RF), and the performance of the AI-based algorithms was reported to be satisfactory.

Conclusion: The occurrence of disasters is inevitable, and it may be impossible to prevent events such as earthquakes, floods, and other disasters. However, studies have shown that AI can be utilized for more efficient disaster management, reducing and minimizing damages and enabling more effective responses to such incidents.

 

Characteristics and Skills for Medical Librarians as the Information Experts in Accidents and Disasters

Sallehe Gohari Vosoogh, Fatemeh Sheikhshoaei*, Hasan Ashrafi-rizi, Afzal Shamsi, Leila Nemati-Anaraki

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-19
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.44811

Introduction: The accident and disaster team's access to reliable and up-to-date information can mean faster crisis management, requiring specialist forces in this field. Therefore, this research aims to determine the characteristics and skills medical librarians need to be disaster and disaster information experts.

Methods: The current research is descriptive and has been conducted using a narrative review method. In this study, 46 articles were found based on searches conducted in databases and websites of journals, which met the researchers’ criteria for inclusion in the study. In the next step, to achieve the main goal of the research, the content of these articles was examined and analyzed in-depth, and as a result, the characteristics and skills needed by librarians of accidents and disasters were extracted.

Results: The results showed that the characteristics and skills needed in the order of abundance in the sources include the provision of information services, the use of information technology tools, collection managers, training in disaster response activities, institutional supporters, internal planners, government partners, mental health support, safe shelter, community resilience, familiarity with crisis management topics, and meeting needs.

Conclusion: The results of the source review showed that librarians can play an influential role in the field of accidents and disasters. For this purpose, they must have the required characteristics and skills acquired through workshops or training courses, which add lesson units to educational topics.

Commentary


The integrity of scientific research is crucial for advancing knowledge, and the retraction of articles has emerged as a vital mechanism for upholding this integrity. However, the implications of retracted articles on researcher evaluations-particularly concerning academic scores, H-index calculations, and journal impact factors-remain contentious. This commentary offers a comprehensive overview of how article retractions should be assessed concerning researcher and journal metrics. By synthesizing existing literature, the researcher highlighted the need for improved research evaluation practices and proposed recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of retractions on these metrics. In addition, the researcher emphasizes the importance of transparency, contextual evaluation, and institutional policies to ensure fair academic assessments. Additionally, the present commentary discusses the underlying causes of retractions, their frequency, and the potential consequences for researchers whose work has been retracted. Finally, the researcher invited mathematicians, statisticians, ethicists, and researchers from various disciplines to develop new formulas and metrics considering retractions' consequences.

During the outbreak of a new epidemic, due to the lack of sufficient information and the lack of understanding of the nature of that phenomenon, organizations and individuals continuously seek to obtain information and understand it for better recognition and response, therefore, after a while, we see many researches in terms of lived experience, in that area. In the course of time; Epidemic diseases have many similarities with each other in terms of their impact on global health and society. This commentary aims to explain the importance of patients’ lived experiences during the pandemic.

Understanding the lived experiences of patients during pandemics is critical for health care providers, policy makers, and the general public to help address the unique challenges of patients (especially vulnerable populations) and design interventions and support systems for them.

Useful information derived from understanding patients' lived experiences plays an essential role during epidemics. By using this information, communities and health care systems can be more responsive, fair and flexible in the face of future health crises and meet the needs of most patients.

Original/Research Article


Scientific Collaboration among Medical Ethics Researchers: A Scientometric Study

Mousa Yamin-Firooz, Khadijeh Tahmasbei, Ali Ouchi*

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-10
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.43482

Introduction: Scientific collaboration at the national and international levels influences papers' quality and quantity improvement. Accordingly, this research was designed to analyze the model of scientific collaboration among researchers in medical ethics.

Methods: The research was scientometric and conducted using scientific analysis and drawing indicators. The study population included 14333 documents indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) from 1975 to 2020. Therefore, BibExcel, SPSS, and VOSviewer software were used to analyze and draw the data. In addition, Pearson’s correlation coefficient statistical test was utilized to answer the research hypotheses.

Results: The coefficient of collaboration (CC), degree of collaboration (DC), and collaboration index (CI) were obtained to be 0.40, 0.59, and 2.32, respectively. In the last decade, authors have indicated more inclination toward the multiple authorship model; however, most of this type of collaboration is domestic (national), and only 17.8% is international. The highest co-authorship and international collaboration rates belong to the United States (US) among the 152 countries. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation test between the number of papers and international collaboration at the significance level of (0.000) suggests a positive direct relationship (p-value< 0.05).

Conclusion: The dominant authorship pattern has been single authorship during the studied period. The tendency of researchers concerning co-authorship occurs within an average and growing level and is not in a favorable situation in terms of international collaboration.

Health Information-Seeking Behavior of the Faculty of Nursing and Pre-Hospital Emergencies Students in Abhar, Iran

Zeynab Siami, Hamed Nasibi-Sis*

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-10
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.43658

Introduction: Health information is a basis for connecting societies with health and treatment systems. People with a correct understanding of diseases can manage their health conditions. The study aims to investigate the health information-seeking behavior of nursing and pre-hospital emergency students in Abhar, Iran.

Methods: The present research used a survey descriptive method and a quantitative approach. Of all Faculty of Nursing and Pre-Hospital Emergencies students in Abhar, Iran, 450 were chosen. Using Morgan’s table, 208 people were chosen as the statistical population. A questionnaire was distributed to all students to collect data, and finally, 210 questionnaires were completed and collected. The collected information was analyzed using SPSS version 2021 and Excel 2016 software.

Results: The findings showed that 95.2% of the students have a bachelor’s degree. The smartphone is primarily used to search and access health information. Among printed sources, medical books were used more than other sources. Among the most important information channels for obtaining health information from the student’s point of view are TV/radio, the internet, social networks, physicians, colleagues, and universities or hospitals. Influential factors in evaluating health information acquisition channels include fresh and innovative content, up-to-date information and etc.

Conclusion: Students use print sources and health information acquisition channels (digital media, individuals, and organizations) to meet their needs to provide health information, and in this way, they face obstacles and problems. Therefore, paying attention to the quality, validation, trust, and up-to-dateness of information can help students find the right way to seek information.

Health Information Needs and Risk Health Behaviours of Pregnant Women in Anambra State, Nigeria

Augusta Chioma Ezeabasili*

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-10
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.44327

Introduction: This study investigated the health information needs and risky health behaviors of pregnant women in Anambra State. The vast majority of maternal deaths could be prevented if women had access to health information on their risky health behaviors during pregnancy. The study’s specific objectives are to determine the risky health behaviors of pregnant women in Anambra State and identify their health information needs regarding these behaviors.

Methods: The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population comprised 8,984 pregnant women. Borg and Gall statistical tool was used to determine the sample size of 898. A questionnaire structured by the researcher was used as a data collection instrument for the study. Three experts validated the instrument. Data obtained were analyzed using mean ratings.

Results: The study revealed that pregnant women in Anambra State indulge themselves in so many risky health behaviors, and they have several unmet health information needs that could be attributed to their risky health behaviors.

Conclusion: Concerted efforts should be made as a matter of urgency to provide health information to pregnant women in bite-sized and self-explanatory formats (information repackaging), especially for vulnerable women (poor, illiterates), to help meet their health information needs. This can mitigate the rising effects of pregnancy-related complications in Nigeria.

Evaluation of Resources and Services Managements in Hospital Libraries: A Comparative Analysis Based on Iranian Hospital Library Standards

Naser Vazifehshenas, Sedigheh Mohammadesmaeil*

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-9
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.45232

Introduction: In providing evidence-based services, as well as easy access to the needed information, hospital libraries hold a significant position in serving various users, including healthcare practitioners, patients, and their family caregivers. This study aims to assess the hospital libraries affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in Iran, based on the national standard approved by the National Standard Organization in 2021.

Methods: This study is an applied research with a descriptive survey methodology. The statistical population comprises 213 hospital libraries from 60 universities of medical sciences affiliated with the MOHME of Iran. Data was collected using a researcher-developed checklist derived from the national standard book of hospital libraries. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results: The current research results indicate that most hospital libraries in medical universities across Iran meet the Resources Management. Conversely, the majority of hospital libraries do not meet Service Management standards. Specifically, more than half of these libraries comply with the requirements for Information Resources Management and Information Technology Resources Management, and less than half of the libraries Services Management standards.

Conclusion: MOHME-affiliated hospital libraries have fundamental weaknesses in the critical components of Service Management standards and have strength in Resources Management standards, i.e., Information Resources Management and most Information Technology Resource Management standards. In order to ensure the well-being of patients, their families, and users, it is imperative that officials and stakeholders take concrete steps to enhance services, improve the quality of patient care, and ultimately boost overall users’ satisfaction levels.

The Most Common Uses of Smartphones among Medical Interns and Residents in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences

Jahanpour Alipour, Ali Aliabadi, Maryam Rafiei, Afsaneh Karimi*

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-9
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.44747

Introduction

Medical students are increasingly using smartphones for personal and professional purposes, making them suitable tools for advancing education in developing countries. To ensure the development of efficient and relevant applications with high user adherence and appropriate content creation, it seems necessary to identify the common uses of smartphones.

Methods

The population of this cross-sectional descriptive study was 416 medical students. The sample size was determined from Morgan's table, which includes 203 individuals. Proportional stratified random sampling and simple random sampling were used. The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, whose validity and reliability were confirmed. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and analytical (independent t-test) statistics were used for analysis.

Results

The average scores for using smartphones in general affairs, educational and specialized affairs, and clinical affairs were 4.07 ± 0.60, 3.81 ± 0.75, and 3.53 ± 0.84, respectively. The lowest scores in educational affairs were related to participating in conferences and scientific seminars, searching for library resources at the faculty library, and extending the electronic loan period of borrowed books from the university library. In clinical affairs, the lowest scores were related to preparing and sending educational content for hospitalized and discharged patients.

Conclusion

Training students to create appropriate and quality educational content for patients using smartphones that are available to most people and sharing it with patients can be an effective step in improving the quality of health and treatment of patients.

Evaluation of the Effect of Training on the Health Literacy, Self-Care, and HbA1c of Type 2 Diabetic Patients

mahshid lotfi*, shahram sedghi, Sirous panahi

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-12
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.44712

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a significant health problem. Improving health literacy helps control complications in people with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of training on health literacy, self-care, and HbA1c blood tests of people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A semi-experimental study was conducted with a group before and after the intervention. Two hundred thirty-two patients from Tafihan Medical Center, Shiraz, Iran, were selected based on criteria. A clinical librarian conducted a three-month education. HELIA and SDSCA questionnaires measured health literacy, self-care, and HbA1c. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon test analyzed the data.

Results: Before the intervention, the health literacy of most of the participants was insufficient (46.1%). While after the intervention, the health literacy of most of the participants improved to an adequate level (52.2%). The HbA1c mean was 8.49±1.01 before and 6.88±1.42 after the  intervention. The self-care average was 47.5 before the intervention and 96.7 after the intervention. Before the intervention, the self-care level was 53.9% semi-optimal, and after the intervention, it was 79.3% optimal. Statistical tests on changes were significant. Improved health literacy enhances self-care and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes patients.

Conclusion: Providers must assess health literacy and develop interventions to enhance the health of type 2 diabetic patients, as health literacy influences self-care and HbA1c control. Health literacy should be crucial to education and healthcare in order to improve outcomes.

Introduction: One of the most pervasive and dangerous diseases that affected Iran and the world from December 2019 to May 2023 was the outbreak of COVID-19. People had an intense fear of the virus for a variety of reasons. One of the main concerns of people with Type 2 diabetes is their need for accurate and reliable information on how to deal with the virus. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to identify the information needs of patients with Type 2 diabetes against COVID-19.

Methods The present study was conducted using a qualitative approach and content analysis. The statistical population included 14 patients with Type 2 diabetes in Kermanshah. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews.

Results: The findings showed that 211 basic concepts, four primary categories, and thirteen subcategories are fundamental in meeting the information needs of patients with Type 2 diabetes. The main categories included information about COVID-19, mental health care, personal health care, and health care organizations.

Conclusion: In general, patients with Type 2 diabetes had limited information and knowledge about the types of care required against COVID-19. Therefore, professional nurses in hospitals need training on how to deal with COVID-19 and how to care for Type 2 diabetes patients against this virus and similar viruses. In order to meet patients’ information needs, hospitals should manage nurses and specialists and create a database. People’s health is the basis of all human life and is necessary for adequate care.

Appraisal and Evaluation of the Latest Management/Treatment WHO Guidelines in 2020-2021 Using AGREE II Tool

Zahra Reyhani*, Nasrin Shokrpour, Leila Ghahramani, Pooneh Sarveravan, Hengameh Kasraei

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-13
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.45558

Introduction: Given that health guidelines are among the items submitted to the office of different medical journals and considering the need for checking and reviewing them in order to be approved for publishing in the journal, the aim of this stud was to evaluate the latest World Health Organization (WHO) management/treatment guidelines in 2020-2021 using AGREE II tool.

Methods: In this study, 13 latest management/treatment guidelines in different medical areas published by WHO were assessed using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II Tool. By this tool, 6 domains of scope and purpose, Stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, clarity of presentation, applicability and editorial independence of each guideline were assessed as well as an overall assessment on the guideline and whether it is recommended to use in practice.

Results: Among the assessed guidelines, 12 of them were assessed as having “high quality” and 1 of them assessed as having “average” quality. All of the assessed guidelines were recommended to use, except that 5 of them needed some modifications in terms of their development process.

Conclusion: The evaluations indicate that the process of guideline formulation and the quality of reporting in the assessed guidelines are sound, and they are reliable to be used in different health systems. Also, the AGREE II tool will help both improve the submitted guidelines in the offices of medical journals and provide a means for medical journalism students, reviewers of the submitted articles, and journal editors.

The Scientometric Analysis of Highly-Cited Articles in Hematology Published from 2010 to 2020

Amir Hami, Mohammad Hossein Khazaee-Nasirabadi, Roohollah Mirzaee Khalilabadi, Ali Bazi, Shahrzad Mousavi, Ali Sadatmoosavi*

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-12
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.45626

Introduction: Hematology plays a crucial role in investigating blood disorders and their treatment. Recognizing highly cited research can guide future studies in this field. This study aims to analyze the most highly cited articles in hematology from 2010 to 2020 to uncover key contributions and trends in this discipline.

Methods: This study searched the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on the topic of hematology, to retrieve articles from 2010 to 2020. The top 100 highly cited hematological publications were then selected for additional examination, emphasizing original research papers and reviews. Finally, the data was transferred to R4.3.1 software and analyzed with Biblioshiny.

Results: The most cited articles in the field of hematology received citations in the range of 708 to 9886. Additionally, the “Blood” Journal was the primary contributor to producing highly-cited papers by publishing 41 articles. Döhner H. and Kantarjian HM. Contributed to four papers, claiming the largest share of individual authors of the highly-cited articles. Harvard University was the primary institution that contributed to producing highly cited hematology articles. Regarding the country of the corresponding author, the USA was the primary contributor to the published articles. Ultimately, these highly-cited hematology articles' most frequent keywords and essential topics were identified.

Conclusion: Research advances and trends can be seen in highly-cited hematology articles that can advance future research topics and directions in this field. It was also determined what specialized topics are significant among researchers worldwide.

Introduction: The present study was conducted with the objective of investigating the familiarity of librarians and library managers of Iranian medical sciences universities with the factors affecting the increase of brand awareness.

methods: A descriptive-analytical research study was conducted in 2022 on all librarians and library managers employed at medical sciences universities throughout the country. The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 21 items, and the population consisted of 167 librarians and managers.

Results: The results indicated that librarians and managers who demonstrated an awareness of the library brand in terms of the librarians' abilities and characteristics (with an average score of 28.41), library services (23.22), library technologies (22.12), and library architecture and equipment (22.56) exhibited a high level of familiarity. However, notable differences in familiarity were observed in relation to training programs. Furthermore, the variables of education, service history, and type of library exhibited a statistically significant correlation with the level of familiarity (P-value <0.05).

Conclusion:  Brand awareness and user experience can be enhanced by implementing diverse services, new technologies, and appropriate design. Adopting technology and providing training can advance branding strategies and improve user satisfaction. The results of this study can be of use to library managers in the design of effective branding improvement programs. By using branding techniques and technologies, libraries can strengthen their brand identity and better serve their communities. 

Authorship Characteristics and Scientometric Indicators of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Iran on Psychiatry

Hediye Shahavand, Azam Shahbodaghi*, Maryam Shekofteh , Reza Taherian, Fatemeh Shahavand

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024,
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.46063

Introduction: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are  the most important sources for generating evidence across all fields of medical sciences, including psychiatry. This study aims to examine the authorship characteristics and scientometric indicators of the publication sources of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the field of psychiatry in Iran.

Methods: This research was conducted using qualitative content analysis and scientometric methods. The study population consists of 209 systematic review and meta-analysis articles in the field of psychiatry in Iran, published in Scopus in 2021. Authorship characteristics, publication sources, and scientometric indicators (SJR, Citescore, SNIP) of these publication sources were examined.

Results: The analysis of 209 articles showed that 25.25% of the articles had between one to three authors. Iran ranked first in terms of the country affiliation of corresponding and first authors. The top affiliations of corresponding authors were equally shared by Iran University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The top affiliation of first authors was Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The journal Frontiers in Psychiatry ranked first among the most productive publication sources. The top country affiliation of publication sources was the United Kingdom. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology (UK) had the highest scientometric indicators among the publication sources examined.

Conclusion: More than half of the articles had a desirable number of authors in the research team. The scientometric indicators of the publication sources did not show a favorable status,  indicating a need for greater attention from relevant authorities.

The The Effect of Bibliotherapy on the Mental Health of Sexually Abused Women and Girls

Aram Mojiri, Mohsen Hajizeinolabedini*, Amir Reza Asnafi, Mohammad Hassan Talebiyan

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024, Page 1-10
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.45479

Introduction: Bibliotherapy is one of the methods for solving mental and psychological problems. The main goal of this research is to identify the impact of bibliotherapy on the mental health of sexually abused women and girls, including four dimensions: Physical symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, depression, and disruption of social functioning.

Methods: This research is an AB design (semi-experimental case study). A pre-intervention stage (A) was planned for each patient to determine the baseline, followed by the therapeutic intervention implementation stage (B). The statistical population comprised five sexually abused women and girls from the social emergency. Sampling was done in a targeted manner using the available sampling method. The General Mental Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to evaluate the mental health of the samples. The bibliotherapy process was carried out in eight sessions of 45 minutes, two sessions a week. Graphical and statistical analyses were used to analyze the data. In addition to graphical analysis, recovery percentage, and stable change index were used.

Results: The results showed that people who received bibliotherapy had a decrease in scores in mental health and sub-scales of physical symptoms, anxiety, depression and social functioning compared to the baseline.

Conclusion: Bibliotherapy is efficacious in improving the mental health of sexually abused women and girls, and it seems to be a suitable option for the mental health of sexually abused women and girls as a complementary treatment method.

Assessing Health Literacy Levels and Information-Seeking Anxiety in Postgraduate Students

Ahmadreza Varnaseri, Maryam Ghanbari Khoshnood, Maryam Andalib Kondori , Ayda Jasemi , Elahe Akhavanhariri, Seyed Abedin Hoseini Ahangari*

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024,
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.46381

Introduction: Health literacy encompasses the capacity of individuals to obtain, comprehend, assess, and apply health-related information, which is crucial for making informed health choices. Accordingly, the phenomenon of information-seeking anxiety among graduate students, along with the potential influence of health literacy in alleviating this anxiety, underscores the importance of exploring these two areas and their interconnection.

Methods: This study follows a descriptive survey approach. . This study utilized questionnaires assessing health literacy and information-seeking anxiety to gather data. Descriptive statistics (such as mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, skewness, and kurtosis) and inferential statistics (including the one-sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient) were employed for data analysis. The analysis was conducted using SPSS software, version 26.

Results: The average health literacy score was 68.43, while the overall information-seeking anxiety score was 89.90. The lowest anxiety levels were found in “barriers related to information seeking,” with a mean of 10.8 and a standard deviation of 131.3. Furthermore, a significant negative relationship was found between health literacy levels and students’ anxiety about seeking health information (P<0.05, r= -0.84). This indicates that as students’ health literacy improves, their anxiety about seeking health information tends to decrease.

Conclusion: Enhancing health literacy and refining information-seeking behaviors are crucial for alleviating health information-seeking anxiety among graduate students. Libraries significantly mitigate health-related anxiety and foster self-care practices by offering educational workshops, creating trustworthy health resources, and delivering counseling services.

Foresight of Libraries of Medical Sciences Universities: Uncertainties and Scenarios

Razieh Zahedi, Leila Nemati-Anaraki*, Salime Goharinezhad, Azita Shahraki-Mohammadi

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024,
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.46438

Introduction: University libraries, due to their role in educational and research consulting are well considered. The purpose of this research is to write possible scenarios for the future of libraries of selected medical universities in Tehran over a 20-year horizon.

Methods: This research was conducted in two stages included determination of fundamental uncertainties and write of scenarios. In the first phase, uncertainties were determined based on the opinions of experts and sent in the form of a questionnaire to ecperts and professions and the consensus and importance for each of the uncertainties was calculated. Based on this, two basic uncertainties were identified. In the second stage, the scenario was developed based on two basic uncertainties and with Intuitive logics method.

Results: First, ten uncertainties were determined based on the opinion of experts.Then, the two uncertainties of “independent versus dependent administration” and “free services versus non-free services” were identified as fundamental uncertainties and finally four scenarios were written based on them.

Conclusion: Depending on future events, each of these four scenarios can be happen and university libraries need to be prepared to deal with each of them.

Health Information Seeking Behavior and Sexual Literacy: Insights from Iranian Medical College Students

Mohaddeseh Bagheri, Razieh Bagherzadeh, Heidar Mokhtari, Abdolrasool Khosravi*

Journal of Medical Library and Information Science, Vol. 5 (2024), 8 January 2024,
https://doi.org/10.22037/jmlis.v5i.46557

Introduction: It is necessary to pay more attention to the web-based health information seeking behavior of the youth group, especially students, in order to improve their sexual health literacy level. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual health literacy level and web-based health information seeking behavior of Iranian medical students.

Methods: The current research is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. The research samples included 387 students of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Data were collected using the normalized questionnaires of web-based health information seeking behavior and sexual health literacy of Iranian adults and were analyzed using SPSS 22 software.

 Results: The research results showed that students have relatively higher sexual health literacy and web-based health information seeking behavior. Also, the research results showed that there is a direct and meaningful relationship between web-based health information seeking behavior and sexual health literacy (p<.001). All components of Web-based health information-seeking behavior, but familiarity with the Internet, predicted sexual health literacy (p<.001).

Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that despite the desirability of sexual health literacy and Web-based health information-seeking behavior, as a whole, the analysis and evaluation component of sexual health literacy and the sharing and application components of Web-based health information-seeking behavior of students are at an average level.