Health Nexus

About the Journal

E-ISSN: 2981-2569
Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Hadi Nobari
Owner: KMAN Research Institute
Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB)
Contact emails: healthnexus@kmanpub.com / healthnexusjournal@gmail.com
Open access: YES
Peer-review: Yes (Open Peer-review)

Health Nexus is a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing and disseminating groundbreaking research in human health. This journal uniquely focuses on the synergistic relationship among four key areas: sports sciences, psychology, public health, and emerging technologies in health. By embracing this diverse yet interconnected scope, Health Nexus serves as a dynamic platform for researchers to present their latest findings and contribute significantly to the enhancement of human health and well-being.

The journal invites a wide array of submissions, including original research articles, comprehensive reviews, insightful meta-analyses, theoretical explorations, and practical applications. These contributions are expected to advance knowledge and understanding in each of the journal's core areas: sports sciences' role in physical and mental health, psychological perspectives on wellness, public health strategies for community and global health improvement, and the transformative impact of emerging technologies in healthcare.

Health Nexus is committed to fostering the development of evidence-based practices and interventions. By integrating research from sports sciences, psychology, public health, and emerging technologies in health, the journal aims to offer a holistic view of human health. This approach ensures the promotion of well-being in all aspects of life, encouraging innovative solutions to health challenges in today's rapidly evolving world.

About the Publisher

Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc.

Publisher Office: Unit 5‑10825 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 3E3

https://journals.kmanpub.com

Email: kmanpu@kmanpub.com

Telegram: +1 (647) 656‑4401 | WhatsApp: +1 (437) 429‑3507

Current Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): Serial Number 15

Published: 2026-07-29

Emotion Processing in Child Bereavement: Development and Validation of a Counseling Model Based on Resilience and Self-Compassion

Azadeh Sadat Serri iD , Hosein Keshavarz Afshar ^* iD , Zahra Jahanbakhshi iD , Elahe Hejazi iD

The present study aimed to develop and validate a counseling model for processing emotions associated with resilience and self-compassion among mothers who had experienced the death of a child. The model was designed on the basis of a qualitative analysis of the lived experiences of 30 bereaved mothers in Isfahan and was organized into nine weekly 90-minute sessions comprising an interconnected set of components addressing the emotional, cognitive, somatic, meaning-related, identity-related, and interpersonal dimensions of grief. The model is structured around four stages—activation, symbolization, meaning-making, and integration—and incorporates 11 key components, including establishing emotional safety, controlled emotional activation, working with trauma-related experiences, identity reconstruction, strengthening the continuing bond with the deceased child, social support, and planning for exposure to future triggers. The Delphi method was used to evaluate the validity of the model, and experts confirmed the necessity, appropriateness, and coherence of its components across three consecutive rounds. The findings indicated that the model had satisfactory content validity and was consistent with the lived experiences of bereaved mothers as well as with theoretical and therapeutic principles in the field of grief. Accordingly, the developed counseling model may be used as a valid, structured, and feasible intervention to assist mothers who have experienced the death of a child in processing emotions, reconstructing meaning, and strengthening resilience.

Comparison of the Effects of a Single Bout of Resistance, Endurance, and Concurrent Exercise on Circulating miRNA-221 Expression in Physically Active Healthy Women

Sanaz Dastamouz iD , Tahereh Bagherpoor ^* iD , Nematolah Nemati iD

The present study aimed to compare the effects of a single bout of resistance, endurance, and concurrent exercise on circulating miRNA-221 expression in physically active healthy women. In terms of its objective, this was an applied study, and in terms of its methodology, it employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of physically active healthy women. Accordingly, 48 participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to four groups: control (n = 12), resistance exercise (n = 12), endurance exercise (n = 12), and concurrent exercise (n = 12). The resistance exercise protocol consisted of front squats, back squats, abdominal crunches, leg presses, and leg extensions performed at 90% of one-repetition maximum for five sets of four to six repetitions. The endurance exercise protocol consisted of running on a treadmill at a 0% incline and a speed of 8 km/h for 30 minutes, followed by cycling on a stationary bicycle at a workload of 100 W for 20 minutes. The concurrent exercise protocol consisted of performing both resistance and endurance exercise within the same session. Blood samples were collected at two time points: before the exercise session and immediately after completion of the exercise protocol. Circulating miRNA-221 expression was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), with cel-miR-39 used as an exogenous control. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mixed-design analysis of variance with repeated measures, and the Bonferroni post hoc test at a significance level of .05. The results showed that a single bout of exercise produced a significant change in circulating miRNA-221 expression in physically active healthy women (p < .05). Significant differences in changes in miRNA-221 expression were also observed between the control group and each of the resistance, endurance, and concurrent exercise groups (p < .05). Although the mean change in miRNA-221 expression was greater in the concurrent exercise group than in the endurance and resistance exercise groups, the differences among the three exercise groups were not statistically significant (p > .05). Overall, the findings indicated that a single bout of exercise, irrespective of exercise modality, significantly alters circulating miRNA-221 expression in physically active healthy women and may contribute to the activation of molecular responses associated with exercise-induced adaptations. However, exercise modality did not produce a significant difference in the magnitude of changes in miRNA-221 expression following a single exercise session.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Adaptive and Maladaptive Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Atieh Maddah iD , Nooshin Taghinezhad ^* iD , Kobra Hajializadeh iD , Azita Amirfakhraei iD

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on adaptive and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This applied, quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a one-month follow-up and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all patients with multiple sclerosis who attended a specialized clinic in Kerman, Iran, during 2025–2026. Using convenience sampling, 45 eligible patients were selected and randomly assigned to three groups of 15 participants each: a cognitive behavioral therapy group, a cognitive behavioral therapy combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation group, and a control group. Data were collected using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ; Garnefski & Kraaij, 2006). The experimental groups received, respectively, a 12-session CBT protocol and CBT combined with 30 sessions of rTMS, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures in SPSS version 26. The findings indicated that the group × time interaction effect was statistically significant for both primary study variables, namely adaptive and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (p < .001). Compared with the control group, both interventions significantly increased adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and decreased maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (p < .001), and these effects were maintained at the one-month follow-up. A direct comparison of the two interventions indicated no substantial difference between the two approaches in terms of the overall scores. The results demonstrated that both interventions were effective in improving emotion regulation and that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation contributed to an increase in adaptive strategies and a reduction in maladaptive strategies. Given the maintenance of the observed effects, the combined application of these interventions is recommended in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Developing a Culturally Grounded Ethical Behavior Framework for Olympic Athletes on Social Media: Insights from Islamic Ethics and Delphi Consensus

Ahmed Rahi Jasim iD , Reza Safaralizadeh iD , Mohammadali Hosseinpour Feizi iD , Thekra Abid Jabar Al-Kashwan iD , Wadhah Mahbuba ^* iD

This study aimed to develop and achieve expert consensus on a culturally grounded ethical behavior framework for Olympic athletes on social media by integrating contemporary sport and digital ethics with principles derived from Islamic ethics. This exploratory qualitative study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, using a sequential qualitative–Delphi design. Twenty-eight experts in sport ethics, Olympic sport, sport management, Islamic ethics, communication, media studies, athlete education, and related fields were selected through purposive sampling. Data were initially collected using semi-structured interviews focused on ethical responsibilities, digital conduct, cultural expectations, and Islamic moral principles relevant to Olympic athletes’ social media use. Interview data were analyzed through conventional qualitative content analysis using an inductive coding process. The resulting categories and behavioral indicators were subsequently converted into Delphi questionnaires and evaluated across two rounds in terms of relevance, cultural appropriateness, clarity, and practical applicability. Consensus was assessed using measures of central tendency, dispersion, percentage agreement, and stability across rounds. The final framework comprised ten dimensions: truthfulness and informational integrity, respect for human dignity, privacy and confidentiality, self-restraint and emotional regulation, responsibility and accountability, social role-model responsibility, Islamic moral conduct, cultural and national representation, commercial and professional ethics, and digital citizenship and platform responsibility. In the second Delphi round, respect for human dignity, self-restraint and emotional regulation, and Islamic moral conduct achieved 100.00% expert agreement. Truthfulness and informational integrity, responsibility and accountability, and digital citizenship and platform responsibility each reached 96.43% agreement. Privacy and confidentiality, social role-model responsibility, and cultural and national representation each reached 92.86%, while commercial and professional ethics reached 89.29%. Median ratings were 5.00 for all dimensions except commercial and professional ethics, which obtained a median of 4.00. The findings support a multidimensional ethical framework in which Islamic moral principles, digital responsibilities, professional conduct, and social role-model obligations jointly shape appropriate social media behavior among Olympic athletes.

Developing a Culturally Grounded Ethical Behavior Framework for Olympic Athletes on Social Media: Insights from Islamic Ethics and Delphi Consensus

Vahid Tork Malek iD , Reza Saboonchi ^* iD , Abbas Bagheri iD

A Diabetes Diagnosis Approach by Feature Selection Using Group Learning Optimization (GLO) Algorithm and Apache Spark Distributed Processing Technology

Nasrin Evazzadeh Mohammadiyan iD , Mehdi Jafari Shahbazzadehb ^* iD , Amir Sabbagh Molahosseini iD

This study aimed to develop and evaluate an accurate and computationally efficient diabetes diagnosis framework integrating GAN-based class balancing, binary Group Learning Optimization (GLO) feature selection, and Apache Spark distributed machine-learning classification. The study used the Pima Indians Diabetes Dataset containing 768 records with eight diagnostic features and a binary diabetes outcome. Data were normalized to the [0,1] range, and a Generative Adversarial Network was used to balance minority and majority classes. A binary version of the GLO algorithm was developed for feature selection by minimizing a fitness function combining classification error and the number of selected features. The dataset was divided into 70% training and 30% testing subsets. A multilayer perceptron was used to evaluate candidate feature vectors during optimization. The reduced-dimensional data were subsequently processed within an Apache Spark master-worker architecture and classified using Decision Tree, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and majority voting. GLO was additionally evaluated against TLBO, WOA, SHO, WSA, and HHO using benchmark optimization functions. GLO achieved the best mean optimization rank of 1.86 and the lowest local-optimum entrapment rate of 7.5%. In feature-selection experiments, GLO achieved 89.76% accuracy, 88.60% sensitivity, and 88.41% precision, outperforming CSA, GWO, GOA, PSO, and GA in diagnostic accuracy. GAN balancing improved Decision Tree, Random Forest, and SVM accuracy to 93.21%, 94.62%, and 91.63%, respectively, while majority voting achieved 93.92% accuracy, 93.67% sensitivity, and 92.84% precision. In the distributed Spark implementation, Random Forest achieved the highest diagnostic performance, with 98.97% accuracy, 98.64% sensitivity, and 98.62% precision. Computational acceleration increased with the number of Spark clusters, with Decision Tree attaining a maximum speedup of 12.56. Integrating GAN-based balancing, binary GLO feature selection, and Apache Spark distributed processing provides an effective framework for improving diabetes classification accuracy while reducing dimensionality and computational burden.

Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Group Intervention on Shame, Sexual Anxiety, and Self-Confidence in Individuals with Sexual Dysfunction

Zeynab Hajavi iD , Pooria Madadi Cholche iD , Mona Soleiman Heshmat iD , Atefeh Shojaei iD , Arsalan Barekat ^* iD

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based group intervention in reducing shame and sexual anxiety and increasing self-confidence among individuals with sexual dysfunction. This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest-follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of individuals with sexual dysfunction who attended specialized sexual health clinics in Tehran, Iran, between September and December 2025. Thirty eligible participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received an eight-session mindfulness-based group intervention, whereas the control group received no corresponding intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Internalized Shame Scale, the Sexual Anxiety Subscale of the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons in SPSS version 26 at a significance level of .05. Repeated-measures analyses revealed significant between-group effects for sexual anxiety, F = 71.655, p < .001, η² = .589; shame, F = 99.362, p < .001, η² = .665; and self-confidence, F = 40.737, p < .001, η² = .449. Significant time effects were also observed for sexual anxiety, F = 177.248, p < .001, η² = .780; shame, F = 238.065, p < .001, η² = .826; and self-confidence, F = 279.796, p < .001, η² = .848. Multivariate analysis further showed a significant time × group interaction, Pillai’s Trace = .976, F = 108.043, p < .001, η² = .976. Bonferroni comparisons indicated no significant baseline differences between groups, whereas significant differences favoring the intervention group were observed at posttest and follow-up for all three outcomes (p < .001). Mindfulness-based group intervention was effective in reducing sexual anxiety and shame and improving self-confidence in individuals with sexual dysfunction, and these improvements remained significant at follow-up, suggesting that mindfulness may be a useful adjunctive psychological intervention in sexual health settings.

Leveling the Components of Balanced Scorecard-Based Budgeting in Iran’s Healthcare Sector Using the ISM–MICMAC Approach

Ramin Fathollahzadeh Dizaji iD , Mehdi Zeynali ^* iD , Heydar Mohammadzadeh Salteh iD , Ahmad Mohammadi iD

The primary objective of this study was to level the components of Balanced Scorecard-based budgeting in Iran’s healthcare sector using the ISM–MICMAC approach, so that by establishing links among strategic objectives, budgeting processes, and performance evaluation, the efficiency and effectiveness of the financial system of healthcare centers can be enhanced. In terms of purpose, the present study was applied-developmental, and methodologically, it employed an exploratory mixed-methods design (qualitative–quantitative). In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 experts in the fields of healthcare and finance, and thematic analysis was used to extract the fundamental dimensions and components of the model. In the quantitative phase, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) revealed seven levels of relationships among the identified factors. At this stage, data were collected using an ISM questionnaire completed by 15 executive and academic experts. Within this structure, some factors were positioned at the foundational levels as principal drivers that create the conditions for influencing other factors, whereas others were located at higher levels and were more strongly affected by other variables. According to the findings, factors such as the development of human capacities, strengthening of information infrastructures, and establishment of organizational learning platforms were positioned at the foundational levels and played an important role in shaping and reinforcing the other dimensions of the model. In contrast, factors such as improving data-driven decision-making and enhancing the efficiency of organizational processes were located at higher levels of the model and primarily emerged as outcomes of strengthening the foundational factors. The findings indicate that the simultaneous strengthening of human capital, information technology infrastructure, and an organizational learning culture can facilitate the transition of the budgeting system from a purely financial approach toward a strategic and performance-oriented approach.

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