Background: Substance use disorders are often accompanied by irrational beliefs and unfavorable attitudes that contribute to their development and persistence. Metaphor therapy, utilizing stories and imagery, has emerged as a potential intervention to reshape thoughts. This study aimed to investigate the impact of metaphor therapy on irrational beliefs and attitudes among individuals with substance use disorders. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Assiut University Hospital’s substance use inpatient unit. A non-probability purposive sample of 100 were recruited and randomly assigned to study and control groups. Irrational beliefs and attitudes toward substance use were assessed using the Irrational Beliefs Scale and Attitude toward Substance Abuse Questionnaire at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up. Results The metaphor therapy group demonstrated significant decreases in mean irrational belief subscale and total scores at post-treatment and follow-up compared to pre-treatment. Additionally, this group exhibited higher mean attitude scores, indicating more negative attitudes (rejection of substance use) during post-treatment and follow-up assessments. Conclusions Metaphor therapy was effective in reducing irrational beliefs and fostering more favorable attitudes toward substance use. The finding suggests metaphor therapy could be a valuable intervention for addressing cognitive and attitudinal factors contributing to substance use.           

Background: Chemotherapy frequently causes pain, fear, and anxiety. Children typically practice this sense during invasive chemotherapy-related procedures, of which cannulation is one. The most frequent medical operations for children are cannulation insertions, which are frequently distressing and uncomfortable for both children and their parents. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) on children’s fear, pain, and physiological parameters during cannula insertion for receiving chemotherapy in pediatric patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial of a two-group design, with a convenient sample of 60 children admitted to the oncology department at the Cancer Institute in Assiut governorate. Eligible children were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. Children in the experimental group were shown a VR (eyeglasses specialized for that goal) video during cannulation. While subjects in the control group received cannulation without any distraction method. The outcome variables were assessed by the investigator before, during, and after cannulation. Three tools were used to collect data for this study: Personal and clinical data sheet, Children’s Fear Scale, and The Objective Pain Scale. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out. Results: The children's ages ranged from 5 – 20 years. Respiration and pulse rates were significantly less in children who used VR especially during and after cannulation time points. Significantly less pain was felt by children using the VR eyewear. Also, fear and pain significantly decreased in the study group during and after cannulation. Conclusion: VR can be successfully used to distract children decrease the amount of fear, and pain, and enhance physiological stability among chemotherapy. Implications for Practice: VR can be a great way to distract children from their fear and pain, which can be a nightmare for kids and their parents during any invasive procedure.

Keywords: Chemotherapy, Cannulation, Distraction, Pain, Fear, Virtual reality.

The effects of climate change pose significant threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and the well-being of human populations. Aim: The study aimed to explore the relation between climate changes, quality of life and psychological status among Assiut city population. Setting: The study was conducted at Assiut city by utilizing web-based online survey. The study sample was 1300 as a convenience sample. Five tools were used; the socio-demographic data, Climate Change Anxiety Scale, Climate Change Worry Scale, Self- Efficacy Scale and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Results: There was strong positive correlation between climate change worry and climate change anxiety Scales (r value .838). Moreover, there was also positive correlation between self-efficacy, climate change worry and climate change anxiety scales (r value, .088, .174) respectively. Conclusions & Recommendation: The research outcomes revealed a substantial association between anxiety and worry levels and socio-demographic factors. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a noteworthy correlation between socio-demographic characteristics and overall quality of life which significantly impact individuals' well-being in relation to climate change-induced anxiety and worry. Implementing an educational program on climate change among the population through mass media as a strategy to address the challenges posed by climate change.