Ibrahim A. Naqid; Shivan H. Yousif; Nawfal R. Hussein
Abstract
Background: In pregnant women, primary infection with rubella and herpes virus may lead to serious complications, including abortion, stillbirth, and severe birth defect. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of rubella and herpes IgG and IgM antibodies in pregnant women. ...
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Background: In pregnant women, primary infection with rubella and herpes virus may lead to serious complications, including abortion, stillbirth, and severe birth defect. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of rubella and herpes IgG and IgM antibodies in pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zakho city, Kurdistan, Iraq. A total of 200 women aged 18-45 years with a history of miscarriage and stillbirth were recruited. Samples were collected from Private Clinical Health Centre at Zakho City between January 2015 and December 2018. All samples were then tested by Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) (VIDAS instrument) for detection of rubella and herpes specific IgG and IgM classes of antibodies. Results: Of the total study participants, 166 (83%) were seropositive for anti-rubella IgG antibodies while nine (4.5%) were positive for anti-rubella IgM antibodies. In addition, seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies to Herpes simplex virus was observed in 154 (77%) and 10 (5%) subjects, respectively. As far as age is concerned, the highest seropositivity of specific IgG and IgM antibodies to Rubella and Herpes was found in participants younger than 30 years, but statistically not significant differences were found. Conclusion: This study provided pilot data on Rubella and Herpes virus infections among women in Zakho city, Kurdistan, Iraq. Data from the present study showed a high anti-Rubella and Herpes IgG and a low IgM positivity in the recruited subjects. Screening women with miscarriage or stillbirth might be conducive to specifying the causes of abortion or stillbirth.
Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada; Hamdalah A Adesunkanmi; Okechukwu Ernest Orji; David Olakorede; Adebanjo Babalola Adeyemi; Esther Kikelomo Afolabi; Chidiebele Petronilla Ojukwu; Abolaji Blessed Adeyemi; Olabisi Aderonke Akinwande; Moses Oluwatosin Makinde; Dolapo Adeola Ojo
Volume 6, Issue 3 , July 2019, , Pages 22-30
Abstract
Background: Physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are significantly affected in pregnancy.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess these constructs among Nigerian pregnant women and also examine the relationship between them.
Methods: A total of 140 pregnant women ...
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Background: Physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are significantly affected in pregnancy.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess these constructs among Nigerian pregnant women and also examine the relationship between them.
Methods: A total of 140 pregnant women were recruited from four selected antenatal clinics in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, who participated in this cross-sectional study. The pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ); consisting of 33 questions aimed at evaluating different day to day activities and SF-12 health survey; an eight scale grouped questionnaire were used to assess PA and HRQoL, respectively. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson product moment correlation and one-way ANOVA) were used for data analysis. Alpha level was set at P < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.4±4.33 years. Household (347.0±452.1) and vigorous intensity (14.3±30.8) PA constituted the highest and least forms of PA. On the other hand, role limitation-physical (82.0±18.3) and health perception (82.0±18.0), and role limitation-mental (54.2±50), respectively were the highest and least rated scales on SF-12. The HRQoL scores were not significantly different (P > 0.05) across the three trimesters of pregnancy except for physical functioning (P = 0.023). However, there were significant differences in PA across the three trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.05), except for vigorous intensity (P = 0.072), sport (P = 0.057), and occupational activity (P = 0.057). There were significant correlations among HRQoL sub-scales and each household, occupational, and moderate intensity PA only (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Light to moderate intensity and household PA are predominant among Nigerian pregnant women than vigorous intensity, occupational, and sports-related PA. Higher health perception and physical role limitation in HRQoL were mostly demonstrated by the pregnant women. There was a significant inverse relationship between HRQoL and each of moderate intensity, occupational, and household PA.
Mahin Tahvilian; Elham Foroozandeh; Seyed Mostafa Banitaba
Abstract
Background: Marital conflicts can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and stress in couples and adversely affect their psychological well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychodrama and cognitive-behavioral therapy on the psychological well-being of women with marital conflicts.Methods: ...
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Background: Marital conflicts can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and stress in couples and adversely affect their psychological well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychodrama and cognitive-behavioral therapy on the psychological well-being of women with marital conflicts.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest, follow-up study with a control group. The statistical population included all the married women with marital conflicts referring to the counseling departments of cultural centers in Isfahan Municipality in 2021. Sixty women were selected as the sample by cluster sampling method and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodrama) and a control group (20 participants per group). The first experimental group underwent twelve 180-minute sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy, while the second experimental group received twelve 180-minute sessions of psychodrama. To collect data, Psychological Well-Being Scale was used. Data analysis was performed through repeated measures ANOVA.Results: According to the results, these two methods affected the psychological well-being components of the women with marital conflicts (P<0.001). The mean±SD of psychological well-being in the post-test and follow-up stages was respectively 61.05±8.35 and 60.10±8.95 in the cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 46.15±5.87 and 45.00±5.17 in the control group. Moreover, the mean±SD of psychological well-being in the post-test and follow-up stages was respectively 65.80±7.54 and 64.67±8.22 in the psychodrama group. The results also revealed that the components of psychological well-being in the women with marital conflicts in the two experimental groups in the post-test and follow-up stages had a significant increase compared to those in the pre-test stage (P<0.001). The two methods were significantly different only in terms of the effects on environmental mastery (P<0.001). Psychodrama was found to be more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy.Conclusions: Psychodrama and cognitive-behavioral therapy can result in positive outcomes, such as improving psychological well-being in couples therapy and marital relationships. Therefore, the use of these two interventions could be recommended to psychotherapists for improving the psychological well-being of women with marital conflicts.
Zahra Chaharbaghi; Fatemeh Beigom Hosseini; Tayebeh Baniasadi; Lida Moradi; Amir Dana
Abstract
Background: A significant factor associated with well-being and health is to find a method which can increase resilience during the pandemics. The present research aimed to examine the impact of physical activity level on resilience of teenage girls during the COVID-19 pandemic with an emphasis on self-esteem ...
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Background: A significant factor associated with well-being and health is to find a method which can increase resilience during the pandemics. The present research aimed to examine the impact of physical activity level on resilience of teenage girls during the COVID-19 pandemic with an emphasis on self-esteem as a mediator.Methods: The present study utilized a descriptive-correlation approach. The statistical sample included 384 teenage females from Golestan, Iran, in 2020. We employed standard surveys for collecting the data. Statistical methods included Kolmogorov- Smirnov test, Spearman correlation test, and structural relationships through Lisrel.Results: Physical activity was found to affect resilience (β=0.396, T=6.284) and self-esteem (β=0.628, T=11.594). Furthermore, self-esteem significantly affected resilience (β=0.530, T=9.509). Finally, self-esteem significantly mediated the correlation between physical activity and resilience (Z=6.780, p <0.001).Conclusions: Physical activity could be considered as an important factor in coping with severe condition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, in a pandemic situation, by increasing physical activity, better conditions can be created for children and adolescents, especially girls, to ensure their resilience.
Madineh Zarei; Parisa Foroozan; Maryam Koushkie Jahromi; Mohammad Hemmatinafar
Abstract
Background: Efficient exercises for enhancing lipolysis could be implemented in the measures taken regarding obesity reduction and the related risk factors. The present study was conducted to compare the response of lipolysis inhibitory and excitatory hormones, including insulin, epinephrine, and glycerol, ...
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Background: Efficient exercises for enhancing lipolysis could be implemented in the measures taken regarding obesity reduction and the related risk factors. The present study was conducted to compare the response of lipolysis inhibitory and excitatory hormones, including insulin, epinephrine, and glycerol, as index of lipolysis to high-intensity interval resistance exercise (HIIRE) and traditional resistance exercise (TRE) protocols in overweight girls. Methods: This was a kind of acute and semi experimental study, which was performed during the winter of 2019. Eleven overweight young girls with a mean weight of 68.54±4.3 kg participated in this study objectively and voluntarily. The participants took part in HIIRE and TRE programs separately with at least a one-week interval. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after an exercise session in order to measure the levels of epinephrine, insulin, and glycerol. For analysis of the data, we utilized statistical method of paired t-test. Results: Statistical analysis of the data revealed a reduction in the level of insulin (P=0.009) and an increase in that of glycerol (P=0.04) after HIIRE. There were no significant changes in epinephrine following HIIRE (P=0.75) and TRE (P=0.15). Moreover, there were no significant differences concerning the changes of epinephrine (P=0.93), insulin (P=0.15), and glycerol (P=0.13) between HIIRE and TRE protocols (P>0.05). Conclusions: Regarding the decrease in lipolysis inhibitor (insulin) and the increase in glycerol, as an index of adipose lipolysis following HIIRE, it could be recommended as an effective exercise for reducing adiposity.
Maryam Abdoshahi
Abstract
Background: The effects of participation in sports and physical activities on mental health in menopausal women have been less examined. Therefore, the goal of the current research was to further investigate the effects of participation in sports and physical activities using a Pilates training intervention ...
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Background: The effects of participation in sports and physical activities on mental health in menopausal women have been less examined. Therefore, the goal of the current research was to further investigate the effects of participation in sports and physical activities using a Pilates training intervention on mental health and happiness among menopausal women.Methods: The current research used an experimental method with pre-test and post-test using a control group. Thirty-two menopausal women from Tehran (district 5), Iran, in 2022, who were chosen using a convenience sampling method, participated in the study. The intervention group (n=16) was exposed to three months of Pilates exercises, while those in the control group (n=16) performed their regular daily activities. Mental health and happiness were measured using The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and The Oxford-Happiness Inventory, respectively, prior to and following the intervention. Independent t-test and analysis of covariance using SPSS version 26 were utilized to analyze the data.Results: The results showed similar mental health and happiness within both groups at baseline. Moreover, the results revealed that our sample had medium to high symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress at pretest. Furthermore, the participants in the intervention group reported lower depression (P<0.001), anxiety (P<0.001), and stress (P<0.001) as well as higher happiness (P<0.001) following the intervention than the control group.Conclusions: Based on our findings, it is recommended that menopausal women participate in various sports training courses such as Pilates to improve their mental health status.
Fariba Ramezani Siakhulake; Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei; Mehdi Mohammadi; Fateme Behmanesh Pour
Abstract
Background: Free-of-charge vaginal deliveries have been offered as part of the Health Transformation Plan (HTP) in Iran, but still a high proportion of deliveries are occurring at home. This study aimed to investigate the reasons for home deliveries after the implementation of HTP in southeast of Iran. ...
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Background: Free-of-charge vaginal deliveries have been offered as part of the Health Transformation Plan (HTP) in Iran, but still a high proportion of deliveries are occurring at home. This study aimed to investigate the reasons for home deliveries after the implementation of HTP in southeast of Iran. Methods: This case-control study included women who gave birth at home between September 2015 and September 2016 for their last pregnancy; considered as cases (n=300), and women who delivered at a health facility (hospital or Safe Delivery Posts), assigned to the control group (n= 600). Data were collected during face to face interview using a 77-item semi-structured questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression technique was used to identify independent predictors of home delivery. Results: Women who were worried about giving birth at a teaching hospital (OR=1.9, 95% CI:1.3 -2.8), women with negative experiences in the previous delivery (OR=1.6, 95% CI:1.0-2.4), illiterates (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 2.0-7.4), individuals with primary/secondary education (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.3 - 4.4), women with no health insurance (OR=5.1, 95% CI: 3.5- 7.4), if the decision on choosing the place of birth was made by the women alone (OR=12.7, 95% CI: 7-22.8), women with financial constraints (OR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.4), women with precipitate labour (OR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.7-3.5) and women with fear of the hospital environment (OR= 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1- 2.4) were more likely to deliver at home. Conclusions: Our findings highlight socio-economic and cultural barriers that need to be addressed to reduce home deliveries among the disadvantaged women.
Tayebeh Baniasadi; Sheida Ranjbari; Sedigheh Khajeaflatoon Mofrad; Saeed Ghorbani
Abstract
Background: Mental health is a common concern in old age. Given the increase of aging population, it is crucial to pay attention to factors influencing elderly people’s mental health. This research investigated the correlations between social support and physical activity (PA) with depression and ...
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Background: Mental health is a common concern in old age. Given the increase of aging population, it is crucial to pay attention to factors influencing elderly people’s mental health. This research investigated the correlations between social support and physical activity (PA) with depression and happiness in older women with memory impairment.Methods: A descriptive-correlational approach was used in this study. The statistical population consisted of all elderly women (over 65 years old) residing in Golestan province, Iran, between February 2022 and June 2022. The sample included 384 women with mild dementia who were selected through purposive sampling. Research variables were measured using standard instruments. Data analysis was conducted using the Pearson correlation test and regression analysis in SPSS version 26.Results: The mean and standard deviation of social support, PA, depression, and happiness were 37.59±11.09, 1.06±1.17, 7.29±2.55, and 42.73±10.64, respectively. Regression analysis results demonstrated a negative and significant association between social support and depression (35.1%), while it showed a positive and significant association with happiness (16.5%). Furthermore, PA exhibited a negative and significant association with depression (40.9%) and a positive and significant association with joy (30.4%).Conclusions: The findings of this study can contribute to the development of more effective health and physical education programs targeting elderly individuals with memory impairment to improve their mental health.
Zeinab Karimi; Fatemeh Masjedi; Aida Doostkam; Jamshid Roozbeh; Leila Malekmakan
Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a highly contagious disease, which led to a pandemic health emergency. However, age distribution and sex, regarding factors affecting the severity of COVID-19, are controversial. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate ...
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Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a highly contagious disease, which led to a pandemic health emergency. However, age distribution and sex, regarding factors affecting the severity of COVID-19, are controversial. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate the effect of gender difference on the severity of COVID-19 infection in the studied age groups.Methods: Patients with COVID-19 of Valiasr Hospital (Khorrambid, Fars, Iran) from February 20, 2020, to February 20, 2021, are included in this retrospective study. The inclusion criteria were the age of above 15 years old and being residents of Khorrambid. COVID‐19 severity was classified as mild and moderate/severe according to the WHO standards. The obtained demographical and clinical data from the patient registry forms were analyzed using SPSS-24; P value <0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Chi-square and independent t-test were used to assess the variables.Results: Herein, 218 patients were recruited with a mean age of 45.6±17.2 and a relatively equal distribution of men and women population. Out of this population, 23.8% had comorbid diseases, 48.2% had mild, and 51.8% had moderate/severe infections. Our results indicated that male gender and the age range of 25-64 years in men are the most important risk factors associated with the disease severity (P<0.0001).Conclusions: The current study revealed that the leading risk factor of the disease severity was higher age (≥65 years) in the studied women. Meanwhile, in the men group, this factor was the age range of 25-64 years. These results suggest that further research is required to identify the possible impacts of gender and age on various aspects of the ongoing epidemic.
Zeinab Hooshmandi; Farhad Daryanoosh; Javad Nemati; Reza Jalli
Abstract
Background: Aging is an inevitable physiological process leading to a progressive decrease in muscle mass and function, which is called sarcopenia. Correspondingly, this study aimed to investigate the effect of High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training (HIIRT) on certain sarcopenia-related factors ...
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Background: Aging is an inevitable physiological process leading to a progressive decrease in muscle mass and function, which is called sarcopenia. Correspondingly, this study aimed to investigate the effect of High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training (HIIRT) on certain sarcopenia-related factors in elderly women. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study in which thirty elderly women aged 60 to 70 years, from April to September 2020, volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Body Mass Index (BMI), Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass (ASM), Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (ASMI), and body fat percentage were measured using bioelectric impedance analysis; handgrip strength was measured via Jamar dynamometer; walking speed was measured employing six-meter walking test (6MWT); IGF-1 level (μg/L) was measured with Mediagnost kit (Germany) and serum myostatin level (ng/L) was measured using ELISA kit from R&D Company (USA) via Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay )ELISA( method in two stages: pre-test (week 0) and post-test (end of week 8). Independent t-test was subsequently utilized to assess the research variables through SPSS software version 23 at 0.05 level of significance. Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in body fat percentage (1.05±0.79, p <0.001) and Myostatin (MSTN) (87.25±82.38, p <0.01) and a significant increase in handgrip strength (-08.58±4.50, p <0.001), ASM (-4.91±0.28, p <0.001), ASMI (-0.19±0.11, p <0.001), and 6MWT (-0.42±0.26, p <0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control. There was also an increase in IGF-1 (-0.83±2.90, P=0.88), yet it was not significant. Conclusion: The major components indicative of sarcopenia were improved through High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training. Therefore, HIIRT appeared to be one of the most important coping strategies for reduction of muscle mass and strength in older women. We could thus conclude that it is necessary for the elderly to do this type of training.
Mehrnaz Goodarzian; Kourosh Mohammadi; Azita Amirfakhraei
Abstract
Background: Patients with breast cancer (BC) experience psychological challenges necessitating therapeutic interventions. This study evaluated the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in influencing health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women diagnosed with BC.Methods: ...
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Background: Patients with breast cancer (BC) experience psychological challenges necessitating therapeutic interventions. This study evaluated the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in influencing health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women diagnosed with BC.Methods: This semi-experimental research, employing a pre-test, post-test, and control group design, was conducted among women with BC receiving care at health centers in Dezful City, Iran in 2019. Forty participants were selected through convenience sampling and subsequently randomized via lottery into experimental and control groups, each comprising 20 individuals. The experimental group underwent an eight-session ACT-based treatment, with one 90-minute session per week. Assessment instruments utilized in this study included Wallston’s health-related locus of control questionnaire and Garnefski’s cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using ANCOVA and SPSS version 24.Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups in the pre-test concerning health-related locus of control and emotional regulation. In the post-test, the mean±SD score for the health-related locus of control in the ACT group was 61.80±7.23, demonstrating a significant difference compared to the control group (47.94±6.11) (P<0.001). Emotional regulation mean scores in the experimental and control groups were 87.35±9.28 and 59.74±7.38, respectively, signifying statistical significance (P=0.005). ACT significantly enhanced health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women diagnosed with BC (P<0.001).Conclusion: ACT effectively enhances health-related locus of control and emotional regulation in women with BC. Healthcare professionals and therapists may consider incorporating ACT into their comprehensive treatment strategies to augment healthrelated locus of control and emotional regulation in this patient population.
Bahia Namavar Jahromi; Rosyna Adibi; Sadaf Adibi; Leila Salarian
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a unique idiopathic syndrome in human pregnancy that can involve almost all organ systems.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the periodontal diseases between the preeclamptic and normal pregnant women in order to find a possible risk factor relationship.
Materials ...
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Background: Preeclampsia is a unique idiopathic syndrome in human pregnancy that can involve almost all organ systems.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the periodontal diseases between the preeclamptic and normal pregnant women in order to find a possible risk factor relationship.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on 200 pregnant women, with maternal age ≤ 35 years and gestational age ˃ 20 weeks with singleton pregnancies. Of these, 100 women were preeclamptic with proteinuria and blood pressure ≥ 140/90 and 100 women with normal blood pressure in the control group. Oral examination was performed on all women by a dentist for detection of periodontal diseases. Gingivitis and periodontitis were diagnosed based on the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)/American Dental Association (ADA) classification, using the measurement method of Ramfjord. The preeclamptic women were then sub-classified into mild and moderate and comparisons were made between all groups.
Results: The mean maternal age, BMI, neonatal birth weights and gestational age at delivery were not significantly different between the preeclamptic and normal groups. There was a significant association between preeclampsia and periodontal diseases (P ˂ 0.01). The mean number of involved teeth (P ˂ 0.001) and the mean pocket depth (P = 0.04) were higher among the preeclamptic group. Gingivitis was more frequent among the cases with mild (56.8%) compared to (31.6%) in the severe preeclamptic group (P = 0.04). Periodontitis was more prevalent among the cases with severe preeclampsia which was not statistically significant. The mean neonatal birth weight was significantly lower in the group with severe preeclampsia (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: There was a significant association between preeclampsia and periodontal diseases. The number of involved teeth and pocket depth were higher among the preeclamptic mothers compared to normal pregnant women.
Farangis Sharifi; Masoumeh Simbar; Faraz Mojab; Hamid Alavi Majd
Abstract
Background: Mastalgia (breast pain) is a symptom that usually affects 70% of women at any given point during their life time.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of chamomile extract and mefenamic acid (MA) on the intensity of Mastalgia associated with premenstrual syndrome (MAPMS).
Patients ...
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Background: Mastalgia (breast pain) is a symptom that usually affects 70% of women at any given point during their life time.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of chamomile extract and mefenamic acid (MA) on the intensity of Mastalgia associated with premenstrual syndrome (MAPMS).
Patients and Methods: This study was a randomized double blind clinical trial carried out on 90 students living in dormitories at Kazerun Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran from September 2011 to March 2012. The participants filled in the daily forms for two consecutive months. Once the definitive diagnosis of MAPMS was made, the participants were divided into two groups of 45, each receiving either chamomile capsule 100 mg or MA 250 mg three times a day, for an interval beginning from the 21st day of menstrual cycle till the next onset. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in order to analyze data.
Results: A significant decrease (P < 0.0001) was found in average mastalgia between pre and post intervention after first and second cycles in those treated with chamomile Extract (10.5 ± 21.7 and 13.7 ± 20.4 percent) and among MA treated subjects (12.1 ± 624.7 and 13.8 ± 24 percent). There was no significant difference in MAPMS symptom in chamomile extract-treated and MA groups after first and second cycles (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Chamomile reduces the severity of MAPMS during treatment. Consumption of chamomile seems to be similar to MA in relieving the intensity of MAPMS.
Shohreh Beheshti; Loabat Salehi; Samaneh Ziadlou
Abstract
Background: Sexually transmitted infections are major causes of morbidity among incarcerated women. However, little is known about the prevalence of these infections among female prisoners in Iran.
Objectives: This cross-sectional study, assessed the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among ...
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Background: Sexually transmitted infections are major causes of morbidity among incarcerated women. However, little is known about the prevalence of these infections among female prisoners in Iran.
Objectives: This cross-sectional study, assessed the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among a group of women imprisoned in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz, Iran.
Patients and Methods: Over a 6-month period, we screened 129 female inmates in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz, Iran for sexually transmitted infections by appropriate clinical and routine laboratory assessments. Infected inmates were treated and followed up free of charge by the prison medical staff.
Results: All inmates had evidence of at least one sexually transmitted infection. Chlamydial infection was the most common infection, which detected in 44 (34%) inmates, followed by candidiasis in 34 (26%), trichomoniasis in 26 (20%), syphilis in 8 (6%), and finally gonorrhea in 6 (4.5%) inmates. The least common infection was HIV infection, which was present in only 1 out of 129 subjects. In addition, 1 out of 58 (1.72%) serologically examined prisoners had hepatitis B, and 4 cases from 58 (7%) had evidence of hepatitis C, one of them was a drug addict and the other 3 had histories of past tattooing.
Conclusions: Because of high rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in incarcerated women, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive screening program, treatment, follow-up, and partner notification in order to reduce the frequency of STIs in this high-risk, vulnerable group of females.
Maryam Karamali; Zatollah Asemi
Abstract
Background: Increased metabolic profiles during pregnancy are associated with an increasing risk for maternal and fetal morbidity and remain a significant medical challenge. To our knowledge there are no reports on the favorable effects of calcium supplementation plus aspirin on metabolic profiles among ...
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Background: Increased metabolic profiles during pregnancy are associated with an increasing risk for maternal and fetal morbidity and remain a significant medical challenge. To our knowledge there are no reports on the favorable effects of calcium supplementation plus aspirin on metabolic profiles among pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia.
Objectives: This study was designed to determine the favorable effects of taking calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin on metabolic profiles among Iranian pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia.
Patients and Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 54 primigravida pregnant women, aged from aged 18 to 40 years with gestational age of 27 weeks and positive roll-over test. The population under study was randomly divided into two groups each including 27 subjects. The case group received 500 mg calcium supplement plus 80 mg aspirin for 9 weeks, compared with untreated placebo control group. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after intervention period to measure fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and serum lipid profiles.
Results: As compared to the placebo, consumption of calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin resulted in a significant difference in serum triglycerides levels (8.8 vs.51.7 mg/dL, P = 0.03). However, no significant differences were found between case and the placebo groups regarding fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum total, HDL, LDL cholesterol levels. As for the placebo group, significant increases were observed in serum total cholesterol (+ 12.4 mg/dL, P = 0.01) and triglycerides levels (+ 51.7 mg/dL, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions: The consumption of calcium supplement plus low-dose aspirin for 9 weeks in pregnant women at risk for pre-eclampsia resulted in significant reduction in serum triglycerides levels compared to the placebo group, but did not affect FPG and other lipid profiles.
Zahra Kochaki Nejad; Alireza Mohajjel Aghdam; Hadi Hassankhani; Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi; Zohreh Sanaat
Abstract
Background: Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific achievement. Past studies have shown probable increases in self-efficacy with growing age. Iranian women with breast cancer are one decade younger than their western ...
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Background: Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific achievement. Past studies have shown probable increases in self-efficacy with growing age. Iranian women with breast cancer are one decade younger than their western counterparts.
Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the level of cancer-related self-efficacy in Iranian women, and its demographic and medical predictors.
Patients and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study comprised of 91 breast cancer patients referring for chemotherapy to one of the largest oncology centers in northwest of Iran. The patients’ demographic and medical characteristics were determined and their cancer related self-efficacy was assessed using cancer behavior inventory containing 33 items. Data analysis was completed using SPSS software version 13. Descriptive and Regression analysis were used to describe demographic and medical characteristics of the patients and their predictors of cancer-related self-efficacy.
Results: The sustained cancer-related positive attitude had, in total, the highest mean score of 7 subscales of cancer behavior inventory and the seeking of social support had the least mean score. Only Patient’s education and the time of cancer diagnosis were associated with self-efficacy of Iranian women in relation to cancer.
Conclusions: According to the results obtained, it is necessary to consider the level of education, social support, and the time of cancer diagnosis in order to assess the self-efficacy in Iranian women with breast cancer.
Pegah Jahani; Sulmaz Ghahramani; Gholamreza Abdollahifard
Abstract
Background: Due to the increasing rate of cervical cancer screening, and the importance of teachers and faculties in changing the perspective of population on this issue, the present study was carried out to evaluate knowledge base, attitude and performance of teachers and faculty members in relation ...
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Background: Due to the increasing rate of cervical cancer screening, and the importance of teachers and faculties in changing the perspective of population on this issue, the present study was carried out to evaluate knowledge base, attitude and performance of teachers and faculty members in relation to cervical cancer screening test.
Objectives: This study attempted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and performance of teachers and faculty members on cervical cancer screening test in Shiraz, Iran.
Patients and Methods: The present cross-sectional survey was conducted on a community with high education level. The study was carried out on a sample of 417 randomly selected subjects involving 206 participants from high school teachers and 211 faculty members. Stratified random sampling method was used proportionate to the size, of the main population in each group. P value 0.05 was considered for estimating sample size. Valid and reliable questionnaires were completed via face to face interview. Data were analyzed using SPSS Software version 13.
Results: Mean score of knowledge (4.78 ± 0.71) was higher in faculty members than female teachers (4.21 ± 1.16). There was no statistically significant difference in mean scores of knowledge (P value = 0.748) and attitude (P value = 0.704) between teachers of different age groups. Mean score of knowledge (P value = 0.001) and attitude (P value = 0.009) was significantly different among faculty members with different academic degrees. Although academics had higher Knowledge and attitude, the mean score of performance among teachers (18%) was higher than faculty members (16.6%).
Conclusions: This study showed that in regard to screening of cervical cancer, there is no acceptable knowledge, attitude and performance level among faculty members and teachers in different zones of Shiraz.
Yasamin Dianat; Mitra Amini; Shirin Ghanavati; Parisa Nabeiei; Mohammad Jafari; Farnaz Takmil
Abstract
Background: Women comprise more than half of the world's population. In different societies, because of different views and attitudes, women are affected by various factors such as culture, customs, religion, economy and etc. Objectives: The present research attempts to determine why medical students ...
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Background: Women comprise more than half of the world's population. In different societies, because of different views and attitudes, women are affected by various factors such as culture, customs, religion, economy and etc. Objectives: The present research attempts to determine why medical students are interested in general medicine and how they seek job satisfaction. In this connection, it is also important to know about the existing problems and barriers and to propose approaches to prevent them. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study is comprised of female medical students of whom 100 were randomly selected using random numbers table. Data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire including 20 questions. Validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the medical education academics and its reliability was checked by a pilot study of 20 medical students which was considered 86% according to Cronbachs’ Alpha. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 14. Results: With respect to marital status, 22% and 78% of the participants were married and single 78% were, with their average age being 26 ± 0.98 SD years. Respectively also their job satisfaction mean score was 4.19 ± 1.51 out of 7 which showed no significant association between job satisfaction and marriage and they exhibited positive attitude toward General Medicine (P = 0.639, 0.002). There was a significant association between job satisfaction and attitude of women toward their husbands who were practicing physician (P = 0.018). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, as the majority of the target population comprised women with family responsibilities, stakeholders and other program designers are recommended to provide special facilities in order to increase job and education opportunities for women.
Mark D. Faries; Elizabeth Espie; Erik Gnagy; Kyle P. McMorries
Abstract
Background: With the global rise of individuals classified as overweight and obese, weight-related screenings have been promoted to combat their high prevalence and associated health problems. Hopefully, such screenings can act as a ‘trigger’ for health behavior change, however little is ...
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Background: With the global rise of individuals classified as overweight and obese, weight-related screenings have been promoted to combat their high prevalence and associated health problems. Hopefully, such screenings can act as a ‘trigger’ for health behavior change, however little is known about the experience of weight loss triggers.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to elaborate on the experiences and meanings of weight-control triggers in a sample of overweight women prescribed by their physician to lose weight.
Patients and Methods: We conducted exploratory qualitative interviews, grounded in phenomenological practices, to elaborate on the experience and meaning of weight loss ‘triggers’ in a sample of overweight, female patients prescribed to lose weight by their physician.
Results: Weight-related screenings can act as a ‘trigger’ for health behavior change. Overall, we discovered five novel themes that embodied patients’ complex experiences with triggers: (1) trigger realization, (2) trigger meaning, (3) knowing what to do, (4) perceptions of self, and (5) the good, the bad, the monitoring.
Conclusions: We believe our findings advance the novel understanding of experiences with triggers. Specifically, our work sheds light on why triggers occur, and can guide how to create and manage both realized and meaningful triggers for healthy behavior change. The present results suggest that trigger realization can come from several different sources (e.g. medical, emotional, clothing, social), yet women are capable of deflecting any potential trigger experience. In addition, our findings suggest multiple facets of self-monitoring experiences can actually be counterproductive in weight control. The results provide insight for primary care, weight control counseling, and future interventions for triggered patients.
Pilar Sanchez-Lopez; Ana Isabel Saavedra-San Roman; Virginia Dresch; Lorena Garcia-Quintans; Irene Rodrigo-Holgado
Abstract
Background: Mental health is one of the principal indicators of people’s quality of life. One of the professions most commonly associated with mental health problems is nursing.
Objectives: We analyzed mental health in a group of female and male nurses from a hospital in Madrid (Spain) to evaluate ...
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Background: Mental health is one of the principal indicators of people’s quality of life. One of the professions most commonly associated with mental health problems is nursing.
Objectives: We analyzed mental health in a group of female and male nurses from a hospital in Madrid (Spain) to evaluate whether differences exist between the groups. Furthermore, there is an analysis regarding whether the variables affecting mental health in female nurses are different from those affecting male nurses.
Patients and Methods: The research is non-experimental, observational, with a cross sectional and descriptive analysis. The GHQ-12 instrument was chosen for the analysis of mental health in male and female nurses. The GHQ-12 has been validated in the Spanish population.
Results: Male and female professional nurses scored worse in mental health than the population as a whole. Female nurses had worse scores than male nurses. Mental health in male nurses is related to age, self-perceived health, stress at work, and job satisfaction. The variables related to mental health in female nurses are stress at work and rest/sleep.
Conclusions: The variables explaining the state of mental health in female and male nurses are different. The only variable in both regression equations is stress at work, and even then it has different magnitudes for male and female nurses. An awareness of possible quantitative and qualitative differences in the mental health of male and female nurses will contribute to the optimal design of more efficient, evidence-based treatments geared to improving the health of these professionals.
Seyed Hojjat Zamani Sani; Mahta Eskandarnejad; Zahra Fathirezaie
Abstract
Background: Body image is an important factor in women’s lives.
Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to explore the association among body image, perceived physical fitness and its subscales, physical activity, body mass index and age in women.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional ...
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Background: Body image is an important factor in women’s lives.
Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to explore the association among body image, perceived physical fitness and its subscales, physical activity, body mass index and age in women.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 82 women from University of Tabriz staff and masters. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Individual characteristics, physical activity rate, body image and perceived physical fitness questionnaires were completed. Data were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression.
Results: The results of the study indicated a significant linear association of body image with body mass index (r = 0.769, P = 0.0001), body composition (r = 0.587, P = 0.0001), and aerobic endurance (r = - 0.229, P = 0.038). In addition, there was no significant linear relationship between physical activity and other variables, except for flexibility (r = 0.258, P = 0.019) and age (r = 0.418, P = 0.0001). Regression analysis showed that physical self-perception, aerobic endurance, body composition, muscular strength, flexibility, and body mass index could predict 64% of the variance of body image.
Conclusions: Physical self-perception and its factors along with body mass index are important to build up body image. Some interpretations and limitations about physical activity motives and measurements were also cited.
Faegheh Dehganipour; Mohsen Salesi
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome is considered a risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The syndrome is the result of various factors, including poor nutritional diets, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic predisposition. Physical activity and good ...
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Background: Metabolic syndrome is considered a risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The syndrome is the result of various factors, including poor nutritional diets, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic predisposition. Physical activity and good nutrition can prevent metabolic syndrome.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of continuous and discontinuous training on metabolic syndrome components in non-athlete, middle-aged woman.
Patients and Methods: Forty-five non-athlete women who met the study criteria voluntarily participated in this study. The participants were divided randomly into three groups: continuous, discontinuous, and control (n = 15 in each group). Twenty-four hours before the beginning of the training program, a blood sample was obtained from each participant in the fasting state .The two training groups participated in sports activities designed to produce a heart rate of 50 - 70 beats/minute for 8 weeks, three times a week, for 60 - 90 minutes. The continuous training group performed the activities in one session, and the discontinuous training group performed them in two sessions, for the same time and intensity. Twenty-four hours after the completion of the 8-week program, all the measurements were performed similar to the pretest phase. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The discontinuous training significantly decreased each participant’s weight (P = 0.04) and systolic blood pressure (BP) (P < 0.01), whereas it significantly increased their triglyceride (TG) (P < 0.01) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant change in diastolic BP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), or glucose. In the continuous training group, the TG level decreased significantly (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a regular physical activity program in the form of discontinuous training improved metabolic syndrome indexes in non-athlete, middle-aged women. Discontinuous training seems to be an efficient, safe, and inexpensive way to reduce and prevent metabolic syndrome.
Ahmad Kalateh Sadati; Farnaz Rahnavard; Bahia Namavar Jahromi
Abstract
Background: Infertility is a complex phenomenon, which threatens everyone and every family. Females are threatened more due to various social differences.
Objectives: The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of infertile females, who had referred to a public center of infertility in Shiraz, ...
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Background: Infertility is a complex phenomenon, which threatens everyone and every family. Females are threatened more due to various social differences.
Objectives: The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of infertile females, who had referred to a public center of infertility in Shiraz, Iran.
Methods: This was a qualitative study based on four focus groups and four in-depth interviews with 25 infertile females. Transcribed data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results: Four themes were extracted from the data, which were life without excitement, social pressures, low self-esteem and treatment problems. Although it seems that these themes are variable, they present a total reality, which leads to a bitter life.
Conclusions: Infertile females are under multidimensional pressures involving psychological, social and economic aspects of their life and interpersonal relationships. This condition leads to a bitter situation for these people.
Khadijeh Asadi Sarvestani; Suet Leng Khoo; Nor Malina Malek; Suziana Mat Yasin; Aliyar Ahmadi
Abstract
Background: Desired number of children is one of the main indexes showing the fertility preferences of couples. This issue is currently more important as Iranian policy makers are revising population policies to improve fertility rate.
Objectives: As a result, the main goal of this study was to investigate ...
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Background: Desired number of children is one of the main indexes showing the fertility preferences of couples. This issue is currently more important as Iranian policy makers are revising population policies to improve fertility rate.
Objectives: As a result, the main goal of this study was to investigate factors influencing the number of desired children among married women in the reproductive age. A theoretical framework was constructed based on demographic transition theory, demand-supply theory and diffusion theory.
Methods: This study was a quantitative research and its research technique was survey. The population of the study included all married women at the reproductive age (15-49), who were living in Shiraz County (Shiraz city and surrounding rural areas). Data was collected by interviews with 626 women, who were selected by multi cluster sampling and purposive sampling during year 2014. Data was analyzed by the SPSS (version 22) software.
Results: The findings showed that the desired number of children both in Shiraz city and its surrounding rural areas was exactly below the replacement rate. In addition, findings of this study demonstrated that the desired number of children as a dependent variable is affected by a set of socioeconomic and cultural factors. Results have revealed that the main predictors are couple agreement on the number of children, respondents’ income, son preference, respondents’ authority and ethnicity.
Conclusions: Overall, the variables considered in the research model explained only 32.7% of change in the dependent variable. This means that 67.3% of change in the number of desired children is related to factors that are not included in the research model. Moreover, most of the women in Shiraz County desired to have a small family size and this fact can result in further decline of fertility rates in the future because couples respect their desires in fertility. As a result, it is recommender for policy makers to pay more attention to factors influencing the desired number of children.
Elham Azmoude; Haniye Behnam; Saeede Barati-Far; Maryam Aradmehr
Abstract
Background: Long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPMs) are the most effective approaches to reduce fertility. The study of factors associated with the use of LAPMs is one of the key steps in finding the population involved in reduced fertility.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess ...
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Background: Long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPMs) are the most effective approaches to reduce fertility. The study of factors associated with the use of LAPMs is one of the key steps in finding the population involved in reduced fertility.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess factors affecting the use of LAPMs among married women of reproductive age in Torbat Heydariyeh city, East of Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 304 married women aged 15 - 49 years in Torbat Heydarieh in 2016. Data were collected using demographic and fertility questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS 13 by descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis.
Results: The current overall prevalence of using LAPMs was 21.4%. The multivariate analysis showed that utilization of LAMPs was less frequent among the participants with diploma (AOR = 0.357, 95% CI = 0.156 - 0.817) and academic education (AOR = 0.418, 95% CI = 0.174 - 1.003) compared to women who had primary and secondary education. However, the utilization of LAPMs was more frequent in those with high income level (AOR = 8.364, 95% CI = 3.994-17.511) and those with higher number of living children (AOR = 2.247, 95% CI = 1.585-3.187).
Conclusions: The persistent use of LAPMs is largely determined by education and income level and the number of surviving children. Reproductive health programmers can consider this group of women for interventions aiming at improving the fertility rate.
