Marzieh Akbarzadeh; Zahra Moradi; Azam Jowkar; Najaf Zare; Mohammad Javad Hadianfard
Abstract
Background: Pain, a common phenomenon, is an inevitable part of childbirth. A number of pressure points exist that reduce labor pain in the body.
Objectives: This study aims to compare mono- and bi-stage acupressure at the GB-21 point on the severity of labor pain and the delivery outcome.
Patients ...
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Background: Pain, a common phenomenon, is an inevitable part of childbirth. A number of pressure points exist that reduce labor pain in the body.
Objectives: This study aims to compare mono- and bi-stage acupressure at the GB-21 point on the severity of labor pain and the delivery outcome.
Patients and Methods: This quasi-experimental uni-blind study enrolled 150 full-term pregnant women who were experiencing labor pains. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: a) mono-stage acupressure applied at 3-4 cm cervical dilatation (n = 50), b) bi-stage acupressure applied at 3-4 cm and 7-8 cm dilatation (n = 50), and c) control group (n = 50). Acupressure intervention at the GB-21 point was carried out for a period of 20 minutes. The pain severity was evaluated before, immediately, and at 30 and 60 minutes after intervention by a visual analog scale.
Results: The pain severity after intervention in the 3-4 cm dilatation mono-stage intervention group was less than the control group (P < 0.001). However there was no difference between the mono- and bi-stage intervention groups (P > 0.05). In the 7-8 cm dilatation group, the pain severity was reduced only in the bi-stage in contrast with mono stage intervention groups (P < 0.001). The duration of the second stage and rate of cesarean section was less in the intervention groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Exerting pressure at the GB-21 point is effective in reducing pain, duration of labor and the rate of cesarean sections. Pain can be reduced in the mother by increasing the Frequency interference of intervention (One vs. two stages). Because this method is both inexpensive and reliable, we recommend its use to the medical team.
Maryam Yazdani; Elnaz Amirshahi; Aria Shakeri; Reza Amirshahi; Leila Malekmakan
Abstract
Background: The increased maternal age is associated with many prenatal and perinatal complications including stillbirth, preterm birth and cesarean delivery.
Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the prenatal and maternal outcomes among mothers older and younger than 35 in Fars province, ...
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Background: The increased maternal age is associated with many prenatal and perinatal complications including stillbirth, preterm birth and cesarean delivery.
Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the prenatal and maternal outcomes among mothers older and younger than 35 in Fars province, Iran.
Patients and Methods: This study included 1962 singleton deliveries. The prenatal and neonatal outcomes were recorded retrospectively and compared between mothers aged older and younger than 35 years. A designed questionnaire was used for data collection of parity, gravida (gravidity and parity are two terms that refer to the number of times a female has been pregnant and carried the pregnancies to a viable gestational age), outcomes of the pregnancy, labor, and neonatal outcome. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 15, and the P < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The mean age of 978 mothers < 35 years-old and 984 of those aged ≥ 35 years was 31.6 ± 6.8 years. Mothers aged ≥ 35 years experienced higher risk of preeclampsia (P < 0.001), gestational diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001), placental abruption (P = 0.003), cesarean delivery (P < 0.001), low Apgar at 1 minute (P = 0.001) and low Apgar at 5 minutes (P = 0.001) compared to those aged less than 35 years.
Conclusions: Women should be alerted by the higher risks for prenatal and maternal morbidity associated with delayed pregnancy. Health care providers should be aware of the impact of delayed childbearing on the health care resources.
Ahmad Kalateh Sadati; Farnaz Rahnavard; Najmeh Ebrahimzadeh; Najmeh Maharloei
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is closely linked with the quality of passage of time by the patient.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of the passage of time in narratives of women with breast cancer.
Patients and Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews ...
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Background: Breast cancer is closely linked with the quality of passage of time by the patient.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of the passage of time in narratives of women with breast cancer.
Patients and Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 8 women after mastectomy. A thematic method based on the qualitative research was used to explore the meaningful themes.
Results: The results obtained revealed that the story of passing of time involved two fluctuation modes. At the primary stages of encountering breast cancer the patients experience a chaotic time in which the first reaction was denying and disavowing the fact that they were plagued by an unexpected threat. Following this stage, the patients begin to progressively base their experience on creativity and religious coping strategies called the calmness period.
Conclusions: Passing of time is of fluctuation type. Creativity and religious context have main roles in resolving the psychological problems of women with breast cancer. Therefore, policy makers must consider planning to enrich religious beliefs in women with breast cancer.
Effat Merghati Khoei; Raziyeh Maasoumi; Solmaz Talebi; Saiedeh Hajimirzaie; Alireza Bayat; Shahnaz Rimaz; Fatemeh Hirmandi; Soraya Lotfi
Abstract
Background: Sexual satisfaction is a desired feeling that one experiences during sexual interaction and is affected by several factors.
Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the sexual satisfaction and its correlates among married women.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised ...
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Background: Sexual satisfaction is a desired feeling that one experiences during sexual interaction and is affected by several factors.
Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the sexual satisfaction and its correlates among married women.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 306 married women in their reproductive age, selected by convenience sampling method, and referred to the four health centers affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2012, the participants completed a researcher-made questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using independent samples T-test, Chi-square and logistic regression through SPSS version. 16.
Results: The mean score of the sexual satisfaction was 77.97 ± 1.38. Based on the mean, women were divided into two groups: sexually satisfied and dissatisfied. The Two groups matched in terms of age (P = 0.35), age of the husbands (P= 0.26), income status (P = 0.43), number of children (P = 0.44) and contraceptive methods (P = 0.13). Participants' educational level, menstrual status, marital duration, sexual function, husband’s educational status and emotional bound were entered into the logistic regression model. Emotional bound had a significant effect on sexual satisfaction (P = 0.04, OR = 1.54, CI = 1.01 - 2.36).
Conclusions: Emotional bound as a considerable trait is associated with women’s sexual satisfaction. It is recommended that health care providers pay more attention to this point at the time of health care delivery and also to emphasize the renovation of interpersonal relationship.
Fakhri Tajikzadeh; Seyede Fatemeh Sajadi; Mahnaz Mehrabizade Honarmand; Iran Davudi
Abstract
Background: Over the last decades youth suicide has been recognized as a significant public health problem. Efforts have been intensified to understand suicidal continuum; from suicide ideation to committing suicide.
Objectives: This study sought to examine the predictive role of self-oriented/other-oriented ...
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Background: Over the last decades youth suicide has been recognized as a significant public health problem. Efforts have been intensified to understand suicidal continuum; from suicide ideation to committing suicide.
Objectives: This study sought to examine the predictive role of self-oriented/other-oriented perfectionism, goal reengagement, that increase psychological well-being and goal disengagement and reduce distressing psychological resources, on suicidal ideation among university students.
Materials and Methods: This study comprised 310 female university students with mean age of 21.37 years, selected via multi stage random sampling method. All subjects were asked to complete multidimensional perfectionism scale (MPS), goal adjustment scale (GAS) and Beck suicidal ideation (BSI). The data analysis was performed using correlation and stepwise regression methods.
Results: The results obtained showed significant correlations between self-oriented perfectionism and goal reengagement with suicidal ideation.
Conclusions: Considering the prediction of female students’ suicide ideation by self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism and goal reengagement, further studies are needed in regard to design training and preventing programs in order to reduce the negative effects of perfectionism.
Ali Sahraian; Arsalan Bahmanipoor; Sedighe Amooee; Hossain Mahmoodian; Arash Mani
Abstract
Background: Twenty percent of married couples at reproductive age suffer from infertility. This common problem might cause significant problems in couples’ mental health and quality of life.
Objectives: Accordingly, the goal of the present study is to evaluate the frequency of marital maladjustment ...
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Background: Twenty percent of married couples at reproductive age suffer from infertility. This common problem might cause significant problems in couples’ mental health and quality of life.
Objectives: Accordingly, the goal of the present study is to evaluate the frequency of marital maladjustment in these patients in Shiraz, Iran.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 infertile couples (with a mean age of 33.39 ± 6) randomly selected from those referred to Ghadir Mother and Child hospital, from March 2011 to March 2012. All of them completed the dyadic adjustment scale (DAS) and a demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, using frequency, percent, and t-tests.
Results: All the patients declared that they had maladjustment in their marital relationship. Although the cut-off point of the questionnaire is 100, the mean score was 51.32. This maladjustment revealed no gender differences, but in the dyadic consensus score, patients who lived in urban areas and were employed had a significantly higher mean than those who resided in rural areas and were unemployed. In addition, highly educated couples had a higher level of marital adjustment.
Conclusions: Marital adjustment is one of the most important factors impacted by the infertility of one or both partners. Marital adjustment impairment is affected by the social, economic, and demographic characteristics of couples. Strategies that target lifestyle modifications may improve the marital life of infertile couples and save their marriages from corruption.
Neil Harris; Asiyeh Salehi; Elisabeth Coyne; Bernadette Sebar
Abstract
Background: Satisfaction with life indicates an individual’s overall evaluation of life, which is influenced by a range of factors including socio-demographic characteristics, psychological issues, and life experiences.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the main determinants of ...
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Background: Satisfaction with life indicates an individual’s overall evaluation of life, which is influenced by a range of factors including socio-demographic characteristics, psychological issues, and life experiences.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the main determinants of life satisfaction among young Iranian women.
Patients and Methods: 391 young Iranian women (18 - 35 years) were recruited through cluster convenience sampling to participate in this cross-sectional study. Satisfaction with life (SwL) was used as the dependent variable. Demographic characteristics together with the individual items of the Persian version of the WHO QoL-BREF (World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire-brief version) were used as the independent variables and/or the determinants of SwL.
Results: The analysis showed that young Iranian women’s satisfaction with life was average (19.9 ± 6.4), ranging from 5 to 35. The regression analysis identified higher income, better living conditions, higher level of leisure activities, and satisfactory sexual life as the main predictors of higher satisfaction with life. Satisfaction with life diminishes with increased age, being divorced and/or widowed and being of Lor ethnicity (vs. Fars and Tork ethnicities). On the other hand, those with higher education and/or level of religiosity had a higher satisfaction with life.
Conclusions: In transitional countries, particularly those with different social and cultural situations, identifying and enhancing the main determinants of SwL is of importance in order to improve socially cohesive and robust community.
Shahram Etemadifar; Razie Sadat Hosseiny; Akram Ziraki; Atefeh Omrani; Masoome Alijanpoor
Abstract
Background: Infertility is a multi-aspect problem; it can cause major disturbances with emotional, social and psychological consequences including loss of life satisfaction. Spirituality is considered as an important source for individuals to adapt with stressful life events.
Objectives: The current ...
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Background: Infertility is a multi-aspect problem; it can cause major disturbances with emotional, social and psychological consequences including loss of life satisfaction. Spirituality is considered as an important source for individuals to adapt with stressful life events.
Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the relationship between spiritual well-being and life satisfaction in females with infertility.
Methods: After explaining the study goals to the subjects and attaining their written consents, the present cross-sectional co-relational study was conducted on 190 females with infertility referred to Isfahan fertility and infertility center, Isfahan, Iran. The subjects were selected through a convenience random sampling method in three months by the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) and spiritual well-being scale (SWBS) through face to face interview in 2013. Data were collected and then analyzed by SPSS ver. 17. Descriptive statistical methods (frequency distribution, mean, variance and standard deviation tables) and analytical statistical methods (Pearson correlation test, Spearman correlation coefficients, one-way ANOVA and T-test) were used.
Results: The results of the study indicated a direct relationship between the scores of life satisfaction and religious dimension of spiritual well-being (r = 0.375, P < 0.001), as well as the score of existential dimension of spiritual well-being (r = 0.732, P < 0.001), and the overall score of spiritual well-being (r = 0.643, P < 0.001). The score of existential dimension had a closer relationship with that of life satisfaction, compared to the score of religious dimension and the overall score of spiritual well-being.
Conclusions: The present study showed that people with higher spiritual well-being had a higher life satisfaction. Since infertility has numerous social and psychological complications and consequences, which can lead to lower life satisfaction, the medical staff can increase spiritual well-being and life satisfaction in females with infertility problems by taking proper measures and actions.
Nooshin Zarei; Hassan Joulaei; Mohammad Fararouei
Abstract
Background: Quality of life (QoL) is a broad construct and can be influenced by many factors. Perceived stigma is inevitable in patients with HIV. Therefore, it is an important factor to understand their QoL.
Objectives: The current study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the perceived ...
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Background: Quality of life (QoL) is a broad construct and can be influenced by many factors. Perceived stigma is inevitable in patients with HIV. Therefore, it is an important factor to understand their QoL.
Objectives: The current study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the perceived stigma among HIV-positive women and their QoL in Shiraz, Iran.
Patients and Methods: In this quantitative study, 110 HIV-positive women were selected by simple random sampling method. A questionnaire was designed and used as a tool for data collection. The questionnaire included demographic information, internal stigma scale, and the ACTG short form-21 (SF-21) for measuring QoL. Data were collected from March to August 2015 and analyzed using t- test, Pearson’s correlations, and the multiple regression test with the SPSS software version 21.
Results: The mean age of the women was 37.86 ± 9.03 years. Most of the participants were infected with HIV/AIDS through sex with their spouse (78.2%). About one-third of the women had physical symptoms (29.1%) of the HIV disease. The prevalence rate of perceived stigma in the sample was 69.7%. Quality of life was significantly different in terms of employment status, emotional support and physical symptoms (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: A higher level of perceived stigma among HIV-positive women is associated with a considerable decrease in all QoL dimensions. Thus, more efforts should be considered to reduce the perceived stigma and improve the QoL of such patients.
Oscar E Mapunda; Sia E Msuya; Ntuli A. Kapologwe; Beatrice John; Damian J Damian; Michael J Mahande
Abstract
Background: Maternal mortality remains a public health concern in low income countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where majority (62%) of maternal deaths occurs. In Tanzania maternal mortality ratio is as high as 432 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Objectives: This study aimed to describe pattern ...
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Background: Maternal mortality remains a public health concern in low income countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where majority (62%) of maternal deaths occurs. In Tanzania maternal mortality ratio is as high as 432 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Objectives: This study aimed to describe pattern of maternal mortality ratio and its associated causes at Shinyanga regional referral hospital. We also assessed the availability of the comprehensive emergency obstetric care services in the study setting.
Methods: This was retrospective cross-sectional study which was conducted from April to May 2015 at Shinyanga Regional Referral Hospital. Information on demographic data, obstetric factors associated with maternal death and their causes as well as their management were extracted from the patient’s record file between 2010 and 2014 by using data extraction sheet. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 18.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive statistical analysis were summarized.
Results: Overall maternal mortality ratio declined from 635/100,000 live births in 2010 to 449/100,000 live births in 2014. The main causes of maternal death were postpartum haemorrhage (50%) and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (20%). Majority (77%) of the delays were encountered at hospital and at home (56%). Numerous forms of management were provided to women who experienced maternal death including C-section (35.5%) for antepartum haemorrhage and hysterectomy (17%) for postpartum haemorrhage. For pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, only 12.5% had C-section. Of all of the maternal deaths, only 2.5% had assisted vaginal delivery and 14% had puerperal sepsis.
Conclusions: The observed maternal mortality ratio in this population is higher compared to the national average. Postpartum haemorrhage and preeclampsia/eclampsia remains to be the main direct causes of maternal deaths. Delay in decision making in seeking fortreatment and provision of treatment contributed to high maternal mortality observed in this study. This requires more effort to address the direct and indirect causes of maternal death.
Kam Weng Boey; Anna Hoi Nga N G
Abstract
Background: The aging population of Hong Kong is rapidly growing. Although older adults enjoy a relatively long life expectancy, their psychological health is ranked near the bottom in the world.
Objectives: This study assessed the psychological health of older women in Hong Kong and compared it with ...
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Background: The aging population of Hong Kong is rapidly growing. Although older adults enjoy a relatively long life expectancy, their psychological health is ranked near the bottom in the world.
Objectives: This study assessed the psychological health of older women in Hong Kong and compared it with that of older men. It also aimed to examine if demographic characteristics have similar effects on the psychological health of older women and men.
Methods: A standardized questionnaire was administered in face-to-face interviews with 554 participants (288 women and 266 men), aged 70 years or above. Psychological health was measured by the general health questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30), center for epidemiologic studies-depression (CES-D) scale, and life satisfaction index (LSI). Chi square test was performed to examine gender differences in psychological health and determine the relationship between demographic characteristics and psychological health of the elderly.
Results: Compared with older men, a greater proportion of older women were at risk of mild psychiatric problems (22.1% vs. 12.3%, P < 0.001), depression (38.6 vs. 18.8%, P < 0.001), and dissatisfaction with life (38.5% vs. 21.5%, P = 0.002). The correlation of psychological health with age, marital status, and educational attainment was not similar among older women and men.
Conclusions: Health promotion programs should be implemented to reduce health inequalities among men and women. Effectiveness of programs can be enhanced by targeting the elderly whose psychological health is most vulnerable.
Tahereh Keshavarz; Marzieh Akbarzadeh; Zeinab Moshfeghy; Roghaie Khoshkholgh; Maram Kasraeian; Najaf Zare
Abstract
Background: Non-stress test is the most widely used test to assess fetal status. The presence of beat-to-beat variability is reassuring while its absence is not reassuring.
Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 213 pregnant women with gestational age of 37 - 41 weeks were randomly allocated ...
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Background: Non-stress test is the most widely used test to assess fetal status. The presence of beat-to-beat variability is reassuring while its absence is not reassuring.
Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 213 pregnant women with gestational age of 37 - 41 weeks were randomly allocated into three groups (auditory intervention for mother, auditory intervention for fetus, and control), each containing 71 subjects. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD test and Kruskal-Wallis test. In addition, paired t-test was used to compare each group before and after the intervention.
Results: The results showed a significant difference among the three groups regarding beat-to-beat variability of fetal heart rate in the second 10 minutes of the test (P = 0.006). Besides, the results of Tukey HSD test indicated that this difference was significant between the control group and auditory intervention for mother group (P = 0.004). Moreover, the results of t-test showed a significant difference in beat-to-beat variability of fetal heart rate between the first and the second 10 minutes of the test in both groups of auditory intervention for mother (P < 0.001) and for fetus (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Since beat-to-beat variability of the fetal heart rate is indicator of fetal health, music intervention can be used to increase the number of accelerations and reduce false positive results in NST.
Sara Mozafari; Isaac Rahimian Boogar; Siavash Talepasand; Farahnaz Ghahreman Fard
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer as a chronic disease is associated with many physical and psychological problems that necessitate the use of psychological treatments.
Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of meaning-centered psychotherapy on existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence ...
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Background: Breast cancer as a chronic disease is associated with many physical and psychological problems that necessitate the use of psychological treatments.
Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of meaning-centered psychotherapy on existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors.
Methods: In a randomized controlled clinical trial with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up along with a control group, 28 breast cancer survivors were selected by random sampling among patients that attended the Cancer and Hematology specialized clinic of Semnan University of Medical Sciences. The participants were randomly assigned to two intervention (group treatment, n = 7; individual treatment, n = 7) and one control group (n = 14). Data were collected by existential anxiety scale (EAS) and fear of cancer recurrence inventory (FCRI) and analyzed with the repeated multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) using the SPSS-23 software.
Results: There were significant differences between the experimental groups and the control group on existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence (P < 0.001) in breast cancer survivors. Group and individual interventions reduced existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence in post-test and follow up in experimental groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The interaction of the groups and time assessment was statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Meaning-centered psychotherapy reduces existential anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors. This intervention is useful to recover psychological problems in breast cancer survivors.
Shabnam Ghazanfari; Sedigheh Ebrahimi; Omid Asemani
Abstract
Background: Despite many studies, we are still in need of more investigations aiming at the implementation of patients’ rights in Iran; this would be more important concerning vulnerable groups like women. In this way, we have tried to study how much are Iranian women justified about Iranian patients’ ...
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Background: Despite many studies, we are still in need of more investigations aiming at the implementation of patients’ rights in Iran; this would be more important concerning vulnerable groups like women. In this way, we have tried to study how much are Iranian women justified about Iranian patients’ rights charter and how much are their rights observed during hospitalization.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 150 competent in-patients were selected by simple random sampling. A previously validated (face, content, and construct validity) and reliable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92) questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was designed based on the last version of Iranian patient rights charter and included four subscales. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21 using parametric statistics.
Results: Patients’ rights charter was practiced weak (0.76 ± 0.24 out of 3) according to the patients. The weakest score was observed for the dimension of ‘accountability and handling of complaints’ (0.09 ± 0.27). Generally, the participants placed a relative importance (justified relatively well) for the charter (2.20 ± 0.46). Additionally, the "importance" of the rights was also significantly different regarding patients’ educational (P < 0.001) and employment status (P < 0.001) and place of residence (P < 0.001). No significant correlation was determined between "Importance" and “performance” subscales.
Conclusions: According to the findings, more attempts should be implemented aiming at informing and sensitizing women about their rights. Therefore, establishing and/or supporting the following measures could be helpful: hospital and media-based advising programs for both patients and professionals, patients’ rights movements, systematic controls and supervisions and carrying out patients’ rights as a firm policy.
Leila Asadi; Marjan Beigi; Mahbube Valiani
Abstract
Background: Maternal and neonatal health indicators have the important role in evaluating community development.
Objectives: In this study, we examined the effects of maternal and fetal complications leading to midwifery errors in referred cases to the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization and Medical ...
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Background: Maternal and neonatal health indicators have the important role in evaluating community development.
Objectives: In this study, we examined the effects of maternal and fetal complications leading to midwifery errors in referred cases to the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization and Medical Council of Forensic Medicine from 2006 - 2011 in Isfahan, Iran.
Methods: In this cross - sectional study, we evaluated all midwifery cases that were referred to the Isfahan Legal Medicine organization and Medical Council of Forensic Medicine from 2006 - 2011 that had at least one warrant issued by the outcome of the Disciplinary Board. The data were collected by a checklist and analyzed by SPSS - 18. Research data were qualitative and quantitative (discrete and continuous variables).
Results: A total of 206 cases were reviewed. In 66 cases, 32% of them the malpractice verdict in midwifery services was approved. According to our findings, the most maternal and fetal errors led to the complaint include: fetal or neonatal death (29.4%), maternal mortality (18.1%), and neurological disorders (15.3%). In addition, the highest rates of maternal medical malpractice were maternal mortality (56.8%) and in infant complications, infant mortality with 28.8% frequency (P = 0.03).
Conclusions: It seems the maternal health program effort is impaired in our country. The maternal mortality is unacceptable, due to the fact that many of them are preventable. Taking strategies to prevent replication errors within the care of pregnant women is recommended.
Khadijeh Irandoust; Morteza Taheri
Abstract
Background: Physical and physiological changes in obese middle-aged women cause hormonal changes, which are threatening factor for quality of life and health of elderly. Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a one-week HIIT on serotonin and cortisol levels in obese women ...
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Background: Physical and physiological changes in obese middle-aged women cause hormonal changes, which are threatening factor for quality of life and health of elderly. Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a one-week HIIT on serotonin and cortisol levels in obese women with sleep disorders.
Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with pre-test post-test design, in which 34 middle-aged obese women with mean age of 47.11 ± 2.3, body mass index of 33.4 ± 2.7, and body fat percentage of 35.8 ± 2.3 were selected based on convenience sampling. Subjects were randomly divided to experimental groups (HIIT exercises) and control group. The experimental group performed a training program for one week, including three sets of RAST protocol (six bouts of 35 meters with 10 seconds of rest between each) with a four-minute rest between each set. Pittsburgh sleep test was used to diagnose sleep disorders (score 11 and above). Actiwatch 8 was used to evaluate quality of sleep in the post-test. In order to to measure the serotonin and cortisol levels, a serotonin kit from the German company LBL and SSGN kit was used, respectively. Independent and dependent t-test were used for data analysis at P ≤ 0.05.
Results: The results suggested that cortisol level of HIIT training group was decreased significantly after the exercise intervention (P = 0.01; t = 0.93). On the other hand, the serotonin levels of the HIIT training group was significantly lower (P = 0.001; t = 11.02), while in the control group, the change was not significant (P = 0.15; t = 1.53) and the quality of sleep in the training group was improved significantly (P = 0.001; t = 6.52).
Conclusions: In conclusion, HIIT exercises can improve the quality of sleep through hormonal changes and as a result, improve the physiological functions of middle-aged women.
Roya Abbasi-Asl; Soheila Hashemi; Mahdi Khabbazi Kenari; Fereshteh Baezzat
Abstract
Background: Considering the significance of morality and the need to understand its determinants, as well as the growing tendency toward dealing with psychological variables as latent variables as they are in the real world, it is not surprising that in the moral psychology area, classical statistical ...
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Background: Considering the significance of morality and the need to understand its determinants, as well as the growing tendency toward dealing with psychological variables as latent variables as they are in the real world, it is not surprising that in the moral psychology area, classical statistical methods are being replaced by new psychological methods to take an effective step to raise the knowledge in this area.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to propose a structural equation model to investigate the predicting role of female students’ self-regulation in moral identity as latent variables.
Methods: The sample of this study included 361 female students of the University of Mazandaran in the 2017 - 2018 academic year selected through stratified random sampling. The participants completed the short version of the Self-Regulation Inventory and the Moral Identity Questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS (v.24) and AMOS (v. 24) using structural equation modeling.
Results: After confirming the validity of the scales used to explain the latent variables, i.e. self-regulation and moral identity, it was observed that female students’ self-regulation was a significant predictor of moral identity (β = 0.69, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: According to the study, increasing self-regulation in female students is accompanied by increasing their moral identity.
Arezoo Bagheri; Mahsa Saadati
Abstract
Background: A set of economic and social rules and regulations as well as cultural factors influence value of children; however, this value itself could alter fertility behaviors. The present study aimed at investigating the influence of the value of children on fertility behavior through considering ...
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Background: A set of economic and social rules and regulations as well as cultural factors influence value of children; however, this value itself could alter fertility behaviors. The present study aimed at investigating the influence of the value of children on fertility behavior through considering the impact of its attitudinal factors on childbearing desire, as one of the most important dimensions of fertility behavior.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 6231 females from 31 provinces of Iran, admitted to public health and treatment centers to vaccinate their children, during year 2014. The data collection tool was a questionnaire, including three value of children dimensions, including cultural (five items), social (seven items), and economic (four items) factors, and also demographic and attitudinal questions.
Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS-17 software and the factors influencing childbearing desire (CD) were examined by four SEMs for four age groups in AMOS-22. Goodness of fit models was confirmed by five fit indices. Only cultural factors had a significant direct effect on CD for 30 to 39 and 40 to 49 year-old females (P-values = 0.027, and < 0.001, respectively).
Conclusions: Thus, planners and policy makers should consider changes in the cultural value of children to implement successful policies to alter the current decreasing trend of fertility rate.
Mohammad Ali Morowati Sharifabad; Fatemeh Baghernezhad Hesary; Mohammadreza Miri; Reza Dastjerdi; Golam Reza Sharifzadeh
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a critical period of life for all people. Self-esteem is also a basic human need that affects one’s growth, development, and identity. This study aimed to explain 12-14 year-old female adolescents’ experiences regarding selfesteem. Methods: In this qualitative content-analysis ...
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Background: Adolescence is a critical period of life for all people. Self-esteem is also a basic human need that affects one’s growth, development, and identity. This study aimed to explain 12-14 year-old female adolescents’ experiences regarding selfesteem. Methods: In this qualitative content-analysis study, adolescent girls aged 12-14 years were selected by the purposeful sampling method. The data were gleaned using individual interviews and focus group discussions. The recorded audio files were transcribed and the information was compared and merged with available related literature. The derived ideas were compared and the codes were integrated to form categories. Ultimately, we extracted more abstract categories and sub-categories. Results: The concept of self-esteem in adolescents is defined as an intellectual approach to oneself. Adolescents considered perceived benefits and good feelings as the outcomes of high self-esteem. From their perspective, interpersonal and intrapersonal influencers contribute to self-esteem. Conclusions: Attention should be paid to adolescents’ self-esteem and its effective factors, including interpersonal and intrapersonal influencers. Therefore, appropriate conditions should be provided for adolescents to promote their self-esteem.
Masoumeh Dehdashti Lesani; Behnam Makvandi; Farah Naderi; Fariba Hafezi
Abstract
Background: Quality of life is a multidimensional and dynamic concept that can be assessed based on the differences between expectations and reality level. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of social anxiety in the causal relationships of alexithymia and social intelligence with ...
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Background: Quality of life is a multidimensional and dynamic concept that can be assessed based on the differences between expectations and reality level. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of social anxiety in the causal relationships of alexithymia and social intelligence with the quality of life in women-headed household in Ahvaz.Methods: The research design was causal-correlational and had a field type. A total of 261 women-headed household were selected from Ahvaz City by convenience sampling. The research instrument included World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form, Ahvaz Alexithymia scale (AAS- 26 questions), Tromso Social Intelligence Scale (TSIS), and Jerabek Social Anxiety Scale. Analysis of the data involved both descriptive and inferential statistics including mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation, and path analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24.Results: A direct and positive relationship was observed between social intelligence and quality of life (β=0.152, P=0.003) and between alexithymia and social anxiety (β=0.245, P=0.001). There was a direct and negative relationship between social anxiety and quality of life (β=-0.618, P=0.001). There was no direct and significant relationship between alexithymia and quality of life (β=0.043, P=0.417). The path analysis results indicated that social anxiety had a mediating role in the relationship between alexithymia and quality of life (β=-0.246, P=0.001) as well as the relationship between social intelligence and quality of life (β=-0.275, P=0.001).Conclusion: Social anxiety plays an important role in the relationship between social intelligence, alexithymia, and quality of life.
Sedighe Alipanahpour; Mahnaz Zarshenas; Marzieh Akbarzadeh
Abstract
Background: Induced and unhealthy abortions exist worldwide, especially in developing countries. Awareness of the prevalence of abortion in the community can be an indirect measure of maternal health status. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of induced (forensic medicine referrals ...
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Background: Induced and unhealthy abortions exist worldwide, especially in developing countries. Awareness of the prevalence of abortion in the community can be an indirect measure of maternal health status. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of induced (forensic medicine referrals and obstetric indications) and spontaneous abortions based on demographic characteristics in 2018. Methods: This epidemiologic-cross-sectional study was conducted in the hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Out of 5848 pregnant women, 437 cases of abortion were diagnosed within 3 months, making up the sample size. Data were collected using a researcher-made demographic questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, percentage, and so forth). Results: The overall prevalence of abortion in this study was 7.46%. The highest prevalence was observed in induced abortion with other causes (4.17%), followed by induced abortion with a forensic medicine letter (1.5%), and spontaneous abortion (1.79%), respectively. The highest frequency of induced abortion was found in the age group 30-34 (34.3%) and in housewives (76.2%). The highest frequency of education was high school belonging to mothers with spontaneous abortion (53.3%). There was a statistically significant difference among the variables of age, mother’s education, age, spouse’s occupation, and type of abortion (P≤0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of abortion was 7.46%, two thirds of which were abortion induced by other causes (55.8%). In addition to group education, health educators should plan effective methods of face-to-face and individual counseling to change mothers’ attitudes and inform them of the consequences of abortion.
Maryam Heidary; Marzieh Akbarzadeh
Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with clinical manifestations such ashirsutism, acne, reduced fertility, menstrual and obesity disorders, and psychological and mood problems. Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling that has been identified through several ...
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Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with clinical manifestations such ashirsutism, acne, reduced fertility, menstrual and obesity disorders, and psychological and mood problems. Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling that has been identified through several ways. We assessed the approaches to reducing anxiety and their association with the age of patients suffering from PCOS.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study on the methods for reducing anxiety and the relationship between the type of method and patients’age. Through the use of a checklist, we examined 80 women of childbearing age with PCOS. Chi-square test was used to analyze the data, and 5% level was considered as the significant level.Results: Based on the results obtained 45 subjects (56.2%) reduced their anxiety through prayer and religious deeds, 30 (37.50%) by crying, 27 (33.8%) by listening to music, 12 (15%) through fighting, and nine (11.25%) by sleeping. Seven participants (8.75%)did yoga and exercised, and 21 (26.25%) used other methods to reduce their anxiety. There was also a significant relationship between people’s age and prayer (P=0.038). Also, people’s age and listening to music (P=0.043) were observed to decreaseanxiety and in other cases, no significant relationship was observed.Conclusion: The most common strategy for reducing anxiety among patients was to pray and perform religious deedsalong with other methods. There was also a significant association between the participants’ age and praying and listening to music as waysof lowering anxiety.
Ilaf Jasim Mohammed; Ibrahim Abdulqader Naqid; Huseyin Kaya Süer
Abstract
Background: Escherichia coli (E. coli) are known to be a major cause of uropathogen among women globally. Urinary tract infection in pregnant women continues to pose clinical problems, which is a big burden for physicians. The emergence of antibiotic resistance to E. coli is inevitable and one of the ...
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Background: Escherichia coli (E. coli) are known to be a major cause of uropathogen among women globally. Urinary tract infection in pregnant women continues to pose clinical problems, which is a big burden for physicians. The emergence of antibiotic resistance to E. coli is inevitable and one of the critical health-associated problems. The present study aimed to determine the E. coli isolates, risk factors, and antibiotic resistance profile of the UTI among pregnant women. Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study on pregnant women who attended maternity hospital in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. From October 2020 to January 2021, 196 subjects were recruited in the present experiment. Uropathogenic E. coli were detected from mid-stream urine of the participants. Subsequently, we performed antibiotic sensitivity test using microbiological standard tests. Through the use of designed questionnaires, the required data were collected, processed, and analysed via the Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square. Results: Out of a total of 196 subjects, 34 (17.34%) were culture positive for E. coli infection among pregnant women. A high rate of infection was detected in the age group of between 25-34 years (21.6%). Additionally, the highest rate of E. coli belonged to illiterate people (19.4%), followed by those with higher education (18.9%). The assessment of the risk factors associated with E. coli indicated that diabetes (P=0.028), a history of UTI infection (P=0.049), and the presence of symptoms during infection (P=0.001) were statistically significantly different. The antibiotics sensitivity profile in urine samples of pregnant women showed that E. coli were extremely sensitive to Nitrofurantoin (82.4%), Meropenem (79.4%), and around 67.6% for both Amikacin and Ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of E. coli infection is quite lower among pregnant women compared to that in non-pregnant ones. The major risk factors associated with E. coli during pregnancy were diabetes mellitus, a history of UTI, and the presence of symptoms during infection. E. coli isolated from urine samples seem to be different concerning antibiotic sensitivity pattern. During their regular follow-up, pregnant women should also be examined for major risk factors and antibiotic susceptibility.
Sara Dokuhaki; Fatemeh Ghodrati
Volume 6, Issue 3 , July 2019, , Pages 36-40
Abstract
Background: Studies have shown that spiritual beliefs in pregnancy can affect health habits and behaviors. Confidence in the power of God leads to increased patience and a sense of security, inner peace, and calm.
Objectives: We aimed to investigate the correlation between religious attitude and mental ...
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Background: Studies have shown that spiritual beliefs in pregnancy can affect health habits and behaviors. Confidence in the power of God leads to increased patience and a sense of security, inner peace, and calm.
Objectives: We aimed to investigate the correlation between religious attitude and mental health of mothers and infants in hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2016. Methods: The study was performed on 110 mothers in labor in 2016. Convenience and purposive sampling methods were used to conduct this study after obtaining the informed consent of participants. Data collection tools consisted of demographic information and fertility characteristics, religious-attitude questionnaire, and infant mental health checklist.
Results: The average maternal age was 26.4±25.6 in the range of 18 - 40 years. Maternal education was below diploma in 20.9% and bachelor’s degrees or higher 32.7%. The body mass index was above 25. Moreover, 65.5% (n = 72) had moderate religious attitudes. There was a statistically significant relationship between the religious attitude and mental health of the infant (P = 0.018). However, there was no significant relationship between the mental health of infant and other variables such as maternal age (r = -0.57, P = 0.5), and body mass index (r = 0.0141, P = 0.14).
Conclusions: There was a relationship between the maternal religious attitude in pregnancy and the mental health of the infant. Therefore, paying attention to matters of faith and the effectiveness of spiritual care in pregnancy is recommended for promoting maternal and infant health.
Mahta Farzadkia; Abdolhassan Farhangi; Shahnam Abolghasemi
Abstract
Background: Patients with Fibromyalgia, in addition to widespread pain, often complain of fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy ...
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Background: Patients with Fibromyalgia, in addition to widespread pain, often complain of fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy on intolerance of uncertainty and depression in women with Fibromyalgia.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control design and a three-month follow-up. The study population included all women with Fibromyalgia visiting the rheumatology clinic at Hazrat-e Rasool-e Akram Hospital, in Tehran, Iran, in 2021. A total of 36 patients were recruited using purposive sampling and assigned to three groups, two experimental groups and one control group (n=12 patients in each group). The experimental groups 1 and 2 received mindfulnessbased stress reduction therapy and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, respectively, in eight 120-minute sessions (one session every week). Meanwhile, the control group did not receive psychotherapy intervention during this period. The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory were used for data collection. The repeated measures ANOVA were used for analyzing the data in SPSS version 25. The significance level of the research was set at α=0.05.Results: The results indicated that both mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy effectively reduced intolerance of uncertainty and depression in Fibromyalgia patients (P<0.001). However, intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy proved to be significantly more effective than mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy; this difference was observed through the follow-up period (P<0.001).Conclusion: Mindfulness-based stress reduction and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy were effective and practical methods for reducing intolerance of uncertainty and depression. It could be therefore recommended that psychotherapists and counselors employ these approaches in order to reduce depression and intolerance of uncertainty in women with Fibromyalgia.
