Leaila Abbasi; Nader Monirpoor; Hasan Mirzahoseini
Abstract
Background: One of the major events in the evolution of women in the middle age is “menopause”, which poses significant challenges for them. The aim of this study was to explain self-acceptance based on body image, gender role, and sexual attitude mediated by time perspective in postmenopausal ...
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Background: One of the major events in the evolution of women in the middle age is “menopause”, which poses significant challenges for them. The aim of this study was to explain self-acceptance based on body image, gender role, and sexual attitude mediated by time perspective in postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years in Tehran, Iran in 2020.Methods: The method of this study was structural equation design. The statistical population of consisted of all married women aged 45-60 years in Tehran, Iran. The sample size also included 355 women selected through a cluster sampling method. Multidimensional self-body questionnaire, unconditional self-acceptance questionnaire, gender schema questionnaire, re-gender questionnaire, and time-perspective questionnaire were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed by the use of Pearson correlation tests and path analysis, all of which were carried out using SPSS /Amos version 25.Results: The results showed that there is a direct relationship between time perspective and self-acceptance (β=0.54, P=0.001). In addition, the study of indirect relationships also revealed that perception of time mediates the effects of body image (β=-0.39, P=0.001), sexual attitude (β=-0.21, P=0.001), and gender role (β=-0.32, P=0.001) on self-acceptance.Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be said that time perspective could moderate the harmful relationship between body image, sexual schema, and sexual attitude on self-acceptance.
Razieh Zahedi; Maysam Rezapour; Hossein Molavi Vardanjani; Mohammad Reza Baneshi; Ali Akbar Haghdoost; Reza Malekpour Afshar; Farzaneh Zolala
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown that breast cancer (BC) risk perception could be a motivation for screening behaviors. This study was conducted to compare the level of BC risk perception of women aged between 30-40 and 41-60 years, and to determine the factors affecting screening behaviors and ...
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Background: Previous studies have shown that breast cancer (BC) risk perception could be a motivation for screening behaviors. This study was conducted to compare the level of BC risk perception of women aged between 30-40 and 41-60 years, and to determine the factors affecting screening behaviors and examine the association between BC risk perception and BC screening behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using a Rutherford instrument for BC risk perception on 754 women aged 30 to 60 years with no history of BC in 2018. The questionnaire included demographic information, risk factors of BC, screening practice, and risk perception of BC. The association between screening behaviors with women’s BC risk perception and some other variables were assessed utilizing pathway analysis method with the Structural equation modeling (SEM), which summarized the results by odds ratio index. Results:The mean score of BC risk perception was 28.9±24.3, which was 31.2±24.4 in women aged 30 to 40 and 25.9±23.9 in women aged 41 to 60 years (P value = 0.003). The association between mammography with risk perception was (OR:1 [95%CI: 0.9, 1]). According to this study, the most important variables affecting mammography were increased clinical examination (OR: 34.6 [95%CI: 16.3, 73.7]), age (OR: 8.8 [95%CI: 4.9,16]), family history of breast cancer (OR: 4 [95%CI: 1.3, 12.9]), and higher education level ([OR: 1.4[95%CI: 1.1,1.9]). Conclusions: The results of our study indicated that younger women had higher BC risk perception. BC risk perception was not found to have any direct effects on mammography. This survey revealed that physicians had an important role in encouraging women to perform mammography.
Rohollah Sharifi Nejad Rodani; Fatemeh Sadat Marashian; Masoud Shahbazi
Abstract
Background: The stability and quality of emotional relationships can directly and indirectly affect the mental and physical health of women. This survey was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy (ST) on psychological well-being and cognitive ...
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Background: The stability and quality of emotional relationships can directly and indirectly affect the mental and physical health of women. This survey was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Schema Therapy (ST) on psychological well-being and cognitive distortion in single women with Love Trauma Syndrome (LTS).Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental designed by pre-test-post-test with a control group. The statistical population included all single women with LTS visiting counseling centers in Ahvaz, Iran in 2022. The statistical sample consisted of 45 participants who were selected using purposive sampling and were assigned into two experimental groups and one control group via simple random allocation. The first and second experimental groups received ACT (eleven 90-minute sessions per week), and ST (ten 90-minute sessions per week), respectively, while the control group was on the waiting list. The research instruments included the Psychological Well-being (PWB) Scale and the Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion Scale (ICDS). Analysis of covariance in SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis.Results: The results showed that ACT and ST significantly influenced the psychological well-being and cognitive distortion of single women with LTS (P<0.001). The mean and standard deviation (SD) of psychological well-being and cognitive distortion were 60.10±7.76 and 58.87±7.42 in the pretest in the ACT group, whereas it was 70.33±8.16 and 65.80±8.31 in the posttest. Moreover, the mean and SD of psychological well-being and cognitive distortion were 48.00±5.25 and 50.07±4.89 in the pretest in the ST group, whereas it was 39.33±5.16 and 44.00±4.48 in the posttest. ACT had a more significant effect on the psychological well-being and cognitive distortion of participants than ST (P<0.001).Conclusion: In conclusion, ACT was better suited for addressing the psychological well-being and cognitive distortion of single women with LTS. Based on these results and considering the role of ACT and ST, it is possible to help women with LTS enjoy psychological well-being by holding ACT and ST sessions.
Maryam Baradaran-Binazir; Ramak Zavvarkabeh; Fariba Heidari
Abstract
Background: Women are less likely to meet the suggested levels of physical activity compared to men, particularly in the rural setting. For this reason, community-based interventions associated with physical activity were developed to improve physical activity in village women. We conducted the present ...
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Background: Women are less likely to meet the suggested levels of physical activity compared to men, particularly in the rural setting. For this reason, community-based interventions associated with physical activity were developed to improve physical activity in village women. We conducted the present study to explore the experience of target group in term of physical activity to identify factors that could be strengthened and the weaknesses that could be improved. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted applying content analysis. The study setting was Saied Abad, a village in the northwest of Iran. The data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted between August 2018 and January 2019. All the participants were rural women, who had experienced at least once doing physical activity in the community-based intervention named Women’s Park. Results: The findings were classified into two main categories and six subcategories: (a) intrapersonal facilitators, such as habituation, (b) interpersonal facilitators, such as family support, (c) environmental facilitators, such as practical activities, (d) intrapersonal barriers, such as lack of time due to family responsibilities, (e) interpersonal barriers, such as not having the support of friends, and (f) environmental barriers, such as cost. Conclusion: In the rural women’s experience, the factors affecting doing physical activity were both facilitators and barriers. This study demonstrated that in addition to the intrapersonal factors, doing physical activity is affected by interpersonal and environmental factors. These findings will be helpful in promoting community-based interventions and scheduling rural women’s health promotion behaviors.
Sakineh Ameri; Fatemeh Sadat Marashian
Abstract
Background: Marital dissatisfaction in women can lead to persistent adverse effects and psychological disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples on psychological distress and marital disaffection in women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital ...
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Background: Marital dissatisfaction in women can lead to persistent adverse effects and psychological disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples on psychological distress and marital disaffection in women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital affairs.Methods: This semi-experimental research was conducted using a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The study population included all women visiting the Mehravaran Counseling Center in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Iran in 2022, who were dealing with their husbands’ extramarital affairs. After convenience sampling, 30 individuals were selected and subsequently divided into the experimental and control groups randomly following the pretest. In this process, the experimental group underwent nine weekly 60-minute sessions of EFT for couples, while the control group received no interventions. During the post-test phase, all participants completed research questionnaires. The research tools comprised the Marital Disaffection Scale and Psychological Distress Scale. The data obtained were analyzed using ANCOVA in SPSS version 24.Results: The mean (±SD) of psychological distress and marital disaffection in the control group were 23.13±3.64 and 33.13±4.29 in the pretest and 23.67±3.67 and 33.53±4.17 in the post-test. Meanwhile, the mean (±SD) of psychological distress and marital disaffection were 23.40±3.71 and 33.80±4.09 in the experimental group during the pretest and 18.53±3.96 and 28.00±3.11 in the post-test. The results indicated that EFT for couples alleviated psychological distress (P=0.001) and marital disaffection (P=0.001) in women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital affairs.Conclusion: Given the effectiveness of EFT in reducing marital disaffection and psychological distress in women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital affairs, it is recommended to provide couples with instruction in emotion-focused strategies to reconstruct and enhance their relationships. Engaging in such an approach can help reinforce positive beliefs and effectively address the psychological challenges experienced by women traumatized by their husbands’ extramarital involvements.
Maryam Behroz; Fatemeh Sadat Marashian; Marjan Alizadeh
Abstract
Background: Social compromise is one of the principal components of mental health in head-of-household women. Empowerment and promotion of cognitive emotion regulation are critical in social compromise. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between stress coping strategies and social ...
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Background: Social compromise is one of the principal components of mental health in head-of-household women. Empowerment and promotion of cognitive emotion regulation are critical in social compromise. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between stress coping strategies and social compromise with empowerment through the mediation role of cognitive emotion regulation in head-of-household women.Methods: In this descriptive and correlational study, the statistical population comprises all head-of-household women in Yasuj, Iran in 2021, of whom 258 were selected through convenient sampling. The research instruments included the Psychological Empowerment Scale, the Adjustment Inventory, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the statistical correlation method and structural equation modeling in SPSS and AMOS version 25.Results: The mean and standard deviation of social compromise, problem-focused strategies, emotion-focused strategies, avoidance strategies, adaptive emotion regulation, maladaptive emotion regulation, and empowerment were 14.22±4.60,16.11±4.71, 22.02±5.16, 23.65±4.88, 25.35±10.19, 20.34±8.14, and 39.25±10.84, respectively. The results showed a significant correlation between stress-coping strategies and social compromise with empowerment (P<0.001). Furthermore, the correlation between stress coping strategies and social compromise with empowerment was significant through the mediation of cognitive emotion regulation (P<0.001). The results showed that the final model fit well (CFI=0.99, RMSEA=0.028).Conclusion: The proposed model had a desirable fitting. The head-of-household women who have social compromise when facing problems can deal with the stress caused by problems through sympathy and consulting with others, as well as using stress coping strategies, and as a result of this empowerment, they enjoy sufficient mental health.
Azamalsadat Navabi; Mohsen Shamsi; Mahboobeh Khorsandi; Maryam Zamanian
Abstract
Background: Considering the fact that neonatal are the most susceptible group against different kinds of disease, the present study aimed to evaluate the predictive power of the theory of planned behavior on the intention of pregnant women to neonatal care. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 ...
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Background: Considering the fact that neonatal are the most susceptible group against different kinds of disease, the present study aimed to evaluate the predictive power of the theory of planned behavior on the intention of pregnant women to neonatal care. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 pregnant women were selected in their trimester of pregnancy via random sampling in health centers of Arak in 2019. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interviews with pregnant women. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics of the mothers and the theory of planned behavior construct. The data were analyzed via Pearson correlation and linear regression. Results: The average age was 26.12±4.9 years and their marriage age were 3.9±2.7 years. There was a close correlation between perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention (r=0.40; p <0.001). Over 40% of the pregnant women were found not to have enough overall neonatal care-associated knowledge. The mothers who were better prepared for parenting tended to have a higher level of schooling, perceived control behavior, and knowledge. Regression analysis revealed that the constructs of the theory of planned behavior predicted variance of 32% in intention. Perceived behavioral control and knowledge were the most significant predictors of the intention to neonatal care (p <0.001). Conclusions: This study supports the predictive ability of the theory of planned behavior for neonatal care; therefore, the design of educational intervention should be based on intention and knowledge as the most important predictors of maternal behavior.
Parvin Mostafazadeh; Nemat Sotoudehasl; Raheb Ghorbani
Abstract
Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with daily life occurrences and situations. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing worry and improving the quality ...
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Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with daily life occurrences and situations. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing worry and improving the quality of life among women diagnosed with GAD.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest and a 3-month follow-up design. The study participants were women with GAD selected through convenient sampling in Tehran, Iran, from September to November 2022. According to the research design, the participants were divided into experimental and control groups (n=17 in each group). The experimental group underwent a 10-session treatment protocol based on ACT, while the control group did not receive any specific treatment. Data collection was accomplished using the Pennsylvania State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) to assess worry, the Brief Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) to measure generalized anxiety, and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QOL) to assess the quality of life. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, utilizing analysis of variance and repeated measures at a significance level of 0.05.Results: Significant differences were observed between the experimental and follow-up phases among the ACT, MCT, and Control groups concerning environmental health variables (P=0.04). The study’s results indicated significant differences in anxiety variables between the three groups (ACT, MCT, and Control) during the experimental and follow-up phases (P=0.001). No significant differences were noted between the ACT, MCT, and control groups regarding changes in physical health at the post-test (P=0.2) and follow-up (P=0.1) phases. In addition, significant differences were found among the three groups (ACT, MCT, and Control) regarding changes in mental health during the pretest and follow-up (P=0.001). This study also revealed significant disparities in social health variables among the three groups (ACT, MCT, and Control) (P=0.001).Conclusion: In summary, this study suggested that fostering positive thoughts about worrying may contribute to reducing the severity of anxiety disorders in adults. Intriguingly, mindfulness and a focus on the present moment did not appear to be significantly correlated with mild anxiety experiences.
Maryam Pakfetrat; Shokouh Sharifpour; Leila Malekmakan; Shahrokh Ezzatzadegan Jahromi; Jamshid Roozbeh; Amir Aslani
Abstract
Background: Hyperphosphatemia is a common problem in hemodialysis patients for which various binders are used to control this problem.
Objectives: This study aims to assess the effect of magnesium oxide on controlling serum phosphorus levels and evaluate its side effects.
Patients and Methods: We studied ...
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Background: Hyperphosphatemia is a common problem in hemodialysis patients for which various binders are used to control this problem.
Objectives: This study aims to assess the effect of magnesium oxide on controlling serum phosphorus levels and evaluate its side effects.
Patients and Methods: We studied 39 hemodialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, trial and control. The trial group received magnesium oxide. Its dose was titrated according to weekly magnesium levels that were checked for 4 weeks. Phosphorous was also checked weekly in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS 15 software. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.
Results: A total of 27 males and 12 females with a mean age 54.01 ± 17.20 years were divided into the trial (21 patients) and control (18 patients) groups. Serum phosphorous levels did not significantly decrease (P = 0.994). However the mean phosphorous level in females showed significant correlation with time, as a significant quadratic trend throughout time was observed (P = 0.001). A significant ascending trend in mean magnesium levels was observed in the trial group compared to the control group at the end of the study (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Although magnesium oxide was well tolerated by the study patients and lacked serious complications, it could not decrease phosphorous levels. In order to better assess these results we recommend that larger, multicenter studies with longer follow up that uses other magnesium compounds be designed.
Simin Taavoni; Neda Nazem Ekbatani; Hamid Haghani
Abstract
Background: Sleep disturbance is common in menopausal women. Objectives: This study aimed to measure the rate of self-reported sleep disturbance and to identify its associated factors in 50-60 year-old women. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 700 healthy volunteer women aged 50 ...
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Background: Sleep disturbance is common in menopausal women. Objectives: This study aimed to measure the rate of self-reported sleep disturbance and to identify its associated factors in 50-60 year-old women. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 700 healthy volunteer women aged 50 to 60 years, who were in postmenopausal period for at least 1 year. The participants were interviewed after obtaining informed consents. The study questionnaire covered two main aspects of personal characteristics and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data was analyzed using SPSS 14 software. Results: The frequency of sleep disturbance was 62.5%. A significant association was found between sleep disturbance and characteristics of occupation, education, financial status and husband’s profession. There were no significant association between sleep disturbance and other personal characteristics, such as age, partner’s age, number of children, family size and consumption of tea, coffee or cola. Conclusion: Sleep disturbance is common in menopausal women. Appropriate interventions based on sleep-related personal characteristics should be performed to improve sleep quality, which is very important for maintaining the quality of life.
Alireza Mooghali; Kamran Bagheri Lankarani; Hamideh Abedi; Yaser Sarikhani
Abstract
Background: Work and life have the greatest and strongest bond with an individual and the society. Their balance has a high value. If the relationship between work and life is not managed, the conflict between these two will result in irreparable damage to individuals, organizations and communities.
Objectives: ...
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Background: Work and life have the greatest and strongest bond with an individual and the society. Their balance has a high value. If the relationship between work and life is not managed, the conflict between these two will result in irreparable damage to individuals, organizations and communities.
Objectives: The main objective of the current study is to investigate the relationship between job characteristics and work-family conflict among married women employed in clinical wards of Shiraz University-affiliated hospitals.
Patients and Methods: The study population included 180 married women who work in clinical wards of four university-affiliated hospitals in Shiraz. We used the improved Leiden Quality of Work Life Questionnaire by Van der Doef and colleagues and the work-family conflict questionnaire by Kelloway and colleagues to measure participants' responses. One-way ANOVA and Pearson linear correlation coefficient were used for data analyses.
Results: There was a negative relation between job characteristics and work-family conflict. Respondents experienced higher levels of work-to-family conflict than family-to-work conflict. There were significant negative relations between skill variety, task autonomy, task significance, job security, social support of colleagues and supervisors with work-family conflict and positive significant relations between time, work pressure and hazardous exposure with work-family conflict.
Conclusions: work-family conflict of employed women could be reduced by rearranging job characteristics and conditions. Job resources such as social support should be strengthened and job demands should be adjusted commensurate with the physical and mental capabilities of staff.
Fatemeh Jafarzadeh; Mahmood Golzari; Farhad Jomehri; Seyedeh Leyla Poursamar; Kimia Sahraian
Abstract
Background: Nowadays infertility issue has become a social concern and is associated with numerous social and psychological problems. Infertility can influence interpersonal, marital and social relationships.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the type of coping strategies regarding ...
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Background: Nowadays infertility issue has become a social concern and is associated with numerous social and psychological problems. Infertility can influence interpersonal, marital and social relationships.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the type of coping strategies regarding stress and the level of marital satisfaction in infertile women associated with their infertility factors and to obtain the relationship between these two variables.
Materials and Methods: The sample group included 50 women with female infertility factor and 50 women with male infertility factor. The participants contacted upon their treatment course with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Mehr infertility clinic, Tehran, Iran. Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire and standard scale for measuring coping strategies were used during this study.
Results: Data analysis showed that coping strategies and marital satisfaction were different in the two groups of participants based on their infertility factors. The women with female infertility factor used more "emotion- focused" and "less useful coping strategies" than the women with male infertility factor (P < 0.001). The women with male infertility factor had significantly more marital satisfaction than their infertile counterparts (P = 0.019).
Conclusions: The results provided useful evidence about the types of coping strategies in infertile women. Also considering infertility factor, a significant relationship was found between the type of coping strategies and marital satisfaction in infertile couples.
Aliyar Ahmadi; Fatemeh Roosta
Abstract
Background: Health promotion is receiving an ever increasing attention regarding its prominent role in health of population. Health promoting lifestyle could be due, in some part, to enhancing knowledge about healthy behaviors.
Objectives: Due to the importance of healthy lifestyle in current situation ...
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Background: Health promotion is receiving an ever increasing attention regarding its prominent role in health of population. Health promoting lifestyle could be due, in some part, to enhancing knowledge about healthy behaviors.
Objectives: Due to the importance of healthy lifestyle in current situation of chronic diseases in Iranian society, the aim of this study was to determine the correlates of health promoting life style with a special emphasis on the role of health knowledge among women of reproductive age.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 392 women of child bearing age (15 - 49 years) in 2013 in the city of Shiraz, southern Iran. The participants were selected through random cluster sampling. The scale for health promotion lifestyle was Walker’s Health Promoting lifestyle Profile (HPLP), which encompasses six healthy lifestyle dimensions including health self-responsibility, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth.
Results: The results of the study indicated a significant association between health knowledge (r = 0.225, P = 0.000), rate of study in health matters (r = 0.341, P = 0.000), women’s education (r = 0.109, P = 0.035), husbands’ education (r = 0.182, P = 0.005), and socio-economic class (Spearman’ rho = 0.154, P = 0.000) and Health Promoting lifestyle (HPLS). In addition, age and education affected HPLS through health knowledge. There was no significant association between age, age at marriage, family size, marital status, experience of abortion and occupation with Health Promoting lifestyle.
Conclusions: Knowledge automatically creates the desired changes in behavior. Health professionals and health education programs have to increase awareness of healthy lifestyle behaviors that enables people to apply this knowledge in their everyday lives. Therefore, the goal of health policy should be promoting the health knowledge of the population.
Alireza Choobineh; Hadi Daneshmandi; Seyed Hamidreza Tabatabaee
Abstract
Background: The risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in female workers is high. Despite the increasing trend in women’s work force in recent decades, there is no comprehensive survey on WMSDs in Iranian female workers population.
Objectives: The objectives of the present study ...
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Background: The risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in female workers is high. Despite the increasing trend in women’s work force in recent decades, there is no comprehensive survey on WMSDs in Iranian female workers population.
Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the period prevalence rate of WMSDs in different body regions of Iranian female workers and determine major contributing factors associated with WMSDs in this population.
Patients and Methods: In this study, we used the raw data of our previous studies conducted in diverse Iranian workplace settings. Collectively, the data related to 2934 female employees from 15 Iranian workplace settings distributed throughout the country were analyzed. Data gathering tool consisted of 2 parts including: a) personal details and b) the General Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal symptoms (NMQ). Data were analyzed using statistical tests including Chi-square and multiple logistic regressions.
Results: The results of NMQ showed that symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in lower back (51.8%), shoulders (51.5%) and wrists/hands (46.2%) were the most prevalent problem among the studied female workers. The results of multiple logistic regression showed a significant association between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in different body regions with age, job tenure, daily working hours, type of activity (static and/or dynamic), working schedule (shift or day working) and marital status.
Conclusions: Lower back, shoulders, and wrists/hands complaints were highly prevalent among studied female workers. Age, job tenure, daily working hours, type of activity, working schedule (shift or day working) and marital status were found to be associated with WMSDs among Iranian female workers.
Sayyede Esmat Moosavi; Maryam Koushkie Jahromi; Bahia Namavar Jahromi
Abstract
Background: Although exercise is recommended for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the situation has remained unclear regarding the characteristics and timing of the proper exercise.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare exercise characteristics including volume, frequency, ...
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Background: Although exercise is recommended for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the situation has remained unclear regarding the characteristics and timing of the proper exercise.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare exercise characteristics including volume, frequency, intensity and energy expenditure before and during pregnancy in diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women.
Patients and Methods: Participants of the study included 137 pregnant women (80 diabetics and 57 non-diabetics) who were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Exercise activities of the participants were evaluated by interviews. Statistical tests of Mann-Whitney and Chi-square were used for data analysis.
Results: Participating in regular exercise activities was significantly higher in the non-diabetics compared to the diabetics during all stages including 8 and 1 years before pregnancy and during the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy (P < 0.05). However among the diabetics and non-diabetics who regularly exercised, there was no significant difference in terms of exercise characteristics (frequency, intensity, duration and energy cost).
Conclusions: Regular participation in exercise activities before and during pregnancy especially during the second trimester is important for preventing GDM. However, in few cases, similar exercise characteristics were found among diabetics and non-diabetics.
Ebrahim Banitalebi; Zahra Mardanpour Shahrekordi; Abdol Reza Kazemi; Laleh Bagheri; Sadegh Amani Shalamzari; Mohammad Faramarzi
Abstract
Background: Aging is a process in which the body’s physiological capacity continuously decreases after the age of 30. However, interventions such as physical activity can play an important role in the prevention of aging.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of eight ...
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Background: Aging is a process in which the body’s physiological capacity continuously decreases after the age of 30. However, interventions such as physical activity can play an important role in the prevention of aging.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of eight weeks of combined training (endurance and resistance) in different orders on inflammatory factors and adipokines among elderly females.
Patients and Methods: The design of this study was quasi-experimental. Forty healthy females were selected purposely and randomly assigned to one of four groups including strength after endurance training (E + S, n = 9), strength prior to endurance training (S + E, n = 10), circulation combined (CI, n = 12), and control (n = 9) groups. The training program was performed for eight weeks, three times per week. Within-group differences were analyzed using a paired samples t-test and between-group differences were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The data analysis showed that the between group comparison did not influence the adaptive response of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (P = 0.80), high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P = 0.55), adiponectin (P = 0.33), chemerin (P = 0.56), omentin (P = 0.51), leptin (P = 0.10) and vaspin (P = 0.70) levels, yet the within group comparison showed a significant difference in the chemerin concentration in the E+S group (P = 0.03).
Conclusions: The results indicated that three different combined trainings (strength and endurance) had no positive effect on inflammatory factors and adipokines among aged females. However, the different combined trainings, independent of order, were effective training methods in reducing body fat and body mass index (BMI) in aged females.
Mahmood Soveid; Nasrin Asadi; Mahnoosh Sianati
Abstract
Background: There is biologic and clinical evidence that links vitamin D deficiency to pre-eclampsia. The Vitamin D receptor is present in the placenta, cardiovascular system, and lymphocytes. It has anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory, and anti-hypertensive properties and facilitates placental implantation. ...
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Background: There is biologic and clinical evidence that links vitamin D deficiency to pre-eclampsia. The Vitamin D receptor is present in the placenta, cardiovascular system, and lymphocytes. It has anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory, and anti-hypertensive properties and facilitates placental implantation. Each of these processes is involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to study the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and severe pre-eclampsia in a population residing in southern Iran that is generally known to have a high prevalence of vitamin deficiency. As a second objective, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women was investigated.
Patients and Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 59 patients with severe preeclampsia and 217 controls, all of whom were from southern Iran. Cases and controls were matched for age, body mass index, and gestational age. The study was carried out in autumn and winter. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured using high performance liquid chromatography, and the results were compared between the two groups.
Results: Almost all controls and patients had 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below normal, and 69% had levels below 10 ng/mL. The mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the patient and control groups were 8.4 (6.2) and 8.5 (6.9) ng/ml (P = 0.80), respectively. The level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D had no significant association with subjects’ body mass index or age.
Conclusions: Pregnant women in our region have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and in a population with severe vitamin D deficiency, there is no significant correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and preeclampsia. Severe deficiency masks any possible association in a case-control study. Controlled trials with vitamin D supplementation are recommended for further studies.
Monireh Toosi; Marzieh Akbarzadeh
Abstract
Background: Exercise can play a major role in health during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to consider the physiological conditions of females regarding the exercise.
Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effect of a cycle of exercises on pregnancy outcomes.
Methods: In this clinical ...
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Background: Exercise can play a major role in health during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to consider the physiological conditions of females regarding the exercise.
Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effect of a cycle of exercises on pregnancy outcomes.
Methods: In this clinical trial, 120 pregnant females referring to Shiraz hospitals in 2015 were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group subjects were required to do aerobic exercises for eight weeks since the 20th week of gestation in addition to receiving the routine care. However, mothers in the control group only received the routine pregnancy care. Then, pregnancy outcomes such as length of pregnancy, delivery phases, type of delivery and infants’ physiological indexes such as Apgar score, weight, height and head circumference were measured. Finally, the data were transferred into the SPSS statistical software and analyzed using T-test and Chi-square test.
Results: The two study groups were similar based on their age, level of education, income, employment status and satisfaction with their husbands. Also, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the length of pregnancy, weight, height and Apgar score at birth. However, a significant difference was observed between the two groups concerning type of delivery, duration of active phase of delivery and pain intensity in the active phase of delivery. In addition, back pain intensity significantly decreased in the intervention group, but increased with progress in pregnancy in the control group.
Conclusions: Special attention is paid to supportive methods such as exercising during pregnancy in the recent years. Exercising has positive effects on mothers and infants health. Thus, these exercises are recommended to be incorporated in pregnancy care.
Thanh Cong Bui; Christine M Markham; Pamela M Diamond; Ly Thi-Hai Tran; Michael W Ross; Huong Thi-Hoai Nguyen; Thach Ngoc Le
Abstract
Background: The conceptualization and measurement of gender-based relations and equity are still challenging to researchers worldwide. Given a growing number of health studies which want to take into account the roles of gender relations, there is a need for quantitative measures of this determinant.
Objectives: ...
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Background: The conceptualization and measurement of gender-based relations and equity are still challenging to researchers worldwide. Given a growing number of health studies which want to take into account the roles of gender relations, there is a need for quantitative measures of this determinant.
Objectives: Based on the theory of gender and power and results from our previous qualitative work, this analysis aims to examine the applicability, reliability, and validity of a set of self-perceived gender-relation measures in the Mekong delta of Vietnam.
Methods: Data came from a cross-sectional survey of 1181 undergraduate female students from two universities. Second-order latent variable modeling was used to examine applicability of theoretical structures and validity of measuring items. Single-factor modeling was employed to screen for the most relevant dimensions of self-perceived gender relations.
Results: The second-order modeling showed good fit, suggesting that the theory well explained self-perceptions of gender relations. The consistency of models across 500 hypothetical bootstrapping samples further substantiated factorial validity of measures. Students who ever had a boyfriend held slightly different perceptions of gender relations compared to those who never had a boyfriend.
Conclusions: The final parsimonious set of measures which had best loadings onto perceived subordination consisted of ten dimensions; this provides a practical application to measure self-perceived gender relations in other health research.
Sholeh Shahinfar; Bizhan Nemanpour
Volume 4, Issue 2 , April 2017, , Pages 1-6
Abstract
Background: Vaginitis is a common medical problem in females. Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis are the main etiologies of infectious vaginitis.
Objectives: This study was designed to assess the relationship between contraceptive methods and common vaginal infections.
Methods: ...
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Background: Vaginitis is a common medical problem in females. Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis are the main etiologies of infectious vaginitis.
Objectives: This study was designed to assess the relationship between contraceptive methods and common vaginal infections.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 250 females were evaluated from December 2012 to February 2013. The researcher-made questionnaire included questions about individual characteristics and contraceptive methods. The participants underwent a gynecological exam. Specimens were collected from posterior fornix of the subjects and polymerase chain reaction assay was done to diagnose vaginitis. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 17) and also descriptive and analytical statistics (chi-square, t test and fisher’s exact test). P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: On the basis of the findings, 43.6% of females suffered from vaginitis. Overall, 65.56% of participants used contraceptive methods. Condom use was the most prevalent method of contraception. A significant relationship was found between suffering from different types of common vaginal infections and using contraceptive methods (P = 0.017). The percentage of females with candidiasis amongst hormonal contraceptive users, and the percentage of individuals amongst non-hormonal contraceptive users were higher than the others.
Conclusions: Contraceptives can increase the risk of vaginitis. Hence, health care providers should consider the probability of vaginitis in addition to the indications and contraindications of contraceptive methods and should guide couples in taking a step forward for improving their sexual and reproductive health.
Maryam Moghani Lankarani; Sureel Shah; Shervin Assari
Abstract
Objectives: This study compared 15 countries for multiplicative effects of gender by education and by income on self-rated health of individuals with chronic medical conditions.
Methods: We analyzed data from the Research on Early Life and Aging Trends and Effects (RELATE) Study. Participants were sampled ...
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Objectives: This study compared 15 countries for multiplicative effects of gender by education and by income on self-rated health of individuals with chronic medical conditions.
Methods: We analyzed data from the Research on Early Life and Aging Trends and Effects (RELATE) Study. Participants were sampled from 15 countries including Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, China, India, Ghana, Russia, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, and the United States. The analytical sample was limited to individuals with at least one chronic medical condition. The main outcome of interest was self-rated health (SRH). Country-specific logistic regressions were used for data analysis. We ran separate models with gender × education and gender × income interactions.
Results: In Ghana, Uruguay, and India, gender moderated the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) on SRH. In Ghana and Uruguay, education and in Mexico and India, income had a stronger effect on SRH for women than men.
Conclusions: Countries vary in gender differences in vulnerability to SES indicators on SRH of patients with chronic medical conditions. Women are more vulnerable than men to the effect of low SES on SRH in Ghana, Uruguay, Mexico, and India.
Fereshteh Baezzat; Mohammadtaghi Mirmostafaee; Abbas Akbari; Roya Abbasi-Asl
Abstract
Background: In modern societies, nurses’ issues and investigation of their problems has found a vital importance. Objectives : The present study investigated the mediating role of hospital stress and anxiety in relationship between psychological capital and depression in women nurses.
Methods: ...
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Background: In modern societies, nurses’ issues and investigation of their problems has found a vital importance. Objectives : The present study investigated the mediating role of hospital stress and anxiety in relationship between psychological capital and depression in women nurses.
Methods: This research was a correlational study. Data was analyzed by the path analyze method and by using Amos (v. 22). Participants included 178 nurses (females) in hospitals from Borujerd city, Lorestan Province, that were selected by the accidental sampling method. Participants completed the hospital stress scale, psychological capital scale, as well as they negative emotions scale. To examine reliability of measures, cronbach coefficient, and to determine validity, internal consistency was used. The results showed an acceptable reliability and validity of the instruments.
Results: Results showed that: (1) the variables of self-efficacy (β = -0.041, P = 0.007), resilience (β = -0.071, P = 0.008), hope (β = -0.067, P = 0.004), and optimism (β = -0.087, P= 0.003), had a negative and indirect effect on depression; (2) the variables of self-efficacy (β = -0.025, P = 0.014), resilience (β = -0.155, P= 0.006), hope (β = -0.040, P = 0.007), and optimism (β = -0.245, P = 0.006), had a negative and indirect effect on anxiety; (3) hospital stress (β = 0.175, P = 0.006) had a positive and indirect effect on depression.
Conclusions: According to these results, increasing of dimensions of psychological capital leads to reduction of hospital stress, anxiety, and depression in female nurses.
Azadeh Amiri; Giti Setoodeh; Seyyede Fatemeh Sajjadi
Abstract
Background: Job stress is a psycho-social stress that is created as a result of harsh working conditions and effects individuals’ performance and physical and mental health. In fact, many mental and psychological health problems are directly related to job stress. Stress at the workplace could ...
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Background: Job stress is a psycho-social stress that is created as a result of harsh working conditions and effects individuals’ performance and physical and mental health. In fact, many mental and psychological health problems are directly related to job stress. Stress at the workplace could even create disabilities in some cases. The nature of work at hospitals, especially operating rooms, generates a lot of stress and tension for the staff. Objectives : This study aimed at evaluating the effect of stress management on stress of operating room personnel, working at hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: In this randomized controlled interventional study, 201 females were selected from 463 operating room nurses, who worked in educational hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, using block randomization and their basic job stress scores were measured. Then, from 87 nurses with job stress mean scores of > 150, 60 were selected using the table of random numbers and were divided into 2 groups of 30, using the RA software. The intervention group participated in 5 sessions of stress management training program, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Job stress score was evaluated in the 2 groups, two months after the intervention. The data were collected using demographic information and the Osipow job stress questionnaires. The data were then entered in the SPSS statistical software, version 18 and analyzed by descriptive and inferential methods (chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test). P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The results showed no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of underlying variables (P > 0.05). Also, no significant difference was found between the 2 groups regarding the mean score of total job stress before the intervention (P =0.96). However, significant differences were observed between the 2 groups concerning the dimensions of job stress, including incompetence of the role (0<0.001), duality of the role (0<0.001), responsibility (0<0.001), and range of the role (0 < 0.001).
Conclusions: This study indicated that stress management training could reduce job stress among female nurses working in operating rooms. Therefore, stress management training in administrative, clinical, and educational areas seems to be necessary for operating room nurses.
Farideh Vaziri; Mina Taheri; Zohreh Tavana
Abstract
Background: Repeated maintenance intramuscular injections of magnesium sulfate can be painful experiences. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of lavender oil on intramuscular injection pain of magnesium sulfate.
Methods: This randomized placebo controlled clinical trial was performed ...
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Background: Repeated maintenance intramuscular injections of magnesium sulfate can be painful experiences. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of lavender oil on intramuscular injection pain of magnesium sulfate.
Methods: This randomized placebo controlled clinical trial was performed on 40 females undergoing postpartum care. The females were assigned to the lavender oil and placebo groups with 20 samples in each group. They received lavender oil inhalation or placebo 10 to 15 minutes before and after injections. The pain during and after the intramuscular injection was assessed using the visual analog scale and verbal reports. In addition, the pain during an intramuscular injection without any intervention was measured and considered as baseline pain.
Results: The intensity of pain at baseline had a mean value of 68 ± 23.78, with a median value of 72, and mode of 100. Also, 55% of the females described their pain verbally as severe and very severe. Upon interventions, the 2 groups had no statistically significant differences in relation to the intensity of pain during and after the intramuscular injection (t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, respectively). According to the paired-wise analysis, the intensity of pain during the intramuscular injection upon the intervention was lower than baseline in the lavender essential oil group (P = 0.01). Nevertheless, Fisher’s exact test showed that the female’s satisfaction was higher in the lavender essential oil group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.01).
Conclusions: This study supports the use of aromatherapy with the aim to improve patient well-being in painful medical procedures.
Mohammad Hossein Dabbaghmanesh; Farideh Vaziri; Fatemeh Najib; Samira Nasiri
Abstract
Background: Based on a possible association between thyroid function or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and perinatal psychological symptoms, this study examined the potential link between antenatal depression and thyroid function or vitamin D level in the population of Shiraz city.
Methods: ...
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Background: Based on a possible association between thyroid function or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and perinatal psychological symptoms, this study examined the potential link between antenatal depression and thyroid function or vitamin D level in the population of Shiraz city.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on mothers, who were under prenatal care at a teaching hospital in Shiraz, during year 2015. Evaluation of depression was performed by the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS). Eligible pregnant females aged ≥ 18 and at 26 to 28 weeks of gestation were passed to the laboratory to offer a blood sample to determine serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, TSH, FT4, and TPOAb. Finally, data from 184 pregnant females was analyzed.
Results: The mean depression score was 9.19 ± 4.44, with a median value of 9.50, and mode value of 13. Overall, 52 mothers (28.3%) had depression (depression score > 12). The mothers with and without depression were not different in relation to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, TSH, FT4, and TPOAb levels. No association was established between thyroid function and antenatal depression with a binary logistic regression analysis. Also, vitamin D deficient mothers did not have more chance of being depressed. No correlation was detected between thyroid function and vitamin D levels.
Conclusions: Based on the current findings, no association was observed between antenatal depression and thyroid function or vitamin D deficiency.
