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Background & Aim: Couples face many problems in pregnancies following In vitro fertilization (IVF) compared to normal pregnancies. The majority of studies have focused on women, and men have received less attention. So, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of men awaiting the first child following IVF.
Methods & Materials: This qualitative study was carried out in Shahid Motahari hospital in Urmia during 2017-2018. Data were collected using 19 individual in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected among men whose wives got pregnant by IVF, through purposeful sampling, until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed through conventional content analysis approach using the MAXQDA software version 10.
Results: Four categories of "hope and fear of treatment outcome", "fear of social stigma", "financial concern", and "need for participation and training" were emerged from data analysis.
Conclusion: Men whose wives got pregnant through IVF have expectations and needs that must be addressed. On the one hand, the men are concerned about the social stigma of infertility and donation, the outcome of treatment, and the economic problems of treatment, and on the other hand they expect to be involved in the process of treatment and prenatal care.
 

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Background & Aim: Physical activity is a health behavior that helps one's mental and general health, improves the health of women during preconception period and reduces pregnancy and birth complications. The aim of this study was to predict physical activity based on the BASNEF model constructs during preconception period among women referred to Uremia health centers.
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 230 women during preconception period, who were selected using the multistage sampling method in 2018. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire containing sociodemographic information, the BASNEF model constructs, and a short form of the international physical activity questionnaire. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression and t-test through the SPSS software version 16.
Results: The results showed that 61.3% of women had low levels of physical activity. Knowledge (β=0.2, P<0.003), attitude (β=0.15, P<0.017), and enabling factors (β=0.18, P<0.004) significantly explained their intention to do physical activity. Also, among the predictive variables, knowledge (P<0.001) significantly explained physical activity.
Conclusion: Low rate of women's physical activity during preconception period calls for designing an intervention based on BASNEF model in order to influence knowledge, attitude and enabling factors.
 

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Background & Aim: The high prevalence of cesarean section in most developed countries, exceeding 50%, has led to detrimental effects on maternal and child health. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a beneficial way to reduce cesarean rates. This study aimed to determine the effect of theory of planned behavior-based training on the intention and behavior of VBAC in pregnant women with previous cesarean section.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled trial study, a convenience sample of 70 pregnant women with a history of cesarean section, referred to comprehensive health centers in Ardabil in 2020, were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received four weekly education sessions based on the theory of planned behavior structures, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire at three time points: before, immediately after, and four weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 16, employing independent t-test, Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, and repeated measures ANOVA at a 95% confidence level.
Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences in mean scores of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavior control, intention, and awareness over time between the intervention and control groups (P<0.001). However, the educational intervention did not lead to a behavior change.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is imperative for health planners to focus on providing organizational support and fostering a positive attitude among obstetricians and midwives to prioritize the implementation of VBAC.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20200519047509N1