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Factors predicting adherence to COVID-19 health protocols among pregnant women after the second wave of the disease in Zanjan province, 2020
Azam Maleki, Mahboubeh Ashtari, Parisa Molaie,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (4-2022)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Compliance with health behaviors during pregnancy plays an important role in the health of mothers and their neonates. The aim of the study was to determine factors predicting adherence to COVID-19 health protocols among pregnant women in Zanjan province in 2020.
Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 2336 pregnant women referred to comprehensive health centers in Zanjan province in 2020. The samples were selected by the multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected by telephone using a researcher-designed questionnaire on health practices and overall perception of COVID-19 disease. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model were used at the confidence level of 95% through the SPSS software version 16.
Results: Most women were in the second trimester of pregnancy and living in the urban areas. Considering the median score as a cutting point, the participants’ adherence level was 46.5% over the median score and at a desirable level. The handwashing adherence was 84.7% and mask use was 76.6%. Location, age, education, occupation, household income, and family history of COVID-19 disease were the most important predictors of compliance with COVID-19 health protocols (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Adherence to health protocols was at a relatively desirable level in almost half of the participants. It is suggested that education and support programs be designed and implemented for young and low-income groups living in rural areas.

 
Effect of telephone counselling on the rate and continuity of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers with late preterm infants: A randomized controlled trial
Azam Maleki, Marzieh Mohammadian, Gholamreza Badfar,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (4-2022)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Due to the importance of breastfeeding in the health of premature infants, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of telephone counseling on the continuity and breastfeeding status of mothers with late preterm infants.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled trial, 65 eligible mothers from Ahvaz in 2019-2020 were selected using the convenience sampling method and divided into two intervention and control groups using block randomization (with block sizes of 4). The routine care was provided for the control group. The intervention group received a daily telephone support counseling for 14 days after discharge. Data were collected using a questionnaire on the continuity of breastfeeding and breastfeeding status at the pre-counseling phase and then monthly up to four months after discharge. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent t-tests and Kaplan Meyer survival analysis at a significance level of 0.05 through the SPSS software version 16.
Results: According to Kaplan Meyer survival analysis, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding interruption in the control group was higher than that of in the intervention group (5 vs. 8) but it was not statistically significant. Improvement of breastfeeding status one month after discharge was significantly different between the two groups (P=0.048).
Conclusion: The results showed that telephone support counseling was effective in improving breastfeeding status up to the first month after discharge. Continuous telephone support counseling can be a good approach to improving breastfeeding and its continuity in the first month after discharge.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20150731023423N13

 
Spiritual health in pregnant women with domestic violence experience in the south of Iran in 2020: A descriptive study
Neda Dastyar, Foozieh Rafati, Akbar Mehralizadeh,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Domestic violence has many negative consequences on the physical, mental and well-being of pregnant women. Today, spiritual health is recognized as one of the most important factors in protecting individuals against physical and mental problems. The aim of the study was to investigate spiritual health and its relationship with demographic characteristics of pregnant women with domestic violence in the south of Iran.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive study was conducted in 2020 on 305 pregnant mothers with domestic violence experience, referred to comprehensive health centers in Jiroft. Subjects were selected by the convenience sampling method, and data were collected using the Spiritual Health Scale and the short form of the Domestic Violence Screening Scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 24 and independent t-test, analysis of variance and linear regression.
Results: The mean (and standard deviation) score of spiritual health was 79.89(18.98). Spiritual health score has a statistically significant inverse relationship with the women’s age (P<0.001, rs=-0.18), duration of marriage (P<0.001 and rs=-0.32), number of children (P<0.001, rs=-0.26) and domestic violence (P<0.001, rs=-0.65). The results of regression analysis showed that the duration of marriage, spouse occupation, and domestic violence were the predictors of participants’ spiritual health score (R2=0.45).
Conclusion: The findings of the study can help medical staff and social workers who are in contact with pregnant women experiencing domestic violence to identify and devise strategies to promote spirituality as a way leading these women towards health.

 
Knowledge and attitude of mothers with teenage daughters towards early marriage, its causes and consequences
Somayyeh Naghizadeh, Mojgan Mirghafourvand,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Child marriage is a violation of human rights and children's rights. Since most of these marriages take place without the informed consent of children, and parents are the final decision makers. Therefore, the mothers’ attitude towards the marriage of girls can have an undeniable effect on the early marriage of their daughters. The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of mothers with teenage daughters towards early marriage, its causes and consequences.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 mothers with teenage daughters in Tabriz in 2020-2021. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test through the SPSS software version 21.
Results: More than half (55.2%) of the mothers had a good level of knowledge about early marriage. The majority of mothers (87.0%) were against marriage before the age of 18. There was a statistically significant relationship between mothers' knowledge and attitude towards early marriage (P<0.001). The emotional, social, intellectual and economic maturity of girls were the most important reasons for the decrease in early marriage, and one of the most important reasons for the increase in early marriage was not reaching intellectual-psychological maturity. The most important consequence of early marriage from the mothers' points of view was the high possibility of family involvement in married life and decision-making.
Conclusion: Despite the negative attitude of mothers towards early marriage, nearly half of them had poor and moderate levels of knowledge regarding early marriage. Therefore, raising the level of knowledge of mothers with teenage daughters about the consequences of early marriage, creating a culture to correct social misconceptions, passing appropriate laws to prevent child marriage, can reduce the severity of this harm.

 
Effect of integrated consultation based on Ex-PLISSIT model on women's orgasmic disorder: A randomized clinical trial
Maryam Barati, Raziyeh Maasoumi, Somayyeh Naghizadeh, Reihaneh Hosseini,
Volume 28, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Following hypoactive sexual desire disorder, orgasmic disorder is the most commonly reported sexual dysfunction in women. Consultation based on an integrated approach is one of the suitable methods for treating this problem. Considering the prevalence, importance and impact of orgasmic disorder on the quality of individual, family and social life in women, the study aimed at investigating the effect of integrated consultation based on the Ex-PLISSIT model on women's orgasmic disorder.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 women with orgasmic disorder referred to the women's clinic of Arash Women's Comprehensive Hospital in Tehran in 2019. Samples were randomly assigned either to intervention or control group. The intervention was done in the form of individual counseling sessions using an integrated approach based on the Ex-PLISSIT model. Data collection tool included the Female Orgasm Scale. Orgasm rate, satisfaction with the number of orgasms, and satisfaction with orgasm quality were assessed before the intervention, 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance using the SPSS software version 21.
Results: The two groups were homogeneous in the demographic variables (P>0.05). The mean scores of the number of orgasms, satisfaction with the number of orgasms and satisfaction with orgasm quality were not significantly different between the two groups before the intervention (P>0.05). However, 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention, mean scores of the number of orgasms, satisfaction with the number of orgasms, and satisfaction with orgasm quality showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), and in both times the mean scores in the intervention group was significantly higher than those of in the control group.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed the positive effect of integrated consultation based on Ex-PLISSIT model on orgasm rate, satisfaction with the number of orgasms and satisfaction with orgasm quality in women.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20160808029255N

 
The effect of individual counseling based on the Fogg model on the motivation and fear of natural childbirth in women with previous cesarean section
Somayeh Attarian, Zhaleh Feyzi, Jamshid Jamali, Mahboobeh Firoozi,
Volume 28, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Fear of childbirth is one of the reasons for choosing cesarean section. Given the consequences of repeated cesarean section, interventions that control the fear of childbirth are important in mother's decision for the mode of birth. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of individual counseling based on the Fogg model on the motivation and the fear of natural childbirth in women with previous cesarean section.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 62 pregnant women with a previous cesarean section, referred to Mashhad Comprehensive Health Centers in 2020, were randomly assigned into intervention or control groups. In the intervention group, individual counseling based on the Fogg model was provided in two face-to-face 45-60 minute sessions biweekly and one non-face-to-face session on the Telegram channel at 28-30 weeks of pregnancy. Data was collected by a demographic form, the motivation questionnaire, and the Wijma expectation/ experience questionnaire at the beginning and two weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using statistical tests by the SPSS software version 25 at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The mean difference of the fear of childbirth score before and after the intervention was 15.84±20.07 for the intervention group and 6.06±23.28 for the control group. Counseling with the fog approach has significantly changed the fear of childbirth score in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001), but the changes in motivation were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Counseling with the Fogg approach reduced the fear of childbirth score. It is recommended to use this counseling method to reduce the fear of childbirth, and to use strategies to increase the motivation for natural childbirth after cesarean section.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20200105046014N1

 
Relationship of gestational anxiety with sleep quality and gestational diabetes
Tahereh Nasrabadi, Marjan Akhavan Amjadi, Nasrin Hoseinzadeh,
Volume 28, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Pregnancy is a very important period that is sometimes associated with various complications such as diabetes and poor sleep quality. Therefore, early identification of possible risk factors can play an important role in the health of pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of gestational anxiety with sleep quality and gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
Methods & Materials: The present study was a descriptive-analytical study. In this study, 359 pregnant women referred to health centers in Baneh during 24-28 weeks of pregnancy were included through the convenience sampling method. Data collection tools were the demographic information questionnaire, the Petersburg sleep quality questionnaire, the short form of pregnancy-related anxiety questionnaire (PRAQ-17), and gestational diabetes screening result recorded in each patient's health record.
Results: The results revealed that 12.3% of pregnant women were anxious, of which 78.8% suffered from poor sleep quality and 10% had gestational diabetes. Statistical analysis showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between gestational anxiety and poor sleep quality, and gestational diabetes (P>0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that gestational anxiety is not related to sleep disorders and gestational diabetes. However, further research and prospective cohort studies are needed in this regard.

 
Domestic violence during pregnancy and its predictive factors during the COVID-19 epidemic among primiparous women in Isfahan
Masomah Jalili, Shahnaz Kohan, Mohammad Javad Tarrahi, Fatemeh Torabi,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Background & Aim: COVID-19 is one of the crises that seriously threatens the individuals’ mental health, especially pregnant women. On the other hand, the COVID-19 quarantine can affect the occurrence of domestic violence in pregnant women. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy and the factors affecting it during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods & Materials: This was a descriptive-correlational study conducted on 308 primiparous mothers referred to health centers in Isfahan in 2021. The participants were selected using the multi-stage sampling method. Data was collected using a demographic characteristics form and the domestic violence questionnaire. Data analysis was done through the SPSS software version 22 using the Spearman's correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results: A total of 59 mothers (19.2%) experienced domestic violence during their pregnancy (a score of 60 and above from the domestic violence questionnaire). The most prevalent type of violence (including perceived) was psychological violence with 74.4% (229 people), followed by economic, sexual, and physical violence with 35.1% (108 people), 17.2% (53 people), and 14.9% (46 people) respectively. A significant relationship was found between domestic violence during pregnancy and the number of siblings, birth order, the educational level of mother and her husband, and husband’s occupation (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has made pregnant women more vulnerable to domestic violence. There are many individual and cultural factors contributing to domestic violence. Some factors were identified as the predictors of violent behavior such as the educational level of woman and her husband, and occupation. Identifying these factors and screening of domestic violence during pregnancy can prevent the occurrence of violent behavior by the spouse and the negative consequences of domestic violence on the mother and her fetus.

 
The effect of auriculotherapy on mother-infant attachment: A clinical trial
Fatemeh Torkian, Mahboubeh Valiani, Zahra Sadat Allameh,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2023)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Establishing effective communication and forming a strong attachment with a newborn baby are crucial tasks during the postpartum period. The bond between mother and baby has a profound impact on the child's well-being, as well as the mother's health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on the mother-infant attachment.
Methods & Materials: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between March 2021 and September 2022 on a sample of 106 pregnant women who referred to the maternity ward of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Isfahan for normal vaginal delivery. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which received auriculotherapy in addition to routine care, or the control group, which received only routine care. Auriculotherapy involved the stimulation of specific acupuncture points including oxytocin, uterus, Shen Men, thalamic, lung 1, and lung 2. Data collection was carried out using a checklist of demographic characteristics and the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26, employing independent t-test, paired t-test, exact Fisher's test, and chi-square test. A significance level of P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The results showed that there was no statistically significant differences observed in demographic variables between the intervention and control groups (P>0.05). However, the mean score of attachment after delivery in the auriculotherapy group was significantly higher compared to the control group (P=0.004).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it has been determined that auriculotherapy exhibits the potential to enhance maternal attachment to the baby. Given its ease of use and non-invasive nature, it is strongly recommended to consider incorporating auriculotherapy as an intervention to improve mother-baby attachment during the postpartum period.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20091219002889N12

 
Developing code of ethics in midwifery counseling: A modified Delphi study
Vafa Senobar, Ehsan Shamsi Gooshki, Tahmineh Farajkhoda, Zahra Mehdizadeh Tourzani, Razieh Lotfi,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background & Aim: The interdisciplinary nature of the profession of counseling in midwifery underscores the need for the establishment of an ethical framework to guide the provision of counseling services in various areas of midwifery and women's health. Consequently, the present study has been conducted with the objective of formulating code of ethics in midwifery counseling.
Methods & Materials: The present study is a developmental study using the Delphi method, which was conducted in three stages in 2020. The first stage involved qualitative content analysis to review the texts, and the development of an initial draft of ethical codes. In the second stage, expert opinions were sought from professionals specializing in medical and midwifery ethics to evaluate and make revisions to the initial draft. The third stage involved validation of the draft codes and their finalization.
Results: According to the results of the qualitative content analysis, a total of 182 codes were obtained from the texts and classified into eight categories. However, through the Delphi rounds, the number of categories was subsequently reduced to six, resulting in a decrease in the number of codes to 121. The identified categories included; "Professional competence", "Professional communication", "Management of client data", "Ethical considerations in tele-counseling", "Ethical considerations in midwifery counseling education”, and "Ethical considerations in research". These categories were established with a consensus level of 92.4%.
Conclusion: In this research, a set of ethical codes was obtained from the experts’ opinions in relevant disciplines from various universities across the country, with appropriate validity and consensus levels. These codes can be used in providing counseling services in midwifery, promoting safety and adhering to ethical principles and values.

 
Comparison of the effectiveness of emotional expression through writing and narration in reducing post-traumatic stress and postpartum depression among women undergoing emergency cesarean section
Ali Navidian, Somayyeh Khazaeian,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background & Aim: The utilization of emotional expression methods, including narrative counseling and written emotional expression, has been shown to be efficacious in mitigating the intensity of diverse psychological issues such as depression and acute stress, particularly following traumatic events. Additionally, emergency cesarean section is commonly acknowledged as a traumatic event that may lead to psychological challenges for the mother. The purpose of this research was to compare the effectiveness of emotional expression through writing and narration in reducing post-traumatic stress and postpartum depression among women undergoing emergency cesarean section.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in Zahedan, involving a total of 120 women who underwent emergency cesarean section and were admitted to Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS) hospital during the period of 2021-2022. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and were randomly divided into three groups: written emotional expression, narration and control, with each group consisting of 40 participants. The intervention consisted of one face-to-face session and two non-face-to-face sessions. Data collection involved the use of the Edinburgh Depression Questionnaire and PTSD assessments, administered before and six weeks after the intervention across all three groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, employing descriptive and inferential tests such as ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analysis.
Results: The results showed a significant decrease in the average scores of post-traumatic stress and postpartum depression in the written emotional expression and narration groups, compared to the control group, after the intervention (P<0.05). However, before the intervention, there were no significant differences observed among the three groups (P>0.05). Furthermore, a higher mean difference was observed in both post-traumatic stress and postpartum depression scores before and after the intervention in the written emotional expression group, compared to the narration group, indicating a greater effect of written emotional expression (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the research findings, highlighting the positive effect of both narration and written emotional expression, it is recommended to incorporate these techniques as supplementary components within comprehensive educational and care programs for women experiencing traumatic childbirth.

 
Exploring the determinants of childbearing decision-making among women and men of reproductive age: A qualitative study
Nadia Jalal Razaghi, Khadijeh Hajimiri, Mina Hashemiparast,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background & Aim: In recent years, significant changes have occurred in the dynamics of childbearing within familial context. Notably, Iranian families have witnessed a noticeable decline in the desire for childbearing and having additional children. The aim of this study was to explore the determinants of childbearing decision-making among women and men of reproductive age.
Methods & Materials: This study adopts a qualitative research design using the conventional content analysis approach in 2023. The participants comprised 19 married women and men of reproductive age living in Zanjan, who were purposively selected to ensure maximum variation. After obtaining informed consent, the participants were invited to participate in individual, semi-structured interviews. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached, with concurrent analysis conducted throughout the process. The textual data were managed using MAXQDA software, version 2020.
Results: Throughout the inductive data analysis process, seven main categories emerged as determinants of decision-making about childbearing. These categories included social role modeling, reflection within family structure, social and economic requirements, contemporary concerns in parenting, avoidance of responsibility and comfort-seeking, unpleasant past experiences and age-related challenges. Among these categories, social and economic requirements emerged as the most prevalent concept across all interviews, with a total of 505 open codes associated with this category.
Conclusion: The normalization of reduced childbearing rates within the society, accompanied by shifting values and attitudes towards the significance of children, as well as economic and social problems have contributed to an increasing preference for smaller families. Furthermore, the desire for fewer children can be viewed as a response to the individualistic tendencies of women and men, as well as a means of avoiding parenting concerns.

 
The effect of a theory of planned behavior-based educational intervention on vaginal birth after cesarean intention and behavior in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial study
Tamara Dargahi, Roghieh Bayrami, Alireza Didarloo, Leila Reisy,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
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

 
The effect of sexual counseling based on the EX-PLISSIT and BETTER models on the sexual satisfaction of infertile women following assisted reproductive treatment failure
Akram Rahimi Shandiz, Fatemeh Zahra Karimi, Raziyeh Masoumi, Seyed Reza Mazlom,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Considering that a decline in sexual satisfaction after assisted reproductive treatment failure can cause a decrease in the overall quality and satisfaction of life, the present study was conducted to compare the effect of sexual counseling based on EX-PLISSIT and BETTER models on the sexual satisfaction of infertile women following the failure of assisted reproductive technologies.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial, conducted in 2022, involved 66 infertile women who had experienced unsuccessful assisted reproductive treatments and were referred to the Milad Infertility Center of Imam Reza (AS) Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The participants were divided into two intervention groups – EX-PLISSIT and BETTER – and received individual sexual counseling across four weekly sessions, comprising two face-to-face and two virtual sessions. Data were collected using the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSSW) and subsequently analyzed using SPSS software version 25, through chi-square, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests.
Results: After the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences in the total scores of sexual satisfaction and its components between the two groups (P>0.05), with the exception of relational anxiety (P=0.021). Intra-group comparisons revealed a significant increase in the total scores of sexual satisfaction and its components within each group after the intervention, as compared to before the intervention (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Sexual counseling utilizing the EX-PLISSIT and BETTER models was found to be an effective, affordable, and side-effect-free method in enhancing sexual satisfaction among infertile women after the failure of assisted reproductive methods, particularly by addressing relational anxiety.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20210211050324N1

 
The effect of life skills group counseling with a cognitive-behavioral approach on coping strategies among abused women
Faeze Mohammadi, Sakineh Taherkhani, Maryam Zamanian, Elaheh Elahy,
Volume 30, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background & Aim: The coping strategies employed by women in facing violence can influence the frequency and intensity of violence or related stress. Life skills training may serve as a way for improving these coping strategies. This study aims to determine the effect of life skills group counseling, using a cognitive-behavioral approach, on the coping strategies of abused women.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study involved 120 abused women who attended health centers affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2022. Participants were assigned to an intervention group or a control group (60 people each). The intervention group participated in eight group counseling sessions focused on life skills training through a cognitive-behavioral approach. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Conflict Tactics Scale, and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Coping strategies were assessed at the end of the intervention and again 12 weeks later. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to analyze the data.
Results: The intervention led to a significant increase in mean scores for the subscales “distancing” (P<0.001), “planning” (P<0.001), “seeking social support” (P=0.002), and “problem-solving” (P<0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conversely, there was a significant reduction in the mean score for the “wishful thinking” subscale (P<0.001). The most substantial effect of the intervention was observed in the “planning” subscale, while the “seeking social support” subscale exhibited the least effect. Specifically, the mean±standard deviation scores for the “planning” subscale in the intervention group were 8.95±3.61 pre-test and 14.82±2.40 post-test. For the “seeking social support” subscale, the scores were 5.28±3.21 pre-test and 7.03±1.77 post-test.
Conclusion: Life skills group counseling, utilizing a cognitive-behavioral approach, significantly increased the adoption of coping strategies, such as distancing, planning, seeking social support, and problem-solving, while reducing reliance on wishful thinking among abused women. Therefore, this method can serve as a means to promote coping strategies for abused women.

 
The effect of short-term solution-focused group counseling on the resilience of women experiencing spousal abuse
Hadiseh Arab, Sakineh Taherkhani, Mahmoud Rajabi, Amir Hamta,
Volume 32, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Violence against women is associated with adverse outcomes. Resilience can be associated with reducing the amount of harm experienced by abused women. The solution-focused approach has been considered as an intervention to promote resilience. This study aimed to determine the effect of short-term solution-focused group counseling on the resilience of women experiencing spousal abuse.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized clinical trial, 60 women experiencing spousal abuse were selected through multistage sampling from health centers affiliated with Arak University of Medical Sciences in Arak, Iran in 2024 and were divided into intervention and control groups using the block randomization method (30 people in each group). For the intervention group, six group counseling sessions with a solution-focused approach were conducted. The control group received no intervention. Data were collected using the Personal and Health Characteristics Questionnaire, the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale before the intervention. The Resilience Scale was then completed again by both groups at the end of the intervention, four weeks, and 12 weeks after the end of the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25 with descriptive and inferential statistics. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the resilience score for the intervention group increased from 34.64±8.91 before the intervention to 63.03±6.30, 71.78±4.78, and 75.25±10.52 in the post-test and first and second follow-up periods. For the control group, these values were 33.66±8.65, 35.30±7.31, 38.83±6.39, and 40.50±5.99, respectively. Based on the results of two-way repeated measures ANOVA, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean resilience score between the two groups and across the four time points examined (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The implementation of short-term solution-focused group counseling can improve the resilience of women experiencing spousal abuse. Therefore, this intervention can be used in mental health promotion programs for women who have experienced spousal abuse.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20240704062329N1
 
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