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Background & Aim: Sexual function is an important part of the health of women, and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs is among the variables related to sexual dysfunction. The self-determination theory is one of the most important motivational theories, which considers one’s internal motive the main cause of behavior, and also views three psychological needs (autonomy, relatedness, and competence) as the basis of human behavior. This study was to determine the effect of sexual consulting based on the self-determination theory on women’s sexual function.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial was conducted on 104 married women aged 18 to 49 years referred to Mashhad health centers in two groups of intervention and control in 2019. The intervention group received five sessions of two-hour group counseling based on the constructs of self-determination theory, with intervals of one week. The data was collected using the sexual performance questionnaire and the constructs of self-determination theory (basic psychological needs) before and after the intervention. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 16 through independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the average score of sexual function before the intervention. However, after the intervention, the difference in the average score of sexual function between before and after the intervention was 2.76±3.02 for the intervention group and -0.25±0.73 for the control group, which showed a significant increase in the sexual function score of the intervention group compared to the control (P<0.001). Moreover, after the intervention between the intervention and control groups, a statistically significant difference was observed in the average scores of autonomy, competence and relatedness (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Providing group sexual counseling based on the self-determination theory can satisfy the basic needs relating to sexuality and improve women's sexual performance.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20180726040602N1
 

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Background & Aim: The health of newborns and infants as the future makers of the country is of special importance. Today, the main benefits of breastfeeding for children, mothers and society have widely been recognized. Given the importance of self-efficacy in initiating and continuing breastfeeding, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of breastfeeding counseling with a spiritual approach on breastfeeding self-efficacy in primiparous women.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled trial study, 60 primiparous women referring to the childbirth preparation classes at Alavi Hospital, Azadegan Comprehensive Health Service Centers, Sina and Dr. Hazrati in Ardabil in 2019 were selected through the convenience sampling method and assigned to intervention or control groups using quadruple block method. The control group received routine care and the intervention group received eight sessions of breastfeeding counseling with a spiritual approach. Data was collected using the Dennis Lactation Self-efficacy Questionnaire and analyzed through the SPSS software version 16 using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and independent t-test at 95% confidence level.
Results: The mean scores of breastfeeding self-efficacy for the intervention and control groups were 27.48±5.83 and 28.23±4.44 (P=0.575) before the intervention, 39.83±10.14 and 25.33±3.62 (P<0.001) immediately after the intervention, 42.45±13.00 and 23.43±6.23 (P<0.001) one month after the intervention. There was a significant difference between the two groups after the intervention.
Conclusion: Employing spiritual approach in breastfeeding counseling was effective in improving the breastfeeding self-efficacy of primiparous women. The integration of spiritual content into the package of postpartum services with a focus on breastfeeding appears to be an appropriate measure that can be considered by planners in this area.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20150731023423N14
 

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Background & Aim: Identifying the factors affecting the quality of life in postmenopausal women will help to design and implement the quality of life-improving interventions tailored to these women’s needs. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the educational phase of the PRECEDE model and the quality of life among postmenopausal women.
Methods & Materials: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 postmenopausal women in Asadabad in 2021. The data collection tool included demographic information, the menopause-specific quality of Life questionnaire (MENQOL), and a questionnaire based on educational phase constructs of the PRECEDE model about menopause and behaviors related to the control of menopause complications. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16.
Results: The mean score of quality of life in the women was 72.72±23.15. Perceived self-efficacy (β=-0.367, P<0.001) and attitude (β=-0.155, P=0.009) were significant predictors of quality of life. The educational phase constructs of the PRECEDE model explained about 33.6% of the variance of quality of life among the postmenopausal women in Asadabad.
Conclusion: Educational phase constructs of the PRECEDE model are useful for identifying the factors affecting the quality of life in postmenopausal women, and designing educational interventions in this area. It is recommended promoting self-efficacy (to perform behaviors related to the control of menopause complications) and improving attitude toward menopause to be integrated into all educational interventions designed and implemented to improve the quality of life in postmenopausal women.

 

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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

 

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Background & Aim: Feelings of loneliness can affect the mental health of the elderly and lead to cognitive problems. As a potentially effective treatment approach, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as an intervention to alleviate loneliness among the elderly. This study aims to determine the effect of CBT on alleviating loneliness among elderly women referred to health centers in Khomeini Shahr.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2020 on a sample of 60 elderly women who had been referred to health centers in Khomeini Shahr. The participants were conveniently selected and then randomly assigned to either the intervention or control groups. Data were collected using a demographic information form and the Deshiri et al’s loneliness questionnaire, which were administered before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The intervention group received eight counseling sessions of CBT that lasted for 60 minutes each, while the control group did not receive any counseling. Data analysis was carried out using the SPSS software version 23, employing descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The results obtained from conducting a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant statistical difference in the mean score of loneliness resulting from communication with family, the score of emotional symptoms of loneliness and the total score of loneliness in the intervention group before and after the intervention (P<0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the control group (P>0.05). Furthermore, when comparing the mean score of loneliness resulting from communication with friends in the intervention group, no statistically significant difference was observed before and after the intervention (P=0.094). Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed in the control group (P=0.338).
Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate that CBT is an effective approach to alleviate loneliness in elderly women. Therefore, it is suggested that this method be implemented as a means to reduce feelings of loneliness among elderly women.

 

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Background & Aim: Infectious diseases represent a significant health concern within human communities. Considering the importance of pregnancy, the present study was conducted with the aim of exploring the health behaviors exhibited by pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods & Materials: This qualitative study employed the conventional content analysis approach to examine a cohort of 16 pregnant women in 2021. The research was conducted within the health centers of Ilam, employing the purposeful sampling technique and unstructured interviews to collect the data. Simultaneous to the data collection, conventional content analysis was employed to analyze the data. MAXQDA version 10 software was utilized for data management purposes.
Results: The participants had a mean age of 30 years, while the average gestational age was 30.38 weeks. Through analysis, three main themes and eight categories were derived from the collected data. The main themes identified were as follows: 1- self-care practices for disease prevention, 2-  the adverse effects of the pandemic on pregnancy, and 3- changes in the healthcare system.
Conclusion: The results of the present study highlight the emergence of a novel form of self-care among pregnant women as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The adverse effects of the pandemic, such as quarantine measures, were associated with the development of negative ruminations within pregnant women. Following the quarantine restrictions, significant modifications were observed in the ways through which women sought health-related information and engaged in daily activities. Moreover, alterations were made to care policies. Paying attention to the comprehensive health needs of pregnant women, including both physical and mental health, is imperative within the context of pandemic-related health services.

 

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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.