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Background & Aim: Most of the psychological turmoil of marital conflicts is related to sexual dissatisfaction. Sexual satisfaction is influenced by physical and mental illnesses. Pelvic floor muscle relaxation is a major health problem in which prolapsed pelvic floor muscles causes paralysis, pelvic organs&apos prolpases, pelvic organs&apos dysfunction, dyspareunia, and back pain. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on sexual satisfaction in primiparous women.

Methods & Materials: This clinical trial was conducted among 100 primiparous women selected through cluster randomized sampling from five clinics of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Samples were randomly divided into two equal groups. The intervention group received pelvic floor exercises (Kegel) for 16 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using the Linda Berg questionnaire before the intervention and 16 weeks after the intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square, t-test in the SPSS v.18.

Results: After 16 weeks, significant differences were reported in the levels of sexual satisfaction in the intervention and control groups (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The Kegel exercises are easy and non-expensive methods that should be offered by health professionals to increase sexual satisfaction in women after childbirth.

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Background & Aim: One of the assisted reproductive technologies is the use of donated oocyte. Although, the data about medical aspects of this process is available, knowledge of the psychological aspect related to this therapy is limited. Each individual's psychological aspects can be assessed by the self-concept and the self-discrepancy. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the self-concept and self-discrepancy among women receiving and donating oocyte.

Methods & Materials: In this descriptive-analytical investigation, carried out in 2015, given the limited research population, 53 women referred to Royan infertility institute, were investigated in each of the donor and recipient groups using the available sampling method. The data were collected by three questionnaires including demographic questions, Rogers’s self-concept scale and self discrepancy scale (ideal-self discrepancy and ought-self discrepancy). The data were analyzed through the descriptive statistics, Chi-square and t-test using SPSS v.16.

Results: Results showed that the self-concept and self-discrepancy scores were poor in both the donor group and the recipient group. Scores of the recipient women (the questionnaire was reverse scored) were more than scores of the donor women. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean scores of self-concept (P=0.53). There was a significant difference between the two groups in the ought-self discrepancy score (P=0.02) but no significant difference was found between the two groups in the ideal-self discrepancy score (P=0.15).

Conclusion: According to the results, it should be noted that in the process of oocyte donation, only physical assessment is not enough but individuals’ psychological needs are necessary to be taken into account. So, the authorities should consider measures to assess the psychological aspects of women receiving and donating oocyte.

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Background & Aim: Maternal request for caesarean section due to fear of normal vaginal delivery (NVD) is one of the main reasons for the high rate of caesarean section. This study aimed to compare the fear of NVD and type of delivery between two groups of pregnant women attended childbirth preparation classes (CPC) and women received routine prenatal care (RPC).

Methods & Materials: In this prospective cohort study, 202 Primigravid women attended healthcare centers for prenatal care services in the East of Guilan were selected using convenient sampling in 2013-2014. Fear of NVD was assessed using a childbirth attitude questionnaire at two stages (before attending CPC or receiving RPC, then at the third trimester of pregnancy). Both groups were followed up to the delivery time. Data were analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics (Chi square, paired t-test, ANOVA, t-test) through SPSS v.16. P<0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: There was no significant difference (P=0.23) in the mean score of fear of NVD between two groups before attending CPC (35.59±8.78) and receiving RPC (37.08±9.08). The comparison of the mean score of fear of NVD between two groups at the third trimester of pregnancy showed a significant reduction (P<0.001) in the first group (32.30±8.31) than in the second group (37.29±9.55). A significant difference was also observed between two groups in the rate of NVD (P=0.002).

Conclusion: Results confirm the importance of CPC in decreasing fear of NVD and increasing the rate of NVD in primigravid women attended these classes. Therefore, women’s attendance at CPC is recommended to be encouraged.

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Background & Aim: Pap smear test is an effective screening method for early detection of cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the effect of education based on the health belief model on women’s belief and practice regarding Pap smear test.

Methods & Materials: In this quasi experimental study, 100 married women under coverage of Bushehr health centers participated in the study in 2014-2015. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire consisted of demographic information, the questions concerning knowledge and the HBM constructs regarding Pap smear. The training program was performed in two group sessions. Three months after the intervention, women’s practice about Pap smear test was evaluated in both groups. After data collection, data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, repeated measure analysis of variance, independent t-test and Chi square on SPSS software v.20.

Results: Before the study, both groups had not any significant differences in all variables and constructs. After the intervention, the mean scores of knowledge (P<0.001), perceived seriousness (P=0.015) and perceived barriers (P<0.001) were significantly different between two groups. Three months after the intervention, 42 (85.7%) in the intervention group and 4 (8.2%) in the control group had performed Pap smear test (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Designing and implementing educational program based on health belief model can promote women’s awareness and reduce their perceived barriers and as well as enhance their practice regarding Pap smear test.

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Background & Aim: Reducing water-pipe use is among the most effective ways to reduce chronic disease and some cancers. The aim of this study was to determine effect of education based on Health Belief Model (HBM) by health volunteers on water-pipe use among women.

Methods & Materials: This Quasi-experimental study performed on 127 women who used water-pipe (63 in the intervention group and 64 in the control group) in Bushehr in 2014. The data collection tool included demographic characteristics, the HBM constructs about water-pipe use, knowledge about water-pipe complications, and behavior (frequency of water-pipe use in last week and nicotine dependence scale). Intervention group received two sessions of education based on HBM by health volunteers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Mann-whitney test, independent t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Friedman test on SPSS software version 18.

Results: Before education, both groups were similar in terms of demographic variables, the mean score of knowledge and all the HBM constructs (P>0.05). After education, the mean scores of HBM constructs and knowledge significantly increased and nicotine dependence decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001). After 3 months, the frequency of water-pipe smoking significantly reduced in the intervention group (P=0.007). But in the same period, there was no significant difference in term of the frequency of water-pipe smoking in the control group.

Conclusion: The results show that education based on the behavior change patterns by health volunteers can be effective in changing beliefs and reducing water-pipe use among women.

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Background & Aim: The physiological and psychological changes in pregnancy, can affect the lives of couples. The present study aimed to determine the effect of sex education on the marital relationship quality of pregnant women.

Methods & Materials: This study is a quasi-experimental. In this study, 100 pregnant women referred to health centers in Zahedan in 2015, were selected and assigned into two groups of intervention and control (50 in each group). Data collection tool was the perceived marital relationship quality components questionnaire. Questionnaires were completed by the both groups before and six weeks after the sex education sessions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS software version 20.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05) in terms of age, the duration of marriage, gestational age and gravidity. In post-test measurement, the mean of the total score of marital relationship quality and components such as satisfaction, sexual excitement, love, commitment, intimacy, and trust, were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Analysis of covariance also showed that the total score mean for the marital relationship and its components had significant difference in the pregnant women in two groups, after sex education (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Given the effectiveness of sex education in the improvement of marital relationship quality in pregnant women, this educational intervention is recommended to be integrated into the education program and prenatal care of pregnant women in order to improve the couple’s relationship quality in pregnancy.

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Background & Aim: Females’ quality of sexual life is one of the key issues of sexual and reproductive health. This is a subjective concept and defined as individual’s perception of sexual aspect of life. The aim of this study was to explore the factors affecting Iranian women’s quality of sexual life.

Methods & Materials: This qualitative study was conducted by conventional content analysis. Data were collected by 17 in-depth, unstructured interviews and 14 sexual life narratives through purposeful sampling among married and reproductive aged women from five university-affiliated health centers in Tehran and Shiraz. Constant comparative method was used to analyze data.

Results: According to the participants’ experiences, 3 themes emerged as direct factors affecting the quality of sexual life including ‘preparation before sexual relationship’, ‘couple’s interaction and harmony in sexual relationship’ and ‘previous sexual relationship outcomes’. ‘Marital life status’ and ‘passive sexual socialization’ were explored as the factors which can conceptualize the context of females’ quality of sexual life.

Conclusion: In this study, factors affecting females’ quality of sexual life were identified. Attention to these factors is suggested to design appropriate interventions by health care system in Iran.

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Background & Aim: Women's health is important in middle age, and lifestyle, including healthy eating, has an impact on it. This research was aimed to determine the effect of an educational program based on BASNEF model on nutrition in middle-aged women.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial was conducted on 95 women under coverage of the healthcare centers affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2016. The demographic characterizes and the BASNEF constructs regarding nutritional behavior were measured by questionnaire before and eight weeks after the intervention. The intervention was performed in three one-hour sessions. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests using the SPSS software version 16.
Results: Before the intervention, both groups had not any significant differences in all variables and constructs. After the intervention, in the experimental group, the median and interquartile range were 10±3 for knowledge, 38±10 for attitude, 3±1 for subjective norms and 1±1 for behavioral intention. But in the control group, the scores were 6±2 for knowledge, 37±5 for attitude, 4±1 for subjective norms and 1±1 for behavioral intention. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P˂0.05). However, the scores of enabling factors were not significantly different between the two groups of intervention (3±1) and control (3±1) (P=0.4).
Conclusion: Designing and implementing the educational program based on BASNEF model not only can improve the knowledge and attitude about healthy nutrition in middle-aged women, but also modify their behavioral intention.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT2016042427566N1
 

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Background & Aim: Pregnancy is one of the enjoyable and evolutionary aspects of women’s life, which is often associated with many stresses and concerns. Counseling is one of the most appropriate interventions to reduce concerns and increase the decision-making power of pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the effect of solution-focused group counseling on pregnant women’s worries.
Methods & Materials: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 108 pregnant women with gestational age of 6 to 19 weeks and a score of worry ≥55, from May to September 2017 in health centers of Sabzevar University of Medical. The intervention group received a solution-focused counseling and the control group received routine prenatal care. Concerns of pregnant women were evaluated before, after, and two months after the intervention using the Farsi version of Cambridge Worry Scale. The data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square, and repeated measure analysis of variance through the SPSS software version 22. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean score of worry before the study was 58.9±5.9 for the intervention group and 58.8±4.37 for the control group, and no significant difference was observed. After the intervention, these values for the intervention group and the control group were 34.6±13.3 and 57.7±8.78, respectively. Two months after the study, these values were 31.1±10.1 and 54.6±10.9, respectively. The analysis of variance with repeated measurements showed that pregnant women’s concerns about childbirth, fetal health, maternal health, and family relationships were significantly reduced after the intervention and two months later (P<0.001). Women’s worries about socioeconomic issues were not significantly reduced after the intervention and two months later in comparison with the control group (P=0.563).
Conclusion: The solution-focused counseling is an effective way to reduce pregnant women’s concerns about maternal and fetal health, family relationships and childbirth. It can be used in conjunction with pregnancy care.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20180123038485N1
 

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Background & Aim: Menopause has been recognized as a critical stage in women’s life. Menopausal symptoms and problems can affect women’s health and well-being. Health promoting behaviors may be useful in alleviating these symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of couple counseling on severity of menopausal symptoms in women.
Methods & Materials: In a quasi-experimental study, 80 women with their husbands were selected by the convenience sampling method from health care centers in Zahedan in 2017, and were assigned to either experimental or control group. The data gathering tool included a demographic questionnaire and Menopuse Rating Scale questionnaire. Couple counseling for the intervention group was conducted in four 60-minute sessions. Data were collected before and 12 weeks after the intervention, and analyzed by independent and paired t-test, analysis of covariance and χ2 using the SPSS software version 21.
Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic variables, but the mean of score changes for menopausal symptoms in the intervention group was -1.42±1.95 and in the control group was -0.10±1.10. The independent t-test showed a significant difference in the mean of score changes for menopausal symptoms in the two groups (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: Given that couple counseling has a positive effect on severity of menopausal symptoms in women, it is suggested that this counseling strategy be integrated into healthcare programs for menopausal women.
 

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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: Perimenopause is associated with severe changes in reproduction and hormones. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of group counseling on the severity of menopausal symptoms in the transition to menopause.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial study was performed on ninety perimenopausal women in Javanrood city in 2019. Women were randomly assigned into the intervention or control groups using the block randomization method. Counseling was conducted for the intervention group in groups of 11 to 12 people in four 60-minute sessions for four consecutive weeks. After 8 weeks, the severity of menopausal symptoms was measured using the Menopause Symptoms Scale. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 21.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of menopausal symptoms scores before the intervention (P=0.86). After the group counseling, the median (Q1, Q3) of menopausal symptoms, physical, mental and genitourinary symptoms in the intervention and control groups were 17.0 (15.0, 21.5) and 21.0 (17.0, 30.5) (P<0.001), 6.0 (5.0, 8.0) and 9.0 (6.5, 11.0) (P<0.001), 6.0 (5.0, 8.0) and 8.0 (5.0, 10.0) (P=0.004), and 5.0 (4.0, 6.0) and 6.0 (5.0, 8.5) (P<0.001), respectively. These values for the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group.
Conclusion: Providing group counseling for four sessions was effective in reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women. Therefore, it is suggested that this strategy be used to promote women's health in the premenopausal period.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20120215009014N320
 

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Background & Aim: Anxiety is one of the most important psychological problems during the menopausal period. Anxiety can affect the health and quality of life of postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of viola odorata syrup on anxiety among postmenopausal women.
Methods & Materials: This study is a triple blind clinical trial that was performed on 84 postmenopausal women referred to health centers in Mashhad in 2019. In both groups, postmenopausal women received 5 ml of viola odorata or placebo syrup twice a day for one month. Before and after the intervention, anxiety was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale-21. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 25 and Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.
Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in women’s anxiety levels between viola odorata group and placebo group, and the two groups were homogeneous (P=0.084). After the intervention, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.004). The corrected average was 3.61±3.02 (2.9-4.2, CI95%) for the violet group and 7.63±3.60 (6.9-8.3, CI95%) for the placebo group. Also, after the intervention the anxiety score decreased in the viola odorata group, and increased in the placebo group. The Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference (P<0.001).
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, viola odorata syrup decreased anxiety in postmenopausal women. Therefore, it can be used as a complementary treatment along with chemical therapies to reduce anxiety in postmenopausal women.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20180514039660N1
 

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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.