Showing 26 results for Women
M Mirmohammadaliei , M Moddares , Gh Babaei , M Kamravamanesh ,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (5-2004)
Abstract
Introduction: Folic acid is one of the most important vitamins for women of reproductive ages, especially before conception and during pregnancy. Many researches have shown the role of folic acid in prevention of fetal malformations especially neural tube defects, anemia, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Material and Methods: This research is a semi-experimental study. A sample of 130 married women at reproductive ages (15-45 year) referring to health centers in Kermanshah was selected randomly. The tool for collecting data was questionnaire. After filling the pretest questionnaire, each woman participated in a face to face 15 minutes educational session. Two weeks later the same questionnaire was filled by the participant. To analyze the data, the descriptive statistics, frequency distribution charts, the mean and central tendency as well as validating statistics (2 test and t test) was used.
Results: The results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in amount of knowledge (p 0.0001, t=-27.381) and the amount of usage (p=0.0001, 2 = 42.968) of folic acid supplement before and after education. This difference was more prominent in women between 25-29 years of age, self-employed, with diploma degree, housewives, having diploma holding husbands and first time pregnancies.
Conclusion: The amount of information and usage of folic acid supplement increased significantly after education. This finding reveals the importance of health education and the important role of health personnel such as midwives. Therefore, it is suggested that women of reproductive ages be informed of importance of taking folic acid supplement.
F Jamshidi Evanaki , Z Khakbazan , Gh Babaei , T Seyed Noori ,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (7-2004)
Abstract
Introduction: Cesarean section (CS) is more dangerous than normal delivery for mothers and neonates. Rates of CS in our country are very high, especially in Guilan province (57.6% in urban areas). The claim that a major reason for these high rates is maternal request, hidden behind of the routine medical diagnoses, was the basis of present study.
Materials and Methods: A total of 210 pregnant women in Rasht who were at 36-40 weeks of pregnancy and had chosen CS as their delivery method without previous history of CS or any medical reason were included in this study. Cluster sampling was performed at health-treatment centers of Rasht. Data were collected by interview and a questionnaire was completed by the investigators. Statistical analyzing was performed by descriptive and analytic methods (Chi square and Fisher exact test).
Results: The majority of participants (68.6%) had moderate knowledge about benefits and harms of CS and most had taken their information from relatives and friends. The majority of women (71.4%) had moderate attitude toward CS. More than 50% of the mothers had chosen CS for following reasons, in decreasing order of frequency: child&aposs health, fear of pain, stress and anxiety, prevention of genital tears, fear of vaginal exams, prevention of deformity and relaxation of genitalia and shortening of delivery time. There was a significant relation between some of the demographic factors or obstetrical history, level of knowledge and kind of attitude with some of the reasons of choosing CS for example, age, level of knowledge (both p<0.05) and kind of attitude (p=0) with fear of pain.
Conclusion: Reasons for choosing CS by the medically low risk mothers are not medically acceptable and midwives and the other health workers can successfully explain this to mothers. They can also support pregnant women informationally, emotionally and socially in different ways such as holding childbirth preparation classes. In this way they can influence women&aposs decision about method of delivery and promote mothers&apos and neonates&apos health by decreasing CS rates.
N Salmaani Barough , T Taghavi Larijani , Z Monjamed , N.d Sharifi , ناصر Bahrani ناصر ,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (2-2005)
Abstract
Introduction: Stress is a complex and physiologic phenomenon that sometimes can be a source of problem. If an individual could not cope with stress, it would be a threat to physical and psychological health. Inclination to cope with stress is a positive way which helps one to improve his/her health.
Materials and Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental study with the aim of determining the effect of education of methods of coping with stress on rate of stress among women working at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. After primary study, 138 cases were chosen through census sampling. The collection tool was Chaudron stress scale. The statistical tests included t test and 2. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: The result showed that there was no significant difference between level of stress before and after education in domains of job stress (p=0.22), life health stress (p=0.53), personal life stress (p=0.44) and personality stress (p=0.1). Also the statistical result of X2 did not show significant correlation between variables such as type of school, age, duration of work, marital status, number of children, educational level and housing condition with job stress.
Conclusion: The result showed that work environment is an important source of stress for working women. It could have undesirable effects on physical and emotional health of women. It seems that short term education can not decrease the stress of women therefore it is necessary to organize different long-term education programs, consultation and other strategies to reduce stress.
Sh Varaei, N Mehrdad, N Bahrani,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Breastfeeding is the most cost-effective, health-promoting, and disease-preventing activity that new mothers can perform. Many researches have focused on identifying factors that influence breastfeeding initiation and duration. An important and modifiable factor is the perceived self-efficacy of mothers for breast feedings. It refers to a mother&aposs perceived ability to breastfeed her newborn and is a dominant variable in the duration of breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between self-efficacy and breastfeeding.
Methods & Materials: A descriptive, longitudinal, analytic approach was used in this study. The three-part questionnaire was administered to the eligible pregnant women (437 pregnant women) who were at least in 37 weeks of gestation and intended to breastfeed. They were then contacted again at one and four months postpartum to determine their infants&apos feeding level and method. The questionnaire was re-administered to the participants at that time.
Results: The results showed that 80.4 percent of participants had exclusive breastfeeding during one month. There was no significant relationship between antenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy and the breastfeeding. The self-efficacy was significantly related to breastfeeding outcomes at one month. Mothers with high self-efficacy were significantly more likely to breastfed their babies exclusively at one and four months postpartum than the mothers with low self-efficacy.
Conclusion: Maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy is significantly related to breastfeeding duration and level. Measuring breastfeeding self-efficacy not only identifies high risk mothers, but also provides important information to health care providers in providing support to new mothers.
F Bastani, R Zarrabi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (1-2011)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Gestational diabetes is a major concern during pregnancy. Psychological factors such as self-efficacy play important role in adherence of the treatment, control of blood glucose, and the outcomes of the pregnancy. The main purpose of this study was to determine correlations of self-efficacy in women with gestational diabetes attending to educational medical centers of Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran.
Methods & Materials: In this descriptive correlational study, we recruited 100 women aged 15-49 years old with gestational diabetes and singleton pregnancies using consecutive sampling method. Data were collected using Diabetic Self-Efficacy scale.
Results: The mean age of the women was 31 years. The majority of the women (66%) had moderate economic status and more than half (60%) had no higher education. Sixty eight percent of the study participants were obese or overweight. About 33% of the participants were nullipara and 69% had wanted pregnancies. The results showed that 43% of the women had low self-efficacy. The self-efficacy scores were significantly correlated with education (P=0.005) and occupation (P=0.016).
Conclusion: Self-efficacy is an important determinant of self-management and self-control in gestational diabetes. Regarding low self-efficacy among the women, it seems that implementing educational-counseling strategies to enhance self-efficacy can be helpful to promote optimum self-care among women with gestational diabetes
Farideh Bastani, Elham Ghasemi, Reza Negarandeh, Hamid Haghani,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer&aposs disease, particularly females, encounter challenges. Their different roles in giving care to the patients could result in physical and mental disorders. The self-efficacy seems to be an essential factor in empowering individuals coping with stressful situations and challenging tasks. The aim of this study was to investigate general self-efficacy among women as family caregivers of elderly with Alzheimer&aposs disease.
Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 112 women reffered to the Iran Alzheimer Association, Tehran were selected through convenience sampling method. The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE-10) was used to collect data. Data were entered into the SPSS-16 and then processed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe.
Results: The mean score of the general self-efficacy was 28.24±6.34 indicating that considerable percentage of the participants had unsatisfactory level of self-efficacy (65.2%). In addition, there were significant relationships between the women&aposs general self-efficacy with educational and economic statuses (P<0.05). There were no significant relationships between general self-efficacy with age, marital status, occupational status and duration of caring.
Conclusion: According to the findings, a considerable percentage of the participants had unsatisfactory level of self-efficacy. Therefore, it is essential to promote the caregivers self-efficacy in order to give them the ability of better adaptation with the life&aposs challenges. In particular, the self-efficacy promotive programs should be implemented among caregivers with lower educational and economic status.
Ziba Raisi Dehkordi, Mehdi Raei, Morvarid Ghassab Shirazi, Seyed Ahmad Reza Raisi Dehkordi, Mandana Mirmohammadali,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Breast milk provides many healthy nutrients to infants. Support provided by health care provider has positive effects on duration of breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of telephone counseling on continuity and duration of breastfeeding among primiparus women.
Methods & Materials: This clinical trial was conducted on 140 primiparus women referred to the selected health centers of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010. The participants were randlomly allocated into two equal groups (each: 70 indviduals). The participants in the intervention group received telephone counseling by one of the researchers. The control group received routine care. Data were collected using a questionnaire including demographic characteristics and a breastfeeding check list. Exclusive breastfeeding rates were recorded one and three months after childbirth in both groups. Also, the continuity and duration of exclusive breastfeeding were recored three months after childbirth in both groups. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Fisher&aposs exact test, standard logistic regression and linear regression in the SPSS-16 and the Win Pepi.
Results: The average duration of exclusive breastfeeding in the intervention group (8.05±3.99) was significantly more than the control group (6.23±4.03) (P=0.008). In the third month of delivery, continuity of exclusive breastfeeding in the intervention group was more than the control group (P=0.03). Results also showed that telephone counseling was effective in the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (P=0.02).
Conclusion: Telephone counseling was effective in continuity and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Using this inexpensive and easy method can help to increase exclusive breastfeeding, especially in primiparus women.
Maryam Modarres, Fatemeh Rahimikian, Elaheh Booriaie,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (2-2013)
Abstract
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.
Ziba Taghizadeh, Reza Omani Samani, Anoushirvan Kazemnejad, Marziye Reisi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
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.
Fatemeh Najafi, Kobra Abouzari-Gazafroodi, Fatemeh Jafarzadeh-Kenarsari, Parvin Rahnama, Bahare Gholami Chaboki,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
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.
Rahim Tahmasebi, Fatemeh Hosseini, Azita Noroozi,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
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.
Ahmad Setoudeh, Rahim Tahmasebi, Azita Noroozi,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
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.
Ali Navidian, Shahindokht Navabi Rigi, Mahmoud Imani, Parvin Soltani,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (7-2016)
Abstract
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.
Minoor Lamyian, Fatemeh Zarei, Ali Montazeri, Ebrahim Hajizadeh, Raziyeh Maasoumi,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (7-2016)
Abstract
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.
Fatemeh Khodajoo, Hayedeh Noktehdan, Anoshirvan Kazemnejad, Shahzad Pashaeypoor,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (1-2019)
Abstract
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
Razieh Karrabi, Maryam Farjamfar, Foroughossadat Mortazavi, Ali Mohammad Nazari, Shahrbanoo Goli,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
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
Mansour Shakiba, Mahdieh Rouhbakhsh, Fatihe Kermansaravi, Ali Navidian,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
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.
Roghieh Bayrami, Alireza Didarloo, Afsaneh Asadinejad,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
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.
Mansoureh Refaei, Farideh Kazemi, Rafat Bakht, Soraya Mardanpour, Molod Hoseini,
Volume 26, Issue 4 (1-2021)
Abstract
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
Fatemeh Lotfi, Fatemeh Zahra Karimi, Seyed Reza Mazloum, Mahdi Yousefi, Hasan Rakhshande,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (4-2021)
Abstract
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
