Showing 34 results for Women
B Ahmadi , M Alimohamadian , B Golestan , A Bagheri Yazdi, D Shojaeezadeh ,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (5-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Domestic violence against women is a major public health problem throughout the world. Feelings of shame, guilt and fear on the part of women, together with an unresponsive health care system continue to silence and isolate women who suffer abuse and negligence- with major effects on their physical and mental health. Mental health consequences include depression, anxiety, stress disorders, and somatization. This study estimates the prevalence of domestic violence and its associated effects on the victims' mental health.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from 1189 married women over the age of 15, selected randomly among the residents of Tehran.
Results: The overall prevalence of domestic violence was 35.7%. Thirty percent of the subjects had experienced physical violence, 29% suffered mental violence and 10% had been victims of sexual violence many of these women had suffered all the three types. The most frequent types of physical violence included beating in the form of kicks, punches, and slaps (91%) common types of mental abuse included humiliation, verbal abuse and insults (93%), and threats of violence (83%). Data on mental health status indicate that overall, as many as 34.1% of women could be suffering from disorders such as depression and anxiety. The risk of psychiatric disease was 3.5 times higher in victims of violence compared to other women (OR = 3.5, CI 95% = 2.72 - 4.58). Major factors contributing to domestic violence were husband addiction, low economic status, and the number of children (P<0.001). These results are consistent with the current literature on domestic violence and illustrate the high prevalence of this phenomenon. Victims are commonly depressed and have a higher rate of anxiety.
Conclusion: Violence is an important indicator of women’s health. Screening programs for domestic violence could be effective, along with community support and referral to health care and legal facilities. It is also crucial to promote knowledge and awareness of violence among health care providers. This study shows that a community-wide effort to establish links between health care settings and community services may be important in addressing the needs of victims.
Sa Keshavarz , M Ramezanipour , M Jalali , Mr Eshraghian , H Sadrzade Yeganeh ,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Body mass index (BMI) is a generally accepted indicator of body weight and obesity. A BMI>30 indicates obesity, which is regarded as a risk factor for many diseases, because their pathogeneses are associated with increasing numbers of free radicals derived from oxygen. The present study was a clinical trial carried out in order to study the effects of weight loss on enzymatic antioxidants and its association with dietary intakes of copper, zinc, iron, selenium and, magnesium in obese women.
Materials and Methods: Thirty obese women, 19-50 years old, of whom informed consent was obtained, were included in the study. Information was collected on their general characteristics, and anthropometric measurements were made. A diet with a 500- to 1000-calorie deficit was recommended to the subjects, on the basis of micronutrient intakes estimated through a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire 3 days before and after the intervention. The aim was to bring about a weight loss of 10%. A 10-ml blood sample was taken from each subject, before and after intervention, for enzymatic measurement of enzymatic antioxidants in the red blood cells.
Results: Weight loss caused a significant increase (p<0.01) in the mean glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) no statistically significant change occurred in the mean values of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The only association between the enzymes and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mg, Se) was a negative linear correlation between daily zinc intake and GPX before intervention (r=0.395, p<0.05)
Conclusion: A 10% reduction in body weight might be an effective step toward increasing levels of enzymatic antioxidants which would minimize injuries caused by free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in obese women. Attention should be paid to the dietary intakes of micronutrients essential for the activities of these enzymes.
B Ahmadi , S Nasseri , M Alimohamadian , M Shams , Z Ranjbar , M Shariat , A Ebrahimpour , A Pourreza , M Mahmoodi , M Younesian ,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Domestic violence against women is a major health problem, as well as a violation of human rights. It adversely affects the physical, mental, and social well being of women, families and communities. This phenomenon exists in all countries around the world. Although its prevalence, strength, types, effects, and risk factors are different, it is not limited to any geographical zone or distinct social class. This article presents the views of Tehrani couples and experts on underlying factors causing domestic violence against women in Iran and action to be taken for prevention.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was carried out through eight FGD meetings, in 2 days, with the participation of 50 couples. The couples were divided into 8 groups based on sex, education, and history of violence. Results of the FDGs were categorized and analyzed. Data were discussed in group meetings of 50 experts in different fields, such as health, medicine, law, education, and Islamic studies, from academic, policy making, governmental executive, and women's affairs organizations, divided into three groups of community general education and information dissemination, health system, and judiciary system. Results were discussed and finalized in a general meeting.
Results: The couples and experts identified underlying factors in 4 categories socio-cultural, economic, legal, and medical. Actions to be taken for prevention and control were believed to be educational, legal, and supporting services.
Conclusion: On the basis of the findings of this study, it was suggested that strategies/actions/services to solve the problem and reduce harm should include providing appropriate information and education for couples and the community emphasizing the health system responsibility empowering physicians and other health personnel to help women who are victims or susceptible to domestic violence legal transparency and reforms meeting legal needs law reinforcement and implementation providing safe shelters for victims and establishment of a national center for research and planning on violence.
A Bayati, M Shamsi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (10-2009)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Domestic violence against women is a serious public health problem and women adopt different solutions to fight against it. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and views of women
on adopting ways to fight against it in Arak city, Iran, year 2008.
Methods and Materials: In a cross-sectional study in Arak city in 2008, a total of 1037 women were interviewed. The data collected were analysed statistically.
Results: Findings showed that the common types of abuse were emotional (64.6%), verbal (57.1%), financial (32.3%), and physical (26.8%). The women mentioned that the most efficient ways they chose to counteract the abuses were as follows: resuming talking after the settlement of quarrels (93%), keeping silent on the part of one of the partners (81%), and seeking advice from the older members of the family (81%). The considered going into a temporary sulk (51%) and reciprocation (46%) ineffective methods. Correlations were found between violence on the one hand and education, job, addiction of the spouse, income of the spouse, mental disorder of the partner, and number of children on the other hand (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Results of this study show that a large number of women are subjected to different types of violence. It seems that increasing awareness of married women and girls concerning effective counteractive methods can be an effective step in solving this social problem.
J Sadighi, K Mohammad, R Sheikholeslam, P Torabi, F Salehi, Z Abdolahi, H Pouraram,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (2-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Anemia is an important public health problem in Iran. The most prevalent type (50%) is iron-deficiency anemia. Flour fortification with iron and folic acid is one of the main strategies usually adopted to combat anemia. Two pilot projects were conducted in 2 Iranian provinces: the first one in Bushehr in 2001 and the second one in Golestan in 2007. The present study was conducted in January 2009 to evaluate the process and determine the effectiveness of the flour fortification pilot project in the 2 provinces.
Materials and Methods: To evaluate the effectiveness of the project, blood hemoglobin and ferritin levels were measured in a sample population of child-bearing women aged 15-49 years in Bushehr Province (n=600) and Golestan Province (n=625), selected by multi-stage sampling before and after the intervention. For process evaluation, the iron content in samples of flour and bread made from the flour were measured in a descriptive study.
Results: We found similar trends in the indicators of anemia/iron deficiency among the women in Bushehr and Golestan provinces. The flour fortification project appears to have had beneficial effects on the serum ferritin levels (low levels indicate iron deficiency) in both provinces. The prevalence of iron deficiency decreased from 22.2% to 15.7% (p<0.002) and from 26.7% to 14.6% (p<0.001), in Bushehr and Golestan, respectively. However, the prevalence of anemia was significantly higher after intervention in Golestan (p<0.001). Further analysis of the data also revealed that the intervention did not have any statistically significant effect on the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in either province. The coverages of fortified flour and bread were 90% and 98.7% in Bushehr and 94.1% and 95% in Golestan, respectively.
Conclusion: The flour fortification pilot project in Iran resulted in reducing prevalence of iron deficiency and improving body iron reserves in women, but it had no effect on anemia prevalence. It can be concluded that in circumstances where iron deficiency is not a major cause of anemia, interventions such as flour fortification with iron alone will not produce any significant effect.
G Sotoudeh, S Khosravi, F Khajehnasiri, F Koohdani,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (6-2010)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Weight status perception is an important factor in nutritional behavior. The aim of this study was to determine Islamshahr women's self-perception of their obesity status and perception of their husbands' opinions regarding women's obesity status, as compared with the actual central obesity status of the women.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study carried out in 2003 on a cluster sample of Islamshahr women aged 20-65 years (n = 704). Data were collected by interviews and weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. A waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) greater than 0.849 was considered as central obesity. Based on the body mass index [BMI=weight/height2(kg/m2)], underweight, normal, overweight, and obese were defined as a BMI <18.5, 18.5-24.9 , 25-29.9, and ≥30, respectively.
Results: About 35% of the women with central obesity considered themselves underweight or normal. Married women's perception of husbands' opinions regarding their obesity status showed about 45% misclassification. Women with central obesity who thought their husbands would assess them as underweight or normal were more likely [OR=18.6, 95% CI: 9.1 to 38.2] to underestimate their obesity status as well.
Conclusion: Misperception of obesity status is common among Islamshahr women. Considering the role of central obesity in metabolic diseases, menstrual disorders and increasing serum androgens, conducting nutrition education programs is essential for prevention and control of central obesity in the region studied.
A Norouzi Larki, M Khalkhali Zaviyeh, A Rahimi, S.s Naimi, M Tabatabaii,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (8-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Wearing high-heeled shoes increases the height of the center of gravity and takes the line of gravity away from the center of the base of support. This may result in the loss of body balance. In this study the effect of 3 heel heights on the static and dynamic postural stability in healthy young women was investigated.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-over quasi-experimental study with repeated measures, three dynamic indices of anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall stability were determined using Biodex stabilometer and static stability using a modified CTSIB test. The measurements were made at 4 conditions of the feet, i. e., barefoot, and wearing shoes with a heel height of 3, 5, or 7 centimeters.
Results: The mean static stability index in the barefoot condition was significantly different from that in any the 3 conditions of wearing heels. With the eyes closed, the most unstable condition was in the case of the 7-cm heel, which caused also the most unstable dynamic condition the differences were all statistically significant.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that postural instability increases with increases in the height of shoe heels. On the whole, considering both the static and dynamic stability, the 3-cm heel can be recommended as the optimum-height heel.
Shahnaz Rimaz, Effat Merghati Khoii, Fatemeh Zareie, Neda Shamsalizadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (8-2013)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Women perceive menopause differently. Beside biological changes, women experience menopause based on the cultural scenarios. The qualitative research presented here is about how Iranian women perceive menopause within cultural scenarios.
Materials and Methods : Data was collected during 4 focus group sessions and 6 individual in-depth interviews of women aged 40 years and older. Informants were selected from the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The sessions were facilitated by using a semi-structured inventory focus group. Content analysis was adopted using combined free and analytical coding to reduce data, to extract meanings, to categorize domains and to obtain themes .
Results: We categorized our findings into four main domains: gender role, the changes in socialization, social interactions and supporting resources. Descriptions of the later domain are going to be reported in subsequent manuscript.
Conclusion: The women's understandings of menopause are shaped based on the specific cultural scenarios. Menopause recognized as a factor which changes women’s life line. Meanings as 'Loosing femininity' and 'changes in women's roles in the community' describe women's gender role, social interactions and changes in the socialization throughout the menopause years. The women’s misconceptions, accumulated myths, and ignorance about femininity were evidenced based on narratives. The majority of women raised ‘role change’ as an important determinant in social interactions. Gender role changes as well as women's socialization patterns have forced women to accept loosing femininity as a reality. Developing comprehensive and culturally sensitive health services to address women's needs in the climacteric years is suggested .
Roya Safari, Narges Khanjani, Farid Najafi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Suicide by burning is one of the main health problems very common among women living in the west part of Iran. The objective of this study was to explore its causes and preventive strategies from the viewpoint of healthcare providers .
Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews, carried out in Kermanshah. The participants were the health care personnel working in Imam Khomeini Hospital, a teaching hospital and referral center in the west part of Iran. Sampling was purposeful and continued until data saturation. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis.
Results: Four themes were extracted for the causes of self-immolation including cultural context, mental health problems, self-immolation as a way to highlight the outcry, and economic problems. As regards prevention strategies, two main themes, namely, cultural changes and mental education and services, emerged.
Conclusion: Self-immolation is a multi-dimensional phenomenon. Different factors interact, resulting in self-immolation by women in stressful situations. Comprehensive preventive strategies such as education, as well as cultural changes, can help to reduce the burden of self-immolation.
Bahador Haji Mohammadi, Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush, Sepideh Khalatbari, Asiyeh Amiri, Sakineh Gerayllo, Motahareh Hosseini,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Food poisoning occurs under circumstances where proper action for protecting foods from microbial contamination and chemical toxins is not taken. In the Iranian society women have an important role in preparing food in the home. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of women living in Yazd, Iran regarding food poisoning.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected through interviewing 266 women living in Yazd, selected randomly by calling at their homes. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 18. The minimum and maximum accessible scores for knowledge, attitude and practice were 0 and 15, 15 and 45 and 0 and 20, respectively.
Results: The mean (± SD) score of knowledge, attitude and practice was 11.13 ± 2.54, 39.98 ± 4.52 and 17.73 ± 1.96, respectively. Further analysis of the data showed that 63.2% of the women had no knowledge about safety of refrigerated cooked foods and 41.4% had an erroneous attitude about fruit and vegetable cleaning, believing that merely cleaning them would make them safe to eat. As regards practice, 68.8 % of the women prepared and ate semi-cooked eggs.
Conclusion: Yazdi women lack a sound knowledge about (a). some agents of food poisoning such as, for example, Salmonella and (2). food cooking and preserving temperatures. It is recommended to plan and execute educational programs aiming at promoting knowledge and improving practice of women in these areas.
Arezoo Fallahi, Siamak Derakhshan, Tahereh Pashaee, Parvaneh Teymoori,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Although self-care is known to affect favorably the control and treatment of osteoporosis, the effective factors from the patients’ viewpoint have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to explore factors affecting self-care from the viewpoint of women suffering from osteoporosis.
Materials and methods: This was a qualitative study conducted with a content analysis approach in 2014, including 15 women consulting the bone mass densitometry centers in Sanandaj, Iran, selected by purposeful sampling. The inclusion criteria were women aged &ge 50 years suffering from osteoporosis diagnosed definitively at least 6 months before, a T-score index > -2.5 (lower back or hip bone), taking drugs upon a physician’s advice, ability to speak, and willingness to participate in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face and group semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using the content analysis method. The accuracy and rigor of the data were confirmed based on such criteria as credibility, confirmability and transferability.
Results: Five main categories were extracted including “ background factors of the disease ”, “hope and weakness in confrontation with the disease”, “role of the physician”, “role of the family”, and “administrative centers and organizations”. Based on further analysis of the data, 11 subcategories were emerged including “cultural issues”, “lack of knowledge”, “non-priority of health”, “weakness and fear”,
“hope for the future” , “positive role of the physician”, “negative role of the physician”, “ active role of the family”, “ passive role of the family”, “ role of the media”, and “information centers”.
Conclusion: The finding of the study show that the responsibility of women suffering from osteoporosis towards their health is not a single-factor, but rather a multifactorial, phenomenon. Pre-requisites for empowering women to adopt self-care behaviors include increasing their hope to live longer, physician’s attention to the patient’s needs, increasing health promotion programs in the media, and strengthening role of the family (particularly role of men).
Shayesteh Khosravi, Amir Mansour Alavi Naeini, Ahmad Reza Dorosti Motlagh, Mostafa Ghorbani, Zahra Shateri,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common medical problems in pregnant women. Nutrition plays an important role in the prevention and control of this disease. Some studies have found a relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and food insecurity. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between food insecurity and GDM.
Material and Methods: : This case-control study included 274 pregnant women (137 GDM cases and 137 healthy controls) selected by convenience sampling. Data on the subjects’ food insecurity, demographic features and physical activity (MET) were collected by interviewing and their heights and weights measured. For the analysis of the data, the Chi-square test, independent sample t-test and multivariate and univariate logistic regression tests were used, the statistical software being SPSS 16.0.
Results: On the whole, 18.2% and 21.9% of the women in the case and control groups suffered from food insecurity, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the case and control groups with regard to a previous history of pregnancy, a family history of diabetes in the first and second degree relatives, and a history of giving birth to a baby weighing over 4 kgs.
Further analysis of the data showed a family history of diabetes mellitus and a low socio-economic status to be independent risk factors for GDB.
Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was observed between food insecurity of the women and gestational diabetes mellitus in this study. Despite this finding, considering that there are associations between food insecurity and other types of diabetes mellitus, we recommend further studies on this subject to be able to either accept or reject the hypothesis on the association between food insecurity and gestational diabetes mellitus.
Dad Khaoda Sadeghi Tejdano, Arezo Fallahi, Babak Nemat Shahrbabaki,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Physical activity is a low-cost and uncomplicated way for the prevention of osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the interactive effects of constructs of perceived benefit, barriers, susceptibility and severity on perceived exercise behavior self-efficacy for prevention of osteoporosis based on the Health Belief Model in female-employees of Kermanshah City.
Materials and Methods: This analytic-descriptive study was conducted on 595 female-employees in the governmental and private organizations in 2014. Inclusion criteria included women between the age of 30 years and start of menopause and having no history of osteoporosis. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire including questions on demographic variables and questions related to the Health Belief Model and analyzed using the SPSS and Lisrel software.
Results: Analysis of the data showed that perceived severity and perceived barriers had direct and indirect effects on self-efficacy for exercise behavior. Self-efficacy had the highest correlation with perceived benefits (r=0.319). Further analysis of the data revealed a significant inverse correlation between perceived barriers and perceived severity and a significant positive correlation between perceived benefits and perceived severity.
Conclusion: The results of this study show female-employees do not have a high perceived susceptibility or severity to osteoporosis. A high perception of barriers and a low self-efficacy perception indicate the need for implementing appropriate intervention programs and increasing preventive behaviors.
Afsaneh Behroozpour, Mohsen Shams, Masoumeh Mousavi, Rahim Ostovar, Mostafa Maleki,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Self-medication, as a common risky health behavior, has financial and non-financial costs for Iranians. This study aimed at determining the situation of self-medication and factors influencing it among women in Yasuj, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 192 women referred to urban health care centers in Yasuj, selected randomly from the existing health files at the centers. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model and analyzed by SPSS 16 statistical software.
Results: The most widely used medicines for self-medication were those for common cold and antibiotics from among over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription-only-medicines (POM), respectively. Perceived susceptibility (17.63± 3.46) was the main construct associated with self-medication among women.
Conclusion: Once the causes of self-medication and its relationship with the Health Belief Model constructs are known, designing and implementing educational programs aiming at promoting awareness and perception of population groups, especially women, seems necessary.
Sajad Moradi, Leyla Khorrami , Fatemeh Zare, Sima Ali-Akbar, Zhila Maghbooli, Khadijeh Mirzaei,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The role of physical activity in prevention of non-communicable diseases is now well known. The purpose of the present study was to find any possible association between physical activity and bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip and lumbar spine areas in women in postmenopausal years.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 254 postmenopausal women aged 46 to 78 years. Body composition and BMD were determined using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and DEXA methods, respectively, and for physical activity measurement the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used.
Results: The distribution (%) of the subjects according to the level of physical activity ─ inactive, moderate and active ─ was 39.7%, 47.6% and 12.5% respectively. There was a positive association between physical activity level and lumbar spine BMD (P = 0.03) in the 55-year-old or younger women. No association was found between physical activity level and the hip BMD(P>0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings it may be concluded that physical activity level can be used as a predictor of bone mineral density in the lumbar spine area in women in postmenopausal years (≥55 years old).
Behjat Marzbani, Parvaneh Taymoori, Bijan Nouri,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The incidence of breast cancer in women is expected to rise sharply over the coming decades in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for breast cancer in under-50-year-old women during the period 2013-2015 in Kermanshah, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out in Imam Reza Hospital and private clinics of oncologists (three clinics) in Kermanshah, Iran. The participants were 202 patients with breast cancer and 398 without breast cancer. Subjects of the experiment group were selected from among patients in the Departments of Oncology, Radiation Therapy, and Chemotherapy of the hospital, while the control group subjects were selected from among outpatients referred to specialty and subspecialty departments and private clinics of the hospital (outpatient, oncology, gynecology, ophthalmology, sonography, ENT, infertility). The two groups were matched for age. Data were collected by interviewing the subjects, the Gill standard questionnaire and the patients’ files and analyzed using the STATA software (version 12) ─ Odds Ratio (OR), 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and the Conditional logistic regression model.
Result: The following variables were found to be the most important risk factors for breast cancer among under-50-Year-old women: a family history of breast cancer in second degree relatives, an age of 18-35 years at the first childbirth, and a history of a benign breast lump.
Conclusion: It is recommended to conduct further studies on the subject with due consideration of other risk factors for breast cancer, as well as education of women about breast self-examination and importance of periodic clinical examinations.
Ali Safari Morad Abadi, Teymour Agha Molaei, Ali Ramezankhani, Sakineh Dadipoor,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Health literacy implies the achievement, processing and perception of fundamental information and services required for making appropriate health-related decisions. Due to the high significance of health literacy during pregnancy and its direct effect on fetus, the present research was conducted to investigate the health literacy of pregnant women visiting medical centers in Bandar Abbas, Iran in 2015.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study conducted on 250 pregnant women visiting the healthcare centers in Bandar Abbas, Iran selected by mixed sampling (both clustering and simple random). The data were collected using an adult health literacy questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16, the statistical tests being independent-sample t-test, ANOVA, Tukey test and linear regression.
Results: The average age of the pregnant women was 31.61±7.45 years. The proportions of the women with an adequate, borderline and inadequate level of literacy were 52%, 20.8% and 27.2%, respectively. A statistically significant association was found between health literacy and education (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001) and the quality of healthcare provision during pregnancy (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The results reveal that the mothers’ health literacy is inadequate or at borderline. Based on these results the following are recommended in an attempt to promote health literacy of pregnant women: 1. revising/simplifying teaching materials, including both oral and pictorial, in addition to written materials in the form of posters, pamphlets and brochures; 2. promoting communication skills of health workers/mothers.
Zahra Karimian, Fatemeh Atoof, Razieh Maasoumi, Mohammad Ali Besharat, Effat Sadat Merghati Khoei,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering that the knowledge of, and attitude towards, sexuality is a key factor influencing sexual behavior, the main objective of this survey was to determine the bases of sexual knowledge and formation of attitude towards sexual script in women of reproductive age in Kashan City, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 500 women of reproductive age referring to all health centers in Kashan Iran, selected by simple random sampling,. The data collection tool was the Sexual Knowledge and Attitude Scale (SKAS). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression model.
Results: The age range of the majority of the participants (51.9%) was 26-35 years, and the educational level of 39.9 % of them was high school education. The majority of them had a high level of sexual knowledge and attitude (51.4% and 62.9% respectively). The Pearson correlation test showed a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude of the women (p<0.05), and based on the multivariate regression analysis their knowledge score correlated with education and economic status and their sexual attitude scores with age and education.
Conclusion: The participating women were young and educated and their knowledge and attitude scores were high. However, they had erroneous attitudes and ideas, such as a feeling of shame and anxiety at intercourse, considering initiation in sexual relation responsibility of the man, and considering childbearing as the main purpose in sexual relations. It is essential to design and implement appropriate educational programs to help the women change their attitudes and ideas.
Zahra Rezaeinasab, Mohammad Taghi Sheikhi, Fatemeh Jamilei Kohaneh Shahri,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Self-immolation is the death of a life. It is seen in women who have suffered greatly in life for long years, lost patience totally and found no way out except self-immolation.
The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiologic pattern of women's self-immolation in Ilam Province, Iran during the period 2011-2016.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study in which data were collected based on the files of women who had immolated themselves during the period 2015-2016 and analyzed using the SPSS software, the statistical tests being descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 129 women, within the age range 11-95 years (mean 24 years), had immolated themselves during the 5-year period (53.5% in the age group 20-35 years), 73.6% of them being married and 77.5% housewives. The average body surface burn percentage was 70%, the range being 15-99%. Most cases of self-immolation had occurred in autumn and spring, mostly in the afternoon. The most common cause of self-immolation had been reported as unknown (38% of the cases), followed by mental disease and depression (30.2%) and family conflicts (17.1%), specially husband and wife conflicts.
Conclusion: Self-immolation is the unusual ending of a life. Young married women are more likely to get exposed to hardships and confusion in the course of family and community life. Depression is one of the most important causes of suicide, a consequence of issues such as violence and harassment by spouse and family, poverty, deprivation and destitution.
Strategies to reduce self-immolation would include comprehensive social support and protection against domestic violence against women, educationg women about techniques to control anger and reduce stress, and informing them about support centers.
Azar Tol, Bahram Mohebbi, Elham Shakibazadeh, Mehdi Yaseri, Maryam Sabouri,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In health promotion, empowerment is a process through which people gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health. This study aimed to assess the predictive factors of health care empowerment among women in reproductive age in 2016.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 549women in reproductive age referring to health centers in South Tehran. The participants were recruited through cluster and multi-stratified sampling. Data were collected using the Health Care Empowerment Questionnaire (HCEQ), which has three subscales, namely, degree of control, involvement in interactions and involvement in decision-making. The data were analyzed using the descriptive and analytical tests and multi-regression analysis.
Results: Husbands' education level, women's employment, family size, ethnicity, history of chronic diseases and economic status were predictors of degree of control. Husbands' education level (under high school diploma and high school diploma), family size (2-3, 3-4) and moderate economic status (sufficient income) predicted involvement in interactions. In addition, husbands' education (incomplete high school diploma and high school diploma), family size (2-3, 3-4), women's employment and history of chronic diseases predicted involvement in decision-making.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that various individual, family and socio-economic conditions of reproductive-age women influence their potential empowerment for receiving health care services. A family-based approach to facilitate receiving reproductive health care seems to be essential.
