Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Sexual function is affected by many psychological factors and emotions. The
impact of emotion management varies in different fertility situationsThis can affect women’s sexual
function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual function
and emotional intelligence and its components based on fertility status in women referring to health
centers in Yazd.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a correlational study that was performed on
165 women with inclusion criteria and referred to 4 selected health centers in Yazd in 2017. The
study tools include demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index sexual function, and
Bar‑On emotional intelligence. The fertility status of women in the present study included a history of
infertility, number of children, and history of abortion. The analysis was performed using descriptive
statistical methods and analytical tests with SPSS software version 18.
RESULTS: The mean score of all components of emotional intelligence except the components of
self‑expression, independence, and emotional self‑awareness and also the total score of emotional
intelligence infertile people was significantly higher than infertile people (P < 0.05). Regarding
the relationship between emotional intelligence and sexual function in terms of fertility variables,
a significant correlation was observed between the mean scores of all components of emotional
intelligence except interpersonal relationships, flexibility, responsibility, empathy, and self‑expression
with sexual performance score in fertile individuals.(P = 0.000).
CONCLUSION: As a result, it is suggested that the institutions in charge of women’s affairs try to
increase emotional intelligence and improve women’s sexual function by holding workshops and
classes for women, especially in women with infertility, childlessness, and history of abortion.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Sexual health in the development of the human personality, personal, and social
health and in achieving to comfort plays an important role. Women with epilepsy are at high risk of
sexual dysfunction, which has a multifactorial etiology. This study is aimed to investigate the correlation
between the sexual function of women with epilepsy and personality factors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: this cross‑sectional study was conducted on 100 women with epilepsy
referred to selected centers in Tehran university of medical sciences by using continuous and
availability sampling method between January and March 2014 (Iran) and evaluated with women’s
sexual function index questionnaire female sexual function index and NEO‑five‑factor of personality
inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and Pearson correlation test.
RESULTS: The mean sexual function overall score in participations was 23.33 ± 2.82 there was a
significant negative correlation between neuroticism and sexual function (P = 0.00, r = −0.03) and
was significant positive correlation between personality traits as extraversion (P = 0.00, r = 0.63),
agreeableness (P = 0.008, r = 0.26) and conscientiousness (P = 0.04, r = 0.20) and openness to
new experiences (P = 0.03, r = 0.21) and sexual function in women with epilepsy.
CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that the personality traits can affect on sexual health and sexual
function of women with epilepsy. Therefore, it is recommended that health‑care providers with
assess personality factors in women with epilepsy as a prognostic factor, take steps to prevent
sexual dysfunction.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction is a common and often distressing public health problem.
This study aimed to determine the effect of the sexual health program on female sexual function and
attitude in reproductive age in the west of Iran.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a field trial study. A total of 103 women attending health
centers were assigned into two groups; an experiment and a control group. Data collection tool involved
sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, sexual female attitude questionnaire, and the Female
Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which was completed by participants before and after the implementation
of a sexual health education program. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.
RESULTS: The results revealed that after the intervention, female sexual function in the experiment
group based on the FSFI tool was significantly improved (P < 0.01) in the domains of desire, arousal,
orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and the total score compared with the control group. Besides, there was
no significant difference between posttest mean score of sexual attitude in the experiment group and
control group (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found in the mean score of sexual
attitudes in the experimental group before and after the intervention (P = 0.004).
CONCLUSION: The findings showed that sexual health program was effective in improving women’s
sexual function and attitude in the experiment group. It is recommended that the effect of other training
methods remain to be addressed on women’s sexual function and attitude.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The world’s population is aging and this trend continues. Older adults are living
healthier and longer than in the last decades and their sexual function should also be considered
along with their general health. This study aimed to examine the correlation between general health
and sexual function in elderly women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional correlation study, 1245 women over 60 years
old were selected in Ardabil health‑care centers by a convenient sampling method. Demographic
data of all participants were noted and general health and sexual function were evaluated by the
Goldberg General Health Questionnaire and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Questionnaire.
RESULTS: The participants’ mean ± standard deviation age was 75.1 ± 7.2 years, most of the
women (40.08%) were illiterate, and the majority of them were living with their married (44.81%)
or single children (27.14%). The general health score for 380 older women (30.52%) was under
22 (healthy). About 60% of the women had engaged in sexual activity during the past 4 weeks,
and the total mean score of FSFI was 17.36 ± 1.44. In addition, 84.33% of the women had
sexual dysfunction (FSFI < 26.55). The age (P < 0.05), educational level (P < 0.001), living with
children (P < 0.01), and general health status (P < 0.01) were found to be significantly related to
sexual function. The total scores for FSFI and the scores for all domains except for satisfaction
were in positive correlation with the score for the total and all domains of general health (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Sexual function in elderly women is affected by several factors, such as general
health. Therefore, to promote successful aging in women, sexual function and general health require
more attention when implementing women’s health initiatives.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Since routine counseling does not suffice to resolve the sexual problems at
postpartum period, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling based on the
Ex‑PLISSIT model on sexual function and marital satisfaction of postpartum women.
METHODS: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial that was conducted on 68 postpartum
women (within 3–6 months after childbirth) who obtained a score <28 on the Female Sexual Function
Index (FSFI). The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups.
Participants in the intervention group received counseling based on the Ex‑PLISSIT model and those
in the control group received the routine postpartum care. The required data were collected using a
demographics form, the FSFI, and the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. The primary outcomes were
the mean function and martial satisfaction score of participants 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention.
RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sexual
function at baseline (P = 0.381), but it was significantly higher in the intervention group than control
group after intervention (the adjusted MD: 4.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.18–5.29, P < 0.001).
There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in marital satisfaction before
the intervention (P = 0.433), but it increased significantly in the intervention group in comparison to
control after intervention (adjusted MD: 23.17, 95% CI: 15.10–31.24, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggested that sexual counseling based on the Ex‑PLISSIT
model can improve the sexual function and increase marital satisfaction of postpartum women.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Sexual problems in elder people are considered as a public health concern and
can affect their overall health and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the sexual quality of
life and its relationship with general health in older men in the west of Iran.
METHODS: This was a cross‑sectional study among 362 older men aged 60 years or older attending
Comprehensive Health Care Centers in Ilam, Iran. Samples selected through Quota sampling method
and simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire‑Male
and General Health Questionnaire‑28.
RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age was 69.9 ± 8.1 years. The mean ± SD
score of sexual quality of life and general health of older men was 46.6 ± 14.6 and 19.2 ± 9.7,
respectively. A positive and significant association was found between sexual quality of life and
general health (P < 0.001, r = −0.41). Moreover, general health, age, sleep problems, and the level
of education were the important predictors for sexual quality of life in elder men (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: According to the results, the sexual quality of life of participants was at a moderate
level. Since only some factors influencing the sexual quality of life were ascertained, further studies
are required to investigate all factors influencing older men’s sexual quality of life.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Sexual health is one of the key factors to sustain marital life and having a good
sexual function. On the other hand, temperament affects sexual function. Training is also one of
the basic foundations for promoting sexual health. Therefore, the researcher has designed and
implemented a study (2017) aimed “determining the study of educational package on sexual function
in cold temperament women of reproductive age.”
METHODS: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 80 women in two groups (40 in
each group). This study was done, in available method, on no pregnant women aged 20–40 years old
that referred to health centers in Mashhad. DASS 21 sexual function and determining temperament
questionnaires were completed in two groups before intervention. At first, the sexual function
training package was held by the researcher at 6 sessions (twice a week for 3 weeks) that was
based on nutrition, sport, and lifestyle axes. The control group also received routine care. A week
after intervention finished, all the units completed a sexual function questionnaire. The results were
analyzed by these techniques as SPSS software (version 16) and statistical tests such as Independent
t‑test, T‑pair, Mann–Whitney, Chi‑square, and Fisher’s exact test.
RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between
the personal characteristics and the mean score of sexual function and all its dimensions in the two
groups. The mean sexual performance score and all its dimensions after intervention were significantly
different in intervention and control groups P < 0.001. Sexual function and all its dimensions were
improved after intervention in the intervention group.
CONCLUSION: Giving sexual function package has improved the sexual function of cold temperament
women. So, for routine caring of cold temperament women, it is better that health center employees
consider this training package as an effective, easy, available, nonpharmacological, and economic
intervention.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The concept of sexual dysfunction is dysfunction in desire and emotional – social
that it is Impact on the sexual response cycle and can cause stress and interpersonal difficulties.
Quality of marital relationship is one of the important factors predicting sexual function disorders,
which varies among different cancers. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship
between sexual dysfunction and quality of marital relationship in genital and breast cancers in women.
METHODS: This correlational study was conducted on 150 breast and genital cancers in women
referred to Sayedoshohada and Milad hospitals in Isfahan city through a two‑stage sampling
method. Participants completed questionnaires about demographic/disease and sexual function
questionnaire (44 questions) and quality of marital relationship (11 questions). Collected data were
analyzed using SPSS version 14 software, statistical test such as, Pearson correlation coefficient
tests independent t‑ student, one way ANOVA.
RESULTS: The results showed that 70.7% of women had breast cancer and 29.3% had gynaecological
cancer. 60% of patient had good quality of marital relationship and 19.3% sexual dysfunction. There
was a significant correlation between sexual function and quality of marital relationship (P = <0.001).
CONCLUSION: There was a significant correlation between sexual function disorder and quality of
marital relationship. The inclusion of patients educational programs and couple therapy in cancer
disease rehabilitation program is important in order to improve the quality of marital relationship and
subsequent sexual dysfunction in cancer patients.

Abstract CONTEXT: Quality of life (QOL) is one of the important indexes of health and well‑being promotion
in the diabetic patients. Based on numerous studies, these patients have a lower QOL, compared
to nondiabetic individuals. In addition, a higher prevalence of sexual function disorder has been
reported in their population that can have a negative effect on their QOL.
AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association between sexual function and QOL in diabetic
women referring to health care centers in Mashhad during 2013–2014.
SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: In this correlational study, the association between sexual function and
QOL in 90 diabetic women with type two diabetes referring to health care centers in Mashhad during
2013–2014 was investigated.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were collected by Rosen female sexual function index and short
form‑36 questionnaires.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed by mean comparison and Spearman
correlation coefficient statistical test through SPSS 16.
RESULTS: Subjects’ mean sexual function score was 21.7 ± 6.30. Based on the finding, 25.6% of the
subjects suffered from sexual function disorder. Subjects’ mean score of QOL was 58.75 ± 1616.24.
There was a significant association between an overall score of sexual function and its subscales,
with their QOL and two dimensions of overall physical and psychological and mental health scores
(P < 0.005).
CONCLUSIONS: Sexual function is one of the important and associated aspects of QOL in diabetic
patients. Designing and evaluation of the interventions with the goal of an improvement in this variable
plays a notable role in the promotion of these patients’ QOL. However, with regard to limited research
in this field, further studies on this association are suggested.