Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Investigating the relationship between religious orientation and spiritual intelligence with general health dimensions in women with breast cancer

. Mahnaz Noroozi; . Zahra Mohebbi‑Dehnavi

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2023, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading causeof death among women. Religion and spiritual behaviors are effective strategies for maintaininghuman ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading causeof death among women. Religion and spiritual behaviors are effective strategies for maintaininghuman health. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between religious orientationand spiritual intelligence with general health dimensions in women with breast cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a correlational study that was performed on50 women with breast cancer referred to medical centers affiliated to Isfahan University of MedicalSciences in 2020. Data were collected through questionnaires of religious orientation, spiritualintelligence, and general health. Data were analyzed by Spearman and regression tests.RESULTS: The results showed that religious orientation had a significant positive relationship withthe overall score of general health, but the components of religious orientation had a significantnegative relationship with the number of components of public health (p < 0.05). Spiritual intelligencealso had a significant positive relationship with general health. However, the number of componentsof spiritual intelligence has a significant negative relationship with the number of components ofgeneral health (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Considering the relationship between religious orientation and spiritual intelligencewith public health and considering educational programs based on spiritual intelligence and religiousorientation in this group of people can be an important step in promoting their general health.

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Effect of a community‑based multicomponent intervention on cervical cancer behavior among women – A randomized controlled trial

. Jisa George T; . Kiran Batra

Volume 12, Issue 9 , October 2022, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, especially in developingcountries. More than one‑fifth of newly diagnosed cervical cancer cases are occurring ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, especially in developingcountries. More than one‑fifth of newly diagnosed cervical cancer cases are occurring in India. Cervicalcancer is a highly preventable and curable cancer compared with other types of cancer, if detectedat an early stage. The present study has been carried out to assess whether a community‑based,multicomponent, nurse‑led intervention program improves cervical cancer screening behavior ofwomen.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental randomized controlled trial was carried out byrecruiting 419 women in the age group of 30–60 years (246 in the experimental group and 173 in thecontrol group) residing in a selected rural community (selected tribal settlements) of Idukki district ofKerala, India, using multistage cluster sampling. The intervention comprising small group educationfollowed by reinforcement session, telephonic reminders, navigation and guidance for Pap smear,and follow‑up visit by the investigator was administered to the experimental group, and the controlgroup did not receive any intervention. Knowledge, attitude, and screening behavior of women relatedto prevention of cervical cancer were assessed before and twice after the intervention.RESULTS: The experimental and control groups were homogenous in all baseline sociodemographicvariables. The community‑based intervention program was effective in improving knowledge(P< 0.001),attitude (P < 0.001), and screening behavior (P < 0.001) of women regarding the prevention of cervicalcancer. A significant moderate positive correlation was found between knowledge and screeningbehavior (r = 0.408). Significant association was found between knowledge, attitude, and practiceregarding prevention of cervical cancer with education, age at the time of marriage, and number ofpregnancies.CONCLUSION: The community‑based, multicomponent, nurse‑led intervention program waseffective in improving cervical cancer screening behavior among women. Repeated motivation andreinforcement are needed to bring behavioral change and to increase uptake of screening servicesamong rural women.

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Comparison of associated factors of domestic violence against women by their husbands based on demographic characteristics and life skills in Iran

. Azimeh Karimyan; . Abolghasem Pourreza; . Roya Sadeghi; . Shirin Shahbazi Sighaldeh; . Mehdi Yaseri

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the prevention of domestic violence against women (DVAW)has been considered a priority for women’s health in many countries. Identifying factors ...  Read More BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the prevention of domestic violence against women (DVAW)has been considered a priority for women’s health in many countries. Identifying factors related toDVAW by their husbands or intimate partner can promise prevention and decrease in prevalence.The objective of this study was to examine and compare associated factors of domestic violencebased on demographic characteristics and some life skills.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in Abadan, Iran. 640couples completed questionnaires including demographic characteristics, communication skills,anger management, and problem‑solving skill. In addition, women completed the questionnaire ondomestic violence. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (t‑test and one‑way analysis ofvariance) and multiple linear regression.RESULTS: Approximately 57% of the women in this study have been subjected to psychologicalviolence in their lifetime by their husbands. The result of multiple regression indicated that demographiccharacteristics had a very small contribution to explaining domestic violence (R2 = 0.03) and onlythe education level of women was identified as a key predictor of domestic violence. The result ofmultiple regression based on life skills among couples demonstrated that communication skills andanger management of couples were inversely and significantly associated with domestic violenceand these variables explained 51% of the variance in domestic violence.CONCLUSIONS: Empowering couples with anger management and communication skills can playan important role in decreasing domestic violence. Therefore, developing and planning educationalinterventions by policymakers and health care providers seems necessary for couples.

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Design, development, and evaluation of a self‑care program for women with osteoporosis: The protocol of a mixed‑method study

. Sima Babaei; . Maryam Kianpour; . Sharifeh Monemian; . Mansour Siavash; . Maryam Sadat Hashemi

Volume 12, Issue 8 , September 2022, , Pages 1-4

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, the fourth most common disease in the world, affects the elderlyand postmenopausal women and imposes a great financial and social burden on individuals andsociety. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, the fourth most common disease in the world, affects the elderlyand postmenopausal women and imposes a great financial and social burden on individuals andsociety. Furthermore, it has a significant impact on the quality of patients’ life. This study tries totake an effective step toward improving the quality of patients’ life by developing and evaluating theself‑care program of women with osteoporosis.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this research, a hybrid sequential design of quantitative andqualitative type consisting of three phases is used. This mixed‑method study aimed to develop andevaluate a self‑care program for women with osteoporosis.CONCLUSION: Familiarity with the needs of these patients and the use of self‑care programs andconsidering social, cultural, and psychological factors could be effective steps to improve the healthof women with osteoporosis. These steps can improve the quality of life and reduce the costs oftreatment for this group of women.

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Online versus face‑to‑face metacognitive educational counseling program on anxiety and meta‑worry in women with a history of miscarriage: A randomized clinical trial

. Mina Ghiasi Shahamabadi; . Tahmineh Farajkhoda; . Hassan Zareei Mahmoodabadi

Volume 12, Issue 7 , August 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: In the COVID‑19 outbreak, women with a history of miscarriage need more mentalhealth. Anxiety and meta‑worry as consequences of miscarriage, besides concerns due to ...  Read More BACKGROUND: In the COVID‑19 outbreak, women with a history of miscarriage need more mentalhealth. Anxiety and meta‑worry as consequences of miscarriage, besides concerns due to pregnancyduring coronavirus, show the necessity of appropriate online and face‑to‑face educational counseling.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of online metacognitive educational counseling versusface‑to‑face method on anxiety and meta‑worry in these women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 80 women with a history ofmiscarriage, anxiety, and meta‑worry referred to Imam Jafar Sadegh hospital (labor, women wardand women clinic), Meybod, Iran, were selected conveniently and randomly assigned into twogroups (n = 20/each). The participants received 8‑session metacognitive educational counselingpackage online or face‑to‑face. Data were collected by Beck Anxiety Inventory, Wellz meta‑worryquestionnaire at baseline, week eight, and follow up as primary outcomes and analyzed via SPSSsoftware (Anova and Repeated measure statistic tests).RESULTS: Anxiety in the 12th week (online group 13.75 ± 3.59 vs. face to face 18.25 ± 5.91,P = 0.04) was statistical significantly less than baseline (respectively 22.15 ± 5.67 vs. 22.35 ± 4.93,P =  0.56); with fewer anxiety scores in the online group. Meta‑worry in the 12th week (onlinegroup 11.90 ± 2.59 vs. face to face 15.70 ± 4.06, P = 0.03) was statistically significant compared tobaseline (respectively 17.15 ± 2.70 vs. 18.50 ± 3.47, P = 0.36); with fewer meta‑worry scores in theonline group. Belief about worry in 12th week (online group 66.50 ± 14.60 vs. face to face 78.45 ± 9.27,P = 0.01) was statistical significantly less than baseline (respectively 85.50 ± 8.87 vs. 86.05 ± 8.85,P = 0.96); with less score of belief about worry in the online group.CONCLUSION: Online and face‑to‑face metacognitive educational counseling methods decreasedanxiety, meta‑worry, and belief about worry in women with miscarriage. But online educationalcounseling was more effective. Distance online counseling in COVID‑19 can help the mental healthof women with miscarriage.

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Complementary and alternative medicine use in infertility: A review of infertile women’s needs

. Farangis Sharifi; . Robab Latifnejad Roudsari

Volume 12, Issue 5 , June 2022, , Pages 1-11

Abstract

  The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common in infertile women in differentcountries. The purpose of the current study was to review the infertile women’s ...  Read More The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common in infertile women in differentcountries. The purpose of the current study was to review the infertile women’s needs in relationto CAM use. This narrative review was conducted through searching English databases includingScopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library as well as Persian databases consistedof SID, and Magiran. The used keywords included “CAM/therapy, needs, and Infertility.” All studiespublished in English peer‑reviewed journals from conception to October 2020, which examined theinfertile women’s needs in the field of CAM use were included in the review. In the process of dataextraction, two researchers screened the title, abstract, and full text of the articles. Out of the 2166articles reviewed, 29 articles including six qualitative and mixed methods studies, four review, and 19quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that infertile women have differentneeds in six domains consisted of educational and informational needs, the need for psychologicalcounseling, supportive needs, the need for CAM use counseling, the need to treatment consistent withwomen’s culture and demands, and the need to the integration of CAM with conventional medicine.Awareness of infertile women’s needs toward CAM use can help health policymakers and plannersin designing and implementing counseling services in accordance with the demands and cultureof infertile couples. It also helps to develop a coherent program to integrate the use of CAM in theclassical infertility treatment.

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Quality of life and empowerment among women

. Purnima Kundu; . Linu Sara George; . Renjulal Yesodharan

Volume 12, Issue 5 , June 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Few women in history were respected by society because of their contributionsto the field of science, arts, politics, and so on, but in general, women are deprived of their ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Few women in history were respected by society because of their contributionsto the field of science, arts, politics, and so on, but in general, women are deprived of their rightsand being refrained from decision‑making in major areas of individual and family life. This researchtried to investigate the degree of empowerment and quality of life (QOL) of the women to find outthe relationship between empowerment and QOL of women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory survey was carried out among 210 purposively selectedmarried women aged between 20 and 49 years in a selected municipality area of West Bengal.Data were obtained by one‑to‑one interviews using Women Empowerment Interview Schedule andWHOQOL Scale BREF.RESULTS: The mean total QOL score of the women was found as 98.59 ± 13.61. The transformedscores in the physical, psychological, social relation, and environmental domains were 74.92 ± 14.97,66.58 ± 15.78, 81.00 ± 18.07, and 65.28 ± 17.99, respectively. The degree of empowerment wascalculated as 64.71 ± 6.79. Among the women, 5% had poor, 62% had medium, and 33% had ahigh degree of empowerment. A weak positive correlation (r = 0.325, P = 0.001) was found betweenQOL and empowerment. Significant associations were established between empowerment andeducation (Fisher’s exact = 13.975 [0.007]) and education gap with husband (Fisher’s Exact = 8.68,P 0.069). Multiple regression analysis between empowerment dimensions and QOL shows thatpersonal or family dimensions, including health, are a significant predictor for the QOL (P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Most of the women had medium degree of empowerment. Increased degree ofempowerment improves their QOL of women. Women should be aware of their rights that canenhance the empowerment in different dimensions of life.

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A cross‑sectional study on assessment of perceived threat to cervical cancer using health belief model among women in a slum area of Kolkata

. Akanksha Yadav; . Madhumita Dobe; . Bobby Paul; . Chandrashekhar Taklikar

Volume 12, Issue 4 , April 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of various cervical cancer preventive strategies by the Government of India, there is a scarcity of knowledge and consequent low utilization ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of various cervical cancer preventive strategies by the Government of India, there is a scarcity of knowledge and consequent low utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women in India. This contributes to the burden of cervical cancer among Indian women. This study was conducted to assess perceived threat‑regarding cervical cancer among women and to identify its explanatory factors in a slum area of Kolkata.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 192 adult women from May to September 2019 in Kolkata. The multistage sampling technique was used using a structured schedule. Perceived threat to cervical cancer was measured using a composite score including perceived susceptibility and perceived severity constructs of the health belief model. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression model using SPSS software version 16.RESULTS: Overall, 22.9% of the participants had satisfactory levels of perceived threat to cervical cancer. Statistically significant association was found between unsatisfactory levels of perceived threat with reproductive age group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.01; P = 0.036), education level up to primary (AOR = 2.89; P = 0.026), and unsatisfactory knowledge (AOR = 2.94; P < 0.001) among respondents. The multivariable regression model was of good fit.CONCLUSION: The study population had very unsatisfactory levels of perceived threat to cervical cancer. Thus, to increase cervical cancer screening uptake among women, it is necessary to tailor robust behavior change communication campaigns to increase the perception of susceptibility and severity, thereby increasing the perception of threat of cervical cancer among women.

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The relationship between sexual function and emotional intelligence and its components based on fertility status in women referring to health centers in Yazd

. Mahshid Bokaie; . Zohre Ahmadi; . Marzie Reisi; . Leila Asadi

Volume 12, Issue 1 , January 2022, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sexual function is affected by many psychological factors and emotions. Theimpact of emotion management varies in different fertility situationsThis can affect women’s ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Sexual function is affected by many psychological factors and emotions. Theimpact of emotion management varies in different fertility situationsThis can affect women’s sexualfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual functionand emotional intelligence and its components based on fertility status in women referring to healthcenters in Yazd.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a correlational study that was performed on165 women with inclusion criteria and referred to 4 selected health centers in Yazd in 2017. Thestudy tools include demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index sexual function, andBar‑On emotional intelligence. The fertility status of women in the present study included a history ofinfertility, number of children, and history of abortion. The analysis was performed using descriptivestatistical methods and analytical tests with SPSS software version 18.RESULTS: The mean score of all components of emotional intelligence except the components ofself‑expression, independence, and emotional self‑awareness and also the total score of emotionalintelligence infertile people was significantly higher than infertile people (P < 0.05). Regardingthe 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 emotionalintelligence except interpersonal relationships, flexibility, responsibility, empathy, and self‑expressionwith 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 toincrease emotional intelligence and improve women’s sexual function by holding workshops andclasses for women, especially in women with infertility, childlessness, and history of abortion.

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Investigating the causes and type of violence against spouses in married men in Kerman

. Ali Mehri; . Maryam Saber; . Mehran Nakhaeizade; . Hadise Safinejad

Volume 11, Issue 11 , December 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Domestic violence against women is a global problem that can lead to manynegative consequences on physical, mental, and social health that various sociocultural causes playa ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Domestic violence against women is a global problem that can lead to manynegative consequences on physical, mental, and social health that various sociocultural causes playa role in its occurrence in different societies. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine thecauses and type of violence against spouses in married men in Kerman.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was performed in 2018. The study wasconducted on 400 married men who experienced violence against their wives. Sampling was amultistage cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire on violence againstwomen. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one‑way analysis of variance (ANOVA),and two‑variate analysis.RESULTS: The results of the data showed that the highest rate of violence in the group of housewiveswas related to physical violence and in the group of women living in dormitories and pregnant womenwas related to verbal violence. The results of data analysis with a one‑way ANOVA test showedthat between the three groups, all dimensions of violence and the overall score of violence hadsignificant changes (P < 0.05). The results of the two‑variate analysis test showed that there was asignificant relationship between the variables of age, duration of marriage, male education, spouseeducation, type of marriage, male job, and spouse job with the overall score of violence in all threegroups (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, it seems that the empowerment ofwomen in all dimensions to improve and promote health to deal with domestic violence is essential.As a result, the relevant measures should be taken by the support systems taking into account thecircumstances of the individuals.

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Determining the frequency of Candida species in women with candidal vaginal infection frequency of Candida species in women with candida vaginal infection

. Mahin Tafazoli; . Mahboobe Gholami; . Zahra Mohebbi-Dehnavi; . Fatemeh Shaghaghi; . Zahra Kamali

Volume 11, Issue 11 , December 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Candidiasis vaginitis is an opportunistic and common mucosal infection. AlthoughCandida albicans is the most common isolated species, other species of Candida such as Candidaglabrata, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Candidiasis vaginitis is an opportunistic and common mucosal infection. AlthoughCandida albicans is the most common isolated species, other species of Candida such as Candidaglabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis have also increasedsignificantly in recent years. The aim of this study was to identify Candida species in women withcandidal vaginal infection in order to promote health in women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional descriptive study was performed on nonpregnantwomen of childbearing age who referred to health centers in Neyshabur in 2018. At the beginning ofthe study, 163 people entered the study and the culture results were positive in 68 of them. In vitro,culture was performed in subduxtrose agar medium containing chloramphenicol and gentamicin.Species identification was performed using Candida specific culture medium (Saburo dextrose agarand chloramphenicol). After culture, 15% of the residual wet slide with potash (KOH) was preparedand observed with a lens. Finally, the data were analyzed with SPSS software version 24.RESULTS: The participants in the study were women with a mean age of 35.55 ± 5.47 and theaverage number of deliveries was 1.38 ± 1.15. In this study, the prevalence of C. albicans was59.7%, C. tropicalis was 14.8%, C. krusei was 15%, and C. glabrata was 7.61% and also krusei andtropicalis were 3% simultaneously. Therefore, C. albicans was the most common species isolatedfrom clinical specimens.CONCLUSION: In this study, the most common species after albicans were C. tropicalis andcruciferous. Considering the role of C. glabrata in the development of resistance to antifungal drugs,the lower prevalence of this species in the present study can be associated with improved treatmentoutcomes in patients.

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The social‑cognitive determinants of calcium intake for preventing osteoporosis in women in Isfahan: A cross‑sectional study using path analysis

. Mahin Nematollahi; . Ahmad Ali Eslami

Volume 11, Issue 11 , December 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a common disease in women over age 45 years.Calcium intake is among the factors that help prevent osteoporosis. Identifying the social‑cognitivedeterminants ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a common disease in women over age 45 years.Calcium intake is among the factors that help prevent osteoporosis. Identifying the social‑cognitivedeterminants of calcium intake can have a major role in the development of osteoporosis preventionprograms.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted on 400 womenaged <50 years from 10 health centers by cluster sampling in Isfahan in 2016. A hypotheticalsocial‑cognitive model was assessed using path analysis, and the fit indices and explanatory powerof the model were assessed. The constructs, including self‑efficacy, outcome expectations, socialsupport, and self‑regulation, were taken as the explanatory variables and calcium intake as thecriterion variable.RESULTS: The mean age of the participating women was 34.07 years (standard deviation = 7.99)(range = 19–50), and their mean calcium intake was reported as 909.94 (12. 6) mg/day. Theconceptual model was able to explain 73% of the variance in calcium intake and had good fit indices.Self‑regulation was identified as the strongest predictor of calcium intake, and outcome expectationwas eliminated from the model since it was the weakest explanatory factor of calcium intake.CONCLUSIONS: The theoretical model of this study is recommended as a suitable framework forthe development of targeted osteoporosis prevention interventions.

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The relationship between lifestyle and metabolic evaluation in women with a history of gestational diabetes

. Esmat Bahador; . Maryam Saber; . Mohammad Mehdi FadakarDavarani1; . Narges Khanjani; . Batol Hosseini Gohari; . Hadise Safinejad

Volume 11, Issue 9 , October 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases duringpregnancy. The risk of a lifestyle role in the prevention of metabolic syndrome in women with a historyof ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases duringpregnancy. The risk of a lifestyle role in the prevention of metabolic syndrome in women with a historyof gestational diabetes has now been identified. The present study was performed to investigate therelationship between lifestyle and metabolic syndrome in women with a history of gestational diabetes.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a retrospective case–control study that wasperformed on 90 women (45 women with a history of gestational diabetes and 45 women without ahistory of gestational diabetes) in Kerman health centers 5 years after delivery in 2020. Data werecollected using a demographic questionnaire and a standardized Walker lifestyle Health promotingLifestyle profile II questionnaire. The reference laboratory was also used to perform the experiments.SPSS21 software and Spearman’s and Chi‑square tests were used to analyze the data.RESULTS: The mean age was 35.67 in the case group and 34.27 in the control group (P = 0.230).Lifestyle did not show any difference between the two groups (P = 0.058). However, metabolicevaluation was different in the two groups (P = 0.030). Furthermore, the results of Spearman’s testto examine the relationship between lifestyle and other variables studied showed that in the casegroup (P = 0.075) and in the control group (P = 0.819) there was no relationship between lifestyleand metabolic assessments 5 years after delivery.CONCLUSIONS: In case group women, it is possible to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetesand disturb the metabolic assessment by teaching a healthy lifestyle and timely follow‑up afterdelivery. A history of gestational diabetes can be one of the causes of type 2 diabetes and metabolicsyndrome. Getting training to change your lifestyle during pregnancy and postpartum can reduce theincidence of gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Screening pregnant women during childbirthis a good opportunity to diagnose diabetes early and predict it in the coming years.

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The effect of sexual health literacy on the sexual life quality of women referring to healthcare centers in Qazvin, Iran

. Rahman Panahi; . Mansoure Kheiri; . Zeynab Abolhasani Daronkolaei; . Zahra Arjeini; . Maryam Taherpour; . Leila Dehghankar; . Saman Valinezhad

Volume 11, Issue 9 , October 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Considering the role of sexual quality of life in public satisfaction, improvinginterpersonal relationships, promoting the general quality of life, especially in women, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Considering the role of sexual quality of life in public satisfaction, improvinginterpersonal relationships, promoting the general quality of life, especially in women, and ultimatelymaintaining, consolidating, and promoting family and community health, the need to explain the factorsaffecting it, such as sexual health literacy, is felt from the perspective of women. This study aimedto determine the relationship of sexual health literacy on the sexual life quality of women referringto health‑care centers in Qazvin.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was a descriptive cross‑sectional study. The populationof this study was 420 women of Qazvin in 2020 who were selected by multistage sampling. Thedata collection tool was a demographic questionnaire and the standard questionnaire sexual healthliteracy for adults and Sexual Quality of Life‑Female questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSSsoftware version 22 and descriptive statistics and logistic regression.RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) of the sexual health literacy score was 78.47 (17.85) andsexual quality of life was 59.71 (19.21). The results of logistic regression test showed that the variablesof sexual health literacy, education level, age of marriage, and number of sexual intercourses perweek were effective factors on the sexual quality of life (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Women with lower sexual health literacy, lower education level, higher marriage age,and women who had sex less per week had a lower sexual quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to paymore attention to these women in designing educational programs to improve the quality of sexual life.

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward COVID‑19 among Persian Birth Cohort Participants

. Majid Mirmohammadkhani; . Maryam Bemanalizadeh; . Maryam Yazdi; . Parvin Goli; . Fatemeh Mohebpour; . Elham Saffarieh; . Navid Danaei; . Fatemeh Paknazar; . Seyede Shahrbanoo Daniali; . Roya Kelishadi

Volume 11, Issue 8 , September 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID‑19 play an importantrole in controlling the outbreak. The present study aimed to investigate the KAP of a group ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID‑19 play an importantrole in controlling the outbreak. The present study aimed to investigate the KAP of a group of womentoward COVID‑19 during the second wave of the outbreak in Iran.METHOD AND MATERIAL: A cross‑sectional survey of 2862 women was conducted in May and June2020 in two centers of Persian birth cohort . The survey instrument was a self‑reported questionnaireMultivariable linear regression analysis to identify factors associated with knowledge and practice.toward COVID‑19 and multinomial logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated withattitudes. Unstandardized regression coefficients (β) and odds ratios and their 95% confidenceintervals were used to quantify the associations between variables and KAP.RESULT: Good knowledge and optimistic attitudes toward the successful control of COVID‑19 wasseen among participants. Overall, about 57.3% (1640), 41.1% (1176), and 1.6% (46) of respondentswere categorized as low (score <50%), moderate (score: 50%–80%), and high (score > 80%) properpractice, respectively. Eighty‑five individuals with COVID‑19 experience (3.0%) had lower knowledgescore (79.91 ± 17.93 vs. 83.81 ± 13.88, P < 0.001) and lower proper practice score (40.22 ± 16.57 vs.47.96 ± 16.15, respectively, P < 0.001) compared to those who were not infected. A higher level ofknowledge was associated with appropriate practice in both groups of positive attitudes (χ2 = 32.23,P < 0.001) and negative attitudes (χ2 = 31.49, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: This survey recorded good knowledge and relatively good attitudes among women.Special health policies plan should be taken for target populations among women during the COVID‑19pandemic.

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A reproductive and sexual health promotion program for women with heart diseases: A protocol for mixed methods study

. Shahnaz Kohan; . Nafisehsadat Nekuei; . Masoumeh Sadeghi; . Minoo Movahedi

Volume 11, Issue 8 , September 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Nowadays, for various reasons, the prevalence of heart diseases has increased inwomen during reproductive age. These diseases can lead to serious reproductive and sexual‑relatedcomplications ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Nowadays, for various reasons, the prevalence of heart diseases has increased inwomen during reproductive age. These diseases can lead to serious reproductive and sexual‑relatedcomplications in the affected women. This study will conduct to develop a reproductive healthpromotion program for women with heart diseases.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an exploratory sequential mixed methods study that willbe conducted in four phases. The first phase is a qualitative research that is done using contentanalysis method and semi‑structured individual interviews. The experiences of women with heartdisease and health providers’ team in educational hospitals, health centers, and private offices ofphysicians about reproductive health need will be explored. Purposive sampling will be continueduntil data saturation is reached and the conventional content analysis method will be used. In thesecond phase, the studies published from 2000 to 2020 will be reviewed by the matrix method andthen will be analyzed by using thematic analysis. Integrating the results of these two stages, the draftof the program will be designed. In the third phase, the validation of the program will be checked byusing the two‑round modified Delphi method. In the fourth phase, the program will be implementedby the health system and its process will be monitored.CONCLUSION: A life cycle reproductive health program for women with heart disease can helpimprove their preconception health, fertility planning, and sexual health and promote the well‑beingof these women in the long run.

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Breast cancer awareness’s and attitude among regular health‑care users versus irregular in a sample of Kurdish women in the West of Iran

. Zahra Rastad; . Marzieh Kaboudi; . Nematollah Shiri

Volume 11, Issue 7 , August 2021, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: It is universally acknowledged that strengthen the participation rate in breastcancer (BC) screening can find cancer in its earlier stages. The aim of this study was to ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: It is universally acknowledged that strengthen the participation rate in breastcancer (BC) screening can find cancer in its earlier stages. The aim of this study was to determine theeffect of regular visits to the health centers on women’s knowledge and attitude about BC screening.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross‑sectional study, data were collected from 380 womenidentified with Kurdish background, who were registered in health care centers of Islamabad‑e Gharbduring January and February 2017. The subjects were divided into two regular and irregular groupsbased on the quantity of presence in health centers. Data on women’s awareness and attitude aboutBC screening were collected by a trained interviewer using a structured questionnaire. Bivariateanalysis, analysis of variance, and independent sample t‑test were used to see the mean differenceswithin the groups. The level of confidence was set at 0.05 significant.RESULTS: Women were representative of four health‑care centers of the city, mainly ≤39 yearsold  (73.9%), married  (96.3%), with high school education  (44.2%) characteristics. The totalmean  ±  standard deviation of awareness score about BC was 6.03  ±  3.90. In total, 19.2% ofparticipants had poor  (<2.13), 64.2% had an average  (2.13–9.93), and 16.6% had good  (˃9.93)awareness about BC. The results showed that the level of knowledge and attitude about BC screeningwas significantly different between regular and irregular groups (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: An important message from this study is the need for improved and coordinatedBC education for all social classes of women. It is necessary to discover ways to encourage womenwith academic education to visit health centers regularly during interventional studies.

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The relationship between sexual health and personality type in women with epilepsy

. Alieh Sheikhalishahi; . Fereshteh Jahdi; . Hamid Haghani

Volume 11, Issue 6 , July 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sexual health in the development of the human personality, personal, and socialhealth and in achieving to comfort plays an important role. Women with epilepsy are at high ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Sexual health in the development of the human personality, personal, and socialhealth and in achieving to comfort plays an important role. Women with epilepsy are at high risk ofsexual dysfunction, which has a multifactorial etiology. This study is aimed to investigate the correlationbetween the sexual function of women with epilepsy and personality factors.MATERIALS AND METHODS: this cross‑sectional study was conducted on 100 women with epilepsyreferred to selected centers in Tehran university of medical sciences by using continuous andavailability sampling method between January and March 2014 (Iran) and evaluated with women’ssexual function index questionnaire female sexual function index and NEO‑five‑factor of personalityinventory. 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 asignificant negative correlation between neuroticism and sexual function (P = 0.00, r = −0.03) andwas 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 tonew 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 sexualfunction of women with epilepsy. Therefore, it is recommended that health‑care providers withassess personality factors in women with epilepsy as a prognostic factor, take steps to preventsexual dysfunction.

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Investigating the interaction between fertility, pregnancy, and multiple sclerosis

. Freshteh Ashtari; . Fatemeh Mokhtari; . Mahboubeh Valiani; . Mohammad Soudavi; . Homa Saadat; . Hamidreza Tolouei; . Marjan Mansourian

Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Mostwomen with MS are diagnosed during their reproductive ages. The aim of this study was to ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Mostwomen with MS are diagnosed during their reproductive ages. The aim of this study was to evaluatethe interaction between fertility, pregnancy, and MS.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive–analytic study was conducted on 110women suffering from MS with a history of pregnancy (between 2007 and 2017 years) in Isfahan,Iran. Samples were selected in a census model. Women completed a researcher-constructedquestionnaire by telephone. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: demographic information, MSand its symptoms and treatment, and reproductive system and the history of pregnancy associatedwith MS. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using Chi-square, ANOVA, and t-test.RESULTS: The mean age of women was 32.4 years. In this population, the average number ofpregnancies was 1.61, the number of deliveries was 1.35, the number of abortions was 0.24, thehistory of ectopic pregnancy was 0.01, the number of alive children was 1.36, and the number of deadchildren was 0.01. The average time of the last MS attack before the pregnancy was 21.36 months.Fatigue (24.5%) was the most common symptom exacerbated during pregnancy. MS symptomsimproved in 55.0% of women in the second trimester.CONCLUSIONS: MS had no effect on the pregnancy status, such as the number of abortions,ectopic pregnancy, alive and dead children, and the duration of pregnancy. Symptoms of the diseaseimproved during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnancy has a protective role against MS.

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The effect of sexual health education program on sexual function and attitude in women at reproductive age in Iran

. Nazanin Rezaei; . Safoura Taheri; . Zahra Tavalaee; . Sedighe Rezaie; . Arman Azadi

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-8

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 ...  Read More 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 andattitude in reproductive age in the west of Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a field trial study. A total of 103 women attending healthcenters were assigned into two groups; an experiment and a control group. Data collection tool involvedsociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, sexual female attitude questionnaire, and the FemaleSexual Function Index (FSFI), which was completed by participants before and after the implementationof 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 experimentgroup 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 wasno significant difference between posttest mean score of sexual attitude in the experiment group andcontrol group (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found in the mean score of sexualattitudes 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’ssexual function and attitude in the experiment group. It is recommended that the effect of other trainingmethods remain to be addressed on women’s sexual function and attitude.

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Determinants of mammography screening in Tehranian women in 2018 based on the health belief model: A cross‑sectional study

. Masoumeh Rezaeimanesh; . Mahnaz Solhi; . Farbod Ebadi Fard Azar; . Homeira Sajjadi; . Hassan Rafiey; . Farhad Nosrati Nejad; . Mohammad Ali Mohammadi Gharehghani3; . Marzieh Najafi; . Sayedeh Mahboobeh Hosseini; . Salah Eddin Karimi

Volume 11, Issue 3 , March 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Mammographyis the most sensitive and important method for screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer.Considering ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Mammographyis the most sensitive and important method for screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer.Considering the importance of using mammography in breast cancer screening, this study wasperformed to evaluate mammographic determinants.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the cross‑sectional study, we surveyed 985 women over 40 years inTehran concerning demographic characteristics: age, socioeconomic status, a problem in the breast,alcohol use, drug use, and health belief model. Logistic regression was used to identify determinantfactors associated with mammography performance.RESULTS: The results of this study showed that 42.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38, 45)participant performed mammography at least once during their lifetime. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 4.252;95% CI = 2.041–8.857); housing situation (OR = 1.706; 95% CI = 1.178–2.469); having breastproblems (OR = 5.224; 95% CI = 3.501–7.795); socioeconomic status (OR = 1.855; 95%CI = 1.035–3.325); family income level (OR = 1.998; 95% CI = 1.028–3.884); alcoholconsumption (OR = 2.676; 95% CI = 1.344–5.328); smoking (OR = 2.824; 95% CI = 1.418–5.623);self‑efficacy (OR = 1.935; 95% CI = 1.242–3.015); perceived barriers (OR = 2.017; 95%CI = 1.348–3.019); self‑care (OR = 4.901; 95% CI = 3.152–7.620); perceived susceptibility (OR = 1.971;95% CI = 1.271–3.057) and perceived severity (OR = 1.830; 95% CI = 1.170–2.860) weremammography behaviors determinants.CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that the rate of mammography screening among Tehranianwomen is low and highlights the need for developing a comprehensive national breast cancer controlprogram, which should be considered as the priority for health‑care providers. Furthermore, theidentification of these factors can help to design an appropriate educational intervention that focuseson the benefits of mammography screening.

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Improving menopausal symptoms and reducing depression in postmenopausal women: Effectiveness of transferring experiences in group education

. Shervin‑Sadat Hashemian; . Soghra Masom‑Alipour; . Arash Najimi

Volume 10, Issue 11 , November 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: One of the most critical stages of women’s lives is menopause. Meanwhile,group training can have a significant effect on reducing menopausal symptoms. The aim of ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: One of the most critical stages of women’s lives is menopause. Meanwhile,group training can have a significant effect on reducing menopausal symptoms. The aim of thisstudy was to investigate the effectiveness of group training on reducing menopausal symptoms inpostmenopausal women.METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial. The study population was 96 postmenopausalwomen visiting health centers in the city of Shazand (Markazi Province, Iran). Data collection toolsin this study were the Menopausal Rating Scale Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory.Group training intervention consisted of four training sessions. The duration of each session was2 h. The questionnaires were completed in two stages of pre‑ and post‑test (8 weeks later) for theintervention and control groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (absolute and relativefrequency, mean and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (independent t‑test, paired t‑test,and analysis of covariance).RESULTS: The mean age in the intervention group and the control group was 49.93 ± 3.44and 51.66 ± 2.93 years, respectively. In the intervention group, the mean menstrual time was2.37 ± 167 years and in the control group, the mean time elapsed from the last menstrualperiod was 3.91 ± 2.68 years. The mean scores of menopausal physical symptoms (F = 58.69),menopausal symptoms (F = 43.45), menopausal urinary and genital symptoms (F = 33.50), anddepression (F = 58.25) had a significant decrease in intervention group, while in the control group,these changes were not significant (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Regarding the findings of this study, which indicates the effect of group trainingprogram on the improvement of physical, psychological, urinary and genital symptoms, andmenopausal depression, it seems that group training in menopause can be an effective method.

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Investigating the effect of education on man immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome preventive behaviors in vulnerable women living in peripheral neighborhoods: Applications of the health belief model

. Somayyeh Khazaeian; . Ali Navidian; . Fariba Shahraki Sanavi; . Lila Hadipoor

Volume 10, Issue 11 , November 2020, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a pervasive disease, andits epidemic is spreading around the world. The only way to effectively fight against humanimmunodeficiency ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a pervasive disease, andits epidemic is spreading around the world. The only way to effectively fight against humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS is good‑quality health. The present study aimed to investigatethe effect of an educational intervention program on HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors based on theHealth Belief Model (HBM) in vulnerable women residing in peripheral neighborhoods.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a quasi‑experimental research conducted among 200vulnerable women, randomly selected from four community health centers in peripheral neighborhoodsin 2019 in Zahedan, Iran. The data were collected using a researcher‑made questionnaire, containingdemographic information, HIV knowledge, and the HBM constructs. Besides, the data were collectedbefore, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention in both groups. Data analysis wasperformed in SPSS (version 24) using descriptive statistics, Chi‑square test, independent t‑test,repeated‑measures analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression.RESULTS: The findings revealed no significant difference in the mean scores of knowledge andthe HBM constructs before the educational intervention (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention,this difference was significant in three time intervals (P < 0.05). Despite the effectiveness ofthe educational intervention in the mean scores of knowledge and the HBM constructs in theintervention group compared with the controls, the largest effect size was observed, respectively, inknowledge (d = 0.762) and perceived barriers (d = 0.612), and the smallest effect size was reportedin cues to action (d = 0.421). As well, the F‑statistic ratio (0.847) demonstrated that the selecteddemographic variables had failed to explain variations in knowledge mean scores (P = 0.497).CONCLUSION: HBM‑based training interventions were positive for HIV/AIDS prevention behaviors.However, training alone does not seem to have enough effect on behavior persistence. Therefore,further research is recommended to investigate the role of predictive factors, especially socialdeterminants of health and their relationship to different parts of the model, to take more effectivemeasures for behavioral stability at the same time as training.

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A questionnaire on factors affecting the precaution adoption process model for cervical cancer – Psychometric properties

. Seyed Saeed Mazloomy Mahmoodabad,; . Ali Asadian; . Hossein Fallahzadeh; . Minoo Rajaei

Volume 10, Issue 10 , October 2020, , Pages 1-10

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Implementing a cervical cancer prevention program requires an exploration ofcertain behaviors concerning this disease. This study is aimed to evaluate the psychometrics ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Implementing a cervical cancer prevention program requires an exploration ofcertain behaviors concerning this disease. This study is aimed to evaluate the psychometrics of aquestionnaire that enquired about the factors involved in Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM)for cervical cancer among suburban women in Bandar Abbas, south of Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary draft of the questionnaire was developed with a reviewof the related literature on cervical cancer and the constructs affecting PAPM, with 68 items. Theface validity, content validity ratio (CVR), and content validity index (CVI) of the questionnairewere approved by a panel of 10 experts. The internal consistency and test‑retest reliability of thequestionnaire were estimated too. Field testing sample included 300 women recruited from a women’shealthcare center in suburban areas of Bandar Abbas in the south of Iran. Exploratory factor analysiswas used to evaluate validity, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was estimated for reliability.RESULTS: After the face validation, 11 items were eliminated. Once CVR was estimated, two itemswere discarded. The remaining items had a CVR >0.79. All had a CVI >0.79. Six items were eliminatedin the factor analysis. The final questionnaire included 49 items organized in 8 factors includingawareness, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers,social norms, fear, and self‑efficacy. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation indicatedeight main components that explained 56.25% of the variance. Reliability assessment showed agood internal consistency for all subscales and the Cronbach’s alpha score ranged between 0.82and 0.90. The test‑retest reliability showed that the correlation coefficients (between 0.81 and 0.89)were significant at the 0.01 level for all sub‑scales.CONCLUSIONS: The final questionnaire was a new instrument comprised the effective constructsof PAPM and had a high reliability and validity. Thus, this questionnaire is recommended to be usedto explore and enhance preventive behaviors of cervical cancer.

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The effectiveness of metacognition therapy on the marital quality of the women

. Bahareh Aghabeygi; . Sahar Khanjani

Volume 10, Issue 4 , April 2020, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Marital quality is an important predictor of marital continuity, which can lead tomental health, well‑being, and happiness for couples, and marital quality is equivalent ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Marital quality is an important predictor of marital continuity, which can lead tomental health, well‑being, and happiness for couples, and marital quality is equivalent to maritalsatisfaction and adjustment. This study was carried out to purpose the effectiveness of metacognitiontherapy on marital quality of women in the city of Isfahan.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research method was quasi‑experimental with a pretest–posttestand control group design. The study population included all married women visiting consultationcenters in the city of Isfahan during March 2018–March 2019. The sampling method was nonrandomvoluntary sampling used to select 30 participants who were then randomly divided into experimentand control groups (15 individuals each). The research tool was the Revised Dyadic AdjustmentScale(RDAS). The experiment group participated in eight sessions of metacognition therapy, eachlasting 90 min. Covariance analysis method was used to analyze the data via SPSS21.RESULTS: The result of covariance analysis showed that metacognition therapy has been effectivein improving the marital quality of the women in the city of Isfahan (P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: The results of this study emphasize that metacognition therapy is effective on the maritalquality of the women in the city of Isfahan. Using this treatment plan can result in improved marital qualityand marital satisfaction and therefore improve the relationship of couples. Therefore, the results of thecurrent study can provide empirical support for the use of metacognition therapy to improve marital quality.

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