Journal of Education and Health Promotion

The effect of couple supportive counseling on self‑efficacy in women with insulin‑treated gestational diabetes: A randomized clinical trial

. Sahar Rostampour; . Fatemeh Erfanian Araghvanian; . Masoumeh Kordi; . Farideh Akhlaghi; . Seyyed Mohsen Asghari Nekah; . Mohammad Taghi Shakeri

Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2023, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes is the most common medical complication and a commonmetabolic disorder during pregnancy. Increasing people’s self‑efficacy is one of the best ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes is the most common medical complication and a commonmetabolic disorder during pregnancy. Increasing people’s self‑efficacy is one of the best ways tocontrol this disease. As there is a lag of intervention in this regard, the purpose of this study was todetermine the effect of couple supportive counseling on self‑efficacy in women with insulin‑treatedgestational diabetes.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 64 women with gestational diabeteswho referred to diabetes clinic of Mashhad Ommolbanin Hospital were divided into intervention andcontrol groups through block randomization during 2019. Their gestational age was in 26–30 weeks.For the couples in the intervention group, three couple supportive counseling session was held. Eachsession lasted 1 h and was held one time per week. The instruments were diabetes self‑efficacyquestionnaire, fasting and 2‑h postprandial checklist and Cassidy social support, which were assessedbefore and 4 weeks after intervention in both groups. Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 25through Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon test. P values of < 0.05 were reported to be significant.RESULTS: In the preintervention, the diabetes self‑efficacy score had no significant differencein the intervention (30/6 ± 38/50) and control groups (09/8 ± 56/51) (P = 515/0). However, inthe postintervention, the diabetes self‑efficacy score was significantly higher in the interventiongroup (58/6 ± 41/71) compared to the control group (15/7 ± 31/51) (P < 001/0). Also, before theintervention, there was no significant difference between the intervention (30/2 ± 72/10) and controlgroup (87/1 ± 63/11) (P = 137/0) regarding social support. However, after the intervention, there wasa significant difference between the intervention and control groups (879/0 ± 53/13, 03/2 ± 41/11,P < 0/001 respectively). Also, data analysis showed a significant correlation between self‑efficacyand social support (r = 0.451, P < 0.001), self‑efficacy and fasting blood sugar (P < 0.001, r = ‑0.577),and 2 h post prandial (r = ‑0.778, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Couple supportive counseling leads to increased self‑efficacy and social supportin pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended to use this counselingas an effective method in the management of diabetic pregnant women during their prenatal careto have a healthier pregnancy.

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A comparative study of the effect of face‑to‑face counseling and telephone counseling on attitudes toward infertility in infertile couples

. Fateme Ahmadi Rezamahaleh; . Talat Khadivzadeh

Volume 12, Issue 11 , December 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Couples’ attitudes toward infertility are related to different dimensions of infertility.Counseling can change attitudes toward infertility in infertile couples. Therefore, ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Couples’ attitudes toward infertility are related to different dimensions of infertility.Counseling can change attitudes toward infertility in infertile couples. Therefore, this study wasconducted to determine and compare the effect of face‑to‑face counseling and telephone counselingon infertility attitudes in infertile couples.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This two‑group intervention study was performed on 34 infertilecouples who were randomly assigned to face‑to‑face and telephone counseling groups. The coupleattended counseling sessions as scheduled by the researcher. An Infertility Attitude Questionnairewas completed by all participants at the beginning and end of the study. Data were analyzed usingSPSS software version 16.RESULTS: The results of independent t test showed that after the intervention, the mean scoreof attitude toward infertility in the face‑to‑face counseling group was significantly higher thanthe telephone counseling group. Based on paired t test, the mean score of infertility attitude inthe face‑to‑face counseling group was significantly increased two weeks after the interventioncompared to before. The mean score of infertility attitude in the telephone counseling group wassignificantly increased two weeks after the intervention compared to before. According to the resultsof independent t test, the attitude score toward infertility was not statistically significant betweenthe two groups.CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that with counseling, the mean score ofinfertility attitude in infertile couples in both groups had increased. In other words, counseling canchange attitudes toward infertility in infertile people.

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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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Individual counseling in mothers bereaved by pregnancy loss: A randomized clinical trial

. Mahmonir Haghighi; . Khatereh Oladbaniadam; . Hamideh Mohaddesi; . Javad Rasuli

Volume 12, Issue 5 , June 2022, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The loss of a pregnancy can result in grief, guilt, self‑doubt, anxiety, andpost‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Considering the side effects mentioned for mental ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The loss of a pregnancy can result in grief, guilt, self‑doubt, anxiety, andpost‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Considering the side effects mentioned for mental healthand the fact that the symptoms will linger if left untreated and even adversely affect the subsequentpregnancies. The current study was designed to assess the impact of individual counseling on stress,anxiety, and depression in mothers with pregnancy loss.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study commenced 100 women who experienced pregnancy loss(in Urmia/2018-2019); they were enrolled using convenience sampling and block randomization. Theintervention group received four individual counseling sessions (weekly sessions with a duration of1 h) based on Warden’s principles. The control group received routine care. The Depression AnxietyStress Scale (DASS‑42) was filled out at baseline, the pre‑ and post‑intervention. Analyses wereperformed using the Chi‑square, paired, or individual t‑tests, when necessary. P value < 0.05 wasconsidered significant.RESULTS: There were no significant differences regarding socio‑demographic characteristics andclinical features between groups at baseline. Intra‑group analysis showed that all outcome measuresin the intervention group were significantly improved. According to inter‑groups analysis, a significantassociation was found between pre‑test and post‑test in the intervention group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Results of this study can clarify the psychological effects of pregnancy loss in thesemothers and help the officials and responsible parties to plan the treatment and rehabilitation of thesewomen and include them in the healthcare system.

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The effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy on anxiety, depression, and quality of life among female adolescent students

. Sayeh Shiri; . Azizeh Farshbaf‑Khalili; . Khalil Esmaeilpour; . Niloofar Sattarzadeh

Volume 12, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 1-10

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a stressful time period. Adolescents experience new changes physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. The purpose of this study was to determine ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a stressful time period. Adolescents experience new changes physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on anxiety (primary outcome), depression, and quality of life (secondary outcomes) of adolescents.MATERIALS AND METHOD: This was a quasi‑experimental study with pre and postintervention design. One hundred female students aged 16–18 years with mild to moderate anxiety selected through multistage cluster sampling from five educational districts of Tabriz. During six group counseling sessions, students were consulted with the acceptance and commitment approach according to the protocol. Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory and the World Health Organization brief Quality of Life Questionnaire consultation were completed before, immediately after, and 8 weeks after the consultation. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANCOVA.RESULTS: The mean anxiety score decreased significantly immediately after the intervention (mean difference [MD]: −4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.9 to − 2.0; P < 0.001) and 8 weeks later (MD: −3.9, 95% CI: −5.8 to − 1.9; P < 0.001). The mean depression score immediately (P < 0.001) and 8 weeks after intervention (MD; −4.2, CI: −1.6 to − 6.8), P < 0.001) declined significantly. The mean overall quality of life score increased significantly after the intervention (P < 0.001) and 8 weeks later (MD: 4.7, 95% CI: 7.1–2.3, P < 0.001) compared to baseline.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the effectiveness of counseling based on ACT on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in the female students with the mild and moderate anxiety over time, it can be used as a helpful method in high schools.

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The effectiveness of sexual health group counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy on sexual satisfaction of newly married women

. Mahshid Bokaie; . Fariba Behzadpour; . Tahmineh Farajkhoda

Volume 11, Issue 9 , October 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The beginning of a marital relationship is very important as a part of a familyrelationship, and it satisfies many mental and physical necessities in a safe environment ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The beginning of a marital relationship is very important as a part of a familyrelationship, and it satisfies many mental and physical necessities in a safe environment and hasa great impact on people’s health. The aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness ofsexual health counseling based on cognitive behavioral approach on satisfaction and excitability ofnewly married women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial study was conducted in 50 newly marriedwomen who referred to the health center of Jiroft City. They randomly divided into the interventionand the control groups. All of the participants completed Linda Berg’s Sexual Satisfaction Scalebefore intervention, 8 weeks after intervention and 4 weeks later (follow‑up). The interventionalgroup participated in CBT (8 sessions, 90 min), but the control group received routine counseling.In all tests, a significance level of 0.05 was considered. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.Descriptive test, t‑test, and repeated measure test used to analyze data.RESULTS: In intervention group, sexual satisfaction was obtained 51.88 ± 12.27, 57.2 ± 12.88and 62.76 ± 11.35 (P < 0.05) and in the control group was gotten 47.12 ± 9.6, 45.8 ± 8.07 and43.48 ± 7.39 (P > 0.05) before intervention, 8 weeks after intervention and 4 weeks later (follow‑up),respectively. In intervention group, sexual excitability was obtained 82.80 ± 17.24, 91.72 ± 13.07,and 99.28 ± 11.2 (P < 0.05) and in the control group was gotten 87.04 ± 12.99, 87.48 ± 11.64, and81.96 ± 12.83 (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that cognitive‑behavioral counseling can help to improve thesexual satisfaction and excitability of the newly married and can be used to improve and promotewomen’s sexual health.

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The effect of group cognitive‑behavioral counseling on optimism and self‑esteem of women during the 1st month of marriage that referring to marriage counseling center

. Maryam Dafei; . Fateme Jahanbazi; . Farahnaz Nazari; . Faranak Safdari Dehcheshmeh; . Ali Dehghani

Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Quality of relationship marital status affects all aspects of family functioning,including sustainability of cohabit living, supporting children, and happiness of couples. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Quality of relationship marital status affects all aspects of family functioning,including sustainability of cohabit living, supporting children, and happiness of couples. This studywas conducted to examine the effect of group cognitive‑behavioral counseling on optimism andself‑esteem of women during the 1st month of marriage that referring to marriage counseling center.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A semi‑experimental study was designed by a test, posttest, andfollow‑up. Participants consisted of 30 women admitted to premarriage counseling center of Farsancity in 2018 with using purposive sampling by random numbers’ table into experimental and controlgroups. The experimental group participated in eight consecutive 2‑h group counseling sessions.Data collection tools were demographic questionnaire, Rosenberg’s Self‑Esteem Scale, and optimismdesigned by Mir Ahmadi (reliability and validity are calculated and was 0.96) and completed in threerounds. Women’s self‑esteem retested was done after 1 month. Data were analyzed with independentt‑test and repeated measures ANOVA (significance level <0.005). Quantitative variables wereanalyzed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between optimism scores in theexperimental (M = 150.47, standard deviation [SD] = 22.07) and control groups (M = 149.2,SD = 21.54) prior to intervention (P = 0.875). The mean optimism score was significantly different inintervention (M = 169.33, SD = 17.01) and control (M = 147.2, SD = 22.22) groups immediately aftercounseling (P = 0.005) and 1 month after counseling (P = 0.002, M = 171.08, SD = 17.98). The meanself‑esteem scores were statistically significant in both groups immediately after counseling (P = 0.023,I: M = 37.06, SD = 8.69, C: M = 31.4, SD = 4.83) and 1 month after counseling (P = 0.028, I: M =34.73, SD = 4.93, C: M = 30.06, SD = 4.8).CONCLUSION: Cognitive‑behavioral counseling enhances women’s optimism by emphasizingthe training of communication and conflict resolution skills, which leads to positive attitude and lifesatisfaction. Therefore, using cognitive‑behavioral counseling in marriage counseling sessions canimprove couples’ relationships.

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The effect of face‑to‑face and telephone counseling on the desire for adoption in infertile couples

. Fateme Ahmadi Rezamahaleh; . Talat Khadivzadeh; . Seyed Mohsen Asgharinekah; . Habibollah Esmaeili

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Fertility is always one of the most important functions of the family. Having achild equals growing up and entering the adult world. Adoption is one of the methods that ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Fertility is always one of the most important functions of the family. Having achild equals growing up and entering the adult world. Adoption is one of the methods that can beconsidered to treat infertility. One of the duties of health professionals, especially midwives, is toadvise and educate infertile people, which helps them in a way beyond medical treatment. Therefore,this study was conducted to determine the effect of face‑to‑face and telephone counseling on thedesire for adoption in infertile couples.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a two‑group counseling intervention study that wasperformed on 34 infertile couples referred to Mashhad Infertility Center. Infertile couples were randomlyassigned to face‑to‑face and telephone counseling groups. All participants completed the AdoptionAdoption Questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study. Data were analyzed by spss16 software.RESULTS: The mean score of propensity to adopt in the face‑to‑face counseling group 2 weeks afterthe intervention was significantly higher than before the intervention. Furthermore, the mean scoreof desire for adoption in the telephone counseling group increased significantly 2 weeks after theintervention compared to before (P < 0.001). Adoption scores varied in the face‑to‑face counseling groupat 3.15 and in the telephone counseling group at 3.23. There was no statistically significant differencebetween the two groups (P < 0.885). The most common reason for not wanting to adopt was hopefor self‑treatment and having children (70.6% women and 67.6% men). The most common reason foraccepting an adopted child was the strong need to have a child (23.5% in women and 23.5% in men).CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, counseling can increase people’s awarenessof the conditions of adoption and thus increase the desire of people to accept the adopted child. Forthis reason, considering adoption counseling sessions for infertile couples who have been receivinginfertility treatment for a long time but have not become pregnant can help the couple decide.

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Comparative study of the effect of two counseling methods on fertility motivation in infertile couples

. Fateme Ahmadi Rezamahaleh; . Talat Khadivzadeh; . Seyed Mohsen Asgharinekah; . Habibollah Esmaeili

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Reproductive motivation is a complex issue that has cultural, behavioral, andideological roots and changes in the context of population transfer and economic and socialdevelopment. ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Reproductive motivation is a complex issue that has cultural, behavioral, andideological roots and changes in the context of population transfer and economic and socialdevelopment. Reproductive motivations include positive and negative motivations that can beinfluenced by education. Training can be done in different ways. It seems that face‑to‑face trainingincreases learning. On the other hand, face‑to‑face training increases participants’ cooperation anddesire for educational topics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare and determine theeffect of two counseling methods on the fertility motivation of infertile couples.MATERIALS AND METHODS : This intervention study was performed on 68 men and womenwith infertility referring to Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad in 2016–2017. Subjects were randomlyassigned to two methods of counseling. Participants completed written consent to participate inthe study. Infertile couples were included in the study if they met the inclusion criteria. The fertilitymotivation questionnaire was completed by the participants at the beginning of the study beforethe consultation and 2 weeks after the consultation. The collected data were analyzed by SPSSSoftware Version 16.RESULTS: According to the independent t‑test, there was no statistically significant differencebetween the mean scores of positive fertility motivation in the two groups of face‑to‑face and telephonecounseling before the intervention. Independent t‑test showed that 2 weeks after the intervention,there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of this variable (P = 0.283). Therewas no statistically significant difference between the mean scores of positive fertility motivation in theface‑to‑face counseling group before and after the intervention. Further, in the telephone counselinggroup, there was no significant difference between the mean scores of positive fertility motivationin the two stages before and after the intervention. According to the independent t‑test, there was astatistically significant difference between the mean scores of negative fertility motivation in the twogroups of face‑to‑face and telephone counseling before the intervention (P = 0.025). However, thistest showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of this variable2 weeks after the intervention.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that face‑to‑face and telephone counseling did nothave a significant effect on fertility motivations of infertile couples. In other words, the mean scoresof positive and negative fertility motivations before and after counseling remained unchanged in bothgroups and the two groups did not differ in this regard. In other words, the issue of fertility motivationin infertile women can be affected by different characteristics such as social, family, cultural, andeconomic conditions of individuals. If infertile people do not make having a child a necessity in theirlives and cope with it more easily, no counseling can change their motivation. On the other hand,if infertile women consider having a child as an essential part of their married life and the health oftheir married life, counseling can have the greatest effect on them.

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The effect of cognitive–behavioral counseling of pregnant women with the presence of a spouse on stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression

. Maryam Dafei; . Shahnaz Mojahed; . Ghasem Dastjerdi; . Ali Dehghani; . Tayebeh Shojaaddini Ardakani

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are classified as one of the vulnerable groups. Physiological andpsychological changes during pregnancy predispose them to serious psychiatric disorders; ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are classified as one of the vulnerable groups. Physiological andpsychological changes during pregnancy predispose them to serious psychiatric disorders; if notidentified and treated in time, it can have a negative and long‑term impact on mental health. The aimof this study was to determine the effect of cognitive–behavioral counseling of pregnant women withthe presence of a spouse on the level of stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a clinical trial that was performed on 40 pregnantwomen with a gestational age of 32–28 weeks (20 in the intervention group, 20 in the control group)who were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the control group according to the inclusioncriteria. Cognitive–behavioral group counseling in the presence of spouses was performed by themidwife and under the supervision of a psychologist, in eight sessions, each session lasting 90 min,once a week for the intervention group. The control group received routine care and a counselingsession. Data collection tools were demographic information questionnaire and Depression–Anxiety–Stress Scale 21, which were completed before the intervention, immediately after the intervention,and on the 14th day after delivery in both groups. Data analysis was performed using statistical tests,independent t‑test, repeated measures test, Bonferroni post hoc test, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the mean scores of stress, anxiety, and depressionin the two groups in the preintervention stage were not significantly different (P < 0.05), but in thepostintervention stage and follow‑up, the mean scores of stress (P < 0.001), depression (P = 0.010),and anxiety (P = 0.029) in the intervention group were significantly reduced compared to the controlgroup.CONCLUSION: According to the research findings, cognitive–behavioral group counseling can beeffective as an approach in improving the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnantwomen. Therefore, it is necessary to plan properly to use this counseling approach to manage stress,anxiety, and depression in women during pregnancy.

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Comparison of the effect of two methods of counseling (face to face and telephone) on awareness and attitude toward adoption in infertile couples

. Fateme Ahmadi Rezamahaleh; . Talat Khadivzadeh; . Seyed Mohsen Asgharinekah; . Habibollah Esmaeili

Volume 10, Issue 12 , December 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Many infertile people have heard about adoption, but little is known about the truemeaning of adoption and how it is accepted. Giving the right information about adoption ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Many infertile people have heard about adoption, but little is known about the truemeaning of adoption and how it is accepted. Giving the right information about adoption is effectivein making the right decision for couples. As a result, there is a need to intervene and provide trainingto improve community attitudes and increase adoption among infertile people. Therefore, the presentstudy aimed to determine the effect of two counseling methods (face‑to‑face and telephone) onawareness and attitude toward adoption in infertile couples.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a randomized quasi‑experimental study of twogroups in the Milad Infertility Center of Mashhad on 34 (each group of 17 couples) infertile coupleswith the criteria to enter the study. Couples were randomly assigned to two telephone and face‑to‑facecounseling groups, and each individual’s awareness and attitudes toward adoption were completedseparately before and after counseling. The average number of face‑to‑face sessions for face‑to‑facecounseling was three 60‑min sessions and six 30‑min sessions for telephone counseling.RESULTS: Based on the results of t‑test, there was a statistically significant difference betweenthe average score of awareness of adoption before and after the intervention (2 weeks after thelast counseling session), in infertile couples in face‑to‑face training group and in telephone traininggroup (P < 0.0001). The score of the attitude toward adoption before counseling in the face‑to‑facecounseling group was 60.55 ± 5.5, which reached 66.76 ± 4.7 after counseling. Based on the resultsof the T‑pair test, this difference was significant (P < 0.0001). In addition, in the telephone counselinggroup, the score of attitude toward adoption increased from 59.53. 7.4 to 67.73 ± 7.5, which was asignificant difference in terms of t‑pair test. The mean score of attitudes toward adoption was notstatistically significant in the two groups (P = 0.653).CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that both counseling methods (face to face andtelephone) increase the level of awareness and attitude of couples about adoption, but neithermethod was superior to the other.

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Improving the level of awareness and attitude toward fertility and fertility counseling skills of health staff with both face‑to‑face and virtual training methods

. Raziyeh Rahmati; . Talat Khadivzadeh; . Habibollah Esmaily

Volume 10, Issue 12 , December 2020, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Considering the trend of reducing fertility in recent decades, the level of awarenessand attitude of health workers to fertility has an important role in achieving the ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Considering the trend of reducing fertility in recent decades, the level of awarenessand attitude of health workers to fertility has an important role in achieving the country’s demographicgoals. Improving attitudes and improving the scientific level and skills of health workers are the basicpillars to improve the quality and quantity of health‑care services. Therefore, this study was conductedwith the aim of improving the level of awareness and attitude toward fertility and fertility counselingskills of health workers with both face‑to‑face and virtual training methods.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial of three groups andpre‑test‑posttest experiments performed on 108 midwives and health‑care workers working inMashhad Health Center and Community Health Centers and Health Centers in 2015. The toolsused in this study were four researcher‑made questionnaires that were validated and reliable. Dataanalysis was performed by Chi‑square test, one‑way, and independent t‑analysis of variance usingSPSS software version 16.RESULTS: The results showed a significant increase in awareness level, attitude toward fertility,and counseling skills in the studied groups after the implementation of interventions (P < 0.001).Furthermore, there was a significant inverse relationship between the attitude score of the researchunits at the beginning of the study and the demographic variables with only the average workexperience.CONCLUSION: Training is effective in raising the level of awareness and changing the attitude ofhealth workers. The use of group discussion methods in person as well as through a webinar inwhich learners think, interact, and gain experience in promoting healthy fertility counseling promotesawareness, attitudes toward fertility, and their counseling skills in providing healthy reproductivecounseling.

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The effect of counseling based on ex‑PLISSIT model on sexual function and marital satisfaction of postpartum women: A randomized controlled clinical trial

. Jamileh Malakouti; . Robab Golizadeh; . Mojgan Mirghafourvand; . Azizeh Farshbaf‑Khalili

Volume 10, Issue 10 , October 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Since routine counseling does not suffice to resolve the sexual problems atpostpartum period, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling based on ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Since routine counseling does not suffice to resolve the sexual problems atpostpartum period, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling based on theEx‑PLISSIT model on sexual function and marital satisfaction of postpartum women.METHODS: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial that was conducted on 68 postpartumwomen (within 3–6 months after childbirth) who obtained a score <28 on the Female Sexual FunctionIndex (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 thosein the control group received the routine postpartum care. The required data were collected using ademographics form, the FSFI, and the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. The primary outcomes werethe 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 sexualfunction at baseline (P = 0.381), but it was significantly higher in the intervention group than controlgroup 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 beforethe intervention (P = 0.433), but it increased significantly in the intervention group in comparison tocontrol 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‑PLISSITmodel can improve the sexual function and increase marital satisfaction of postpartum women.

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Comparison of the effect of two training methods (webinar and group discussion) on improving the attitude and performance of health workers in providing counseling with fertility promotion approach

. Raziyeh Rahmati; . Talat Khadivzadeh; . Habibollah Esmaily

Volume 10, Issue 10 , October 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Due to the significant decrease in fertility in recent decades and the important roleof health workers and health‑care providers in providing healthy reproductive counseling, ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Due to the significant decrease in fertility in recent decades and the important roleof health workers and health‑care providers in providing healthy reproductive counseling, their trainingis necessary using effective educational methods. Webinar and group discussion (GD) are effectivein this regard. This study was conducted to determine the most effective method and with the aimof comparing the effect of two training methods (webinar and GD) on the attitude and performanceof health workers in providing counseling with fertility promotion approach in comprehensive healthcenters in Mashhad.METHODS: In this randomized trial study with a control group, 108 health workers working in healthcenters no. 2–3 and 5 of Mashhad entered the study and were randomly divided into three groups oftraining by webinar, GD, and control. Intervention groups received healthy fertility counseling skillsin three training sessions. Research tools were demographic information questionnaires, fertilityattitudes, and performance measurement checklists for fertility counseling. The questionnaires werecompleted in three groups at the beginning and after the completion of the interventions. Data analysiswas performed by Chi‑square test and one‑way analysis of variance using SPSS software version 16.RESULTS: The analysis of variance test showed that before the intervention, there was no statisticallysignificant difference between the three groups in terms of average scores of fertility attitude andperformance scores of fertility counseling. After the interventions, the difference between the fertilityattitude scores (P < 0.001) and the performance scores of fertility counseling (P < 0.001) was significantin the three groups. There was no significant relationship between demographic characteristics andattitude and performance.CONCLUSION: Teaching by webinar and GD promotes the attitude and performance of healthworkers in providing counseling with a fertility promotion approach. Therefore, it is recommended touse new educational methods such as webinar and GD to promote childbearing counseling, whichhas been emphasized in the country’s population policies. Since the mean score difference forthe webinar training method was the highest due to the mean scores, this method could be moreeffective than the GD method.

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The effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy on mental health and quality of life among infertile couples: A randomized controlled trial

. Masoumeh Hosseinpanahi; . Mojgan Mirghafourvand; . Azizeh Farshbaf‑Khalili; . Khalil Esmaeilpour; . Masoumeh Rezaei; . Jamileh Malakouti

Volume 10, Issue 9 , September 2020, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Infertility by creating a disturbing and debilitating condition is considered as animportant individual, public, and social health problem. The purpose of this study was ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Infertility by creating a disturbing and debilitating condition is considered as animportant individual, public, and social health problem. The purpose of this study was to determinethe effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on mental health andquality of life in infertile couples.METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 54 infertile couples referring to the Sanandaj‑IranInfertility Clinic were assigned into two groups of counseling and control by random blocking with a1:1 ratio. The consulting group received 8 weekly 90‑min sessions of group counseling based onACT. The General Health Questionnaire‑28 (GHQ‑28) and Fertility Quality of Life were completedbefore and 1 month after the completion of the intervention. Primary outcome measures were meanscore of mental health and quality of fertility life. Independent t‑test, ANCOVA, and Mann–WhitneyU‑test were used to analyze data.RESULTS: There was no significant intergroup difference in demographic information (P > 0.05). Onemonth after the end of the intervention, the mean overall mental health score in the couples of thecounseling group was significantly less than the control group (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: −8.4;95% confidence interval [CI]: −10.4–−6.4; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean overall score of qualityof life in the counseling group couples was significantly more than the control group (aMD: 14.8;95% CI: 11.8–17.9; P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Based on the effectiveness of counseling based on ACT on mental health and qualityof life in infertile couples, it can be used in the infertility clinics. Health‑care providers and counselorsshould train in the ACT courses to improve the mental health and quality of life of infertile couples.

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The effect of individual counseling on attitudes and decisional conflict in the choice of delivery among nulliparous women

. Nafise Andaroon; . Masoume Kordi; . Sayed Ali Kimiaee; . Habibollah Esmaeili

Volume 10, Issue 2 , February 2020, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The most important reasons for choosing cesarean include negative attitude ofpregnant women toward natural childbirth, and it is not easy for many women to make a decisionabout ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The most important reasons for choosing cesarean include negative attitude ofpregnant women toward natural childbirth, and it is not easy for many women to make a decisionabout the choice of delivery, Midwives as responsible individuals, play an important role in providingmaternal counseling and care during pregnancy and childbirth and the postpartum period. This studywas carried out to determine the effect of individual counseling on attitudes and decisional conflictin the choice of delivery among nulliparous women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was performed on 90 nulliparous women with28–30 weeks of gestational age, who were referred to health‑care centers in Mashhad. They weredivided randomly into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received the counselingprogram individually during three sessions, while the control group received routine care, childbirthattitudes, and decisional conflict on choice of delivery were compared on women of 34–36 weeksof pregnancy. Data collection tools included demographic details form, Childbirth Attitudes Scaleand Decisional Conflict Scale; data were analyzed using Chi‑square tests, Fisher’s exact test,Mann–Whitney test, t‑test, parried t‑test, and ANCOVA in SPSS v. 16, and P < 0.05 was consideredstatistically significant.RESULTS: After consultation, there was a significant difference in attitude score between theintervention group (86.577 ± 13.531) and the control group (69.955 ± 19.858) (P < 0.001), And therewas a significant difference in decisional conflict score between the intervention group (0.614 ± 0.626)and the control group (1.216 ± 0.949) (P < 0.001), and there were significant differences betweenthe two groups in terms of preferred delivery (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: According to the results of this randomized control trial, individual counseling innulliparous women during pregnancy leads to a positive attitude toward natural childbirth, informeddecision‑making, and increase in the selection of natural childbirth.

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The role of integrative model of behavioral prediction in voluntary counseling of individuals with sexual high‑risk behavior

. Mohammad Ebrahimi; . Farzad Jalilian; . Hossein Ashtarian; . Zahra Heidari; . Fatemeh Rajati

Volume 9, Issue 7 , July 2019, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is one of the main efforts for the preventionof high‑risk sexual behavior, including HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is one of the main efforts for the preventionof high‑risk sexual behavior, including HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The aim ofthis study was to determine cognitive determinants related to voluntary counseling and HIV testingamong Iranian adults based on the integrative model of behavioral prediction (IMBP).MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in 2018 among Iranianadults with high‑risk sexual behaviors, including drug abuse and unprotected sex, in western Iran.A total of 300 adults were randomly selected to participate voluntarily in this study. Participants filledout a self‑administered questionnaire, including the background data and IMBP constructs. Data wereanalyzed by SPSS version 21, using statistical treatments, such as bivariate correlations, Chi‑squaretest, t‑test, and logistic regression at a 95% significant level.RESULTS: Almost 73.3% of the participants had a history of VCT. The highest probability of VCTuse was in participants who were in high level of VCT skills (odds ratio: 9.635; 95% confidenceinterval [CI]: 3.255, 28.514]), following environmental constraints (odds ratio: 6.274; 95% CI: 2.166,18.171). Furthermore, the IMBP constructs accounted for 85% of the variations in the outcomemeasure of the VCT use intention.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the result, it appears that the design and implementation of educationalprograms to improve upon skills and environmental constraints toward VCT use among adults withhigh‑risk behaviors could be useful to the promotion of VCT.

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Effect of focused birth preparedness and complication readiness counseling on pregnancy outcome among females attending tertiary care hospital in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, India

. Mukesh Shukla; . Nahid Zia Khan; . Anjana Agarwal; . Akhilesh Dutta Dwivedi; . Jai Vir Singh; . Shahnoor Alam

Volume 9, Issue 6 , June 2019, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  CONTEXT: Measures related to birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) duringpregnancy play an important role in producing better pregnancy outcome. If the pregnant females ...  Read More CONTEXT: Measures related to birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) duringpregnancy play an important role in producing better pregnancy outcome. If the pregnant females areproperly counseled during antenatal visits, it could help in bringing out desirable behavior changes.AIMS: This study aims to study BPCR‑related awareness and practices among the pregnant femalesand the effect of focused and structured birth preparedness counseling on complication readinessamong pregnant females.SUBJECT AND METHODS: A facility‑based follow‑up study was conducted from July to December2016, and a total of 130 pregnant females were enrolled. All study participants were initially assessedfor various domains of BPCR index consisting of seven key indicators. The index reassessmentwas done again, after 1 month, during follow‑up visit. Information regarding any pregnancy‑relatedcomplication in due course and behavior was also recorded during successive follow‑up.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The difference in pre‑ and postcounseling mean BPCR index wasassessed using paired t‑test, and McNemar’s test was used for paired categorical data analysis.P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.RESULTS: The postcounseling BPCR index  (70.65 ± 19.18) was found to be significantly muchhigher as compared to pre‑counseling baseline BPCR index (41.12 ± 11.34). Knowledge aboutdanger signs of pregnancy, transportation services provided by government, financial assistanceprovided in Government schemes, identification of skilled birth attendant, mode of transportation,and arrangement of emergency blood donor was found to increase significantly after counseling.Abortion was found to occur significantly higher (about thrice) among those who had postcounselingBPCR index below average, i.e., <50% (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study revealed that focused birth preparednesscounseling on complication readiness could play an important role in increasing the baselineknowledge of pregnant females regarding pregnancy‑related complications and bring out desirableideal health‑seeking behavior changes during pregnancy.

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Awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among adult population in a rural community of Singur block, Hooghly District, West Bengal

. Nabarun Karmakar; . Kaushik Nag, Indranil Saha; . Ramanathan Parthasarathi; . Manas Patra; . Rabindranath Sinha

Volume 8, Issue 10 , October 2018, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Hypertension is an important treatable public health problem both globally and inIndia with an increasing prevalence significantly in both urban and rural population. It ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Hypertension is an important treatable public health problem both globally and inIndia with an increasing prevalence significantly in both urban and rural population. It is one of theleading causes of adult mortality and morbidity, but poorly controlled hypertension remains a majorhealth problem.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to find out awareness, treatment, and controlof hypertension among study population and association of hypertension awareness withsociodemographic factors, if any.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted from May 2013 to April 2014 in the ruralcommunity of Singur block, West Bengal. Data were collected with respect to sociodemographiccharacteristics as well as records related to hypertension such as awareness, treatment, and controlof hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) measurement of individuals aged 20 years and above of bothsexes was done. Pearson’s Chi‑square test was performed to find out the association between thecategorical variables. SPSS 19.00 software was used for analysis.RESULTS: Nearly 48.2% of the participants were aware of their elevated BP; 47.1% of the participantswere taking pharmacological treatment, mostly allopathic and only 8.8% had their BP under control.A  statistically significant association was found between age, education, and socioeconomicstatus (per capita income) with awareness of hypertension.CONCLUSION: Lack of awareness of the disease and very low rate of control of hypertensionamong those who were treated became the major issues. These findings emphasize the need fordissemination of knowledge about the disease and counseling of the patients during treatmentcontinuation.

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Preconception care in therapeutic abortion applicants

. Farzaneh Shirmohammadi; . Nafisehsadat Nekuei; . Parvin Bahadoran; . Gita Montazery

Volume 7, Issue 4 , July and August 2017, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Some risk factors that would lead to therapeutic abortion do even exist beforepregnancy and could be resolved or corrected through appropriate interventions. The present ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Some risk factors that would lead to therapeutic abortion do even exist beforepregnancy and could be resolved or corrected through appropriate interventions. The present studywas conducted to evaluate the condition of preconception care among therapeutic abortion applicants.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was a descriptive, cross‑sectional study that wasconducted on 200 applicants for therapeutic abortion at the Forensics Medicine Center of Isfahan (Iran)who were selected convenience sampling from October 2014 to March 2015. Data were gatheredusing a researcher made checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 through descriptivestatistics and Chi‑square and independent t‑test.RESULTS: Eighty‑five percent of the participants were applicants for therapeutic abortion due tofetal problems, and the other 15% were due to maternal issues. About 41.7% of participants withfetal problems and all of the participants with maternal issues had not received preconception care.In 93.3% of the applicants with maternal issues, the disease existed before the pregnancy. About48.2% of participants needed genetic counseling, but 28.6% had not received any.CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that in most of the participants, the risk factor for therapeuticabortion existed before the pregnancy. Providing preconception care along with the eliminationof risk factors before the pregnancy could prevent some of the pregnancies with the indication oftherapeutic abortion.

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A comparative study of the attitudes of managers, employees and clients in the field of social barriers of family planning counseling in health care centers of Isfahan in 2012

. Safoura Taheri; . Soheila Ehsanpour; . Shahnaz Kohan

Volume 4, Issue 3 , June 2014, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  Background: Appropriate family planning counseling for informed choice, the right andresponsible use of contraceptive methods is very important. Various barriers such as socialbarriers ...  Read More Background: Appropriate family planning counseling for informed choice, the right andresponsible use of contraceptive methods is very important. Various barriers such as socialbarriers can have the effect on family planning counseling. In addition, investigation of thosebarriers from the perspective of managers, staff and clients, who are major members inhealth care system, has great importance. The present study was conducted with the goalof comparing managers’, employees’, and clients’ viewpoints about social barriers in familyplanning counseling in health care centers in Isfahan in 2012. Materials and Methods: This is across-sectional one-step three-group comparative descriptive study conducted on 295 subjectsincluding 59 managers, 110 employees, and 126 clients in medical health care centersin Isfahan in 2012. Managers and employees were selected by census sampling and theclients were recruited through convenient random sampling. The data collection tool was aresearcher made questionnaire, which was designed in two sections of fertility and personalcharacteristics and viewpoint measurement. Descriptive and inferential statistical test wereused to analyze the data. Results: The obtained results showed significant difference betweenmean scores of viewpoints in three groups of managers, employees, and clients concerningsocial barriers in family planning counseling (P = 0.001). In addition, most of the managersand employees reported social barriers as the barriers in process of family planning in a largelevel and clients reported it in moderate level. Conclusion: The results express the necessityof health services managers’ planning to modify or delete social barriers, especially the agreedbarriers from the viewpoint of managers and employees that effect on family planning counselingand quality of service provided by them.

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Study the drug adherence and possible factor influencing drug adherence in HIV/AIDS patients in north eastern part of India

. Lalit Prashant Meena; . Shant Kumar Pandey; . Madhukar Rai; . Anju Bharti; . Jaya Chakravarty; . Shyam Sundar

Volume 4, Issue 2 , May 2014, , Pages 1-4

Abstract

  Background: Majority of HIV/AIDS patients who are on Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy(HAART), are not aware about drug adherence and its importance which is the most importantfactor ...  Read More Background: Majority of HIV/AIDS patients who are on Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy(HAART), are not aware about drug adherence and its importance which is the most importantfactor for drug adherence. Objectives: To study the level of drug adherence in patients accessingantiretroviral therapy (ART) through the National program and factor influencing drug adherence.Materials and Methods: In present study, we enrolled 102 newly diagnosed patients, amongthem in 79 patients, ART was started. To study the drug adherence a pretested, semistructuredquestionnaire was formed and patients were followed up for 6 months of the study. Pretest andposttest counseling was done to all such patients. Results: A total of 28 patients missed thedose in 1st follow-up, nine patients missed in 2nd follow-up, eight patients missed in 3rd follow-up.Three patients lost follow-up in 2nd follow-up, three patients further lost follow-up in 3rd follow-up.Running out of pills (40.0%), side effect (15.5%), and family problem (13.3%), poor transportfacility for taking drug (8.9%) and forgetfulness (11.1%) are five major causes related to missdose. In females patients, drug adherence (69%) was initially less than male patients (76%) butlatter on female patients (96.3%) had better adherence than males (95.2%). Conclusion: Thisstudy suggest that drug adherence can be increased by proper counseling and close monitoringof the patients which may have a great role in preventing the drug resistance and ART response.

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Use of interactive teaching methods in tobacco cessation program and examine it by using objective structured clinical exam

. Kevin Fernandez; . Harshal T. Pandve; . Dhrubajyoti J. Debnath

Volume 3, Issue 6 , June 2013, , Pages 1-3

Abstract

  Background: Tobacco addiction is an important public health issue. It is importantfor health professional to counsel the tobacco users for cessation. Aim: To enhancecommunication skills ...  Read More Background: Tobacco addiction is an important public health issue. It is importantfor health professional to counsel the tobacco users for cessation. Aim: To enhancecommunication skills of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) studentsin counseling of tobacco users by using interactive teaching methods and examine itby using OSCE. Materials and Methods: It was a before and after comparison study.Communication skills of students were examined by standardized patients (investigators)by objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) method before and after intervention.All the students were trained to enhance the communication skills by role play, interactivesession, anecdotes. Statistical analysis was done by using Paired t‑test. Results: Thedifference in scores at all the 3 stations before and after the intervention and also globalscores before and after the intervention was statistically highly significant (P = 0.0001).Conclusion and Recommendation: Communication skills of students in counselingtobacco users improved after they were given role play, interactive session, anecdotes.Similar model can be used to improve the communication/counseling skills in otherimportant health hazards.

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