Assessment of two emergency contraceptive regimens in Iran: Levonorgestrel versus the Yuzpe

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of two emergency contraception (EC)methods, levonorgestrel versus theYuzpe. In a prospective, randomized, comparative study, we included 122 healthy volunteers who in the observed cycle had had only one act of unprotected intercourse within 72h of treatment. They were randomlyallocated in levonorgestrol group (n=62) andYuzpe (n=60).The levonorgestrel regimen consisted of two pills: 0.75 mg levonorgestrel, taken twice in the 12-h interval within 72h after unprotected intercourse. The Yuzpe method included twoHDcontraceptive pills taken as another regimen.Datawere collected by questionnaire at first and 3weeks later.The differenceswere comparedwithX &Fisher exact tests. There were no significant differences between two groups in any of the observed parameters. The levonorgestrel regimen was found superior to Yuzpe because it's more effectiveness (respectively 100% vs 91%, p=0.026) and fewer side effects. The study showed more effectiveness and safety of the levonorgestrel regimen as emergency contraception. Thus we recommend levonorgestrel as an alternative EC method instead of theYuzpe regimen in Iran or other developing countries in order to decrease unwanted pregnancy.Keywords: Yuzpe, Levonorgestrel, emergency contraceptio

Evaluation of Tetanus Vacination Status of Pregnant Mothers Referring to Delivery Wards, Yazd

Introduction: Tetanus is a serious infectious disease and the most common cause of neonatal mortality in developing countries. Although neonatal tetanus (NT) can be prevented by immunization of expectant mothers, good hygiene and asepsis during delivery, total eradication of organism is not possible. Methods: The cross-sectional study was done on 480 pregnant women after delivery. Data was collected by a questionnaire and analysed using SPSS windows software program. Results: Prenatal immunization rate (complete and partial) was 65/2% and 34/8%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the vaccination status and age, education of mother, parity and length of time between pregnancy and previous pregnancy. The reasons reported by non immunized mothers (not receiving the two dose vaccine) included complete tetanus vaccination coverage before pregnancy, lack of awareness about the needs for vaccination, improper counseling by persons responsible for antenatal care, e.t.c. Conclusion: Considering the results of the study, it is proposed that a complete history of the pregnant woman recorded at the first antenatal visit should be the basis of counseling and education of the woman and prenatal care staff should be also be fully educated

Effect of Ice Massage on Hoku Point for Reduction of Labor Pain

Introduction: One the most anxious moments for mothers and families is labor pain and various methods for its relief have an effect on labor management, patient satisfaction and labor outcome. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are used to relieve labor pain, but in recently years, researchers have focused their attention to non-pharmacological methods for reduction of labor pain. Acupressure is one of the pain relieving methods that can be used for labor pain, but there have been few studies to date. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of Hoku point ice massage on labor pain. Methods: Participants of this clinical trial study were 60 pregnant women having the inclusive criteria. Participants were randomly divided to two groups of thirty, each. (Control Group=only touch of Hoku point, Case group= ice massage of Huko point). This procedure was done for thirty minutes. Labor pain of subjects was measured by visual analog scale before and after the procedure. Results: There was no statistical difference between the gestational age, parity and age of the two groups. Results showed that reduction of labor pain by ice massage of Huko point was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: Acupressure is a noninvasive, simple and cheap method of relieving pain and our study confirms its effect on reduction of labor pain. This method is therefore applicable in delivery rooms

Barriers and Motivators Related to Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening

Introduction: modern knowledge could protect against cancer for individuals in community with early stage and premalignat state. Screening of cancer is best instrument for early detection of malignancy. Between women’s cancers breast and cervical cancer have more incidence and mortality than other cancers . But could be prevented by simple and cheep screening programs. Despite specific statistics in Iran evidence shows that women’s participation in screening program is poor , so cancers are diagnosed in advanced stage. The purpose of this study was to identify major barriers and motivators for breast and cervical screening . Methods: This survey was a descriptive study in which 400 women participated in health and treatment centers in Yazd. Sampling method was done in two simple and random stages. Data was collected by inventory and questionnaire . Then data were analyzed by SPSS soft ware . Results: Findings showed that 80% of them never refereed to a health provider for clinical breast exam (C B E) and only 3% of them did regularly C B E . 46% of them had never done pap smear and only 14.5 % of them did regularly pap smear. The findings showed that major motivators were as follow: advice of health’s personnel , using of contraceptive methods , and awareness of media. Also the major barriers were as follow : Not having knowledge of these exams , not having knowledge of the existence of these centers of education and practice , not having precious health problems , fear of examination , Embarrassment of examination and health providers not to teach them . to consider the most important barriers were propounded which showed that health education role to eliminate barriers for referring women for screening . Discussion: Based on the results of this sample , screening was the least expected . considering barriers and motivators observed it was revealed that health education was required for prevention of common women’s cancers. Also considering the role of health providers in promoting health of community population and for health centers attracting them for participation in health program , It is appropriate to plan education health programs to eliminate barriers and to strengthen motivators of referring women for screening common centers in women

Factors Associated With Preventive Behaviors Of Candida Albicans Vaginal Infection In Women With Diabetes, According To The Health Belief Model In Yazd In 2013

Abstract Introduction: The &ldquo;Candidiasis&rdquo; is a worldwide crisis which involves millions of women every year. The &ldquo;Candida Albicans&rdquo; is mainly known to be 85%-90% cause of vaginal fungous infections. The main objective of the current study is to determine preventive behaviors which affect &ldquo;Candida Albicans&rdquo; vaginal infections in diabetes suffered women based on with health belief model Methods: The present study is a sectional descriptive- analytical one.It coveredabout 300 of women who either used to refer to &ldquo;Yazd&rdquo; Diabetes centers or they ask medical advice from &ldquo;endocrine glands&rdquo; specialists. Data collection instrument was designed as a questionnaire which was approved to be as valid and reliable. Then, the data were analyzed through parametric statistical tests of &ldquo;SPSS Version#16&rdquo; software. Results: The mean age value of the participants was 50.1&plusmn;6.84. Other structure such as; the mean knowledge 18.19&plusmn;2.69 (ranged 0-21), perceived susceptibility 5.50&plusmn;2.70 (ranged 0-8), perceived severity 6.99&plusmn;2.80 (ranged 0-12), understood benefits 19.80&plusmn;2.60, (ranged 0-22), perceived barriers 4.05&plusmn;2.65 (ranged0-14), caes to action 2.34&plusmn;1.80 (ranged0-7), self efficacy 11.12&plusmn;1.52 (ranged 0-12), have been recorded carefully. It was also found that 24.2% of predictive structures of health belief model patterns were based on preventive behaviors of vaginal infection that serves as the most powerful self efficacy structure. Conclusion: The study showed acceptable level of knowledge of people who referred to diabetics centers [of &ldquo;YAZD&rdquo;]. So, it is essential to develop regular instructional programs based on health belief model and self efficiency in the mentioned centers