Iranian pregnant womenś experiences during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a qualitative study

Background: Prevention and control of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) in pregnant women has become a major concern. The study was conducted to explain the Iranian pregnant women's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with conventional content analysis. The pregnant women were selected through purposive sampling from six urban health centers until data saturation. Semi structured interviews were conducted through telephone with the interview guide. Systematic thematic analysis was used to identify and organize themes into clusters and categories across interviews. Results: Twelve pregnant women were recruited. Three theme categories were extracted from data analysis; "unpleasant feelings during pregnancy", "adjusted lifestyle" and “safe pregnancy care”. The pregnant women, while paying attention to the importance of pregnancy care, were forced to limit, delay or modify some cares in order to be safe. Conclusion: The pregnant women experienced unpleasant feelings in this crisis; therefore, they should receive the necessary consultation to maintain mental health. The pregnant women reported some changes in their lifestyles and pregnancy care in order to prevent the disease. Regular training for all pregnant women is necessary to manage pregnancy period while maintaining the maternal and fetal health in crisis

Investigation of social capital and its relationship with emotional adjustment in infertile couples: A cross-sectional study

Background: Infertility is an abnormal event in the life of families and can have various consequences on a personal and social level. Therefore, infertile couples need to manage their emotional responses. Social capital, as one of the social determinants of health, can affect mental health. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between social capital and emotional adjustment in infertile couples. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to February 2019 with 170 infertile couples visiting infertility centers in Sari, Iran. The data collection instruments included the social capital integrated questionnaire, an emotional adjustment scale and a demographic-reproductive checklist. Results: All the social capital dimensions, except for the groups and networks dimension, had a score of higher than 50 (more than the mean score). Based on ANCOVA and the multiple linear regression results, the dimension of trust and solidarity had a significant negative relationship with emotional adjustment (p = 0.01), but no significant relationship was observed between the other social capital dimensions and emotional adjustment. Conclusion: The trust and solidarity dimension had a significant relationship with emotional adjustment in infertile couples. Accordingly, increasing mutual trust between neighborhood residents can strengthen social capital, and in turn, improve emotional adjustment in infertile couples. Key words: Social capital, Emotional adjustment, Infertility

Zinc in pregnancy, associated with prolonged labor

Introduction: It is plausible that pregnancy may result in a decrease in the serum zinc concentration. The concentration of serum zinc is an important determinant of maternal complications. The aim of the current study was to identify serum zinc concentration and evaluate the possible correlation of this concentration with the length of first and second stage of labor in the pregnancy. Methods: In an observational prospective study, 432 pregnant women, 18 to 35 years of age, from urban primary health care centers in Tehran (Iran) were selected through a multi-stage sampling method and sampling proportionate to size. The blood samples were obtained for the measurement of maternal serum of iron and zinc in healthy singleton pregnancy between 14 to 20 weeks of gestational age, which was accomplished through electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry and zinc the standard procedure, respectively. Meanwhile, the length of the stages of labor was also recorded. Serum zinc and serum iron concentrations during early pregnancy, which are associated with prolonged labor, were also analyzed. Results: Maternal zinc and iron deficiency during pregnancy were found to be around 28.7% and 16.0%, respectively. The overall proportion of prolonged labor was 13.5%. The women with prolonged labor significantly had lower zinc concentration (p=0.03), However, there was no association between prolonged labor and zinc/ iron deficiency after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: The findings of the current study indicated that a high prevalence of zinc deficiency was identified among the pregnant women in the second stage of pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the need for further research for the evaluation of potential risk factors for maternal complications

The prevalence of mental health disorders in Type 2 diabetic women in Amol, Iran

Background: Chronic diseases, diabetes in particular, are globally epidemic, and are regarded as a major public health problem for reproductive health. Diabetes may influence maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and also mental health. The aim of the current study was to identify the prevalence of mental health disorders in type 2 diabetic women and to evaluate the possible correlation of the subscales of mental disorders with coexisting diabetic complications. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total number of 400 women with type 2 diabetes were selected from the outpatient clinic of diabetic care center in Amol, Iran. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–28) was used as a screening tool for the detection of mental disorders. The questionnaire, which contained 28 items, comprised four domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety /insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. The diabetic complications were obtained from their documents. Results: The mean age of the participants, with a mean diagnosed 8.9±0.3 years, was 48.8±0.5 years. The prevalence of mental disorder among Type 2 diabetic women was found to be 73.7%. The most prevalent mental health disorder was social dysfunction (78.8), somatic symptoms (51.7%), anxiety/ insomnia (33.3%), and severe depression (11.3%) among type 2 diabetic women. The prevalence of mental health disorder was higher in women with coexisting diabetic complications≥3 than those <3 complications (p <0.05). Significant differences was found between somatic symptoms, anxiety/ insomnia with coexisting diabetic complications (p <0.05). There were no significant differences between social dysfunction, severe depression with coexisting diabetic complications. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the importance and the effect of diabetes on mental health disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to put emphasis on the benefits of psychological screening at outpatient clinic of diabetic care center in Iran, particularly for those with co-morbid medical complications

Maternal sleep quality in late pregnancy: The association between preterm birth and sleep quality

Background: A quick look at the existing literature indicates that sleep disturbances during pregnancy could be a risk factor for adverse outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of maternal sleep quality in late pregnancy and the association between preterm births and sleep quality. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 300 eligible singleton pregnant women attending the prenatal care clinics, affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected through convenience sampling. The self-report Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used to measure the pattern and the quality of sleep in pregnant women. Results: The prevalence of self-reported poor sleep quality was found to be 77% among the pregnant women in Babol, Iran. The chi-square test did not show any statistically significant difference in characteristics between pregnant women with good and poor sleep qualities. Also, the adjusted odds ratio for preterm labor revealed no significant relationships between sleep quality and preterm birth. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that there was a high prevalence of poor quality sleep among pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. However, poor sleep quality was not associated with preterm labor, making this problem one of the major problems experienced by pregnant women

Weight-related concerns and diet behaviors among urban young females: A cross-sectional study

Background: Females are more likely than males to perceive themselves as too heavy, this has been explained in terms of the equation of “female beauty with extreme thinness.” Therefore, females are in general prone to develop unhealthy behaviors for weight management. Wrong weight control behaviors have significant health consequences. Objectives: To investigate the body weight concerns, body satisfaction, and weight control behaviors among young females and their association with age and socioeconomic status (SES). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in urban areas from a major city in South India. About 650 healthy unmarried females aged 15–25 years formed the study population. Self-reporting questionnaires were used to obtain relevant data. The categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square, correlation, and regression analyses by SPSS version 16. Results: Most overweight and obese subjects perceived themselves as overweight. Adolescents were more likely to report themselves as overweight. The perceived weight, body satisfaction, and weight control behaviors are influenced by weight status and age of the subjects. However, SES of the participants did not exhibit effect of others' opinion about their weight and body satisfaction as well as weight management behaviors. Conclusion: The high prevalence of weight-related concerns suggests that all females should be reached with appropriate information and interventions. Healthy weight control practices need to be explicitly promoted and unhealthy practices discouraged. Young females need special attention toward weight management

The prevalence of mental health disorders in Type 2 diabetic women in Amol, Iran

Introduction: Chronic diseases, diabetes in particular, are globally epidemic, and are regarded as a major public health problem for reproductive health. Diabetes may influence maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and also mental health.  The aim of the current study was to identify the prevalence of mental health disorders in type 2 diabetic women and to evaluate the possible correlation of the subscales of mental disorders with coexisting diabetic complications. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total number of 400 women with type 2 diabetes were selected from the outpatient clinic of diabetic care center in Amol, Iran. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ–28) was used as a screening tool for the detection of mental disorders.  The questionnaire, which contained 28 items, comprised four domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety /insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. The diabetic complications were obtained from their documents. Results: The mean age of the participants, with a mean diagnosed 8.9±0.3 years, was 48.8±0.5 years. The prevalence of mental disorder among Type 2 diabetic women was found to be 73.7%. The most prevalent mental health disorder was social dysfunction (78.8), somatic symptoms (51.7%), anxiety/ insomnia (33.3%), and severe depression (11.3%) among type 2 diabetic women.   The prevalence of mental health disorder was higher in women with coexisting diabetic complications&ge3 than those <3 complications (p <0.05).  Significant differences was found between somatic symptoms, anxiety/ insomnia with coexisting diabetic complications (p <0.05). There were no significant differences between social dysfunction, severe depression with coexisting diabetic complications. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the importance and the effect of diabetes on mental health disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to put emphasis on the benefits of psychological screening at outpatient clinic of diabetic care center in Iran, particularly for those with co-morbid medical complications

Factors affecting students’ attitudes towards reproductive health in the north of Iran: Designing an educational program

Abstract Background It is essential to empower young people to promote reproductive health (RH) and develop effective educational programs to prevent risky behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting students’ attitudes towards RH based on the ecological model and then design an educational program. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 461 female students aged 18–29 in the north of Iran. This study was done in two stages. In the first stage, factors affecting the attitude towards RH including demographic questionnaire, interpersonal communication skills, family communication pattern, depression, stress and anxiety, body self-image, and self-confidence were determined. In the second stage, an educational program was designed based on the most effective factors. Independent t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were employed using SPSS version 20 software. Also, STATA version 15 software was utilized for statistical modeling to predict the best predictive model of attitude towards RH. Results 47.7% of students had a good attitude toward RH. The majority of students had problems with interpersonal communication skills (60.7%). Also, 28.5% experienced depression, 35.8% anxiety, and 12.8% stress at different levels. More than a quarter of the students (26.5%) had poor body self-image and 18.7% had Undesirable self-esteem. Interpersonal skills (P = 0.002), family communication pattern (P = 0.004), stress (p = 0.019), anxiety (P = 0.001), and body self-image (P = 0.034) have a significant relationship with the attitude towards RH. The multiple regression showed that the most important effective factor on RH is the dialogue orientation of family communication pattern (P = 0.041), stress (P = 0.002), and anxiety (P = 0.001). Conclusion Stress and anxiety management training and the use of dialogue orientation in the family communication pattern for young female students are recommended based on the scientific model

The Social Determinants of Health in Association with Women's Health Status of Reproductive Age: A Population-Based Study

Background: Prioritizing women’s health helps achievement of the 4th and 5th goals of Millennium Development  Program. This study aimed to investigate association between social determinants of health and women's health of reproductive age. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study, using multi-stage sampling procedure was conducted on 770,  15 to 49-year-old women residing in any one of the 22 municipality zones across Tehran, Iran. Eligible women were  interviewed at home with SF-36 (Short Form Health Survey) and socio-demographic questionnaires. Social determinants of health contains; ethnicity, education, job, income, and crowding index. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Multiple Linear Regression using SPSS-16.The threshold of P.V was considered 0.05. Results: Overall, 770 women with mean age 33.9±9.3 years were interviewed. Majority of them were married (72.27%),  housewives (62.2%), of Persian ethnicity (64.3%), and educated to high school level (43.8%). Age with dimensions of health except role emotional, mental health, and social functioning had significant association with B from -0.65 to -0.16.educational level with dimensions of health except role emotional andsocial functioning had significant association with B from 3.61 to 6.43 (P<0.05). Income with dimensions of health except role physical had significant association with B from -9.97 to -4.42. Conclusion: Reflection of unfavorable economic conditions and low education level on negative women’ health experiences are alarming. Interaction between social determinants of health and health status must be considered in policymaking, and there is a need for policies that would enhance health of women in the low education and income brackets

Health-promotion and health-harming behaviours in pregnant women: role of coping strategies, anxiety, and depression

There is a lack information on psychological predictors of health-promotion and health-harming behaviours during pregnancy. The study aimed to examine whether psychological factors including anxiety, depression, and coping strategies could predict the health-promotion and health-harm behaviours of pregnant women. In a cross-sectional study 200 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies, older than 18 years, and with at least 5 years of education were enrolled. The participants completed four questionnaires during their prenatal care appointments. The questionnaires included the prenatal health behaviour scale (PHBS), Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NU-PCI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and State-Anxiety Inventory. The results revealed that planning-preparation coping was a strong positive independent variable associated with healthy behaviours (health-promoting behavioural/nutrition (β = 0.800, p = .001); health-promoting physical activity (β = 0.191, p = .049)). It was negatively associated with unhealthy behaviours (health-harming behavioural/nutrition (β = 0.290, p < .001) as well as health-harming physical activity (β = −0.290, p = .010)). Anxiety was significantly associated negatively with healthy behaviours. Depression was the strongest positive independent variable correlated with health-harming behavioural/nutrition (β = 0.290, p < .001). Finally, avoidance coping (β = 0.179, p = .037) was significant for health-harming physical activity.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Previous studies have shown that there is a correlation between psychological factors and healthy behaviours of pregnant women. What do the results of this study add? The findings highlight the significant roles of coping strategies, anxiety, and depression for predicting healthy or unhealthy behaviours of pregnant women. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The findings implied that pregnant women who use more adaptive coping strategies, especially planning- preparing coping, reported lower levels of anxiety/depression and engaged more in healthy behaviours. The study also suggests that obstetricians and health care providers should pay more attention to the roles of coping strategies, especially planning-preparation and avoidance coping, anxiety, and depression in improving health-promotion/health-harming behaviours of pregnant women