Communication Patterns and Related Factors among Iranian Couples: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Given the effect of various factors on the use of communication patterns by couples, this study aimed to determine the most common communication pattern among couples and related factors in Sari, northern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 520 people (260 couples) in Sari. Data were collected using a demographic–fertility factors questionnaire, Enrich couple scale, communication patterns questionnaire, general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), and NEO personality inventory. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 25 using descriptive and inferential statistics (multiple regression model). Results: While the mean (standard deviation) age of women included in the study was 34.08 (7.71) years, the mean age of men was 39.13 (9.18) years. The most common communication patterns in both women and men was the mutual constructive communication, whereas the lowest frequent communication pattern was the demand/withdraw communication in both men and women. Marital satisfaction had a significant positive correlation with mutual constructive communication pattern in women and men (P = 0.001). In addition, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the number of marriage to date, women’s age, and spouses' demand/withdraw communication pattern with mutual constructive communication pattern in women. Also, a significant inverse correlation was observed between flexibility (P = 0.047), number of marriages (P = 0.013), and the wives' age (P = 0.005) with mutual constructive communication pattern in men. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it is necessary to recognize the factors related to couples’ communication patterns in order to improve the communication patterns so that marital conflicts could be avoided while a more effective communication is established.  Keywords: communication patterns, couples, personality characteristics, marital satisfaction, public healt

Iranian Women's Sexual Experience after Childbirth: a Mixed Method Explanatory Sequential Study

Background: Women have different experiences after childbirth. Emotional and social changes may change their sexual and communicative needs. This study aimed to determine and discover women's sexual function experiences after childbirth.Methods: The present study was done in a mixed paradigm with a sequential explanatory approach. In the first phase, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the women’s sexual function after childbirth. In the second phase, using the qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews, the sexual function after childbirth was explained. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive methods, and in the qualitative stage, the conventional content analysis method was used.Results: In the quantitative phase of the study, more than half of the women (56.7%) reported some degree of sexual dysfunction at 3–6 months after childbirth. The qualitative findings revealed that women's experiences were affected by individual, family, social, and cultural factors. Individual factors included physical and psychological domains; family factors included husband and interpersonal communication; social factors comprised of the socioeconomic situation and sexual management in the postpartum period; the cultural factor was the adherence to the cultural norms.Conclusions: The present study showed that a mixed method explanatory sequential study could be used for better understanding of women's experience of sexual function after childbirth. The results of this study can be used in health research, education, policy-making, and planning related to women’s sexual health

Iranian Women's Sexual Experience after Childbirth: a Mixed Method Explanatory Sequential Study

Background: Women have different experiences after childbirth. Emotional and social changes may change their sexual and communicative needs. This study aimed to determine and discover women's sexual function experiences after childbirth.Methods: The present study was done in a mixed paradigm with a sequential explanatory approach. In the first phase, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the women’s sexual function after childbirth. In the second phase, using the qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews, the sexual function after childbirth was explained. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive methods, and in the qualitative stage, the conventional content analysis method was used.Results: In the quantitative phase of the study, more than half of the women (56.7%) reported some degree of sexual dysfunction at 3–6 months after childbirth. The qualitative findings revealed that women's experiences were affected by individual, family, social, and cultural factors. Individual factors included physical and psychological domains; family factors included husband and interpersonal communication; social factors comprised of the socioeconomic situation and sexual management in the postpartum period; the cultural factor was the adherence to the cultural norms.Conclusions: The present study showed that a mixed method explanatory sequential study could be used for better understanding of women's experience of sexual function after childbirth. The results of this study can be used in health research, education, policy-making, and planning related to women’s sexual health

The Relationship between Social Capital and Self-Efficacy in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is one of the most likely determinants of glucose self-management and self-monitoring by diabetic patients. Also, social capital is one of the effective social factors that may affect health behaviors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between social capital and selfefficacy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).METHODS: This descriptive- analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 212 women with GDM in two diabetes center in Mazandaran, north of Iran, from April to July 2019. Patients' social capital and self-efficacy levels were measured using the Social Capital Questionnaire (SCQ) and Confidence in Diabetes Self-Care Scale questionnaire, respectively.RESULTS: Among eight dimensions of social capital, the highest and the lowest mean scores were related to proactivity (21.3) and tolerance of diversity (5) dimensions. The mean (standard deviation=SD) of self-efficacy total score was 40.7(18.2), indicating moderate self-efficacy. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that there was significant positive relationship between all dimensions of social capital and self-efficacy (p˂0.05). In addition, the results of multiple regression analysis indicated that community participation, neighborhood connections, family and friends' connections, tolerance of diversity and work connections, explained 55% of the variance in self-efficacy in women with GDM (p˂0.05).CONCLUSION: The results highlighted a significant positive relationship between social capital and self-efficacy in women with GDM. Improving women’s social capital may enhance their self-efficacy in controlling GDM

A Comprehensive Study of Ventilation Tube Insertion in Tympanic Membrane in Sari, Iran 2011-2017

Background and purpose: Tympanostomy surgery and ventilation tube (VT) placement are reliable methods to reduce the complications of eustachian tube dysfunction and inadequate middle ear ventilation. However, tympanostomy is associated with some complications. This study aimed to investigate the frequency distribution of tympanostomy surgery, success rate, its complications and the demographic characteristics of patients during 2011-2017 in Sari, Iran. Materials and methods: This retrospective descriptive study was performed using data from the records of 512 patients who underwent VT surgery in Sari during 2011-2017. A checklist was used to collect the data and SPSS V24 was used for data analysis. Results: The most common complaint at the time of referral was hearing loss (38.3%). In 79%, bilateral VT was performed and 6.5% had complications after the operation. The most common complication was purulent otorrhea (4.1%). Postoperative success rate of VT was found to be 93%. Conclusion: Given the high success rate of VT surgery, this procedure could be a good method in treatment of hearing loss, acute recurrent middle ear infections, and the adverse effects of tonsillitis and allergy on middle ear

Relationship between Social Capital, Psychological Well-Being, and Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Background and purpose: Social capital is one of the factors affecting the health of diabetic patients which will also affect their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between social capital, psychological well-being, and quality of life in diabetes patients. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 275 diabetic patients attending Qaemshahr Razi Hospital in north of Iran. They were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic checklist, the Social Capital Questionnaire (SCQ), Diabetes Quality of Life questionnaire (DQOL), and World Health Organization Well-Being Index. Data were analyzed in SPSS V22. Results: The mean values for social capital, psychological well-being, and quality of life were 103.74 ± 19.56, 13.19 ± 5.47, and 43.59 ± 7.2, respectively. The study showed that social capital was positively and significantly associated with psychological well-being and quality of life (P<0.05). In this study, psychological well-being, social capital, more children, and higher educational backgrounds explained 34% of the variance in quality of life of diabetic patients. Conclusion: Appropriate interventions on psychological well-being and social capital are needed to improve the quality of life of diabetes patients

Communication Patterns and Related Factors Among Iranian Couples: A Cross-sectional Study

Background:&nbsp;Given the effect of various factors on the use of communication patterns by couples,&nbsp;this study aimed to determine the most common communication pattern among couples and related factors in Sari, northern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 520 people (260 couples) in Sari. Data were collected using a demographic–fertility factors questionnaire, Enrich couple scale, communication patterns questionnaire, general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), and NEO personality inventory. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 25 using descriptive and inferential statistics (multiple regression model). Results: While the mean (standard deviation) age of women included in the study was 34.08 (7.71) years, the mean age of men was 39.13 (9.18) years. The most common communication patterns in both women and men was the mutual constructive communication, whereas the lowest frequent communication pattern was the demand/withdraw communication in both men and women. Marital satisfaction had a significant positive correlation with mutual constructive communication pattern in women and men (P = 0.001). In addition, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the number of marriage to date, women's age, and spouses' demand/withdraw communication pattern with mutual constructive communication pattern in women. Also, a significant inverse correlation was observed between flexibility (P = 0.047), number of marriages (P = 0.013), and the wives' age (P = 0.005) with mutual constructive communication pattern in men. Conclusion:&nbsp;According to the results of the study, it is necessary to recognize the factors related to couples' communication patterns in order to improve the communication patterns so that marital conflicts could be avoided while a more effective communication is established.&nbsp; Keywords:&nbsp;communication patterns, couples, personality characteristics, marital satisfaction, public healt