Relationship Between Quality of Life and Depression in Pregnant Women

Background: Quality of life differs for different people in different situations and is related to one's self-satisfaction with life. Quality of life is affected by health status. Objectives: The current study examined the relationship between quality of life and depression in pregnant women in Kashan city. Patients and Methods: A Case - control study was performed on 112 depressed pregnant women (Case Group) and 353 Non-depressed pregnant women (Control Group) who referred to the prenatal health care centers of Kashan University of Medical Sciences .They completed Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) to assess the quality of life and the Beck Depression Inventory to assess the level of depressive symptoms. T-test, chi-square and Pearson correlation coefficient statistical tests were used for data analysis. Results: The findings showed that there was an inverse relationship between quality of life and depression in pregnancy (P = 0.0001). Average scores in all eight domains of quality of life were significantly lower in depressed pregnant women compared to non- depressed women. The strongest relationship was observed between depression and vitality (r =-0.52, P = 0.0001), mental health (r = -0.50, P = 0.001) and social functioning (r =-0.38, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Depressed pregnant women had a lower quality of life. The proper management of depression during pregnancy can improve the quality of life in women. It is recommended that antenatal services integrate screening for depression into routine antenatal care

The effect of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on growth indices of healthy neonates

Abstract Therapeutic touch is emphasized by healthcare professionals for improvement of neonates' growth and development. However, inconsistencies exist regarding effects and methods of massage in neonates. The purpose of this clinical trial is to assess and comprise intervention and control groups regarding the effects of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation (TKS) by mothers on growth indices of healthy term neonates. Sixty healthy term neonates were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Mothers of neonates in the experimental group were trained to perform TKS for their newborns at home before feeding for at least 28 consecutive days, two times a day, and 15 min each time. Neonates in the control group were not required to receive this intervention. The neonates’ growth indices were measured within 24 h after birth, and then at days 14 and 28. During the study and the three consecutive measurements, no significant difference was found between the mean weights, heights, and head circumferences of the neonates in the two groups (p > 0.05). Keywords: Tactile-kinesthetic stimulation Growth indices Neonates Mother's touc

The assessment of view toward sexually transmitted diseases among midwives in Kashan 2010

Sexually transmitted diseases are health problem in world and midwives play important role in transmitting information to patient and counseling with them. Due to this study was not performed, this research is necessary. The aim was to the assessment of knowledge and attitude toward sexually transmitted diseases among midwifes in Kashan 2010. This study was a descriptive analytic study. The samples consisted of 100 midwife, they were selected using convenient sampling method. Data were gathered by a questionnaire that include 3 item demographic information, knowledge and attitude. Data were analyzed by SPSS Software. The mean of age in this midwife was 34±6/7 years and the most of them were married (73) and undergraduate education (75). About 56 of midwives have patient with STD. The most of source information about STD was education of university (40). Their knowledge regarding the STD were high (90) and the attitudes regarding the STD were favorable (92). The results indicate a high level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards STD. This study indicated that midwifes informed about STD and researchers can aplicated of them to education and counceling about STD in health center but assessment of performance in this group is nessesery. © Medwell Journals, 2012

Development and psychometric evaluation of the menopausal self-care questionnaire in a sample of Iranian postmenopausal women

Background: Self-care assessment is a prerequisite to self-care promotion interventions. However, there is no specific measurement instrument for self-care assessment among postmenopausal women. Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop the menopausal self-care questionnaire and evaluate its psychometric properties in a sample of Iranian postmenopausal women. Methods: This methodological study was conducted in 2017 based on Waltz's method for instrument development. Questionnaire items were generated based on a literature review, and then, face, content, and construct validity of the questionnaire were assessed. For construct validity assessment, a sample of 357 women aged 45-60 years were selected through cluster and stratified sampling from health-care centers in Kashan, Iran. Then, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure of the questionnaire. Moreover, reliability was assessed through calculating Cronbach's alpha and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The primary version of the questionnaire contained 36 items. Two items were deleted due to their limited content validity. The impact scores, content validity ratios, and content validity indices of the remaining 34 items were at least 2.84, 0.70, and 0.70, respectively. During factor analysis for construct validity assessment, one item was deleted and the questionnaire was found to have a seven-factor structure, accounting for 54.87 of the total variance. The factors were general health care, screening, nutrition, memory, hot flashes and night sweats, sexuality, and social communication. The ICC and Cronbach's alpha value for the questionnaire were 0.76 (P < 0.001) and 0.88, respectively. Conclusion: The menopausal self-care questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for self-care assessment among postmenopausal women. It can be used in health monitoring programs for middle-aged and elderly women. © 2019 Nursing and Midwifery Studies | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow

Comparison of chamomile and mefenamic acid capsules in hemorrhage of menstruation

Introduction: Menstrual disorders can cause many problems for women at different periods, and sometimes diagnosis and treatment of these disorders manifests as a problem in clinical medicine. Due to the high prevalence of menstrual disorders and fewer side effects of herbal medicines than chemical drugs, this study was performed with aim to compare the effects of chamomile and mefenamic acid capsules in hemorrhage of menstruation. Methods: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial study was performed on 90 students living in dormitories of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. They were randomly divided into two groups of chamomile and mefenamic acid. 45 cases received 250 mg of chamomile and 45 cases received 250 mg mefenamic acid per 8 hour for two cycles. Data collection tool was questionnaire, and Higam standard test was used to determine bleeding. Data was analyzed by SPSS statistical software (version 16), and Chi-square test, T-test, Fisher and paired t-test. PResults: The amount of bleeding was significantly decreased in both treatment groups compared to pre-treatment (P0.05). Decreased amount of bleeding caused by chamomile and mefenamic acid was not different in the second cycle compared to first cycle (P>0.05). Conclusion: The use of chamomile capsule can decrease hemorrhage in menstruation, so its consumption is recommended to treat this disorder in women. © 2015, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Physiologic skin changes in pregnancy among patients of the postpartum ward in Shabih-Khani hospital, Kashan in 2009

Pregnancy affects the entire organs of the pregnant woman including the skin. These changes are sometimes important from either the medical or cosmetic point of view. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physiologic skin changes during pregnancy among patients of the postpartum ward in Shabih-Khani Hospital, Kashan. This is a cross sectional descriptive study of 180 patients in the postpartum ward. Simple random sampling was used. The exclusion criteria were being a foreigner, multiparity and gestational age below 20 weeks. A check-list containing 13 demographic questions and 21 questions concerning the skin changes was the tool. Trained interviewers visited the patients before discharge and completed the questionnaires; the resulting data were coded and fed into the SPSS 16 software package; subsequently, tables of frequency were obtained. The resulting data were fed into the SPSS 16 software package; subsequently, frequency (present) was reported. Most of the patients were in the age range of 20-29 years (63.9) at a gestational age of 36 weeks or higher. The observation included facial pigmentation 43.9 as well as spider angioma 11.7, palpebral edema 30, painful gingivitis 9.5, body pigmentation 97.2), striae 82.3), hyperhidrosis 80) and hirsutism 17.2). Acne was aggravated 26.7 and it was improved in 1.7. An increase in sebum and cutaneous fat was observed in 25. Considering the frequency of cutaneous changes during pregnancy, it is recommended to educate pregnant women about the necessary health care measures. © Medwell Journals, 2011

The assessment of patient rights in maternity ward in Kashan hospital from perspective of the patients

Patient of rights compliance improved quality of health care. Due to this study was not performed, this research is necessary. The aim was the assessment of patient rights in maternity ward in Kashan hospital from perspective of the patients. This study was a descriptive-analytic. The samples consisted of 150 patient that were in post partum ward in Kashan hospital. Data were gathered by a questionnaire that was based on the patient's bill of rights was designed. Data were analysed by SPSS Software. The mean of age in this patient was 29/4 years and the most of them have elementary education (40) and too most of them were housewife (97). The results showed that 43 of the subjects claimed that their patient about the bill of rights is not respected vs. 39 dissatisfiedon the issue and claimed that the bill of rights patient complianceis not about them and 18 alsohad nocommentin this context. Lowest patient satisfaction was about educational activities of the hospital, so that most patients claimed that the education alactivities on patient desire and patient satisfactionis not considered. This study shows that patient's rights charter in the labor ward Kashan is not fully respected and this study compared to other studies done in other ward has been lower percentage of extra shows. Considering that midwifes less than nurses and doctors trained, it is recommended that authorities to adopt measures in this field. And given that the patients did not satisfaction about presence of student, student performance should be the organizing. © Medwell Journals, 2013

The impact of postpartum depression on quality of life in women after child's birth

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common problem after child's birth and may influence the quality of life (QOL). Investigation of postpartum QOL and depression can be useful for better care for mothers and improvement of their well-being. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the life quality in mothers with and without PPD. Patients and Methods: In a prospective study, women who had experienced child's birth with and without PPD were recruited in Kashan-Iran. PPD was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and QOL was measured by SF-36 questionnaire. Data collection was conducted at two assessment points: second month (n = 321) and fourth month (n = 300) postpartum. Based on EPDS, a score of 13 or more was defined as PPD. Mean scores of SF-36 questionnaire were compared between women with and without PPD at two assessment points and within each group from the first to the second assessments. Moreover, correlation between scores of EPDS and scores of life quality dimensions were evaluated. Data were analyzed by using the Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square test, Pair t test, Wilcoxon, Pearson and Spearman Correlation Coefficient. Results: Differences in seven out of eight mean scores of QOL dimensions (except role-physical) between depressed and non-depressed women at the first and the second assessments were significant. Results of changes in mean scores of QOL dimensions from the first to the second assessments in each group showed that non-depressed women scored higher in all of eight dimensions with significant differences in two dimensions (bodily pain and role-emotional as well as mental health component). In depressed women, scores of life quality decreased in some of QOL dimensions but differences were not significant. There were significant negative correlations between EPDS scores and scores of seven out of eight SF-36 sub-scales (except role-physical) in addition to physical and mental health components at two assessments. The highest correlation was found between EPDS scores and emotional well-being and total scores of SF-36 dimension at the first and the second assessments (r = -o.489, r = -0.381), respectively. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that postpartum depression leads to a lower life quality at second and fourth months postpartum. Integration of PPD screening into routine postnatal care is recommended. © 2013, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal; Published by Kowsar Corp

Effect of Self - Care Education on Quality of Life in Patients With Primary Hypertension: Comparing Lecture and Educational Package

Background: Hypertension is a dangerous risk factor for public health. It profoundly affects the patients’ quality of life. However, there is lack of agreement on the best method for self-care management in patients with hypertension. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the effect of lecture and educational pamphlets on quality of life (QOL) in patients with primary hypertension. Patients and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed on 90 patients with chronic primary hypertension referred to two outpatient clinics in Kashan city. Patients were randomly divided into three groups including lecture group, educational package group, and control group. The participants’ quality of life was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire at the beginning of the study, and two months later. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-Square tests. Results: No significant differences were observed between the three groups for demographics characteristics and QOL before the intervention except for marital status. Mean scores of QOL dimensions of the intervention groups were increased at the end of the study, except for the dimension of bodily pain. Tukey post-Hoc test showed that except for general health, the two intervention groups were not significantly different in other dimensions, and significant differences were observed between the control group and the two intervention groups (P < 0.05). At start and the end of the study, the mean differences in the general health dimension in three groups were 2.25 ± 0.1, 0.07 ± 0.01, and -1.70 ± 0.01 respectively. There were significant differences among groups (P = 0.04). Conclusions: Lecture and educational package can both improve some dimensions of the QOL in patients with hypertension. However, as pamphlets are cheap and easy to use, this method may be used as an effective method for self-care education in health care settings in Iran, where the system is faced with nursing shortage