The association between pregnancy-specific anxiety and preterm birth: a cohort study

Background: Antenatal anxiety may have long-term negative effects on pregnancy outcome. Antenatal anxiety can also be detrimental to maternal health during pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between pregnancy-specific anxiety and preterm birth in pregnant women.Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 208 pregnant women who were referred to the prenatal clinic of Al-Zahra hospital in Rasht. Sampling was conducted through convenient (simple) method. Data gathering tools were a demographic characteristics questionnaire and pregnancy-specific anxiety scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. General Linear Model (GLM)-Repeated Measures test were used to study variations in anxiety along pregnancy period and tested levels of significance among inter-trimester anxiety scores.Results: Results of the study showed that change in pregnancy-specific anxiety is significantly associated with preterm birth among participants in this study. Second trimester pregnancy-specific anxiety was not associated with preterm birth, but third trimester pregnancy-specific anxiety was associated with preterm birth.Conclusion: According to the results of this study, third trimester pregnancy-specific anxiety was associated with preterm birth. Therefore, the health care providers should pay special attention to pregnancy-specific anxiety.Keywords: Pregnancy-specific anxiety, preterm birth, pregnancy outcome

The association between pregnancy-specific anxiety and preterm birth: a cohort study

Background: Antenatal anxiety may have long-term negative effects on pregnancy outcome. Antenatal anxiety can also be detrimental to maternal health during pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between pregnancy-specific anxiety and preterm birth in pregnant women. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 208 pregnant women who were referred to the prenatal clinic of Al-Zahra hospital in Rasht. Sampling was conducted through convenient (simple) method. Data gathering tools were a demographic characteristics questionnaire and pregnancy-specific anxiety scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. General Linear Model (GLM)-Repeated Measures test were used to study variations in anxiety along pregnancy period and tested levels of significance among inter-trimester anxiety scores. Results: Results of the study showed that change in pregnancy-specific anxiety is significantly associated with preterm birth among participants in this study. Second trimester pregnancy-specific anxiety was not associated with preterm birth, but third trimester pregnancy-specific anxiety was associated with preterm birth. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, third trimester pregnancy-specific anxiety was associated with preterm birth. Therefore, the health care providers should pay special attention to pregnancy-specific anxiety

Sexual self-efficacy and its related factors among married women of reproductive age

Sexual self-efficacy (SSE) has also been cited as an important factor for healthy and satisfying sex. The purpose of this study was to determine SSE and its related factors among married women of reproductive age.The present study is a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study. The research samples were 588 married women of reproductive age. A cluster sampling method is used to select participants. Data collection instruments were the socio-demographic form and the Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale-Female Functioning (SSES-F). Data analysis, Friedman, Multiple LinearRegression was performed through SPSS software version 16. The highest and lowest score was related to body acceptance (77.78) and communication (69.66), respectively. The results showed that age (B= 0.471, P<0.001), marital satisfaction (B= 0.11.3, P<0.001), life satisfaction (B= 3.5, P<0.03) and the economic-social welfare satisfaction were related to SSE. We’ve found that Women with a higher Education, Employment, higher income, and Younger husbands had the highest SSE score.The components of age, marital satisfaction, life satisfaction, and economic status affect the SSE of married women of reproductive age. The results of this study can be useful in the design and implementation of sexual health promotion interventions. Keywords: Efficacy; sexual behavior; women

A qualitative study of sexual health education among Iranian engaged couples

Background: Sexual health education for Iranian engaged couples is always ignored in the premarital education program.Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the necessity of sexual health education for Iranian engaged couples.Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Rasht, Iran. The studied sample consisted of 38 engaged men and women; and also 9 health experts and policymakers. We used interview guides to collect data. The data was analyzed through content analysis method.Results: Analyzing participants’ perspectives revealed six themes including: (1) socio-cultural changes, (2) emerging social pathologies, (3) inadequate sexual knowledge; (4) challenges in providing sexual health services, (5) individual consequences and (6) social consequences.Conclusion: Most participants emphasized the necessity of sexual health education not only because of medical concerns, but also from the perspective of social issues. Providing these services should be considered a priority.Keywords: Sexual health, health education, qualitative study, Ira

Effects of lifestyle on sexual function among postmenopausal women

Background: A healthy lifestyle has a key role in reducing health problems. Since one of the most common problems in Postmenopausal women has been sexual dysfunction (SD). The specific purpose of the present study was to identify the effects of health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) on sexual function among postmenopausal women.Methods: The present cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted on 405 Postmenopausal women aged 45–60 years, using the convenience sampling method.Data collection was done using three questionnaires of demographic, health-promoting lifestyle profile-II (HPLP-II) and female sexual function index (FSFI). Data were analyzed in the SPSS-16 using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The statistical significance level was regarded as less than 0.05.Results: In general, the result of this study identified a 68% prevalence of SD among participants. The mean score obtained from the HPLP II was 2.27 (SD = 0.42), the highest score of its sub-scales was spiritual growth and the lowest score was physical activity.The mean score of FSFI among the studied women was 23.16 (SD = 0.29), the highest score of six sub-scales was satisfaction and the lowest score was lubrication among participants. A strong correlation was found between the total FSFI scores, and spiritual growth (r=0.048), interpersonal relations (r=0.02), stress management (r=0.000), (p<0.0001).Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that a healthy lifestyle affects sexual function. Given that a healthy lifestyleis one of the most important ways to help women overcome SD, a healthy lifestyle promoting interventions necessary forPostmenopausal women.Keywords: Lifestyle; Postmenopausal Women; Sexual Function

Sexual health education priorities: Perspective from engaged couples in Rasht

Background and aims: Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being of individuals, couples and families, and sexual health promotion, like other dimensions of health needs to complete and continuous access, learning opportunities for achieving better health. The present study aimed to determine the sexual health education priorities. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study that conducted on 420 engaged male and female for marriage in 2015. Sampling was done through a continuous method with pre-marriage couples were referred to a health care center No 8 in Rasht city to get premarital education services. In this study, the data collection tool was “sexual health need of education” questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS and descriptive and inferential methods. The statistical significance level was P<0.05. Results: The first priority of education from the perspective of contributors was to "qualified educators" with an average of 76.91 %. Other priorities respectively includes: Appropriate educational features (75.68%), suitable educational technologies (74.37%) and educational content (72.47%). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the most important priority for engaged couples in the sexual health education is qualified educator. Therefore, health policy makers should pay more attention to this issue. Determining the most important priority of engaged couples in the "educator" dimension will also be a guide for health educators, especially premarital education

Effect of pregnancy on sexual function of couples

Objective: Sexual function is an important part of each human being’s personality and in the general couple relationship, with an obvious impact on quality of life and safe sexual performance during pregnancy is important for couples. The objective of this study was to assess effects of pregnancy on sexual function of couples.Materials: In a prospective cohort study 123 couples were enrolled in the study when women were first diagnosed to be pregnant. During their pre-natal visits, Sexual function of couples was evaluated using the Iranian Version Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in men and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women in three trimesters. Statistical analysis was performed.Results: Indices of sexual function showed significant regressions over time during pregnancy. The greatness of the problem was highest during the third trimester. Female sexual arousal and sexual satisfaction domain scores had the major correlation to IIEF total score. On the other hand, male intercourse satisfaction domain score had the maximum correlation to FSFI total score. A strong correlation between male and female sexual function was observed.Conclusion: Sexual function is a widespread problem during pregnancy among Iranian couples. Therefore, pregnant women and their husbands need counseling about healthy sexual function in pregnancy.Keywords: Sexual activity, pregnant woman, husband

Quality of sleep in women with menopause and its related factors

Background: Menopausal period is one of the most critical stages of a womans life. Complications of the menopausal period including sleep disorders can affect the physical and mental state of women. As sleep disorder has a determinant role in the quality of life, this study was conducted to evaluate postmenopausal womens quality of sleep and its related factors. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted on 323 postmenopausal women based on convenience and consecutive sampling. The data-gathering tool consisted of two parts; sociodemographic characteristics and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Sleep disorder was determined in 49.9% of participants. The mean PSQI score was 5.32 ± 3.881. There was a significant correlation between PSQI and age (ß = 0.29, p < 0.001) indicating that sleep disorder increased with an increase in age. There was a significant correlation between body mass index (ß = 0.599, p < 0.001) and undesired sleep quality. Conclusions: Regarding the presence of sleep disorder in almost half of the study participants, and the relationship between sleep quality and body mass index and age, it is recommended that decision and policymakers design educational consultation interventions to improve the quality and quantity of sleep in menopause women

Explaining sexual health education needs of pre-marriage couples: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Knowledge about sexual health is one of the basic needs of young couples. Knowledge of sexual health is effective on the individual's health and family stability. However, a comprehensive sexual health education program does not exist in the health care system. The present study aimed to explore the sexual health education needs of engaged couples. Method: This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis. Subjects were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews and 1 focus group discussion, with 38 individuals and 9 interviews with the key informants. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using content analysis method and the MAXQDA software. Results: Through extraction of main codes, the couples’ needs were classified in 4 main categories of bio-psychological, social-moral, religious-moral, and educational-cultural. The main categories also included several subcategories that were explained with the statements of participants. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that engaged couples require particular knowledge and skills in bio-psychological, social-moral, religious-moral, and educational-cultural dimensions that are ignored in the current premarital educational programs. Therefore, presentation of this study results to health authorities for the implementation of need-based educational programs can increase the effectiveness of premarital education. Keywords: Sexual health, Qualitative study, Needs assessmen

A qualitative study of sexual health education among Iranian engaged couples.

Background: Sexual health education for Iranian engaged couples is always ignored in the premarital education program. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the necessity of sexual health education for Iranian engaged couples. Materials and methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Rasht, Iran. The studied sample consisted of 38 engaged men and women; and also 9 health experts and policymakers. We used interview guides to collect data. The data was analyzed through content analysis method. Results: Analyzing participants\u2019 perspectives revealed six themes including: (1) socio-cultural changes, (2) emerging social pathologies, (3) inadequate sexual knowledge; (4) challenges in providing sexual health services, (5) individual consequences and (6) social consequences. Conclusion: Most participants emphasized the necessity of sexual health education not only because of medical concerns, but also from the perspective of social issues. Providing these services should be considered a priority