A Comparison of Coping Strategies in Iranian Female Victims of Different Types of Intimate Partner Violence

AbstractIntroduction: Spouse abuse is defined as physical, sexual, and psychological-emotional violence committed by a spouse against his wife that is a widely variable phenomenon. The present study was conducted to compare coping strategies for stress in Iranian female victims of spouse abuse of different types in the city of Ilam.Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 150 females with an experience of spouse abuse during the one-year leading up to the study, selected through convenience sampling. The study tools included the World Health Organization Violence against Women instrument and the Endler and Parker Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. Data were analyzed using the SPSS-22 software.Results: All of the participants had experienced at least one type of psychological violence (100%). Some of them had also experienced physical (94%) and sexual (67.3%) violence in the past year. Emotion-focused strategies were the dominant style used by most of the females (48%) in coping with stress. Certain demographic variables, such as the couple›s low literacy, were associated with emotion-focused and avoidance coping strategies. The use of problem-focused strategies increased significantly with household size (r = 0.17 and P = 0.039). One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that physical violence was associated with an increase in avoidance strategies and sexual and psychological violence with an increase in emotion-focused strategies. The results of the multivariate linear regression showed that only sexual violence could predict emotion-focused strategies (β = 0.216 and P = 0.01).Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of spouse abuse, teaching certain life skills, such as problem-solving and alternative problem-focused behaviors instead of focusing on emotion and stress could be effective in coping with stressful life situations, help improve interpersonal relationships, and prevent harm caused by violence

Religion, Spirituality and Coping with Breast Cancer: A Phenomenological Study

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and in addition to the physical complications, caused multiple mental and emotional challenges for patients. Present study was performed through phenomenological qualitative approach in a sample of Iranian women to deep exploration and better understanding of coping ways that patients use when face with cancer, with a focus on methods based on religion and spirituality based.Materials and Methods: Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 27 eligible patients. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Van Manen thematic approach. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously. In addition, Maxqda (Ver10) software was used for data management.Results: The mean age of participants was 50±8.77years, ranging from 32 to 68 years. About 22% of these patients had Lumpectomy (remove part of breast tissue) and others (78%), mastectomy (remove of all breast), respectively. By analyzing and extracting the primary codes from the interviews, the final codes were extracted and divided into 6  sub and 2 conceptual categories, and relation between the conceptual categories led to emerge of the study main theme “Transcendence-oriented effort to adjustment”.Conclusion: Breast cancer patients in this study predominantly employed dynamic processes and coping strategies to deal with the reality of disease that had been formed from their religious and spiritual beliefs. Therefore, it is necessary to health care providers, while maintaining respect for patients and considering their spiritual and religious beliefs, make available religious counseling in order to providing spiritual health promotion for patients.Keywords: Spirituality, Religious Attitudes, Coping, Compatibility, Breast Cancer, PhenomenologyFor downloading the full-text of this article please click here

Development and psychometric properties of Midwives' Knowledge and Practice Scale on Respectful Maternity Care (MKP-RMC)

ObjectiveTo develop a scale for evaluating knowledge and practice of midwives on Respectful Maternity Care (RMC).MethodsAn exploratory sequential mixed method study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2019 in two non-teaching public hospitals in Tehran, Iran. In the first part of the study, a literature review and qualitative study were carried out in order to develop the preliminary item pool. Then face, content and construct validity and reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) were assessed.ResultsThe MKP-RMC scale has 23-item in knowledge and 23-item in practice section that loaded in three factors: Giving emotional support, providing safe care and preventing mistreatment. Exploratory factor analysis accounted for 43.47% and 58.62% of observed variance in knowledge and practice sections, respectively. The internal consistency and internal correlation coefficient of both section of MKP-RMC indicated acceptable reliability.ConclusionThe MKP-RMC is a valid and reliable tool for measuring midwives' knowledge and practice of respectful care during labor and childbirth. The MKP-RMC could be used in maternity services to evaluate and improve quality of childbirth care through development of educational interventions for effective behavioral change. Confirmation of validity and reliability of translated version of the scale in other maternity care providers and different contexts is recommended

Effects of Sex Hormones in Combined oral Contraceptives and Cyclofem on Female Sexual Dysfunction Score: A Study on Iranian Females

AbstractIntroduction: Unwanted pregnancy can endanger reproductive health, and its complications could adversely affect quality of life in females, families, and the community. A large number of unwanted pregnancies are terminated with abortion or stillbirth. Sex is an important aspect of quality of life. According to reproductive rights, females have the right to experience a safe and enjoyable sexual relationship. This study aimed at comparing sexual function scores between females taking combined oral contraceptives and Cyclofem at health centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences of Tehran, Iran, During Year 2013.Methods: This descriptive-comparative study was carried -out on 240 females (each group 120) in Tehran, Iran, by multistage sampling. Data collection tools had 3 parts; General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), demographic variables, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) that were completed by interviews. Descriptive statistics, independent t, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square, and SPPS16 were used for analysis of data. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: The difference in sexual function between combined oral contraceptives and cyclofem was insignificant. Scores of desire and arousal dimensions were better in combined oral contraceptive consumers than cyclofem users.Conclusions: It is important for females to choose hormonal contraception methods, which are the most effective, yet, cause the least sexual dysfunction

Comparative evaluation of the frequency of myofibroblasts between oral and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas

Introduction: Differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is an initial and very important event in tumor genesis. Myofibroblasts produce proteinases that stimulate invasion in cancers. Due to the more malignant potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) , the aim of the present study was to compare myofibroblasts between OSCC and CSCC to understand whether myofibroblasts can help more malignant potential of OSCC compared to CSCC or not. Materials &Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 cases of OSCC and CSCC and 20 cases of normal skin and normal oral mucosa. Then, 4-micron sections of paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of studied groups were stained immunohistochemically with α-SMA antibody. Mean percentage of myofibroblasts was calculated in invasive fronts of OSCCs with CSCCs and also in normal samples and staining intensity of cells for α-SMA marker and distribution pattern of myofibroblasts were determined. Results: The differences of average percentage of myofibroblasts in OSCC and CSCC compared to normal groups were significant (Pvalue= 0.007 and Pvalue=0.003 respectively), but when we compared OSCCs and CSCCs, the difference was not significant. Also, there were no significant differences between OSCC and CSCC with regard to staining intensity and pattern. Conclusion: Different biologic behavior of OSCC compared to CSCC doesn’t depend on myofibroblasts and other factors can be involved

Psychological Predictors of Intention to Deliver Vaginally through the Extended Parallel Process Model: A Mixed-Method Approach in Pregnant Iranian Women

Objectives: Despite the fact that cesarean delivery does not offer significant health benefits for either mother or newborn, there has been a noticeable upward trend in elective cesarean births in Iran, over the last two decades. This study aims to examine whether knowledge, perception of health threats, efficacy, and personal beliefs act as psychological predictors towards the intention of women to have a normal vaginal delivery.Methods: The mixed-method approach was used as quantitative and qualitative design. Simultaneously, 290 pregnant women who visited prenatal clinics participated in the study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on Witte’s Extended Parallel Process Model, and four focus groups, respectively.Results: Women perceived lower personal risk but higher levels of efficacy. Perceived self-efficacy, severity, and response efficacy emerged as significant predictors of intention to experience vaginal birth. The participants’ insufficient knowledge and misconceptions about birth methods were prevalent. Major themes were identified and divided into negative and positive beliefs about vaginal birth.Conclusion: This educational model is useful for understanding women’s intention to undergo a vaginal birth, especially when it is combined with a qualitative approach. Maternal care providers should acknowledge their clients’ beliefs and intended childbirth methods prior to offering medical intervention

Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ)

Women’s childbirth experience is an outcome indicator for evaluating maternity care. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (P-CEQ). The study recruited two hundred and fifty primiparous postpartum women in the 1-3 months following birth from one private and three public hospitals in Mazandaran province, Iran. First, face validity and content validity were evaluated. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, and discriminant validity was assessed by applying the known-groups method. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was measured to confirm the stability and Cronbach’s alpha to confirm the internal consistency. CFA also confirmed the values of fit indices (RMSEA = 0.05, SRMSR = 0.06, CFI >0.93, χ2/df = 1.80). ICC was 0.88 and Cronbach’s alpha for all items was 0.85. Furthermore, discriminant validity of the P-CEQ was approved given that it effectively differentiated women whose stay in the labor unit exceeded twelve hours from those with a shorter stay. The P-CEQ questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing childbirth experiences. It is an easy-to-use questionnaire that can be used for evaluating quality of care in terms of women’s childbirth experience. It can be used in maternity services that aim to improve quality of care during labor and childbirth

High level of resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin among Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates in Qazvin province, Iran

resistance. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and mechanism of antibiotic resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin in H. pylori isolates collected from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in Qazvin, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, antibiotic susceptibility testing to clarithromycin and metronidazole was performed among 80 clinical strains isolated from H. pylori-positive dyspeptic patients referred to Qazvin hospital from July 2018 to November 2018. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing tests were performed to determine the type of mutations in the rdxA gene in metronidazole-resistant isolates, and the 23SrRNA gene in clarithromycinresistant isolates. Thirteen (40.6%) and Twenty-one (65.6%) isolates were resistant to clarithromycin and metronidazole, respectively. 37.5% and 59.4% of clarithromycin and metronidazole resistant isolates had MIC>256. In clarithromycin-resistant isolates, mutations in the 23SrRNA gene was seen at A2143G (15.6%), A2142G (9.4%), C2195T (6.3%), C2244T (3.1%), and G2212A (3.1%) locations. In one isolate, three simultaneous mutations were recorded in locations A2143G, G2110A, and C2121T. Mutations in the rdxA gene in metronidazole-resistant isolates, were missense. High resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin antibiotics were seen in H. pylori isolates in Qazvin province. This is the first report of new mutation sites G2212A, G2110A, and C2121T on the 23SrRNA gene in clarithromycin-resistant isolates. It is necessary to evaluate the current situation in terms of resistance and identify the mechanisms involved in its occurrence for the successful treatment of infections caused by this organism

High level of resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin among Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates in Qazvin province, Iran

The treatment of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection has many limitations, especially because of antibiotic resistance. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and mechanism of antibiotic resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin in H. pylori isolates collected from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in Qazvin, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, antibiotic susceptibility testing to clarithromycin and metronidazole was performed among 80 clinical strains isolated from H. pylori-positive dyspeptic patients referred to Qazvin hospital from July 2018 to November 2018. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing tests were performed to determine the type of mutations in the rdxA gene in metronidazole-resistant isolates, and the 23SrRNA gene in clarithromycinresistant isolates. Thirteen (40.6%) and Twenty-one (65.6%) isolates were resistant to clarithromycin and metronidazole, respectively. 37.5% and 59.4% of clarithromycin and metronidazole resistant isolates had MIC>256. In clarithromycin-resistant isolates, mutations in the 23SrRNA gene was seen at A2143G (15.6%), A2142G (9.4%), C2195T (6.3%), C2244T (3.1%), and G2212A (3.1%) locations. In one isolate, three simultaneous mutations were recorded in locations A2143G, G2110A, and C2121T. Mutations in the rdxA gene in metronidazole-resistant isolates, were missense. High resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin antibiotics were seen in H. pylori isolates in Qazvin province. This is the frst report of new mutation sites G2212A, G2110A, and C2121T on the 23SrRNA gene in clarithromycin-resistant isolates. It is necessary to evaluate the current situation in terms of resistance and identify the mechanisms involved in its occurrence for the successful treatment of infections caused by this organism

Isolation and Identification of Free Living Amoeba from Patients and Contact Lens Users in Iran

Background: Free-living amoebae (FLA) such as Acanthamoeba spp., are considered as opportunistic and pathogenic protozoans. Acanthamoeba granulomatous encephalitis (AGE) is a serious threat for immunodeficient patients and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) for contact lens users. We aimed to identify the presence of free living amoebae in nasal swabs of patients and contact lens users in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: During 2019, 251 nasal and oral swabs (including the pharynx and mouth) were collected from patients with diabetes, AIDS and those under periodic dialysis in Qazvin, Iran. In addition, 27 soft contact lenses were collected from the participants. Following DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing were conducted to identify the genotypes of the amoeba. Phylogenetic analysis of the identified sequences was performed using MEGA 7 software. Results: A strain of Acanthamoeba belonging to the T3 genotype was isolated from hemodialysis patients. Two specimens of Acanthamoeba with T3 genotype were isolated from keratitis patients. Conclusion: The clinicians should pay attention to the possible complication of this organism because this amoeba is potentially pathogenic for immunocompromised patients. Since the amoeba is present in environmental resources, the use of contact lenses should be accompanied by considering proper hygien