The effect of education for iron consumption based on the theory of planned behavior in pregnant women in Mashhad

Background and aim: Iron is an essential element for women of reproductive age, especially in the period before pregnancy and during this period. This study was aimed to investigate the consumption of iron to prevent iron deficiency anemia based on the theory of planned behavior on pregnant women in Mashhad city. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 160 pregnant women referred to health center No. 1 in Mashhad town who were allocated to case (80) and control (80) groups randomly in 2014. Intervention was done in four 75- minute sessions. Data were collected using a questionnaire made by researcher based on the theory of planned behavior and blood lab exam (Ferritin). Questionnaires were distributed and completed immediately, and 3 months after educational intervention were repeated again. Results: The average rates of knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control and intention to use of iron intervention group was increased 3 months after the intervention significantly (P0.05). Conclusion: Regarding the effect of education in promoting iron consumption in pregnant women, it is suggested that iron supplementation promotion workshops should be held in health centers with the aim of preventing iron deficiency anemia in health centers

Divorce from a divorcee woman's perspectives: A qualitative study

Introduction: Divorce is an unexpected change in marital life. This change affects physical and psychological health. Divorce is a complex phenomenon which can be conceptualized from different perspectives. Aim of the present study was to conceptualize divorce from Iranian women's perspectives. Method: A qualitative content analysis approach was employed. Using purposeful sampling, data collected from 26 women with divorce experience. In-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to gather information. Results: The findings suggest two main themes: "concept" and "process of experience". Each theme was divided into sub-themes as general vocabulary, especially lexical (experience), perceived conflict, versusbelief experience, and traumatic. Conclusion: Concept of divorce is driven from social believes. Divorce affects health. In fact, divorce not only is a socio-cultural issue, but also, a social health determinant. Thus, any program in women health promotion needs to consider divorcee women's perspective. We came to conclusion that, several factors make the meaning of divorce. Furthermore, these components are subject to a separated woman's perceived experiences, perceptions, social beliefs, and gender. Keywords: Divorce, Conceptualizing, Women health, women perspective, divorcee women, Qualitative Content analysi

Sexual Risk Behaviors and Condom Use Barriers in Iranian Men with Substance Use Disorders

Background: We aimed to investigate risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) and condom use barriers in Iranian men with substance use disorders (SUDs).Methods: Of the total 1800 outpatient drug free (ODF) and methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) active centers in Tehran, Iran, six were selected to participate in the current study. Data were collected (n = 300 men) using three questionnaires including a demographic questionnaire, the Risky Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (RSBQ), and the Condom Barriers Scale (CBS). The statistical software R, analysis of variance post hoc and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) logistic regression tests were used in data analysis.Findings: The majority, (n = 194, 64.7%) reported at least one lifetime episode of RSBs. Compared to married participants (23.1%), 88.5% of single and 87.0% of divorced men had a history of RSB. Generally, the lowest and highest subscale scores of the CBS were related to sexual experience (2.60 ± 0.71) and access/availability structure (3.77 ± 0.54), respectively. The results of MANOVA analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the CSB subscales based on the participants' education and marital status (P < 0.001). Only the partner barrier subscale had a significant negative relationship (P = 0.003) with RSB.Conclusion: Sexual dynamic of Iranian men with SUDs is different. Barriers to condom use seem to be socio-culturally determined. Culturally acceptable strategies need to be utilized in Iranian clinical settings reaching beyond simply condom accessibility for this at risk population

Health problem behaviors in Iranian adolescents: a study of cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity

Background: The main purpose of this study was to assess the factorial validity and reliability of the Iranian versions of the personality and behavior system scales (49 items) of the AHDQ (The Adolescent Health and Development Questionnaire) and interrelations among them based on Jessor′s PBT (Problem Behavior Theory). Methods: A multi-staged approach was employed. The cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to the internationally recommended methodology, using the following guidelines: translation, back-translation, revision by a committee, and pretest. After modifying and identifying of the best items, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of Persian version using calibration and validation samples of adolescents. Also 113 of them completed it again two weeks later for stability. Results: The findings of the exploratory factor analysis suggested that the 7-factor solution with low self concept, emotional distress, general delinquency, cigarette, hookah, alcohol, and hard drugs use provided a better fitting model. The a range for these identified factors was 0.69 to 0.94, the ICC range was 0.73 to 0.93, and there was a significant difference in mean scores for these instruments in compare between the male normative and detention adolescents. The first and second-order measurement models testing found good model fit for the 7-factor model. Conclusions: Factor analyses provided support of existence internalizing and externalizing problem behavior syndrome. With those qualifications, this model can be applied for studies among Persian adolescents