Self-concept and self-discrepancy among the women receiving and donating oocyte

Background & Aim: One of the assisted reproductive technologies is the use of donated oocyte. Although, the data about medical aspects of this process is available, knowledge of the psychological aspect related to this therapy is limited. Each individual's psychological aspects can be assessed by the self-concept and the self-discrepancy. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the self-concept and self-discrepancy among women receiving and donating oocyte. Methods & Materials: In this descriptive-analytical investigation, carried out in 2015, given the limited research population, 53 women referred to Royan infertility institute, were investigated in each of the donor and recipient groups using the available sampling method. The data were collected by three questionnaires including demographic questions, Rogers’s self-concept scale and self discrepancy scale (ideal-self discrepancy and ought-self discrepancy). The data were analyzed through the descriptive statistics, Chi-square and t-test using SPSS v.16. Results: Results showed that the self-concept and self-discrepancy scores were poor in both the donor group and the recipient group. Scores of the recipient women (the questionnaire was reverse scored) were more than scores of the donor women. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean scores of self-concept (P=0.53). There was a significant difference between the two groups in the ought-self discrepancy score (P=0.02) but no significant difference was found between the two groups in the ideal-self discrepancy score (P=0.15). Conclusion: According to the results, it should be noted that in the process of oocyte donation, only physical assessment is not enough but individuals’ psychological needs are necessary to be taken into account. So, the authorities should consider measures to assess the psychological aspects of women receiving and donating oocyte

Development, implementation and evaluation of the ‘BELIEVE’ program for improving physical activity among women: a mixed method action research study

Abstract Background There is insufficient physical activity among women. Yet the implementation of effective, multilevel, and evidence-based interventions may address this. Since the lifestyle of individuals is formed in many different social, physical and cultural contexts, it will be necessary in designing such interventions to involve many stakeholders. Consequently, the present study took a mixed method action research approach in developing, implementing and evaluating a bespoke program to improve physical activity among women. Methods This study was conducted within the Khoramroudi neighborhood of Tehran between 2013 and 2015 utilizing the four main phases of action research. The Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) process was used to design the study. During the initial phase, participants were organized into three groups; a core support committee, a steering committee, and a study population. Qualitative and quantitative data were also collected during this first phase. During the second phase, interventions were developed and implemented. In the third phase, an evaluation was carried out using both quantitative (Designing a quasi-experimental study) and qualitative methods. During the fourth phase, an exploration of the structure and process of action research was completed with the aim of providing a conceptual model and descriptions of the context. Results Three strategic interventions were effective in improving physical activity among women: (1) utilization of sports assistants; (2) Local health promotion and the dissemination of an informational, motivational and culturally competent booklet entitled “Educational content for sport assistants" (3) Group-based cognitive behavioral therapy. Quantitative results [Significant difference between the total score of PA before the intervention, and 1 and 3 months after the intervention (P < 0.001)] and the results of qualitative evaluations were shown to improve physical activity among participants. The newly co-created “adjusted MAPP model” was offered within three action cycles. The structure of this was described to capture the impacts of interactions among a variety of stakeholders. Conclusion The comprehensive identification of problems led to the development of collaborative strategies. Strategies of action research can positively affect physical activity among women. To improve physical activity outcomes more generally, the use of MAPP principles and strategies is suggested to meet the specific needs and strengths of all community members

Family Planning Practice by Patterns of Marriage in the North of Iran

Background: The fertility experience in Iran suggests that the family planning programs had an effective role in the fertility reduction. This study aimed to specify patterns of marriage in Iran and especially in a northern city of Iran and to investigate the association between patterns of marriage and contraceptive use before first pregnancy and current contraceptive use. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, following the implementation of an expert panel in order to investigate marriage patterns, 880 women aged 15-49 yr old, were selected by multistage cluster sampling and completed the "reproductive practices" questionnaire in Babol City, northern Iran, in 2013. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS ver.16 and descriptive and analytical parameters. Results: There are three patterns of marriage in the northern part of Iran: Traditional, Mixed and Modern marriage and between different patterns there is no statistically significant difference in the contraceptive use. Conclusion: According to the lack of significant relationship between patterns of marriage and the contraceptives use, which is one of the proximate determinants of fertility, the policy makers should pay attention to other determinants of fertility in order to manage the problems and implications of population decline in the country

The Incidence Rate of COVID-19 and its Relationship with Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes among Pregnant Women during Iran’s First and Second Waves: A Multicenter Cohort Study in Tehran

Background & aim: COVID-19 infection may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to assess the incidence rate of the COVID-19 virus and its effect on maternaland neonatal outcomes.Methods: This was a cohort study in which a number of health-care centers in Tehran province were randomly selected, and all pregnant women referring to these centers were screened for COVID-19 from April 2020 to July 2020. Out of 15520 pregnant women, 263 individuals infected with COVID-19, who were followed until delivery. To collect the data, a demographic and obstetric characteristics questionnaire and a maternal and neonatal outcome checklist were used. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 22 using the Chi-square test, independent t-test, and logistic regression model.Results: The incidence of COVID-19 among participants was 17 per 1000 (95% CI: 15-19). Women with a higher BMI (OR = 1.198, CI =1.003-1.431, P = 0.047) and lower blood oxygen level (OR= 0.886, CI: 0.808-.970, P=.009) were more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes. Preterm labor (18.3%) was the most common outcome of pregnancy, followed by stillbirth (0.8%), ICU admission (3.0%), maternal mortality (1.1%), need to mechanical ventilation (1.5%) and preeclampsia 1(0.38). Regarding neonatal outcomes, neonatal COVID-19 was seen in 1.9% of cases, NICU admission in 15.2%. Neonatal mortality without COVID-19 in 2.3%.  The majority of neonates with complications were male (29.1% vs. 21.5%, (P= 0.002).Conclusion: Pregnant women had a lower COVID-19 incidence rate than the general population, but when infected, they were at risk for poor maternal and neonatal outcomes

Living with singleness: needs and concerns of never‑married women over 35

BACKGROUND: Cultural and religious norms and expectations may influence the needs and behavior of single women. This is particularly true in those countries where religion and cultural expectations are salient in everyday life. In this context, the present study investigated the needs and concerns of Iranian never-married women aged 35 and older. METHODS: This qualitative study involved a conventional content analysis. Interviews were done with 23 never-married women aged 36–64 years in Iran. RESULTS: A total of 773 codes, 22 subcategories, 8 categories, and 3 themes were extracted from the interviews. The 3 themes were: (1) mental-spiritual lack; categories were lack of emotional support, uncertain future, mental rumination, and sexual worries; (2) reform of culture and society; categories were an adverse effect of culture and being overlooked in society; (3) loneliness arising from disability; categories were aging and loneliness and sickness and loneliness. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the analysis indicate that the needs and concerns of never-married women over the age of 35 years in Iran remain unmet. This suggests that policymakers and health planners should take into consideration the growing number of never-married women as a societal reality deserving of attention

The effect of counseling on post traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic childbirth

Background &amp;amp; Aim: Adverse childbirth experiences as a trauma can evoke fear and post-traumatic stress disorder in some women. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of counseling on post traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic childbirth. Methods &amp;amp; Materials: This research was a clinical trial which was conducted at Kamaly hospital in Karaj. Samples (300 women) who had experienced a traumatic childbirth were selected by a convenient sampling method and were randomized into an intervention (n=150) and a control (n=150) group. The intervention group received face-to-face counseling within 72 hours of birth for forty to sixty minutes in a session. The control group just received usual care after childbirth. The data collection tool was questionnaire, which was completed via interview. The measuring variables were demographic characteristic, reproductive history, maternity social support, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi-square, Fisher&apos;s exact test, and generalized Fisher&apos;s exact test) by SPSS v.13 software. Results: After 4-6 weeks of follow-up there was no significant difference regarding post-traumatic stress disorder between two groups (P=0.295). At 3-month of follow-up, the intervention group reported less post-traumatic stress disorder comparing with the control group (P=0.001). Conclusion: A midwife-led counseling plan is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder during a long term. &amp;nbsp

A review of women\'s sexual dysfunction during postpartum

Introduction: Sexual dysfunctions are more common than previously thought. These types of disorders have many negative consequences. Sexual dysfunctions are closely linked to the social problems, such as crimes, mental illness and divorce. Lack of quality of life, anxiety, low self-esteem, selfishness, nervousness, tenderness of pain and discomfort, inability to concentrate on thinking and even inability to performing the ordinary tasks are also other consequences of failure to satisfying the sexual instinct. The purpose of this review was evaluation of the sexual dysfunction of women during the postpartum period. Methods: In this study, a comprehensive overview of the articles was conducted in English and Persian. In order to search for articles in Persian, we used Iranian databases SID, IranMedex and Magiran and to search for English articles, we use Proquest, PubMed, Ovid, Science Direct, EBSCO, MD consult Cochrane Library, Sciruse, and Google Scholar. Conclusion: Sexual function is like a cycle and various factors affect on it. Among the various factors that affect the person's tendencies, sexual function and behavior, it can point out to the other factors such ass physiological, anatomical, psychological, socio-cultural, economic-political factors, etc. Understanding the sexual experiences of women during the postpartum period will have an important role in the maintaining of the family health and also establishing the natural and instinctive relationships. Therefore, attention to the sexual health should be one of the main components of cares in order to taking a step to resolve women's problem

Midwives’ Professional Competency for Preventing Neonatal Mortality in Disasters

Background: Infants are the most vulnerable people with special needs in natural disasters. Since midwives are responsible for providing reproductive health services to infants in disastrous situations, assessing their professional competence is of great importance. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, Iran. A total of 361 midwives were selected by cluster sampling method. After giving their informed consents, they participated in the study and completed the researcher-made questionnaire about providing health services to infants in natural disasters. Midwives’ professional competence was investigated through self-assessment in terms of their perceived importance, knowledge, and skill. Then, the data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Mean(SD) total score of professional competency of midwives in providing services to infants in disasters was 91.95(20.2) obtained from 3 subcategories: perceived importance, 39.83(9.55); knowledge, 22.5(5.06); and skill 30.16(6.86). There were significant relationships between the scores of professional competency of midwives with age (P=0.053), degree of education (P=0.028), the workplace (P=0.053), and experience in disaster (P=0.047). About 49.86% of midwives demonstrated middle level of professional competency. The lowest knowledge and skill score were reported in managing common neonatal problems such as asphyxia, sepsis, physical trauma, which requires referral and stability. Conclusion: The average scores of professional competency of midwives to deliver reproductive health service to infants in disasters shows the necessity of related and integrated education. It is recommended that by holding training exercises and simulations, midwives be educated with regard to disasters and how to respond in these situations

The solutions to increase the participation of men in sexual and reproductive health of women in Iran: an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis

Ever since the Cairo Declaration in 1994, women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) has become a priority and substantial efforts have been made to improve it. Men’s contribution to promote the SRH of women is essential. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the best solutions to increase the men’s participation in the SRH of women in Iran, using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 married men in Iran. The data was collected using a questionnaire. To determine the best solutions to improve the men’s participation in women’s SRH, the opinions of an expert group from academia, Ministry of Health (MOH) were employed and the best solution were selected based on the scores, applying analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.20 and Expert Choice software. In the final analysis ‘Well-oriented sex education focused on men’s involvement’, ‘Well-trained professional employment’ and ‘Sex education in society, schools, and universities’ were the solutions with highest coefficients, respectively.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? SRH of women, is a major part of primary efforts regarding the increase of SRH’s quality; among which, the role and place of men is of utmost importance. Struggling to participate men in issues related to the health of women can not only promote inter family relationships, but also can affect the quality of relationship between man and woman in the society. What do the results of this study add? According to results of the study, one of the main obstacles of men participation was educational and information barriers, regarding which, having adjusted and improved educational systems, opportunity could be prepared for men participation. Current centres for educating those who are already getting married are the first and main places where men can be educated to meet their educational needs in their marriage life such as SRH. Through integrating three selected approaches in the experts’ meetings in the educational program of before marriage, men participation can be increased in SRH. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? The findings could inform and guide the policies in formulating effective solutions to improve the men’s participation in SRH in Iran

Design and psychometric evaluation of a specific tool for measuring the quality of life of women with premenstrual syndrome: A sequential exploratory study

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common disorders and challenges in women lives that can affect their quality of life. Therefore, the present study was conducted to design and psychometrically evaluate a specific tool for measuring the quality of life of women with premenstrual syndrome. Methods: This is a combined exploratory study of tool design. This study in two phases (qualitative and tool psychometric evaluation) was conducted in 2017- 2018 in Tehran. In the first phase, a qualitative content analysis with a contractual approach was carried out by in-depth and semi-structured individual interviews with 21 women affected by premenstrual syndrome. Then, the pool of items extracted from the qualitative stage was completed by reviewing the existing texts and tools. The second phase of the study involved reducing the overlapped items and validating the tools. In order to investigate the construct validity, a cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 440 women with premenstrual syndrome