Relationship of socioeconomic status, psychosocial factors, and food insecurity with preterm labor: a longitudinal study

Background: Premature birth is the main cause of neonatal mortality and long-term complications, which imposes heavy financial and psychological burdens on the family and society; therefore, it is important to recognize the factors affecting it

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between socioeconomic status, psychosocial factors, and food insecurity with preterm delivery

Materials and Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted on 674 pregnant women at 24-28 wk of gestation who met the inclusion criteria. The subjects were selected using cluster sampling. The pregnant women filled out total questionnaires of study and they followed up until delivery and the data about the newborn was collected after delivery. The data collection tools included questionnaires for evaluating socioeconomic status, psychosocial factors, and food insecurity

Results: The prevalence of preterm delivery was 7.7%, and socioeconomic factors were not associated with preterm labor. Among the intermediary factors, social health, food insecurity, stress, and prenatal care had a significant relationship with preterm labor. The prevalence rates of preterm delivery in cases with food insecurity, stress, and inadequate prenatal care were 2, 9.1 and 13.2 times higher than those who had food security, did not experience stress, and received adequate care during pregnancy

Conclusion: Preterm labor is a relatively common problem in which intermediary social determinants of health can play an important role. Considering the limited studies on this issue, the results of this study can lay the foundation for future studies

The relationship of the structural and intermediate social determinants of health with low birth weight in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Aim: Primary experience of intrauterine period is the essential basis of the life for the embryo. Therefore paying attention to it can lead to reduced health inequities. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of the structural and intermediate social determinants of health with low birth weight in Iran

Materials and

methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed based on the studies conducted in Iran. We searched seven databases [Iranmedex, Magiran, SID, Irandoc, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus] by using keywords of social determinants of health, low birth weight and equivalents of them to find relevant articles published between 2000 and 2016. Data from relevant studies were extracted by two persons separately and evaluated by using the Stroop checklist. After extracting the required data, they were combined using a random model and the heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated by the I2 index. STATA-11 software was used for data analysis

Result: Thirty articles were analyzed in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The sample size included 42142 people. The overall odds ratios for the relationship of the structural and intermediate social determinants of health with LBW were estimated as 1.52 [1.24 percent-1.85: percent95 CI] and 2.24 [1.85 percent-2.71: percent95 CI] respectively

Conclusion: Considering the importance of low birth weight in the health of newborns, basic measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of this problem by identification of its risk factors and people at risk, improvement of living standards and regular prenatal care, counseling before pregnancy and improvement of the nutritional status of pregnant women

effect of prangos ferulacea vaginal cream on accelerating the recovery of bacterial vaginosis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: The present study was conducted on the effect of prangos ferulacea vaginal cream on accelerating the recovery of bacterial vaginosis

Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 100 non-pregnant women referring to health centers affiliated to Lorestan University of Medical Sciences in 2016 with the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis based on the patient's complaints, Amsel's clinical criteria, and the Nugent microscopic criteria. The women were randomly divided into two groups of 50. One group was treated with oral metronidazole plus Prangos ferulacea vaginal cream and the other with oral metronidazole plus a placebo vaginal cream for seven days. The patient's complaints, Amsel's clinical criteria and the Nugent microscopic criteria were assessed seven days after treatment. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 20, with a significance level of 0.05

Results: The response to oral metronidazole plus Prangos ferulacea vaginal cream treatment was 94% according to Amsel's clinical criteria and 88% according to the Nugent microscopic criteria. The response to oral metronidazole plus placebo vaginal cream treatment was 94% according to Amsel's criteria and 86% according to the Nugent criteria. The analysis of the patients' complaints, Amsel's clinical criteria and the Nugent microscopic criteria showed significant differences in each group before and after the treatment

Conclusion: This trial showed that Prangos ferulacea vaginal cream accelerated the recovery of bacterial vaginosis of patients with bacterial vaginosis. It can be used effectively as a complementary treatment with oral metronidazole in cases of medication resistance and also in people wishing to use herbal remedies

Attitudes of infertile couples, fertility clinic staff and researchers toward personhood of the human embryo in Iran

Objective: After the introduction of assisted reproductive techniques, human embryos were officially introduced into laboratories and now thousands of them are cryopreserved in such settings. Embryonic stem cells and the future application of such cells in the treatment of disease opened the door to further research on human embryos. These developments raise many ethical issues, some of which have religious aspects. The main question is: what is the embryo? Should we consider it a human being? Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate attitudes towards the personhood of the embryo

Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 203 infertile patients [n=406], 54 clinic staff and 49 embryo researchers, selected using convenience sampling at the Royan Institute, completed a questionnaire on personhood of human embryo. The questionnaire had been developed following qualitative research and had satisfied face and content validity tests

Results: At the pre-implantation stage the majority of participants in all three groups considered the human embryo as "not a human being". Also, at the post-implantation stage of development, the majority of infertile couples and clinic staff considered the embryo as "not a human being" but, half the researchers [51%] considered the embryo in this stage as a "potential human". Half of the infertile couples considered the human fetus before ensoulment time [19th week of pregnancy according to the Shiite Islamic scholars] as "not-human being", while more than half of researchers [55.1%] considered it as a "potential human"

Conclusion: Ensoulment time is a major and important border for personhood. Most infertile couples and clinic staff consider the human embryo as "not a human being" but majority of all study participants considered the human fetus to be a complete human after ensoulment time

The effects of transdermal estrogen delivery on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis

Due to its minimal systematic adverse effects, transdermal estrogen is widely used for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The present meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effects of transdermal estrogen on bone mineral density [BMD] of postmenopausal women. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases, and also the Sciences Citation Index. Systematic review of articles was published between January 1989 to February 2016.Reference lists of the included articles were also evaluated and consultations were made with relevant experts. While 132 studies included the desired keywords, only nine clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were finally reviewed. The pooled percent change in BMD was statistically significant in favor of transdermal estrogen. According to resulting pooled estimate, lumbar spine BMD one and two years after transdermal estrogen therapy was respectively 3.4% [95% CI: 1.7-5.1] and 3.7% [95% CI: 1.7-5.7] higher than the baseline values. The test for heterogeneity was not statistically significant based on the I2 heterogeneity index. One-two years of transdermal estrogen delivery can effectively increase BMD and protect the bone structure in postmenopausal women

communicative model of mothers lifestyles during pregnancy with low birth weight based on social determinants of health: a path analysis

Objectives: Low birth weight [LEW] is one of the major health problems worldwide. It is important to identify the factors that play a role in the incidence of this adverse pregnancy outcome. This study aimed to develop a tool to measure mothers' lifestyles during pregnancy with a view to the effects of social determinants on health and develop a correlation model of mothers' lifestyles with LBW

Methods: This study was conducted using methodological and case-control designs in four stages by selecting 750 mothers with infants weighing less than 4000 g using multistage sampling

The questionnaire contained 160 items. Face, content, criterion, and construct validity were used to study the psychometrics of the instrument

Results: After psychometrics, 132 items were approved in six domains. Test results indicated the utility and the high fitness of the model and reasonable relationships adjusted for variables based on conceptual models. Based on the correlation model of lifestyle, occupation [-0.263] and social relationships [0.248] had the greatest overall effect on birth weight

Conclusions: The review of lifestyle dimensions showed that all of the dimensions directly, indirectly, or both affected birth weight. Thus, given the importance and the role of lifestyle as a determinant affecting birth weight, attention, and training interventions are important to promote healthy lifestyles

Nanomedicine Approaches for Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms

No abstract available.

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of Garcin(®) and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>This study aimed to determine and compare the effects of garlic tablets (Garcin(®)) and fluconazole on Candida vaginitis in women who presented to a health centre in Koohdasht, Iran, from August 2011 to March 2012.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical trial was conducted on 110 married women (aged 18-44 years) who had complaints of itching or a burning sensation in the vaginal area. Candida vaginitis was diagnosed by pH measurement of vaginal secretions, direct microscopic evaluation and Sabouraud dextrose agar cultures of the vaginal discharge. On confirmation of diagnosis, the patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 55). One group received 1,500 mg of Garcin tablets daily and the other received fluconazole tablets 150 mg daily, over a period of seven days. Four to seven days after the completion of treatment, patients were examined for treatment response and possible side effects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Complaints related to the disease improved by about 44% in the Garcin group and 63.5% in the fluconazole group (p < 0.05). The overall symptoms of the disease (i.e. redness of vulva and vagina, cheesy discharge, pustulopapular lesions and abnormal cervix) improved by about 60% in the Garcin group and 71.2% in the fluconazole group (p > 0.05). Results of microscopic evaluation and vaginal discharge culture showed significant differences before and after intervention in both groups (p < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The present study shows that Garcin tablets could be a suitable alternative to fluconazole for the treatment of Candida vaginitis.</p>

Comparison of sexual dysfunction in women using depo-Medroxyprogesteron Acetate [DMPA] and cyclofem

Sexual affairs are one of the physiological needs affecting human health. Sexual functioning disorders can reduce individual's capabilities and creativities. Sexual relations are in the center of women's quality of life. The most important family planning is to prevent unintended pregnancies. Injectable contraceptives protect women exposed to many complications and mortality due to unintended pregnancies, with tolerable effects on other aspects of women's life. An important aspect of women's life is sexual health. This study aimed to compare sexual function of women using DMPA with women using Cyclofem presented to health centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran in 2013. This descriptive-comparative study was conducted on 240 women in health centers in Tehran, Iran. They were selected by multistage sampling. The data was collected using a questionnaire completed by interviewing. The questionnaire had 2I parts, demographic characteristic section and Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent T-test, U-test, Chi-square, Fisher exact test. The p-value less than 0.05 were applied for all statistical tests as significance level. The difference in sexual function between Cyclofem and DMPA groups was insignificant, but in terms of sexual desire in DMPA users better than and sexual pain them less than in Cyclofem users, the difference between the groups was significant [p<0.05]. In introducing hormonal contraceptive methods, health workers should emphasize their adverse effects on sexual function. Women who use Cyclofem and DMPA should be aware that they may experience some changes in libido and sexual pain

Comparison of lifestyle in fertile and infertile couples in Kermanshah during 2013

Infertility is a major reproductive health in gynecology. According to the world health organization, there are currently 50-80 million infertile couples in the world. Considering the critical effects of lifestyle on reproductive health, this study aimed to compare the lifestyle of fertile and infertile couples in Kermanshah during 2013. This research is a descriptive cross sectional study that was done on 216 fertile and infertile couples attending Infertility Center and six medical centers that were selected through the convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire containing demographic and fertility-related information and also lifestyle items on nutrition, physical activity, perceived social support, responsibility for health, and inappropriate health behaviors. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis, independent t, chi-square and Generalized Estimating equation were performed to analyze the data. Fertile and infertile women [86.1% and 73. 1% respectively, p= 0. 03] as well as fertile and infertile men were significantly different in terms of physical activity [87% and 96.3% p<0.001, respectively] and perceived social support [p<0.001]. Moreover, there was a significant difference between fertile and infertile women in nutrition [p<0.001]. Similar differences were observed in responsibility for health and inappropriate health behaviors between fertile and infertile men. However, all of the dimensions of lifestyle, except nutrition, were significantly different between fertile and infertile couples. As lifestyle plays a crucial role in reproductive health, the inappropriate lifestyle of infertile couples has to be modified through effective measures such as awareness promotion, behavioral changes, and development of a healthy environment

[ evaluation of recognize of clinical factors and microscopy examination vaginal discharge in vaginal candidias diagnostic among the women who reffered to kohasht health -medical center in 2011]

The reproductive system infections are most common womens reasons for repetitive refers to gynecological clinic and the second problem is vulvovaginal candidiasis. since, distribution of patients and clinical signs may cause the wrong diagnose and treatment, in this study clinical signs and examination microscopy and vaginal discharge were compared. In this descriptive study that has done among 18-44 married women years with complain from vaginal itching or irritation [july-may 2011]. After diagnose the vaginite associate of patients complains and rigest the clinical signs, three sampling were done from every women. Two of them for wet mount with saline /KOH 10% and the other sample for sending to lab to culture purpose[golden standard test]. data analysis was performed by spss 17 soft ware. Among the factors that evaluate the most sensitivity belong to vulval erythema [89/1%] and the less sensitivity belong to cottage discharge[74/3%] and in the microscopic examination, the most specificity [100%] and the less specificity belong to themselves in vaginal candidiases diagnose between studied factors Using the lab method [culture] and microscopic study on vaginite diagnose

[ survey of relationship between social support with quality of life as well as stress among pregnant women referred to Shahryar hospital affiliated to social security organization in 1391]

Pregnancy is the most stressful event in every woman's life. Stress during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding may contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes and post partum psychological disorders. Social support is the most powerful factor for easy and successful confronting with stressful situations [for instance pregnancy]. Increasing of survival and life-quality promotion are the result of social support. This study was conducted to determine the relation between social support, quality of life and stress rate during pregnancy. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in Shahryar hospital among 210 pregnant women who were selected by convenient sampling method. A demographic and obstetrical questionnaire, Vaux social support appraisal scale ,WHO quality of life and pregnancy stress questionnaire were used for data collection. Validity of questionnaires was assessed by face, content and construct methods, and reliability was assured by test re- test and conducting Alpha Cronbach's reliability test. Statistical tests of Spearman and pearson correlation, T-test, One-way ANOVA and Tuckey were used for data analysis by SPSS package[version 19]. The mean score of social support, life-quality and stress were 17. 66 and 88 respectively. A significant correlation was found between social support and life-quality. While this relation was not seen between social support and pregnancy stress. Whereas, there was a significant correlation between life-quality and pregnancy stress. With respect to the results, samples enjoy of reasonable social support and life-quality while they suffered from moderate stress. Since social support lead to promotion of life-quality and this event could decrease the pregnant's stress, it is necessary to design some solutions to increase the pregnant women's social support

[Effect of foot reflexology on physical and psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome]

Premenstrual syndrome [PMS] is a set of physical, mental and behavioral symptoms with different severity that cause disorders in individual and social relationships. This syndrome occurs during luteal phase of menstrual cycle with complicated reasons. It is one of the most common disorders of childbearing ages. Because of unclear and complicated causes of this syndrome, different treatment methods have been presented. Reflexology is a non-drug method of prevention and treatment of premenstrual syndrome. It is an old, mild and non-invasive method, but there is not enough researches about its effect on symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. This research was carried out in order to determine the effect of foot reflexology on symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in students of dormitories of Jahrom University in 2011-12. This study was a single-blind controlled clinical trial of 90 students with premenstrual syndrome who were resident in dormitory of Jahrom University. The students were randomly divided into two groups of foot reflexology and control. Intensity of premenstrual syndrome was recorded by subjects in two cycles: pre - intervention cycle and intervention cycle. The tools of data gathering consisted of data gathering forms of temporary diagnosis of PMS, and Beck depression test. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in order to analyze data. There was no statistically significant difference between research variables such as age and menarche age, and the severity of the symptoms before intervention. The average reduction of general severity of PMS symptoms was 23.39% in foot reflexology group while it was -9.68% in the control group [p<0.0001]. There was signification difference between the average of physical and mental symptoms in reflexology group compared to the control group [p<0.0001]. It seems that, foot reflexology is effective in improvement of physical and metal symptoms of PMS. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a main midwifery aim which is to decrease the intensity of PMS symptoms by teaching this simple technique which doesn't need specialists in order to be done.

[Evaluation of prevalence of domestic violence and its role on mental health]

Domestic violence against women is a subject with considerable attention and as an important public health problem worldwide, and despite numerous studies about the consequences of domestic violence on women's mental health, there are still many unknown aspects. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence and its role mental health in women referred to health centers under the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in 2010-2011. A cross-sectional multistage cluster sample survey was performed on 500 patients who were referred to health centers of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and health services. In this study were age range between 15-65years and lack of depression during the life. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire on violence and SCL90. Woman was considered violated when she had given at least 1 positive answer to the related question. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis of SPSS and chi-square and Mann Whitney test. The result showed that%84.8 [424 cases] of women have experienced different types of domestic violence in life. The emotional violence with the%81.2 had the highest prevalence, and sexual and physical violence [%41.8 and%40.4 respectively] were the next category. Comparison mental state of two groups of abused and non-abused women based on nine subscales of the original SCL-90 and General Severity Index [GSI] showed that in all dimensions, the violent group's scores were much higher than the non-violent group's scores. Mann-Whitney test was showed significant differences in 9 primary symptom dimension subscales: somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychosis [P<0.01]. Domestic Violence against women persists at epidemic levels in Iran and it appears to have considerable compact on field of mental health

[Study of sexual function and satisfaction in women with vaginal delivery and cesarean referring to health center of Shahid Beheshti medical university-2008]

Different factors affect sexual function and satisfaction. Some studies showed no relationship between type of delivery and sexual function and satisfaction, but others showed association of vaginal or cesarean delivery with sexual function and satisfaction. This study aimed to determine the sexual function and satisfaction in women with vaginal delivery and cesarean referring to Health Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2008. In this cross-sectioned study, 180 women [90 vaginal deliveries and 90 cesarean deliveries] were selected with multiple sampling. Data collection was performed by questionnaires including socio-demographic characteristics, history of obstetric and sexual function and sexual satisfaction. The questionnaire was completed by interview in private place. Data were analyzed via descriptive and chi square test using SPSS software. There was no signification difference in sexual function including desire, arousal, orgasm and resolution, and sexual satisfaction after delivery between two groups. We did not find significant difference between women with vaginal delivery and women with cesarean delivery. Therefore it seems that various physical and mental factors affect sexual function

Effects of valeriana officinalis on the severity of dysmenorrheal symptoms

Primary dysmenorrhea refers to painful cramps during menstruation with no organic origin. Regarding the high prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its adverse effects on the quality of life of sufferers and the evidence on sedative and antispasmodic properties of Valerian officinalis on smooth muscles, this double-blind clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of the herb on the severity of dysmenorrheal symptoms in Zanjan Islamic Azad University students during 2009. The subjects included 100 students who were matched for dysmenorrheal severity, age, menarche onset, body mass index [BMI], duration, interval and amount of bleeding as well as occupation and educational achievements of their parents. The subjects were randomly divided into experimental [49 subjects] and control [51 subjects] groups. The experimental group took 255mg capsules of the herb, three times a day for three days at the onset of menses while the controls similarly took placebo [capsules containing starch]. Pain severity was evaluated by a visual analogue scale [0 to 10cm] and systemic manifestations by a multidimensional verbal scale before and during two consecutive menstrual cycles. The severity and duration of symptoms were analyzed and compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in pain severity between the two groups before the intervention. However, pain severity was reduced in both groups after the intervention [p<0.001] with significantly more relieving results in the experimental group [p<0.05]. In addition, the total scores for systemic manifestations associated with dysmenorrhea, insignificantly decreased in both groups, except occurrence of syncope [p<0.05]. Valeriana officinalis decreased dysmenorrheal symptoms, which it might be attributed to its antispasmodic effects. Further studies are warranted for the use of Valerian officinalis in decreasing dysmenorrheal symptoms