[Reproductive correlates of female sexual dysfunctions in Kohgilouyeh-Boyerahmad province: a population-based study]

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction [FSD] and its relationship with reproductive variables in married women in urban areas of Kohgilouyeh-Boyerahmad Province. This cross-sectional study covered urban areas of Kohgilouyeh-Boyerahmad Province. Using a quota sampling method, an ad hoc questionnaire containing items on demographic and reproductive variables, was administered to women attending primary health care delivery centers. Sexual dysfunctions were defined by the DSM-IV criteria. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. A total of 1540 married women residing in urban areas were studied. The mean age of the respondents was 33.2 [SD=9.4] years and most were housewives [84.5%]. The self-reported frequencies of different FSDs were as follows: loss of desire [35.1%], dyspareunia [34.9%, anorgasmia [34.5%] and loss of arousal [31.6%]. Binary logistic regression analysis showed the following risk factors for various FSDs: loss of desire: "age" [46 >/= y: OR=3.07 [1.58-5.99]], "pelvic surgery' [Cesarean Section: OR=1.57 [1.13-2.18]]. Loss of arousal: "age" [36-45y" OR=2.20 [1.27-3.79]], "contraceptive method" [depoprovera/norplant/withdrawal: OR = 1.81 [1.15-2.85]] anorgasmia: "age at marriage" [7-15y: OR =2.93 [1.33-6.42]], "contraceptive method" [depoprovera/norplant/withdrawal: OR = 1.62 [1.06-2.49]], dyspareunia: "age" [31-35y: OR 0.48 [0.29-0.77]], "education" [high school: OR =1.84 [1.10-3.07]], "contraceptive method" [condom: OR= 1.80 [1.02-3.18]]. The findings indicate that FSD is prevalent in the study population. The effects of demographic and reproductive variables should be considered in management of these disorders

[Quality assessment of prenatal care using lqas in urban health centers and health houses of astara, 2004]

Introduction: Prenatal care is very important in community health promotion, and inadequate prenatal care can result preterm labor, low birth weight neonate and maternal and neonatal mortality. LQAS is a cheap and also fast approach to assess the quality of care given in prenatal phase. This method helps us to compare all care providers with standards and also with each other and therefore work on their problems

Objective: The aim of this study is to surgery prenatal care quality in urban health centers and health houses of Astara. And also LQAS Method is introduced for local managers' use

Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study which was done in 2004 and 18 centers including three urban centers and 15 health centers in Astara were surveyed sampling method was random stratified and six samples were chosen from each center. A questionnaire and a checklist were chosen for data collection. First questioner completed the checklist, which covered utilities needed for prenatal care in each center and health house and then observed the care provided to six pregnant women by one health care worker. Also mothers' demographic characteristics were studied. Questionnaire and checklist validity and reliability were established

Results: Findings showed that 18 center had shortage of utilities and 8 center had shartage of ferrous sulfate. Regarding quality of prenatal care, history taking and abdominal examination were undesirable in six and eight centers respectively

Conclusion: The quality of prenatal care was very poor in only one center and desirable in all other centers. Overall quality of prenatal care was satisfactory in Astara

[Knowledge of married women in kohgilouyeh and boyerahmad urban areas on AIDS and sexualy transmitted infections]

Sexualy transmitted infections [STIs] and AIDS are the most common diseases worldwide. Women are more affected by STIs and AIDS due to gender-related factors such as biological, cultural and so on. This study was conducted to investigate knowledge about AIDS and STIs among married women in Kohgilouyeh and BoyerAhmad Province/Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban areas of Kohgilouyeh and Boyerahmad province. Using stratifed cluster sampling, a valid questionnaire covering demographic variables and items related to knowledge about AIDS and STIs was administered to 1379 women covered by the urban PHC clinics. The mean age of the respondents was 33.3 [SD= +/- 9.3]. Most were household [%85] and the mean level of their formal education was 7.2 years [SD= +/- 4.8]. The results also showed that women had the most knowledge with the statements that "using condom protects against AIDS" [%63.9] and "asymptornatic persons would be as AIDS vectors" [%65.1]. There was a significant relation between education and recognizing AIDS as a sexualy transmitted infection [p=0.004]. Albeit, women were poorly familiar with the STIs, the most knowledge was found with gonorrhea [%40.5] and the least with chlamydia [%12.2]. The most knowledge was observed with the statements that "STIs would induce PID in women" and "using condom protects against all the venereal diseases" [both%61 .1]. A significant corelation was found between education and job and fimiliarity with STIs [p<0.001]. Findings showed limited knowledge on sexualy transmitted infections and fairely good knowledge on AIDS. There is need for the promotion of women's knowledge in sexual health field