Association of menopausal sexual dysfunction with demographic and obstetric factors in postmenopausal women in Hamadan, Iran

Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common menopausal problem that may be affected by demographic factors. The present study aimed to determine demographic and obstetric factors affecting sexual dysfunction in menopause.Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 315 postmenopausal women in Hamadan. The research instruments included demographic questionnaire, and female sexual function index (FSFI). Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were used to investigate the association of different factors and sexual function at a significance level of less than 0.05.Results: The participants' mean age was 54.15±4.24 years. Their mean sexual function score was 18.92±4.25 indicating poor sexual function. The multivariate analysis indicated that increasing the number of spouse marriage, sexual function score decreased by 2.45 (p=0.006). Furthermore, the sexual function score in those, who were not satisfied with their marriage, was 5.58 points lower than those who were satisfied with their marriage status (p <0.001).Conclusions: Given the relationship between number of spouse marriage and marital satisfaction with sexual function in postmenopausal women, it is necessary to design and implement training sessions for them.

Knowledge and behavior regarding breast cancer screening among female teachers in Selangor, Malaysia.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the knowledge and practices of 425 female secondary school teachers from 20 selected secondary schools in Selangor, Malaysia on breast cancer screening (BCS). A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used for data collection. This study showed moderate to low knowledge on breast cancer (BC) and BCS among teachers. Only 19%, 25% and 13.6% eligible women performed breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography respectively, on a regular basis. Level of breast cancer knowledge was significantly associated with BSE (p<0.001). Having heard/ read about BCS, and regular visit with a physician were associated with BCS behaviors (P<0.05). There was no association between BCS behaviors (P>0.05) and age, family history of breast cancer, marital status or having health insurance. Efforts are needed to increase knowledge and remove misconceptions about breast cancer and screening practices among Malaysian women.

Barriers for breast cancer screening among Asian women: a mini literature review.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Asian women. Breast cancer is detected in advanced stages and among younger age group women in Asia. The delay in presentation is attributed mainly to the social-cultural perception of the disease, poverty, and the strong influence of traditional medicine. Many of Asian women are not aware of the importance of regular screening. Cultural attitudes toward breast cancer screening tests, modesty, lack of encouragement by family members and physicians are the major inhibitors to women's participation in breast cancer screening. Health education using media and community health programs to create awareness of the advantages of earlier presentation and diagnosis of breast cancer in Asian women can motivate participation in breast cancer screening programs.