[Comparative effects of massage therapy and bandage on shoulder pain, edema and dysfunction after the modified radical mastectomy]

Mastectomic patients experience complications such as edema of the operated hand, shoulder pain and dysfunction. This study was conducted to compare the effects of manual lymph drainage and low pressure bandage on shoulder pain and dysfunction after modified radical mastectomy. In this clinical trial study, 90 women with radical mastectomy referred to the oncology ward of Imam Khomeini hospital [Tehran] were randomly assigned to three groups: the massage, massage+bandage and control groups. Groups were trained how to use manual lymph drainage massage and low pressure bandage. Shoulder pain intensity and dysfunction were measured at 7 and 30 days post-surgery. Edema was measured at 24 hours post-surgery and also 30 days post-intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics [one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis]. There was no statistically significant difference among three groups in the means of three measured variables [the arm circumference, shoulder pain intensity and dysfunction] before the intervention. Moreover, the results showed a significant reduction in the means of shoulder pain intensity and dysfunction among the three groups on the 30th intervention day [P=0.001], but the difference was not significant in the mean of arm circumference. Lymphatic drainage massage and low pressure bandage are effective in reducing post-mastectomy complications

[Couples' Knowledge and attitude about sexuality in pregnancy]

Alteration in pattern of sexuality is known to be impressed by couples' believes about women's physical and psychological changes during pregnancy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of couples about sexual relations during pregnancy. In a descriptive study from February to April 2005, two hundred sixty six consecutive pregnant women referring to a university hospital were asked to answer a questionnaire containing questions their sexual status and some demographic data. In 122 cases the answers of the spouses was collected also. The answers were compared in divided groups according to age range, duration of marriage, parity and educational status. Fifty five percent of men and fifty eight percent of women had a negative attitude about sexual relations during pregnancy, and 60% of men and 75% of women presented incorrect knowledge about sexuality during pregnancy. Main reasons for decreased sexual relations in pregnancy were mentioned to be dysparaunia, and the fear of trauma to the baby, abortion, membrane rapture, preterm labor and infection. As couples' knowledge and attitudes about sexuality affect their general sexual behavior during pregnancy it is crucial to provide proper consultation regarding sexual relations in prenatal care services