Sound-Field Speech Evoked Auditory Brainstem Responsein Cochlear-Implant Recipients

Background and Objectives@#Currently limited information is available on speech stimuli processingat the subcortical level in the recipients of cochlear implant (CI). Speech processing inthe brainstem level is measured using speech-auditory brainstem response (S-ABR). The purposeof the present study was to measure the S-ABR components in the sound-field presentationin CI recipients, and compare with normal hearing (NH) children. Subjects and Methods:In this descriptive-analytical study, participants were divided in two groups: patients withCIs; and NH group. The CI group consisted of 20 prelingual hearing impairment children (meanage=8.90 ± 0.79 years), with ipsilateral CIs (right side). The control group consisted of 20healthy NH children, with comparable age and sex distribution. The S-ABR was evoked bythe 40-ms synthesized /da/ syllable stimulus that was indicated in the sound-field presentation. @*Results@#Sound-field S-ABR measured in the CI recipients indicated statistically significantdelayed latencies, than in the NH group. In addition, these results demonstrated thatthe frequency following response peak amplitude was significantly higher in CI recipients,than in the NH counterparts (p<0.05). Finally, the neural phase locking were significantlylower in CI recipients (p<0.05). Conclusions: The findings of sound-field S-ABR demonstratedthat CI recipients have neural encoding deficits in temporal and spectral domains atthe brainstem level; therefore, the sound-field S-ABR can be considered an efficient clinicalprocedure to assess the speech process in CI recipients. J Audiol Otol 2020;24(2):71-78

Predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder among victims of serious motor vehicle accidents

Background: Compelling evidence has shown that motor vehicle accidents have an enormous impact on mental health. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] is one of the most common psychological consequences in adult survivors of accidents, so it is important to understand the prevalence and predictors of this issue since delay causes damage to crucial daily functioning. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and predictors of PTSD after motor vehicle accident

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 528 injured patients six weeks to six months after motor vehicle accident in Imam Reza Clinic of Poursina hospital, Rasht in 2015. Data collection tools were three questionnaires including post-traumatic stress-self report [PSS], Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II], and the Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] for pain. The data were analyzed in SPSS [Version 19] using Chi-square, Fischer's exact test and multivariate logistic regression. Significance level was considered P

Results: The prevalence of PTSD and depression was 30.49% and 19.89% in participants, respectively. Chi-square test indicated a significant relationship among age [P=0.02], sex [P<0.001], education level [P<0.001], work status [P<0.001] and PTSD. Participants who reported pain [P<0.001] and depression [P<0.001] were more likely to have high score of PTSD than the others. Multivariate logistic regression showed this significance in sex, depression, age, educational status and pain, as constant risk factors in developing PTSD after accident

Conclusion: This study suggests that primary care setting should be readily prompted for diagnosis of these disorders in non-treatment seeking individuals in the community

Psycho-social and mental variables and post-traumatic stress disorder in traffic accident survivors in Northern Iran

Objective: To assess the psycho-social and mental variables associated with post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] in a series of Iranian patients

Methods: A total of 528 eligible accident survivors in pre-sampling of a randomized controlled trial targeting PTSD were included in this cross-sectional study. Psycho-social characteristics associated to PTSD were explored in these survivors in an outpatient clinic. They completed the questionnaires via interview between six weeks to six months after accident. Data collection tools were PSS [DSM-V version] for PTSD and BDI-II for depression and a researcher-made questionnaire for psycho-social variables

Results: There was a significant association between PTSD and the following variables; family communication, current depression, return to work, history of death of relatives, witnessed the death, length of amnesia, hospitalization, injured situation, and accident severity. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that some variables were associated with PTSD such as accident severity, [p<0.001], injured situation, [p<0.001], current depression, [p<0.001], RTW [p<0.001], and family communication [p=0.01]

Conclusion: Psychiatric nursing prevention efforts is best directed toward motorcycle depressed drivers with severe accident and poor family communication who do not return to work. Thus, routine assessment of PTSD, depression and psycho-social variables after traffic accidents must be taken into account

From Visiting a Physician to Expecting Antibiotics: Korean Perspectives and Practices toward Respiratory Tract Infections

Antibiotic resistance is steadily rising worldwide. Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common indications, mostly imprudent, for antibiotic prescriptions in outpatient setting. In Korea, antibiotic prescription rate for RTIs is still high. As physician visit and antibiotic prescribing are influenced by patient's perceptions and beliefs, we aimed to explore the general public's perspectives and practices toward RTIs and to develop the ‘RTI clinical iceberg.’ A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wonju Severance Christian Hospital (WSCH) among 550 adults attending outpatient departments during January 2016. Differences in distributions between groups were examined using two-tailed Pearson χ² test. Using the Andersen's behavioral model as a conceptual framework, we constructed logistic regression models to assess factors associated with physician visit. Of 547 participants with complete questionnaires, 62.9% reported having experienced an RTI in the previous six months; 59.3% visited a physician for the illness, most commonly because the symptoms were severe or prolonged, and approximately 16% of them expected an antibiotic prescription from the visit. Perceptions of symptoms severity, the need factor, most strongly influenced physician visit. Predisposing and enabling factors such as inappropriate expectations for antibiotic for a sore throat or having national health insurance also influenced physician visit. Almost all participants who reported asking for an antibiotic were prescribed one, with a 37.1% non-adherence rate. Conclusively, public education on self-care for RTI symptoms that addresses their main concerns may reduce physician visits. Improving physician-patient relationship and informing patients about the lack of antibiotic benefit for most RTIs may also reduce antibiotic prescriptions.

Patient Accounting Systems: Are They Fit with the Users' Requirements? / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: A patient accounting system is a subsystem of a hospital information system. This system like other information systems should be carefully designed to be able to meet users' requirements. The main aim of this research was to investigate users' requirements and to determine whether current patient accounting systems meet users' needs or not. METHODS: This was a survey study, and the participants were the users of six patient accounting systems used in 24 teaching hospitals. A stratified sampling method was used to select the participants (n = 216). The research instruments were a questionnaire and a checklist. The mean value of > or =3 showed the importance of each data element and the capability of the system. RESULTS: Generally, the findings showed that the current patient accounting systems had some weaknesses and were able to meet between 70% and 80% of users' requirements. CONCLUSIONS: The current patient accounting systems need to be improved to be able to meet users' requirements. This approach can also help to provide hospitals with more usable and reliable financial information.

Effect of stabilizing endotracheal tube on quality of airway management in patients hospitalized in ICU

Background: The unplanned departure of endotracheal tube is one of the main complications for endotracheal intubation. In addition to endotracheal extubation, its movement can also lead to damage to the oral cavity. Stabilizing endotracheal tube is the most important factor that can prevent unplanned departure of endotracheal tube as well as its movement. The current study was done with the aim of determining and comparing the effect of stabilizing endotracheal tube by a holder with routine method on quality of airway care in patients hospitalized in ICU

Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental trial with a control group which was done on 100 patients having endotracheal tube attached to mechanical ventilation by a holder. The samples were selected randomly from patients hospitalized in ICU in Hazrat Rasoul Akram hospital. The samples were then divided into control group and test group. The endotracheal tube was stabilized by a holder in test group and by a routine method [gauze] in control group. The quality of managing airway was studied through 3 frequency indices: endotracheal tube extubation, frequency of linear movement of endotracheal tube, damage to oral mucosa. For the first two indices a self-designed tool was used and a modified version of Oral Assessment guide was used for the oral trauma assessment. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and independent t-test by SPSS version 17

Results: The findings showed no significant statistical difference in frequency index of endotracheal extubation. Linear movement of endotracheal tube was lower in test group compared to control group. There was no significant difference regarding oral trauma in both groups. A difference was observed in both groups in comparing scores before and after using two methods in "lips" and "Gingiva"

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it was indicated that using ETT holder for stabilizing endotracheal tube compared to routine method only has preference in movement of endotracheal tube on quality of airway management. While applying methods of stabilizing endotracheal tube, it should be noted that not only type of stabilizing, but also other nursing cares from patients in ICU can affect quality of airway management. Therefore, it is recommended to do further studies on other factors influencing airway management

Perceived problem solving skill of Iranian nursing students

Background: Today's nursing graduates value ability to creatively solve problems and make decisions, as these skills assist them with recognizing and evaluating situations that require prompt attention. This study aimed to determine and compare nursing student's perceived levels of own problem solving skills in various years of their 4-year program

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. All undergaraduate nursing students [350] included in this study. A total of 322 undergraduate nursing students participated in this study. The study setting was Nursing School of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The problem solving inventory [PSI], a widely used measure to assess one's perceived ability, was used for data collection. Low scores indicated the strong judgment ability and high scores a weak judgment ability. Students involved in the study signed the informed consent forms

Results: Findings showed that the mean score of total problem solving skill was 89.52 +/- 21.58. The mean score of this skill in fourth year students [84.18 +/- 27.47] was less than other students i.e. the fourth year [senior] students judged their own problem solving abilities stronger than other students

Conclusion: Educating should help students reach the high levels of problem solving skills by allowing them to acquire and practice these abilities in the field. Nursing students with advanced problem solving skills are essential for this changing society

Evaluation of the quality of life among the patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: The coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] is performed to completely or partially relieve the symptoms of coronary heart disease [CHD]. One of the most important goals of this operation is the improvement of quality of life [QoL]. The data obtained on health-related quality of life [HRQoL] represents the functional limitations and the alleviation of symptoms among patients. Many factors influence HRQoL, including age at the time of surgery, left ventricular condition, record of heart stroke, type and the number of grafts, and so on. The purpose of the study was to examine the HRQoL and its related factors after CABG among the patients referring to selected therapeutic-educational centers of Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Methods: Cross sectional and descriptive-correlation on 140 patient by using the purposive sampling method, who had undergone CABG in the last 4 months, participated in this research. The 36-item short-form [SF-36] questionnaire was used in this study to evaluate the disease and its related factors. The data have been collected through a reliable and valid questionnaire of life quality related to health [SF-36] then were analyzed using SPSS.11.5 and descriptive statistics and paired t-test, one wayANOVA test and Pearson correlation were use as well

Results: The findings indicated that age [P=0.000], body mass indexBMI [P=0.000], economic status [P=0.000], employment [P=0.012, P=0.016, P=0.007 on total, Physical Component Scale [PCS] and Mental Component Scale [MCS] respectively], prior myocardial infarctionmyocardial infarction [MI] [P=0.000], suffering from chronic disease [P=0.000], New York Heart Association [NYHA] [P=0.000] and Ejection Fraction [EF] [P=0.012, P=0.016, P=0.007 on PCS, MCS, respectively] had significant effect on the physical and the psychological dimensions and the total QoL. Besides, gender had a significant effect on QoL with regard to the psychological dimension [P=0.015], andall of them were related Quality Of Life [QoL] regarding the physical dimension [P=0.23]. Finally, educational level had a significant effect on QoL with regard to the physical dimension [P=0.31]

Conclusion: The findings indicated that the aforementioned factors relate patients' QOL, which should draw the attention of the health system

[ relationship between respiratory indexes with the consequences of weaning from mechanical ventilator in CABG patients in Shahid Rajaei hospital, Tehran, Iran, 2011]

Weaning a patient from mechanical ventilator is a critical step in the process of treatment at CCU which takes a long time of mechanical ventilation. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between effective respiratory indexes in weaning process and the importance of each index in scuccessful prediction of weaning from the mechanical ventilator. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 251 patients undergoing CABG, aged above 20, with ejection fraction of more than 30% were selected through convenience sampling in Shahid Rajaei Hospital. Respiratory indexes before weaning from mechanical ventilator were recorded. For all the patients undergoing the surgery, under pump and the duration of anesthesia were identical. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, logistic regression, and independent samples T tests. In this study among the effective respiratory indexes in weaning from mechanical ventilator before CABG, peak inspiratory pressure [beta=0.9] was the most effective one on predicting weaning consequence. According to the results of this study, respiratory indexes had the highest effect on predicting weaning consequence [beta=0.9]. Therefore, it is recommended to use this index in determining patient's preparedness for being weaned from mechanical ventilator and predicting weaning consequence as a valuable clinical index

The comparison between the impacts of henna and nail polish on pulse oximetry among healthy women

Pulse oximetry is a frequently used and standard non-invasive method for monitoring oxygen [O[2]]-saturation in blood. Many factors including dark skin and pigmentation may effect on rate of saturation of the blood oxygen absorbed by pulse oximetry. The effect of nail polish and/or henna color on blood oxygen has not been yet identified and the present study has been carried out by aiming at the review on impact of henna and nail polish on results of pulse oximetry. In the current investigation, clinical trial was studied on 60 resident young women at ages 20-40 by means of purposeful sampling method. Initially, 20 g of Iranian original henna was solved in 30 ml water and put on forefinger of non-dominant hand of the subjects. The other fingers of the same hand were stained by red, black, and white nail polish, respectively. The middle finger of the same hand was considered as the control variable. Then, blood O[2]-saturation was measured by two calibrated pulse oximetry devices simultaneously. The results indicated that henna [P = 0.020], red nail polish [P

The effect of in-arms-holding by mothers on sleep-wake states disorders of preterm neonates in neonatal intensive care unit: a pilot study

Mother-infant separation is one of the main causes of sleep-wake states disorders in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU]. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of in-arms-holding by mothers on sleep-wake states disorders of preterm neonates. In a pilot study, through a semi-experimental pretest-posttest method, 35 preterm neonates with gestational age between 32 and 37 weeks and their mothers were selected from NICU of Valiasr Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Data collection process was carried out using the behavioral states scale of Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program. Sleep-wake states data were collected in three phases: 20 min before intervention, 70 min of intervention [mother holding], and 20 min after intervention. The collected data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance [RM ANOVA] and Bonferroni test in the SPSS for Windows 17.0. About 57% of neonates were male. The results of RM ANOVA showed that there were significant differences between three phases of study in terms of deep sleep [P < 0.001, F = 20.400], light sleep [P < 0.001, F = 167.230], drowsiness [P < 0.001, F = 26.770], quietly awake [P < 0.001, F = 27.380] and crying [P = 0.001, F = 4.370], but there was no significant difference for actively awake. Holding the preterm neonates by their mothers seems to improve their sleep-wake states. Medical and nursing staff in NICUs and nurseries may be recommended to use this kind of care to prevent sleep and wake disorders of neonates

[Relationship of blood transfusion and CPB with delirium]

Introduction: Delirium as a syndrome which is recognized by consciousness disorder and changing in cognition. Delirium patients after by-pass are a common neurological complication, which is a component of the cognitive disorder. A high percentage of these kinds of patients suffer from after surgery. Evaluation of risk factors [blood transfusions and the use of more than one unit CPB] after surgery can be a valuable step in order to highlight the importance of prevention and early detection of delirium. This study aimed to recognize some risk factors related to delirium in patient who had a by- pass operation.

Methods: This study is a cross - sectional. The number of participants was 370 patients who had a by-pass operation were studied by the continuous sampling method. Researcher referred to the selected clinical centers in Tehran to identify related patients to our study and then informed consents were obtained from all patients. Using the Delirium Screening Scale, we analyzed psychological condition of patients until they were discharged from the critical care unit daily. The personal information questioner was completed on the first day of analyzing the psychological condition. Then the gathered data was analyzed by the SPSS 16 statistical package.

Results: Our findings showed that there was no meaningful statistical relationship between the incidences of delirium with risk factors despite its being common among participants.

Conclusions: According to these factors it is not possible to predict incidence of delirium in patients after a by- pass operation. In other words, there is an equal chance of delirium incidences among all patients' regardless of having or not having these factors; therefore the analyzed factors of this study cannot be used to predict the delirium incidence.

Controlled trial of the effect of Aromatherapy on birth outcomes using "Rose Essential Oil" inhalation and foot bath

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils extracted from aromatic plants, and is concerned with natural balance, coordination and promotion of health. This study was designed to determine the effect of "rose [Rosa damascena] essential oil" inhalation and foot bath on the improvement of maternal and neonatal health outcomes. This study was a randomized clinical trial, conducted on 80 primiparous women in Shahid Akbar Abadi Maternity Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Subjects were randomly assigned to aromatherapy and control groups. Aromatherapy group received methods of inhalation and foot bath with rose essential oil for 10 minutes at the beginning of the active phase and then at the onset of the transitional phase of labor. Control group received the routine care of the delivery room. The measured variables in this study included episiotomy in the second stages of labor, Apgar score, admission to neonatal intensive care unit [NICU], and maternal satisfaction with the administration of pain relievers. Statistical analysis of the extracted data was performed using SPSS version 16 with Chi-square and t student test. Two groups were significantly different in terms of the second stage of labor duration [P<0.001]. A noticeable decrease in NICU admissions was observed in the aromatherapy group [P<0.005]. Concerning the rates of episiotomy and perineal tears, a significant difference was observed between two groups, i.e. the rates were significantly lower in the aromatherapy group [P=0.001]. Maternal satisfaction with labour pain relief in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group [P=0.001].Use of aromatherapy by rose essential oil inhalation and foot bath during delivery improves the quality of maternal and neonatal health

[Effect of coping skills training on quality of life among parents of children with leukemia]

Cancer is the most common childhood chronic medical illnesses that can affect quality of life of the children and their families. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of coping skills training on quality of life among parents of children with leukemia. This non-randomized clinical trial was conducted from March to June 2013. Ninety eight parents of children with leukemia who were referred to two selected hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences were enrolled to study using convenience sampling method. The participants were allocated to two experimental [n=48] and control [n=50] groups. Data were collected through two questionnaires including demographic characteristics of the parents and children, and the Persian version of the Caregivers Quality Of Life index Cancer. Coping skills training including social communication skills was performed through small group discussion [5-8 members] in four 2-hours sessions for the experimental group. The questionnaires were completed four weeks after the intervention by the parents. Data were analyzed using the independent /-test, paired /-test, Fisher's exact test and Chi-squared test in the SPSS-16. The results showed significant increase in the overall quality of life after the intervention [P<0.001]. The quality of life of parents in the experimental group was improved significantly in comparison with the control group [P=0.045]. Mental/emotional burden [P=0.001] and lifestyle disruption [P<0.001] decreased significantly after the intervention. The coping skills training affected the quality of life among parents of children with leukemia. Effective educational interventions may help to increase the quality of life of parents who have children with Leukemia

[Relationship between problem solving and assertiveness skills among nursing students]

The nature of clinical practice has altered in recent years. It has been affected by different kinds of problem-solving models' so, the problem-solving skill is necessary in practice for nurse practitioners. Besides assertiveness is a critical element which persuades nurses and nursing students to establish good relationships and use their knowledge and professional skills effectively. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between problem solving and assertiveness skills among undergraduate nursing students. This was a descriptive correlational study. The study was carried out in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Iran University of Medical Sciences. The study population included all students enrolled in the four-year nursing program in 2009-2010. Data were collected using the Heppner and Petersen's problem solving inventory and Rathus assertiveness schedule. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA, independent sample t-test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient tests in the SPSS. Three hundred and twenty two students participated in this study. The students' problem-solving skill [mean=89.5] and assertiveness [mean=12.1] were moderate. The study showed that last year students reported higher assertiveness skill than the freshmen [F=2.85 P<0.037]. The level of assertiveness was correlated with the level of problem-solving skill. Educational programs should provide opportunities for nursing students to enhance life skills such as problem solving and assertiveness skills. Nursing schools should improve students' skills in clinical approaches to be better care professional

[Relationship between perceptions of organizational culture with patients' safety behavior among nurses in Babol]

Governing organizational culture in hospitals can affect patients' safety through establishment of behavioral norms among nurses. This study aimed to determine the relationship between nurses' perception of organizational culture and their performance about patients' safety. In this cross sectional, descriptive-correlation study, we used stratified sampling method to recruit 250 nurses working in general wards and emergency departments of general hospitals in Babol, 2013. Data were collected through questionnaires and were analyzed using the descriptive and inferential statistic tests including the Pearson test, ANOVA test and T-test in the SPSS. Nurses' perception of organizational culture was [fairly desirable] [54.5%]. Performance of the nurses in the field of patients' safety was [desirable] [88%]. The Pearson test showed that there was a positive and statistically significant correlation between nurses' perception of organizational culture and their performance in the field of patients' safety [P<0.01]. It seems that improving organizational culture in hospitals can enhance nurses' performance in the field of patients' safety

Relationship between perceived stress with resilience among undergraduate nursing students

The effect of perceived stress on students' health depends on their coping abilities. Resilience is a coping strategy for dealing with the stress. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the perceived stress with resilience in undergraduate nursing students. In this cross-sectional study, 309 undergraduate nursing students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected during the first semester of 2012-2013 using the stratified sampling method. Data were collected using the Perceived stress scale and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale [CD-RISC]. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in the SPSS-14. Findings revealed that most of the students [99.3%] had a moderate or high perceived stress. There was a statistically significant relationship between the perceived stress with the resilience [P<0.001,r=-0.38]. The school of nursing should provide facilities and opportunities for students in their 4-year educational program to learn stress management strategies including increasing resilience ability

[Comparison of perceptions of nurses and premature infants' mothers about mothers' needs in neonatal intensive care unit]

An important goal of nursing care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] is to provide holistic care as well as the best possible outcome. Understanding perceived needs of mothers is valuable to achieve these goals. This study aimed to compare perceptions of nurses and premature infants' mothers about mothers' needs in the NICUs. This was a cross-sectional study in which 63 nurses and 63 mothers with premature infants were selected from the NICUs of four educational hospitals affiliated to the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences through stratified sampling method in two months. Data were gathered using the NICU Family Needs Inventory of Ward and were analyzed using descriptive-analytical statistical methods in the SPSS v.16. Among the subscales related to family needs, the following items were reported to be important by mothers: Proximity [95.3%], Assurance [94.1%], Information [91.1%], Support [79.7%] and Comfort [72.8%]. On the other hand, nurses believed that the following items were the most important needs of the mothers: Assurance [80.3%], Proximity [75.2%], Information [70.8%], Comfort [66.3%] and Support [64.8%]. According to study findings, nurses should periodically assess needs of the mothers in the NICUs to be aware of the actual needs instead of placing subjective assumptions on mothers needs. This can improve effective communication and interaction with mothers and enhance satisfaction of the mothers with care

Reproductive factors associated to human papillomavirus infection in iranian woman

In recent years, humman papilomaviruses [HPV] infection is the most common type of sexual trasmitted diseases [STD] in majority of countries. It's a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this study, we aimed to compare the history of reproductive disease between two groups of Iranian women with and without HPV infection through colposcopy precedure. This case - control study included 210 women reffered to a training gynecology hospital of Tehran University of Medical Science in Tehran. Case group was composed of 70 women with diagnosis of HPV infection, while control group was composed of 140 women with no sign of mentioned-infectious diseases of the control group. Reproductive history was prepared using the standard questionnaire, and obtianed data were analized by SPSS 20. Our findings showed that the risk factors for HPV infection were as follows: low parity [p = 0.000], reduction of number of weekly sexual intercourse [p = 0.000], no consumption of oral contraceptive pill [OCP] [p = 0.006], and history of withdrawal contraceptive method [p = 0.001]. Improvement of our knowledge about reproductive factors associated with HPV may help us to identify women at risk and to develope different methods of preventive interventions

Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on sexual satisfaction in 50 - 60 years menopausal women in Tehran

Background and objective: Sexual aspect is one of the most important domains of matrimony satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction has an important role in psychological health of women. Hormonal changes that occur in menopausal period can result in decrease of sexual satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract [GBE] on sexual function in menopausal women

Materials and methods: In this Triple-blind placebo-controlled trial, 80 healthy female volunteers aged 60 - 50 years, attending 3 health-care centers of Tehran University of Medical Sciences [TUMS], were enrolled. The participants received GBE at a dose of 120-240 mg [n = 40] or placebo [n = 40] daily for 30 days. The instrument of this study was the Sabbatsberg Sexual Rating Scale [SSRS] which the part of it subjectively evaluate sexual satisfaction before and after intervention. The results were analyzed by using, Fisher exact test, independent samples test and Mann-Whitney Test which these had done by SPSS software, version of 16

Result: After intervention, the sexual satisfaction had no significant difference between the two groups of Ginkgo biloba and placebo [P = 0.31]. Also there was no significant difference in the sexual satisfaction compared to the results obtained in the previous years [0.96]

Conclusion: In this study using Ginkgo biloba for a month had no effect on sexual satisfaction of menopausal women. With regarded to many factors can be affected sexual function of menopausal women, no efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on sexual satisfaction can be result of no efficacy of it on factors such as psychological factors