Aspects of psychosocial development in infertile versus fertile men

Infertility is one of the most difficult life experiences that a couple might encounter. Infertility as a bio-psycho-social phenomenon, could influence all aspects of life. While paying special attention to the psychological aspects of infertility in couples; many studies have investigated the non-clinical aspects of infertility, however, they rarely have evaluated the psychosocial development of infertile versus fertile men. We aimed to study the effects of infertility on psychosocial development in men. In fact, we designed the study based on "Erikson's theory of psychosocial development". We focused on the relationship between psychosocial development and some self-conceived indices. For this purpose, we divided the participants volunteers into two groups of cases [80 infertile men] and controls [40 fertile men] and asked them to complete a 112 [questions questionnaire based on "self description"]. The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS [version 13] using independent t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and analysis of covariance. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Data analysis showed significant inter and intra group differences. Infertile and fertile groups showed significant differences in trust, autonomy, generativity and integrity stages [p<0.05]. Infertile intergroup analysis represents us to higher scores in positive than negative stages. Infertility as a phenomenon had its own effects on the psychosocial development of infertile men. However, good coping skills are powerful tools to manage these myriad of feelings surrounding infertile men

Study of body image in fertile and infertile men

Body Image as a multidimensional entity is related to both physical and psychological aspects of the image one has of his or her own body. Lack/absence of an acceptable body image is one of the reasons of mental distress in infertile individuals. In this study, an equal number [No=120] of fertile and infertile men attending Avicenna Infertility Clinic [AIC] were enrolled. The participants were compared in regard to body image variables based on the "Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire [MBSRQ]" consisting of 10 subscales. Data was analyzed by SPSS, version 11.5, using Chi square and independent t-tests. Fertile men had a more positive body image as compared to infertile individuals. Significant statistical differences were observed when body image subscales were compared in both groups; in other words appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, Novy, health evaluation, health orientation, illness orientation, body satisfaction, overweight preoccupation and self-classified weight showed differences, while no significant difference was observed in regard to fitness orientation. It seems that the ability and efficiency of body image is affected by infertility leading to dissatisfaction of one's body image

Malignant mesothelioma: a study of sixty-six cases

This study was conducted to review the epidemiology, and biochemical data of pleural fluid to assess the potential contribution to occupational risk of patients with malignant mesothelioma [MM] in Iran. Hospital files of patients with MM of the pleura in Masih Daneshvari Hospital were reviewed between 1997 and 2004 and were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. 66 patients [49 men and 17 women] with a mean age of 53.8 +/- 4.2 yrs were selected. Probable or known occupational contacts were detected in 8 [12.1%] patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by closed pleural biopsy in 26[39.4%] cases. Statistical analysis showed significant cut-off for LDH and glucose level in pleural fluid analysis. Detailed occupational history must not overemphasize blind biopsy as the first diagnostic approach for MM of pleura and pleural fluid glucose as well as LDH had characteristic levels respectively