Placenta accreta outcomes and risk factors in a referral hospital in north of Iran: A case control study.

Background: Placenta accreta syndrome (PAS) may led to heavy blood loss and maternal death. Here we analyzed the main risk factors of PAS+ pregnancies and its complications in a referral hospital in the north of Iran. Methods: In a case control study, all pregnant women with PAS referred to our department during 2016 till 2021 were enrolled and divided in two groups case (PAS+) and control (PAS-) based on preoperative imaging, intraoperative findings, and pathological reports. The sociodemographic features and neonatal-maternal outcomes also were recorded. Results: The most frequent reason for cesarean (C/S) was repeated C/S (62.9%, 56/89). A significant difference showed up in the time lag between previous C/S and the present delivery (p < 0.001) which shows that when the time distance is longer, the risk of PAS rises (OR: 1.01 [95% CI: 1.003-1.017]). Also, a positive history of prior abortion and elective type of previous C/S were related to PAS+ pregnancies. Our other finding showed that PAS+ pregnancies will end in lower gestational age and have a longer duration of operation and hospitalization, heavy blood transfusion, and hysterectomy. Also, PAS+ pregnancies were not related to poor neonatal outcomes. Conclusions: It seems that, in addition to repeated C/S as a strong risk factor, previous abortion is a forgotten key which leads to incomplete evacuation or damage the endometrial-myometrial layers.

Clinical and historical features of cesarean scar pregnancies in a tertiary hospital with a high rate of cesarean section: A case-control survey.

Background and Aims: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare medical condition accounting for 1:2000 of all pregnancies with prior history of cesarean deliveries (CS). As the rate of CS is increasing worldwide, it is important to know the nature of CSP and its complications. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, we evaluated 264 pregnant women; 86 cases with ultra-sonographic findings of CSP and 178 controls: normal pregnancies with gestational age less than 12 weeks. The variables consisted of demographic characteristics, the features and causes of the prior CS, the time distance to the current pregnancy, sonographic features, and the final management. All data analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: There was a significant difference between the two study groups regarding to parity, abortions and D&Cs (p < 0.001). In the case group, 19.8% of patients had positive results for STDs versus 16.3% in the control group (p > 0.990). The mean average of intervals between the last CS and current pregnancies were 48.22 ± 37.03 in the case group versus 61.25 ± 36.25 months in the control group (p < 0.001). Regression Logistic analysis showed advanced maternal age (p < 0.001), positive history of abortions and D&C (p < 0.001), elective type of prior c/s (p < 0.001) and the short time interval between prior CS and current pregnancy (p < 0.001) could significantly predict the patients at higher risk of presenting CSP in the case group. Conclusions: Based on our findings, advanced maternal age, positive history of abortion, the elective type of the former CS, and short time intervals between previous CS and current pregnancy are the main risk factors of CSP.

Evaluation of Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Low Amniotic Fluid Index.

Objective: The outcomes and management of low amniotic fluid index (AFI) in pregnancy are controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between low AFI and perinatal outcomes. Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted on 420 uncomplicated singleton pregnant women with a gestational age of over 28 weeks who referred to Al-Zahra Hospital in Rasht (Iran) for routine perinatal care. Pregnant women were divided into 3 groups of 140 patients based on the AFI and were followed up until delivery. Three groups included normal (8

Predictors of the relationship between the duration of cancer and care time with the supportive care needs of patients and the quality of life of their caregivers: a path analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) patients face various physical and psychological challenges. The mutual impacts of patients and caregivers on each other show the need for further supportive care from the community and family. This study aimed to identify the predictors of the direct and indirect relationships of the duration of cancer (CANCERT) and care time (CARET) with the supportive care needs (SCN) of the patients and the quality of life (QOL) of their family caregivers. METHODS: This descriptive study included 150 patients and their caregivers in Iran. Data were collected using the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form (SCNS-SF34), the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC) scale, and a socio-demographic checklist. The data were then analyzed in SPSS-24 and Lisrel-8.8 software using descriptive statistics and path analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients and caregivers was 45.76 ± 10.44 and 43.46 ± 9.5, respectively. The majority of patients (96%) were in stages II and III of the disease. There was no statistically significant relationship between cancer stages with SCN of the patients and also caregivers' QOL (P > 0.05). Based on the test results, the CANCERT was positively correlated with the patients' care and support needs (SN) in total effect (ß = 0.24). The patients' sexuality needs had the highest negative correlation with their CANCERT in the direct path (ß = - 0.27) and had the highest negative correlation with psychological needs in the indirect path (ß = - 0.174). The CARET (hours per day) had positive correlation with health systems and information needs in both the direct (ß = 0.26) and indirect paths (ß = 0.15). The highest positive correlation with physical needs was in the direct path (ß = 0.34). The caregivers' QOL had a negative and direct relationship with the CANCERT (ß = - 0.19), and there was a positive and direct relationship between CARET and the caregivers' QOL (ß = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: The correlations obtained from this study are not necessarily strong, yet they are important and should be noticed and tested in the future studies. The present findings reveal the need to provide comprehensive care, planning to provide supportive care, and counseling to both BC patients and their family caregivers, especially when the duration of the disease is prolonged.

Evaluating the effect of an educational program on increasing cervical cancer screening behavior among rural women in Guilan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the major health problems and the third prevalent cancer in women all around the world. As a simple, inexpensive, and with no side-effects, Pap test is a reliable way to screen cervical cancer. This study aimed to investigate, the effects of educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on doing Pap smear tests among the rural women of the north of Iran. METHODS: In a quasi-experimental study, 160 rural women were randomly divided into control and experimental groups to experience a three-session intervention. The experimental group received the usual educational programs of rural health center and educational programs based on the HBM constructs through personal consultation, asking/answering questions, and an educational pamphlet. The control group, received the usual educational programs of rural health center. The post-test data were collected 2 months after the intervention and analyzed in SPSS-18. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the control and experimental groups regarding the mean score of knowledge, performance and constructs of the HBM. After the intervention, however, there was a significant difference in the mean scores of knowledge performance and all constructs of the HBM in two groups (p < 0.001). Rate of doing the Pap smear test in the experimental group increased from 18.7 to 78.7% in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: These findings support the effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention programs based on the HBM. Therefore, conducting similar programs in other regions is recommended.

Effect of pregnancy on sexual function of couples.

OBJECTIVE: Sexual function is an important part of each human being's personality and in the general couple relationship, with an obvious impact on quality of life and safe sexual performance during pregnancy is important for couples. The objective of this study was to assess effects of pregnancy on sexual function of couples. MATERIALS: In a prospective cohort study 123 couples were enrolled in the study when women were first diagnosed to be pregnant. During their pre-natal visits, Sexual function of couples was evaluated using the Iranian Version Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in men and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women in three trimesters. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Indices of sexual function showed significant regressions over time during pregnancy. The greatness of the problem was highest during the third trimester. Female sexual arousal and sexual satisfaction domain scores had the major correlation to IIEF total score. On the other hand, male intercourse satisfaction domain score had the maximum correlation to FSFI total score. A strong correlation between male and female sexual function was observed. CONCLUSION: Sexual function is a widespread problem during pregnancy among Iranian couples. Therefore, pregnant women and their husbands need counseling about healthy sexual function in pregnancy.

Study of Relationship Between Illness Perception and Delay in Seeking Help for Breast Cancer Patients Based on Leventhal's Self-Regulation Model.

One of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients is delay in seeking help. Leventhal's self-regulation model provides an appropriate framework to assess delay in seeking help. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between "illness perception" and "help seeking delay" in breast cancer patients based on Leventhal's self-regulation model. In this correlational descriptive study with convenience sampling conducted in 2013, participants were 120 women with breast cancer who were diagnosed in the last year and referred to chemotherapy and radiotherapy centers in Rasht, Iran. Data collection scales included demographic data, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R)and a researcher made questionnaire to measure the delay in seeking help. Pre-hospital delay (help seeking delay) was evaluated in 3 phases (assessment, disease, behavior). The data were analyzed using SPSS-19. The mean (SD) age calculated for the patients was 47.3±10.2. Some 43% of the patients had a high school or higher education level and 82% were married. The "pre-hospital delay" was reported ≥3 months. Logistic regression analysis showed that none of the illness perception components were correlated with appraisal and behavioral delay phases. In the illness delay phase, "time line" (p-value =0.04) and "risk factors"(p-value=0.03) had significant effects on reducing and "psychological attributions" had significant effects on increasing the delay (p-value =0.01). "Illness coherence" was correlated with decreased pre-hospital patient delay (p-value<0.01). Women's perceptions of breast cancer influences delay in seeking help. In addition to verifying the validity of Leventhal's self-regulation model in explaining delay in seeking help, the results signify the importance of the "illness delay phase" (decision to seek help) and educational interventions-counseling for women in the community.