Development of an educational guide for postpartum sexual health promotion: The Delphi method.

BACKGROUND: The Promotion of sexual health has been emphasized in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a primary prevention strategy, the promotion of sexual knowledge can reduce the incidence of postnatal sexual disorders. This study aimed to develop an educational guide for postpartum sexual health promotion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted in 2021 in Tehran. The steps of developing the educational guide were based on the model of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). First, the related guidelines, books, booklets, and original articles were comprehensively reviewed. Based on the scientific evidence, the educational content was compiled. Then, the quality of this content was evaluated using the Delphi method; It was performed using expert opinions with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) tool. RESULTS: The educational content was developed in three chapters as follows: basic sexual education, postpartum changes and prevalent sexual problems of this period, and strategies for solving or adapting to postpartum sexual problems. This guide was developed in two separate sections for healthcare providers and mothers. The content was of excellent quality in all 6 domains of the AGREE tool (>90%); and evaluated to be optimal in terms of scientificity, significance, and feasibility with the consensus of experts (>95%). CONCLUSIONS: In this research, the steps of developing a comprehensive evidence-based educational guide for sexual health services in postpartum care were described, and its content was presented. The validity of the compiled content was also confirmed.

Investigating the Effect of Melissa Officinalis on After-Pains: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Regarding high prevalence of postpartum pain and side-effects of pharmaceutical analgesics on maternal and neonatal health, the present study aimed to explore the effect of Melissa officinalis on after-pain among mothers hospitalized in Asgariyeh Hospital, Isfahan, 2016. Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 110 women with moderate to severe after-pain were divided into two M.officinalis and mefenamic acid groups by random allocation. Samples in the first group received 250mg of mefenamic acid and the second group received 395mg of M.officinalis oral capsules every 6hours for 24hours following childbirth. The primary outcome (After-pain) was assessed using a numeric 10-point scale before intervention, 1,2 and 3hours after the first intervention and every 6hours to 24hours after delivery for each of second, third and fourth interventions. Data were analyzed, using SPSS by independent t-test, Mann-Whitney and chi-square test. Results: The demographic and obstetric variables and after-pain severity before the intervention in both groups were homogenous. Pain intensity wasn't significantly different between the two groups during first and second hours after the first intervention, but there was a significant difference in the third hour, The severity of pain was significantly different between the two groups in different assessments including: an hour after the second, third and fourth intervention (P<0.05). A significant difference was found between mefenamic acid and M.officinalis in pain relief. Conclusion: M.officinalis can reduce the severity of after-pain, because it eliminates the need for pharmaceutical analgesics and works much better than mefenamic acid.

Relationship of Health Locus of Control with Breast Cancer Screening Belief of Iranian Women

Promoting breast cancer screening (BCS) behavior of women can lead to a reduction in mortality. The health locus of control affects cancer screening behavior of women; however, there is not sufficient evidence regaring this issue in Iran. The overall goal of our study is to determine the relationship of the health locus of control with the breast cancer screening belief of Iranian Women. This is a cross-sectional study carried out on 325 women in Tehran. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), Breast Cancer Screening Belief Questionnaire (BCSBQ), and Demographic questionnaire were used for collecting data. Statistical analyze was performed by the SPSS version 17 software. The Pearson correlation and regression model were used for data analyze. In this study, 325 women, age 18 to 75 years, participated in this study. The mean±SD of BCSBQ and MHLC score was 40.72±10.41 and 67.78±17.67 respectively. The regression analysis showed that for the one-unit increase in the Internal Health Locus of Control (IHLC), Powerful others Health Locus of Control (PHLC), and Chance Health Locus of Control (CHLC) score (dimensions of Health Locus of Control), the total BCSBQ scores increased 0.54, 0.31, and 0.57 respectively. For each unit increase in age and education, the knowledge and perceptions of the BC score increased 0.05 and 0.23 units respectively. For the one-unit increase in the IHLC, PHLC, age, and education dimensions, the attitudes towards the general health checkup score increased 0.17, 0.1, 0.05, and 0.188 respectively. The current study provided new insights about the BCSB of Iranian women with MHLC. In the study, all the dimensions of the health locus of control were useful in predicting the breast cancer screening belief of the participants.

The Relationship between Health Locus of Control and Iranian Women's Beliefs toward Pap Smear Screening.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer has a high prevalence and mortality, while early diagnosis greatly reduces its complications. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors affecting the screening of cervical cancer. Studies have shown that health locus of control plays an important role in beliefs about screening. This study aimed to identify the correlation between health locus of control and beliefs about Pap smear among women. METHODS: This was a descriptive study which was conducted cross-sectionally. It was conducted on 250 married women who had the inclusion criteria and attended health centers selected by Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Oct. 2017 to February 2018 (a period of 5 months). Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, multidimensional health locus of control scale, and the Pap Smear Belief Questionnaire (PSBQ). Data analysis was carried out through SPSS (v.17) using statistical tests including correlation and regression. The significance level was considered 0.05. RESULTS: Among the participants, 50.8% never had a history of undergoing a Pap smear test. The mean scores for the internal health locus of control (IHLC), chance health locus of control (CHLC), and powerful others health locus of control (PHLC) were 22.59±5.32, 22.84±4.65 , and 24.54±4.28, respectively. The total score for the Pap smear belief had a significant positive correlation with two dimensions: IHLC (r=0.209, P=0.001) and PHLC (r=0.216, P=0.001). In addition, based on the results of the linear regression analysis, the scores of IHLC (R2=0.03, P=0.004), PHLC (R2=0.036, P=0.003), and CHLC (R2=0.16, P=0.04) were the predictors of the total score for the Pap smear belief. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that all dimensions of the health locus of control were the predictors of belief in women's Pap smear screening. It is necessary that health care providers hold programs for health locus control of cervix cancer prevention in Iranian women.

Effect of Vitamin D Therapy on Sexual Function in Women with Sexual Dysfunction and Vitamin D Deficiency: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of vitamin D therapy on sexual function in women with low vitamin D levels and sexual dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial in women 18 to 45 years old with sexual dysfunction, defined as a FSFI (Female Sexual Functioning Index) score less than 26.55, and serum 25[OH]D less than 30 ng/ml. Participants received an intramuscular injection of 300,000 IU cholecalciferol or a placebo at baseline and then after 4 weeks. Sexual function was evaluated with the FSFI at baseline, and 4 and 8 weeks. The serum level of 25[OH]D was measured and depression symptoms were evaluated by the BDI (Beck Depression Inventory) at baseline and 8 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 38 women in each group completed the study. Serum 25[OH]D levels increased only in the cholecalciferol group by a mean ± SD of 14.4 ± 3.2 ng/ml (p <0.001). The FSFI score was higher in the intervention group at study week 4 (19.6 vs 16.3, p = 0.002) and week 8 (25.0 vs 17.1, p <0.001). The BDI score was significantly decreased only in the cholecalciferol group by a mean of -21.0 ± 12.3 (p <0.001). The effect of treatment on sexual function was independent of its effect on depression symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D therapy in women with sexual dysfunction and vitamin D deficiency can improve sexual function. This effect does not seem to be mediated by an improvement in depression symptoms.

Transdermal hormone replacement therapy with nanostructured medicines.

OBJECTIVES: Due to hormonal changes during the menopause, women experience a variety of perimenopause and postmenopause symptoms. This review examines the various aspects of nanostructured hormone therapy and its application in the treatments of menopausal symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Excerpta Medica DataBase, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched basing on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Seven eligible studies out of 51 related papers, which satisfied the initial search criteria, were extracted and carefully reviewed to clarify the role of nanomedicine in maintaining postmenopausal women's health. RESULTS: Review of the seven eligible studies confirmed nanostructured hormone therapy as a safe and effective method for the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. According to the existing studies, nanostructured hormone therapy decreased the mean daily frequency and severity of menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSION: The use of transdermal nanoformulations in hormone therapy can relieve climacteric symptoms and prevent other postmenopausal symptoms.