Predicting factors for breast cancer screening in Middle Eastern women based on health belief model: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer screening can reduce mortality and improve the quality of life in affected women. The present study aimed to determine the predictive factors of breast cancer screening in Iranian women based on the health belief model (HBM). METHODS: This review was conducted by searching electronic databases of Google Scholar; electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, and Google scholar Magiran; and SID with the English keywords of "breast cancer," "mammography," "health belief model," and "breast self-exam" and the equivalent Persian keywords. The results were evaluated based on the health belief model (HBM) constructs. Articles were evaluated for quality and the findings were extracted and reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 8 relevant articles were selected for review. Women's awareness of breast cancer screening methods was moderate in two studies and poor in two other studies. Among the constructs of HBM, knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and action plan were poor in the majority of the studies, while perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy were mainly good. CONCLUSION: Considering the observed weakness of many HBM constructs, it is recommended that special attention be given to all HBM constructs in implementing HBM-based education programs.

Effect of Rosemary Cream on Episiotomy Wound Healing in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Delay in episiotomy wound healing can lead to infection. The application of natural antimicrobial agents isolated from herbal essences can be a good strategy to prevent the growth of bacteria and promote the wound healing process. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of rosemary cream on episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women. METHODS: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 primiparous pregnant women who were referred to the maternity ward of Shahid Motahari Hospital in Marvdasht, Iran, from September 2019 to March 2020. These women were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (rosemary cream) and control (placebo), using variable quadruple blocks. Both groups applied the prescribed cream (in a dose of 2 cm) uniformly on the sutured area to cover it with the cream. The cream was applied twice a day for 10 consecutive days postpartum, and the rate of wound healing was evaluated by the researcher in the first 12 h and at days 4 and 10 postpartum using the REEDA scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 19) through the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, student's t-test, and Fisher's test. A p-value less than 0.05 (P < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean ± SD REEDA score on the fourth day postpartum was obtained at 3.82 ± 0.93 and 4.25 ± 1.29 in the groups of rosemary cream and placebo, respectively (P = 0.17). However, the mean ± SD REEDA scores on the 10th day postpartum were determined at 0.75 ± 0.74 and 3.32 ± 2.54 in the rosemary cream and placebo groups, respectively, indicating a higher rate of episiotomy wound healing in the group of rosemary cream compared to placebo (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained results, it seems that rosemary cream can be effective in healing episiotomy wounds in primiparous women. However, further studies are suggested to confirm the findings of this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials in 24/08/2019 with the IRCT ID: IRCT20190308042971N1. The first participant enrolled in this trial in September 2019. URL of registry: https://en.irct.ir/trial/40092 .