Increasing the Resilience of Mothers With Preterm Infant: The Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care.

Objective: Having a preterm infant is a stressful experience for parents, especially for mothers. This study was conducted to identify the effect of kangaroo mother care on the resilience of mothers with preterm infant hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled trial study, 60 mothers with preterm infant hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were randomly selected and allocated to intervention and control groups (30 per group), in Fatemiyeh Hospital, Hamadan, Iran. Data collection tool included demographic information and Conner & Davidson Resilience Questionnaire (CD-RISC), which were completed by mothers before and after the intervention. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as an intervention was run in at least one hour daily for a week in the intervention group. The mother-infant pairs in the control group only received conventional method of care (CMC). Results: There was a significant increase in the total resilience score of the mothers in the KMC group (from 58.87±14.71 to 69.67±14.50) after intervention (P<0.001); however, resilience score decreased significantly in the mothers of CMC group (from 57.77±13.33 to 51.63±12.20). Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care could increase the resilience of mothers of preterm infants. Therefore using this approach as a complementary, effective, Low-cost, non-invasive care is recommended to maintain and promote the health of mothers with preterm infant.

Pregnancy Concerns as Predictors of Sleep Quality in Primigravid Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Poor sleep quality may be a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Identifying the predictors of sleep disorders can help design effective interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of pregnancy concerns on the sleep quality of primigravid women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 primigravid women referred to health centers in Hamadan, Iran. In addition to completing the demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) questionnaire was completed to determine the level of pregnancy concerns, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was completed to determine the quality of sleep by pregnant women. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models with a backward method at a 95% confidence level. Results Pregnant women's total PSQI score was 13.8 ± 3.08, and with a PSQI ≥ 5 as a cut-off point, 76.3% of the study's participants had poor sleep quality. There was a significant direct correlation between the total score of PDQ and its subscales with the total PSQI score (P < 0.05). The adjusted regression logistic model showed a significant relationship between the PDQ scores, women's educational level (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.19; confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.19-2.18), and their spouse's educational level (AOR 1.03; CI 95%: 0.02-2.03) with sleep quality scores. Conclusion Pregnancy concerns, including concerns about birth and the baby, concerns about physical symptoms and body image, and concerns about emotions and relationships, can reduce the sleep quality of primigravid women. Designing and implementing effective interventions to reduce or modify these common concerns can improve the sleep quality of pregnant women and prevent the adverse effects of poor sleep quality on pregnancy outcomes.

Experiences of A Population of Recovered Iranian Pregnant Women from COVID-19: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: It seems pandemics may have a notable potential adverse effect on the pregnant women. The important biological COVID-19 aspect of the pregnancy has been led to the neglect of its psychological aspect of the pregnant women, especially COVID-19 affected. The present qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of Iranian pregnant women who were recovered from the COVID-19 pandemics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study designed based on a semi-structured interview with 9 pregnant women who had developed COVID-19 during pregnancy and had recovered. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed five themes including: anxiety and helplessness, stigma, confront disease, apprehension in the heart of desire, and seeking calmness. Rrecovered pregnant women from COVID-19 spoke of their mixed feelings; being happy with their survival and that of their fetus, despite getting the disease, along with anxiety and fear of the future, which had resulted in the continuation of pregnancy in the limbo of ambiguity and expectation. Recovered pregnant women during unknown pandemics, despite being saved from disease, continue to tolerate concerns about their unborn child. CONCLUSION: Recovered pregnant women during unknown pandemics, despite being saved from disease, continue to tolerate concerns about their fetus. Therefore, they require comprehensive and complete management approaches that require familiarity with the psychological challenges of this group of patients.

Socio-economic disparities in female genital circumcision: finding from a case-control study in Mahabad, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Female genital circumcision (FGC) is still a challenge in reproductive health. This study investigated socioeconomic disparities in FGC in the Kurdish region of Mahabad, Iran. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in three comprehensive health centers on 130 circumcised girls as the case group and 130 girls without a history of circumcision as the control group, according to the residential area and the religious sect. The participants completed a previously validated demographic and circumcision information questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression model with a backward method at a 95% confidence level was used to determine the relationship between socioeconomic variables and FGC. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression showed that a family history of FGC (AOR 9.90; CI 95%: 5.03-19.50), age ranging between 20 and 30 years (AOR 8.55; CI 95%: 3.09-23.62), primary education (AOR 6.6; CI 95%: 1.34-33.22), and mothers with primary education (AOR 5.75; CI 95%: 1.23-26.76) increased the chance of FGC. CONCLUSION: The present study provided evidence on socioeconomic factors related to FGC in girls. A family history of FGC, age ranging between 20 and 30 years, and girls' and their mothers' education level were strong predictors of FGC. The findings indicate the need to design effective interventions to address these factors to help eradicate FGC.

Investigating the effect of couple-centered counseling by Gottman method on the intimacy of infertile couples referring to the infertility Ward of Fatemieh hospital, Hamadan, Iran in 2020: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is among the most unpleasant experiences for couples struggling with it. Therefore, coping with its associated psychological burden has become a concern in many societies due to its negative impacts on couples' lives and intimacy levels. Lack of marital intimacy leads to unfortunate consequences such as dissatisfaction with marital relationships between spouses. Therefore, these people should be encouraged to find an effective solution to cope with infertility. Regarding the importance of the emotional relationship between infertile couples and the success rate of infertility treatment, this study aims to determine the effect of couple-centered counseling by the Gottman method on marital intimacy of infertile couples referred to the infertility ward of Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan. METHOD: The sample of this quasi-experimental study included 60 infertile couples in the evaluation phase of treatment with primary infertility. We collected data in a referral infertility center in Hamadan (Iran) between December 2020 and May 2021. Marital intimacy was measured using Thompson & Walker's Marital Intimacy Questionnaire. At the beginning of the study, the intervention and control groups completed this questionnaire. The intervention group received Gottman couple-centered counseling based on GATHER principles in 8 sessions. The groups completed the questionnaires 4 weeks after the last intervention session again. If the distribution was normal, the ANCOVA test was used to evaluate the differences between the two groups. Intra-group comparisons were performed using paired t-test, and intergroup comparisons were performed using an independent t-test. RESULTS: The mean score of female intimacy increased significantly after the intervention (P = 0.009). There was no significant difference in socio-demographic characteristics between groups (P < 0.05), both of which were adjusted in ANCOVA. After the intervention, the mean marital intimacy scores were significantly higher in women participating in the intervention group (from 75.6 (±10.63) to 78.86 (±7.87)). In addition, after the ANCOVA test, the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.009; MD: 3.74, CI: 0.95 and 6.52). The mean score of male marital intimacy increased after the intervention (from 78.93 (±10.21) to 78.9 (±9.79)), although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.54; MD: -0.58, CI: - 2.51 and 1.34). CONCLUSION: The findings support the effective role of Gottman's couple-centered counseling in increasing marital intimacy by raising couples' awareness about the principles of proper relationships between them. This outcome suggests that counseling with couples, especially in critical life situations, can improve their relationship in the infertility treatment process and prevent emotional divorce and other negative impacts on their lives. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT Registration Number IR.UMSHA.REC.1399.535, registered on 21/09/2020.

The Association of Assisted Reproductive Technology and Breastfeeding Rates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There is an inconsistent result regarding the mode of fertilization and breastfeeding. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between the mode of conception and breastfeeding continuity. Materials and Methods: The English electronic databases were searched for up to May 20, 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot. The heterogeneity of studies was evaluated using I2 statistics. Results of the random-effects meta-analysis were presented using odds ratios (ORs)/relative ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 12 articles with 4,929 subjects were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pool estimates of the meta-analysis show that spontaneous conception is associated with breastfeeding continuity up to 6 months (OR/RR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46-0.87) and more than 6 months after childbirth (OR/RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.32-0.98) compared to the Assisted reproductive technology (ART) conception. The heterogeneity among the studies was high. The level of breastfeeding, plurality, gestational age, and country were confounding factors that affect the heterogeneity of studies. Conclusion: Our findings confirm an inverse association between ART conception and breastfeeding continuity. Due to the importance of breast milk in improving the health of infants who are born in this way, it is recommended to take appropriate interventions in this field. Possible interaction between ART and breastfeeding continuity in different regions is important to point and future studies on this topic were recommended.

Female Genital Mutilation, Sexual Quality of Life and Marital Relationship: A Case-Control Study From Iran.

Objective: Studies on the sexual consequences of female genital mutilation is mostly related to sexual function, while sexual quality of life is a more objective criterion for studying the effects of genital mutilation on the women's sexual life. The purpose of this study was to compare the sexual quality of life and marital relationship in the mutilated women with other women living in the Kurd region of Mahabad (Iran). Materials and methods: In a case-control study, 600 married women (300 mutilated and 300 non-mutilated women) who referred to the health centers completed the sexual quality of life questionnaire (SQOL-F) as well as demographic questionnaires. Data analyzed using chi-square, independent t-test, and linear regression model with stepwise method at 95% confidence level. Results: The mean total score of sexual quality of life in the mutilated group (40.28±16.76) was significantly lower than the control group (45.29±19.16). The chance of having a higher score of sexual quality of life in the mutilated group was 0.13 times lower than the control group. This value was 0.16 times for self-worthlessness area, 0.10 for sexual repression, 0.12 for psycho-sexual feeling, and 0.32 for sexual and marital satisfaction areas (p <0.05). In the mutilated group, the total score of sexual quality of life was significantly correlated with age, income, spouse's violence, spouse's infidelity, intercourse frequency, and residence status (P <0.05). Conclusion: Female genital mutilation can decrease the sexual quality of life and increase the chance of negative consequences such as spouse violence, infidelity, and intercourse reduction.

The comparison of sexual function in women with or without experience of female genital circumcision: A case-control study in a Kurdish region of Iran.

Studies on the sexual consequences of female genital circumcision are controversial. In this article, we intend to compare the sexual function in women with or without experience of circumcision in the Kurdish region of Mahabad in Iran. In this case-control study 550 women completed the demographic and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires. Female genital circumcision was associated with reduction of lubrication and sexual satisfaction as well as increasing dyspareunia compared to the uncircumcised women. However, there was no significant difference between two groups regarding to arousal, desire and orgasm of women.

Predicting preeclampsia and related risk factors using data mining approaches: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a type of pregnancy hypertension disorder that has adverse effects on both the mother and the fetus. Despite recent advances in the etiology of preeclampsia, no adequate clinical screening tests have been identified to diagnose the disorder. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to provide a model based on data mining approaches that can be used as a screening tool to identify patients with this syndrome and also to identify the risk factors associated with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data used to perform this cross-sectional study were extracted from the clinical records of 726 mothers with preeclampsia and 726 mothers without preeclampsia who were referred to Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan City during April 2005-March 2015. In this study, six data mining methods were adopted, including logistic regression, k-nearest neighborhood, C5.0 decision tree, discriminant analysis, random forest, and support vector machine, and their performance was compared using the criteria of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: Underlying condition, age, pregnancy season and the number of pregnancies were the most important risk factors for diagnosing preeclampsia. The accuracy of the models were as follows: logistic regression (0.713), k-nearest neighborhood (0.742), C5.0 decision tree (0.788), discriminant analysis (0.687), random forest (0.758) and support vector machine (0.791). CONCLUSION: Among the data mining methods employed in this study, support vector machine was the most accurate in predicting preeclampsia. Therefore, this model can be considered as a screening tool to diagnose this disorder.

Perceived risk and protective behaviors regarding COVID-19 among Iranian pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Despite the vulnerability of pregnant women, few studies have been conducted on their perceived risk and protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present cross-sectional study aims to investigate the perceived risk and protective behaviors regarding COVID-19 among pregnant women, in Hamadan, Iran. Using a two-stage cluster sampling method, 225 pregnant women referring to the health centers completed the questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests as well as a stepwise linear regression model at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: 93.8% of pregnant women had a high level of knowledge, 97.3% had a high performance in protective behaviors, and 72.9% had a moderate level of risk perception related to COVID-19. The highest mean score of knowledge was observed in women who had a history of influenza in their previous pregnancies (90.97 ± 5.94). The mean score of protective behaviors was significantly higher in women with a high economic level (97.78 ± 5.11), and the highest level of risk perception was observed in nulliparous women (59.97 ± 9.80). Risk perception was an independent predictor of protective behaviors related to COVID-19 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women had a high level of knowledge, high performance in protective behaviors, and a moderate level of risk perception related to COVID-19. History of influenza in previous pregnancies, high economic level, and nulliparity were associated with higher levels of knowledge, protective behaviors, and risk perception, respectively. Risk perception of pregnant women regarding COVID-19 can predict their protective behaviors.

Postpartum women's perception of stressors in the delivery ward: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Delivery is a challenging event in women's lives. What happens during childbirth is stressful for most women. Regarding the short and long-term effects of stressors of the delivery ward on childbirth and neonatal outcomes, and given that understanding the stressors are influenced by existing social culture and factors, the present qualitative study was conducted to investigate women's perception of stressors in the delivery ward. Participants were 13 newly delivered women who were monitored in the recovery room at the Fatemieh Hospital of Hamadan, Iran. Purposive sampling was performed and continued until data saturation. The data collection method was in-depth and semi-structured. RESULTS: The content analysis of qualitative data led to the emergence of two themes of human stressors and environmental stressors as well as four categories; i.e., personal factors, care staff-related factors, environmental factors, and equipment-related factors. The research findings indicated that several personal, environmental, staff-related, and equipment-related factors could lead to stress in the labor and delivery ward. Although ignoring them and increasing stress during childbirth may jeopardize the childbirth consequences, most of them are ignored and overlooked. It is necessary to consider measures to control these factors as much as possible.

Predictors of Preeclampsia Based on a 10-Year Case-Control Study.

Objective: To investigate the predictors of preeclampsia based on a 10-years case-control study. Materials and methods: The present retrospective, case-control study was carried out in a referral Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, during 2005-2015. Using a hospital information system (HIS), all the available information on hospitalized preeclamptic patients during 10-years period was collected and all preeclamptic women were qualified for the study as the case group (729 subjects) and the same number of non-preeclamptic women were assigned to the control group. The required data were collected using the researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent t-test and logistic regression. Results: The results show that high age (OR = 1.04), low education (diploma compared to illiterate OR = 0.51 and middle school education compared to illiterate OR = 0.55), blood group O (AB: OR = 0.32; B: OR = 0.36; A: OR = 0.26) and fertilization during autumn (spring: OR = 0.41; summer: OR = 0.26; autumn: OR = 1.13) could raise the risk of preeclampsia. Conclusion: High age, low education, blood group O and fertilization in cold seasons could be the risk factors of preeclampsia. Recognizing the risk factors of preeclampsia could help the determination of high risk cases and designing of effective interventions.

The relationship between general health and coping style with perceived stress in primigravida healthy pregnant women: Using the PATH model.

The aim of this study was to analyze relationships among general health, coping style, and perceived stress in healthy primigravida pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted at public health clinics in Hamadan city, Iran between July and December 2015. In total, 380 pregnant women were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory and General Health Questionnaire. Perceived stress was assessed through an interview comprised of open-ended questions. The final PATH model fit well; general health (ß = 0.02) as well as anxiety and sleep disorders (ß = 0.03) were slightly directly associated with perceived stress, and only planning-preparation was related to perceived stress through general health (ß = 0.09). The findings enhance the knowledge gained from previous perinatal stress research. General health status was directly related to stress, and coping style was indirectly related to stress. Coping styles may mediate the relationship between general health status and perceived stress, suggesting that midwives should attempt to improve the general health of women to reduce stress and its consequences during pregnancy by teaching patients appropriate coping styles. Further studies on the effect of coping style interventions on stress are warranted.

The effectiveness of family counselling on reducing exposure to secondhand smoke at home among pregnant women in Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women are often exposed to secondhand smoke that affects them and their child. Our aim was to determine the effectiveness of family counselling using the BASNEF model on reducing exposure to secondhand smoke at home among pregnant women. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 103 pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke. They were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method and allocated into intervention (50 people) and control (53 people) groups. Four family counseling sessions using the BASNEF model were held for the intervention group while the control group received routine care. The outcomes were measured before and at one month after the last session of counselling. RESULTS: In the timeframe before the intervention, the number of days in which there was reported exposure to secondhand smoke was 5.08 ± 1.1 in the intervention group, significantly decreasing to 3.5 ± 1.6 after the intervention (p<0.001). No significant change was observed in the control group (p=0.1). Also, the mean scores of all constructs of the BASNEF model increased significantly after the intervention compared to those of the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Family counseling had a positive effect on decreasing the exposure to secondhand smoke at home among a sample of pregnant women. The BASNEF model is useful for implementing educational care programs in these settings.

The effectiveness of group counseling on prenatal care knowledge and performance of pregnant adolescents in a Kurdish region of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal care in adolescents is one of the most important challenges worldwide, especially in the regions with a specific culture and traditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group counseling on knowledge and performance of pregnant adolescents in prenatal care in a Kurdish region in Iran. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on pregnant adolescents attending in the health centers of Mahabad, a Kurdish city in Iran. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling method, after random selection of four health centers as the intervention and the control, primigravida adolescents with gestational age of 16-20 weeks filled out the demographic and midwifery characteristics questionnaire, as well as a prenatal care knowledge and performance of pregnant adolescents' questionnaire. Then 102 pregnant adolescents (51 people in the control centers and 51 people in the intervention centers), who responded correctly to <50% of the questionnaire items were included in the study. Six sessions of group counseling about prenatal care were held for the intervention group. The control group received the routine prenatal care. Knowledge and performance of pregnant adolescents about prenatal care were compared inter and intra two groups 1 month after the end of the sessions through descriptive-analytic tests including chi-square, independent T and paired T tests. RESULTS: In contrast to the control group, the mean scores of adolescents' knowledge about prenatal care increased after the intervention (from 17.51 ± 5.93 to 24.67 ± 5.79) and showed significant difference to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the mean scores of adolescent care performance in the intervention group increased (from 5.80 ± 2.19 to 10.33 ± 2.55) and showed significant difference to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show the positive effects of prenatal care counseling on increasing knowledge and improving the performance of pregnant adolescents.

The psychometric properties of the Iranian version of revised prenatal coping inventory (Nu PCI) in healthy pregnant women: a confirmatory factor analysis.

The Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (Nu PCI) is a self-report instrument that focuses on the coping styles of pregnant women during the prenatal period. The present study aimed to translate the scale and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Nu PCI in healthy pregnant women. Beaton's recommendations have been used for the translation and cultural adaptation of this scale. Reliability, content, and face validity were performed to assess the psychometric properties of the scale. The results indicated that the Nu PCI was successfully translated into the Persian language, with both the total scale and subscales exhibiting both content validity and internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the conceptual three-factor structure of the measure had good fit indices. Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency. Cronbach Alpha coefficient was 0.92 and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.91. Therefore, the Nu PCI is a reliable instrument to measure prenatal coping patterns in primigravida healthy pregnant women.

The limbo of motherhood: Women's experiences of major challenges to cope with the first pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: pregnancy is a unique health experience which is influenced by various factors, particularly culture and social context. AIM OF STUDY: to explore women's perception regarding major challenges of adaptation with first pregnancy based on culture and social context. DESIGN: a qualitative content analysis was used for data gathering and analysis. Data were collected through unstructured in-depth interviews. SETTING: the study was conducted in public health clinics in Hamadan city, an urban area in southwest of Iran from July to December 2016. PARTICIPANTS: nineteen healthy primigravidas were recruited using a purposive sampling method and interviewed in the third trimester of pregnancy. FINDINGS: the two main categories extracted: imposing the motherhood role on oneself and negative feelings toward pregnancy. The feeling of being in limbo during pregnancy suggests that the everyday experiences of the participants were filled with challenges and short-term tensions, fears, and limitations of pregnancy overwhelmed the participants with negative feelings. As a result, they experienced doubt due to their inexperience in the acceptance of the responsibility of pregnancy and motherhood. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: one of the challenges of adaptation to pregnancy is the experience of negative feelings toward physiological changes and sense of uncertainty toward accepting motherhood responsibilities. Thus, the provision of suitable interventions during the prenatal period to reduce negative feelings and improve women's self-sufficiency in adaptation to pregnancy seems necessary.

Factors contributing to fear of childbirth among pregnant women in Hamadan (Iran) in 2016.

BACKGROUND: Fear of childbirth is a considerable mental, social, and physiological phenomenon among women as well as their families, which can be effective in choosing cesarean section for delivery. AIM: To determine some factors contributing to the fear of childbirth among pregnant women. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 pregnant women referred to health centers in Toyserkan in 2016. Pregnant women with the gestational age of 16-40 weeks filled out Harman's Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire (CAQ) as well as stating demographic and obstetrics characteristics. Data were analyzed by Software SPSS/19 through chi-square, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation tests. RESULTS: The mean age and mean gestational age of the pregnant women were 26.5±4.9 years old and 26.52 weeks, respectively; 89.3% of the women reported fear of childbirth. There was a significant difference among the mean scores of the women's fear of childbirth and education level, household income adequacy, gravidity, being familiar with the delivery process, and pre-pregnancy cares (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study found the relationship between women's fear of childbirth and their education level, household income, gravidity, familiarity with delivery process, and pre-pregnancy cares. It is necessary for health caregivers to take into consideration the vulnerable groups, especially nulliparous women during pre-pregnancy care as well as the social, and cultural status of women in order to identify the pregnant women exposed to fear of childbirth and reduce the chance of choosing cesarean section by providing appropriate services.

Effects of Group Counseling on Self-care Behaviors in Menopausal Women with Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes is a chronic disease which is common in menopause period. Performing self-care behaviors is effective method for control of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling on self-care behaviors in menopause diabetes women in 2016 in Hamadan, Iran. METHODS: In this study, 80 menopausal women were randomly selected and allocated to the experimental and control groups (40 per group). Data collected by a questionnaire included of demographic information, self-care behaviors, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). In the experimental group, training program was run during four sessions in the form of weekly group consulting sessions. During this period, the control group only received routine cares. Three months after intervention (group consultation) self-care behaviors, FBS and HbA1c were compared between two groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. RESULTS: The self-care score in the experimental group increased from 49.6 ± 12.2 before the intervention to 66.6 ± 9.3 after the intervention (P < 0.05). Also in the control group average of self-care score changed from 57.6 ± 11.5 to 62.0 ± 11.6 (P < 0.05). Three months after the group consultation, there was a significant difference between two groups in the dimensions of diet (P = 0.013), exercise (P = 0.009) and foot care (P < 0.001). In the experimental group, FBS decreased from 148.8 ± 62.4 mg/dL to 128.9 ± 46.3 mg/dL. Also, HbA1c changed from 7.2 ± 1.8 g/dL to 6.8 ± 1.6 g/dL three months after intervention (P = 0.058). No significant changes were observed in FBS and HbA1c in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that group counseling promoted self-care behaviors and metabolic indices in menopausal diabetic patients.

Effect of Group Counseling on Quality of Life among Postmenopausal Women in Hamadan, Iran.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling on quality of life (QOL) in postmenopausal women conducted in Hamadan, Iran in 2015. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 80 postmenopausal women were randomly selected and allocated to case and control groups (40 per group). Data collection tool included questionnaires of demographic information and QOL during menopause, which were completed by the samples before the intervention. In the case group, training program was run during four sessions in the form of weekly consulting sessions for 45 to 60 minutes. Training program included familiarity with menopause symptoms, confrontation and self-care during this period. The control group, only received routine cares. Three months after intervention, information were collected in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows. RESULTS: Before the intervention, mean ± standard deviation for QOL in case group was 101.2 ± 31.4 and it was significantly decreased to 96.9 ± 27.0 after intervention (P < 0.05). While no significant change was observed in the control group (from 98.9 ± 35.5 to 102.3 ± 35.0, P = 0.443). Symptoms of physical (P = 0.033) and sexual (P < 0.001) dimensions significantly decreased in the case group. While significant increase was observed in terms of psychosocial (P = 0.049) and sexual symptoms in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggested impact of consulting on improvement of QOL during menopause. Supportive consulting can be a suitable approach for improving women's health, reducing problems and enhancing QOL in menopause period.