The possible short-term of Nigella sativa - L in the management of adolescent polycystic ovarian syndrome: results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive age and the most common cause of infertility due to anovulation. PCOS in adolescents is concerning. Nigella sativa is effective in improving gonadotropins and sex hormones. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa supplementation on PCOS symptoms and their severity in adolescents. METHODS: The current randomized clinical trial was conducted on 114 adolescents with PCOS who were referred to gynecologist offices and clinics in Gonabad, Iran from March 2022 to March 2023. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (Nigella sativa 1000 mg/day) and control (10 mg/day medroxyprogesterone from the 14th day of the cycle for 10 nights) groups. The study duration was 16 weeks. Ovarian volume (measured by ultrasound), anthropometric and blood pressure; serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), luteinizing hormone (LH), hirsutism severity (Ferriman-Gallwey score) levels were evaluated before and after the study. RESULTS: Data from 103 participants (control group = 53, intervention group = 50) were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 17.0 (Interquartile range [IQR]:2.0). The mean difference in hirsutism score changes (p < 0.001), right (p = 0.002), and left (p = 0.010) ovarian volume, serum LH (p < 0.001) and testosterone (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. The frequency of oligomenorrhea, menometrorrhagia, and amenorrhea, were significantly reduced after the study in the intervention group compared to the control group (ps < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term Nigella sativa supplementation may be effective in reducing ovarian volume and improving hormonal balance, and menstrual irregularities in adolescents with PCOS. Further research and long-term studies are warranted to validate the potential therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa in adolescents with PCOS. IRCT REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20221017056209N1 Registration date: 2022-11-22.

Applying the theory of planned behavior for prediction of oocyte donation intention among Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: Oocyte donation is a complex and multifaceted behavior in women. Due to the acute deficiency of donated oocytes, it is necessary to identify the factors affecting the desire to donate. Planned behavior theory is a suitable model for explaining and predicting behavior in many behavioral domains. The aim of this study was to predict oocyte donation intention using the theory of planned behavior. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 556 women who were covered by the comprehensive health service centers in Gonabad and Neyshabour cities in 2020. Sampling was performed by the two-step method in Gonabad city and by the convenience sampling method in Neyshabour city. Data were collected online using researcher-made questionnaires included oocyte donation awareness questionnaire and oocyte donation intention questionnaire (based on the TPB constructs). The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed by face and content validity and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) using hierarchical linear regression. The statistical significance was considered as P < 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the oocyte donation intention with all constructs of planned behavioral theory (P < 0.050). Planned behavior theory constructs explained 47% of the variance of oocyte donation intention. In addition, constructs of perceived power (ß = 0.461), control beliefs (ß = 0.154) and normative beliefs (ß = 0.125) were the strongest predictors of oocyte donation intention, respectively. CONCLUSION: Planning and implementing educational courses according to the constructs of the theory of planned behavior can be a great step toward the elimination of oocyte deficiency and infertility problems. Also performing of intervention or training strategies in the field of oocyte donation requires the enhancement of social norms and perceived behavioral control in the population under study.

Educational needs assessment of medical and midwifery students about prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: a cross-sectional study.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), is an important way of acquired immune deficiency virus (AIDS) transmission. Medical and midwifery students need to have sufficient knowledge in terms of MTCT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the educational needs of these students regarding MTCT of HIV. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 medical (extern and intern) and midwifery Bachelor (semester 4 and above) and Master students in Gonabad University of Medical Sciences in 2019. The real needs questionnaire on MTCT AIDS and the perceived needs questionnaire on MTCT were used for need assessment evaluation. Majority of the participants were female (77.5%) and single (65%). Study participants included 48.3% medical and 51.7% midwifery students. High real educational need was reported by 63.5% of medical and 36.5% of midwifery students. More than half of the participants (59.2%) felt a great need for education on MTCT of HIV. OF the areas of real educational needs, the highest and lowest scores were related to the areas of prevention and symptoms, respectively. Students in higher semesters had the highest percentage of real need compared to other students (p = 0.015). The real need for MTCT of HIV prevention was higher among medical students compared to midwifery students (p = 0.004). The observed high real and perceived needs of students, especially in the higher semesters and the field of medicine, necessitates the re-examination of their educational curricula.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Persian version of the Attitude Towards Menopause scale.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Attitude Towards Menopause (ATM) scale in Persian. METHODS: A standard process was followed for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ATM scale into Persian. The content validity index and content validity ratio were used to measure content validity. The construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The average variance extracted and construct reliability were used to indicate convergent and discriminant validity, respectively. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Persian ATM scale were assessed using Cronbach α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: A revised version of the ATM scale, including 26 items assigned to seven factors, was obtained in exploratory factor analysis. The factors were interpreted as negative affect, postmenopausal recovery, control of symptoms, sexuality, psychological losses, unpleasant confrontation, and menstrual freedom, explaining 66.18% of the total variance. The factor structure of the scale was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (Comparative Fit Index = 0.90, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.88, Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.90, Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index = 0.86, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.07, χ2 / df = 4.56). The values of Cronbach α coefficient and ICC indicated an acceptable level of reliability ( α = 0.70, ICC = 0.89). The construct reliability for all factors was more than or equal to 0.7 except for psychological losses, indicating good discriminating validity. The values of average variances extracted for subscales varied from 0.48 to 0.99, representing adequate convergent validity. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of the ATM scale is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate the attitudes of Iranian women toward menopause.

Nursing managers' perspectives on facilitators of and barriers to evidence-based practice: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the facilitators and barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) from the perspective of Iranian nursing managers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data were collected from 335 top nursing managers of Iran. The research instruments included three electronic questionnaires for demographics, facilitators and barriers of evidence-based practice. Descriptive statistics and appropriate analysis tests were used to clarify the strength of relationships between the factors. RESULTS: A total of 277 nursing managers participated in the study (response rate of 82%). Iranian nursing managers believed that organizational factors were the most important domain for both facilitators (34.7 ± 9.2) and barriers (28.37 ± 6.2) to EBP. Regarding the Perspectives of nursing managers on Necessity and Extent of EBP implementation, 79.8% (n = 221) considered EBP to be essential, while 45.8% (n = 127) regarded its implementation as moderate.

The Relationship between Perfectionism and Sexual Function: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Perfectaionism is a common personality trait that can affect various aspects of life, especially sexual relationships. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the existing evidence for the relationship between perfectionism and sexual function in studies conducted in Iran and the world. Method : A comprehensive search of databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, ProQuest, PsychINFO, IranPsych, Irandoc, SID, and Google Scholar search engine was performed until December 2021 without a time limit. To find studies, we searched for the keywords perfectionism and sexual function in both Persian and English and combined these words with the AND operator. Studies that scored above 15 according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria were included. Data analysis was performed qualitatively. Results: From the total of 878 articles found in databases, six articles met the inclusion criteria and had moderate quality. Reviewing studies corroborated that, notwithstanding the positive association between general/sexual perfectionism and sexual desire, specific dimensions such as socially prescribed perfectionism, partner-prescribed, and socially prescribed sexual perfectionism, have the utmost unfavorable effect on female sexual function, which means that a higher level of perfectionism ultimately decreases the rate of sexual function in women. In addition, studies suggested that by increasing sexual anxiety and distress levels, perfectionism deteriorates sexual function. Conclusion: Perfectionism may cause a variety of problems regarding sexual function. However, to clarify the precise role of each dimension of perfectionism on different areas of sexual function, more research must be conducted in this area in various communities and on age groups other than females of reproductive ages.

Association between bacterial vaginosis and 25-Hydroxy vitamin D: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal dysbiosis among women of reproductive age. Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency, can increase the risk of BV. The findings of previous studies regarding the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and BV were conflicting. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between BV and serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in Gonabad County in 2021. One hundred and twenty-five confirmed BV cases and 125 controls who were matched based on age and intercourse frequency (maximum difference of two days per week) enrolled in the study. Data collection was performed using a demographic and reproductive data questionnaire and a checklist for recording Whiff test results, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level, litmus paper observation, and microscopic findings (clue cells). Serum level of vitamin D was evaluated based on enzyme-linked immunoassay method (Monobind kit) from 0.5 ml venous blood drawn from each participant. The conditional logistic regression model was used to analyze data. RESULTS: The BV cases had significantly lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D serum levels than controls. The odds of BV increased with vitamin D deficiency (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39-13.4, p = 0.011, FDR q-value = 0.051), vitamin D insufficiency (AOR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.23-10.85; p = 0.020; FDR q-value = 0.053), cigarette/hookah smoking (AOR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.23, 10.85; p = 0.020; FDR q-value = 0.053) and lower age at first intercourse (AOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.28; p = 0.004; FDR q-value = 0.048). The odds of BV was 0.80 and 0.78 times lower in participants who had coitus interruptus (AOR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.63; p = 0.006; FDR q-value = 0.048) and condom use (AOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.79; p = 0.016; FDR q-value = 0.051), respectively, compared to participants who did not use contraceptives. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that lower serum vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of developing BV. However, further studies are needed to confirm the results of the present study.

Relationship Between Amoxicillin Use in Pregnancy and Congenital Anomalies: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Amoxicillin is among the most used antibiotics in the treatment of a wide spectrum of bacterial infections. Although amoxicillin is categorized as group B in pregnancy, the findings of studies regarding its effects on the fetus are controversial. The aim of this systematic review was to review the reported effects of amoxicillin administration in pregnancy on congenital anomalies. METHODS: Published articles in PubMed, Scopus, SID, and Magiran databases, as well as Google Scholar were searched till May 2021 based on a search strategy. Case-control and cohort studies in Persian or English language were included. Four studies, including two case-control and two cohort studies, with an overall sample size of 260491 pregnant mothers, were included in the review. RESULTS: A review of case-control studies revealed an increased risk for cleft palate in one study. Cohort studies did not reveal a significant relationship between amoxicillin use and major congenital anomalies. CONCLUSION: The findings of this systematic review showed that although no major congenital anomaly was reported for the administration of amoxicillin consumption with or without clavulanic acid, there is a possibility that amoxicillin administration in pregnancy might be related to some anomalies, including cleft palate. Amoxicillin should be administered with caution during pregnancy till more evidence is provided regarding its safety.

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.

Women's Empowerment Status in Menopausal Transition: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Women's empowerment status in menopausal transition is of great importance due to the increasing trend of life expectancy and population aging. This study was conducted to evaluate the empowerment status of women during the menopausal transition in Gonabad, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gonabad city in Northeast of Iran from April 2017 to March 2018. Cluster sampling was used for selecting 680 women who were in the menopausal transition. Demographic questionnaire and Women's Empowerment Status Questionnaire - a researcher-made questionnaire- was used for data collection. Pearson's correlation coefficient, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 16; A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The majority of the participants (510; 76.10%) had a high empowerment level. A high empowerment status in the family, economic, social, and health domains was observed in 499 (74.50%), 534 (79.70%), 523 (78.05%), and 493 (73.60%) participants, respectively. The majority of the participants had moderate empowerment status in political (427; 70.40%) and religious domains (464; 69.30%). There was a negative correlation between the total empowerment score and the participants' age (P<0.001), husband's age (P<0.001), and the number of children (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation between the total empowerment score and education (P=0.003) as well as age of marriage (P=0.03). Conclusion: Overall empowerment status of women in menopausal transition in Gonabad -Iran was high. However, in political and religious domains, the status was moderate. We suggest that empowered women should be invited to share their experiences with other females. Development of social networks could provide the basis for sharing the experiences of these women and helps policy makers to develop community empowerment programs.

Knowledge Level of Health Care Providers about Complicated Grief during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID -19) pandemic had great psychological impact on COVID-19 patients and their families. Relatives of the deceased COVID-19 patients are at risk for complicated grief. Healthcare providers (HCPs) should be able to identify complicated grief cases. The aim of this study was to assess HCP knowledge regarding complicated grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method : This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed and validated before being used in this study. The questionnaire included demographic questions as well as knowledge about complicated grief and its symptoms, risk factors and management. The link to the questionnaire website was sent to HCP governmental and private sectors. Data was analyzed using the ordinal regression model by the SPSS 16 software. Results: A total of 887 HCPs (69% female and 31% male) participated in this study. Majority of the participants (594, 70%) had fair overall knowledge about complicated grief while 206 (23.2%) participants had poor knowledge. Poor knowledge level about risk factors for complicated grief was observed in 44.3% of the participants. Fair or poor knowledge about prevention and management of complicate grief was observed in 39.2% of participants. Knowledge about complicated grief had a significant positive relationship with female gender (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.15-2.08) and higher education level (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.37-2.54). Conclusion: Knowledge of HCPs about complicated grief was low. There is need for HCP knowledge improvement regarding complicated grief by appropriate education.

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 .

Predictors of regular physical activity behavior and quality of life in post-menopausal Iranian women based on the multi-theory model.

This research aims to identify the predictive factors related to the initiation and sustaining of regular physical activity behaviors and their influence in adapting to menopausal symptoms. The study uses the multi-theory model (MTM) as the conceptual framework. The descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted on 200 post-menopausal women aged 45-55 years. All participants were referred to health centers, where they completed a three-part questionnaire involving: demographic information, a questionnaire on the influence of regular physical activity on the onset and sustaining of menopause using the MTM, and a standard questionnaire of menopausal quality of life. Data were collected, managed, and analyzed using SPSS 20 and AMOS 23 software. This study reveals that behavioral confidence and changes in the physical environment with coefficients of 0.55 and 0.14 respectively had a direct and significant impact on the initiation of regular physical activity-related behaviors during menopause. The construct of participatory dialogue had no significant impact on the initiation of regular physical activity-related behaviors and menopause. Regarding the sustainability of regular physical activity, the emotional transformation construct with a coefficient of 0.73 and change in social environment construct with a coefficient of 0.11 directly and significantly impact keeping regular physical activity behaviors due to menopause. Therefore, interventions based on the MTM can prove very useful for this specific population. In addition, the use of constructs validated by this study will especially be useful in producing evidence-based intervention for the target population.

A randomized clinical trial on the effect of foot reflexology performed in the fourth stage of labor on uterine afterpain.

BACKGROUND: Uterine afterpains are among the most prevalent complaints after natural vaginal delivery. Non-pharmacological treatment modalities to relieve afterpains are an important care priority. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of foot reflexology in the fourth stage of labor on afterpains in multiparous women. METHODS: This single-blind, randomized, clinical trial recruited 80 eligible pregnant women presenting to Allameh Bohlool Hospital in Gonabad and 17-Shahrivar Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, in 2019. In the first and second hours postpartum, the reflexology group received 10 min of general massage and specific reflexology massage on each foot on the uterine, pituitary, and solar plexus points. The control group received 10 min of general massage, and then rotational massage on a neutral point on the lateral side of the heel. The pain was measured every hour up to 4 h postpartum using a visual analogue  scale. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS-16 software at a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: The median of the afterpain score in the first hour (P = 0.05) and second hour (P = 0.274) postpartum did not differ significantly between the two groups, but this score was lower in the reflexology group at the third hour (P < 0.001) and fourth hour (P < 0.001) postpartum. The mean total afterpain score in the 4 h postpartum was significantly lower in the reflexology group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that foot reflexology in the fourth stage of labor has positive effects on relief from uterine afterpain. Reflexology is therefore recommended as a measure to reduce postpartum uterine afterpains.

COVID-19 anxiety and quality of life among Iranian nurses.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed nurses, who are a very important group involved in the care of these patients, to many stresses that may affect their quality of life. This study aimed to determine the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and the quality of life among Iranian nurses. METHOD: This online cross-sectional study enrolled 1,131 of Iranian nurses working at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak in treatment centers in different parts of Iran from April to May 2020. The convenience sampling strategy was used. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS). The stepwise multiple linear regression models were used to examine the relationships among self-reported anxiety concerning COVID-19 and SF-36 quality of life, its components, and subscales. Partial r was used as an estimate of effect size. RESULT: The mean SF-36 score was 65.2 (SD=17.6). The mean score of the mental component summary (MCS) (M=56.8, SD=22.3) was lower than the mean score of the physical component summary (PCS) (M=71.6, SD=17.5). The mean score of COVID-19 anxiety was 17.8 (SD=10.5). Of the participants, 378 (33.4%; 95% CI [30.7%, 36.3%]), and 152 (13.4%; 95% CI [11.5%, 15.6%]) reported moderate and severe anxiety, respectively. According to the results of stepwise multiple linear regression model, after adjusting for possible confounding variables, the SF-36 quality of life was still significantly negatively associated with COVID-19 anxiety, with a large effect size (The partial r = -0.515, p < 0.001). The relationship between the SF-36 components and COVID-19 anxiety were also significant, and moderate to large effect sizes were observed (The partial r for (PCS; COVID-19 anxiety) = -0.404; p < 0.001, and for (MCS; COVID-19 anxiety) = -0.521; p < 0.001). In addition, significant correlation coefficients for every subscale of the SF-36 were found for COVID-19 anxiety and its two components, with small to large effect sizes (The partial correlations= -0.211 to -0.524, all ps< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that higher COVID-19 anxiety in nurses decreases their quality of life. In order to increase nurses' quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended to design and implement programs to reduce their COVID-19 anxiety.

Relationships between anxiety induced by COVID-19 and perceived social support among Iranian pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of COVID-19 and the time needed to develop a vaccine or definitive treatment for the disease have caused great anxiety in communities, especially in pregnant women whose high levels of distress may have short and/or long-term maternal and fetal consequence. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between anxiety induced by COVID-19 and perceived social support in Iranian pregnant women. METHODS: This online cross-sectional study was conducted on 801 pregnant women from all over Iran in 2020. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and the coronavirus disease anxiety scale. A standard multiple linear regression model was used to identify the association between perceived social support and anxiety, controlling for possible confounding variables. Partial r was used as an estimate of effect size. RESULTS: The mean anxiety score was 10.7 ± 8.0, in which its level was moderate in 122 (15.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.8-17.9%)) of the participants, and severe in 28 (3.4%; 95% CI: 2.3-5.0%) of them. The mean score of perceived social support was 48.2 ± 7.6. 6.9% (95% CI: 5.2-8.8%) and 93.1% (95% CI: 91.2-94.8%) of the participants reported mild and moderate levels of perceived social support, respectively. The results of the multiple linear model showed a significant negative correlation between perceived social support and anxiety levels in a way that for every 10 units increase in the perceived social support score, the anxiety level of pregnant women was decreased by 0.8 units (B= -0.08, t= -2.08, p = 0.037), which was a small effect size (partial r = -0.07). CONCLUSION: There was a small significant relationship between the perceived social support and COVID-19 anxiety. Further studies are required to identify associated factors of anxiety level during COVID-19 in pregnant women.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Female Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) not only has put populations at risk for mental and sexual health risks. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on published articles reporting female sexual function before and during COVID-19 pandemic in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Magiran and SID databases till August 2021. From the initial 3198 articles, 8 articles were included in the review. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in total FSFI score and its domains during the COVID-19 pandemic and the pre-pandemic period. Further studies should separately evaluate the effect of lockdown on female sexual function.

Life loaded with threat and vulnerability: a qualitative inquiry into the experiences of HIV negative married women in serodiscordant heterosexual relationships.

BACKGROUND: Violence against women is a major, complex, multidimensional and widespread public health concern worldwide. The current qualitative study was conducted to understand the experience of violence among HIV negative married women in heterosexual serodiscordant relationships. METHODS: A qualitative description (QD) was conducted from October 2018 to January 2020 in Mashhad, Iran. The participants were 15 HIV negative women, who married and lived with HIV positive men, through purposive sampling method. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Data analyzed using conventional content analysis adopted by Graneheim and Lundman. RESULTS: The main overarching theme emerged entitled: life loaded with threat and vulnerability. This theme consisted of four categories of self-directed violence, intimate partner violence, cultural violence and structural violence. The violence began soon after awareness of husband's infection with acts such as suicide attempts and a sense of abhorrence for living with an infected person, and continued with confrontation with various types of violence in the family and society, which put women in constant threat and vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided an insight into different aspects of violence in Iranian women in HIV serodiscordant relationships. Considering the role of men in the occurrence of violence, policymakers must create and execute family-centered interventions to address attitudes and behaviors that lead to marital conflicts and spousal abuse in order to prevent violence. Health care professionals should also be trained to screen women for violence and refer those who require care to specialists to reduce vulnerability.

The effects of yoga on quality of life among postmenopausal women: A systematic review study.

INTRODUCTION: The quality of life in menopausal women is considered to be an important health issue in different societies and one of the main objectives of health care in this period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of yoga on improving the quality of life in menopausal women. METHOD: English databases of Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched to access related articles using keywords of menopause, quality of life, and yoga. Furthermore, Persian equivalents of the same keywords were searched in databases of Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran, in addition to a combination of the keywords. The search interval was from the inspection to January 2020. The quality of the included studied was assessed based on CONSORT 2017 checklist. RESULTS: Out of 120 articles found in the databases, six articles entered the study based on the inclusion criteria and were investigated for intervention methods and consequences. The results indicated the positive impact of yoga on the quality of life in menopausal women. CONCLUSION: Considering the effects of yoga on the symptoms and quality of life in menopausal women, it is suggested that this low-cost method be used to improve their quality of life and health.

Effect of the fourth generation multi-theory model intervention on the quality of life in Iranian postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Menopause is a natural part of women's lives and is associated with a series of complications that can impair their quality of life. This study was conducted to determine the effect of specific educational interventions on the quality of life among postmenopausal women. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 80 menopausal women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were selected through the multi-stage stratified random sampling method. The participants were randomly allocated to either the control or intervention group (40 per group). The intervention comprised 5 × 45-min educational sessions based on the Multi-Theory Model on the predetermined days of the week. The scores of the quality of life level were collected at baseline, immediately, and 3 months after the intervention using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (MENQOL). The control group received a health advice. RESULTS: Analysis of variance of repeated measures showed a significant interaction between time and intervention. The comparison between the mean score of quality of life of the "before," "immediately after intervention," and "3 months after the intervention" showed a significant difference between the two groups. The intervention group quality of life improved significantly as the intervention went on compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Structured simple educational programs based on the Multi-Theory Model could be used as a simple and noninvasive intervention that help menopausal women improve their quality of life through menopausal symptoms relief. Further interventions with larger trials may be required to confirm these findings.