Effects of stress management and relationship-enrichment counseling on sexual and marital satisfaction of working women with high occupational stress.

BACKGROUND: Industrialization of societies has placed considerable stress on employees influencing marital and sexual satisfaction. This study investigated the effects of stress management (SM) and relationship enrichment (RE) counseling on marital and sexual satisfaction in stressed women working at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences hospitals, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 75 nurses and midwives experiencing moderate-to-severe occupational stress after obtaining written informed consent were assigned to SM and RE counseling and control groups randomly. The SM and RE attended six-related counseling sessions, and control group received no intervention. The participants completed Osipow's Revised Occupational Stress Inventory (OSI-R), ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, and Larson's Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire before and 2 weeks after the intervention. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA. RESULTS: SM counseling led to relatively good increase in sexual satisfaction. In addition, there was no significant difference between the three groups in the mean occupational stress scores and marital satisfaction scores. CONCLUSION: SM counseling increased the level of sexual satisfaction. The approaches had no significant effect on occupational stress and marital satisfaction. Further studies are required to identify the best counseling approaches.

The effect of counseling with cognitive behavior approach on self-esteem and body image in lactating mothers: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Some of the women experience low self-esteem and negative body image in pregnancy and postpartum. These two factors along with other factors can reduce the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among women. Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is one of the psychological approaches that is effective on the betterment of many of the psychological and personality disorders such as body image disorders as well as improvement of self-esteem. The aim of this randomized control trial is to recognize the effects of CBT during pregnancy period on self-esteem, body image (primary outcome) and exclusive breastfeeding (secondary outcome). METHOD: In this randomized controlled trial, 70 eligible pregnant women referring to health centers of Tabriz- Iran were assigned to two groups of 35 as intervention and control groups using randomized blocking method. For intervention group, 8 sessions of CBT based on Cash and Strachan's body image protocol and Michael Free's for self-esteem were performed. Control group was received routine pregnancy care by their health provider. Rosenberg self-esteem scale and multidimensional body self-relation questionnaire (MBSRQ) were completed before intervention, immediately after intervention and 4 weeks after delivery. Likewise, exclusive breastfeeding questionnaire was completed 4 weeks after childbirth. Independent t-test, chi square and repeated measures ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: According to repeated measures ANOVA test and with controlling baseline score, the mean scores on self-esteem (AMD): 7.18; 95%confidence interval (CI): 4.43 to 9.94; p < 0.001)) and body image (AMD: 49.74; 95%CI = 28.57 to 70.91; p < 0.001) in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group. Also, after intervention, the mean score of body image subscales including appearance evaluation (p = 0.010), appearance orientation (p = 0.001), fitness evaluation (p = 0.004), fitness orientation (p = 0.001), health evaluation (p = 0.001), health orientation (p = 0.018), and illness orientation (p = 0.002) was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: CBT was effective on the improvement of self-esteem and body image and through which might lead to the increase of exclusive breastfeeding among women. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20110524006582N33. First Date of registration: 17/10/2022. Submission ID 4ca86cd4-8459-4b86-9fe5-63f6a8184956.

The effects of interferential electrical stimulation current on labor pain and duration of active phase of labor in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Labor pain is one of the most severe pains experienced by a woman during her life. Interferential current (IFC) is a type of transcutaneous electrical stimulation that can reduce pain, especially deep ones. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) aimed to study the effects of quadripolar IFC on pain and the duration of the active phase of labor in primiparous women. METHOD: In this RCT, 60 primiparous women were randomized into two groups of IFC and sham IFC. The IFC group received IFC in two periods. The sham group received sham IFC. Primary outcomes were labor pain in different times of active phase and duration of active phase, and secondary outcomes were delivery satisfaction; the number of infants transferred to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), fetal heart rate (FHR) disorders, Apgar score, partograph variables, and adverse side effects were recorded. RESULT: Between-group changes showed a significant decrease in labor pain during the active phase in the IFC group compared to the sham IFC group (mean difference (MD) = -0.95; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = -1.35 to -0.55; P < .001). The mean of active phase duration was significantly shorter in the IFC group than in the sham IFC group (MD = -38.25; 95% CI = -62.84 to -13.67; P = .003). CONCLUSION: This study showed the effectiveness of interferential electrical stimulation during labor to reduce pain and duration of the active phase, which can be valuable in improving the quality of care and encouraging natural childbirth.

Relationship of Self-Esteem With Body Image and Attitudes Toward Motherhood and Pregnancy.

The current study aimed to determine the relationship of self-esteem with attitudes toward motherhood and pregnancy and body image in Iranian pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 228 women from Tabriz, Iran. A cluster random sampling method was used. Instruments were the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Scale of Attitudes Toward Motherhood and Pregnancy, and Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire. To determine the correlation of self-esteem with attitudes toward motherhood and body image, Pearson correlation test was used in bivariate analysis, and the general linear model (GLM) with adjustment of potential confounders was used in multivariate analysis. There was a direct correlation between self-esteem and body image (r = 0.63) and attitudes toward motherhood (r = 0.45). Results of the GLM showed a significant improvement in attitudes toward motherhood (p < 0.001) and body image (p < 0.001) as self-esteem increased. Based on these results, mental health counseling is recommended to promote pregnant women's self-esteem. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(10), 29-37.].

Comparison the effect of Swedish massage and interferential electrical stimulation on labor pain and childbirth experience in primiparous women: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Since mothers are more inclined toward non-pharmacological labor pain management methods, this study aimed to compare the effect of interferential electrical stimulation (IES) and Swedish massage (SM) on labor pain and childbirth experience (primary outcomes) and childbirth satisfaction, duration of active phase and side effects (secondary outcomes) in primiparous women. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was performed on 90 primiparous women. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups through the block randomization method. The SM group received two massage techniques of effleurage and petrissage, on T10-L1 and S2-S4 at cervical dilatation of 4 and 8-10 cm. The IES group received electrical stimulation in a similar way to SM group, with a base frequency of 4000 Hz and a pulse frequency of 80-120 Hz by a physiotherapist. Control group received only routine care. RESULTS: The mean pain was significantly lower in the SM group (adjusted mean difference (AMD) - 0.86; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) - 1.60 to - 0.11) and the IES group (AMD - 0.95; 95% CI - 1.70 to - 0.21) compared to the control group. The mean score of childbirth experience was significantly higher in the SM (MD 5.63; 95% CI 2.15-9.11) and IES (MD 3.66; 95% CI 0.18-7.14) group compared to the control group. The mean childbirth satisfaction in the SM (p = 0.003) and IES (p = 0.046) groups was significantly higher than the control group; and duration of the active phase of labor was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the control group. No serious side effects were occurred in none of the groups. CONCLUSION: SM and IES are safe methods that can significantly reduce pain and duration of active phase and improve the experience and satisfaction of childbirth.

The effect of cognitive behavior therapy on body image and self-esteem in female adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Low self-esteem and negative body image expose girls to many risks and damages. Cognitive-behavior counseling is one of the ways of improving body image and self-esteem. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effects of cognitive-behavior therapy on body image and self-esteem of adolescent girls. The English (Cochrane library, Web of sciences, EBSCO, PubMed, Google Scholar) and Persian (SID, MagIran) databases were searched without any time limit. The quality of included studies in terms of risk of bias was assessed using Cochran handbook and the quality of evidence was evaluated through Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software. Heterogeneity of studies was analyzed by index I 2. Subgroup analysis was performed on the basis of outcome evaluation intervals (after intervention, one month and two months later). A total of 2,664 articles were accessed in different databases of which 2,655 articles were excluded and finally nine studies were systematically reviewed. Meta-analysis results on seven studies (228 participants) showed that the group receiving cognitive-behavior counseling was significantly better than the control group regarding body image (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]: 13.01; 95% CI: 10.68 to 15.34; I²=26.1%). Likewise, meta-analysis results on two studies (50 participants) showed that self-esteem was not significantly different between the group receiving cognitive-behavior counseling and the control group (SMD: 1.13; 95% CI: -0.7 to 2.32, I²=73%). Meta-analysis results of this study represent effectiveness of cognitive-behavior therapy on body image of adolescent girls; however, since the number of studies in the field of self-esteem is low, more trials in this field with stronger designs are suggested.

The correlation between sexual dysfunction and intimate partner violence in young women during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Sexual function is one of the main aspects of life. Pregnancy affects sexual function. The aim of this study was to determine the sexual dysfunction in young pregnant women and its correlation with intimate partner violence (IPV). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using two-stage cluster sampling method. The data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the relationships between sexual dysfunction with IPV and socio-demographic factors. RESULTS: The results of this study on 346 pregnant women aged 18-29 years showed that mean (SD = standard deviation) of the total sexual function score was 25.4 (5.9), within a possible score range of 2 to 36. About 66% of the young pregnant women had a sexual dysfunction. The lowest and the highest prevalence of sexual dysfunction were in sub domains of sexual satisfaction and sexual desire, respectively. The prevalence of overall IPV against young women was 63%. The most common type of IPV experienced by women was psychological aggression (56.6%). There were statistically significant relationships between sexual dysfunction and IPV (OR (Odds Ratio) = 0.4, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.2 to 0.6, p <  0.001), sufficiency of income for expenses (0.2, 0.1 to 0.6, p = 0.005), husband educational level (0.5, 0.3 to 0.9, p = 0.028) and marriage duration (1.9, 1.0 to 3.7, p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction has a high prevalence in young pregnant women and IPV had correlation with sexual dysfunction. The routine screening for sexual dysfunction and IPV is recommended during pregnancy for detection and consulting.

The effect of Seidlitzia rosmarinus (eshnan) on the prevention of recurrent cystitis in women of reproductive age: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

The World Health Organization has recommended herbal medicine for treatment and control of recurrent cystitis. This study was conducted to determine effect of eshnan on the prevention of recurrent cystitis. The present triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on 126 women (63 women per group) with recurrent cystitis. The participants were assigned to the intervention and control groups. Three 500-mg eshnan or placebo tablets were taken orally with a glass full of water by the participants half an hour after each meal for 2 months. The study subjects were clinically and paraclinically evaluated by the end of the second, fourth, and sixth months after the intervention and every time they showed clinical symptoms of cystitis. The present findings showed that the incidence rate of cystitis and symptoms of cystitis was significantly lower in the eshnan group compared with the placebo group 2, 4, and 6 months after the intervention (p < .05). The incidence of recurrent was also significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (p < .001). No side effects were observed in the intervention and control groups. The consumption of eshnan can improve the symptoms of cystitis and prevent the incidence of recurrent cystitis in women of reproductive age.

Association between Sexual Activity during Menstruation and Endometriosis: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of endometriosis in the general population is estimated at 7-10%. There are various risk factors for this disease, including early menarche age, prolonged menstruation or no history of pregnancy. It seems that sexual activity leading to orgasm during menstruation increases the retrograde menstruation, sending endometrial tissue to an abnormal sites and thus increasing the risk of endometriosis. The present study is aimed to determine the association between sexual activity during menstruation and endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study, conducted in the year 2017, recruited 555 women who were visited at Alzahra Hospital in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran. The case group comprised 185 women of reproductive age with confirmed endometriosis. The control group comprised 370 women of reproductive age without endometriosis visiting the hospital for other issues. Data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on previous studies. Bivariate analysis was performed by the chi-squared test and multivariate analysis was done using conditional logistic regression to control confounding variables. RESULTS: The sexual activity of the two groups during menstruation was significantly different. The occurrence of endometriosis in women who stated they had vaginal intercourse or non-coital sexual activities, leading to orgasm during menstruation, was significantly higher compared to those who stated they did not. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, there is an association between sexual activities leading to orgasm during menstruation and endometriosis.

Effects of Yoga on Quality of Sleep of Women With Premenstrual Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) commonly complain of sleep disturbances, specifically in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, the effects of yoga on quality of sleep of women experiencing PMS was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women (aged 20-45 y) monitored for PMS, who were referred to the private obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Tabriz, Iran, were referred to the private obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Tabriz, Iran. Afterward, 62 women, were selected and divided into 2 groups, randomly: 31 subjects in yoga the yoga group and 31 in the control group. Subjects in yoga performed for 10 wk in 3 sessions, with each session lasting 60 min. Subjects in the control group did not perform any yoga. Subjects completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index questionnaire before and after yoga in both groups. RESULTS: After yoga intervention, subjects significantly expressed improvement in sleeping (P < .05). Based on the Mann-Whitney U test, a significant difference was observed in the subdomains of both groups on quality of sleep (P < .01), sleep latency (P < .01), and sleep efficiency (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Yoga reduced the disturbances of sleep in the subjects with PMS, which subsequently improved the efficiency of their sleep. Therefore, we conclude that yoga can be prescribed for improving sleep disturbances in women with PMS and medical therapy will probably be needed in severe situations.

Relationship of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy with Self-Esteem and General Health in Breastfeeding Mothers Referred to Health Centers of Falavarjan City-Iran, 2015.

This study aimed to examine the relationship of breastfeeding self-efficacy with self-esteem and general health. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 547 breastfeeding mothers in Falavarjan-Iran. Participants were selected randomly, and questionnaires of socio-demographic characteristics, breastfeeding self-efficacy, self esteem, and the GHQ-28 were completed through interview. The mean score (SD) of breastfeeding self-efficacy was 134.5 (13.3) from the score range of 33-165. The mean score of self-esteem was 5.89 (4.0) from - 10 to + 10 score range, and the mean score of general health was 19.7 (9.13) from the 0-84 score range. Self-esteem, general health and its dimensions showed a significant relationship with breastfeeding self-efficacy. According to the multivariate linear regression, physical symptoms, social dysfunction, age, education, spouse's job, economic status, duration of previous breastfeeding, and receiving breastfeeding education were related to breastfeeding self-efficacy. The results indicated that with an improvement in self-esteem and general health, breastfeeding self-efficacy escalates significantly.

Yoga positively affected depression and blood pressure in women with premenstrual syndrome in a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) often complain about depression when their menstrual cycle begins. This study investigated the effects of yoga on women with PMS suffering from depression during menstrual cycle. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted from April to October 2015 in Tabriz, Iran. All subjects (20-45 years old), who were frequently referred to the private obstetrics and gynecology clinics, were initially monitored for PMS and depression. Subjects completed the demographic and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) questionnaires before and after intervention. In addition, subjects were monitored for eligible and ineligible criteria. In this study 62 subjects were randomly selected for the yoga group and control groups. Subjects practiced yoga over two months in three sessions, the duration of each session was 60 min. RESULTS: The general score of the depression after yoga intervention was statistically significant compared to the control group (P < 0.036) and yoga group before intervention (P < 0.001). The diastolic pressure decreased significantly after yoga intervention (P < 0.029). Yoga decreased the state of depression and diastolic pressure of the subjects with PMS complaining from depression. CONCLUSION: We conclude that yoga has strong effects on depression symptoms and blood pressure, therefore it can be used as a complementary or alternative remedy for PMS patients.

Predictors of sexual function in pregnant Iranian adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Human sexual activity is one of the main aspects of life. The present study intended to determine the status of sexual function in pregnant adolescents at their second trimester of pregnancy and its predictive factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional research studied 136 adolescents aged 15-19 years in their 24th-30th gestational weeks. All eligible pregnant adolescents in all 80 health centers of Tabriz, Iran were considered as the study samples. The data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2). A general linear model was used to determine the relationships between sexual function and socio-demographic characteristics and intimate partner violence (IPV). RESULTS: The frequency of sexual dysfunction in pregnant adolescents was about 65%. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] of total sexual function score was 25.3 (5.9) from the attainable score of 2-36. The pregnant adolescents obtained the lowest and the highest mean scores in the sexual desire and sexual satisfaction subscales, respectively. Shorter marital duration and IPV were sexual function predictors. CONCLUSION: Considering the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in pregnant adolescent, and the impact of IPV on sexual function, midwives should take the necessary actions in identifying and consulting this disorder and IPV in their prenatal visits.

The effect of distraction techniques on pain and stress during labor: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain control and the stress associated with labor and delivery are among the most important issues of health care system. Use of distraction techniques during childbirth is reported to reduce pain and stress of labor. However, there is a limited publication that looked on the effect of distraction techniques on labor pain and stress. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of distraction techniques on labor pain and stress (primary outcomes), fear of childbirth, length of delivery stages, first minute Apgar score and oxytocin consumption (secondary outcomes). METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 68 pregnant women. Participants were allocated into two groups (intervention and control groups) by blocked randomization. Participants in the intervention group received distraction techniques in four sessions. Questionnaires of Fear of Childbirth (W-DEQ version A) and PSS once were completed before intervention and again at the 36th week for the W-DEQ and in the active phase for the PSS through interviews. The pain was assessed through VAS during active phase per hour. The length of delivery stages was recorded in the partograph chart. Data were analyzed by independent t-test and ANCOVA. RESULTS: The mean of perceived stress during labor in the intervention group was significantly less than that of the control group (AMD: -3.2; 95% CI: - 0.8 to - 6.0; P = 0.01). The mean (SD) of pain intensity during labor was less than in the intervention and control groups compare to the control group (6.2 vs 7.5; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of fear of childbirth score (AMD: 5.3; 95% CI: 13.0 to - 6.0; P = - 2.3). Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the active phase of labor (P = 0.504), second stage of delivery (P = 0.928), total length of delivery (P = 0.520), Apgar score (P = 1.000) and frequency of oxytocin consumption (P = 0.622). CONCLUSION: According to the results, distraction techniques can reduce the pain and stress of labor, but further studies by using the distraction techniques are needed to reach a decisive conclusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2017042910324N39; Name of registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; Registered 11 September 2017. URL of registry: https://fa.irct.ir/user/trial/10814/view. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: September 2017.

Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on anxiety in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: This trial compared the effects of lavender and bitter orange on anxiety in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This trial was conducted in 2015. Eligible postmenopausal women were allocated into one of two intervention groups or a control group (n = 52 per group) in a 1:1:1 ratio using a randomized block design. Intervention groups received 500 mg capsules containing only bitter orange or lavender flower powder, and the control group received 500 mg capsules containing starch. The Spielberger's State -Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used before and eight weeks after starting the intervention. Data analyses were based on intention to treat. RESULTS: A one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in mean state anxiety (P = 0.254) and trait anxiety (p = 0.972) score among the three groups before the intervention. The general linear model, adjusted for baseline state and trait anxiety scores and confounding factors, showed significant differences among the groups in the mean state anxiety (P = 0.010) and trait anxiety (p = 0.041) score after eight weeks of treatment. Bitter orange significantly reduced the mean state-anxiety scores compared with the control group [Adjusted Mean Difference (aMD): -1.99 (95% Confidence Interval, -3.64 to -0.34)]. Lavender significantly reduced the mean state-anxiety scores compared with the control group as well [aMD: -2.45 (95% CI -4.13 to -0.77)] and Bitter orange significantly reduced the mean trait-anxiety scores compared with the control group [aMD: -1.76 (95% CI -3.45 to -0.06)]. Lavender significantly reduced the mean trait-anxiety scores compared with the control group as well [aMD: -2.05 (95% CI -3.76 to -0.33)]. There was no significant difference between bitter orange and lavender groups after intervention in the mean trait-anxiety (p = 0.731) or state-anxiety (p = 0.578) scores. CONCLUSION: The positive effect of bitter orange and lavender on anxiety in postmenopausal women suggests that they can be used to decrease anxiety in such women.

Relationship of breastfeeding self-efficacy with quality of life in Iranian breastfeeding mothers.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the importance of breastfeeding, we decided to conduct a study to examine the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study, which was carried out on 547 breastfeeding mothers that had 2-6 months old infants. The participants were selected randomly, and the sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, Dennis' breastfeeding self-efficacy scale, and WHO's Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire were completed through interview. The multivariate linear regression model was used for data analysis. FINDINGS: The means (standard deviations) of breastfeeding self-efficacy score and quality of life score were 134.5 (13.3) and 67.7 (13.7), respectively. Quality of life and all of its dimensions were directly and significantly related to breastfeeding self-efficacy. According to the results of multivariate linear regression analysis, there was a relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and the following variables: environmental dimension of quality of life, education, spouse's age, spouse's job, average duration of previous breastfeeding period and receiving breastfeeding training. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Findings showed that there is direct and significant relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and quality of life. Moreover, it seems that the development of appropriate training programs is necessary for improving the quality of life of pregnant women, as it consequently enhances breastfeeding self-efficacy.

Comparison of the effect of lavender and bitter orange on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

This trial compared the effects of lavender and bitter orange on sleep quality in postmenopausal women. This trial was conducted in 2015. Eligible postmenopausal women were allocated into one of two intervention groups or a control group (n = 52 per group) in a 1:1:1 ratio using a randomized block design. Intervention groups received 500 mg capsules containing only bitter orange or lavender flower powder, and the control group received 500 mg capsules containing starch. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory was used before and eight weeks after starting the intervention. Data analyses were based on intention to treat. A one-way ANOVA showed a slightly significant difference in mean sleep score among the three groups before the intervention (p = .045). The general linear model, adjusted for baseline sleep score and confounding factors, showed significant differences among the groups in the mean sleep score after eight weeks of treatment (p < .001). Bitter orange and lavender significantly improved the mean sleep score compared with the control group (p < .001 and p = .003, respectively). The positive effect of bitter orange and lavender on sleep quality in postmenopausal women suggests that they can be used to improve sleep quality in such women.

Effect of educational package on lifestyle of primiparous mothers during postpartum period: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

A healthy lifestyle is important for mothers during the postpartum period. This study was conducted to determine the effects of a lifestyle educational package in primiparous women. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 220 mothers assigned to two groups using block randomization. In the intervention group, the mothers received face-to-face, phone and SMS counseling and a booklet in addition to routine postpartum training; in the control group, the mothers received only routine training. The Health Behaviors Questionnaire, a Food Frequency Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used for data collection. There were no significant differences between the two groups 6 weeks after delivery in terms of physical activity level and nutritional status (P > 0.05) except for the mean consumption of milk and dairy, which was higher in the intervention group (P = 0.041). Training significantly improved certain health behaviors in the intervention group compared to the controls, such as the first time brushing the teeth after delivery, the frequency of sun exposure, the frequency of ventilating the home, keeping warm and iron supplementation. The training provided positively affected certain health behaviors in the mothers; however, it failed to improve their physical activity level and nutritional status.

Intimate partner violence during the first pregnancy: A comparison between adolescents and adults in an urban area of Iran.

There is uncertain evidence that intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is more common among adolescents. We aimed to compare prevalence and chronicity of IPV during the first pregnancy between adolescents and adults. 136 women aged 15 to 19 and 272 women aged 20-29 years between 24 and 30 weeks gestation (stratified by center) were examined at all 80 public health centers/posts in Tabriz-Iran. IPV was assessed using the revised conflict tactics scales. The adolescents and adults reported roughly the same rate of overall IPV perpetration (72% vs. 71%, p = 0.816). Rate of victimization was slightly higher among the adolescents (69% vs. 62%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.144). The most common types of IPV perpetration and victimization in the both groups were psychological aggression, followed by physical assault and sexual coercion. Using only two physical assault and sexual coercion subscales, rate of IPV perpetration fell to 40% vs. 28%, p = 0.016 and victimization fell to 46% vs. 38%, p = 0.227. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of prevalence and chronicity of various types of IPV, except sexual coercion victimization which was more prevalent among the adolescents (31% vs. 21%, p = 0.034). The high rates of IPV perpetration and victimization during pregnancy among both adolescents and adults in the study area with significant higher risk of sexual coercion victimization among adolescents require health policy makers and care providers to have serious efforts for its reduction.

Comparison of the Effects of Lanolin, Peppermint, and Dexpanthenol Creams on Treatment of Traumatic Nipples in Breastfeeding Mothers.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic nipple is among the most common problems of the breastfeeding period which leads to early cessation of breastfeeding. The study aimed to compare the effects of the lanolin, peppermint, and dexpanthenol creams on the treatment of traumatic nipples. METHODS: This double-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out on 126 breastfeeding mothers. The mothers had visited at the health centers and children's hospitals in Sanandaj City. The selected participants were randomly divided into the following three groups of lanolin, peppermint, and dexpanthenol cream groups. Nipple pain was measured using the Store scale while trauma was measured with the Champion scale. Analyses were carried out through the Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square, ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA by using SPSS software ver. 13. RESULTS: The result showed that the mean score of nipple pain and nipple trauma at the prior to intervention stage, third, seventh, and fourteenth days of intervention was not significantly different between three groups. But, repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference in comparison of the four time periods of intervention in each group. CONCLUSION: RESULTS of this study revealed that the lanolin, peppermint, and dexpanthenol medicines had similar therapeutic effects on traumatic nipple.