Changes in self-care behaviors of Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes using insulin pens during COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic as a serious public health concern has been accompanied with changes and restrictions in everyday life. This can affect directly or indirectly health behaviors and disease management, particularly in developing countries with low resources. This study aimed to compare self-care behaviors of patients with type 2 diabetes using insulin pens before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study involving 300 patients with type 2 diabetes who had been referred to a referral tertiary care diabetes clinic during 2018-2019. The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Assessment (SDSCA) questionnaire was used for the evaluation of 5 self-care activities. Results: The mean total self-care score before and one year after the onset of the COVID-19 crisis was 37.63 (SD, 10.89) and 26.14 (SD, 10.99), respectively. Before the COVID-19 crisis, 27%, 54.3%, and 18.7% of patients had poor, moderate, and good self-care, respectively. One year after the onset of the epidemic, however, these rates were 66.3%, 29%, and 4.7%, respectively. There was a significant difference between the mean score of 5 indices of self-care behaviors before and after the COVID-19 crisis (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our findings suggest the deterioration of self-care behaviors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in an Iranian population. Continuous follow-up of patients with diabetes and the design of effective educational programs for these patient can prevent or delay the long-term consequences of diabetes, especially in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.

The relationship between fasting plasma glucose in the first trimester of pregnancy and the incidence of gestational diabetes in Iran.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fasting plasma glucose in the first trimester of pregnancy and the incidence of gestational diabetes. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using the merging data from two prospective cohort studies that were carried out from 2015 to 2018 in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. Logistic regression and ROC curves were used to evaluate the predictive power of risk factors. RESULTS: Of all 1270 pregnant women studied, 454 (35.75%) had gestational diabetes who were compared with the other 816 (64.25%) healthy women. The area under the curve (AUC) of fasting glucose for the first pregnancy visit was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76-83), and the optimum fasting glucose cut-off point was 85.5 mg/dL with a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 69%. AUC of the combination of fasting glucose at the first visit with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and family history of diabetes was calculated to be 0.85 (CI, 0.82-0.88) and 0.84 (CI, 0.79-0.89) respectively. CONCLUSION: Fasting plasma glucose in the first trimester of pregnancy is a relatively good predictor of gestational diabetes. If this factor is combined with other risks, its diagnostic value will increase.

The effect of distance on the adherence to postpartum follow-up in women with gestational diabetes.

Despite the increasing prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus and well-known long-term metabolic consequences, a low rate of postpartum screening in this population is reported. Few studies focused on environmental factors of attending and performing blood glucose screening tests in women with gestational diabetes. This work aimed to assess the proportion of uptake of postpartum follow-up after the first recall and to study the adherence-related factors in women with gestational diabetes. All women with gestational diabetes were recalled for postpartum screening in a tertiary care center as the center of the cohort study in 2016. The postal addresses were geocoded, and precise spatial (x, y) was provided for each mother's home location. SPSS and GIS were used for data analysis. The incidence rate of gestational diabetes was 8.5% (826/9630). Of women with gestational diabetes, 21.3% accepted to return and completed postpartum screening tests in the first recall. The distance from the cohort center, history of diabetes in the family, and a number of pregnancies were significant predictors for return to follow-up using binary logistic regression (P < 0.01). The first 25% of patients had a distance of 2346 m from the cohort center, and all of the mothers referred to the hospital were 0 to 5 km away, i.e., those who did not return were more than 5 km away (95% confidence interval). Overall screening uptake rate was low. Distance from the center of the screening was an essential factor in deciding to return and adhere to postpartum care in women with gestational diabetes. Geographic inequalities must be considered as a risk factor of visiting the healthcare center in addition to individual contributors. A more accessible center may improve the postpartum follow-up rate in women with a history of gestational diabetes.

Challenges of diabetes care management in developing countries with a high incidence of COVID-19: A brief report.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most critical risk factors for complications and death in COVID-19 patients. The present study aims to highlight challenges in the management of diabetic patients during the COVID-19 outbreak in developing countries. METHODS: We reviewed the literature to obtain information about diabetic care during the Covid-19 crisis. We also seek opinions of clinicians working in undeveloped countries. RESULTS: Current challenges faced by clinicians in the management of diabetic patients in developing countries are as follows: lack of preventive measures, inadequate number of visits, loss of the traditional method of communication with the patient, shortage of medications, impaired routine diabetic care, and absence of telehealth services. CONCLUSIONS: Developing countries are faced with many challenges in diabetes management due to a lack of resources.

Temporary changes in clinical guidelines of gestational diabetes screening and management during COVID-19 outbreak: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: New clinical approaches are needed to minimize complications of gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 outbreak with timely screening and proper management. The present study aims to highlight changes in the clinical guideline for gestational diabetes during the pandemic. METHODS: In a narrative review, multiple databases were searched. Furthermore, online searches were conducted to identify guidelines or support documents provided by NGOs, local health authorities, and societies and organizations in the field of diabetes and obstetrics. RESULTS: We included five national guidelines that were published in English from Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Australia health agencies. FBG, A1C, RPG were recommended as alternative tests instead of a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGGT) for GDM screening at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Recommendations also included a deferral of postpartum screening till the end of the pandemic, or postponement of testing to 6-12 months after delivery, use telemedicine and telecare. CONCLUSIONS: Updated temporary changes in clinical guidelines are sensible and accommodates social distancing and minimizes risk of exposure to COVID-19. Despite many unsolved controversies in screening, treatment, and follow-up of gestational diabetes, it seems involvement with novel coronavirus have made a reach to a global agreement simpler.

The effect of short message service (SMS) on knowledge and preventive behaviors of diabetic foot ulcer in patients with diabetes type 2.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an educational intervention via mobile cells on foot care knowledge and foot care practices in patients with type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an interventional quasi-experimental study carried out in 4 community health centers in Andimeshk City in Iran in 2017. Of 160 patients 80 cases were randomly assigned as intervention group and 80 patients as the control one. A three-section questionnaire completed by a face-to-face interviewing used for data collection before and after the intervention and three months after the education. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) tests were done for both groups in a single laboratory before and three months after training. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in intervention group was 48.11 ±â€¯9.7 and control group was 47.3 ±â€¯7.9 years. The awareness of the patients related to diabetes foot care, in the intervention group after the training significantly improved (P < 0.001). The mean scores of preventive behaviors of diabetic foot significantly increased in the intervention group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that educational intervention based on short message service (SMS), resulting in improve foot care knowledge, foot care practices and metabolic control in patients with diabetes type 2.

Body mass index growth trajectories from birth through 24 months in Iranian infants of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: Child growth is one of the important health indicators in pediatric care. Few studies focused on the impact of prenatal exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on growth trajectories particular in early years of childhood. The aim of this study was identifying growth pattern of GDM exposed offspring's, comparison with new WHO child growth standards. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In a population-based Longitudinal study 438 infants exposed to gestational diabetes in utero, aged 0-24 months, born between 2014 and 2016 with at least 9 visits in first 2 years of life were enrolled. Twenty health centers of Ahvaz city (Capital of Khuzestan province, located in south western of Iran) and two referral centers for neonatal hypothyroidism involved the study. RESULTS: Of 438 GDM exposed infants, 54.6% were boys. Incidence of low birth weight and macrosomia were 4.6% and 8.7% respectively. RESULTS: 4.6% had birth weight less than 2500gr and 8.7% was rate of macrosomia. Boys had higher weight and BMI than girls. Peak of BMI was 17.8 (±2.07) at 6 months after Gender was significant factor in predicted of BMI growth trajectories in GDM exposed children (p = 0.001). BMI in GDM exposed infants, in first 2 years of life was higher than WHO growth standards 2006 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Medians of BMI in GDM exposed infants in all measures was higher than WHO reference data 2006 (P < 0.01). Obesity prevention programs must be priority in GDM exposed infants.

Risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus using results of a prospective population-based study in Iranian pregnant women.

AIMS: Early identification of at-risk groups is an important step in preventing gestational diabetes and its subsequent side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of gestational diabetes based on the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria in Ahvaz. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional case control study, 520 pregnant women involving life after gestational diabetes Ahvaz cohort study (LAGAs) were investigated for risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus. RESULT: The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 40% and25.8% in the GMD group and in 35.8% and 16.2% in the control group respectively (p = 0.002). According to NCEP-ATP III criteria, 16.9% of women with GDM and 6.9% of mothers in the control group had metabolic syndrome in first visit of pregnancy (p < 0.001. Logistic regression showed that there is a significant relationship between maternal age[OR = 1.05(95% CI, 1.01-1.10)] (p = 0.01), previous GDM [OR = 5.60(95% CI, 2.21-14.18)] (p = 0.001), positive family history of diabetes[OR = 1.86(95% CI, 1.19-2.94)] (p = 0.006), pre-pregnancy BMI [OR = 1.05(95% CI, 1.007-1.11)] (p = 0.04) and metabolic syndrome in first visit of pregnancy[OR = 2.34 (95% CI, 1.038-5.30)] (p = 0.04) with GDM. CONCLUSION: Factors including maternal age, previous GDM, family history of diabetes, pre-pregnancy BMI reported in previous studies around the world. A significant association between metabolic syndrome in the first visit of pregnancy and GDM is novel finding of this study. Therefore screening of pre-pregnancy metabolic syndrome in women at risk of gestational diabetes is recommended.

Early postpartum metabolic syndrome in women with or without gestational diabetes: Results from Life after Gestational Diabetes Ahvaz cohort study.

AIMS: This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome and its potential risk factors, 6-12 weeks postpartum in women with GDM compared to women with normal glucose tolerance. METHODS: LAGAs is an ongoing population-based prospective cohort study that started in March 2015 in Ahvaz, Iran. During 11 months of study progression, 176 women with GDM pregnancy and 86 healthy women underwent a fasting glucose test, 75-g OGTT and fasting lipid tests at 6-12 weeks postpartum. GDM was defined based on IADPSG criteria. Postpartum glucose intolerance was defined according to ADA criteria and metabolic syndrome using 2 sets of criteria. RESULTS: The overall rate of metabolic syndrome at 6-12 weeks postpartum was 16% by NCEP-ATP III criteria (18.2% in women with GDM and 11.6% in controls) and 19.1% by IDF criteria (21% in women with gestational diabetes and 15.1% in controls). Pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, (OR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05-3.38, P = .03), pregnancy systolic blood pressure (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.008-1.52, P = .006) and requiring insulin or metformin (OR 3.08, 95% CI: 1.25-7.60, P = 0.01), were associated risk factors for the presence of MetS in GDM-exposed women. In women with normal glucose during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m2 was a risk factor of metabolic syndrome (OR 2.82, 95% CI: 1.11-7.15, P = .02). CONCLUSION: The rate of metabolic syndrome in women with or without GDM at 6-12 weeks postpartum is high particularly in women with high BMI. An early postpartum prevention and screening program for cardiovascular risk factors is important for women with GDM.

Why rural diabetic patients do not attend for scheduled appointments: Results of a qualitative study.

AIMS: Despite the need for timely return of patients for visit and blood sugar control, rate of attendance to health centers is low. This qualitative study was conducted to identify and explain the status of diabetics' referral to rural health centers of Ahvaz from the patients and participants' point of view. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was performed with qualitative approach and phenomenological method in 2016. Using semi-structured interview with 14 diabetic patients, 6 health workers, 3 doctors and 3 members of the patient's families the required data were collected. Data were analysis simultaneously using the software Max Q D12 and the main themes were identified. RESULTS: The data analysis was performed and 5 main themes and 19 sub-themes were derived, including the following: 1. Personal Barriers 2. economic and social barriers 3. environmental barriers 4. Organizational barriers and 5. barriers related to service providers: lack of patients reverence, staff absenteeism at work, lack of patients follow-up, poor doctor-patient relationship. CONCLUSION: The main themes of this research were extracted including five main personal, economic, social, environmental, organizational causes and the causes related to service providers. It seems that knowledge and awareness can be promoted by educating patients and their families, service provider personnel; also cost and time taken for the patients can be decreased and index of blood sugar control percentage can be increased by providing special facilities near the patient's location, setting up electronic referral system and sending feedback and cross-sector collaborations.

The effect of educational program based on the precede-proceed model on improving self-care behaviors in a semi-urban population with type 2 diabetes referred to health centers of Bavi, Iran.

AIMS: Self-care in patients with diabetes reduces the number of hospital admissions, costs and improves their quality of life so that just by training self-care to them can reduce 80 percent of diabetic complications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of educational program based on precede-proceed model on improving self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes referred to health centers in city Bavi in 2016-2017. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study, conducted on 110 patient women with type 2 diabetes referred to health centers in Bavi city in 2016-2017. The training program was designed based on Precede-Proceed Model. Data collection tools included the Precede researcher-made questionnaire and the Glasgow questionnaire. The duration of the training course was three months. After one month, the effect of this program, and the amount of improvement of the patients' self-care behavior were evaluated. Independent t-test, paired t-test, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were carried was used for data analysis. RESULTS: After the intervention, the average score of predisposing factors (knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy), reinforcing factors, enabling factors and self-care behaviors, in the intervention group compared to the control group, significantly increased (P<0.05). After the training, the fasting blood sugar (FBS) and body mass index (BMI) decreased in the experimental group, but this reduction was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this research showed that Precede-Proceed Model would be an appropriate framework to educate patients with type 2 diabetes as well as promote self-care behaviors.

Postpartum screening practices, progression to abnormal glucose tolerance and its related risk factors in Asian women with a known history of gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Rate of postpartum screening and progression to glucose intolerance (diabetes and/or pre-diabetes) in Asian women with prior GDM and risk factors of diversion to abnormal glucose tolerance were reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched Pub Med, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Ovid data base. About 1300 studies were screened and 27 articles were selected. Meta-analysis using Comprehensive Meta -Analysis software was conducted. All results were reported at the pooled ORs and 95% CI. Quantitative heterogeneity (I2) was assessed. To estimate the variances between studies, the statistical method "tau-squared" was applied. Statistical models like fixed effect or Mantel-Haenszel, and random effect (REM) or Dersimonian-laird were used for the analysis and integration of results. RESULTS: Rate of glucose testing ranged from 13.1% to 81.9%. Prevalence of pre-diabetes was 3.9%-50.9%. Diabetes was reported in 2.8%-58% of women with history of gestational diabetes based on length of follow-up. Factor associated with postpartum diabetes mellitus included family History of diabetes mellitus, gestational age at diagnosis of GDM, insulin use during pregnancy and pre-pregnancy BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Rate of postpartum screening in most of the Asian countries population is sub-optimal, in spite of high rate of glucose intolerance in this high risk group of women. Risk factors of progression to pre-diabetes and diabetes are similar to previous reported in developed countries.

Incidence and Contributing Factors of Persistent Hyperglycemia at 6-12 Weeks Postpartum in Iranian Women with Gestational Diabetes: Results from LAGA Cohort Study.

Background. A history of gestational diabetes is an important predictor of many metabolic disturbances later in life. Method. Life after gestational diabetes Ahvaz Study (LAGAs) is an ongoing population-based cohort study. Up to February 2016, 176 women with gestational diabetes underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 6-12 weeks postpartum in Ahvaz (southwestern of Iran). Gestational diabetes was diagnosed according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria applied for diagnosis of postpartum prediabetes and diabetes. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were done. Results. Overall incidence of early postpartum glucose intolerance was 22.2% (95% CI, 16.3-29.0), 17.6% prediabetes (95% CI, 12.3-24.1) and 4.5% diabetes (95% CI, 2.0-8.8%). Independent risk factors for glucose intolerance were FPG ≥ 100 at the time of OGTT (OR 3.86; 95% CI; 1.60-9.32), earlier diagnosis of GDM (OR 0.92; 95% CI; 0.88-0.97), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.02; 95% CI; 1.002-1.04), and insulin or metformin therapy (OR 3.14; 95% CI; 1.20-8.21). Conclusion. Results determined a relatively high rate of glucose intolerance at 6-12 weeks after GDM pregnancy. Early postpartum screening of type 2 diabetes is needed particularly in women at high risk of type 2 diabetes.

Which outcomes do women expect to achieve after undergoing induced abortion.

INTRODUCTION: Unsafe abortion is one of the most important health problems in many countries. Because of legal and moral issues, abortion is one of the most sensitive decisions. The aim of this study was to understand women's expected gains from undergoing induced abortion. METHODS: To explain the factors leading to induced abortion, we collected the stories and experiences of a total of 21 people, including 18 women who underwent induced abortion in their most recent pregnancies, two women's health providers, and a companion of a mother who died after an induced abortion. This qualitative study was conducted in Imam Khomeini and Razi hospital of Ahvaz and also a number of health centers, from February to September 2014. To collect the required data, we used open and semi-structured deep interviews. Content analysis method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged from the analysis of the collected data, which included the following: 1) Expected favorable health-related outcomes, 2) Expected favorable economic outcomes, and 3. Expected favorable outcomes in social level and family relationships. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the studied women, to achieve to desirable outcomes in areas of health, economic and social, have undergone induced abortion. Hence, to develop programs for the prevention of induced abortion it is necessary to consider the motivations of women to intentionally terminate a pregnancy.

Postpartum glucose testing, related factors and progression to abnormal glucose tolerance in a rural population with a known history of gestational diabetes.

AIMS: Gestational diabetes is a strong risk factor for postpartum progression to glucose intolerance. The aims of the study were to determine rate of postpartum glucose testing , its related factors and rate of progression to glucose intolerance in women who underwent postpartum glucose testing after pregnancy that complicated by gestational diabetes. MATERIALS: this is a retrospective study and women with gestational diabetes who received prenatal care during 2005-2015 in 3 rural health centers of Khuramshahr (southwestern of Iran) were enrolled. Gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed by FPG test only, 75g OGTT or GCT. The American Diabetes Association(ADA) criteria applied for definition of postpartum glucose intolerance (pre-diabetes or diabetes) . RESULTS: Mean duration of follow-up was 29.7 months. BMI≥ 25 was detected in 73.3% and 78.7% of women during pre-pregnancy and postpartum respectively. Overall 45.8% (60/131) of women received postpartum glucose testing. Rate of progression to abnormal glucose tolerance was 23.3% (8.5% pre-diabetes and 15.2% diabetes). Advanced maternal age was associated with postpartum glucose testing (OR 1.066, CI 1.008-1.128, p=0.02). DISCUSSION: high rate of overweight and obesity, sub optimal rate of postpartum glucose testing and high prevalence of glucose intolerance, highlights the importance of postpartum screening with a more sensitive test and implementation of an intervention program to prevent type 2 diabetes in rural population particularly older women with prior gestational diabetes.

Risk factors of Non-fatal Unintentional Home Injuries among Children under 5 Years Old; a Population-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: In addition to the annual mortality rate, unintentional home injury may result in temporary or permanent disability and requires medical attention and continuous care in millions of children. This study aimed to explore features and risk factors of these injuries. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, demographic variables and epidemiologic pattern of home injuries among children under 5 years of age were collected via a population-based survey in seven main cities of Khuzestan province, southwest Iran, during September 2011 to December 2012. Developing a risk stratification model, independent risk factors of unintentional home injury were determined and put to multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULT: 2693 children with the mean age of 27.36 ± 15.55 months (1 to 60) were evaluated (50.9% boy). 827 (30.7%) cases had a history of at least one home injury occurrence since birth to study time. The most common injury mechanisms were burning with 291 (38.4%) cases, falling with 214 (28.3%) and poisoning with 66 (8.7%) cases, respectively. The independent risk factors of unintentional home injury were age ≥ 24 month (p<0.001), residency in Ahvaz city (p<0.001), mother's illiteracy (p<0.014), ethnicity (p<0.001), private housing (p=0.01), birth weight (p<0.001), and being the first child (p=0. 01). Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve of the model designed by multivariate analysis were 53.5%, 84.8%, and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.73- 0.77; P < 0.001, figure 1), respectively. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, 30.7% of the studied children were injured at least once since birth. Burning, falling, poisoning, swallowing objects, choking, and biting were the main home injury mechanisms. Age ≥ 24 months, being the first child, living in a private house, being a resident of Ahvaz city, and having an illiterate mother were found to be risk factors of home injury.

Gestational diabetes mellitus in an Iranian pregnant population using IADPSG criteria: Incidence, contributing factors and outcomes.

AIMS: Different approaches for screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) have great impact on all process of management of gestational diabetes and its future complications. The aims of this study were to evaluate rate, risk factors and outcomes of GDM based on International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups diagnostic criteria. MATERIALS: In a prospective study pregnant women attended 5 clinics in Ahvaz, screened for gestational diabetes mellitus using IADPSG criteria and followed up delivery from August 2014 to February 2015. At the first prenatal visit women underwent the fasting blood sugar test. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed for 750 mothers between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation. Logistic regression test for calculating the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals was used. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 28.43±5.52years. The overall rate of GDM in our study was 29.9% (224/750). Incidence of gestational diabetes was associated with age group≥35years [OR=1.92(95% CI, 1.19-3.09)], family history of diabetes [OR=2.47(95% CI, 1.33-4.59)], previous GDM [OR=3.12(1.35-7.19)], BMI≥25 [OR=1, 71(1.10-2.67)] Using logistic regression. The most common maternal complication in studied women was cesarean section followed by hypertension and preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: About one third of studied women diagnosed as GDM according to the IADPSG criteria. Risk factors of GDM were maternal age, family history of diabetes, Previous GDM, overweight and obesity before pregnancy, the same reported factors with 2 steps approach. Higher rate of GDM using this criterion may increase concern about healthcare costs and workloads.

Variation in the Prevalence of Domestic Violence between Neighboring Areas.

Domestic violence against women is an important health issue, but few studies have focused on city of residence and ethnic differences. To estimate the prevalence of various forms of domestic violence and certain related factors, with a specific focus on city of residence and ethnicity, we studied 1820 married women attending public health centers in 4 large cities in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Islamic Republic of Iran. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection. The prevalence of some forms of lifetime domestic violence against women was 47.3%. The prevalence of physical, psychological, and any form of lifetime violence was the highest in Dezful (25.7%, 54.8%, and 57.7%, resp.). For sexual violence, the highest prevalence was reported in Ahvaz (17.7%). The highest prevalence of physical and sexual violence during any point of life was reported by Arab women (25.1% and 16.7%). The experience of all forms of violence was significantly associated with city of residence. Results of regression logistic analysis revealed that all of the forms of violence except psychological violence were statistically significantly associated with ethnicity (P < 0.05).