Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation Research Articles

A Study on Understanding the Phenomenon of Child Marriage Among Beneficiaries of the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Lorestan

Early marriage or child marriage has become one of the complex and significant issues in contemporary societies, with widespread effects on individuals and communities. The present study aims to investigate the lived experiences of women in child marriages in the cities of Kuhdasht and Aligudarz in Lorestan. This research is qualitative in nature, utilizing the phenomenological technique. Through purposive sampling, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 women who were child brides in the cities of Kuhdasht and Aligudarz. The analysis of the interviews revealed that respondents defined child marriage based on legal definitions of minimum age, life skills, and sexual and cognitive maturity. Most child brides did not have a choice in selecting this form of marriage, and factors such as economic poverty, cultural pressure, social acceptance, personality traits, and family character were identified as the main causes of child marriage. In their mental meaning systems, child brides perceive this type of marriage as having an exhausting, undesirable, and relative (both positive and negative depending on its effects and causes) nature. Examining the phenomenon of child marriage and early marriage requires a comprehensive focus on a set of underlying factors, consequences, and effects to obtain a more complete picture of this phenomenon and to minimize its harm.

The Relationship of Social Support and Psychological Capital with Empowerment of Female Heads of Households: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation

Background: Female heads of households (FHHs) experience more anxiety and stress which result in many mood swings that can affect their belief in their capabilities and decrease the feeling of enjoyment of life. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and psychological capital with the empowerment of female heads of households through the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation. Materials & Methods: The current descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on all female heads of households referring to Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation and the Welfare Department of Yasuj city, of whom, 250 were selected as the sample using convenience sampling method. The psychological empowerment instrument, the psychological capital questionnaire, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and the cognitive emotion regulation Questionnaire (short form) were used to collect data. Data were then analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis in SPSS and AMOS 25. Results: The results showed that there was a positive correlation between empowerment and social support (r=0.29), psychological capital (r=0.44), and adaptive emotion regulation (r=0.36). Moreover, there was a negative correlation between empowerment and maladaptive emotion regulation (r=-0.35). The results showed that the indirect correlation of social support and psychological capital with the empowerment of the FHHs was significant through the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation (P<0.001). Conclusions: The proposed model had a good fit. Empowering FHHs and improving their social support and psychological capital will enable them to deal with stress resulting from daily problems.

Effectiveness of resilience training intervention on psychological capital of the underprivileged widowed women of Fasa City, Iran

IntroductionWomen heads of households (widows or divorcees) are vulnerable groups in society who face various psychological problems and have less resilience than other women. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of resilience educational intervention on the psychological capital of poor widows in Fasa city, south Iran.Materials and MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, 120 widows covered by Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation were selected by a simple random sampling method based on a random Efron algorithm (Efron coin) and randomly assigned into two interventions and control groups (60 people each) in the second half of 2021. About 8 training sessions on resilience and psychological capital were held for the experimental group through training clips, audio transmissions, and podcasts. Data were collected using demographic characteristics forms, widowers' resilience assessment questionnaires, and Luten's psychological capital scale for testing and control before and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed with Chi-square test, independent and paired t-test using SPSS V. 26 software.ResultsThere were differences between the two groups at pretest in demographic variables and psychological capital and its subscales, and resilience and its subscales (P ≥ 0.05).. But two months after the educational intervention, a statistically significant increase was observed in the experimental group in these variables compared to the control group (p < 0.05). It indicates that there was an improvement in the outcomes from pretest to post-test within the intervention and no change in the outcomes over time within the control group.Discussion and ConclusionUsing a resilience-based educational approach as a novelty of this research to promote psychological capital and resilience can increase resilience and psychological capital in widows. Then, considering the positive effect of this educational approach and the low cost of this intervention, it seems that the implementation of such interventions should be included in the plans related to widows.

A17757 Hypertension in the Lowest Decile Income Population of Guilan, North of Iran

Objectives: Consumption of salty sea foods is very common in northern Iran. On the other hands, cardiovascular events are the leading cause of mortality not only in high income population but also in low income group. It seems that the prevalence of risk factors varies in different income groups. Methods: This was a community base cross sectional study in a representative sample of population who was under support of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation of from16 cities in northern Iran. Subjects 30 year old and older were interviewed and examined by a trained research team. Blood samples were drawn for biochemical testing. Data analysis was done using SPSS ver 18 software and χ2 test. Results: A total of 22541 persons [8845 men (39.3%) and 13696 women (60.7%)] aged 30 to 103 years with mean age of 69.9 ± 13.2 years were enrolled. Hypertension was seen in 36.9% of cases that most of them were uncontrolled. prevalence of diabetes among this population was 14.5% that only less than one third of them had proper control.. Dyslipidemia was prevalent as 15.7%. 6.1% had past history of Myocardial infarction. Conclusion: The present study showed a different pattern of cardiovascular risk factors in low income groups in comparison to high income population which should be considered in interventional programs.

Suicidal Ideation Among Divorced Women in Kermanshah, Iran: The Role of Social Support and Psychological Resilience

Objectives: Divorce is one of the main life stressors imposing a negative effect on suicidal ideation. In addition, social support and psychological resilience can have a special impact on divorce. This study aimed to determine the relationship of social support and resilience with suicidal ideation in divorced women. Methods: The study participants consisted of 124 divorced women who were covered by the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation of Kermanshah city (the west of Iran). Data collection tools included the multidimensional scale of perceived social support, Connor-Davidson resilience scale, and Beck scale for suicidal ideation. Results: According to the score of Beck suicidal ideation, 16.1% of the divorced women had no suicidal ideation, 49.2% had a low risk of suicidal ideation, and 34.7% had a high risk of suicidal ideation. Social support and resilience were the most powerful variables in predicting the symptoms of suicidal ideation in divorced women, in sequence (∆R2 = 0.24, F (2, 121) = 20.44, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results confirm the role of social support and resilience in predicting the symptoms of suicidal ideation. Therefore, we suggest considering these variables in future studies to predict the symptoms of suicidal ideation in divorcees.

Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment group therapy on marital distress, marital conflict and optimism in married women visited the counseling center of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Kermanshah.

Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment group therapy on marital distress, marital conflict and optimism in married women visited the counseling center of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Kermanshah.

Poverty Alleviation through Empowerment with a Focus on Partnership: A Case Study of Iran

Empowerment in the area of poverty alleviation, beyond being a partnership for improvement or progress of the performance, means accountability for the prioritized needs. As to empowerment, the approaches are mostly confined to motivational level or organizational and institutional reform. Based on this general approach, Iran has also drawn up many empowerment programs and implemented them through Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation (IKRF), the main supporting organization of the country. Pursuing the empowerment projects on the basis of this limited approach has been the source of instability for such projects. Evaluating the empowerment projects of Iran focused on poverty alleviation, developed and embedded in the broad programs of the IKRF, the study aims to identify the components of a pattern of empowerment for poverty alleviation through a social approach. Finally the proposed strategies are formulated based on three centers of active participation of the poor, strengthening inter-organizational relationships and defining an advisory role for supporting organizations to decision-making bodies. The methodology was descriptive-analytical and the data collected through direct observation and interviews with experts and academic elites and collecting questionnaires. Delphi Questionnaire was filled by the sample population in two categories of managers and experts of the IKRF and the clients. The Snowball technique was applied for identifying the size of the sample. The research questions were responded through SWOT analysis.

Key Informants' Perceptions on the Implementation of a National Program for Improving Nutritional Status of Children in Iran.

Childhood malnutrition is a major public health issue. Multidisciplinary approach for Improvement of Nutritional Status of Children in Iran was implemented in order to reduce malnutrition among children. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation aspect of the program and to explore key informants' perceptions and experience regarding the factors affected its implementation. Data were collected through the review of secondary data and semistructured interviews at national, province, and local levels. Four layers of key informants were selected purposefully for interviewing, including policymakers, senior nutrition officers, head of Hygiene, Remedy and Insurance Affairs in Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, and community health workers. Qualitative content analysis was carried out based on Supporting the Use of Research Evidence framework and Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases' checklist to interpret the viewpoints of the study participants. Results showed that the program had successes in improving mother's knowledge on health, nutrition, and child care through health system and increased families' access to food, but there were some aspects that affected program's implementation. Some of these factors are the lack of clarity in the program's protocol and indicators, human shortage and inadequate financial resources, poor facilities, inattention to staff motivation, insufficient commitment among different sections, poor communication and supervision among different executive sections, and program protocols designing regardless of practical condition. Based on the results, top-down approach in policymaking and inadequate financial and human resources were responsible for most of the challenges encountered in the implementation.

Effectiveness of Psychological Empowerment in Promotion of General Health in Women-Headed Households

The current study aims at the survey of the psychological empowerment efficiency in enhancing the breadwinner moms? general health. The present study makes use of an experimental method and it is comprised of the control and experimental groups. The study population includes all of the family breadwinning moms who received protections from Imam Khomeini relief foundation based in Shiraz County. The study population was recalled through a public announcement. We also took advantage of a randomized sampling method and finally 60 individuals were chosen as the study sample volume. The study sample volume was divided into two experimental and control groups. These were asked to complete the general health questionnaire (GHQ), and then the experimental group received an 8-session psychological empowerment training course and, in the end, they were again requested to complete the general health questionnaire (retest). In comparing the pretest and posttest results it was made evident that holding cognitive empowerment training courses is an appropriate method for elevating the breadwinning moms? general health level. Knowing the high prevalence of divorcement, and/or the husband?s death and/or the husband?s inability and the psychological consequences followed by such phenomena it is hereby suggested that the method proposed by the current study is qualified to be used for reducing the female heads of the household?s negative psychological outcomes.

The Prevalence of Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Low Socioeconomic Use Individuals in Birjand 2008 (East IRAN)

Introduction : Studying the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in low socioeconomic groups is of great importance. People who are under the supervisioin and care of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation are the most deprived in Iran. The present survey aimed at investigating the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors among the citizens who are under the supervision of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation (IKRF). Mathrials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 1008 individuals protected by the IKRF in Birjand in 2008 through multi-stage, random sampling Demographic were recorded. Furthermore, blood pressure, waist circumference, weight and height were measured by two trained nurses. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and serum lipids were measured within 12 hours of overnight fasting. Chi-square and T-test were used for data analysis at the significant level of 0.05 using SPSS software (version 15). Results: The mean age of the subjects was 39±16.8 years and the most common risk factor proved to be dyslipidemia (72%). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia was 43/2% and 12.7% respectively. Obesity was detected in 32.1% . The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) appeared to be 13.1% and 6.3% respectively. Smoking was distinguished in 9.8 % of the participants. The prevalence of high Cholestrol (P=0.001),high LDL(p=0.01),low HDL(P<0.001),overweight and obesity(P<0.001) was higher in female ,but prevalence of smoking was higher in male(P<0.001) . Conclusion: Dyslipidemia, obesity and HTN were the most prevalent risk factors in IKRF supported groups with a low socioeconomic status. Thus, it is necessary to hold effective certain educational programs for all the community. Moreover, the screening of cardiac risk factors must be done for all individuals, particularly for those with a low socioeconomic status

On the applicability of analysis of internal and external factors: A case study of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Ardabil

Recognition and prioritization of environmental factors affecting the performance of organizations is one of the most important steps in developing long-term plans and organizational strategies. The present study investigates the current status of head office of Ardabil Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation through analyzing internal and external environmental factors. To this end, a sequential mixed method design was used for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting research question. Sixty-eight employees participated in the study. This study was carried out through a survey method using research-made questionnaire and interview as the main instruments. The results demonstrated that Ardabil Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation had some strengths and weaknesses regarding internal and external environmental factors and this organization appeared to have relatively good position considering organization’s internal factors which were supposed to affect it. The findings of the study showed that Ardabil Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation can overcome and neutralize some of its organizational threats and weaknesses using the current organizational opportunities and strengths and applying strategic planning.

The Impact of Educational Intervention Based on Empowerment Model in Preventing Violence Against Women

Background:One of the most obvious forms of violence in today's society is violence against women. In Iran, along with other countries, violence against women has become a problematic issue.Objectives:The present research aims to investigate the impact of educational intervention based on empowerment model in preventing violent behaviors against women.Patients and Methods:The present study is an intervention research done through the random selection of 91 women under the aegis of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Gorgan. Tools for data gathering included demographics checklist, Rosenberg Self-Esteem, general self-efficacy, awareness and attitude questionnaires. Three ninety-minute educational sessions were held for each group to enhance their awareness, change their attitudes, and train them life skills to increase self-esteem so that they can express their vicarious experiences to increase their self-efficacy toward violent behavior. Following the post-test, data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 20). Tests for analyzing data included descriptive and analytical tests (chi-square, Pearson's correlation, independent samples t-test, One-way ANOVA and paired t test).Results:Results indicated that the frequency of domestic violence against participating women was significant after educational intervention, as compared to pre-intervention period. Paired t-test showed that average scores of awareness, attitude, self-esteem, and self-efficacy constructs, and total power were statistically higher after educational intervention as compared to the period prior to intervention.Conclusions:As one of the manifestations and the moving force of empowerment, education is the first major strategy in codifying, designing, and implementing empowerment programs. For women to be empowered, the active participation of all people in education is required.

Study of Satisfaction Level of Bread-Winning Women of the Medical Treatment Services of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Zahedan

The goal of the current research is to study the satisfaction level of the bread-winning women of the medical treatment services presented by Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Zahedan. The statistical society of the current study is the entire bread-winning women that used the medical treatment services in 2013. The studied sample comprised of 150 women of this kind. In order to collect the necessary data to test the hypothesis of the study, a questionnaire was used whose validity was approved by the views of the Management professors and experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was examined through Cronbach's Alpha which was 0.73, showing that it had the required reliability. In order to study the research questions, Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis, one-sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Friedman test were used, aided by SPSS19 software. The results of the study showed that the satisfaction of the bread-winning women of the medical treatment services presented by Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation is less than the average level.

Identification and Prioritization of Effective Factors on Human Resources Development (Study at Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, Zahedan)

The goal of the current study is to identify and prioritize the effective factors on human resources development at Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Zahedan. The statistical society of this study consists of two groups of directors (35 people) and staff (165 people) of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Zahedan. The tool to collect data is AHP standard questionnaire. Census sampling method was used to select the statistical sample including 30 directors and 110 staff members. In order to analyze the data, Expert Choice software was used and the results showed that prioritization of the effective factors on human resources development are organizational-economic factors, showing 0.424 as the highest degree of effect and the environmental factors, showing 0.034 as the lowest degree of effect as far as the directors of this Foundation were concerned. Also the results showed that prioritization of the effective factors on human resources development are the organizational-economic factors, showing 0.410 as the highest degree of effect and the environmental factors, showing 0.035 as the lowest degree of effect on human resources development as far as the staff members of this Foundation were concerned.

Identify and Prioritize Effective Indicators at the Administration of Qazvin Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation Using Balanced Scorecard (BSC)

According to the organization's activities as a social institution responsive to society expectations, the performance evaluation can determine organization success or failure rate in the goals achievement. This study has been done to survey performance evaluation of administration Qazvin Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation. This research is a descriptive - analytical survey and a simple random sample of 7 individuals from the expert staff have been chosen and questionnaire was completed by them. Then, obtained data was analyzed by MATLAB software. It is worth noting that data design and analysis has been based on the analytic network process. Main indicators of this research are including: customer orientation aspect, internal business processes aspect, growth and learning and financial aspect. Financial aspect with the 35.72% had highest weight, customer orientation aspect with the 25.15% was in the next place, growth and learning aspect with 20.84% was in the third place and finally, internal business processes aspect with 18.29% was in the fourth place. Finally, in addition to the study of necessity of educational programs and internal business processes promotion and development, its more effective implementation is recommended.

Prevalence and risk factors of reproductive tract infections among a defined population of Iranian women

Background Reproductive tract infections are among the most prevalent gynaecological health concerns. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of reproductive tract infections among a defined population of Iranian women. A cross-sectional study was performed in Shiraz, Southern Iran, from 2007 to 2009. The study subjects were 28?484 vulnerable household women who were covered by the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation insurance scheme. All the participants underwent vaginal speculum examinations and swab sampling. Vaginal discharge was collected for Gram staining, potassium hydroxide mount, wet mount and in a transport medium for culture and sensitivity testing. The frequency of reproductive tract infections and their risk factors were determined. The mean age of the 28?484 women who participated in the study was 48.7±10.1 (range: 13-104) years. According to the results, 13?472 (47.3%) subjects had reproductive tract infections. Moreover, vulvovaginal candidiasis was the most common infection in our population, accounting for 4718 subjects (16.6%), followed by trichomoniasis (11.2%) and bacterial vaginosis (10.6%). Furthermore, the number of pregnancies, being married and low educational levels (illiterate and under diploma level) were the risk factors for these infections, whereas the use of oral contraceptives and being employed were the protective factors. Almost half of the vulnerable Iranian women suffer from reproductive tract infections, with candidiasis and trichomoniasis being the most prevalent types. Based on the high prevalence of these infections, appropriate and precise screening programs should be taken into consideration for this specific population.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors in a Defined Population: Weighted Logistic Regression Approach for Rare Events

PurposeThis study aimed to determine out risk factors for female breast cancer in a low socioeconomic population in Iran.MethodsBetween 2007 and 2009, a total of 25,592 women who were ensured by the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation participated in this screening program. The characteristics of patients diagnosed with breast cancer (n=111) were compared with those of control cases (n=25,481). In this study, we used relogit analysis (rare event logistic regression) with a weighting method using program Zelig.ResultsOf 25,592 women, 3.9/1,000 had breast cancer, from which 38 were diagnosed during screening and 73 had already been diagnosed. The mean and standard deviation of age in breast cancer patients and in healthy controls were 49.18±8.86 years and 46.65±9.40 years, respectively. The findings based on the multivariate model revealed that the past history of ovarian cancer, hormone therapy, and first relatives with breast cancer were associated with increased risk for breast cancer. However, the use of oral contraceptive pills was found to be associated with reduced risk for breast cancer.ConclusionDue to the rarity of the event in the population, relogit with a weighting method was used to investigate the major risk factors for breast cancer. These factors include oral contraceptive pill use, a history of ovarian cancer of the person under study, first relatives with breast cancer and hormone therapy.

Prevalence of Breast Cancer in a Defined Population in Iran

Prevalence of breast cancer in Asian developing countries is much lower than western developed countries. The main aim of this study was to measure breast cancer prevalence in a defined population of Iran. A total of 25201 women who were under coverage of "Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation (IKRF)", which is an organization for delivering supportive social and cultural services to the deprived and poor subgroups of the society, were involved in the study. The study was conducted during years 2007 and 2008. All subjects were interviewed for their socio-demographic features and underwent precise clinical and para-clinical breast examination. Mean age was 47 years with standard deviation 10 ranging from 11 to 88 years. Subjects were from deprived subgroups of the community; were mainly illiterate or had primary school education (86%) and majority of them (93%) had their first full-term pregnancy at age less than 26 years and also were multiparous. With confirmed diagnosis by breast biopsy, breast cancer prevalence was 0.15% (95%CI; 0.10-0.20). Compared with developed countries, Asian developing countries have been at a lower risk of breast cancer development. It is seen that more deprived subgroups are at much lower risk. The more industrialized life is accompanied with more hazards.

The relationship of absolute poverty and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Iranian women

It is increasingly recognized that socioeconomic inequalities play an important role in bone health, with significantly higher fracture rates being reported in lower income groups. But the relationship between absolute poverty and bone mineral density (BMD) and/or osteoporosis has not been investigated. A total of 1135 postmenopausal women under absolute poverty lines who received financial support from the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation (IKRF) and 406 randomly selected healthy postmenopausal women were screened for osteoporosis using BMD testing. At all BMD sites, women under the absolute poverty lines had the lowest mean BMD values (p < 0.0001). According to the WHO criteria, 252 subjects under absolute poverty lines (22.4%) and 35 healthy postmenopausal women from the general population (8.7%) were considered osteoporotic (p < 0.0001). After adjustment for lifestyle factors for osteoporosis in logistic regression models, absolute poverty was associated with the age-adjusted prevalence of femoral neck osteoporosis and lumbar osteoporosis [OR = 2.50 (CI, 1.38-4.51; p = 0.002); OR = 2.40 (CI, 1.56-3.70; p < 0.0001), respectively]. Postmenopausal women under the absolute poverty lines had lower BMDs at all skeletal sites, independent of established osteoporosis risk factors.