Iranian Married Women Research Articles

Psychometric Properties of a Screening Instrument for Domestic Violence in a Sample of Iranian Women.

BackgroundDomestic violence against women is regarded as an important health problem among women and a serious concern in issues related to human rights. To date, a few screening tools for domestic violence exist for Iranian married women, but they assess only some of the domestic violence components.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to design and determine the validity and reliability of a screening instrument for domestic violence in a sample of Iranian women.Materials and MethodsThe present study was a cross-sectional psychometric evaluation conducted on 350 married women in Ilam, Iran, in 2014. The samples were selected through multistage sampling and the main method was cluster sampling. A 20-item, self-administered questionnaire was validated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). An Eigen value > 1 and a loading factor > 0.3 for each component were considered as indices for extracting domestic violence components. Reliability was calculated by test-retest and Cronbach’s alpha. Also, the content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) were used to measure content validity. The data were analyzed using SPSS-13 and LISREL 8.8 software programs.ResultsThe self-administered instrument was completed by 334 women. The CFA and EFA methods confirmed embedding items and the three-factor structure of the instrument including psychological, physical, and sexual violence, which explained 66% of the total variance of the domestic violence. The ICC and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were > 0.7 for the components of the questionnaire. The test-retest also revealed strong correlations for each of the domestic violence components (r > 0.6).ConclusionsThe used instrument for measuring domestic violence had desirable validity and reliability and can be used as a suitable instrument in health and social researches in the local population.

Individual consequences of having work and family roles simultaneously in Iranian married women

ABSTRACTBecause of the paucity of studies about the consequences of women’s work and family responsibilities in Iran, in the present study the authors used a qualitative approach to begin to provide in-depth answers to the following question: What are the consequences of having work and family responsibilities in Iranian married women? Data were obtained from 29 participants using individual in-depth interviews conducted with 17 participants in addition to two focus groups (n = 6 per group), all conducted in the second half of 2014. All of the participants were Iranian nationals, married, and held a full-time job outside the home. Five main themes were derived from the study: “promotion of self-esteem and social status,” “facing difficulties,” “effort and dedication,” “unfulfilled needs and non-optimal health,” and “restless mind.” Participants reported achieving a number of advantages for themselves and their families as a result of working outside the home; but, they also had many problems with the potential to impair various health aspects, including physical, reproductive, and mental health. Thus, it is important for Iranian health-care providers to consider the effect of the work–family interference on women.

Sexual Satisfaction Concept Analysis in Iranian Married Women: A Hybrid Model Study.

Background:Sexual satisfaction is considered to be a sexual right and an important component of sexual health. The purpose of this qualitative study was to clarify the meaning and the nature of sexual satisfaction in Iranian married women, and to provide a cultural-based definition of it.Method:Sexual satisfaction was examined in three phases by the Hybrid Model of concept analysis: (1) the theoretical phase; (2) the fieldwork phase and (3) the analytical phase. Hybrid concept analysis method was chosen because its inclusion of married women’s perspectives enriches the limits of sexual health search literature.Result:The critical attributes of sexual satisfaction were investigated. They included ‘two-dimensional structure’, ‘an affective response’, ‘a means to achieve marital satisfaction’, ‘unique’, ‘a concept based on expectations’ and ‘a concept on shadow of values’.Conclusion:The concept analysis of sexual satisfaction showed some of the attributes and antecedents for this concept that, have not been mentioned in the literature.

What are Iranian married women's rewards? Using interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction: a qualitative study

Besides sexual pleasure, the Iranian married women have different reasons for sex. According to Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction in sexual interaction, women give something and get something in return, but what it is that Iranian married women attain? How can we explain their rewards by interpersonal exchange model? Can “values” be called rewards?This study was undertaken to determine Iranian married women's rewards in sex by using the interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction, and with regard to the cultural values among a sample of Iranian married women.Thirty-four participants were recruited through purposive sampling of married women in Tehran; the data collection consisted of semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results are reported in four themes to present the participants' rewards in their sex. The themes consist of (1) meeting the physical needs of the couple; (2) strengthening couple emotional relationships; (3) taking control of life; and (4) values and beliefs governing the sexual relationship.Using a qualitative research, Iranian married women's rewards in sex were determined. Our findings highlight the potential role of cultural values in reducing dissatisfaction with one's sex life.

Individual and provincial characteristics associated with reproductive behavior of married women in Iran (2011)

Background: Fertility in the current situation is the most important determinant of a country's population increase rate. Iran's fertility rate has declined since the mid 1981’s, and has reached a relative stability below the replacement level in recent years. However, the fertility levels are different among provinces in the country. Methods: The present study investigated the reproductive behavior of women at both individual and provincial levels, so the two-level model was used. Data were adapted from the census in 2011 and Demographic and Health Surveys in 2010. The statistical population of the study was the 15-49 year-old married women in Iran and the study sample included 299,539 woman of the statistical population. Results: The results showed significant differences among the provinces in terms of the variance of the number of children born alive. Residence, employment status and educational status had significant effects on the number of children born. Moreover, the two-level variables (The mean age of women in the first marriage, contraception prevalence and development level by province) had a significant effect on the slope of education and employment status. Conclusion: A convergence of fertility behavior has been initiated in the Iranian women, and the difference between some provinces is influenced by the development level of the given provinces. Other variables (such as education and employment status) that affect women’s reproductive behavior are influenced by the development level of the province.

The shadow of silence on the sexual rights of married Iranian women.

There has been a recent shift in the field of sexual health, representing a move away from biomedical concerns to sexual rights frameworks. However, few studies on sexuality are based on a rights framework. The unspoken nature of sexuality in Iranian culture has led to a lack of national studies on the topic. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of married Iranian women on sexual rights in their sexual relationships. In this grounded theory study, 37 participants (25 married women, 5 husbands, and 7 midwives) were selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding using MAXQDA software version 2007. The analysis revealed the core category of “sexual interaction in the shadow of silence.” The interrelated categories subsumed under the core category included adopting a strategy of silence, trying to negotiate sex, seeking help, and sexual adjustment. The silence originating from women's interactions with their families and society, from girlhood to womanhood, was identified as the core concept in Iranian women's experiences of sexual rights. A focus on husbands' roles seems salient because they can direct or alter some learned feminine roles, especially silence regarding sexual matters, which then affects the realization of women's sexual rights.

Association of PCOS and its clinical signs with sexual function among Iranian women affected by PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its physiological and psychological changes influence the sexual function of women affected. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association of PCOS and its clinical signs with sexual function among a population of married Iranian women affected by PCOS. The impact of clinical signs of PCOS on sexual function of affected women was the main outcome measure in the present study. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 591 married women with PCOS, aged 18-45 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire including information on demographic and reproductive status and the Female Sexual Function Index. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression analysis. The participants' mean age was 30.6 years. Among associated manifestations of PCOS, infertility and hair loss have significant adverse effects on female sexual function. Logistic regression analysis showed that PCOS women with infertility have a significantly lower sexual function score compared with those who are fertile. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that compared with their fertile counterparts, PCOS women with infertility had significant sexual dysfunction in all aspects except desire and pain. Among various manifestations of PCOS, infertility mainly disrupts the sexual function of affected women.

Assess Quality of Life Among Iranian Married Women Residing In Rural Places

It is important how women describe their quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rural residence on quality of life of the married women. The Wellness and Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL) was used to assess QOL rural residence in Iranian married women. A total of 1,140 (577 urban and 563 rural) women aged 20-45 years were selected using standard cluster sampling technique in Babol, Iran. The questionnaire with 55 items consists of five domains: physical state, mental/emotional state, stress evaluation, life enjoyment, and overall quality of life. Lower scores in three domains: physical state, mental/emotional state, and stress evaluation mean better QOL. Higher scores in life enjoyment and overall quality of life mean better QOL. Rural residences smoke more and have a lower level of education, higher level physical activity, higher level of good self reported dietary, and lower long term health problems than urban residents. After adjusting confounding variables, logistic regression indicated living in rural settings statistically decrease the probability of having worse quality of life related to physical health (OR 0.67; CI 0.50-0.91), higher life enjoyment (OR 0.44; CI 0.32-0.61), and better overall QOL (OR 0.44; CI 0.37-0.61). The results have been suggested to be useful in order to anticipate greater health care needs of the rural married women and improve their quality of life by providing more opportunities for rural women.

Sexual Dissatisfaction in a Sample of Married Iranian Women

This article investigates the sexual relationships of dissatisfied couples from the viewpoint of the female spouse. There are two basic approaches toward sexual dissatisfaction: the first regards sexual dissatisfaction as the cause of marital dissatisfaction; the second asserts that marital dissatisfaction leads to sexual dissatisfaction. This study aims at an understanding of the causes and mechanisms of women’s sexual dissatisfaction and its relationship to marital dissatisfaction. The research was organized using the Grounded theory for a holistic and deep understanding of the phenomenon. Findings drawn from the interviews with 20 severely sexually dissatisfied women indicated a discrepancy between the attitudes of men and women toward sexual relationships. This difference builds a sense of sexual inequality amongst women. This is accompanied by an increased importance of sexual satisfaction compared to the past, or “sexualization” of marital relationships and the resulting sexual dissatisfaction within women. Our study suggests that marital dissatisfaction may precede and cause sexual dissatisfaction and that this link ultimately becomes reciprocal.

Factors Associated with the Use of Withdrawal in Iran: Do Fertility Intentions Matter?

The majority of unwanted pregnancies in Iran are due to withdrawal failures. This study seeks to explore factors associated with withdrawal use, which is highly prevalent among Iranian married couples. Multivariate logistic regression analyses are employed to estimate the likelihood of using withdrawal rather than modern contraceptives among a representative sample of 6199 Iranian married women using contraception, taken from the 2000 Iran Demographic and Health Survey. Among other findings, women’s fertility intentions strongly interacted with women’s parity, number of son, and wealth status, where birth limiters with a lower wealth status, lower parity, and no son were more likely to use withdrawal rather than modern contraceptives. Other results showed that higher education levels and economic status were strongly associated with the greater likelihood of using withdrawal rather than modern contraceptives. Women who lived in urban areas and were unemployed and who had a smaller number of children were more likely to use withdrawal rather than a modern contraceptive method. Compared with younger women, those aged 40-49 were more likely to use withdrawal than modern methods. A reduction in unwanted pregnancies can best be achieved by improving the current family planning program in regions and among subgroups of the population who regulate their fertility by using withdrawal.

Effects of Existential Issues Training on Marital Communication Among Iranian Women

Marital communication is acknowledged as a crucial indicator of matrimonial quality, and has undergone studies in recent times with respect to its determinants. While existing literature has focused on the value of existential issues from four existential counseling theories in improving matrimonial quality, there is a dearth of experimental research to substantiate the effects of the existential issues on marital communication. This study aims to fill the gap and highlight the potential of the existential issues by investigating the effects of a psycho-educational training, based on existential issues, on marital communication, among Iranian women. For the present study, sixty Iranian married women were randomly selected for experimental and control groups. During five sessions, the experimental group received psycho-educational training based on existential issues. The results of the study show significant enhancements in marital communication of the participants.

The Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Sexual Desire Among Iranian Women

The aim of this study was to determine the association of attachment styles with sexual desire. The data presented here were obtained from a total of 192 married Iranian women who were selected via a multi-cluster sampling method from three Universities in Tehran. The subjects’ socio-demographic data, attachment styles (Adult Attachment Styles Index), and sexual desire (Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire) was gathered. Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Stepwise Regression Analysis method were used to analyze the data. Findings showed significant relationships between sexual desire and secure attachment style (r=0.283, p<0.01), insecure-avoidant attachment style (r=−0.321, p<0.01), and insecure-ambivalent attachment style (r=0.144, p<0.05) . There were also significant negative relationships between sexual desire and age (r=−0.553, p<0.01) and marital duration (r=−0.349, p<0.01). Age, insecure-avoidant, and ambivalent attachment styles were able to predict 36.3 percent of the variance of sexual desire. In conclusion, higher scores in Secure and ambivalent attachment styles were associated with higher scores of sexual desire. On the other hand, when scores of insecure avoidant attachment style increased, there was a declination in the scores of sexual desire. Also, age and marital duration were inversely related to sexual desire.

The Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Sex Guilt Among Iranian Women

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between sex guilt and attachment styles. The data presented here were obtained from a total of 192 married Iranian women who were selected via a multi-cluster sampling method from three universities in Tehran. The subjects’ socio-demographic data, attachment styles (Adult Attachment Styles Index), and sex guilt (Mosher Revised Sex-Guilt Inventory) was gathered. Findings showed significant relationships between sex guilt and secure attachment style (r=−0.265, p<0.01), Insecure-ambivalent attachment style (r=0.241, p<0.01) and insecure-avoidant attachment style (r=0.257, p<0.01). Also there were significant relationships between sex guilt and age (r=0.438, p<0.01) and marital duration (r=0.345, p<0.01). Age, insecure-ambivalent and insecure-avoidant attachment styles were able to predict 25.1 percent of the variance of sex guilt. In conclusion, higher scores in secure attachment styles in women are associated with lower scores of sex guilt and higher scores in insecure-ambivalent and insecure-avoidant attachment styles are associated with higher levels of sex guilt among women. Also, age and marital duration are positively correlated with sex guilt in women.

Factors Associated with Married Iranian Women's Contraceptive Use in Turku, Finland

Iranians are one of Finland's major immigrant groups. Like other asylum seekers in Finland, the Iranians brought with them their own cultural practices, attitudes and beliefs regarding marriage and family structure. The aim of this research was to study factors associated with married Iranian women's contraceptive use in Finland. A total of 120 married women with more than one child were interviewed in Turku, a costal city situated about 200km from Helsinki, the capital of Finland. The questionnaires gathered information about the respondents' socio-demographic status, knowledge and use of contraception, number of children, length of time in Finland, education level and other social characteristics. Our research shows that the social factors that are associated with the Iranian women's contraceptive use are mainly due to changes in their conditions of life and adaptation to the Finnish society.

Why Iranian married women use withdrawal instead of oral contraceptives? A qualitative study from Iran.

BackgroundWithdrawal as a method of birth control is still used in Iran. The aim of this study was to explore married women's perspectives and attitudes on withdrawal use instead of oral contraceptive (OC) in Tehran, Iran.MethodsThis was a qualitative study. Participants were 50 married women, not currently pregnant, not desiring pregnancy and who had been using withdrawal for contraception. Face-to face interviews were conducted to collect data. Content analysis was performed to analyze the data.ResultsFour major themes were extracted from the interviews: advantages, disadvantages, barriers for OC use, and husband-related factors. Advantages of withdrawal use were identified as: easy to use, convenient, ease of access, natural. Even those participants who had experienced unwanted pregnancy while using withdrawal, relied on withdrawal as their contraceptive method. Disadvantages of OC included concerns about side effects. Barriers related to use of OC included the need for medical advice, vaginal examination and daily use. Husband-related factors included: the husband wanted to be the primary decision maker on the number of children and that he preferred withdrawal.ConclusionHealth providers should address misunderstandings that exist about OC and highlight the non-contraceptive health benefits of OC to balance the information provided for women. We suggest that not only women but also their spouses be advised in family planning programs.

Associations Between Coerced Anal Sex and Psychopathology, Marital Distress and Non-Sexual Violence

There is a dearth of scientific data on anal intercourse in heterosexual relationships. Likewise, anal sex within marital relationships has yet to be fully explored. Among a representative sample of married women in the Iranian capital, Tehran, we aimed to determine the association of self-reported coerced anal sex with: (i) self-reported coerced vaginal sex; (ii) self-reported non-sexual violence; (iii) psychopathology; and (iv) marital attitude. The data presented here were obtained from the Family Violence Survey conducted in Tehran in 2007. A total of 230 married Iranian women were selected via a multi-cluster sampling method from four different randomized regions. The subjects' sociodemographic data, psychological distress (Symptom Check List; SCL-90-R), personality, and relationship characteristics (Personal and Relationships Profile), and marital attitude (Marital Attitude Survey) were gathered. In addition, the participants' self-reported histories of lifetime victimization through all types of violence by the husband, including coerced anal and vaginal sex as well as psychological and physical assault (Conflict Tactic Scales-Revised; CTS-2), were collected. There were associations between self-reported victimization through coerced anal and vaginal sex (P < 0.001), psychological (P < 0.001), and physical aggression (P < 0.001). Those reporting to have been forced into anal intercourse cited higher rates of paranoid and psychotic features, jealousy, attribution of problems to one's own behavior, conflict, and male dominance, as well as lower expectations of improvement in one's marital relationship. In marital relationships, women are at a higher risk of coerced anal sex if subjected to other types of sexual or non-sexual violence. Higher rates of psychopathology and poorer marital relationships are also allied to self-reported anal sexual coercion.

A Qualitative Assessment of the Sex Education Needs of Married Iranian Women

Despite a comprehensive reproductive health program there is little sex education available in Iran. In this article we present results of a study conducted to identify content area for a proposed sex education program for married Iranian women. Twenty-one married female clients (23–45 years) and 18 reproductive health providers, recruited from urban health clinics in Tehran using non-probability sampling, participated in four focus group discussions. Sexual health information needs related to reproductive tract and sexually transmitted infections, “acceptability” of certain sexual practices such as oral and anal intercourse, and the sexual response cycles and physiology of men and women. Women’s sexual concerns related to communication, incompatibility of sexual interests and desire, and their ability to maintain a strong marriage. Two themes cut across women’s responses to all questions: modesty and maintaining a strong marriage. Results contributed to the design of a sex education program that addressed the specific information needs and concerns of Iranian women.

Equality in safe delivery and its determinants in Iran.

To determine the equality in safe delivery indices, i.e., appropriate place of delivery, type of delivery and skilled attendant for delivery, and their determinants in Iran. This study was performed using the data of Iran demographic and health survey, performed in 2000. Our sample was nationally representative and included 17,991 Iranian married women aged 10 - 49 years who had delivered during two years before the survey. The equality status was assessed by concentration index. The relationship between different factors and safe delivery was investigated by logistic regression. These factors included age, occupation, resident place (urban vs. rural), mother's educational level and household economic status (weighted asset index). Concentration index (95% CI) for appropriate place of delivery, normal vaginal delivery and skilled attendant for delivery, were 0.111 (0.107 to 0.115), -0.100 (-0.105 to -0.095) and 0.095 (0.091 to 0.099), respectively. In other words, the opportunity of delivery in appropriate place and by skilled attendant were more common in those with higher economic levels; while normal vaginal delivery was less common. Also, mother's age and educational level had significant correlation with safe delivery indices; in all cases mother's education was the most important factor. In spite of the improvement in delivery care in Iran during the past decades, there are significant differences between the current situations of safe delivery in people with different socioeconomic states.

Existence of GP63 in both life stages of leishmania major

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its physiological and psychological changes influence the sexual function of women affected.In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association of PCOS and its clinical signs with sexual function among a population of married Iranian women affected by PCOS.The impact of clinical signs of PCOS on sexual function of affected women was the main outcome measure in the present study.This cross‐sectional study was carried out on 591 married women with PCOS, aged 18–45 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire including information on demographic and reproductive status and the Female Sexual Function Index. Data were analyzed using chi‐square test, Mann–Whitney test, and logistic regression analysis.The participants' mean age was 30.6 years. Among associated manifestations of PCOS, infertility and hair loss have significant adverse effects on female sexual function. Logistic regression analysis showed that PCOS women with infertility have a significantly lower sexual function score compared with those who are fertile. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that compared with their fertile counterparts, PCOS women with infertility had significant sexual dysfunction in all aspects except desire and pain.Among various manifestations of PCOS, infertility mainly disrupts the sexual function of affected women. Hashemi S, Ramezani Tehrani F, Farahmand M, and Bahri Khomami M. Association of PCOS and its clinical signs with sexual function among Iranian women affected by PCOS. J Sex Med 2014;11:2508–2514.

Predictors of Life Satisfaction among Urban Iranian Women: An Exploratory Analysis

This paper explores life satisfaction among married and unmarried Iranian women in urban areas. Data is analyzed from a sample of 335 women of which 61% are married and 39% are unmarried (i.e., single, divorced, or widows). Data is collected through the use of self-reported questionnaires administered during 1992 and 1994. A series of path analysis and cross tabulations suggest that for married women life satisfaction is directly linked to their satisfaction with marriage, employment, and their leisure experiences. There is an inverse relationship between satisfaction and the women's activity, however. For unmarried women, satisfaction is affected by their leisure experiences and educational level. The study suggests that any effort to reduce or increase the educational, employment, or leisure activities of women will directly affect women's general satisfaction and therefore affect Iranian society as a whole.