Gender, entrepreneurship, and marketing: Barriers and drivers for rural women in Iran

This research discusses the role and position of women in the Safavid era, as well as shows the position and rank of women in different fields. It is worth mentioning that women in the Safavid period were subject to the authority of men as in previous periods and were sometimes participated in different spheres of political and administrative life by their orders. However, in reality, in Safavid Iranian society, women were not properly served and cared for. They were used less in political affairs and state duties, more in household duties, child rearing and social relations were entrusted with it, both during the Safavid period and in earlier periods After this, Iranian women were viewed more as prisoners and housewives than as active, allowed and independent women in general, it was less developed. Women were generally divided into different classes within the social division of Safavid society, such as women of kings, royal families, servants, prostitutes, prostitutes and dancers, tribal women owner, etc.), in addition to Life of women in Safavid society in general, women had their own duties and activities in the harem Sara, such as serving the harem, the king and the royal court, and spending their time and entertainment in the harem Sara Their position in the marriage process, their dress and relationships and their struggle within the sanctuary shows their most prominent duties and activities in general during the Safavid period.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of HIV infection in pregnant women in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The intentional alteration of the labia minora, known as labiaplasty, has shown increased prevalence across various populations in recent decades. While aesthetic, sexual, and psychological factors predominantly drive the desire for labiaplasty, there remain numerous unknown elements which influence a woman's decision-making processes regarding this procedure. This study was undertaken to understand why Iranian women choose labiaplasty, examining the various motivations, influences, and considerations shaping their decision-making process. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were completed with 14 Iranian women who were seeking labiaplasty. The women were asked about their familiarity with labiaplasty, the motivations for undergoing the surgery, the sociocultural factors influencing their decisions, the process of seeking surgical intervention, their discussions with medical practitioners about concerns regarding their labia, and the reactions from their social circle about their decision to undergo surgery. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a content analysis. Three overarching clusters were derived from the analyses: (1) "Motivations" which included aesthetic concerns, physical or sexual discomfort; (2) "Influences"-a theme emerging from women's narratives, encompassing factors such as facilitating beliefs, alongside the reported impact of health professionals, media, and social circle on their decision-making processes; and (3) "Navigating Stigma" which highlighted the stigma and sexual taboos which women identified as being linked to their experiences with choosing labiaplasty. The convergence of diverse personal and social dynamics plays a crucial role in shaping women's decisions, leading them to seek labiaplasty. Consequently, preoperative psychological counseling appears to align more closely with the implementation of ethical principles, ensuring women make informed choices about their surgical options.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and the main cause of precancerous changes in the cervix. Despite the undeniable role of HPV vaccines in preventing cervical cancer, the vaccination rate has remained low. The perception of a disease can predict preventive behaviors such as vaccination. This qualitative study aimed to explore women's perceptions of HPV and its vaccine. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in four focus groups (FG) with 23 eligible women (aged 15-45), who had no prior history of cervical cancer, HPV infection, and vaccination. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a directed content analysis approach based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Perceived sensitivity, the risk of HPV infection, benefits and barriers of HPV vaccination, cue to action, self-care, and new category named social support were the main categories that emerged. Two main concerns for women included worries about the virus leading to cancer as well as marital and sexual relationship tension in case the husband contracts an infection. Main barriers to vaccination included informational, psychological, socio-cultural, and economic barriers. Self-protection acts, stress management, and medical care were the women's main perceptions of self-care and they expressed a need for informational, emotional, and financial support. The results of our study indicate that educating women and their families, improving people's sexual health awareness, integrating the vaccine into the national vaccination program, and establishing sexual health counselling units at healthcare centers are essential actions for encouraging women to get vaccinated and preventing HPV infection and its related adverse outcomes such as cancers.

ABSTRACTFood insecurity has been linked to obesity, central adiposity, and dyslipidemia, with women particularly vulnerable. These consequences align with the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype, a determinant of visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk. Although prior studies suggest associations between FI, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels, direct evidence on FI and HTGW remains scarce, especially in Middle Eastern populations. The present investigation assessed the potential link between food insecurity and the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype among overweight and obese Iranian women. In this cross‐sectional study, 250 overweight and obese women dietary intake was assessed using a validated 147‐item (FFQ), and household food security was evaluated with the 18‐item USDA (HFSS). Anthropometric measures and body composition were obtained via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical activity was assessed using the validated IPAQ. Participants were grouped based on waist circumference and triglycerides: WC < 88 cm and TG < 150 mg/dL were classified as normal waist and triglycerides, while WC ≥ 88 cm and TG ≥ 150 mg/dL were considered to have the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype. Analyses were performed in SPSS version 25. A significant positive association was found between food insecurity and the HTGW phenotype. In unadjusted analysis, food‐insecure women had higher odds of HTGW compared to food‐secure women (OR = 2.24, 95% CI =1.19–4.20, p = 0.01). After adjustment for age, BMI, total energy intake, and physical activity, the association remained significant (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.06–4.28, p = 0.03). The findings demonstrate that food insecurity is significantly associated with the HTGW phenotype among overweight and obese women. As the first study to specifically examine this relationship in this population, these findings underscore food insecurity as a critical social determinant of metabolic risk, highlighting the need for future longitudinal studies and targeted interventions.

This study explores gender-based violence experienced by Iranian women in both rough-sleeping and unsafe domestic environments. Despite growing global attention to gendered violence, little research has focused on rough-sleeping women in Iran, especially in religious cities like Mashhad. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, this research analyzes in-depth interviews with 30 women residing in compulsory addiction treatment camps from July 2023 to March 2024. Findings reveal four main forms of violence—physical, psychological-emotional, sexual, and economic—experienced before and during rough-sleeping. Gender stereotypes and patriarchal structures within families and public spaces reinforce this violence, trapping women in a cyclical state between domestic and street violence. This study fills a significant gap in localized research and contributes to designing needs-based support programs for women engaging in rough-sleeping, highlighting the importance of addressing structural dimensions of violence in social policymaking.

Cannabis use has increased markedly in Iran, emerging as the second most commonly consumed illicit substance, with a notable rise among women. Interpersonal relationships play a critical role in shaping behaviors and patterns of substance use. This study examines how young women who use cannabis interpret their interpersonal relationships. A thematic narrative analysis was conducted in Karaj and Tehran from 2022 to 2023. Twelve young women who use cannabis were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Interview data were analyzed using open coding and thematic analysis to identify key relational dynamics related to cannabis use. A total of 961 open codes were generated and organized into two overarching themes. The first theme, "A Triad of Dysfunctional Interpersonal Relationships-Father, Mother, and Child,", comprising 447 codes, illustrated how maladaptive familial interactions contributed to the initiation and persistence of cannabis use. The second theme, "Positive and Negative Qualities of Interpersonal Relationships Across Childhood, Adolescence, and Early Adulthood,", encompassed 514 codes and five subthemes. While some participants reported receiving emotional support from peers or family members, the prevailing narrative involved experiences of emotional neglect, parent-child conflict, and the absence of secure attachment figures. These relational challenges were frequently cited as key drivers of the initiation and persistence of cannabis use, employed as a coping mechanism in response to unresolved emotional needs and relational distress. The findings indicate that early experiences of family dysfunction and unresolved relational trauma substantially shape patterns of cannabis use among young women in Iran. Preventive strategies should include parent-focused educational interventions on emotional communication, family cohesion, and support structures. Additionally, increased access to psychosocial support and counseling services for young women is essential to mitigate risk and address underlying relational vulnerabilities.

Hysterectomy is common, yet its long-term impact on urinary incontinence (UI) in low- and middle-income countries is unclear. Limited data exist from Iran. This study examined the association between hysterectomy and UI and its subtypes among postmenopausal women in Ardakan, Iran. In this cross-sectional analysis of the Ardakan Cohort Study on Aging, 2835 postmenopausal women aged 50years and older were interviewed. UI was assessed using the validated five-item Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale; scores ≥ 1 indicated incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) were defined by positive responses to specific scale items. Baseline characteristics, hysterectomy status, and related factors were recorded. The data were analyzed using logistic regression models. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall, 58% of women reported UI. Women with a history of hysterectomy showed a similar overall UI prevalence to those without. In fully adjusted models, hysterectomy was independently associated with SUI (OR≈ 1.28; 95%CI1.04-1.58). No significant associations were observed for UUI (adjusted OR≈ 1.10; 95%CI0.88-1.37) or for overall UI (adjusted OR≈ 1.15; 95%CI0.93-1.42). These findings suggest that, among Iranian postmenopausal women, hysterectomy might confer a modest increase in the odds of stress-type leakage but not urgency or overall incontinence. In this large cohort of postmenopausal Iranian women, hysterectomy was associated with SUI but not with UUI or overall UI. Clinicians should discuss potential long-term pelvic floor consequences when counseling women about hysterectomy and consider strategies to prevent or manage SUI after surgery.

Determinants of sexual self-efficacy among Iranian married women: a path analysis using the WHO framework

A randomized controlled trial comparing mobile-app-based cognitive behavioral therapy with and without therapist support versus face-to-face therapy: study protocol.

Background: Considering the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among Iranian women and the effects of sexual self-concepts on sexual performance, further studies on the effects of sex counseling on the sexual self-concepts of brides-to-be seem necessary. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effects of EX-PLISSIT sex counseling on the sexual self-concepts of brides-to-be. Method: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 64 women visiting the premarital counseling centers of Tabriz, Iran, in 2022. The 15-plus-year-old brides-to-be were selected as participants and were then assigned to intervention and control groups with a randomized block design. Participants in the intervention group attended four 60–90-minute individual counseling sessions with an interval of one week in accordance with the EX-PLISSIT model, whereas those in the control group received routine premarital counseling. The researcher interviewed all participants before and four weeks after the intervention and then completed the Multidimensional Sexual Self- Concept Questionnaire and the Sexual Dysfunctional Belief Questionnaire. Results: Results showed no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of demographics and the baseline scores of sexual self-concept and sexual dysfunction beliefs. The post-intervention mean score of negative sexual self-concept was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference=-5.8, 95% confidence interval: - 3.3 to -8.2, p&lt;0.001), and the post-intervention mean score of situational self-concept was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (mean difference=3.0, 95% confidence interval: 0.9 to 5.1, p=0.004). However, results indicated no significant differences between the two groups in the post-intervention mean score of positive sexual self-concept (mean difference=- 0.5, 95% confidence interval: -5.1 to 4.0, p=0.815). In addition, the post-intervention mean score of sexual dysfunction beliefs was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference=-15.3, 95% confidence interval: -20.1 to -10.5, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicated the positive effects of EX-PLISSIT sex counseling on negative and situational sexual self-concept and sexual dysfunction beliefs in brides-to-be. Hence, this model is recommended to be used in combination with other sex counseling methods in order to improve the sexual health of brides-to-be.

Background:Women who choose natural childbirth feel empowered and in control. Support from midwives can enhance the experience. Women’s childbirth experiences affect their care quality, physical/mental health, and future preferences. A study aimed to comprehend women’s experiences of childbirth violence within the health system.Materials and Methods:The research in Iran focused on creating a questionnaire about childbirth violence by interviewing 26 women who recently gave birth. Participants met specific criteria such as age, delivery experience, and Persian language proficiency. Data from the interviews was analyzed using qualitative content analysis between August and December 2019 in Ilam province, Iran, as part of a broader mixed-method study.Results:Dimensions of childbirth Violence in the health system are classified into two main categories based on the mothers’ narratives: “The superiority approach of the health system towards the mother” and “deprivation of the mother from desirable health system”. These two main categories are described in eight subcategories (physical abuse, psychological abuse, ignoring the human dignity of the mother, refusal of optimal care, poor interaction with mother, lack of resources, lack of skilled care, and weak accountable regulatory policies which included 22 final codes.Conclusion:This study serves as a crucial step in recognizing and addressing the multifaceted issue of childbirth violence in Iran, aiming to enhance the quality of care and protect the rights of mothers during one of the most significant experiences of their lives.

Refugee and migrant women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV), which can adversely affect their health and well-being. This study examined the association between IPV and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Afghan refugee women living in the Torbat Jam camp, Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 226 married Afghan women who had resided in the camp for at least one year and were living with their husbands or partners. Participants were selected via random sampling from electronic health records. Inclusion criteria included willingness to participate and cognitive ability to complete the questionnaire. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire, and IPV was measured using the Haj-Yahia Violence Against Women Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS v26. 65% of women reported experiencing at least one form of IPV in the past two months. Psychological violence was the most common. Women exposed to physical IPV had significantly lower QoL scores (p = 0.012). No significant differences were found in QoL scores for emotional, sexual, or economic IPV. Strong intercorrelations were observed among types of IPV. IPV is highly prevalent and adversely associated with women's quality of life, particularly in its physical dimension. Multisectoral policies and culturally tailored interventions are essential to support refugee women.

Women’s involvement, gender equality, and environmental challenges are critical concepts in tourism development, particularly in patriarchal systems where hierarchical value systems create challenges for both nature and women. However, the theoretical framework addressing these issues remains underexplored. This study examined how women interpret their motivations and challenges in these contexts while contributing to tourism-related environmental conservation and navigating patriarchal gender norms. It investigated the lived experiences of Iranian women actively engaged in tourism-related conservational initiatives. The findings revealed that their commitment to pro-environmental initiatives is driven by an intrinsic connection to nature and a desire to resist gender inequalities and challenge male-dominated structures. Despite facing challenges stemming from patriarchal structures, they demonstrate collective resilience against gender stereotypes. Additionally, their participation in tourism pro-environmental projects fosters trust and social recognition, driving incremental social change. This study makes a strong theoretical contribution by exploring gender issues through the lens of ecofeminism theory.

ABSTRACT Hypnosis has increasingly been used in recent years to relieve labor pain, yet little is known about the emotional and psychological aspects of women’s experiences with hypnosis during childbirth. This qualitative study aimed to explore women’s lived experience of hypnosis in natural childbirth using Van Manen’s phenomenological approach from 2016. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews with women, using open-ended questions about their experiences of hypnosis in natural childbirth. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling, with initial recruits and their hypnotherapists referring other eligible women. Data saturation was reached after seven interviews lasting between 35 and 55 minutes. The data were coded and analyzed using Van Manen’s six-step method. The analysis revealed one core theme: “Eagerness to embrace the turbulence of the childbirth journey,” along with four sub-themes – “success and control,” “optimum readiness,” “receptiveness,” and “enjoyment.” The findings showed that Iranian women who experienced hypnosis during natural childbirth found it a pleasant experience associated with physical, mental, and emotional preparation for challenges associated with the childbirth experience. This reframing of childbirth as part of the natural life process invited less fear and anxiety regarding the physical and emotional challenges encountered during childbirth. They also reported the enthusiasm and passion they experienced in the process of giving birth to a new human being. Thus, hypnosis in natural childbirth for the participants was experienced as a passionate engagement characterized by a sense of success and control, optimum readiness, emotional receptiveness, and enjoyment amidst the turbulence of the childbirth journey.

Breast cancer profoundly impacts physical and psychological well-being, yet the role of self-conscious emotions in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and body image remains underexplored. This study examined the relationships between SCEs (HRQoL) and mediators (self-compassion, body image inflexibility (BII)) among 302 Iranian women with breast cancer (2023-2024). This cross-sectional design employed structural equation modeling with the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale (BASES), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), Body Image Psychological Inflexibility Scale (BIPIS), and Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SC-SF). The data were analyzed via partial least squares with SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4. Self-compassion mediated BASES's effects on BII and HRQoL, but BII did not mediate BASES-HRQoL. Notably, self-compassion showed significant negative mediation effects. The findings highlight self-compassion's complex role, unexpectedly inversely influencing (HRQoL) and BII. The study underscores the need for nuanced psychological interventions addressing self-compassion's dual influence to optimize well-being in breast cancer care.

Diet may play a crucial role in managing endometriosis. Dietary interventions could help women with endometriosis improve their quality of life and reduce pain symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) with the odds of endometriosis among Iranian women. In this hospital-based case–control study conducted in Tehran, Iran, from February to September 2021, women diagnosed with endometriosis and healthy controls were recruited. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of the Mediterranean diet (assessed using the MEDI-Lite score) and HDI with the odds of endometriosis. Logistic regression analysis showed that women with greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDI-Lite score > mean) had 94% lower odds of endometriosis (OR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02–0.17; p < 0.001). Similarly, women with higher HDI scores had 95% lower odds of endometriosis (adjusted OR = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02–0.12; p < 0.001). These findings suggest an inverse association between endometriosis and adherence to both the Mediterranean diet and HDI. Greater adherence to these dietary patterns may be recommended as part of preventive and therapeutic strategies for endometriosis.

BackgroundAlthough natural disasters pose a threat to everyone, they do not affect all members of society equally. It is now recognized that disasters have gendered dimensions, with different effects on men and women. Resilience is a challenging concept that has become a concern for researchers in the field of health during disasters and emergencies. This study was conducted to identify the resilience characteristics of Iranian women in natural disasters.Materials and methodsThis study used a qualitative approach, employing conventional content analysis based on Lindgren’s (2020) method. Purposeful sampling was used to conduct individual interviews with 11 women aged 18 and older who were affected by natural disasters, as well as 10 experts in disaster management and resilience.ResultsThe resilience of Iranian women in natural disasters was categorized into four main categories: individual resilience (demographic factors, personality traits, physical and mental aspects, knowledge, skills, and previous experiences), cultural resilience (gender discrimination, norms, religious beliefs and practices), social resilience (social interactions, social support, and community security), and economic resilience (assets and income).ConclusionTo improve the resilience of women in natural disasters, it is necessary to address gender discrimination in policies and planning, including ensuring women’s equitable access to education, property ownership, employment, and leadership positions. The root causes of discrimination in various cultural, social, political, and economic dimensions must be addressed. We recommend that disaster management policies include specific components to guarantee the protection of women’s legal rights in different communities.

ABSTRACTResearching gender violence and transnational feminist movements fuels commitment to meaningful change. Drawing on Toni Morrison's 1998 call to refuse desensitization to violence, examining how three university students—Niloufar Esmaeili (PhD English), Jessica Corona (MA Spanish), and Jasbeth Medrano (Political Science undergraduate)—engaged with gender violence research through a transborder–transnational feminist digital humanities course titled “Border Women Literature &amp; Feminist Cartographies.” Centered in the El Paso del Norte US–Mexico border region, the course approached gender violence through decolonial and transnational feminist lenses, emphasizing socially responsible data practices. As scholars and women of color, the authors applied these methodologies to their emerging research: Esmaeili's work on Iran's Women Life Freedom movement, Corona's historical documentation of gender violence in Spanish‐language newspapers, and Medrano's policy analysis of migration and gender violence at the US–Mexico border.