Iranian Women Research Articles

TikTok as a site of social protest in Iran’s Gen-Z uprising

This paper argues that understanding the power of TikTok’s visual discourse is a crucial part of conceptualising the character, inspiration, and ambition of Iran’s Gen-Z-led uprising, both at home and across the diaspora. TikTok is a social media platform that depends on visuality. As such, it creates its own specific forms of messaging. This paper seeks to apply an innovative methodology of ‘Visual Discourse Tracing’ to the Iranian protests. It uses this carefully devised, process-driven method, to highlight the core ways in which TikTok has amplified the message of the Iranian protests, connecting to the grassroots movement and to the longer history of Iranian women’s struggle for freedom. Visuality and social media have been crucial in shaping the character of these contemporary protests, necessitating proper theorisation when understanding the wider Iranian protest movement.

Gaze, objectification, and identity formation in life writings of Iranian women in diaspora

Gaze, objectification, and identity formation in life writings of Iranian women in diaspora

Exploring the lived experiences of women with multiple gestations in Iran: a phenomenological study

BackgroundMultiple gestations present numerous physical, psychological, social, and economic challenges for women. Understanding the problem-solving experiences of pregnant women carrying multiple can be invaluable. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian women with multiple gestations.MethodsThis descriptive phenomenological study utilized purposive sampling and continued until data saturation. Data collection involved in-depth semi-structured interviews, with analysis performed using Colaizzi’s 7-step method. MAXQDA software was employed for data management.ResultsThis study involved 12 women with multiple gestations. The average age of the participants was 33.76 ± 6.22 years, and 9 were pregnant with triplets. The data were categorized into four primary themes: the paradox of emotions, the pregnancy prison, immersion in fear, and the crystallization of maternal love, encompassing 17 sub-themes.ConclusionPregnant women with multiple gestations undergo various changes and experience conflicting emotions. Enhancing their ability to adapt to and accept numerous pregnancies can be achieved through supportive, personalized, and family-centered care, along with improvements and revisions in care policies for multiple gestations.

An investigation of the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBreast cancer is an extremely unpleasant and unbearable experience that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Compared to other types of cancer, breast cancer has a more severe psychological impact on women.PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer.MethodA sample of 30 women with breast cancer were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The research was conducted in the oncology division of Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah by the clinical trial method with a two-group pretest–posttest design and a 2 month follow-up. Participants in the intervention group received Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy for eight sessions. The intervention was carried out individually in weekly 60 min sessions. While the control group received self-help treatment (through an educational book). A demographic questionnaire, Demoralization Scale (DS-II), Body Image Scale (BIS), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to collect data. For data analysis, means and standard deviations were calculated and repeated measures and the Bonferroni test was conducted using SPSS 26.ResultsThe results showed the effectiveness of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function (p < 0.05). Concerning demoralization in the intervention group, the pre-test mean was 16.73 ± 3.33, and it reduced to 11.93 ± 1.49 in the post-test. The body image mean score showed a decreasing trend in the intervention group, from 12.47 ± 1.88 in the pre-test to 8.80 ± 3.21 in the post-test. The mean score for sexual function showed an increasing trend, increasing from 18.06 ± 2.29 in the pre-test to 23.07 ± 0.91 in the post-test. There was no significant difference in the mean score of the post-test compared to the pre-test and follow-up in the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionMICBT can be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals and medical treatments to improve the psychological symptoms of women with breast cancer, according to this study’s results.Trial registration (IRCT20160103025817N6). 2022-04-06.

Food insecurity is associated with low diet quality and unhealthy cooking and eating habits in Iranian women

BackgroundFood insecurity affects diet and nutrition intakes. We explored the relationship between food insecurity and dietary intakes in a group of Iranian women.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was performed on 190 healthy females aged 20–55 years attending primary healthcare centers in Shiraz. Food insecurity was evaluated by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, which is a validated tool for assessing food insecurity in developing countries. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The association of dietary patterns and food insecurity was assessed by linear regression.ResultsAssessment of dietary intakes revealed that consumption of red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and nuts decreased whereas that of grains, processed meats, potato, and sugary foods increased with increasing food insecurity. Among nutrients, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, and magnesium decreased while fat and sodium increased as food insecurity increased. Three major dietary patterns were detected. Healthy dietary patterns showed inverse associations with food insecurity in the crude (β = -0.422 and − 0.435, P < 0.001) and adjusted (adjusted for age, marital status, and educational level) (β = -0.475 and − 0.341, P < 0.001) models of regression analysis but unhealthy pattern did not show an association with food insecurity. Compared to food secure participants, a higher percentage of food insecure individuals indicated unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping breakfast, lower snack ingestion, more fast and fried food consumption, and using unhealthy cooking methods.ConclusionOverall, this study showed that food insecurity was associated with less healthy diet and unhealthy cooking and eating habits.

Estimated reductions in type 2 diabetes burden through nutrition policies in AZAR cohort population: A PRIME microsimulation study for primary health care.

Given the impact of high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages on type 2 diabetes, intervention to reduce their consumption can be a top priority for any health system. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to simulate the impact of policy options related to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on the prevalence and mortality of type 2 diabetes in Iranian men and women. A discrete event simulation (DES) model was used to predict the effect of several policy options on the prevalence and death from type 2 diabetes in Azar Cohort Databases. Population age- and sex-specific prevalence and incidence rate of diagnosed diabetes were derived from the national health data. The Preventable Risk Integrated Model (PRIME) model was used for coding the input parameters of simulation using R and Python software. The prevalence and mortality rate of type 2 diabetes under the scenario of reduced consumption of SSBs indicated that the highest and the lowest prevalence and mortality rates of type 2 diabetes for men and women were related to no policy condition and replacing SSBs with healthy drinks, like water, respectively. Also, the maximum "number of deaths postponed/ prevented" from type 2 diabetes was related to replacing SSBs with water (n=2015), and an integration of reformulation and applying 10% tax on SSBs (n=1872), respectively. Simulating the effect of different policy options on reducing the consumption of SSBs showed "replacing of SSBs with water" as the most effective policy option in Iranian setting.

Examining the Morphology of External Genitalia in Iranian Women: A Labiagram-based Study in Iran and its Influence on Patients' Self-Satisfaction.

This study aims to document a woman's external genitalia data in the form of a labiogram and investigate whether variations in the size of specific components of a woman's external genitalia can influence her overall satisfaction with the esthetic appearance of her genitalia. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on a sample of 500 Iranian women. Socio-demographic information was collected for all participants, and they completed the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) questionnaire. Measurements of different external genitalia components were obtained for all participants. The findings revealed that there was no significant association between the measurements of the external genitalia and age or BMI. However, a significant negative correlation was observed between the total score on the FGSIS and specific parameters related to the width of different sections of the labia minora. The correlations were as follows: left lower third (r = -0.305), lower right third (r = -0.302), left middle third (r = -0.365), right middle third (r = -0.435), left upper third (r = -0.397), and right upper third (r = -0.407) (P value< 0.001). Moreover, cutoff points of 1.95cm on the left side and 1.90cm on the right side were identified through analysis as thresholds for predicting dissatisfaction among women. This study suggests that the width of the labia minora might influence certain women's motivation to undergo labiaplasty, a surgical procedure designed to modify the labia minora. To help women make informed decisions, it is crucial for those considering the procedure to have a comprehensive understanding of different labia minora types, potential benefits, and associated risks. By being well-informed, individuals can make choices that align with their personal preferences and priorities. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Association between Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) and some novel anthropometric indices, including Body Roundness Index (BRI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), and Body Adiposity Index (BAI), in Iranian women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnthropometry is a reliable method to assess obesity status, and previous studies have shown the association of several dietary quality scores with obesity using anthropometric indices. This study aimed to evaluate the association between LLDS and anthropometric measurements.MethodsA total of 217 women between the ages of 18 and 48 participated in the study. Anthropometric values, biochemical tests, and body composition were assessed for each participant using standard protocols and methods. The LLDS was determined based on 12 components using a reliable and valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that contained 147 items.ResultsWe detected a marginally significant inverse association between the LLDS and VAI scores in the second tertile. Study participants in the second tertile of LLDS had lower odds of having high VAI than those in the reference tertile after adjusting for age, energy intake, physical activity, education, and economic status (OR: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.8, 0.06; P = 0.06). There was no statistically significant trend for the association between LLDS and all assessed anthropometric indices, including BRI, ABSI, VAI, and BAI, across tertiles of LLDS in the crude and all adjusted models (P-trend > 0.05).ConclusionsThere was no significant association between LLDS and some novel anthropometric indices, including BRI, ABSI, VAI, and BAI. However, after adjusting for probable confounders, a marginally significant inverse association between LLDS and VAI was detected.

Evaluation of human papillomavirus type 16 viral load and genome physical status in Iranian women with cervical disease.

This study examined the viral load and physical status of the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16) genome in non-cancerous, precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to determine HPV-16 E2 and E6 viral load in 132 cervical specimens. E2/E6 viral load ratio was used to determine the physical status of HPV-16 genome. E2 gene viral load was a significant (P < 0.001) predicting biomarker in differentiating non-cancerous from precancerous and cancerous samples. E6 gene viral load was significantly different between the groups (P < 0.001). The specificity and sensitivity of E2 and E6 in distinguishing SCC samples were 100% and 95% respectively. HPV-16 viral load measured through E2 and E6 genes is a reliable indicator of lesion type.

Anthropometric Study Via Digital X-Rays of the Obturator Foramen in Surgical Treatment of Urine Incontinence in the South-Western Adult Female Population of Iran

Background: The trans-obturator tape (TOT) procedure is an efficient treatment option that provides support for the urethra in cases of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Objectives: This research aimed to ascertain the accuracy of anthropometric parameters of the female pubic arch and the obturator foramen (OF) and their application in clinical anatomy. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational research conducted from October 2021 to September 2022, the morphometric characteristics of the pubic arch and the OF were measured on digital pelvic radiographs of 500 adult women from southwestern Iran. They were grouped into three age categories, namely, 18 - 34, 35 - 50, and more than 50 years old, and compared within and between the groups. Results: Significant differences were observed in computed parameter indices of the OF and pubic arch based on age. Parameters such as inter-obturator foramina distance, pubic symphysis length, pubic ramus width, and length increased significantly with age (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, as women's ages increased, their subpubic angle decreased significantly (P = 0.001). However, other parameters, such as the OF area and the anterior urogenital triangle area, did not show a significant increase with age (P ≥ 0.05). These findings indicate that anatomical pelvic measurements change significantly with age in women. Conclusions: The present study revealed a wide range of variant bony pelvic anatomy in southwestern Iranian adult women, distinct from norms in other groups. Our findings could be utilized in surgical approaches and the production of trans-obturator kits by companies.

The sport and exercise experiences of physically disabled women in Iran: shame, stereotyping, and Goffman’s stigma

To date, there is a scarcity of research in Iran exploring disabled women’s sport and exercise experiences. However, it is evident that widespread challenges exist for disabled people to participate in daily life on an equal basis to their non-disabled counterparts. Using 16 interviews, our research aimed to explore the intersecting identities of disability and gender in Iranian women’s sport and exercise participation, using Goffman’s theory of stigma and the social model of disability. Our findings suggest numerous environmental barriers to participation. As traditional gender beliefs still prevail in Iran, this often created a ‘double disadvantage’ for women. Both enacted and affiliate stigma were highlighted by interviewees, with negative perceptions around disability internalised, resulting in self-exclusion from sport and exercise spaces and disempowering elements to their participation. This research adds to the literature on sport/exercise and disability, focusing on Iranian women’s voices which are largely absent from the current literature.

An investigation into the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on Iranian women’s menstrual cycle

An investigation into the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on Iranian women’s menstrual cycle

The Predictive Factors of Postpartum Women's Quality of Life: A Cross- Sectional Study in Shiraz, Iran

Background: The postpartum period is a challenging time for mothers, in which the quality of life (QOL) is an important indicator of health. Assessing the factors related to postpartum QOL (PQOL) can provide a holistic approach to health programs from an individual to a macro level. This study identified predictive factors for PQOL among Iranian postpartum women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using demographic, obstetric, and PQOL questionnaires on 236 postpartum women. The data were subsequently analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The results identified education level, delivery method (p&lt;0.05), planned pregnancy, and sufficient family income (p&lt; 0.001) as the four factors associated with PQOL. In addition, adequate family income was identified as a predictor of PQOL (p&lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Given that mothers' health helps to ensure the health of their families and communities, they should be classified according to PQOL predictors and matched with appropriate health programs to provide a high-quality postpartum period.

The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on the Participation of Women in STEM Fields in Iran

This paper delves into the critical examination of how gender stereotypes impede the participation of women in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields within the socio-cultural context of Iran. Despite significant strides toward achieving gender equality, the remnants of traditional societal and cultural expectations persistently influence the educational pursuits and career choices of Iranian women, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men. This study seeks to uncover the depth and breadth of gender stereotypes’ impact on women’s engagement with STEM disciplines, a crucial step toward formulating strategies for a more inclusive and equitable STEM environment. The research specifically aims to quantify the prevalence of gender stereotypes and to explore their multifaceted effects on women’s decisions to pursue careers in STEM fields. It further investigates how these stereotypes influence women’s perseverance and success within these disciplines once they have chosen to embark on a STEM career path. By mapping the landscape of gender stereotypes and their tangible impacts on women’s participation in STEM in Iran, this study contributes valuable insights into the barriers women face and proposes targeted interventions to dismantle these obstacles. The findings of this research hold significant implications for policymakers, educators, and STEM industry leaders in Iran and potentially in other similar contexts. By addressing the specific challenges related to gender stereotypes in STEM, this paper paves the way for the development of more supportive educational policies, curricula, and workplace cultures that encourage and sustain women’s participation and advancement in STEM fields.

Designing a virtual breast cancer prevention program for Iranian women: A study protocol.

The growing number of breast cancer patients in Iran, following the lower referrals of women to screening centers after the outbreak of the COVID-19, suggests the need for designing virtual educational interventions to teach self-care methods to women. The aim of this study is to design a virtual training program for the prevention of breast cancer in women based on the steps of the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) educational design model. This developmental study will be conducted based on the steps of the ADDIE model. In the first step (analysis), a qualitative study, literature review, and a panel of experts will be conducted to analyze the situation (learners, content, platforms, and media for the electronic presentation of the program). In the design step, the learning objectives, educational strategies, and the way of program's implementation and evaluation will be specified. In the third step, not only are the content, storyboard, and educational program developed, but the pilot study is also conducted and formative assessment is performed. In the fourth step, the program will be provided to the audience and will be implemented as a preliminary program. In the final step, the final virtual education program for the prevention of breast cancer in women will be presented based on the results of the evaluation. Using a comprehensive and systematic educational design model can be a step toward making changes and encouraging innovations in breast cancer prevention education programs in women based on virtual education. Given the existing needs and conditions, this program can promote cancer preventive behaviors as much as possible, reduce the costs imposed on the family and healthcare systems, and lower the complications and mortality rate caused by the delayed diagnosis of the disease.

A cost-benefit analysis of genetic screening test for breast cancer in Iran

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the population- and family history (FH) -based screening for BReast CAncer (BRCA) in Iran, a country where less than 10% of breast cancer cases are attributable to a gene mutation.MethodsThis was an economic evaluation study. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) for genetic screening test strategies in Iranian women older than 30 was calculated. To this end, the monetary value of the test was estimated using the willingness-to-pay (WTP) approach using the contingent valuation method (CVM) by payment card. From a healthcare perspective, direct medical and non-medical costs were considered and a decision model for the strategies was developed to simulate the costs. A one-way sensitivity analysis assessed the robustness of the analysis. The data were analyzed using Excel 2010.Results660 women were included for estimating WTP and 2,176,919 women were considered in the costing model. The cost per genetic screening test for population- and FH-based strategies was $167 and $8, respectively. The monetary value of a genetic screening test was $20 and it was $27 for women with a family history or gene mutation in breast cancer. The BCR for population-based and FH-based screening strategies was 0.12 and 3.37, respectively. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.ConclusionsThis study recommends the implementation of a FH-based strategy instead of a population-based genetic screening strategy in Iran, although a cascade genetic screening test strategy should be evaluated in future studies.

Women’s Social Health and Related Factors in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Women’s health is the foundation of society’s health and it can be achieved only by addressing all aspects of their health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the prevalence of social health of Iranian women and related factors. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used for reporting; the terms “social health,” “women,” “Iran,” and related keywords were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsychoInfo, ProQuest and local databases, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Elmnet, and Noormags up to August 2022. The published English or Persian quantitative primary studies which were conducted in Iran and reported social health or its dimensions among Iranian women were included. The studies were assessed by quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies developed by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. From the 786 studies retrieved, 22 studies were finally included surveying different groups of women. Age, marital status, education, employment, socioeconomic status, social support, social participation, social trust, social security, communication skills, and self-esteem were the factors affecting women’s social health. Five studies entered meta-analysis and mean score of social health was 98.54 (95% CI: 87.56–109.51) and it was the lowest among women who were the head of households. Since women’s social health has been less considered in the society and research studies, further policies, legislations, and capacity building in mentioned fields are necessary. As social health is an important aspect of health, it is necessary for governments to address the known determinants of women’s social health in order to plan and promote the health of women, family, and finally society.

Pro-vegetarian dietary pattern and risk of breast cancer: a case-control study.

There are afew conflicting results from studies assessing the association between plant-based diets, particularly pro-vegetarian dietary pattern (PDP), and breast cancer (BC) incidence. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PDP and BC odds in the Iranian population. This case-control study was conducted on 134 women with BC and 265 without cancer (control). Participants were selected from two referral hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Also, a validated food frequency questionnaire was used to collect food information. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between PDP and BC and the association between PDP and BC by menopausal status. It was observed that in two models of logistic regression, the chance of BC was lower in the second and last tertile (T) than in the first tertile of PDP (model 1-T2: odds ratio (OR) = 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23-0.67; P = 0.001, and T3: OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26-0.73; P = 0.002-model 2: T2: OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.24-0.74; P = 0.003, and T3: OR= 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27-0.88; P = 0.017). Also, according to menopausal status, the odds of developing BC in post-menopausal women in the second and last tertile of PDP was significantly lower than the first tertile in both logistic regression models. The findings revealed that Iranian women who followed PDP had a lower chance of developing BC. Also, we found that a diet high in plant-based foods and low in animal products is beneficial for reducing BC odds, particularly for post-menopausal women.

The Effect of Religious-Spiritual Education and Care on the Quality of Life of Iranian Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

So far, several preliminary studies have been conducted on the effect of religious-spiritual education and care on the quality of life of women in different parts of Iran. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the effect of religious-spiritual education and care on the quality of life of Iranian women through systematic review and meta-analysis. Databases searched for studies related to the research objective include SID, MagIran, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, WoS, and Google Scholar. The search was performed using keywords linked to and validated with MeSH/Emtree with no time limit until April 2022. The I2 index was used to calculate the heterogeneity of the studies and the random effects model was used to combine the data and perform the meta-analysis. Finally, 14 articles with a sample size of 295 intervention group and 288 control group were included in the meta-analysis. The mean score of the quality of life after the intervention showed a significant increase of 1.87 ± 0.29 (95% confidence interval) per unit (P < 0.001). Meta-regression results showed that with the increasing year of study and age, the standardized mean difference decreased and with increasing the number of intervention sessions, this difference increased (P < 0.05). The results of this study show that religious-spiritual education and care significantly increase the quality of life of Iranian women. Therefore, it seems that the use of religious-spiritual education and care can be part of the program to increase the quality of life of women.

Efficacy of mobile-based educational intervention using Instructional Systems Design in promoting preventive behaviors for sexually transmitted infections among Iranian women: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWomen who are sexually active are at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can cause serious difficulties for their reproductive health. However, despite the high global burden of STIs, most infections are preventable with education for behavioral change. The purpose of this study is to investigate the Efficacy of Mobile-Based Educational Intervention Using Instructional Systems Design in Promoting Preventive Behaviors for Sexually Transmitted Infections among Iranian Women.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial aimed at promoting preventive behaviors related to STIs in Iranian women with an educational intervention based on the Instructional Systems Design (ISD) in 2022. The participants in this study were recruited from a single center, specifically the Health House No. 3 located in District 11 of Tehran Municipality. Two instruments were used in the present study: a) a valid scale titled: “Four-Scale of STI Preventive Behaviors”, and b) a researcher-made Questionnaire titled: “Social perception affecting sexually transmitted infections (SOPESTI)”. These tools contain 8 demographic items and specific questions with a total of 68 five-point Likert scales. The intervention comprised three phases: a pre-test (baseline), a training program, and two follow-up assessments (4 and 12 weeks after the start of the training program). The experimental group received education through a mobile app, while the control group received no intervention. SPSS v.26 was used, with a significance level of P < 0.05. The chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data.ResultsA total of 80 women, with a mean age of 36.524 ± 6.91 (experiment group) and 34.78 ± 8.20 (control group), respectively, participated in the trial. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean score for eight domains, including STIs Knowledge, STIs Vulnerability, STIs Preventive Self-efficacy, STIs Prevention intentions, STIs Perceived social exclusion, STIs Perceived cognitive barriers, STIs Perceived social support, and STIs Perceived risks in the experiment group following the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study showed that a mobile-based educational intervention based on the ISD model had a significant effect on the preventive behaviors of STIs in Iranian women. These results highlight the potential benefit of mobile health in enhancing reproductive health.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov IRCT20200602047638N1. Registered on 22 May 2021 with the IRCTID, V1.0. https://www.irct.ir/trial/55632