Women Questionnaire Research Articles

Prevalence and correlates of common mental health problems and recent suicidal behaviour among female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya: findings from the Maisha Fiti study

AimsAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs), poverty, violence and harmful alcohol/substance are associated with poor mental health outcomes in the general population. These risks are likely to be exacerbated among Female Sex Workers (FSWs), however there are few studies examining risks factors for mental health problems among FSWs. We examine the prevalence and correlates of common mental health problems including suicidal behaviour among FSWs in Kenya.MethodMaisha Fiti is a longitudinal study among FSWs randomly selected from Sex Worker Outreach Programme (SWOP) clinics across Nairobi. Baseline data were collected from June-December 2019. Mental health problems were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder tool (GAD-7) for anxiety, and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ-17) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Recent suicidal behaviour was defined as reported suicide attempt or suicidal ideation in the past 30 days. Other measurement tools included the WHO Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score, WHO Violence Against Women questionnaire, and the WHO ASSIST tool (to measure harmful alcohol/substance use in the past 3 months). Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were conducted in Stata 16.1.ResultOf 1039 eligible FSWs, 1003 FSWs took part in the study (response rate: 96%) with a mean age of 33.7 years. The prevalence of moderate/severe depression was 23.2% (95%CI: 20.7–25.9%), moderate/severe anxiety 11.0% (95%CI: 9.3–13.1%), PTSD 14.0% (95% CI: 12.2–16.5%) and recent suicidal behaviour 10.2% (95%CI: 8.5–12.2%) (2.6% suicide attempt; 10.0% suicidal ideation). Among women with any mental health problem 63.0% also had a harmful alcohol/substance use problem. One in four women (25%; 95%CI: 22.5–27.8%) had depression and/or anxiety and this was independently associated with higher ACE scores, hunger (skipped a meal in last week due to financial difficulties), death of a child, perceived sex work stigma and recent sexual/physical violence. PTSD was associated with higher ACE scores, hunger, increased STI prevalence (chlamydia trachomatis) and recent violence. Recent suicidal behaviour was associated with higher ACE scores, low literacy, hunger, and recent violence. Mental health problems and suicidal behaviour were less prevalent among women reporting social support.ConclusionThe high burden of mental problems among FSWs indicates a need for accessible services tailored for FSWs alongside broader structural interventions addressing poverty, harmful alcohol/substance use and violence. High rates of ACEs among this population indicates the need to consider early childhood and family interventions to prevent poor mental health outcomes.Funding: Medical Research Council and the UK Department of International Development

The relationship between sexual health and personality type in women with epilepsy

BACKGROUND:Sexual health in the development of the human personality, personal, and social health and in achieving to comfort plays an important role. Women with epilepsy are at high risk of sexual dysfunction, which has a multifactorial etiology. This study is aimed to investigate the correlation between the sexual function of women with epilepsy and personality factors.MATERIALS AND METHODS:this cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women with epilepsy referred to selected centers in Tehran university of medical sciences by using continuous and availability sampling method between January and March 2014 (Iran) and evaluated with women's sexual function index questionnaire female sexual function index and NEO-five-factor of personality inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and Pearson correlation test.RESULTS:The mean sexual function overall score in participations was 23.33 ± 2.82 there was a significant negative correlation between neuroticism and sexual function (P = 0.00, r = −0.03) and was significant positive correlation between personality traits as extraversion (P = 0.00, r = 0.63), agreeableness (P = 0.008, r = 0.26) and conscientiousness (P = 0.04, r = 0.20) and openness to new experiences (P = 0.03, r = 0.21) and sexual function in women with epilepsy.CONCLUSIONS:Results indicate that the personality traits can affect on sexual health and sexual function of women with epilepsy. Therefore, it is recommended that health-care providers with assess personality factors in women with epilepsy as a prognostic factor, take steps to prevent sexual dysfunction.

Assessing the Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of the Chronic Pelvic Pain Questionnaire in Women.

There is a need for developing a standard and approved tool to assess chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in Iranian women. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the pelvic pain and urinary/frequency (PUF) questionnaire in Iranian women with CPP. This cross-sectional study was performed on 50 females with CPP referred to the urology clinic of Kerman University of Medical Sciences from 2018 to 2019. Initially, the PUF questionnaire was translated into Persian and then back translated into English. The face validity of the tool was evaluated by being tested on 50 patients who had different literacy levels to ensure its understandability and acceptability by patients. The construct validity was evaluated through both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The internal consistency was also analyzed by determining Cronbach's alpha coefficient and test-retest method. The Persian version of the questionnaire was compatible with the original English version. The Kisser sampling adequacy index was calculated on the data before extracting the factors indicating good factor accessibility of the questionnaire statements. The construct validity of the questionnaire was confirmed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The internal consistency parameters were also acceptable. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the whole questionnaire, as well as the coefficients of the "signs/symptoms" and "unpleasant feelings" domains were 77%, 74%, and 78%, respectively. The developed Persian version of the PUF questionnaire retrieved a good validity and reliability.

Determinant of BCG vaccine coverage among Indonesian children aged 0–2 months

IntroductionThe success of the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is an indicator of the level of children's health in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of the BCG vaccine coverage among Indonesian children aged 0–2 months. MethodsThe cross-sectional design was obtained from the Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) data from 2017. A total of 718 children aged 0–2 months were involved in this study. The instrument used in this study refers to the DHS Survey Questionnaire Phase 7. Child health information about the BCG immunization coverage is available in the Women's Questionnaire Topics. The variables include the mother’s age, the mother’s level of education, wealth, residence, distance, contraceptive use, visiting the health facilities and BCG vaccine coverage. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the determinants of BCG vaccine coverage. ResultsThe prevalence of BCG vaccine coverage among Indonesian children aged 0–2 months was 45.96%. The mothers’ age [AOR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.14–2.73], contraceptive use [AOR = 4.24; 95% CI = 2.93–6.15], and visits to the health facilities in the last 6 months [AOR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.11–2.67] were associated with BCG vaccine coverage among Indonesian children aged 0–2 months. However, education, wealth quintile, residence, and distance were not significantly related to BCG vaccination. DiscussionThis study indicates that mothers of a sufficient maternal age can meet the needs of their children concerning the BCG vaccine. In addition, regular visits for the mother to the health community center can provide the BCG vaccine in a timely manner. Increasing the awareness among the mothers through health promotion and counseling should be promoted.

A Study on the Correlation between the Second Derivative of Photoplethysmogram and Quality of Life using SF-36 Questionnaire in Women

A Study on the Correlation between the Second Derivative of Photoplethysmogram and Quality of Life using SF-36 Questionnaire in Women

Effectiveness of Self-instructional Module on Knowledge and Remedial Practices Regarding Selected Minor Ailments Among Primigravida

Context: Most pregnant women com­plain some degree of minor ailments that are not serious in themselves, but their presence decreases the mother's feeling of comfort and wellbeing, particularly among the primigravida.
 Aim: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of self-instructional module on knowledge and remedial practices regarding selected minor ailments among primigravida.
 Methods: A quasi-experimental design (one group pre-test/post-test) was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. A purposive sample of 120 primigravida women. The study was carried out at the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic in Benha university hospital. Data were collected through four main tools: A self-administered questionnaire to assess women's characteristics and obstetrical history; maternal knowledge assessment questionnaire; maternal health practices assessment questionnaire, and women's satisfaction questionnaire.
 Results: showed that the mean age of studied sample 23.02±7.57years. An improvement with highly statistically significant differences observed in women's knowledge and remedial practices regarding minor ailments at the post-intervention phase compared to the pre-intervention phase at (p<0.001). The majority of pregnant women were satisfied after the implementation of the self-instructional module. There was a non-significant positive correlation between total knowledge and total healthy practices regarding minor ailments at the pre-intervention phase (P>0.05). While there was a highly positive statistical correlation between total knowledge and total healthy practices regarding minor ailments at the post-intervention phase (P≤ 0.001).
 Conclusion: The research hypotheses were supported, and the self-instructional module had a positive effect on the improvement of pregnant women's knowledge and, in turn, remedial practices after its implementation. Also, there was a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of minor ailments at the post-intervention phase compared to the pre-intervention phase in favor of post-intervention. The antenatal self-instructional module regarding minor ailments should be restructured and reviewed to meet up with the health needs of pregnant women particularly primigravida.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy in Eastern Ethiopia.

BackgroundIntimate partner violence is a major public health problem and a gross violation of human rights. The consequences of this violation are severe during pregnancy as the fetus/newborn could also be affected negatively. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPVP) in Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3015 postpartum mothers in Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using the WHO Violence Against Women questionnaire. Factors associated with IPVP were assessed by a log-binomial regression model using Stata version 14.ResultsThe overall prevalence of IPVP was 30.5% (95% CI: 28.8, 32.1); the prevalence for psychological violence was 24.4% (95% CI: 22.9, 26.0), physical violence was 11.9% (95% CI: 10.8, 13.2) and sexual violence was 11.0% (95% CI: 9.9, 12.2). About 95% of acts of sexual violence were in the form of forced sex. In multivariable analysis, women's education was associated with a decreased prevalence of all forms of IPVP. Previous experience of infant loss and not drinking alcohol were associated with lower prevalence of all IPVP types, except for the physical form. Working for cash and having medium household decision-making autonomy increased the prevalence of all forms of IPVP. Being older, living in an extended family, husband’s/partner’s habitual khat chewing and discordant pregnancy intentions increased the prevalence ratio (PR) of all forms of IPVP, except for sexual violence. Compared to being urban, being rural decreased the PR of sexual IPVP by 59% (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR]=0.41; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.60) and psychological IPVP by 32% (APR=0.68; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.87). Husband's/partner's support for antenatal care use decreased the PR of physical IPVP by 56% (APR=0.44; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.78).ConclusionNearly one-third of pregnant women experienced IPVP. The great majority of them were subjected to forced sex by their husband/partner. This calls for urgent attention at all levels of societal organization, requiring stakeholders and policy makers to tackle the situation.

Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of Physical Disability Sexual and Body Esteem Questionnaire in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the physical disability sexual and body esteem questionnaire (PDSBE) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A cross sectional study was conducted with 100 women with PCOS referred to an infertility clinic in Hormozgan province, Iran. After translating the questionnaire, a panel of experts evaluated the linguistic validity, content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was completed to assess the questionnaire structure. Discriminate validity was evaluated using known group comparisons; convergent validity was assessed by correlating PDSBE with body image concern inventory (BICI). CVI and CVR results were 0.9 and 0.95, respectively. The results of EFI showed a two factor structure (sexual esteem and sexual attraction perceived by others) responsible for 61.21 percent of variance. A Cronbach's alpha test of the questionnaire was satisfactory (0.86). The results of known group comparisons showed that PDSBE differentiates well between patients who differ in terms of clinical characteristics. Moreover, the results of convergent validity were indicative of a desirable correlation between the scores of PDDBE and BICI. This paper argues that the Iranian version of PDSBE has been comprehensively evaluated on women with PCOS and is recommended for use as a tool to evaluate sexual and body esteem of women with PCOS in further studies.

Women awareness and satisfaction toward health services provided at family health centers

Family health centers are the first gates to provide women with health services; health care services constitute a wide range of curative and preventive health services of particular importance to women's health. Aim of the study: to assess women's awareness and satisfaction toward health services provided at family health centers. Research design: a descriptive research design was used to conduct the study. Sample: a multistage random sample of 723 women was selected from four family health centers in Assiut city in the following villages (Zawia, Dronka, Menqbad, Bani Hussein villages). Data collection Tool: one tool was used in the study: part one included items related to demographic characteristics and personal history, part two:women's awareness about health services provided by family health centers and part three: women's satisfaction questionnaire about health services provided by family health centers. Results: more than half of the studied women (58.9%) aged ranged between 18- <30 years and aware with health services provided at family health centers. Regarding the studied women satisfaction of availability services provided at the family health centers near to two third of them satisfied with health services and there was no statistically significant relationship between demographic data of the studied women and their awareness with the health services provided at the family health centers except their age and reproduction for married participant with their awarenss.. Conclusion: more than half of studied women aware with health services provided at family health centers and near to third of them satisfied with health services. Recommendations: Primary health care programs related to health services should be developed to improve the awareness and satisfaction of Egyptians specifically for women and increases health education programs on how to improve health promotion and the use of health services.

Impact of parenting resources on breastfeeding, parenting confidence and relationships

ObjectivePregnancy and the postnatal period offers an opportunity to optimise maternal health. A UK-based charity has developed parenting resources – Baby Buddy smartphone app, Baby Express magazine, and ‘From Bump to Breastfeeding’ DVD – designed to complement health service care to promote maternal wellbeing, breastfeeding and positive parenting. We evaluated the embedding of these resources into maternity and early years care pathways at three sites in the north of England. Here we present results relating to the impact of the resources on breastfeeding, women's parenting confidence, and mother–infant bonding. Design and settingWe conducted a mixed-methods study comprising qualitative interviews and women and care provider surveys at three sites. Women's questionnaires were issued to two cohorts of postnatal women pre and post embedding of the resources. This questionnaire included validated scales (Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, Parenting Sense of Competency, Mother to Baby Bonding Scale), and bespoke questions to elicit women's views of the resources and infant feeding data. A survey of professionals in the post-embedding phase explored how the resources were used in practice. Interviews with stakeholders explored views of the resources and embedding process. We conducted descriptive and inferential statistics of quantitative data, and thematic analysis of qualitative data. FindingsThere were 30 stakeholder interviews, 146 professionals completed a survey, and 161 and 192 women completed a survey before and after embedding, respectively. Receipt and use of the resources was relatively low, however, overall views of the resources were positive. There was no significant change in outcomes relating to infant feeding or parenting confidence, before and after embedding. After embedding, scores on the Mother to Baby Bonding Scale were significantly more positive when compared to pre-embedding scores. Key conclusionsWhile there were issues with the receipt and use of the resources, the resources were well received by women and professionals. While the resources did not appear to have influenced parents’ confidence and self-efficacy, there may be a positive impact on mother–infant bonding. Further research is needed to understand whether more focussed integration of the resources into care pathways over a longer term can increase user engagement, and the impact of such on key parenting outcomes.

Rasch Analysis of the 9-Item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire in Women With Breast Cancer.

Shared decision making (SDM) is a best practice to help patients make optimal decisions by a process of healthcare, especially for women diagnosed with breast cancer and having heavy burden in long-term treatments. To promote successful SDM, it is crucial to assess the level of perceived involvement in SDM in women with breast cancer. The aims of this study were to apply Rasch analysis to examine the construct validity and person reliability of the 9-item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) in women with breast cancer. The construct validity of SDM-Q-9 was confirmed when the items fit the Rasch model's assumptions of unidimensionality: (1) infit and outfit mean square ranged from 0.6 to 1.4; (2) the unexplained variance of the first dimension of the principal component analysis was less than 20%. Person reliability was calculated. A total of 212 participants were recruited in this study. Item 1 did not fit the model's assumptions and was deleted. The unidimensionality of the remaining 8 items (SDM-Q-8) was supported with good item fit (infit and outfit mean square ranging from 0.6 to 1.3) and very low unexplained variance of the first dimension (5.3%) of the principal component analysis. The person reliability of the SDM-Q-8 was 0.90. The SDM-Q-8 was unidimensional and had good person reliability in women with breast cancer. The SDM-Q-8 has shown its potential for assessing the level of perceived involvement in SDM in women with breast cancer for both research and clinical purposes.

Measuring the Caesarean Risk Factors in Bangladesh by Using Binary Logistic Regression Model

Caesarean section (CS) has been on the rise worldwide and Bangladesh is no exception. In Bangladesh, the CS rate, which includes both institutional and community-based deliveries, has increased from about 3% in 2000 to about 24% in 2014. Rather than numerous impediments, cesarean conveyances are most basic among woman’s however it is not clinically advocated. For enhancing the maternal wellbeing status, it is basic to decide the risk components of cesarean conveyance. The primary focal point of this examination is to research and recognize the cesarean risk factors in the entire territory of Bangladesh. For this investigation, we have gathered auxiliary information from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2014. This dataset has one record for every eligible woman as defined by the household schedule. It contains 17864 data which is collected in the woman's questionnaire plus some variables from the household. For the examination, a chi-square test was performed to identify the significant association between conveyance type (cesarean/non-cesarean) and socio-demographic and financial factor's individual. A binary logistic regression was completed to recognize the most effective factors on cesarean conveyance. We found that 5 factors (i.e respondent age, respondent highest education level, husband’s occupation, type of place of residence, wealth index) were measurably connected with conveyance type out of 13 chance elements. From this investigation, it is obvious to us that the above powerful factors may influences the mother's wellbeing status in Bangladesh.

Study of Domestic Violence among Currently Married Females of Haryana, India.

Background:No nation is untouched by domestic violence, and it is well-known that domestic violence has serious impact on women's health and well-being. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of domestic violence and injuries owing to domestic violence among currently married women.Materials and Methods:This was a community-based, cross-sectional study conducted in the rural and urban areas of Haryana. In total, 880 currently married females of the reproductive age group were interviewed using the Women's Questionnaire (used in National Family Health Survey-3) which is according to the Modified Conflict Tactics Scale.Results:Totally, 37% of the females had ever experienced domestic violence and 28.9% currently experienced domestic violence. All types of violence (except sexual violence) were significantly more common in the rural area than the urban area. Injuries owing to domestic violence were reported by more than half (55.4%) of the women. Among spousal violence, emotional violence was the most common type of violence followed by physical violence. Only 0.1% and 4.5% of females had ever initiated physical and emotional violence respectively, against their husbands, and in rest of the cases, it was the husband who initiated violence.Conclusion:Awareness regarding domestic violence needs to be made, and law enforcement regarding it needs to be made stringent. Rehabilitation of victims of domestic/spousal violence should also be considered on priority.

Determinants affecting prenatal exposure to mercury in the Republic of Karelia, Russia

Introduction Health is determined by a complex interaction between individual characteristics, lifestyle and the physical, social and economic environment. Determinants affecting prenatal exposure to mercury (Hg) have influence on health of mother during pregnancy, newborns, and population at all. In our biomonitoring study, we tried to detect possible determinants of high Hg level in prenatal period. WHO Registration project 2016/623629-0 “Development of a Plan for Global Monitoring of Human Exposure to and Environmental Concentrations of Mercury”. Executing organizations: United Nations Environment Program, World Health Organization, WHO Regional Office for Europe, CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution. Financing organizations: Global Environment Facility. Methods A human biomonitoring survey of 252 women in birth from five maternity hospitals of Republic of Karelia was carried out in 2016 using the WHO standard methodology (informed consent, woman's questionnaire, mercury (Hg) measurement in maternal hair and umbilical cord blood). All data were analyzed through appropriate descriptive statistics and statistical tests with level of significance: Xi-square, Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis. For detection of determinants affecting prenatal exposure to high Hg level the linear regression analysis was carried out. Results Prenatal exposure to Hg was characterized by high levels: the Geometric Mean (HgHair) was 0.534 μg/g (min 0.033 μg/g–max 8.000 μg/g), Hg concentrations exceeded referral level 1.0 μg/g in 23% of cases (58/252); the Geometric Mean (HgCordBlood) was 2.29 μg/L (min 0.13 μg/L–max 36.23 μg/L), Hg concentrations exceeded referral level 5.0 μg/L in 22.6% cases (57/252). The linear regression analysis defined positive and significant association with prenatal exposure to HgHair with womens’ age > 29.8 and negative and significant association with living in Karelia regions where Median Hg concentration lower than the general Median Hg concentration (B = 1.233, 95% CI: 0.989–1.477, P = 0.000; Y = 1.233 + 0.174X–0.506X; R2 = 0.177, P = 0.000). Also for HgHair level > 0.58 μg/g and HgHair level > 1.0 μg/g was defined one more positive and significant determinant: living in rural area (BHgHair>0.58 μg/g = 0.165, 95% CI: 0.014–0.316, P = 0.032; R2 = 0.136, P = 0.000; BHgHair>1.0 μg/g = 0.132; 95% CI: 0.006–0.258, P = 0.040; R2 = 0.148, P = 0.000). Among negative and significant determinants were find: broken thermometers in the nearest past (BHgHair>0.58 μg/g = −0.176, 95% CI: −0.350 to −0.002, P = 0.047; R2 = 0.136, P = 0.000), and rare consumption of local water fish (BHgHair>0.58 μg/g = −0.148, 95% CI: −0.279 to −0.017; P = 0.027; R2 = 0.136, P = 0.000). The linear regression analysis defined positive and significant associations with prenatal exposure to HgCordBlood with women's age > 29.8 and living in Medvezhyegorsk region where Median Hg concentration higher than the general Median Hg concentration (B = 2.826, 95% CI: 1.916–3.737; P = 0.000; Y = 2.826 + 0.995X + 2.422X; R2 = 0.147, P = 0.000). Also for HgCordBlood>15.0 μg/L high level was defined one more negative and significant determinant: rare consumption of local water fish (BHgCordBlood>15.0 μg/L = −0.045; 95% CI: −0.087 to −0.004, P = 0.032; R2 = 0.076, P = 0.003). Conclusions Detected determinants have significant effect on prenatal exposure to HgHair and HgCordBlood level in women of Republic of Karelia. Some detected negative and significant determinants (broken thermometers in the nearest past; rare consumption of local water fish) have needed to be more explored because of possible confounders. Finally, these findings will help to understand more clearly the situation with Hg exposure and to develop program for declining Hg exposure of population in Republic of Karelia.

Investigate parturient women's self- reported measures compared with nurses compliance with supportive measures during labour

This study aimed to investigate parturient women's self- reported measures compared with nurses compliance with supportive measures during labour. Setting: This study was conducted at labour and delivery units in the Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. Design: A comparative descriptive study. Subjects: Two sampling were used (18 nurses) that had direct worked with parturient women in labor and delivery unit, sample type was convenient sample and a ninety parturient woman who had given birth in Mansoura university hospital, sample type was purposive sample. Tools: For parturient women, an interviewing questionnaire schedule, labor supportive measures questionnaire, and woman's satisfaction questionnaire, for nurses, observational checklist of labor support measures and barriers questionnaire sheet. Results: The study findings showed that based on the parturient women's self report,the most supportive measures received were physical followed by emotional supportive measures during second, third and fourth stage of labour (64.6 ± 25.21, 60.3 ± 25.67, respectively) and received less emotional and physical support during first stage (38.1 ± 27.92, 32.5 ± 14.16, respectively). The overall total score of labor supportive measures were (46.4 ± 11.16) based on a self report by parturient women. Also, the majorty of nurses did not comply with providing labor supportive measures and the overall total score of labor supportive measures were low (31.1 ± 10.30). Else, there was a highly a statistically significant relation between women's self-reported supportive measures and nurses compliance with supportive measures in all domains (P<0.001) except physical supportive measures during first stage of labor (P = 0.247). Too much emergency situation and administrative work were the main barrier that prevents nurses to comply with providing supportive measures. Most of parturient women were unsatisfied with the perceived supportive measures. Conclusion: The results of the study concluded that there was a highly statistically significant relationship between parturient women's self- reported measures and nurses, compliance with supportive measures in all domains except physical supportive measures during first stage of labor. Recommendation: Designed and implemented program for enhancing nurses, compliance with supportive measures during labour by woman health and midwifery nursing department staff.

Premenstrual syndrome and sleep disturbances: Results from the Sao Paulo Epidemiologic Sleep Study

The aim of this study is to compare sleep characteristics between women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and a control group. The data were extracted from an epidemiologic survey conducted in Sao Paulo (EPISONO), Brazil, which used subjective assessments and objective polysomnography records to analyze subjects’ sleep pattern. Subjective questionnaires used in this study were Women's Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth sleepiness scale, Insomnia Severity Index and the general sleep questionnaire. The presence of PMS was obtained by a direct question in the Women's Questionnaire. The survey included 230 women, of whom 72.6% reported PMS. The PMS group had poorer sleep quality, a higher perception of unrefreshing sleep and more subthreshold insomnia. Participants with PMS had an increased total sleep time recorded by polysomnography and a lower saturation of peripheral oxygen. It is still unkown the mechanism behind PMS and the sleep-wake cycle. In the other hand, it is clear that PMS play a role in sleep, since women with this disorder has a poor quality of sleep and it is not refreshing. Better knowledge about this syndrome and its outcomes can help to improve their well-being and develop more precise therapeutic approaches.

Adaptation to maternal role and infant development: a cross sectional study

Objective: To assess the correlation between adaptation to maternal role (AMR) and infant development.Background: Maternal role is an important key in infant’s care and development. Previous findings demonstrated an inconsistency in the effect of the mother’s adaptation on each domain of infant’s development.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 260 healthy mothers and healthy infants attending health centres affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran in 2016. Data were collected using the ‘AMR in Iranian Primiparous Women Questionnaire’ and the ‘Ages and Stages Questionnaire’ (ASQ). The correlation between adaptation to maternal role and infant development was assessed using partial correlation analysis adjusted for age and gender.Results: In all 14 infants had developmental delay giving a prevalence rate of 5.4%. The mean AMR score was 123.9 (SD =13.1) and there was no significant correlation between the AMR total score and infant development (r = 0.06, p = 0.27). However, significant correlation were observed between some aspects of adaptation to maternal role and infant development such as the ‘support and consolidation of the couple’s relationship’ and ‘communication’ (p = 0.04); the ‘concern and anxiety’ subscale and ‘gross motor skills’ (p = 0.03), the ‘attachment to the child’ subscale and ‘personal-social development’ (p = 0.02) and the ‘emotional development’ subscale with ‘personal-social development’ domain (p = 0.004).Conclusion: The findings suggest that correlation exists between some aspects of adaptation to maternal role and infant development.

Validation of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire in Women With Breast Cancer.

Health literacy enables effective communication, participation, and cooperation with clinicians of patients with breast cancer in healthcare processes. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q) comprehensively assesses multiple conceptual domains of health literacy in a diverse range of health contexts. However, the HLS-EU-Q has not been validated in women with breast cancer. We examined the psychometric properties, particularly the factorial validity, of the HLS-EU-Q in women with breast cancer. We performed a first-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify the 12-subdomain model of the 47-item HLS-EU-Q. A second-order CFA was conducted to investigate whether the 12 subdomains reflected the 3 domains of healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion correspondingly. A total of 475 women with breast cancer participated in this study. The first-order CFA fitted with the HLS-EU-Q containing 47 items. However, item 29, with a low factor loading (-0.05), was deleted. The modified first-order CFA adequately fitted the data of the HLS-EU-Q with 46 items. The second-order CFA model acceptably fitted with the data, but the 3 domains with high correlations (0.92-1.00) were merged into a single domain, health literacy. Our results supported the factorial validity of the 12-subdomain HLS-EU-Q with 46 items in women with breast cancer. It is recommended that the 12 subdomain scores be summed up to represent overall health literacy. The HLS-EU-Q with 46 items is recommended for use in capturing the diverse health literacy competencies of women with breast cancer in different health contexts.

Effect of an Educational Intervention on Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Women with Endometriosis

Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of an educational intervention on quality of life and sexual function in women with endometriosis. Design: Quasi experimental time series research design. Setting: obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic affiliated to Benha University Hospital and Benha teaching Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 138 women diagnosed with endometriosis was eligible in the study and assigned equally into study and control groups. Tools for data collection: A structured interviewing questionnaire, Endometriosis Health Profile Questionnaire-30 and Sexual Health Outcomes in Women Questionnaire. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding demographic and obstetrical characteristics (p ˃ 0.05). Before implementation of educational intervention, the mean scores of total EHP-30 and SHOW-Q showed impaired quality of life and sexual function in the both groups (p ˃ 0.05). After one and two months of educational intervention implementation, mean total score of EHP-30 was significantly lowered in the study group compared with the control group. The mean scores of satisfaction, orgasm, and desire subscales were significantly higher in study group compared with control group. Whereas, the mean score of the pelvic problem interference subscale was significantly lower in study group compared with control group (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The educational intervention about endometriosis has significant effect on the improvement of women's quality of life and sexual function. Recommendation: Provide health educational program for women with endometriosis to improve quality of life as well as sexual function.

Color-images of political realities (On the BASIS of Sri Lanka)

The purpose of this article is to identify and describe the meaning of names of colors (coloronyms) associated with politics among Sri Lankans. This article is based on a free associative experiment; it analyzes and interprets the reactions of the respondents.. For the analysis, we selected 500 questionnaires (belonging to 250 men and 250 women). As stimuli, the coloronyms “red”, “black”, “green”, “white” were chosen. When analyzing the obtained associative fields, it turned out that the green and red colors only have a political meaning, and there were no such political meanings for the black and white colors. The percentage of responses to the stimulus green associated with politics is 16% (of which 24.8% in men's questionnaires and 7.2% in women's questionnaires) and the percentage of reaction to the red stimulus associated with politics is 12.8% (of which in men's questionnaires - 24.8% and in women's profiles - 7.2%). In male questionnaires, there are 2-3 times more reactions related to politics than in women's questionnaires. In general, men mentioned politics in their responses 7-8 times more than women. Thus, we see that some colors when used in politics, are necessarily linked to the myths and carry some extra meaning.