Women In Ahvaz Research Articles

Effect of emotional freedom technique on the fear of childbirth in Iranian primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial.

Fear of childbirth is one of the main causes of women's emotional difficulty experienced in the perinatal period, especially those having their first child. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of emotional freedom technique (EFT) on the fear of childbirth among primiparous women in Ahvaz, Iran. This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 116 primiparous women. The participants were randomly divided into intervention (n = 58) or control (n = 58) groups. The intervention group received daily stimulation of certain points in their body for 12 weeks using EFT. The fear of childbirth was measured at the beginning of the study and 12 weeks after the intervention using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ-A) and at the first postpartum visit with WDEQ-B. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, paired t-test, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). After intervention, the mean score of fear of childbirth in the intervention group decreased from 49.39 ± 8.21 to 40.42 ± 13.43 (p < 0.0001), while the same rate in the control group increased from 49.47 ± 9.06 to 52.09 ± 7.73 (p = 0.002). The mean score of fear of childbirth after delivery in the control group (45.88 ± 7.10) was higher than that in the intervention group (27.13 ± 5.08) (p < 0.0001). Based on the findings of this study, EFT can be considered as an effective method to reduce the fear of childbirth score in primiparous women.

Comparison of pre- and intra-COVID-19 postpartum depression among reproductive aged women: A comparative cross-sectional study in Ahvaz, Iran.

The association between PPD and COVID-19 pandemic has been studied in some countries. This study aimed to compare postpartum depression before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among reproductive-aged women in Ahvaz, Iran. This comparative cross-sectional study involved 600 women of reproductive age in Ahvaz, Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic who were compared with 504 of their counterparts before the pandemic. Literate women who had given birth 1-6 months prior to the study, were aged 18-35, and were willing to participate in this study were recruited. A demographic questionnaire and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used to collect the data. Independent t-test, Chi-square, and Logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Before the pandemic, only 123 (24.9%) of the women had PPD, while during the pandemic, this number rose to 409 (68.2%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the women were 8.727 times more likely to have PPD (95% CI: 5.919-12.868). During the pandemic, women with high school education and those having a high school diploma were 2.454 and 2.054 times more likely to have PPD compared to women with a university degree (95% CI: 1.508-3.996 and 1.302-3.241, respectively). The prevalence of PPD among Iranian reproductive-aged women increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers should seek some strategies to support women during pregnancy and postpartum in times of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comparing effectiveness of the religion-based forgiveness training and the fairness-based contextual therapy on improvement of self-esteem and empathy of betrayed women in Ahvaz

Comparing effectiveness of the religion-based forgiveness training and the fairness-based contextual therapy on improvement of self-esteem and empathy of betrayed women in Ahvaz

Relationship between Physical Activity and Coping Styles in the Face of Covid-19 Epidemic among Women in Ahvaz

Background &amp; Objective: Decreased levels of physical activity during the COVID-19 epidemic can cause physical and psychological problems for the individual. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and control coping styles in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic in Ahvaz, Iran.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: This study is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study and the research population includes females in Hamidiyeh Ahvaz, Iran, who were studying in 2019-2020. In this regard, 208 females were selected based on Cochran’s formula and random sampling for participation in the study. Beck’s physical activity questionnaires and Coping Styles Questionnaire in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic were used to collect data. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to establish statistical relationships.&#x0D; Results: The results only showed a significant relationship between social support coping style and physical activity (physical activity related to leisure time) (r= 0.142, p= 0.044). There was no significant relationship between physical activity (related to work, sport, leisure time and total) and any of the other coping styles (Confrontation, Avoidance, Self-control, Responsibility, Escape and avoid, Problem solving, Positive estimation) (p≥0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: During the COVID-19 epidemic, physical activity related to leisure time was positively associated with social support coping style but all other cases we did not observe a significant relationship between physical activity and coping styles with Covid-19.

Effects of Aromatherapy With Citrus Aurantium Lavender on Sexual Function of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of aromatherapy with Citrus aurantium Lavender on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. Materials and methods : A randomized controlled trial with single-blind design was conducted on eighty postmenopausal women in Ahvaz, Iran from January to December 2019. The women were randomly assigned to the Citrus aurantium group (n=40) and placebo group (n=40). The intervention group received two drops of Citrus aurantium essential oil twice a day, for four consecutive days a week, for four weeks as inhalation. Similarly, placebo was received by the control group. Results: The results of this study revealed that in the intervention group, the FSFI total score and all of its dimensions were significantly improved compared to the control group. Conclusion: Aromatherapy using Citrus aurantium can be used as an alternative or complementary method for improvement of sexual function in postmenopausal women. It is recommended that the postmenopausal women suffering from sexual dysfunction be informed on the aromatherapy by Citrus aurantium essential oil.

Effectiveness of cognitive hypnotherapy on coping self-efficacy and cognitive emotion regulation components in obese women

Introduction: Obesity has become an epidemic on a global scale in recent decades. The effect of psychological factors on eating behaviors should be considered weight loss interventions. Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cognitive hypnotherapy on coping self-efficacy and adaptive and maladaptive strategies of cognitive emotion regulation in obese women. Method: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design, a control group and follow-up that was conducted on obese women in Ahvaz in 2020. Forty women were selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data collection tools were Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Checklist for Utilizing Life Experience, Interest &amp; Values, Chesney et al.'s (2006), Coping Self-Efficacy Scale and Garnefski et al.'s (2001) Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. MANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA and SPSS-25 were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that cognitive hypnotherapy increased the participants coping self-efficacy (F=29.73, P≥0.001) and this effect continued until the follow-up period (F=6.43, P≥0.03). It did not have a significant effect on adaptive strategies, but it created a significant difference in maladaptive strategies in the follow-up despite its lack of significance in the post-test (F=4.47, P≥0.01). Conclusion: The results revealed that the use of cognitive hypnotherapy is an effective method to increase coping self-efficacy and reduce maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in women with obesity and can be used to improve the psychological problems of these people.

Comparing effectiveness of the religion-based forgiveness training and the fairness-based contextual therapy on improvement of anger and forgiveness of cheated women in Ahvaz

Aim: The current research aimed to compare the effectiveness of the religion-based forgiveness training and the fairness-based contextual therapy on improvement of anger and forgiveness of cheated women in Ahvaz. Method: The research design was experimental with pre- and post-tests and control group. The statistical population of the research included all cheated married women in Ahvaz city among whom 45 were recruited using available sampling method and equally, randomly assigned to either the religion-based forgiveness training (experiment 1), the fairness-based contextual therapy (experiment 2), or control group. The subjects answered the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and the Trait Forgivingness Scale (Berry, et al., 2005). Each experiment group received he related sessions according to their manuals meanwhile the control group received no intervention at all. The data were analyzed using univariate, multivariate analysis of covariance, Bonferroni post-hoc, and SPSS-26. Results: The MANCOVA results showed statistically significant differences between the posttests. The results of Bonferroni test showed that the religion-based forgiveness training AND the fairness-based contextual therapy decreased the betrayed women’s anger (p &lt; .001) and increased their forgiveness (p &lt; .001). However, there were no significant differences between the two methods in terms of anger (p = .417) and forgiveness (p = .405). Conclusion: According to the results, therapists can use either religion-based forgiveness training or fairness-based contextual therapy to help betrayed women’s anger and forgiveness toward their husbands successfully.

Investigating the Barriers to Political Socialization of Cultural Women in Ahvaz

Investigating the Barriers to Political Socialization of Cultural Women in Ahvaz

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and practice of women about foodborne diseases: a cross-sectional study in Khuzestan, Iran

Food-borne diseases are important globally because they cause significant death and treatment costs in the world. In this study, the researchers used a validated and trusted questionnaire to carry out this cross-sectional study of 384 women from Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran, recruited through stratified random selection. The main objective of the study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women (KAP) in Ahvaz, which played the main role in the preparation of food at home. Women exhibited a high level of KAP when it came to the most significant variables linked with food poisoning. The attitudes and practices of women, as well as their knowledge, were linked. Our findings revealed that the women in Ahvaz had a high degree of knowledge about how to protect themselves from food-borne illnesses; Some practices, however, posed a risk to food safety. More knowledge and training about the risks of consuming raw or semi-processed foods are required.

Comparison of fear, anxiety and self-efficacy of childbirth among primiparous and multiparous women

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare fear of childbirth, state and trait anxiety, and childbirth self-efficacy among primiparous and multiparous women in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 pregnant women (100 primiparous and 100 multiparous women) who had been admitted to the maternity ward of hospitals affiliated to Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. The instruments used for data collection in this study included a demographic questionnaire, Delivery Fear Scale (DFS), Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI). The data were analyzed by chi-square test and independent t-test. Also, the univariate general linear model was used by adjusting for the socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics that were considered as possible confounding variables.ResultsThe mean score of DFS in primiparous women was significantly higher than that of multiparous women. The mean of the overall score of childbirth self-efficacy of primiparous women was significantly lower than that of multiparous women. The mean score of the outcome expectancies and self-efficacy expectancies was significantly lower in primiparous women compared with multiparous women. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean score of STAI. After adjusting for possible confounding variables, the differences between the two groups in terms of fear of childbirth scores, overall childbirth self-efficacy score and self-efficacy expectancies remained significant.ConclusionGiven the high fear of childbirth and low childbirth self-efficacy in primiparous women compared to the multiparous women, appropriate interventions should be adopted by health care providers in order to reduce fear and improve childbirth self-efficacy in primiparous women.

پیش بینی کیفیت زندگی بر اساس راهبردهای مقابله ای و سلامت معنوی در زنان باردار مبتلا به چاقی

پیش بینی کیفیت زندگی بر اساس راهبردهای مقابله ای و سلامت معنوی در زنان باردار مبتلا به چاقی

Study of biofilm formation, structure and antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus saprophyticus strains causing urinary tract infection in women in Ahvaz, Iran

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is the second most frequent community-acquired causative agent of acute urinary tract infection (UTI). Some strains of S. saprophyticus can create biofilms, increasing their virulence. Once biofilms have been produced, antibiotic resistance is exacerbated. Hence, the aims of the present study were the study of biofilm formation, structure and antibiotic resistance in S. saprophyticus strains causing UTIs in women in Ahvaz, Iran. Overall, 43 S. saprophyticus isolates were recovered from UTIs. Antibiotic resistance pattern and the biofilm production and structure were determined using phenotypic methods. Most S. saprophyticus isolates were resistant to erythromycin, but all isolates were sensitive to linezolid and vancomycin. Fifty-eight per cent of S. saprophyticus were multidrug resistant. Twenty-one per cent of S. saprophyticus isolates harbored the mecA gene. Biofilm formation was observed in 65% of S. saprophyticus isolates and most had polysaccharide matrix. Our data indicate high rates of antibiotic resistance and the capability of biofilm formation among S. saprophyticus isolates. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in the management of UTIs is a serious public health issue. The findings of this study could be used to improve treatment plans to control UTIs. Consequently, increased awareness of the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation and the development of drug resistance will allow UTIs to be more efficiently controlled and treated.

The occurrence of vulvovaginal Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility pattern in HIV seropositive women in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran

BackgroundVulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent infection among HIV-seropositive women that still needs to be subjected to more researches. This study is aimed at determining the occurrence of vulvovaginal Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility pattern in HIV-seropositive women from the Behavioral Disease Counseling Center in Ahvaz, Iran. MethodIn this analytical cross-sectional study, 85 HIV-seropositive women with the mean age of 26.15 years (SD. 9.60) were evaluated. Vaginal swabs were collected from women to identify various Candida species through conventional methods and API 20 C AUX system. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done on specimens against Amphotericin B and Azole antifungals. Eventually, all data were analyzed by SPSS. ResultsThe occurrence of vulvovaginal Candida species was 34.11% (29) among 85 HIV-seropositive women. Out of 29 Candida spp., 18 (62.06%) C. albicans, 6 (20.68%) C. glabrata, 4 (13.79%) C. dubliniensis, and 1 (3.44%) C. krusei were identified. There was no significant association between VVC and some medical variables such as antiretroviral therapy, birth control methods, underlying diseases, and CD4 count (PV > 0.05). However, there was a significant association between VVC and age and pregnancy (PV < 0.05). The most Candida spp. showed considerably resistant to Amphotericin B and Itraconazole while all species were susceptible to Caspofungin. ConclusionThe high occurrence of Candida spp. (34.11%) among HIV-seropositive women is notable, with the highest frequency of C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. dubliniensis, respectively. Also, their notable resistance to Amphotericin B and Azole antifungals necessitates more effective treatments for VVC, particularly in pregnant women.

Association of serum lipid profile and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs) women in Ahvaz, Iran

Association of serum lipid profile and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs) women in Ahvaz, Iran

Prevalence and related factors of postpartum depression among reproductive aged women in Ahvaz, Iran

In this study authors aimed to identify the prevalence and related factors of postpartum depression in Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 505 women enrolled in this study from six public health centers in Ahvaz city, Republic of Iran. This study started in February and completed in September 2014. Data was gathered using a socio-demographic and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Persian version. Authors screened women from 14 days to 6 months postpartum. Mothers with a score of >12 were classified as a postpartum depression (PPD). Our results revealed that 196 individuals (38.8%) had PPD. Women with PPD had significantly more of the following characteristics: undesired pregnancy, neonatal hospitalization, congenital abnormalities, history of postpartum depression, history of lifetime episode of depression, stressful events during pregnancy and an experience of domestic violence during pregnancy (p < 0.05). Our results showed that congenital abnormalities (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.44-5.90), history of PPD (OR = 2.61, 95% CI:1.53–4.44), a lifetime episode of depression (OR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.63-6.49) and having stressful events in the last year (OR = 4.1, CI: 2.19–7.80) were significantly contributed to the PPD. PPD is a common health problem among mothers and screening should be performed after childbearing to identify mothers at the risk.

An Investigation into the Factors Affecting Violence against Married Women in Ahvaz: A Qualitative Research

An Investigation into the Factors Affecting Violence against Married Women in Ahvaz: A Qualitative Research

The Association Between Menopausal Symptoms and General Health Among Iranian Women With Menopause: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Health promotion leads to a higher quality of life among women. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between menopausal symptoms and general health among women with menopause. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional, 600 postpartum women in Ahvaz, Iran were selected and recruited using the randomized cluster sampling method during 2013-2014. The data were collected by the women’s demographic characteristics instrument, as well as the Goldenberg’s and menopausal symptoms questionnaires. In addition, descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed for data analysis by the SPSS software, version 19. The statistical tests were performed at 95% confidence interval. Results: As regards the menopausal symptoms, sleep disorders (39%), myalgia (42.7%), and hot flashes (32.5%) were reported as moderate, severe, and very severe, respectively. Further, 50.2% of the participants had impaired general health. Finally, job, hot flashes, sleep disorders, myalgia, depression, and aggressiveness were associated with general health (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: In general, there is a need to improve public health and reduce menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women since menopause is changed to a crisis in a woman’s life.

The relationship between function and sexual satisfaction with sexual violence among women in Ahvaz, Iran.

BackgroundOne of the forms of violence that receives less attention due to cultural and social issues is sexual violence against women, which is a hidden and a constant epidemic and impact on their health.AimThis study aimed to determine the relationship between function and sexual satisfaction in women who have experienced sexual violence in Ahvaz-Iran.MethodsThis study was a case-control study which was conducted on 105 women (cases=35 and control=70) referred to one forensic center and seventeen Shahrivar health centers during 2013–2014 in Ahwaz-Iran. The data collection tools included questionnaires for evaluating demographic characteristics and sexual satisfaction, sexual female function index and sexual violence. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and independent-samples t-test) in SPSS, version 19. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsTwo groups of women were matched according to age and education. Mean ± SD sexual satisfaction was (71.4±15.84) in the case group and (99.44±15.68) in the control group (p<0.001). The mean ± SD of sexual function was (17.1±4.94) in the case group and (26.37±5.27) in the control group. The groups had a statistically significant difference in terms of sexual arousal, sexual orgasm, sexual lubrication, pain and sexual satisfaction (p<0.001).ConclusionSexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction have a relation with sexual violence, and a major concern is that the sexual violence in most cases is hidden and can seriously affect the general health condition of women.

Comparison of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among infertile and fertile women in Ahvaz, Iran: A case-control study

Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is the main cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections. In women, this infection can lead to tubal infertility. In this study we investigated C. trachomatis among infertile and fertile women with both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ELISA methods in Ahvaz, Iran. This case-control study was conducted at the Infertility Clinic of University Jahad, Ahvaz, Iran from January to August 2017. A total of 225 vaginal swabs and blood samples (100 infertile and 125 fertile women) were collected. Detection of C. trachomatis DNA was performed from vaginal swabs by amplification of MOMP gene. Also, anti C. trachomatis immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G antibodies in the serum samples were recognized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that, 6 (6%) infertile and 2 (1.6%) fertile women were positive for IgM (p=0.21). Also, PCR was positive for C. trachomatis infection in 5 infertile (5%) and 2 fertile women (1.6%) (p=0.35). We did not find any seropositive immunoglobulin G in both groups. In this study, no significant difference was found between fertile and infertile groups for C. trachomatis infection. Also, the correlation between IgM and PCR results revealed a relatively strong agreement and seems both PCR and IgM assays are appropriate for the accurate diagnosis of C. trachomatis infections.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

Objective: Vaginal atrophy is one of the main concerns of postmenopausal women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fennel vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women in Ahvaz, Iran.