RESUMEN
Background: Estimating the prevalence of food insecurity among vulnerable sub-groups, especially pregnant women, is significant. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of food insecurity among Iranian pregnant women and to determine its related factors. Materials and Methods: This study constitutes a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies involving pregnant women, published between January 2000 and September 2022, in English and Persian on seven databases. Finally, 14 studies were analyzed and synthesized, with the results presented in the form of forest plots. Heterogeneity was investigated using the I2 index and the meta-regression to evaluate variables suspected of causing heterogeneity. Statistical analysis and synthesis were performed using Stata-16. Results: The pooled prevalence of food insecurity among Iranian pregnant women was 45% (95% confidence interval: 37-54%). In a multi-variable meta-regression model, p values were significant for the year of data collection and the type of the questionnaire. The adjusted I2 and R2 indices were estimated at 84.47 and 51.46%, respectively. The prevalence of food insecurity among Iranian pregnant women has been estimated at half a million. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of food insecurity among pregnant women in Iran, we propose the inclusion of food insecurity screening for this vulnerable demographic within the primary healthcare package. Additionally, we advocate for the allocation of food subsidies to pregnant women confronting food insecurity.
RESUMEN
Background: People with waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) seem to be more at risk for the serious complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed at assessing the behavioral intention (BI) of WTS by women in the COVID-19 pandemic and its contributing factors. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2020 (ie, during the COVID-19 pandemic). Participants were 300 women randomly selected through multistage sampling from comprehensive healthcare centers in Khorramabad, Iran. Data collection instrument was a 42-item questionnaire with 4 main subscales, namely knowledge, attitude, differential association, and BI. Data were collected through both online and phone-based methods and were analyzed using non-parametirc path analysis. Results: The prevalence of WTS among women was 13% (95% CI, 11.06-14.94) and the mean scores of attitude, differential association, and behavioral intention among participants with WTS were significantly higher than participants without WTS (P < 0.001). Moreover, 46.12% (95% CI, 38.12-54.08) of participants with WTS reported intention to quit WTS due to the COVID-19 pandemic and 43.6% (95% CI, 35.66-51.54) of women with WTS and 16.5% (95% CI, 14.20-18.80) of women without WTS believed in the protective effects of WTS against COVID-19. The path analysis model showed that the BI of WTS had a significant inverse relationship with knowledge and a significant direct relationship with attitude and differential association. Conclusion: This study suggests the need for quality educational and counseling interventions for the general public to correct popular misconceptions about the protective effects of WTS against COVID-19.
