Improving sexual dysfunction through guided imagery music (GIM): A clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: Women with perfect health are strong foundations of a healthy and prosperous family life and suppressing the natural needs of women will have adverse effects on the intimacy and vitality of family members, especially in the field of sexual function. This study aimed to determine the effect of GIM on the level of sexual function in women with sexual dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cluster randomized trial, which was conducted from 2018 to 2019 in the randomly selected comprehensive health centers of Isfahan, Iran, 72 women of reproductive age (two groups of 36 people) with sexual dysfunction were selected by convenience sampling method, and then, music-guided imagination was performed on the intervention group. No special intervention was performed in the control group. Data collection tools were demographic characteristics questionnaire and a standard questionnaire of the female sexual function index. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in sexual function and demographic characteristics before the intervention between the two groups (P = 0/301). The results demonstrated that the overall score of sexual function in the intervention subjects was better than the control group (P = 0/003). Improvement of sexual function dimensions (desire, arousal, orgasm) was also significant in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: GIM can be effective in improving women's sexual function. Providing this technique as a low-cost and affordable method is recommended to health experts in private and government clinics. This method can improve the mental health of the family and society.

Comparison of the effect of two educational methods based on mindfulness and cognitive emotion strategies on psychological well-being and anxiety of eighth-semester midwifery students before the final clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Midwifery services help maintain and improve the health of the community. However, a comprehensive examination reduces students' psychological well-being by creating anxiety. For this purpose, the present study was conducted to determine and compare the effect of two educational methods based on mindfulness and cognitive emotion strategies on psychological well-being and anxiety of eighth-semester midwifery students before the final clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a quasi-experimental three-group study with available sampling method that was performed on 30 eighth-semester midwifery students of the School of Nursing and Midwifery of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2020-2021. Data collection tools were psychological well-being and Test Anxiety Questionnaire. Two intervention groups were trained for eight sessions. The control group did not receive any training program. The data collected by SPSS version 22 software were analyzed by analytical statistical tests of ANOVA and least significant difference post hoc test. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of components of test anxiety and psychological well-being. Furthermore, emotion regulation training and mindfulness-based training reduced test anxiety and increased students' psychological well-being before the comprehensive test (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is recommended that educational programs be considered before the comprehensive examination to promote the mental health and success of these students.

Exploring the experiences related to postpartum changes: perspectives of mothers and healthcare providers in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Numerous changes occur in different aspects of women's lives in the postpartum period. Women's adjusting with problems and taking advantage of this opportunity can develop their personality. In this regard, accurate knowledge of their experiences and feelings is necessary to help them to benefit from this period. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the experiences related to postpartum changes in women. METHODS: In the present qualitative study, 23 participants, including women of childbearing age who gave birth and healthcare providers (midwives and obstetricians) in Isfahan, Iran were selected using purposive sampling with a maximum variation strategy. Data were collected through in-depth semi structured interviews, field notes, and daily notes, and simultaneously analyzed using the conventional qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The data analysis results led to the extraction of three main categories including "feeling of decreased female attractiveness" (with two sub-categories of " feeling of decreased beauty" and "feeling of decreased sexual function"), "feeling of insolvency and helplessness" (with two sub-categories of "physical burnout", and "mental preoccupations") and "beginning a new period in life" (with three sub-categories of "changing the meaning of life", "feeling of maturity" and "deepening the communication"). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study can provide a good context for designing interventions to improve the women's quality of life by explaining and highlighting their experiences in the postpartum period. In this regard, providing sufficient empathy, social and psychological support from family members (especially husband), performing appropriate educational interventions and also regular assessment of women's psychological state by healthcare providers in postpartum period can reduce their concerns and help to improve their health.

Challenges to access health information during pregnancy in Iran: a qualitative study from the perspective of pregnant women, midwives and obstetricians.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate health information seeking behavior can play an effective role in self-care and promotion of women's quality of life during pregnancy. However, different barriers can impede pregnant women while accessing health information. The aim of this research was to explain challenges to access health information during pregnancy. METHODS: The present qualitative study was carried out on 28 participants who were selected using the purposeful sampling technique. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field notes, and daily notes; data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: The main barriers to access health information during pregnancy were as follows: many duties of women at home as well as out-of-home education and employment, inability to make distinction between correct and incorrect information, insufficient interactions between women and healthcare providers, failure to access to various information resources, common complaints of pregnancy, and stress and anxiety of confronting the problems during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, pregnant women experienced personal, social, and structural barriers when accessing health information. Therefore, policymakers and health planners should remove the barriers, encourage self-care, and enhance the quality of life for pregnant women, thus, promoting their health status in the end.