Investigating depression, anxiety, perceived stress and resilience in fathers faced with their spouse's abortion in Iran: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Abortion is a stressful event that can often affect the mental health of both parents. It seems that resilient people can adapt to stressful situations. The mental health of fathers plays an important role in improving the mental health of the family, but few studies have been conducted in this regard. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate depression, anxiety, perceived stress and resilience of fathers faced with their spouse's abortion. METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted on 125 spouses of women hospitalized in the post-partum department of Shiraz hospitals in 2023. Data collection tools included questionnaires of demographic and fertility characteristics, hospital depression and anxiety (HADS), Cohen's perceived stress, and Connor's resilience. The data were analyzed through Spss24 software using Friedman's tests and post hoc tests, Adjusted Bonferroni, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the fathers was 35.02 ± 6.22. The scores of the father's anxiety, depression, and perceived stress from 24 h to 12 weeks after abortion were decreased significantly. However, their resilience score increased significantly. Also, there was a significant relationship between the fathers' age, education, job, duration of marriage, type of abortion, number and history of abortion, unwanted pregnancy, number of children and economic status with the mean score of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and resilience in fathers over time. CONCLUSION: This research pointed out the effect of abortion on depression, anxiety, and perceived stress in fathers; also, resilience as a coping factor could affect these disorders and improve the fathers' mental health. Therefore, screening and managing mental disorders in them are important to improve family health.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal healthcare indices in Southern Iran: an interrupted time series analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Epidemics are anticipated to influence the coverage of health services. We assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal healthcare indices and care providers' performance. SETTING: 1801 maternal healthcare centres under the auspices of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Southern Iran. PARTICIPANTS: Approximately 63 000 pregnant women. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: In this prospective ecological study, interrupted time series analysis was used to model and compare the trend of maternal healthcare indices before and after the COVID-19 pandemic announcement. RESULTS: The results showed a significant drop in count of preconception healthcare visits, first routine laboratory tests, first trimester prenatal care, first trimester sonography, prenatal screening for birth defects at weeks 11-13, prenatal care visits at weeks 16-20, second routine laboratory tests, second trimester sonography, prenatal care visits at weeks 24-30, prenatal care visits at weeks 31-34, postpartum care visits at days 10-15 and postpartum care visits at days 30-42 with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (-50% (95% CI -48.68% to -51.36%), -19.67% (95% CI -22.12% to -17.15%), -25.88% (95% CI -28.46% to -23.21%), -23.84% (95% CI -26.26% to -21.34%), -20.16% (95% CI -23.01% to -17.20%), -18.53% (95% CI -21.25% to -15.71%), -28.63% (95% CI -31.03% to -26.14%), -27.48% (95% CI -30.07% to -24.79%), -31.08% (95% CI -33.43% to -28.61%), -31.84% (95% CI -34.35% to -29.23%), 32.55% (95% CI -35.12% to -29.89%) and -39.28% (95% CI -41.59% to -36.88%), respectively). Nevertheless, the trend in coverage of these services showed recovery in the subsequent months (8.36%, 10.55%, 5.74%, 8.01%, 4.40%, 5.06%, 11.20%, 7.58%, 7.38%, 7.80%, 9.59% and 9.61% per month, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Using ecological data during the COVID-19 pandemic era, we observed a 'level change and slope change' as the major pattern of interruption of maternal healthcare coverage, indicating a possible indirect effect rather than a causative relationship. Such relative predictability might assist with future pandemic planning.

Efficacy of Aromatherapy for Night Crying in Infants with Infantile Colic: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Too much crying is a self-limiting problem and disappears within a few weeks. However, it can lead to maternal depression and parental stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lavender oil inhalation on the duration of night crying within a week of intervention among infants with infantile colic. Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, the inclusion criteria for infants were being healthy, not taking any medications for colic, having an episode of crying two hours a day, and having a healthy mother. The intervention group received lavender oil inhalation and the control group received sweet almond oil inhalation for seven days. The data pertaining to the duration of crying were collected four times a day (morning, afternoon, evening, and night) via telephone contact. Mothers' mood scores were also assessed at the beginning of the study and on the seventh day of the intervention. Results: At first, the two groups were not different in terms of the duration of crying. After the intervention, however, a significant difference was observed in this regard on all seven days of the study (P < 0.001). Based on the results of the repeated measures analysis, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results showed that inhalation of lavender oil at low concentrations could reduce colic symptoms and improve maternal mood.

The Effect of Daily Intake of Selenium, Vitamin E and Folic Acid on Sperm Parameters in Males with Idiopathic Infertility: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Male infertility may originate from a wide spectrum of conditions while in 30-40 percent of cases, no significant reason can be identified. Thereby, it is recognized as male idiopathic infertility. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of daily intake of selenium, vitamin E and folic acid on sperm parameters in males with idiopathic infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy infertile men were selected to participate in this single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial using convenience sampling. They were equally divided into two groups via permuted block randomization method. The intervention group received selenium tablet (200 µg per day, oral), vitamin E capsule (400 IU per day, oral) and folic acid tablet (5 mg per day, oral).The placebo group received matching placebo for three months. Semen volume, total sperm motility, sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, sperm motility index (SMI) and functional sperm concentration (FSC) were assessed by sperm quality analyzer-v (SQAV) before and after the intervention. Paired t test, and independent t test were used to compare the results within and between the groups, respectively. The IBM SPSS V.16.005 was used for data analysis. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After three months, according to within-group analysis, a significant difference was found in mean SMI (P=0.007) and FSC (P=0.001) in the intervention group. According to between-group analysis, no significant difference was found in mean semen volume (P=0.610), sperm concentration (P=0.126), total sperm motility (P=0.765), progressive sperm motility (P=0.767), normal sperm morph (P=0.403), SMI (P=0.556) or FSC (P=0.706) between the groups. CONCLUSION: Consumption of selenium, vitamin E and folic acid in infertile men with asthenozoospermia was not effective (Registration number: IRCT2017012432153N1).

Treatment of women's sexual dysfunction using Apium graveolens L. Fruit (celery seed): A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional manuscripts refer to plants such as Apium graveolens L. Fruit (celery seed), which could be used to improve sexual function among women. Since that time, local herbal shops in Iran continue to provide this herb as a natural aphrodisiac product. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of celery seed for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this parallel, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, 80 women were assigned to receive either 500 mg of celery seed or placebo 3 times a day for a period of 6 weeks (n = 40 per group). The female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to evaluate women's sexual function before and after treatment. RESULTS: At the end of the sixth week, an improvement in the total FSFI score was significantly greater in celery seed-treated women than those receiving the placebo (P < 0.001). Increased total FSFI score is mainly contributed by improvement in the sexual desire (p < 0.001), arousal (p < 0.001), lubrication (p < 0.001), and pain (p = 0.033) domains at the endpoint of study. No serious side effects were noticed in both groups during the study period. CONCLUSION: It seems that celery seed improved sexual function in women and could be used as a safe, well-tolerated, and effective herbal medicine in women with sexual dysfunction.

The Effect of Lactofem Oral Probiotic Capsule on Lactobacilli Colonization and Some Vaginal Health Parameters.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Healthy vaginal ecosystem is conserved with the connection of vaginal epithelium and flora in which lactobacilli play a significant role. The present study aimed to examine the effect of lactofem oral probiotic capsule on Lactobacillus colonization and some other vaginal health indices in women aged 18-55 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This interventional, double-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted on 70 women with Nugent score = 4-6 and vaginal pH >4.5. The participants were divided into an oral probiotic group and a control group. The oral probiotic group was required to take one 500 mg lactofem capsule daily for 2 months, while placebo was prescribed for the control group. Samples from 6 visits were examined during the period of prescription. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software, version 18. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference in the average colonization of vaginal Lactobacillus in the 2 groups before and during the intervention (p = 0.26). Also, no significant difference was observed in the 2 groups' Nugent mean scores before and after the intervention up to the 60th day. However, a statistically significant difference was found in this regard on the 70th day (p = 0.032). Moreover, the results indicated no significant difference in the 2 groups' mean vaginal pH before and after the intervention (p = 0.101). CONCLUSION: Lactofem oral capsule could improve the participants' Nugent scores, but caused no change in Lactobacillus colonization or vaginal pH.

Relationship between General Health Indices and Sexual Dysfunction in Women Experiencing Spousal Abuse.

BACKGROUND: Sexual behavior is among the complex dimensions of humans. Various factors are effective in sexual function. Sexual dysfunction affects people's mental health. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to determine the relationship between general health indices and sexual dysfunction among the women referring to Shiraz Forensic Medicine Center, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 197 women experiencing spousal abuse who had referred to Shiraz Forensic Medicine Center in 2014. The data were collected using demographic information questionnaire, a questionnaire assessing violence against women, general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), and female sexual function index (FSFI). The data were entered into SPSS statistical software and analyzed using t-test, Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. RESULTS: Based on the results, 91.9% of the participants had sexual dysfunction and 85.3% had mental disorders. Besides, a significant relationship was found between sexual dysfunction and somatic symptoms (P=0.027), anxiety and insomnia (P=0.004), as well as overall general health (P=0.041). Also, the results of Pearson's correlation test revealed significant associations between various dimensions of sexual dysfunction and general health. CONCLUSION: According to the results, physical and mental health seems to play a critical role in determining sexual dysfunction. Thus, the identification and treatment of physical and mental disorders are recommended for the patients suffering from sexual dysfunction.

Comparison of the Effect of Massage Therapy and Isometric Exercises on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Dysmenorrhea is the most common cyclic pelvic pain, and it affects the quality of life of many women. We sought to compare the effects of massage and isometric exercises on primary dysmenorrhea. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial at the dormitories of Shiraz University among 102 students with primary dysmenorrheal. INTERVENTIONS: The student groups were randomly divided into massage, isometric exercises, and control groups. The first group received 2 consecutive cycles of effleurage massage with lavender oil. The second group had 8 weeks of isometric exercises. No intervention was performed for the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Pain intensity was measured and recorded by using a visual analog scale. In addition, the duration of pain was measured in hours, and Spielberger's questionnaire was used to measure the anxiety level. RESULTS: Pain intensity had significantly reduced in the massage and exercises groups; the reduction was more significant in the massage group (P < .001). The results revealed a significant difference among the 3 groups in regard to the mean duration of pain after the third cycle (P = .006). However, no significant difference was found among the 3 groups concerning the mean level of anxiety. The results of intragroup comparisons only showed a significant reduction of anxiety level in the massage group after the third cycle (P = .017). CONCLUSION: Based on the present findings, it seems that massage therapy and isometric exercises were effective in reducing some symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

The effect of education on sexual health of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sexuality constitutes an important part of women's life. Healthy and proper sexual functioning is one of the signs of physical and mental health. The present study aimed to identify the effect of education on sexual health of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 80 married women at reproductive age were randomly divided into a control and an education group. These women participated in this study based on self-reporting of having hypoactive sexual desire disorder. After six weekly educational sessions regarding sexual health, percentage of changes in sexual desire was assayed using Hurlbert index of sexual desire. Independent and paired t-test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: After the intervention, a significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the sexual desire score (P<0.001). The results also showed a significant difference within groups in this regard (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it seems that educational intervention regarding sexual health was effective for the women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Thus, establishing sexual health education units in different health centers is highly necessary. These centers can help couples to promote their sexual knowledge and treat their sexual dysfunctions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT2012101911032N2.

The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Maternal Depression during Pregnancy: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most debilitating disorders during pregnancy and its recovery and treatment are among the concerns of obstetrics and gynecology experts. The present study aimed to determine the effect of omega-3 supplement on mild depression during pregnancy among primiparous women. METHOD: In this double-blind clinical trial, 80 primiparous women were randomly divided into 2 groups of omega-3 and placebo. The experimental group received 1 g omega-3 capsules for 6 weeks. The study data were collected by completing Beck Depression Inventory before and 6 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant difference between the two groups regarding the mean score of depression before and after the intervention (P<0.001). Besides, the mean difference of depression score before and after the intervention was significantly higher in the omega-3 group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Considering the study results, using omega-3 supplement is a suitable method for recovery from mild depression during pregnancy with no complications for mothers and infants.  TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT2012121011717.

Comparison of the effect of aromatherapy with Jasminum officinale and Salvia officinale on pain severity and labor outcome in nulliparous women.

BACKGROUND: Using non-pharmacological pain relief methods for reducing labor pain has always been one of the major concerns in obstetrics and gynecology. OBJECTIVE: Comparing the effects of aromatherapy with jasmine and salvia on pain severity and labor outcome in nulliparous women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 156 nulliparous women in labor were randomly selected and divided into salvia, jasmine, and control groups (52 in each group). The study duration was 6 months (from October 2009 to March 2010). Each group underwent aromatherapy using an incense mask for 15 min (distilled water for the control group). Pain severity was measured before and 30 and 60 min after the incense aromatherapy. Also, duration of the first and second stages of labor, first- and fifth-minute APGAR scores of the baby, and the frequency of labor type were measured and recorded in each group. RESULTS: In comparison to the other groups, pain severity and duration of the first and second stages of labor were significantly lower in the aromatherapy group of salvia 30 min after the intervention (P = 0.001). However, no significant difference was found among the three groups regarding pain severity 60 min after the aromatherapy, first- and fifth-minute APGAR scores of the baby, and the frequency of labor type. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicated that aromatherapy with saliva had beneficial effects on pain relief, shortened the labor stages, and had no negative impact on the baby's APGAR score.