Five-factor model personality traits, exclusive breastfeeding, and self-efficacy: a mediational analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding, the documents show a declining trend worldwide. Studies assert that the mother's personality traits appear to have an impact on this issue. This study aimed to investigate the potential influence of personality traits on exclusive breastfeeding, which might be channeled by self-efficacy as a mediator variable. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the cross-sectional study. The exclusive breastfeeding scale, the breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire, and the Five-Factor Model questionnaire (as follows: neuroticism, extraversion, openness experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) were completed by120 Iranian volunteer mothers with an infant aged 6-12 months referred to health centers in Shiraz (a major city in southern Iran) between May to December 2019. The structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to obtain the direct and indirect effects of personality traits and self-efficacy on exclusive breastfeeding. RESULTS: The study showed the significant direct effect of some personality traits (agreeableness, extraversion, and consciousness) and self-efficacy on exclusive breastfeeding. The indirect effect of extraversion on exclusive breastfeeding through self-efficacy was also obtained from the result of SEM analysis. The model fit the data satisfactorily, according to the fit indices criteria extracted from the mediational analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Self-efficacy appears to be a significant predictor of exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, exclusive breastfeeding could be enhanced by safe education in pregnancy, reinforcing the self-efficacy of pregnant women and considering their personality traits.

Effect of vitamin E with and without saffron on the sexual function in women of reproductive age with sexual dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sexual satisfaction is a crucial part of a fulfilled life, and the ability to have satisfying sexual function is crucial to one's sexual health. This study investigated the effect of the combined administration of saffron and vitamin E and vitamin E alone on the sexual function of women in their reproductive years. METHODS: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 participants experiencing sexual dysfunction without comorbid sleep disorders or severe depression. They were allocated into two groups using a block randomization method (stratified based on the severity of moderate or mild/normal depression). During the 8-week intervention period, participants in the experimental group were administered a 15 mg saffron capsule (safrotin) in the morning and a combination capsule containing 15 mg saffron and 50 mg vitamin E (safradide) in the evening. During the same period, the control group consumed one saffron placebo capsule in the morning and one capsule containing 50 mg of vitamin E and saffron placebo in the evening (in identical appearance to safradide). The Female Sexual Function Index was used to assess sexual function, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to measure levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These measures were administered at baseline as well as four and eight weeks post-intervention, with an additional measurement taken four weeks after the intervention ceased. The repeated measures ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: Following the intervention, the experimental group (saffron and vitamin E) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the overall mean score of sexual function compared to the control group (placebo of saffron and vitamin E) (adjusted mean difference (AMD): 4.6; 95%CI: 3.1 to 6.1; p < 0.001). The mean scores for sexual function dimensions, namely libido, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction, except for pain, were consistently higher than those of the control group across all time points (p < 0.001). Additionally, the mean score for lubrication was significantly higher only at the eighth-week measurement (p = 0.004). The mean depression score in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group at all-time points, i.e., four (p = 0.011) and eight weeks after the intervention (p = 0.005), and four weeks after the end of the intervention (p = 0.007). The experimental group exhibited a statistically significant decrease in mean anxiety score compared to the control group at four weeks into the intervention (p = 0.016) and four weeks following the end of the intervention (p = 0.002). At eight weeks post-intervention, however, there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.177). Additionally, the experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in the overall mean stress score compared to the control group after the intervention (AMD: -2.3; 95%CI: -3.1 to -1.5; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Using the combination of saffron and vitamin E is more effective in improving sexual function and its domains compared to vitamin E alone in women of reproductive age with sexual dysfunction without severe depression. Also, it diminishes the degree of depression, anxiety, and stress more compared to vitamin E alone. However, further research is required to arrive at a more definitive conclusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20100414003706N36. Date of registration: 17/05/2020; URL: https://en.irct.ir/trial/45992 ; Date of first registration: 21/05/2020.

The relationship between Iranian women's perception of their birth team's compliance with medical ethics and their perception of labor pain.

BACKGROUND: A safe and satisfactory childbirth experience with the least amount of pain constitutes one of the main domains of reproductive healthcare. The most important aspect of labor pain management is the moral and professional commitment of the health professionals and caregivers involved in creating a pleasant delivery. The present study examines the relationship between Iranian women's perceptions of their birth team's compliance with medical ethics and their perception of labor pain. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 women opting for natural childbirth. The samples were selected by convenience sampling. Three questionnaires, including a demographic information questionnaire, the perception of labor pain questionnaire, and the medical ethics attitude in vaginal delivery questionnaire, were used to collect data. The data were entered into SPSS 22 and analyzed using correlation coefficient and multiple regression tests. The significance level for data analysis was set as less than 0.05. RESULTS: The results of the regression analysis showed that among the four principles of medical ethics, only the second and third principles (beneficence and non-maleficence) predicted the perception of labor pain (B = -0.267, P < 0.037). Among the different domains of these principles, the areas of giving the necessary information to the mother (B = -0.199, P = 0.001), respecting the mother's privacy (B = -0.194, P = 0.001), interaction with the mother (B = -0.287, P = 0.001) and assurance of fetal health (B = -0.492, P = 0.001) were predictors of labor pain perception score. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance of the birth team with respecting the mother's privacy, having friendly interactions with the mother and giving fetal health assurance to the mother can be a predictor of the mother's decreased perception of labor pain.

Is there a relationship between assisted reproductive technology and maternal outcomes? A systematic review of cohort studies.

Background: Pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology (ART) is accompanied by fetal and maternal outcomes. Objective: This systematic review aimed to assess the relationship between ART and maternal outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, the electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Magiran, Irandoc, and Scientific Information Database were searched for maternal outcomes reported from 2010-2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies was used to assess the methodological quality of studies. Results: A total of 3362 studies were identified by searching the databases. After screening abstracts and full-text reviews, 19 studies assessing the singleton pregnancy-related complications of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection were included in the study. The results demonstrated that singleton pregnancies conceived through ART had higher risks of pregnancy-related complications and adverse maternal outcomes, such as vaginal bleeding, cesarean section, hypertension induced by pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, and premature membrane rupture than those conceived naturally. Conclusion: In conclusion, an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes was observed in singleton pregnancies conceived by ART. Therefore, obstetricians should consider these pregnancies as high-risk cases and should pay special attention to their pregnancy process.

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.

Examining exclusive breastfeeding in Iranian mothers using the five-factor model of personality traits.

OBJECTIVES: The initiation of exclusive breastfeeding and its continuation plays a vital role in maternal and child health. This study investigates the prediction of exclusive breastfeeding in Iranian mothers using the five-factor model. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was conducted using cluster random sampling. and 120 mothers with children aged 6 to 12 months, referred to health centres of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Valfagr and Enghelab in Iran, participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants were requested to fill 3 questionnaire containing demographic questionnaire, the exclusive breastfeeding scale, and the Big Five factors (BFF) questionnaire of personality traits. The data were collected between May and December 2019 and analysed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression. RESULTS: The results showed that the agreeableness trait had the highest score (mean score = 16.13, SD = 2.10) and the neuroticism trait had the lowest score (mean score = 12.13, SD = 2.68). The main results indicated a significant relationship between the extraversion trait and exclusive breastfeeding (r = 0.36, p < 0.01). In the regression analysis, the results were indicative of the positive prediction of exclusive breastfeeding for the extraversion (p < 0.01, ß = 0.43) and the conscientiousness traits (p < 0.05, ß = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Personality traits may potentially affect exclusive breastfeeding and could be a useful tool in reducing impediments to exclusive breastfeeding and in identifying mothers who need more mental support.

Development and Validation of the Perception of Labor Pain Questionnaire among Iranian Women.

BACKGROUND: Women's perceptions of childbirth pain have not been measured adequately. The current study aimed to develop and validate the Iranian Women's Perception of the Labor Pain Questionnaire. METHODS: The study included three phases. In the first phase, women's perception of labor pain was explored and analyzed using content analysis. Then, an item pool was generated based on the results of the first phase. Lastly, psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated. The reliability and validity of the scale was determined. RESULTS: Findings of the qualitative phase generated a pool of 63 items. The Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated for each item and they were satisfactory in an acceptable range. After confirming the content and construct validity, 31 items were retained. Finally, the exploratory factor analysis displayed a five-factor structure for this scale. Perception of Labor Pain Questionnaire and subscale scores showed a good test-retest reliability (Interclass Coefficient, 0.96, P<0.001). The Cronbach's alpha for the Perception of Labor Pain Questionnaire scores was 0.80 and for subscales it ranged from 0.68 to 0.83. CONCLUSION: This scale developed a multidimensional, valid, and reliable instrument to evaluate the women's perceptions of labor pain.

The study of predicting role of personality traits in the perception of labor pain.

BACKGROUND: Labor pain is one of the most intense pains experienced by women. Different factors including physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, environmental, and personality-related factors are relevant to perception of childbirth pain. The negative experience of pain causes mental, psychological problems and influences the relationship between the mother and infant. Therefore, considering the importance of women's health, this study was conducted to examine the predicting role of personality traits on perception of labor pain among pregnant women in Kazeroun, Fars Province, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a correlational descriptive-analytical study. The data were collected using big five factors questionnaire about personality traits (neuroticism, openness experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion) and a researcher-made questionnaire on the perception of labor pain (containing items such as reaction to pain, pain intolerance, pain depth, and pain acceptance) from 220 parturient women who referred to Valiasr Hospital in Kazeroun. The data were analyzed using statistical methods including Pearson correlation coefficient, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis. All analyses were carried out with SPSS. RESULTS: The results of the study indicated that among the factors influencing the perception of labor pain, the reaction to pain was meaningfully predicted by the personality dimensions of neuroticism (ß =0.26, P < 0.01) and openness experience (ß =0.20, P < 0.05). Neuroticism (ß =0.20, P < 0.05) and openness experience (ß =0.20, P < 0.05) were the positive predicting factors and conscientiousness (ß = -0.20, P < 0.05) was a negative predicting factor for labor pain intolerance. Agreeableness (ß =0.31, P < 0.01), neuroticism (ß =0.20, P < 0.01), and openness experience (ß =0.18, P < 0.01) were the predictive factors for pain depth. Among all personality traits, neuroticism (ß =0.19, P < 0.05) and openness experience (ß =0.20, P < 0.05) were the positive predictive factors and conscientiousness (ß = -0.24, P < 0.05) was the negative predictive factor for the total score of the perception of labor pain. CONCLUSIONS: It is recognized that personality traits can have predictive roles in the perception of labor pain. As a result, using different methods in managing and reducing childbirth pain, along with good advice and suitable education in pregnancy based on personality traits of women can be helpful for mothers to have more pleasurable experience from childbirth.