Comparison of the Contraceptive Use and Its Related Factors Among Women Seeking Repeat and First-Time Induced Abortions in Iran

Background: Abortion in Iran, like other Islamic countries is severely restricted except in a few exceptions. However, some women who have an unwanted or mistimed pregnancy are seeking abortion. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the contraceptive use and its related factors among repeat and first- time induced abortion seekers in Iran. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 417 married women (age range, 15-49 years) seeking abortion services at either a hospital or private office in Maku City, the northwest of Iran, were selected through convenience sampling between December 2010 and March 2011. All the subjects were asked about the contraceptive methods used during the three months before the current pregnancy and the use of any emergency contraception and forced sex. Women who mentioned reasons except than completing family size for their applying for abortion were excluded from the analysis . Characteristics of women were examined using chi-square and t test. T test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare contraceptive methods and the regularity of contraceptive use between repeat and first-time abortion seekers, respectively. Results: About 33.8% of the repeat abortion-seekers and 76.8% of first-time abortion seekers were using male methods (withdrawal and condom). Utilization of an intrauterine device for birth control was higher among women seeking repeat abortion than in first-time abortion seekers (P = 0.003). All of 31 pill users in the repeat abortion-seeking group missed three or more pills per month for three times during the three months before contraception. The repeat abortion seekers had used condom more regularly than those in the first-time abortion seekers. Forced sex was more prevalent in the abortion seekers who had used male method. Conclusions: Using male methods are prevalent in abortion-seeker women. An increased focus is needed on training the regular use of pills and using the emergency contraception for all of the couples who are first-time abortion-seekers. Moreover, information about the role of forced sex might be efficacious in decreasing illegally induced repeat abortion in couples who use condom or withdrawal methods

The effectiveness of mindfulness-based training on anxiety in pregnant women with gestational diabetes

Background. Anxiety is more common during pregnancy than in any other periods. Thus, medical problems such as diabetes can increase the anxiety of pregnant women. Objectives. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based training on anxiety in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Materials and methods. This study was a randomized controlled trial study with a pre-test, post-test and control group. Among 24�28 week pregnant women with diabetes who referred to health centers in Kerman, 88 women were selected. Participants were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. Mindfulness-based training was used for the intervention group over 8 weeks, and situational and trait anxiety was measured through a Spielberg anxiety questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Results. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of situational and trait anxiety before intervention in both the intervention and control groups (p = 0.159, p = 0.21). However, mean situational and trait anxiety decreased in the intervention group and increased in the control group after intervention/treatment. There was significant increase over time. The difference between the two groups was also significant during the intervention and post-intervention periods (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions. Mindfulness-based counseling conducted by a midwife decreased the anxiety of pregnant women with gestational dia-betes. © by Wydawnictwo Continuo

Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Needs of Iranian Men: A Cross-sectional Study

Background:&nbsp;The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of men have received little attention in Iran's healthcare system. Developing appropriate strategies to meet men's needs requires careful assessment and recognition of their health needs. Objective:&nbsp;The objective of this study is to assess men's SRH needs and satisfaction with received services. Materials and Methods:&nbsp;This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 1068 adult men aged between 20 and 60 years in Ahvaz in 2014. For obtaining the SRH services needs of men, in addition to the self-reported felt needs, expressed needs and unmet needs, a need assessment was also done using a questionnaire that was developed for the research; its validity and reliability were assessed. Results: The men's perceived, expressed and unmet needs for SRH services were, priority-wise, screening and diagnosis of male genital cancers (63.3%), receiving contraceptive methods (36%), diagnosis, and treatment of male sexual dysfunction (86.9%), respectively. Preventing sexually transmitted disease/AIDS (72.1%), using contraceptives correctly (39.5%), and resisting peer pressure (86.6%) were, respectively, the first felt, expressed, and unmet skills men needed. The results of multivariate logistical regression showed that there was a significant statistical correlation between men's SRH needs and their socio-demographic factors (age, marital/educational status, income) (p &lt; 0.05). Key words: Reproductive health, Needs assessment, Men