fatemeh rahimikian

Lack of adequate awareness specially among elderly is considered as one of the major barriers to follow healthy lifestyle. 

This study conducted to investigate the effect of educational intervention on the adherence to treatment among Iranian elderly with hypertension.

In this quasi-experimental study 88 participants allocated in control and intervention group. Using standard questionnaire, participants’ adherence to treatment were evaluated after educational intervention. Data were analyzed via SPSS software, version 16.

Mean±SD of participants’ age was 67.13±7.12 and 67.34±5.41, respectively in control and intervention groups. T-test shows significant differences between control and intervention group in all three dimensions of adherence in one and 3 months after intervention (P≤0.05). 

According to these finding educational intervention could improve patients’ adherence to treatment, so it is recommended to educate elderly people with hypertension in order to increase their adherence to treatment. Further studies are recommended to discover the elderly HTN patients’ needs.

Occupational stress is one of the major problems of health care workers, which greatly affects their professional performance. Having the ability to manage stress in the stressful midwifery profession is one of the basic requirements that can reduce midwifery errors and consequently reduce the mortality of mothers and babies. Although job stress exists in all jobs, midwives face higher levels of job stress in order to meet the needs of pregnant mothers and their families, and in this way, not having the ability to manage stress and tension may reduce the quality of services. The present study was conducted by determining the relationship between stress management and the level of perceived job stress and the quality of services provided by midwives working in the maternity department of hospitals in Hamedan province.

Due to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, especially in lactating women and the importance of self-care of these mothers to ensure adequate concentration of vitamin D, this study was performed with aim to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation with self-care on its serum level in lactating mothers.

This randomized clinical trial study was performed in 2019 on 70 lactating mothers with serum vitamin D deficiency (D3 <30 ng / mL) referred to the health centers in Takab city. Concentration of 25OHvit. D3 Serum of all mothers was measured twice at baseline and 3 months after the end of intervention. By block randomization sampling method, the subjects were divided into two groups of 35 people (experimental and control). Self-care training was conducted for the intervention group in 4 sessions, with 7 days interval, in face to face form and telephone follow-up. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) and independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The two groups were homogeneous in demographic variables before the intervention. There was significant increase in vitamin D3 concentration in the intervention group compared to the control group after self-care training (p <0.001).

In addition to prescribing a vitamin D-rich diet to lactating mothers, sels-care and psychological induction of self-care behaviors are effective in taking vitamin D supplements in breastfeeding mothers.

Domestic violence is the most common form of violence against women with the most social, psychological, and economic consequences. Partner violence threatens the life of the family and society.

The current study aimed to assess domestic violence against pregnant and non-pregnant women in urban and rural populations.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 800 pregnant and non-pregnant women referring to urban and rural health centers in Kerman, Iran, in 2015 - 2016. The data were collected using a standardized violence questionnaire and analyzed using the One-way ANOVA for normal variables and non-parametric test (Kruskal-Wallis) was used for non-normal variables.

There were positive significant correlations between the spouse’s education level and physical violence (P = 0.003), sexual violence (P = 0.005), and injury caused by violence (P = 0.041). The residence place had no significant effect (P = 0.69) on the occurrence of physical violence. Rural women experienced significantly more psychological violence, sexual violence, and violence-induced injury than urban women (P = 0). Generally, the overall violence was significantly higher in rural women than in urban women (P < 0.05). The most physical violence, psychological violence, sexual violence, and injury caused by violence were observed in rural non-pregnant women (P < 0.01).

Rural women, especially non-pregnant ones, experienced greater violence than urban women. It suggests that pregnancy is a protective period that reduces the prevalence of violence. The spouse’ education level was a risk factor for committed violence. Therefore, a comprehensive program for the prevention of violence against women and screening of violence in all health centers in the south of Iran are proposed.

Menopause symptoms can have harmful effects on women's life and affect their quality of life. Most of post-menopausal women have turned to complementary medicine therapies such as herbal therapy and the use of phytoestrogens for compatibility with menopausal symptoms. This study was performed with aim to assess the effect of fennel as a phytoestrogen in treatment of menopausal physical symptoms.
This clinical randomized trial was performed in 2016 on 90 post-menopause women aged 45-60 years in Tehran. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of fennel and placebo. Women in fennel group received 8 weeks of treatment with daily two 100mg fennel soft capsules and in placebo group with two 100 mg sun flower oil capsules. The menopausal physical symptoms were measured by the physical part of Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 14) and Independent t-test and Paired t-test. P The two groups were similar in menopausal physical symptoms before the intervention. But, after 8 weeks of the intervention, Independent t-test showed that menopausal physical symptoms after the intervention were significantly decreased compared to before the intervention (P0.05).
Fennel is effective in reducing menopausal physical symptoms without any serious side effect. More researches are needed to definite the results of this study.

Sexual dysfunction is a common matter among women which has a significant effect on human’s life. Various methods have been evaluated for encountering and treatment of sexual dysfunction. Considering the effects of saffron and shortage of conducted studies in this field, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of saffron on sexual dysfunction in women of reproductive age.
Methods & Materials: The present clinical trial was conducted on 69 women of 18 to 39 years old who referred to the health centers of the Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2013. Participants were selected using continuous sampling method and were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control. The intervention was performed as using saffron extract capsule for 8 weeks and comparing it to consumption of placebo capsules. The status of participants’ sexual performance was evaluated using Female Sexual Function Index before the intervention and four and eight weeks after the start of the intervention. Data were analyzed through SPSS software using chi square test, independent t-test and Cochrane test.
Results showed no significant difference between both groups regarding their sexual dysfunction at the beginning of the study. Comparing the two groups of intervention and control four weeks after the start of the intervention showed a significant difference between their excitement and desire. However, eight weeks after the start of the intervention, the difference between both groups regarding their total sexual dysfunction and all of its aspects except for lubrication and dyspareunia was statistically significant.
Considering the effect of saffron on improvement of women’s sexual performance and also considering the safety of this herbal drug, saffron could be used for improvement of sexual performance in women of reproductive age.

Menopause is one of the natural phases of women’s life. At this phase, due to the large fluctuations in hormones, undesirable physical, mental and sexual symptoms would occur that have negative effects on the quality of life of women. Due to the side effects of hormonal therapy, many women would prefer complementary medicine and especially herbal medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fennel on the quality of life in menopausal women.
Methods & Materials: This randomized triple-blind clinical trial was conducted on 90 menopausal women aged 45-60 years in Tehran. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups of fennel and placebo. The participants in the fennel group received oral soft capsules containing 100mg of fennel twice a day for 8 weeks and women in the placebo group received the same doze of placebo capsules containing 100mg of sunflower oil. The measured outcomes in the present study were the quality of life in menopausal women and its different aspects including vasomotor, socio-psychological, physical and sexual aspects which were measures using Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS14.
After 8 weeks of intervention, covariance analysis showed a significant difference in the score of quality of life and its four measured aspects between the two studied groups (for quality of life, vasomotor aspect, physical aspect and socio-psychological aspect: p The present study showed that the fennel could decrease the symptoms of menopause with no serious side effects and consequently improve menopausal women’s quality of life.

Infertility and its treatment affect as a crisis on various aspect of quality of life in women that is the most important aspects of quality of life of emotional issues and social connection. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of continuous care model on emotional health and social connection in infertile women.
In this semi-experimental study, 80 infertile women referred to infertility centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2015 were entered into study by simple (convenient) sampling method. The data were collected by demographic characteristics questionnaire and fertility quality of life questionnaire (FertiQol). 2-3 training session was held for implementation of continuous care model. Quality of life in infertile women was evaluated during two stages: before intervention and 2 months after intervention in evaluation stage. Data were analyzed using SPSS by the Independent t-test, Paired t-test, Chi-square and Exact fisher test and p in the case and control groups, mean of quality of life in emotional health after the intervention was 16.75±3.572 and 8.85±3.971 and in social connection was 17.98±2.922 and 11.45±3.672, respectively. A significant difference between intervention and control group was observed (P=0.002). In the control group, a significant decrease in scores on emotional and social areas after the end of the intervention was observed (P Implementation of continuous care model improves emotional health and social connection in infertile women. It is recommended that continuous care model to be used as a easy, affordable and available care model.

Gestational diabetes is a medical condition that can lead to adverse outcomes of pregnancy. In this regard, the best way to reduce symptoms can be patient education. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of face-to-face training and booklet-based education on the maternal outcomes of diabetes in pregnancy.
Methods & Materials: A total of 126 patients with gestational diabetes were randomly enrolled in this controlled clinical trial. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups and were followed up to 1 week after birth. The 42 samples in the first intervention group, received face-to-face training by the researcher. The 42 samples. The second intervention group received a researcher made educational booklet and the 42 samples. This group as a control received routine hospital care and education. Then, the participants were contacted by the researcher, and a record sheet was completed by them. In this study, Fisher’s exact test, chi-square, ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis were used to analyze the data.
Among the studied outcomes, the number of maternal readmission, changing of the treatment from diet control to insulin therapy, increasing doses of insulin, showed significant differences in the groups, but among other outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences in the groups.
Training by different methods is effective in patients with gestational diabetes and can increase the health of mothers and children. It also leads to lower costs of hospital stay.

Surrogacy is one of the most challenging infertility treatments engaging ethical, psychological and social issues. Attitudes survey plays an important role to disclosure variant aspects of surrogacy, to help meeting legislative gaps and ambiguities, and to convert controversial dimensions surrounding surrogacy to a normative concept that eliminates stigma. The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive scale for gestational surrogacy attitudes.
Development process of gestational surrogacy attitudes scale (GSAS) performed based on a descriptive cross-sectional study and included a rich data pool gathered from literature reviews, a qualitative pilot study on 15 infertile couples (n=30), use of expert advisory panel (EAP) consisting of 20 members, as well as use of content validity through qualitative and quantitative study by the means of content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). Also internal consistence using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability using intracalss correlation coefficient (ICC) were evaluated. Application of GSAS was tested in a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 200 infertile couples (n=400) at Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran, during 2014
Final version of GSAS had 30 items within five subscales including «acceptance of surrogacy», «Surrogacy and public attitudes», «Child born through surrogacy», «Surrogate mother», and «Intentional attitude and surrogacy future attempt». Content validity was represented with values of CVR=0. 73 and CVI =0. 98. Cronbach’s alpha value was 0. 91 for the overall scale, while ICC value due to test-retest responses was 0. 89.
Acceptable level of competency and capability of GSAS is significantly indicated; therefore, it seems to be an appropriate tool for the evaluation of gestational surrogacy attitudes in Iranian infertile couples.

Objective (s): Physiological edema of pregnancy is a common finding in pregnancy and there are several interventions to control it. As such the feet elevation is one of the most common approaches. However, this approach may cause some limitations. Thus, the use of massage as a new therapy is increasing. The present study was performed to compare the effectiveness of massage and feet elevation on physiological edema of pregnancy. In this study, 180 healthy pregnant women non-randomly assigned to 3 groups: massage group, feet elevation group and control group. Massage group received 20 minutes feet massage and the feet elevation group received feet elevation for 20 minutes. The study was performed during 5 days. Edema was measured before and after interventions and was compared among three groups. There were significant differences among three groups in terms of the mean rate of change of the circumferences. However, this change was greater for the massage group. The results indicated that compared with feet elevation, massage has greater impact on pregnancy edema.

Domestic violence is a public cultural and health-related problem that its prevalence varies among different societies and affects pregnancy outcomes in direct and indirect fashions. The aim of this study was to compare domestic violence and its related factors in rural and urban pregnant women in Zarand. In this cross-sectional study, 400 pregnant women referred to Zarand’s urban and rural healthcare centers during 2014 were included by simple (convenient) sampling method. Demographic and CTS-2 questionnaires were given to the samples. Data was analyzed by means of the independent t-test, Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman’s statistical tests. The study results showed that domestic violence the mean of violence in urban and rural pregnant women was 1.82±2.86 and 1.00±1.60 in physical domain, 2.93±1.61 and 2.04±1.46 in psychological domain, 3.87±2.93 and 1.99±2.89 in sexual domain, and 1.43±1.89 and 2.29±2.36 in injury-resulted violence, respectively. A significant difference between urban and rural groups in physical, psychological and sexual violence was observed (P<0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference in injury-resulted violence between two groups. Woman’s age, spouse’s age and education level, economic (financial) status, number of pregnancies and children, marriage duration and spouse’s addiction (drug/substance abuse) were significantly related to the types of domestic violence (P<0.05). According to project results about high domestic violence, it is recommended screening violence in the all health and therapy centers.

Background and Systematic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder. Ninety percent of the lupus cases are women. Because of the chronic and painful nature of this disease, it can affect patient’s quality of life, sexual function and reproductive health. The aim of this study was to investigate the sexual function of women with SLE who referred to selected rheumatologic clinics in Tehran. This descriptive study was performed in 196 women with SLE attending selected rheumatologic clinics in Tehran, 2013-2014. Two questionnaires were completed including FSFI for sexual function and a demographic questionnaire. The mean scores and SD for different domains of FSFI were as following: sexual desire (4.21±1.49), sexual excitement (3.32±1.57), vaginal lubrication (3.69±1.72), orgasm (3.48± 1.61), sexual satisfaction (2.68±1.00), and dyspareunia (4.77± 2.55). Total mean score was 22.18±5.98. The most prevalent disorder was sexual satisfaction and the least prevalent disorders were vaginal lubrication, orgasm, and dyspareunia. Moderate and mild sexual function disorders were seen in 31.6% and 14.7%, respectively. None of the subjects reported sever sexual function disorder. Women older than 45 years of age were observed with higher sexual function disorders (p<0.001). Participants have been married for over 15 years showed better sexual function in sexual satisfaction, dyspareunia, and sexual desire domains (p<0.001). SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by alternate phases of remission and exacerbation of symptoms that could cause physical and socio-mental disturbances. It also has negative effect on sexual function of affected women. Awareness of health care providers about these problems may help in providing proper management of the disease and consequently improve the involved patients’ quality of life.

Gestational diabetes is a medical condition of carbohydrate intolerance which can adversely affect the fetus and newborn. The best way to reduce the complication of gestational diabetes is education that is applicable to all patients. This study was performed aimed to evaluate the effect of discharge education on neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes. This clinical trial study was performed on 126 Patients at 28-36 weeks of pregnancy with gestational diabetes in 2013. The patients were divided into 2 test groups and 1 control group. The first test group received 2 sessions of 40 minutes of training. The second test group received an instructional booklet. The control group received routine hospital education. Data was analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) and Fisher''s exact، Chi-square، ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. P0= 0. 5 and P1= 0. 1 were considered. Among the studied outcomes، the incidence of jaundice in the first week was statistically significantly different between studied groups (P=0. 027)، So that in both methods، the percentage of infants hospitalized because of jaundice in the first week was lower than the control group. but، there was no statistically significant difference between different studied groups in terms of birth weight (P= 0. 829)، hypoglycemia (P= 0. 294)، hypocalcemia (P= 0. 294). Discharge education to mothers especially in patients with gestational diabetes can affect neonatal outcomes، therefore، it leads to increased health of the neonates of this risky group and reduced hospital costs due to decrease in neonate''s hospitalization.

One of the most common and annoying problems during pregnancy is physiological foot edema that may cause activity restrictions during pregnancy for pregnant women. Present study aimed to determine the effect of foot massage on physiological edema during pregnancy. This study was non-randomized clinical trial and performed in 2012. 120 pregnant women aged 20 to 35 years were non randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Treatment group, received 20 minutes daily foot massage during 5 days. Data were analyzes using SPSS statistical software, independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Foot edema measured by using a measuring non- elastic tape on the leg. The results indicates a statistically significant difference between the average of the feet environments (around the ankle, heel and metatarsal joints between the finger bones) in both treatment and control groups (P<0.001). The results of this study showed that massage therapy is effective in reducing physiological edema during pregnancy. Therefor the lower limb massage can be performed by trained midwives and as a useful, low risk and low cost method in prenatal clinics or pregnant women homes.

Gestational diabetes is carbohydrate intolerance in a medical situation because it can lead to adverse outcomes of pregnancy. The childbirth can be risky, and because of adverse effects on mother and fetus more attention and training should be considered. Since one of the best ways to reduce complications, and to improve the quality of life in people with diabetes is education that does not cost a lot and is applicable to all patients; therefore, the aim of this study was to compare two methods of discharge education on pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes. This study is a clinical trial which includes 126 patients with gestational diabetes with gestational age of 28-36 weeks that were divided into 2 test groups and 1 control group. The first experimental group received 2 sessions of 40 minutes of training. The second experimental group received an instructional booklet, while the comparison group received routine hospital services. The data were collected by means of questionnaires. To complete the questionnaires, a telephone call was done one month after delivery. To analyze the data Fisher's exact test, Chi-square, ANOVA, and Kruskal Wallis tests were used. The groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic, obstetric and laboratory variables. A statistically meaningful difference was observed in the number of maternal readmission (P =0/002) and fifth minute Apgar infants (P=0/049). There was no statistically significant difference on the other variables. Discharge education, especially in patients with gestational diabetes can affect the knowledge of mothers, which it can in turn increase the mother's understanding of disease to control and hence to reduce hospital costs.

Objective (s): Burnout has been described as a syndrome of emotional exhaustion، depersonalization، and decreased personal accomplishment. Measuring burnout among midwives is important because their well-being has implications for stability in the healthcare workforce and for the quality of care provided. This was a cross-sectional study. A sample of 300 midwives who were working in teaching hospitals and health centers took part in the study. The data were collected by a designed questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Moderate and severe job burnout were found in most participants (76. 7%). There were low levels of emotional exhaustion (59. 7%) and depersonalization (75%)، and personal accomplishment (59. 3%). There were a significant inverse association between age and depersonalization (p = 0. 03)، a significant direct association between education and emotional exhaustion (p = 0. 04) and between three dimensions of job burnout and place of work (p = 0. 02). However، no significant relationships were found between job burnout and marital status and employment status. Midwives’ level of burnout was found to be relatively substantial. Interventions at individual and organizational levels are needed to respond to job demands، minimize the level of chronic stress and decrease the prevalence of job burnout.

Hysterectomy is the second most common major surgery among women of reproductive age. Studies have suggested that women do not usually receive adequate information regarding hysterectomy before the surgery. Depression is a common psychiatric condition diagnosed after hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of pre-hysterectomy counseling on depression among women. Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial، 100 women who had undergone hysterectomy for non-malignant conditionswere selected from two hospitals (women’s’ hospital and Imam Khomeini hospital) and completed the informed consent forms. Participants were randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. In the intervention group، we implemented the supportive counseling within two sessions. Depression was assessed 1-2 weeks before the surgery and two monthsafter the surgery. Data were gathered using the 30-item SAMA questionnaire (modified BECK questionnaire in Iran) for depression and a demographic questionnaire. The two groups were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test، Mann Whitney U test and paired-t test. Data were analyzed in the SPSS-14. 0. The p-value less than 0. 05 was considered significant forall tests. Mann Whitney U test showed no significant difference between the control and intervention groups in the mean score of depression (p<0. 001). In the intervention group، the mean score of depression was 44. 46 ± 6. 7 at baseline and 20. 86 ± 5. 9 after the intervention. Pre-hysterectomy counseling should be provided for women in order to reduce negative psychological consequences.

In more than 75% of delivery nursing staff members encourage prolonged Valsalva-type pushing during the second stage of labor. The objective of the present study is to the assessment of effect Spontaneous Pushing in second stage of labor on maternal and fetus outcomes. Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental study was completed on 160 pregnant women in second stage of labor and average 18-35 years old. The participants were allocated in two groups spontaneous pushing (n=80) and Valsalva pushing technique (n=80). In group spontaneous pushing، used the spontaneous pushing method (open glottis pushing while breathing out) and in other group، used the Valsalva pushing technique (closed glottis pushing while holding their breath) during the second stage of labor. Duration stage of delivery، perineal tears، 1- and 5- minute APGAR score were evaluated in both group. Data were analyzed by SPSS. Rate intact perineum in spontaneous pushing group was higher than Valsalva pushing technique group (p<0. 001). Moreover، first-degree and second-degree tears were not significant difference between two group. Rate the need for episiotomy was less in spontaneous pushing group (%33. 8 versus %66. 2) (p<0. 001) that the group were significantly different. The baby fared better with spontaneous pushing، with higher 1 minute APGAR score. It seems that spontaneous pushing method during the second stage of labor is associated with less perineal trauma and improved newborn outcome.

One of the first‑line assessment tools for fetal surveillance is nonstress test (NST), although it is limited by a high rate of false‑nonreactive results. This study was performed to investigate if external stimulation from vibroacoustic and halogen light could help in provoking fetal responsiveness and altering NST results. This is a clinical trial. Sampling was done from April to July 2010. One hundred pregnant women with nonreactive NST for 20 min were allocated in two groups: Vibroacoustic stimulated NST (VNST, n = 50) who received vibration from a standard fetal vibratory stimulator and halogen light stimulated NST (LNST, n = 50) who received a halogen light source for 3 and 10 sec, respectively. Results were compared together and then compared to biophysical profile (BPP) scores as a backup test. We used Mann-Whitney U test, Chi‑square test, and Fisher’s exact test to compare the variables in the two groups through SPSS version 14. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Following stimulations, 68% nonreactive subjects in halogen light stimulation group and 62% in vibroacoustic stimulation group changed to reactive patterns. Time to onset of the first acceleration (VNST: 2.17 min; LNST: 2.27 min) and the test duration (VNST: 4.91 min; LNST: 5.26 min) were the same in the two groups. In VNST 89.5% and in LNST 87.5% of nonreactivity followed by score 8 in BPP. There was no significant relation between stimulus NSTs and BPPs. Vibroacoustic and light stimulation offer benefits by decreasing the incidence of nonreactive results and reducing the test time. Both halogen light stimulation and vibroacoustic stimulation are safe and efficient in fetal well‑being assessment services.

Pregnancy can conflict with sexual function that can be affected by physical and psychological changes during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to compare sexual functions between nulliparous and multiparous pregnant women referred to health centers in Eastern district of Guilan. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Guilan during 2009-2010. We used convenient sampling method to select 554 pregnant women. Data were gathered using a questionnaire including demographic characteristics، sexual function and fear of harm to fetus. The SPSS-16 was used to analyze the data by the Mann-Whitney U and Generalized linear models. The level of significance was set at 5%. There was no significant difference between nulliparous and multiparous pregnant women regarding sexual function in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy (P=0. 353، P=0. 251). There were significant differences between nulliparous and multiparous pregnant women regarding sexual desire (P=0. 002)، arousal (P=0. 01)، orgasm (P=0. 01)، pain (P=0. 02) and sexual function total score (P=0. 016). There was significant difference between nulliparous and multiparous pregnant women regarding sexual function (P=0. 008). Sexual counseling and rehabilitation programs should be compiled as part of the comprehensive care of prenatal care especially for multiparous pregnant women.

Most of the psychological turmoil of marital conflicts is related to sexual dissatisfaction. Sexual satisfaction is influenced by physical and mental illnesses. Pelvic floor muscle relaxation is a major health problem in which prolapsed pelvic floor muscles causes paralysis، pelvic organs'' prolpases، pelvic organs'' dysfunction، dyspareunia، and back pain. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on sexual satisfaction in primiparous women. Methods & Materials: This clinical trial was conducted among 100 primiparous women selected through cluster randomized sampling from five clinics of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Samples were randomly divided into two equal groups. The intervention group received pelvic floor exercises (Kegel) for 16 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using the Linda Berg questionnaire before the intervention and 16 weeks after the intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square، t-test in the SPSS v. 18. After 16 weeks، significant differences were reported in the levels of sexual satisfaction in the intervention and control groups (P<0. 001). The Kegel exercises are easy and non-expensive methods that should be offered by health professionals to increase sexual satisfaction in women after childbirth.

Non-stress test (NST) is one of the most common tools for assessment of fetal wellbeing that has reactive and non-reactive results. Although it is limited by a high rate of false-positive results. This study was aimed to evaluate the accordance of NST results stimulated by vibroacoustic and halogen light and biophysical profile (BPP). This clinical trial was held in 2010 on 100 pregnant women referred to Mirza Koochak Khan Hospital for NST. In the cases of 20-minute non-reactive fetal heart rate pattern، women were allocated in vibroacoustic group (N=50، who received vibration from a standard fetal vibratory stimulator)، and halogen light group (N=50، who received from a halogen light source. (In vibroacoustic group، a vibration stimulator with a frequency of 80 Hz for 3 seconds and in halogen light group، the halogen light source with a million candle power by a flashlight for 10 seconds were applied on the maternal abdomen and above the fetal head. Afterward، fetal heart rate was recorded. Stimulated NST results were compared with BPP results. Gathered data were analyzed by SPSS software version 18. P value less than 0. 05 was considered statistically significant. Two study groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics such as maternal age (p=0. 425)، gestational age (p=0. 271)، body mass index (p=0. 205) educational level (p=0. 736) and the non-stress test (p=0. 053). No statistical significant difference was observed between them. 68 and 62 percent change of a non-reactive to reactive status was occurred in halogen light group and vibroacoustic group، respectively. Both groups had the same diagnostic values such as positive and negative predictive values، specificity، and sensitivity. There was no significant relation between stimulus NSTs and BPPs. To improve the results of non-stress test، vibroacoustic and light stimulations can be used as an assistive method along with common NST. Since in most cases، despite the improved NST، a reliable biophysical profile score is obtained، non-reactive pattern followed by external stimulation indicates no fetal risk.