women

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health concern in the world, especially in the developing world. Bangladesh, a developing country, has the highest rate of IPV among the South Asian countries. We designed this study to examine survey data from a fishing community in Cox’s Bazar district in Bangladesh, aiming to investigate the factors associated with the poor mental health conditions of women who experienced IPV. This study used a cross-sectional design. The target population included fishermen’s wives within the reproductive age group (15-49 years) who experienced IPV. A convenient sampling procedure selected 120 fishermen’s wives from three fishers’ villages of Cox’s Bazar district in 2022. We assessed the respondents’ mental health conditions using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). We analyzed the data using Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test, and binary logistic regression in SPSS version 26. The respondents reported the prevalence of physical and psychological abuse by their current intimate partners in the last year. The findings indicated that their intimate partners physically abused 69.2% of respondents and psychologically abused 86.7% of them in the past year. The majority of the respondents (80%, n=96) had poor mental health (SRQ≥7). The results from binary logistic regression models demonstrated that the poor mental health of respondents was associated with several factors, including respondents’ age (P=0.045), education (P=0.001), personal income (P=0.002), consumption of betel leaf/smokeless tobacco (P=0.032), not being a member of a non-governmental organization (NGO) (P=0.023), a husband’s gambling habit (P=0.05), a history of psychological abuse (P=0.001), and those who seek assistance during crisis times (P=0.027). The study findings can assist policymakers and fisheries practitioners in formulating policies and programs to reduce IPV in fisheries communities, thereby ensuring that no one is left behind.

Adolescent girls often struggle with negative body image, leading to rumination and distress. The objective of this investigation was to examine the potential of self-compassion therapy (SCT) to mitigate rumination and bolster distress tolerance in adolescent girls experiencing body image concerns. This experimental study comprised all adolescent girls in Ahvaz, Iran, who reported body image concerns in 2023. A sample of 30 adolescent girls was drawn using multi-stage cluster sampling and then randomly allocated to either an experimental (n=15) or a control (n=15) group. Data collection was facilitated using the Ruminative Response Scale and Distress Tolerance Scale. The experimental group participated in a ten-week structured self-compassion training (SCT) program, with one 60-minute session per week. The control group received no intervention. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to assess the impact of SCT on the dependent variables, using SPSS version 25. At pre-test, both groups reported similar levels of rumination (SCT group: M=64.53, SD=7.59; control group: M=68.26, SD=9.46) and distress tolerance (SCT group: M=31.06, SD=6.86; control group: M=32.06, SD=5.23). After the 10-week SCT intervention, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in rumination (M=36.26, SD=5.57) and a significant increase in distress tolerance (M=66.60, SD=5.02) compared with the control group (P<0.001). SCT was found to be effective in significantly reducing rumination and increasing distress tolerance in adolescent girls with body image concerns (P<0.001). SCT has demonstrated its efficacy in mitigating rumination and enhancing distress tolerance among adolescent girls confronting body image challenges. The study findings underscored the potential of SCT as a promising intervention for this vulnerable population.

Understanding the factors that influence divorce can help individuals and couples make informed decisions about their relationships and seek appropriate support. The study aimed to investigate the correlation between self-differentiation and emotional experiences towards the spouse and the probability of divorce among married female students. This study used a descriptive-correlational design to examine the relationship between divorce probability, selfdifferentiation, and emotional experiences in married female students at Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz, Iran in 2023. A convenience sample of 304 participants was selected. Data were collected using the Divorce Probability Questionnaire (DPQ), Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI), and Experiences of Emotions Towards Spouse Questionnaire (EETSQ). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27. Correlation coefficients and regression were employed to examine the correlations between the variables. The results revealed a significant negative correlation between self-differentiation and the probability of divorce (r=- 35, P=0.001). Additionally, emotional experiences towards the spouse were negatively and significantly correlated with the probability of divorce (r=-33, P=0.001). The findings suggested that self-differentiation and emotional experiences towards the spouse are significantly correlated with the probability of divorce among married female students. By understanding the importance of self-differentiation and positive emotional experiences, interventions can be developed to help couples strengthen their relationships and reduce the risk of divorce.

Divorce is recognized as the main factor contributing to the deterioration and collapse of the basic societal institution, the family, resulting in numerous negative social consequences. The study aimed to examine the correlation between spiritual intelligence and self-compassion with the influence of social adjustment in women who have experienced divorce. This descriptive-correlational study focused on all divorced women under the care of the Welfare Organization of Alborz Province, Iran who have been divorced for at least one year in 2023-2024. A total number of 361 participants were selected using convenience sampling method. The Integrated Spiritual Intelligence Scale (ISIS), Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS), Post-Divorce Adjustment Inventory (PDAI), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) were given to the participants. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4.1.0.9 software. Based on the findings of the study, Social Adaptation was positively and significantly correlated with Adjustment following divorce (β=0.035, P=0.006). Similarly, Mindfulness achieved through Social Adaptation showed a positive and significant association with adjustment after divorce (β=0.042, P=0.002). In addition, spiritual intelligence attained through social adaptation was found to have a positive and significant correlation with adjustment after divorce (β=0.064, P<0.001). Furthermore, self-judgment as a component of social adaptation exhibited a negative and significant correlation with adjustment after divorce (β=-0.049, P=0.002). According to the results of the model fitting, all variables in various areas showed adequate levels of validity and reliability within the model. Additionally, the total impact of the model indicated significant correlations between spiritual intelligence, self-compassion, and social adjustment variables on post-divorce adjustment. The mediating impact of the social adjustment variable was also verified in this situation.

Body dysmorphic disorder is a psychological condition in which an individual is convinced that there is an imperfection in their physical appearance, causing them significant distress and prompting repetitive actions.  The current study aimed to predict body deformity symptoms in women visiting beauty clinics by analyzing cognitive avoidance and self-differentiation.   The study was conducted based on a correlational descriptive approach. The statistical population included females who attended beauty clinics in District 3 of Tehran in 2023. Convenient sampling was utilized as the sampling method. The required data were gathered using the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Short Form and Revised Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. The data analysis technique involved Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression. The collected data were analyzed in IBM SPSS version 26.   The findings showed a clear negative relationship between the total self-differentiation score (r=-0.47) and its elements, such as personal identity (r=-0.19), relationships with others (r=-0.39), and emotional reactivity (r=-0.37), and symptoms of body deformity in women seeking beauty treatments.  According to the research results, it can be inferred that cognitive avoidance and self-differentiation play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms of body deformity among women undergoing beauty treatments. Therefore, this information can be used as a basis for developing therapeutic and educational initiatives aimed at addressing these concerns.

The modern world and the world of technology claim order and regularity in several aspects of life. However, the disruption of the balance in the global power structure, the existing disorder, and the ringing of the bell of war by the violent people make the daily life of human societies a system of disorder and chaos. The media plays an effective and significant role both in formulating and developing women's legal literature in international relations and global communications and the development of the women’s health system. This study has criticized the performance of the media from the viewpoint of providing the right to women's health by analyzing and describing the news published about women in the recent wars. The evidence suggests that female combatants experience war in the same way as male ones, but the experience after the war has not been pleasant for them and has brought many psychological consequences for them, and their emotional health has been affected. The media's approach to the role, position, and contribution of women during the recent war indicates the impact of the power institution and authoritarian structures, which is necessary for the media, health, and legal system of the country, to develop a legal-media system for empowering female combatants and not limiting their right to health in times of war and peace considering the ethnic, cultural, religious commonalities.

The study's goal was to find out how well acceptance and commitment-based treatment worked for women going through divorce who were afraid of being negatively evaluated and experiencing anxiety.

Women considering divorce who sought help from family counseling facilities in Kerman City during the first three months of 2013 were the subjects of this semi-experimental pre-test-post-test study, which included a control group. The samples were split into two groups of 15 individuals at random. In an experiment, eight 60-minute mindfulness training sessions were given to one group. For the control group, no particular treatment approach was offered. A post-test was administered to both groups following the conclusion of the treatment period. The Fear of Negative Evaluation Questionnaire (BFNES) and Wells Anxiety were among the instruments utilized. For analysis, multivariate analysis of variance and covariance were employed.

According to the findings, women going through a divorce who received treatment based on acceptance and commitment experienced less anxiety and fear of negative evaluation; the linear combination of anxiety and fear of negative evaluation was affected by this treatment by 0.903. Anxiety was reduced by 0.807%, and fear of a negative evaluation was reduced by 0.685% with acceptance and commitment-based therapy.

Psychologists should use the acceptance and commitment-based therapy approach along with other treatment approaches to help women going through divorce feel less anxious and afraid of being negatively evaluated. Research indicates that this approach may be extremely effective.

Evidence shows that environmental and social factors may influence people’s behavior and their choice to smoke hookah. This study determines the effective factors in hookah consumption behavior and designs an educational intervention program based on social cognitive theory to reduce hookah consumption among women in Bandar Abbas City, Hormozgan Province, Iran.

This semi-experimental study was conducted with two groups (intervention group and control group) using the framework of social cognition theory in women with over 15 years of hookah consumption. The sample size for each group was estimated at 120 people. They were randomly selected within 2 stages from four comprehensive health service centers (2 intervention centers and 2 control centers) in Bandar Abbas City, Iran. The tool for data collection was a researcher-made questionnaire, which was validated. The educational intervention was conducted in six face-to-face and six non-face-to-face sessions in 2 months with a three-month follow-up. One of the primary outcomes of this study was the reduction of hookah use, and the secondary outcomes included quitting hookah and changes in the determinants of hookah consumption.

The results of this study provided information about the determinants of hookah use in women, thereby helping policymakers, government, society, health professionals, and families to take necessary measures to reduce or quit smoking

Drug addiction, as one of the most important health, mental, and social problems, causes people to conduct dangerous behaviors. Different population groups are predisposed to drug addiction. This study aimed to compare the predisposing factors of women and men to drug addiction.

The present study was a comparative descriptive study in which 350 drug addicts referred to addiction treatment centers in Tehran City, Iran, participated. They were selected using the convenience sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire of demographic characteristics and a researcher-made questionnaire of factors predisposing to addiction, which included 62 questions in 5 dimensions. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 22. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data, and inferential statistical tests (t-test, Fisher exact test, chi-square test) were used to analyze them. A significance level of 0.05 was considered significant.

The Mean±SD female and male addicts’ ages were 29.62±7.5 and 33.08±7.9 years, respectively. The most common cause of addiction to drugs in both groups was psychological factors. Among the problems in the family, both groups stated that they had a lot of strictness, laxity, tension, and violent behavior in the family, which was statistically significant (P<0.005).

Di-oblems in society. Our results will increase managers’ and planners’ awareness of implementing policies and preventive and control measures for addiction to prevent its consequences.

Currently, fertility and childbearing rates in Iran are below the replacement level (1.2 children), and Iranian families have a low propensity to have children. The COVID‑19 pandemic will also have a negative impact on the decision of couples to have children. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of an educational program on women’s childbearing intention under the conditions of the COVID‑19 pandemic.

This study was a clinical trial with a pretest–posttest design, conducted on 80 women (control group = 40 and intervention group = 40) in comprehensive health centers in 2019. The educational program was delivered to the intervention group in 3 sessions. The data collection tools included the Attitudes to Fertility and Childbearing Scale (AFCS), Demographic Information Questionnaire, and researcher‑made fertility intention questionnaire. Data were analyzed using t‑test, Mann–Whitney, Chi‑square test, ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, and Wilcoxon test.

The women in the intervention group were in the age range of 18 to 44 years and in the control group were in the age range of 19 to 44 years. The results showed that the mean scores of attitude toward fertility and intention to have children after training were significantly different between the two groups. However, after the training, it was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (F1,67 = 1037, p < 0.001).

It seems that the implementation of the use of theoretical models can be effective in the informed decision of families, especially women, for childbearing.

Middle age serves as a crucial transitional phase between youth and old age in women’s health, making it a critical period for women. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the experiences of life changes among middle-aged women.

This study was conducted using qualitative content analysis from September to December 2022 in Zahedan. The participants included 10 middle-aged women selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews, and all interviews were subsequently transcribed and analyzed. Categories representing the beginning, middle, and end of the narratives were extracted. First, thematic similarities were identified, leading to the emergence of subcategories. Then, the related subcategories were reviewed and placed into the same category.

At the beginning of the narratives, the identified subcategories included perception of middle age, gaining experience, and behavior change. In the middle of the narratives, understanding the developmental stages and gaining experience in managing life were extracted as the subcategories. At the end of the narratives, maturity was identified as the main category.

The findings from this study revealed that development occurs through the accumulation of experience. Although this study did not explore development in contextual terms, addressing and identifying the challenges of middle age in their context may facilitate quicker development. Furthermore, recognizing and investigating physical problems associated with middle age could lead to more timely treatment.

Maintaining and promoting sexual health in older women requires paying attention to and meeting their sexual health‑related needs. This study aimed to determine older women’s perceived sexual health needs through a systematic review.

In this systematic review, studies conducted from the beginning of 2000 to August 28, 2022, were searched in Databases, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, Pub Med, and Google Scholar as a research engine. To access all English articles, keywords such as sexual health, sexual performance, sexual intercourse, sexual, need, demand, and women and their possible combinations were used using “AND” and “OR” operators. This research was implemented based on the criteria of the PRISMA checklist. The articles were evaluated using the STROBE and COREQ checklists. The thematic synthesis method was used to synthesize the data.

The sexual health needs of older women were categorized into four groups: restoration of violated sexual rights, elimination of age discrimination (ageism), promotion of sexual health literacy, and providing sexual health services.

The sexual needs of older women have been neglected due to prevailing social structures of many countries, stigma, gender discrimination, and lack of sexual health literacy. In addition to the need for social and emotional support to adapt to the conditions of old age, these women need to achieve sexual rights, improve sexual health literacy, and receive health services.

Sexual performance anxiety is common among infertility treatments. Psychological interventions are options for couples who do not tolerate psychiatric medications or like psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of relationship enhancement couple therapy program (RECT) vs. systematic desensitization (SD) on sexual anxiety.

A parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted on 68 women with infertility in Shahrekord, Iran, in January 2022. They were randomly allocated to 8 weekly online interventions RECT or SD (control). The main outcome variable, sexual performance anxiety, was assessed via Davis's questionnaire at baseline, completion of the intervention (week 8), and follow-up (week 12). The secondary outcome variable spouse's satisfaction was assessed (weeks 8 and 12, via visual analog scale). Data from 29 women were analyzed in each group.

Intra-group comparison RECT and SD showed a significant decrease of sexual anxiety baseline compared to week 12 (p = 0.001, 0.001 for RECT and SD, respectively). No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in baseline compared to week 12 (RECT vs. SD, p = 0.149). Time-group interaction of spouse's satisfaction showed a significant difference between RECT and SD (p = 0.010).

Both RECT and SD were almost equally effective in decreasing sexual anxiety. RECT (couple relationship-centered) by empowering 10 interpersonal skills, and SD (personal-oriented) by learning step-by-step how fight-or-flight response is replaced by relaxation response, helping women perform more adaptive behaviors regarding sexual anxiety. RECT increased spouse satisfaction significantly compared to SD, indicating that males need to participate in positive relationship changes. The results may be applied by therapists and health policymakers.