Journal of Midwifery & Reproductive health
Volume:12 Issue: 2, Apr 2024

 This study systematically reviewed the clinical trials to assesse Achillea millefolium's impact on primary dysmenorrhea and menstrual bleeding

In this systematic review, the databases of Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane library, Scopus, Web of Science were searched using the keywords of "Dysmenorrhea", "Pain"," Menorrhagia" and "Achilles" until Aug 2022. The study population included women with moderate to severe dysmenorrhea or menorrhagia with a score of 100 on Pictorial menstrual bleeding Assessment Chart (PBLAC). Intervention included oral administration of Achillea millefoliums with other modern dosage forms. The Cochran's Risk of Bias tool was applied to evaluate the quality of articles.

Among 80 initial articles, six studies were systematically reviewed. Among six reviewed studies, three studies examined the impact of Achillea millefolium on primary dysmenorrhea, two studies evaluated the effect of Achillea millefolium on menorrhagia and one study assessed the impact of Achillea millefolium on both primary dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. The results showed the effect of Achillea millefolium in pain relief of  dysmenorrhea and reduction of menstrual bleeding.

Achillea millefolium is an effective and safe herbal remedy for primary dysmenorrhea and reduction of menstrual bleeding.

The premature infant imposes significant tension and stress on mothers and may affect quality of mothers' sleep. Therefore, this study was performed to assess the effect of kangaroo mother care using the role-playing method on the mother-infant attachment and sleep quality of mothers of premature infants.

 This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 78 mothers of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the hospital affiliated to the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences from July 2010 to September 2011. The samples were selected by convenience method, then divided into two experimental and control groups by simple random allocation method. Mothers in the experimental group learned kangaroo mother care in two 30-minute sessions using modeling and unique clothing (role-playing). Then,  mothers performed 20-minute kangaroo mother care three times a day. Mothers in the control group performed kangaroo mother care through pamphlets and educational videos. Subjects completed mother-infant attachment and and sleep quality questionnaires before, after, and one week after the intervention. Data analysed by SPSS (version 22).

There was statistically significant difference between the two groups in the mother-infant attachment one day (P<0.011) and one week (P<0.012) after the intervention. Also, a statistically significant difference was ssen between the two groups in the mothers' sleep quality one day (P<0.001) and one week (P<0.002) after the intervention.

Training of kangaroo mother care by role-playing method could be used as a therapeutic technique in the NICU to improve mother-infant attachment and mamtenal sleep quality.

Around the world, vaccinations avert 4-6 million deaths annually, emphasizing the importance of ensuring maternal satisfaction for effective disease prevention. However, data on maternal satisfaction with immunization programs in Ethiopia is lacking. This study aimed to determine maternal satisfaction towards childhood vaccine services and associated factors in public health facilities at Gondar, Ethiopia.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar, Ethiopia, From May 1 to June 30, 2022. Data was collected from mothers visiting health facilities for immunization services. A two-stage random sampling technique was employed. Data was gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions were conducted using SPSS (version 23.0).

The prevalence of maternal satisfaction with childhood immunization services was 69.3%  [95%CI: 65.5–73.1%]. Of the mothers, 45.3% had adequate knowledge, while 43.9% had a favorable attitude. Study participants who were 19 to 24 years old [AOR = 5.29; 95%CI: 2.58, 10.86], time taken  less than one hour for a health facility [AOR = 3.03; 95%CI: 1.92, 4.77], and waiting  less than thirty minutes in a health facility [AOR = 1.98; 95%CI: 1.24, 3.15],  felt happy during the service [AOR = 4.00; 95%CI: 2.53, 6.34], had adequate knowledge [AOR = 2.91; 95%CI: 1.79, 4.73] and a favorable attitude [AOR=3.64;95%CI: 2.25,5.91)were significantly associated with maternal satisfaction during  childhood immunization services.

Overall, mothers' satisfaction with the services provided for childhood vaccinations was quite low. Therefore, any interested parties must work harder on predictors to raise mothers' satisfaction with these services.

The theory-based counseling can motivate clients to perform breast self-examination (BSE), which is an easy, safe and cost-effective method. This  study evaluated the effect of group counseling based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) on perceived severity, perceived sensitivity, and perceived reward of BSE behavior.

This clinical trial was conducted on 66 women aged 30-69 years referred to healthcare centers of Mashhad, Iran. The subjects were selected by convenience sampling and then assigned randomly in two intervention and control groups using time block. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics and a self-structured questionnaire on women's participation in BSE behavior based on the PMT. The intervention group received four weekly 60-minute group counseling sessions in groups of 8-10 people based on the PMT. The control group received the usual care. Perceived severity, perceived sensitivity, and perceived reward of BSE behavior was measured in two stages before and two months after the end of the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS V. 22) using independent and paired t-test, Man-Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests.

The total score of PMT was not significant in the two groups before the intervention. But after the intervention, mean score of the perceived sensitivity (25.62±3.78 vs. 20.86±2.29), perceived severity (21.06±3.58 vs. 16.06±3.41) and perceived reward (4.83±1.53 vs. 17.16±2.79) was significantly different in the intervention and control group (p<0.001).

Group counseling based on the PMT by overcoming fear and increasing motivation in women can increase BSE behavior in order to prevent breast cancer.

Infertility is a culturally dependent, challenging experience for individuals and families. Understanding characteristics of Iranian infertile couples and effective coping factors can help counselors in selecting appropriate models. This study assesses the role of spiritual health in predicting stress in infertile women through resilience mediating role.

This predictive correlational study was conducted on 105 women at gynecology clinics of Mashhad, Iran in 2021.They were selected through Convenience sampling method. Tools included Spiritual Well Being Scale, Connor & Davidson Resilience Questionnaire and, Newton, Schrard, and Glavas Perceived Infertility Stress.  The instrument used were paper and pen, and they were completed by the participants. Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data using SPSS (version 22) and Smart PLS software (version 3).

Findings revealed significant negative and relationships between spiritual health and perceived stress, positive relationships between spiritual health and resilience, and a negative relationship between resilience and perceived stress. Resilience mediated the negative and significant relationship between spiritual health and stress in infertile women. The value of the VAF index was equal to 0.368 and the total effect of spiritual health on perceived stress was equal to -0.732.

Spiritual health and resilience effectively reducestress in infertile women. Recommending psychological counseling based on spiritual health and interventions in suggested.

Preparing to deal with natural disasters, is important for the health of the society, and a valid clinical guideline which fits the country's conditions can lead to a reduction in complications caused by the aforementioned disasters. Therefore, the present study was conducted to develop and validate the clinical guidelines for reproductive health in natural disasters.

This mixed methods study was carried out in three phases. The first phase was a structured review of literature which systematically reviewed the articles and clinical guidelines related to the reproductive health in disasters. In the second phase, a qualitative study was conducted with the content analysis approach in order to identify the needs related to women's reproductive health in disasters, and a draft clinical guide was prepared. In the third phase, the validation of the prepared draft was carried out by a group of experts using the (RAND) Research and Development technique.

The themes obtained included the consequences of facing a disaster and the need to provide comprehensive services. The clinical guideline  consists of 5 chapters including an introduction on the importance of reproductive health in natural disasters, general clinical guidelines, prevention of physical and mental injuries in a crisis, access to reliable sources of information and the availability of the health services provider team. 

Correct management of crisis, empowering information skills and access to service providers in crises are of particular importance. Therefore, support of health care providers and training of service providers to learn about evidence-based performance in crises and their use is a necessary step to implement the clinical guidelines prepared in the country.

Maternal and environmental risk factors during pregnancy are potential threats for poor pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate maternal and environmental risk factors as predictors of poor pregnancy outcomes in female greenhouse workers (FGW).

This predictive correlational study was performed on 275 Iranian FGW in Kerman, southern province of Iran in 2018. Participants were selected by census method from six rural areas with the highest level of greenhouse cultivation. A research-made instrument included demographic characteristics, maternal and environmental risk factors, and pregnancy outcomes was used to collect data through closed interview. All pregnancies were evaluated for the frequency of poor pregnancy outcomes. A binary logistic regression was used to predict the role of some environmental risk factors on pregnancy outcomes among FGW using SPSS software (version 16).

 Mean age of FGW was 33.26±7.24 years. Among poor pregnancy outcomes in FGW; abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, and low birth weight (LBW) were predicted by several maternal and environmental risk factors (P<0.05); while abnormality was predicted by only working in a greenhouse during pregnancy (P<0.05. None of the maternal or environmental risk factors could predict post-term birth (P>0.05).

Due to both maternal and environmental risk factors being associated with poor pregnancy outcomes in FGW, preventive educational intervention programs should be considered for this population.

Dysmenorrhea is one of the main factors affecting the quality of life.  This study aimed to determine the impact of rosemary and mefenamic acid capsules on the quality of life of students with primary dysmenorrhea.

This double-blind clinical trial study was performed on 82 students with primary dysmenorrhea from June to september 2018 at the Faculty of Medicine of the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad. Students with moderate dysmenorrhea, after controlling two menstrual cycles by the convenience sampling method and using PASS software, were randomly assigned to the rosemary and mefenamic acid groups using double blocks. They consumed rosemary and mefenamic acid capsules every 8 hours for the first 3 days of intervention cycles. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life before and after the intervention at the end of menstrual bleeding.  The data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and descriptive and interpretive statistical tests.

The mean score of physical health in the first cycle after the intervention increased by 300.07±62.43 and 306.00±66.11and in the second cycle after the intervention increased by 306.54±63.90and 308.63±64.14 (P=0.94). The mean score of mental health in the first cycle after the intervention increased by283.90±58.48 and 282.98±65.63 and in the second cycle after the intervention increased by 261.13 ±80.61and 258.94± 86.67 (P=0.90).

Consumption of rosemary and mefenamic acid capsules improves the quality of life by increasing the scores of physical and mental health.

With the growing elderly population, addressing the personal and social aspects of menopausal women is vital. Paying attention to their quality of life and solving their physical, mental and social problems can be effective in improving the health of the family and ultimately the society. This study aimed to determine the relationship between social support and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

The present study was a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 158 women. Sampling was stratified with proportional allocation method between February 2019 and August 2019 in Mahshahr health centers. The data collection tools were the demographic profile questionnaire, the Menopause Quality of Life (MENQOL) and the Phillips Social Support Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 24). Pearson's, ANOVA, linear regression tests were used to analyse data.

 The average score of social support and quality of life was 84.13±10.99 (range 34-112) and 58.30±30.69 (range 110-49), respectively. There was a significant correlation between the quality of life and social support (P=0.0001). In terms of quality of life dimensions, a significant relationship was observed between social support with psychosocial (P=0.001) and physical dimension (P=0.003).

According to the significant relationship between social support and quality of life, it seems that providing social support by the family and surrounding people can be effective in improving the quality of life of postmenopausal women.

Infertility affects couples' lives, contributing to psychological challenges. This study investigated the Marital Burnout Model in infertile women, with focus on the mediating role of repetitive negative thoughts through irritability.

A model testing correlational research, conducted in Ardabil during 2022, employed. Through convenience sampling, 420 women experiencing infertility were selected and completedonline questionnaires. Data were collected using the Marital Burnout Questionnaire, Irritability Questionnaire, and Repetitive Thoughts Questionnaire collected data. Structural equation modeling and LISREL/SPSS-22 analyzed the data, supporting the casual model linking irritability, negative repetitive thoughts, and marital burnout.

The causal model, linking irritability, negative repetitive thoughts, and marital burnout in infertile women, was supported by fitting indices. Irritability and negative repetitive thoughts directly influenced marital turmoil. Additionally, irritability indirectly impacted marital burnout through repetitive negative thoughts (p<0.05).

Irritability and repetitive negative thoughts significantly contribute to marital burnout in infertile women. Addressing these factors in psychological therapies can effectively alleviate marital burnout.

Amniocentesis is one of the known and accessible methods for prenatal diagnosis, which is performed for various reasons during pregnancy. The present study was performed to determine the most common reasons for amniocentesis to detect aneuploidy. This retrospective cohort study was performed on the records of 635 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis guided by high-resolution ultrasound during 2010-2019 at Yas Hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. The study evaluated the indications for amniocentesis in order to investigate the relationship between each of these indications and fetal aneuploidy results. All participants were evaluated for genetic study results. The prevalence of aneuploidy was 8.2% and abnormal screening test was the most common reason for performing amniocentesis (68% of cases). Also, abnormal ultrasound results had the strongest correlation with the possibility of genetic abnormalities in the current pregnancy. Therefore, amniocentesis is highly recommended for women with indications, especially in cases of abnormal ultrasound results.

Schwannoma seldom occurs in female genitalia; with only a few cases being reported in the medical literature. This tumor can present on labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vagina. In this study, a case of vulvar schwannoma, which resembled a leiomyoma, is reported.

Case report: 

A 44-year-old woman presented with a history of a small palpable mass located on the left labium. Ultrasonography showed a heterogeneous mass suggestive of a leiomyoma. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical excision of the mass with clear margins. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of vulvar schwannoma. The patient was discharged in good condition following the excision.

Schwannoma of the vulva represents a rare neoplasm that can be treated by surgical excision. The prognosis is excellent and recurrence is uncommon. Therefore, histopathological assessment is recommended for management of Schwannoma of the vulva.