Women’s Health Bulletin
Volume:11 Issue: 1, Jan 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is capable of infecting individuals engaging in sexual activity at some points in their lives. As general vaccination of children and adolescents is not a standard practice in Iran, this study aimed to assess the awareness of Iranian female college students regarding HPV and its associated vaccinations.

This cross-sectional research was conducted in 2020 on a cohort of 350 female college students from Shahed University, Iran. Participants were selected through a convenience sampling technique, with the determined sample size based on the enrollment in each faculty. An electronic questionnaire was prepared and administered virtually to the participating students.

The mean age of the participants in this study was 21.63±1.93 years. Remarkably, 90% of the students were familiar with genital warts, while only 41% were knowledgeable about the available vaccine. Additionally, a third of the participants were unaware of the sexual transmission of HPV, and half were uninformed about the association between various cancers and genital warts. The average score for overall knowledge was 6.19±3.54. Notably, a significant correlation was observed among age, academic years of study, faculty affiliation, and knowledge about HPV and its vaccine (P<0.001). Interestingly, academic education emerged as the primary source of information after public media and the Internet.

The level of knowledge concerning HPV and its associated vaccine among the study participants was predominantly moderate. Considering the pivotal link between cervical cancer and HPV, the significance of providing adequate information and education on preventive measures cannot be overstated.

The relationship between mindfulness and the repercussions of obesity, particularly in girls, has received limited attention. Consequently, the current research aimed to explore the correlation between mindfulness and social anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and physical activity (PA) participation in obese teenage girls.

The research was a descriptive-correlational study conducted from October 2022 to May 2023 in Tehran, Iran. The statistical population for this study comprised obese teenage girls aged 13 to 15 attending their first secondary school. The study sample consisted of 384 obese teenage girls selected through convenience sampling. Standard instruments were employed to assess mindfulness, social anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and PA participation. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test and ANOVA, facilitated by SPSS version 26.

The results indicated that, on average, participants engaged in 13.01±3.02 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. Furthermore, teenage girls exhibited relatively high levels of social anxiety (mean=39.79±8.85) and depression (mean=9.55±2.67). Moreover, there were significant correlations between mindfulness and reduced levels of social anxiety and depression (both P<0.001). Finally, significant associations were observed between mindfulness, higher self-efficacy, and increased PA (P<0.001).

These findings suggested a link between mindfulness and reducing the adverse consequences of obesity in teenage girls. In this regard, reinforcing mindfulness practices can prove an effective way for reducing anxiety and depression. Such practices may encompass meditation, mindful breathing, mindful observation, attention to the surrounding environment, heightened awareness, and mindful listening.

While the beneficial effects of PA on the mental and physical well-being of elderly individuals are recognized, there has been little focus on its effects on older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to examine the correlations between physical activity (PA) and depression, perceived health, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) among older women with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

This study employed a descriptive-correlation design. The statistical population comprised women with MCI (scoring 21 to 24 on the Mini–Mental State Examination) over 65 years residing in nursing homes in Tehran, Iran in 2023. The sample of this study consisted of 334 women (mean age=69.12±3.68) with MCI who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Standard tools were utilized for measuring PA, depression, balance, muscle strength, and QoL, respectively. Perceived health status was assessed using one item. Pearson correlation test and independent t-test were employed for data analysis.

The results showed that 66% of the entire sample suffered from depression. The participants engaged, on average, in 14.69 minutes of moderate physical activity (MPA) per day. Only 22% of the participants met the WHO’s guidelines of 30 minutes of MPA daily. It was found that higher MPA was significantly correlated with lower depression (P<0.001) and higher perceived health, physical function (both balance and muscle strength), and QoL (all P<0.001). On the other hand, higher sedentary time was significantly correlated with higher depression (P<0.001) and lower perceived health, physical function (both balance and muscle strength), and QoL (all P<0.001).

The results suggested that strategies to improve health-oriented PA status in the elderly with MCI are necessary. In this regard, it is especially recommended that nurses plan recreational physical and sports activities for the elderly in groups or individually so that they can enjoy the benefits of PA.

Inadequate lifestyle choices, such as insufficient physical activity, may be linked to adverse fertility outcomes. Given the profound influence of lifestyle on women’s reproductive health, this study was undertaken to compare the levels of physical activity and body composition among fertile and infertile Iranian women in 2022.

This cross-sectional study encompassed 653 fertile women (mean age: 32.58±5.99 years, mean body mass index (BMI): 25.7±3.64 kg/m²) and infertile women (mean age: 32.59±5.38 years, mean BMI: 26.4±5.6 kg/m²) who sought assistance at infertility centers in six provinces (Guilan, Markazi, Hamedan, Sistan, and Baluchestan, Isfahan, and Khuzestan) during the research period spanning 2021 to 2022. Participants completed questionnaires regarding their lifestyle habits and physical activity levels, body composition was also assessed. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression tests were employed for data analysis.

Fertile women exhibited superior physical activity (P=0.04) and a lower BMI (P=0.001) than their infertile counterparts. Women with a high level of physical activity (OR=4.42, P=0.004) were more likely to experience infertility. Inactive women who spent more than 300 minutes per day sitting were 2.07 times more susceptible to fertility complications than their physically active peers (moderate activity) (OR=2.07, P=0.001).

Given the simultaneous increase in obesity, inactivity, and infertility among Iranian women, it is imperative to place greater emphasis on lifestyle habits, including appropriate physical activity, to prevent and potentially treat infertility.

Incorrect posture contributes to a frozen shoulder; this study explored the effects of eight weeks of corrective exercises on postural parameters, range of motion, and shoulder joint pain in women with frozen shoulder and upper cross syndrome.

A quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design was conducted. Thirty women aged 40 to 60 years with frozen shoulder and upper cross syndrome were purposefully selected and allocated into control and experimental groups. Pretest assessments included forward head angle (FHA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA) measured using Kinovea software, thoracic curvature assessed with a flexible ruler, range of motion of the shoulder joint (external rotation, abduction, and flexion) measured with a goniometer, and shoulder joint pain evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). The experimental group performed corrective exercises for eight weeks, while the control group continued their daily activities. Post-test assessments were conducted, and covariance tests and paired-sample t-test analysis were employed for between-group and within-group comparisons.

The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in shoulder joint range of motion (P=0.001), FHA (P=0.001), FSA (P=0.008), thoracic curvature (P=0.001), and shoulder joint pain (P=0.001) following corrective exercises.

It is recommended that trainers and therapists utilize the corrective exercises outlined in this study to enhance shoulder joint range of motion posture and alleviate pain in women with frozen shoulders and upper cross syndrome.

Endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, can impact fetal growth and development. The significance and necessity of fetal screening before birth are critical for the prevention of congenital disabilities. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between thyroid hormones, specifically T3, T4, FT3, FT4, TSH, Anti TPO, Free BhCG, B-MOM, P-MOM, and NT-MOM, and the risk of screening tests conducted during the first trimester of pregnancy in women diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

This retrospective, case-control study included 82 pregnant women in their first trimester who were referred for fetal screening tests between 2022 and 2023 at Imam Reza and Motazadi hospitals in Kermanshah, Iran. The case group consisted of 41 pregnant women diagnosed with hypothyroidism and treated with levothyroxine, and the control group comprised 41 pregnant women with normal thyroid function. The assessment of serum levels of T3, free T3, T4, free T4, TSH, and Anti TPO was carried out using the ELISA method, while the first-stage fetal screening tests, including Free BhCG, B-MOM, P-MOM, and NT-MOM, were conducted using the Electro-chemiluminescent (ECL) method. Subsequently, data analysis was conducted using SPSS.

In the case group, the average levels of TSH (P=0.001), TPO (P=0.006), trisomy 21 (P=0.001), and trisomy 13/18 (P=0.001) were significantly higher as compared with the control group. Conversely, in the case group, PAPP-A was significantly lower (P=0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean levels of beta-hCG (P=0.297), B-MoM (P=0.202), and NT-MoM (P=0.221). Furthermore, in the case group treated with levothyroxine, mean serum TSH level was significantly higher in the screen positive and medium risk groups of Down syndrome (DS) as compared with the negative screen group (P=0.014).

Our results indicated that it is important to promptly identify pregnant women with hypothyroidism and ensure that timely screening tests for fetal health are carried out as a mandatory practice.

Numerous young women struggle to envision a fulfilling and intimate marriage due to encountering significant challenges during their childhood and/or experiencing multiple unsuccessful relationships in adulthood. This study investigated the influence of life scripts, as defined by transactional analysis theory, on the marriage readiness of female university students of marriageable age in Isfahan, Iran.

This qualitative case study utilized a non-probabilistic, purposive sampling method to select its participants from among all female university students of marriageable age in Isfahan, Iran, between July and September 2022. The sample comprised 15 individuals, determined through theoretical saturation. Data collection was conducted via semi-structured interviews, encompassing demographic information and life script identification. Triangulation involving the researcher, supervisor, and peer advisors was employed to ensure rigor. Manifest and latent content analyses were applied to the data derived from the participant’s responses and narratives using MAXQDA 2022.

Analysis identified five predominant life scripts among female university students who exhibited readiness for marriage: “don’t be a child,” “please others,” “be perfect,” “don’t think,” and “try hard.” Conversely, the leading life scripts of students lacking marriage readiness were “don’t grow up,” “don’t get close,” “don’t be important,” and “be perfect.”

The findings suggested that life scripts significantly influence marriage readiness and partner selection among female students of marriageable age. Modifying these scripts may enhance these individuals’ preparedness for marriage.