Advances in Nursing & Midwifery
Volume:19 Issue: 65, 2009

With respect to the prevalence and complications of premature rupture of chorionic membranes (PROM) and the importance of correct and on-time detection of the disorder with false positive or negative results, accurate as well as noninvasive diagnostic procedures are always needed.This case-control study was conducted to identify the diagnostic power of qualitative evaluation of beta human chorionic gonadotropins (ßHCG) in cervicovaginal discharge with 1-step test strips (25 IU/ml) for detecting PROM in women referring to Vali-e-Asr Hospital at Zanjan city in 2007. 86 singletons between 14 and 41 weeks of gestation were selected. Data collection tools included a form for demographic information as well as gestational history and an observation checklist for speculum examination and tests of Fern, nitrazine and qualitative strip for ßHCG. Of women with amniotic fluid leakage, subjects were examined in 2 43-person groups including those with definite PROM (direct observation with speculum [+], Fern test [+] and nitrazine test [+]) in case group and those with intact membranes (direct observation with speculum [-], Fern test [-] and nitrazine test [-]) in control group. Subjects were matched in terms of gestational weeks in the two groups. Cervicovaginal discharge samples were taken by rinsing posterior fornix with 5ml saline and aspiration of fluid. ßHCGs were then tested by 1-step gestational strips. It was found that sensitivity, specificity, positive as well as negative predictive values and accuracy of the strips were 97.7%, 88.4%, 89.4%, 97.5% and 93%. It seems that the diagnostic power of qualitative evaluation of ßHCGs in cervicovaginal discharge to detect PROM is acceptable.

Mammography is a method for screening cancer. Although its results usually show benign conditions, it is associated with known anxiety and depression in women during the procedure. This can affect on their desire to seek for checkups and assistance.This clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of instruction and preparation on the anxiety of women referring to Izadi Mammography Center in Qom city. 160 women referring to the center for the first time were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly divided into 2 experimental and control groups. A demographic questionnaire and Beck’s anxiety inventory were used for data collection. Anxiety levels of the 2 groups were measured and compared before and after instruction and preparation phase. Different statistical tests were used for data analysis. Mean anxiety scores of the experimental and control groups were 10.9±5.2 and 21.5±8.4 respectively with a significant difference

One of aspects in marital satisfaction is sexual. It has a significant role in mental health of families. With respect to increasing age and life expectancy of Iranian women, studying about sexual aspects of postmenopausal women can promote their health and quality of life. This descriptive study was conducted to determine sexual satisfaction of postmenopausal women referring to healthcare clinics affiliated to Medical Universities in Tehran in 2008. 270 women were selected by convenience sampling method. A questionnaire completed by interview was used for data collection. It included 2 parts: demographic and sexual satisfaction items. Different statistical tests were used for data analysis. Mean age of women was 52.49±4.93. Their sexual satisfaction was desired (58.9%) but their sexual drive was undesired (66.3%). All sexual aspects had a significant relationship with the satisfaction of women from sexual activities (P

Low birth weight (LBW) is the most important indicator of mortality in children. These infants cannot tolerate physiologic stresses; therefore, they are isolated from their mothers to be put in incubators. This isolation put them at numerous risks. This clinical trial was conducted to compare the effects of kangaroo with routine care on physiologic parameters of low-birth-weight infants at NICUs in 2008. 80 LBW infants were randomly divided into 2 equal experimental and control groups. In kangaroo-care group, the infants were removed from incubator for 1 hour and put on the chest of their mothers. The control group was provided care routinely. Physiologic parameters including pulse rate, oxygenation of arterial blood, temperature and respiratory rate were checked at 30 and 50 minutes after the return of infants to their incubators. Data collection form was validated by content method and validities of instruments were checked by choosing standard and authorized devices. Reliability was achieved by inter-rater method (r=0.87). No significant difference was found between the 2 methods during care in terms of the parameters (P>0.05). However, a significant difference was found between pulse rate as well as oxygenation changes 5 and 50 minutes after care delivery (P=0.01, P=0.02 and P=0.03) with no difference in temperature (P=0.48). Findings showed that Kangaroo care is as effective as routine care in stability of physiologic parameters. Therefore, developing educational programs for healthcare personnel, nurses and mothers can facilitate the provision of this type of care.

Each year, many women in developing countries including Iran die of postpartum hemorrhage. As a result, in 2007, WHO emphasized on instruction of correct principles in delivery attendants.This quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine and compare the effects of instructing WHO’s guidelines on knowledge and practice of midwives of Fatemiyeh Hospital in Hamedan city.

All midwifery personnel of the hospital took part in the study. They were instructed theoretically and practically regarding WHO standards in 10 sessions. Data collection tools included a pretest, a posttest and an observation checklist for practice. Content and test-retest methods were used for validity and reliability of the tools respectively.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly administered for vasomotor symptoms of menopause. However, its utilization has been under uncertainty because of its carcinogenesis and side effects. Currently, one of the alternative methods in this regard is relaxation techniques.This quasi-experimental study was conducted to compare the effects of HRT with relaxation techniques on vasomotor symptoms of menopausal women. 90 women with vasomotor symptoms were first selected by convenience sampling method and then randomly divided into 3 HRT, relaxation technique and control groups. No intervention was performed in the control group. Data were collected with a questionnaire by interviewing the subjects. No significant difference was found between the groups in the severity of the symptoms before the interventions. Both relaxation techniques and HRT decreased the symptoms. All symptoms except vertigo, weakness and lack of energy were significantly reduced in the HRT group compared with the control group. The same happened in the relaxation technique group compared with the control group. Although both HRT and relaxation were effective on vasomotor symptoms, the former seems more effective on the frequency of flushing. HRT and relaxation techniques are both effective on the management of vasomotor symptoms. Therefore, in case of contraindication for hormones or reluctance of clients, relaxation techniques can be replaced.

Anger rumination is an inevitable, repetitive and cognitive process which occurs during anger experience, continues after it and increases its duration and severity. Anger rumination is associated with a wide range of psychological disorders, especially emotional ones. The main purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of Anger Rumination Scale (ARS) as an important tool in health studies. 384 students (211 girls and 173 boys) of Tehran University took part in the study by completing Anger Rumination Scale (ARS), Tehran Multidimensional Anger Scale (TMAS), and Mental Health Inventory (MHI). The scale was validated with content, convergent and discriminant validity. Its reliability was measured by test-retest and internal consistency methods. Reliability scores of the scale were satisfactory. Its content validity was calculated with a significant result according to Kendall's coefficients of concordance for its subscales including angry afterthoughts, thoughts of revenge, angry memories and understanding of causes as well as its total score after reviewing by 10 psychology specialists. The convergent and discriminant validities of the scale were measured based on an expected pattern of correlations between it and the measures of trait-anger, state-anger, anger-in, anger-out, anger-control in, anger-control out, psychological well-being, and psychological distress with significant results. It can be concluded that Anger Rumination Scale (ARS) is a valid and reliable scale to measure anger rumination.