These results suggested that rates of vitamin D deficiency are higher among women with IGT/GDM, and the relationship between vitamin D status and glucose tolerance in pregnancy needs further study.

The majority of perinatal deaths occur in developing countries. Pragmatic reality in developing countries dictates the need for implementation of evidence-based, cost-effective interventions to improve child health outcomes. In this article we describe the implementation and evaluation of group prenatal care in Iran. Group prenatal care ideally may be suited for mothers in developing countries where lack of support, cultural and traditional practices, and low-quality health services interfere with satisfactory implementation of prenatal care. We believe that provision of prenatal care by group model improves perinatal outcomes. In developing countries such an approach is feasible and practical.

In this case-control study, anti-thyroid antibodies and goiter prevalence were significantly higher in PCOS patients. These data suggest that thyroid exam and evaluation of thyroid function and autoimmunity should be considered in such patients.

BackgroundPreventive behaviors regarding cervical cancer are essential for women’s health. Even though many studies have addressed women’s knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer, little information is available about their experiences of cervical cancer-preventive behaviors. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the perceptions and experiences of Iranian women regarding cervical cancer-preventive behaviors.MethodsThis study used a qualitative approach and was conducted in Zanjan, Iran. Participants included 27 women, aged 20–60 years, with no previous history of cervical cancer symptoms or diagnosis. Data were obtained through semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Inductive qualitative content analysis was employed to converge and compare themes through participant data.ResultsThe following six main themes emerged from the analysis: attitudes toward cervical cancer and preventive behaviors, preventive behaviors’ concept, self-care, religion and culture, perceived social support, and awareness about cervical cancer and preventive behavior. The findings revealed that several women had misconceptions about cervical cancer and were even superstitious about the causes of it. Fear, shame, and embarrassment were reasons for not undertaking cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer was also linked to worries about decreased marital satisfaction, sexuality, and femininity. However, religion was considered a positive factor to conducting cancer-preventive behaviors.ConclusionsThis study showed that improving knowledge about the causes of cervical cancer, increasing awareness of the potential consequences of it, and creating positive attitudes toward screening behavior might encourage Iranian women to perform cervical cancer-preventive behaviors.

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