Introduction: Mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC) is a clinical syndrome characterized by mucopurulent discharge from the cervix and other signs of inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of MPC in married women referred to health centers of Shahroud (northeast of Iran) in 2016. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 346 married women aged ≥18 years were screened for MPC via clinical examination by a gynecologist. Logistic regression was used to evaluate association of sociodemographic, behavioral and sexual health related variables with prevalence of cervicitis. Results: Mean age of subjects was 31.5 years (range 14-69 years) and 121 (35%) subjects had MPC. In addition, 38.2% of the subjects were with less than a high school diploma and 72.8% were housekeeper. The mean (standard deviation) value of body mass index was 25.2 (4.3) Kg/m 2 (range: 16.2-38.5 Kg/m 2). Coital frequency per week (P=0.004) and method of delivery (P=0.02) were significantly associated with the prevalence of cervicitis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that weekly coital frequency, method of delivery, vaginal discharge and history of genital herpes may be associated with the risk of cervicitis.

BackgroundAs stigma is one of the main barriers in promoting the mental health, the present study was designed with the purpose of reviewing clergy's viewpoint regarding the effect of mental health workshops on these barriers.MethodsFor this study, by order of Iran's Health Ministry, a questionnaire was designed to examine the clergy's viewpoint related to mental illnesses and the consequent stigma. Ten faculty members and psychiatrists confirmed the questionnaire's validity after some modifications. In this research, 30 members of the clergy from the main religious city in Iran's “Qom” Seminary attended the training workshops for 2 days. The data obtained from the clergy's responses were analyzed using the SPSS software (ver.16) and descriptive and analytical tests. Also, the significance level was considered p < 0.05 in all tests. The results exhibited that the mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) of the clergy's attitude domain and awareness before the workshop was 1.90 ± 26.30 and 8.31 ± 1.64, respectively. Also, average and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) of their attitude domain and awareness after the workshop was 1.95 ± 29.73 and 1.18 ± 10.70, respectively.DiscussionThe present study, which was designed to examine the clergy's viewpoint toward mental illnesses and the consequent stigma in the most considerable religious base in the country, illustrated that one strategy for reducing mental illness stigma in religious communities can be by holding training sessions to promote the clergy's awareness of and attitude toward mental health.ConclusionThere was a significant statistical difference between their awareness and attitude scores before and after the workshop (p < 0.01). In the present research, the awareness and attitude of clergy toward mental health and stigma due to mental illness was relatively good and significantly increased by holding the workshop.

IntroductionThe fear and embarrassment associated with stigmas discourage patients from help seeking behavior, which may explain why even the patients' loved ones advise them to discontinue treatment to avoid being labeled. In addition, stigmas can lead to personal and family issues, causing patients to disregard their illness. As such, their disease may develop into a chronic condition. This being said, the present study aims to investigate the challenges, solutions, and successes associated with stigmatization in Iran from the perspective of mental health stakeholders.MethodA qualitative study was conducted in the summer of 2022. Purposive sampling was utilized to recruit participants. The primary data collection method involved a focus group interview that lasted 110 min. The project manager monitored the interviews, and all research team members attended the meetings, took notes, and made the necessary preparations. After explaining the study's purpose and ensuring the data's confidentiality, the interviewer led a focus group discussion. The interviews were recorded with the participants' consent. A focus group was used to conduct interviews with 13 individuals until data saturation was reached.FindingsTen psychologists, psychiatrists, and managers responsible for mental health, two patients, and one patient's family member participated in the current study as eligible participants. Repeated readings led to the emergence of three main classes under the headings of challenges, solutions, and successes of stigma management in Iran, each containing subclasses.ConclusionThe majority of the proposed solutions in this study centered on raising awareness and training diverse individuals and groups to lessen stigmas. The most crucial de-stigmatization measure is to offer training that will cause the current stereotypes to change. This must be taken by patients and their families as well as therapists, leaders, policymakers, the general public, and the media. Ideally, younger members of the target groups should be considered for these pieces of training, which must be based on research and derived from cultural and localized needs.

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