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Background: Surgical menopause is associated with a sudden and rapid onset of symptoms, as opposed to the natural menopausal transition. Hot flashes often begin immediately after surgery due to the abrupt and complete absence of all ovarian steroids, they are severe enough to alter sleep, social activities, and the overall quality of women's life. Paced breathing is a behavioral relaxation technique that may be effective in the reduction of the severity and frequency of menopausal hot flashes. Objectives: This study was done to determine the effect of paced breathing technique on the frequency and severity of hot flashes and their interference with daily life activities among surgically menopaused women. Study design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study. Methods: A convenient sample of 80 women undergone surgical menopause were recruited. Three tools for data collection were used: (1) Basic data structured interview schedule (2) Daily hot flash diary (3) Hot flash related daily interference scale Results: Significant differences were found between the two groups in the second week (p = 0.038) and third week (p = 0.001) after applying intervention in relation to hot flashes frequency also, significant differences were found between the two groups in the second and third weeks (p = 0.001) in relation to hot flashes severity. Additionally, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant after applying interventions in relation to the quality of daily life activities, where p=<0.001 in week 3. Conclusion: paced breathing technique is an effective non-pharmacological intervention in decreasing the severity and frequency of hot flashes among surgically menopaused women.

Background: Postpartum perineal pain is a distressing complaint affecting more than one fifth of women worldwide for about 10 days after normal vaginal delivery. It is always a nuisance to the new mother and can limit her mobility and quality of life which could have a negative impact on mother's adaptation to her new role. Aim: Evaluate the effect of acupressure applied to BL23 points versus crushed ice application on postpartum perineal pain intensity. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was used. A convenient sample of 100 postpartum women was recruited. Three tools of data collection were used: (1) basic data structured interview schedule (2) Visual analog scale (VAS). (3) A modified version of Chamber Price pain rating scale (CPPRS). Results: The study results revealed that there was no significant difference found between the acupressure and crushed ice pack groups in relation to perineal pain intensity immediately after interventions p= 0.106, while 1 hour after interventions the pain scores of the acupressure group were significantly lower compared to the crushed ice pack group p= 0.040. Conclusion:The severity of perineal pain decreased in both groups, but the effect of acupressure was superior on perineal pain reduction for a long term basis. Recommendations: Maternity nurse should incorporate acupressure and ice application as non-pharmacological interventions in their nursing care of postpartum women with perineal pain.