Objective Iran has a low incidence of cervical cancer (CC). The country is introducing an organized screening system, including human papillomavirus screening. Studies show a high dropout rate among eligible women in continuing testing. Methods This descriptive-analytic study was part of the first phase of a clinical trial conducted on a random sample of 400 women aged 18–49 in Andimeshk City, Khuzestan Province, in 2020. The data collection tool consisted of a man-made questionnaire that included domains of demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, practice, and self-efficacy in the Pap smear test. The data were analyzed with Stata-16 using linear and logistic regression models. Results The mean knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy scores were 6.80±2.33, 34.99±4.32, and 28.67±7.34, respectively. In the multiple models, every unit increase in the knowledge or attitude scores raised the mean self-efficacy score by 1.04 and 0.48, respectively ( P <0.001). Every unit increase in the knowledge and self-efficacy scores increased the chance of performing Pap smear 1.61 and 1.41 times, respectively ( P <0.001). Conclusion Given the association of women’s knowledge and self-efficacy with practice in performing the Pap smear, it seems that an effective program promoting women’s health behavior regarding CC screening would include applied education to raise community awareness and improve women’s attitudes, self-efficacy, and practice.

Objective To assess the effect of a blended educational program to promote performing the PST among Iranian women. Design In a randomized control trial four main variables; knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practice about PST was evaluated using a man–made questionnaire for PST. Setting Women aged 18–49 living in Andimeshk (Khuzestan, Iran), covered by 16 health centers, participated in study from November 2019 till April 2019. Method The educational intervention conducted to increasing women’s performing the PST. The experimental group received an intervention, whereas the control group received usual care. Participants were tested at four-time points: pre-test (baseline), post-test 1 (immediately after the program’s completion) post-test 2 (4 weeks after the program’s completion) and post-test 3 (12 weeks after the program completion). Results A total of 84 women with average aged 32.27 (42 in the experimental group, 42 in the control group) were recruited from 16 health centers in Andimeshk, southern Iran. Significant group differences were found at different times in knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practice about PST. Conclusion A blended method was effective in sustaining the effects of the educational program in the experimental group. The development of appropriate teaching method on restricted situation such as COVID-19 pandemic to promote participation is suggested.

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. In 2018, 570 thousand new cases of cervical cancer occur globally. Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear testing) identifies pre-cancerous lesions at various stages. Promoting Pap smear-related behaviors with an appropriate educational method is important.Method: To assess the effect of a blended educational program to promote performing the PST among Iranian women. In a randomized control trial four main variables; knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practice about PST was evaluated using a man–made questionnaire for PST. Women aged 18-49 living in Andimeshk (Khuzestan, Iran), covered by 16 health centers, and participated in study from November 2019 till April 2019. The educational intervention conducted to increasing women’s performing the PST. The experimental group received an intervention, whereas the control group received usual care. Participants were tested at four-time points: pre-test (baseline), post-test 1 (immediately after the program’s completion) post-test 2 (4 weeks after the program’s completion) and post-test 3 (12 weeks after the program completion).Results: A total of 84 women with average aged 32.27 (42 in the experimental group, 42 in the control group) were recruited from 16 health centers in Andimeshk, southern Iran. Significant group differences were found at different times in knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practice about PSTConclusion: A blended method was effective in sustaining the effects of the educational program in the experimental group. The development of appropriate teaching method on restricted situation such as covid-19 pandemic to promote participation is suggested.Randomized controlled trial [IRCT20191206045626N1]

Background and Objective:The aim of this study was to translate and psychometrics the Cervical Cancer Screening Self-Efficacy Scale. Materials and Methods: A standard forward-backward translation method was used to develop the Persian version of the cervical cancer screening self-efficacy scale. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed through face validity (qualitative and quantitative), content validity (qualitative and quantitative) and construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis) in 400 women. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined by test-retest method (calculation of intra-class correlation coefficient) and also internal correlation (calculation of Cronbach-alpha coefficient). Statistical analyzes were performed by SPSS24 and lisrel 8.8 software. Results:The range of calculated CVR and CVI of scale items was (0.92-1.00) and (0.92-1.00) impact score of all items was more than 1.5. The range of Cronbach's alpha and ICC were calculated for the reliability of scale items respectively (0.66 -0.85) and (0.846-0.977). The three factors of "Confidence in controlling tangible barriers of Pap Smear test ", "Confidence in following Pap Smear test Instructions" and "Confidence in controlling intangible barriers of PAPS". In confirmatory factor analysis the fitted model based on these factors explained 58.29%of the selfefficacy in performing Pap Smear test. These factors confirmed by CFA (X2/df =3.3, CFI=0.91, GFI= 0.96, RMESA=0.081). Conclusion:Psychometric of Persian version of the cervical cancer screening self-efficacy scale with 8 items and 3 domains has proper validity and reliability to evaluate the cervical cancer screening self-efficacy in females.

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major cause of burden of diseases in women within the first 4 weeks of delivery. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the role of various factors in PPD in the northern and northeastern regions of Khuzestan province. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was undertaken as the first phase of a case-control study on 1424 mothers in the first 24 to 48 hours after childbirth between January 2019 and January 2020. The data collected covered three areas: baseline characteristics, medical history, and PPD. The latter was measured using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale with a cut-off point of equal to or greater than 12. The collected data were analyzed using Stata-16 software and simple and multiple Logistic Regression models. Results: The prevalence of PPD was estimated at 26.6% in the study sample. In the multiple model, the History of elective abortion (OR= 2.26, 95%CI=1.19, 4.27), delivery in the summer (OR= 2.11,95%CI=1.39, 3.20), birth defect (OR= 2.09, 95%CI=1.10, 3.94), the history of infertility treatment (OR= 0.33, 95CI=0.18, 0.61) and living in urban areas (OR= 0.52, 95%CI=0.39, 0.70), had relationship with the chance of developing PPD. Conclusion: The results of this study, which sought to identify factors reinforcing and preventing PPD, can be used to identify mothers at risk for PPD. Moreover, it can help make appropriate interventions, including psychological and emotional support of mother during and even before pregnancy to alleviate PPD.