BackgroundPrevalence of chronic pain and its association with demographic characteristics have been reported by different studies from different geographical regions in the world. However, data from many Middle East countries including Iran (especially southern Iran) are scare. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the prevalence of chronic pain and its association with demographic, psychological and socioeconomic factors in an Iranian population.MethodsIn this population-based survey, the target population was comprised of subjects aged 20 to 85 years residing in Jahrom, southern Iran during 2009-2011. All eligible subjects were invited to participate in the study. Before a detailed questionnaire was given; face to face interviews were done for each individual.ResultsThere were 719 men and 874 women with an average age of 40.5 years at the onset of the study. Among the study population, 38.9% (620/1,593) complained of chronic pain, of whom 40.8% (253/620) were men and 59.2% (367/620) were women. Foot and joint pain were observed in 31.9%. Hip and spine pain, migraine and tension headaches, heart pain, and abdomen pain were observed in 21.5%, 15.5%, 9.5%, and 8.0% of chronic pain cases, respectively. There was a significant association among the covariables age, sex, overweight, educational level, income, and type of employment with chronic pain as the dependent variable (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur findings show the prevalence of chronic pain and its association with demographic, psychological and socioeconomic factors. Individuals with low incomes and less education became accustomed to pain due to a lack of knowledge.

The most widespread form of violence against women is domestic violence, which is associated with social and psychological consequences. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between violence and self-esteem and self-efficacy in 496 women referred to Jahrom Women's Clinic. Convenience sampling was performed and data were collected using the Violence Against Women Survey Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Sherer General Self-Efficacy Scale. The prevalence of violence was 47.4%. Approximately 20.6% of the sample was subjected to physical violence and 44.2% was subjected to non-physical violence. In addition, 74.6% of women had a negative attitude toward violence, which resulted in a statistically significant relationship with their self-efficacy ( p = 0.0001). Self-efficacy and self-esteem were decreased in women who reported violence ( p = 0.0001). To reduce domestic violence, women's attitudes toward their rights need to be changed to increase their self-esteem and self-efficacy through planning, counseling, and educational classes. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59 (4), 31–37.]

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