Introduction: Menstrual distress caused by primary dysmenorrhea is associated with physical and psychological symptoms-before, after, and during menstruation. Leventhal's self-regulation educational model is based on the cognitive and emotional experiences of threat responses to symptoms and relates to coping responses. This study aims to investigate the effect of the implementation of a psychoeducational intervention, based on the selfregulation model of menstrual distress in adolescents. Methods/design: In this randomized controlled trial, 120 adolescent girls with moderate to severe menstrual pain (based on visual analog scale (VAS) ≥ 4) from twelve randomly selected high schools in Qazvin City will be enrolled in the study and will be randomly assigned to either a 3-session psychoeducational intervention (n = 60) or control (n = 60) groups. The sessions will be between 60 and 90 min apiece, and they will run for three consecutive weeks (one session per week). The data collection tools will include questionnaire eliciting menstrual information and demographics, the VAS, the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire, and the illness perception questionnaire. One month prior to the intervention, both groups will participate in an initial assessment to assess the severity of their pain and level of menstrual distress. Finally, all questionnaires will be completed for three consecutive months after the intervention is completed. Discussion: It is anticipated that findings of this study will provide evidence for the effectiveness of the Leventhal self-regulation model. Implications for improved practice, understanding, and treatment for menstrual distress may also arise.

Background: Lactation has a negative effect on female sexual function. Hormonal changes during lactation cause changes which might lead to dyspareunia, lack of libido, and anorgasmia. There are various pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to treat sexual dysfunction. While pharmacological treatment has multiple unwanted side effects, non-pharmacological therapies such as complementary medicine are a potential safer alternative. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ear acupressure on sexual function of lactating women. Methods/design: This is a randomized clinical trial with a parallel sham control group. In this study, 76 lactating women between 6 months and 1 year after childbirth were referred to health care centers in Qazvin City and would be invited to participate. Participants will be divided into intervention (n = 38) and control (n = 38) groups using simple block randomization. Both intervention and sham control groups will be visited over 10 sessions within a 4-day interval. At each visit, the adhesives containing Vaccaria seed will be adhered for the intervention group, while non-latex-based adhesives with no Vaccaria seeds will be placed on the same ear acupoints for the sham control group. Selected ear acupoints include genitalia (two ear points), pelvic point, master shoulder, and posterior pituitary gland. The women will be asked to hold the seeds on their ears for 3 days and press each ear point three times a day for 20 s. After 3 days, they will be asked to remove the seeds from their ears and rest for 1 day. Sexual function as primary outcome in both groups will be assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index before and immediately after 1 and 2 months after the intervention. Also, Sexual Quality of Life as secondary outcome will be assessed using Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) before and 2 months after intervention. Data will be analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA at the significant level of 0.05. Discussion: This study is expected to support the impact of ear channel ear acupressure on sexual function in lactating women.

Background and aims: Midwives experience a high level of stress due to heavy workloads, which has been shown to have adverse effects on well-being. Accordingly, the main goal of this study was to assess the predictors associated with a healthy lifestyle in a sample of midwives working in hospitals and health centers of Qazvin, Iran. Methods: A total of 200 midwives were recruited using convenience sampling method. Each subject completed a demographic questionnaire, the Farsi version of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire, and Perceived Social Support Questionnaire. A multivariate linear regression model was used to assess the predictors of health promoting lifestyle (HPL). Results: Spiritual growth (2.78±0.53) and nutrition (2.79±0.45) had the highest scores among HPL subscales. Conversely, subjects had the lowest score in physical activity (2.02±0.64). Multivariate regression analyses showed that workplace (β=-0.19, P=0.03), involving in professional sports (β=0.2, P=0.01), and perception of an adequate social support network (β=0.47, P<0.001) were the strongest predictors of HPL. These predictors accounted for 27% of the variance in the model. Conclusion: Considering the predictive role of three variables including workplace, involving in professional sport, and having adequate social support, HPL interventions can be designed and implemented. Improving working conditions, strengthening social support networks, and increasing physical activity might be beneficial measures to improve midwives’ HPL.

Background: Preconception care (PCC) is one of the most important components of healthcare services for women of reproductive age. Focus on improving preconception health; it can lead to improved reproductive outcomes, healthier pregnancies, and healthier babies. Aim: Determine the predictive factors of receiving PCC in pregnant women of Qazvin. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2018 to September 2019. Participants were 350 pregnant women in their 6-14 weeks of gestation, who had been referred to a selected comprehensive health center (CHC) for their initial prenatal visits. A two-stage cluster sampling was used to access the samples with maximum socioeconomic and cultural diversity. Data was collected using a questionnaire about demographics, fertility, and factors that affect access to PCC; a questionnaire about perceived social support; and a general self-efficacy questionnaire. Data was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods with SPSS software version 25. Results: In the present study, 57.5% of the participants had received PCC. More than 75% of them received this care less than a year ago at a CHC. In the final model, wanted pregnancy (OR= 11.68), awareness of PCC (OR= 8.86) and history of ART for current pregnancy (OR= 7.18) were the strongest predictors in the model. Conclusion: Women of reproductive age appear to benefit strongly from PCC services, when they have planned their pregnancy and were aware of PCC service. Therefore, information related to the opportunities and potential outcomes of PCC should be made publically available. In addition, healthcare providers should focus more on providing patients with information about preconception counseling.