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The prevalence of postpartum depression in teenage mothers is higher than that in adult mothers. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression, distress, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) following childbirth and its resultant risk factors among teenage mothers. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 167 teenage women aged 11–19 years, 8-week after giving birth, in Tabriz, Iran. The data were collected using by socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and Postpartum Distress Measure scale. Results. The study results revealed that 12.6% and 7.2% of the participants had postpartum depression and PTSD, respectively. The results showed that the variables of the number of children, dissatisfaction with marriage, and history of preconception depression were among the risk factors associated with postpartum depression. The results indicated that unwanted pregnancy, lack of spousal support, insufficient income, and infant restlessness variables were predictors of PTSD. Conclusion. Based on our findings, it is crucial to identify teenage mothers with predisposing factors for postpartum depression and PTSD. Providing family planning counseling to reduce unwanted pregnancies, training fathers to support their spouses, and ensuring timely referral of high-risk individuals are essential interventions to address the mental health challenges faced by teenage mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is an important and prevalent disorder that can have short-term and long-term adverse effects on the mother, child, and family. This meta-analysis was conducted with the aim of investigating factors related to PPD in Iran. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed observational studies in Iran. Four Persian language databases (Magiran, IranDoc, ISC, and SID) and four English language databases (ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched from their inception to September 20, 2023. Google Scholar search engine was used to find relevant sources and complete the search coverage. The process of searching and selecting studies was drawn using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis diagram. The strength of the association was summarized using the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used RevMan 5.4 software to analyze the data after extraction. RESULTS: A total of 28 studies involving 11,784 participants were included. The meta-analysis showed that cesarean section (OR = 0.77, 95% CI [0.60, 0.98]), history of abortion (OR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.14, 1.92]), unwanted pregnancy (OR = 0.58, 95% CI [0.45, 0.76]), formula feeding (OR = 0.50, 95% CI [0.39, 0.65]), diploma and less education (OR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.08, 1.48]), neonatal hospitalization (OR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.13, 2.76]), more than two deliveries (OR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.67, 0.86]), and low and moderate socioeconomic status (OR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.34, 2.34]) have a significant effect on PPD. Satisfaction of the newborn gender (OR = 0.88, 95% CI [0.58, 1.33]), employment (OR = 1.16, 95% CI [0.97, 1.40]), age (OR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.58, 1.39]), previous depression (OR = 1.76, 95% CI [0.88, 3.50]), and gender of the newborn (OR = 0.82, 95% CI [0.42, 1.60]) did not have a significant effect on PPD. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that many factors influence PPD. Most of these factors can be identified during pregnancy, which shows the importance of screening during pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary to design and use screening tools to identify predisposing variables for PPD according to the social–cultural characteristics of different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of quantitative studies that specifically measure the association between the experience of pregnancy and unintended pregnancy. The present study aims to address the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and identify its predictors. Additionally, the study explores whether unintended pregnancy is associated with pregnancy uplifts and hassles. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 488 pregnant women between 20 to 40 weeks' gestation at the comprehensive health center in Tabriz City from February 2022 to January 2023. A cluster sampling method was used for sampling, and data were collected using socio-demographic questionnaires and the Pregnancy Experience Scale (PES). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and the prevalence of unintended pregnancy. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the predictors of pregnancy desirability. To examine the relationship between unintended pregnancy and pregnancy experience, an independent t-test was used for bivariate analysis, and a general linear model (GLM) was utilized for multivariate analysis, with control for potential confounding variables. Results: The prevalence of unintended pregnancies was 30.7% (24.3% unwanted pregnancies, and 6.4% mistimed pregnancies). The results of the binary logistic regression indicated that the lower age of both the woman and her spouse were significant predictors for unintended pregnancy (P < 0.05). Based on an independent t-test, the mean score for uplifts in women with unintended pregnancy was significantly lower than in women with intended pregnancy (mean difference (MD): -4.99; 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.96 to -4.02; p < 0.001), While the mean score of hassles in women with unintended pregnancy was significantly higher than women with intended pregnancy (MD: 2.92; 95% CI: 2.03 to 3.80; p < 0.001). The results of GLM showed that women who had unintended pregnancies had significantly lower scores for uplifts (B = -4.99; 95% CI: -5.96 to -4.03; P < 0.001) and higher scores for hassles (B = 2.92; 95% CI: 2.06 to 3.78; P < 0.001). Conclusions: The high prevalence of unintended pregnancies in Tabriz highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address this issue, considering the policy framework and unique challenges faced by women. Future studies should focus on developing context-specific interventions that effectively meet the needs of women with unintended pregnancies. Plain Language Summary: An unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs either when the woman did not intend to get pregnant at all or when she intended to get pregnant but became pregnant at an inappropriate time. This type of pregnancy can have negative effects on the physical and mental health of women during pregnancy and after delivery. So far, no study has investigated the relationship between the experience of pregnancy and unintended pregnancy, and the existing studies, which are qualitative and based on interviews, have examined women's experiences of unintended pregnancy. For the first time, our study examined the relationship between pregnancy experience and unintended pregnancy in 488 women using a valid questionnaire, the Pregnancy Experience Scale, which includes two parts: uplifts and hassles specific to pregnancy. Our findings showed that women who have an unintended pregnancy have a worse pregnancy experience in both uplifts and hassles specific to pregnancy. Also, limited studies have investigated the prevalence of unintended pregnancy in Iran, especially in the city of Tabriz in recent years. Our study, found this prevalence to be 30.7% in Tabriz, with 24.3% of women having no intention of getting pregnant and 6.4% of women experiencing pregnancy at an inappropriate time. The recommendation is to implement strategies to reduce unintended pregnancy rates and improve women's knowledge of fertility, sexuality, and contraception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted pregnant and breastfeeding women. Both low- and high-risk groups adopted preventive approaches such as mask-wearing and handwashing to slow down and prevent viral transmission during critical periods that may affect mother-child interactions. Methods: A longitudinal observational study was conducted with primiparous women recruited using convenience sampling from the postpartum care ward of Afzalipour Teaching Hospital in Kerman from August 1, 2020 to March 30, 2021. The research questionnaires included demographic information, preventive behaviors, breastfeeding intention and practices, postpartum distress, and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. All the questionnaires were self-reported online in three stages: before discharge from the postpartum ward, the first month after delivery, and the third month after delivery. Results: A Total of 160 primiparous women were included. The results showed significant changes in preventive behaviors and postpartum distress levels during the study. Breastfeeding intention and practices were negatively affected by postpartum distress (P = 0.034), unwanted pregnancies (P = 0.009), and cesarean delivery (P < 0.001). Postpartum distress was directly affected by the presence of depression (P < 0.001). Preventive behaviors at discharge were significantly associated with postpartum distress three months after delivery (P = 0.013). The study also found an association between women's and partner's education, unwanted pregnancy, and cesarean delivery that determined postpartum distress. Conclusions: Pandemic restrictions did not affect breastfeeding intentions or practices, possibly due to sufficient social and family support during the pandemic. However, robust guidelines are required to increase enable women's access to specializede care to cope with future pandemics, particularly during the first few weeks after childbirth. Significance: • Sufficient social and family support can overcome such concerns to promote breastfeeding. • Maternal support services are vital during the current and future pandemic periods to promote breastfeeding. • Pandemics like COVID-19 will become more common in the future. The outcome of this study provides a useful perspective for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quarantine during COVID-19 disease may be associated with psychological distress and other behavioral problems. This study aimed to investigate depression, anxiety, and stress in self-quarantined pregnant women at home for 14 days during the coronavirus disease outbreak in Iran. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional web survey was carried out on 874 pregnant women in all governmental health centers of two cities in Iran using the census method in 2020-21. Survey data were collected with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical tests (Chi-square, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and logistic regression) at significance level less than 0.05. Results: Approximately 40.04% (N = 350) of the participants were classified as a self-quarantine group. The mean (SD) of the stress score was higher for the quarantine group compared to nonquarantine (8.12 (4.95) vs. 5.96 (4.51)) (F2,874 = 25.180, p < 0.001). But there was no significant difference in the depression and anxiety scores between the quarantine group compared to nonquarantine, respectively. Additionally, the adjusted odds ratio for stress score was associated with an unwanted pregnancy (1.993, 95% CI: 1.108--3.587; p = 0.021), younger age (1.707, 95% CI: 1.082--2.692; p = 0.022) and uninsured coverage (2.240, 95% CI: 1.320--3.801; p = 0.003), and complete quarantine (2.027, 95% CI: 1.548--2.654; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic has been related to high-stress levels, specifically, among women of younger age, uninsured, and unwanted pregnancies. Thus, quarantined pregnant women will need more mental health support and medical supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on the health consequences of Iran's ideological perspective on population growth. Topics include the human rights abuses following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the government's implementation and subsequent reversal of family planning programs, and the adverse impacts of the Rejuvenation of the Population and Protection of the Family law on reproductive health and women's rights.

Background: Unwanted pregnancy leads to economical and health burden on females and societies. To avoid this, different methods of contraception have been developed. Oral contraceptives as a method, due to less cost and least failure, have found its way through consumers. Important aspect of this method is proper consumption to minimize risk of pregnancy. Pharmacists play role in improving knowledge and compliance of consumers. Method: The study was online cross sectional, conducted over Tehran province in Iran. Questionnaire distributed by online over community pharmacists. Sample was found to be 71 (confidence interval 90% and margin error of 10%). Chi Square test and Correlation-Regression were used for analysis of data. Results: While most of respondents were female with less than 5 years experiences, there were found to have poor knowledge in dispensing and counseling about oral contraceptives. Approximately 69% of respondents had good practice. No significant association (p-value< 0.05) was obtained between the dispensing practice of respondents and their knowledge level. Knowledge and practice towards oral contraceptives were higher among the female respondents. Conclusion: Poor knowledge, good attitude and good practice of community pharmacists regarding dispensing and counseling of OCPs were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Mental disorders during pregnancy can be associated with adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes, as well as a higher risk of postpartum mental disorders. Objectives. This study was conducted to determine the factors associated with mental disorders in pregnant women. Material and methods. Using stratified multistage random sampling, 332 participants were selected among pregnant women covered by health centres for prenatal care from April to September 2019 in the west of Iran. After obtaining informed consent from these people, the demographic questionnaire and the Persian version of the Goldberg GHQ-28 questionnaire were completed for them by a trained midwife. The data was analysed in SPSS 22 using descriptive statistics, the t-Test and ANOVA. Results. The mean age and mean gestational age of the 332 pregnant women under study were 29.01 ± 5.44 years and 22.95 ± 8.95 weeks, respectively. About 32.5% (n = 108) of the women were suspected of having general mental health disorders. The mean scores of the subscales and general mental health disorders were significantly higher in pregnant women with unwanted pregnancy, marital dissatisfaction, a history of domestic violence and in those between 43–47 years of age (p < 0.05). However, the differences between the mean scores of the disorders were not statistically significant in women with a history of abortion and infertility, gestational age and gender, educational levels and occupation. Conclusions. The results of this study showed that 32.5% of the pregnant women were suspected of having general mental health disorders. Mental health disorders were more common in pregnant women with unwanted pregnancy, marital dissatisfaction, a history of domestic violence in those between 43–47 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Unwanted pregnancy can affect the sweet experience of motherhood and put a person at the crossroads of abortion or childbirth unaware of how each choice can affect a person's mental health, especially anxiety and depression. This study aimed to compare the rates of anxiety and depression between two groups of women with the experience of induced abortion and unwanted delivery. Methods. This research was conducted among 420 women with experience of unwanted pregnancy, including 210 women with a history of induced abortion and 210 women with a history of unwanted delivery. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were the main tools for gathering the related information. We collected demographic information, including marital status, age, number of children, occupation, and level of education. The associated data was analyzed based on an independent t-test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software 19. Results. The results showed that the rate of anxiety among women with a history of unwanted delivery was higher than those with induced abortion. Although there was no significant difference in depression between the two groups, most subscales of depression such as feelings of failure, dissatisfaction, guilt, self-blame, suicidal ideation, crying, apathy, indecision, feelings of worthlessness, impotence, changes in sleep patterns, irritability, changes in appetite, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, and sexual apathy in the group with a history of abortion were higher than the group of women with a history of unwanted delivery. In addition, the rate of anxiety and depression was higher among single women with experience of induced abortion than married ones (P<0.05). Conclusion. According to the results, different levels of depression are more likely to occur among women who experience induced abortion under the influence of cultural, social, and religious factors. On the other hand, the level of anxiety among mothers who choose the path of childbirth in the situation of unwanted pregnancy is higher due to the responsibilities of parenthood. Furthermore, the relationships out of the formal marriage in traditional societies like Iran are taboos and do not meet social acceptance; so single mothers have to abort secretly without having the right to choose. This coercion can explain the higher rate of anxiety and depression among single women with a history of induced abortion than married ones. Practical Implications. The results of the present study can be used in the field of applied research and the development of preventive and therapeutic protocols and cover a large number of mothers and infants affected by anxiety disorders and depression due to unwanted pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intimate partner violence is one of the most common types of violence, and the association between intimate partner violence and mental health has serious implications for public health. This article aimed at investigating the impact of IPV on the mental health of pregnant women who reside in slum areas. Methods: A group of 456 women living in slum areas was investigated. The Conflict Tactics Scale was used to measure the respondent's experience of different types of IPV during the past year. General Health Questionnaire-28 was used to measure the likelihood that an individual had a psychiatric disorder. Results: A total of 456 pregnant women aged ≥ 20 years were interviewed using a shortened version of the Conflict Tactics Scale and the General Health Questionnaire. All types of intimate partner violence were found to be associated with various mental health problems (p < 0.05). Overall, physical (AOR: 3.61; 95% CI 2.11–6.17) and sexual (AOR: 1.72; 95% CI 1.01–2.94) violence increased the odds of probable psychiatric disorders in victims compared with their counterparts who had not experienced such types of violence. Conclusions: Further research is needed on the relationship between intimate partner violence and other mental health problems, protocols to screen for intimate partner violence in healthcare settings, and supportive services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hot line services were developed in response to the perceived need for 24-hour help services in crises ranging from suicide to unwanted pregnancy. This study is aimed at analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and suggestions of improving the performance of the help centers from the perspective of key stakeholders. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study to elicit the key informants' opinion regarding the performance of Iranian hot-lines. All the conversations were audio-recorded with the permission of the participants. To reach the saturation limit, the number of interviews was completed in the saturation of data. Data was gathered from 15 individual in-depth interviews. Collecting and analyses of data was based on content analysis through which simultaneously during texts open coding, main concepts were extracted and then in axial coding similar concepts were categorized. Results: According to the study results, there is no specific and independent system for assessing the hot-lines. One of the major weaknesses was the lack of standard protocols. Most participants believed that most of these guidelines came from the general principles of counseling and are not standard. As another point, the existence of referral services is one of the main problems of counseling lines. The most important suggestion from the majority of experts were the development of services and modification of their investments. Conclusions: The findings, in addition to providing the applied data for policy-making in the health system, will significantly contribute to the creation of scientific, technical, and skillful personnel in the community of researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Unintended pregnancy is one of the most important public health problems. The complications of unintended pregnancy can lead to mortality and irreversible health damages in the whole world and may involve the mother, fetus, and neonate. This study aims to determine the most important complications of unintended pregnancy for mother, her fetus, and neonate.Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the effects of unintended pregnancy on pregnant women in Bojnourd County, North Khorasan Province, Iran. In total 748 pregnant mothers were selected, including 374 mothers as exposed group (unintended pregnancy) and 374 as unexposed group (planned pregnancy). The data were collected using a researcher-made checklist and the mothers were interviewed by phone to complete the data.Results: The relationship between unintended pregnancy with maternal complications of maternal age (R2adj = 1.03) (p = .044), education level (R2adj = 2.01) (p < .001), mother's job (R2adj = 0.88) (p = .025), father's job (R2adj = 0.86) (p = .018), number of prenatal cares (R2adj = 0.80) (p < .001), private specialist visit (R2adj = 0.28) (p = .001), use of certain drugs (R2adj = 2.58) (p = .001), gestational weight gain (R2adj = 1.79) (p = .01), vaginal bleeding (R2adj = 3.81) (p = .004), breastfeeding start 3-h postpartum (R2adj =19.06) (p < .001), gestational diabetes (R2adj = 12.94) (p < .001), and urinary tract infection (R2adj = 7.48) (p < .001) was significant after adjusting for confounding factors in the logistic regression model. There was a significant relationship between unintended pregnancy with neonatal variables such as deviation of 6- to 12-month neonate from height growth (R2adj = 4.78) (p = .016) and from weight growth (R2adj = 2.01) (p = .011), as well as the presence of another infant under 2 years in the family (R2adj = 4.28) (p = .014).Conclusion: It is concluded that unwanted pregnancy seems to have substantial negative consequences for women during their pregnancy and also her children. It is suggested health policy makes in Iran consider this important issue in national reproductive health and family program to reduce healthcare burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unwanted pregnancy is a global issue with adverse outcomes for the mother, child, family, and society. Previous studies in Iran have reported different prevalence rates for unwanted pregnancy. This meta-analysis was aimed at estimating the overall prevalence of unwanted pregnancy among Iranian women.Methods: A total of 20 articles in English or Persian, published between 2012 and December 2018, were collected. The search was conducted in national and international databases, including Scientific Information Database (SID), MagIran, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using the following keywords: 'Unplanned pregnancy', 'Unintended pregnancy', 'Unwanted pregnancy', and 'Mistimed pregnancy'. The data were analyzed using the meta-analysis method and the random effects model. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I2 statistic. All analyses were performed using Stata, version 12.Results: Analysis of 20 studies with a total sample size of 16,298 showed that the prevalence of unwanted pregnancy among Iranian women was 26% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 23-28). This prevalence was higher in the regions 5 and 2 of Iran (27%) than the other regions, and had no significant decrease between 2012 and 2018 (p = 0. 937).Conclusion: More than one-fourth of pregnancies among Iranian women are unwanted. Providing training programs for couples who do not plan to have children along with the support policies aimed at stimulating population growth, can be an important step in overcoming the issue of unwanted pregnancy and reducing the illegal abortions related to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most desirable way of infant feeding in the first 6 months. EBF has beneficial health effects on mothers and infants. The aim of this study was to examine factors influencing EBF, with emphasis on household food security status and maternal mental health. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 325 women referring to community health centers in west Tehran. Data were collected using questionnaires, including Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) 18-item questionnaire. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and analytical methods such as the chi-squared test, t test and logistic regression with SPSS 22. Results: The prevalence of EBF was 82.5% (CI = 0.70, 0.94), 63.9% (CI = 0.57, 0.70) and 72.3% (CI = 0.62, 0.82) in 3-month, 3-6-month and 6-8-month-old infants, respectively. The results of this study showed a significant association between EBF and infant gender satisfaction (P < 0.001, OR = 4.85, CI = 2.12, 11.12), economic satisfaction score (P = 0.028, OR = 0.82, CI = 0.69, 0.98), infant birth weight (P = 0.013, OR = 0.99, CI = 0.99, 1.00) and unwanted pregnancy (P = 0.098, OR = 1.82, CI = 0.89, 3.70). However, we did not find any significant association between EBF and other variables such as household food security status, mother's postpartum depression, parents' education and age, type of delivery and pregnancy numbers. Conclusion: Infant gender satisfaction, economic satisfaction, unwanted pregnancy and infant birth weight were the significant factors for predicting EBF in this study. Since EBF is important for infants and mothers' health, policy-makers should devise strategies to promote and encourage EBF in the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Network Scale Up (NSU) is a promising tool for size estimation of sensitive issues. In this study we investigated the important methodological considerations to employ this method for estimating behaviors, such as abortion, which happens in a particular age-gender group. Methods: We recruited 1250 males and 1250 females aged 18 to 50. Abortion rate was calculated through direct question and NSU methodology. The NSU was applied on three sub-samples (male, female and aggregate). Integrating replies to 25 reference groups, we estimated the network size (C) of respondents and its age-gender structure. To calculate the part of network that is subject to abortion, we compared two approaches: proportional and data based. The Visibility Factor (VF) was calculated through 222 females who had abortion. Direct estimate was considered as gold standard. Results: Using C’s derived from proportional method, the Relative Bias (RB) in the male and female samples was 33% and 84%. Applying the data-based C’s, the RB in the gender-specific and aggregate samples was 5% and 2%. Conclusion: The proportional method overestimates the prevalence. The data-based method to calculate the C is superior. The determination of the age-sex distribution of the network and the specific VF is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A woman's decision to continue or terminate an unplanned pregnancy is affected by a broad range of contextual and cognitive factors. The identification of women's perceptions of unplanned pregnancy is crucial for health care providers to be able to offer supportive care and counselling. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument to accurately measure women's perceptions of unplanned pregnancy: the Women's Perceptions of Unplanned Pregnancy Questionnaire. The instrument was developed using a methodological framework guided by Waltz et al. (2010). A conceptual model of the designed instrument emerged from the qualitative study using a content analysis approach conducted in Tabriz, Iran. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling method between June 2016 and July 2017. Participants were a sample of married Iranian women between the ages of 15 and 49 who had experienced an unplanned pregnancy, either unwanted or mistimed, within the last 3 months. Women with an established diagnosis of a psychological disorder were excluded from the study. The psychometric properties of the instrument were assessed using face, content, concurrent and construct validations. To evaluate face validity, qualitative and quantitative (item impact score) methods were used. The content validity was assessed by fifteen panel experts. In addition, concurrent validity of the designed instrument was tested using the Persian version of the Cambridge Worry Scale and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The construct validity was calculated by using the exploratory factor analysis method. Data were collected from questionnaires completed by 310 eligible women. Analysis of the data using exploratory factor analysis yielded 31 items in a unique six-factor structure. The instrument was found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.88) and adequate reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient=0.89). A clearer understanding of women's perceptions of unplanned pregnancy may enhance reproductive services and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent limitation in the provision of publicly funded family planning services in Iran has concerned stakeholders in reproductive health about the incidence of unintended pregnancies. This study used data from Hamedan Survey of Fertility (HSF), conducted in April-June 2015 among a representative sample of 3,000 married women aged 15-49 years living in the city of Hamedan (Iran), to estimate levels of unintended pregnancies and examine factors related to pregnancy intentions for the most recent birth, using multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results showed that 23 percent of pregnant women reported their pregnancy as unintended (17 percent mistimed and 6 percent unwanted). Moreover, unintended pregnancies in the five years preceding the survey were the result of failures of withdrawal (35 percent) and of modern contraceptive use (33 percent), along with contraceptive discontinuation (23 percent) and non-use (9 percent). Multivariate results indicated that the risk of unintended pregnancy was lower among women reporting modern contraceptive failures and lower among those reporting contraceptive discontinuation and non-use, compared with women experiencing withdrawal failures. The high incidence of unintended pregnancies among women experiencing contraceptive failures and discontinuation imply their high unmet need for contraceptive knowledge and counseling rather than for access to contraceptive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illegal abortion is a common way to terminate unintended pregnancies. A 38 year old pregnant woman decided to terminate her pregnancy illegally. This was complicated by uterine perforation and bowel injuries. Illegal abortion can be associated with serious complications. Ethically, the patient must be provided with complete information at the appropriate time in legally-prescribed treatment centers through informed consent. The occurrence of critical and threatening conditions to the patient with ethical decision-making problems should be prevented. Familiarity with abortion laws in each region is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postpartum Depression (PPD) is one of the major health problems that have adverse effects on mother and family and can be related to many factors. It is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and a common problem of human life. Aim: To determine the predisposing factors of PPD. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study in which 242 women referred to Kermanshah health centres (two months after delivery), were selected by cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a standard Edinburgh Depression Inventory. Data were analysed by SPSS software using chi-square, t-test and ANOVA. Results: The average age of study participants was 29 years. A total of 11.3% of mothers had moderate depression and 44.8% had severe depression. There was a statistically significant relationship between the level of depression with spouse support, maternal support, desire and unwanted pregnancy (p-value <0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between level of depression and type of delivery; mother's education and gender of infant (p-value >0.05). The prevalence of depression was also higher in those with unwanted pregnancy (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: More than half of the study population had severe depression. Spouse support in reducing PPD can be effective. So, it is necessary to educate the spouses about the important issue of PPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unwanted pregnancy is an important public health concern that can have significant health, social, and economic effects on the mother, the baby and her family. The establishment and enhancement of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) play a role in the promotion of emotional communication between the mother and the child in the future. This study aimed at investigating the effect of cognitive-behavioral counseling on maternal-fetal attachment among pregnant women with unwanted pregnancy., Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 60 eligible pregnant women with unwanted pregnancy and gestational age of 22-28 weeks who had referred to health centers in Mashhad, a city in the northeast of Iran, were selected and they were through random block assignment divided into two groups of counseling with the cognitive-behavioral approach (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). In addition to the routine pregnancy care, the cognitive-behavioral counseling group received four group counseling sessions on a weekly basis, while the control group only received the routine pregnancy care from healthcare providers. Maternal-fetal attachment before and after intervention in the two groups was assessed through Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. Comparison of mean scores within and between the two groups was performed using SPSS 21 through independent and paired t-tests., Results: At the end of the study and after the intervention, the mean scores of maternal-fetal attachment in the intervention and control groups were 94.06 ± 11.73 and 80.16 ± 10.09, respectively, and the difference between the groups was significant. Although the difference between the mean scores of each group at the beginning and the end of the study was significant, this difference between the two groups was also noticeable (21.56 ± 12.16 vs 7.40 ± 12.39) and statistically significant., Conclusions: Cognitive-behavioral counseling can be effective in enhancing the maternal-fetal attachment in unwanted pregnancies; therefore, it is recommended to be integrated into pregnant women's healthcare programs., Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest in this study., (©2023 Pacini Editore SRL, Pisa, Italy.)

Background: The data on the prevalence of substance abuse in Iranian pregnant women is scarce in the current literature. This study investigated the prevalence of and the factors associated with substance abuse among pregnant women, and compared self-reported use with urine test results. Methods: This cross-sectional study included data for 2000 pregnant women admitted to a tertiary care hospital in the southeast of Iran. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics and the patterns of substance use. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with opiate use. A subsample (200 women) was randomly selected to provide urine samples for toxicological screening. Findings: The lifetime prevalence of substance abuse and tobacco smoking was 15% and 31%, respectively. Overall, 3.3% of the participants reported using at least one substance during the previous month. One third of pregnant women reported using substances as a home remedy for treatment of pregnancy related health problems. Overall, 23% of the urine screening tests were positive. The agreement between self-reported substance abuse and the results of the urine tests was poor. Factors associated with opiates use in pregnant women were age at the first pregnancy of less than 20 years, living in rural areas, unwanted pregnancy, lack of healthcare during pregnancy, and having a spouse and/or first-degree family member with substance abuse. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of substance abuse among the studied women. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach to provide preventive educational programs during pregnancy, and interviews and urinary screening of all pregnant women is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels and determinants of unwanted pregnancies and therapeutic and elective induced abortions in an Iranian sample of women. This study was conducted from the beginning of 2013 to the end of July 2013, using data from 950 women aged 15-45 years. To evaluate the relationship of independent variables to the number of unwanted pregnancies, a negative binomial regression model was used. A multinomial logistic model was used to investigate the relationship of the history of at least one unwanted pregnancy to therapeutic and elective induced abortion. The prevalence of unwanted pregnancy among participants was 19.2 percent (n = 182). Among those with a history of unwanted pregnancy, eighteen had had at least one induced abortion (14.5 percent of the total abortions reported). Having enough knowledge about the intrauterine device during unprotected intercourse on average was associated with a 57 percent reduction in unwanted pregnancies (mean odds ratio = 0.43, 95 percent Confidence Interval (CI): 0.11-0.93). Given the high rates of complications following unwanted pregnancies and associated maternal health threats, timely identification and training of women at risk, as well as the development of appropriate attitudes regarding reproductive health, may help avoid such pregnancies and their complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Background: The lack of sex education (due to the religious beliefs in traditional population) is palpable in Iran, which has led to social problems and medical issues. Objectives: The propose of this study was to investigate the role of lack of sex education in the rate of the sexual problems and induced abortions in the last 25 years in Iran Methods: This retrospective study was designed according to data collection through official statistical data from Legal Medical Organization and Statistical center of Iran during 1995-2020. Results: Due to the lack of sex education for general population, society's sexual knowledge is very limited. Sexual health and family planning training have been deleted in the universities. The prevalence of female and male sexual dysfunctions were 67.9% and58.2%, respectively. Overall prevalence has been increased significantly in recent years. Only 1.4 % of induced abortion were legally licensed during this period. The majority of induced abortions are due to unwanted extramarital pregnancies. According to the law, pregnancy outside the marriage is an unforgivable crime in Iran. Considering with 25% decrease in marriage rate and 4.8 fold increase in divorce rate, the rate of intentional abortion has been increased about 5 times. Conclusions: This study can be considered a model for all similar societies. This study might suggest the importance role of public knowledge about sexual health and family planning from school to university, breaking the taboo of treating sexual problems, and its protective effect for reducing the number of intentional abortions as well as the complications of abortions. Conflicts of Interest: Our abstract is free from commercial influence or bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual desire and frequency of sexual relationships during pregnancy remains challenging. This study aimed to assess factors that affect women's sexual functioning during pregnancy. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out at prenatal care clinics of public health services in Iran. An author-designed structured questionnaire including items on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, the current pregnancy, and women's sexual functioning during pregnancy was used to collect data. The generalized linear model was performed in order to find out factors that affect women's sexual functioning during pregnancy. Results: In all, 518 pregnant women participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 26.4 years (SD = 4.7). Overall 309 women (59.7 %) scored less than mean on sexual functioning. The results obtained from generalized linear model demonstrated that that lower education, unwanted pregnancy, earlier stage of pregnancy, older age, and longer duration of marriage were the most important factors contributing to disturbed sexual functioning among couples. Conclusion: The findings suggest that sexual function during pregnancy might be disturbed due to several factors. Indeed issues on sexual relationship should be included as part of prenatal care and reproductive health programs for every woman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper examines the level and correlates of unintended pregnancies among young women in the Islamic Republic of Iran using a sub-sample of 4,402 ever-married women aged between 15 and 24 from the 2010 Iran Multi-Indicator Demographic and Health Survey (IrMIDHS). Multivariate analysis is then applied to the 2005 Iran Low Fertility Survey (ILFS) to explore the experience of pregnancy termination in young ages. The comparison of the outcomes of wanted and unintended pregnancies shows that the proportion of both induced and spontaneous abortions are significantly higher for unintended than for wanted pregnancies. The higher rates of abortion among the more recent pregnancy cohorts (1995-2005) indicate an increasing trend of pregnancy termination in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The paper concludes with a recommendation stressing the importance of continued provision of family planning services to young couples, in order to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and to avoid unsafe and clandestine abortions that may cause numerous irreversible adverse effects on women's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fertility behavior of Iranian women and their reproductive needs is changing and consequently, for providing good services, it is critical to monitor their reproductive behavior at a national level. Methods: This study was carried out by Avicenna Research Institute in the urban and rural parts of Iran between 2010 and 2011. Using cluster sampling, the reproductive history of 17,187 married women aged 20 - 40 years were recorded. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS software (Version 11.5), and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The common methods of contraception at the time of interview were natural methods (29.8%). The first pregnancy was unwanted in 20.6% of the women. The average number of childbirth per 35 - 40 years woman was 2.4. The mean age of women at marriage date and the mean age at the first childbirth both have increased with time (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Although the fertility rate has declined in Iran, the most important reproductive issues like unwanted pregnancy and use of non-reliable methods of contraception are not resolved yet. Increased mean age at first Childbirth and elevated numbers of couples with no childbirth, because of voluntarily childlessness or Infertility should be noticed more by policy makers. Then allocating enough resources for reproductive health services is vital in new family planning policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: About 44 million induced abortions take place worldwide annually, of which 50% are unsafe. The results of studies investigated the induced abortion rate in Iran are consistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to estimate the incidence rate of induced abortion in Iran. Methods: National and international electronic databases, as well as conference databases until July 2012 were searched. Reference lists of articles were screened and the studies' authors were contacted for additional unpublished studies. Cross-sectional studies addressing induced abortion in Iran were included in this meta-analysis. The primary outcome of interest was the induced abortion rate (the number of abortions per 1000 women aged 15-44 years in a year) or the ratio (the number of abortions per 100 live births in a year). The secondary outcome of interest was the prevalence of unintended pregnancies (the number of mistimed, unplanned, or unwanted pregnancies per total pregnancies). Data were analyzed using random effect models. Results: Of 603 retrieved studies, using search strategy, 10 studies involving 102,394 participants were eventually included in the meta-analysis. The induced abortion rate and ratio were estimated as 8.9 per 1000 women aged 15-44 years (95% CI: 5.46, 12.33) and 5.34per 100 live births (95% CI: 3.61, 7.07), respectively. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was estimated as 27.94 per 100 pregnant women (95% CI: 23.46, 32.42). Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis helped a better understanding of the incidence of induced abortion in Iran compared to the other developing countries in Asia. However, additional sources of data on abortion other than medical records and survey studies are needed to estimate the true rate of unsafe abortion in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of contraceptive use in Iran is high, but because abortion is illegal, many unintended pregnancies among married women are likely to be terminated by clandestine and often unsafe procedures, resulting in adverse health outcomes. Drawing upon data from the 2009 Tehran Survey of Fertility, this study estimates the levels and trends of unintended pregnancy and examines determinants of pregnancy intentions for the most recent birth, using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The level of unintended pregnancy decreased from 32 percent in 2000 to 21 percent in 2009, while contraceptive use increased. Unintended pregnancies in the five years preceding the 2009 survey resulted from failures of withdrawal (48 percent) and of modern contraceptive use (20 percent), together with contraceptive discontinuation (26 percent) and nonuse (6 percent). Multivariate findings show that, compared with women experiencing withdrawal failures, the risk of unintended pregnancy was higher among women reporting modern contraceptive failure and lower among those reporting contraceptive discontinuation and nonuse. The high risk of unwanted pregnancy among women experiencing failures in practicing withdrawal or using modern contraceptive methods points to an unmet need for family planning counseling and education rather than to a shortage of contraceptive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of contraceptive use and unmet need for family planning in Iran and to explore the public-health implications. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 2120 married women aged 15–49years. The sample population was enrolled in 6 large Iranian cities (Tehran, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Ahvaz) and 2 small cities (Zahedan and Kerman) from September 22 to December 20, 2011. Results: The overall contraceptive prevalence rate was 81.5% and the unmet need for any method of contraception was 2.6% (95% confidence interval, 2.0%–3.3%). Given the frequency of women who used traditional contraceptive methods (22.3%), the unmet need for modern methods was estimated as 17.4%. The main reasons given for unmet need for family planning were low perceived risk of pregnancy (41.8%) and family opposition (21.8%). Unwanted pregnancy was reported by 30.7% of the participants. Conclusion: A high rate of unmet need for modern contraceptive methods might potentially lead to increased rates of unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions. Healthcare policymakers should, therefore, be warned against a sense of complacency that family planning in Iran does not need their support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

shahbazi s. (2012) The consequences of unsafe abortion : a qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(6), 1247-1255. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of a study of the consequences of illegal abortions experienced by Iranian women. Background. Despite the increase in effective and safe methods of contraception and the distribution of information about these methods, unwanted pregnancy is still a problem in some societies. Induced abortion is a common procedure throughout the world and at least half of more than 45 million induced abortions which happen in a year are performed under unsafe circumstances. Unsafe abortions carry a high risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, accounting for more than 80,000 maternal deaths per year. Method. In this qualitative study, 27 participants were interviewed in 2006. Some participants were women who had illegal abortions and others were people who had contact with those women. Content analysis was used to identify and categorize participants' responses to the interview questions. Findings. Four consequences of women's experiences of illegal abortion were identified: physical, psychological, socio-political and judicial. Conclusion. In Iran, as in some other developing countries intentional abortion, except for some special cases, is illegal because of social and religious beliefs. In these countries, offering services and support to women with unwanted pregnancies seems to be the best solution for reducing or preventing illegal abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Nowadays a lot of works are being carried out in family planning which is also increasing However, about 8 to 30 million of unwanted pregnancy happens annually because of not using the contraceptive methods continually. In this study, the maintaining use of the methods and effective factors in their interruption are investigated. Materials & Methods: This study is peripheral and descriptive. The Studied women were 15 to 49 years old that had stop their contraceptive methods.486 women were selected randomly. Data were collected by questionnaires that have been validated by content validation method and for determining the final result, Bakh test with coefficient of 91% has been used. After collecting data by SPSS software, they were analyzed by statistics tests such as variance analyzing and Kay and Caplan Mayer square tests. Result: This study indicates the most common contraceptive method being used is candom (41.7%), and the lowest common method been used is IUD(3/4%) . the average time of using the contraceptive methods for Iud, Ocp, candom and DMPA are 12.3, 422.4, 814.79 and 14.610, respectively. The most important reason for stopping the use of ocp (changing the method 30 % (candom (husband's resistance and fear of being not effective 22%) IUD (bleeding and spotting 48%) DMPA (changing the method 28%) Conclusion: In addition to the coherent and more scientific trainings, motivational counseling with cooperating of couples in the inception time and the first six months is suggested [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Unwanted pregnancy can have negative impacts on maternal health. The aim of this study was to compare the health status of women with wanted and unwanted pregnancies in Kerman, Iran. Materials and Methods: This case — control was performed on women with wanted (100 cases) and unwanted pregnancies (100 cases) whom refered to health centers in Kerman, Iran during 2010. The tool for data collection included a demographic questionnaire, short form 36 health survey (SF36) and a researcher-made pregnancy's physical health. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were assessed initially prior to study procedure. Data was analyzed by using SPSS-16, Chi-Square, T Student and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Women with unwanted pregnancies had lower scores for physical and mental health, vaccination and supplement consumption, prenatal care and personal health than women with wanted pregnancies (P<0.05). Women with unwanted pregnancies had more complications and high risk behavior compared to unwanted pregnancies (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated that unwanted pregnancies are accompanied with physical and mental health. Thus, special counseling and extra care measures is recommended during unwanted pregnancies. Pregnancy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the incidence of unwanted pregnancies in women under 35 and those over 35 years, compare the results with the previous data, and also to determine the causes of unwanted pregnancies in these women Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study (descriptive - analysis) is performed on 400 pregnant women who had referred to the laboratories of Shiraz. Ten laboratories were randomly selected from different parts of Shiraz. The subjects were interviewed during the period of three months they referred for the result of their pregnancy test. Questionnaire included demographic information, how to use the methods of contraception, how to treat women with unwanted pregnancies, and the history of pregnancy. The chi-square tests, t-test, and logistic regression were utilized in order to compare two groups of women under 35 and over 35 and also to determine the factors related to unwanted pregnancies. Results: In this study, the prevalence of unwanted pregnancies in women under study was 14.7%. The incidence of pregnancy in women under 35 and those over 35 was 13.3% and 33.3%, respectively. The difference between the groups was found to be statistically significant (p=0.01). Conclusion: the percentage of unwanted pregnancies has reduced in Shiraz and this is indicative of the success of family planning. However the percentage of unwanted pregnancies in women over 35 is still high. Due to the fact that these women use unreliable methods training courses should be planned for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nowadays, rapid increasing in the world population is the most essential impediment of socioeconomic development in the country that shows the importance of attention to reproductive controlling and family planning. Vasectomy is a simple and effective method of contraception. No-scalpel vasectomy has been done since 2001 in Isfahan province. Due to lack of information about vasectomy, this study was conducted to assess the complication, satisfaction and failure rate of vasectomy. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The samples were 188 men that had been done vasectomy in Ebnesina, mollahadi sabzevari, Navvab safavi and khaneh Isfahan health centers of Isfahan city in 2005. Vasectomy was done according to standard protocol by trainer doctor. In each center, samples (47 men) were selected by systematic random sampling. The questionnaires were completed by face to face or telephone interview and available data of completed forms at the time of vasectomy. Demographic characteristics and developed complication after vasectomy were asked. The questions of questionnaire were designed according to reported complication in the literature review. Data were analyzed by SPSS 15 software and descriptive statistics. Findings: The mean age of men was 37.82 ± 5.54 years. The most common reported complication was pain (6.9%). Other reported complications were: sexual dysfunction (2.1%), urinary problem (2.1%), allergic reaction to local anesthesia (1.6%), testis infection (0.5%) and renal stone (0.5%). Sleep disturbance and being repentant were reported in 2.1% and 0.5%, respectively. Vasectomy failure rate was zero and satisfaction rate was 94.7%. Conclusion: With attention to this point that reported complication was low and vasectomy failure rate was zero, it seems that technique of vasectomy has good quality. On the other hand, for decreasing the dissatisfaction rate due to occurring unwanted pregnancy and being repentant due to tendency to have child after vasectomy, good counseling before doing vasectomy is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: IUD is a highly effective, safe, private, long-acting, and rapidly reversible method of contraception with few side effects. The aim of this study was to assess the continuation rate and cause of IUD discontinuation in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and methods: This historical Cohort study was carried out on 12 randomly selected health centers of Isfahan province in 2007. 244 literate married reproductive aged women (15-49 years old) who had chosen IUD as a contraceptive method in 2002 enrolled the study by census sampling. After explaining the aim of study and taking informed consent, women completed the questionnaire for demographic characteristics, menstrual characteristics before and after IUD insertion and cause of IUD discontinuation. Data were analyzed by SPSS 11 software, descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Continuation rates at the end of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years were 100, 92, 87, 76, 66 and 65 per 100, respectively. Since 2001-2007, 60% (146) preserved and 40% (98) removed their IUD. 27.6% (27) discontinued IUD use due to occurring medical problems that the most common cause was infection (29.6%). 72.4% (71) had voluntary IUD removal and the most common cause was tendency to planned pregnancy (38%). Conclusion: These findings indicate that health care providers should give more emphasis to counseling programs for women desiring IUD insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression is defined as a major depressive episode that occurs within four weeks after delivery. However, investigators describe a dramatic increase in the incidence of mood disorders after childbirth with the largest risk during 90 days after delivery. We aimed to study the risk factors of postpartum depression in women living in rural areas of Isfahan Province in Iran. Methods: We assessed 6627 women, two to 12 months after delivery, for depression and putative risk factors. Results: Unemployment, low education, mothers' young age, undesired gender of the child, unplanned pregnancy, and history of depression were the main risk factors of postpartum depression. History of depression, low education, primiparity, unplanned pregnancy, and undesired gender of the child had the highest risk score for postpartum depression in this group of Iranian women. Conclusion: Risk factors of postpartum depression in Isfahan Province were very similar to other studies, but the negative impact of low level of education, unplanned pregnancy, and undesired gender of the child on postnatal depression seems to be characteristic of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Unwanted pregnancy is a widespread problem globally and in Iran, which can lead to low birth weight (LBW)-one of the most important causes of mortality in newborns. This study was conducted to assess the risk factors among women with unwanted pregnancies leading to delivery of LBW infants. Other LBW risk factors were also studied. Methods and Materials: This was a prospective cohort study performed during March 2004 to April 2005 in the health centers of Shemiran, north of Tehran, Iran. A sample of 180 mothers, 15-49 years old, with an unwanted pregnancy (case group) and 430 mothers, in the same age group, with a wanted pregnancy (control group) were compared. To determine the effect of unwanted pregnancy three major type of variables (background, maternal, and neonatal variables) were selected, and the mothers were followed up for 11-12 months (from the first referral for prenatal care to about 2 months after delivery). Statistical univariate analyses were performed using the tand χ2 tests. Also, multiple logistic regression was employed to identify the risk factors associated with LBW. SPSS 11.5 for windows was used for data analysis. Results: The unwanted pregnancy prevalence was 11.7%. The mean of Apgar score was 8.6 in the case group and 8.9 in the control group, the difference being statistically significant (p<0.001).Mean birth `1234t5weight of neonate in the case group was about 2.984kg vs. 3.14kg in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that LBW was related to unwanted pregnancy (p<0.001), gestational age (p<0.001), mother's age (p<0.001), mother's marriage age (p<0.001), birth order (p<0.001), number of past pregnancies (p<0.001), family size (p<0.001), number of abortions (p<0.001), attempt to abort (p<0.001), high blood pressure (p<0.001), and diabetes (p<0.001). Finally, multivariable analysis revealed that LBW was only associated with unwanted pregnancy, high blood pressure, and diabetes in mothers, with adjusted odd ratios of 2.22, 2.81 and 3.55, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: Prevention of unwanted pregnancies, increased gestational age, and appropriate management of mothers' chronic diseases can reduce the risk of LBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To compare 5-minute Apgar scores in newborns of wanted versus unwanted pregnancies. Methods. This longitudinal cohort study included 1800 pregnant women attending urban and rural health centres in southern Tehran for routine prenatal care. The subjects were divided into two equal groups as wanted and unwanted pregnancies and were followed up through their prenatal care to their delivery. Low Apgar was defined as a score of < 8. Various conditions thought to increase the risk of low Apgar were assessed by logistic regression. Results. We found a prevalence of 0.4% (4 cases) for low 5' Apgar in wanted pregnancies and 1.7% (15 cases) in unwanted pregnancies. The difference between the two groups was significant (P value = 0.01). In logistic regression analysis, unwanted pregnancy status had a strong independent relationship with low Apgar, increasing the risk by 3-fold. The attributable risk in unwanted pregnancies was 0.54 (CI0.95 = 0.13-0.81). Conclusions. In addition to the well-established maternal complications of unwanted pregnancy (e.g. emotional stress, illegal abortions, etc) it becomes clear that such pregnancies endanger the infant's health too. It is possible that many pregnant women, especially those with unwanted pregnancies, are not attending health centres for prenatal care. Further studies with active case finding are recommended to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of unwanted pregnancies (UWPs) and related factors among mothers delivering at all hospitals in Tehran. We investigated, in cross-sectional study 6,394 clients, parental age, education and occupation, interval of live children pregnancies, and rate of abortion. A Chi-square test and Hi-Log linear were used in this study. In this study, 2,443 (38.2%) of all cases were UWPs, of which 4.6% (n = 297) resorted to abortion (p < 0.0001). About 38% of all women bad noprenatal care. Seventeen percent of the women under 20 and 66.2% of those above age 35 bad bad UWPs (p < 0.0001). Forty-one percent (n = 2,640) of all cases were illiterate or bad primary education and 28% (n = 1,793) had a high school education or higher (p < 0.0001). Forty-seven percent (n = 18) of mothers were workers and 28.1% (n = 147) were employees (p < 0.0001). Although such variables as age, occupation, level of education, prenatal care family size, and pregnancy interval affect rates of unwanted pregnancy in developing countries, regardless of the cause unwanted pregnancy and its negative consequences can be prevented by access to health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unwanted pregnancies are considered as one of the most important public health risks. Regarding the importance of the unwanted pregnancy in the country and helping health policy-makers obtain more accurate information on this issue, this study aims to provide a systematic review and meta-analytical on the prevalence of unwanted pregnancies in Iran. Methods: The present study was carried out using meta-analysis. Articles related to the topic were obtained through SID, Magiran, Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases from 2001 to 2017, Articles written based on cross-sectional studies were included in the study and other overviews, case-control, cohort, and interventional studies were excluded from the list of articles. Heterogeneity of studies was investigated using I2 index and data analysis was performed in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 3). Results: In 23 articles, the prevalence of unwanted pregnancy in Iranian women was 27.9% (95%CI: 24–32.1%). The meta-regression analysis was used in two sample sizes and years of study. It was reported that as the sample size and Years increases, the prevalence of the unwanted pregnancy decrease, this difference was also statistically significant (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Considering that the prevalence of unwanted pregnancy is high in Iran, it is necessary that health policy makers take effective measures to enhance the awareness of couples and public information about the risks of the unwanted pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Unintended pregnancy is a global problem. Worldwide of the approximately 210 million pregnancies occurring each year, 38% are estimated to be unintended and 22% end in abortion. Un-intended pregnancy is associated with substantial costs to health and social services, and emotional distress to women, their families and society as a whole. Also unintended pregnancy has negative health risk factors for mothers and children. Today there are many different contraceptives, but 217 million women have unmet needs for contraceptives yet. Many couples want to prevent or postpone the birth of next child but they do not access to contraceptives, or don't use contraceptives because of cultural and social obstacles or because of their side effects. Therefore searching and finding new methods for birth control is a permanent necessity. It is expected oncoming methods will be more compatible with culture, test, physical and medical characteristics and life style of couples Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive review on contraceptives in some of traditional Iranian medicine books to compare with modern To do this, we carefully scanned the main texts of Iranian traditional medicine such as Al-Qanun Fi Al-Tibb, (The canon of medicine) Ibn Sina (Bukhara 980-Hamadan, moalejat Aghili, and so. contraception related subjects under the entry of "gynecology", Contextual analysis was done and their discrepancies and congruities were summarized. Results: This data categorized and compared with contraceptive in modern medicine. Contraception issue in traditional Iranian medicine can be divided to 9 parts: male contraceptives (local methods) 1. Mail contraceptives (local method) 2. Female contraceptives (local and systemic methods). 3. Emergency contraceptives. 4. Drugs for sterilization. 5. Contraceptives with effect in definite period. 6. Inhaling steam for vagina. 7. Contraceptives special for menstruations time. 8. Emotional and physical and positional aspects in sex. 9. Food dietary before sex for reducing fertility. Conclusion: This study indicates there were many different drugs and substances with many usage methods for prevent pregnancy in traditional Iranian medicine, most of them were inexpensive and accessible. On the other hand, current contraceptives can't satisfy all of applicant families and many researchers are necessary for making newer, easier, and more acceptable with less side effect contraceptives. New clues for producing new contraceptives or promotion of current contraceptives can be achieved by reviewing, researching and clinical trials on traditional contraceptives. In this way Human generation will be healthier, happier and more efficient by developing programmed pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Approaches to control population growth through family planning programs reveal the need to use contraceptive methods. Family planning is an effective way to prevent abnormal population growth and also save mothers against the risks involved in pregnancies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of contraceptive methods in Kavar City. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was fulfilled on 10656 married women aged 10- 49 years old who had were using modern and natural methods of contraception. Different contraceptive methods' coverage was calculated by reference to the records available in city's health center. Results:Findings revealed that the most frequent contraceptive method is taking pills. 31.4% used various types of pills,14.45% used tubectomy, 10.76% used condoms, 6.35% took injections, 3.63% applied natural methods, and 2.97% underwent vasectomy. Modern contraceptive methods' coverage was 71/66%. Unwanted pregnancies rated as 11/1%. Conclusion: According to the study, 71.66% of those eligible for modern methods of family planning, use modern contraceptive methods, while 3.63% use natural methods. The least used method is vasectomy. Family planning coverage in the city is good. As the majority of population uses modern contraceptive methods, it is essential that people receive required education regarding the side effects of contraceptive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Induced abortion is an illegal procedure, seriously rejected by Islam and most Abrahamic religions. With little differences, all these religions recognize fetus as a human being and thus, abortion means murdering a human being. Accordingly abortion, except for especial cases, is rejected. Statistical data reveal 80,000 induced abortions per year in Iran, which is viewed as a sign of deficiency for a religious society. This research aims to evaluate the psychosocial and demographic factors influencing induced abortion in women under legitimate but unwanted pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study in which two groups of women under unwanted pregnancy were analyzed. While socioeconomic factors were equal for both groups, the question was why the first group had undergone abortion, while the second group had not. This comparison was performed using questionnaires assessing demographic terms and 4 psychosocial factors (religious commitment, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and neutralization). Results: Findings revealed the two groups were significantly different in four psychosocial dimensions; religious commitment (p=0.001), self-esteem (p=0.000), life satisfaction (p=0.004), and neutralization (p=0.000). Data analysis by binary logistic regression showed that the number of living children (p= 0.004), family income (p= 0.03), women‘s educational level (p=0.01), and husbands‘ jobs (p=0.02) are determinants of abortion; on psychosocial dimensions, neutralization (p= 0.001) predicts the more probability of attempts for abortion. Conclusion: According to the results, policymakers and health system managers should pay closer attention to the risk groups. To this end, they should assume two stances. On the one hand, families should be restrained from having more children than they could support. It can be fulfilled by educating families and especially women to avoid pregnancy. On the other hand, they should fortify religious belief at the micro-levels of families and the macro-level of society. When religious beliefs are fortified, attempts to abort unwanted pregnancies are vanished. This approach can help women reduce their neutralization when facing an unwanted pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reveals that traditional methods of contraception are commonly used in Iran, according to a study of 2,120 married women aged 15-49 conducted in 2011 in eight cities across Iran.

Background and Objectives: Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that, in addition to physical and psychological effects on the mother, has devastating effects on the other family members, especially in their relationships with the infant. This study was intended to examine the role of delivery type, infant feeding, and other related variables on the occurrence of postpartum depression. Materials and Methods: The mothers were selected among referries of health center affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, through cluster sampling. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, and analysis was performed through SPSS/16, using correlation coefficient and chi square and multiple regression analysis. Results: The results showed that 50.8 % of 195 mothers were depressed. Type of delivery, type of infant feeding, maternal age and unwanted pregnancy had a significant contribution in predicting postpartum depression. Conclusion: Based on the results, advising about planning to pregnancy, age of pregnancy, proper choice of delivery and breastfeeding, and after delivery, giving information about symptoms of this disorder and its treatment is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]