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Introduction: Preclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by hypertention, proteinuria and generalized edema. The condition usually occurs in the third trimester and word wide is one of the most common causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. No study concerning the immunological etiology and pathogenesis of preclampsia has been done in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of some immunological factors involved in the pathogenesis of preclampsia.
Materials and methods: This research was a clinical trial study. We measured C3, C4, IgG, IgA and IgM levels in 20 women with preclampsia, 20 normal pregnant women and 20 non-pregnant women matched for age, BMI, parity and gestational age. Seven patients had developed severe and thirteen mild preclampsia. After written informed consent was obtained, blood samples of subject group.
Collected serum collected was analyzed for immunological parameters by the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) method of Mancini.
Results: C4 level was significantly decreased in women with severe preclampsia than in women with mild preclampsia and normal pregnancies, whereas C3 level did not differ between groups. IgG concentration was significantly higher in non-pregnant women than in women with preclampsia and normal pregnancies. There was a significant decrease in IgA concentration in normal pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women. There was a not significant difference between the IgM concentrations of both groups.
Conclusion: Our data show several changes in immunological factors in preclampsia which may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disorder in Iranian women.

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Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of all cancer in women. In this study form various methods for treatment of depression due cancer. This study conducted for comparison drug therapy and drug-cognitive therapy on decreasing depression, effect of drug and cognitive theray on decreasing depression. Methods and Materials: This is a clinical trial study. Form patient refered to oncology clinic and ward of vali-e-Asr hospital 78 women were selected by simple sampling. Based on Beck depression test, 42 of them had depression. They randomly divided to case and control groups. Both groups received antideresant drug as usual. But case group had also cognitive- drug therapy. Afrer 6 Month treatment both group were tested again for depression. Data was analyzed by spss using independent and paired t tests. Results: The mean depression score hadnot signigiant difference between case and control grops beor and after treatment. The mean depression score in control group had no significant deference before and after treatment the mean depression score in the case group was significantly different after treatment (p<0.05). The mean score of depression in control group was more than case group after treatment. Conclusion: In the present study cognitive therapy cause a significant decrease in depression score of case group.

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Abstract Background: Employed women like men, with their income have many physical and psychological problems and their mental health has been threaded. In our country the most rate of employed women are in Health and Education Ministries. So, we decided to determine the mental health of employed women in this both areas. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was compared the mental health of 131 employed women in University of Medical Sciences with Education office in Arak city with General Health Questioner (GHQ) in 2008. Also effective factors on mental health based on age, education, income, number of children, mental and physical diseases history, marital status, habitancy condition, job satisfaction and experience were determined and data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: There was difference between mental health level in women working in Medical Sciences University and Education office of Arak (p=0.041). Also income, age, mental disease history and job satisfaction had direct relationship with mental health Conclusion: Difference between psychological health level of women working in office of Medical Sciences University and Education were significant and income level, age, experience, mental disease history and job satisfaction are the most important factors for mental disorders.

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Background: There is inconsistent evidence indicating that serum Zn deficiency in pregnant women may adversely affect fetal growth. In order to survey this matter in Iran, a study was conducted with the aim of determining the association between serum Zn in pregnant women of Kashan and anthropometric factors of their neonates in 2008-2009. Materials and Methods: In this eross-secrional study, of all the pregnant women referring to Naghavi Polyclinic of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, 128 women and their neonates were selected. Serum Zn concentration in 6-9 month pregnant women and anthropometric factors of their neonates (weight, height, and head circumference) were measured. Then the relationship between the prevalence of Zn deficiency and the neonates’ anthropometric factors was reported. T-test and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results: Mean weight and height of the infants whose mothers had low serum Zn concentration (below normal) were 130.1g and 0.6 cm less than the infants whose mothers had high Zn concentrations. A significant positive correlation was found between birth size height of the neonates and serum Zn concentration of the mothers (P=0.02). Conclusion: The results suggest that maternal serum zinc level affects neonates’ height.

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Background: Noticing the significant role of fertility in Iranian families, the incidence of infertility and its social and cultural dimensions, this study was carried out to compare general health status of infertile women with fertile women. Materials and Methods: This observational case-control study was done on 147 women as the control group and 147 infertile patients as the case group who were matched in terms of influential variables. Data collection was done through demographic questionnaire and general health questionnaire (GHQ) which were completed by both groups. The results were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, t test, and chi-square using STATA 10 software. Results: Means of general health score in fertile and infertile women were 19.249.72 and 28.06 10, respectively. Here the mean score of the infertile women was significantly higher in comparison with the fertile women (p<0.001). Physical symptoms, anxiety, social interaction, and depression scores of infertile women were significantly higher in comparison with the fertile women (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the means of age and duration of marriage between the two groups and the distribution of educational level, occupation, and income levels were the same in the two groups. Conclusion: Average scores of general health and physical complaints, anxiety, impaired social interaction, and depression in infertile women were higher than those in fertile women. This indicates their involvement with some degrees of public health diseases.

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Background: Postpartum women are a population at risk for sedentary life. Previous studies have shown that self-efficacy is an important determinant of stage of change and exercise adherence. This study evaluates the relationship between self-efficacy and stage of change and physical activity (PA) behavior in Iranian mothers. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 postpartum mothers were selected randomly from all health centers in Arak. The instruments used in this study included the 7-day PA recall, stages of exercise adoption tool, and self-efficacy for exercise scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Ninety-one percent of the participants were in the pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages of change. Mean score for moderate PA was 38.94±40.5 minutes a week. Significant relationships were found between the stages of PA behavior change and METs of weekly energy expenditure from moderate activities (r=0.60, P<0.001). Also, statistically significant relationships were found between self-efficacy and the stages of PA behavior change (r=0.50, P<0.001) weekly energy expenditure from moderate activities (r=0.40, P<0.001), and pre-pregnancy PA behavior (r=0.39, P<0.001). Conclusion: The level of PA of the participants was less than the recommended minimum level for regular PA behavior (150 minutes of moderately intense PA per week). In this population, self-efficacy plays an important role in PA behavior and it should be taken into consideration in designing interventions for improving PA behavior.

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Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system which leads to myelin destruction. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic training on functional capacity and percent body fat in women with moderate multiple sclerosis.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 15 women with multiple sclerosis (aged 33.68±8.22 years) with EDSS<4 were randomly divided into experimental (n=8) and control (n=7) groups. An aerobic program prolonged for 8 weeks, 3 days/week, 20-40 minutes/day, with 60-80% of HRmax was run in the experimental group. Some functional capacities, such as speed running, walking endurance, balance, and VO2 Max, as well as BF% were measured before and after the training program in both groups.

Results: The results showed that aerobic training led to significant increases in walking endurance, walking speed, balance, and VO2max (p<0.001). These indices, however, decreased significantly in the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, after the training program, percent body fat decreased significantly in the experimental group (p=0.005), but it increased significantly in control group (p=0.002).

Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study, it can be stated that aerobic training can improve functional capacity and decrease percent body fat in multiple sclerosis patients

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Background: Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is a reliable marker for ovarian reserve and fertility capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in AMH between physically active and non-active women.

Materials and Methods: Eighty two reproductive age women (18-50 years) participated (42 active and 40 non-active) in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity level was estimated via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Information on fertility parameters were obtained from medical records. Serum AMH was measured using ELISA assay.

Results: There was not a significant difference in mean age between the two groups (P>0.05). There was a significant difference between physically active and non-active women regarding basal concentration of serum exercise AMH (3.90±0.75 ng/ml versus 1.63±0.53 ng/ml, respectively) (P<0.03). Abortion rates differed significantly (P<0.05) between physically active (0.13±0.26) and non-active women (0.40±0.51).

Conclusion: These findings indicated that physical activity may improve fertility capacity in healthy women by maintaining AMH.

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Background: Menopause being the most critical period, the unfavorable changes in anthropometric and metabolic parameters associated with CVD risk. Metabolic syndrome is the key factor for cardiovascular disease and has become major problem in many countries. With the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, especially in women after menopause, this study was performed to investigate the relationship between the menopausal age and metabolic syndrome in non-obese postmenopausal women.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study on 140 healthy non-obese postmenopausal women who had a BMI less than30 Kg/m2, at 2009 in Ahvaz the data were contained demographic information, menopausal age, BMI, values of HDL-C, FBS, TG serum after 12 houres fasting, blood pressure and waist circumference. We used the Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis by SPSS15 software.

Results: Menopausal age with FBS (p=0.04) was negatively significant. But there was not any correlation between menopausal age with other Components of metabolic syndrome. [triglycerides (p=0.28), systolic blood pressure (p=0.80) diastolic blood pressure (p=0.48), waist circumference (p=0.08), HDL-C(p=0.65)].

Conclusion: Late menopause has favourable effect on fasting glucose.

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Background: The growing elderly population in Iran and the association of aging with the high prevalence of physical and mental disorders have increased the necessity of determining quality of life of this age group. The quality of life of elderly women is affected by several factors due to their vulnerability. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the quality of life of elderly women in Arak.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 271 elderly women who lived in Arak in 2013 using classified sampling. Data were obtained via general QOL (SF-36) questionnaires and analyzed by SPSS software.

Results: The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 67.5±7.02 years. The mean (±SD) total scores of SF-36, mental health, and physical health dimensions were 50.22±18.39, 58.54±19.38, and 46.35±20.82, respectively. The mean (±SD) score of eight dimensions of QOL were: general health 45.52±10.79, social function 56.58±24.94, physical pain 47.60±28.27, physical function 51.46±27.05, physical limitation 38.10±42.67, emotional problems 46.22±42.11, vitality 50.16±19.09, and mental health 58.54±19.38. There were significant difference between QOL, marriage, and income (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The results showed that the quality of life in this study was average and some factors, such as education, income, marriage, and residential situation, have a direct influence on QOL.

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Background: Cancer is one of the most common causes of deaths in the world. Cancer incidence and prevalence is increasing in the world. There is no clear trend is available on incidence of these cancers in Iran, therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence of 10 common cancers among Iranian women from 2003 to 2009.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing existing data. Data from a national registry of cancer cases were received. Data included the records from the cancer registry system in Iranian women during 2003 to 2009. The incidence rates were then standardized using direct method. We used Cochrane Armitage Test for linear trend by Winpepi software to determine the variation in the incidence of cancers.

Results: The results show that the proportion of all cancers is rising in women as compared to all population. Breast, skin, colorectal, gastric, esophageal, thyroid, leukemia, ovary, brain and uterus were the most common cancer among Iranian women. During the years of the survey, these cancers are significantly increased.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the incidence of cancer in women is increased. screening programs can be useful in reducing the cancers.

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Background: Episiotomy is one of the most common gynecologic surgery that was done in the second stage of labor, in order to facilitate the delivery. Cutting this area is associated with pain and discomfort. Healing causes pain relief and returning to daily activities became faster. Considering that the high rates of episiotomy infection, we decided to examine the effect of topical cream, saffron 20%, on women who had undergone episiotomy.

Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial study was performed on 60 primiparous women in 2013-2014 who underwent vaginal delivery and episiotomy at in Taleghani Hospital of Arak. Intervention group recieved 20% topical cream containing saffron extract three times daily for 2 weeks and the control group received a placebo cream. Wound status and its healing were investigated in the first, seventh and fourteenth postpartum.

Results: There was a significant difference between both groups with healing of episiotomy location in seventh(p=0.54) and fourteenth(p=0.003) days and the continuity process of the wound edges in the first (p=0.015), seventh(p=0.013) and fourteenth(p=0.001) days. there was no statistically significant difference about the opening the wound in the first day(p=0.492), There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in seventh(p=0.001) and fourteenth(p=0.026) days.

Conclusion: This study showed that saffron extract cream 20% can be effective for episiotomy wound healing and wound edges continuity.

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Background:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resistance training with different intensities on serum myostatin and follistatin levels in sedentary young women.

Materials and Methods: In this practical and semi experimental study, 24 sedentary young women with range of 20-30 years and BMI 22-25 kg/m² were selected by convenience sampling. Then, the volunteers were randomly assigned into two groups, [resistance training group with low intensity (40-60% of one repetition maximum) and high intensity (70-90% of one repetition maximum)]. The training protocols included: 8 weeks, 3 times a week. Blood samples (5cc) were obtained at baseline and 48 hours after at the end of the study; Also Serum levels of myostatin and follistatin were measured by ELISA methods. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance of repeated measures test by SPSS at the significant level (p<0.05).

Results: There was a significant increase in the levels of follistatin and follistatin to myostatin ratio in high intensity group (p≤0.05). Also there was a significant decrease in the levels of myostatin in high intensity group (p≤0.05); however, there was no significant change in the levels of follistatin, myostatin and follistatin to myostatin ratio in low intensity group (p≥0.05). Also there was no significant change in these variables in high intensity group compared to low intensity group (p≥0.05).

Conclusion: It’s seems that the activation of important myogenic and myostatic factors in sedentary young women need to do high intensity resistance training.

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Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in human societies that dealing with its complications imposes enormous cost to the health system. The previous studies have shown that bone biochemical markers can be used for evaluation of bone metabolism in response to physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of increasing 10-week aerobic exercise (AE) on serum osteocalcin, PTH and glycemic and anthropometric indices in postmenopausal women with type II diabetes.

Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 40 postmenopausal women with type II diabetes (40-60 years) as available subjects were selected and randomly assigned into two exercise (20) and control (20) groups. Exercise protocol was AE and walking activity for 10 weeks (3d/wk, 45 to 60 min/d with 45% to 60% HRRmax intensity). Blood samples were taken before and after exercise to measure serum variables. Data were analyzed by T-test and statistical significance criterion was set as p<0.05.

Results: AE makes a significant increase in osteocalcin levels and a decrease in insulin resistance index, insulin and fasting blood glucose in the experimental group (p<0.05). Changes in other variables such as PTH, HbA1c and anthropometric indices were not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Due to the favorable effects of AE on osteocalcin and glycemic indices, it seems that this training method can be recommended as a non-invasive treatment for maintaining bone density and controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients.

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Background: Self-medication is one of the biggest problems of social, health and economic societies such as Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the benefits and barriers about self-medication among women referring to health center in Qom city.  

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study carried out on women referred to health centers in Qom city- 2016. In the current study, 226 people were selected from among the health centers by multistage sampling. A standard questionnaire was used on knowledge about self-medication, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and self-medication. Data were analyzed by SPSS V.20 using independent t-test and Chi-square.

Results: According to the results of this study, 74.3 percent of women had a history of self-medication that 43.8 percent of them was in the past 6 months. The mean of knowledge about self-medication and perceived barriers in people with a history of self-medication was significantly higher than those who had not a history of self-medication (p<0.05). While, the perceived benefits was not significantly associated with a history of self-medication (p=0.79).

Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of self-medication and the relationship between knowledge and perceived barriers with self-medication, therefore, educational program is necessary for women about the effects and consequences of self-medication through the media.

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Background and Aim: In Iran, one quarter of couples experience infertility, which can affect various aspects of their marital life. The aim of this study was to compare psychological characteristics in fertile and infertile women referring to health centers and an infertility center in Qom. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 160 women. of all, 80 women were selected via simple random sampling method and were among those in reproductive age who referred to health centers to receive routine childcare services. The other 80 women were selected via simple random sampling method among infertile women who referred to the infertility center. The required data were collected using standard anxiety, depression, and marital adjustment questionnaires. Data were entered into SPSS V.20 software and were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test and Chi-square. Findings: There were a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean scores of depression (p=0.005), anxiety (p=0.02), and marital adjustment (p=0.01), as the mean score of depression and anxiety was higher in fertile women than in infertile women. However, the mean score of marital adjustment was higher in infertile women than in fertile women. Conclusion: Since fertility can be dependent on psychological factors and other underlying factors of an individual, therefore, it is necessary to consider the educational needs of fertile and infertile women.

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Background and Aim: Women are the central pillar of social development and the main axis of family health. Success, survival, and promotion of society depend on the health of women in society. Since Health Promotion lifestyle and psychological well-being are important determinants of health, this study was conducted to determine the Health Promotion lifestyle and psychological well-being in women attending the health centers of Arak City in 2019.
Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, among women who attended health centers in Arak City, 221 women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by continuous sampling and the form of demographic information, health promoting lifestyle profile-Ii (HPLP-II), and Ryff Psychological well-being Questionnaire was completed. Data were described using descriptive statistics of frequency, frequency percentage, mean, standard deviation, and data analysis by analysis of variance, independent t-test, and regression using SPSS software v. 19.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Research Deputy of Iran University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.IUMS.REC.1398.609).
Results: The mean health-promoting lifestyle in the study units was 135.96; the mean physical activity components were 16.31; The mean nutrition was 26.41, with the lowest and highest scores, respectively. The mean psychological well-being in the study units was 72.29. The mean components of purpose in life were 10.76, and the mean personal growth was 13.19, with the lowest and highest scores, respectively. Age, chronic diseases, employment, number of children, and alcohol consumption had a significant negative relationship with a health-promoting lifestyle, and a woman’s and her husband’s education had a significant positive relationship with a health-promoting lifestyle (P<0.05). Overall demographic variables predict as much as 13% of health-promoting lifestyles. Age, number of children, and chronic physical and psychological diseases had a significant negative relationship with psychological well-being and economic status. A woman’s and her husband’s education had a significant positive relationship with psychological well-being. Overall, demographic variables predict as much as 10% of psychological well-being. 
Conclusion: Considering that health-promoting lifestyle and psychological well-being are two critical determinants of health, studying these two indicators and the factors affecting them can help Intervention planning to promote women’s physical and mental health.

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Background and Aim: A lack of healthy nutrition first causes prediabetes and then overt diabetes, and every year about 5% to 10% of people with glucose intolerance develop type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting the consumption of healthy foods (CHF) based on the food pyramid among prediabetic women based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 99 prediabetic women selected from comprehensive healthcare centers in Arak, Iran. A demographic questionnaire, a TPB-based questionnaire, and a food consumption Questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed through Spearman’s correlation and linear regression analyses.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1398.07).
Results: The Mean±SD score of diet behavior was 1.34±0.28 (in the possible range of 0-2). Around 41% of participants consumed sugary foods such as sweets and chocolate at least once a week and 35% at least once a month. Regression analysis shows that by increasing a standard deviation in the behavioral intention score, the behavior score of a healthy diet will increase by 0.22 standard deviation (P<0.05).
Conclusion: To achieve a healthy lifestyle in the individual at risk for a diabetics education program to increase perceived behavior and motivation for decision making for adherence to healthy food can be attention for policymakers in a health system.

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Background and Aim Physical activity has multiple health benefits, but its association with fertility in women is still unknown. Considering the critical effects of lifestyle on reproductive health, this study aims to compare the physical activity and body composition of fertile and infertile women.
Methods & Materials This is a case-control study that was performed on 100 fertile and 100 infertile women aged 20-40 years referred to the infertility treatment centers in Arak, Iran. they completed self-reported questionnaires surveying sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessing physical activity and sedentary behavior. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were also measured. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of fertility with physical activity level, sedentary behavior, and body composition.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Arak University of Medical Sciences  (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1400.050).
Results The level of physical activity (P=0.001) was lower and the body mass index (P=0.03) was higher in infertile women than in fertile women. In women with moderate level of physical activity, the risk of infertility was lower (OR=4.42, 95% CI: 1.60-12.99, P=0.004). Women who spent the time sitting for more than 300 minutes a day were 2.07 times more likely to have fertility than women who were physically active (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.36-3.14, P=0.001).
Conclusion Low physical activity, sedentary lifestyle and obesity are independent risk factors of infertility. To prevent infertility, more attention should be paid to the lifestyle of women.