The effect of midwifery led counseling based on Gamble's approach on childbirth fear and self-efficacy in nulligravida women.

Background: Studies show that childbirth fear is a common problem among Iranian women. Therefore, most Iranian women prefer caesarean section for giving birth. This study investigated the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention by midwives (birth emotions - looking to improve expectant fear (BELIEF)) on decreasing childbirth fear and self-efficacy among first-time pregnant women who were afraid of giving birth.

Knowledge of and attitudes toward breast self-examination in Iranian women: a multi-center study.

Background: In Iran, breast cancer is the second most common malignancy among women and diagnosed in advanced stages almost a decade earlier than women living in western countries.

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and attitudes toward breast self-examination (BSE) among Iranian women.

Methods: In a cross-sectional multi-center study, 3,060 women aged between 25 and 54 years attending between July and October 2009 to 11 general health care centers located in 11 cities of Iran, were interviewed to assess their knowledge and attitudes toward BSE.