This was An investigation of the impact of organizational factors on perceived job stress among women workers in the IT-dominated garment and electronics industries in the Philippines was undertaken.

To target risk factors affecting women workers.

The sample included 23 establishments with 630 women respondents. Questionnaires, walk-through surveys of the industries, and interviews were done. The workplace factors included the content of the job, the nature of tasks, job autonomy, hazard exposure, and management and supervisory styles.

Chi-square analysis showed that there were interactions among the organizational factors (P = 0.05 and 0.10). These factors included the need for better quality and new products; tasks requiring intense concentration; exposure to radiation, chemical, noise, and vapor hazards; standing for prolonged periods of time; and highly monitored, repetitious work. Workers experienced job stress (P = .05) when they were subjected to low job autonomy, poor work quality, close monitoring, and hazardous work pressure.

This study has shown that there exists an intricate relationship between work hazards, organizational factors, gender, health and technology. Organizational factors that have been identified to contribute to adverse health effects among women workers were the physical work environment, nature of the task, lack of job autonomy, and difficult relationships with supervisors and management.

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common problem in women that can adversely affect their quality of life. In this survey the quality of life of the patients has been treated by hysterectomy and whom have received hormone therapy have been studied.

This is a descriptive and comparative clinical study in which 54 women have been treated due to AUB by hysterectomy and 54 women received hormone therapy because of the same reason completed the WHO questionnaire for life quality. Data then analyzed by independent t test, ANCOVA and Mann-Wittnei using SPSS software.

With regard to the total score of the questionnaire, there was no difference between two groups (61.77 ± 9.30 for hysterectomy group vs. 65.36 ± 7.32 for hormone group, P = 0.34).On the other hand, considering the mental dimension score of the questionnaire, a significant difference was observed between groups (50.72 ± 16.81 for hysterectomy group vs. 80.09 ± 10.37 for hormone group, P = 0.001).

This study demonstrates that at least mental aspects of quality of life are significantly better in the AUB patients treated by hormone therapy, comparing to those treated by hysterectomy. Education and counseling of the patients and their families may improve life quality in more cases.

Resarches on body image suggest a link with sexuality.

The objective of our study was to investigate Tunisian women's perceptions of their bodies and its involvement on sexuality.

A total of 100 Tunisian women were interviewed using a self-administered questionnaire which explores:

1. - Clinical data: weight, height, hormonal status

2. - The perception of women to their bodies and their husband's perception.

3. - The impact of body image on sexual activity

Women's body image was positive in most cases: The body is seen as female in 94% of cases, young in 76% of cases, physically attractive in 66% and erotic in 51% of cases.

Eighty five percent of women were satisfied with their sexual activity. These women report having an erotic body (p = 0.009) and source of self-confidence (p = 0.002).

Half of women said that their body image allowed them to take the initiative in sexual activity and to have a satisfying desire (p = 0.003).

A positive perception of the spouse of a woman's body influenced significantly the sexual behavior of women: more interest to intimate moments (p = 0.001), ability to initiate sexual activity (p = 0.014) and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.018).

Our study shows the positive role of an adequate perception of body image of women by herself and her spouse about sexuality, through its influence on self-esteem and confidence. It would be interesting to consider these dimensions in any treatment of sexual disorders.

There have been prevailing gender differences in negative mental health outcomes for female U.S. veterans returning from combat deployments. Research has validated the importance of post-deployment social support in mitigating the effects of these experiences on mental health; however, the influence of conflict within the social network has not been thoroughly explored.

1. (1) Examine the relationships between social support, conflict, and stressful life events to PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptom severity in female veterans 6–12 months after deployment.

2. (2) Determine whether the absence of social support or the presence of social conflict is more influential in the severity of these symptoms.

Descriptive, correlational

There were significant positive bivariate correlations (p < .01) between conflict and stressful life events and significant negative bivariate correlations (p < .01) between social support and each of the three outcome variables: PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Hierarchical linear regression showed that co-morbid depression, greater post-deployment stressful life events, and greater conflict within the social network best explained the presence of greater PTSD symptom severity. Stressful life events did not contribute to greater anxiety symptom severity; however, symptom severity was affected by the absence of social support. In contrast, greater depression symptom severity was best explained by the presence of co-morbid PTSD symptoms and the absence of social support.

Treatment programs for PTSD and anxiety in female veterans’ post-deployment must assess and address sources of intrapersonal conflict within their social networks. Family therapy may be integral to treatment success.

The role of perfectionism as a correlate of perinatal depressive symptomatology, and as a predictor of postpartum depressive disorder was examined.

386 women in their third trimester of pregnancy (mean age = 30.08 years; SD = 4.205; range = 19–44) completed the Portuguese versions of Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II/BDI-II, Postpartum Depression Screening Scale/PDSS and three additional questions evaluating anxiety trait, life stress perception and social support. Diagnoses of depression (ICD-10/DSM-IV) were obtained using the Portuguese version of the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies/OPCRIT system. Women who were clinically depressed in pregnancy (ICD-10/DSM-IV) were excluded from the analysis.

Self-Oriented Perfectionism/SOP and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism/SPP subcomponents were significant correlates of depressive symptomatology (BDI-II/PDSS) in pregnancy. SPP-Others High Standards/OHS was a significant predictor of postpartum depressive symptomatology (BDI-II/PDSS), and SPP-Conditional Acceptance/CA was a predictor of postpartum depressive symptomatology (PDSS). None of the perfectionism subscales predicted postpartum depressive disorder (ICD-10/DSM-IV).

SOP and SPP have shown to be relevant correlates of depressive symptomatology in pregnancy. In the present study, SPP-OHS and SPP-CA were also significant correlates of perinatal depressive symptomatology, as well as important risk factors for depressive symptomatology in postpartum. Perfectionism subscales were not significant predictors of postpartum depressive disorder (ICD-10/DSM-IV). While SPP maladaptive influence was supported, SOP was shown to be more heterogeneous in its consequences. These findings may have important implications both for clinical practice and for research.

Screening for perinatal depression is essential. The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS; Beck & Gable, 2002) is a self-report instrument, composed of 35 items. The Portuguese version of the PDSS revealed to be a valid instrument to screen for perinatal depression (Pereira et al., 2010a,b).

To develop PDSS short version and to determine its cut-off points and associated conditional probabilities to screen for depression according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria.

Participants were 452 women in their third month post-partum (M = 13.07 weeks post-partum; SD = 1.808). All women completed the Portuguese PDSS and were interviewed using the Mood Disorders Section/Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. To select items for the short version the items that showed the highest correlations with their respective seven dimension scores were retained. ROC analysis was applied and both cut-off points and associated conditional probabilities adjusted to the real prevalence were determined.

For major depression/DSM-IV the cut-off point of 15, resulted in sensitivity of 77.8%, specificity of 88.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 21.7% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.9%; for depressive disorder/ICD-10 the cut-off point of 14 determined sensitivity 77.3%, specificity 84.0%, PPV 19.7%, NPV 98.6%; for mild/moderate depression with somatic syndrome or severe depression without psychotic symptoms/ICD-10 the cut-off point of 18 was associated to sensitivity 91.7%, specificity 94.5%, PPV 31.4% and NPV 99.8%.

The Portuguese short version of PDSS is a good alternative to the 35-items version, equally valid and precise, but more economic, faster and easier.

GAD is one of the most common disorders in psychiatry, usually observed twice in women than in men.

Considering the side effects of drugs and their financial burden, the purpose of this research was to study the effects of yoga as a complementary treatment on GAD in women.

In a single blind clinical trial the effects of yoga on GAD was studied in 40 women who were diagnosed with GAD by psychiatrist interview, SADS questionnaire and spilberger's anxiety scale in psychiatric clinics. The participants were randomly divided into two intervention and control. All the participants took the usual drugs (SSRIs). The intervention group was given Hata yoga instruction for six weeks, while the control group was only watching movies. At the end of the six week period the spilberger anxiety scale was refilled for both groups. Finally the comparison was done by statistical methods for both groups.

The mean ages of intervention and control groups were 37.7 ± 9.87 and 37.65 ± 10.42 respectively. Improvement was observed in both groups after the six week period. The grades of state and trait anxiety were declined according to spilberger anxiety scale but no statistical difference was observed in two groups regarding improvement.

In the present study no statistical difference was observed between two groups however the participants of intervention group were inclined to continue their yoga sessions due to sense of well being. So it is concluded that yoga can have a positive effect on anxiety in long terms.

Research evidence suggests that the prevalence rate of postpartum depression in Western countries is 10–25% (Beck, 2001; O’ Hara & Swain, 1996). Many women diagnosed with postnatal depression(PND) are reluctant to take antidepressant medication (Whitton,1996). Coupled with the limited availability of psychological therapies, the consideration of adjunctive interventions for managing PND would appear worthwhile. Physical activity(PA) has been demonstrated to both mediate and improve outcomes for depression (Dimeo, 2001; Nabkasorn et al., 2006) in the general population, and in moderating the impact of PND (Daley, 2009).

To describe physical activity participation in a cohort of postpartum women in Western Australia

To investigate the factors associated with physical activity participation in postpartum women Examine the differences between women reporting PND and those without on physical activity

Study 1 was the distribution of a postpartum physical activity questionnaire through child health clinics to mothers within the 6 weeks to12 months postpartum period.

Cohort design was used to recruit mothers within postpartum period

The results from the study showed that mothers who were at the risk of PND had the same level of physical activity in compare to normal mothers. The T-test showed there was not any significant correlation. Analysis revealed that there was a significant correlation between the effect of PND on parental self-confidence and partner support.

Findings suggest that further exploration needs to be considered to explore mothers’ experience of physical activity, its barriers and the interaction of their partners in order to exercise after child birth.

Exposure to violence, particularly physical or sexual abuse, are frequently part of female prisoners’ past personal history.

Verify female prisoners’ knowledge on violence and contextualize the violence they experienced, suffered or witnessed before prison.

Get to know the perceptions and meanings the female prisoners attributed to violence.

Exploratory and descriptive study, carried out at the Female Penitentiary of Ribeirão Preto (SP) - Brazil. A semistructured interview was applied to 15 prisoners. The results were submitted to thematic content analysis.

Two categories were identified. “What violence is”: they recognized interpersonal (intra-family and community) and self-inflicted violence. Regarding the nature, they mentioned physical aggressions, sexual abuse, psychological abuse and negligence. They assess that these practices occur for random and futile motives, with family connivance and complicity. They consider violence a social problem, resulting from inequalities, lack of access to education and employment opportunities. “Violence in past life”: as victims and spectators - physical aggressions (body fight), sexual abuse and mistreatment in interpersonal relations (rejection, depreciation, discrimination, disrespect, intimidation, oppression, exaggerated charge or punishment). As perpetrators of physical aggression, homicides, assaults and drugs traffic, they appoint alcohol and drugs abuse as the main motivator for aggressions and crimes.

Based on this study, can be suggested the need to construct public policies against violence in primary care, mainly at home, where the violence cycle seems to start.

Prison can be considered an oppressive and limiting institution and, hence, a propitious site for the development of conflicting and hostile relations among prisoners.

Describe female prisoners’ experiences and perceptions regarding violence in the prison environment.

Get to know the circumstances of relationships established at a female prison.

Exploratory and descriptive research, carried out at the Female Penitentiary in Ribeirão Preto (SP) - Brazil. A semistructured interview was applied to 15 female prisoners. The results were submitted to thematic content analysis.

Two categories were idenitfied. “Perception of violence in prison”: they denounced the power hierarchy form, in which some prisoners and employees used physical force as an instrument for authority and dominion; they also revealed being victim of sexual abuse and psychological mistreatment in interpersonal relations (rejection, depreciation, discrimination, disrespect, intimidation, oppression and charge). “Losses deriving from imprisonment”: they complained of the precarious hygiene conditions, overcrowded cells and difficult access to health services; distancing from the family, loss of comfort and civil rights, particularly the right to do what they want (choosing food, practicing sports and leisure).

Prison can be considered the representation of a place of exclusion, closed, enclosing multiple violent acts. This directly influences the perspective of life and future interpersonal relations of people going through this experience. Thus, interventions are needed that prioritize high-quality social reintegration for these people.

Contraceptive methods can cause physical and mental outcome of user contraceptive methods on Semnanian women.

In this study 961 women using contraceptive methods were interviewed by SCL-90-R all of interviews were executed at3 stages: Just before surgeries six months later and a year after that. All of these data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 on 5% significant, with K. Square test.

Demographic data showed that 91.7% from urban and 8.3% from rural; mean age : 25.8 ± 5; 90% householders Percentage of each procedure was pills: 40%; IUD: 3.9%; Injection: 2%,Tubectomy 5.7%, vasectomy's husbands 2.1%, natural 7.2% and willing for another pregnancy 5.0%.

Those who had used permanent methods and the need for consultation or treatment were: 20 / 3% Aggression, 19 / 7% anxiety, 29 / 8%phobia, interpersonal sensitivity 23%, somatic complaints 29 / 6%, obsession20 / 8%, Depression 26 / 1%, psychosis6/ 8%.

Those in the baseline methods and the need for temporary use consultation or treatment were: 19 / 9% Aggression, 19 / 7% anxiety, 27 / 6% Phobia, 18 / 8% interpersonal sensitivity, 24 / 6% somatic complaints, 22 / 7% depression, 9 / 1% were psychosis. there was not a Significant difference between the severity of disorder 6 months and one year after the use of contraceptive methods

Results showed that use of contraceptive methods will not increase the severity of mental disorders after a year and a half of usage.

Low levels of physical activity in the female population have been linked to a wide range of mental health problems (e.g. eating disorders and depression). Physical self description in female students may affect the functionality of their daily life or academic performance. Physical education research has extended to investigations of psychological constructs that influence not only physical activity but also play an important role in mental health of females.

This study was aimed to examine effect of exercise imagery mediated by e-learning on psycho-physical measures of female students.

Thirty three grade 5 students from a girl school in Tehran assigned to an 8-week intervention of video aided Exercise Imagery. Students were asked to practice according to the CD of imagery at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The outcomes of interest were psycho-physical variables including appearance, activity, Health, global physical and global esteem measured by PSDQ (physical self description questionnaire).

Subjects scores increased on Health dimension, global esteem and activity measures significantly (p < 0.05). Students rated on appearance and global physical dimensions which showed an increase trend but not statistical significantly.

E-learning could be utilized as an effective media for physical education in female students. The results will facilitate capacity in specialists to apply the e-learning as an effective media for interventions in female mental health issues.

Abortion exerts its effects on psychological wellbeing of a great number of women all over the world. Numerous psychological research deals with describing normative responses to the intervention and determining possible psychopathological outcomes.

Our aim was to justify whether women differ from one another already at the time of the intervention in terms of their level of anxiety and the degree of depression, which might correlate primarily to the difficulties regarding the process of making the decision for abortion and to the nature of their fears.

In our research at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinics at University of Pécs, 112 women (average age: 29.67, ranging 18–44) having had abortion were studied using structured interviews and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Zigmond & Snaith, 1983).

With respect to whether they have reported fear, the research sample could be divided in two groups: 18% have not reported any fear, whereas regarding the remaining 82% some sort of fear was identified by contents analysis, such as fear of later complications (26%), fear of the invasive intervention (22%), fear of both above (15%) and fear of death (19%). The level of anxiety was significantly higher in the group reporting fears at the time of the intervention. The highest anxiety and depression levels were measured in the groups reporting fears of both invasive intervention and later complications, and in the group experiencing fears of death.

Our results draw attention to the significance of the psychological preparation prior to termination.

Many women in fertile period of their lives experience some mental and physical symptoms that begin on 7–10 days before menses and cease after bleeding. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are the terms to indicate these symptoms. The prevalence of PMS has been estimated to be about40% to70%, PMDD has lower prevalence.

This study has evaluated the frequencies of PMS and PMDD along with related factors in students of girls’ high schools in Kermanshah.

In this descriptive-analytic study, 800 students of girls’ high schools were chosen by incidentally and clustery sampling. Everyone who was volunteer included in the study. Excluding criteria were: history of depression; medical illnesses like epilepsy, meningitis, encephalitis, heart diseases…; history of consumption of β-blockers or other drugs of heart diseases, Phenobarbitals, and anticonvulsants. The diagnosis was made according to DSM.IV.TR. The data was processed using SPSS software, version 11.5, and by descriptive and analytic statistical methods.

Results

1. 1. The frequencies of PMS and PMDD were 41.5% and 9.4% respectively.

2. 2. The disorder was more frequent in students older than 16 years-old.

3. 3. Mood symptoms were the most frequent, followed by physical and behavioral symptoms respectively.

4. 4. There was lower frequency of the disorder in students whose mothers were high educated.

5. 5. The frequency of PMS was higher in those with positive family history.

The high frequencies of PMS and PMDD which result to problems in education of students need serious considerations to elevate mental health of students and to refer the severe cases to specialized centers.