Background: Menopause is a physiological alteration affecting women's quality of life. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as a psychological and non-pharmacological method can be effective to improve the quality of life in perimenopausal women. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of MBCT on the quality of life in perimenopausal women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 73 perimenopausal women from August 2017 to February 2018 in four health centers in Yazd. They were randomly divided into the intervention (n = 36) and control (n = 37) groups by using simple random sampling method; indeed, the random number table. The MBCT was given once a week to the intervention group over eight two-hour sessions and the control group received no intervention. The data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, Cooperman's index, and the menopause-related quality of life questionnaire, which were fulfilled by both groups before, immediately after, and one month after the completion of the intervention. Results: In the intervention group, the mean score of quality of life and its dimensions (except for the sexual dimension) immediately and one month after the completion of the intervention showed a significant reduction compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Also, the improvement of the quality of life and its dimensions mean scores was significant in three intervals of the study in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Given the effectiveness of MBCT in enhancing the quality of life in perimenopausal women, this method is recommended to be used as a supportive method for management of perimenopausal period.

Background As crises occur, attention to physical health usually becomes more than mental health, neglecting mental health, especially in some vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and new mothers, can have adverse consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize and comprehend their mental health needs, particularly during critical situations such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to explain the understanding and experience of mental health concerns faced by pregnant and postpartum women during this pandemic. Methods This qualitative study was conducted from March 2021 to November 2021 in Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews to understand mental health concerns in pregnancy and the postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-five purposefully retrieved and participated in the study. Due to the prevalence of coronavirus, most of the participants preferred tele interviews. When data saturation was achieved, the data were codified manually and analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s approach 2004. Results Based on the content analysis of the interviews, 2 main themes, 8 categories 23 subcategories were identified. The identified themes were as follows: (1) Maternal mental health threats and (2) Inadequate access to the required information. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the main concern and fear of pregnant and postpartum women in the COVID-19 pandemic was the fear of the possibility of death for themselves and/or their fetus/infant. The knowledge that was obtained from the understanding of pregnant women and new mothers about the mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic can help managers in planning to improve and promote women's mental health, especially in critical situations.