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Background and purpose: Regarding the importance of quality of sexual life in patients with cancer especially breast cancer, and because of controversy on the impact of counseling on QOL promotion in such patients, this study was performed at cancer Institute of Imam Khomeini hospital Tehran, in 2004, to determine the effects of group counseling on QOSL of patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 114 women 25-55 years old undergoing chemotherapy due to breast cancer and with the history of mastectomy were studied in two groups: control group (Standard care n=63) and case group (standard care+ counseling n= 51). Five sessions of counseling were performed for case group and QOSL of patients were measured at start and end of the study by standard questionnaire (QLQ-Br 23).
Results: Results revealed that group counseling promoted these items: body image, sexual function and sexual enjoyment. QOSL of such patients were improved by means of group counseling (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Regarding the results of the study, group counseling program can be recommended as an effective approach in QOSL promotion in such clients.

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Background and purpose: The most important underlying cause of death in diabetic patients is the lack of self-care. One way to assess self-care skills in diabetic patients is the measurement of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Different training programs are implemented to improve self-care behavior, however, the role of nurses in such trainings and counseling is neglected. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of group education versus group counseling for self-care on HbA1c in patients with diabetes type II. Materials and methods: In a clinical trial, 112 patients with type II diabetes mellitus attending Mashhad Parsian Diabetes Clinic in 2014 who were selected by convenience sampling. They were randomly allocated into three groups, counseling (n= 37), education (n = 37) and control (n= 38). Group counseling and group education were held for five sessions (1.5 hours each) every three days, in groups consisting of 8 to 10 patients. HbA1c test was performed before and two months after the intervention. Data was analyzed in SPSS V. 11.5 applying Paired sample T Test and ANOVA. Results: The groups did not show any significant differences in HbA1c levels before the intervention (P=0.133). But after the intervention, the HbA1c levels decreased significantly in patients who had group counseling (8.3±0.9) and group education (8.5±1.1) compared to the control group (9.1±1.4) (P=0.016). Conclusion: This study showed that group education and group counseling improved self-care behaviors in patients with diabetes, therefore, they could be highly beneficial when integrated into an educational program.

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Background and purpose: Infertility affects different aspects of life such as physical, psychological, social, and economic wellness, thereby leading to tension in personal and interpersonal relationships of couples. On the other hand, stress, conflicts between infertile couples, and sexual problems are among the factors that reduce marital life satisfaction. Counseling is of great benefit in identifying the couples’ problems and helps them in making the right decision. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of counseling in improving different dimenstions of health of infertile couples.
Methods & Materials: A systematic review was conducted using both electronic databases and hard copy resources. Electronic databases included Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Barekat, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Scopus, PubMed (Medline), and Springer using appropriate keywords. Relevant articles published between 1979 and 2016 were studied.
Results: A total of 450 studies was identified of which 44 were selected after final revision. The study resulted in two classifications: primary (different methods of counselling and the effect of intervention) and secondary (type of intervention, frequency of sessions, and content of sessions) classifications.
Conclusion: Counseling techniques (group consultation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and group psychotherapy) and applied methods could be helpful in changing thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. Therefore, counseling methods could be useful for the health of individuals alongside other infertility treatments.