[ effect of education by community health volunteers on choice of delivery kind in pregnant women based on the behavioral intention model [BIM]]

Delivery or parturition is the peak of a woman's pregnancy period, accompanied with birth of one or more babies. Unfortunately, Cesarean section, despite its probable undesirable health and economic consequences, has become more and more common. Considering that the goal of health education is behavior change in people, the objective of this study was to investigate the role of health volunteers in educating mothers consulting the health care centers in Ardabil in the area of choice of delivery method based on the Behavioral Intention Model [BIM]. In this experimental study, 140 primaparous mothers in Ardabil city in the seventh month of pregnancy were selected by systematic random sampling and divided into a case and a control group, and a written pretest was given to both groups. Education based on the BIM was imparted to the case group. One month after delivery, both groups were post-tested. The data on awareness, attitude, results evaluation and practice were analyzed using the Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney-U and Chi-square tests. The findings revealed statistical differences between the case and control groups after intervention with regard to awareness, evaluation of results and attitude [p<0.001]. However, behavioral intention did not change [p=0.106]. Although health volunteers' participation results in an increase in knowledge and promotes attitude and evaluation of behavioral results in pregnant women, it does not change their behavioral intention. It is suggested to conduct similar studies for comparative purposes involving other trainers, such as physicians and nurses in other cities, using other educational models and methods

Prediction of self-management behavior among iranian women with type 2 diabetes: application of the theory of reasoned action along with self-efficacy [ETRA]

Continuous performing of diabetes self-care behaviors was shown to be an effective strategy to control diabetes and to prevent or reduce its- related complications. This study aimed to investigate predictors of self-care behavior based on the extended theory of reasoned action by self efficacy [ETRA] among women with type 2 diabetes in Iran. A sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes, referring to a Diabetes Clinic in Khoy, Iran using the nonprobability sampling was enrolled. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the variables of interest [diabetes knowledge, personal beliefs, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention along with self- care behaviors]. Reliability and validity of the instruments using Cronbach's alpha coefficients [the values of them were more than 0.70] and a panel of experts were tested. A statistical significant correlation existed between independent constructs of proposed model and modelrelated dependent constructs, as ETRA model along with its related external factors explained 41.5% of variance of intentions and 25.3% of variance of actual behavior. Among constructs of model, self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of intentions among women with type 2 diabetes, as it lonely explained 31.3% of variance of intentions and 11.4% of variance of self-care behavior. The high ability of the extended theory of reasoned action with self-efficacy in forecasting and explaining diabetes mellitus self management can be a base for educational intervention. So to improve diabetes self management behavior and to control the disease, use of educational interventions based on proposed model is suggested

[Using the social marketing model to reduce risky driving behaviors among taxi drivers in Tehran]

In social marketing, the common techniques of commercial marketing are used to increase the chances of acceptability of an idea or action by the target group. In this study, we determined the impact of an intervention based on social marketing to reduce risky driving behaviors among taxi drivers in Tehran. This was a quasi-experimental study, consisting of a quantitative and a qualitative part, on taxi-drivers in 2 regions [an intervention and a control groups] in the City of Tehran. Based on a formative research approach, the components of social marketing, namely, the product [reminder message for concentrating on avoidance of two target behaviors, tailgating and not driving between lines], price, place and promotion were determined. An 8-week educational program was implemented, the components being installation of stickers before the driver's eyes, distributing a pamphlet, and transferring messages through taxi route supervisors as opinion leaders. After six weeks, risky driving behaviors were assessed by checklists and compared. The intervention resulted in statistically significant reductions in the two target behaviors in the intervention group as compared with the control group. Furthermore, logistic regression showed that the odds ratio for avoiding both behaviors increased significantly in the intervention group. Determining specific target groups, designing interventions based on actual needs and wants of the target group, and focusing on the factors influencing the behavior market are the basic elements of social marketing. Due consideration of these elements when designing behavioral interventions would lead to reductions in risky driving behaviors

[Assessment of factors affecting self-care behavior among women with type 2 diabetes in Khoy City diabetes clinic using the extended theory of reasoned action]

Many studies show that the only way to control diabetes and prevent its debilitating complications is continuous self-care. This study aimed to determine factors affecting self-care behavior of diabetic women in Khoy City, Iran based the extended theory of reasoned action [ETRA]. A sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes referring to a Diabetes Clinic in Khoy City in West Azarbaijan Province, Iran participated in the study. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the relevant variables [diabetes knowledge, personal beliefs, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention, and self-care behavior] based on ETRA. Reliability and validity of the instruments were determined prior to the study. Statistical analysis of the data was done using the SPSS-version 16 software. Based on the data obtained, the proposed model could predict and explain 41% and 26.2% of the variance of behavioral intention and self-care, respectively, in women with type-2 diabetes. The data also indicated that among the constructs of the model perceived self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for intention for self-care behavior. This construct affected both directly and indirectly self-care behavior. The next strongest predictors were attitudes, social pressures, social norms, and intervals between visiting patients by the treating team. The proposed model can predict self-care behavior very well. Thus, it may form the basis for educational interventions aiming at promoting self-care and, ultimately, controlling diabetes

[ content analysis of theses in the field of health education in Tehran university of medical sciences, Tarbiat Modares university and Iran university of medical sciences during 1970-2010]

Theses are considered as one of the sources for research in the field of education. The aim of this study was to determine the popular topics during 1349-1389 [1970-2010] and to examine the amount of educational interference and the type of such interference in different theses. This research study was done using the descriptive-analytic method and employing the content analysis technique. The choice of topics was based on the categories derived from the Medical Headings of the American National Library. All related theses [336 in this field] were reviewed and the data were analyzed by SPSS software. In this review, most finished theses belonged to Tehran University of Medical Sciences [62.5%], Tarbiat Modares University [25.3%], and Iran University of Medical Sciences [12.2%]. MSc theses were mainly about diseases [23.8%]; however, doctoral dissertations were mostly about the prevention of diseases [26.2%]. Although in the recent decade, there has been an increase in new topics and educational interference in theses, some important issues like the training of patients are still neglected. It seems that some strategies like preparing a suitable information bank of thesis in the field of health education can be a good guide for selecting new topics and ignoring old ones

[Planning and evaluation of an educational program based on precede model to improve physical activity in female students]

Physical activity is one of the main components of lifestyle. Lack of physical activity along with unhealthy eating result in chronic diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, and osteoporosis. This study aimed to design an educational program for improving physical activity in secondary school female students in Tonkabon in 2008. This study was an educational intervention in which 600 students enrolled in the study. The participants were allocated randomly in the intervention [n=300] and control [n=300] groups. Data were gathered using "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" and a standardized questionnaire -according to PRECEDE model- at baseline. The program was planned according to the PRECEDE model and was implemented in the intervention group students. Data were gathered two months after the intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square, t-test, variance and regression analysis tests in the SPSS and STATA. Following the educational intervention, the mean scores of the predisposing factors [knowledge and attitude], enabling factors, and reinforcing factors as well as the behavior were significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group [P<0.001]. The findings showed that this structured program is useful in improving physical activity in female students

[ study of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude, practice about iron deficiency anemia in female adolescent students]

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world, The prevalence rate in developing countries is higher than developed countries, and also affecting a large number of child and women. The main purpose of this study was to promote the knowledge, attitude and practice of girl student in Ghaemshahr in order to prevent iron deficiency anemia. This study was an educational intervention to evaluate the effect of education on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice [K.A.P] in intervention and control groups [each group: 300] among female students in Ghaemshahr. The data was gathered using a questionnaire [include the demographic information, some of question related to knowledge, attitude, practice. K.A.P were assessed before and also 1.5 month after implementation of educational program using the questionnaire, collected data was analyzed by SPSS [11.5], STATA [8.0]. There was not significant difference between K.A.P in study group before implementation of educational intervention, but there is a significant increase between K.A.P after interventional education in intervention group. Educational intervention was promoted knowledge mounting to 15 score, 5 score to promote attitude and 1.6 score to improve the practice. There was significant relation between mother education, father job with their knowledge and class with their attitude, also mother education with their practice. The results indicated that improvement of knowledge could prevent iron deficiency anemia, thus emphasis on the health education in adolescent age is necessary to promote K.A.P

Evaluation of the effectiveness of health education on Knowledge and attitude of the Health volunteer women in Northern health centers of Tehran

Menopause complications lead to a reduction in women's life quality, so knowledge about menopause as a natural process in women's life is important on effective control of women's problem in these periods. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of health education on knowledge and attitude toward menopause among health volunteer women in the northern health centers of Tehran. In this quasi-experimental study [Before and After] randomized sampling method was employed, and 90 health volunteers participated from 9 health centers in the northern health centres of Tehran. The data were gathered using a questionnaire [including: demographic information, some questions related to knowledge and attitude]. They were assessed before and also one month after implementation of the educational program. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS [11.5]. The results indicated that 20% of the population had poor knowledge, whereas 62.2% had average level knowledge. Only 17.8% of the health volunteers had acceptable level of knowledge about menopause [symptoms, desired nutrition and regular exercise]. Their attitude toward menopause was undesired too. After the educational program 94.4% of the health volunteers had high knowledge and 88.9% of the sample had positive attitude about menopause. The findings suggest that it is necessary to perform such educational programs for health volunteers in health centers