Effectiveness of Trainings Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action in the Choice of Natural Delivery by Pregnant Women

Objectives: Due to the high rate of caesarian-section (C-section) in Iran, the aim of this research was to design and implement interventions based on the theory of reasoned action in pregnant women to promote the choice of natural delivery. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention was performed in Abhar, Iran on 200 pregnant women in the two groups of intervention and control. Data were collected, using a questionnaire designed by the researcher, before and after the intervention. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed. The single-stage random cluster sampling was used. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 and statistical tests such as analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation coefficient, t test, regression, and logistic regression. Results: Paired t test showed a significant difference in the mean scores of constructs of theory of reasoned action before and after training in the intervention group; however, no statistically significant difference was observed in the control group in terms of mean scores of constructs of theory of reasoned action. Logistic regression showed that, before training, none of the reasoned action constructs predicted natural delivery in the intervention group; however, in the intervention group after training, normative beliefs, motivations to comply and behavioral intention predicted natural delivery. The same test showed that only motivations to comply predicted natural delivery in the control group before and after training. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the theory of reasoned action can be effective in creating and enhancing pregnant women's choice of natural delivery. Therefore, considering that rate of C-section is increasing in Iran, this theory can be a useful tool for designing and implementing educational interventions aimed at improving the choice of natural delivery by pregnant women.