Effectiveness of the application of an educational program based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in adopting preventive behaviors among mothers who have thalassemia children in Iran: a randomized controlled trial

Background Thalassemia is one of the most common chronic diseases, which cause many problems for the patients, families, and health system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of an educational program based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in adopting preventive behaviors from thalassemia. Methods This randomized controlled trial study was associated with the participation of 160 mothers of children suffering from thalassemia major, who were divided into two groups including intervention and control. Demographic information, knowledge, and data related to the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS16 software and descriptive and analytical tests. Results The mean scores of perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and behavior in the intervention group in the pre-intervention phase were 9.83 +/- 1.45, 9.1 +/- 21.32, and 2.1 +/- 18.42, respectively. The stage after the intervention was increased to 12.00 +/- 0.00, 11.51 +/- 0.59, and 5 +/- 0.37.95, respectively, and the difference of the means in the two stages was significant (P value < 0.0001). But no significant change was observed in the control group (P value > 0.05). Conclusion The results of the study showed the effect of the training intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on the promotion of preventive behaviors in mothers of children suffering from thalassemia major.