Effectiveness of an educational intervention using theory of planned behavior on health care empowerment among married reproductive‑age women: A randomized controlled trial
Volume 10, Issue 10, October 2020, Pages 1-8
. Maryam Sabouri, . Elham Shakibazadeh, . Bahram Mohebbi, . Azar Tol, . Mehdi Yaseri, . Sohrab Babaee
Abstract BACKGROUND: Empowerment is an essential issue in women’s lives. Powerful women can act
successfully in health‑related issues more than others. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness
of an educational intervention designed based on theory of planned behavior (TPB) on health care
empowerment among married women in reproductive age.
METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was carried out among 488 reproductive‑age women
between 2018 and 2019 in Tehran, Iran. Participants were recruited using randomized cluster
sampling and divided into intervention (n = 243) and control (n = 245) groups by random allocation.
Data were collected using a self‑administered researcher‑made questionnaire based on TPB and
Health Care Empowerment Questionnaire. Validity (content validity index = 0.87; content validity
ratio = 0.89) and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed ( = 0.96). Intervention was
implemented within four sessions (lasting 60 min) using eight health related scenarios based on
TPB constructs. Baseline and post intervention data (6 months after the intervention) were analyzed
by SPSS25 (Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) using independent t‑test, Chi‑squared test, Fisher’s Exact test,
Mann–Whitney, path analysis, and regression of generalized estimating equation model. P < 0.05
was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Results showed the mean ± standard deviation age of the participants was 33.6 ± 7.1.
Six months after the intervention, a significant difference was highlighted in health care empowerment
domains as well as behavioral intention, attitude toward behavior, subjective norms, and perceived
behavioral control (P < 0.001) between intervention and control groups.
CONCLUSION: TPB‑based educational intervention can significantly improve women’s perception
about health care empowerment. Tailoring and implementation of TPB‑based intervention by health
policy makers and health care providers is suggested to achieve better perception of empowerment
toward receiving health care among women.