Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Consuming fish plays a key role in human health and prevention of diseases. The
aim of this study was using transtheoretical model to analyze the trend of fish consumption among
women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive‑analytic research, 383 housewives who referred
to health centers in Bandar Abbas were selected through a stratified sampling method. Data were
collected by a questionnaire to determine fish consumption based on transtheoretical model and
analyzed by using SPSS software version 19.0. with the significance level of P < 0.05.
RESULTS: Nearly 11.7% of the patients were found to be at the precontemplation stage; 3.9% were
at the contemplation stage; 13.6% were at the preparation stage; 7.3% showed to be at the action
stage, and 63.4% were at the maintenance stage. The results showed a significant relation of the
constructs of the model with the stages of change of consuming one or two meals of fish a week.
Moving through the stages of change from the precontemplation stage to maintenance stage was
accompanied by an increase in decisional balance, self‑efficacy, and processes of change (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: It is suggested that in designing educational interventions in the light of this model,
more emphasis is placed on perceived benefits and self‑efficacy. The processes of change are
advised to be used more often, and perceived barriers to fish consumption need to be reduced as
far as possible.

Abstract Introduction: Although cesarean section has saved many mothers’ and infants’ lives,
the problem is in its increasing prevalence. According to recent statistics, the current rate
of cesarean in Iran is in fact 3–4 times as more than the standard rate defined by WHO.
Therefore, the present study is aimed to estimate the effect of an instructional program based
on health belief model on reducing cesarean rate among primiparous pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: In this semi‑experimental research, 60 primiparous women who
had visited Bandar Abbas Healthcare Centers were selected as the subjects. They were in
their 26–30th week of pregnancy. They were selected in a multi‑stage cluster sampling method
(a combination of clustering and simple randomization), and were divided into two groups,
subjects and control group. The data were gathered using a valid and reliable questionnaire.
The instructional intervention was done after the completion of the pretest questionnaire based
on the sub‑constructs of the health belief model in six instructional sessions. 1 month after the
intervention, posttest questionnaires were completed by the subjects in both groups. The data
were analyzed using descriptive statistics, standard deviation, independent t‑test, and paired
t‑test. The significance level was set at <0.05. Results: Two groups had a significant difference
between awareness score, perceived sensitivity, intensity, benefits, barriers, self‑efficacy, and
the performance (P < 0.001). In the experimental group, nine subjects (30%) had a natural
delivery. Conclusion: According to the findings of the current research, an instructional program
illuminated (designed) by the health belief model can significantly influence pregnant women’s
awareness, intention, and choice of delivery type.

Abstract Introduction: Major thalassemia is a hereditary, chronic blood disease caused by the synthesis
deficiency of one or more polypeptide chains of globin during childhood. This leads to the rise of
blood pressure and family tensions. Therefore, the coping strategies of the family could seriously
affect and facilitate the thalassemic child’s healthy growth. The present research sought to investigate
the mental health and coping strategies of families with major thalassemic children in Bandar Abbas
in 2013. Materials and Methods: This study is of a descriptive‑analytical and cross‑sectional
type. Research population consisted of 140 parents of major thalassemic children who visited
Shahid Mohammadi Hospital of Bandar Abbas. The instruments used were the 12‑item General
Health Questionnaire of Goldberg and Williams along with the coping strategies questionnaire.
Nonprobabilistic, convenient sampling method was used. To analyze the data, Spearman’s
correlation coefficient, Chi‑square and descriptive statistical tests were used. The significance
level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Data analysis showed that parents’ mental health (32 ± 4.25)
along with their coping strategy scores (45 ± 7.50) was about the average. The most prevalent
coping strategies among the parents were represented as: “I trust in God in order to get my problems
solved” (87%), “to get mentally and spiritually relieved, I would visit mosques and holy shrines” (53%),
and “to overcome problems, I make harder attempts” (50.7%). A significant correlation was found
between the parents’ coping strategies and general health (P < 0.001). A significant correlation
was also observed between mother’s educational level (P = 0.044), age (P = 0.022) and general
health. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results of this research, it is categorical for
the ministry of health and medical education and those in charge to pay special and adequate
attention to the social, spiritual, and mental health of these children and their families.