The effect of maternal education on preventive behaviors of iron deficiency anemia in children: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common hematological disease in infancy and childhood. Therefore, it is necessary to provide maternal education using models that identify factors affecting behavior. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of maternal education based on the health belief model (HBM) on preventive behaviors of IDA in children aged 1–6 years in rural health centers of Babol, Mazandaran Province, Iran in 2015.MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, 119 mothers were selected through multi-stage random sampling and divided into two groups of intervention and control. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were studied and confirmed. A pretest was conducted in both groups. Need assessment was done according to the pretest results, and educational intervention was performed in four educational sessions in the intervention group. The same questionnaire was applied for posttest three months after the intervention. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the mean scores of awareness, HBM constructs, and performance of the mothers between the two groups before the intervention (P < 0.05) while the difference was significant after the intervention (P < 0.001). The mean score of performance, increased significantly from 80.84 to 88.68 in the intervention group after the intervention (P < 0.001).ConclusionEducational intervention, according to the HBM based on a primary needs assessment effectively improves maternal performance about IDA prevention in children. Therefore, it is suggested that these interventions replace conventional educational programs.Trial registration: This trial has been registered at IRCT, IRCT2014082118892N1. Registered on 2014-11-23, https://en.irct.ir/trial/17015

The Outcome of a Caregiver Potential Support Program on Anemia Prevention Among Children Six Months to Two Years in Thasala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

“…Pattana Katong and Pitsanu Aphisamacharayothin found that there was a statistically significant relationship between parental behaviors and preschool children's health care [34]. Increased knowledge would enable the caregiver to provide more effective care for the child to prevent anemia [35]. There were 48.8% who worked as househusbands or housewives and 57.5% who had adequate income.…”

Effect of educational intervention based on health belief model on mothers monitoring growth of 6–12 months child with growth disorders

“…In the present study, the perceived benefits showed a significant increase in the experimental group after the intervention, which is consistent with the results of studies by Navabi et al [19], Matlabi et al [32] and Larijani. et al [33] presenting educations about growth disorder and educational posters, brochures, and video clips help the increase of perceived benefits. The perceived benefits means that mothers are aware of the benefits of preventing their child from developing a growth disorder, benefits that lead to the normal growth of weight, height, and head circumference in children under one year of age and thus prevention of the treatment costs and improvement of children and their family quality of life.…”