فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

INTRODUCTION: Beta‑thalassemia is the most severe form of thalassemia major in which wherethe person needs regular blood transfusions and medical cares. The genetic experiment of prenataldiagnosis (PND) has been effective in the diagnosis of fetus with thalassemia major. This studywas aimed to evaluate educational interventions on perceived susceptibility, perceived severity,perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action and self‑efficacy in beta‑thalassemia carriersand suspected couples on doing a PND genetic test in Andimeshk.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quasi‑experimental study, 224 beta‑thalassemia carriersand suspected couples were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The data werecollected using a researcher‑made validated questionnaire using the self‑administrated method.Before the intervention, questionnaires for both groups were completed, and then, an educationalintervention was done for the intervention group during a month in four sessions for 30 min. After2 months, the questionnaire was completed again by both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSSsoftware version 20.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean score of health belief model (HBM)variables and behavior between intervention and control groups before intervention (P < 0.05).However, after the educational intervention, the significant statistical difference in the mean scoreof perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, guidance foraction, self‑efficacy, and behavior of PND β‑thalassemia genetic tests was observed between theintervention and control groups. (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Educational programs based on HBM can increase HBM constructs, behavior, andself‑efficacy of beta‑thalassemia carrier couples for doing beta‑thalassemia PND.