Educational Intervention in Promoting Fatty Liver Preventive Behaviors in Women: Using the Protection Motivation Theory

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of educational intervention on improving the preventive behaviors of fatty liver in women referring to comprehensive health service centers in Bardaskan using the protection motivation theory (PMT). Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on women aged 18-59 in Bardaskan in 2020. The sample size was determined as 128 according to the suggestion (Cohen), including 64 experimental and 64 control samples. The participants completed a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of three parts (demographic variables, constructs of PMT, and fatty liver prevention behaviors). The educational intervention for the experimental group was performed in 12 one-hour sessions over 4 weeks using lectures, group discussions, questions and answers, brainstorming, substitution experiences, and delivery of the designed educational booklet. Two months after the completion of the educational intervention, the questionnaire was completed again by all participants. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 21 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, independent t test, paired t test, ANCOVA test, and linear regression test. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean scores of perceived susceptibility (P<0.001), perceived severity (P=0.002), perceived external and internal rewards (P=0.010), response efficiency (P=0.010), perceived cost (P<0.001), and behavior (P=0.028) between the experimental and control groups after the educational intervention. Conclusion: Educational intervention based on PMT led to behavior modifications to promote the preventive behaviors of the fatty liver.