Effect of educational program based on planned behavior theory on preventive behaviors of sexually transmitted diseases of married women

Introduction: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in women. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of teaching based on theory of planned behavior on preventive behaviors of STDs of married women. Material and methods: Study subjects consisted of 114 women who attended a university-affiliated hospital in Tehran, Iran. They were randomly assigned into intervention group (n = 58) and control group (n = 56). Women in intervention group participated in a four-session educational program based on a theory of planned behavior. Women in control group received a routine education. Data-gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, including demographic characteristics, knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention for healthy behavior along with self-reported sexual behaviors. Data was analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA. Results: All constructs of the theory of planned behavior along with the knowledge and reported sexual behaviors improved significantly in intervention group in comparison to controls. The theory of planned behavior was effective in the increase of knowledge and improvement of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention for healthy behaviors in married women. It was also effective in improving healthier sexual behaviors. Conclusions: Education program based on the theory of planned behavior was effective on preventive behaviors of STDs of married women. We recommend using this theory in prevention programs for sexually transmitted diseases in married women. HIV AIDS Rev 2021; 20, 4: 294-301 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/hivar.2021.111544