---

Background & Aim: Physical activity is a health behavior that helps one's mental and general health, improves the health of women during preconception period and reduces pregnancy and birth complications. The aim of this study was to predict physical activity based on the BASNEF model constructs during preconception period among women referred to Uremia health centers.
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 230 women during preconception period, who were selected using the multistage sampling method in 2018. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire containing sociodemographic information, the BASNEF model constructs, and a short form of the international physical activity questionnaire. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression and t-test through the SPSS software version 16.
Results: The results showed that 61.3% of women had low levels of physical activity. Knowledge (β=0.2, P<0.003), attitude (β=0.15, P<0.017), and enabling factors (β=0.18, P<0.004) significantly explained their intention to do physical activity. Also, among the predictive variables, knowledge (P<0.001) significantly explained physical activity.
Conclusion: Low rate of women's physical activity during preconception period calls for designing an intervention based on BASNEF model in order to influence knowledge, attitude and enabling factors.
 

---

Background & Aim: The high prevalence of cesarean section in most developed countries, exceeding 50%, has led to detrimental effects on maternal and child health. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a beneficial way to reduce cesarean rates. This study aimed to determine the effect of theory of planned behavior-based training on the intention and behavior of VBAC in pregnant women with previous cesarean section.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled trial study, a convenience sample of 70 pregnant women with a history of cesarean section, referred to comprehensive health centers in Ardabil in 2020, were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received four weekly education sessions based on the theory of planned behavior structures, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire at three time points: before, immediately after, and four weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 16, employing independent t-test, Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, and repeated measures ANOVA at a 95% confidence level.
Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences in mean scores of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavior control, intention, and awareness over time between the intervention and control groups (P<0.001). However, the educational intervention did not lead to a behavior change.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is imperative for health planners to focus on providing organizational support and fostering a positive attitude among obstetricians and midwives to prioritize the implementation of VBAC.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20200519047509N1

 

---

Background & Aim: Osteoporosis is a common problem in menopausal women, and adopting preventive behaviors is crucial in addressing this issue. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on promoting osteoporosis-preventive behaviors in menopausal women.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted on 64 menopausal women referred to Urmia urban health centers in 2023. Participants were selected using random sampling and then randomly allocated into two groups: control (32) and intervention (32). The data collection instruments included questionnaires comprising demographic information, knowledge assessments, Health Belief Model constructs, food frequency, and physical activity items. Following pre-test evaluations and needs assessment, a training program was designed and delivered to the intervention group. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26.
Results: The mean scores for knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy, and cues to action in the intervention group significantly increased compared to both the pre-intervention assessment and the control group. Conversely, there was a significant decrease in the mean score for perceived barriers (P<0.05). These changes resulted in a significant increase in the mean score for osteoporosis preventive behaviors within the intervention group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Education based on the HBM has been effective in shaping the knowledge and health beliefs of menopausal women concerning osteoporosis and its preventive behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended that health educators incorporate the approaches and findings of this study when developing educational interventions related to osteoporosis.