The effect of education for iron consumption based on the theory of planned behavior in pregnant women in Mashhad

Iron is an essential element for women of reproductive age, especially in the period before pregnancy and during this period. This study was aimed to investigate the consumption of iron to prevent iron deficiency anemia based on the theory of planned behavior on pregnant women in Mashhad city. This quasi-experimental study was done on 160 pregnant women referred to health center No. 1 in Mashhad town who were allocated to case (80) and control (80) groups randomly in 2014. Intervention was done in four 75- minute sessions. Data were collected using a questionnaire made by researcher based on the theory of planned behavior and blood lab exam (Ferritin). Questionnaires were distributed and completed immediately, and 3 months after educational intervention were repeated again. The average rates of knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control and intention to use of iron intervention group was increased 3 months after the intervention significantly (P<0.05). These changes were not significant in control group. There was not also a statistically significant difference in subjective norms between two groups after intervention (P>0.05). Regarding the effect of education in promoting iron consumption in pregnant women, it is suggested that iron supplementation promotion workshops should be held in health centers with the aim of preventing iron deficiency anemia in health centers.