The Effects of Educational Intervention Based on PRECEDE Model on Level of Stress among the Elderly Who Referred to the Elderly Centers in Tehran

The stresses elderly face in various situations are different from those faced by other age groups. They are at a stage in life where they may face extended and critical health problems. In general, aging adults are vulnerable to the harmful effects of a negative stressor factors. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of PRECEDE model-based educational program on level of stress among the elderly who referred to cultural centers of Tehran in 2009-2010. In this quasi-experimental study, 94 elderly were randomly divided into case and control groups. Planning of the educational program was done according to PRECEDE model. Before implementing the program, valid and reliable Depression, Anxiety, and Stress questionnaires (DASS-21) were completed for both groups. The experimental group received the educational intervention based on PRECEDE model (eight sessions, one session a week), and both groups were followed up 2 months after the intervention when the same questionnaires were filled out for them again. DASS-21 Scoring and Interpretation Generator was used for calculating the scores of questionnaires. Finally, using SPSS15, the obtained data was analyzed by t-test, paired t-test, and Mann-Whitney test at the significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Results of the present research showed significant differences in mean stress scores (P < 0.001) and mean negative scores of depression, anxiety, and stress (P < 0.001) between the experimental and control groups two months after the educational program. In addition, while mean negative scores significantly increased in the experimental group, it decreased in the control group (P < 0.001). The findings of the present study confirmed the practicability and effectiveness of the PRECEDE model-based educational program on preventing or reducing the stress level in aging adults.