Abstract
BackgroundPregnant women and their fetus belong to a sensitive group in response to air pollution hazards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a theory-based educational program to change pollution exposure behavior in pregnant women.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, pregnant women attending a prenatal clinic in Tehran, Iran were selected and randomized into the experimental and control groups. The inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 35 years, having a history of pregnancies without adverse outcomes and not suffering from chronic diseases. Data collected at baseline and 2-month follow-up. At baseline face-to-face interviews were conducted using a valid and reliable questionnaire including items on demographic characteristics, stages of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance and practice regarding air pollution preventive behaviors. The intervention composed of three parts: motivational interviewing, a booklet and daily small message service (SMS). The control group received no intervention except receiving usual care. Follow-up data were collected after the intervention. Data were analyzed performing t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and chi-squared.ResultsIn all the data for 104 pregnant women (53 in the intervention and 51 in the control group) were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 27.2 (SD = 4.11) years and it was 22.89 (SD = 8.75) weeks for gestational age. At baseline there were no significant statistical differences between intervention and control groups on the study measures while we found significant group differences in terms of stages of change, self-efficacy, perceived benefits and practice regarding air pollution preventive behaviors at follow-up assessment (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings indicated that the TTM-based intervention was effective in increasing air pollution preventive behaviors among pregnant women. This study provided a framework to modify some psychosocial determinants of air pollution preventive behavior other than knowledge using constructs of Transtheoretical model of behavior change, additionally results suggests the importance of education and makes enlightenment of the air pollution risk knowledge accelerate.Trial registrationIRCT2012091010804N1
Highlights
Pregnant women and their fetus belong to a sensitive group in response to air pollution hazards
Despite the strict application of policies and regulations to control the problem, a recent study suggests that current levels of air pollutants in Tehran are above healthy levels [9]
Study sample In all 104 pregnant women were included in the final analyses
Summary
Pregnant women and their fetus belong to a sensitive group in response to air pollution hazards. Some of the adverse outcomes of exposure to outdoor air pollution for pregnant women include low birth weight of the baby, preterm labor, and intrauterine growth retardation that in turn can lead to morbidity and mortality in later life [3, 5,6,7]. Such adverse effects further cause a substantial financial burden for society due to increased costs imposed on the health care system [8]. Despite the strict application of policies and regulations to control the problem, a recent study suggests that current levels of air pollutants in Tehran are above healthy levels [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
