The Effect of Educational Intervention based on the Self Efficacy and Health Literacy Theory on Health Promoting Lifestyles among Female Health Volunteers of Neyshabur, Iran

Abstract

Background: The importance of health promoting behaviors are due to their potential role in preventing chronic diseases, reducing morbidity, improving quality of life and reducing health care burdens in the community. Health literacy and lifestyle are social determinants of health. This study was designed to determine the effect of educational intervention based on the Self Efficacy and health literacy Theory on the health promoting behavior of female health volunteers in Neyshabur, Iran. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 female health volunteers in Neyshabur. Participants were randomly divided into the two control and experimental groups. Data gathering tools were the Healthy Lifestyle questionnaire (HPLPII), Sherer General Self-Efficacy Scale and Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA). Educational intervention was conducted based on the self-efficacy theory and health literacy. The subjects in the intervention group received 4 sessions of 1 hour education on a weekly basis. Data analysis was done through SPSS16 and using Chi- square, Repeated Measures and Friedman Test. Results: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in mean score of lifestyle (P=0.89) and self-efficacy (P=0.146) between the two groups. But, after the intervention, the two groups showed significant difference in all variables (P. 0.001). Conclusion: Educational intervention based on the self- efficacy and health literacy theory can promote healthy lifestyle among health volunteers.