Volume 30, Issue 4 (Autumn 2024)
Intern Med Today 2024, 30(4): 0-0 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Dogonchi M, basaligheh Z, khajavian N, moshki M. The Effectiveness of an Educational Program Based on the Transtheoretical (Stages of Change) Model for Pregnant Mothers on the Prevention of Early Initiation of Complementary Feeding: A Randomized Experimental Trial. Intern Med Today 2024; 30 (4)
URL: http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-4093-en.html
URL: http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-4093-en.html
1- Gonabad university of medical sciences
2- Gonabad university of medical sciences ,dr.moshki@gmail.com
2- Gonabad university of medical sciences ,
Abstract: (10 Views)
Background: Optimal growth and development of children require proper nutrition and healthy eating habits. A lack of knowledge among mothers about child nutrition is a significant cause of malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an educational program on delaying the initiation of complementary feeding among pregnant mothers, using the stages of change model.
Material and Methods: First, a descriptive study was conducted to assess needs, with the participation of 100 mothers of children aged 6 to 18 months who were randomly selected and referred to comprehensive health service centers in Khaf city and included in the study. Then, based on the results of the needs assessment study, a randomized experimental trial was designed and implemented, with 70 pregnant mothers participating (35 in each group). Eight 45-minute educational sessions were held for mothers in the experimental group, consisting of lectures and group discussions. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics checklist and a researcher-developed checklist based on the stages of change model, administered before and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22). A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered.
Findings: The needs assessment results showed that 70% of women had started or intended to start complementary feeding at 4 months of age. The results of the educational intervention indicated that the test group had significantly higher scores on the stages-of-change constructs (pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance) than the control group three months after the intervention (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study's results confirm the effectiveness of the stages of change model in promoting complementary feeding in children. Since the age at which complementary feeding begins is a contributing factor to malnutrition and growth delays in children, it seems appropriate to use this model to develop educational programs that educate mothers to enhance child nutrition.
Material and Methods: First, a descriptive study was conducted to assess needs, with the participation of 100 mothers of children aged 6 to 18 months who were randomly selected and referred to comprehensive health service centers in Khaf city and included in the study. Then, based on the results of the needs assessment study, a randomized experimental trial was designed and implemented, with 70 pregnant mothers participating (35 in each group). Eight 45-minute educational sessions were held for mothers in the experimental group, consisting of lectures and group discussions. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics checklist and a researcher-developed checklist based on the stages of change model, administered before and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22). A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered.
Findings: The needs assessment results showed that 70% of women had started or intended to start complementary feeding at 4 months of age. The results of the educational intervention indicated that the test group had significantly higher scores on the stages-of-change constructs (pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance) than the control group three months after the intervention (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study's results confirm the effectiveness of the stages of change model in promoting complementary feeding in children. Since the age at which complementary feeding begins is a contributing factor to malnutrition and growth delays in children, it seems appropriate to use this model to develop educational programs that educate mothers to enhance child nutrition.
Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Home Care
Received: 2025/07/2 | Accepted: 2026/05/27 | Published: 2024/09/29
Received: 2025/07/2 | Accepted: 2026/05/27 | Published: 2024/09/29
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |