Document Type : Research Article (s)

Authors

1 Department of Health Education, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran

2 Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, IR Iran

Abstract

Background: Getting enough calcium in growing is necessary to achieve peak bone mass and to prevent osteoporosis in adulthood and aging.
Objectives: Given the importance of women's role in arranging and preparing the family food basket, the present study aimed to raise the mothers' knowledge and attitude to increase consumption of calcium-rich foods in family food basket and enhance adolescent girl’s performance in the city of Chabahar.
Patients and Methods: This experimental study was performed on mothers of female students in the fifth grade of primary school in selected primary schools of Chabahar city during 2014. The population under study was selected by random sampling multi-stage stratified method. The study comprised 170 eligible mothers including 88 controls and 82 tests, selected on voluntary basis, who provided their written informed consent to participate in the study. Data collection tool was validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire consisting of three sections. These included demographic information and questions related KAP (knowledge, attitudes and practice) model comprising three structures so called knowledge, attitude and practice related to calcium containing foods. The completion of questionnaire was based on self-report and interview in two stages by the researcher, before and three months after educational intervention. The data collected were analyzed by SPSS-16 using descriptive and analytical statistical tests such as paired T-test at α = 0.05.
Results: A statistically significant mean score of knowledge and attitude was found after intervention in case group. However, the changes in mean score performance variables after the intervention in the case group were not significant.
Conclusions: Designed and implemented educational intervention was effective in increasing the mother’s knowledge and attitude, but was not effective regarding the intake of calcium-rich foods in target group. This weakness can be attributed primarily to the content and type of intervention carried out and secondly to insufficient educational interventions and sample size compatible with acceptable performance that suggested conducting more effective educational and ecological interventions.

Keywords