The effect of education on base the Theory of Planned Behavior toward normal delivery in pregnant women with intention elective cesarean

Introduction: Finding an appropriate training method for encouraging pregnant women toward performing vaginal delivery is necessary because of increasing growth of cesarean and its associated complications. Methods: This semi- experimental study was carried out on a sample of 200 pregnant women who referred to the obstetrics offices of Zahedan during winter 2010 to summer 2011 by using non- probability sampling. Intervention group received training according to theory of planned behavior. After doing pretest using a validated and reliable questionnaire in both groups. Post- test was conducted after one month in both study groups. T-test, Chi-Square and Logestic regression were used for data analysis. Results: Findings showed a significant statistical differences between two groups&rsquo; knowledge, attitude and perceived behavior control, subjective norms and behavior scores after intervention (P<0.001). Regression analysis revealed that behavioral intention and perceived control were two greatest predictors of behavior. Overall, natural delivery was seen in 22% of women in intervention group compared with 4% in control group. Conclusion: The study finding showed that, education based on theory of planned behavior significantly increased natural delivery among study participants. Accordingly, it is recommended to adapt a policy which pregnant women to receive elective cesarean section training packages according to this theory and attend related group discussions