Background and Objectiv: The elderly are at risk of the negative effects of stress, anxiety and depression and all these factors must be identified; then the current survey was aimed to investigate the effect of theory-based education (Theory of Planned Behavior) on subscales of mental health of elders. Methods: In an experimental study, one hundred elders (50 allocated randomly to the intervention group and 50 to the control group) aged over 60 were chosen. Data were collected using two instruments including a DASS-21 standard questionnaire and a researcher- made questionnaire. Education was provided in ten sessions (70 minutes) based on Theory of Planned Behavior. Data were assessed in pre-intervention and 8 weeks follow-up and finally analyzed using SPSS20 and Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Independent t-test, and Paired t-test. Results: The mean score of knowledge, attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control of the intervention group was significantly higher 8 weeks after educational program and the mean score of DASS (stress, anxiety and depression) was lower than the control group (P<0.001). The Pearson correlation test showed a significant relationship between the DASS score and theory constructs eight weeks after intervention (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to current findings, mental health of elderly and public health will be likely increased because of the use of effective educational program for elders’ care.
Sobhani A, Shahnazi H, Mostafavi F. The Efficiency of Theory-Based Education on Mental Health Subscales in Elders: Application of Theory of Planned Behavior. Iran J Health Educ Health Promot 2019; 6 (4) :367-375 URL: http://journal.ihepsa.ir/article-1-955-en.html