Abstract
Background and Objective: High-risk behaviors in addicts are one of the most important risk factors for the health of the community. Regarding the negative consequences of insecure sexual behaviors in addicts, this study aimed at investigating the effect of educational program based on the theory of planned behavior on increasing the safe sexual behaviors among addicts covered by addiction treatment centers.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in two stages in 2017 among addicts covered by private addiction treatment centers in Shiraz. At first, a descriptive-analytic and cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the factors related to safe sexual behaviors based on the theory of planned behavior on 200 addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz. At this stage, the sampling method was random cluster sampling. In the second stage, a semi-experimental interventional study was performed on 100 addicts (50 people in experimental group and 50 people in control group), who participated in two educational sessions. In this stage, the samples were selected by simple random sampling. Data gathering tools consisted of questionnaire containing demographic information and the theory of planned behavior constructs. After coding, data analysis was performed, using SPSS 22 software by statistical tests such as logistic regression, paired t-test, independent t-test, Chi-square, and McNemar’s tests.
Results: After educational intervention, the mean scores of all planned behavior structures (attitude toward behavior, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and safe sexual behaviors) in the intervention group significantly increased (p<0.001). These changes were not significant in the control group (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Implementation of educational programs to encourage safe sexual behaviors based on the theory of planned behavior increases safe behavior of addicted people.