Effect of educational intervention based on family-centered empowerment model in high risk behavior modification among patients with brucellosis

Background and Objectives: Family-centered empowerment model is one of the patterns in the area of empowering patients in modification of risky behaviors. According to extensive health and economic consequences of brucellosis in the community, we decided to evaluate the effect of this pattern in risk behavior modification in patients with brucellosis. Methods: The current study was a quasi-experimental study that was performed on ۷۶ individuals with brucellosis in Chalderan County, ۲۰۱۳. All of the patients were allocated in intervention and control groups using stratified randomiztion. Data was collected using a standardized researcher-made questionnaire based on family-centered empowerment model in five structures including knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, self-esteem and behavior in two phases. The first stage was before the educational intervention and the second stage was performed two months after the intervention. To analyze data statistically, descriptive statistics and paired and independent t tests with the significance level of ۰.۰۵ were used. Results: Mean and standard deviation of the patients' ages was ۳۷.۹ ± ۱۴.۷. Paired t-test results showed that the mean scores of knowledge (p<۰.۰۰۱), attitudes (p<۰.۰۰۱), self efficacy (p<۰.۰۰۱), self-esteem (p<۰.۰۰۱) and behavior (p<۰.۰۰۱) were significantly increased within the intervention group. However, the changes were not significant in the mean scores of knowledge (p=۰.۲۹۳), attitudes (p=۰.۱۰۶), self efficacy (p=۰.۲۲۵), self-esteem (p=۰.۱۰۵) and behavior (p=۰.۳۰۳) in the control group. According to the results of independent t-test, the mean scores increased considerably in all structures within the intervention group in comparison to the control group after the educational intervention (p<۰.۰۵). Conclusion: Regular interventional programs and applying educational theories could be an effective method  in high risk behavior modification in patients with brucellosis. Therefore, such  programs should be implemented in a wide range.