The effect of Orem’s theory of interventional education on self-care, worry and health practices of pregnant women aged 35 years or above, referring to health service centers in Gonabad county, 2024

Background: Self-care during pregnancy requires special attention, particularly among women aged 35 and above. This study aimed to determine the impact of an educational intervention based on the Orem theory on self-care, worry, and health practices among pregnant women aged 35 and older referred to comprehensive health service centers in Gonabad County. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2023 among 53 pregnant women aged 35 and above referred to comprehensive health service centers in Gonabad County. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Data was collected using questionnaires on demographic and obstetric characteristics, the Cambridge worry Scale, Hart's prenatal care actions, and Health Practices in Pregnancy Questionnaire-II. The intervention group received a theory-based educational intervention in three sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Research staff completed questionnaires before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with a significance level 0.05. Results: Based on the GEE model, there were no statistically significant differences in mean scores for self-care, health practices, and worry between the two groups prior to the intervention (p > 0.05). Post-intervention, both groups exhibited an increase in mean scores for self-care and health practices, but the intervention group demonstrated a steeper increase, which was statistically significant. In contrast, the intervention group experienced a more pronounced decrease in mean worry scores than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that a self-care educational program based on the Orem's theory can be effective in enhancing self-care and health practices and reducing worry among pregnant women. Therefore, it is recommended that this educational program be implemented for pregnant women aged 35 and above. Trial registration and ethics code : IRCT registration number: IRCT20231107059980N1 and ethics code: IR.GMU.REC.1402. Registration date: 30/11/2023