Effectiveness of educational intervention based on the protection motivation theory in promoting brucellosis preventive behaviors in ranchers

Background and objectives : In this regard, the main goal of the current research was to determine the effect of educational intervention based on the protection motivation theory on the promotion of preventive behaviors against brucellosis among ranchers of Khodabandeh city through health care providers. Methods: This quasi -experimental study was conducted in two groups of intervention and control in the before, immediately and 2 months after intervention. A total of 126 ranchers were investigated with the multi-stage sampling method and were included in two control groups (n=64) and the test (n=62). The standard motivational theory questionnaire was used to collect data. The data collected in SPSS-22 software was analyzed using the independent sample t-test, Mann–Whitney and Friedman test. Results: The results in the test group showed a significant difference in the general knowledge score during the three stages before, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention (P = 0.007). The results in the test group showed a significant difference in perceived sensitivity, perceived intensity of self-efficacy, response efficiency, perceived reward, fear, protection motivation, and preventive behavior showed a perceived response cost during the three stages before, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results indicate the high impact of education by the area and the importance of paying attention to the culture and customs of the areas in education. Also, given the stability of the effects in most cases, it can be of interest to experts.