Effect of theory of planned behavior-based educational intervention on HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors among male barbers.

Introduction: Based on the latest estimates of the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is now a public health challenge in Iran, and in 2018, 61,000 people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), of which 45,000 (75%) were men. This study aimed to evaluate effect of educational intervention based on theory of planned behavior (TPB) on HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors among male barbers. Material and methods: The current quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2019 among 120 male barbers, who were selected using stratified sampling method. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire based on TPB at baseline and post-intervention. Intervention was designed and performed according to TPB. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 using descriptive and inferential methods. Results: Mean age of barbers was 30.41 ± 8.43 years. At baseline, mean scores of TPB constructs were not significantly different between intervention and control groups (p > 0.05). However, in post-intervention phase, there was a significant difference between two investigated groups in mean scores of TPB constructs (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings of the current study showed that educational intervention based on TPB can enhance knowledge level, perceived behavioral control, and attitude and creation of appropriate subjective norms for formation of behavioral intention and promoting AIDS preventive behavior among barbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]