Effect of Training Programs on the Promotion of Pediculosis Preventive Behaviors in Mothers

Infestation of humans by lice has a long history and is still recognized as a recurring disease and a global health problem. In this regard, mothers, as the backbone of the family, play a peculiar role in children's health. The present study aimed to determine the effect of education on the promotion of pediculosis preventive behaviors in mothers of female primary school students.

The current study was conducted using interventional design and multi-stage random sampling method in collaboration with 176 mothers of female primary school students in Qom in the academic year of 2018-2019. The data collection tool was a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire comprising of three sections: demographic information, awareness questions, and preventive behavior questionnaire. The educational intervention for mothers in the test group was held in four 90-minute sessions for 2 weeks. After 3 months, the post-test questionnaires were completed again. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significance.

The results of statistical tests demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the test and control groups in terms of demographic variables (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between the mean score of preventive behavior in the test group before and 3 months after the intervention (P<0.001). On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in the control group before and after the intervention (P= 0.66). There was a significant difference between the mean score of awareness in the test group before and 3 months after the educational intervention (P<0.001). Moreover, the mean difference between the awareness score and preventive behavior between the test group and the control showed a significant difference (P <0.001).

As evidenced by the obtained results, maternal education can increase the level of awareness and promote pediculosis preventive behaviors. Therefore, mothers' participation in educational programs in schools and comprehensive health centers can help change people's pediculosis preventive behaviors.