Effect of training based on self-efficacy theory in self-care for Influenza among primary school students in Mashhad, Iran: A before-after clinical trial

Influenza is an acute respiratory disease that occurs mainly in schools and can be reduced with training and self-care. This study was designed to determine the effect of training based on self-efficacy theory in self-care for influenza among primary school students in Mashhad, Iran.

This before-after clinical trial was conducted on 64 sixth-grade female students in 2018. The samples were selected by multi-stage sampling method from primary schools in Mashhad and divided into two groups of experimental and control. The necessary data were collected using questionnaires, including a demographic form, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and a researcher-made influenza self-care questionnaire. The educational intervention was designed based on the self-efficacy theory and was performed in four 45-minute training sessions. The questionnaires were completed immediately after the educational intervention and 3 months later. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 24) using t-test and Chi-square tests.

The mean scores of self-efficacy and influenza self-care were significantly improved after the intervention (1.6±4.4 vs 3.4±7.2 and 11.9±5.5 vs 12.6±5.6, respectively; P=0.01).

According to the results, designing and implementing self-efficacy-based training interventions could lead to increased influenza self-care among students.