Using theory of reasoned action to reduce high‑risk sexual behaviors among patients with HPV: A randomized controlled trial

Sexually transmitted diseases are a major health problem in all countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common viral sexually transmitted disease in both genders. High‑risk sexual behaviors (HRSBs) are among the major risk factors for HPV infection. Lack of knowledge can contribute to HRSBs and hence, education can potentially reduce HRSB risk. This is a study using theory of reasoned action to reduce the high‑risk sexual behaviors among patients with HPV.

This study was a two‑grouped, randomized, controlled trial. The educational program was developed based on the results of a survey into the most important components of the theory of reasoned action contributing to HRSBs among 100 patients recruited from Razi hospital, Tehran, Iran. Then, 110 patients from the same hospital were consecutively recruited and randomly allocated to a control (n = 55) and an intervention (n = 55) group. Then, each participant in the intervention group was provided with the developed educational program. Their counterparts in the control group solely received routine care services. Three months after the first educational session, HRSBs were reassessed in both groups. Data were analyzed via the SPSS software (v. 21.0).

After the intervention, the mean score of HRSBs significantly decreased in the intervention group (P < 0.001) but did not significantly change in the control group (P = 0.70). The post‑test mean score of HRSBs in the intervention group was significantly less than the control group (P = 0.015).

Education based on the theory of reasoned action is effective in significantly reducing HRSBs. Nurses can develop and use educational interventions based on this theory to reduce HRSBs and HPV infection.