Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on Theory of Planned Behavior on the Use of Hearing Protection Devices in the Textile Industry of Guilan

Noise is the most common harmful physical agent in the world in which causes many physical and mental disorders in workplaces. In noise management programs, along with the engineering control methods, using a comprehensive education program is very important. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of theory-based training on the rate of using hearing protection devices in workers of textile industry in Rasht industrial towns in 2019.

This study was a randomized descriptive and cross sectional controlled trial performed in two textile industries for 96 workers in Rasht 2019. Randomized sampling method was done for selection of two textile factories among 10 and assigned as experimental (48 workers) and control groups (48 workers) with noise exposure level higher than 85 dB were selected. Data collection tools included demographic and self-administered questionnaire and Theory of Planned Behavior constructs. The intervention program consisted of 4 group training sessions with an educational booklet and a pamphlet. Validity of the questionnaire through content test t and its reliability Obtained by Cronbach's alpha test. Data were analyzed in SPSS20 software using descriptive and analytical tests.

After the educational intervention, the average attitude structures from 2.08 to 3.38, Abstract norms from 2.05 to 3.32, perception of Perceived Behavioral Control from 3.20 to 4.63, behavioral intention from 1.38 to 3.12 and performance from 1.02 to2.74 increase Found p<0/001.

Results showed that an improvement of hearing protection usage due to educational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Thus, the Theory of Planned Behavior can be used as a theoretical framework for the design and implementation of noise management program in industries.