Effect of Educational Program on Milk Consumption based on the Theory of Planned Behavior among Girl Students

Background An adequate level of calcium intake during growth years can extensively help to stabilize calcium level and increase bone density. However, calcium intake in female school-age students is low. This study aimed to determine effect of educational programs on milk consumption based on the theory of planned behavior among 7th grade girl students in Kashan city, Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was interventional quasi-experimental research. 220 girl students (110 for interventional group and 110 for control group), were selected by simple random sampling from schools in Kashan city, Iran. The researcher-made questionnaire based on theory of planned behavior used for data collection. Interventional programs were performed using lectures, poster, and pamphlet. The questionnaire was completed by the students twice, before and two months after the implementation of educational program. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.0 using descriptive statistics and independent t-test. Results: After the implementation of the educational programs, the rate of milk consumption at home significantly increased among the interventional group (P<0.05). Also, there was a significantly increase in the mean scores of attitude (P < 0.05), subjective norms (P< 0.05), perceived behavioral control (P< 0.05), and intention of milk consumption (P < 0.001) in the interventional group. Conclusion Educational programs based on the theory of planned behavior led to an increase in the scores of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and milk consumption intention among girl students. Thus, educational interventions and programs should be designed and implemented based on the theories of health education.