THE EFFECT OF EDUCATION BASED ON THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR ON THE INTENTION AND BEHAVIOR OF KANGAROO MOTHER CARE IN MOTHERS OF PREMATURE INFANTS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Background & Aim: One of the most effective ways to prevent complications associated with hospitalization of premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is to involve parents actively in the care of the baby.This study aimed to determine the effect of training based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on the intention and behavior of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in mothers of premature infants. Materials & Methods:A quasi-experimental study was performed with the participation of 60 mothers with premature infants hospitalized in the NICU in 2022 in Urmia City, Iran.Kosar and Shahid Motahhari hospitals were randomly assigned (via lottery) to the intervention and control groups, respectively.The intervention group received four sessions of education based on the structures of the TPB over a week.Data were collected using the researcher-made questionnaire, which included demographic information, questions related to the TPB and awareness.Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16) using chi-square and independent sample t-tests at a significance level of P< 0.05.Results: There was no significant difference in the mean scores of intentions and behavior of KMC between the intervention and control groups before the educational intervention.(p>0.05).However, there was a significant difference in intention and KMC behavior between the two groups (P=0.0001).Conclusion: TPB-based training has been effective for mothers with premature babies improved KMC intention and behavior.The use of this strategy is suggested by midwives and nurses in the clinical environment.