The Effect of Educational Interventions Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior Through Healthcare Workers on Hookah Smoking in Bandar Abbas: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: The prevalence of hookah smoking is increasingly worrying worldwide, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean region, including Iran. This research assessed the impact of educational programs conducted by healthcare professionals at health centers in Bandar Abbas on diminishing hookah smoking among their clients. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study applied a multi-stage sampling technique. Initially, a pre-test was administered, followed by the provision of educational materials grounded in the theory of planned behavior to all healthcare providers and therapists at the participating centers across two to four sessions. Then, clients at these centers were educated by randomly selected healthcare workers and therapists. A follow-up evaluation was performed two months after the educational sessions. The data were analyzed by SPSS ۱۹ using independent and paired t-tests. Results: The results indicated a significant enhancement in attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions to cease hookah use in the intervention group post-education compared to their pre-training status (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: The findings advocate for the application of the theory of planned behavior in future research aimed at curbing detrimental health behaviors.