Document Type : Original Article(s)
Authors
1 M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Shaheed Mostafa Khomeini Hospital, Shahed University. Tehran.
2 M.D., Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran university of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Iran.
3 Ph.D., Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, TUMS, Iran.
4 M.D., Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Doctor Shariati Hospital, North Kargar Avenue, Tehran 14114, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Abstract INTRODUCTION: Many people do not have sufficient knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors in Iran. We used a school-based educational intervention program to promote the health knowledge in all participating families. methods: A total of 1100 fifth-grade school children and their parents were invited; 603 families were included in the study. The children attended a single session and were supplied with family information packages. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were completed by these families before and after the session. results: There was a significant increase in the overall cardiovascular risk factor knowledge of families (P<0.001). The parents of boys achieved a greater level of health knowledge in comparison to the parents of girls (P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This school-based educational intervention was effective in improving cardiovascular risk factor knowledge of families. Similar programs with more comprehensive methodology could be more effective in promoting healthy behaviors. Keywords: Education, Cardiovascular Disease, Risk Factor, School-based Interventions.
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