Background: Educational models that have been created for educating small populations do not
have enough efficacy for educating large populations, so based on this premise and also high
prevalence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) in the Islamic Republic of Iran and lack of
efficient methods for CL control, this study was designed and done with the aim of applying
BASNEF model to provide a new model for educating large populations in relation to
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.
Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 60 Volunteer Health Workers (VHWS) and 120
households that were resident in endemic areas of CL in Yazd were selected through census and
multi-stage sampling method, respectively. Then, educational intervention was designed and
implemented on the basis of BASNEF model. After educating VHWS based on BASNEF
model, they were asked to educate households on the basis of BASNEF model. Before and after
3 months of VHWS training activities, data were collected in intervention and control groups via
valid and reliable questionnaires and were analyzed with the SPSS software.
Results: The mean score of knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, enabling factors,
behaviors and influence of subjective norms after educational intervention in households in
experimental were significantly increased (P<0.05) while the changes in control group were not
significant.
Conclusions: This educational program led to empowering of VHWS and a change in their
educational behavior which in turn led to preventive measures in households under study region.
It can be concluded that the new educational model presented in this research, formed based on
the BASNEF model, is able to educate a large population.
Keywords: BASNEF Model, Volunteer Health Workers, Health Education, Cutaneous Leishmaniasi
