title: Does the theory-driven program affect the risky behavior of drug injecting users in a healthy city? A quasi-experimental study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The horror of HIV/AIDS as a non-curable, grueling disease is a destructive issue for every country. Drug use, shared needles and unsafe sex are closely linked to the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Modification or changing unhealthy behavior through educational programs can lead to HIV prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of theory-based education intervention on HIV prevention transmission in drug addicts.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this quasi-experimental study, 69 male drug injecting users were entered in to the theory- based educational intervention. Data were collected using a questionnaire, before and 3 months after four sessions (group discussions, lecture, film displaying and role play) of educational intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings signified that the mean scores of constructs (self-efficacy, susceptibility, severity and benefit) significantly increased after the educational intervention, and the perceived barriers decreased (p< 0.001). Also, the history of HIV testing was reported to be 9% before the intervention, while the rate increased to 88% after the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present research offers a primary founding for planning and implementing a theory based educational program to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission in drug injecting addicts. This research revealed that health educational intervention improved preventive behaviors and the knowledge of HIV/AIDS participants.
authors.affiliation: PhD of Health Education and Promotion, Academic Member of Health Education Department, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran. karimymahmood@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Mahmood
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karimy
authors.affiliation: PhD candidate of Nursing Education, MSN, BSN, RN, Academic Member of Medical-Surgical Department, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. Abedi.a@ArakMU.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Ahmad Reza
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Abedi
authors.affiliation: MSN, BSN, RN of Nursing, Academic Member of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, & Kaveh Industrial Estate Company Saveh, Iran. hamid_abredari@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Hamid
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Abredari
authors.affiliation: MSN, BSN, RN of Nursing, Academic Member of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, & Kaveh Industrial Estate Company Saveh, Iran. Tahermohammad38@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taher
authors.affiliation: MSc, Department of nursing, college of nursing, Saveh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran. midwiferysaveh@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Fatemeh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zarei
authors.affiliation: MSN, BSN, RN of Nursing, Academic Member of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, & Kaveh Industrial Estate Company Saveh, Iran. zahrarezaie23@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Rezaie Shahsavarloo
keywords: Addiction; Drug abusers; Preventive Health Education; Substance