The elderly are exposed to different kinds of stresses like change in family structure, and physical and physiological changes. Furthermore, social effects such as retirement, death of friends, and reduced social activity cause stress.[5]
Considering all this, it is not possible to live without stress, either, but we have to learn how to cope with daily stresses and adapt our reactions to reduce their undesirable effects.[6]
Studies on the effect of stress management techniques including relaxation show that using these methods can significantly reduce stress and its destructive effects.[7-9]
In general, when it comes to changing human behavior in the field of health, health education and applying models is suggested. This helps explain how behaviors occur, how health education is applied, and how this education affects later behaviors.[10]
Among interventional studies on models and theories of behavior change, that of Hazavehei et al. may be mentioned. After implementing an educational program based on the PRECEDE model, the mean depression score in the intervention group reduced significantly as compared with the control group.[11] In addition, Lesan et al. studied firefighters and found a significant reduction in their anxiety after implementing the PRECEDE model-based educational intervention for the case group.[12]
The PRECEDE model that is used in the studies mentioned is one of the most popular and common programming patterns in health education and health promotion.[13]
The PRECEDE (Predisposing, Reinforcing, Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation) model was designed by Green et al.[14] This model begins from the final results (causes) and proceeds in seven consecutive stages of design, implementation, and evaluation. This model was based on epidemiologic and social behavioral sciences, management, and education. It is a planning model; not a theory. This model sees healthy behavior as influenced by personal and environmental factors. It determines the factors that affect health status, helps planners achieve their goals through intervention, and designs steps to formulate policies and implement and evaluate educational programs.[14-16]
The results of studies on stress management showed that good planning makes various biological changes (like reducing hypertension) in a short time, but a comprehensive plan or a combination of individual with environmental programs is more effective and enables behavioral changes. The PRECEDE model is a similar program to manage stress.[14] Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of the educational program based on the PRECEDE model on the stress of the elderly.