Application of Health Belief Model among Youth at High Risk for Obesity in West Bank (Palestine)

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. At least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. The study aim to evaluate the effect of application of health belief model (HBM) among youth at high risk for obesity in Palestine (West Bank). Research design: A quasi- experimental design was used. Settings: The study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing /A-Najah National University which located in Nablus and IBN Sina College for Health Sciences, West Bank- Palestine. Subjects: A purposive sample of 117 students, from both previous setting at high risk for obesity was included. Tools, three tools were used to collect data. A self-administered questionnaire, it was composed of 4 parts; the health belief model (HBM) sub- constructs which used in this study and anthropometric measurement to detect body mass index & levels of risk for obesity. Results: Revealed that according to BMI and levels of risk for obesity shows, less than half of youth were obesity class1 (low risk) while more than one third was obesity class II (moderate risk). There was a highly significant difference between student’s knowledge and their practices regarding obesity, healthy food, and exercises pre & post application of HBM. Conclusion: Application of health belief model was effective in improved knowledge and practices of the student at high risk for obesity and changing health behavior. Recommendations: Conducting routine screening for obesity, dieting, and other weight reduction practices as an integral part of the ongoing health care provided by all health services. HBM also suggests that the benefits and barriers of changing health behavior must be taken into consideration, as those who perceive more benefits than barriers are more likely to take action.