Measurement of Health Belief Model Construct in Relation With Nutritional Practices of Pregnant Women in Saveh University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Healthy and adequate diet during pregnancy is critical to maternal health as well as to infant growth and development. Te aim of this study was to measure health belief model (HBM) constructs in regards with nutritional practices of pregnant women in Saveh University of Medical Sciences. Methods: A cross- sectional and analytical study was conducted in 2014. Te study population was a random multi-stage selection of 260 pregnant women in health centers dependent to Saveh University of Medical Sciences. Te data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire based on HBM constructs and the checklist of pregnant women’s practice on diet and was analyzed by statistical methods such as logistic regression test and chi- squared test through SPSS version 18. Results: According to the fndings, the mean age of pregnant women was 27.4 ± 5 years. Regression analysis showed that all HBM constructs were signifcant predictors for nutritional practices (P > 0.05). In addition, variables of perceived barriers, self efcacy and perceived sensitivity were identifed as the most important constructs of the HBM in predicting nutritional practices. conclusions: Our study highlights the need for improving the beliefs related with nutritional behaviors, designing educational programs with emphasis on increasing self-efcacy, and removal of barriers to healthy diet behaviors.