Health Belief Model Components Research Articles

Discerning risk and uncertainty with “better insurance” – How animal health interventions for village chickens influence farmers’ perceptions on the prevention of poultry diseases

High mortality in young chicks and deaths from Newcastle disease (ND) are the two major constraints to village chicken production in low-and middle-income countries. A 12-month intervention study was conducted across 174 households in two townships of Central Myanmar, to reduce these chicken mortalities. Interventions included ND vaccinations of village chickens and improved chick management. Following the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework, 81 village chicken farmers involved in the intervention study were repeatedly surveyed before and after the interventions to determine the level of change in farmers’ knowledge about ND, perceptions about susceptibility and severity of ND virus infection, perceptions about benefits and barriers of ND vaccination, as well as farmers’ actions to improve the health status of their birds and to improve biosecurity and ND control measures. Marginal homogeneity tests were used to compare the level of change in farmers' matched responses to individual survey questions before and after the interventions. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling was used to create latent variables describing farmers’ perceptions about susceptibility and severity of ND in their birds, farmers’ perceptions about the barriers and benefits of conducting ND vaccination as well as farmers' cues to action and self-efficacy before and after the interventions. Interventions resulted in 33% more chicks surviving, which resulted in increased sales of birds after they had reached a market age of 7 months. After the interventions, farmers acknowledged the value of protecting birds from ND to increase their income (p = 0.0002). Farmers were also more willing to overcome barriers to vaccination (i.e., ‘catching’ birds for ND vaccinations) after the interventions (p = 0.0388). Interestingly, after the interventions, fewer farmers were concerned about the risk of their birds becoming infected with ND virus through cock fights and non-confinement (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.00022, respectively), and farmers were more uncertain about the susceptibility of their birds to ND virus infection after the interventions. Surprisingly, farmers became ‘less active’ in ensuring good biosecurity practices after the interventions: fewer farmers were willing to observe disease signs in village chickens (p < 0.001) and fewer farmers buried dead birds (p < 0.001). Perceived susceptibility was the only HBM component that was significantly reduced (p = 0.014) after the interventions: thus, less farmers were concerned about ND even when using management practices associated with high risk of ND transmission (e.g., cook fights, no confinement). Our results highlight the importance of information campaigns and extension work to ensure farmers maintain a high level of biosecurity when animal health interventions are implemented.

The use of safety practices to reduce occupational injury among solid mineral miners in Southwest, Nigeria: an examination of the health belief model

Background: The mining industry requires measures at reducing the increasing incidence of occupational injury. The behavioural change towards the use of preventive and safety measures are required. The health belief model concept analyses behavioral change towards the use of preventive measures required to reduce occupational injury. The aim of the study was to use the health belief model to describe miners safety practices in Southwest, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using a structured survey was employed. The consenting staff of the mining industry completed a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The level of significance was taken as p≤0.05.Results: A total of 73 (60.8%) of the respondents had various forms of occupational injury. The self-efficacy (χ2=4.232; p=0.040) had a statistically significant association with occupational injury and was also a predictor (OR=2.3; p=0.042; 95% CI=1.03-4.97) of injury. The factor that positively affects workers use of personal protective equipment was one health belief model component: self-efficacy (χ2=9.509; p=0.009). The socio-demographic factors associated with self-efficacy were age (χ2=4.135; p=0.042) of the respondents, gender (χ2=5.720; p=0.017) and monthly income (χ2=6.047; p=0.014).Conclusions: The conviction to successfully use the personal protective equipment have a better effect on increasing the rate of preventive behaviour among miners.

Women's decision to adopt or not adopt cervical cancer screening: Application of precaution adoption process model as the theoretical framework.

The cancer is uncontrolled growth and spread of cells that affect almost all parts of the body. One of the most prevalent cancers in the female genital system is cervical cancer. The aim of present study was to determine the effect of educational intervention using the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) on cervical cancer screening behavior (Pap smear test) among women. In this interventional study that was done in Karaj health centers (2016), women (aged 15-49 years) were in the third stage of behavior change process based on PAPM randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The data collection tool was a PAPM-based questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed. Gathered data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS 16 and statistical tests (t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance, and Wilcoxon, Chi-squared, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney tests). The result showed that the stages of the decision-making process between the two groups were significantly different at the time immediately and 2 months after the intervention (P > 0.001). Also the results of the intervention based on the health belief model health belief model (HBM) components, regarding variables of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and subjective norms, the mean scores in the experimental group were significantly different between the three sections before, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention (P > 0.001). This study provides hints how persons could be influenced to move from the "Deciding about action" positions into to the stages of decided to act, adoption, and maintenance for promoting cervical cancer screening behavior.

Analisis Health Belief Model Perilaku Pencegahan Covid-19 pada Mahasiswa Kesehatan

Students are considered to have an important role in providing health information and education to the public by compiling appropriate narratives and informative content related to the management of Covid-19 and handling hoax busters. The concept of health belief model is a health belief model with 4 (four) main concepts, namely perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. This study aims to describe and analyze the relationship of four (4) health belief model components with the prevention behavior of Covid-19 in health students. This research method uses a descriptive-analytic design with a correlation study approach. The sample used in this study amounted to 97 students with a sampling technique that is probability sampling cluster sampling. The results of the health belief model components that have a relationship with Covid-19 prevention behavior in respondents are the perceived susceptibility component with p-value=0.000 (p&lt;0.05), the perceived severity component with p-value=0.000 (p&lt;0.05), and the perceived benefit component. with p-value=0.0002 (p&lt;0.05). The component that has no relationship with the respondent's Covid-19 prevention behavior is the perceived barriers component with a p-value=0.28 (p&gt;0.05).

Treatment Preferences for Postpartum Depression Among New Israeli Mothers: The Contribution of Health Beliefs and Social Support.

Postpartum depression (PPD) may have adverse outcomes for mothers, their infants, and families. Despite the negative consequences of PPD many women hesitate to seek treatment. The theoretical concepts of this study were based on the health belief model, which focuses on the individual's attitudes, beliefs, and intentions to seek treatment. The aim of the study was to examine whether health beliefs and social support mediate the links between sociodemographic variables and treatment preferences for PPD. Cross-sectional survey, including 1,000 Jewish mothers attending the maternal and child health clinics in Israel for their infant's medical exam, 4 weeks to 6 months postpartum. Mother's age and years of education correlated positively with preferences to receive treatment in the private sector and from professionals working in mental health clinics. The greater the number of children, the less likely new mothers were to favor these preferences. Structural equation modeling showed several mediating pathways: social support mediated the links between sociodemographic variables to health belief model components such as perceived benefits, barriers, and environmental cues. Health belief model components also mediated the links between sociodemographic factors and preferences for place of treatment, professionals, and modes of treatment for PPD. Health belief model components and social support are important mediating components that help explain mothers' PPD treatment preferences. Health professionals such as psychiatric or public health nurses should increase awareness of women at risk for PPD and elicit their preferred treatment options.

Obedience Towards Health Protocols During Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is a phenomenon which related to the spread of coronavirus disease 2019. This pandemic that hit the entire world is increasing sharply, including in Indonesia. Several policies have been implemented, one of them is about regulations for doing the COVID-19 health protocols to respond this pandemic. This health protocols aim to ensure the public activities safely during this pandemic. Although these regulations have been implemented in Indonesia, the number of individuals who have been confirmed positive is growing rapidly. This rapid increase in positive cases can be caused by several things. One of them is due to the low obedience of the society towards health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on what has been described, this research aims to find out the reasons behind the low obedience of the society towards health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic by using the theory of the Health Belief Model. Based on the analysis using six components of Health Belief Model, the results of the low obedience of the society towards health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic are the perception of society about their low potential to be infected of coronavirus disease 2019 by thinking that the disease will appear just like common flu, society doesn’t really understand about the benefits of implementing health protocols, there are obstacles to get the health facilities, lack of government instructions in guiding society on how to act during the pandemic, and the low of society confidence that they are able to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia. Therefore, in the future, the government can improve on planning a better way to make society implementing the health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. So it can reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia.

Effect of health belief model on flood-risk educational approach among elementary school children in Malaysia.

Worsening climatic conditions can subsequently lead to the frequent occurrence of unpredictable natural disasters. The early-life educational approach is one of the non-structural mitigations in disaster management, which are the most effective efforts to promote early-life disaster awareness and enhance the knowledge transfer in disaster risk education. By using the health belief model (HBM), this study aims to examine the effectiveness of HBM on the flood-risk reduction (FRR) educational intervention by looking into the perceived susceptibility, severity, benefit and self-efficacy among elementary school children in Malaysia. This study utilised the one-group pre-test–post-test design by recruiting 224 elementary school children in the pre-FRR educational intervention programme, and 205 who undertook a post-intervention programme a month later. This study showed that the FRR educational intervention significantly improved (p < 0.001) the overall HBM components during the post-intervention, particularly in: (1) FRR knowledge, (2) perceived susceptibility, (3) perceived severity and (4) perceived benefits. The one-way analysis of covariance test showed that knowledge transfer intervention is effective to improve all the HBM components that include (1) FRR knowledge, F(38,127) = 2.517; (2) perceived susceptibility, F(6,191) = 6.957; (3) perceived severity, F(20,163) = 2.944; (4) perceived benefits, F(25,153) = 2.342 and (5) self-efficacy, F(7,189) = 12.526. The impact of integrating HBM into knowledge transfer intervention was seen to be effective and provide a positive knowledge enhancement among learners. Therefore, it is crucial to implement a consistent and sustainable educational intervention to harness formal education for community resilience at an early age.

COVID-19 Pandemic Worry and Vaccination Intention: The Mediating Role of the Health Belief Model Components.

Given the negative consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on public health, his study aimed at investigating: (1) the differences between adults with and without chronic illness in buying behavior, vaccination intention, pandemic worry, and the health belief model (HBM) components; (2) the HBM components as mediators of the relationship between pandemic worry and vaccination intention. The sample consisted of 864 adults (66.6% females, Mage = 47.61, SD = 9.23), of which 20.5% reported having a chronic illness. Associations between pandemic worry, vaccination intention, and HBM were ascertained using correlation and mediation analyses. Individuals with chronic illness reported a higher level of pandemic worry, higher levels of perceived threat, greater benefits from vaccination, had lower self-efficacy and bought more medicine and sanitary/hygienic products. No significant differences were observed regarding vaccination intention, barriers against vaccination, and changes in food buying behavior. We found that the relationship between pandemic worry and vaccination intention was partially mediated by the perceived threat of disease and the benefits of vaccination. Pandemic worry predicted vaccination intention directly but also through the contribution of the perceived threat of disease and the benefits of vaccination. These findings suggest that presenting evidence of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and the benefits of having the vaccine (especially for vulnerable groups, such as chronic illness patients) will encourage the population to follow vaccination recommendations.

Predicting Healthy Eating: Conscientiousness versus the Health Belief Model

The present paper aimed to investigate the incremental validity of conscientiousness over the Health Belief Model (i.e., HBM) components in predicting students' eating habits. Using a non-experimental, longitudinal design, data from 200 Romanian students (181 females; Mage = 20.75, SDage = 3.89) were initially collected (T1). After one month (T2), the second wave of data was received from 150 students. Hierarchical regression results with eating habits from T2 as a criterion showed that self-efficacy for healthy eating was the only significant predictor for students' eating habits (β = .45, t(145) = 5.41, p &lt; .01). Self-efficacy alone explained 27% of the variance in eating habits. Contrary to expectations, the perceived benefits of healthy eating did not correlate with the participants' eating habits. Conscientiousness did not bring additional predictive value, besides the HBM components (β = .03 , t(145) = .38, p = .70 ). These results reinforce the value of the HBM as a frame of reference for explaining eating habits in young people. From a practical standpoint, the findings suggest the need to strengthen self-efficacy in youth, which, in turn, can help them develop healthier eating habits. Limitations and other implications were further discussed.

Work-Related Stress and the Relationship with the Health Belief Model among Medical Doctors in a Tertiary Hospital in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Work-Related Stress (WRS) is a harmful physical and/or emotional response resulting from a mismatch between the requirements of a job and the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker in the work environment. The health belief model (HBM) is a psychological health behaviour change model established to describe and predict health-related behaviours regarding the uptake of health services. This study sought to determine the prevalence of WRS and to assess WRS among medical doctors in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Rivers State, using the Health Belief Model (HBM).&#x0D; Methods: The study design was descriptive cross-sectional conducted among medical doctors in the UPTH. A proportionate stratified and random sampling method was used to recruit 363 medical doctors in two stages. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which assessed respondents’ socio-demographics, Work-related Stress and Health Belief Model domains. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess relationship between WRS and the HBM components, while the multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the HBM components that significantly predicted work-related stress. The level of significance was set at p= 0.05.&#x0D; Results: Most of the respondents were females (56.5%), married (90.1%), Christians (93.7%) and ≥36 years (71.6%). The mean age of respondents was 39.7±0.45 years. The prevalence of work-related stress was 66%, (Overall mean score ± SD=3.30±0.27). All components of the HBM were significantly correlated with Work-related Stress, and perceived severity showed the strongest positive correlation (r=0.687; p&lt;0.001). All components of the HBM significantly predicted work-related stress except perceived susceptibility.&#x0D; Conclusion: All the components of the health belief model significantly predict Work-related Stress except perceived susceptibility. Measures to address stress among doctors in the workplace should put into consideration these domains of the health belief model.

The health belief model predicts vaccination intentions against COVID-19: A survey experiment approach.

With the COVID‐19 pandemic recognized as a major threat to human health is of paramount importance to improve the vaccination uptake of the future COVID‐19 vaccine. The study extended the health belief model (HBM) using insights from trait theory and events systems theory, to examine the role of beliefs in predicting intentions to be vaccinated against COVID‐19, when a vaccine becomes available. Employees from Greece (N = 1006) participated from October 1 to November 5, 2020, in an anonymous online factorial survey experiment. Measures of dispositional optimism, faith in intuition, risk‐taking propensity, and acquiring resources mindset were included as individual difference variables. Multilevel modeling techniques were used for data analyses. Components of HBM had significant effects on intentions to vaccinate. Two‐way interactions between severity and susceptibility beliefs and three‐way interaction among perceived severity, susceptibility, and perceived benefits were detected. In line with the events systems theory, a critical event moderated beliefs' effects on intention to vaccinate. Acquiring resources mindset emerged as important individual difference that positively related to intentions. The model explained 59 per cent of the variance in vaccination intentions. The study highlighted interaction effects among the HBM components and how critical events may moderate belief effects.

Assessment of compliance to standard precautions among nurses using the Health Belief Model

BACKGROUNDThe application of Standard Precautions (SP) has become a significant challenge for healthcare workers, especially in developing countries, endangering their safety and increasing their exposure to blood-related pathogens. This study was aimed at exploring the factors related to nurses’ compliance with the practice of SP.METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 nurses working at a hospital in Palembang. Health Belief Model components of the subjects were recorded through questionnaires. A 12-point observation form assessed the nurses’ SP compliance. Multiple logistic regression models were used to explore factors associated with nurses’ compliance.RESULTSThe results showed that 56.7% of participants had good compliance, although the five moments of hand hygiene still needed to be improved. The study revealed that the proportion of the operating room and emergency room nurses who complied with the SP was larger than the proportion of those who worked at the other wards (OR=2.57, 95% CI 1.51-4.36). The nurses who had received training also showed a larger proportion of compliance with SP than those who had not been trained (OR=2.70, 95% CI 1.07-6.79).CONCLUSIONNurses’ behavior to SP was significantly associated with the adequacy of the training and work unit. It is suggested that the practice of SP was also influenced by enabling factors and subjective norms. Adequate training of nurses, provision of infection prevention equipment, and assessment of occupational exposures need to be introduced.

The Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on the Health Belief Model on Preventive Behaviors of Prostate Cancer in Military Men.

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant cancer, and after lung cancer, is the second cause of death among all types of cancer in men. This study was done to assess the educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model on the promotion of preventive behaviors of prostate cancer among military men. The present study is a semi-experimental study that was conducted on 80 men of a military collection by using randomized-stratified sampling with proportional allocation approach in BandarAbbas in 2017. The individuals were randomly divided into two groups, intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 40). The data collection tool was a questionnaire including demographic questions, knowledge questions and questions about Health Belief Model constructs and efficiency of preventive behavior that was completed in two stages and PSA Test doing. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software-version 21-, descriptive statistics (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent T-test and paired T-test). After three months intervention, the mean score of Perceived Susceptibility, Severity, Benefits, Barriers, Self-Efficacy, and preventive behavior performance were seen significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05), 52.5% of them was done PSA Test. Based on the health belief model, educational intervention has been effective in promoting preventive behaviors. According the effect of Health Belief Model components on preventive behaviors it is suggested that health care providers identify the benefits and barriers of preventative behaviors and through enhancing the benefits and reducing the barriers, help men to prevent prostate cancer.

Predicting farmers' intention to use PPE for prevent pesticide adverse effects: An examination of the Health Belief Model (HBM)

Long-term use of pesticides has been associated with wide range of chronic diseases, and personal protective equipment (PPE) can reduce health consequences of pesticide exposure. This study used the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework in predicting farmers' intention to use a series of PPE (face mask, goggles, gloves, protective clothing and rubber boots) for prevent pesticide adverse effects. Questionnaire including 33 measures of variables which was guided by the HBM were distributed in May 2019 among a random sample of 387 rice farmers from Sari county in Mazandaran province of Iran. The relation between HBM measures and the farmers' confirmation of the intention to use a series of PPE for prevents pesticide-related health problems was investigated. The majority of the farmers (56.33%) agreed that they would use a series of PPE in their future pesticide handling. The results show that the factors positively affecting farmers' intention to use a series of PPE were three HBM components: higher levels of perceived severity of pesticide adverse effects, cues to action and perceived PPE benefits. Further perceived PPE barriers has significant, negative effects on farmers’ intention. The overall pattern of results revealed that the HBM components of perceived benefits, particularly PPE effectiveness in reducing exposure to pesticide adverse effects and perceived barriers particularly PPE uncomfortableness and unpleasantness for field work were found to be important predictors of farmers' intention. These results imply that extension and training programs which focus on severity of pesticide adverse effect and the perceived benefits and perceived barriers of PPE will have a better effect on increasing the rate of preventive behavior among farmers.

Mislabeled, fragmented, and conspiracy-driven: a content analysis of the social media discourse about the HPV vaccine in China

ABSTRACT Through two theoretical lenses, the Health Belief Model (HBM) and literature explaining conspiracy theories, this study examined media discourse about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in China’s cyberspace. Results showed that the media narratives are positive but misleading, and HBM components are presented inconsistently over time. The study also identified emerging conspiracy theories about the HPV vaccine: Chinese conspiracy theorists accused Western countries of using the HPV vaccine to destroy the Chinese ethnic group. These findings demonstrate the influence of public resistance stemming from nationalism on the acceptance of medical knowledge in countries with strong historical legacies, such as China.

Health Belief towards Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Prevention among Hypertensive Patients in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Hypertensive patients have increased risk of life-threatening complications, if they do not practice preventive measures. This study aimed at assessing behavioural determinants using Health Belief Model (HBM), among hypertensive patients in Calabar, Nigeria. Method: Using descriptive cross-sectional study design, a 25-item questionnaire was used to obtain sum scores for each HBM component. Higher scores indicated higher degree of belief in risk of CVD event. Result: Two hundred and twelve (212) respondents were studied, with mean age of 45.5 ± 10.8 years. Most respondents (86.8%) had none/low degree of belief in susceptibility to CVD event. Also, most respondents had moderate to high degree of belief in severity of CVD (78.3%), benefits prevention (82.1%), and barriers against practice of preventive measures (70.8%). Females had higher mean scores for belief in severity and benefits of CVD prevention (p&lt;0.05). Respondents seen at the wards compared with those seen at clinics, had significantly higher mean score for belief in susceptibility to CVD, and barriers against practice of preventive measures (p&lt;0.05). Consumers compared with non-consumers of alcohol had significantly lower mean score for susceptibility, but higher mean scores for severity, benefits, and barriers against practice of preventive measures (p&lt;0.05). Significantly higher means score for belief in benefits of practice of preventive measures was found for more frequent compared with less frequent consumers of fresh fruits (p=0.00). Conclusion: Most hypertensive patients in the study setting have low level of belief in their susceptibility to having CVD event. The implications of these findings for better prevention of CVD are discussed.

Patients’ characteristics and their adherence to insulin therapy

Background The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2) in Indonesia increased significantly from 6.9% (2013) to 8.5% (2018), putting Indonesia in top six countries in the world with maximum DMT2 patients. Patients with uncontrolled DMT2 are at risk for complications. As such, insulin is often administered to keep the levels under control. Unfortunately, poor adherence to insulin therapy is common, reflecting some factors that may affect the therapy. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the characteristics of patients contributing to adherence to insulin therapy among DMT2 outpatients using the Health Belief Model (HBM) approach. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 84 DMT2 outpatients in a private hospital in Surabaya between April and May 2019. Respondents were selected using the accidental sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and chi-square. Results The level of respondents' adherence was high (73.8%). There was no significant relationship between sex, age, level of education, occupation, and duration of use and patient adherence. Using the HBM approach, this study showed a significant relationship between the five components of HBM (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, perceived barrier and perceived self-efficacy) and patient adherence. Conclusions Patient adherence was influenced primarily by patient belief to the therapy of insulin. The characteristics of patients had no effect on adherence, yet further research is recommended to examine such adherence to a different population.

PENERAPAN HEALTH BELIEF MODEL SEBAGAI UPAYA PENCEGAHAN INFEKSI MENULAR SEKSUAL PADA IBU RUMAH TANGGA

Background: Sexual and reproductive health issues are increasingly of concern world wide among other circumstances related to genital hygiene. Poor genital hygiene will increase the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Health Belief Model (HBM) is a set of self-perceptions that determines the health behavior of an individual.&#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to analyze the application of the health belief model with genital hygiene practice of housewives in Cangkringan.&#x0D; Method: This study employed mixed-methods with sequential explanatories strategy and cross sectional design. A total of 101 housewives, including 2 housewives, 2 husbands, officers of clinics that serve STIs screening and 1 non-governmental organization were recruited using quota sampling. Data were collected with a questionnaire, interviews and were analyzed using linear regression. Triangulation was conducted to achieve validity and reliability.&#x0D; Results: Genital hygiene had a positive relationship with the perception of vulnerability (b:0.97; 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.06; p &lt; 0.01), self-efficacy (b: 0.02; CI 95%: 0.00 to 0.05; p 0.05), and cues to genital hygiene action (b:0,16; 95% CI: 0.08 up to 0.23; p &lt; 0.01). There was a negative relationship between genital hygiene with the perception of hygiene barriers (b:-0.13; 95% CI:-0.18 to 0.09-; p &lt; 0.01). The linear regression model showed that independent variables altogether contribute to 84.5% of genital hygiene. Housewives stated that genital hygiene was important, but maintained inappropriate practices, such as frequently use of femininity cleanser, wearing tight underwears, and using pentyliner.&#x0D; Conclusion: There are four components of Health Belief Model associated with genital hygiene. &#x0D; Keywords: Health belief model, genital hygiene

Boomers’ Intention to Choose Healthy Housing Materials: An Application of the Health Belief Model

This study aims to understand the decision-making process of healthy housing material selection of boomers who were born between 1946 and 1964 in the United States within the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework incorporating personal factors. The main constructs were three HBM components (perceived benefits, threats, and barriers), personal domains (knowledge, health concerns, and sensitivity to housing materials), and behavioral intention to choose healthy housing materials. With a nationwide random sample of boomers living in their homes (N = 306), path analysis was used to test the proposed research model. The findings indicate that behavioral intention to choose healthy housing materials is influenced by perceived benefits and threats. Of the personal factors, the knowledge component is directly and indirectly significantly associated with the behavioral intention. Insignificant association of perceived barriers and other personal components (health concerns and sensitivity) to the intention and the HBM components yield meaningful implications and discussions. The contribution of the HBM application to this study is to provide a foundation for understanding healthy housing material choosing behaviors for the general prevention of potential health issue purposes rather than actual maintenance. This paper discusses the significance of breadth and reliability of knowledge and the role of the relevant professionals to provide and communicate this knowledge.

Effect of an Educational Intervention on AIDS Prevention Among the Female Heads of Household: Application of the Health Belief Model

Objectives: Health education is the only effective way to fight against AIDS. The present study aimed to determine the effect of a health belief model (HBM)-based educational intervention on the prevention of AIDS among female heads of household. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted among 70 female householders in Zahedan, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned into the two groups of control and intervention. The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information, HIV knowledge, and HBM components. The intervention group was subjected to two 90-minute training sessions that was based on the HBM. These sessions were conducted using lecture, group discussion, and question and answer. The two groups filled out the questionnaire before and one month after the intervention. Data analysis was performed in SPSS (version 21) using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent t-test, paired samples t-test, and UNIANOVA. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics. According to the findings, the mean score of knowledge in the intervention group was increased significantly post-intervention (8.65 ± 2.30) compared to pre-intervention (2.54 ± 1.80), but in the control group, the mean score of knowledge was not different pre- (2.42 ± 1.89) and post-intervention (2.97 ± 1.45). Also, the mean score of components of HBM, with the exception of perceived barriers (23 ± 5.26), was increased significantly in the intervention group post-intervention. Nonetheless, there was no significant difference in this regard in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: As the findings indicated, HBM-based education had a positive impact on the adoption of HIV preventive behaviors. Consequently, it is recommended to use this model or similar models to remove the barriers to AIDS preventive behaviors and raise individuals' knowledge in this regard.