Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem and one of the leading causes responsible for maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of health belief model on enhancing the preventive behavior against iron-deficiency anemia among pregnant women. Design: Aquasi-experimental design was utilized to fulfil the aim of the study. Sample: A convenient sample of 100 women were included in the present study. Setting: The present study was conducted at Antenatal Out patient clinic in Benha university hospitals. Data were collected through an interviewing questionnaire sheet, knowledge assessment sheet, and Health belief model constructs. Results there was no statistically significant difference between both intervention and control groups mean knowledge, Health belief model constructs and preventivee behavior score before program implementation. Meanwhile, a highly statistically significant difference (p-values < 0.001) was observed between the two groups after program implementation. Also there was a positive highly statistically significant correlation between total knowledge and total health behavior score in both intervention and control groups before and after program implementation.The present study concluded that educational programs based on HBM has been effective on the adoption of preventive behaviours of iron deficiency anemia. This type of education is low cost and can prevent expensive pregnancy complications and adverse obstetric outcomes. Recommendations: The study recommended that pregnant women should be provided with instructional booklets about anemia based on HBM to improve their knowledge and health belief. |
