Preconception folic acid intake is necessary for optimal embryogenesis. Using health belief model is a great to improve the young women’s belief towards recommended healthy behaviors of taking folic acid. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of health belief model on nursing students' perception regarding benefits of preconceptional folic acid intake. Design: Quasi experimental design (pre-post test) was used to fulfill the aim of the study. Setting: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Benha University. Sample: A purposive sample composed of (120) 4th year female nursing students. Tools: Two tools of data collection were self-administrated questionnaire and Health Belief Model scale. Results: The present study showed that there was a highly statistically significant difference in relation to all items of students' knowledge regarding preconceptional folic acid intake pre and post program (P ≤ 0.001). Moreover, the mean total score of health belief model subscales post-preventive program are significantly higher than pre-preventive program, meanwhile, the mean score of perceived barriers post-preventive program is significantly lower than pre-preventive program (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Health belief model had positive effect on improving nursing students’ perception regarding benefits of preconceptional folic acid intake. Recommendations: Application of health belief model for all university female students as a healthy preventive behavior towards folic acid deficiency. |
