Effect of Educational Intervention based on the Health Belief Model in Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Women

Background and Hypertension is a global public health issue. It contributes to the burden of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature mortality and disability. Given the high prevalence of hypertension and its serious complications this study was performed to determine the effect of Health Belief Model in blood pressure control in hypertensive women attending Khorramabad’s health centers. This experimental study was based on a before-after design which was performed in 200 hypertensive women. They were randomly stratified into two groups (n=100 per group). The robinson's hypertension beliefs and behaviors questionnaire was used to collect the data. Educational procedures in case group included training sessions, holding question-and answer sessions, group discussion, using pamphlet, poster and educational booklets. Data analysis was done applying independent t test, paired t test, chi- square, and fisher measurement test in SPSS12. After the intervention, the mean scores of awareness and various structures of Health Belief Model (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, practice,) increased significantly in case group (p<0.05). Significant decrease was observed in the mean score for perceived barriers (p<0.05). The results of this study showed the efficacy of Health Belief Model in promotion of behavior associated with blood pressure control. Therefore, training programs based on health education models are of great help in blood pressure control