Efficacy of Health Belief Model Compared to the Traditional Education on Kegel Exercises in Middle-Aged Women

Studies have shown the effectiveness of Kegel exercises in preventing and treating the weakness of pelvic muscles and urinary incontinence, which is one of the most important complications. However, women do not use it as a common method. Thus, it is necessary to use an educational model to encourage women to do this exercise continuously. The purpose of this study was comparing the effect the health belief model and traditional method on Kagel exercises as a part of health promotion behaviors. This study was a randomized controlled trial. The Sample size was 100 middle-aged women referring to health centers in Alvand in 1396. The subjects were randomly assigned in two groups of control and intervention. The samples in control group received the usual training. For the intervention group four group discussions was conducted based on the health belief model. Both groups completed the questionnaire in 2 stages before and two months after intervention. The experimental group completed the checklist rather than questionnaire. The questionnaire and checklist were designed based on the health belief model studies. Collected data were analyzed by paired t test to examine the hypothesis. The mean score of knowledge in experimental group before and after intervention were 6.46 and 9.92 respectively in comparison with control group (6.56 to 6.54). Seven subjects were familiar with Kegel exercise before intervention. After the intervention, the entire experimental and 10% in control group was familiar with these exercises. Before the intervention, 10% of the subjects had done Kegel exercises correctly, which increased to all, after the intervention, but no changes were observed in the control group (14%). There wasa significant difference between the two groups before and after intervention in terms of sensitivity and severity, benefits and barriers, and practice guidelines and self-efficacy but these changes were not significant in the control group. Education based on the Health Belief Model improved the performance of Kegel exercises in middle-aged women. Therefore, it is essential that health care providers to be aware about these methods of behavioral education modules.