The effect of educational interventions based on Health Belief Model (HBM) on puberty health behaviors in Tehran’s female elementary students, 2019.

Several studies indicate low knowledge and poor performance of girls in puberty and menstruation. Puberty complications are easily preventable. Consequently, present study mainly aims to determine the effect of educational interventions based on Health Belief Model (HBM) on puberty health behaviors in Tehran’s female elementary students, 2019.

This study was quasi-experimental using random sampling methods for selecting among female elementary students in Tehran, District 14, 2019. Data collection was performed through a designed questionnaire based on HBM. The questionnaire’s reliability and validity were verified. Students filled out the questionnaire prior to the intervention. Educational interventions were performed for intervention group in three 45-minute sessions. Two groups filled out questionnaires a month after intervention. The data was analyzed through SPSS v.24 using k-square, Independent t, paired t, Anova variance and Ancova covariance.

Findings showed demographic variables were not significantly different in two groups (p > 0.05) except in their father’s occupation, menstruation beginning’s awareness and age. In the case group after intervention, mean knowledge, average of perceived susceptibility, average of perceived severity, average of self-efficacy, average of perceived benefits and average behavior increased and average of perceived barriers decreased. They were significantly different in the intervention group (p<0.05), except in perceived benefits and self-efficacy, but not in the control group (p>0.05). The results of Ancova covariance test showed that educational intervention based on HBM had a significant effect on students' health during puberty (P <0.05).

The educational intervention based on HBM could change the puberty health awareness and behavior.