The effect of an educational intervention based on the health belief model on the health beliefs of female university students regarding AIDS

Background: Between 2010 and 2019, Iraq experienced a consistent increase in new HIV/AIDS cases, particularly among young individuals who lack knowledge about the disease and its transmission. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of an Educational Intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on altering the beliefs about HIV/AIDS among female university students in Kirkuk City, Iraq. Methods: A study was conducted in 2023 involving 100 female college students who were randomly divided into an intervention group (n=50) and a control group (n=50). Data was collected using a questionnaire based on the constructs of the HBM, including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. The intervention group received educational sessions on HIV/AIDS prevention measures grounded in the HBM constructs. Data collection occurred at baseline, before the intervention (pretest), two weeks after the intervention (posttest 1), and eight weeks after the intervention (posttest 2). Results: The intervention group exhibited significant increases in scores for all items related to perceived susceptibility (P<0.05), perceived severity (P<0.05), perceived benefits (P<0.05), and perceived barriers (P<0.05) throughout the study. Conversely, the control group did not display significant changes in these areas. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the intervention based on the HBM had a positive impact on HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors among university students. It is recommended to implement similar programs for all university students to enhance their preventive behaviors toward HIV/AIDS.