Effects of an educational intervention based on the health belief model on COVID-19 preventive behaviors among health personnel in Abadan, Iran

Aim One of the important aspects of COVID-19 is its very rapid spread through tiny droplets in the air and on surfaces and objects, indicating the need for greater observance of personal and social hygiene. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of an educational intervention based on the health belief model with respect to COVID-19 preventive behaviors in health personnel of Abadan, Khuzestan, Iran. Subject and methods This experimental study was conducted in 250 health-medical personnel in Abadan, Khuzestan, Iran (125 in the control and 125 in the intervention group). Data were collected using demographic characteristics, constructs of the health belief model (perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy), knowledge, and preventive behaviors. The questionnaire was completed by both groups before and 1 month after the intervention. The intervention group received three 50-minute training sessions and two follow-up sessions. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 through descriptive tests, independent t-test, paired t-test, and chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results The mean age of the intervention and control groups was 39 +/- 6 and 38 +/- 5 years, respectively. Based on the results, the mean scores on the health belief model constructs and COVID-19 preventive behaviors in the intervention group were significantly changed after the intervention (p < 0.05). Also, the mean scores of perceived sensitivity (p < 0.001), perceived barriers (p < 0.001), self-efficacy (p < 0.001), and preventive behaviors (p < 0.001) in both groups were significantly changed after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study showed that an educational intervention based on the health belief model improved COVID-19 preventive behaviors in health personnel. Hence, this model can serve as a useful framework for designing and implementing educational interventions for prevention of COVID-19. The proposed model was found to be useful as a framework for the design, implementation, and monitoring of healthcare programs.