Education based on the health belief model to improve the level of physical activity

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effect of education based on the health belief model on the physical activity of the staff ofthe University of Medical Sciences.[Methods] This semi-experimental study was conducted on 130 university staff aged 25-50 years from the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Inclusion criteria were having at least 1 year of work experience, lack of acute and chronic physical and mental illnesses, and not using drugs that affect physical activity. The samples were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received three training sessions based on the health belief model. Before and 2 months aftertraining, the control and experimental groups were evaluated via the following questionnaires: (1) demographic information questionnaire, (2) Health Belief Model Questionnaire, and (3) International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Finally, data were analyzed statistically.[Results] The training process resulted in a significant increase in the mean scores of the health belief model constructs in the experimental group, but changes in the control group were not significant. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of physical activity.[Conclusion] The health belief model is a useful model for improving individuals' understanding of the benefits of physical activity.