Abstract

Introduction: Awareness and preparedness against influenza type A can significantly prevent the outbreak of disease in high-risk groups, particularly in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of Educational Intervention on pregnant women for promote preventive behaviors of influenza H1N1 based on health belief model in Sirjan city (Iran). Materials and Methods: This study was quasi-experimental in the years 2015-2016.Correspondingly, 200 pregnant women attending health centers in Sirjan city, were selected to participate in this study (100 in intervention group and 100 in control group). The intervention was conducted over two sessions in 60 minutes. Data were collected by a validated and reliable questionnaire (71 questions) before intervention and three months after intervention. Results: After intervention, knowledge scores increased significantly in both intervention and control groups, which was probably due to the routine education program in that center. But significant increase in attitude and behavior was only observed in the intervention group (P<0.05). Also, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action and self-efficacy increased significantly in the intervention group than the control group and decreased perceived barriers score (P< 0.05). But, the difference was not increased and was not significant in the control group (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The health belief model was effective in promoting knowledge, attitude and practice of the pregnant women of influenza H1N1 in Sirjan city. Therefore, it is proposed traditional training methods along with the health belief model in training pregnant women. © 2017, Semnan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.