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Effect of Health Belief Model-based Educational Intervention on COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among Pregnant Women

Background: Educating pregnant women can improve compliance with COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of health belief model-based educational intervention on COVID-19 preventive behaviors among pregnant women. Design: A quasiexperimental research design (pretest/posttest, comparison group) was utilized. Setting: This study was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic at Benha University Hospital. Sample: A total of 174 pregnant women were enrolled in the study using a purposive technique. Data collection tools included a structured interviewing questionnaire with three sections covering demographic features of the studied woman, obstetric history, and pregnant women’s knowledge about COVID-19. Health Belief Model scale and checklist for self-reported compliance with COVID-19 health preventive behaviors. Results: After one month of health belief model-based educational intervention, the mean scores of the overall health belief model and subscalesfor perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy, as well as cues to action about COVID-19 were significantly increased, while the mean score of perceived barriers was markedly lower in the study group (P< 0.001).The majority of the study group had high compliance with COVID-19 preventive behaviors, compared to more than a quarter of the control group. Conclusion: Health belief model-based educational intervention was effective in improving pregnant women's knowledge, health beliefs, as well as self-reported compliance with preventive behaviors regarding COVID-19. Recommendation: Provide continuous educational programs based on health belief model to enhance pregnant women's knowledge and compliance with COVID-19 pandemic preventive behaviors.