The effect of halth belief model-based training on preventing major thalassemia in thalassemia carrier couples

Thalassemia is among the most common genetic diseases in humans that can largely be prevented if adequate levels of public knowledge are obtained. This study examines the efficiency of a health belief model-based training program on preventive behaviors of thalassemia carrier couples. This quasiexperimental study was conducted on 100 thalassemia carrier couples benefiting from the services of healthcare centers across Sistan region. Participants of the study were randomly selected and then divided into two groups, the intervention group and the negative control group. Data collection tool was a questionnaire designed based on the health belief model. Following the initial data collection, the educational intervention was carried out; within two months, data were collected once again and were then analyzed in SPSS-15. The educational content was designed based on the data collected during the first stage and then the training intervention was conducted in two sessions of 60 minutes each. After the training intervention, only the intervention group showed a significant increase in its mean scores for knowledge, behavior and all the constructs of the health belief model. Unlike the pre-intervention stage, after the training, a significant difference was observed between the two groups with regard to their thalassemia test results. This study demonstrated that a health education program designed based on the health belief model helps promote preventive behaviors for thalassemia.