The Effect of Educational Interventions based on Health Belief Model in adopting Preventive Behaviors of Musculoskeletal Problems in Female Afghan Health Workers

Background: Preventive measures such as training and awareness and prevention skills for personal protection in the musculoskeletal areas are one of the most important strategies in health care systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an educational intervention based on Health Belief Model (HBM) on promoting preventive behavior of musculoskeletal problems in female Afghan health workers. Material and Methods: In this study, 60 female employees of Afghanistan health ministry were selected and divided randomly into control and experimental groups (N = 30 women for each one). Data, collected through a questionnaire based on health belief model on preventive behaviors of musculoskeletal problems. The experimental group received the educational intervention for a month, and three months after the program, both groups completed a questionnaire and data were analyzed. Results: The results indicated that before the educational intervention program, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers and perform­ance. However, after the intervention, these factors significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group and also perceived barriers decreased (all P < 0. 001). Conclusion: According to this study, health education program based on Health Belief Model was an effective program on promoting preventive behaviors of musculoskeletal problems. Therefore, for successful implementation of these programs, control, monitoring and follow-up training is recommended.