Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objectives: The AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) epidemic is considerably widespread across the world, turning out to be an exigent problem. Some groups such as barbers have a more effective role in HIV/AIDS transmission. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) to enhance HIV-preventive behaviors among male barbers in Sirjan.

Materials and Methods: This was an educational trial study. Two hundred male barbers 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 conducting a validated and reliable questionnaire made by researcher (including 49 questions) before intervention and three months after intervention. Data was analyzed by chi-square, Fisher's exact, paired t-test and independent t-test.

Results: After intervention, knowledge scores increased significantly in both intervention and control group, which was probably due to the routine education program in that center. Perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy changed significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001). But, there was no increase or significant difference in the control group (p>0.05).

Conclusion: HBM was effective in educating the male barbers. Therefore, it is proposed traditional training methods along with the HBM in training barbers.

Key words: AIDS, Health belief model, Health education, Male barbers

Funding: This research was funded by Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Kerman University of Medical Sciences approved the study.

How to cite this article: Sadeghi R, Mazloomy SS, Hashemi M, Rezaeian M. The Effects of An Educational Intervention Based on the Health Belief Model to Enhance Hiv-Preventive Behaviors Among Men Barbers in Sirjan. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2016; 15(3): 235-46 [Farsi]