The effect of health belief model based education program on physical activity beliefs and behaviors of university students

Aim: This study was done to determine the effect of the Health Belief Model (HBM) based training program on university students' physical activity beliefs and behaviors. Material and method: This study was done using an quasi experimental design with pre-test, post-test regular and control groups. 129 participants (experimental group = 61, control group = 68) studying at two universities between March-September 2019 were included in the study. The validity and reliability of the Exercise Health Belief Model Scale (EHBMS) were done within the scope of this study. 4-week HBM-based education program was applied to the students in the experimental group. After the training was given, reminder messages were sent only once a month and follow-up was performed at 3 and 6 months. The data were collected using "Personal Information Form", "International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)" and "Exercise Health Belief Model Scale (EHBMS)". Ki-Square test, Friedman test, Wilcoxon sign test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate the data. Results: In th e post-test, the difference between the mean scores of the sub-dimensions of EHBMS total and general health value, perception of severity and benefit perception of the experimental group was found to be statistically significantly higher (p<0.05). In the post-test, the mean MET total score of the experimental group was found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that the HBM-based education program applied within the scope of this study positively affected the physical activity beliefs and behaviors of the students. Nurses working with students can use this program as a guide. Keywords: Exercise health belief model scale, Physical activity, Nursing, Health belief model