Health Education and Health Promotion

Application of the Health Belief Model for Investigation of Couples' Attitude toward Sexual Health

Authors

Siros Kabodi 1
majid barati 2
Nader Rajabi Gilan 3
Soheyla Reshadat 4

1 M.Sc., Center of Excellence for Community Oriented Medicine Education, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

3 M.Sc., Social Development & Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Kermanshah, Iran

4 Associate Professor, Center of Excellence for Community Oriented Medicine Education, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the beliefs toward sexual health among couples attending marriage counseling centers, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a theoretical framework.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 416 couples, aged 14 to 40 years, who referred to a marriage counseling center in Kermanshah in 2014. They were recruited through a simple random sampling method. The data gathering tool consisted of a self-administered questionnaire based on the HBM constructs and some demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed with SPSS-18 software using independent t-test, one way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. Findings: According to the results, the level of perceived susceptibility of the consequences of unsafe sexual behaviors and perceived barriers among couples were not satisfactory; however, perceived severity and benefits were reported in a relatively good level. Internet and friends were the most important cues to action related to sexual health.
Conclusion: Results demonstrated that the framework of the HBM is useful for investigation of sexual health related beliefs among couples. Thus, design and implementation of interventions based on the results of present study may be effective in promoting knowledge and beliefs toward sexual health among couples.

Keywords

Attitude
Couples
Health belief model
Sexual health
Health Education and Health Promotion
Volume 2, Issue 3
Summer 2014
Pages 45-56