Effect of Health Belief Model Based Education on Mother's Perception regarding Birth Spacing

Abstract

Background: Birth spacing is one of the public health achievements of the last century. Worldwide uncontrolled population growth has been a problematic issue all over the world. Aim of the study: Was to evaluate the effect of health belief model based education on mother's perception regarding birth spacing. Design: Quasi-experimental design was used to fulfill the aim. Setting: The study was conducted at Obstetric and Gynecological outpatient clinic affiliated to the Benha university hospital. Sample: A purposive sample included (100) mothers and randomly divided into (50) mothers' control and (50) in study group. Tools of data collection: Four main tools were used, I: A structured interviewing questionnaire which included personal characteristics of studied mothers, obstetric and gynecological history and family planning history, II: Knowledge of the mothers regarding birth spacing, III: Modified Likert scale was developed to assess mothers' attitudes regarding birth spacing and IV: Health Belief Model Scale was adapted to assess the mothers' beliefs and behaviors regarding birth spacing. Results: There was highly statistically significant improvement in perception (knowledge and attitude) among studied mothers in study group regarding birth spacing post application of health belief model compared to control group with (P<0.001). Conclusion: Application of health belief modelbased education had a positive effect on improving mothers' perception regarding birth spacing. Recommendations: Reapplication of health belief model as periodic educational program for the mothers to increase knowledge and to improve utilization of contraceptive methods that must conducted at all centers of maternal and child health