Effect of an Educational Intervention for Mothers Based on the Health Belief Model on Timely Vaccination of Their Children in Qom, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: One of the effective methods for preventing infectious diseases, especially in children, is vaccination; if children are not fully, correctly and timely immunized, infectious diseases will threaten their lives. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on timely vaccination of children in Qom, Iran Methods: This is an interventional study that was conducted on 100 mothers referred to comprehensive health centers in Qom, Iran for the 2-month and 4-month vaccination of their children with a delay of more than 10 days. After dividing them into two groups of intervention and control by the block randomization method (4 blocks), questionnaires were completed by both groups. Then, the intervention group received the online educational materials for two months. Two months later, the questionnaires were completed by both groups again and the time of their visit was checked. Results: The mean score of practice in both groups increased after two months, which was higher in the intervention group and this difference was significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: HBM-based educational programs can be used to increase immunization coverage of children in Qom, Iran.