Iron supplementation consumption behavior predictors based on the health belief model among 9th-grade female students of Birjand in 2018

Background and Aim: Anemia caused by iron deficiency, an important health issue is especially in teenager girls. The purpose of this study was, to determine the application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs for the identification of influential factors on iron supplementation consumption among 9 th-grade female students in Birjand. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 517 of 9th grade female students. Students were selected by the randomized multistage sampling method. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability was confirmed. The questionnaire included demographic information, HBM structures, and knowledge questions. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and regression model. Results: The results of the study showed that public knowledge was about iron supplementation consumption, 10.1%, 42.6%, and 34.7%. Their attitudes are 1.4%, 52.6%, and 46%, and also their performance was 57.8%, 34.6% and 7.5%, respectively that were in poor, moderate and good levels, respectively. Iron supplementation consumption behavior predictors include: Self-efficacy (p = 0.196, P <0.001), practice guidelines (030/330 =, <0.001) and perceived severity (P < 0.046, β = 0.085). These structures predicted 32.4% (R = 0.324) of behavioral changes overall. Conclusion: Students' knowledge and attitude are moderate, and most 9th-grade female students do not take iron tablet, it is suggested that by conducting educational interventions and practice guidelines, perceived severity, and self-efficacy in students be strengthened. Key Words: Attitude; Health Belief Model; Iron; Knowledge; Supplementary; Students