Effects of Educational Intervention on Promoting Preventive Behaviors of Cardiovascular Disease Using the Health Belief Model in Oil Regions Workers

Background: Research conducted on oil region workers has shown that numerous ranges of physical stressors together with behavioral patterns can affect the enhancement of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of educational intervention to promote the preventive behaviors of CVD using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods: The participant of this quasi-experimental study included 228 workers (114 control and 114 experimental cases) working in oil regions. Data were collected through questionnaires containing demographic information, knowledge, and constructs of HBM. The experimental group received an education with WhatsApp. Workers completed the questionnaires before and after the education and the 3-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0. Results: The t test analyses showed no significant differences between the control and experimental groups at baseline. The results indicated the changes in outcome variables across time for groups. Except for perceived severity and perceived barriers, there were significant interaction effects between the time and group. A significant correlation was found between behavior and health belief subscales and knowledge, except for perceived severity and cues to action. Conclusion: The findings of this research confirmed the usefulness of the educational intervention based on the HBM and the necessity to apply designed programs to improve preventive behavior adoption. Preventive education with attention to decreasing unhealthy lifestyles must be designed based on the requirements and target group characteristics to prevent CVD risks.