Effectiveness of a Health Belief Model-Based Education Program on Self-Efficacy and Preparedness for Infectious Disasters in Rural Populations

Background: Health education programs can enhance self-efficacy and disaster preparedness. However, research incorporating the Health Belief Model (HBM) in education for infectious disasters is lacking. Aims: Examine the effectiveness of an HBM-based education program on self-reported self-efficacy and self-reported preparedness for infectious disasters in rural populations. Methods: In total, 109 eligible participants were allocated to two groups: participants who received HBM-based education (n = 55) or regular education (n = 54), presented at in-person meetings, with individual follow-up conducted on WhatsApp. Self-reported self-efficacy and preparedness for infectious disasters in both groups were measured at 4 and 8 weeks. Findings: Participants showed a significant interaction between groups and in time to increase in self-reported self-efficacy and self-reported preparedness to deal with infectious disasters. After 4 and 8 weeks, the groups had statistically significant differences (p≤.001) in all outcome measures. Conclusion: HBM-based education was associated with increased self-reported self-efficacy and self-reported infectious disaster preparedness among the rural population. Follow-up by nurses is essential to implementing continuing health belief education programs to enhance rural populations’ self-efficacy and infectious disaster preparedness.