Impact of health belief modification on intention to make smoke free home among pregnant women

BACKGROUND This study examined the effects of health education on modification of health belief and intention among pregnant women to have smoke free home. METHODS In this randomized controlled study, 91 pregnant women completed the study in two groups. Intervention group was educated about the harms of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was a framework for analyzing the beliefs. After 10-12 weeks, the HBM constructs and weekly ETS exposure at home were compared between the two groups. RESULTS After performing educational program, the subjects in intervention group perceived more susceptibility and severity and reported lower weekly ETS exposure at home than subjects in control group; but, the self efficacy and perceived barrier were not different. The relationships between HBM constructs and weekly ETS exposure were significant; but, there was no significant difference in point prevalence of having smoke free home. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that the health education about ETS exposure can modify health belief and reduce EST exposure among pregnant women, but cannot affect the self efficacy and perceived barrier. To have smoke free home, they need to increase their self efficacy.