Health Belief Model–Based Education for Sexual Harassment Prevention among First-year Female University Students

https://doi.org/10.61838/ijbmc.v12i6.990
Health Belief Model Sexual Harassment Health Education Students Women

Authors

  • Marwa Jabbar Saiwan
    marwajabbar@uos.edu.iq
    PhD, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Sumer, Rifai Dhi Qar, Iraq.
  • Sahar Ahmad Shafik Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Fayum University & University of Kut, Wasit, 52001, Iraq., *Correspondence: Sahar. Shafik. alkutcollege.edu.iq
  • Frial Mahmoud Nizamli
  • Lama AHMAD
  • Naglaa Ibrahem Abdel-Aziz PhD, Department of Pharmacy, University of Kut, Wasit, 52001, Iraq, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
  • Ali Hassan Awarke MScR, Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Kut, Wasit, 52001, Iraq
Vol. 12 No. 6 (2025): September
Quantitative Study(ies)

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of a Health Belief Model (HBM)–based educational intervention in improving knowledge and modifying harassment-related health beliefs among first-year female university students.

Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental, single-group pre–post study was conducted at Sumer University, Iraq (2024–2025). A total of 335 first-year women from Medicine (n = 215) and Science (n = 120) faculties were recruited. A validated self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge and HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy; overall Cronbach’s α = 0.81). The intervention consisted of four interactive sessions (60 minutes each, over 2 weeks) combining lectures, group discussions, case studies, and role-plays. Pretest data were collected one week prior, and posttest data two weeks after the program. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and chi-square tests at α = 0.05.

Findings: Significant improvements were observed post-intervention in both knowledge and all HBM constructs (p < 0.001). The proportion of students endorsing favorable beliefs increased: perceived susceptibility (66.7% → 85.4%), severity (73.1% → 87.2%), benefits (63.4% → 87.6%), and cues to action (68.3% → 84.8%). Favorable perceptions regarding barriers also rose (65.3% → 89.7%). Overall, the HBM profile shifted markedly from predominantly negative (65.6%) to predominantly positive (86.7%).

Conclusion: A brief, theory-driven HBM-based educational program substantially enhanced knowledge and promoted more adaptive health beliefs regarding sexual harassment prevention among first-year female students. Although limited by the absence of a control group and short-term follow-up, findings highlight the potential of integrating HBM-informed interventions into university orientation and health curricula to promote safer campus environments.

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