The effectiveness of a model-based health education program on protective behavior against human papillomavirus in female drug abusers: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STI), which can cause cancer and genital warts. Drug abuse is associated with an increased risk of STIs, and drug users have poor awareness of HPV. This study aimed to examine the effect of an educational program based on the health belief model (HBM) on promoting protective behaviors among female drug abusers. Material and methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. Eighty eligible female drug abusers from ten drop-in centers located in Tehran were included in the study using convenience sampling. Randomization was applied at the center level, and all centers were divided into intervention and control centers. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire at four stages (before intervention, immediately, one month, and three months after intervention). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA test. Results: The model-based health education program had a significant effect on perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action, and self-efficacy scores (p < 0.001). The scores of perceived barriers did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The educational program based on HBM had a positive effect on the subjects' beliefs regarding HPV protective behaviors, but it was not significantly effective on reducing perceived barriers.