The Effect of a Training Program Based on the Health Belief Model on Elementary School Students’ Behaviors toward Preventing Playground Accidents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of a training program developed based on the health belief model (HBM) on elementary school students’ behaviors towards the prevention of playground accidents. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was carried out from September 2016 to June 2017. Elementary school students were randomly assigned into an intervention group (n = 62) and a control group (n = 62). Data were collected using a Sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, Injury behavior checklist and Injury attitudes questionnaire (IAQ). HBM based playground accidents prevention training program applied as four sessions. Results: Participation in the training program reduced the mean scores obtained from the fate subscale and injury risk scores of the intervention group, increased their mean scores for the vulnerability / severity and preventability subscales (p