Effect of educational intervention based on health belief model on nurses’ compliance with standard precautions in preventing needle stick injuries

Background The increasing prevalence of needle stick injuries among nurses and the arising risks double the need to pay attention to improve their knowledge and change their behavior using effective educational models. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the health belief model on nurses’ compliance with standard precautions in preventing needle stick injuries. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 110 nurses working in medical training centers in Shiraz and Fasa in 2019. Subjects were selected using a simple sampling method and were randomly divided into two interventions (n = 55) and control (n = 55). The intervention included 7 sessions of 50–55 min. Before and 3 months after the intervention, the health belief model questionnaire was completed by both groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 through chi-square, independent, and paired t-tests (P < 0.05). Results Based on independent and paired t-tests, there was no significant difference between the control and intervention groups regarding the mean score of health belief model constructs before the intervention. However, there was a significant difference regarding the mentioned scores 3 months after the educational intervention. Based on the paired t-test, the mean score of awareness, perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, cues to action, and behavioral performance in the intervention group significantly increased after the educational intervention (P < 0.05). Also, there was a significant decrease in perceived barriers (P < 0.05). Conclusion It is recommended to apply the proposed model as an effective and cost-effective method along with other methods in training programs for nurses and other health workers exposed to invasive procedures, contaminated blood, and secretions.