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Background and purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the new corona virus. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of COVID-19 prevention behaviors in an Iranian population based on the health belief model.
Materials and methods: This descriptive analytical (cross-sectional) study was performed in 1020 people older than 15 years of age in Iran in 2020 selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected through an online survey using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the health belief model. Data analysis was done in SPSS applying correlation coefficients and linear regression tests.
Results: Frequent prevention behaviors of COVID-19 included using personal items at home and work (83.7%), following the precautionary measures presented in mass media (80.2%), and not leaving the house except in necessary cases (67.6%). There were significant correlations between all constructs of health belief model and performance, except for perceived barriers and perceived severity) (P<0.01).
Conclusion: According to the predictive role of prevention behaviors of COVID-19 based on health belief model, this model can be used in educational and interventional programs. 
 

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 Background and purpose: Patient education is an important part of treatment process. Educational models such as Health Belief Model (HBM) emphasize on people's motivation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this educational method on self-care performance and metabolic indicators in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and methods: In this clinical trial, type 2 diabetic patients were randomly assigned into an intervention group (n=40) and a control group (n=40) (routine care). In intervention group, diabetes knowledge and health beliefs about diabetes, lifestyle, and self-care were taught through lectures and question/answer forum based on health belief model for 90-minute in four sessions. In all samples, fasting blood sugar, HBA1C, lipoproteins, and blood pressure were measured before and four months after the intervention. Also, health belief model constructs and self-care behavior scale were completed. Data were analyzed in SPSS V23 using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: Compared to the control group, in intervention group, the scores for knowledge (P=0.01), performance (P= 0.01), and self-efficacy (P= 0.04) increased significantly and the score for perceived barriers decreased significantly (P= 0.02). Changes in FBS, LDL, and blood pressure were similar between the two groups, but a significant difference was seen in changes in HbA1C (P= 0.04).
Conclusion: Education based on health belief model seems to be effective in promoting self-care behaviors and control of metabolic complications in diabetic patients, so the model is suggested to be applied also in larger populations and long term studies in other patients such as those with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. 
 
(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20171230038142N5)

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Background and purpose: Utilizing engaging techniques, such as animation, to educate adolescents about oral health can significantly impact their knowledge and behavior, resulting in the prevention of periodontal diseases. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of health education utilizing animation vs traditional education methods in improving adolescents' attitudes, behavior, and periodontal markers.
Materials and methods: In this interventional study, 371 students aged 13 to 15 were randomly selected by cluster sampling and divided into two groups: control (187 students) and intervention (184 students). Questionnaires and clinical examinations of the Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI) were completed before and four weeks following the intervention, and the data were entered into the SPSS software (v. 23). The independent t-test and covariance analysis were used to analyze the data, and P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: After the intervention, the average scores of knowledge, behavior, GI, PI, and SBI indices were changed from 6.27, 5.90, 1.10, 0.85, and 0.31 to 7.53, 7.08, 0.73, 0.53, and 0.21, respectively. All indices in the control group also improved; however, after the intervention, a significant difference was recorded between the animation group and the control group in all indices, except health behavior (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Oral health education through animation is a novel and effective approach that can be more appealing to adolescents and beneficial in reducing periodontal diseases in young patients.