ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common medical problems worldwide. Approximately 18% of persons over 65 years age are diabetic. WHO estimates that the prevalence of diabetes [4% in 1995] will increase to 5.6% in 2025. Diabetic foot problems, are potentially among the most preventable long term complication for diabetics. The purpose of this study was to test the utility of the Health Belief Model [HBM] in understanding and predicting the intention of diabetic patients in prevention of their foot lesions and amputations. This was a cross-sectional study, carried out in 108 diabetic patients in Kermanshah. The data were collected by using a researcher making questionnaire in four sections. All data were collected by direct interview and on basis of constructs of HBM. The data were analyzed by SPSS software. There was significant difference between mean grade scores of HBM, period of their disease and level of education in them [pv<0.000], there was no significant difference between the foot care and period of disease [pv>0.05]. The results of many studies in Iran and out of Iran are consistent with our results. All of these studies showed that HBM constructs may cause the changes and improvement of the behaviour in practice. It can be recommended that HBM model be applied in prevention and treatment of disease in the people