Cognitive Determinants Predicting Pediculosis Preventive Behaviors: Application of Health Belief Model

Background: Pediculosis is still recognized as a worldwide infestation and is a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to determine the cognitive determinants Predicting Pediculosis Preventive Behaviors (PPB) based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among ۱۹۳ female high school students in the west of Iran, during ۲۰۱۹. The participants were selected by random sampling method. They filled out a self-administered questionnaire including the Background variables, PPB questionnaire, and HBM determinants. Data were analyzed by SPSS-۲۲ software using Pearson correlation test and linear regression analysis. Results: The mean age of the students was ۱۲.۷۲ years [SD: ۰.۶۰], ranging from ۱۲ to ۱۴ years.  The mean score of PPB was ۷.۷۲ [SD: ۲.۲۳], ranging from ۰ to ۱۰. HBM determinants accounted for ۲۰% of the variation in PPB.  The best predictors of PPB were perceived susceptibility (Beta: ۰.۳۰۳, P<۰.۰۰۱), perceived barriers (Beta: -۰.۲۱۷, P=۰.۰۰۴) and perceived self-efficacy (Beta: ۰.۱۵۸, P=۰.۰۴۰), respectively. Conclusion: It seems that the development and implementation of health promotion programs to increase susceptibility toward the risk of pediculosis, improve self-efficacy toward performing PPB, and reduce the barriers in adopting PPB among the students. These results may be useful in preventing pediculosis

Keywords:

Preventive Behaviors , Students , Pediculosis