Socio-Psychological Predictors of Students' Preventive Behaviors Against Pediculosis; the Health Belief Model Approach

Aims: Head lice infestation is a common and significant health issue among students and in school settings. It is particularly more prevalent in children aged ۵-۱۳ years. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of preventive behaviors against pediculosis based on the theoretical framework of the health belief model among students in the urban areas of Heris County. Instrument & Methods: This descriptive-analytical correlational study was conducted with ۱,۰۰۰ students in urban schools in Heris County, East Azerbaijan. Data were collected through a census of all fourth and fifth-grade students in elementary schools. The research instrument was a questionnaire designed based on the health belief model, which had been validated, and its reliability was confirmed in previous studies. After the students completed the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using SPSS ۱۶ by ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Findings: Fourth-grade students demonstrated higher awareness (p=۰.۰۲۷) compared to fifth-grade students. Perceived susceptibility (p=۰.۰۰۱) and perceived barriers (p=۰.۰۰۴) were significantly (p=۰.۰۰۰۱) higher in individuals with no history of pediculosis infestation compared to those with a history of pediculosis infestation. Except for the perceived severity construct, all components of the health belief model had a significant correlation with preventive behaviors against pediculosis. Furthermore, awareness (p=۰.۰۰۰۱), self-efficacy (p=۰.۰۰۰۱), perceived barriers (p=۰.۰۰۰۱), gender (p=۰.۰۰۰۱), and maternal education (p=۰.۰۲۴) were identified as key predictors of these behaviors, and these parameters collectively accounted for ۲۱.۵% of the variance in behavior changes (R۲=۰.۲۱۵). Conclusion: Awareness, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers play a significant role in adopting preventive behaviors against pediculosis infestation.

Keywords:

Pediculosis , Health Belief Model , Students , Head Lice