Predictors of Hepatitis B Preventive Behavioral Intentions in Healthcare Workers

• Published in: Safety and health at work 2015, Vol.6 (2), p.139-142
• Main Authors: Morowatishaifabad, Mohammad ali, Sakhvidi, Mohammad Javad Zare, Gholianavval, Mahdi, Boroujeni, Darioush Masoudi, Alavijeh, Mahdi Mirzaei
• Format: Article
• Language: Korean
• ISSN: 2093-7911; 2093-7997

Background: Healthcare workers' practices regarding hepatitis B have an important effect on the control of this problem in workplaces. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was used to investigate the role of knowledge, cues to action, and risk perceptions as predictors of preventive behavioral intentions for hepatitis B among healthcare works in Broujen, Iran (n = 150). History of hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis B surface antigen test, and demographic characteristics were investigated. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were established. Results: Those who had a history of hepatitis B surface antigen test had a statistically significant higher level of risk perceptions ($30.89{\pm}4.08$ vs. $28.41{\pm}3.93$, p < 0.01) and preventive behavioral intentions ($5.05{\pm}1.43$ vs. $4.45{\pm}1.29$, p < 0.01). The mean score of cues to action was significantly correlated with age and work history (r = 0.20, p = 0.02 and r = 0.19, p = 0.02). Preventive behavioral intentions were significantly correlated with cues to action and risk perceptions but not with knowledge level. Cognitional factors were responsible for a 17% change in observed variance of preventive behavioral intentions, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Risk perceptions were the most important determinant of preventive behavioral intentions for hepatitis B among health personnel; thus, emphasizing risk perceptions is recommended in educational programs aimed at increasing health personnel's practices regarding hepatitis B.