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 193 female high school students in the west of Iran, during 2019. 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-22 software using Pearson correlation test and linear regression analysis. Results: The mean age of the students was 12.72 years [SD: 0.60], ranging from 12 to 14 years. The mean score of PPB was 7.72 [SD: 2.23], ranging from 0 to 10. HBM determinants accounted for 20% of the variation in PPB. The best predictors of PPB were perceived susceptibility (Beta: 0.303, P<0.001), perceived barriers (Beta: -0.217, P=0.004) and perceived self-efficacy (Beta: 0.158, P=0.040), 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.