Cognitive Determinants Predictors of 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 predictors of pediculosis Preventive Behaviors (PPB) based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 girls’ high school students in the west of Iran, during 2019 that were selected by random sampling method. Participants 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 students was 12.72 years [SD: 0.60], ranged from 12 to 14 years. The mean score of PPB was 7.72 [SD: 2.23], ranged from 0 to 10. HBM determinants were accounted for 20% of the variation in PPB. The best predictors for 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 of students in adopting PPB may be usefulness results in order to prevent pediculosis.