Effect of educational intervention on safe traffic behaviors of high school male students in Iran, using the theory of planned behavior: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Behavior change interventions in tackling road traffic injuries are a public health concern. Thus, this interventional research was to survey the effect of safe traffic behaviors among male students in Hamadan, Iran, utilizing theory of planned behavior. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 204 students were randomly selected through multistage sampling from male high school students of Hamadan city, west-central of Iran, and non-randomly allocated to control and intervention groups (102 students in every group). The self-administrate questionnaire was used for data collection in this research. Frequency (percentage) and mean (SD) were used for description. Cronbach alpha coefficient, content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) were used for psychometric evaluation of questionnaire and paired/independent sample t-test was used for data analysis. All statistical analyses were done in SPSS 19 and significant level was considered 0.05. RESULTS: In both groups, more than 50 % of students walked to school. The two study groups were homogeneous in terms of confounding variables (p >  0.05). The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed and the total Cronbach's alpha value was equal to 0.97. There was no significant difference in the score of safe traffic behaviors between the two groups before the intervention (p >  0.05). But after the intervention, the score in the intervention group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Intragroup comparison also showed that only in the intervention group the score was significantly changed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Theory of planned behavior is a suitable conceptual framework for planning the interventions to increase safe traffic behaviors in students.

Identification of factors related to behaviors associated with musculoskeletal pain among elementary students.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pains are among evident health problems in children and adolescents. Backpack carrying behaviors and the sitting postures are among behavioral factors associated with musculoskeletal pain in schoolchildren. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors related to these important musculoskeletal behaviors, using Health Promotion Models. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was created based on PRECEDE Model and Health Belief Model and was administered to 673 Iranian students, whom were selected randomly from elementary schools of Hamadan, Iran, in 2018. RESULTS: The findings of the study revealed that proper sitting postures and backpack carrying were 42 and 33%, respectively. The findings also showed that predisposing factors including perceived susceptibility (p < 0.05, ß = 0.219), perceived severity (p < 0.05, ß = 0.166), perceived barriers (p < 0.05, ß = - 0.191), perceived self-efficacy (p < 0.05, ß = 0.188) and also enabling factors (p < 0.05, ß = 0.329) were significantly related to sitting behaviors. Moreover, backpack carrying behaviors had significant relationships with predisposing factors of perceived susceptibility (p < 0.05, ß = 0.198), perceived barriers (p < 0.05, ß = - 0.258), perceived self-efficacy (p < 0.05, ß = 0.185) and reinforcing factors (p < 0.05, ß = 0.208). CONCLUSIONS: It seems necessary for future preventive programs to take factors of musculoskeletal pains among children and adolescents into account.

Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Women in the Poor Neighborhoods of Hamadan, Iran.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs in all settings, especially in poor neighborhoods. It is considered to be a serious public health concern with serious consequences in the short and long term for abused women because of distinct barriers in obtaining support sources. Therefore this cross-sectional study focuses on the prevalence and the determinants of IPV among pregnant women residents in poor neighborhoods. Overall, 63.8% experienced at least one type of IPV. Also, educational status, family's monthly income, husband's employment status, and having a smoker husband were found to be important predictors of IPV against pregnant women. A better understanding of social determinants of violence can help decision-makers in developing effective policies. It is crucial to prioritize the poor neighborhoods for future interventions to reduce IPV imposed during pregnancy.

The effects of suicidal ideation and constructs of theory of planned behavior on suicidal intention in women: a structural equation modeling approach.

BACKGROUND: The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is proposed to predict behavioral intention. We conducted this study aimed to investigate the effects of Suicidal Ideation (SI) and constructs of TPB on suicidal intention. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 923 married women selected by multi-stage sampling method from Gilan-e Gharb County, the west part of Iran, in 2018. Data gathering tools were a questionnaire on demographic characteristics, the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and a four-part questionnaire based on constructs of TPB, including Attitude, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), and Intention. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19 and AMOS using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). RESULTS: Out of 923 participants, 345 women (37.4%) had some degree of suicidal ideation. The mean score of suicidal ideation in all of participants was 5.98 ± 7.79, while in the 345 individuals with suicidal ideation was 15.53 ± 3.65. Suicidal ideation had the strongest positive total effect on suicide intent, while PBC and attitude had the negative effect on suicide intent. CONCLUSIONS: Since suicidal ideation had the strongest direct effect on suicidal intent, it is suggested that this variable be used for risk assessment in all suicide prevention programs and counseling measures be implemented to reduce suicidal thoughts. Also, undesirable attitudes toward suicide and perceived behavioral control on suicide intention can be considered and emphasized in planning future interventions.

Earthquake preparedness of households and its predictors based on health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Earthquakes are one of the most destructive natural disasters in which many people are injured, disabled, or died. Iran has only 1 % of the world's population, but the percentage of its earthquake-related deaths is absolutely higher. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of earthquake preparedness of households and its predictors using the Health Belief Model (HBM). METHODS: This observational descriptive and analytical study was conducted on 933 households in Hamadan province, located in the west of Iran, in 2019. Multi-stage cluster random sampling was used for selecting the participants. The inclusion criteria were being at least 18 years old and being able to answer the questions. A questionnaire was used for data collection including earthquake preparedness, awareness of earthquake response, predictors of earthquake preparedness based on the HBM, and demographic information. Analysis of variance, independent t-test, and a linear regression model was used. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 38.24 ± 12.85 years. The average score of earthquake preparedness was low (approximately 30%). There was a significant relationship between earthquake preparedness and gender (P < 0.001), homeownership (P < 0.001), marriage status (P < 0.001), education (P < 0.001), and previous earthquake experience (P < 0.001). Regarding the HBM constructs, perceived benefits (P < 0.001), cues to action (P < 0.001), and self-efficacy (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of earthquake preparedness. CONCLUSIONS: Earthquake preparedness was insufficient. Besides, perceived benefits, cues to action, and self-efficacy were predictors of earthquake preparedness. These predictors can be taken into account, for designing and implementing related future interventions.

Neck and shoulder pain among elementary school students: prevalence and its risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Neck and shoulder pain is relatively common among children and teenagers and has a negative impact on their physical and psychological health. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of neck and shoulder pain among elementary school students, and to investigate the relationship between this pain and its risk factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 693 elementary school students aged 7 to 12 years from Hamadan city, located in western Iran, were selected through the multistage cluster random sampling method. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaires. For the social and psychological variables, the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used. For assessing each student's posture, an observational checklist, the Rapid Upper Limbs Assessment (RULA), was used. The data was analyzed using the unadjusted (univariate) and adjusted (multivariate) logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of the neck pain was slightly higher than that of shoulder pain. The prevalence reported over a month was 35.8 and 30.9% for neck and shoulder pain, respectively. The logistic regression analyses showed that, very high desk height (odds ratio (OR) =1.96, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.02-3.74), backward seat pan inclination (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.37-3.24), forward seat pan inclination (OR = 3.12, 95% CI:1.46-6.68), difficulty in viewing the board (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.10-5.84), too much homework (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.49-4.51), RULA score at level III (OR = 2.88, 95% CI:1.64-5.05), and RULA score at level IV (OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 1.72-5.63) increased the risk of neck pain independently. On the other hand, sitting on desk and seat (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.91) and laying position for doing homework (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34-0.81) reduced the related risk. Very short desk height (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.26-4.61) and too much homework (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.10-3.42) increased the risk of shoulder pain. CONCLUSION: The elementary school students reported a high prevalence of shoulder and neck pain. This study found that improper sitting positions, as well as physical factors such as the school furniture, too much homework, and difficulty in viewing the classroom board, were associated with pain. Proper interventions considering the risk factors assessed in this study, are suggested.

Attitudes of Iranian students about organ donation: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Organ donation is a life-saving process for patients suffering from an advanced organ failure. A disparity between donated organs and required organs for transplantation is one of the major problems in Iran. Since personal attitudes about organ donation is a main factor influencing willingness to donate organ, the present study sought to provide a deeper understanding of the attitudes of university students in Iran regarding organ donation. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted in 2016. Semi-structured interviews were held for collecting data from eighty five students from various universities in Hamadan city, Iran. Using a purposive sampling method, the students were selected based on the maximum variation. The content analysis method was used for data analysis by the research team and criteria for the study's rigor was considered. RESULTS: Overall, the students had positive attitudes toward organ donation by brain-dead patients. Nevertheless, not of them stated that they would become an organ donor. During the data analysis, 376 primary codes, 13 categories, and 6 themes were developed. Themes were "cognitive readiness", "mediators of decision making", "beliefs and motivations", "interactions with the health system", "dependency", and "integrity of the body". Also, thirteen sub-themes were developed. CONCLUSION: Many factors influence the students' attitudes toward organ donation. Identification and explanation of these factors can help healthcare managers and policymakers for planning and improving the organ donation culture in the society.

Individual and social factors related to attempted suicide among women: A qualitative study from Iran.

The researchers conducted this study as a phenomenological research to understand the individual and social factors related to attempted suicide phenomenon among women of Gilan-e Gharb. Participants of the study are comprised of 17 women survivors of attempted suicide selected by purposive sampling or snowball method. To gather the data, we conducted semi-structured interviews in face-to-face and audio-recorded methods from February to April 2017. Researchers transcribed verbatim and analyzed the content of the interviews thematically. The main issues in this study were three main themes including the "personal factors", "social factors", and "other issues related to attempted suicide" with seven sub-themes. We concluded that both personal and social factors contribute to the suicide attempts in female subjects. Also, we found that the majority of participants did not want to die by the attempted suicide.

Utilizing the PEN-3 model to identify socio-cultural factors affecting intimate partner violence against pregnant women in Suburban Hamadan.

Intimate partner violence occurs in all settings. In this paper the authors describe socio-cultural factors affecting intimate partner violence against pregnant women in suburban Hamadan.The PEN-3 model was utilized by semi-structured interviews with 18 pregnant women. According to women, cultural perceptions (patience in case of facing violence, faith in fate and normalization of violence), enablers (communication skills, economic status, and availability of legal support), and nurturers (family support and social expectation of obedience to men) were found to be important factors that influence violence.A better understanding of the cultural perceptions can help decision-makers in identifying the cultural appropriateness of interventions.

Acute pesticide poisoning and related factors among farmers in rural Western Iran.

Although acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is known to be a major health concern among farmers in developing countries, knowledge of its prevalence and risk factors is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and a broad range of potential work-related risk factors of APP among Iranian farmers and farm workers. This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of the Twiserkan County in Iran. In this study, there were 474 farmers and farm workers who had used pesticide 1 week before data collection. Participants were selected from 104 villages. Data were gathered using a questionnaire and analyzed using STATA (version 14.2 SE). Binary logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression were employed. The results of this study showed that 286 (60.3%) farmers and farm workers who applied pesticides suffered from work-related APP. Most frequent APP symptoms were runny nose (29.8%) and headache (25.1%). Five risk factors were identified, including annual income ( p < 0.05), number of farming years (odds ratio (OR) = 0.31), number of spraying years (OR = 2.40), place of pesticide storage (OR = 2.69), and type of sprayer ( p < 0.05). The results of this study indicated that APP is prevalent among the studied farmers. Some work-related factors play an important role in APP among Iranian rural farmers. In addition, the magnitude of these risk factors differed significantly by severity of acute and somatic pesticide poisoning.

The effect of intervention programs on road traffic injury prevention among adolescents and young people: a systematic review.

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a significant cause of death and disability among young people worldwide. Programs that use injury prevention strategies have been shown to effectively reduce the number of injuries. This systematic review aims to present the available evidence on the effectiveness of intervention programs in preventing RTIs among adolescents and young adults. Articles were identified and retrieved from databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Magiran, SID, and Iran Medex. Two reviewers independently screened the articles. Articles published from the first year of publication until January 2018 that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. These articles covered randomized controlled trials, pretest/post-test interventions, and controlled pretest/post-test interventions aimed at reducing RTIs among adolescents and young people aged 12-26 years. The framework, provided by Murphy and Haddon, were used to categorize the interventions. According to this framework, the interventions were categorized into five groups including education/behavior change, incentive, engineering/technology, legislation/enforcement, and multifaceted programs. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Of the initial 3165 findings, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven of these studies used educational/behavioral approaches, while two employed multifaceted programs. In the educational/behavioral approach, participants' behaviors were considered as outcome variables. Only one of these studies was not successful. Multifaceted interventions were successful in changing behaviors. No studies were found on the effectiveness of other interventions. Eight studies were assessed as having moderate quality. The systematic review shows that educational/behavioral strategies and multifaceted programs are effective in reducing RTIs among young adults and adolescents. However, there is a lack of studies on other potential interventions. The quality of the included studies was moderate, suggesting a need for more rigorous research.

Seat belt use among rural non-drivers: the role of demographic and traffic-related variables.

BACKGROUND: The rate of seat belt use in rural societies is less than in urban societies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of demographic and traffic-related variables on seat belt use among rural non-drivers based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). METHODS: This study was conducted among 450 non-drivers in the rural areas of Hashtroud district in Iran. For collection of data, a questionnaire containing questions about demographic characteristics and general information on traffic-related behaviors of non-drivers, and questions on seat belt use based on constructs of the TPB was used. RESULTS: The lowest seat belt use rate was for non-drivers that sit in the rear seat of a car on rural roads (22.4 % never, 14.4 % always). Also, the rate of seat belt use among parents of participants on rural roads was lower than on city roads. Adherence to traffic rules and having training about seat belt use had significant effects on the construct of TPB, including attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and behavior of seat belt use. With increasing age, subjective norms about seat belt use have improved. The attitude toward seat belt use among females was better than males. CONCLUSIONS: The result indicated that most of rural non-drivers did not adhere to traffic rules. Adherence to the traffic rules and having training on seat belt use had a significant impact on seat belt use behavior. Training seat belt use especially by parents could be effective in improving seat belt use.

Can substance abuse media literacy increase prediction of drug use in students?

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the predictors of drug use among students based on the Extended Prototype willingness model (EPWM). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed at Hamadan universities. The participants were selected via multi-stage sampling. Finally, out of 721 students participated. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: (a) socio-demographic characteristics, (b) Questionnaire about the prototype willingness model constructs, (c) Questionnaire about the status of drug use behavior, (d) Substance Abuse Media Literacy (SAML) scale. Data were analyzed using a structural equations partial least squares confirmatory composite approach and SPSS-23. RESULTS: The mean age of students was of 23.47 ± 4.14 years. Based on results, behavioral willingness (ß = 0.420, t-value = 9.010, p < 0.001) and behavioral intention (ß = 0.291, t-value = 6.957, p < 0.001) significantly predicted drug use. The presented results of analysis, 66% of the variance of the drug use, 62% of the variable of the behavioral willingness, and 56% of the behavioral intention could be explained by the EPWM. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that EPWM could predict drug use in students. Therefore, designing and implementing educational and promotional intervention programs to reduce behavioral willingness and increase students' skills in substance abuse media literacy is necessary to prevent drug use behavior.

Evaluation of a web-based randomized controlled trial educational intervention based on media literacy on preventing substance abuse among college students, applying the integrated social marketing approach: a study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Substance abuse is the actual psychosocial harm, especially in young people confronted with content marketing in nowadays media environment, a risk factor for experiencing substance abuse. Based on the literature review, education designed based on the cognitive-behavioral model and planning models, such as using a social marketing framework, is the most effective method to prevent addictive substance abuse. Also, media literacy related to substance abuse and the prototype willingness model is considered a new integrated approach to present the intervention measures' desired results. METHODS: The present study evaluates an intervention program based on media literacy on substance abuse prevention among students using an integrated social marketing approach. This study aims to complete the SMART model's sixth and seventh stages, implementing intervention and evaluation. Participants will be students of Hamadan University, Iran. Randomization will occur at the university and school levels, and gathered data will appear at two-time (i.e., pre-test and three months follow-up). Intervention group students will obtain both substance abuse prevention education and substance abuse media literacy (SAML) education between pre-test and 3 months post-test. Students in the delayed intervention will be given this education after study accomplishment; this group will receive their regular courses except for substance abuse prevention and media literacy titles during education intervention. The outcome variables are intentions and substance abuse behavior based on prototype willingness and substance abuse media literacy. DISCUSSION: Evaluation of Substance abuse prevention and substance abuse media literacy education must be careful to ensure that they effectively enable people, especially in youth in the new media ecology and unique "Infomedia" ecosystems, in the current digital society. The SAML education plan's evaluation has the first web-based education program in universities. No prior research has psychometrically considered SAML in students in the SMART model's sixth and seventh stages. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20200914048719N1 . Registered on June 30, 2021.

Prediction of Helmet Use Behavior among Motorcyclists Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are one of the most critical factors that endanger human health. More specifically, head and neck injuries are the main causes of deaths and disabilities among motorcyclists. This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors of helmet use behavior among motorcyclists based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). STUDY DESIGN: This study followed the cross-sectional design. METHODS: This study was conducted on randomly selected 730 motorcyclist employees in Qom, Iran, in 2021. The data collection tool was a self-administered researcher-made questionnaire, including items on demographic characteristics, history of RTIs, and constructs of TPB. Data were analyzed using descriptive summary statistics, analysis of variance, independent samples t test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS: In this study, only 9.8% of the participants reported that they always used a helmet while riding a motorcycle. About 60% reported a history of a motorcycle crash, and 11.5% had a history of head injuries. The direct effect of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on the intention to use a helmet were statistically significant, explaining 59% of the variation in behavioral intention (intention to use a helmet) (R2=0.59). Moreover, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention had significant effects on helmet use behavior (R2=0.26). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of helmet use among the studied population was very low. Moreover, TPB was useful in identifying the determinants of behavior and especially behavioral intention of helmet use among motorcyclists.

High-Risk Behaviors and Associated Factors among Iranian Adult Population: A National Survey.

Background: There is no official and representative information on certain health-risk behaviors in Iran. This national survey was performed to determine the prevalence of five high-risk behaviors among the adult population and underlying factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 23 provinces of Iran in 2019 involving 10,957 participants. The following five risky behaviors were evaluated: (a) using illicit drugs in the past month, (b) drinking alcohol in the past month, (c) having extramarital sex in the past year, (d) having suicidal thoughts in the past month, (e) and attempting suicide in the past year. The logistic regression model was used for analyses and associations were reported using odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The prevalence of health-risk behaviors was as follows: illicit drug use 10.4%, drinking alcohol 16.8%, extramarital sex 9.9%, suicidal thoughts 8.8%, and suicide attempt 5.4%. Almost 27.6% of the participants were involved in at least one risky behavior. There was a strong association between illicit drugs use and male gender 2.51 (2.11-2.98) and using psychiatric medications 2.96 (2.46-3.55); between drinking alcohol and male gender 2.23 (1.93-2.58); between extramarital sex and divorced/widowed status 2.43 (1.72-3.44) and having an intimate friend of the opposite sex 3.75 (3.13-4.51); between suicidal thoughts and using psychiatric medications 2.23 (1.83-2.72); between suicide attempt and a history of running away from home 2.10 (1.64-2.68). Conclusion: More than one-fourth Iranian adult population is involved in at least one risky behavior. Engaging in any risky behavior may increase the possibility of engaging in other high-risk behaviors.

Factors Associated with Breast Cancer Mammographic Screening Behavior among Iranian Women.

Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases of women, which can increase the survival of patients with its early diagnosis. Despite the existence of relatively sensitive methods of early detection of breast cancer, such as mammography, statistics show that a small number of women perform mammography according to the recommended clinical guidelines. Using the health belief model, this study aims to determine the factors affecting mammography among women teachers in Hamedan. METHODS: This study was conducted on 458 female teachers aged 40 years and older of Hamadan city, in western part of Iran, during October to December of 2019. The participants were asked about the factors affecting mammography based on the health belief model. Questionnaires were completed by self-reported method and analyzed by SPSS software at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The average age of the study participants was 46±4.1 years. Among the participants, about 41.5% had performed mammography at least once. In univariate analysis, the constructs of the health belief model generally predicts performing mammography between 35 and 49 percent. In multivariate analysis, age 46 to 50 years, having supplementary insurance, history of breast disease, perceived barriers with odds ratio of 3.4, 3.4, 10.6 and .89, respectively, were significantly related to mammography. CONCLUSIONS: Female teachers over 45 years of age with a history of breast disease, if they do not have financial or other barriers to do mammography, perform breast cancer screening.

Interventions to prevent road traffic injuries among pedestrians: a systematic review.

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a serious public health problem and are an important cause of disability and death worldwide. A significant proportion of traffic injuries and fatalities are among pedestrians. Reviewing and evaluating related interventions can be a practical step to implementing appropriate methods to prevent RTIs among pedestrians, a highly vulnerable group of road users.The search of articles was conducted in the electronic databases of Scopus, PubMed, ISI, Safety Lit, and CDC. Other papers were also reviewed using forward citation and backward citation. The search strategy was for studies examined from the first years of database creation until January 10, 2021, in all languages in journals with matched judgment according to the type of population, type of interventions, comparators, and results. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists were used to determine articles' quality and assess possible biases depending on the type of study.The initial search resulted in finding 16,272 abstracts. Finally, 25 studies, including 17 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) studies, seven studies pretest/post-test interventions (PPI), and one study controlled pretest/post-test interventions (cPPI) met the inclusion criteria. Among these preventive interventional studies, 20 studies were conducted in high-income countries, three were in lower middle-income countries, one study was in upper middle-income country, and only one study was conducted in a low-income country. Most interventional studies in the field of prevention of RTIs (15 studies) had an educational/behavioral approach, designed to change pedestrian behavior and the use of this approach was also effective in improving pedestrian behavior. The legislation/law enforcement approach was used in one study and two studies used an engineering/technology approach. In studies with an engineering approach after engineering reforms, pedestrian injuries in children decreased by 37.5%. In seven studies, multifaceted interventions were used. The interventional studies that used this approach were able to improve pedestrian safe behavior.The majority of studies were based on educational/behavioral approaches and pedestrians' behavior improved notably. In addition, the majority of interventional studies were conducted in countries with high income levels. Therefore, programming for preventive interventions to attenuate RTIs is highly important in low/middle-income countries to reduce the risk of injury to vulnerable road users. These findings can be applied by policy-makers to develop educational, engineering, environmental, and law enforcement interventions and attenuate injuries sustained by pedestrians.

Determination of factors affecting prevention of burns among children under five years old using PRECEDE model: A cross-sectional study in urban and rural populations.

BACKGROUND: Burns are one of the most important childhood injuries that can be controlled and prevented. Mothers play an important role in preventing child burns. Health education and promotional theories facilitate a precise recognition of the behavioral factors in mothers that help preventing burn injury in their children. Burns in children under five years old and the factors in prevention of burn by their mothers were examined using PRECEDE Model. The study environment was rural and urban areas of Kermanshah, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 330 mothers in urban and rural areas of Kermanshah County in the west of Iran. The participants were randomly selected among mothers who had at least one child younger than five years old. Data was collected through interviewing the mothers using a valid and reliable questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on demographic characteristics, PRECEDE Model, and history of burn. The data were analyzed using SPSS-16. RESULTS: The mean age of the mothers in urban areas (29.33 ± 5.987) was higher than that of those in rural areas (28.77 ± 6.236). More than 90% of the mothers were housewives, both in urban and rural areas. The rate of a history of burn in rural children under the age of five (8.3%) was greater than that in urban children (5.2%). Most of the burn cases in urban areas were mild whereas those in rural areas were moderate. The majority of burn cases had happened at home in children 1-3 years' age range; this rate was higher in boys. The majority of burns cases had happened when the child was playing (urban: 64.3%, rural: 100%). In addition, liquids and hot objects were the main causes of the burns (urban: 78.5%, rural: 100%). Among the constructs of PRECEDE models in the urban areas, knowledge (P < 0.001), attitudes (P = 0.027), and environmental factors (P = 0.03) had a significant relationship with burn-preventive behaviors in mothers. In addition, in the rural areas, attitudes (P = 0.038) had a significant relationship with burn-preventive behaviors in mothers. CONCLUSION: Burn was an important injury in the study population, especially in the rural areas. The PRECEDE model can help us to identify the factors in burn injuries in children and the preventive behaviors in mothers. The findings can be used to develop preventive interventional programs to better protect this vulnerable group in society.