Health Belief Model to Assess Mpox Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Residents and Staff, Cook County Jail, Illinois, USA, July-August 2022.

In summer 2022, a case of mpox was confirmed in a resident at the Cook County Jail (CCJ) in Chicago, Illinois, USA. We conducted in-depth interviews with CCJ residents and staff to assess mpox knowledge, attitudes, and practices; hygiene and cleaning practices; and risk behaviors. We characterized findings by using health belief model constructs. CCJ residents and staff perceived increased mpox susceptibility but were unsure about infection severity; they were motivated to protect themselves but reported limited mpox knowledge as a barrier and desired clear communication to inform preventive actions. Residents expressed low self-efficacy to protect themselves because of contextual factors, including perceived limited access to cleaning, disinfecting, and hygiene items. Our findings suggest correctional facilities can support disease prevention by providing actionable and tailored messages; educating residents and staff about risk and vaccination options; and ensuring access to and training for hygiene, cleaning, and disinfecting supplies.

Effect of health belief model-based educational intervention on prostate cancer prevention; knowledge, practices, and intentions.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer screening is a crucial preventive element for improving the survival rates of prostate cancer. Therefore, our research objective was to investigate the effect of health belief model-based education on prostate cancer knowledge, health beliefs, and preventive health practices among adult and older adult males. METHODS: A one-group pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental study design was carried out at the one-day outpatient clinics affiliated to General Alexandria Main University Hospital. We enrolled 110 men aged 45-75 years old in a health belief model-based educational intervention program. Various questionnaires were utilized to gather data before, immediately after, and three months following the intervention. These questionnaires included the socio-demographic questionnaire, Prostate Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire (PCKQ), Prostate Cancer Screening-Health Belief Model Scale (HBM-PCS), Prostate Cancer Preventive Practices Questionnaire (PCPPQ), and one question regarding the intention to undergo PC screening. RESULTS: Participants' knowledge about prostate cancer screening improved significantly immediately after the program and this positive change was maintained at the follow-up (p = 0.000). Furthermore, participants' perceptions and preventive practices towards prostate cancer screening had changed significantly after program completion and at follow-up (p = 0.000). After program completion, many of the participants (92.7%) expressed their intention to undergo prostate cancer screening within the coming six months (p = 0.000). The younger age group (45-49 years) showed higher scores in their perception of prostate screening (p = 0.001). Higher education and income were significantly associated with higher scores in the three scales (p = 0.000 in all scales). CONCLUSION: The study findings emphasized the effectiveness of the designed health educational program based on the HBM on PC preventive behaviors, through significantly improving participants' knowledge level, perceptions, practices, and intentions to PC screening. The program is highly recommended for prostate cancer preventive health practices among both adult and older adult males.

Health care seeking behaviour towards cervical cancer screening among women aged 30-49 years in Arbaminch town, Southern Ethiopia, 2023.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. However, it remains the commonest and deadly cancer in women worldwide. Health care seeking behaviour is not well studied in Ethiopia even though it is crucial in averting cervical cancer by maximizing cervical cancer screening utilization. Therefore, this study amid to assess health care seeking behaviour towards cervical cancer screening and its associated factors among women aged 30-49 years in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia, 2023. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 414 women who are in the age range of 30-49 in Arba Minch town from January 2-February20, 2023. Study participants were selected by a simple random sampling technique from all kebeles and data were collected using pretested interviewer administered questionnaires. SPSS version 27 was used to conduct binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents were described using descriptive statistics. Furthermore, binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were made to find the factors associated with health care seeking behaviour. Variables with a p-value less than 0.25 on binary logistic regression were selected for multivariable logistic regression. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The reliability and internal consistency of the constructs of health belief model were calculated independently using Cronbach's alpha. RESULT: The prevalence of health care seeking behaviour towards cervical cancer screening was 197(47.6%) [95%CI: 42.7-52.5%]. Respondents' good knowledge [AOR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.01-2.39], positive perceived susceptibility [AOR = 3.63, 95%CI: 2.06-6.42], positive perceived severity [AOR = 2.65, 95%CI: 1.71-4.09], positive perceived benefits [AOR = 4.85, 95%CI: 2.92-7.87] were significantly associated with health seeking behaviour. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of health care seeking behaviour towards cervical cancer screening is low in this study. To maximize the health care seeking behavior of women, further acting on perceived susceptibility, respondents' knowledge, perceived severity, and perceived benefit of the woman are crucial.

Disparities in Mammography Screening: Analyzing Barriers to Access Using Individual Patient Perspectives and the Health Belief Model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to explore Nepali women's beliefs about access to mammography screening, and motivations to get screened or not. This work was intended to be hypothesis generating for subsequent quantitative analysis and to inform policy and decision-making to improve access. METHODS: We conducted structured qualitative interviews among nine Nepali women in the Northeast of the United States receiving care at a local community health center and among nine white women receiving mammography care at a large academic medical center in the Northeast. We analyzed the transcripts using a mixed deductive (content analysis) and inductive (grounded theory) approach. Deductive codes were generated from the Health Belief Model which states that a person's belief in the real threat of a disease with their belief in the effectiveness of the recommended health service or behavior or action will predict the likelihood the person will adopt the behavior. We compared and contrasted qualitative results from both groups. RESULTS: We found that eligible Nepali women who had not received mammography screening had no knowledge of its availability and its importance. Primary care physicians emerged as a critical link in addressing this disparity: trust was found to be high among Nepali women with their established primary care provider. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the role of primary care practitioners in conversations around the importance and eligibility for mammography screening is of critical importance, especially for underserved groups with limited health knowledge of screening opportunities and potential health benefits. Follow-up research should focus on primary care practices.

In this study, we interviewed Nepali women in a small, rural state in in the Northeast of the United States who are eligible for breast cancer screening yet do not seek it to better understand their motivations f. We also interviewed women who did get mammography screening to understand their motivations. We found that eligible Nepali women who had not received mammography screening had no knowledge of its availability and its importance. Primary care physicians emerged as a critical link in addressing this disparity: trust was found to be high among Nepali women with their established primary care provider. The findings of this study suggest that the role of primary care practitioners in conversations around the importance and eligibility for mammography screening is of critical importance.

Parents' Intentions of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Students in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known as a common agent of sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer. One of the most effective ways for parents to protect their children from HPV is by ensuring they receive vaccinations. AIM: To determine the percentage of parents who intend to vaccinate their children against HPV and associated factors. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 365 parents who had children attending high school in Ha Tinh province, Vietnam, from April to May 2023, using stratified and random sampling methods. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire designed based on previous studies and the domains of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Health Belief Model. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between several factors and vaccination status. RESULT: A total of 365 participants took part in the study. The rate of parents intending to vaccinate their children against HPV was 55.9%. Knowledge about the HPV disease and vaccine (all P < .05) and the attitude of parents (P < .001) were determined as the motivation factors that affect the intention to vaccinate children against HPV. CONCLUSION: Many parents still do not have the intention to vaccinate children against HPV. Health education communication should focus on the motivation factors, not only to improve the parents' knowledge and perspective but also to increase the coverage of the vaccine to prevent cancers caused by HPV.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known as a common agent of sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer. One of the most effective ways for parents to protect their children from HPV is by ensuring they receive vaccinations. Aim: To determine the percentage of parents who intend to vaccinate their children against HPV and associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 365 parents who had children attending high school in Ha Tinh province, Vietnam in 2023, using stratified and random sampling methods. The data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire designed based on the previous studies, and domains of Theory of Planned Behavior and Health Belief Model. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between several factors and vaccination status. Result: 365 participants took part in the study. The rate of parents intending to vaccinate their children against HPV was 55.9%. Knowledge about the HPV disease and vaccine (all P < .05), and the attitude of parents (P < .001) were determined as the motivation factors that affect the intention to vaccinate children against HPV. Conclusion: Many parents still don't have the intention to vaccinate children against HPV. Health education communication should focus on the motivation factors, not only to improve the parents' knowledge and perspective but also to increase the coverage of the vaccine to prevent cancers caused by HPV.

Factors affecting cervical screening using the health belief model during the last decade: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To examine the utility of the health belief model (HBM) and other socioeconomic factors in shaping cervical screening behaviors. Also, to provide recommendations on improving screening uptake. METHODOLOGY: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane/CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for articles reporting on the factors associated with cervical screening using the HBM within the period from January of 2002 to January of 2023. Effect sizes for the various HBM constructs were pre-determined using the log odds ratio (logOR) and expressed with their confidence intervals. All reporting was in line with the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included in the final analysis comprised of 15,365 participants. Our pooled analysis demonstrated that perceived susceptibility (OR: 1.40, 95% CI, 1.03-1.89), perceived benefits (OR: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.13-1.50), and self-efficacy (OR: 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.17) were significantly associated with both the uptake of and intention to adopt preventive measures against cervical cancer. Conversely, women with higher perceptions of barriers were less likely to adopt any measure for cervical cancer screening or prevention (OR: 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.91). In terms of sociodemographic effectors, older age (OR: 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19), graduate/post-graduate education (OR: 2.80; 95% CI, 1.46-5.37), higher knowledge of cervical cancer (OR: 2.21; 95% CI, 1.27-3.84), and being married (OR: 3.89; 95% CI, 1.38-10.92) were all associated with altering preventive behaviors and intentions toward cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: This review delineates the most important and effective cognitive components that should be targeted within interventions aiming to promote cervical cancer prevention.

Effect of an educational intervention based on health belief model on preventive behaviors against malaria in over 18-year-old Afghan immigrants living in Parsian.

BACKGROUND: Malaria disease is one of the most dangerous protozoan parasitic infections with a high mortality rate in developing countries. Malaria is a public health issue, especially in Hormozgan province, and is highly affected by foreign immigrants (Pakistani and Afghani); thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on the promotion of malaria prevention behaviors in Afghani immigrants over the age of 18. The participants resided in Persian city in Hormozgan province. METHODS: The present quasi-experimental study was conducted on 200 Afghans immigrants over 18 years of age who visited four comprehensive health service centers in Parsian city, south of Iran in June until December 2023. Sampling was by cluster method. In this way, the health centers were considered as clusters, and then 4 centers were randomly selected from among them (two centers of the control group and two centers of the intervention group) and participants were selected by a systematic random method by list of records in the National Integrated Health Record System (called SIB) (100participants control group, 100 participants intervention group). The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the HBM before and after the educational intervention An educational program was designed and implemented to promote preventive behaviors against malaria in five sessions using different strategies and based on the HBM for the intervention group. The data were analyzed using independent-samples T-test, paired-samples T-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, analysis of covariance and linear regression. All statistical analyses and hypothesis testing were done in IBM SPSS version 25, at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: In the intervention group, there was a significant difference in the mean scores of knowledge (6.48, 95% CI: 5.9,7.05), perceived susceptibility (10.57, 95% CI: 10.03, 11.1), perceived severity (16.61, 95% CI: 15.83, 16.83), perceived self-efficacy (18.26, 95% CI: 17.55, 18.96), perceived benefits (15.43, 95% CI: 14.68, 16.17), perceived barriers (-22.49, 95% CI: -23.63, -21.30), cues to action (15.06, 95% CI: 14.36, 15.75), and preventive behaviors (20.05, 95% CI: 19.44, 20.65), before and after the educational intervention. P-value < 0.001. The regression analysis showed that the constructs of perceived susceptibility (T = 4.72, P < 0.001), cues to action (T = 5.30, P < 0.001)and perceived self-efficacy (T = 4.93, P < 0.001) led to the greatest change in malaria prevention behaviors(R-Square = 0.549). CONCLUSION: The present findings showed that the HBM -based intervention was effective in preventive behaviors against malaria in Afghans. It is recommended to design suitable educational interventions in order to increase the perceived susceptibility, cues to action and self-efficacy in order to improve preventive behaviors against malaria in Afghans.

Structural equation modeling analysis of health belief model-based determinants of COVID-19 preventive behavior of academic staff: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite COVID-19 being highly contagious and spreading to several countries, the university community has overlooked prevention measures. For more than five decades, the Health Belief Model (HBM) has been a widely used conceptual framework in health behavior. structural equation modeling(SEM) analysis is an advanced statistical method capable of rectifying failures of the basic models and showing complex relations Thus this study aimed to determine the magnitude of COVID-19 prevention behavior and identify its associated factors using HBM and SEM analysis. METHOD: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among academic staff of the University of Gondar in Ethiopia from April 10 to May 10/2021. Daniel Soper's sample size calculator was used to determine the sample size. Proportional allocation to each campus followed by a simple random sampling technique was employed to select study subjects. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Structural equation modeling analysis was employed to show the relationship between health belief model constructs and their effect on preventive behavior. RESULT: A total of 602 academic staff participated. The magnitude of good COVID-19 preventive behavior was 24.8%. The HBM explained 55% of the variance in preventive behavior. Perceived barriers (ß = -0.37, p < 0.05), self-efficacy (ß = 0.32, p < 0.05), perceived susceptibility (ß = 0.23, p < 0.05), and perceived benefit (ß = 0.16, p < 0.05) were the direct significant predictors of COVID 19 prevention behavior. CONCLUSION: only a quarter of the academic staff have good COVID-19 preventive behavior. The HBM explained a great amount of variance in preventive behavior and Perceived barriers, benefits, susceptibility, and self-efficacy significantly associated with prevention behavior. Carefully planned intervention that considers those significant perceptions should be designed and implemented to raise COVID-19 prevention behavior.

Cross-Cultural Patient Counseling and Communication in the Integrative Medicine Setting: Respecting the Patient's Health Belief Model of Care.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Communicating effectively with patients having a traditional, alternative or complementary medicine-related health-belief model is challenging in today's cross-cultural society. This narrative review explores the integrative medicine setting of care, focusing on insights from the integrative oncology daily practice, while addressing the relevance to the mental health setting. The way in which healthcare providers can enhance cultural-sensitive communication with patients and informal caregivers; recognize and respect health-beliefs to bridge cultural gaps; and generate an open, non-judgmental and mindful dialogue are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Identifying cross-cultural barriers to healthcare provider-patient communication is important in order to address the potential for conflict between conventional and "alternative" health beliefs; difficulties in creating a shared-decision making process; disagreement on therapeutic goals and treatment plan; and finally, the potential for non-compliance or non-adherence to the conventional oncology treatment. Acquiring intercultural competencies is needed at all stages of medical education, and should be implemented in medical and nursing curricula, as well as during specialization and sub-specialization. As with patient-centered paradigms of care, integrative medicine entails a dual patient-centered and sensitive-cultural approach, based on a comprehensive bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of care.

Optimal self-protection and health risk perceptions: Exploring connections between risk theory and the Health Belief Model.

In this contribution to the longstanding risk theory debate on optimal self-protection, we aim to enrich the microeconomic modeling of self-protection, in the wake of Ehrlich and Becker (1972), by exploring the representation of risk perception at the core of the Health Belief Model (HBM), a conceptual framework extremely influential in Public Health studies (Janz and Becker, 1984). In our two-period model, we highlight the crucial role of risk perception in the individual decision to adopt a preventive behavior toward a generic health risk. We discuss the optimal prevention effort engaged by an agent displaying either imperfect knowledge of the susceptibility (probability of occurrence) or the severity (magnitude of the loss) of a health hazard, or facing uncertainty on these risk components. We assess the impact of risk aversion and prudence on the optimal level of self-protection, a critical issue in the risk and insurance economic literature, yet often overlooked in HBM studies. Our results pave the way for the design of efficient information instruments to improve health prevention when risk perceptions are biased.

The relationship between men's health literacy levels and their health beliefs and attitudes towards prostate cancer screening: A case study in a rural area.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between health literacy level and health beliefs and attitudes regarding prostate cancer screening in males aged 40-70 who lived in rural areas and had not been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The sample of the study consisted of 379 men. The data were collected between January and December 2022 using the "Participant Information Form," the "Turkey Health Literacy-32 Scale," and the "Prostate Cancer Screening Health Belief Model Scale." 58% of the participants are between the ages of 40-55. It was determined that 61.2% defined cancer as a fatal disease, only 14.2% had PSA in their blood and 21.6% had DRE. The average health literacy scale total score of the participants is 33.76 ± 11.55. The health literacy level of men was found to be limited in 14.8%. There was a negative relationship between the total scores of the health literacy scale and the susceptibility perception, seriousness perception, and barriers perception sub-dimensions of the Health Belief Model Scale of Cancer Screenings and a positive relationship between the total scores of the Health Literacy Scale and health motivation and benefits perception subdimensions (p < .001). As a result, men living in rural areas should be given individual counseling by health professionals to use screening tests for cancer symptoms and early diagnosis. In addition, men's health literacy levels should be increased by providing planned and regular health education in order to create positive attitudes and perceptions regarding cancer screenings, especially prostate cancer.

Determining the predictors of preventive behaviors adopted by pregnant women against COVID-19 based on the Health Belief Model constructs: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women face great challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explain the main dimensions of adoption of self-care behaviors against COVID-19 based on the health belief model(HBM) in pregnant women. METHODS: This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted in Iran, at the end of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, between January and April 2021. Two hundred and thirty pregnant women who referred to Urmia health centers were selected using multi-stage random sampling. The data were collected using an online questionnaire including items that measured the participants' demographic characteristics, the knowledge questionnaire, the HBM items, and questions assessing the adoption of self-care behaviors against COVID-19. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Descriptive statistics, bivariate Pearson's correlation test, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that the rate of self-care behaviors against COVID-19 in the pregnant women participating in the present study was not very favorable. It was also shown that among the constructs of the HBM, knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers were the most important predictors of adopting self-care behaviors with a variance of 24% change among the pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers were found in this study as the strongest predictors of self-care behaviors among pregnant women. Thus, it is suggested to implement interventions commensurate with the results of this study.

Narratives of resilience: Understanding Iranian breast cancer survivors through health belief model and stress-coping theory for enhanced interventions.

Breast cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with Iran experiencing particularly high incidence and mortality rates. Understanding the adaptation process of Iranian breast cancer survivors' post-treatment is crucial. This study explores the health perceptions, barriers, and coping mechanisms of Iranian survivors by integrating Stress-Coping Theory (SCT) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 survivors, and a grounded theory approach guided the deductive content analysis of the data. The findings reveal key themes, including perceived susceptibility, benefits, barriers to care, cues to action, self-efficacy, and appraisal of action. Perceived susceptibility highlights diagnostic challenges stemming from practitioner errors and symptom misconceptions. Perceived benefits underscore the importance of early detection and support from healthcare providers and families. Barriers include cultural and financial obstacles, while cues to action reflect the influence of media, family, and personal experiences on healthcare-seeking behavior. The study also examines coping strategies, such as problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches, along with family support and external stressors. To address these barriers and enhance support systems, the study suggests specific strategies for healthcare providers, including targeted training to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient communication. Culturally sensitive awareness campaigns can correct symptom misconceptions, while financial counseling can mitigate economic barriers. Establishing community-based support groups and involving family members in care plans can enhance emotional and psychological support. These strategies aim to overcome the identified barriers and improve support systems for Iranian breast cancer survivors, ultimately fostering better recovery outcomes.

Cervical cancer screening adoption behaviours among Nigerian women in academics: using a health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Cervical Cancer is the commonest and one of the leading causes of death from cancer among women in developing countries. Screening has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from the illness, yet its uptake is low. This study investigated the pattern of utilization and preferences relating to the adoption of cervical screening among female postgraduate students at the University of Ibadan. METHODOLOGY: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving the use of a multi-stage sampling technique to recruit 372 women undergoing postgraduate studies (20-52 years with a mean age of 27.3 ± 5.4) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A pretested semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and the coded data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20). RESULTS: Only 4.0% of the respondents had been screened for Cervical Cancer at the time of study while 86.3% expressed their desire to be screened if given the opportunity. Most participants showed a favourable perception with 70.4% disagreeing that cervical cancer is a mild disease and 50.5% agreeing that the benefits of cervical cancer screening outweigh the stress of the screening procedure. Female doctors (73.2%) topped the list of health professionals' respondents who preferred to conduct the screening. A majority (70.7%) of the respondents preferred these screenings to be done during antenatal clinic visits. There is a significant association (p.value = 0.0007) between cervical cancer screening behaviors and sexual activity among women. CONCLUSION: Poor utilization of Cervical cancer screening services is seen among Nigerian women undergoing postgraduate studies but a high willingness to utilize the services in the future with consideration to professionals delivering the service and specific locations where it can be obtained. The poor rate of cervical cancer screening from the study depicts the large extent to which cases of this cancer go without being detected till the advanced stages. Rolling out more screening strategies that will explore different service delivery points/preferences as highlighted in the study is needed for larger coverage.

Understanding factors for adhering to health recommendations during COVID-19 among older adults - a qualitative interview study using health belief model as analytical framework.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique possibility to broaden the understanding of people's reactions to a global crisis. Early on, it became evident that older adults were particularly vulnerable to the virus and that the actions of this age group would be crucial to the outcome. This qualitative interview study uses the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework as an analytical tool to examine older people's experiences of adherence to recommendations during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to view this study in the context of Sweden's voluntary restrictions, which further highlight the unique nature of this research. METHOD: In April-May 2020, 41 adults aged 70-85 participated in unstructured phone interviews. The objective was to investigate older adults' perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly their understanding of the disease and the conditions that influenced their adherence to health recommendations. HBM was used as an analytical framework to guide the analysis of the interviews. RESULTS: Despite perceiving COVID-19 as a severe threat to health and society, participants did not let fear dominate their responses. Instead, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and a proactive approach. For some, the perceived susceptibility to the disease was the primary motivator for adherence to the Swedish national recommendations. Notably, trust in the authorities and family members' requests significantly bolstered adherence. Moreover, adherence was found to contribute to feelings of safety. Conversely, potential barriers to adhering to recommendations included missing loved ones and frustration with sometimes ambiguous information from authorities. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that older adults are willing to adhere to voluntary restrictions during a global pandemic. Relatives of older people are a resource for communicating information regarding safety and health messages, a message that is preferably thorough and consistent. Further, much can be gained if loneliness during isolation can be mitigated since missing loved ones appears to be a potential barrier to adherence.

Predictive ability of the health belief model in HIV testing and counselling uptake among youth aged 15-24 in La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Majority of new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive persons in Ghana are aged 15-24. HIV prevalence among persons aged 15-24 years, a proxy for new infections, remained stable at 1.5% for 2017 and 2018, making it a significant public health concern. Yet only 26.4% of females and 8.6% of males aged 15-24 years know their HIV status. This study determined the predictive ability of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in HIV testing and counselling (HTC) uptake among youth (15-24 years) in the La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality, Ghana. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was adopted for the study, using a multistage sampling method to select 415 youth aged 15-24. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and analysed using binomial logistic regression with STATA software version 16.0 at p < 0.05 significance level and at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: HTC uptake was 29.2%. Perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and perceived self-efficacy predicted HTC uptake. Youths with a high-risk perception for contracting HIV [OR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.46, 6.30, p = 0.003], who perceived that they can contract HIV if not protected [OR = 3.69; 95% CI = 1.47, 9.22, p = 0.005], and worry about getting HIV [OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.61, 5.69, p < 0.001] (perceived susceptibility) were more likely to uptake HTC. Youths who had no trust issues with health workers [OR = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.46, 8.53, p = 0.005] and those who were not afraid of positive HIV test results [OR = 5.29; 95% CI = 2.66, 10.51, p,0.001] (perceived barriers) were more likely to uptake HTC. Youths who had no difficulties in turning up for appointments (perceived self-efficacy) had higher odds of HTC uptake [OR = 11.89, 95% CI = 6.73, 20.98, P < 0.001]. For the modifying factors, being married [OR = 2.96; 95% CI = 1.65-5.33], and having knowledge of HTC [OR = 9.10; 95% CI = 2.16-38.3], significantly influenced HTC uptake. CONCLUSION: Health promotion interventions to increase HTC uptake should focus on heightening the perception of susceptibility to HIV, reducing the barriers to HTC uptake, and increasing the self-efficacy for HTC uptake. The interventions should also target the significant modifying factors.

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses among the Adult Population in Ghana: a cross-sectional study using the Health Belief Model.

BACKGROUND: The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a widely utilised framework for understanding vaccination behaviour against COVID-19. This study assessed the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Ghana and identified predictors using HBM domains, including perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action. Additionally, it examined the sources of information about COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional quantitative design, using convenient and snowball sampling methods to recruit participants. Between March 20 and May 10, 2023, 822 Ghanaians completed a predesigned self-administered online survey via commonly used social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn). The study used a binary logistic regression to predict COVID-19 booster dose acceptance. RESULTS: The respondents had a mean age of 29.3 ± 6.2, with 55.5 being males, 53.0% being single/never married, 93.7% having tertiary education, 83.0% being Christians, 59.1% were healthcare workers, 57.8% residing in urban areas, 95.5% having no chronic disease, 90.6% reporting negative COVID-19 history, and 78.3% reporting no reported relative/friend infected with COVID-19. The study showed that 81.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 78.4 - 83.8%] of respondents received the COVID-19 vaccine, and 58.3% [95% CI = 54.2 - 62.5%] of respondents were willing to accept the COVID-19 booster dose. The main reasons for non-acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses were personal reasons (41.7%) and experienced side effects or fear of side effects (32.4%). Regression analysis revealed that perceived benefits and perceived barriers (specifically worrying about serious risk factors) were the significant predictors of accepting COVID-19 booster doses in Ghana. CONCLUSIONS: Many respondents were willing to receive the COVID-19 booster dose. Personal reasons, fear of side effects, and experienced side effects were the main reasons for refusing COVID-19 booster doses. Perceived benefits and perceived barriers predicted COVID-19 booster dose acceptance in Ghana. Policymakers should consider these factors in designing public health interventions to increase the patronage of COVID-19 booster doses.

The sound of safety: exploring the determinants of prevention intention in noisy industrial workplaces.

Occupational noise exposure is a pervasive issue in many industries, leading to a range of health issues and sleep disturbances among workers. Additionally, there is a strong desire among these workers to prevent industrial accidents. This study, aimed at enhancing worker health and well-being, utilized a survey distributed by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to field workers. Data from 1285 workers were collected and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify and understand the factors affecting prevention intention in noisy work environments. Our findings indicate that health problems resulting from occupational noise exposure significantly influence insomnia, perceived severity of potential accidents, perceived benefits of preventive measures, and perceived barriers. Perceived severity was significantly correlated with prevention intention, emphasizing the role of risk perception in motivating preventive behaviors. Perceived benefits were also significantly associated with prevention intention, highlighting the importance of positive outcomes in influencing workers' behaviors. Additionally, perceived barriers showed a significant relationship with prevention intention, suggesting that overcoming these barriers is crucial in promoting preventive behaviors. Demographic factors such as gender displayed a significant association with prevention intention, while age did not. This study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted factors influencing workers' intention to prevent industrial accidents in noisy environments, underlining the importance of comprehensive data collection tools in understanding these dynamics.

The effect of educational intervention based on health belief model on colorectal cancer screening behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the second most prevalent cause of death from malignancies globally. The present study was conducted targeting the influence of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) on colorectal cancer screening behaviors in people 50 years old and older. METHODS: All 134 samples were included in this quasi-experimental study from Fasa City Health Service Center, equal halves were random into experimental group and control group. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that contained questions on demographic variables, knowledge, and HBM constructs (perceived sensitivity, perceived intensity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and screening behaviors). Both groups answered the questionnaire before and two months following the intervention. There were six 90-minute instruction sessions for the intervention group. SPSS 22 and descriptive and analytical tests (independent t-test, paired t-test, and Chi-square test) were used for data analysis (P < 0.05). RESULTS: 59 women and 75 men took part in this study. A majority of participants were married and had at least high school diploma. The findings indicated that the mean scores for knowledge, each of the HBM's constructs, and cancer screening behaviors did not differ significantly from one another before the intervention between the test group and the control group. However, post the intervention, the intervention group exhibited a significant rise in all mentioned dimensions. CONCLUSION: In light of the outcomes, the application of the HBM on colorectal cancer screening behaviors in people 50 years and older was successful. This approach might serve as a helpful foundation for planning, carrying out, and overseeing colorectal cancer screening programs.

Behavioral, cognitive and emotional determinants of getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and the mediating role of institutional trust among young adults in Cyprus.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination uptake is a complex behavior, influenced by numerous factors. Behavioral science theories are commonly used to explain the psychosocial determinants of an individual's health behavior. This study examined the behavioural, cognitive, and emotional determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention based on well-established theoretical models: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Additionally, it examined the mediating role of institutional trust in the relationship between determinants of these models and vaccination intentions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2022, where university students in Cyprus completed an online survey. RESULTS: A total of 484 university students completed the online survey, with 23.8% reporting being vaccinated with fewer than three vaccination doses and/or no intention to vaccinate further. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis showed that higher scores in institutional trust, perceived severity, motivation, physical and psychological capability were significantly associated with higher odds of intending to vaccinate. Higher psychological flexibility and not being infected with COVID-19 were also associated with higher odds of vaccination intention, but not in the final model when all determinants were included. Additionally, significant indirect effects of psychological and physical capability, motivation and perceived severity on vaccination intention were found to be mediated by institutional trust. CONCLUSIONS: When tackling COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy, behavioural, cognitive, and emotional aspects should be considered. Stakeholders and policymakers are advised to implement targeted vaccination programs in young people while at the same time building trust and improving their capabilities and motivation towards getting vaccinated.