Saf Health Work.  2015 Jun;6(2):139-142. 10.1016/j.shaw.2014.12.001.

Predictors of Hepatitis B Preventive Behavioral Intentions in Healthcare Workers

• Morowatishaifabad MA
• Zare Sakhvidi MJ
• Gholianavval M
• Masoudi Boroujeni D
• Alavijeh M

• KMID: 2317186
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2014.12.001

Abstract

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 +/- 4.08 vs. 28.41 +/- 3.93, p < 0.01) and preventive behavioral intentions (5.05 +/- 1.43 vs. 4.45 +/- 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.

Keyword

health care workers; hepatitis B; occupational exposure; risk perceptions

MeSH Terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Cues
Delivery of Health Care*
Health Personnel
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
Hepatitis B*
Humans
Intention*
Iran
Occupational Exposure
Psychometrics
Surveys and Questionnaires
Vaccination
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens