ABSTRACT
This paper reports on the predictors of high school students' oral health behaviors [OHBs] based on the Pender's Health Promotion Model [HPM] in an attempt to identify effective factors that may be addressed through intervention efforts. A multistage cluster sample of 403 high school students were recruited from 8 high schools in Marivan County, Iran. The study was conducted between April and July, 2010. Appropriate instruments were used to measure the relevant variables. The statistical analysis of the data included bivariate correlations, t-test, one-way ANOVA and linear regression. All HPM variables [perceived self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers, activity-related affects, interpersonal and situational influences and commitment to a plan of OHBs] were significantly related to OHBs among the respondents [p<0.01], and a negative association was found between OHBs and perceived barriers [p<0.01]. All HPM variables were statistically significant predictors of OHBs and accounted for 42.2% of the variance. Promotion of interpersonal influences and the students' perceived self-efficacy and also commitment to a plan of action should be priorities of any program aimed at promoting OHBs among students. School health care providers should suggest strategies to overcome the barriers of performing OHBs, rather than noting the benefits of these behaviors
ABSTRACT
Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] can get a considerable impact on patients' quality of life. Path analysis is an exact statistical method for determining the best causative model of variables. So, the aim of this paper is application of regression based path analysis for introduction of the best model of RA quality of life determinants, using Precede Model constructs. This analytic study was carried out on non-probability sample of 181 outpatients with RA, referred to a rheumatology clinic in the city of Yazd in Iran. Appropriate instruments included questions regarding Precede model constructs were used to measure the variables. Data were analysed using regression based path analysis method by means of SPSS software. Health status and enabling factors had a direct effect on quality of life within which health status had the most powerful effect. Self-care behaviors, predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors had an indirect effect on quality of life through health status. After health status, self-care behaviors are the second powerful predictor of quality of life in RA patients and then enabling factors is the third one. Precede model could be used as an conceptual framework for designing and implementing educational intervention programs to promote quality of life in RA patients. Enabling factors were found as the most powerful factors in the educational and ecological diagnostic stage of predictors of quality of life in RA patients and need to be considered carefully, while designing intervention programs