[Application of a health belief model for explaining mammography behavior by using structural equation model in women in Sanandaj]

In Iran like other developing countries, age of breast cancer is lower, in comparison to the developed countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of mammography behavior with demographic factors and health belief model constructs to perform mammography behavior and also to assess the predictive power of this model. In this cross-sectional study we selected 593 non lactating and non-pregnant women of 40 years of age and older without breast cancer by random clustered sampling method. Demographic data, history of previous mammography and data about HBM [perceived susceptibility, severity, self-efficacy, health motivation, benefits, and barriers] were collected by using self-report questionnaires. SPSS and LISREL software were used for data analysis. Following perceived susceptibility [r=0.48] and perceived barriers, [r=0.17], self-efficacy showed the highest correlation [r=0.61] with mammogram performance [p<0.001]. Breast problem, marital status, family history of breast cancer had significant effects on mammography performance. Self-efficacy [regression coefficient=0.86] and perceived susceptibility [regression coefficient=0.65] had the most direct effect on mammography [p<0.01-0.001]. High power exponent of the variance in mammography behavior shows efficacy of HBM as a theoretical framework for studying the behavior of mammography. Low rate of mammogram performance indicates the need for intervention programs aimed at increasing mammography behavior

[Application of the health promotion model in studying physical activity behavior of students in Sanandaj, Iran]

There is evidence that physical activity declines during adolescence in Western countries. However, this pattern has not yet been shown in Iranian youth. The purpose of this study was to detect changes in physical activity behaviors, psychological factors [including perceived benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy], and interpersonal influences associated with exercise behavior during the transition from secondary school to high school in Sanandaj, Iran. The data on a group of high school students in Sanadaj were collected in a cross-sectional study in 2006, with a follow-up in 2009. The study population in 2009 included 844 students [51% males and 49% females] with a mean age of 16.42 +/- 1.73 years. Data on physical activity-related perceived benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and interpersonal influences, as well as physical activity behavior, was collected, using self-reporting questionnaires. The SPSS-16 software was used for data analysis. The test of time effects indicated significant differences between the 2 sexes as regards physical activity and most of the psychological variables and interpersonal influences associated with exercise activities. The girls had less physical activity than boys at both time points. The duration of moderate physical activity at the first time point was 31.82 and 53.75 minutes for girls and boys, respectively; the corresponding values at the follow-up were 23.7 and 44.7 minutes. Girls had lower self-efficacy and fewer perceived benefits and more perceived barriers for physical activity over time. The correlation test indicated more stability of family interpersonal influences for girls than for boys. The results of this study provide evidence for decreased physical activity in boys and girls and sex differences in cognitive variables and interpersonal influences

[Stages of change of inter-dental cleaning behavior based on trans-theoretical model among pre-university students in Yazd, Iran]

Orodental diseases have harmful outcomes in children and adults and encompass 5-10% of the total cost of health care. Trans-theoretical model predicts change and time of behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine stages of inter-dental cleaning behavior based on trans-theoretical model in male and female students in Yazd, Iran. This cross-sectional study included 361 pre-university students from 8 schools by cluster sampling method. Data were collected and recorded in a valid and reliable questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, self-efficacy questions, and decisional balance [perceived advantages and perceived obstacles] and stages of change in inter-dental cleaning behavior. The data were analyzed by using SPSS software. 54.8% of the subjects were female and 45.2% male with a mean age of 17.35 +/- .55 years.%50 of students [n=179] were in pre-contemplation, 5.3% [n=19] in contemplation, 24.1% [n=87] in preparation, 8.6% [n=31] in action and 12.5% [n=5] in maintenance stages of inter-dental cleaning behavior. There was a positive significant relationship among stages of change with self-efficacy [r=0.33] and perceived benefits [r=0.19] also existed negative significant relation between stages of change and perceived barriers [r= -0.19]. Constructs of the model were statically significant predictors of stages of change and accounted for 0.15% of the variation, so that self efficacy was the most important predictor [beta=0.212]. In this study, most students were in pre contemplation stage. They will be probably exposed to dental caries in the future. Trans-theoretical model can be used to determine strategies for every stage of change of teeth-mouth self-care behavior and also for educational interventions and programs

Application of the health promotion model to predict stages of exercise behaviour in Iranian adolescents

A cluster random sample of 1073 students in the Islamic Republic of Iran [mean age 14.37 years] completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of an exercise measure, selected constructs of Pender's health promotion model and an assessment of stages of behaviour change in exercise. In multivariate discriminant analysis, exercise self-efficacy, perceived barriers to exercise, perceived benefits of exercise and exercise behaviour were significant predictors of the stage of exercise behaviour change for both female and male adolescents. The findings support the importance of self-efficacy for engaging in physical activity for both sexes of Iranian adolescents. The barriers faced by Iranian girls should be considered in interventions to increase physical activity rates