Predictors of Hepatitis B Preventive Behavioral Intentions in Healthcare Workers

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.