ABSTRACT
Background: This study aimed to investigate COVID-19 protective behaviors of Iranian healthcare workers (HCWs) using an extended parallel process model (EPPM). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted online on a convenience sample of 418 Iranian HCWs in 2020. Data were gathered using a standardized electronic questionnaire published on the Porsline website, designed based on the EPPM, to assess the relationships between different constructs of EPPM and COVID-19 protective behaviors. For data analysis, statistical tests, such as descriptive tests, independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation test, and multiple regression analysis, were performed in SPSS version 18. Results: Most participants (40.4%) were in the age group of 30-40 years, and most were female (70.6%). Significant associations were found between COVID-19 protective behaviors and EPPM constructs of perceived self-efficacy (r = 0.373, P = 0.000), perceived response efficacy (r = 0.120, P = 0.014), and intention (r = 0.462, P = 0.000). Perceived self-efficacy (P = 0.000, beta = 0.398) and behavioral intention (P - 0.000;Beta - 0.283) were predictors of protective behaviors. Also, 34.4% of the HCWs were involved in the danger control process. Conclusions: Only one-third of the HCWs contributed to the process of COVID-19 danger control. The HCWs' motivation for protection against COVID-19 depended on their perception of self-efficacy and their perceived efficacy of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. The present results can be used to design and implement training programs to improve the protective behaviors of HCWs.
ABSTRACT
Aims: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder affecting a person directly or indirectly that may appear as a threat to physical security, death or death threat, natural disasters, war, etc. The purpose of this study is to assess of PTSD in Iranian Healthcare Workers (HCWs) dealing with COVID-19. Material & Methods: The present study was conducted cross-sectional and online, from 5 May to 23 August 2020, on 418 Iranian HCWs, including (physician, nurse & laboratory technician, health worker, administrative staff, radiologist). Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire through the Porsline site by convenience sampling method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS 16 software. Findings: Most participants in the study (40.4%) were in the age group of 30 to 39 years. Out of 286 individuals who had reported PTSD symptoms, the majority were women (73.1%) and married (71.3%). Among the HCWs with PTSD, 16% had mild, 14.8% had moderate, and 37.6% had severe symptoms, and 31.6% were asymptomatic. PTSD had a statistically significant relationship to gender, type of employment, smoking, a history of specific diseases, the probability of exposure with coronavirus, and a history of contacts with a COVID-19 patient (P< 0.05) Conclusion: Most of HCWs (two thirds) had some degrees of PTSD. Due to the professional and vital importance and role of this group in health systems and communities, providing appropriate psychological solutions and techniques and tailored interventions to promote the physical and mental health of Healthcare Workers must be considered in priorities. © 2022, Tarbiat Modares University. All rights reserved.