A Latent Profile Analysis of COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy among Economically Marginalized Hispanic Mothers of Children under Five Years of Age in the US.

Rates of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine coverage among Hispanic young children continue to be low in comparison to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This study utilized a person-centered approach to understand COVID-19 and influenza vaccination hesitancy for young children under the age of five among 309 economically marginalized Hispanic mothers. Drawing on the cultural health belief model, in 2022, following FDA approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for young children, a latent profile analysis was conducted from which three profiles emerged. The Low Acculturation group (Profile 1), was notable for lower acculturation, moderate cultural medical mistrust, lower access to vaccines, and higher financial security. Compared to Profile 1, the two remaining profiles had higher acculturation and lower levels of financial security, but differed in that the High Acculturation group (Profile 2) had higher vaccine accessibility and the Moderate Acculturation group (Profile 3) had higher cultural medical mistrust. Relative to other profiles, Low Acculturation mothers were more likely to plan to vaccinate their child against current and seasonal COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, report that their child's health provider recommended the COVID-19 shot and reported lower COVID-19 and influenza vaccine mistrust. However, they also reported lower vaccine accessibility and moderate levels of cultural medical mistrust. The study highlights the importance of developing person-centered public health strategies that draw on Hispanic cultural values and consider diversity within lower income Hispanic populations to increase future pediatric COVID-19 and flu vaccination coverage among young Hispanic children.

Investigating Saudi Nursing Students' Health Beliefs about Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Examination: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Health Belief Model.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular cancer (TC) is a serious health issue, which requires early detection through testicular self-examination (TSE). OBJECTIVES: To investigate Saudi nursing students' health beliefs about TC and TSE using the Health Belief Model (HBM) scale and assess the validity and reliability of the HBM scale. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of 374 nursing students from six nursing colleges in different cities in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires that included demographic and academic information, as well as a valid and reliable HBM scale for TC and TSE. RESULTS: Most participants were single (88.8 %), in their third year of nursing education (43.9 %), had excellent or very good health (83.2%), had no family history of TC (88.9%), and had no medical problems with their testicles (92.8%). The participants had low susceptibility to TC and moderate beliefs about the seriousness of TC. Furthermore, participants reported moderate levels of perceived benefits and health motivation for preventing TC and practicing TSE, but high levels of perceived barriers and low levels of self-efficacy for practicing TSE. The internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha) of susceptibility, benefits and health motivation, seriousness, barriers, self-efficacy, and health motivation and promotion sub-scales was 0.91, 0.89, 0.88, 0.84, 0.67, and 0.65, respectively. Significant relationship between students' performing TSE and their health beliefs about Susceptibility (t=1.93, p=0.04) and Seriousness of having TC (t=2.88, p=0.03), and self-efficacy (t=3.91, p<0.001) and barriers (t=-2.51, p=0.04) to practice TSE. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that Saudi nursing students had moderate levels of health beliefs about TC and TSE, with high perceived barriers and low levels of self-efficacy for practicing TSE.

Preventive Health Behaviours among Adolescents and Their Parents during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Light of the Health Beliefs Model.

This article analysed the relationship between the preventive health behaviours of parents and teenagers during the COVID-19 outbreak, taking the Health Beliefs Model (HBM) as a point of reference. We assumed that parents' behaviours may be a cue to action for adolescents, looking at their preventive health behaviours regarding vaccination against COVID-19, as well as vaccination intention (among unvaccinated people); wearing protective masks where it is compulsory and where it is not obligatory; and maintaining physical distance and disinfecting hands in public places. The collected data were statistically analysed using the Statistica version 13.3 software package for advanced statistical data analysis. Descriptive statistics and correlation for non-parametric data (Spearman's correlation) were used. Research on a sample of 201 parents and their children revealed that young people engage in preventive behaviour less frequently than parents, but that the likelihood of such behaviour increases if they have a parent's cue to action. When formulating recommendations, we considered the gender of the surveyed parents, as the questionnaire was mainly completed by women, which may be an indicator of the unequal involvement in addressing the topic of the pandemic and preventive health behaviours, including attitudes towards vaccines.

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines among Adults in Lilongwe, Malawi: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on the Health Belief Model.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant economic and social impact on Malawi. Promoting vaccination is a key protection measure against COVID-19. Employing the health beliefs model (HBM), this study explores various factors that influence COVID-19 vaccination acceptance (intentions and behavior) among adult residents of Malawi. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. A field-based survey was conducted among adult residents in Lilongwe, Malawi. Descriptive statistics, linear regression, the Chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation statistics were used for data analysis. A total of 758 questionnaires were involved. Respondents aged 18-24 (OR = 5.079, 95% CI 2.303-11.202), 25-34 (OR = 2.723, 95% CI 1.363-5.438), urban residents (OR = 1.915, 95% CI 1.151-3.187), graduates/professionals (OR = 1.193, 95% CI 0.857-1.651), health workers (OR = 4.080, 95% CI 1.387-12.000), perceived susceptibility (OR = 1.787, 95% CI 1.226-2.605), perceived benefit (OR = 2.992, 95% CI 1.851-4.834), and action cues (OR = 2.001, 95% CI 1.285-3.115) were predictors for "acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine". The health belief model structure can be used as a good predictor of vaccine acceptance, especially "perceived susceptibility," "perceived benefit," and "action cues". Strengthening COVID-19 vaccine education in these areas will be an important future intervention.

COVID-19: a influência de fatores psicossociais na crença acerca da pertinência do isolamento social no Brasil / COVID-19: The influence of psychosocial factors in the belief of relevance of social isolation in Brazil / COVID-19: la influencia de los factores psicosociales en la creencia sobre la relevancia del aislamiento social en Brasil

A pandemia de COVID-19 impele a compreensão de diferentes aspectos que condicionam a formação da percepção social acerca deste fenômeno. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar variáveis psicossociais que predizem a adesão à crença de que isolamento social previne o contágio de COVID-19. Para isto se realizou um estudo correlacional, no qual responderam a um questionário online 498 participantes com idade média de 34,9 anos. Um questionário sociodemográfico, escalas de atitudes e crenças em saúde compuseram os instrumentos de pesquisa. Análises descritivas, correlações e análise de regressão linear múltipla foram utilizadas. Os resultados demonstraram que atitudes políticas contribuem na formação da crença acerca do isolamento social no contexto da COVID-19. As interrelações demonstraram que identidades políticas desempenham papel importante na adesão aos discursos de instituições sanitárias ou políticas. Evidencia-se que dimensões psicossociais devem ser levadas em consideração no enfrentamento ao contágio da COVID-19.

The pandemic of the COVID-19 can lead to understanding several aspects of the social formation perception about this phenomenon. This study aimed to identify psychosocial variables that predict the adoption of the belief that social isolation prevents the infection of COVID-19. A correlational study was used with 498 people who answered an online questionnaire. The average age was 34.9 years. The research instrument was composed of sociodemographic questionnaire, scales of attitudes and health beliefs mode scale. Descriptive analysis, correlations and multiple linear regression analysis were used. The results revealed that political attitudes contribute to the formation of the belief about social isolation in the context of COVID-19. Interrelations have shown that political identities have an important role in adhering to the policies of health or political institutions. It has been shown that psychosocial dimensions must be taken into account when facing the contagion from COVID-19.

La pandemia del COVID-19 requiere comprender diferentes aspectos que condicionan la formación de la percepción social sobre este fenómeno. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las variables psicosociales que predicen la adopción de la creencia de que el aislamiento social previene el contagio de COVID-19. Se realizó un estudio correlacional, en el que 498 participantes con una edad promedio de 34,9 años respondieron un cuestionario online. Los instrumentos de investigación fueron: un cuestionario sociodemográfico, escalas de actitudes y creencias en salud. Se utilizaron análisis descriptivos, correlaciones y análisis de regresión lineal múltiple. Los resultados demostraron que las actitudes políticas contribuyen a la formación de la creencia sobre el aislamiento social en el contexto de COVID-19. Las interrelaciones han demostrado que las identidades políticas desempeñan un papel importante en la adhesión a los discursos de las instituciones sanitarias o las instituciones políticas. Se evidencia que hay que tener en cuenta las dimensiones psicosociales cuando se trata del contagio del COVID-19.

Examination of Breast Cancer Screening Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs among Syrian Refugee Women in a Western Canadian Province.

BACKGROUND: Women living in the Arab world present low breast cancer screening rates, delayed diagnosis, and higher mortality rates. PURPOSE: To further explore the Muslim Syrian refugee women's breast self-examination (BSE), utilization of clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive exploratory study design was used. The sample consisted of 75 refugee women. Data were collected using Champion's Health Belief Model Scale, the Cancer Stigma Scale, and the Arab Culture-Specific Barriers to Breast Cancer Questionnaire. Descriptive, Pearson correlation and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A minority of women had BSE (32%), CBE (12%) and mammograms (6.7%) anytime during their lifetime. Women's breast cancer screening (BCS) knowledge ranked at a medium level (M = 10.57, SD = 0.40). Low knowledge score, BSE information, policy opposition, responsibility, barriers to BSE, and seriousness were found to be statistically significant in women's BSE practice. BSE benefits and religious beliefs significantly predict CBE Age, education, knowledge, responsibility, susceptibility, social barriers, and religious beliefs were statistically significant in women's mammography use (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Participants' breast cancer screening practices were low. Health beliefs, Arab culture and stigma about cancer affected women's BCS practices. Faith-based interventions may improve knowledge and practices.

Enablers and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake: An international study of perceptions and intentions.

The development of COVID-19 vaccines is occurring at unprecedented speeds, but require high coverage rates to be successful. This research examines individuals' psychological beliefs that may act as enablers and barriers to vaccination intentions. Using the health beliefs model as a guide to our conceptual framework, we explore factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and health beliefs regarding risks and severity of the disease, along with individual variables such as income, age, religion, altruism, and collectivism. A questionnaire using newly created measures for various antecedents provided 4303 usable responses from Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, and the United States. A factor analytic and structural equation model indicates that trust in vaccine approval, the perceived effectiveness of the vaccine for protecting others, and conspiracy beliefs are the most significant drivers of intentions to vaccinate. Older people, those seeking employment, and those who have received a recent influenza vaccine are more likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The findings have implications for improving communication strategies targeting individuals about the merits of vaccination, particularly focusing on younger individuals and expanded message framing to include altruistic considerations, and to improve government transparency regarding the effectiveness and side effects of vaccines.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning cockroach exposure among caregivers of children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Cockroach allergen is one of the most important asthma triggers for children. There is an extensive body of research on interventions to reduce exposure. However, adherence to these interventions is low. Insight into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) associated with cockroach remediation is needed. We assessed KAP using the Health Beliefs Model (HBM) as a framework for predicting behavior. This study aimed to assess the socio-demographic and psycho-social characteristics associated with cockroach KAP and to quantify the relationship between KAP and number of cockroaches in the home. METHODS: To identify factors associated with cockroach KAP a cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to caregivers of children with asthma in New Orleans, Louisiana. Positive scores in each metric of the KAP signified better cockroach knowledge, increased concern about cockroaches' impact on health (attitudes), and participation in recommended cockroach remediation practices (practices). To evaluate cockroach KAP scores as a predictor of cockroach exposure in the home, a cohort study was conducted among a sub-sample of participants. RESULTS: Fifty-six caregivers participated in the study. Participants had positive scores on all subscales of KAP with knowledge having a lower score compared to attitudes and practices. Cockroach knowledge was inversely correlated with age at asthma diagnosis (ρ = - 0.36, p = 0.01). Caregivers identifying as black/African American had higher cockroach knowledge scores compared to other races (Median: 6.0 v 3.0; p = 0.05). Caregivers other than mothers had higher cockroach attitude scores (Median 6.5 v 4.0; p = 0.003) and total KAP scores (Median 18.0 v 14.0; p = 0.05). Twenty-six participants completed the cohort study. Cockroach exposure was not significantly associated with higher cockroach knowledge, cockroach practice, or total KAP score. For attitude scores, participants in the highest quartile had significantly lower exposure (ß: -1.96, 95% CI: - 3.50 - 0.42) compared to those in the lowest quartile (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Different socio-demographic and psycho-social factors were associated with the components of cockroach KAP. Greater concern about cockroaches (attitude) was significantly associated with reduced cockroach exposure. This highlights the importance of identifying the key elements of caregiver KAP to improve cockroach remediation among caregivers of children with asthma.

Development and Validation of a Mexican Version of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale for Breast Cancer Screening.

Although the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale for breast cancer screening has been adapted and validated in different populations worldwide, a Spanish version for the Latin American population is still not available. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale for mammograms for use with Mexican women and determine the sociodemographic, clinical, and health belief model variables which influence undergoing a mammogram. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was designed. Participants included 612 women aged 40 years and above who attended a public tertiary hospital. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, from which six factors with adequate loadings were obtained. In addition, Cronbach's alpha was used to obtain a reliability coefficient of 0.68-0.94. To obtain criterion validity, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted, with the mammogram being the dependent variable and sociodemographic, clinical, and health belief model dimensions being the predictors; perceived benefits was the variable that most influenced the obtaining of mammography. This Spanish version of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale for breast cancer screening for Mexican women was found to be valid and reliable, which means it could be a useful tool in identifying beliefs surrounding breast cancer screening.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Breakfast Eating Behavior of Children in Indonesia: An Application of the Health Belief Model / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the current state of consuming breakfast among elementary school students residing in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, and to identify factors that influence breakfast behavior.METHODS: The research model was set up as per the health belief model, and slightly modified by adding the subjective normative factors of the theory of planned behavior. The survey was conducted from July 17 to August 15, 2017 using a questionnaire, after receiving the permission PNU IRB (2017_60_HR).RESULTS: The subjects were 77 boys (49.4%) and 79 girls (50.6%) suffering from malnutrition with anemia (21.2%) and stunting ratio of Height for Age Z Score (HAZ) (11.5%). Furthermore, moderate weakness (14.8%) and overweight and obesity (12.3%) by Body Mass Index for Age Z Score (BMIZ) were coexistent. According to the results obtained for breakfast, 21.8% did not eat breakfast before school, with 18.8% of the reasons for skipping breakfast being attributed to lack of food. Even for subjects partaking breakfast, only about 10% had a good balanced diet. The average score of behavioral intention on eating breakfast was 2.60 ± 0.58. The perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy of the health belief model correlated with breakfast behavior. Of these, self-efficacy (β=0.447, R²=0.200) and perceived sensitivity (β=0.373, R²=0.139) had the greatest effect on breakfast behavior. Mother was the largest impact person among children.CONCLUSIONS: In order to increase the level of breakfast behavior intention among children surveyed in Indonesia, we determined the effectiveness by focus on education which helps the children recognize to be more likely to get sick when they don't have breakfast, and increase their confidence in ability to have breakfast on their own. We believe there is a necessity to seek ways to provide indirect intervention through mothers, as well as impart direct nutrition education to children.

The effect of snack consumption on physical activity: A test of the Compensatory Health Beliefs Model.

The Compensatory Health Beliefs Model proposes that individuals may believe that an unhealthy behaviour can be compensated for by subsequent engagement in a healthy behaviour. The present study aimed to test this proposition, specifically by examining the influence of snack consumption (healthy, unhealthy) on type of activity selected (physical, sedentary). A sample of 100 female undergraduate students (Mage = 20.41 years) were randomly assigned to consume either healthy or unhealthy snacks of comparable nutritional value. To assess potential compensatory behaviour, participants were then given the choice to engage in either a physical activity (exercise on a treadmill) or a sedentary activity (a game on an iPad). Results showed that a significantly higher proportion of participants who consumed the unhealthy snacks selected the physical activity as opposed to the sedentary activity. Perceived healthiness of the snacks, but not perceived caloric intake, mediated the relationship between snack type and activity selection. The findings provide empirical evidence for compensation proposed by the Compensatory Health Beliefs Model, whereby an unhealthy behaviour (unhealthy snack consumption) led to subsequent engagement in a healthy behaviour (physical activity).

Factors associated with intentions for breast cancer risk management: Does risk group matter?

OBJECTIVE: National guidelines provide breast cancer (BC) risk management recommendations based on estimated lifetime risk. Despite this specificity, it is unclear if women's risk management intentions are or are not guideline concordant. To address this knowledge gap, women at varying risk levels reported intentions for risk-reducing behaviors. Factors associated with intentions, informed by the Health Beliefs Model, were also studied. METHODS: Women with elevated BC risk (N = 103) were studied and categorized by risk level: moderate (15%-20%), high (greater than or equal to 20%), or very high (BRCA1/2 positive). Participants self-reported BC susceptibility, self-efficacy, and benefits, barriers, and intentions for risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM), risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), chemoprevention, improving diet or physical activity, and reducing alcohol use. RESULTS: Groups significantly differed in RRSO intentions (P < .01); BRCA1/2 positive women had greater intentions for RRSO. Groups did not differ in intentions for RRM, chemoprevention, or lifestyle changes (Ps > .28). In hierarchical linear regression models examining Health Belief Model (HBM) factors, perceived susceptibility was associated with intentions for RRM (ß = .169, P = .08). Perceived benefits was associated with intentions for RRM (ß = .237, P = .02) and chemoprevention (ß = .388, P < .01). Self-efficacy was associated with intentions for physical activity (ß = .286, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with guidelines, BRCA1/2 positive women reported greater intentions for RRSO, and risk groups did not differ in intentions for lifestyle changes. Notably, women's intentions for RRM and chemoprevention were guideline discordant; groups did not differ in intentions for these behaviors. Accounting for the effects of risk group, modifiable health beliefs were also associated with risk management intentions; these may represent targets for decision support interventions.

Escala del Modelo de Creencias de Salud para la Autoexploración de Mama en Estudiantes Universitarias / The Health Beliefs Model Scale for Breast Self-Examination in University Students

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue adaptar la escala del modelo de creencias de salud para la autoexploración de mama (AEM) en estudiantes universitarias y determinar su validez y confiabilidad. La escala de modelo de creencias de salud sobre la AEM de 39 ítems fue aplicada en 994 estudiantes de licenciatura. La confiabilidad se evaluó a través del Alfa de Cronbach, la validez de constructo mediante el Análisis Factorial Exploratorio. Se detectó una estructura de 6 factores con un valor de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin de .839 y la prueba de esfericidad de Bartlett fue significativa [χ2(496)= 5379.608, p<.0001]. Los factores tuvieron valores de consistencia interna entre .67 a .87. Por lo que se concluye que la escala del modelo de creencias para la AEM en mujeres jóvenes mexicanas presenta la misma estructura factorial que la original siendo válida y confiable para propósitos de investigación.

Abstract The objective of this study was to adapt the health belief model scale for breast self-examination (BSE) in university students and determine its validity and reliability. The health beliefs model scale of 39 items was applied in 994 undergraduate students. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach's Alpha, construct validity through Exploratory Factor Analysis. A structure of six factors with a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of .839 was detected and Bartlett's Sphericity Test was significant [χ2 (496) = 5379.608, p <.0001]. The factors had internal consistency values between .67 and .87. Therefore, it can be concluded that the belief model scale for BSE in young Mexican women presents the same factorial structure as the original, being valid and reliable for research purposes.

Crenças em saúde acerca do exame do toque retal / Health beliefs about the digital rectal exam / Creencias en salud acerca del examen del toque rectal

Este trabalho buscou identificar as principais crenças de homens acerca do Exame do Toque Retal (ETR), comparando as respostas de homens que o fizeram (G1) e dos que ainda não o fizeram (G2). Utilizou-se um questionário sociodemográfico e clínico, além da técnica de evocação de palavras. No G1, as evocações relacionadas à suscetibilidade, gravidade e benefícios do exame foram mais enfatizadas. Já no G2, destacaram-se as crenças voltadas à suscetibilidade e aos benefícios de realizar o exame. Os dados encontrados sugerem que fazer o ETR pode reforçar alguns estereótipos em relação aos aspectos negativos do exame, porém não anula os aspectos positivos. Deve-se levar em consideração a relação paciente-profissional, bem como a condução do profissional durante a realização do ETR, já que barreiras podem estar sendo reforçadas nessa situação. Enfim, aponta-se para a necessidade de trabalhar a temática da busca pelo ETR não só com a população-alvo, mas também com os profissionais de saúde

This study aimed to identify the main male beliefs about the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) comparing the responses of men who did the exam (G1) and those who did not (G2). We used a questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical variables, as well as free evocations. G1 showed evocations related to the susceptibility, severity, and beliefs associated with the benefits of the exam. Among G2, beliefs about susceptibility and benefits of screening were also highlighted. The results suggest that doing DRE may reinforce some stereotypes regarding negative aspects of the examination, but they do not cancel its positive aspects at all. It is necessary to take care of the patient-professional relationship and the professional's conduct during DRE, since barriers might be strengthened in that situation. Finally, we believe it is important to clarify the perception of searching for DRE not only with the target population, but also with health professionals

Este trabajo buscó identificar las principales creencias de hombres acerca del Examen del Toque Retal (ETR), comparando las respuestas de hombres que lo hicieron (G1) y de los que aún no lo hicieron (G2). Se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y clínico, además de la técnica de evocación de palabras. En el G1, las evocaciones relacionadas con la susceptibilidad, gravedad y beneficios del examen, fueron más enfatizadas. En el G2, se destacaron las creencias volcadas a la susceptibilidad y a los beneficios de realizar el examen. Los datos encontrados sugieren que hacer el ETR puede reforzar algunos estereotipos en relación a los aspectos negativos del examen, pero no anula los aspectos positivos. Se debe tener en cuenta la relación paciente-profesional, así como la conducción del profesional durante la realización del ETR, ya que las barreras pueden estar siendo reforzadas en esa situación. En fin, se apunta a la necesidad de trabajar la temática de la búsqueda por el ETR no solo con la población objetivo, sino también con los profesionales de salud

Beliefs and Behavior of Saudi Women in the University of Tabuk Toward Breast Self Examination Practice

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent types of malignancy worldwide, Breast Self Exam (BSE) is considered as a simple method to screen and detect breast cancer, then early beginning of treatment and enhancing survival rates. Aim: To Identify the health beliefs about breast Self-Examination and its relationships with the frequency of BSE among the women in the University of Tabuk at Saudi Arabia. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design was used; Champion Health Beliefs Model (CHBM) was utilized to assess health beliefs among 400 women who answered a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among the 400 respondents, almost all the sample (382,95.5%) heard about BSE. However, only (7.8%) practiced BSE regularly each month in the past year, and (9%) is intended to perform BSE monthly in future. There was a positive relationship between performing BSE last year and the beliefs of susceptibility and confidence. While, intention to perform BSE in the future was significantly correlated to seriousness and confidence. Perceived barriers were negatively related to BSE performance in last 12 months and in future. Conclusion: Health beliefs affect the behavior of women in practicing BSE. Confidence was related positively to BSE in past year, and future practice, while barriers belief was as the negative factor to perform BSE.

Determinants of adherence to self-care behavior among women with type 2 diabetes: an explanation based on health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Self-care is an essential element in treating a person with diabetes; and managing diabetes is of prime importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of adherence to self-care behavior among women with Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 210 female patients aged 30 to 60. Data collection tool was an anonymous valid and reliable questionnaire designed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), which acquired information about the followings: Perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy and diabetes self-care behavior. Data were analyzed by t-test, chisquare and regression analysis. RESULTS: The multiple regression models revealed 59.9% of the variance of self-care behavior with self-efficacy, perceived barrier, benefit and susceptibility. Additionally, the highest weight for ß (ß=0.87) was found for self-efficacy. Self-care behavior was positively correlated with all HBM variables except for perceived barriers showing a negative correlation. CONCLUSION: The Health Belief Model may be used as a framework to design intervention programs in an attempt to improve adherence to self-care behaviors of women with diabetes. In addition, the results indicated that self-efficacy might play a more crucial role in developing self-care behaviors than t other HBM components. Therefore, if the focus is placed on self-efficacy when developing educational programs, it may increase the likelihood of adherence to self-care behavior.

Psychosocial correlates of sunburn among young adult women.

Skin cancer is an increasingly common disease, particularly among young adult women. Sunburn early in life is a risk factor for skin cancer. Few studies have reported on psychosocial correlates of sunburn. The current study consisted of an online survey of undergraduate women from a university in the northeastern part of the USA. A logistic regression demonstrated that young women who reported a history of four or more sunburns were significantly more likely to report fair skin, higher perceived susceptibility to skin cancer, greater perceived benefits of tanning (e.g., appearance enhancement), lower perceived control over skin protection, and more frequent sunscreen use. Sunbathing was not associated with a greater number of sunburns. These results suggest that young women who sunburn more often possess other skin cancer risk factors, are aware of their susceptibility to skin cancer, and try to use sunscreen, but feel limited control over their skin protection behavior and are not less likely to sunbathe than others. Therefore, interventions are needed to assist high risk young women in asserting more control over their sun protection behavior and perhaps improve the effectiveness of the sunscreen or other skin protection methods they do employ.