The use of the theory of planned behavior variables in predicting the intention of waterpipe tobacco smoking cessation among Iranian consumers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Waterpipe tobacco smoking is an emerging threat to public health in Iran. The research objective was to examine the ability of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables to predict the intention to stop waterpipe tobacco smoking among a group of Iranian waterpipe smokers. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among the residents of two villages in Shiraz, Southern Iran, from November 2016 to April 2017. The demographic and TPB variables were assessed using a questionnaire. Multiple linear regression (enter method) was applied to specify the predictors of participants’ intention to stop waterpipe smoking based on TPB variables. Results The mean age of participants was 38.36 years (SD = 11.84). All TPB variables were significantly related to the intention of waterpipe tobacco smoking cessation. The findings showed that TPB variables only explained 19.1% of the variance in the intention to quit waterpipe tobacco smoking (R2 = 0.191, F = 21.72, p < .001). Result also revealed the highest weights related to the subjective norms (β = 0.264). Conclusions The predictive power of TPB in terms of the intention to quit waterpipe tobacco smoking was very low. Other behavioral change theories and models need to be studied to select the best theoretical framework for developing effective waterpipe tobacco smoking cessation interventions. Abbreviation: TPB: Theory of Planned Behavior; PBC: Perceived Behavior Control; SN: Subjective Norms