Health Belief Research Articles

"The medicine is not something that interests me at all." Beliefs, health-related behaviors, and medication adherence in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease

Abstract Background Despite evidence-based guidelines recommending secondary prevention with antithrombotics and lipid-lowering therapies, adherence to optimal pharmacological therapies remains suboptimal in patients with symptomatic lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD), potentially contributing to excess morbidity and mortality. However, the behavioral factors and health beliefs underlying this behavior are still poorly understood. Purpose To explore the health-related behaviors and beliefs of patients with symptomatic PAD regarding secondary preventive therapy. Methods Using a qualitative design, we conducted individual semi-structured interviews with patients diagnosed with symptomatic PAD. Participants were recruited from four departments of vascular surgery in Denmark from December 2022 to January 2024. Data analysis was performed using framework analysis based on the six domains of the Health Belief Models1 (HBM) as analytical framework: perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The HBM is widely used for conceptualizing individual’s attitudes and beliefs to explain and predict health behaviours. Results Sixteen patients participated in the study: seven adherent and nine non-adherent patients. Based on the HBM components, the following findings emerged (Figure 1). Patients expressed low perceived awareness of the severity of PAD and its potential consequences, not recognizing PAD as a systemic condition associated with broader cardiovascular risk. The perception of PAD centered around the experience of excruciating leg pain and its impact on everyday life. This focus on symptoms affected the perceived benefits of secondary preventive therapies. Patients lacked knowledge about the importance and goal of treatment and did not link the secondary preventive therapy to PAD, often associating it only with other cardiovascular diseases. Barriers included inadequate understanding of the chronic progressive nature of PAD and its severity, experience and fear of side-effects, prescription confusion, pill burden, financial constraints, and allergies. Fear of recurring pain, complications, and early death served as strong internal adherence triggers. Paradoxically, despite expressing fear, some patients were only adherent to antithrombotic therapy, not assigning the same importance to statins. Other cues to action included practical arrangements as well as establishing a trusting patient-provider relationship and receiving comprehensive and logical explanations. Conclusions This study provided new perspectives on the multifaceted challenges hindering adherence to secondary preventive therapy among patients with symptomatic PAD. Notably, the insufficient knowledge regarding the chronic progressive nature of PAD and its cardiovascular implications, underscores the need for enhanced patient education and tailored interventions to ensure optimal secondary preventive therapy.Figure 1

Assessing the effectiveness of health belief model-based educational interventions on weight control intentions among Malaysians

Obesity and overweight are major health concerns, with a 19.7% prevalence among Malaysian adults, as reported in the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey. This study assessed the effectiveness of an educational intervention on weight control intention using the Health Belief Model (HBM). A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 140 participants equally divided into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). Post-intervention, the IG showed significant improvement in perceived self-efficacy in dieting (mean score 3.96 ± 0.85) compared to the CG (3.76 ± 0.86, p = 0.003). Perceived self-efficacy in exercise also increased in the IG (4.12 ± 0.52) compared to the CG (3.51 ± 0.94, p < 0.001). While behavioral intention scores improved in the IG (4.00 ± 0.59), the difference was not significant (p = 0.300). This study highlights that educational interventions using HBM can effectively improve self-efficacy and influence weight control behaviors.

Examining Barriers to the Utilization of Malaria Control and Prevention Services in the South West Region, Cameroon

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers to the utilisation of malaria control and prevention services in the southwest region of Cameroon precisely in the Fako division. Cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence health-seeking behaviours in communities, even when faced with life-threatening diseases like malaria. Methodology: Qualitative data were collected through structured interviews to understand the preferred treatment methods for malaria, the rationale behind the disease's continuous prevalence within the community, and the low usage of prevention methods prescribed in the hospitals. The data were analysed using a thematic technique, and presented following the themes that were elicited during the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Findings: This study found that herbal medical practices are deeply rooted in the community's culture and need to be more quickly supplanted by modern medical practices. The study found that the resistance to malaria prevention methods was fueled by a lack of awareness about the importance of malaria prevention and control, contributing to the high malaria prevalence rate in the community. Also, the study found that the current healthcare system needs to be culturally sensitive, potentially leading to a lack of trust and confidence among community members. Additionally, financial constraints significantly impact the utilisation of preventive and treatment measures like mosquito nets, health centres, and community health workers. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings aligned with the Health Belief Theory (HBT), which explains that individuals' beliefs and attitudes towards malaria prevention in these communities constitute a significant barrier to malaria eradication. Community members perceive malaria as a severe disease and believe they are at risk of contracting it, leading to action due to susceptibility. However, traditional remedies are preferred due to perceived barriers to mosquito nets, such as cost, lack of access, and perceived ineffectiveness of the mosquitoes’ nets. The study concluded that a culturally sensitive approach to malaria treatment and prevention, built on the community's beliefs and practices, can improve health outcomes. Therefore, organisations in charge of malaria prevention must adapt their approach to align better with the community's cultural values. The study further recommended that education and awareness campaigns about malaria prevention and control should be tailored to the community's cultural realities.

How social and commercial determinants influence exclusive breastfeeding in the Philippines

Abstract Background The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months after delivery. However, the EBF rate in the Philippines is only 29%. Existing literature suggests that the influence of infant formula marketing (IFM), communication channels, and traditional health beliefs are possible contributors to low EBF rates, but rare studies have been conducted in low-resource settings. Methods: To bridge the gap, 15 barangays in Palawan were selected; 97 interviews were conducted with lactating mothers (LM), health workers (HW), traditional healers, infant formula sellers, and community leaders (CL) to represent different perspectives. The results were coded and analyzed inductively. Results LM received EBF information through multiple resources. Poverty, lacking breast milk (BM), EBF education, and health benefits (HB) to infants are top contributors to EBF while maternal employment and no BM are top barriers to EBF. Elders, traditional health beliefs (THB), and the influence of COVID-19 can influence EBF in both directions. LM emphasized more on poverty and elders to EBF while HW and CL emphasized the role of EBF education and HB. Urban LM tend to have more regular EBF education, use pumps when going out, and are more influenced by IFM. LM in remote areas tend to have more THB, have more BM substitutes, and share BM. Social classes, locations, Indigeneity, migration, and poverty are intersectioned to influence EBF. Conclusions Multiple social and commercial determinants influenced EBF. LM is facing more challenges to EBF under globalization and capitalism. Remote LM are less benefited from new technologies and policies to promote EBF. Different stakeholders have echo chambers to perceive the determinants of EBF. To improve health equity and EBF, the situations of marginalized people in remote areas should be more considered in policy making. Community building should also be considered differently to assist in EBF. Key messages • The project focuses on social and commercial determinants of exclusive breastfeeding with people in extreme poverty. • The project includes plenty of Indigenous breastfeeding behavior that are underreported.

EHealth Communication Intervention to Promote Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Middle-School Girls: Development and Usability Study.

As the age of initiating sexual intercourse has gradually decreased among South Korean adolescents, earlier vaccination of adolescents for human papillomavirus (HPV) is necessary before their exposure to HPV. Health communication includes "cues to action" that lead to preventive health behaviors, and recently, social networking services, which operate with fewer time and space constraints, have been used in various studies as a form of eHealth communication. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and usability of an eHealth communication intervention for HPV vaccination in middle-school girls aimed at the girls and their mothers. The eHealth communication intervention for HPV vaccination was developed using a 6-step intervention mapping process: needs assessments, setting program outcomes, selection of a theory-based method and practical strategies, development of the intervention, implementation plan, and testing the validity of the intervention. A review of 10 studies identified effective health communication messages, delivery methods, and theories for HPV vaccination among adolescents. Barriers including low knowledge, perceived threat, and the inconvenience of taking 2 doses of the vaccine were identified through focus groups, suggesting a need for youth-friendly and easy-to-understand information for adolescents delivered via mobile phones. The expected outcomes and the performance objectives are specifically tailored to reflect the vaccination intention. Behavior change techniques were applied using trusted sources and a health belief model. Health messages delivered through a KakaoTalk chatbot improved awareness and self-efficacy. Quality control was ensured with the use of a log system. The experts' chatbot usability average score was 80.13 (SD 8.15) and the average score of girls was 84.06 (SD 7.61). Future studies need to verify the effectiveness of health communication strategies in promoting HPV vaccination and the effectiveness of scientific intervention using a chatbot as a delivery method for the intervention.

Understanding Consumer Intentions to Engage with Artificial Intelligence and Voice Assistants: A Conceptual Framework

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has grown extensively in recent times and is becoming integrated into human lives. This progression opens diverse opportunities in e-health, facilitating healthcare accessibility globally. Voice assistants are AI-driven technologies, which are becoming increasingly important with the growing prominence of e-health services. This study offers an integrated model that assimilates AI attributes with relevant constructs from various theories such as Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Health Belief Model (HBM). Key variables under scrutiny include perceived anthropomorphism, perceived intelligence, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, attitude, perceived severity, and perceived susceptibility. The article adds to the current research by reviewing the literature about AI in healthcare, and proposing a conceptual framework that binds technological, AI-specific, and health factors, offering implications for policymakers, healthcare administrators, and marketers seeking effective utilization of voice assistant technology.

Development and preliminary psychometric properties of the Scale of Health Belief Model for Sleep

Abstract Background Sleep-related problems are a serious risk to physical and emotional health, academic success, and safety in adolescents. A measurement tool is needed to comprehensively evaluate adolescents’ sleep and plan the steps necessary for behavioral change. This study aimed to develop a scale based on the Health Belief Model that can reliably and validly evaluate adolescent individuals’ beliefs towards sleep. Methods This methodological study was conducted with 494 adolescents between September and October 2022 in Antalya, Turkey. Initially, 81 items about sleep were created according to the Health Belief Model. Validity was assessed as content and construct validity and reliability was assessed as internal consistency. Content validity was evaluated with ten expert views The scale was tested for construct validity with Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), after which the scale’s reliability was evaluated for item-total correlations using Pearson’s correlation analysis and for internal consistency with Cronbach’s Alpha. Results In the first EFA, sixteen factors with eigenvalues greater than 1 explained 63.80% of the total variance. Items with factor loadings of less than .30 and those that appeared in more than one factor with differences of less than %10 were removed from the scale one by one and the analysis was repeated. In the last EFA of the 46-item scale, six factors were found with an eigenvalue greater than 1 that explained 57.7 % of the total variance. The scale’s item-total correlations ranged between .26 - .79. Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of subscales was found .92 for perceived susceptibility, .90 for perceived severity, .90 for perceived benefits, .81 for self-efficacy, .79 for motivation and .69 for perceived barriers. Conclusions The validity and reliability properties of the scale of Health Belief Model for sleep have been found good levels in Adolescents. Its intercultural adaptation for use with adolescents in other countries is recommended. Key messages • The newly developed the scale of Health Belief Model for sleep was found to be valid and reliable. • It can be used to assess adolescents’ beliefs about sleep.

Two decades of electronic nicotine delivery systems discussions in Türkiye: AI-driven text analysis

Abstract Background As Turkiye ranks second in cigarette consumption in Europe, the increasing shift to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) presents emerging public health concerns. This study aims to introduce a hybrid approach by combining AI-driven large language models (LLM) with traditional thematic analysis to explore 20 years of ENDS discourse on Eksisozluk, a popular Turkish social media platform, using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods This mixed-methods study, analyzed 5,907 comments about ENDS from 2003 to 2023, sourced from a renowned online user-generated forum in Turkiye. Utilizing an LLM, comments were first categorized according to the HBM. Subsequently, the LLM’s generative capabilities were employed to identify sub-themes through thematic analysis. A temporal analysis was then conducted to examine the evolving trends over the 20-year span. Results ENDS popularity peaked in 2017, dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, and later rebounded. Using an LLM with 70% accuracy, validated by a manually labeled sample, we discerned two main themes: perceived benefits (40.5%) - primarily using ENDS as for harm reduction (32.8%) and smoking cessation tools (21.6%)- and perceived barriers (27.7%), with cost and accessibility (21.9%) being the most significant throughout the period. Initially, the focus was on cessation, but shifted to harm reduction post-pandemic. Conclusions Our study indicates that consumers in Turkiye initially used ENDS for cessation but recognized their ineffectiveness over time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, usage shifted towards harm reduction, likely influenced by the rhetoric of the Tobacco Industry. Despite a national ban, ENDS remain widely used in Turkiye. Key messages • Turkiye should develop a social marketing strategy to raise awareness that ENDS is not a valid tool for harm reduction. • Although the sale of ENDS is prohibited in Turkiye, enforcement of bans should be strengthened as part of an effective control strategy.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Office Employees in Qom, Iran Regarding Dental Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on the Health Belief Model

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 can spread from human to human primarily through respiratory secretions. In this regard, dental procedures can pose a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of office employees in Qom, Iran regarding dental treatment during COVID-19 pandemic based on health belief model (HBM). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 510 office employees in Qom Province. Data collection tools included a demographic form and a KAP questionnaire based on the HBM constructs. Results: The mean age of participants was 36.7±9.1 and 252(52%) were female. The practice variable had a statistically significant relationship with perceived susceptibility (P&lt;0.001), perceived barriers (P&lt;0.001), history of vaccination (P&lt;0.001), and history of chronic diseases (P&lt;0.001). Age had a significant relationship with perceived severity (P&lt;0.001) and perceived benefits (P&lt;0.001). Gender had a significant relationship only with perceived severity (P&lt;0.001). Marital status had a significant relationship with knowledge (P&lt;0.001), perceived severity (P&lt;0.001) and perceived barriers (P=0.03). Educational level had a significant relationship with knowledge (P=0.01), perceived severity (P&lt;0.001), perceived benefits (P&lt;0.001), perceived barriers (P&lt;0.001). History of vaccination had a significant relationship with knowledge (P&lt;0.001), perceived susceptibility (P&lt;0.001), perceived severity (P=0.02), and perceived benefits (P=0.02). History of chronic disease had a significant relationship with perceived susceptibility (P&lt;0.001), perceived severity (P&lt;0.001), perceived benefits (P&lt;0.001), and perceived barriers (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived barriers of office employees in Qom regarding dental treatment during COVID-19 pandemic are at moderate level. Their perceived susceptibility and severity have a positive relationship with visiting dental clinics.

Development and validation of the sarcopenia disease risk perception scale for older adults

BackgroundSarcopenia represents a constant threat to the health of older adults, and accurate risk perception is essential for disease prevention and control. However, current methodologies lack rigorously validated instruments to assess the perceived risk of sarcopenia among this group. Thus, this study aimed to develop and validate a sarcopenia disease risk perception scale for older adults.DesignThe study was conducted in two phases: development of the initial scale and its psychometric evaluation. A STROBE checklist was employed.MethodsBased on the two-factor model of risk perception theory and the health belief model, the initial draft of the scale was created through literature review, expert consultations, and a preliminary survey with a small sample. Then, we used a cross-sectional study methodology to conveniently select 438 Chinese older adults. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to refine and validate the scale items. Internal consistency and external consistency were assessed to confirm the scale’s reliability.ResultsThese evaluations established the scale’s framework: content validity, item analysis, and EFA. The two factors extracted from the initial analysis explained 62.250% of the observation variance. The CFA confirmed a good fit for the model, demonstrating the scale’s robust reliability and validity. The finalized scale includes 15 items and two dimensions: perceived susceptibility (eight items) and perceived severity (seven items).ConclusionThe Sarcopenia Disease Risk Perception Scale for Older Adults is reliable and valid, making it appropriate for assessing the risk perception level in the target population.

The effect of nutrition education based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on food intake in pregnant Afghan immigrant women: a semi-experimental study

BackgroundAccording to the World Health Organization report, immigrants are at increased risk of malnutrition. Nutritional deficiencies in pregnancy are a public health concern and around 20 to 30 percent of pregnant women suffer from it worldwide. There has not been any investigation about the effect of any intervention on improving nutritional intake in pregnant Afghan immigrant women. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of nutrition education based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on food intake in pregnant Afghan immigrant women.MethodsA semi-experimental study study was conducted on 116 Afghan immigrant pregnant women who have the inclusion criteria, were referred to health center No. 2 in Mashhad, Iran in June 2022 until February 2023, and were randomly assigned to the intervention (56) and control (56) groups. The demographic, HBM questionnaire and the standard 24-h food reminder questionnaire were the research tools. The intervention consisted of four sessions of 45–60 min of nutrition education based on the Health Belief Model in groups of 8–10 people. The questionnaires were completed before, immediately, and one month after the intervention by the research units. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 21 software.ResultsThe intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates, and micronutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D increased in the intervention group immediately and one month after the intervention significantly compared to before the intervention (P < 0.05). Although all these nutrients intake had a significant decrease in control group women (P < 0.05).ConclusionsNutrition education based on the health belief model is effective in the nutritional intake of Afghan immigrant pregnant women. According to the importance of getting enough nutrients in pregnancy and its effects on the mother and fetus’s health, nutrition education based on the Health Belief Model model is suggested for these mothers.Trial registrationIt is registered in the Iranian clinical trials database under the code: IRCT20220629055312N1, Date of first registration: 25/07/2022.

Uptake of Digital Health Interventions for Cardiometabolic Disease in British South Asian Individuals: Think Aloud Study.

Digital health interventions (DHIs) could support prevention and management of cardiometabolic disease. However, those who may benefit most often experience barriers to awareness and adoption of these interventions. Among South Asian individuals, we evaluated user experience of DHIs for prevention and management of cardiometabolic disease, aiming to understand barriers and facilitators to initial and ongoing use. Among South Asian individuals recruited via primary care, community organizations, and snowball methods (n=18), we conducted "think-aloud" interviews using a reflective and reactive approach. Participants included nonusers, as well as those that used a range of DHIs as part of monitoring and improving their health. Participants were asked to think aloud while completing a task they routinely do in a familiar DHI, as well as while setting up and completing a search task in a novel DHI; they were encouraged to behave as if unobserved. Lack of cultural specificity was highlighted as reducing relevance and usability, particularly relating to dietary change. Preferred features reflected individual health beliefs and behaviors, digital skills, and trust in DHIs. For example, tracking blood glucose was considered by some to be positive, while for others it caused distress and anxiety. Similarly, some users found the novel DHI to be extremely simple to set up and use, and others grew frustrated navigating through initial interfaces. Many participants raised concerns about data privacy and needing to agree to terms and conditions that they did not understand. Participants expressed that with information and support from trusted sources, they would be interested in using DHIs as part of self-management. DHIs may support South Asians to prevent and manage cardiometabolic disease, but it is important to consider the needs of specific user groups in DHI development, design, and implementation. Despite motivation to make health changes, digital barriers are common. Cultural appropriateness and trusted sources (such as health care providers and community organizations) have roles in increasing awareness and enabling individuals to access and use DHIs.

Perceived Susceptibility to and Severity of Cardiovascular Disease Is Associated With Intent to Change Behavior Among Women 25-55 Years Old.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among young and middle-aged women have increased, whereas CVD knowledge and awareness remain low. The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between the stage of behavior change and awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of CVD among women 25-55 years and identify predictors of the stage of behavior change. A cross-sectional online survey of women ages 25-55 years living in the United States was conducted. Awareness was measured with the question "What is the leading cause of death for women in the United States?" Knowledge, perceptions, and the stage of behavior change were measured with the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire, Health Beliefs Related to CVD, and Precaution Adoption Process Model instruments, respectively. Chi-square and t tests were used to determine differences between awareness, knowledge, and perceptions based on the stage of behavior change. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the stage of behavior change and awareness, knowledge, and perceptions. A total of 149 primarily minority women (n = 105) were included (mean age = 37.15 ± 7.86 years). The perception of CVD susceptibility was associated with increased intention to change behavior (odds ratio, 1.247; 95% confidence interval, 1.101-1.414; P < .001). The perception of CVD severity was associated with reduced intention to change behavior (odds ratio, 0.809; P = .004). Women who believed they were susceptible to CVD and did not perceive CVD as severe were more likely to report intent to change behavior, suggesting perception of CVD risk is more important than awareness or knowledge. Addressing misperceptions may be a strategy for primary risk reduction.

Oral health-related beliefs among a sample of pregnant women in Southwestern Ontario: a descriptive study

IntroductionUnfavorable beliefs about oral health and dental treatment during pregnancy can lead to the avoidance of dental care and the underutilization of dental services, adversely affecting adherence to good oral hygiene practices and, consequently, the health of the fetus. This study investigated the commonly held oral health beliefs among pregnant women in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.MethodsParticipants were recruited from the Family Medicine Obstetrics Clinic in London, Ontario, Canada. Eligible participants were pregnant women aged 18 or older, excluding those unwilling to participate. Participants completed a 33-item self-administered questionnaire, including three open-ended questions about oral health beliefs and their impacts on pregnancy, which were analyzed for this study. Thematic analysis in NVivo identified key patterns, while analysis determined the most common beliefs and the degree of diversity in responses. Responses were categorized into sub-themes, and the frequency and percentage of each category were calculated.ResultsA total of 130 participants met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 40.7% (n = 46) believed that oral health impacts their child's health, 48.2% (n = 53) believed that dental treatment affects fetal health, and 64.4% (n = 76) believed that pregnancy influences their oral health. Many beliefs regarding oral health during pregnancy regarded infection risks. Participants held negative beliefs about the effects of antibiotics, analgesics, and dental x-rays during pregnancy. Common beliefs about the impacts of pregnancy on oral health included developing conditions, such as tooth sensitivity, caries, and gingivitis, as well as a loss of minerals to the fetus.ConclusionThis study revealed important misconceptions and concerns about oral health and dental treatment among pregnant women in Southwestern Ontario. The findings highlighted the need for enhanced oral health education for pregnant women to address these misconceptions and promote proper care during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to focus on dispelling myths, emphasizing the safety of necessary dental treatments, and reinforcing the significance of maintaining good oral health for maternal and fetal well-being.

Applying the Health Belief Model to cervical cancer screening uptake among women in Ethiopia: a systematic reviewand meta-analysis.

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, especially in Africa, including Ethiopia. This review assesses predictors of cervical cancer screening uptake among Ethiopian-eligible women using the Health Belief Model. Higher education levels, perceived susceptibility, severity, and fewer barriers are associated with increased screening. Effective HBM-based interventions could enhance screening rates, potentially reducing cervical cancer incidence and mortality. The review aimed to synthesize the existing literature on the prevalence of Cervical Cancer Screening Service Uptake and Associated Factors among Eligible Women using the Health belief model in Ethiopia, 2024. This systematic review and meta-analysis searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library engine. Key terms such as "Cervical cancer screening", "uptake", "utilization", "factors", "barriers", and "Ethiopia" were used to identify relevant articles. Data extraction utilized a detailed form, and the methodological quality of each study was assessed using the JBI quality appraisal checklist for cross-sectional studies. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 17, and the meta-analysis findings were presented using forest plots and tables. The result of seven studies revealed that the overall prevalence of Cervical Cancer Screening Service Uptake among eligible women in Ethiopia was 21% (95% CI: 15%-27%). Factors independently associated with Cancer Screening Service Uptake included: Knowledge (OR = 4.563, 95% CI: 1.012-4.188), age 30 up to 49 (OR = 4.106, 95% CI: 1.562-6.650), history of STD (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.694-4.486), high perceived susceptibility (OR = 3.814, 95% CI: 2.312-5.316), high perceived severity (OR = 2.603, 95% CI: 2.203-3.003), low perceived barrier (OR = 4.390, 95% CI: 1.331-8.449), high perceived self-efficacy (OR = 4.77, 95% CI: 4.102-5.431), high perceived benefit (OR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.851-5.489), and education level greater than primary level (OR = 4.497, 95% CI: 3.619-5.375). Cervical cancer is a major public health challenge in Ethiopia. Consequently, there is a pressing need for the governments to formulate comprehensive, multi-sectorial policies and strategies. These initiatives should be designed to address the problem influenced by interconnected factors, to reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer in Ethiopia.

Using the Health Belief Model to Understand Why Making Oral HIV Self-Testing Available to Truck Drivers in Kenya Had Little Impact on Six-Month Testing.

Research has found that offering HIV self-testing (HIVST) to truckers in Kenya increased testing rates at baseline but not over 6-month follow-up. We explored possible explanations based on the Health Belief Model by assessing HIV risk perception, self-efficacy, and fatalism as possible effect modifiers of the impact of offering HIVST (intervention n = 150) versus standard of care (SOC n = 155) on 6-month testing on the multiplicative and additive scales using log binomial and linear binomial regression and stratifying on significant modifiers. We found significant interaction between the intervention and fatalism on both the multiplicative (p = 0.020) and additive (p = 0.020) scales. In the stratified models, the HIVST intervention was associated with higher HIV testing among participants with low fatalism but lower testing among those with high fatalism (risk ratio [RR] = 1.30, p = 0.065 versus RR = 0.74, p = 0.072; risk difference [RD] per 100 = 14.00, p = 0.080 versus RD=-14.69, p = 0.086). Truckers in Kenya are described as being highly fatalistic, feeling lack of control over their lives and health. We found that fatalistic views negated the potential benefit of offering HIVST to truckers. For HIVST to have an impact among truckers, psychosocial interventions may be needed that address fatalistic views.

Health beliefs model to explore older adults' dementia prevention and health promotion from 2021 to 2022 in Taiwan: A cross-sectional survey study.

One person suffers from dementia every 3 seconds globally. Thirteen older adults aged 65 and older will have dementia, and 1 in 5 older adults over the age of 80 years will have dementia in Taiwan. Older adults should be equipped with demonstrated health beliefs regarding dementia prevention and health promotion about Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire (AD8), cues to action, health beliefs, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention in daily life. The purpose of this study was to survey older adults' demographic background, AD8, cues to action, health beliefs, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention for dementia prevention and health promotion. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Convenience sampling was performed. A total of 330 older adults participated in the study. The questionnaire used in this study included questions on older adults' demographic background, AD8, cues to action, health beliefs, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention. The researcher collected complete data by receiving the sampling on paper or by interview from October 8, 2021, to February 12, 2022. The SPSS 23.0 statistical package was employed for quantitative analysis. Data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation (SD), Spearman's rho correlation, and simple regression analysis. The findings showed that older adults had the following mean scores on health beliefs (perceived susceptibility 13.45 ± SD 2.34, perceived severity 13.54 ± SD 2.69, perceived benefits 16.57 ± SD 2.84, perceived barriers 8.20 ± SD 3.69), self-efficacy 16.96 ± SD3.52, and behavioral intention 19.56 ± SD 3.51. Older adults' demographic background, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy explained 56.1% of the variance in behavioral intention. The conclusions of the study indicated that older adults' demographic background, AD8, cues to action, health beliefs, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention constituted the main factors for effective dementia prevention and health promotion. In the future, the research team will continue to explore older adults' dementia prevention and develop many strategies on health promotion, as well as slowing the aging brain process.

The Effect of Cervical Cancer Education Given to Women in Turkey on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Health Beliefs: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of cervical cancer education provided to women in Turkey on their knowledge, attitudes, and health beliefs. The study was conducted in accordance with the pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial model. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control groups. The study was completed with a total of 105 women, 51 of whom were in the experimental group and 54 of whom were in the control group. The personal information form, the human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge scale, and the health belief model scale for cervical cancer and Pap smear test were employed as data collection instruments. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 package program, and the number, percentage, independent samples t-test, and paired t-test were utilized for data analysis. Upon completion of the training program, the mean scores of the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge related to general HPV information, HPV screening tests, general HPV vaccines, and HPV vaccine programs when compared to the control group (p<0.001). Upon conclusion of the educational intervention, it was determined that the mean scores of cervical cancer sensitivity, caring, health motivation, Pap smear utility, and motivation of women in the experimental group exhibited an increase, while their general perception of Pap smear demonstrated a decrease (p<0.05). The findings of this study indicate that educational initiatives targeting women regarding cervical cancer have a beneficial impact on their knowledge, attitudes, and health beliefs. NCT05990270 registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

Predicting COVID-19 booster intentions among college students using the health belief model: advancing health promotion strategies for uptake

Predicting COVID-19 booster intentions among college students using the health belief model: advancing health promotion strategies for uptake

Intervention Development for Tailored Education for Aging and Cognitive Health (TEACH) for Dementia Prevention in Midlife Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

A total of 12 modifiable risk factors account for 40% of dementia cases globally, yet population adherence to health behaviors associated with these factors is low. Midlife is a critical window for dementia prevention, as brain pathology often begins to accumulate years or decades before the onset of symptoms. Although multidomain behavioral interventions have been efficacious in reducing the risk of cognitive decline, adherence is low. Intrapersonal factors, such as health beliefs, are known mediators of the relationship between knowledge and health behavior. In keeping with stage I of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stage Model for Behavioral Intervention Development, this study will use mixed methods to (1) develop an enhanced health education intervention, including an explanatory method for communicating information about dementia risk and personal health beliefs, and (2) conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial (n=20 per intervention arm) over 8 weeks to assess the feasibility of delivering the enhanced intervention versus basic health education alone. Phase 1 will involve focus groups and individual qualitative interviews. Focus groups will be analyzed using (1) a descriptive framework matrix analysis and (2) interpretive data review by the research team. Individual qualitative interviews will be coded using applied thematic analysis using a phenomenographic approach. Phase 2 will involve a pilot randomized controlled trial. Proximal outcomes (measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks) include the perceived threat of Alzheimer disease, dementia awareness, and self-efficacy. This project was funded in August 2022. Data collection began in 2023 and is projected to be completed in 2025. Study findings will reveal the feasibility of delivering an 8-week multidomain health education intervention for primary prevention of dementia in midlife and will provide preliminary evidence of mechanisms of change. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05599425; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05599425. DERR1-10.2196/60395.