Preventive Behaviors Research Articles

Engaging men may contribute to cervical cancer prevention; however, little is known about what factors may be associated with men's engagement in cervical cancer prevention and therefore where interventions should focus. During a national phone survey in Kenya, we asked male respondents about whether their daughter(s) had received the HPV vaccine, and whether they had spoken with their wife/partner about cervical cancer screening. In this exploratory analysis, we used these secondary data in Poisson generalized linear models with robust error variance to explore relationships between factors hypothesized to be associated with these two outcomes. We report adjusted relative risk (aRR). 600 men contributed data to this analysis, of whom 45.3% had discussed cervical cancer with their wife/partner and 30.0% reported having a daughter vaccinated against HPV. Knowledge was poor for some items, including that men can get HPV. Men with higher knowledge more often had discussed screening (aRR 1.17 [95% CI 1.11-1.24]) and had a vaccinated daughter (aRR 1.09 [95% CI 1.01-1.17]). Discussing cervical cancer and institutional trust were both significantly associated with engaging in these cervical cancer prevention behaviors. Men who knew someone with cervical cancer spoke more with their wives/partners about screening (aRR 1.67 [95% CI 1.38-2.00]). Both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors were found to be associated with men's engagement in cervical cancer prevention behavior. Interventions that increase men's knowledge about cervical cancer and leverage social relationships and community health workers may be particularly effective at improving cervical cancer prevention efforts.

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern in Indonesia, including Samarinda, where transmission often occurs within families due to close contact with patients. Family-based interventions are essential to strengthen preventive behaviors and reduce transmission risk; however, limited family participation continues to hinder their effectiveness. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between family roles and pulmonary TB prevention behavior in the working areas of Karang Asam, Wonorejo, and Loa Bakung Health Centers, Samarinda. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed involving 80 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data on family participation in TB prevention were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. Results: A significant relationship was found between family roles and TB prevention behavior (p = 0.001 < 0.05). Families actively involved in prevention demonstrated better practices, including consistent mask use, maintaining ventilation, and treatment adherence. Conclusion: Family-based interventions play a vital role in TB prevention. Strengthening family education, counseling, and empowerment—alongside collaboration among health workers, community cadres, and policymakers—is crucial. Implementing structured psychoeducation and community engagement strategies can effectively reduce stigma, improve adherence, and enhance TB prevention efforts.

ABSTRACT Purpose Farmers and rural residents face serious mental health risks due to occupational hazards, stress, and limited access to mental health services. In response, researchers launched and evaluated the BARN (Bringing Awareness Right Now) Farmer Dinner Theater, an innovative program aimed at addressing mental health challenges and preventing suicide in rural counties of Kentucky. BARN combines community engagement, performance arts, and evidence-based strategies to not only raise awareness but to take action to promote positive behavioral intentions regarding mental health issues and suicide prevention. Methods BARN featured a two-day youth camp focused on education and skills related to mental health and well-being, stress management, and suicide prevention. Youth camp participants created culturally relevant dinner theater scripts that included mental health themes, culminating in a performance of their work. To evaluate the program’s impact, we used a quasi-experimental design with a retrospective pre-post survey. At the end of the camp and dinner theater, participants completed a survey asking them to rate their knowledge and behaviors as they remembered them before and after the program. Results Fifteen youth participated in the camp, and 106 community members attended the dinner theater. Improvements among participants were observed across several survey items, including understanding mental health challenges, recognizing stress, and adopting self-care and coping strategies. Dinner theater participants consequently reported an increased intent to practice self-care and engage in suicide prevention behaviors. Feedback from the dinner theater underscored the importance of addressing mental health and suicide collaboratively while emphasizing the need for open dialogue and support in the community. Conclusion The BARN Farmer Dinner Theater program was designed to address mental health challenges and suicide prevention in rural communities by fostering participatory and culturally sensitive discussions. The program approach empowered participants to see mental health as a community responsibility, reducing stigma. The program’s design aligns with findings highlighting the importance of interactive, culturally tailored interventions in rural settings. The study supports expanding the BARN program with trusted organizations like Cooperative Extension Services as facilitators. Future research should evaluate long-term outcomes, including behavioral change and community resilience, to improve the program’s impact and sustainability.

New threats to public and animal health are emerging as changes in climate, land use, and vegetation alter the landscape of the Great Plains. The annual incidence of tick-borne disease in Nebraska is increasing, and newly established species such as blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and their associated pathogens may present challenges for health practitioners. One Health strategies for tick-borne disease prevention must incorporate effective messaging acknowledging variation in risk perception. We surveyed hunters in Nebraska to determine how the perception of risk for tick-borne disease influenced human behavior, using the Risk Perception Attitude Framework (RPAF) to assess differences in the level of intention to perform preventive behaviors against tick-borne disease among the 283 survey responses we received. We found higher behavioral intent among individuals in the RPAF group with highest perceived risk and self-efficacy. Individuals who found a tick on their body in the past had greater perceived risk toward tick-borne disease (mean risk perception score: 3.26, SD = 0.60) than those who had not (mean: 2.85, SD = 0.63; t = 3.37, df = 282, p < 0.01). Our study suggests that the increased risk of exposure to ticks as species ranges shift will primarily be perceived by local populations when they start to experience ticks. Our results provide valuable information to public health officials on tailoring One Health messaging for more effective prevention of tick-borne disease.

Background: Accurate cardiovascular risk perception is essential for preventive behavior adoption, yet predictors of risk perception accuracy in reproductive-age women remain poorly understood. We examined whether polysocial risk and cardiovascular health (CVH) status predicts cardiovascular risk perception and tested for differences by age and risk factor burden. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 139 reproductive-age women (18-49 years, mean 32.0±8.1). CVH was assessed using Life's Essential 8 score and categorized as Low (&lt;50), Moderate (50-79), or High (≥80). Risk perception accuracy was measured by comparing perceived 10-year CVD and stroke risk to calculated risk. Underestimation was defined as perceiving "below average" risk when calculated risk was average or above. We used Cochran-Armitage tests, Mantel-Haenszel analyses, and multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable regression identified significant independent predictors of risk perception underestimation. Black race was a significant predictor for both CVD risk underestimation (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.55-7.43) and stroke risk underestimation (OR = 4.39, 95% CI: 1.95-9.87). High polysocial risk (tertile 3) was associated with higher CVD risk underestimation (OR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.28-7.71) and stroke risk underestimation (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.05-6.28) compared to the lowest tertile. CVH risk factors: 2-3 factors (CVD: OR=1.40; stroke: OR=1.84) and 4-5 factors (CVD: OR=1.05; stroke: OR=2.38). Conclusions: CVH status strongly predicts risk underestimation, with moderate CVH women showing highest rates (83-87%). Black race and high polysocial risk are the strongest independent predictors. These findings identify Black women with high polysocial risk and moderate CVH as highest priority for targeted risk communication interventions. Clinical Impact: Results provide evidence-based criteria for identifying women at highest risk for cardiovascular risk underestimation, highlighting critical cardiovascular burden, racial and socioeconomic disparities requiring targeted interventions.

In this study, 324 pregnant women who visited prenatal clinics in Plateau State, Nigeria, had their knowledge, perception, attitude, and preventive actions regarding Zika virus (ZIKV) infection evaluated. Between July 2022 and January 2023, we collected data using a structured questionnaire and a cross-sectional descriptive design. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used to analyze the data; P&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed that 90.1% of participants lacked knowledge about ZIKV, indicating a significant knowledge gap. The Northern district had the lowest level of knowledge, with an overall knowledge rate of 84.6%, and a statistically significant difference between senatorial districts (P=0.001). Inadequate perception was also reported by 82.4% of respondents; however, district-specific differences were not statistically significant (P=0.064). Most participants held negative opinions about ZIKV (54.6%), with significant differences observed between districts (P=0.001). One particularly concerning finding was that 53.4% of women would not promote condom use or abstinence with a partner who visited an affected area, and 91.0% of women disagreed with delaying conception due to ZIKV concerns. Despite these disparities, a more positive trend in preventive practices was observed; 39.5% of women demonstrated good preventive behaviors, with notable variation among districts (P=0.001). The study’s findings reveal that pregnant women in the area have significant gaps in their understanding, attitudes, and perceptions about ZIKV. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted public health initiatives to increase awareness and protect maternal and fetal health, especially concerning less-known transmission routes and personal protective measures.

This study investigates the role of media in risk communication during crises by comparing two theoretical perspectives. The first paradigm views media as a determining factor, while the second sees media as a mediator. The study analyzes two survey data sets: cross-sectional data on nuclear waste issues from eight regions (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom; N = 8,591) and longitudinal panel data on the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong ( N = 920). Results consistently support the the greater explanatory power of the first paradigm. Individuals’ willingness to adopt preventive measures highly depends on the media-constructed risks.

Big Five personality traits and preventive behaviors during two phases of COVID-19: Evidence from Taiwan

The present study tested a novel integration of prospective associations of sociodemographic factors, dispositional tendencies, primary vaccine intention, illness beliefs and experiences, preventive beliefs and behaviors, contextual vaccine-related influences, primary vaccination propensity, and subjective numeracy with subsequent COVID-19 booster vaccination. The preregistered study used a stratified online U.S. sample (N = 500). Four assessments were aligned with "15 days to slow the spread" in March 2020 (baseline), the vaccine authorization and major case/mortality surge during December 2020 and January 2021 (Time 2), the third major/case mortality surge during September-November 2021 (Time 3), and the immediate postpandemic period during May-July 2023 (Time 4). Path modeling showed greater education at baseline, and perceived risk of infection, flu vaccine history, and primary vaccination at Time 3 were prospective predictors of booster vaccination propensity at Time 4. The effect of greater educational attainment was maintained, in part, by stronger flu vaccine history. The use of reliable COVID-19 vaccine information sources at Time 3 indirectly predicted booster vaccination propensity via primary vaccination propensity. Finally, greater trait openness and less conservative political beliefs showed serially indirect prospective associations with booster vaccination via stronger intermediating vaccine intention and then via stronger primary vaccination propensity. The integrative psychosocial model identified direct and indirect pathways from antecedent characteristics to booster vaccination, providing further direction for the framing of health provider, public health, and media communications for promoting booster vaccination and mitigating related misinformation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Motivational interviewing for fall prevention: Older adults' experience.

Insights into barriers and adherence to pre-travel advice among West African travelers in Spain: A prospective mixed-methods evaluation.

Pathological vaginal discharge is caused by infections from pathogens such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida species, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Pathological vaginal discharge can cause discomfort, and if left untreated for a long time, it may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and cervical cancer. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is the most commonly used model to guide individuals toward engaging in preventive health behaviors. The application of HBM in preventing pathological vaginal discharge is important because it helps increase awareness and promote preventive behaviors. The use of natural ingredients to address pathological vaginal discharge is becoming more familiar among the community compared to synthetic products due to their safety and affordability.Research Objectives: To analyze the effectiveness of basil leaf decoction, evaluate the influence of HBM on preventing pathological vaginal discharge, and determine the effectiveness of the combination of basil leaf decoction and HBM.Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group conducted in Lubuk Pakam village. Respondents were divided into three groups with a total sample size of 150 individuals.Results: Pre-test results showed that initial scores were almost the same across all groups, indicating no significant differences before the intervention. After six weeks, the basil decoction group showed a 24.6% improvement in preventive behavior, the HBM group showed a 33.4% increase, and the combination group showed a 45.7% increase. These findings indicate that the combination of basil leaf decoction and HBM education is more effective than single interventions.The HBM model proved effective in enhancing awareness and preventive behavior, especially when combined with biological intervention such as basil leaf decoction. This combination produced a synergistic effect that encouraged higher compliance and stronger behavioral change compared to single interventions.The combination of basil leaf decoction and education based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) was found to be the most effective in improving preventive behaviors against pathological vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age compared to single interventions. This intervention significantly increased knowledge, perception, and motivation to carry out preventive actions. Therefore, this combined biological and educational approach is recommended for widespread implementation in women's reproductive health programs.

Melanoma poses a growing concern for women of reproductive age, especially during pregnancy, when physiological changes can influence disease presentation and management. While women generally engage more in protective behaviors than men, significant disparities in awareness and preventive practices persist, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. Pregnancy-associated hormonal and mechanical changes may alter the morphology of nevi, necessitating vigilant dermatologic monitoring. Photoprotection strategies should prioritize safety for both mother and fetus, emphasizing mineral-based sunscreens and behavioral interventions. Although standard diagnostic and treatment approaches remain broadly applicable during pregnancy, advanced melanoma presents unique therapeutic challenges. Targeted therapies like BRAF inhibitors may offer maternal benefits in selected cases, although data are limited, whereas immunotherapies require cautious consideration due to potential fetal risks. Ultimately, optimal care of melanoma during pregnancy demands a multidisciplinary approach that integrates dermatologic, obstetric, oncologic, and pediatric expertise to balance maternal health needs with fetal safety. This review addresses awareness and preventive behaviors in women of reproductive age, pregnancy-related changes in melanocytic nevi, and management considerations during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT Purpose Lung cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally. This study aims to 1) investigate the effects of the Community Empowerment for Lung Cancer Prevention Program on participants’ knowledge of lung cancer, including risk factors, symptoms, screening, treatment, and prevention; and 2) explore lessons learned, challenges, and recommendations from program implementation. Design A quasi-experimental with one-group pretest and posttest design, followed by focus group discussions. Methods A purposive sample of 132 adults aged 18 and above participated in a one-day educational program. Participants completed a pretest before and a posttest after the program. Focus group discussions were conducted at one and three months after the program with nine community leaders, guided by an interview protocol. Results After the program, participants demonstrated significantly higher knowledge compared to before the program. Community leaders were trained to disseminate knowledge, with focus group discussions conducted at 1- and 3-month follow-ups, revealing that crowded living conditions increased exposure to cigarette smoke. Long-term smokers struggled to quit despite awareness. Family influence, especially from children and grandchildren, was a strong motivator for cessation. Leaders emphasized the need for consistent education campaigns and suggested practical strategies such as smoker registration, mobile chest X-ray services for older adults, and youth-targeted activities. Financial and legal barriers were identified as key obstacles. Conclusions Community-specific strategies are essential for lung cancer prevention. Promoting awareness, self-monitoring, and preventive behaviors can reduce risk. Clinical Relevance Community leaders and family members play crucial roles in smoking cessation. Results suggest that sustained education and culturally relevant messaging are critical to community empowerment for lung cancer prevention.

Hispanic, Asian, and African Americans are disproportionately affected by liver cancer, viral hepatitis B (HBV), and viral hepatitis C (HCV), in part because of barriers to liver cancer awareness and prevention. We implemented a community-based, culturally tailored initiative to raise awareness and promote uptake of behaviors for liver cancer prevention, early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Guided by community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles and built on well-established collaboration with community-based organizations, we actively engaged the community advisory board (CAB), community health workers, and community members in multiple phases of (1) a community-based educational initiative, (2) a city-wide bus campaign, and (3) community health fairs. This multilevel initiative saw notable changes in community members’ knowledge of liver cancer, viral hepatitis, lifestyle behaviors like dietary patterns, and uptake of screening tests for HBV/HCV. Additionally, the comprehensive engagement of CAB, healthcare workers, and community members significantly benefited community capacity building on cancer research and health promotion. These CBPR-guided community initiatives had remarkable positive impacts on promoting liver cancer awareness and prevention among underserved racial/ethnic minorities. The academic–community relationships built on and strengthened through shared power, mutual respect, and trust serve as the foundation for sustainable community growth and empowerment.

This study examined human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -related health literacy and prevention among students at a Southeastern Historical Black College and University (HBCU) using the Integrative Health Literacy Model and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Seven gender-specific focus groups (n = 20) were created between June and October 2023. The discussions explored health and HIV information-seeking behaviors, knowledge, prevention practices, and campus culture. Transcripts were analyzed using the domains of health literacy and CFIR. Participants primarily relied on social media and Google for health information, often passively encountering content rather than actively seeking it. While most have basic knowledge of HIV, misconceptions persist regarding HIV transmission, prevention, and curability. Condom use and testing were endorsed but inconsistently practiced, and knowledge of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was minimal. Female groups emphasized relational decision making and negotiation, while male groups raised more factual questions. Campus culture-including gossip, "dirty/clean" narratives, and sexual activity around events like homecoming-shaped both stigma and prevention behaviors. Barriers included comfort concerns regarding condom use, privacy concerns, judgmental staff, and uneven sexual health education before college. The students highlighted the need for private, affordable, and culturally resonant preventive strategies. The CFIR analysis identified opportunities for anonymous and bundled testing, peer-led education based on relationships and pleasure, and co-designed interventions that embed sexual health into campus life. Strengthening media literacy, promoting partner testing, improving awareness of PrEP and Rapid testing improve HIV prevention among HBCU students.

The human capacity to process information is limited. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were exposed to a large amount of uncertain and complex health information. This situation made some people experience perceived information overload, which made them unable to adopt appropriate preventive behaviors. This study aimed to examine the individual characteristics, abilities, and attention to informational media that predict the perception of information overload during a pandemic. We conducted a longitudinal study with 2 time points, August 2020 and August 2021, among residents of Japan under a COVID-19 emergency declaration. The sample had the same proportions for sex, age, and prefecture as the general Japanese population. We used a web-based survey to measure sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy (HL), attention to 6 different types of information channels, and participants' perception of information overload. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted with information overload as the objective variable. A total of 784 participants responded to the survey at both time points, with a follow-up rate of 78.4% (784/1000). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that younger age (β=-0.084, 95% CI -0.142 to -0.013), male sex (β=-0.163, 95% CI -0.008 to -0.003), lower HL (β=-0.084, 95% CI -0.114 to -0.011), paying less attention to television news (β=-0.118, 95% CI -0.038 to -0.001), and paying greater attention to social media (β=0.089, 95% CI 0.000-0.027) significantly predicted information overload 1 year after exposure to information during the pandemic. Public health communicators should aim to provide concise and understandable information in consideration of a target population that is vulnerable to information overload during a pandemic. A high level of attention to social media may increase the perception of information overload. By contrast, HL may reduce the cognitive load in information processing. Providing an environment during normal periods that allows people to develop the skills to critically interpret health information will help them to prepare for future infodemics.

ABSTRACTObjectiveUsing a socio‐ecological perspective that includes consideration for the effects of the built environment, this study investigated the association between neighborhood‐level measures of childhood trauma, adult cancer prevention behaviors, and cancer mortality in Philadelphia.MethodsCancer registry data and five neighborhood‐level risk factors, including three measures related to trauma and two indices related to adherence to cancer prevention guidelines, were utilized. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess how risk factors relate to variation in cancer mortality. Associations between each of the neighborhood risk factors and high cancer mortality were identified and visualized geospatially.ResultsTrauma and adherence to cancer prevention guidelines together accounted for 50% of the variation in neighborhood cancer mortality in Philadelphia. Neighborhoods near each other were likely to have common prevalent risk factors, and the majority of neighborhoods with the highest cancer mortality rates were also high in trauma measures.ConclusionsResults expand upon prior research in this area to the neighborhood level, suggesting that neighborhoods with high cancer mortality are more likely to have high levels of trauma and low cancer prevention behaviors. Neighborhood‐level measures of trauma can be used to prioritize and tailor trauma‐informed cancer prevention efforts.

BackgroundOccupational exposure to human papillomaviruses (HPV) poses a potential health risk to healthcare providers, yet preventive awareness and behaviors remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare providers toward occupational exposure to HPV.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and February 2024 at the First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shantou University. The participants included healthcare providers in gynecology, dermatology, or coloproctology departments. A self-designed questionnaire was employed to collect demographic characteristics and assess KAP toward occupational exposure to HPV. The exploration of the relationships between KAP was performed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).ResultsThis study enrolled 1059 participants with a mean age of 34.76 ± 9.56 years. Most participants were female (77.90%), with a bachelor’s degree (46.55%). The mean KAP scores were 19.96 ± 6.20 (possible range: 0–28), 20.84 ± 2.62 (possible range: 6–30), and 24.43 ± 6.50 (possible range: 8–40). In the SEM analysis, knowledge positively influenced attitude (β = 0.171, P < 0.001), and practice (β = 0.091, P = 0.016). Attitude positively influenced practice (β = 0.254, P = 0.001).ConclusionsHealthcare providers demonstrated a moderate knowledge, attitude, and practice towards occupational HPV exposure. Educational and training activities should be implemented to enhance the KAP of healthcare providers toward occupational HPV exposure.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-025-08059-w.

Introduction: Indonesia has experienced a significant increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders, affecting individuals across various age groups. These conditions often progress silently and require long-term management. Enhancing public knowledge and awareness is essential for early detection and effective prevention. Objective: This study aimed to develop an interactive educational application tailored to different age groups to improve public understanding and awareness of common NCDs, focusing on their signs, symptoms, and preventive strategies. Methods: A Research and Development (R&amp;D) method was applied using the 4D model, consisting of four phases: Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. The development process included a needs analysis, application content and interface design, software development, and dissemination planning. Input from health professionals and target users was integrated to ensure the application’s content accuracy and usability. Results: The final application features a secure login system and age-specific interactive menus that display relevant NCD information, including warning signs, symptoms, and prevention tips. Black-box testing confirmed its functional reliability, while usability testing indicated high user satisfaction. The application positively influenced users' health knowledge, particularly in identifying early symptoms and understanding preventive measures for NCDs. Conclusion: Age-specific digital education tools are effective in increasing public knowledge about NCDs and fostering preventive health behaviors. Integrating such applications into community health initiatives can enhance health literacy and support early intervention strategies across diverse age demographics.