assessing the predictors of intention and behavior in using virtual social networks among students of the yazd university of medical sciences based on the theory of planned behavior

Introduction: there has been a recent spike in the use of virtual social networks. however, only a few studies have explored factors that influence the use of social networks by using theories of health education among students. the present study aims to determine the predictive factors of virtual social networks among students of the yazd university of medical sciences based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior. methods: in 2016 this cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 students who were selected by the stratified random sampling method. data was collected from a questionnaire based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions and behaviors. the data collected was then analyzed via the spss v.16 software using descriptive statistics, pearson product– moment correlation test, one-way analysis of variance, and regression. results: the mean age of the students was 22.28 ± 3.69 years. the results also suggested that 98.3% of them were using virtual social networks. moreover, the findings of the regression analysis indicated that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were predictors of intention to use social networks, while attitudes had the highest predictive power for the intention to use social networks (β = 0.38). furthermore, the results of the regression analysis demonstrated that behavioral intention, attitudes, and subjective norms among the constructs of the theory of planned behavior could predict the behavior to use virtual space. conclusion: the use of virtual social networks by university students displayed a rising trend. measures ought to be taken to create a right attitude about the extent and efficient use of virtual networks to ensure that they do not interfere with the students’ educational activities and real relationships.