cognitive determinants predicting pediculosis preventive behaviors: application of health belief model

Background: pediculosis is still recognized as a worldwide infestation and is a major public health concern. the aim of this study was to determine the cognitive determinants predicting pediculosis preventive behaviors (ppb) based on the health belief model (hbm). methods: this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 female high school students in the west of iran, during 2019. the participants were selected by random sampling method. they filled out a self-administered questionnaire including the background variables, ppb questionnaire, and hbm determinants. data were analyzed by spss-22 software using pearson correlation test and linear regression analysis. results: the mean age of the students was 12.72 years [sd: 0.60], ranging from 12 to 14 years. the mean score of ppb was 7.72 [sd: 2.23], ranging from 0 to 10. hbm determinants accounted for 20% of the variation in ppb. the best predictors of ppb were perceived susceptibility (beta: 0.303, p<0.001), perceived barriers (beta: -0.217, p=0.004) and perceived self-efficacy (beta: 0.158, p=0.040), respectively. conclusion: it seems that the development and implementation of health promotion programs to increase susceptibility toward the risk of pediculosis, improve self-efficacy toward performing ppb, and reduce the barriers in adopting ppb among the students. these results may be useful in preventing pediculosis.