examining the determinants of seatbelt use among rural drivers: an application of the theory of planned behavior

Background and aims: wearing a seat belt significantly reduces the severity and fatality of road traffic injuries. this study aimed to predict seatbelt-wearing behavior among rural drivers using the theory of planned behavior (tpb) and to identify its influencing factors. methods: this study was conducted among 450 rural drivers in the hashtrood district of iran using a random sampling method in 2023. data were collected through a structured questionnaire containing questions on demographic characteristics, general traffic-related behaviors, and seatbelt use behavior based on the tpb constructs. regression analysis was conducted using spss software (version 16) to predict tpb constructs. results: the findings indicated that 59.1 % of drivers strictly adhered to the traffic rules. however, only 21.4% of drivers used the front, and 19% used seatbelts in the rear seat on rural roads. based on regression analysis of tpb constructs, subjective norms, attitude, and perceived behavioral control considerably predicted behavioral intention to use a seat belt (p<0.05, r2=0.422, adjusted r2=0.417). furthermore, the constructs of behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control were found to be significant predictors of actual seatbelt use behavior (p<0.01, r2=0.283, adjusted r2=0.280). adherence to traffic rules, parental behavior, exposure to seatbelt use training by parents and friends, and being fined for not wearing a seat belt significantly impacted the seatbelt use behavior (p<0.05). conclusion: the results of this study demonstrated that tpb predicted seatbelt use behavior among rural drivers. educational preventive programs grounded in tpb principles could improve seatbelt use behavior among rural societies.