Knowledge, Risk Perceptions and Behavioral Intentions among Elementary School Teachers of Yazd Regarding Hepatitis A

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis A, an acute viral disease is the most common global cause of viral hepatitis that affects millions of people annually. Due to its high incidence, hepatitis A is considered a worldwide health problem. This study aims to determine the knowledge, risk perceptions, and behavioral intentions for hepatitis A among elementary school teachers in Yazd city.

 Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a random cluster sample of 307 people who taught at elementary schools. The data collection tool in this study was a 30 question questionnaire that had validity and reliability in five parts: i) demographics, ii) knowledge, iii) individual risk perception, iv) general risk perception, and v) behavioral intention. The questionnaire completed by elementary school teachers in Yazd city.

 Results: Mean Participants age was 37.80±7.89 years with a range of 20-53 years. The score knowledge was 23.44±3.17 (range 0-34), general risk perception was 23.44±3.17 (range 7-35), individual risk perception was 6.47±2.01 (range 2-10), and behavioral intention was 16.03±3.38 (range 5-25). There were statistically significant differences between gender and mean score behavioral intention (p=0.009). Therefore women had a high level of intention.

 Conclusion: It seems by emphasizing increasingly of knowledge aspect who can reach behavioral intention and finally the main purpose of health education with another meaning change behavior for creating health behavior.