Protection motivation theory in predicting intentional behaviors regards schistosomiasis: a WeChat-based qualitative study

• Main Authors: Yi Wang (Author), Chengyuan Li (Author), Jianfeng Zhang (Author), Yuanchun Mao (Author), Wei Li (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2024-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

BackgroundModifications of behavior can help reduce the risk of transmission by disrupting the parasite life cycle. Behavior intension is a necessary intermediate step in behavior change. This study aimed to explore protection motivation theory (PMT) in predicting likelihood of engagement in protective behavior against infection with Schistosoma.MethodsIn China, a questionnaire for data collection was sent to users who followed the WeChat public account from June 2 to 6, 2023. Factors affecting intentional behavior of participants were analyzed using stepwise regression analysis and structural equation modeling.ResultsA total of 2,243 valid questionnaires were collected, with a mean age of 30 ± 8.4 years. Approximately 1,395 (62.2%) participants reported that they had been exposed to wild waters in daily work and life. About 51.0 and 50.7% of respondents reported never having been exposed to wild water in the last 3 and 6 months, respectively. Results indicated that prior knowledge of schistosomiasis was associated with the 7 PMT subconstructs, which then influenced future preventative behaviors.ConclusionBehavior intentionis a complicated and indispensable part of behavior change that is influenced by professional knowledge, socio-economic status, and personal characteristics. The effective dissemination of knowledge regards schistosomiasis should be strengthened to emphasize the effectiveness of protective measures against infection and severe disease.

Item Description

2296-2565
10.3389/fpubh.2024.1295081