Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Public Health, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2
Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
3
Department of public Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
4
Health Education Research Department, ACECR-Khuzestan, Ahvaz, Iran
5
School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
10.30468/beyhagh.2026.8381.335
Abstract
Background and Aims: Floods are one of the most destructive natural disasters, causing significant human and financial losses in Iran. Focusing on prevention and promoting protective behaviors before a flood occurs is essential. This study aimed to examine preventive behaviors against floods using the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) among junior high school male students in Karun County.
Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024on 366 junior high school male students selected through cluster sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on PMT constructs (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy, response cost, fear, reward, behavioral intention, risk perception, and behavior) and analyzed using SPSS version 27.
Results: The mean age of participants was 14.60 years, and 66.7% had prior flood experience. Perceived severity (18.38 out of 25) had the highest mean score, while reward (10.24 out of 15) and risk perception (9.54 out of 15) had the lowest. Behavioral intention had a significant positive correlation with fear, reward, risk perception, and behavior. Perceived severity showed a significant negative correlation with behavior. Regression analysis indicated that behavioral intention and risk perception were positive predictors, while perceived severity was a negative predictor of behavior. The model explained only 7.5% of the variance in behavior.
Conclusion: A gap exists between risk perception and the implementation of preventive behaviors among students. Factors influencing behavior extend beyond mere awareness, and enhancing self-efficacy, belief in the effectiveness of actions, and fear management are crucial for translating perception into practice.
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