factors related to cutaneous leishmaniasis preventive behaviors on the basis of basnef model in residents of endemic areas in yazd, iran

background: the belief, attitude, subjective norm, enabling factors (basnef) model is one of the most complete models for evaluating behaviors and creating new behaviors. therefore, this research was designed and performed to describe factors related to cutaneous leishmaniasis (cl) preventive behaviors on the basis of the basnef model in endemic areas of yazd, iran. methods: in this cross-sectional study, using multistage sampling method, 120 resident families were selected from two cl endemic regions of yazd. they were interviewed to complete a questionnaire which was prepared based on the basnef model. data was analyzed via inferential and descriptive statistics. findings: knowledge, attitude, and behavior of the subjects were not at a desired level. the behavioral intention of using pyrethroid-impregnated bednets was at a very low level. the most important enabling factors for doing preventive behaviors were knowledge about the place of mosquito net shop and educational programs. the most influential subjective norms were volunteer health workers (vhws) and health workers. there were significant direct correlations between preventive behaviors and behavioral intention and enabling factors. there were correlations between attitude and knowledge and behavioral intention (p < 0.05). conclusion: according to the low levels behavior related to cl prevention and the importance of enabling factors for creating behaviors, providing enabling factors for high risk groups, especially via vhws, can lead to cl prevention.