Factors Associated with Preventive Behaviors of Pediculosis Infection among Elementary School Girl Students in Eyvan: An Application of the Health Belief Model

Aims: Pediculosis Capitis is one of the important health issues in students, which causes physical, social, and mental complications. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the preventive behaviors against head lice infestation among female primary school students at Eyvan, Iran in 2016. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytic study performed on 157 female 4th and 5th grades primary school students, who were selected by cluster sampling in 2016. Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, which was designed based on Health Belief Model (HBM) and its validity and reliability was confirmed. After completing questionnaires by students, the data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software, using independent t-test, Pearson correlation test, and logistic regression analysis. Findings: The 4th grade students had higher awareness (p=0.001) and perceived severity (p=0.003) than those of the 5th grade students. Also, the awareness of people with pediculosis history was significantly higher than those, who did not have history of infection (p=0.039). There was a significant correlation between self-efficacy and preventive behaviors against pediculosis infection (p<0.001; r=0.499). Moreover, self-efficacy predicted 26.4% of behavioral changes (p<0.001). Conclusion: Self-efficacy of students have a significant role in adopting preventive behaviors of head lice.