Application and Comparison of the Theories of Health Belief Model and Planned Behavior in Determining the Predictive Factors Associated with Seat Belt Use among Drivers in Sabzevar

Introduction: After heart diseases, traffic accidents are the main leading cause of mortality in the country. This is while seat belt use can significantly decrease the risk of mortality up to 41 to 50 percent. The rate of seat belt use among Iranian drivers is reported to be 3 to 56 percent. This study aimed to determine the predictive factors of seat belt use among drivers of Sabzevar based on Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A clustered (10×35) sample of 340 drivers in Sabzevar town was surveyed in this descriptive analytical study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire designed according to TPB and HBM. An experts panel approved its validity, and its reliability was verified by Cronbach Alpha test (α=0.65%-0.83%). Data was analyzed using Spearman coefficient, ANOVA, t test, and path analysisvia regression. Results: The subjects’ self-reported mean score of seat belt use was 63% of maximum score of the scale. Significant difference was found in seat belt use among different educational levels as the higher the educational level, the more score for seat belt use. A significant correlation was observed between variables of TPB and HBM (except perceived severity) and intention to wear sealt belt (p<0.01). The variables of TPB explained the variance of intention of seat belt use better (37.9%) than that of HBM (15.4%). Among variables of the two models, abstract norms (β=0.313) and cue to action (β=0.210) had more direct effects. Conclusion: Seat belt use among the subjects was in an average level. According to the high mortality due to transporation vehicles in country and the effective preventive role of seat belt, the use of this device should be enhanced. As a theoretical framework in instructional programs which are intended to propound seat belt use, TPB could be applied better than HBM to predict the intention of seat belt use.