Showing 18 results for Attitude
R Heshmat, A.a Keshtkar, R Sheykh-Ol-Eslam, M Baghery, A Nadim,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (12-2005)
Abstract
Background and Objectives:To compare three different methods of signal detection applied to the Adverse Drug Reactions registered in the Iranian Pharmacovigilance database from 1998 to 2005.
Materials and Methods:All Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) reported to Iranian Pharmacovigilance Center from March 1998 through January 2005, were included in the analysis. The data were analyzed based on three different signal detection methods including Reporting Odds Ratios (PRRs), Bayesian Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) and Reporting Odds Ratios (RORs). Signals detected by each method were categorized based on the number of reports per drug-adverse event combination, severity of the event and labeled or unlabeled ADRs. The methods applied to signal detection were then compared in recognizing different types of adverse events.
Results: A total of 6353 cases of ADR reports, describing 11130 reactions, were reported to Iranian Pharmacovigilance Center (IPC) during the study period. The dataset involved 4975 drug-event combinations, which were assessed for detecting signals.
The counts of drug-event combinations was 1, 2 and 3 or more for 3470, 727 and 779 combinations, respectively. There were 500 drug items responsible for 468 reaction terms in the database. According to PRR and 95% Confidence Interval, there were 2838, 872 and 488 drug-event combinations known as a signal for the pairs with the reporting frequency of ³1, ³2 and ³3 reports, respectively. The signals detected with the criteria of PRR³2, c2³4 were 2930, 872 and 480 for the pairs with the same reporting frequencies.
Estimates of RORs and the 95% Confidence Interval showed that 2722, 862 and 481 drug-event combinations were detected to be signal for the pairs with the reporting frequency of ³1, ³2 and ³3 reports, respectively, while measuring IC and IC-2SD detected 1120, 378 and 235 cases for the same reporting frequencies. There were 234 signals detected by all three methods.
Conclusion: Despite the similarities between data mining methodologies for signal detection, there are differences in the numbers of signals detected by each method. The study findings suggest that quantitative signal detection methods should be added to the routine Pharmacovigilance activities in Iran and the trends for quantitative measures over time should be monitored.
H Eftekhar, K Mohammad, Ss Tavafian, K Mirkarimi, A Ramezanzadeh,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (6-2009)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Although in many developed and developing countries, self care is the most important part of primary care, in Iran it has not been supported as well as its values. The aim of this study was to assess the views of general people living in south of Tehran about self care.
Methods: This was a population based study in which 1200 individuals aged 15 years and over were interviewed using cluster sampling. A structured interview questionnaire which including 5 sections on regarding demographic characteristics, views on general health, views on self care knowledge, interest and practice, views on barrier and enabler factors for self care, and views on sources of information was used. Content validity and cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used for its validity and reliability. Data were analyzed through spss version 11.
Results: The mean age of participants was 27.9 ± 5.2 years. Six hundred and fifty eight respondents (55%) stated they were not knowledgeable on self care, 986 (82%) and 1035 (86%), were interested and self rated themselves active regarding healthy life style, respectively. In practice, only fifty three participants (4%) were actually active in eating ≥7 glasses of water daily, 31 (3%) stated they ate more than five portions of fruits daily and 51(4%) did physical activity more than 3 hours weekly.
Conclusions: The findings of this study have highlighted the significant role of information in doing self care activities.
F Farivar, R Heshmat, B Azemati, Sh Abbaszadeh Ahranjani, Aa Keshtkar, R Sheykholeslam, A Nadim,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2009)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Lack of nutritional knowledge is one of the most important reasons of nutritional problems worldwide and consequently, improper practice which can lead to several complications such as: malnutrition and non-contagious diseases. This study has been designed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of the urban households regarding practical principals of nutrition in Boushehr, Golestan, and Sistan & Balouchestan provinces in 2004.
Methods: Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice of urban households towards practical principals of nutrition in mentioned provinces was carried out by this cross sectional study. The sampling method at the level of the households in each province was the single-stage cluster sampling with equal size clusters. The necessary data were gathered with a structured questionnaire and via the interviews between the questioners and the eligible people in each household.
Results: A total of 1154 individuals were participated in this survey. Approximately seventy percent of individuals were aware about having basic four food groups and 45% of them were also aware of role of food group in human body. Majority of people had acceptable attitudes toward nutrition. Based on standard criteria consumption of meat was rare and consumption of fish was in medium level, legumes in high level, fruits and vegetables, milk & dairy products were in acceptable level. Consumption of carbonated beverages, junk foods and sugar were in high level.
Conclusion: The findings of this study imply a need for effective implementation of nutritional community interventions by health policy makers in Iranian health systems.
Me Riahi, A Aliverdinia, Mr Soleimani,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Cigarette smoking is the one of unhealthy behaviors in human societies which it’s over increasing prevalence, particularly among students, has produced many concerns. The present study seeks to describe the scale of cigarette smoking attitude (CSA) and its correlation with social determinants among high school students in the Ghaemshahr city.
Methods: This cross-sectional study is conducted via survey method and data has been collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The subjects of the study were 400 third-grade students of Ghaemshahr city’s high schools who have been selected randomly on the basis of proportional stratified random sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire with 32-items including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of CSA applied.
Results: 82.6 percent of students reported negative CSA (anti-smoking), while 5.6 percent of them declared positive CSA. Descriptive results showed that students’ awareness about negative effects of cigarette smoking was relatively low and insufficient. Furthermore, the results of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant correlations between having positive CSA and subject of the study in high school, level of father’s education, social class of the family, and especially having smoker friends and parents.
Conclusions: It is concluded that students had low awareness and information about negative effects of cigarette smoking therefore more educational interventions should be implemented in high schools to increases the awareness and change their attitudes, Moreover, it should be emphasized that social environment, especially family and peer group (friends), play vital role in the formation of positive CSA and finally cigarette smoking.
B Azemati , R Heshmat , Aa Keshtkar , M Bagheri , R Sheykholeslam , A Nadim ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: The aim of this study was carried out to compare knowledge, attitude and practice of urban and rural households towards osteopenia and osteoporosis in Golestan, Sistan & Balouchestan and Boushehr provinces in Iran.
Methods: single-stage cluster sampling was used. The questions about knowledge about, attitude toward and practice of nutritional factors related to osteopenia and osteoporosis were asked by a structured interview.
Results: A total of 2306 households have been selected as overall sample size. Knowledge level of urban households about calcium as a preventive factor of osteoporosis & osteopenia was more in Sistan & Balouchestan, Golestan and Boushehr provinces. Knowledge level of urban households about calcium food courses: (Milk, Yogurt, Cheese and Dairy alternatives) was also better than that of rural habitants (P<0.01). Urban residents' attitude toward osteoporosis compared to rural residents was better (P 0.01>). Consumption of pasteurized milk had been paid more attention in urban households (P<0.001). The difference of daily milk intake in rural and urban households with pregnant or lactating women was not significant. Exposure of infant to sun as preventive factor was not satisticaly significant between rural and urban habitants.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of rural households toward osteoporosis and osteopenia was weaker than urban households.
N Zia Sheikholeslami , M Rezaeian, M Bahsoun , M Taghavipoor ,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Medical Tourism has been recently paid more attention. Individual practitioners and medical organizations must be able to provide accurate information about this rapidly evolving trend. Since there has been little known about this issue, we decided to assess the knowledge about and attitude towards medical tourism in Rafsanjan, Iran.
Methods: A questionnaire including XXX questions were completed by Rafsanjan Medical University staff. All information was analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: Only 8.3% of individuals sated that they studied some articles about Medical Tourism, and only 14.7% of them had deal with these kinds of patients. The majority of participants (80.7%) hadn’t had any idea about the quality of medical expenses by Medical Tourists. Mainly (68.7%) believed that development of Medical Tourism in Iran would not have any bad social consequences and 62% believed that its development in Iran could improve the knowledge of Iranian doctors. The majority (67.3%) agreed to arrange for inviting tourism to Iran in order to use of Medical Tourists and 54.3 of them believed that development of Medical Tourism could improve treatment of Iranian patients.
Conclusions: The knowledge of participants seems is very low therefore appropriate educational programs should be tailored by responsible organizations in Iran. However medical staff’s attitude towards medical Tourism seems is very positive which indicates having necessary potential for any activity in this regard in future.
Aa Haghdoost, A Pourkhandani, Sh Motaghipisheh, B Farhoudi, N Fahimifar, B Sadeghirad ,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2011)
Abstract
Background & Objective: the number of people with HIV/AIDS in Iran is increasing. Populations' knowledge and awareness are crucial steps to prevent HIV/AIDS epidemic. This systematic review aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS in Iranian population.
Methods: Reviewing related titles in national and international databanks resulted in 62 eligible studies published between 1998 and 2008. To explore the source(s) of heterogeneity, meta-regression model was used.
Results: Due to the methodological diversity of included studies (e.g. their sampling or data collection methods) pooled estimation of the results were hard to be applied. The mean for knowledge score among 24 eligible studies (including 24,011 individuals) varied between 14.7 and 84.0 out of 100. Among those 16 eligible studies (including 11,104 individuals), the reported mean for attitude varied between 32.6 and 78.4 out of 100.
Conclusion: In overall, it seems that the knowledge and attitude in Iranian population still need to be improved however, the results from our systematic review showed a considerable heterogeneity among the results that can be originated from the diversity of target populations and/or their methodology of included studies. Planning for further targeted programs and modifying public education for more effective schemes are necessary to be emphasized, as there was not a significant change in the level of knowledge or attitude based on the included studies.
K Etemad, H Eftekhar Ardabili, A Rahimi, Mm Gouya, A Heidari, Mj Kabir,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2011)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: The epidemic of HIV has been become worldwide. Infected people with HIV which are
most intravenous drug users (IDUs) and/or people who have unsafe sex are important source of transmission of
infection to other persons in a community. Since there is little known about the knowledge and attitudes of HIV
positives about HIV in Iran, therefore we decided to measure the level of knowledge and attitudes of this group
in Golestan province in compare with individuals with risky behavior.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 HIV+ persons and 134 people with high risk behavior
individuals in 2007 year.
Results: Our study showed that HIV- (High risk group) cases had higher education level (P=0.034). Rate of
jobless was higher in HIV+ persons (P<0.001). HIV+ cases had lower income (P=0.037). Both groups had
moderate knowledge and poor attitude on HIV/AIDS. Level of attitude in HIV+ positive persons was lower than
high risk group (P=0.05).
Conclusion: It is concluded that these susceptible persons and also infected individuals with HIV regardless of
their socio-economic levels need more continuous education in structured programs.
D Shojae Zadeh, A Mehrab Baic, M Mahmoodi, L Salehi,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (9-2011)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Osteoporosis is major public health concern affecting millions of adults particularly older adults and women worldwide. Designing effective educational intervention is principle in any health promotion program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an educational intervention based on health belief model on knowledge about, attitudes toward and practice of prevention osteoporosis among women with low socioeconomic status in Isfahan.
Methods: The study population consisted of 14 women with low socioeconomic status and under 60 years old. A valid and reliable questionnaire developed and used as measurement tool for initial and final assessments in this program. In addition calcium intake and vitamin D, physical activity and exposure to the sun were assessed.
Results: The mean age of the participants were 40.8 ± 10.52 years. The mean score of all parts of health belief model (except for perceived barriers), knowledge, sun exposure, and physical activity after educational intervention compared to before intervention, were increased significantly. There was no statistically significant difference between daily calcium and vitamin D intake before and after intervention.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the HBM Model– based educational program on Knowledge and belief regarding Osteoporosis prevention seems practical and effective. However more research should be done to find out more effective intervention regarding optimal calcium and vitamin D intake.
M Sadeghi, N Khanjani, F Motamedi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (12-2011)
Abstract
مقدمه و اهداف: امروزه پزشکی مبتنی بر شواهد بعنوان یک رویکرد نوین و قابل اتکا در علوم پزشکی پذیرفته شده و جهت ارتقاء کیفیت مراقبتهای بالینی بیماران مورد توجه قرار گرفته است. هدف این مطالعه تعیین میزان آگاهی و نگرش دستیاران بالینی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی کرمان در مورد مفهوم رویکرد پزشکی مبتنی بر شواهد و بررسی میزان کاربرد آن بود.
روش کار: مطالعه به روش مقطعی و از طریق پرسشنامهای که روایی و پایایی آن تایید شده بود، در آذر ماه سال 1388 انجام گرفت. دادهها با استفاده از نرم افزار SPSS مورد تجزیه وتحلیل قرار گرفتند.
نتایج: از مجموع 94 دستیار شرکت کننده در مطالعه 3/55% مرد، میانگین سن شرکت کنندگان 7/32 سال و متوسط زمان اتمام تحصیلات پزشکی عمومی آنها 6/5 سال بود. 3/83 % شرکت کنندگان معتقد بودند که استفاده از EBM درمراقبت از بیماران مفید است، اما فقط 3/5% آنها اظهار کردند که در بیش از نیمی از کارهای بالینی خود از رویکرد پزشکی مبتنی بر شواهد استفاده میکنند. 3/88% شرکت کنندگان به پیشرفت در زمینه EBM علاقمند بودند. منبع کسب اطلاعات برای تصمیم گیری بالینی، در6/59% دستیاران شرکت کننده کتاب، در 4/41% تجارب کلینیکی توام با کتب درسی و تنها در 2/19% آنها مقالات بود.
نتیجهگیری: نتایج نشان داد که دستیاران دانشگاه علوم پزشکی کرمان شناخت کمی از پزشکی مبتنی بر شواهد دارند. لذا لزوم برنامه ریزی منسجم در زمینه آموزش پزشکی مبتنی بر شواهد و کاربرد عملی آن احساس میشود.
H Arazi, A Salehi,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (2-2014)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: There have been several reports showing that the rate of anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse has increased in athlete and non-athlete adolescents. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess, attitude and awareness of side-effects of these drugs in male bodybuilders.
Methods: 227 bodybuilders completed a tridimensional questionnaire that investigated demographic information, prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and attitude towards steroids abuse.
Results: Forty percent of participants (40.1%) of bodybuilders had used anabolic-androgenic steroids at least one time. The main reasons for taking this medication were strength, muscle mass, speed and endurance, respectively and 7.73% did not know the reason of using it. 32.6% of bodybuilders believed that anabolic steroids increased muscle size without exercise and without proper exercise and nutrition. The mean score of awareness and attitude of athletes who used these drugs were significantly higher than the athletes who did notuse (P=0.001). Athletes with Championship history were more aware regard to adverse effects of steroids than athletes with no history of championship.
Conclusion: The findings of this indicating that that abusing AAS seems to be increased and become a public health concern that implies the need to implement educational programs by health care professionals and sport specialists.
S Abbaszadeh, Mr Baneshi, F Zolala, Y Jahani, H Sharifi,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (12-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: We may sometimes measure the joint effect of correlated independent variables on several dependent variablesThe present study aimed to evaluate the performance of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) on complex relationships between variables.
Methods: The present study evaluated the knowledge and attitude of 15-18 year-old individuals towards narcotics (glass, ecstasy). The effect of independent variables on two latent variables of knowledge and attitudes was studied using SEM and MANOVA modelingThe mean square error of methods were compared.
Results: The direction of associations was similar in both methods but their coefficients and p-values were different. only the effect of gender (P-value= 0.007) on knowledge in both methods was significant. Nevertheless, gender (P-value < 0.001) and marital status (P-value< 0.001) were significantly associated with attitude in both methods. The mean square error of multivariate analysis of variance and structural equation modeling was 0.98 and 0.002 respectively.
Conclusion: In the current studythe performance of SEM was better than MANOVA. Therefore, it is suggested that SEM to be used to study the multifactorial relationship between variables. In addition, only gender was effective on knowledge in both methods, while gender and marital status were effective on attitude in both methods.
H Taherichadorneshin, Mr Esmaeili, M Farahi , M Tavakoli,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nowadays, despite several global initiatives, the use of doping agents has become a problem in athletic societies. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence, attitude and tendency toward the use of performance-enhancing supplements among athletes in North Khorasan Province.
Methods: The statistical population of this cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was all athletes of North Khorasan Province. Demographic characteristics and data related to doping agents were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was approved by doping experts and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha. The questionnaires were then distributed using stratified random sampling and 436 questionnaires were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS software at P<0.05.
Results: The findings showed that 39.2% of the subjects used at least one of the agents for doping. The most common agents were vitamin and protein supplements (36%), minerals (28.7%) and drugs (21.3%). Also, there was a significant negative correlation between the prevalence of using doping agents and age, sport background, and educational level. In addition, attitude and tendency toward the use of doping agents were higher in weightlifters, body builders, and footballers compared to other athletes. Furthermore, knowledge of athletes, awareness about side effects, and the overall awareness of athletes toward performance-enhancing supplements was low.
Conclusion: It is necessary to develop comprehensive educational programs to raise the knowledge and awareness of athletes and coaches toward the use of performance-enhancing supplements in North Khorasan Province.
Zahra Hosseinkhani, Mozhgan Abbasi, Amaneh Khaleghi, Elham Kakavand, Nahid Yazdi, Hassan Reza Mohammadi Moein,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The spread of COVID-19 in the world has had adverse effects on all aspects of people´ life and social and economic development of the communities. The current study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 in the general population of Qazvin province.
Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted on 1223 people above 15 years in Qazvin province between December and January 2020. We used multistage stratified random sampling to select the participants from urban and rural health centers. The questionnaires were completed by the patients as well as through phone interviews. The questions included demographic information and knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19.
Results: In total, 1223 subjects with a mean (standard deviation) age of 35.6 ± 12.2 years participated in this study. The scores of knowledge, attitudes, and practice were 68%, 72% and 91%, respectively. The lowest score of knowledge was related to awareness of common symptoms of the disease (6%). Forty-two subjects believed they observed the principles of disease prevention. A distance of 2 meters was observed by 50.3%. The scores of knowledge (P=0.007) and practice (P=0.028) increased with age, and the scores of knowledge (P<0.001) and attitude (P=0.001) increased and decreased with an increase in the education level, respectively. Males had significantly lower knowledge (P=0.002) and practice (P<0.001) scores. Moreover, rural residents had higher attitude scores compared to urban residents (P=0.002).
Conclusion: The results suggest that the general population of Qazvin province had desirable knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 at the time of the epidemic.
Maryam Ghahramany, Nooshin Peyman, Monavar Afzalaghaee,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In recent years, there have been significant demographic changes. One of the most important changes has been the decrease in the fertility rate in many countries, including Iran. In recent decades, considering the vital role of men in having children, the question is whether domestic research on the issue of men's attitude towards having children has enough maturity. Moreover, what are the gaps in the research process of this issue in the country?
Methods: The present study used Iranian research articles published in domestic and foreign journals. To obtain relevant articles from domestic Iran databases (magiran, SID) and international databases (Web of Science, Scopus PubMed,) as well as the Google Scholar search engine was used from the beginning until May 2022 with the keywords: attitude, motivation, intention, childbearing, childbirth, fertility, reproduction.
Results: 18 articles related to the purpose of the research were included in the study. The pattern of two children was the dominant pattern of childbearing among men. A large proportion of men had a positive attitude towards childbearing. Among the variables related to men's attitude towards childbearing were education, socio-economic class, a feeling of loneliness, place of residence, and the amount of internet usage.
Conclusion: It is necessary to increase encouragement policies, raise awareness about the importance of having children, provide proper occupations for men, suitable housing, and implement comprehensive educational programs to strengthen men's optimistic view of having children.
Zahra Aliakbarzadeh Arani, Tahereh Ramezani, Azam Hosseinpour,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Considering the documented impact of attitudes towards aging on quality of life, this study aimed to explore hope in life and its association with attitudes towards aging across various age groups in Qom, Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2021-2022, included 83 children (8-15 years old) and 340 adults (16 years old and above) selected from different age groups based on the Statistical Center of Iran's classification. The systematic random sampling method was used, considering the frequency percentage of each group from the 2015 census. Data were collected through a demographic form, Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People Scale (KAOPS), and Snyder's Hope questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-24, incorporating Pearson's correlation coefficient, independent sample t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of hope in life and attitude towards aging were 25.97±5.81 (ranging from 6 to 36) and 137.38±21.65 (ranging from 34 to 238) in the children's group, and 27.54±4.92 (ranging from 8 to 32) and 154.66±17.30 (ranging from 34 to 238) in the adults' group, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed a significant relationship between hope in life and attitude towards aging only in the age groups of 16-24 years (r=0.220, P<0.05) and 25-44 years (r=0.273, P<0.01), while this relationship was not significant in other groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Although the relationship between attitude towards aging and hope in life was not strong or significant across all age groups, given the average levels of hope in life across all age groups, promoting positivity and elucidating the positive attributes of aging and the importance of elderly individuals in society can enhance individuals' outlook towards their future life.
Abbas Jafari, Somayeh Abdollahinezhad, Mohammad Hajaghazadeh, Azadeh Aghaie, Mina Maheri,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Assessing farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding paraquat usage, provides insights into the safe application of paraquat, and emphasizes the necessity of implementing educational programs for farmers if their level of knowledge, attitude, and practice are low. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the status of knowledge, attitude and practice of farmers toward the use of paraquat.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 288 farmers using multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire comprising demographic information and questions assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice toward paraquat. Descriptive and analytical statistics were employed for data analysis.
Results: Among the surveyed farmers, 71.9% had poor knowledge, 22.4% had medium knowledge, and 5.7% had good knowledge. Regarding attitude, 11.0% were classified as poor/negative, 44.5% as medium/neutral, and 44.5% as good/positive. In terms of practice, 10.3% exhibited poor, 27.0% medium, and 62.7% good practices in the safe use of paraquat. Significant relationship were observed between education levels with knowledge, attitude and practice, history of participating in educational programs related to pesticides and knowledge and attitude, as well residence and knowledge.
Conclusion: Given the poor knowledge of the surveyed farmers, which can lead to poor attitude and practice, it seems necessary to design and implement educational interventions aimed at improving their knowledge, attitude, and practice in the field of safe and correct use of paraquat. Designing and implementing programs to enhance farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the safe and correct use of paraquat is imperative.
Mohammad Heidari, Mohammad Saadati, Moradali Zareipour, Arezoo Qasemkhanloo, Mehrdad Karimi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Earthquakes are among the most dangerous natural disasters and can significantly harm human life. Accordingly, public awareness and preparedness for earthquakes are essential. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate earthquake safety behaviors, focusing on knowledge, attitudes, and protective behaviors in Khoy, Iran.
Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 412 people in Khoy city using cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-designed questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics and assessments of awareness, attitudes, and protective behaviors against earthquakes. The data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, and backward logistic regression method with Stata 15 software.
Results: The results of the present study indicated that over 66% of individuals had poor knowledge, 42% had an average attitude, and 46% exhibited moderate protective behaviors against earthquakes. The regression model demonstrated that high knowledge increased the likelihood of exhibiting protective behaviors by 1.92 times (OR = 1.92, p = 0.006), while a positive attitude increased this likelihood by 6.12 times (OR = 6.12, p < 0.0001). Also, university education level 2.92 times (p=2.92, OR=0.055) and having previous experience of earthquake 1.89 times (p=0.057, OR=1.89) increase the likelihood of these behaviors.
Conclusion: Considering the low levels of awareness and protective behaviors against earthquakes among the residents of Khoy, educational workshops, and simulation exercises should be organized. Additionally, developing educational content could enhance individuals' preparedness for earthquakes.
