Predictors of health behavior compliance for the prevention of Covid-19 based on the extended parallel process model in pregnant women in Iran

Abstract

Pregnant women are at higher risk of getting severe Covid-19 disease and consequences on the health status of them and their fetuses. Despite vaccination, all preventive behaviors are emphasized. This study aimed to identify the determinants of Covid-19 preventive health behaviors in pregnant women using Extended Parallel Process Model. This cross-sectional study, was conducted on 175pregnant women. The model fit indices were acceptable. Knowledge had indirect effect on adherence to Covid-19 preventive behaviors trough mediating role of self-efficacy and response efficacy. So, it is suggested that, educational interventions should focus on increasing knowledge.

HIGHLIGHTS

• There were statistically significant correlations between all constructs of the EPPM model except knowledge, with adherence to Covid-19 preventive behaviors.

• Self-efficacy and response efficacy were the strongest predictors of Covid-19 prevention behaviors

• Perceived susceptibility and severity were the other significant predictors of Covid-19 preventive behaviors.

• Knowledge indirectly through the mediating role of response efficiency and self-efficacy effected on preventive behaviors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethical issues

The protocol of this study was approved by the Research Council and Ethics Committee of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (SUMS) (IR.SUMS.REC.1400.301). We confirmed all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations in the declaration—“Ethics approval and consent to participate” section, and all participants provided written informed consent before data collection.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by research deputy of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (grant number: 23320).