Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Shahid Beheshti university of medical sciences
Abstract
Background: This study aims to identify the factors influencing pedestrians' preventive behaviors concerning road traffic safety among students at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), using the HBM as a framework.
Method: A total of 337 students from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU) were selected in 2022 using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected through a 45-item questionnaire based on HBM constructs: Perceived Susceptibility, Perceived Severity, Perceived Benefits, Perceived Barriers, Cues to Action, and Behavior. The questionnaire was distributed electronically via SBMU's social media channels. SPSS18 software was used for data analysis, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 26.68 ± 2.8 years. The most significant influencing factor was family (94.3%) followed by social media.
Perceived susceptibility had the highest mean score among HBM constructs. An increase of one point in perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and cues to action scores led to a significant increase in the likelihood of adherence to safe pedestrian behavior (0.06, p = 0.04; 0.121, p < 0.001; 0.219, p = 0.003, respectively). Conversely, an increase in perceived barriers significantly decreased adherence to safe pedestrian behavior (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Family and social media play a crucial role in shaping students’ perceptions of road traffic safety. Enhancing perceived susceptibility and benefits, as well as providing effective cues to action, can significantly promote students’ engagement in preventive behaviors.
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