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Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Seat Belt Use among Pregnant Women in Yasuj, Iran (2022)
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SF Zeinat Motlagh1   , Z Koosha1 , R Goojani2 , M Avazpour2 , J Harooni3 |
1- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran,
2- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.
3- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran, , J_harooni@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (1508 Views) |
Background & aim: Traffic injuries pose significant risks to both pregnant women and their fetuses, often leading to severe maternal and perinatal complications. Despite these risks, seat belt adherence remains suboptimal. This study aimed to apply the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to identify predictors of seat belt use among pregnant women in Yasuj, Iran.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 involving 353 pregnant women recruited from healthcare centers in Yasuj. Data were collected using a validated researcher-made questionnaire covering demographic variables and TPB constructs: attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention. The data were analyzed using logistic regression, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests. Post-hoc comparisons were performed using Tukey’s test where applicable.
Results: Perceived behavioral control emerged as a significant positive predictor of behavioral intention toward seat belt use. Specifically, a one-unit increase in the perceived behavioral control score was associated with a 1.948-fold increase in the odds of consistent seat belt usage (OR = 1.948, 95% CI: [Insert CI if available], p < 0.05). Conversely, age exhibited a significant inverse relationship with seat belt use; for each additional year of age, the odds of wearing a seat belt decreased (OR = 0.926, adjusted for the reported value). Only 60.9% (n=215) of the participants reported consistent seat belt use during their current pregnancy.
Conclusion: Among TPB constructs, perceived behavioral control was the most robust predictor of seat belt intention among pregnant women in this population. Public health interventions should focus on enhancing women’s sense of control over safety measures and addressing perceived barriers to seat belt use.
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| Keywords: Seat belt use, Pregnant women, Theory of Planned Behavior, Road safety, Health promotion. |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Educational health
Received: 2025/01/31 | Accepted: 2025/10/29 | Published: 2025/11/29
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