Assessing the Role of Health Belief Model Constructs in Musculoskeletal Pains Prevention Behaviors Among Nurses in...

The nurses are among vulnerable groups at risk for musculoskeletal pains (MSPs). This study aimed assessing the role of Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs in musculoskeletal pains prevention behaviors among nurses in Kashan city.

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from August 16, 2023, to May 4, 2024, involving 600 nurses from six hospitals in Kashan, Iran. Participants were selected through random sampling. Data were collected using a validated three-part questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, and HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy) related to preventive behaviors for MSPs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, employing descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression). Path analysis using AMOS software explored direct and indirect effects of model constructs on the dependent variable.

Among the 600 nurses, 416 (69.3%) were female and 184 (30.7%) were male, with a mean age of 32.65 ± 5.10 years. Pearson correlation analyses showed significant positive correlations between all HBM constructs and preventive behaviors, except for perceived barriers. Multiple regression analyses revealed that self-efficacy (β = 0.409, p < 0.001), perceived susceptibility (β = 0.241, p < 0.001), and knowledge (β = 0.126, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of preventive behaviors, collectively explaining 34.8% of the variance (R² = 0.348). Path analysis confirmed that self-efficacy had the strongest direct effect on preventive behaviors (B = 0.411, SE = 0.042, p < 0.001), followed by perceived susceptibility (B = 0.241, SE = 0.067, p < 0.001) and knowledge (B = 0.126, SE = 0.070, p < 0.001).

The HBM highlights the importance of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and self-efficacy in promoting preventive behaviors against MSPs among nurses. Targeted interventions to enhance these factors and ergonomic training may reduce the incidence and severity of MSPs in this population.