Gender differences in blue collar workers' use of hearing protection

In this study, the Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used as the basis for a structural equation model of male and female blue collar workers' self-reported use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Overall use did not differ by gender; in addition, self-efficacy and barriers to use of HPDs were the two best predictors of this behavior for both men and women. Despite the similarities in HPD use and the most important predictors of that use between men and women, the predictive models differed by gender in several ways. Significant predictors of use among men also included age and value of use of HPDs. For women, ethnic status and plant site were additional significant predictors of use. Because the influences of plant site and gender on self-reported use of HPDs could not be separated in this study, further research should address worksite culture and assess differences by gender. Knowledge of these differences will aid development of more effective interventions and may increase the use of hearing protection.