Search

Cigarette smoking causes serious complications and diseases in a person's life, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and some cancers, including lung cancer. On the other hand, studies have shown that smokers do not have a real understanding of the health hazards of smoking. This study was conducted to determine the perceived risk of lung cancer and COPD in current smokers. This cross-sectional study which was conducted between January-May 2023, recruited 380 current smokers by convenience sampling in community setting. The data were collected face to face using three questionnaires (1) the risk perception for lung cancer and COPD questionnaire, (2) the smoking stage of change questionnaire, and (3) the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence. We examined the relationship between the included variables and the smokers' perceived risk of lung cancer and COPD by using multiple linear regression. We found that lower education (coefficient = 3.60, 95%CI [1.00, 6.19], P < 0.0001) for elementary level and (coefficient = 2.81, 95% CI [0.36, 5.26], P < 0.05) for secondary level had greater lung cancer perceived risk. Besides, smoking age onset for 20 + years (coefficient=-1.36, 95%CI [-2.42, -3.17], P < 0.0001) lower than those who started before the age of 20 were associated with lower perceived risk for lung cancer. Regarding COPD, results indicated that lower education (coefficient = 4.54, 95% CI [1.87, 7.21], p < 0001) for elementary level (coefficient = 3.35, 95% CI [0.83, 5.87], p < 0.001) for secondary level and (coefficient = 3.03, 95% CI[-0.67, 4.25], P < 0.05) for high school dropout, and employment status (coefficient = 3.62, 95% CI[0.66, 6.59], p < 0.05) of employer and (coefficient = 3.23, 95% CI [0.14, 6.33], p < 0.05) for homemaker reported greater perceived risk. This study's results showed that participants' perceived risk was relatively low. It seems necessary to carry out interventions to inform about the harms of smoking and to enhance public awareness about the heightened risks of diseases such as lung cancer and COPD among cigarette smokers., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Hookah consumption is harmful to human health and can cause various diseases. Developing lung cancer and other lung diseases are one of the health consequences of hookah consumption. Measuring the perceived risk for being diagnosed with these conditions among hookah users is necessary. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the perceived risk of lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in hookah users in Iran., Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a descriptive-analytical approach on 340 hookah users between January-May 2023. These people were recruited through convenience sampling. The information on the perceived risk of participants was collected through a questionnaire on the perceived risk of lung cancer and COPD. Data were analyzed through descriptive tests and multiple linear regression tests. These analyses were performed using Stata statistical software version 17., Results: The mean and standard deviation of the perceived risk for lung cancer was 8.41 ± 5.50 and for COPD was 8.51 ± 5.58 out of 20 possible scores. The results of multiple linear regression generally showed that the using other type of tobacco (β = 3.14, p < 0.0001), 2 or more use of hookah in past month (β=-3.41, p = 0.025), unskilled workers (β = 1.79, p = 0.017), married smokers (β=-1.31, p = 0.026), negative attitude toward hookah (β = 0.46, p < 0.0001) were the predictive variables regarding to lung cancer perceived risk. In line with COPD the using other type of tobacco (β = 3.47, p < 0.0001), once a month use of hookah in past month(β=-3.74, p = 0.041) and twice or more use of hookah in past month (β=-4.82, p = 0.008), smokers in contemplation stage (β = 3.91, p < 0.0001), female smokers (β = 3.08, p < 0.0001), unskilled workers (β = 2.42, p = 0.007), negative attitude toward hookah (β = 0.46, p < 0.0001) were the predictive variables to COPD perceived risk., Conclusion: In general, the perceived risk of developing lung cancer and COPD among hookah users was low. Therefore, it is necessary to provide widespread information about the potential harm of hookah in causing lung cancer and COPD, at the community level., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Sustainable food security is a critical global concern and an urgent priority in developing countries such as Iran. Digital agricultural technologies (DAT) represent significant solutions in this regard, yet their adoptions and development in Iran face limitations. Theoretical studies have underscored the importance of ethical commitments in the adoption process. This study aims to investigate whether ethical commitments regarding food security can influence the intention to adopt digital technologies by farmers. The study employed the Norm Activation Model and integrated two additional components, namely perceived risk and social capital. We applied this framework to examine research works on farmers of Kermanshah Province in the west of Iran, using survey data (sample n = 384). Data analyses were done through structural equation modeling (SEM). Based on the results, the developed Norm Activation Model can be used to predict the adoption intention of DAT by farmers; with the model explaining 65% of total variance. Feeling guilt exhibited the highest direct effect, followed by feeling proud. Furthermore, ethical norms had a direct and indirect impact on intention through the mediating variables of feeling proud and Feeling guilt. The findings of this study contribute to facilitating innovation adoption strategies. It is recommended that, in order to facilitate and stabilize farmers' adoption of innovation, their sense of guilt should first be aroused. After stimulating the farmers' sense of pride toward the adoption; emphasis should be placed on ethical commitments. Ultimately, the introduction of technology and the facilitation of infrastructure should be pursued., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The purpose of this study was to identify structural relationships between factors affecting domestic tourism intentions in Iran under COVID-19 conditions, taking into account the importance of behavioral intention in predicting behavior. Therefore, it adds to the emerging body of knowledge about travel intentions during the pandemic. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze 383 online questionnaires, which revealed a positive impact of “frequency of past travel” and a negative effect of “Covid-19 risk knowledge,” “perceived risk,” and “risk aversion attitudes” on “travel intentions.” Furthermore, “perceived risk” and “risk aversion attitudes” mediated the relationship between “frequency of past travel” and “Covid-19 risk knowledge” with “travel intentions.” Meanwhile, “socio-demographic variables” and “travel purposes” moderated the relationships between “risk aversion attitudes” and “travel intentions” and between “perceived risks” and “travel intentions.” The findings enable tourism policy-makers, marketers, and businesses to take purposeful measures to recover domestic tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the effect of an empowerment program on the perceived risk and physical health of patients with coronary artery disease. This randomized clinical trial recruited 84 patients with coronary artery disease admitted to post-cardiac care unit (CCU) wards in Tehran Heart Center in 2017. The study subjects were selected and assessed according to inclusion criteria and assigned to intervention and control groups by block randomization. Both groups completed questionnaires for demographic details and disease history, perceived risk in cardiac patients, and physical health. The Magic Empowerment Program was performed for the intervention group as 3 workshops on 3 successive days. Intervention continued after patients' discharge from the hospital through phone calls once a week for 8 weeks. The perceived risk in cardiac patients and physical health questionnaires were completed for both groups. Postintervention results showed significant differences between the 2 groups in total score of perceived risk ( P= .001) and its subscales. The Empowerment Program changed patients' attitudes toward risk-motivating behavior change and improving physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the well-documented benefits of seat belt use, a large number of drivers fail to fasten their seat belts in Iran. Efforts to improve seat belt use can be enhanced by identifying factors that motivate seat belt use. The main aims of this study were to assess the relationship between perceived risk of being ticketed and seat belt use among adult drivers on urban and rural roads and to identify reasons for not wearing a seat belt while exploring the relationship between these reasons and demographic information of adult drivers. An additional aim was to explain seat belt use on these two types of roads based on the perceived risk of being ticketed, demographic characteristics of drivers and the reasons for not wearing a seat belt. A total of 546 questionnaires were distributed including demographic information, items measuring the perceived risk of being ticketed and inquiry about the reasons for refusing to wear a seat belt. The results from valid questionnaires (n = 397) revealed that the perceived risk of being ticketed was not a predictor of seat belt use on urban and rural roads while controlling for age, gender, the influence of being ticketed and discomfort were predictors of seat belt use on urban roads. Meanwhile, older drivers, being ticketed in the past 3 years, having vehicle crashes in the past 3 years and discomfort were sole predictors of seat belt use on rural roads. Also, the findings suggested that there were differences between groups of respondents based on their demographic characteristics in the perceived risk of being ticketed and reported reasons for not wearing seat belts. The findings of this article extended the outcomes of previous studies in factors affecting seat belt use separately for drivers on urban and rural roads, which can help policy-makers promote seat belt use rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study is to estimate the objective and subjective risk and to examine their associations with three forms of breast cancer screening. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 800 women aged 35–85 years from the community setting and outpatient clinic in Babol, the north of Iran. The demographic, socio-economic characteristics and the risk factor profiles were collected through in-person interview. The health belief model (HBM) and visual analog scales were used to assess the women's perceived risk of breast cancer. The practice of women regarding breast self-examination (BSE), breast clinical examination (BCE), and mammography were measured. We used the Gail model in estimating 5-year and lifetime risk. The logistic regression model was applied to determine the relationship of calculated and perceived risk on screening behaviors. Results: The mean of estimated 5-year and lifetime risk were 0.89 ±0.89 and 8.87 ±3.84 percent respectively while the perceived personal risk on visual scale perception was much greater than the calculated risk. The high 5-year calculated risk was a predictor of mammography practice but not BSE and BCE; however, after adjusting the subscales of HBM and socio-demographic characteristics, its effect remained significant (adjusted OR=1.97(95% CI: 1.02–3.08)). The perceived risk from HBM in particular self-efficacy (p=0.001) remained positively significant on all forms of screening practice. Conclusion: While the perceived risk from HBM scale was meaningful in screening performance, the calculated risk from the Gail model had a clinical impact on mammography behaviors independent of HBM scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between perceived security and acceptance of online banking with the mediating effect of perceived risk and trust in Internet banking in Iranian customers. Researchers used structural equations model (SEM) to examine their hypotheses and conceptual model. Statistical data were gathered via a questionnaire from 395 randomly selected customers of Bank Saderat Iran in Semnan. Cronbach’s alpha and internal compatibility were used to check the reliability of the questionnaire. The justifiability of the research variables was checked and confirmed using the first- and second-order confirmatory factor analysis. According to the SEM results, the variables of perceived security and trust in Internet banking had a significantly positive impact on the acceptance of online banking. Although perceived risk had no significant impact on the acceptance of online banking, the results showed that perceived risk had a significantly negative impact on trust in Internet banking. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Hepatitis B is the most common cause of liver disease, and medical students are a risk group for the disease given their future occupations. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess of predictors of hepatitis B in the Faculty of nursing, midwifery and health at Shahrekord Islamic Azad University in 2014. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 students from the Faculty of nursing, midwifery and health at Shahrekord Islamic Azad University. The students answered questionnaires with items covering demographic characteristics, individual knowledge, public risk perception, perceived personal risk, and behavioral intentions regarding hepatitis B. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 18 software. Results: The mean knowledge score of the students was 4.77 ± 1.71, the mean public risk perception score was 24.22 ± 3.44, the mean perceived personal risk score was 6.51 ± 1.97, and the mean behavioral intention score was 12.06 ± 2.97. There were significant differences in the mean knowledge scores in terms of gender, level of awareness, and level of education. There were also differences in the mean behavioral intention scores in terms of gender and field of study, the mean perceived personal risk scores in terms of level of education and field of study, and the mean public risk perception scores in terms of field of study. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it is necessary to implement educational intervention in order to allow students to identify risk factors and overcome barriers to understanding the implications of the disease in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to provide an insight into the determinants of customers' Internet banking (IB) acceptance. Therefore, it attempts to address a research need for extending the technology acceptance model (TAM) by adding contextual factors for IB case. The data presented in this study are based on 202 questionnaires collected from individual Internet banking users in Iran. By using Confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson correlation testing, and multiple regressions, tested the correlations between variables. The findings of the study indicate that perceived usefulness and Computer self efficacy were the main factors influencing Internet banking acceptance. Recommend to banks managers to learning customer how to use computer and Internet banking and advertising about Internet banking benefit and its advantages. And with regard to importance of Computer self-efficacy, banks can promotion of customer ability about work with computer by proper advertising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water security while facing a growing water demand and decreasing supply has become a vital issue in urban areas, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Considering households' potential for significant water saving, residential water conservation has become the main component of the future sustainable water supply. To encourage households to engage in water conservation behaviors voluntarily, it is crucial to recognize and consider the socio-psychological factors influencing acceptance of such behaviors, including intention, normative aspects, and so on, because it can lead to the implementation of effective policies in urban water demand management. The main goal of the current research was to investigate the prerequisites and determinants of household water-efficiency intention and behaviors among Iranian citizens. To that end, the current research was based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and extended TPB by adding three new variables: moral norm, perceived risk, and familiarity to the theoretical framework. A questionnaire survey method (N = 820) was used to collect data from Tehran citizens. Structural equation modeling revealed that intention to adopt water-efficiency behaviors was predicted by attitude, perceived behavioral control (the most potent predictor), moral norm, perceived risk, and familiarity. Water-efficiency behaviors were predicted by intention, perceived behavioral control, and familiarity (the strongest determinant). Perceived risk was also a substantial determinant for attitude and moral norm. The findings indicated that both TPB and extended TPB frameworks are useful and practical tools for explaining the relationship between socio-psychological factors and water-efficiency intention and behaviors. Moreover, after the inclusion of the three new variables of moral norm, perceived risk, and familiarity in the original TPB, its predictive power for intention and behaviors increased up to 9% and 21%, respectively. According to the results, implications for improving and promoting water-efficiency intention and behaviors among households and suggestions for relevant future studies are proposed., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)