Volume 22, Issue 2 (7-2026)
J Health Syst Res 2026, 22(2): 321-328 |
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Research code: 145
Ethics code: IR.ASAUMS.REC.1402.017
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Barati M, Aslani M, Karami S, Khazaei A, Ezati E, Parviz A. Factors Associated with Performing Preventive Behaviors against the Harmful Effects of Sunlight and Heat Stress among Arbaeen Pilgrims: An Application of Protection Motivation Theory. J Health Syst Res 2026; 22 (2) :321-328
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1841-en.html
URL: http://hsr.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1841-en.html
Majid Barati1 
, Marzieh Aslani2 , Somayeh Karami3 , Afshin Khazaei4 , Elaheh Ezati5 , Amirhossein Parviz6
, Marzieh Aslani2 , Somayeh Karami3 , Afshin Khazaei4 , Elaheh Ezati5 , Amirhossein Parviz6
1- Professor, Department of Public Health, School of Health AND Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
2- Instructor, Department of Nursing, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
3- PhD Candidate, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
5- Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
6- BSc Student, Student Research Committee, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
2- Instructor, Department of Nursing, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
3- PhD Candidate, Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Department of Prehospital Emergency Care, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
5- Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
6- BSc Student, Student Research Committee, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
Abstract: (31 Views)
Background: Since Iran and Iraq experience intense sunlight for most of the year, Arbaeen pilgrims are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of sunlight and heat stress. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with preventive behaviors against these harmful effects among Arbaeen pilgrims, using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT).
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on 300 Arbaeen pilgrims attending processions in the city of Asadabad, who were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included demographic information and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) constructs. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 statistical software, employing Pearson correlation and linear regression tests.
Findings: The findings indicated that the behaviors of drinking liquids and wearing light, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing had the highest frequencies, at 81.3% and 55.7%, respectively. In contrast, the use of sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats with masks had the lowest frequencies, at 21.7%, 38.3%, and 45%, respectively, among pilgrims. Linear regression analysis further revealed that the constructs of perceived reward (β = -0.172), response costs
(β = -0.169), and perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.139) significantly predicted the intention to engage in preventive behaviors against the harmful effects of sunlight and heat stress (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Considering the unfavorable situation regarding the performance of behaviors that prevent the harmful effects of sunlight and heat stress among Arbaeen pilgrims, it is recommended to emphasize the importance of these behaviors. Additionally, educational programs should address perceived costs and self-efficacy to enhance the intention to adopt these protective behaviors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on 300 Arbaeen pilgrims attending processions in the city of Asadabad, who were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included demographic information and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) constructs. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 statistical software, employing Pearson correlation and linear regression tests.
Findings: The findings indicated that the behaviors of drinking liquids and wearing light, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing had the highest frequencies, at 81.3% and 55.7%, respectively. In contrast, the use of sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats with masks had the lowest frequencies, at 21.7%, 38.3%, and 45%, respectively, among pilgrims. Linear regression analysis further revealed that the constructs of perceived reward (β = -0.172), response costs
(β = -0.169), and perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.139) significantly predicted the intention to engage in preventive behaviors against the harmful effects of sunlight and heat stress (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Considering the unfavorable situation regarding the performance of behaviors that prevent the harmful effects of sunlight and heat stress among Arbaeen pilgrims, it is recommended to emphasize the importance of these behaviors. Additionally, educational programs should address perceived costs and self-efficacy to enhance the intention to adopt these protective behaviors.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
education health and promotion
Received: 2024/07/9 | Accepted: 2025/10/4 | Published: 2026/07/6
Received: 2024/07/9 | Accepted: 2025/10/4 | Published: 2026/07/6
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