Knowledge, Risk Perceptions and Behavioral Intentions among Elementary School Teachers of Yazd Regarding Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A, an acute viral disease is the most common global cause of viral hepatitis that affects millions of people annually. Due to its high incidence, hepatitis A is considered a worldwide health problem. This study aims to determine the knowledge, risk perceptions, and behavioral intentions for hepatitis A among elementary school teachers in Yazd city. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a random cluster sample of 307 people who taught at elementary schools. The data collection tool in this study was a 30 question questionnaire that had validity and reliability in five parts: i) demographics, ii) knowledge, iii) individual risk perception, iv) general risk perception, and v) behavioral intention. The questionnaire completed by elementary school teachers in Yazd city. Mean Participants age was 37.80±7.89 years with a range of 20-53 years. The score knowledge was 23.44±3.17 (range 0-34), general risk perception was 23.44±3.17 (range 7-35), individual risk perception was 6.47±2.01 (range 2-10), and behavioral intention was 16.03±3.38 (range 5-25). There were statistically significant differences between gender and mean score behavioral intention (p=0.009). Therefore women had a high level of intention. It seems by emphasizing increasingly of knowledge aspect who can reach behavioral intention and finally the main purpose of health education with another meaning change behavior for creating health behavior.