Associated Factors for Preventive Behaviors of Cardiovascular Diseases in Employees of Khuzestan Province Health Center Utilizing the Health Belief Model

Cardiovascular diseases are considered as the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries. More than 19 percent of the population in Iran suffers from cardiovascular diseases. This study was performed to determine factors associated with preventive behaviors of cardiovascular diseases using the Health Belief Model. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 92 employees of Khuzestan province health center using convenience sampling method. Data were extracted from the questionnaire made based on the constructs of health belief model (α=078). Descriptive and analytical tests were used for data analysis by SPSS-v20. Participants’ mean age was 39. 17 years. 54. 3% were female، 72. 8% of them were married and most of them (76. 1%) had university qualification. Mean score of perceived severity was 13. 54±1. 7، perceived susceptibility 16. 65±2. 12، perceived barriers 12. 63±1. 79، perceived benefits 15. 83±2. 43، and preventive behaviors of cardiovascular diseases was 2. 56±1. 2. Within the variables of the studied pattern، statistically significant correlation (p<0. 05) was only observed between perceived barriers and preventive behaviors. Regression analysis showed that age and perceived barriers are suitable predictors for preventing behavior. Based on the results، providing necessary training with emphasis on reducing barriers of the preventive behaviors of cardiovascular disease can improve function of the control units on this behavior.