The Relationship between Health Belief Model Constructs with Regard to AIDS Preventive Behaviors among Addicts

AIDS is a public health problem throughout the world, especially in the developing countries. Injecting drug users are heavily affected and account for nearly 68.15% of all cases in Iran. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the health belief model constructs and AIDS preventive behaviors among addicts in Khorramabad, Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012-2013. The study population was a random selection of 88 men admitted to a rehabilitation center in Khorramabad. The data collection tool was a questionnaire designed to assess the health belief model (HBM), knowledge, and behavior. The data was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficients. Health belief model constructs together with by knowledge explained 46% of the variance in HIV preventive behaviors. Among these variables, the level of the variable predictive efficacy (ß=0.39) was higher than the other variables and the variable knowledge (ß = 0.21) was next in order. The findings of the present study confirmed the relationship between self-efficacy, perceived severity and perceived barriers toward the adoption of preventive behaviors against AIDS. The results of this study can be used in theory-based interventional strategies to establish and change health behaviors..