The Factors Associated to High Risk Behaviors in Sanandaj City Students Based on Health Belief Model

Adolescents are the most vulnerable in a society against high-risk behaviors. Considering the necessity of evaluating the high-risk behaviors of adolescents regarding the formulation of preventive programs, the purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated to high-risk behaviors among students in Sanandaj based on Health Belief Model. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 363 male students studying in the second period of high schools, who were selected by cluster sampling method. Data was collected using a questionnaire including demographic questions, health belief model, knowledge and behavior. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. In this study, the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among students was 63.1% (n=229). There was a significant statistical difference between knowledge and perceived susceptibility constructs, cues to action, perceived barriers and perceived self-efficacy (P <0.05) in people with high risk behaviors and those who did not have high risk behavior; but there was no significant difference between perceived benefits and perceived severity in the two groups of students (P >0.05). Due to the high prevalence of high risk behaviors and its significant relationship with the health belief model structures among students, the structures of this model can be effective in preventing high risk behaviors in adolescents.