Investigating the Predictors of Mask-wearing Behavior of People in Shahrekord, Iran Based on the Protection Motivation Theory

Preventive behaviors are needed to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). One of these behaviors is the use of masks. This study aims to find the predictors of mask-wearing behavior of people in Shahrekord, Iran, based on the protection motivation theory (PMT).

In this cross-sectional study, participants were 388 citizens of Shahrekord city in 2021. The data collection tool was a researcher-made self-report tool surveying mask-wearing behaviors, designed based on the PMT model and completed online. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 20 using the Pearson correlation test and linear regression analysis.

The mean score of mask-wearing behavior was 66.62±17.46. The perceived self-efficacy, perceived response efficiency, and perceived reward had a statistically significant relationship with mask-wearing behavior (P=0.001). Regression analysis showed that the constructs of perceived self-efficacy (P=0.018), perceived response efficiency (P=0.038), and perceived reward (P=0.041) could significantly predict mask-using behavior, where perceived self-efficacy was the strongest predictor. These factors together predicted 0.38% of mask-wearing behavior.

The PMT model can predict mask-wearing behaviors. Therefore, the interventions based on this model are recommended to promote mask-wearing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.