Investigating the Factors Related to the Use of Respirators in Industrial Workers: Application of Protection Motivation Theory

Respiratory illnesses resulting from dust exposure have a long history as occupational diseases, constituting approximately 60% of work-related health issues. The aim of this research was to employ the protection motivation theory in examining the proper utilization of respirators by employees at the Alumina Company of Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on 430 workers from the Alumina Company of Iran who were selected as a cluster. Each of the 22 operating sites in Alumina Company of Iran was considered a cluster and 8 sites were randomly selected. The data measurement tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, whose validity and reliability were also checked. Data collection was done using SPSS 22 statistical software and statistical models. Descriptive, T-Test, ANOVA, correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis were analyzed.

The results showed that the average age of the participants was 41.17±7.83 years. In the regression model, perceived sensitivity and perceived response cost (p < 0.05) were significantly predictive of behavior. Among the constructs of motivational theory, perceived sensitivity was a predictor of behavior (p<0.05, B=35%). Among the demographic variables, only the variables of education (F=3/122, P=0.026) and smoking had a significant relationship with the behavior score (F=3/59, P=0.005) and other variables had a significant relationship.

The perceived sensitivity and perceived cost rise, there is an increase in the utilization of respirators among individuals. Therefore, it is imperative to develop educational initiatives and interventions aimed at enhancing protective and safety practices, drawing from the constructs of protection motivation theory. It is crucial to highlight the significance of respirator usage among workers, and it is recommended that further exploration of this research be conducted across various industries.