Predictors of Air Pollution Exposure Behavior among Pregnant Women:A TransTheoretical Model- Based Study

Due to the vulnerability of pregnant women and their fetuses to air pollution and the role of determining the stages of behavior change in preventing the exposure to air pollution، this study aimed at investigating the predictors of stages of changing preventive behavior among pregnant women in Tehran. In this cross sectional study، 200 pregnant women who referred to three health centers located in different geographic regions of Tehran in the fall 2011 were randomly selected and assessed. Data were gathered through a validated researcher-made questionnaire based on Transtheoretical model which included demographic as well as benefits، obstacles and self-efficacy sections. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistical tests of chi-square، spearman correlation and logistic regression. Totally، 200 eligible pregnant women with mean age of 26. 9±4. 8 participated in this study. There were significant correlation between stage of change with pros، cons and self-efficacy P<0. 0001. Additionally، self-efficacy was a significant predictor of stage of behavior change. Results showed that، only self-efficacy construct could predict air pollution exposure behavior. The findings of this study can be used as a robust basis for future educational interventions regarding air pollution preventive behaviors in pregnant women.