Predictors of Malaria Prevention Behaviors in Afghan Immigrants Living in Parsian City, South of Iran, Based on the Health Belief Model

Malaria is one of the most dangerous parasitic diseases with high mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Since this disease is one of the public health issues in Hormozgan Province of Iran, and is highly affected by foreign immigrants (Pakistani and Afghans), this study aims to find the factors predicting the preventive behaviors against malaria in Afghan immigrants in Parsian City, Hormozgan Province, south of Iran, based on the health belief model (HBM).

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 Afghan immigrants over 15 years of age referred to four comprehensive health service centers in Parsian City. Sampling was done by random method from the list of files available in the national integrated health system (SIB). The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the HBM. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation test, and linear regression analysis in SPSS software, version 25. The significance level was set at 0.05.

The mean age of participants was 29.26±8.17 years. The results of Spearman correlation test showed a significant positive correlation between malaria prevention behaviors and all HBM constructs. The constructs of self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived severity were the significant predictors of malaria prevention behaviors in immigrants (P<0.001).

It is recommended to improve the preventive behaviors against malaria in Afghan immigrants by improving their self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived severity by using appropriate interventions.