Iran Occupational Health

Background and aims: Street sweepers, due to exposure to medical waste, are a high risk group for infections such as HIV and Hepatitis. Regarding to importance of behavior role to decreasing morbidity in this category of disease and recognizing effective factors of performing safe behavior in this group, the present study aimed to predict the occupational behavior lead to prevention of infection based on the framework of the health belief model constructs in street sweepers who are working in district ninth, Tehran municipality in 2011.

 Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, a convenience sample included 162 sweepers were surveyed and filled out designed questionnaires (based on health belief model constructs and occupational behavior lead to prevention of infection). Statistical analysis of data was performed with SPSS software, Chi-square, Pearson correlation, One-Way ANOVA and Regression analysis tests.

 Results: The findings showed that perceived barriers and perceived severity can predict 55% of the variations in occupational behavior lead to prevention of infection of street sweepers.

Conclusion: In designing interventions (education) based on the health belief model, should be more emphasis on perceived severity and barriers constructs.