Predictors of performing preventive behaviors against affliction with COVID-19 based on vaccination: An application of the health belief model

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the greatest global threats to human communities. Presently, the most important solution to deal with this pandemic is to fully comply with health protocols along with general vaccination. Given the increased vaccination rate in the community and the change in the thought of some people in the field of durable immunity and changing health behaviors, the present study determined the predictors of preventive behaviors against affliction with COVID-19 in two vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups based on the health belief model in the Iranian population aged 15–65 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted cross-sectionally in 2022. A sample size of 500 Yazdi citizens was selected using the convenience non-random sampling method using the contact numbers received from the SIB system of the Iranian health deputy. They were examined online in two vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. The instrument used was Delshad Noghabi et al.’s questionnaire which was based on the health belief model. Due to the adjustment of the questionnaire according to the target group, its validity and reliability were re-checked and confirmed. Data were analyzed with SPSS22 using descriptive and analytical statistics, t-test, and linear regression. RESULTS: Based on the findings of the study, a significant difference was observed between the three variables of income level (P = 0.019), smoking (P