Factors related to cell phone use while driving based on the Theory of Planned Behavior among university students in Kerman, Iran

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research examining the pattern of and factors that influence cell phone use while driving in Iran. This study aimed to report the prevalence of and factors related to cell phone use while driving based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, among a sample of college students in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran, in 2016. Participants volunteered to participate after the study was advertised. We used the Texting While Driving questionnaire (TWD) based on the theory of planned behavior for data collection and used SPSS 22 to calculate linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-seven (n=257) students completed the questionnaire. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 47 years; 54.4% were females; 52.1% were single; 47.1% were undergraduate students, and 47.9% did not work. There was a significant relationship between intention toward sending and reading text messages while driving and gender, attitude, subjective norm, Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), and moral norm. Also, there was a significant relation between willingness to send and read text messages while driving and PBC, subjective norm, group norm, and moral norm. For intention, personal factors were involved, and willingness was affected by both personal factors and friend/peer groups. CONCLUSIONS: Texting while driving is prevalent among college students in Kerman; and intention and willingness to do this, is affected by several factors. Our findings suggest needs for the individual and peer- group training, and increasing awareness about the dangers of using cell phones while driving among this sample.