Predictability of constructs of theory of planned behavior in adopting urinary tract infection prevention behaviors among pregnant women

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection is a common infection in women during pregnancy, leading to many complications for both mother and fetus if untreated. The present study aimed to investigate the predictability of constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in adopting urinary tract infection prevention behaviors in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, we selected 100 pregnant women who visited the comprehensive health service centers of Zarrinshahr using convenience sampling from July to September 2019. We collected data by a questionnaire designed based on the constructs of the TPB and analyzed data using SPSS 20 and linear regression test and Pearson correlation coefficient. A significant level was considered as α < 0.05. RESULTS: In the study, the Pearson correlation coefficient showed direct relationships between the score of behavior and the scores of knowledge (P = 0.005), attitude (P = 0.02), perceived behavioral control (P < 0.001), and behavioral intention (P = 0.001). Linear regression analysis indicated that among the above variables, the perceived behavioral control, knowledge, and behavioral intention were significant predictors of scores of urinary tract infection prevention behaviors, respectively, in terms of their importance. CONCLUSION: In this study, perceived behavioral control is detected as the main predictor of doing urinary tract infection prevention behaviors in pregnant women and should be considered in designing educational interventions.