Predictors of behavioral risk factors associated with myocardial infarction and stroke based on protection motivation theory in middle-aged adults of Southern Iran: Threat appraisal or coping appraisal?

Background — Among noncommunicable diseases, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke are the most common global cause of death and the most important cause of disability. However, they are also regarded as the most preventable chronic noncommunicable diseases in humans. The goal of our study was to investigate the predictors of behavioral risk factors associated with MI and stroke based on the protection motivation theory (PMT) in the middle-aged adults of southern Iran. Methods — We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive analytical study. The study population included 383 middle-aged individuals from southern Iran. Data collection instruments included demographic questions, PMT questionnaire, and questions on preventive behaviors for MI and stroke. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated after data collection. Results — The mean age of the study subjects was 41.26±8.32 years. The results of this study showed that the construct of self-efficacy has the highest predictive power of protection motivation. In our study, the most important predictors of preventive behaviors against the risk of MI and stroke were perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, self-efficacy, protection motivation, risk level, gender, and literacy level. Conclusions — Our results confirmed that PMT is a suitable theory for preventive behaviors for MI and stroke. In this context, it is suggested to initially provide positive coping messages, especially to the middle-aged population, to increase patients’ self-confidence regarding preventive behavior, especially diet and regular physical activity.