Usefulness of the protection motivation theory in explaining hearing protection device use among male industrial workers

Author(s): Rabinowitz, S., Feiner, M., Weisberg, E., Ribak, J.

Journal/Book: Health Psychol. 1996; 15: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 209-215.

Abstract: The present study examined the usefulness of personal variables: noise annoyance, and components of the protection motivation theory (R. W. Rogers, 1983) along with social-organizational factors in explaining hearing protection device (HPD) use among Israeli manufacturing workers. Participants were 281 men exposed to harmful noise levels for which routine HPD use is required by regulation. In practice, 3 HPD user groups were identified: nonusers (n = 38), occasional users (n = 125), and regular users (n = 118). HPD use was objectively verified. HPD use was primarily related to the personal variables but not to management pressure, coworker pressure, or family support. The most powerful predictors of HPD use were perceived self-efficacy (for long-term HPD use), perceived susceptibility (to hearing loss), and noise annoyance, together explaining 48% of the outcome variance. These findings have implications for interventions aimed at motivating workers to use HPDs regularly.

Note: Article S Melamed, Loewenstein Hosp & Rehabil Ctr, Occupat Hlth & Rehabil Inst, POB 3, IL-43100 Raanana, Israel

Keyword(s): protection motivation theory; noise exposure; hearing protectors; industrial workers; SELF-EFFICACY; NOISE EXPOSURE; HEALTH; BEHAVIOR; EXERCISE; DETERMINANTS; PERCEPTIONS; RISK

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