Tang Catherine So-kum, Wong Chi-yan
Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Prev Med. 2004 Dec;39(6):1187-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.04.032.
The global outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 has been an international public health threat. Quick diagnostic tests and specific treatments for SARS are not yet available; thus, prevention is of paramount importance to contain its global spread. This study aimed to determine factors associating with individuals' practice of the target SARS preventive behavior (facemask wearing).
A total of 1329 adult Chinese residing in Hong Kong were surveyed. The survey instrument included demographic data, measures on the five components of the Health Belief Model, and the practice of the target SARS preventive behavior. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine rates and predictors of facemask wearing.
Overall, 61.2% of the respondents reported consistent use of facemasks to prevent SARS. Women, the 50-59 age group, and married respondents were more likely to wear facemasks. Three of the five components of the Health Belief Model, namely, perceived susceptibility, cues to action, and perceived benefits, were significant predictors of facemask-wearing even after considering effects of demographic characteristics.
The Health Belief Model is useful in identifying determinants of facemask wearing. Findings have significant implications in enhancing the effectiveness of SARS prevention programs.
2003年严重急性呼吸综合征（SARS）在全球爆发，成为国际公共卫生威胁。目前尚无针对SARS的快速诊断测试和特效治疗方法；因此，预防对于遏制其全球传播至关重要。本研究旨在确定与个体采取目标SARS预防行为（佩戴口罩）相关的因素。
对居住在香港的1329名成年中国人进行了调查。调查工具包括人口统计学数据、健康信念模型五个组成部分的测量指标以及目标SARS预防行为的实施情况。进行逻辑回归分析以确定佩戴口罩的比例和预测因素。
总体而言，61.2%的受访者表示一直使用口罩预防SARS。女性、50 - 59岁年龄组以及已婚受访者更有可能佩戴口罩。即使在考虑了人口统计学特征的影响后，健康信念模型的五个组成部分中的三个，即感知易感性、行动线索和感知益处，仍是佩戴口罩的重要预测因素。
健康信念模型有助于识别佩戴口罩的决定因素。研究结果对提高SARS预防项目的有效性具有重要意义。
