Hepatitis B Preventive Behavioral Intentions in Healthcare Workers

In response to a letter regarding toourpaperentitled “Predictors ofHepatitis BPreventiveBehavioral Intentions inHealthcare Workers” [1], we concluded that the risk perception in comparison with knowledge and cues to action is the most important predictor of behavioral intention in the prevention of hepatitis B. A meta-analysis conducted in 2007 suggests that risk perceptions are more important than suggested by prior studies and could be placed as a core concept in health education theories [2]. However, in general we are in agreement with the author of the letter. It is obvious that if we had enrolled other predictors of behavioral intentions inourwork, such as self-efficacyand social support, the results would be different. Therefore, we propose conduction of structured research based on a specific model such as the Health Belief Model or Protection Motivation Theorywith deeper evaluation of constructs of behavioral intentions to quantify the possible roles of each construct. A focus on perceived severity and perceived vulnerability is also proposed. Other studies also found that health education interventions based on perceived susceptibility and severity are likely to contribute to increased healthy behaviors [3]. Preparation of educational material based on these constructs, especially perceived severity and vulnerability, would be interesting.