Adolescents’ intention to engage in schistosomiasis preventive behaviors: An application of protection motivation theory in an endemic municipality in Oriental Mindoro
Keywords:
Adolescents, behavioral intention, endemic communities, protection motivation theory, schistosomiasisAbstract
In tropical and subtropical countries, schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical illness that typically affects impoverished rural communities, particularly those with agricultural and fishing populations. Victoria being one of the endemic Municipalities in Oriental Mindoro, adolescents are at risk of infection due to their cognitive and physical development stage. This study investigated adolescents' intention to engage in schistosomiasis preventive behaviors in endemic communities of Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, using the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). A descriptive correlational design was employed among 338 adolescents aged 12-19 from 13 barangays. Results indicated a low level of schistosomiasis knowledge among adolescents, with 78.7%. However, they demonstrated a "likely" intention to adopt protective measures in both short-term (3.75±1.14) and long-term (3.81±1.16) scenarios. Adolescents perceived high severity (3.47±0.96) and vulnerability (3.55±1.06) to schistosomiasis, showing strong awareness of the threat. Intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, and response cost, presented neutral scores, suggesting mixed perceptions. Significant correlations were found between PMT constructs and behavioral intentions. Severity, vulnerability, response efficacy, and self-efficacy significantly correlated with both short-term and long-term intentions. The study highlights the need for targeted health education interventions, leveraging social media and healthcare providers, to enhance knowledge and translate awareness into consistent preventive behaviors among adolescents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jeanne A. Espiritu, Marites L. Gawad, Jenny B. Adriatico, Alona D. FLores, Ara-Mae T. Gozar, Marilyn M. Adion, Sarah Jane M. Paguagan, Arnold Jann L. Cariaso (Author)
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