Test of the health promotion model as a causal model of construction workers' use of hearing protection

TLDR

The study applied the Health Promotion Model to a sample of 359 construction workers to predict hearing protection use. The models explained 36.3%–50.6% of variance in hearing protection use, with value of use, barriers, and self‑efficacy consistently predicting use, while noise exposure and interpersonal influences emerged as key predictors in the exploratory model, supporting the revised Health Promotion Model. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Res Nurs Health 20:183–194.

Abstract

The health promotion model (HPM) was tested as a causal model of construction workers' use of hearing protection (N = 359). Theoretical and exploratory models fit well, with the theoretical model accounting for 36.3% of variance and the exploratory model accounting for 50.6% of variance in hearing protection use. Value of use (benefits of using hearing protection), barriers to use, and self-efficacy were significant predictors in both the theoretical and exploratory models, but perceived health status was a predictor only in the theoretical model. In the exploratory model, where modifying factors were allowed direct relationships with use of hearing protection, two modifying factors—noise exposure and interpersonal influences-modeling—were significant predictors. Results of this test of the HPM are consistent with the revised HPM (Pender, 1996). There were significant direct paths from modifying factors to behavior. Use of hearing protection was best predicted by behavior-specific predictors, such as perceived barriers to use of hearing protection. Results support the use of the HPM to predict use of hearing protection. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 20: 183–194, 1997