Application of protection motivation theory to promote physical ergonomic behaviors among industrial workers in Northwest Iran

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major public health concern, particularly affecting industrial workers who face high ergonomic risks. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in promoting ergonomic behaviors and reducing musculoskeletal discomfort among workers in Shahin Dej industrial township factories. This study was a quasi-experimental before–after intervention, conducted with intervention and control groups in the industrial town of Shahin Dej. Out of 160 eligible workers, 83 participated in the study (response rate: 51.9%), with no attrition during the research. incomplete questionnaires were excluded from the final analysis using listwise deletion. As there was no attrition during the study, the overall completion rate was 100% among enrolled participants. In the first stage, the questionnaire was completed by the people of both groups, the pre-test results were analyzed, then the training program based on PMT constructs was designed and presented to the intervention group. Three months later, the questionnaires were completed by people from both groups. Finally, the data collected was analyzed using the statistical software SPSS version 23 and the statistical tests of the paired, independent T and the covariance analysis test. The results showed that after the intervention, the mean scores of PMT constructs, ergonomic behaviors, and awareness significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Additionally, musculoskeletal pain and discomfort significantly decreased in the intervention group (P < 0.001). ANCOVA results confirmed that the educational intervention had a significant effect on improving all PMT constructs, ergonomic behaviors, and related awareness, independent of baseline scores (P < 0.001). Given the effectiveness of educational interventions based on Protection Motivation Theory in enhancing ergonomic behaviors among workers, it is recommended that this theoretical framework be incorporated into training programs aimed at promoting ergonomic practices in occupational settings.