Hamadan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Education and Community Health 2820-896X 12 4 2025 12 31 The Effect of Education Based on Protection Motivation Theory on Promoting Preventive Behaviors Against Common Acute Respiratory Viral Infections Among Female Hairdressers 225 237 10.34172/jech.3316 EN Azita Khishkar https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2628-1600 Alireza Didarloo Hamid Reza Khalkhali Mina Maheri https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2456-5439 Journal Article 10.34172/jech.3316 2024 12 05 2025 12 03 Introduction: The lack of preventive behaviors against common acute respiratory viral infections (ARVIs) in crowded workplaces, such as hairdressing salons, can contribute to the spread of these infections. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of an educational intervention based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) on promoting preventive behaviors against common ARVIs among female hairdressers. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 female hairdressers in Urmia, Iran (2020-2022). The hairdressers were divided into an intervention group (n=40) and a control group (n=40). The data collection tools included a demographic information form and a researcher-developed questionnaire based on the knowledge component and PMT constructs. The educational intervention for hairdressers in the intervention group was performed over one month through WhatsApp, consisting of three 45-minute sessions and one 60-minute session focused on the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16. Results: Following the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significant increases in the mean scores of knowledge (11.97±1.62), perceived vulnerability (31.87±2.73), perceived severity (32.62±2.79), fear (28.15±1.92), response efficacy (14.40±1.08), perceived self-efficacy (19.45±1.58), protection motivation (14.85±0.42), and preventive behaviors (80.35±7.19) compared to the control group and baseline. However, there was a significant decrease in perceived rewards in the intervention group (6.20±3.20). Post-intervention, response costs in the intervention group (7.10±3.62) did not differ significantly from the control group (8.50±4.90). Conclusion: The educational intervention, developed based on the knowledge component and PMT constructs, could promote preventive behaviors against common ARVIs among female hairdressers.