Dysfunctional thinking patterns and immigration status as predictors of hearing protection device usage.
BACKGROUND
There is limited research on the role of dysfunctional/irrational thinking processes and immigration status on hearing protection device (HPD) usage.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of low frustration tolerance (LFT) and immigration status on HPD usage among employees exposed to hazardous industrial noise.


METHODS
A total of 117 Israeli-borns and 80 new immigrants from former Soviet Union completed a questionnaire. The association between HPD usage and barriers to action, self-efficacy, and LFT (accounting for age, years of exposure, and immigration status) were assessed using ordered logistic regression models.


RESULTS
LFT was associated negatively (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=.25, 95%; confidence interval [CI]=.15-.41) with HPD usage. Self-efficacy was a modifier (adjusted OR=1.47, 95%; CI=1.34-1.63): the higher the self-efficacy for a given LFT level, the higher the extent of HPD usage. Immigration status was not a significant predictor.


CONCLUSIONS
HPD usage is associated with both rational and irrational motivations. The role of LFT in hearing protection should be further investigated.
Kushnir
Talma
T
Sociology of Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and School of Health Professions, Tel Aviv University, Israel. talmak@bgu.ac.il
Avin
Lela
L
Neck
Alexandra
A
Sviatochevski
Anna
A
Polak
Svetlana
S
Peretz
Chava
C
D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003710:Demography; D004430:Ear Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009622:Noise; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013850:Thinking