Examining the educational experiences of Behvarzes from the insufficient participation of some people in preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic: a lesson for the future

This study aims to explore the experiences of Behvarzes regarding the reasons behind the insufficient participation of some individuals with the preventive protocols established during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A qualitative study was conducted from July 2021 to December 2022 using the conventional content analysis method. Purposive sampling was employed to select 14 Behvarzes working in villages covered by Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth individual interviews and analyzed using conventional content analysis.

The study identified seven subcategories which were grouped into two main categories of reasons for inadequate compliance with health protocols by some individuals. These include: (1) Intentional non-compliance with preventive protocols, with the following subcategories: perceived obligation and adherence to social customs, denial of risk, belief in external health locus of control, and fear and distrust of prevention and treatment methods. (2) Unintentional non-compliance with preventive protocols, with the following subcategories: insufficient or contradictory information, negligence, and inevitability.

The findings suggest that ensuring compliance with health guidelines is not a one-size-fits-all approach. providing empowerment and obstacle removal solutions to those forced to violate preventive protocols for various reasons are all critical components of successful interventions. Also, cultural familiarity can aid in the design of appropriate interventions to address these challenges.