Predicting physicians intentions to prescribe statins using the theory of planned behavior Li et al 2017期刊号

: BMC Health Services Research)

This study aimed to use the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict physicians' intentions to prescribe statins, a type of medication used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

The researchers surveyed 260 physicians in China using a questionnaire that assessed their attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions towards prescribing statins. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

The results showed that attitudes towards prescribing statins, subjective norms (perceived social pressure to prescribe statins), and perceived behavioral control (perceived ability to prescribe statins) were all significant predictors of physicians' intentions to prescribe statins. Specifically, physicians who had positive attitudes towards prescribing statins, perceived more social pressure to prescribe statins, and felt more confident in their ability to prescribe statins were more likely to intend to prescribe them.

The study suggests that the TPB can be a useful framework for understanding and predicting physicians' intentions to prescribe medications. The findings could be used to develop interventions aimed at increasing the appropriate use of statins and other medications for the prevention and treatment of heart disease