Assessing the Predictors of Intention and Behavior in Using Virtual Social Networks Among Students of the Yazd University of Medical Sciences Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

Introduction: There has been a recent spike in the use of virtual social networks.However, only a few studies have explored factors that influence the use of socialnetworks by using theories of health education among students. The presentstudy aims to determine the predictive factors of virtual social networks amongstudents of the Yazd University of Medical Sciences based on the constructs ofthe theory of planned behavior.Methods: In 2016 this cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 students whowere selected by the stratified random sampling method. Data was collected from aquestionnaire based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior includingattitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentionsand behaviors. The data collected was then analyzed via the SPSS V.16 softwareusing descriptive statistics, Pearson product– moment correlation test, one-wayanalysis of variance, and regression.Results: The mean age of the students was 22.28 ± 3.69 years. The results alsosuggested that 98.3% of them were using virtual social networks. Moreover, thefindings of the regression analysis indicated that attitudes, subjective norms, andperceived behavioral control were predictors of intention to use social networks,while attitudes had the highest predictive power for the intention to use socialnetworks (β = 0.38). Furthermore, the results of the regression analysis demonstratedthat behavioral intention, attitudes, and subjective norms among the constructs of thetheory of planned behavior could predict the behavior to use virtual space.Conclusion: The use of virtual social networks by university students displayed arising trend. Measures ought to be taken to create a right attitude about the extentand efficient use of virtual networks to ensure that they do not interfere with thestudents’ educational activities and real relationships.

کلیدواژه ها:

Virtual social networks ، university students ، theory of planned Behavior