Behavioral determinants of preventive practices against German cockroach infestation among urban residents in Tehran, Iran

Background German cockroach (Blattella germanica) infestation is an important urban environmental health menace associated with food contamination, allergic disease, and reduced quality of life. Long-term control depends not only on professional pest management, but also on residents knowledge and preventive behaviors. This study assessed the knowledge, Health belief model (HBM) constructs, self-efficacy, and preventive practices related to German cockroach infestation among urban residents in Tehran, Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 120 adults with professionally confirmed household German cockroach infestation were recruited from licensed pest-control companies in Tehran. Data were collated using a 39-item HBM-based questionnaire assessing knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and preventive practices. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were performed. Results Participants demonstrated modest knowledge regarding German cockroach biology (mean score: 0.538) and moderate preventive practices (3.157). Preventive practices were positively correlated with knowledge (r = 0.256, P = 0.005), perceived benefits (r = 0.292, P = 0.001), and self-efficacy (r = 0.244, P = 0.007). Regression analysis showed that the model explained 17.3% of the variance in preventive practices (R2 = 0.173, P = 0.001). Knowledge ({beta} = 0.191, P = 0.036), perceived benefits ({beta} = 0.231, P = 0.010), and self-efficacy ({beta} = 0.229, P = 0.012) were significant predictors. Conclusions Urban residents with confirmed German cockroach infestation showed limited knowledge and moderate preventive behaviors. Knowledge, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy were independently associated with preventive practices and demonstrated modest predictive value. Interventions targeting these behavioral factors, alongside environmental and structural improvements, may enhance sustainable household cockroach control.