Application of Bandura's social cognitive theory to predict cigarette butt-littering behavior in male smokers: a case study in the parks in Tehran, Iran

Cigarette butt-littering behavior is common among most smokers. The present study aimed to determine the predictors of butt-littering behavior in a sample of Iranian male current smokers based on the Bandura(')s social cognitive theory variables. In this cross-sectional study, 291 smokers who throw their cigarette butts in public parks in Tehran city, Iran were selected and completed the study instrument. Finally, the data were analyzed. The average number of butts littered daily by the participants was 8.59 (+/- 8.661). The results of multiple Poisson regression showed that knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, positive and negative outcome expectations, self-regulation, and observational learning variables were statistically significant predictors of butt-littering behavior among the participants. It is concluded that Bandura's social cognitive theory is a suitable theoretical framework for predicting butt-littering behavior and might be used to develop theory-based environmental education efforts in this field.

Automated summary

The study aimed to determine the predictors of cigarette butt-littering behavior in Iranian male smokers based on Bandura's social cognitive theory variables. A sample of 291 smokers who littered their cigarette butts in public parks in Tehran completed the study instrument and the data were analyzed. The results showed that knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, outcome expectations, self-regulation, and observational learning were significant predictors of butt-littering behavior. Bandura's social cognitive theory can be used to develop theory-based environmental education efforts in this field.