Case study: Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding hearing protection: A case study among offset printing industry workers in Tehran province

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitude toward using hearing protection devices as a safe behavior. Also, it is intended to analyze the role of individuals and job characteristics on using earplugs or earmuffs. In this study, workers participated from 16 printing industries located in five areas of Tehran province and completed the questionnaire knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about hearing conservation. Noise measurement was performed based on participants' tasks. With increasing attitude, practice improved (P = 0.001). The results revealed that positive attitude led to improved practice of workers in hearing conservation (r = 0.172; P < 0.001), and with increasing knowledge, negative attitude diminished (P=0.014). The results indicated that awareness is correlated with attitude, and attitude could directly affect the behavior. Thus, awareness as an intermediate or primary factor might play an important role in developing safe behaviors.