Integrating the Planned Behavior Theory and Social Exchange Theory to Investigate Fish Farmers' Biosecurity Practices

Responsible behavior among fish farmers is essential for effective farm management and preventing the spread of diseases within this industry. Implementing biosecurity measures helps minimize disease outbreak risks by reducing the likelihood of pathogenic agents entering the farm and spreading to the surrounding environment. This quantitative study aimed to assess the impact of constructs from two theories—the Social Exchange Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior—on the biosecurity practices of fish farmers in western Iran, Kermanshah province. The study's statistical population included fish farm managers, from which 162 individuals were selected using stratified sampling techniques. The results indicated that attitudes, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and knowledge were the most significant influences on biosecurity behavior. Notably, the farmers' knowledge of biosecurity was an additional variable affecting biosecurity behavior through their attitudes. Furthermore, the perceived benefits of biosecurity measures positively influenced these attitudes, leading farmers to view biosecurity actions as beneficial rather than costly. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that combining the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Exchange Theory offers a more robust theoretical framework for understanding the biosecurity behavior of fish farmers.