Factors affecting pedestrian safety among the old people according to the PRECEDE model

Background Nowadays, road traffic injuries (RTIs), a major public health concern in many countries, have gained even greater significance among elderly, especially among elderly pedestrians who are one of important vulnerable groups of road users. This study aims to investigate the Factors affecting pedestrian safety among the old people according to the PRECEDE model. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 417 elderly peoples aged 60 and above who visit comprehensive health service centers of Hamadan city, located in the west part of Iran, in 2024. The participants, were selected randomly, using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected through a researcher-made and self-administered questionnaire based on the PRECEDE model, whose validity and reliability had been examined, which included demographic characteristics as well as questions related to behavioral and environmental factors, predisposing factors, reinforcing factors, and enabling factors. Results A total of 417 participants took part in the study, of whom 240 (57.6%) were men and 177 (42.4%) were women. Regression linear showed that, environmental factors, predisposing factors and enabling factors, respectively with a regression coefficient of (r = 0.19, p = 0.000), (r = 0.11, p = 0.003) and (r = 0.11, p = 0.02), had positive and significant effects on preventive behavior. In the demographic variables section, gender with a regression coefficient (r = 0.93, p = 0.001), education level (r=-1.5, p = 0.04) and marital status (r=-0.3.7, p = 0.000) had a significant effect on behavior. Conclusions Based on the results of this study, the PRECEDE model is a strong predictor of RTI preventive behaviors among the elderly. Interventional programs should be designed with an emphasis on increasing awareness, attitude, self-efficacy, improving environmental and enabling factors, as well as initiatives to increase reinforcing factors.