Utilizing the health belief model to assess elderly individuals’ perceptions of smoking and lung cancer

Purpose This study aims to investigate the older population’s knowledge of lung cancer in relation to their smoking status and health beliefs regarding lung cancer. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive approach was used. Based on the health belief model (HBM), 384 older people were randomly selected for distribution of the Lung Cancer and Smoking Survey. Findings The results showed that 76.1 percent of the elderly were current smokers. Also, the majority of participants (77.1%) knew that lung cancer was common. 77.5% disagreed that side-stream smoking contributed to the incidence of lung cancer. Merely 67.1% of them agreed that lung cancer is more common among males. In addition, 70% of participants disagreed that lung cancer could be easily cured. Practical implications Developing targeted educational materials and counseling sessions tailored to the specific needs and perceptions of current smokers, former smokers and nonsmokers regarding lung cancer knowledge and health beliefs, also help nurses collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure that elderly individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses their lung cancer knowledge, health beliefs and smoking status. Also, organize community outreach programs and support groups for elderly individuals to share experiences, receive peer support and access resources related to lung cancer knowledge and smoking cessation. Originality/value The HBM is a valuable tool for assessing and understanding elderly individuals’ perceptions of smoking and lung cancer