More is not always better: revealing the impact of cumulative risk on health-promoting behaviors among miners and the mediating role of health beliefs

ObjectiveHealth-promoting behaviors carry substantial significance for miners' overall health and well-being. This study aimed to examine the association between cumulative risk (CR) and miners' health-promoting behaviors and test the mediating role of health beliefs in this relationship.MethodsData were collected from a sequential survey conducted among 712 frontline miners (Mage=41.7 +/- 10.1 years) in China. The survey entailed online questionnaire measurements at three distinct time points, each spaced two weeks apart. This study utilized the conceptual model of health-promoting behaviors, the CR model, and structural equation modeling in the analysis of relationships.ResultsCR was negatively related to health-promoting behaviors, with a negative acceleration effect. CR was positively associated with perceived threat in a gradient effect, while negatively associated with perceived benefits in a gradient effect. Furthermore, CR was negatively related to self-efficacy, following a negative acceleration effect. Perceived threat, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy emerged as significant mediators in the relationship between CR and health-promoting behaviors.ConclusionThis study highlights the critical role of considering both CR and health beliefs in shaping miners' health-promoting behaviors. Understanding these dynamics is pivotal for developing interventions to enhance miners' health and well-being.