Vulnerable baby perception as a predictor of postpartum obsessive-compulsive behaviors in mothers.

Tobacco use remains one of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide, contributing to millions of deaths that are preventable each year []. Smoking is a major risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including lung cancer and asthma, which together contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality [–]. Despite widespread public health campaigns and the implementation of tobacco control policies, smoking prevalence continues to remain high in many low- and middle-income countries, such as Iran [–]. In Iran, tobacco use continues to impose a substantial health burden, with millions of active smokers and a considerable proportion of deaths attributable to smoking-related diseases. The prevalence of smoking among adults remains notable, and chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma further add to the national burden of disease [, ]. These data highlight the urgent need for more effective, theory-driven, and targeted smoking cessation interventions. Effective prevention and cessation strategies depend on a clear understanding of how smokers perceive the health risks associated with tobacco use [, ]. In behavioral health models such as the Health Belief Model (HBM), perceived risk is a central construct that reflects an individual’s beliefs regarding their susceptibility to disease and the potential severity of its consequences []. Generally, individuals who perceive themselves to be at higher risk of tobacco-related diseases are more likely to attempt smoking cessation or engage in preventive health behaviors []. However, many smokers tend to underestimate their vulnerability to conditions such as lung cancer and asthma, which may diminish their motivation to quit [, ].