ABSTRACT
Background: ''Long COVID'' a condition that occurs when individuals with a confirmed COVID-19 infection experience long-term effects which cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis, primarily affects women. Women are frequently the decision makers regarding health-related actions in their families;therefore, their intent to carry out health-related behaviors is likely to affect the adoption of health behaviors for their families as well. To date, only 51% of U.S. adults indicated that they were somewhat or very worried about Long COVID. Since the most likely way to prevent Long COVID is to prevent COVID-19 (re)infection, COVID-19 preventive measures may also help prevent the spread of Long COVID. Objective(s): In a sample of women, examine associations among demographics, COVID-19 diagnosis/COVID-19 vaccination status, Long COVID-related beliefs, and willingness to carry out preventive behaviors. Method(s): Panel survey firm Qualtrics was used to recruit a sample of N= 311 English-speaking U.S. women. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as a theoretical lens. Result(s): Black women were more likely to comply with COVID-19 protective measures of wearing masks (p < .001) and testing before attending an event (p = .049) than White women. Among this sample of women, HBM constructs added significantly to the regression models, especially susceptibility to Long COVID and self-efficacy to wear a mask and test for COVID-19. In addition, perceived benefits of mask-wearing (p < .001), testing before an event (p = .002), and getting a vaccine booster (p = .001) predicted intent to carry out these actions. Perceived severity of Long COVID did not significantly predict adherence to preventive behaviors. Conclusion(s): Further education is needed on the severity of Long COVID and its potential consequences. Public health messaging about Long COVID may be an effective means of increasing COVID-19 preventive behaviors that are effective against both COVID-19 and Long COVID.