Influencing Factors on COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among College Students

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify health belief, subjective norms, social stigma, and sense of community affecting COVID-19 preventive behaviors among college students, and provide basic data for the development of preventive programs to improve COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional study design. The study recruited a total of 170 college students, through an online survey from three online communities which are mostly used by college students. Data were collected from July 24 to August 9, 2021. The SPSS 21.0 program was used to analyze the data using simple multiple regression. Results: In simple multiple regression, the perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and subjective norms were found to have a significant association with COVID-19 preventive behaviors of college students. These variables explained the 55.1% variance in COVID-19 preventive behaviors of college students (p<.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and subjective norms were significant factors affecting COVID-19 preventive behaviors of college students. Based on the results of this study, it is expected to develop COVID-19 preventive programs and strategies that increase perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, and subjective norms to improve the COVID-19 preventive behaviors of college students. © 2022. Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing