Investigating Corona Preventive Behaviors Based on Health Belief Pattern

COVID-19, also commonly referred to as coronavirus disease, is an acute respiratory infection caused by a novel coronavirus. The virus affects the respiratory system and can cause headaches and fever for up to several days. This study aimed to investigate the preventive behaviors regarding COVID-19 based on the health belief model in Kermanshah.

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 500 individuals in Kermanshah in 2020. The sample was selected by cluster sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire based on a pilot study according to the health belief model. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression.

The correlation coefficient showed that the strongest correlation was reported between the constructs of perceived barriers and in terms of behavior, the strongest correlation was observed between perceived benefits and behavior. The results of linear regression analysis predicted 17% of the variance of COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Among them, perceived sensitivity (0.593) was the strongest predictor.

The results of this study strongly showed the application of the health belief model in predicting the prevention behavior of COVID-19, and it seems that this model can be used in developing educational programs and interventions to change people's attitudes and behavior.