Factors Influencing on Prevention Behaviors in Crisis of a Novel Infectious Disease in Gyeongsangnam-do Residents

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify influencing factors on COVID-19 prevention behaviors to manage COVID-19 in Gyeongsangnam-do. The survey was carried out using a method of self-reported questionnaire between February and March in 2021 to 457 adults selected through convenience sampling in 6 randomized regions in Gyeongsangnam-do. The tool was a Likert scale used to measure health beliefs and COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Collected data were analyzed for descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple regression using SPSS WIN21.0 program. The study results showed that the degree of COVID-19 prevention behaviors was 3.40±.38 points (out of 4) on average. The influential factors of COVID-19 prevention behaviors included the degree of perception of COVID-19 (β=.34, p<.001), cues to action (β=.16, p<.001), perceived severity (β=.15, p=.002), perceived barriers (β=.15, p<.001), and perceived benefits (β=.14, p<.001), and their explanatory power was 33.8% (F=26.78, p<.001). In conclusion, it is suggested that we use strategies to improve the perceptions of COVID-19 so as to effectively perform COVID-19 crisis management in Gyeongsangnam-do.