Personal protective beliefs and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic at a large, multi-campus, public university in Pennsylvania: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted many higher education institutions. Understanding the personal protective beliefs and behaviors surrounding public health measures such as face masking, social distancing, and handwashing helps to inform public health outreach measures. Objective: This study evaluates the beliefs and occurrences of face masking, social distancing, and handwashing behaviors among people at a multi-campus, public university in Pennsylvania. Methods: From October 5-November 30, 2021, a 10-minute REDCap survey was available to students, faculty, and staff 18 years of age and older at the Pennsylvania State University (PSU). Recruitment included targeted email, social media, digital advertisements, and university newspapers. 4,231 responses were received. Simple percentage associations between the selected factors and face masking behaviors as well as beliefs on the origin of the COVID-19 virus were made with IBM SPSS Statistics, version 29.0.2.0 (20). Results: Of 3,662 completed surveys, 65.2% of respondents were positive that facemasks prevented the transmission of airborne disease, 49.9% of the respondents stated that they wore facemasks always (27.9%), almost always (26.9%), or often (11.1%). 65.3% believed social distancing prevented transmission of COVID-19, 57.5% reported social distancing while on-campus or out in public (always: 18.8%, almost always: 20.3%, often: 18.4%). The response rate for some level of conscientiously washing hands for the 20 second duration was 87.5% (always: 26.0%, almost always: 31.9%, sometimes: 19.9%, only after being out in public: 4.9%, and only when convenient: 4.8%). Conclusions: Beliefs in public health and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic did not always match the behaviors of individuals surveyed. Understanding barriers to performing behaviors or public health safety may help inform future areas for targeted intervention.