Predicting health behavior in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Worldwide survey results from early March 2020

Abstract

The current pandemic outbreak of the novel COVID-19, which originated from Wuhan in China in late 2019, has eventually spread to six continents with a rising toll of death cases. No vaccine has yet been developed for COVID-19. The compliance of the general public with the advice and regulations of the health authorities and the adoption of effective health behavior regimens are currently the only weapons to effectively cope with the disease. Here we report the results of a worldwide survey (n = 953) conducted between March 2 and March 14, 2020 that sought (a) to identify critical proximal predictors of health behavior relevant to the current situation, (b) to examine their relationships to various demographic characteristics of the population, (c) and to provide a model of health behavior specific to COVID-19. We found that the perceived severity of the disease and susceptibility to it, emotional reactions, and attitudes toward COVID-19 predicted one-third of the preventive behavior variance. Various demographic variables influenced these predictors. Based on the data collected, we constructed, using path analysis, a theoretical model of health behavior. Our results emphasize the need to consider the impact of antecedent variables on actual precautionary behavior and the influence of demographic factors on these antecedent variables. Understanding the complex interplay of these precursors in health behavior will maximize their beneficial role, eliminate maladaptive prevention patterns, and facilitate the eradication of the disease.

Behavioural response to the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa

“…Our findings are aligned with [15] who found older and more educated adults had higher risk perceptions compared to young and less-educated adults. In addition, we find that risk perception is significantly concentrated among the higher income groups.…”

“…Literature on behavioural response to Covid-19 is fast emerging [13][14][15][16][17][18]. The limitations highlighted in the context of the pandemic literature prior to Covid-19 holds true for the more recent studies as well.…”

Accepting Restrictions and Compliance With Recommended Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19: A Discussion Based on the Key Approaches and Current Research on Fear Appeals

“…Recent studies have revealed a relationship between fear and COVID-19 prevention behaviors (e.g., Chang et al, 2020 ; Harper et al, 2020 ; Anaki and Sergay, 2021 ). For example, Harper et al’s (2020) study revealed that people who are more fearful about COVID-19 engage more with the recommended preventive health behaviors such as regular hand washing and social distancing practices.…”

“…In some countries, citizens seem to follow social isolation and lockdown rules more readily than elsewhere. For example, Anaki and Sergay’s (2021) research found that people in the United States and Europe reportedly adopted less COVID-19 related precautionary behaviors than people in Asia. Current and future research on this situation will also provide significant benefits to these and similar struggles faced by today’s national and international authorities in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“… Al-Hasan et al (2020) found that higher levels of threat appraisal, coping appraisal, and intensity related to COVID-19 knowledge positively influenced social distancing adherence. Some studies have revealed that the best predictor of protective behaviors among the PMT variables is perceived severity ( Anaki and Sergay, 2021 ; Rui et al, 2021 ).…”