Using the Health Belief Model to Examine Adherence to Preventive Measures Among Nursing Students During COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Associations between health belief model constructs and engagement in COVID-19 preventive practices were examined in a population of 234 nursing students. Most (93 percent/68 percent, respectively) reported occasionally/frequently performing 6feet physical distancing and wearing face masks/covering in public. Among health belief model constructs, perceived benefits were significantly associated with practicing physical distancing; perceived barriers were associated with lower likelihood. Perceived self-efficacy was associated with a greater likelihood of wearing face masks/covering in public. Nursing students should be provided timely and relevant information on preventive measures based on the recognition of different risk appraisals among students.KEY WORDS COVID-19 -Health Belief Model -Nursing Students -Preventive Measures R isk appraisals for contracting COVID-19 among nursing students can affect their preventive practices. The health belief model (HBM) is useful in predicting behaviors that can prevent or control an illness. The HBM has been used to predict preventive behaviors such as social distancing (Karimi et al., 2016) and may be useful to understand nursing students' risk appraisals and their preventive practices regarding COVID-19.