The effect of risk perception, mask use, and social distance behavior on perceived stress in the COVID‐19 process: A sectional study

Abstract

AbstractPurposeThis study was carried out to determine the effect of high school students' perception of risk of COVID‐19, wearing masks and social distance behavior on stress during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodThis descriptive study was performed on 1034 participants between the ages of 15 and 18 between June 21 and July 2, 2021. “Descriptive Questionnaire,” “COVID‐19 Risk Perception Form,” “Mask Wear Behavior Form,” “Social Distance Behavior Form,” and “Perceived Stress Scale” were used in data collection.ResultsIt was determined that 81.4% of the students used disposable medical masks, and 50.6% of them used the mask they wore for one day. In the characteristics of the risk perception of COVID‐19, 31% have a risk perception, 45% are afraid to contact people returning from abroad, 58.8% avoid going to crowded places, 66.8% are afraid of contacting people with flu symptoms. It was found that they always kept sufficient distance while communicating with others. As a result of the multiple regression, it was determined that gender, mask type, mask usage frequency, risk perception, social distance behavior, and mask‐wearing behavior had a statistically significant effect on the perceived stress level (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results provide theoretical inferences for public health policies targeting the high school students to develop accurate risk perception and protective behaviors.