Factors Related to the Practice of Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19 among Students with Healthcare-related Majors: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to identify the factors related to preventive behaviors for COVID-19 among students with healthcare-related majors in South Korea. Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Convenience sampling was conducted, involving students enrolled in two universities in South Korea in July 2020. In total, 229 students (women: 80.3%, average age: 20.08±1.81 years) were instructed to complete an online survey, measuring risk perception, efficacy of preventive behaviors, awareness of governmental response, and practice level of preventive behaviors. Results: The average score for practice of preventive behaviors for COVID-19 was 4.24±0.57. Factors related to preventive behaviors for COVID-19 were the information acquisition route, efficacy of preventive behaviors, and awareness of governmental responses to COVID-19. Conclusion: Psychosocial factors such as efficacy of preventive behaviors and awareness of governmental responses should be considered when developing strategies to encourage students with healthcare-related majors to practice preventive behaviors for infectious diseases.