. Engracia Arceo; . John Edlor Jurado; . Leslee Anne Cortez; . Nestor Sibug; . Gestrelle Lides Sarmiento; . Amica Coleen Lawingco; . Carisse Carbungco; . Raphael Enrique Tiongco
Volume 11, Issue 5 , June 2021, , Pages 1-7
Abstract
BACKGROUND: With the Philippines emerging as the hotspot in the Western Pacific Region forthe COVID‑19 cases, the study aimed to understand the COVID‑19 preventive behavior of Filipinosusing ...
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BACKGROUND: With the Philippines emerging as the hotspot in the Western Pacific Region forthe COVID‑19 cases, the study aimed to understand the COVID‑19 preventive behavior of Filipinosusing the health belief model (HBM).MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross‑sectional study included 304 respondents recruited forthe whole month of July 2020 through various social media platforms. Participants were requestedto answer an online questionnaire, and results were analyzed using SPSS software.RESULTS: The majority of respondents were female (71.1%), with an average age of 29,college graduate (57.6%), and living in an area where modified general community quarantine isimplemented (63.2%). Good preventive behavior was noted among the participants, and not shakingof hands with others and refraining from touching of surfaces were reported as the most practicedbehavior. Spearman’s correlation and Pearson’s Chi‑square showed that age and sex are significantpredictors for the HBM constructs and preventive behavior. Furthermore, results showed that cues toaction, self‑efficacy, and perceived barrier have a significant association with COVID‑19 preventivebehavior.CONCLUSION: Findings prove that HBM is useful in understanding preventive behaviors in timesof coronavirus pandemic. Strategies that promote a supportive environment and help overcome theperceived barriers can guide Filipinos to adopt the desired health behavior. Interventions to promotepreventive behaviors should be focused on males and younger individuals.